Krystal's Kitsch

Project 366 {Photo Challenge: Week 4}

2012-01-30T08:12:00.002-05:00

Another week of taking pictures each day!
January 22nd through the 28th

For reference, here is the January Photo a Day challenge I'm participating in:

Source: fatmumslim.com.au via Krystal on Pinterest

I'm all sorts of late posting this - but hey - at least I posted! This has been an unusual week for me with being sick and having my energy ZAPPED out of me. I hope to never feel that way again! Yecch!

But - this is a new week. I promised both myself and my husband that I would lose the grumpies and start anew.

22: My wedding shoes. Safe and sound in a storage bin in my closet.
23: Something old. The vintage brooches on my wedding brooch bouquet.
24:Guilty pleasure. Seasonal candy. Hello, peanut butter M&Ms.
25: Something I Made. I added a background to my bookcase with some wallpaper and a lot of patience.
26: Color. I love pink, green...and well, black of course. This is a new chalkboard I found at Target.
27: Lunch. I see a lot of Easy Fries in my future. I can't help myself. SO YUM.
28: Light. Bathroom night light!

Linking up here!

Get to Know Carissa's Silver Lining {Sponsor}

2012-01-28T16:37:00.003-05:00

ETSY shop owners know the way to my heart. Carissa's shop is full of adorable jewelry in a variety of colors. She also makes custom necklaces and sells her photography!

My favorite pieces in her shop currently:

I've had my eye on these for a while! These Brass Bow earrings are very cute. The colors of the beads are also my "thing."

I'm also way into this necklace! I love the variety of beads and how differently they are sized.

She also does custom name necklaces... for just $15! That's a steal.

Head on over to her shop and check out her inventory!

[sick week]

2012-01-27T07:29:00.003-05:00

You know how people disappear for days or even WEEKS on end? I always wondered WHY. I mean, if I were sick... surely the only thing I would want to do would be to prop myself up on the couch with my laptop and blog, blog, blog.

WRONGo.

I pretty much have been in hiding since Monday. I've been sick -- so sick! Yesterday was the first day I could actually eat three meals and today seems to be shaping up to be better than yesterday! Finally! Relief!

I even managed to go grocery shopping last night.

Small victory.

Now I know why people schedule posts... so life can carry on as usual even when behind the scenes things are a big mess!

I can't wait to catch up with everything over the weekend. My house is in shambles, I have run out of clean work clothes, and my dogs want attention.

What a waste of a week.

Take it from me. Don't get sick.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

2012-01-22T13:01:00.001-05:00

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Project 366 {Photo Challenge: Week 3}

2012-01-22T09:50:00.000-05:00

{ It's Project 366 because this year is a Leap Year! Don't forget! ;) }

Another week of taking pictures each day!
January 15th through the 21st

For reference, here is the January Photo a Day challenge I'm participating in:

Source: fatmumslim.com.au via Krystal on Pinterest

15: My January Ziggy comic on my 2012 calendar. Happiness.
16: Morning. The view of some of the plants at work.
17: Water. Pretty much the only brand I drink...has nothing to do with the taste though! I mean, it tastes just fine, but it's CVS' brand. Periodically {once a month or so} cases go on sale for barely $2... I stock up!
18: Sweet chocolate donut.
19: Something I bought. I won From Mrs to Mama's giveaway and it included a $40 gift certificate to Paper & Ink designs. I paid for the difference and received this sweet personalized serving tray! Hooray!
20: Someone I love. Just my husband. ;D
21: Reflection. The sun setting at Marco Island.

Linking up here!

Likes & Dislikes

2012-01-21T08:14:00.000-05:00

{This appeared as a guest blog on All About Ashley two weeks ago!}

LIKES

Coke Zero
Peppermint Mocha Coffees
Old Navy sales
Target's $1 section
Postcards
Funky postage
Snail Mail
Surprises
Kate Spade anything
Betsey Johnson
Glitter -- anything and everything! Especially glitter polish!
Zoya Nail Polish
Pop music
Jersey Shore. Haters gon' hate!
Parks & Rec
Stand up comedy
Good beer
Baseball
Beaches
Pirates
Vinyl -- as in records, not the material! ;)
Journaling
Nonfiction Books -- memoirs, especially humor ones, are my favorite!

DISLIKES

Being late
Plans changing at the last minute
Paying shipping for online shopping
Paying full price for anything
Days I'm running too late to straighten my hair
Winter
Hoarders
Junk... I like to go through my stuff regularly and PURGE!

Hope you are all having a lovely day and Happy 2012!

Phone Photo Fun {"Disposable" Cameras on your iPhone}

2012-01-16T10:04:00.001-05:00

Have you heard of the iPhone app Hisptagram Disposable? Basically it's a camera on your phone that takes pictures with filters...the only difference is you don't get to see what "develops" until you take a whole roll of film! So, you take 24 pictures with your iPhone and they "develop" showing you how the filters came out on your pictures. Bonus: You can "share" the disposable camera with others using the app... so you and your friends can take pictures on the same "disposable" camera!

Jen & I did this over the weekend. It was fun to see what pictures came out. It was also a way for me to stalk her over the weekend. She went to the movies, out to dinner, driving around town, I got to see all of that... lol.

Get ready for some really random photos.

Taken by me... Driving to work.

Current mood of my office! POSTAL! ARGH!

My cute cupcake calendar on my desk at work! An ETSY purchase of course.

Jen took this driving... the sky was pretty!

HELLO JEN!

Jen's man. This hat is hilarious. Wolf? Skunk?

Hello, delicious.

Same scene, I took this on two different "disposable cameras" we had going.

This was a place we went to dinner. On the water as the sun was setting.

Pretty, no?

So... if you have this app... we should become Facebook friends so you can invite me to take silly random photos on your camera!

Project 366 {Photo Challenge: Week 2}

2012-01-15T08:30:00.000-05:00

{ It's Project 366 because this year is a Leap Year! Don't forget! ;) }

Another week of taking pictures each day!
January 8th through the 14th

For reference, here is the January Photo a Day challenge I'm participating in:

Source: fatmumslim.com.au via Krystal on Pinterest

8: The sky from our front yard
9: Daily routine: Checking the mail! It was magazine day!
10: Childhood. My husband bought me an inappropriate children's cup for my stocking this Christmas.
11: Where I sleep.
12: {Creepy} Close up!
13: In my bag. A mess of notebooks, my life planner, water, etc.
14: Currently reading... was in bed reading Jen Lancaster.

Linking up here!

HANAair Professional Hair Dryer Review!

2012-01-14T07:00:00.002-05:00

When I was contacted by Misikko asking if I was interested in doing a review of their HANAair Professional Hair Dryer, I was like... do you know how crazy frizzy my hair is?! Thank YOU! I was so in need of blow dryers!

It shipped really fast -- even around the holidays -- and the packaging was amazing! From scented rose petals to bottles of Shine Shield Hair Serum, I Was impressed. The best bonus in the packaging though was Paul Mitchell shampoo. What a major score.

My old and now dead to me hair dryer was a Conair from college. I'm pretty sure I bought in 2004 with a coupon at Target. That thing was a beast and took forever to dry my hair. I never considered upgrading as I didn't blow dry my hair often enough just because it was SUCH a pain. I'm so grateful to have a new hair dryer that blows my old one out of the water!

The Hana hair dryer was FAST. It got my hair dry in half the time my clunky old one did. It also was lightweight. I would say it was the best blow dryer.

Adjustable Heat
2 Fan Speeds
3 Heat Settings
Plus Cold Shot
Ceramic Heater
Most Advanced Far Infrared Ionic Heat
Tourmaline, Titanium Oxide & Silver Infused
Pure Tourmaline Crystals Add Antibacterial Ions and Shine
Attachments Concentrator
Warranty 2 Years style

Quick facts
Design Italian
Wattage Proprietary Design Allows for Equivalent Operation of 2300 Watts
Low EMF Environmentally Safe
Motor Life Longest in Industry
Cord Type 12' Extra Long, ALCI safety plug

The dryer is currently on sale now for $194! While I've never splurged on something in that cost before, I would say that if you dry your hair regularly and need something that is reliable and works, Hana should be on your list!

Misikko also sells flat irons. I have a Hana straightener from them that I've been using for two years and it does the job! I love it!

Note: I received this product in exchange for a review. No other compensation was received.

A licky Boom Boom Down

2012-01-13T07:40:00.000-05:00

I have a pretty regular schedule during my week days. I work from 9 to 5 with an hour lunch that I take at about .. .11:58. I drive home... listening to the radio...and it's about a 5 to 10 minute drive [depending on if I hit lights or not].

Anyway, I always have it tuned to the same station and right at noon it's when they play old school music...which I love. I do not however love that they seriously play the same songs at 12:01 nearly every day. For those that live in big cities, you don't know how lucky you are to not have radio stations that are purely suck. Coming from Tampa to a smaller area, it's a big difference. I usually can't even listen to the radio for long periods of times because it's just so so bad down here! LOL

I'm pretty sure I've heard this song about 50 times since I moved down to southwest Florida... and you've probably heard this song... never? Okay, maybe a few times. For those who remember this song, did you know it went on to be like one of the most selling "reggae" songs in Guinness? Google has all the answers.

I had no idea he was so...geeky looking. While I was hunting for that video, I found this gem. Remember In Living Color? I totally watched it when I was young with my parents...lol. Anyway, Jim Carrey was always hilarious.

As noted here. And....this is how I end up on the internet for hours at a time. I start finding other clips related to the clip I just watched...

Oh, the 90s.

Currently

2012-01-12T07:32:00.002-05:00

current book:

So far - I don't love it. I am not that far into it though... so maybe that will change!

Also - just got this in the mail:

WOO!

current playlist:

On vinyl! Hooray! I got my first record in the mail yesterday!

Source: crosleyradio.com via Krystal on Pinterest

current color:
I'm always into turquoise. Always.

current food:
Chicken. It was on sale so I've been eating chicken every night.

Source: family.go.com via Krystal on Pinterest

current favorite show(s):
Parenthood & Parks and Rec!

current needs:
For it to be midnight. Hello, Pay Day!

current triumphs:
I finally finished this awful stack of paperwork that has been on my desk since before Christmas. It's like a NEW DAY today.

current banes of my existence:
I have to work Saturday. Yuck. Also - I was summoned for federal jury duty in a city THREE hours away. I better get excused or I will not be happy.

current celebrity crush:
I got nothing.

current #1 blessing:
Each other.

current indulgence:
Ben + Jerry's ice cream. Did I really need it two nights in a row?

current outfit:
Pajamasssss! The best way to blog.

current excitement:
I finally have health insurance? That's kind of nice.

current mood:
Indifferent but feeling mildly stressed out.

current favorite quote or verse:

Source: aandbstyle.com via Krystal on Pinterest

current favorite app:
Just downloaded Camera+ and it's pretty sweet! I also always love changing my phone background with Cuptakes.

current favorite product:
Hmmm...am loving my Philosophy body wash!

Linking up with Jen!

Will You Be My Valentine? {Pinterest Style}

2012-01-11T07:45:00.001-05:00

I'm a crazy holiday planner. I can't help but love when stores change their inventory for the new seasons and upcoming holidays (PS - have you SEEN Target's stuff this month for February?! Adorable!}. Anyway, I started collecting ideas for Valentine's Day on Pinterest already. Some cute options! This year will be... hopefully special. Our first wedding anniversary falls on February 19th. Was I smart to plan our wedding around Valentine's Day or not? I guess we will see... I'm thinking smart... because it's like a guaranteed week of love.... hahaha.

Dear Husband: No, you do not get out of Valentine's Day because we got married a week later. Love you!

Source: weheartit.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Anyway, on with the pins!

Cute Decor:

Source: ramblingsofasuburbanmom.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Source: itsthelittlethingsthatmakeahouseahome.blogspot.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Valentines:

Source: wildolive.blogspot.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Source: theteacherwife.blogspot.com via Krystal on Pinterest

For the raver child... no, but these are seriously cute

Source: livinglocurto.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Cute bookmarks -- would be cute for acquaintances? Work friends?

Source: thenimbusfactoryblog.blogspot.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Source: wherethewildingsare.blog.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Clearly whoever made these is AWESOME!

Source: joeydevilla.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Printables:

Source: eighteen25.blogspot.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Source: therubberpunkin.blogspot.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Source: danielandbrittneydye.blogspot.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Krystal on Pinterest

YUM

Source: workmanfamily.typepad.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Source: soufflebombay.blogspot.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Pretzels were a big hit at my office when I made some chocolate covered ones for Christmas.
I think I'm going to make a big bin of these...

Source: aplaceforamy.blogspot.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Crafts:

Source: attemptingaloha.blogspot.com via Krystal on Pinterest

You have a little over a month to get your Valentine's Day figured out... :)

PS- I'm guest blogging over at All About Ashley today. Check it out here!

Get to Know Infinity Line Candles {Sponsor}

2012-01-10T21:20:00.002-05:00

My Infinity Line is one of my January sponsors and I wanted to re-share a review of mine that I posted last month where I was sent a 16oz candle, two 10oz candles, a soap and a body whip.

The 16oz candle was Apple Harvest. This candle has been burning the most and is still kicking {Edited to add: Still going in the new year!}! I leave it on while I'm cleaning and my house was smelling pretty good. The size is generous and the scent was strong. Apple is one of my favorite scents and I enjoyed this candle the most.

The two 10oz candles were Banana Nut Bread and Cinnamon Buns. These scents are perfect for the season right now! Banana Bread is sweet and long lasting while Cinnamon Buns was perfect for lighting in the kitchen while cooking.

I was impressed with the longevity of the scents and how the candles are still going strong and it's been over a month. I usually burn through candles very quickly because I like to light them frequently and for long periods of time (We have dogs and I'm sure you can guess what a house with three dogs can smell like sometimes..)

I also received body whip in Cake Batter. This one is really fun! I love the scent and it goes on smooth and makes my skin soft. I will say that I'm totally going to use this on my birthday -- December 7th -- just to make my day feel a little more special. I'll walk around smelling like yummo cake all day! Win.

And, I can't forget about the soap!

I was very pleased with all the products and the best part is they are handmade and all natural. My skin is sensitive and the soap and the body whip did not have any negative effects.

Some of the scents that are on my "Wish List" are:

What kind of scents do you like for spring? What reminds you that warm weather is coming?

Favorite of the Week {Nail Polish Pens}

2012-01-09T08:36:00.002-05:00

I never tried those nail polish pens just because I was convinced they wouldn't work. I had no proof to this, but I just felt like it was "too easy" of an application. There's no way it would stay on my fingernails and last. I had even seen reviews online where the product was slammed...

Well, I was wrong.

For Christmas I was given two Sally Hansen Color Quick Chrome Nail Pens. I tested them out and I really liked them. I was given the fuchsia chrome and a purple chrome.

Now -- it's not PERFECT. The formula is kinda liquid-y and sometimes it comes out too much on your nails. But, with a little touching up and some glitter top coat... I didn't have to change my polish for nearly a whole week. That's something unusual for me.

And, bonus, I can touch up my nails at work and not look that suspicious! ;)

Project 366 {Photo Challenge}

2012-01-08T17:04:00.002-05:00

{ It's Project 366 because this year is a Leap Year! Don't forget! ;) }

I've been taking pictures as part of a January photo challenge... not only has the challenge been kind of neat (I really like seeing what everyone has been sharing on instagram and Twitter!), it makes sure that I participate in the first month of Project 366!

For reference, here is the January Photo a Day challenge I'm participating in:

Source: fatmumslim.com.au via Krystal on Pinterest

So... how'd I do this first week?

1: Me
2: Breakfast. I'm way into these Jimmy Dean sandwiches for breakfast in the morning!
3: Kaze. I adore!
4: Letterbox
5: Wearing leopard print yoga pants
6: Slow dancing in random bars makes me smile
7: Favorite {Christmas gift!}

Linking up here!

Pinterest confetti party of one

2012-01-07T10:45:00.000-05:00

Things have been pretty low key around here and I can't help but want to do anything and everything I pin. It's like a challenge. Can I do that too? How many pins can I complete? Anyway - I saw this picture and it was adorable. Sure, she's young and cute and all. But... I love the CONFETTI!!

Source: Uploaded by user via Krystal on Pinterest

I was naturally curious how it looked when you blow confetti into a camera lens. Since I had leftover confetti from the 2012 New Year's Party that never was... I had a confetti party of one...well two. One human, one dog.

I'm sorry but I laughed out loud after I saw this picture after it took. My dog, Kaze, has always been known to like sparkly things AND the camera. He wasted no time in running into the picture to investigate what these falling sparkles were!

And, yes folks, this is how I spend my Friday nights.

How I Spent My Winter Vacation {Boob Tube Babble}

2012-01-06T07:50:00.000-05:00

I somehow managed to get sucked into a whole lot of TV over the month of December. I would occasionally stream shows on Netflix but they had nothing new. We got our cable installed...but I wouldn't allow myself to watch shows until I catch up on this season and what I've missed! So... I did what anyone would do. I got Hulu Plus and have been streaming everything. Glee, Modern Family, Raising Hope.... I'm almost all caught up!

I'm also pretty thrilled about Jersey Shore being back... but guess what... I fell asleep at like 9:50 last night! On the couch! Jersey Shore was blaring. So needless to say I missed the season premiere. I'm sure I'll catch it in the many reruns that are on the way!

New Shows That I Never Watched Before:
I started watching Parks & Rec...and I just couldn't STOP. I had never given that show a real chance before, but it is seriously my favorite show. I just laugh and laugh. My favorite episode was from last season, "The Fight."

Basically they're just wasted. I was in tears. If you don't watch the show you might not think it's that hysterical... but when Amy Poehler plays a drunk person... I get in hysterics. She makes me laugh!

Another show that I started watching on Netflix and finished with the current episodes on Hulu was Parenthood. Holy moly. How have I not seen this show before? I adore it! It's cute and funny sometimes but just great. I know I'm way behind as this is its third season, but I'm all caught up! I actually got to see the latest episode this week on real TV and not on Netflix or Hulu! ;)

The first two seasons were on Netflix and I watched the rest on Hulu...just in case you want to give it a go!

We also started watching Up All Night. I really liked the first two episodes! Is this a show I should keep watching?

{January Sponsor Love}

2012-01-05T08:06:00.000-05:00

Interested in seeing your blog or business here?
Taking February Sponsors now!
Email Krystal@Krystalskitsch.com

Use code KRYSTAL for 10% off at Infinity Line!

Use code HAPPYHOLIDAYS15 & get 15% off at Carissa's Silver Lining!

Use Code "KRYSTAL20" for 20% off to Earth Cookie!

Coming up:

Get to know Carissa and her ETSY shop
A giveaway with Wolf & the Fox
& get introduced to Infinity Line Candles!

Getting Organized in the New Year {Pinterest Style}

2012-01-04T07:56:00.002-05:00

I thought I'd share some tips and organizational sites I have seen on Pinterest this week. Let's get motivated for a great 2012! :)

Source: iheartorganizing.blogspot.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Organizational Site with tips!

Source: organizingmadefun.blogspot.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Source: organizing.yourway.net via Krystal on Pinterest

10 ways to stay organized every day!

Source: classyclutter.blogspot.com via Krystal on Pinterest

This makes it look so easy!

This is also a good month to challenge yourself...whether it be for fitness or fun...

Source: womenshealthmag.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Put $1 in the jar every time you work out. Set a goal for yourself!

Source: tricianaeblog.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Side Note: I'd love to get through some of my old scrapbook paper by using it this way... I think this could be a weekend project:

Source: twogirlsbeingcrafty.blogspot.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Coasters made from scrapbook paper and ceramic tile

Goals {Things to do in 2012}

2012-01-03T08:15:00.002-05:00

In true procrastinator style, I waited a little bit to make my full & complete goal list for the year. A few weeks ago, I made an abbreviated list. There are now many things to add to it!

Source: someecards.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Walk 4 times a week.
~~Join a women's social & volunteer organization.~~ Done.
Stick to meal planning. I have a full year membership to E-Mealz to keep me on track with budgeting for groceries and for planning.
Take classes for fun--art, dance, writing, computers. Anything.
Continue to journal and finish my Gadanke journals.
Order our wedding album.
Start & Finish both college and wedding scrapbooks.
Read all the unread books on my bookshelf. I keep buying -- but not reading.
Digitize all our old family photos.
Plan a vacation.

{Edited to Add}

No fast food in the odd months (Jan, March, etc.). I don't eat fast food that often since I cook a lot to save money, but there are times I crack. I'd like to be able to say that I went several months without eating anything from a drive thru window.
~~Update my iPhone~~ I have been meaning to update and sync my iPhone for months. I finally bit the bullet and did it! I just hated having the idea of not being able to use my phone for an extended period of time and the scare that it might delete everything on my phone. Some of my friends lost everything in the upgrade! It was a success though. :)
~~Keep up with my personal email.~~ When I wrote this, I had 1,000 emails in my inbox. All read of course... just not always replied to or deleted. I went through last night and took two hours to get down to 300 emails! That's awesome. Most of those emails are things I'm saving... papers I wrote in grad school, cell phone pictures, the first emails when my husband and I met... those are cheesy. I should re-read them to him. ;)
Blog 366 times this year {it's a leap year!}
Watch 30 movies from my Netflix queue
Add 30 movies to my Netflix queue
No more than one soda a day and not every day
Go to 2 spring training games
Go to 5 Rays games
Watch the sunrise on the other coast
Read 48 books
See a play
Cut down on the beer -- like way, way down.
Eat more vegetables daily. This will be hard as I only really like broccoli...and corn...which isn't that good for you. Can I eat broccoli every day?
Take two vacations--even if they are "mini" weekend trips
Send 100 Postcrossing cards
Complete 50 swaps on Swap-Bot
Open an ETSY shop
Organize my postcard collection
Start a record collection
Continue with Project 365 {I just use my phone to take silly pictures to remember what I'm doing that day. Jen gifted me the Project 365 Pro app for my phone. Here's a look at my November and December!}

---

I've also done this survey every year since I've started blogging. You can see the 2010 and the 2011 versions here and here.

2012

One thing I will learn: To accept my body for its strengths and weaknesses. I've had a piss-poor body image ever since I moved. I don't know why. I just FEEL huge. I know that I am not gigantic, but I am not what I used to be. Heck, I'm not even what I weighed at my wedding and that was barely a year ago. I need to just stay active and eat right and try not to focus on the numbers.

One place I will go: The east coast of Florida. I want to watch the sunrise from a beach there, I want to visit St. Augustine, & I want to see Key Biscayne. It's supposed to be beautiful.

One physical habit I will break: Giving up before even trying. I wake up early every morning to work out, but each day I somehow talk myself out of it. I have to do the dishes, take out the trash, read this book, etc. and so forth. I'm always looking for something else to do.

One physical habit I will cultivate: Regular dog walking and human walking. Convincing the husband to take walks with us.

One mental habit I will break: Over analyzing things. Just be.

One relationship I’ll repair: I would love to get back to being close with my girlfriends from back home. Since I moved, it's been a struggle. I don't always call or text back. I don't know why.

One work habit I will change: Stay on top of emails. I have a bad habit of reading an email and not replying for a week. I end up getting caught up in another project. Read email and reply IMMEDIATELY.

One thing I’ll throw out: I will do a super makeup clean out. Does one really need three aqua eyeshadows?

A second thing I’ll throw out: I need to do a tank top/t-shirt clean out. I have two drawers filled to the brim with tanks and shirts. I can only wear so many in a YEAR ... no need for 876 tank tops.

One thing I’ll eat more often: Vegetables.

One thing I’ll eat less: Fast food.

One thing I’ll drink more: Water, water and more water.

One thing I’ll drink less: Beer.

One resentment I’ll get over: I do not really have any resentments that need to be addressed.

One person I’ll treat more respectfully: My husband. I try to respect him but I think sometimes I don't always show my appreciate for what he does.

One thing I’ll spend less money on: Beer. Fast food. Nights out.

One other change I’ll make in my finances: I should actually use that savings account.

One thing I’ll spend less time doing: Complaining. This might be a tough one.

And a thing I’ll spend more time doing: Walking the dogs. Reading. Writing. Taking pictures.

---

Source: meetjopeblack.tumblr.com via Krystal on Pinterest

I have a pretty good feeling that 2012 is going to be unlike any other year that I've lived. It's going to be full of change and... adventure?

Source: sugarsnap.tumblr.com via Krystal on Pinterest

I know that I won't be perfect this year, but at least I wrote out everything that I'm wanting to do. It could be helpful. Reading everyone else's goals and resolutions always inspires me... especially the recaps when people actually complete their goals. It's like... I can do this. There is no one holding me back but myself. :)

This reminds me... I still have November and December goals to update on! I'll let you know how I stand later this week. :) I might even make some goals for January. Small, attainable things. Completing smaller goals always makes it seem easier to finish the big ones.

2011 Instagram Style

2012-01-02T07:40:00.001-05:00

{Kamikaze, our engagement photo book, lots of beers, meeting Denali, more beers, our vacation to the Keys, more beers, trips to Boston and Hartford, more beers, Skylar Grey, baseball, more beers, I graduated (!), happy hours, moving, good food, new jobs, zombiecon, and finishing it off with some more dog love.}

2011 Rewind

2012-01-01T11:00:00.001-05:00

No better way to begin the new year than to think back about the crazy year that just ended. Crazy is an understatement for this past year. Epic? Monumental? Insane? I'm not sure. I do know that 2012 is going to be legendary! ;)

January
We rang in 2011 at our favorite local beer bar. An open bar where you poured your own drinks! ;)

I had my bridal shower at The Columbia in Ybor City. I love this place. I loved this day! We had my bridal shower and my bachelorette party the same day. We stayed in Ybor City and had a blast.

Oh yes. I made my girls all dress up like guidettes. Trashy Jersey Shore style party complete!

February
Um, we got married. We went on our honeymoon. It was a BLUR of a month.

If you're just tuning in - we got married at Sand Key Beach {near Clearwater}.

7 Day Cruise to Costa Maya, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Roatan. This was in Honduras.

Oh - and I got a tattoo.

But... wait. Our wedding was also filmed for a reality show but that didn't air until much later...

March

Just getting settled in as newlyweds... we decided to adopt Denali! He was a 5 year old Chow who was abandoned at a kill shelter. We rescued him from a great organization. He has been a part of the family ever since!

Kind of a sad sight at first. He's BEAUTIFUL now.

April
Celebrated a good friend's 30th birthday

Saw and met Steve-O. His standup was pretty good and he lit himself on fire.

Spent many days at the local tiki bar. The weather was great and dollar drinks were flowing!

Hit up one of many beer fests

Easter at the tiki bar! ;D

Oh... and I got up early to watch the Royal Wedding at a bar. Win.

Hello Jen!

May

Cinco de Mayo!

Beach Day!

Another beer fest! Yum!

Spent the day at the Tarpon Springs Spongedocks

Husband got a tattoo to "match" mine... same song, different lyrics.

June
They aired our episodes of Bridezillas. Hilarity ensues. Kind of. I was in Star Magazine. I felt cool. The show was hysterical. I hope y'all aren't still taking it seriously! ;D

I also started two new jobs -- one doing radio promotions and another working at the university. Both jobs were all right -- but I was left feeling unfulfilled. Who knew what would happen in the coming months?!

July

Took my first real business trip to Hartford. Convinced the husband to come along. We were totally lazy and enjoyed the free hotel room. I had to "work" a little bit, but it wasn't so bad.

Checked out the art museum

I was on local television... I wasn't nervous at all!

August
I got my Master's! Flippin' finally.

& the husband turned the big 31.

& best of all, we spent a week in the Florida Keys. Doing absolutely nothing. It was glorious.

September
My husband took a new job which meant we were going to be MOVING three hours away from Tampa to the Naples area. I was lucky enough to find a great gig doing nonprofit work for an art gallery. Awesomesauce. What a month it was though!

We took a quick weekend trip to Boston to catch the Rays and the Red Sox. It was AWESOME. Fenway ruled.

We also had to do the Sam Adams tour.

Stopped by Fashion Night Out at International Plaza in Tampa.

Champagne while shopping... always a fan!

October
We walked around like zombies and I settled into our new house and my new job.

November
We had a low key Thanksgiving, unpacked our new house, took pictures for our holiday card, and explored our new neighborhood.

December
We celebrated my birthday at a Hanson concert and did Christmas right!

Made a wish at a winter solstice festival

2011 was quite epic but 2012 is sure to be... legend... wait for it... and I hope you're not lactose intolerant because the second half of that word is.... dairy!

What are you doing on New Year's Eve?

2011-12-31T07:57:00.003-05:00

What are you doing on New Year's Eve?

{This is adorbs. If you haven't watched it yet, you need to!}

I thought I had it all figured out. I had the sparkly dress and the hotel room. Plans with friends. Things didn't work out. Husband has to work later than expected and who wants to rush to make it to check into a hotel before midnight? {We'd have to drive almost two hours to get there.} The cancellation fee was the same price as the room. Do you what's fun? Getting paid to stay in a room that you can't use. We are trying to find someone to use it so it doesn't go to waste, but in cancelling the room... I was charged earlier than expected {i.e., I got paid today and not yesterday when they ran my card.} It set off a pretty big financial windfall that feels impossible to recover from. It's certainly not a good way to begin the year.

I work for a non-profit. I *love* my job. I have never been happier. My commute is 5 minutes. I enjoy the people I work with and the tasks that I complete. However, I have my Master's degree and I'm sure you know non-profits don't exactly pay a lot. Those loans will have to start being paid off soon (like... this month), and my salary just doesn't have that much wiggle room to even begin to think about paying off my educational debt. Where do I go from here? As the new year begins, it's really hard to feel the positivity that it will hopefully bring.

I'm certainly blessed to have a job--especially one that isn't terrible. I've had a lot of awful jobs in the past and took the hit to my salary to be happy. However, happiness can only go so far when you're struggling to make everything work. If just one unexpected charge through my bank account throws it into turmoil, things aren't as rosy as I would have hoped by now.

I always say... well I'll be back on track next month. And, next month rolls around and something else happens.

I never post anything that is slightly negative on here, but I had to type it all out. Maybe you will understand. Or have advice. Maybe it really will get better next year, next month. Maybe even next week. Maybe things will straighten themselves out.

People make do on much less than what I have, so I do realize how lucky I am. There are times though when I want to get ahead and not just get by.

---

Google recently released their “Zeitgeist 2011: How the World Searched” and the video was set to Mat Kearney’s [who I love] “Sooner or Later.”

It's been one hell of a year. Maybe I should just remember I have everything that I could ever want and things aren't that bad. :-) I mean, I did splurge on some lobster tails and steak for dinner tonight. I have a bottle of pink moscato bubbly chilling. So... it's not my fancy New Year's out and about, but at least we will be together. There's something to be said about that.

2011 Books

2011-12-30T07:20:00.005-05:00

I didn't read as much as I would've liked to this year -- but I definitely read more than last! With planning a wedding, graduate school, and general laziness... I'd say that this year wasn't so bad!

I'm about to finish Mindy Kaling's book. Hilarious, fun, easy read. I love books like that. :)

Source: scribd.com via Krystal on Pinterest

2011 Books
{In order of most recently finished}

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? -- Kaling, Mindy
{Great. Read it. Now.}

Zipper Mouth -- Weeks, Laurie
{A little weird but it's beautifully written.}

Lies that Chelsea Handler Told Me -- Handler, Chelsea
{Required reading. Hilarious and silly.}

The 10 Women You'll Be Before You're 35 -- James, Alison

Source: goodreads.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Cute. Would be a great gift book for someone graduating high school, starting college, etc.

Fifth Avenue, 5:00 AM: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and The Dawn of the Modern Woman -- Wasson, Sam
{Bought it for a flight. Was good, lots of history of the movie and Audrey. You all know she's a call girl in Breakfast at Tiffany's... right?}

I'm Kind of a Big Deal: And Other Delusions of Adequacy -- Wilder-Taylor, Stefanie
{Love her stuff.}

It Looked Different on the Model: Epic Tales of Impending Shame and Infamy -- Notaro, Laurie
{Laurie is one of my favorite authors. I had to like this book.}

The Happiness Project -- Rubin, Gretchen
{Sort of life changing. Read this on vacation in the Florida Keys. Have used her suggestions and wisdom to kind of change my attitude and life. I have gone back through and read it again.}

Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings -- Perry, Tyler
{Just good fun.}

Sliding Into Home -- Wilkinson, Kendra
{Couldn't resist.}

Never Hit a Jellyfish With a Spade: How to Survive Life's Smaller Challenges -- Browning, Guy
{silly.}

Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary -- Sedaris, David
{Holy ridiculous. Hard to get through but finished.}

Badass: A Hard-Earned Guide to Living Life with Style and (the Right) Attitude -- Doherty, Shannen
{She makes me laugh. This was so cliche and silly... BUT it got me into reading inspirational nonfiction type books.}

Best Friends Forever -- Weiner, Jennifer
{Yuck.}

Babyville -- Green, Jane
{Double yuck.}

Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination -- Fielding, Helen
{Adorable.}

Marley & Me: Life and Love with the Worlds Worst Dog -- Grogan, John
{I cried.}

The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels -- Drummond, Ree

Source: thepioneerwoman.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Not as good as everyone swears... but a cute, easy, chick book.

In Her Shoes -- Weiner, Jennifer
{Just okay.}

Whiter Shades of Pale: The Stuff White People Like, Coast to Coast, from Seattle's Sweaters to Maine's Microbrews
{Hilarious!}

L.A. Candy (L.A. Candy, #1) -- Conrad, Lauren
{Quick read.}

Sweet Little Lies (L.A. Candy, #2) --Conrad, Lauren
{Actually entertaining.}

Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang -- Handler, Chelsea
{Silly.}

Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage -- Gilbert, Elizabeth

I can't forget reading this one. I took it with me on our honeymoon and read it on the beach in Honduras. I finished it on the balcony of our room. It was a great read -- especially since it's about the institution of marriage.

It was also the first book I read of the year (February 2011)... the first book I had really allowed myself to read besides grad school work!

Source: elizabethgilbert.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Add it to your list.

Grand Total: 24 books. Really? That's all? I'm a little shocked at how low that number is. I felt like I always had a book handy.... I guess I just thumbed through them slowly.

My 2012 Goal: Let's double it. 48 books. I can do it.

Books To Read in 2012:

Besides the ever growing collection of books on my shelves from Paperback Swap or Goodwill, I have a few books that I pinned to add to my collection:

Source: suzanne-morrison.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Source: wakefieldpress.com via Krystal on Pinterest

The description drew me in: "The shockingly filthy, outrageously parodic etiquette manual from the greatest French writer of erotica."

Source: femailcreations.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Love books like these :)

Source: blondeundercoverblonde.com via Krystal on Pinterest

A suggestion from our very own Heather!

Source: agirlsblogworld.blogspot.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Source: barnesandnoble.com via Krystal on Pinterest

Yes. I still need to read this!

And -- if you ever get stuck and don't know what to read next -- try this list:

Source: listology.com via Krystal on Pinterest

A huge list that is separated by century. Insightful. Lots of choices and genres.

Linking up with Heather:

I figured this counted as a super Book Club Friday post! ;)

Winter Solstice Celebration

2011-12-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, I purchased a Groupon to visit the local botanical gardens during their Winter Solstice celebration. It made for a simple date night and it was just the kind of low key we needed before the craziness of Christmas began.

Side Note: It was HOT. Humid. I'm seriously thinking it was 80 degrees. At Night. We stayed for about an hour and enjoyed some free cocoa, but the entire experience might have been a little better if Florida's weather had cooperated and given us some chilly breezes!

All the pathways of the gardens were illuminated with tiki torches and Christmas lights.

The sky is so beautiful here. Just at sunset.

There was a station to make wish sticks to toss into the bonfire.

You wrote a wish, wrapped it around a stick, and used these colorful ties to symbolize what you're wishing for.

We didn't tell each other what we were wishing for, but he used "peace and stability" as his colorful tie. If my wish came true... there would be NO peace or stability...LOL. I'm curious what he wished for?

My stick ready to go. Love, energy, happiness, joy and health.

Nothing like a bonfire in humid 80 degree weather.

Bombs away!

And -- on the way out -- there was a terribly cheesy photo booth. I pretty much forced his participation. Who says no to a photo booth?!

I'm sure your local area has a botanical garden. Check it out and see if they have any fun events. I wouldn't have known about this place if it wasn't for Groupon (Hey, I am new to town!), but they have lots of events and concerts. It's kind of cool to hang out in a dark garden. :)