October 1: CD Player Day, Child Health Day, Fire Pup Day, International Day of Older Persons, Model T Day, National Lace Day, World Day of Bullying Prevention / Blue Shirt Day, World Habitat Day, World Vegetarian Day
October 2: Guardian Angels Day, International Day of Non-Violence, National Custodial Workers Day, Techie Day, World Farm Animals Day
October 3: Balloons Around the World Day Happy National Lace Day! I will be celebrating in this dress from Muse Apparel.
Someday : ) October 4: Blessing of the Animals Day, Improve Your Office Day, Cinnamon Roll Day, Ten-Four Day, World Animal Day
October 5: Lee's National Denim Day, National Diversity Day, Walk to School in the USA Day, World Smile Day, World Teachers' Day
October 6: Cephalopod Awareness Day, Ecological Debt Day, Inter-American Water Day, Mad Hatter Day, National German-American Day, World Card Making Day
October 7: Change a Light Day, Intergeneration Day, World Communion Day, You Matter to Me Day
Well, Happy Cinnamon Roll Day! And just when I was getting down on myself for spending so much time putting together this blog, here is a great quote from Dr. Seuss to help me through - Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" You Matter To Me - Have a happy day and thanks for sticking with me!
October 8: Columbus Day, Native American Day, National Depression Screening Day, National Kick Butt Day, National Pierogi Day
October 9: Leif Erikson Day, National Chess Day, National Face Your Fears Day, World Post Day
October 10: Emergency Nurses Day, Naval Academy Day, Stop Bullying Day World Mental Health Day, World Porridge Day
October 11: National Coming Out Day, World Sight Day
October 12: Free Thought Day, Day of Six Billion, International Moment of Frustration Scream Day, World Egg Day
October 13: Universal Music Day October 14: Alternative Fuel Day, Be Bald and Be Free Day, Clergy Appreciation Day
October 15: International Day of Rural Women, I Love Lucy Day, National Cake Decorating Day, National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day, National Grouch Day CakeWrecks pretty much makes me cry of laughter every day with horrendous and embarrassing cake decorating fails. Every Sunday, however, they share cakes that wouldn't make you cry if they showed up at your wedding. It's nice to know that not every cake has to have words/names misspelled!
Also, for National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day, here is a DIY Computer Maintenance Checklist from Apartment Therapy to keep your virtual desktop running smoothly for years to come. Happy grouching!
XO
I love planning. And I don't know if you've noticed or not, but I now love planning my whole week of celebrations at once so I have a better idea of what I'm going to celebrate and when. I hope you like the new breakdown! Enjoy!
Tuesday, May 15th- National Chocolate Chip Day, Police Officer's Memorial Day, International Day of Families
For today's holiday, I bet you're thinking I'll have some decadent chocolate chip recipe. I know you all have enough chocolate recipes to last you a lifetime and I also wanted to spotlight a very important person in my life.
Today I have my very first guest writing for my blog, my very dear friend, Victoria VanBlaricom. As soon as I started going through the holidays for May, I knew I wanted to include her on May 15th's Police Officer's Memorial Day. She has an incredibly heart-breaking story, but it never ceases to amaze me how people emerge from terrible tragedies to become incredibly beautiful and forgiving people. There is no shortage of grace in this family and I am so honored to know even one of their beautiful members. Here's to you, Vicki! <3
 Vicki and her husband, Jeff Remembering my father, Officer Daniel John Dubiel
Where does one begin when discussing the tragic loss of her Father? I should start off with a little background on my wonderful family. My mom and dad were high school sweethearts. They married young and had four kids - Tamiko, Chris, Myself (Vicki), and Heather. My mother was pregnant with a fifth child whom she was caring as a surrogate. Her name is Corey and she is a wonderful baby sister!! My mom was 7 months pregnant with Corey when the news was delivered that my father had been killed while on duty. Here is the article describing the details on my father’s death:
July 9, 1987 ~ Officers Near Tears
Inkster, Mi-Police found the bullet-riddled bodies of three fellow officers inside a rundown motel room early Friday after a 70-year-old woman and her three heavily-armed sons emerged from the barricaded room and surrendered. The discovery, after a 10-hour siege punctuated by gunfire and a tear gas assault, dashed the hopes of law enforcement officials, who had been assured by the woman that her police hostages were still alive.Buckley said Friday it appeared that all three officers, who had gone on a routine call late Thursday afternoon to the motel to serve warrants on the woman and one of her sons for passing bad checks, had been shot to death with automatic rifles as soon as they entered the woman's motel room. Buckley said the woman lied to police negotiators about the killings until she and her sons surrendered at about 3:30 a.m. Friday. The woman, identified as Alberta Easter, 70, and her three sons, all in their 40s, were being held in the Wayne County, Mich., jail and were scheduled to be arraigned today.
The slain police officers were identified as Sgt. Ira Parker, 41, a 15-year police veteran; Officer Daniel Dubiel, 36, a 13-year veteran, and Officer Clay Hoover, 25, who had joined the Inkster force in March. Each was shot twelve to fourteen times, police dispatcher Philip Rogers said.
Hoover and Dubiel had gone to the motel to serve the warrants at about 5:15 p.m. Thursday and then requested the help of Parker, their supervisor. As soon as all three police were in Easter's motel room, the motel manager heard a volley of about 20 shots from automatic weapons and called police. Four more officers responding were then fired upon with automatic gunfire and retreated. Buckley said that the gunmen then fired hundreds of rounds from the motel room. The shooting stopped after police responded with tear gas, but the gunmen were apparently well prepared for a siege; they donned gas masks and continued their holdout.
Over the next 10 hours, as hundreds of police, state troopers and FBI agents converged on the motel room, Alberta Easter continued to insist that she and her sons had taken the officers hostage. Wayne County Sheriff Robert Ficano said police had remained hopeful throughout the night that the officers were still alive, although Easter had never offered any proof. At one point, Easter negotiated with a local television reporter, who failed to persuade her to surrender Thursday night. Buckley said that she and her sons finally surrendered in the middle of the night, because of a combination of "time, fatigue and reassurances that they would be safe." I was only 5 years old when this incident took place. Growing up without a father is not an easy journey - a little girl always needs her daddy. We, as a family, are VERY close. We cherish each and every day we have with one another and our families. I am now a wife and a mother of two boys. I do not take one day for granted that I get to spend with them. Each day is a blessing. It brings me to tears to think of the senselessness of the loss of fathers, brothers, husbands, sons over something as trivial as a $286, but I am so proud to know Vicki and her amazing family. Thank you Love! (And a note on justice HERE) I have SO many pictures of trees saved on my Pinterest it's not even funny. And, not that I ever need an excuse to wear purple, here is a super awesome color combo from Ampersand Design! Purple and tangerine, yum! | Wednesday, May 16th -
Love a Tree Day, National Sea Monkey Day, Wear Purple for Peace Day, National Employee Health & Fitness Day, Turn Beauty Inside Out Day
Thursday, May 17th - Pack Rat Day
| Check out Apartment Therapy's Travel Tips including tips on preparing to leave, packing and traveling with pets. Here is their Packing Lightly: 5 Best Packing Tips. Also, head over to Onebag.com for even more helpful pack(rat)ing tips! Oh, and one last thing, an Interactive Packing List never hurt anybody! 1. You do not need to wear something different everyday, you do need to be comfortable and appropriate: With that in mind, I use a packing formula: 3 bottoms for 1 week, 3 tops per bottom, 5 bottoms for 2 weeks, deduct 1 top and 1 bottom for each dress. 2.If you are going sightseeing or to a city, always, even in the heat of the summer, bring a cardigan (women) or a dinner jacket (men). Not every place in the world is as informal as the United States. On that same note, always pack one thing to dress up. 3. Unless you are going to Antarctica or camping, there will be stores where you are going and you can always get what you need or forgot there. Apart from contact lenses or prescription medicine, you will be able to buy it at your destination. And, if you're in a foreign country, the replacement product will likely be more interesting than what you're used to. 4.Forget the pack flat or roll debate. Bundling is best: Check out this method. Not only is it a space saver, it is genius at keeping your clothes from wrinkling. 5. Pack one space saver bag: Just in case you buy a lot while you're away, the space bag may help you avoid having to buy an extra piece of luggage to bring it all back in. Friday, May 18th - International Museum Day, National Bike to Work Day, No Dirty Dishes Day, Visit Your Relatives Day, Endangered Species Day, I Love Reeses Day, NASCAR Day, National Pizza Party DayLeft to Right: Portobello Pesto Pizza by Brown Eyed Baker; Deep Dish Pizza by Eat, Live, Run; Garlic Bread Pizza Crust by How Sweet It Is; Mexican Pizza by Ready, Set, Eat!I wish with my whole heart that I could be visiting my relatives today. Instead, I'll have to settle for a phone call or two and distract myself by planning my first ever PIZZA PARTY! It's not going to be today, but I AM inspired to plan one thanks to this awesome holiday! Sunday, May 20th - Be a Millionaire Day, Pick Strawberries Day, Neighbor Day
Happy picking!
XO
Happy Friday!! This weekend is FULL of really awesome reasons to celebrate! Eat what you want day? Count me in! National babysitters' day? I babysat my way through middle and high school! And then, of course, there's mothers' day! I hope you have a fabulously relaxing weekend full of good food, fun crafts and thanking Mom for everything she's done!
Friday, May 11th - Eat What You Want Day, Military Spouses' Day,
Twilight Zone Day, National Windmill Day
Saturday, May 12th - Birth Mother's Day, Fatigue Syndrome Day, International Nurses' Day, Limerick Day, Hug Your Cat Day, National Babysitter's Day, National Mini Golf Day, Odometer Day, Stay Up All Night, World Belly Dance Day I like to think I was the greatest babysitter in my day. Looking back, I was probably a little on the boring side - letting kiddos do pretty much whatever they felt like without much structure. I wish I would have had access to the awesome crafting ideas for fun things to do back then, but I bet they still appreciated their freedom at least a little! Above you'll find Tie-Dying Basics (for the older ones) and DIY Kid Plates (to ENCOURAGE playing with their food! I bet Mom and Dad would have really appreciated THAT!) Sunday, May 13th - Frog Jumping Day, Leprechaun Day, Mother's Day I'll make this quick because I know your google reader is getting blown up by mother's day stories and tributes. If you feel like hearing a little more about the mothers/women in my life, check it out HERE. I sent my mom this really beautiful silver infinity bracelet and she had to wait WEEKS to open it for mother's day. I LOVE surprises!!Monday, May 14th - Dance Like a Chicken Day Last, but not least, for dance like a chicken day, I'd like to share my new favorite dance song. I am not one to dance in the car, but I find myself bee-bopping around to this tune. I love love LOVE The Sound of Sunshine by Michael Franti & Spearhead. It makes my heart sing!! Happy weekend and work week!
XO
Well, I have returned from vacation (dead porcupines, snow in the desert and ghost towns just to name a few of the fun things we experienced) and am already planning our next trip! I know I've been gone for a while and instead of bombarding you with ten separate posts to sift through, I'll do a quick recap of the last week and get us caught up on the next few days! Apologies and enjoy!
April 20 - Look Alike Day, Volunteer Recognition DayFor Look Alike Day, I would like to share Irina Werning's BACK TO THE FUTURE (1 & 2) series as well as something I only found today - Dear Photograph. If you've seen it before, you know what I'm talking about when I say "Holy tear jerker!" Here are a few pictures I was thinking of trying to duplicate. April 21 - Kindergarten Day / April 22 - Girl Scout Leader Day, National Jelly Bean Day
Now, I know what you're thinking - "Enough with the old pictures!" But it's Kindergarten Day!! And Girl Scout Leader Day!! Just one more. . . or maybe two.
I LOVE OLD PICTURES!!
| I think this was right around Kindergarten age -
I can't seem to find my school pictures from this
year though!
| My mom's girl scout troop!
Heather Falker, Amber Foster, me, Danielle Rubis, Danielle Brandenburg, Angela Falker
and Jessica Shega-Fox.
Oh, and our apple turkeys for Thanksgiving!
| April 23 - Lover's Day, National Zucchini Bread Day, Take a Chance Day, World Laboratory DayWhat could possibly be better than a big hunk of zucchini bread for breakfast? Did someone say Zucchini CAKE?? Yes! That could possibly be better. Thanks to Elise on Simply Recipes for her grandmother's zucchini cake recipe!On a semi unrelated subject - In honor of Take a Chance Day, I'm thinking about jumping on the "I'm going to do a triathlon" train. For the past month I have been taking swim lessons to learn to lap swim and I CAN DO IT! This was always the leg that was the most intimidating, but now I really think I could handle a sprint triathlon. I'm not going crazy and signing up for a full length or even an Iron Man just yet, but baby steps are still pretty exciting! My research starts today!! Starting April 24, we went away on a mini-vacation to southern Colorado. While it wasn't exactly a dream every step of the way, it was the perfect Pig in a Blanket Day celebration!Day 1: Dropped Odie off at his favorite buddy's house (THANKS KATE AND SARAH AND LITTLE MAN!) then started the drive to South Fork, Colorado. Justin bought me a voucher for a two-night stay in a jacuzzi suite at the Spruce Lodge for my birthday and it was time to redeem that baby! We had the Rio Grande suite (most of the pictures in the video on the website show our room!), ate at The Shaft right next door for dinner and soaked it up in the hot tub (or luke warm tub, but who's counting?).Day 2: Hiked to Treasure Falls, tried hiking to Opal Lake but the road was closed. Enjoyed a fabulous lunch at Tequila's in Pagosa Springs. After our morning was enjoyed, the weather turned nasty and we headed back to "home". Day 3: Off to Great Sand Dunes National Park! Tried hiking to the top of High Dune, but a monster of a thunderstorm squashed that idea. So we watched bad-ass lightning over the dunes from our stellar campsite with a view! Then it rained all night. We slept in the car and awoke to SNOW in the DESERT! Crazy, stressful, testing vacation, but I know who I want to be with during the next thousand crazy, stressful and testing vacations to come. | |
April 25 - Administrative Professionals' Day
April 26 - Hug an Australian Day, National Pretzel Day, Richter Scale Day, Take Your Daughter to Work Day PLEASE try these for National Pretzel Day!! Please! | For Take Your Daughter to Work Day, I would like to showcase my dad. My dad is the best mechanic in the whole world. He has been the best mechanic in the world for over thirty years but, last year, he got hurt. His back no longer wants to put up with lifting humvee tires, giant engine blocks or any other plethora of heavy machinery. A few days ago, he got a new job! No lifting, twisting, crunching or grunting necessary. I am SO proud of my padre. He has worked so hard and deserves every ounce of good that comes his way. My progress so far - I feel that my pictures tell a better story than my words ever could.
April 27 - Babe Ruth Day, National Prime Rib Day, Tell a Story Day
April 28 - Great Poetry Reading Day, Kiss Your Mate Day
Justin and I have way too many kissing pictures. WAY too many.
April 29 - Greenery Day, National Shrimp Scampi Day
I hate shrimp. Like LOATHE shrimp. So, I'm celebrating Greenery Day
with all things wonderful, tasty, beautiful and GREEN!
Pistachio Cake by The Sugar Turntable (she has tons of other adorable cake recipes and ideas!)andFaroe Islands waterfall thanks to Something Beautiful . . . wish I had a tiny cabin directly behind where the photographer was standing. | | April 30 - Hairstyle Appreciation Day, National Honesty Day I will be leaving you with some wonderful hairstyles to appreciate for Hairstyle Appreciation Day. First, A Beautiful Mess. Last, but not least, Great Length's funky and fabulous PURPLE underneath! Happy bombarding!
XO
Golfer's Day, National Siblings Day
Here is an ode to my one and only sibling. Take what you can get, people. . . and cherish it.
| Does it look like she's about to
slam my face in that cake?
Yeah - I thought so, too.
| True love.
|
| Holloween, the Wojciks' favorite time of the year!
Gypsy & Witch.
| Papa &
Great Grandma Wojcik
| Sparklers!
|
First Days of School!
| Grandpa Winkler's cowgirls!
| |
Happy dreaming.
XO
Earth Hour, National "She's Funny That Way" Day, Bunsen Burner Day I am going to take a few minutes (I say "a few" but I know it will take much longer than this) to acknowledge some very important women in my life for National "She's Funny That Way" Day. I'm sure my words will fail to express my true feelings, but I'll do my best.
 Michalene Winkler - My madre
Really, where do you start with words of appreciation for your mother? This picture makes me so proud of who I am and where I came from. Her facial expression, her posture and even picking at her nails - I am my mother's daughter. It took me a long time to realize the connection between a mother and daughter, but now that we have it, I will never let it go. She is beautiful inside and out. Even though she has demons, she never ceases to amaze me with her strength and drive to make positive changes in her life. She is a true role-model, even though I'm sure I've taught her a thing or two in my life. I LOVE YOU, MOM!
Denise Rottman - My aunt
Inspirational. That's about the only word that fits when I talk about my aunt Deni. She has been slammed with one thing after another in her life and she continues to be absolutely radiant. Making the most of the hand you're dealt doesn't even begin to explain the achievements she can boast. She is incredibly strong, passionate about her family and loyal to the core. I continue to learn things about life and happiness from her and I look forward to every moment I am able to spend by her side. AUNT DENI, YOU ARE AMAZING!
 Lisa Farley - My aunt
I'm not sure if going through shit and coming out smiling is a Wojcik Woman thing or not, but I am sure proud to be placed in this category with someone like my Aunt Lisa. When life hands you lemons, you make them into goofy smile wedges and make ridiculous faces when you eat them. Always smiling, always quirky, always silly, always honest. I appreciate this last part more than ever before and I am so glad to have her on my team. She is the big sister I always dreamed of. THANK YOU, AUNT LISA - FOR TEACHING ME FORGIVENESS!
 Rozeta Bogdani - My best friend
I was lucky enough to meet this wonderful woman my freshman year of college. Even though months may pass in between phone calls, I know that she would do anything for me and vice versa. She is beauty by every definition. She is patient with my cultural ignorance, passionate about love and it always feels like coming home when I'm next to her. I cannot wait to live the next chapters of our lives together. New jobs, wedding bells, babies - the whole shebang, I'll be by your side (only from across the country). To use your words, ROZI - I SIMPLY LOVE YOU!
 Nichole Patterson - My cousin
The reason I work with teeth. The reason I still believe in marriages surviving. The reason I took ballet in college. Probably even the subconscious reason I drive a Jeep! I always wanted to be just like Nichole. She is my idol, my role model and my twin. I don't think she realizes how strong she is, but I know everyone else can see it. She is the reason I know that I can survive anything.
I LOVE YOU AND YOUR HAT, K'NOLE!
 Carolynn Zeitz - My godmother
I asked Carolynn to be my godmother after being in her office for maybe 2 hours? I knew that she was everything I would want to be as a hygienist, a teacher, a woman. I am probably the only hygienist working in a pediatric office in Colorado, a state where hygienists don't work in pediatric offices. I wanted to be just like Carolynn and here I am. She helped me through a very difficult time with class and elegance. We both have our own lives running at a million miles per hour, but I know that all it would take is a trip to Michigan and some tasty mexican food to reconnect. She also introduced me to salmon and balsamic vinegar on vanilla ice cream. CAROLYNN - I HOPE I MAKE YOU PROUD!
 Shannon Richkowkski - My Hygiene Mastery coach
I cannot even begin to think of where I would be or what I would be doing without Shannon in my life. Her story is inspirational in and of itself, but her personality and passion lights a fire inside of you, no matter what you want to do with your life! I am a better hygienist, friend, daughter and girlfriend thanks to her and her teachings. I will be just like Shannon someday and it will be the proudest moment of my life. She is down to earth, hard working and inspirational and I am so proud to be her student, let alone her friend. Always answering calls with a "Hey, girl!" reminds me that I could call her for anything. Someday I'll be able to repay all the time she has spent on me and allow her to take a break. SHANNON, YOU ARE INCREDIBLE!
 Little Britches Women - My team
Pushing me to be great, supporting me during difficult days, feeding me tasty mexican food, making me laugh even when I don't want to, helping me drink a hard day away - This is my team. Fortune Management technology can only take us so far - I firmly believe we were meant to be exactly where and who we are and I look forward to growing with each of you. We have big, exciting, terrifying things coming and I am so proud to face them with a team like ours. LITTLE BRITCHES, CHANGING THE WORLD BY BUILDING A FOUNDATION FOR A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE!
Yep, this definitely took me more than a few minutes, but totally worth it. Phew!
Happy day, ladies!
XO
Doctors' Day, Take a Walk in a Park Day, I am in Control Day, Pencil Day
P. S. Create your own wall-mount for colored pencils HERE!I am TOTALLY in control today! Here's a recap of my 26 before 26 to show just how IN CONTROL I am!
(After I re-read this, I'm realizing that I'm actually OUT of control. . . SO proud of my accomplishments so far this year. Keep it coming!) 1. Climb three more Fourteeners.
a. Mt. Elbert - Sawatch Range - 4700ft elevation gain / 9 miles
b. Mt. Lincoln - Mosquito Range - 2600ft elevation gain / 5.5 miles
c. Grey's Peak - Front Range - 3000ft elevation gain / 7.5 miles
d. Torrey's Peak - Front Range - 3000ft elevation gain / 7.5 miles
e. Quandary Peak - Tenmile Range - 3450ft elevation gain / 6.75 miles
(CONQUERED!)
f. Mt. Democrat - Mosquito Range - 2150ft elevation gain / 4 miles
g. Mt. Bierstadt - Front Range - 2850ft elevation gain / 7 miles
2. Go camping at least five times this summer.
Moab, UT / Southfork, CO / Fort Collins, CO / Glenwood Springs, CO / Aspen, CO
3. Go skiing at least once this winter.
Below: Eldora skiing near Nederlands, CO. I forgot how much I love skiing!! I also
forgot how fast you can get sunburnt in Colorado! I burned my eyeballs!!
Worth it!
4. Rent a house. Don't really have to worry about this until September, but I'll admit I already started looking on Craigslist. Then I realized how much it sucks to look for a place to live and stopped! Phew! 5. Ride my bike to Denver. 6. Keep one plant alive for an entire year. So far, so good! Our money tree is actually sprouting new little leaves and stems!! 7. Lost 10 lbs OR two sizes. I started on the Herbalife "diet" (I hate saying I'm on a diet... It's more of a lifestyle thing for me!) Check out Rightfitt Nutrition for more information (if you're in the Northern Colorado area!) 8. Read 10 books. a. A bunch of Stephen King books. b. A book about a flu pandemic. c. I'm thinking about starting in on the Hunger Games. Yes? No? 9. Document my 25th year through pictures. So far, I'm doing alright. I'm going to start nagging Justin to take more pictures because ME taking pictures means I'm taking pictures of OTHER PEOPLE's lives during MY 25th year. Hmph! 10. Continue on my path to becoming a Hygenius. (Genius Dental Hygienist!) I LOVE YOU, SHANNON! 11. Run at least one more 10K. 12. Try 25 new recipes. (A few below, but for more SUCCESS/FAILS check out my "Defying the Pinterest Stereotype Pinboard HERE) 13. Build a bridge with my sister. Trying. . . 14. Re-vamp my wardrobe. Waiting on #7! Polyvore helps =) 15. Complete 10 DIY projects. Again, check out my Pinterest HERE. So far, I've done. . . Bowties, Valentine Chapsticks, Back-to-the-Future pictures (Below is my first of many with this project - I HAVE SO MANY MORE IDEAS FOR THIS ONE!!), Gold-Dipped Wine Glasses, and Watermark Tee to name a few! 16. Get a smart phone and not kill it. Keeping my fingers crossed! 17. Go on a cruise. No plans yet, but I'm totally open! 18. Go on a hot air balloon ride. Making reservations TODAY for our 3 YEAR ANNIVERSARY! 19. Get all eight Harry Potter movies. Done. Watch all eight Harry Potter movies = DONE! Now I get to start playing the Lego Harry Potter I got for Christmas! Haha! 20. Call one family member per week (not counting my mom or dad!) Not doing so hot on this one. I call my Mom at least every week. Talk to my Nana, Aunt Deni, Aunt Lisa, Papa, too - But I'll get back on this! Start scheduling in my planner! 21. Volunteer for at least one dental event. Been doing research, but haven't found THE ONE yet. So why not do them all?? 22. Have a dinner party. In the planning stages. I'll probably end up with 73 by the end of my 25th year. Not even something to complain about! Get ready for dinner parties galore, friends! 23. Celebrate three years with the love of my life. August 28, 2012 - Let the countdown begin! 140 days! 24. Take one vacation by myself. Also in the planning stages. Going to take a weekend by myself. Maybe take a pup along? Gotta get those vacation juices flowing! 25. Buy (and use) one new attachment for my KitchenAid. These buggers are EXPENSIVE! And I can't quite find a need for any of them enough to shell out $60+. . . This one might not get done. Maybe I'll do one recipe with each of the attachments it came with. Bread hook, whisk and regular paddle - Here I come! 26. Turn 26!! Let me check - yep, I still have a heartbeat. On the right track! Holy crap. What a whirlwind three months it's been. Looking forward to my next nine months as a 25 year old! How are your resolutions going?
Happy being held accountable!
XO
Education and Sharing Day, National Joe Day, Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day, Viagra Day, Color Therapy Month That dashing young man is my Papa. My dad's dad. My dad's name is Joe. His dad's name is Joe. It WAS Thaddeus, but for some reason he changed it to Joe. I can live with that. My Papa is pretty much my whole world. Best Papa ever as far as I'm concerned. Granted, I only have the ONE Papa, but who's counting?
ROYGBIV, people. It's color therapy month. Here I have compiled a rainbow of information to help transport you to another time in which the sky isn't grey and the ground isn't brown. HAPPY SPRING!!
My dearest friend, Rozi, is engaged. Her favorite color is red. She has finally decided on a tentative date in September of 2013 and has asked me to help her with wedding ideas. I have been pinning the crap out of the color red ever since. Red dresses, red shoes, red flowers, red cakes. Red everything. Thanks to Style Me Pretty, hopefully I'm being helpful, but either way I'm having a blast! RED is the first chakra found at the base of the spine. It's purpose is grounding and survival and is associated with the gonads, kidneys, spine and your sense of smell. I'm hoping you've heard of Polyvore. People are putting together the most adorable outfits and linking them to where you can buy each piece! Brilliant! ORANGE is the second chakra found in the lower abdomen and genitals. It is associated with the urinary tract, circulation and reproduction, as well as emotions and sexuality. Ooh, baby! Now that I've got weddings on the brain, I might as well add another wedding related picture. Cake pop seating chart!
YELLOW is the third chakra located in the solar plexus (that place where, if hit, you lose your breath!). Your power and ego are affected by this color along with your stomach, liver, gall bladder and pancreas, too!
Damn you, Brazil, and your awesome beauty! I want to live here and shower at the base of these falls! Except that it's a national park, so that's probably frowned upon. (Chapada dos Guimarães National Park) *sigh*
GREEN is the fourth chakra, associated with your heart and affecting your lungs and thymus. Love and your sense of responsibility are closely tied to this color and chakra.
Now that I've got one party under my belt (My boyfriend, Justin's 28th birthday - wine and beer tasting complete with labels, decorations and a homemade photo booth!) I am ADDICTED to party planning. And decorations. And color schemes. Now can you see why I'm having so much fun helping my pal with her wedding?? I am in love with this peacock color scheme. Blues and greens and indigos and violets, this party at Hostess with the Mostess might as well have been the picture for my last four colors. BLUE is the fifth chakra, located at the throat. Physical and spiritual communication are found here and your throat, ears, mouth, and hands are most affected by disturbances. DIY Galaxy Playdough, thanks to Fairy Dust Teaching! Glitter is the best!!INDIGO is the sixth chakra located just above the center of the brow, in the middle of your forehead Forgiveness, compassion, and understanding are all found in this area. The eye and pineal glands are affected by this color. For as much as I thought I liked purple, I really had a hard time finding a really great picture/DIY/fashion statement to share. I did my best and hopefully didn't disappoint! This incredible necklace would make any outfit pop. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
Last, but not least - PURPLE is the seventh chakra found at the crown of the head. Connection with universal energies, transmission of ideas and information is rooted here and your pituitary gland, the central nervous system and cerebral cortex are the systems most affected by this color.
Happy learning!
XO
March 18: Awkward Moments Day, Forgive Mom and Dad Day, Goddess of Fertility Day
This picture is kind of an awkward moment in and of itself.
My parents are no longer married, but this picture is from
December 6, 1977, the day they said "I do."
Today, March 18, 2012 is the day I say "I forgive you."
I would not be who I am today if not for things playing out exactly as they were
supposed to, not only in my life, but in everyone's lives around me.
And for that, I say, THANK YOU!
P. S. I also have to say - LOL! My dad looks like a baby! I love you, Padre.
And I love my mom's face in this picture!! I love you, Madre.
Happy forgiving!
XO
Happy March, all! Finally, Spring is coming! Yee-haw! Yippee! Yes! March is going to be AWESOME! I have lots of fun things planned this month and all fun plannings to be done for my time-off in April. . . What to do, what to do. . . Any ideas, shoot them my way!
March 1: Pig Day, Witch Hysteria Day, Plan a Solo Vacation Day, Peanut Butter Lovers' Day
I got a phone call from my Dad a few weeks ago, letting me know that my Papa (ie. grandpa, Dad's dad) was having a surprise 75th birthday party thrown for him. He said "Now, I know you probably can't make it, but I just wanted to let you know" and I said "Let me see what I can do" I had a plane ticket purchased within thirty minutes! The plan was to surprise my Papa TWICE at his surprise party! Well, the initial surprise (the party itself) fell through, but he had NO idea that I was in town. I had flown in the night before (February 23rd - Justin's Mom's birthday!) and called him the morning of his party, asking what he had planned for his birthday, how the weather was in Michigan, etc. etc. Little did he know, I called him when I was on the way to his house! My Dad walked in the back door while I waited (hid) a few minutes in the car, then I went to the front door. When my Papa opened the door, I was expecting major tears, but I could definitely see the love in his dry eyes. I said "Papa, just one tear?" And he said "You know I can't" with a slight quiver in his voice. Oh, I love him! So, this was my Solo Vacation! Not as relaxing or beautiful as a beach vacation, but unforgettable none-the-less.
| | March 2: Dress in Blue Day, Dr. Seuss' Birthday, Employee Appreciation Day, Old Stuff Day
Here's a sneak peek into Justin's Birthday Party 2012! Gold and elegant, royal blue is the color scheme! Yay!
For some reason I am addicted to gold and blue lately. Check out these other wearable blues for March 2nd!
|
March 3: I Want You to Be Happy Day, National Anthem Day, Peach Blossom Day
It's been a pretty rough week. Justin started his new job and his schedule totally does NOT mesh with our "old" schedule. I am SO excited for him and his new position, but I have been afraid of its effects on our relationship. After seeing today's holiday, I Want You to be Happy Day, I realized that some things just have to work themselves out. On top of that awesome holiday, it's Peach Blossom Day and you know what peach blossoms mean? Long life, generosity and bridal hope. Not that I'm a bride (yet), but it gives me hope that everything will be as awesome as it has been the last thirty months! We will prevail. This job is not the end, it's a new beginning put before us to test and strengthen our relationship.
March 4: Courageous Follower Day, Daughters and Sons Day, National Grammar Day
March 5: Fun Facts About Names Day, Multiple Personality DayI thought it would be fun to compile a list of people in my life and the meanings of their names. Please don't be offended if you're not on the list. Short-Term and Long-Term memory have never been my strong suits. Want to find the meaning of your name? Check out this site! Joseph: (Hebrew) He will enlarge.
Abby: (Hebrew) Father rejoiced, father's joy, gives joy.
Suzanne: (French, Hebrew, German) Lily
Justin: (English, Latin, Irish) Just, upright, fair, righteous, judicious.
Gary: (English, German, Welsch, Irish) Hard or bold spear, gentle.
Thaddeus: (Hebrew, Greek) Valiant, wise, one who has courage.
Joan: (English, Hebrew) God is gracious.
Rozeta: (Latin, German, English, Italian) Rose, noted protector, fame.
Anna: (Hebrew, English, Native American) Grace, favor, mother, prayer.
Kelly: (Gaelic, Irish, Scottish) Warrior, lively, aggressive, wood, strife, bright-headed.
Philip: (English, French, Greek) One who loves horses,
| Michalene: (Hebrew) Close to God.
Apryll: (Latin) Open
Kate: (English, French, Irish, Greek) Pure
Denise: (Greek, English, French) God of Wine, mountain of Zeus
Nichole: (French, Greek) People's Victory
Stephanie: (Greek) Crown
Lisa: (English, Latin, Hebrew) Oath of God, my god is bountiful, devoted to god.
Becky: (Hebrew, English) Captivating, to tie.
Carolynn: (German) Strong.
Bradley: (English) Broad clearing in the wood.
Sara(h): (Hebrew) Princess.
Julie: (French, Latin) Downy, youthful.
Alexis: (English, French, Greek) Helper, defender.
Teasa: (English, Greek) Harvester.
Jessica: (Hebrew) Rich, God beholds, God is gracious. |
March 6: US Snowshoe Day, Dentists' Day, National Frozen Food DayThe Denver Post's article "Best Places to Snowshoe in Colorado" includes several trails around Colorado to try out as well as tips to make your next snowshoeing trip the best ever! What to Wear:Snowshoes, of course! They come in three types: trail, backcountry, and racing ranging from $100 to $350. Warm, waterproof boots that are comfortable to hike it. Wool or synthetic hat, gloves and windproof jacket which retains heat even when wet. Dress in layers! Poles, while not crucial, help maintain balance especially when breaking trail or going downhill. What to Pack:Daypack include water (1 liter for every hour on the trail), high-energy snacks and the rest of the "10 essentials" — a first-aid kit, flashlight or headlamp, map and compass, waterproof matches or other fire starter, pocket knife, emergency whistle, sunscreen and sunglasses. Don't bother with goggles - they tend to fog up under such heavy exercise! Also duct tape, piece of wire/cord and a pair of Leatherman-style pliers for on-the-trail repairs. Safety:The major risks in snowshoeing involve hypothermia or frostbite (because of the cold), dehydration (the exercise and altitude) and avalanches (the terrain). To stave off hypothermia, a dangerous and potentially deadly drop in the body's core temperature, take pains to stay warm and dry. Use chemical hand warmers and foot warmers if necessary to protect your extremities. Take along an extra pair of gloves for your return trip, when the circulation in your fingers may be shortchanged by the blood flow to your legs. To prevent dehydration, which can impair your judgment and sap your energy, take plenty of water — and drink it, every time you stop for a breather. If you carry a Camelbak, make sure it's insulated, and keep the drinking tube from freezing by blowing the water back into the reservoir after each use. Carry water bottles inside your pack rather than in mesh pockets on the outside. To keep from getting buried in an avalanche, pay close attention to the forecasts, watch for evidence of slides and, in general, avoid slopes with angles of 30 degrees or more. | | Rocky Mountain National Park Suggested for beginners, Rocky Mountain National Park also hosts free, ranger-led snowshoe ecology tours at 12:30 p.m. every Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Wednesday through March. Reservations required, at 970-586-1223. Wild Basin AreaWell-marked routes, most popular 2.8-mile trail to Calypso Cascades, with more challenging options available! West of Boulder The Brainard Lake area near Ward offers excellent snowshoeing when the weather isn't too windy, including snowshoe-only trails created by the Colorado Mountain Club. If the snow has been blown free in open areas, the Jenny Creek trail at the Eldora Mountain Resort or Lost Lake trail west of Nederland can be good alternatives.St. Mary's Glacier The trail to St. Mary's Glacier, northwest of Idaho Springs, usually has good snow and you get off I-70 before you hit the ski traffic. Berthoud Pass The old Squaw Pass road east of Echo Lake, off the Mount Evans road south of Idaho Springs. Or try Butler Gulch, reachable via a good gravel road that heads west from the first switchback on U.S. 40 at the eastern foot of Berthoud Pass. Silver Dollar Lake trail The Silver Dollar Lake trail off the Guanella Pass road south of Georgetown is highly recommended, although once you've reached the lake, don't go beyond or around it or you'll be in avalanche territory. Grizzly Gulch Grizzly Gulch, west of Georgetown off the Bakerville exit is another option, although it can be risky if you go too far up the valley. Kenosha Pass Southwest of Denver, Kenosha Pass offers easy access to sections of the Colorado Trail via U.S. 285. Abyss Lake trail For something different, try the Abyss Lake trail on the south side of Guanella Pass (also reachable off U.S. 285). It's a little less used, and you don't have to get on I-70! |
March 7: Cereal Day, National Be Heard Day
What's YOUR favorite cereal?
Happy munching!
XO
|
RSS Feed