Friday Faves

What a week. I know it's Monday. Do I care? Not really. I forgot about Friday faves on Friday and then on Saturday I went home. So blah. It's Friday faves now.

1. Basement Art Creations

Dad and I went to the EL Art Festival this weekend and we found my favorite artist, Lori of Basement Art Creations. I bought this lovely print of Captain America. My next purchase will definitely be the Hulk. Check out her Etsy shop here.

2. Time with the baby

Baby and I watched the Cat in the Hat. We got snuggles in and it made my day. Love this kid.

3. Walks with the Doggy

Dotty and I got some walkies in. Twas excellent.

4. Purple Llama

Just look at that and not smile. I dare you.

5. Thanks for describing my current mood, doggy.

Friday Faves

Oh what a wonderful week it has been. I wish I had a time machine and could go back and sprinkle this awesomeness all throughout those hard weeks I endured this semester. I just keep reminding myself the rough ride is over. Now I just have to go hard at everything that means something to me. This whole new attitude journey I began still hasn't come close to reaching the end but I try hard and it's fabulous weeks like these that help me.

1. Kate's Graduation Dinner

GVSU had graduation on Saturday and one of my very best friends walked and had dinner at Rockwell's Republic to celebrate. We drank amazing wine, took a million pictures, and had an all around fabulous evening. I had the salad of all salads. If you ever go there, get the pecan brie salad. It will change your life. The whole evening was so Kate: dresses, drinks, live music floating in from the bar, and the first amazing day after a week of flooding. I will miss her as she goes on to do grown up things but I am so completely proud of her and so honored I got to celebrate with her.

2. Time at Home

I spent Sunday and Monday at home with my family. Liam and I got play time, I went shopping with Jessica, and I grilled out with Padre. It was completely relaxing and totally what I needed after the hell semester. We even took Liam to see his great grandpa and he enjoyed running from the front door to the back door. He is a sweetie pie even if he did yell no at me over and over while kicking me to protest putting on his shoes. The toddler years don't last forever but I think that face makes up for the tantrum.

3. Fun Day with Joe

I spent Tuesday having a blast with my best friend. We played mini golf and despite my two hole-in-ones, I lost but a great time was still had and that will definitely happen again soon. We also fed some ducks and acted like ducks in the park. Sometimes, I don't understand why people let us out in public together. We topped off the day with some grilled shrimp and Iron Man. Exactly like summer should be.

4. Fro Yo with Shelby

Shelby and I explored Rosa Parks Circle in down town Grand Rapids and got frozen yogurt. I absolutely love Shelby because she is so different from everyone you've ever met. She likes what she likes and she is honest and she is funny. And Sweet Yo's is so good. I had mango fro yo with pecans, coconut, blackberries, and raspberries. Yum!

5. New Job!

I started at Family Video this week! I am so excited! It's a great place to work and I am looking forward to this new part of my life.

Friday Faves

This has been an impossibly hard week. "Let no one weep for me, or celebrate my funeral with mourning; for I still live, as I pass to and fro through the mouths of men." - Quintus Ennius

1. Kiersten

I could not have made it through this week with out her. Only a true friend sits through mass even though they are an atheist. She really is the best.

2. Joe

As usual, Joe is the best. He takes such good care of me, even from so far away. I couldn't have lived through this week without him.

3. Mama

I hope she knows that as much as she thinks I've been there for her this week, she was there for us kids too. She is a good mama.

4. Liam

Every time I see the baby, my week gets better! I love him to little tiny bits! 

5. My Alpha Sigma Tau Sisters

Countless emails and texts just reminded me how much I love them and how they are there for me when I need them most.

Easter Mail

Last year, for Liam's first Easter, I mailed him a giant plastic egg with lots of goodies in it. This year, I found an even bigger plastic egg so I could send him the coolest Easter present ever. And it really is the coolest. I want one for myself. I got him... Wait for it... A DOCTOR BUNNY! That's right. This little etsy shop made me an 11th Doctor bunny. I almost kept it. Almost. He's just so soft and cuddly. I just love him.

I got the egg from the Dollar Tree but last year I just bought a big egg from Walmart and pulled the candy out of it. I wasn't sure how much would fit in the egg after the bunny so I just bought the yogurt tube and the socks to start. I like to get Liam practical things because at this age, everyone spoils him with toys but he has lots of toys and his momma always appreciates stuff they buy anyways. Another thought: buy paper grass. Babies can choke on the plastic grass but at least the paper grass falls apart. Although the grass seemed a little pointless this year because there was not a ton of room after I got the stuff in there. Anyways. Check out that little bow tie and suspenders on the bunny. This woman is an artist, I tell you. So this project is pretty self explanatory but just to make sure: seal your edges with packing tape. This egg snaps together really securely but the tape is still smart. Don't want your bunny taking a solo adventure through the post office. So there you have it. I also included pictures from last year's egg. That one had sunglasses, socks, and pacis. 

Friday Faves

It's been a really long week. Friday did not get here fast enough.

1. Weekend at Home

I went home for the weekend to spend some time with Liam, get my car all fixed up (valve stem on a tire replaced, headlights replaced, oil change, vacuumed out, and windows washed), and see Grandpa for his 84th birthday! I got to go with Liam for his 18 month pictures and I even got to be in a few. I can't wait to see them. Another great Sunday Funday was spent with coconut cake and teaching Liam to give kisses.

2. Productivity

I was on a role this week. I got a whole lot of homework done. It was insane! I'm so proud of myself.

3. Sorority Spa Night

We had a spa night social with the lovely ladies of Delta Phi Lambda.  We painted nails and laughed hysterically at the sister who got conned into a face masque. It was a blast!

4. German History Class

I've been having so much fun in my German history class! Sometimes it's really sad but mostly it's really interesting and I could sit through that class every night this week.

5. Thrift Shop

I don't know why I love this song but I do. I've listened to it a million times in the last two weeks.

Friday Faves

Well, this week has been a long one.

1. Haircut and Sister Love

Saturday, I went home and saw my lovely family. I got a haircut which was desperately needed and I got to love on my sister, also desperately needed. I miss having some Jessica in my life.

2. Little Man Haircut

Just look at that drool-y  little guy. Little man was so into his sucker. His haircut just made him look so much like a little man that I can't get over it.

3. Playtime

Is there anything more necessary in life that playtime with your nephew. I think not. We rocked on Tigger for a while and then Liam brought me his baby and had me hug his baby and then he hugged his baby. And then spiked it like a football. No one said 18 month olds are good at parenting. 

4. Best Friend

If it wasn't for Joe, I'd fall apart daily. 

5. AST!

Wednesday night, we had a recruitment workshop and then the spring break group got together to discuss details. I am just on an AST high this week.

Heart Attack!

It's almost Valentine's Day!!! I like sending the nephew mail for holidays. For Valentine's Day, I'm sent him a heart attack! I decorated the outside of a box with hearts and put a stuffed monkey inside with lots of paper hearts so it's an "attack" of hearts when it arrives! I thought it was a sweet way to send mail to a kid. I <3 you, Liam!!!

Friday Faves

Is it really Friday again already? Who can tell when every day is homework day?!

1. Saturday with Jessica and Liam

I got a visit from Jessica and Liam on Saturday. We had a blast! We went shopping and Liam got to play with Courtney. I have missed them so much!

2. Rice Pudding

I made some really yummy rice pudding on Sunday. You'll be able to read about it in February. It's so creamy and warm. I just love cuddling up with a bowl as a reward for a long day of trekking through the snow for classes.

3. Valentine's Day

Aren't these ties cool? I'm getting Luke one of these very cool ties with a page on a book of 1942 military chemical warfare. Cyberoptix makes some really cool ties and Luke liked quite a few so it might be my new back up for presents for the boy. 

4. WIVC Training

I spent a lovely hour learning about the Womens Issues Volunteer Corps this week and I can truly say I am so excited by their mission that I can't wait to get involved.

5. Honest Abe

When you're riding the struggle bus and it seems like the week may never get to five faves, you gotta find a mantra to remind yourself that sometimes the walking gets a little slower. The pace this week definitely took a nose dive. But the attitude won't. I most certainly am not ever going backwards.

Friday Faves

The second week of 2013 and the first week of classes was very hectic for me. It's not that it was a bad week. It's just difficult to think of good things when you have a million things to do so I'm going to do my best this week to come up with really good things that happened despite going back to class.

1. Grey's Anatomy Season 8

I spent my last weekend before classes enjoying season 8 of Grey's. If you haven't seen season 8 or season 9, you should get on that because they are really good. I also enjoyed watching the latest episode with a bunch of sisters last night.

2. Hulk Baby

I went home to go to the dentist and got to take Liam his Christmas present from his Uncle Joe. He absolutely loves his Hulk blanket and ran around wearing it until Jessica decided to do something and then he of course had to bother her for a while. Toddler priorities.

3. Lunch With Emily

I got to catch up with Emily this week. It was really great seeing her and getting to hear about her break. We just get along so well.

4. Quality Dairy Doughnut

I went to visit my mom at work this week and she bought me my favorite doughnut in the whole world. She is such a nice mama.

5. Amy Pohler

I wish she was my BFF.

Friday Faves

It's the last Friday Faves of the year! Starting this blog is the best thing I've done this year. I'm really looking forward to more Friday Faves in 2013!

1. Joe

I got to spend lots of time with Joe this week! He made an extra great nurse while I felt like death. I love him.

2. Christmas Eve Dinner

Joe's family was kind enough to invite me over for lasagna for Christmas eve. Joe's mom makes amazing lasagna and I was completely obsessed with the chicken alfredo lasagna! Om nom nom.

3. Silver Linings Playbook

If you haven't seen this yet, go do it! It was great! The acting is amazing and the story is great. Joe thought it was predictable but I really loved it. I loved that both Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence were the focus rather than just one lead character.

4. Christmas with Liam

I had a blast spending Christmas with Liam. I think Jessica and I had more fun playing with the Little People Farm than Liam did but it's fine! Liam wasn't super into opening presents but we still had a lot of fun and I think everyone really enjoyed having a little one running around.

5. Jingle Cards

At B&BW, the sales leads have been handing out "jingle cards" for a good shift. They are these little scratch off cards for free products. I received two cards for my floor set shifts so I got a body butter and a lip gloss. We also have our big sale this week and I picked up this berry scented shower gel for just $3!

Friday Faves

It's Friday again? This year has gone by so fast. It's only 4 days until Christmas, people!

1. Friends

I've watched Friends for a solid two weeks and I am not ashamed. I'm almost done with season 10 and I plan on starting over again at season 1. Sorry I'm not sorry?

2. Hickory Farms Turkey Summer Sausage

I am obsessed. So freaking good. I could eat this all day every day.

3. Miss Universe

Watching Miss Universe with Courtney was super super fun. Although I think Miss France was way prettier, Courtney and I cheered for Miss USA when she was crowned.

4. Liam Time

Liam and I got some quality time together this week. I got to see Jessica's house and I'm so excited to see how it looks when they are all done. Liam and I played lots of games and I can't wait to see him on Christmas.

5. Jeffrey's Christmas Medley

Since Christmas is upon us, here is my favorite version of some Christmas classics. :)

If You Really Knew Me

It's my birthday! Woot woot! In honor of my awesomeness, I present this list of things you would know if you really knew me.

If you really knew me... you would know that I love teacup piggies! I really love a lot of animals but right now teacup piggies tops the list, followed closely by hippos. I want to own a teacup piggy one day. His name will be Franklin. We will be BFFs and his hobbies will include skeet shooting and snuggling. His dislikes will include bees and mean people... Don't judge me.

If you really knew me... you would know that would only buy skinny jeans if I thought that was socially acceptable. I own three pairs plus quite a few pairs of regular jeans but I only wear the skinny jeans if I can. Other jeans are for laundry day. Skinny jeans make me feel skinny. And they are an excuse to wear cute shoes since everyone can see your feet that are not covered in extra material from your pants.

If you really knew me... you would know I love my nephew more than the world itself. I don't think I have ever met another person who loves their nephew as much as I love mine. And that makes sense since we are BFFs and he is the coolest kid in the world. So if you have kids that aren't my Liam, I'm sorry you will forever be disappointed. Liam and I play lots of games like "Wiggle" and "Sit Ups" and "Nom the Fingers". Which are exactly what they sound like. And I don't think it's physically possible to be any happier than when Liam laughs because you nommed his fingers.

If you really knew me... you would know if I had to eat only one food for the rest of my life, I would totally choose shrimp pasta. You think you know what shrimp pasta is but you don't. Joe came up with the original recipe and I helped him perfect it. Only Joe makes it perfectly. It is garlic-y and cheese-y and delicious. Joe and I describe it as our first favorite food cooked in our second favorite food all over our third favorite food. It's awesomeness in your face hole. Hopefully, I will have a free day to post the recipe. It's on my list of potential blog posts, but every time I schedule it, I come up with another post that would work better for that time.

If you really knew me... you would know that I am currently working on myself. I am not overly happy about this change in my life because I feel guilty about spending any time focusing on my health and that is exactly why I am forcing myself to do this. You really only do live once and I am tired of rushing through life and settling for what life hands me so I'm taking some time to work on letting go and seeing the bigger picture. Being 22 might prove to be the most difficult age yet and I'm oddly at peace with that right now.

If you really knew me... you would know that I have self-diagnosed O.C.D. For example, I have perfect numbers that I stick to. If it's not a perfect number, I will be frustrated until I can make it a perfect number. I plan out each month's blog posts so I can ensure there is a multiple of ten. Again, don't judge me.

If you really knew me... you would know that I might be the most stubborn person like, ever. For real. When I argue, I even know I'm being unreasonable and I just keep barreling on. Sorry I'm not sorry?

If you really knew me... you would know that I have become really obsessed with my blog. If I have nothing to do, and sometimes when I actually do have things to do, I get on blogger and admire finished posts that haven't been published and scroll through the long lists of posts I'm working on. I am really really bored if I don't have a post to work on.

If you really knew me... you would know that if you are riding in my car and we see cows, I will make you say "cows" in a way that makes it sound like you would get out and frolic with the cows if you could but you know that I will drive away and leave you with the cows. And I do the same even though I'm the one driving. The only person who gets it is my sister. We're too cool for school.

If you really knew me... you would know that polar bears are "polaa beaaars" and fish are "feesh".

Friday Faves

It's Friday once again. What a busy week. I can tell you for sure Black Friday was not one of my faves this week. To the woman who yelled at me because we were out of the candle she was looking at earlier in the week, sucks to suck. Other than that, it was a pretty good week.

1. Interviews

I had two interviews for a possible barista position with two seperate Biggby locations. I'm pretty excited because I could really go for a more permanent position.

2. New Paddle

I love Mary Kate for thinking of me and making me a paddle. She is so dang precious and I love her to pieces for making me such a gorgeous piece!

3. Caramel Brulee Latte

OMG YUM! It's a good thing I don't have money right now because I'd be all over this every day. 

4. Joe

Joe took me to my appointment in Holland and to get my lab work done. I just appreciate his support so much these days. I wouldn't get through life without him.

5. Liam

Seeing that baby will always make my list even if its an unexpected visit home!