Today I am thankful. I
am thankful for all the wonderful people in my life amongst many
other things. Everyday I wake up and am thankful to have another day. Another day to spend with people I love, doing activities I love, and doing a job that I love. Sometimes it is easy to forget how truly lucky you are when the daily tasks can cloud our hearts and mind, but today, today I am thankful. Thankful for all the wonderful things God has given me and continues to give me with each passing day. Today I am spending my Thanksgiving with my family and eating food that is meaningful to us. Holidays are a time where we get to remember loved ones that have enriched our lives, create new memories with loved ones and help carry on family traditions. One of my favorite family tradition is our big family euchre tournament. Cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents participate and our tournaments are known to go into the late hours. No matter what comes our way, life is all about the people we love most in this world and cherishing the time we have with them. My life would not be complete if it wasn't for my family, friends and my boyfriend. They make me a better person and fill my life with joy.
Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy this special day with loved ones.
What are you thankful for today? What are some of your families traditions?
Today is "Ash Wednesday" which is also the first official day of Lent. Every year since I was little, I would try to "give" up a few things and some years I would be successful whereas other years I would "cheat" here and there. This year I am taking Lent with a different approach. Rather than giving up things on a temporary basis, I am approaching this holiday as a way to cleanse myself of some bad habits that need a good kick in the butt.
Jessica and bad habits? Yes it is true, I have some very bad habits that I need to break/fix. I thought by me blogging about them and sharing them with my readers will empower me to A. not cheat and B. take this seriously. So here they are.
1. Chocolate. I am giving up chocolate for Lent. All types of chocolate. White chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and Nutella (yes it deserves it's own category).
The reasons I am giving up chocolate are:
I happen to have a huge sweet tooth. Dessert is my favorite food group and it is nearly impossible for me to every pass up anything with chocolate, ever. Just ask my brother and father. Anytime a dessert is ordered at a restaurant, I am immediately consulted on what to order (since I am almost always the only one that wants dessert all the time and rarely pass up opportunities to have it), but whenever I do eat dessert, I scarf it down leaving not a spot of evidence dessert was even served. My mom and my sister also love dessert and usually help eat whatever I ordered. I also grew up in a household that had sweets in it all the time since we wanted to "fatten up" my brother any way we could. (he had the fastest metabolism and could eat anything and everything without gaining a pound!)
My dad does not have much of a sweet tooth and rarely eats desserts or candies. So my bad habit is partly due to my mom, since she has a sweet tooth herself and inherently passed her sweet tooth to her daughters (thanks mom!).
I eat chocolate almost every day. I love Nutella and toast for breakfast. I constantly have peanut butter M&M's at my desk and my pantry at home always has some sort of cookies in it. The thing is, I think I am addicted to sweets, especially chocolate and it's time I tame this sweet tooth.
2. iPhone. My cell phone is my life and I know for a fact that I am addicted to it. Between Twitter, Facebook Alerts, Foursquare, Words with Friends, Pinterest, email accounts, and text messaging- I have a lot of distractions and things on my phone that keep my phone busy.
Lately, I have realized that my phone also exhausts me. Exhausts me in the sense that I am always juggling the things happening on my phone and what is going on right in front of me. Whether I am in a board meeting, having drinks/dinner with friends, or sitting at home with my boyfriend, I have the "urge" and almost "guilty" feeling to check my phone. I shouldn't have these feelings nor guilt. I need to be in the moment and not distracted or "addicted" to my phone. I need to learn how to not be "so accessible" every waking minute. Bethenny Frankel is my role model in this actually. She recently relaunched her Bethenny Ever After Show on Bravo on Monday and in her opening episode she talked about her phone and her new habit of not having her phone out when she is with others. She feels the exact same way I do and gets anxiety that she might be missing something or someone might be trying to get a hold of me that could be urgent. I know something urgent is unlikely to happen but I take comfort knowing that my phone is right next to me at all times in case I do miss an important call or something.
So starting now, I am going to have my phone in my purse when I am out with friends or others. My phone will not be on the kitchen table when I am eating dinner with my boyfriend. I will not be on my phone after 11pm, because I should be winding down or asleep not on Twitter or Words with Friends! I am going to be in the moment and not feel like I have to constantly check my phone or feel like I have to respond to a tweet or text as soon as it is received. It will be there when I check my phone and it is okay to take a few hours to respond.
3. Read Two Books. Unfortunately this is not a joke. My goal is to read two books start to finish by the time lent is over. The books are yet to be determined but as soon as I pick them, I will definitely let you know. Over the past year, I have purchased at least 5 books and have yet to pick any one of them up! This is one of my bad habits and a habit I need to fix.
The reason for this is because I love to read, but making time for myself to sit down and read a book NEVER happens. Remember when I blogged months and months ago about Eat Pray Love? Well I am still reading that book. I think I am finally half-way done with it. How sad is that? The time I try to read is at the very end of a day and I usually get through one to three pages before I am literally falling asleep while reading. This causes a problem in itself because I usually didn't comprehend what I read and have to re-read those three pages the next time I pick up the book (which could be days later). During the times I could read a book, I choose to do other things instead, like go on social media or watch something on TV. Not anymore because I have two books that I must start and finish by the time Lent is over. Let the reading begin!
As I start off on day #1 of Lent, I already know this is going to be tough for me. I know I am going to be tempted by delicious deserts at events I attend and I will try to rationalize with myself like ("Jess you may never get to try this particular dessert ever again or it's a special occasion and it would be "rude" to not eat the birthday dessert") when I know I cannot cheat. Reading is going to be especially challenging because I will be tempted to want to watch something on Netflix or TV or even on my phone instead of sitting down and reading. But I will not give in and I will not cheat. I want to be tempted and have these be challenges for myself since that is a big part of Lent. I also know that these are bad habits that I need to break and work on and I could not think of a better time to start.
So wish me luck and I will definitely keep you posted on my progress!
What are some of your bad habits? Have you tried every breaking any of them? Are you giving anything up for Lent? I would love to hear from you.
After giving a helping hand to Inspiration Corporation's Holiday Party last week Thursday, my colleagues and our significant others wanted to grab dinner before our all staff Holiday Party and my boss suggested that to keep the spirit of giving back for the holiday's, we should dine at one of Inspiration Corporation's restaurant's here in Chicago.
Inspiration Kitchens is what you call a Social Enterprise. According to SE Alliance, asocial enterprise is an organization or venture that achieves its primary social or environmental mission using business methods. Social enterprises apply business strategies to achieve philanthropic goals and can be structured as a for-profit or non-profit.
A lot of you may know of some more "well-known" social enterprises like Tom's Shoes, Bright Endeavors, Clean-Slate, amongst many more. These social enterprises are product driven where you buy a product and the proceeds support the philanthropic aspect of their work.
There are a lot of social enterprises in every city throughout the U.S. and by you making a point to find them is one step you can take to help make an impact. Supporting social enterprises helps your local community but also helps them continue doing their mission-driven work. It is like double karma for one good deed!!!
So what is Inspiration Kitchens? Inspiration Kitchens is a 13-week restaurant skills training program designed to provide students with the tools they need to secure and retain entry-level jobs in the food service industry. The intensive training focuses on basic culinary skills and concepts, following and taking direction, teamwork, food sanitation and safety, and restaurant service.
Inspiration Cafe, located in Uptown, and The Living Room Cafe in Woodlawn, serve meals in a restaurant-style setting and provide supportive services in a therapeutic community designed to help individuals on their journey toward self-sufficiency.
An employment specialist helps students develop job-readiness skills, and each student is tested to receive a City of Chicago food service sanitation management certificate. Trainees gain hands-on experience preparing and serving meals to the paying public at our Inspiration Kitchens–Uptown restaurant during the internship period of the program.
Uptown Inspiration Cafe
The internship gives students real-life work experience and, when successfully completed, a reference for future employers. Job placement assistance expedites their entry into employment, where students can immediately apply and develop their newly acquired skills. Finally, post-placement services ensure that graduates are meeting employers’ expectations, receiving assistance in dealing with conflicts, and accessing retention incentives such as education opportunities.
On top of giving back to the community by dining at Inspiration Cafe, the food was AMAZING!! We ate one of every dish (they are all small plates) and every dish we tried was fantastic! You would never know unless someone told you that the people who had prepared your food were once homeless. Powerful stuff right?
This is why I love about social enterprises such as these. They are helping individuals in their community in addition to producing jobs. Inspiration Corporation helps people get back onto their feet and provide services for them every step of the way. Who knew that dinning out could be so rewarding. I already cannot wait to dine at the restaurant again.
So my assignment for you is to see what social enterprises are in your local community and pick one that you will check out. Whether it is dining in at a restaurant, buying a product, or giving up some of your time. I think you will find that the experience will make an impression on you.
The holiday season is really a time for reflection of what you are thankful for in your life. The holiday season is also a time when people like to help those less fortunate. Being on the philanthropic team at Groupon, called The G-Team, we decided to spend our team holiday party not at a restaurant or bar, but giving back to those less fortunate.
Our holiday party was spent at Inspiration Corporation's Holiday Party where we all volunteered to help serve food to the people Inspiration Corporation serves in Chicago. Each one of us was assigned a dish to serve to the attendees. Unfortunately my dish was not a favorite (lentil soup) but nevertheless, the smiles on the individuals faces were priceless! It truly was a wonderful experience and my team had a blast.
While I served food to over 400 individuals, I found myself in awe of how friendly, nice, warm, and appreciative the people were to us as we served them hot food. I found myself overwhelmed halfway through the party when I saw kids eyes light up when Santa Claus made a guest appearance at the party. Santa came early with gifts that had been donated by volunteers and community partners of the organization. At that moment I realized how truly lucky I am. Lucky to be able to eat food whenever I want, take trips, have a roof over my head, purchase clothing, and able to provide gifts for others. I admit, I forget how lucky I really am and I am so glad that I was reminded because of this experience. It is easy to get caught up in the craziness of life and I appreciate this experiences that bring me back down to the ground leaving me humbled once again.
One thing I love most about volunteering is the joy volunteering brings to others. There is no medicine, food, or product that can give you the same feeling you receive after you have brightened someone's day. That is my drug and I am so glad I was able to see firsthand how Inspiration Corporation is making a difference in Chicago to help bring people out of homelessness.
In 2010, the G-Team featured Inspiration Corporation on Groupon for subscriber's to donate money to build their social enterprise training program and restaurant in Garfield Park. Read more about their campaign http://www.groupon.com/deals/inspiration-corporation. Their campaign was a success and we still keep in touch with them.Inspiration Cafe Holiday Party truly special for our participants
Each year, Inspiration Corporation helps hundreds of homeless and low-income individuals gain the skills to succeed in the workforce and increase self sufficiency. We provide career services, employment preparation training, food service training, tuition subsidies, job placement and retention support, free voice mail and more. In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation provides restaurant-style meals, individualized case management, support groups and other resources that help individuals address the root causes of their homelessness and poverty and build greater self-reliance, stability and quality of life. By providing permanent supportive housing, Inspiration Corporation helps homeless individuals and families regain stability and rebuild their lives. Learn more about how they end homelessness.
Photo from Inspiration Corporation
Sometimes it is important for you to give back to those less fortunate, whether it is through monetary means, time, or resources. If we all contribute in some way, an impact can be made. My team chose to save the money we would spend on our holiday party and gave our time to help make a holiday party happen for our community partner.
How are you giving back this Holiday Season? Have you ever heard of Inspiration Corporation?
Thanksgiving is one of my most favorite holidays of the year. I love everything about the holiday- the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, the delicious food, autumn weather, and most importantly, being with the people I love.
I come from a fairly large family so every Thanksgiving and Christmas is a full house, and I wouldn't want it any other way. When I was younger, my house sometimes felt like it was always having parties because my cousins were staying with us or we would always be gathering at each other's houses eating and hanging out for multiple days. They were the best and even now still one long party.
Especially with my siblings growing older, my brother living in Cincinnati and my sister in her 2nd year of college, it is rare for all three of us to be home in Michigan all at once. Before I came home, my mom said to me that soon these holidays will get harder and harder to have everyone together. At first I was in denial and thought she was just being her sentimental self (which is where I get my side) but after I did more thinking about it, she was entirely right. Soon my siblings will have their own families and we will only get to see each other for one of the two main holidays and not both. Even now I find that hard to grasp but I know it will be true down the road.
This year's Thanksgiving was fantastic. I had my aunt and uncle in town from the east coast, was able to see cousins that we rarely get to see and my great aunt who is 74 and still kicking!
One of my families Thanksgiving traditions is having a euchre tournament. My family happens to be very competitive so our games tend to be full of heckling, smack talk, and table talk. While the games are intense, my Dad likes to take a break in between rounds for everyone to do a family shot of Goldschläger. Yes Goldschläger. We take this shot every Thanksgiving and Christmas (Christmas tends to have more than one shot because we say Merry Christmas in German when we cheers). Nonetheless, this happens to be one of my favorite parts about my family. We make each other laugh, tell lots of jokes, share stories and are not afraid of getting competitive with one another. Our holidays are always full and I wouldn't want it any other way.
One thing that I look forward to is having my boyfriend join me one day at the Thanksgiving table with my family. I can't wait for him to see how my holidays have made me who I am and what it is like being a part of a big family.
Every family has their traditions and things that make them special. I know that I will carry on some of the family traditions I have grown up having since that is what life is all about. To celebrate our family and our traditions, my mom and her sister decided over a year ago that we would make a family cook book with recipes from family members from my mom's side of the family. The recipes that went into this book were recipes that have been handed down from my great great grandmothers all the way to my cousins. This family cook book will be a family treasure and is what helps make traditions carry onto future generations.
I have so much to be thankful for and the thing I give thanks to everyday is for my family. I am so fortunate to have such loving people in my lives. What did you give thanks to this Thanksgiving?
Father's Day is the one day Father's, Grandfather's, and Godfather's are celebrated. Celebrated for being amazing men. My Father is one of them and who has done so much for me and my family. He is the symbol of strength, ambition, sincerity, love, and humbleness. There is no one like him and there never will be. He is one of a kind.
Growing up my Dad has been my hero for as long as I can remember. We were two peas in a pod until my siblings came along. Even today, my Dad calls me "Dolly Girl" more often than he calls me by my first name. It is our little special thing and I love it. Even though I am older, wiser, and an adult now, I am still his little dolly girl in his eyes. I don't think I will ever be a grown up in my Father's eyes. I think that is what makes him such an amazing Father. He loves, cares, and supports me each and every day. From daily emails with articles I should read, to text messages checking in to say hi, my Father shows his love to me everyday.
Being away from my Dad this Father's Day has been exceptionally hard. I wish at times I lived closer to home because I miss the small holidays with my family because of the distance between us. No matter how far the distance, my love for my Daddy grows stronger and stronger each day. I am so lucky to have him as my Father and to have him to turn to for anything and everything. He makes me want to be the best I can be and for that I am forever grateful. Here's to you Dad.
Today is a day we celebrate all Mothers, Grandmothers and Godmother's around the world. It is a day for us to give thanks to the woman who brought us into this world and helped us grow into the people we are today. It is days like these that I am truly reminded of how lucky and blessed I am. My mom is one of the most important people in my life and I would not be who I am today if it wasn't for her.
Being a mother is one of the hardest and most rewarding roles in life. You get to be a teacher, a counselor, an enforcer, a cheerleader, a lawyer, a doctor/nurse, a therapist, a superhero, Santa Clause, the tooth fairy, the Easter Bunny, a shoulder to cry on, and a friend to tell your secrets and life dreams too. These are only a few roles a mother plays throughout motherhood.
My mother is all of these and so much more. She is a woman of strength, heart, love, kindness, ambition, generosity, and sincerity. My mother is my best friend and even when we have our moments of disagreement, I am thankful for her each and every day. She is my role model and inspiration and I am forever grateful to have her in my life.
My Mom, Me and My Sister
I hope when my day comes and I am blessed to become a mom, I hope that I will be half the mother she has been for me. Motherhood is an amazing thing and I will continue to take in every phone call, email, text, card, laugh, cry, hug, kiss, and moment that I share with my mother. Life is short and it is important that we cherish and take in every moment we have with our loved ones, especially our parents who gave us our life.
A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts. ~Washington Irving
The Kentucky Derby is this weekend and I'm definitely going to be watching as well as dressing up! The Alyssa Pagano Foundation is hosting their 2nd Annual Kentucky Derby fundraiser in memory of Alyssa. Alyssa was passionate about animals and children, so tomorrow all proceeds raised will be donated to the Children's Memorial Hospital and the Humane Society.
I have my outfit all picked out and I cannot WAIT to attend my first real Kentucky Derby party. It will be a fun day with friends all celebrating and commemorating Alyssa at her favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago. I think this is a great way to be charitable and enjoy a special event! (Stay tuned for pictures!)
To get you into the Kentucky Derby spirit, I thought I would share some Derby Traditions.
Derby Hats and the Fashion: Beginning in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, affluent women arrived at the race wearing fashionable hats, gloves, and stylish dresses. Throughout the years, the tradition of Derby hats and feminine couture has endured, and perhaps, grown more colorful and expensive with each new season. This is really the main reason why I watch the Derby. To see the celebrities in their outfits. It is like a mini-fashion show and I have a feeling a lot of hats will be based off of the hats worn by the Royal Wedding attendees!
Today, women wear many styles of glamorous hats, along with a wide variety of dresses and suits. The feminine pageantry surrounding the race has become nearly as iconic as the horses on the field.
The Mint Julep: The Bourbon-charged “Mint Julep” is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby and is composed of sugar syrup, fresh mint, crushed ice, and Kentucky bourbon. On race day, vendors weave through the crowds with fresh “Mint Juleps,” served in the commemorative annual Kentucky Derby glass. Want to learn how to make mint juleps at home- here's the recipe!
The Traditional Song: “My Old Kentucky Home.” As the Derby contenders are paraded before the crowd prior to the race, “My Old Kentucky Home” is played by the University of Louisville Marching Band
The Derby is frequently referred to as "The Run for the Roses," because a garland of red roses is awarded to the Kentucky Derby winner each year. The tradition is as a result of New York socialite E. Berry Wall presenting roses to ladies at a post-Derby party in 1883 that was attended by Churchill Downs president, Col. M. Lewis Clark.
Will you be watching the Kentucky Derby tomorrow? If so, what are your plans? Are you planning on dressing up? I would love to see pictures and hear your plans!
What is there not to like about celebrating Cinco de Mayo? Everything about the holiday is fabulous. The music, the food, the drinks! The dancing, the papel picado, and the act of celebration. Cinco de Mayo was my favorite day in Spanish class because we would get to experience their culture. We would dance, eat delicious food, drink mexican soda and non-alcoholic drinks. We would learn about holiday traditions and make our own papel picados. It was always a fun time.
Now that I am an adult and those fun Spanish school days are over. I try to continue to celebrate Cinco de Mayo since it is such an important holiday for the Mexican heritage.
For a little background and history. Cinco de Mayo (the 5th of May), the date is observed in the United States as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride,and to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War. In the state of Puebla, the date is observed to commemorate the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín.
Contrary to widespread popular belief, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day. It is a celebration of their victory over the French!
Tonight I will be celebrating with friends at one of my most FAVORITE Mexican restaurants in all of Chicago- Mi Tierra. Which in Spanish means, "My Land." If you have not been, I highly recommend it. It is a family-owned restaurant (which I love) and has a real feel about it. The decorations, the staff, the food, the music- you can't help but to feel like you are in Mexico. I am crossing my fingers they have a mariachi band tonight because I happen to be a big fan of mariachi music.
So in the spirit of Cinco de Mayo I thought I would share my favorites about this fun-filled holiday. First off and of course the most important aspect, the drinks!
Margaritas! Especially if they are made with Bethenny Frankel's Skinny Girl Margarita Mix. If you have not tried a Skinny Girl Margarita, then hunny you have not lived! (sort of kidding). Skinny Girl Margarita has made me like drinking non-frozen margaritas- I promise it is delicious. Try Bethenny's Skinny Girl Margarita recipe and let me know what you think!
Papel Picado. To learn how to make it, follow these easy instructions from no other than, the lovely Martha Stewart!
Good Friday, also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, is a religious holiday observed primarily by Christians commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. This is a day where we give thanks and remember the one who gave his life for us. We remember the pain, sacrifice and love Jesus Christ had for us so that we could live free of sin. We more importantly celebrate this particular day because the death of Christ on the cross is the paramount event of the Christian faith.
This year I will be spending Good Friday, with the man I love by going to our church (Park Community Church) for their Good Friday service followed by dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago, Basil Leaf. This will be my second Easter with his family and away from mine. As he and I continue to grow both as individuals and as a pair, each month our relationship, friendship and love for one another grows deeper and deeper. We are forming our own traditions and make an effort to keep them, like our Good Friday tradition. Since he and I do not celebrate any of the other major holidays together yet, this makes Easter even more special.
It is weird to think sometimes how much I am growing up and how far away childhood seems to feel. There is no more decorating Easter eggs, going to brunch to get a photo with the Easter bunny. No more Easter egg hunts racing against my siblings to see who can find the most eggs. Or Easter baskets waiting downstairs for us. Instead this holiday has a bigger meaning to me. Sharing it with my second family and appreciating the real meaning behind Good Friday and Easter.
Sometimes in this crazy busy life we live, it is easy to get distracted and forget how lucky we truly are. Lucky to have loved ones in our lives, lucky to be healthy, lucky to live comfortably. Tomorrow is a day that I look forward to each year because it helps me stay grounded in not only my faith but with myself. I am so incredibly thankful for so many things and lately with all the hustle and bustle in my life, I have grown weary. Weary and at times, negative. There will always be high times and low times, and when you find yourself weary, it is imperative that you do things for you.
Without the support and love from the people in my life, life would be less enjoyable. Tomorrow is a day I can give thanks once again for all the ways I am blessed. I will reflect on what my faith means to me and how much Christ did so that I could live my life to the fullest.
How will you be spending tomorrow? Do you have any Good Friday traditions? Have you ever found yourself in a moment of weariness? How did you help bring yourself out of it? I would love to hear from you- comments, thoughts, anything!
"Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone but in every leaf in springtime." ~ Martin Luther
Today is a day to celebrate the holiday of St. Patrick. It is named after Saint Patrick, the most commonly recognized of the patron saints of Ireland.
Four Leaf Glover
Being Scottish and Welsh by blood, I feel connected to this special holiday. The culture is beautiful in so many ways and there is so much art to some of the traditions. The music is what I love the most about the Celtic culture. Hearing the sound of a bagpipe brings a smile to my face every time and the dancing is truly a piece of art. Traditions are what makes each culture so unique and even though I am not Irish, Scotland shares a lot of the same traditions and I enjoy experiencing their culture. One day I hope to travel to Ireland and Scotland to see, experience, taste, and explore these beautiful countries and their culture.
Chicago is a city that takes a lot of pride in this holiday and makes it a big event every year. My favorite part is the dyeing the Chicago River and the big St. Patrick's Parade. This St. Patty's I will be celebrating over champagne with my good friend Betsy who recently became engaged. I hope this year will bring me good luck and continue to keep me and loved ones healthy and safe. Sometimes you need a little luck in your life or believe in something greater than you.
So in celebration of this special day I wanted to share what some of my favorite aspects are of being Celtic and things that come to mind when I think of St. Patrick's Day.
Do you believe in the luck of the Irish? What are you doing for St. Patrick's Day and how do you celebrate this holiday? Do you have any Irish/Celtic in your heritage? I would love to hear your thoughts!
Bagpipers
Ireland's Flag
Irish Step Dancing
Plaid Kilt
Chicago River
May there always be work for your hands to do,
May your purse always hold a coin or two.
May the sun always shine warm on your windowpane,
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you,
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
~ Irish Proverb
Saint Valentine's Day, commonly shortened to Valentine's Day,is an annual commemoration held on February 14th celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. To me, this is a day for you to tell the people you love how much you care about them. One thing I enjoy the most about this holiday is giving Valentine's Day cards to others; telling them how much I appreciate them and love them. Everyone deserves to be reminded from time to time how much they are cared for and this is just one way to do so.
Tonight will be a low-key evening of making dinner at home with the boyfriend and spending time with my roommate since it is a week day. With the weekend jam packed with my family in town for a cousin's birthday party, we are going to celebrate this Saturday instead, by going to our favorite restaurant in The Drake Hotel, the Cape Cod Room. All I want is to just spend time with the man I love.
What are your plans for this Valentine's Day?? Did you celebrate it over the weekend? What is your favorite part about Valentine's Day?
“Here is the deepest secret nobody knows.
Here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
And the sky of the sky of a tree called life; Which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide.
And this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart.
I carry your heart.
I carry it in my heart.” ~ E. E. Cummings quotes
Today is the last day of 2010. When the clock strikes midnight, a new year will begin and the current year ends. At the strike of midnight we have exactly 365 days to celebrate, explore, live, and experience. When you think of it that way, 365 does not seem that long.
In my early 20's I spent my New Year's Eve celebrating with close friends at some of the biggest social events. A hotel party at the Chicago Hilton, a VIP party at The Landmark, and ringing in the New Year at a friend's house party. This New Year's will be different. I won't be getting all dressed up and heading out for a long evening with my friends. Instead I will be assisting a soon to be husband and wife at their wedding dress rehearsal followed by a low-key evening over delicious Italian food with my boyfriend at our favorite restaurant. We will watch the countdown on TV from the comfort of my sofa while drinking champagne. Tonight is the last evening for a soon to be husband and soon to be wife to be engaged.
Tomorrow the 1st day in 2011 will be the beginning of their new lives together. Two families becoming one until death do them part. Simply amazing and I am so excited to spend my New Year's Day making their special day a day they will never forget. I have so many more weddings to look forward to in 2011 as an Assistant Wedding Coordinator. This is just one thing I am really looking forward to in 2011. What a great way to start a new year than watching a couple who are deeply in love tie the knot.
So much has happened in 2010 and I am anxious to see what 2011 has in store for me. My goal is to live and enjoy every day of this coming year whether good or bad. I am going to make the most out of 2011 and have no regrets. Life is too short and is moving too quickly and it is important for us to soak everything in everyday.
I wish you all happiness, love, and good health in the coming year. Goodbye 2010 and cheers to 2011.
Happy New Year! What did you love the most about 2010? What do you hope to do in 2011?
"Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right." – Oprah Winfrey
The most wonderful time of the year has finally arrived. Family and loved ones come together to reminisce about the past. Wrapped presents are opened and special holiday foods are eaten. Christmas music playing throughout the day and into the evening inside homes that are decorated with holiday decor. The holiday cheer is everywhere and impossible to miss. I have so much to be thankful in my life and Christmas is a time where I really reflect on the past year and year after year I have so much to be thankful for.
This Christmas has been simply wonderful and I already find myself growing sad. The holiday I look forward to the most each year has once again come and will be gone tomorrow. I wish Christmas Eve and Christmas day did not fly by as quickly as they do but I am grateful to have amazing friends and family in my life.
Christmas Eve morning I helped my mother prepare my grandmother's famous scones for the first time. It is a tradition at my house to eat scones on Christmas morning and I was so excited to finally learn how to make them. Rhoda's Scottish scones represent home and my childhood and most importantly her. Making them especially for the holidays is our way of keeping her spirit alive. There is some what of an art when you make scones and making it with my mother, Rhoda's youngest daughter was truly special. It was the real act of a generation passing onto the next generation a family recipe that I will then pass onto my children when that day comes. This was a priceless moment that I will never forget.
Scottish Scones
The Christmas tree is decorated with ornaments that represent places we have visited, creations me and my siblings have made over the years, in addition to ornaments that hold other sentimental value. There is something magical about being home in your childhood home. Waking up in your room where you use to wait anxiously for Santa to come down your chimney Christmas Eve. So many memories in my house and every year more are formed. This is still one of my favorite parts about Christmas, feeling the excitement and anticipation for Christmas morning.
Now that my Santa days are over, I find joy out of seeing my family and friends open their presents from me. Sharing stories, laughs and reminiscing is what I love about the holidays. Part of Christmas is spending time with the people you love and I am blessed to have the opportunity to spend every Christmas with my family, Grandma, cousins and aunts and uncles. Life without family would feel empty and I am forever grateful to have such amazing people to share my life and special occasions with.
As I eat my bundt cake, scones, and spend time with my family, I am going to pass on my holiday cheer to anyone and everyone. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Thank you family, friends and my boyfriend for making my life full of cheer and joy. I love you.
Bundt Cake
What makes your holiday so special? What gives you the holiday cheer? I hope you had an amazing holiday with the people you love.
“There's more, much more, to Christmas Than candlelight and cheer; It's the spirit of sweet friendship That brightens all year. It's thoughtfulness and kindness, It's hope reborn again, For peace, for understanding, And for goodwill to men!” ~ Unknown.
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