Found

Get it girl! And again!

More Mean Tweets.

The Krasinski/Kimmel Christmas Prank War is getting crazy!

48 Thing Women Hear In A Lifetime (That Men Just Don't)

Girls Gone Child: 2015 In (Unfiltered) Review

Scott Weiland's Ex-Wife's Essay..."Don't Glorify This Tragedy"

A very cool version of "All I Want For Christmas"

6 Reasons Never To Get Married (Although marriage was right for me personally, I applaud those that live their own lives and don't care how society expects them to live it.)

The Most Astonishing Photos That Won Awards In 2015

How To Welcome Atheist Kids Home For The Holidays
"Not believing in God doesn’t mean that your son is immoral; it means he helps others simply because he cares about them as fellow human beings. Not believing in an afterlife doesn’t make life meaningless for your daughter; it makes her consider this life all the more important to cherish."

Cockroach Funeral

Downton Against Humanity

A 13 min. Documentary About Periods. Worth a watch!

Have time to kill? The Nostalgia Machine.

Friendsmas

Katie and the girls came over to our house this year to celebrate our annual Friendsmas. The girls were very anxious to open their presents so we got right to it. This year I got them both art pieces to hang on their walls at home. 

Kierces says "Though she be but little, she is fierce." -William Shakespeare

Kierce has had the nickname "Fierce Kierce" since infancy so I thought it was incredibly fitting. 

Aubrie's says "Nothing is impossible when the word itself says I'm possible. -Audrey Hepburn

Aubrie has been really into Audrey lately. She even went as her for Halloween. 

I wanted to give them something that they could keep throughout their childhood and maybe even beyond. I wanted them to have a subtle daily reminder of how strong they both are. They are just girls now but soon they will be the women of the future. I just want to do my part in lifting them up and supporting them in whatever and whomever they choose to be. I know they probably won't appreciate this gift until years later but that's ok. 

I also got them some fun stuff too - clothes, new sunglasses, & minions. 

Then it was finally time for Katie and I to exchange gifts. She got me wood earrings (yes wood!), fun emoji magnets,  a beanie, a holiday tote, and the coolest kitchen towel that has my grandmother's "famous" banana bread muffin recipe on it. I love sentimental and that's as sentimental as it gets!

I gave her a Golden Girls keychain, a book, and the best mug of all time (crying Dawson Leery!). Bahaha! I couldn't click the order button fast enough when I saw that mug. First of all she collects fun/funny mugs and secondly she is currently rewetting Dawson's Creek. 

Dustin made us the most kid friendly lunch on the planet. We enjoyed chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, Doritos, and Capri Suns. I know, we're keeping it extra healthy over here folks! Whatever. 

We enjoyed a viewing of Alvin & the Chipmunks, played with Star Wars "toys", and Dustin gave them a drums lesson. It was a really nice little afternoon with some of my favorite girls. Thank you for all my lovely gifts and most of all thanks for sharing another year with me. Merriest Christmas!!

Everything Star Wars Minus The Spoilers

As I said in a previous post Dustin and I watched all six Star Wars films in order of events to prepare for the new movie. Dustin has always been a super Star Wars fan since day one. He told me his cousins gave him the original movies on VHS and he'd watch them repeatedly as a kid. For me, I didn't see the original Star Wars until high school. I was just never exposed to the films that early. I do however, remember having a little Ewok action figure as a kid, but at the time I had no idea where he came from. Sad, I know. I also have seen every prequel in the theater although I don't really remember the experience. I enjoyed the films but it wasn't until this year that I became a true fan. I totally blame Dustin's enthusiasm and my old(er) much wiser age for the change. Ha! But seriously, I just don't think I appreciated them as a teen the way I should have, the way I automatically appreciated Harry Potter. And hey, that's ok. I'm just glad I appreciate them now. Dustin and I would text Star Wars this and Star Wars that almost every day for the last few months, we'd watch The Force Awakens trailer multiple times with wide excited eyes, and we bought a lot of memorabilia. In recent months we have added two masks (Kylo Ren and Darth Vader, two space crafts (Millennium Falcon & a TIE Fighter), temporary tattoos, and clothing. Speaking of clothing, we of course bought our Star Wars sweaters for our Christmas card although I obviously plan on wearing it for many years to come. But then one day when I was shopping in Target by myself I came across a Star Wars shirt and then a Star Wars sweatshirt and I had to have both so I just bought them with that whole YOLO thing in mind. You should have seen Dustin's face when I came home and showed him my purchases. He was all "You bought that on your own?" and I said "Yeah! I love it!". So there you have it. Dustin is an even bigger Star Wars fan and I'm officially on board as well. 

I got up at 7AM Saturday to take a shower and start getting ready. Dustin asked me to get him up by 8 so that was my plan. But then he came running out of our bedroom with the biggest smile on his face 15 minutes early. I have never seen this man wake up so bubbly in all of our years together. It was like Christmas morning! We ate breakfast at Cracker Barrel. The hostess even complimented my whole outfit and said she was hoping to see the movie later that day too. Dustin and I of course urged her to! We enjoyed lots of food before heading to the mall/theater. We parked as the clock struck 9:30AM. I thought it was a little early still to wait in line for an 11:30 movie, so we went in the mall to finish up our Christmas shopping. The mall was surprisingly empty. It was almost enjoyable until we walked by Santa and heard all the screaming children. I don't get traumatizing your child just for a photo. To each his own, right? 

We headed across the parking lot at 10:30. We had already bought our tickets weeks ago so we just walked in. I was waiting for them to tell us to get in the back of some long, ridiculous line but no one did, and instead told us "first theater on your left". When we walked inside the theater it was already about a third full. We were able to get great seats! We had to wait for an hour but it was well worth it. I not only had my phone but I brought my Kindle so I spent half the time reading. I gave up my book to watch the new crowd of people come in every few minutes. I loved seeing their excited faces and the different shirts and costumes they were wearing. 

There is such a cool vibe when I go see Harry Potter. I've been to every opening night of all 8 films and it feels like you're in a room full of friends instead of strangers. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming to one another. Most of all everyone is at the same level of excited. You all just nerd out together and it's the best thing ever. Star Wars is the same way. The atmosphere in the place was out of this world. Wink wink. When the previews finally ended and the screen went dark, and that iconic music started to play, the crowd went wild. Say what you want about us nerds, we know how to party. 

The movie was incredible. It exceeded my expectations. I cried a million times. I laughed. I sat in awe. A movie that makes me feel all the feels is a great one in my book. Dustin and I are already deciding when to see it again. I'll probably go more into detail about it once it's been out a month because I really want to talk about the characters individually.

I saw a few friends on Facebook post memes about never having seen one Star Wars film or memes about being the only one who doesn't care about Star Wars. And you know what, that's totally fine. It's not for everyone but I do think it's weird if you haven't seen the movies. I think it's weird when I hear someone hasn't read Harry Potter. They are just such huge fandoms and so iconic in their own way that I have never heard anyone say "Ugh, I hated that" once they actually gave them a try. I'm not saying you're going to love it and start dressing in Princess Leia cosplay but it's really hard to hate these films. In a world that is so determined to tear us apart with violence and terror I'm so thankful for all these fandoms that bring people together.

May the force be with you. 

 

What I Wore #37

I kept going back and forth about what I was going to wear to The Force Awakens. I mean, I never go to a Harry Potter movie in just ANY old outfit. It's thought out weeks in advance. Same goes for Star Wars. I found both my shirt and sweatshirt at Target and couldn't choose so I bought both. I'm becoming one with the force, what can I say? Thankfully it was actually cold this day so I got to wear both! My shoes were a no brainer. Dustin so perfectly gifted me these beautiful new vans for Christmas and I've been wearing them every chance I get since I opened them. The funny thing is I didn't even ask for them. I had mentioned to him in passing my purple vans were starting to  get pretty worn out. He tried to get them but the specific color is only sold in the spring. Plan B were my Galaxy Quest/Space Jam/Carl Sagan/Star Wars totally bad ass option. 

And then there are the buns. I hate to ruin Star Wars for you but Leia had to of had some hard core hairpiece extensions to create those giant buns. My hair would need to be down to my ass for them to even come close. My hair is long but no where close to being that long, therefore I improvised. I took my cronut and meshed it with Leia's famous look and voila! Mini buns! 

Shirt: Target

Sweatshirt: Target

Jeans: American Eagle

Vans: Amazon 

Christmas Came Early

Erin and I FaceTimed while she opened the Christmas package I sent her. I love being able to see someone's face when I give them a gift so when Erin suggested we FaceTime the experience I was all about it. I always loved our little gift exchanges. I remember we'd always get some dinner, maybe a Starbucks on the way home, and then we'd unwrap each other presents. It was so fun. There was always lots of squealing and giggling. FaceTime isn't quite the same because you can't hit the other (in a playful manner - ha!) or hug them because you're so happy and thankful. But it was still nice to be able to truly see her reaction. I know she liked her gifts but she really loved my gift for Charlie. I got him the cutest little fuzzy dog hat around. I'm sure we're on bad terms right now because of said gift but I know we'll make it through. He can't stay mad at me forever! Ha. 

Erin had an unfortunate family emergency the same week she received my gift and had to fly back to Florida. It was shitty circumstances but we were able to get together while she was back in town. I picked her up at her uncle's house and I felt like we were going on a date. Ha! She had me come inside and meet her uncle who was incredibly warm and friendly to me. Then I got to say hello to her dad and sister whom I hadn't seen in quite awhile. I felt like an honorary Porter! 

We ended up driving down Park Ave. and getting lunch at Burger Fi. The weather was actually nice so we decided to eat outside. It was so nice to just sit and talk. Or just sit and people watch. It was just comforting being in her presence. She let me open my present(s) while we ate. I got the cutest jewelry tray, crafty materials, and 'Happy Notes To Share' which is right up my alley. 

We walked down Park Ave. and went in Restoration Hardware. I had heard of it before but I seriously thought it was an actual hardware store. It turns out it's a super cute home decor store. I loved every "bedroom" and "living room" set up they had. They really know how to mix feminine and masculine perfectly. Of course everything was out of my price range (if I want to eat for the next year). Erin and I did manage to score the prettiest glass tree ornaments. We both got the same one so now when I hang it on the tree every year I'll think of that moment. 

We had the loveliest afternoon together but boy was it a short one. 

I'm just thankful I got to see her at all.

Merry Christmas Boo!

 

Dustin Says

Remember when I caught you passionately singing 'Ghetto Superstar"?!

Some people say cantaloupe but I say lettuce.

When I was swinging my lightsaber I was thinking "This is what life's all about!".

They wrap PopTarts in a space blanket.

I just want to come home, see my wife, and swing my lightsaber.

Two Weekends Ago

This blog title says it all. And by all I mean I'm clearly falling behind on my blogging. But I've stopped feeling bad about it because I feel like it's a stupid thing to feel bad over. I rather save my "feel bads" for something like eating the last cookie or stinking up the bathroom.

SATURDAY: Dustin and I went up to Jax to visit my family. My cousin's birthday is right before Thanksgiving and for her birthday my aunt had asked me to make her a quilt using all of her old high school shirts that she no longer wants to wear but also doesn't want to get rid of. I spent the better part of 2015 (on and off) working on this quilt. It was definitely one of the biggest sewing projects I've taken on. I have never measured and remeasured and measured just one more time for luck in my life. But when you're making this for someone you love, you definitely want that to show. You want to make sure you get it right. I didn't want to just throw it together in a weekend. This took lots of planning and work. And if I'm being honest - stress. I just put so much pressure on myself for this to be the best it could be. I'm so happy with how it turned out. I'm even happier that my cousin loved it so much. She said she's already gotten some use out of it. Thankfully Jacksonville gets a lot colder than Orlando!

 

It was nice spending time with my aunt, uncle, and cousin. My aunt hooked us up with a little breakfast buffet filled with fresh fruit, bagels, muffins, and quiche! It was all so good! We ate and talked. One of the funniest conversations was when we talked about Diagon Alley. Dustin told them all how terrified I was when I rode on the Gringotts ride which is entertaining on it's own. But then my aunt and uncle told us the first day they were at Universal they walked around "London" and couldn't find Diagon Alley. I mean I can totally understand how that could happen because they hid it (just to make it even more authentic). So they just left! HA! I was happy to hear they found it on their second day. I would've been sad if they hadn't got to enjoy it while they were there. I gave my cousin and my aunt and uncle a "Dinner Is Coming" cutting board. I came across it when Katie and I attended the Deland Indie Market and thought it would be perfect for them. I'm so happy they liked it! We had such a good time hanging out and watching football. I especially enjoyed my uncle and Dustin doing their best Spurrier impressions. I really like visiting them and I'm glad Dustin and I have started to do it more often. 

We headed back down south and stopped in St. Augustine to meet up with Matt and Rachelle as a last  before-baby-Benton-hurrah!  Also the four of us were craving some Cousteau's! We've been there 3 times this year. Ha! 

We all decided we wanted "real food" before eating dessert so we stopped at this cute little eatery called Monkey Life Grille. We all really enjoyed our meals. If you're ever in the area, check them out! I had fun looking at all of their monkey art too!

We walked around awhile so we could digest. I was hoping to find some cool Christmas gifts in one of their cute one-of-a-kind stores but I had no such luck. Oh well! We still had fun window shopping. I've noticed the new trend is beard oil. And part of the trend is charging a ridiculous amount of money for it. There were bottles in practically every store we went into.  It just seems pointless. I don't mind a crunchy beard; it doesn't have to be silky smooth! #grizzlybeardsforlife

We finally made it to Cousteau's and enjoyed some of the best milkshakes and waffles in the biz! And we totally wore our beanies for the 10% discount. Duh! I just want to wrap up that moment and store it in a place of my brain I'll always be able to find it. The streets were wet from a recent rainstorm. It was cool but not cold. Christmas decor was everywhere including inside Cousteau's. For most of the time we were there, it was just the four of us hanging out enjoying our time together. It's crazy to think that the next time we see the Benton's they will be parents! This whole childfree ride with them has been some of our fondest memories but we get that they are ready to move on. This chapter is closed for us but I'm excited to see what the new chapter has to bring. Also I kind of can't wait to see Dustin hold a baby again. I don't think he has held one in 8 years (ahem Aubrie!). Ha! Matt and Rachelle are already great parents but now they get to be great parents to a child of their own which is the coolest. Countdown until Baby Benton is getting very real. I've put my bet in for Christmas Eve so we shall see...

SUNDAY: I try and go to the Big Bang Bazaar as much as I can. I always knew Katie would love it but they typically have them on Saturdays when she is working. Thankfully the holiday BBB was held on a Sunday so not only did she get to see what it was all about BUT I got to go with her. It was in a different location than I was used to but just as nice. There were a ton of venders which was awesome! Katie and I both bought candles and cupcakes and so on. I went especially crazy with the embroidery hoops. ChelPanda and ChicGeekErin just make some really badass ones. They certainly aren't your grandma's embroidery! HA. The more NSFW the better in my opinion. Aubrie spent the day with her dad so Katie just had Kierce. That girl was ready to spend some money. She had a $10 bill and it was certainly burning a hole in her purse. She was so cute when she told Katie to go away so she could buy her Christmas present. I stayed with her and watched her buy a "mystery bag".  I have seen both Aubrie and Kierce go out of their way to buy something special for Katie and it just warms my heart to see how giving and caring they are growing to be. Good job Katie!

Since we were part of the "first 100" at the BBB we got swag bags which I always love. We got so many different samples and little gifts. My favorite one was my life-size Ron Weasley face. I still don't know if it's purpose is to help you pretend to be Ron or if maybe it has a more practical use like keeping you cool. Either way I love it! Another successful event! 

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10/20/15
OMG how did I just now find out about 'Me Before You' is being made into a movie?! And Lou is being played by the mother of dragons!

10/21/15
Olivia Pope is so bad ass but I can't stop wondering why she's still using a Blackberry. #onlyonseasontwo #maybeaniphoneinseasonthree

10/22/15
Another thing about Scandal - the POTUS apparently has a couple of kids that have never once appeared on the shot (yet) which I find weird.

10/24/15
I was just told to have a "profitable day". I certainly plan on it.

10/26/15
Healing tattoos on your back always mean you're going to have the worst night sleep.


10/27/15
It's embarrassing how much I try to download music via the App Store rather than the iTunes store.

10/29/15
It's always something. And always something at the worst time. So sick of somethings.

10/30/15
My new life goal is to find my doppelgänger and then become best friends.

11/2/15
I left for work 10 min early and there's more traffic than ever.

11/3/15
I don't/won't listen to Christmas music until after I eat my Thanksgiving meal. Just can't do it. But I have started buying Xmas presents.

11/7/15
Woke up to pee. Panic attack immediately ensued. What the fuck 4 AM. You couldn't be a little kinder to me?

11/10/15
People: What does your tattoo mean?
Me: Nothing.
People: *insert shocked face followed by gasp here*

11/12/15
I love Ellen but I really hate that Justin Bieber has been on the show every day this week. #fastforward

11/30/15
Wait, the Broncos beat the Cheetahs?! Fantastic!

Really disappointed with all these Cyber Monday "deals".

12/1/15
Everyone may look cool driving a corvette but nobody looks cool getting out of one.

Putting "Visit Finland in December" on my Life List after seeing all the beautiful holiday snaps.

12/7/15
What's the difference between 'record of the year' and 'album of the year'?

12/14/15
The word "meta" is basically the new "epic".

3 Weeks Till Change

Well I have finally made an appointment to get my hair chopped off. New Year's Eve to be exact! I mean, is there any better time for a change than the beginning of a new year? I don't think so.

I've been growing my hair out for the better part of two years. Why? I don't know. I like a challenge? I feel like my hair is at a point where it's just stopped growing. It feels like it's been this length for the past 6 months. I'm sure that's not true but it definitely feels that way. Every morning in the shower the weight just gets heavier and heavier. Every night Dustin accidentally pulls it while we're in bed. It has recently started getting stuck in my car door when the wind blows. I dread styling it because it's just out of control and it takes a lot of damn patience. Those cronuts are not a walk in the park! I'm over it. I'm over all of it.

So now the fun and stressful part of choosing a new hairstyle truly begins. I don't know how short I want to go but definitely above the shoulders. I haven't figured out if I want some kind of bang action or not. Bangs are a commitment but at the same time I like the way they look. Ugh! The choices!

*  **   *   **  *

As much as I love this from top to bottom, I feel like it's a little too simple and I'm in the mood to change it up in a bigger way. But I'm putting this in my back pocket for a later date. 

This is also on the simple side but with a side of edge with the angle AND bangs. If I went with this one I'd do more of a side bang. I can't pull off a full/heavy bang. 

I love the length of this one. It also looks so easy to style! (PRAISE HANDS) 

I have been drawn to this one for months. I pinned it. I saved it on my camera roll in my phone. I seem to keep going back to it. The only thing is I was wanting to go a bit shorter. We'll see...

I have been toying with the idea of going super short. I haven't been that short since I was 14 (back when I had balls). I'd like to try the super short look soon. I really want to just go for it one of these days but my old age has turned me into a chicken shit. I'll find my courage for this one soon enough. 

I love all things Keiko Lynn from her assortment of glasses to her gorgeous tattoos to her style. But for today's purpose I love her hair. She has this cute asymmetrical cut that just totally works. I don't know if I could pull it off but I'd be willing to try. 

 

I'm having a tough time deciding. I'd love to get your opinion. VOTE HERE.

Photos: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight