I Guess A Catch Up Is Necessary

Wow, when was the last time I posted ramblings/pictures of what is REALLY going on with me? I guess it has been forever, my bad. I would be lying to you if I said I have been SUPER BUSY, but I haven't. I have been enjoying much needed relaxtion time with my boys (Gregg and Jack).

Of course, the house is a mess to the point of embarressing, but I just don't have the motivation to get up and clean up because it always seems to be messy again due to the husband or friends coming over. So, if anyone would like to come over and give a helping hand, I would love you forever!

School is going tremendously amazing this time around. I started to slack a bit after a year, and once I saw that GPA drop, I freaked out and put my self in check. Right now, I have all A's in my classes.

My best friend, Justine, turned 25 this month! We went out with her and a couple of our friends to celebrate. Gregg didn't get to go because he was sick as a dog, but I brought him take out which put a smile on his face. We had dinner at Papa Joes which is sort of a Mexican place here in Italy. Its Mexican if you count marina sauce as your dipping choice and steak as your beef choice for your burritos or fajitas.

After dinner, we came back to Justine and Taylor's house for Cake and the game Scene It DVD. After a couple of hours, we got reenergized and decided to go out dancing! It was a lot of fun because I haven't gone out dancing in months, and that's just what I love to do!

I finally managed to get all Christmas presents bought, wrapped, shipped, and arrived at the intended destination before Christmas! I was so proud of myself considering I did a horrible job of it last year. Deployments really do mess your mind up quite a bit.

Gregg and I's movie collection has been growing about daily because bed laying, popcorn eating and movie watching is just about what we have been doing nonstop. I am also happy to say that I have added my favorite Christmas movie to the collection, Miracle on 34th Street.

We got a huge amount of snow for awhile. It was a lot to close post and close work. I am not a snow and cold person, but if I am able to be off work and still get paid, then bring it on!

I want to show you guys something I found the other day that I am very excited about, its my new Christmas pot holder. I love it because it is the only thing I have seen in Italy with the word "Merry Christmas" written in Italian. Italy has gotten very accustomed to just saying Merry Christmas now and have it on just about everything. So, when I saw this, I knew I had to buy it.

I also picked up our first poinsettia for our home. My family would always go out and buy a couple poinsettia's during Christmas time because they are so beautiful and truly make the Christmas decorating a lot more traditional. I am going to buy one every year now!

Gregg and I have been going out every now and then for drinks. I love it because it gets us out of the house, we catch up on things, and it gives us time to be together. I think a walk to our nearest cafe should be in order tomorrow morning...gotta love Italy and having cappuccino places on every corner.

Here are my boys tonight while watching Fight Club. Jack has his own little comfy tower going on while Gregg is nice and comfy receiving a foot massage. Life can't get any better for these two!

Okay, so that's about all my little head can remember. I'll try to stay in touch more, and I will have lots of pictures to update you with after Christmas. Have a very Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas Dinner

As I Justine and I start preparing for Christmas dinner, we find ourselves going very nontraditional this year. Both of the boys are not big ham eaters, so they requested baby back ribs.

Ever since I made this the first time a couple months ago, both of the boys have been requesting it like crazy!

So, our menu consists of:

Appetizer

Chips and Dip

(probably crab dip because I have been wanting to try out this one recipe)

Deviled Eggs

Main Meal

Baby Back Ribs

Yummy Potatoes (Justine's Family Recipe, Delicious!)

Loaded Salad

Rolls

Dessert

Cheesecake

I am still trying to decide what to make on Christmas Eve...oh the decisions!

What is on your menu this Christmas?

My Current Favorites!

I love my L'Oreal Revitalift! I put it on every night and I wake up with it feeling a lot smoother and tighter. I know what you are thinking, "You are in your twenty something's...you don't need that!" I was watching the Dr. Oz show a couple months ago, and he said it is never to early to start using anti-aging creams. He said that people who start using their creams when they are twenty, they actually will look a lot younger when they are older. So, Revitalift...Bring it On!

I am absolutely addicted to Scentsy! Anyone that knows me can state that I am obsessed! I know own three warmers and have many scents. Right now, I have the Christmas Tree scent going in my living room and My Dear Watson in the bedroom. What I love so much about these is that I can have it on at all times, even when I leave. There is a bulb that heats the wax instead of a flame. I reccomend everyone getting one of these, they are well worth the price!
Oh my goodness, If I have a bag of these in my hands, I will eat the entire bag in one sitting. They are so good, and have just enough sweet and spice to meet Gregg and I's both taste buds! Doritos is probably making a lot of money off of me right now, and hopefully they will forever keep these on the shelf!

Living in Italy has made me aware that accessories are important to every outfit! My accessory ends with a beautiful scarf, I love em! I can't get enough of these and neither can my Italian friends...therefore, I know I have style!

Okay, so those are my current favorites. What are yours?

Some Gloomy Days in Italy

Update: I bought a headband this past weekend, and I think I am going to wear it out tomorrow. Hopefully, I can snap a picture for you guys so I can see what you think.

This past weekend and the beginning of this week have been very hard for me. Its about time I am in the same city as my family. I woke up two nights ago crying because I needed them more than ever. In the past, I took full advantage of family love and I am ready to have those arms around me again. Gregg says all the time that he wishes we could leave Italy right this second because he can tell I am starting to get very homesick.

The weather here is very gloomy. I use to think Memphis weather was bad, but man was I wrong. It rains two days and then is dark and foggy, and back to raining two days and then dark and foggy. Its an endless cycle to where I just want to stay at home and drink apple cider all day while watching Christmas movies....I guess you could say I am in a funk...ugh!

On a brighter note, I finally finished my Christmas tree and I couldn't be any more happier about how it looks. It took about three re-do's but is totally worth it! Take a look:

Question of the Day: Headbands

Do you think headbands are an okay accessory for girls in their 20 something's?

I keep debating on purchasing these things because I don't know if I could pull them off or if they would just make me look younger than I already am....decisions, decisions....

Also, if headbands are okay, is there particular styles of headbands that one should steer clear of?

All your thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated because I know a lot fo you girls are big style guru's.

Take With A Grain of Salt

Recently, I entered into a photo contest here in Vicenza, and this is the photo I entered. It is my favorite that I took during my trip to Lucca, Italy. I went as a 22nd birthday present to myself.

On Monday, I met up with my friend Dana, at Here Comes the Sun, for a morning manicure. I needed one desperately, and we both realized it has been about a year since our last. I enjoyed every bit of hanging out with Dana. We went awhile without seeing each other, and I missed her. I was thrilled when I got that text message from her asking me to join her. I hope this is a constant thing we would be able to do together.

I have also been busy putting the last minute touches on Christmas things. I have my last package to send out tomorrow, and after that...it's relaxing time. I can't wait.

...........................................................................................

Gregg and my time in Italy is coming close to an end, and as I look back it seems like its been such a thrilling time. I enjoyed myself throughout the years and I think it was the perfect foundation for Gregg and I's first years of marriage together. However, Iwas talking with a friend the other day, and there is one thing I will leave Italy upset with...Now, I use this blog sometimes as my venting source and that's what I am going to do now. Please take this information as a grain of salt. I don't want sorry's, I don't want pay backs, I just want you to know. So, here it goes...

Gregg and I have been living in Italy for quite awhile, and during that time we have asked family and friends to join us over here for a visit at any time. Many people have said they are going to come visit, but it never happened. And yes, mine and Gregg's feelings were hurt. I understand many can not afford a vacation and that's okay, but don't say you are going to come and then don't. Also, I wish people would have realized that us being here was the perfect time to take advantage of going to Europe. If you came while we were here, you would of had a free place to sleep, free transportation, and free meals....How good is that?

I just wish I was able to show the people I love how Gregg and I spend our days and nights here in Vicenza. I wish people could experience the customs and traditions that are being done over here. I just wish people would want to see me. Oh well...

...........................................................................

School has been going very well for me this term, and I can't be any happier about it. It's about time I have some classes that through me a little bit of slack. Next week are midterms, and I think I am ready to hit the ground running.

Gregg has been sick these past few days, so I have been busy babying taking care of him. He has been cute saying my hands are magic when I give him head massages and wanting to cuddle 24/7. He hasn't been able to sleep these past few nights because of it, so I am hoping it leaves this house soon.

This weekend is date night, and I am looking forward to it so much! We are doing dinner and a movie. We have not been able to go out with just the two of us in awhile...so happy :)

Nothing else new...