Think Priddy

BYE-BYE PRIDDY!

2011-12-21T13:53:00.000-08:00

Yes, you heard correctly… we’re saying goodbye to Think Priddy. I feel the need to simplify my life, so I’m welcoming 2012 with a new blog name. It will be easy to remember because it’s simply my name ‘christinerojas’. I’m thrilled to go back to basics. Having a blog theme was fun and all but I want to take a more intimate approach. Let’s get personal!

http://christinerojas.blogspot.com/

I hope you will all follow me to our new home!

2011-12-16T07:58:00.000-08:00

8 days til…

Rethink Christmas: An Advent Conspiracy

2011-12-08T07:14:00.000-08:00

Today’s priddy film has an important message: Spend less, Give more...

Every year I gravitate towards more and more handmade gifts. I love how uniquely personal they can be! Each one being made specifically for a special someone in your life. What a wonderful way to celebrate your love for them. I’m so excited to share the finished products with you guys! I encourage everyone to share this video and alter your spending habits to help benefit those less fortunate.

Happy Holidays! XO.

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

2011-12-07T13:32:00.000-08:00

The last couple of days have looked a lot like this…

Christmas tree decorating, Christmas card writing, Lots and lot of hot cocoa with extra marshmallows, Little Santas watching Elf, Decorating Christmas cookies, Candy cane kisses, Peppermint ice cream, Wrapping presents!

My favorite Christmas tradition is taking the little ones to the dollar store to do their shopping. They pick out gifts for mommy, daddy, grandma and anyone else they want to surprise. It’s the cutest thing! They choose the funniest gifts. I think last year Mariah bought her mom a ‘Congratulations on your confirmation’ card. hahaha It’s a great way for them to learn about giving. In fact, they use the money they’ve saved year round (but shhh… we secretly put it back in their piggy banks).

What’s your favorite holiday tradition?

CHRISTMAS WISH LIST!

2011-12-05T06:47:00.000-08:00

A priddy wish list for this holiday season…

priddy chalkboard mug.

priddy record player.

priddy she & him record.

priddy lovely red dress.

priddy dream lace-up boots.

the priddiest iphone case.

& a priddy winter sweater.

Be sure to leave a link to your Christmas list in my comments. I’d love to see them! :)

XO.

* HUGS & CANDY CANE KISSES *

2011-12-02T06:19:00.000-08:00

Last night Mariah’s elementary school hosted a Christmas party. It was the cutest thing! They had train rides, hot chocolate, reindeer food… we decorated Christmas cookies and ornaments, wrote letters to the North Pole and even got to meet Santa! I love having a school age niece. So many missed memories brought back to life :)

The last photo is my bedroom dressed in lights! I love how cozy it feels this time of year. And yes, my Mariah wants Justin Bieber for Christmas… crazy girl! What are you or your kiddos asking Santa for this year??

CHECKING IN...

2011-11-29T06:42:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for the well wishes this weekend! The move went smoothly and I’m already feeling at home. The holidays seem to be a good time to move... Everyone’s spirits are up and the days are full of things to do! On that note, I’ll be taking a little blog break. My schedule is jam packed and I want to stay mentally focused. In fact, tomorrow I’ll be attending a showing of Dralion, a Cirque du Soleil show!! Have you ever been to a performance? Which one was your favorite? I’ve seen so many it’s hard to count.

ta ta for now!

BEING THANKFUL

2011-11-22T10:03:00.000-08:00

November is a special month for me. I spend a lot of time writing gratitude lists and thanking others. This year I decided to incorporate one of my 23 before 24 list goals…

Write a letter to someone I admire.

I selected a few very important people and wrote them thank you notes. These astounding individuals are a true inspiration! I look up to them for numerous reasons but most of all for their faithful and courageous mindsets. No matter what is thrown their way… they trust God has it covered. It’s that kind of attitude that so many of us are lacking. I am grateful for the company I keep.

What do you admire about others? Have you told them lately how much you appreciate them? Being thankful is such a wonderful feeling that definitely deserves to be shared. xo, christine

CONFESSION:

2011-11-18T08:56:00.000-08:00

I like the Twilight series. there, i said it.

I know the acting isn’t incredible but I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… watching a book come to life is enchanting. I, unlike most, appreciate the way the story has to be modified in order to become a film. You have to give them credit; fitting a novel into a 90 minute motion picture can’t be easy (certain details will be left out). I personally think the midnight showings are a blast! I love being in a theater surrounded by passionate fans. Twilight and Harry Potter premiers are intense and that’s exactly how I like them! I am thankful for these books/movies because it’s very rare my sisters and I are fond of the same thing. It’s sort of become a tradition of ours to attend Twilight showings. Breaking Dawn is my favorite so far :)

With that being said, not everyone enjoys the same things. I think it’s terrible the way people look down on the likes of others. What a waste of perfectly good energy. I don’t mean to sound preachy but when I was younger I felt like an outcast. My classmates were constantly belittling the things I loved... Power Rangers, Winnie the Pooh, Teletubbies haha! I will admit I’m not your average girl. I guess I tried hanging onto my childhood a little longer than most. Eventually I felt forced to change. I threw away everything kid-like in hopes of trying to fit in. But the thing is… I never really did fit in. I spent so much time attempting to be someone I wasn’t that I lost myself. Being a kid can be rough! It has taken me a very long time to recognize who I am and what I like (though it may be different from others). I encourage you all to keep a positive attitude and avoid discrimination.

"Show acceptance to everyone, not to just those who are like you."

Have you ever felt self-conscious about your interests? I’d love to hear some of your experiences.

Have a safe and happy weekend! ♥ Christine

A Little Announcement

2011-11-15T09:09:00.000-08:00

My dear readers,
November is a very special month for me. It reminds me more than ever to give thanks for all the blessings in my life. You my friends, are a huge blessing! For a long time I struggled with sharing my personal life with others. I was a closed book and never let anyone in. I’m thankful for this blog because it’s not only a creative outlet but it has pushed me to be more open about sharing my feelings. I love that I no longer have to keep everything bottled up inside. I consider you all my friends and I am thankful for your support and constant encouragement! :) As for my little announcement…

The decision to leave my home of over 10 years was not an easy one. I’ve been weighing the pros and cons for weeks now. But because my current living arrangements are no longer good for my health, I am in desperate need of a change in environment. Life is about moving forward and I believe my new home will benefit me mentally, physically and financially. This move is bittersweet in more ways than one but I will do my best to stay positive! Have you ever had to move because it was what’s best for you? How did you cope with the concept of change?

all my love, Christine

DONUT BIRTHDAY PARTY!

2011-11-11T13:04:00.000-08:00

This morning we setup a breakfast surprise for the birthday girl. A donut party! Mariah was thrilled and we all agreed it was the perfect way to start the day!

Her gifts included a lalaloopsy doll, Justin Bieber toothbrush and Justin Bieber backpack! This 6 year old loves Justin Bieber! She quickly emptied her Dora bag and took the new backpack to school lol. She is growing up wayyyy too fast! In fact just yesterday she lost her very first tooth!

The tooth fairy was very kind to her. hehe :)

XO, christine

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARIAH!

2011-11-11T06:37:00.000-08:00

Today my darling, baby girl turns 6 years old! I can hardly believe it. She’s the sweetest little thing. Always offering to help or share with others. I hope my future children are as kind-hearted as my Mariah. Here are a few special photos of her first 5 years…

Happy Birthday, Mariah!
we all love you so very much ♥

PRIDDY LITTLE THINGS…

2011-11-08T08:59:00.000-08:00

Do you shop on Etsy? It’s one of my favorite sites. I can spend hours searching through all the priddy, vintage treasures. My mom and I even have a store of our own: ThinkPriddy. If you have one too please leave a link in the comments, I'd love to see it! Because I can't always purchase everything I want, I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite finds…

1. Priddy Retro Gift Wrapping - isn't it precious?!

2. Priddy Mod Stewardess Dress - yeah baby, yeah...

3. Priddy Toast Crochet Coasters - yummy!

4. Priddy Puppy Squeak Toy - ahh, sooo adorable!

5. Priddy Big Eyed Deer - perfect as can be.

6. Priddy Pyrex Dishes - to fill my dream kitchen

What are some of your favorite vintage items?

Eat, Drink and be Scary.

2011-11-07T08:26:00.000-08:00

Hi there! I didn't realize how busy I would be upon returning from vacation. But I'm finally back on my regular schedule (thanks to the recent time change). While away, my cousins and I came across a lot of hit and miss situations. So I decided to put together a little a guide for those of you considering visiting Vegas during Halloween.

Here's what we learned...

1. Don't bother buying tickets to any main events unless you plan on reserving a VIP section. The clubs get entirely too packed and I myself need room to breathe.

extra plus: the VIP tickets will also let you bypass the long lines.

2. Bring multiple costumes! It’s more fun that way :)

3. If you are with a big group skip splitting up into many taxis and upgrade to limo service. This makes rides to further destinations way more fun! and you can bargain down the price..

4. Downtown goes all out for Halloween while there were very few people dressed up on the main strip. Weird, I know! But I promise it's worth the drive.

5. Buy pizza before you go out for the night. That way when you return at 4 am there's a yummy snack waiting for you. I feel like I ate pizza breakfast, lunch and dinner all weekend long.

6. Make sure to set aside time to visit some of the pricier restaurants. We ate sushi Saturday night and had brunch the following day at Mesa Grill. Mmmm... I'm still craving Bobby Flay's mango glazed bacon!

7. My feet were killing me by the end of the trip and I didn't even wear heels. I definitely recommend leaving uncomfortable shoes at home. You can thank me later.

This was my first time flying alone and I was scared out of my mind! By the time I had to depart home I felt like a pro. No more fear of flying solo... I'm a big girl now :) I also overcame my somewhat fear of riding in a cab alone. It's something I had never tried until then so I was a little unsure. Turns out it’s super simple and beats riding the bus. We didn't end up going to the haunted ghost town but we did watch a million scary movies! All those Halloween movies I said I'd never watch... well I watched them... with my eyes OPEN! And I haven't had a single nightmare since. Take that Michael Myers!!

I loved vacationing with my cousins. They mean so much to me and I am thankful for the experience. I hope you all had fun & spooky Halloween! I'm jealous I didn't get to go trick-or-treating this year. But will definitely make up for it next year.

XO, christine

PRIDDY FILM

2011-11-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

Running low on time today so you get another beautiful film…

Have you seen Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind? It's one of my favorites!

PRIDDY FILM

2011-11-03T08:40:00.000-07:00

I’m posting this because it’s so jaw dropping good!
XO. be back tomorrow with my Halloween recap... so happy to be home!

EVERYDAY IS HALLOWEEN.

2011-10-28T09:13:00.000-07:00

Today is the day! I’m doing my best to stay anxiety free and enjoy the excitement of my Vegas vacation. My bags are finally packed, boarding pass printed and bank account full, hehe. I hope you all have a wonderful Halloween!! I can’t wait to read all about it when I return.

ps. I’ve somehow been talked into visiting a haunted ghost town. eeek… Wish me luck!

WHAT’S IN MY BAG.

2011-10-27T10:11:00.000-07:00

It’s that time again… I leave for Vegas tomorrow night and have yet to pack my bags! I haven’t gotten any better at timing (obviously) but here is what I’m packing in my suitcase…

Huggies travel pack wipes (these work great as a make-up remover), Johnson & Johnson baby powder (for my Edward Scissorhands costume look), Clean & Clear morning burst scrub, Skintimate shaving cream, Q-tips and Eylure pre-glued ready to wear lashes (I’m so excited about these because they're supposed to be easy to apply. I have trouble with the ones you glue yourself.)

We can’t forget the costumes, it's Halloween weekend after all! Edward wig + Scissorhands (I’m not too fond of the quality but they’re lightweight and comfortable), teddy bear ears, clown nose- because who goes anywhere without one?, Jason Voorhees Hockey Mask... eek!, F21 Black night sky nail polish and extra paint brushes for applying costume make-up.

This vacation is a huge deal for me because it’s my first time flying solo. It’s quite intimidating not knowing where to go or what to do. So if anyone has any tips to ease flight anxiety, please share!!

PRIDDY FILM

2011-10-26T10:23:00.000-07:00

i enjoy watching ' Vincent' every year near Halloween...
do you have any favorite-spooky videos?

YOU'RE INVITED!

2011-10-25T05:52:00.000-07:00

Saturday Amanda and I took a day trip to San Antonio. Her brother was having a Holla-ween party and we wanted to meet the rest of the group going to Vegas. The decorations were so creative! I thought I’d share a few photos…

Eeek! How did you spend your weekend? Do you have your costume picked out yet? Do tell...

Write yourself a love letter.

2011-10-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

Most of you know I’ve been on journey of self acceptance… learning how to love me for ME.

Around this time last year I entered relationship with myself. A happy, healthy & exclusive kind of loving bond I’d never known before. Through this experience I taught myself how to be content on my own and accept my personality. It’s important to be proud of who you are as an individual. I used to rely on others way too much. The opinions of strangers mattered more than those of my own. But things are finally beginning to change. As a part of this process I started writing love letters to myself. The way any admirer would write to their lover. I included compliments, encouragement, the future and a little about the past. It may sound silly but the end result is remarkably freeing! and I’ve never been happier.

Dear Christine,
It's a funny thing, you and me. We've spent our entire life together yet we were never that close. It wasn't until this time last year that I truly pursued our relationship. To be honest, I never liked you much. I'd spend my time ignoring you when my heart was heavy. But that was hurtful and unhealthy. We are 23 years old now.

{My original inspiration came from Roni at remember your siesta. love her!}

I say better now, than never...

I admire your idealist personality. Even if that means having to dry buckets of tears. I love your awkward-introverted ways and how you’ve found friendship with pen/paper. The way you’ve learned to step outside your comfort zone to share on this blog. I adore your love for scrapbooking and other unique hobbies. Even if that means not being able to follow a football game. But most of all I admire the love you have for your family. Because without them we’d be lost.

I'm proud of us. Of how far we've come in merely a single year!
I simply can’t imagine adding another to our little duo. So until then, let's keep watching romantic comedies, going on dinner dates, taking afternoon naps and sharing this time we have together.

xoxo.

CONFESSION:

2011-10-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

I am afraid of the dark. there, i said it.

As an adult I've had to get used to being alone in a big empty house. The creeks in the walls, murmurs of the ac unit and not to mention the voices outside my window. My imagination loves nights like these. It runs wild creating spooky settings complete with alien, ghost and home invaders. Oh my!

As a child I never found enjoyment in shows like Are you afraid of the dark? or Goosebumps (although I did read all the books). Tv just seems too real and up-close for my taste. However, as a first grader I discovered my love for Tim Burton while watching the Nightmare Before Christmas. I watched it about fifty times that year. Yes, I know Tim Burton films are dark and eerie. But even as a 7 year old I was mesmerized by how magical this film was. How romantic yet strange the characters were. It gave them life… and me a sense of belonging. Every Burton film since has lived up to my expectations 100%.

In junior high everyone was all about the haunted houses. Me, I never fancied them but because my friends enjoyed it so much I tagged along. The funny thing is - I never once opened my eyes. In fact I would usually sandwich myself between two people so I would be able to follow the path with my eyes glued shut. Still, it was a nerve wrecking experience to be chased by a roaring chainsaw while voices whispered in my ear "look at me". You people and your pretend haunted houses are nuts!!! How can anyone take pleasure in being scared stiff? I'm 23 and can proudly say I'll never set foot in one of those places ever again.

I think it was high school when my friends decided to switch it up a bit and start watching scary movies instead. Once again I tagged along attempting to be "part of the group". I've seen it all... The Ring, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, White Noise, The Grudge. Basically if it came out while I was in high school, I've seen it. Since this a confession post I have something to confess... While watching Amityville Horror (the remake) a friend and I went running scared out of the theater. there, i said it.

As for clown movies... no I have not watched them and NO I never will. Same goes for all the original horror films made before I was born. No Exorcist, Halloween, Poltergeist, Friday the 13th... no way, no how will I everrr watch those frightening films!

All in all I blame my fear of the dark on my brief introduction to the scary movie genre and the News (if that's not scary, I don't know what is).

ps. Thriller films don't count! Movies like Se7en, No Country for Old Men, and Fight Club are actually favorites of mine. Their wit doesn't compare to a film shot up the nostrils while running through a secluded forest at night.

SCRAPBOOK PEEK:

2011-10-18T07:58:00.000-07:00

Scrapbooking is one of my favorite hobbies. It’s creative, personal and the finished product is nothing less than memorable. Because it’s such a big part of my life I’ve decided to start sharing past scrapbook pages. I’ll post a ‘peek’ every now and again to look back on where I was and to hopefully inspire some of you. So without further ado… October 2009 Pumpkin Carving

my Jack Skellington jack-o'-lantern was such a fun carving!

here is the link for the free pattern.

XO. christine

BITS + PIECES.

2011-10-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

bits + pieces. weekend edition

{This weekend I was able to check tons off my Autumn Checklist. Have you carved a pumpkin this fall? Send me your links; I’d love to see them!}

photo one: visiting the pumpkin patch

photo two: more pumpkins!

photo three: making caramel apples

photo four: mr. Oogie Boogie man jack-o'-lantern

photo five: orange trees at Froberg's Farm

photo six, seven & eight: hay rides with the kiddos

photo nine: mini pumpkins

photo ten: pumpkin spice latte

HAPPY FRIDAY!

2011-10-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

I was hoping to dye my hair bright red this fall but it simply wasn’t in my budget. So instead, I added an auburn tint to compliment my pale skin. What do you guys think??

ps. I love sailboats!