Well I Suppose...

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I wasn't going to post today. Why? I dunno. I'm not a fan of the whole "Valentine's Day" craze. No, I'm not bitter because I'm single on this day (although, last year was a different story). I'm just not a fan of a day that expects you to pour your love over someone, when it should be done everyday. But there is a deeper reason as to why I'm not like everyone else today. Let me elaborate.

Here's Rachel, circa 1994. It was the first year our class (I was in 1st grade) was able to share our valentines with whomever we wanted, not the whole class like they made us do the year before. I was SO excited. I made a valentine for everyone I could think of. So it was time for us to exchange valentines and place them in our handmade valentine lunch bags on our desk. Guess how many I got? Just guess....one. One pathetic valentine. I was completely devistated. I knew pretty much the whole class didn't like me (I talked WAY too much and was really annoying), but I didn't expect that. So I crossed this day off my list forever, even at the ripe age of 6.

The only times that I liked about this day was when my dad used to give me a small box of chocolates. It really made me feel loved and appreiciated. My dad was good like that. But otherwise, it's just another day. Even when I was dating someone during this day, I just was bored by it. Can't blame me, can you? But I always try to make the best of it. So tonight, I will be spending my night with me mum and we will be watching Drive (heard wonderful things about it, mmm, Ryan Gosling) and eating pizza. Perfect. night. ever.

So happy...nevermind.

=]

Happy New Years!!!!!!!!

I hope you all have a Blessed and Safe New Years Day!!!! 

xo!!

[My first] End of Year Recap!

What a crazy ride this year was. Tons of ups & tons of downs. But I'll be focusing on the ups today! I know I haven't been around that long (only since May!), but I've grown to really love blogging and I'm so happy to have my shop. Here are the things I've accomplished this year...

• Created Autumn Balm Botanicals. This was something I've wanted to do for quite some time. I'm a Skeptical Susan...I have an idea (that's usually pretty great), but I never usually roll with it. I create too many excuses in my head as to why I can't do a certain thing. But this, this shop I had to do! I felt it in my bones to start ABB. I'm so so so glad I did. 

• Started this wonderful Blog! I've finally found an outlet as to where I can share my voice with more than just myself. I can share my favorite things, my uber love for cameras and nails, and everything else in between. I can meet wonderfully inspiring people. I can literally go on and on. I know you all know what I'm talking about... I really want to take my blog to a new level in 2012, I really do! I can't wait to bring you all with me! 

• I finally stretched my ears. This is something I loved on other people, but always doubted I could do for myself. I always got self conscious and turned my head at the thought of finally doing it. But I had to put my foot down and do something for myself. I'm very much a giver, so this I knew was something I could do for me. I'm very glad I did. I just sized to a 10g tonight, and I can't wait to get to my goal (00g). 

• I chopped off all my hair & kept up with it. This is something I usually do every other year, but then I just let it grow out until I can chop it off again. I then, gawk at my Facebook pics and drool at how much I miss my short hair. So I decided enough was enough, I was going to get rid of my long thick hair and go (and STAY) short. I'm letting it get a wee bit longer, but it's still staying short. I love it! 

There are other things of course...like getting my first SLR, allowing my vintage camera collection to grow, start to thrift regularly again, watch my niece's birth, start my first herbal garden, expanding my crocheting skills and so much more. I hope I allow myself to accomplish so much more next year. 

I love reading everyone's end of year list, here are my favorites I've read so far:

Nearsightedowl

Onesheepishgirl

Talk2thetrees

Scathinglybrilliant

Just to name a few. I hope everyone had a great New Year's Eve-Eve. 

xo.

Merry Christmas!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

I wish you all a safe and happy Christmas this holiday season. Make sure to spend this day with the one's you love. I know I will! I'm very thankful for a wonderful family...here on earth and even in Heaven. I hope this holiday is everything you want and more <333

xo.

Bring on the Jingle Bells

Happy Holidays Everyone!! Here are some photos from my home. 

I love the colors of our tree. So sparkly.

My mom's name is Joy, so our house is littered with her name :p

I love this Santa. He's so cute!!

I spent my pre-holiday at work. It was crazy madness, but a lot of fun! Now it's almost time to exchange some gifts with me mum and watch a movie. I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Christmas with the one's you love!! 

xo.

Is it really Thursday??

This week is literally FLYING by! I'm barely done with my homemade Christmas. I've been crocheting up a storm. *Note to self*, start crocheting presents MONTHS early. Work has been so crazy because of Christmas. It's a great thing though, I love it when we're busy. 

I'm watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. I had to put something on that was fun and Christmas-y while I wrap gifts. Tomorrow we're celebrating Xmas early with my immediate family. My mom is making a turkey dinner for my brother, his girlfriend, his daughter and son, my grandma and myself. I'm pretty darn excited!! I can't wait to see everyone open their gifts. This is the first time we have done this this early (family reasons). But it shall be a good day! 

Happy Holidays.

xo.

Peeeeeeee.esssssss. I just need ONE more like on my Facebook Page until I hit 100 likes...I will be doing a giveaway once that happens, so make sure to like it :)

My Annual Must See Christmas Movie List!

The last four months of the year are by far my most favorite. I love the holidays, the colors, the traditions! I love how each holiday brings back those special memories from when you were a kid! And one of my memories that I HAVE to relive every year is to watch my favorite holiday movies! I'm sure these few movies will not be a surprise, but I just have to share!!

Of course the "Home Alone" duo! I love love love these movies like nobody's business. I even love to watch them year round! I don't think I can like either of them more than the other. Both of them are just perfect in their own way. And you can't forget the iconic "KEVIN!!" scream his mom does so perfectly! I don't think there is a soul on earth that hasn't seen either of these movies! 

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Seriously, it's a classic! I love any National Lampoon movie with Chevy Chase! He's such a babe, I'm totally serious, too! These movies crack me up and I could watch them for days on end! I love that Chevy's character isn't the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree, but his family loves him anyways. I love all kinds of mischief he gets into!! :) 

And of course the Santa Clause series with Tim Allen. He's one of my favoriteee comedic actors around (I mean who hasn't seen Home Improvement and didn't fall in love??). He did these movies so well I hope they make another! 

***

Other films that I love to watch around this time is Stepmom. It's a little bit sad, but it's still amazing. And I also love The Family Stone. So so so good and humorous! It has a great cast as well! I love all the Charlie Brown holiday movies too. I'm so glad they still show these on TV every year! Can you believe I never seen A Christmas Story?? That's one I plan on watching this Christmas season! What's your favorite holiday movie(s)??

xo!