"we're coming in too hot"

^ name that show.... (Prep & Landing) -a cartoon on 25 Days of Christmas.

Popped by Carol Higgins Clark

what Goodreads says::

L.A.-based private detective Regan Reilly heads to Las Vegas to help out her old school chum Danny Madley. Danny is producing a reality TV show featuring three married couples who have all suffered the proverbial "Seven Year Itch," but are now vying for a chance to renew their vows in a wedding-cake-shaped hot air balloon -- and win one million dollars! But Danny has received an anonymous letter warning him to halt production, and "accidents" start happening on the set. It's up to Regan to find out what's lurking behind the scenes....After all, the show must go on!  Popped takes us from the kitschy glamour of the Las Vegas casinos and run-down hotels off the Strip to the world-famous Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta -- a funny, fast-paced romp!

what I say::

a very quick, but good read. I enjoy most of Carol and Mary's books.. and this one was no different. my grandma lent it to me to read, and finally got around to it. the characters were good, the story line was good.. although kinda predictable if you ask me.. but overall good. 3.5/5

one:: my birthday! which was awesome.
two:: the Cavs game, with some of my closest friends
three:: dinner at Danny Boys with the fam
four:: Thanksgiving and Black Friday and countdown to 25 Days of Christmas
five:: going down to OU this weekend for more birthday festivities

1. "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is..." singing loud for all to hear! duh. or smiling, smiling's my favorite. as long as you don't act like a cotton-headed-ninny-muggins.

2. The holiday seasons is marvelous!! I lovelovelove Christmas, and everything about it.

3. When it comes to holiday decorating my family goes all out. giant, fresh cut, Christmas tree. lights. decor. stockings. the whole shebang.

4. The thing I look forward to most about the holidays is all the Christmas movies, the Christmas music, just the overall spirit of Christmas.  

5. My favorite holiday tradition is spending Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my family, and the shennanigans that occur at both festivities. 

6. This year my Christmas plans include going to my Grandma's house on Christmas Day. and exchanging presents. and eating spaghetti. and laughing at eachother. and playing jokes on my Uncle. 

7. My favorite holiday food is well, if you know me you know I don't like spaghetti sauce. but my grandma lets me go first before she mixes in the pasta with the sauce. so although it's not really real spag I do look forward to it. and I also look forward to the pizza/wings/chicken nuggets we eat on Christmas Eve.

 

life is good

so this is what 23 feels like...

first things first, my birthday was yesterday. thank you everyone for all the wonderful birthday wishes!

celebration number one.. the Cavs game. I had a blast! myself, Erin, Al, Scott, and Heather, went. I had won four tickets so only Heather needed to purchase one, and the seats weren't too bad. they weren't the best seats I've ever sat in, but they definitely weren't the worst either. plus there was this awesome older black couple sitting in front of us and they were hysterical! cheering loud and proud, dancing, chatting with us, it was funny. not to mention jamming out in the car, almost getting lost, finding and waving to my friend who works at the Q arena, making friends, etc etc. the only bad thing was that the Cavs lost. oh well.

go Cavs!

Erin and I cheering on Danny "Boobie" Gibson

Erin, Me, Al

celebration number two... birthday dinner at Danny Boys! I had my 21st at Danny Boys, and possibly even went there for my deuces birthday (that's 22) can't remember. but the point is, I really like that place. I got one of the pizzas, it had NO red sauce, spinach and artichoke dip, chicken, and potato chips. yea. it was delish. a good time spent with the fam, even Gram came to celebrate, and I was able to enjoy a nice long island ice tea, yum!

celebration number three and four... to come this weekend, look for a post next week.

gifts! oh, the gifts. I got some pretty legit stuff. where to begin....
well, the night of the Cavs game Al gave me a Melt giftcard! I lovelovelove that place.
Mom and Dad got me.. a new belt, new shoes, two off-brand Under Armour type things, new dress pants, and Mockingjay. I have the bestest parents!
Brian got me.. an awesome new jacket that is camo-ish. I'll show a picture another time, it's a bit too big so we're going to exchange for a smaller size. I swear I have the best family.
Gram got me.. lottery tickets, and a new PJ shirt. seriously, the best family.
and last but not least, Randy and Melissa got me.. balloons, a bottle of wine, and two books (one about the Ohio State Reformatory --I really wanna go there one day! and one about the Willoughby Ghost Walk we went on earlier this year) they know me so well... not to mention the wrapping job was top notch.  
I'm telling you, I have the BEST family!

the spongebob balloon says "soak it up" as in, soak up the alcohol

Randy and Melissa's gifts

wrapping paper, homemade, with Aaron from Ghost Adventures!

and one with Zak Bagans, also from Ghost Adventures!

along with the best family, I also have the best friends. again, thank you to everyone for all the birthday wishes!!!!

and to Jenn @ Party of One for the Burt's Bees pack! talk about perfect timing.

sorry that all my pictures do not look professional what-so-ever. they were all taken with my phone.

anyways, one more time for good measure... thank you for all the wonderful birthday wishes, y'all are too kind! and don't forget you can hop over to my new sponsor page and get a free ad spot!

Happy Thursday!
life is good

PARTY TIME TOMMY!

it's my birthday!!!! the big 2-3 today!

last night was night numero uno of celebration. I had won tickets to the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball game! It was a good time, but more on that later. this OHP is all about parties..

one

that looks delish

two

jello shot birthday cakes

three

23 years young.

four

always gotta have a DQ ice cream cake.

don't forget to get your FREE sponsor ad today! go to my sponsor page and enter promo code: football  -I'd love to have you!

and check out this.. there's a little boy who has cancer, and the blog world is trying to make this the best Christmas he//his siblings ever had. whether it's money, or a picture, or a letter, whatever it is, we should all try to help in some way. you can go HERE for more information, or donate with the widget below!!

life is good  
 

Luck O' The Irish

as I'm sure most of you know, I'm still new to blogging. I started in May, and thought to myself recently 'why not start sponsoring people' and 'why not offer it myself' so after signing up to Passionfruit and sponsoring Nathan @ LEEIB (all the sponsor money goes towards Toys for Tots this month!!) and Steph @ Bourbon & Glitter (who doesn't love her blog?!) I figured I'd make it available to all y'all. go to my sponsor page and "purchase" a spot now! It's FREE with promo code: football -who doesn't love free stuff?!

If I could go anywhere in the world, I would definitely.. without a doubt.. go to Ireland. being Irish I've always wanted to go there, and have started saving up money. one day I'll make it.

my family is from Cork County, the southern most county in Ireland. I would definitely spend a few nights checking out my "hometown". seeing where I come from.

I would also check out Dublin. I mean who would go to Ireland without going to Dublin? for reals. look how amazing this country looks. it's a beaut!

some of my extended family has been there, and they all raved about it. about the wonderful castles and how nice the people are. everything. I even have a shamrock tattoo that says slainte (meaning cheers or to good health.) one day I will make it there. one day.

if I could go anywhere in the world, I would go to Ireland.

don't forget to get your FREE ad spot!! :)

and then go check out this awesome giveaway!

life is good

Weekend Update - Gobble Gobble

Thursday::
started off by not sleeping and going to K-mart for a pre-Black Friday sale. from that it was home to sleep for 2 hours before playing in the annual Turkey Bowl game. the Turkey Bowl is always a fun time, one of my most favorite traditions.

the gang.

after playing football it was home to get ready for Thanksgiving dinner, and catch another hour of sleep -that's three hours total so far. Dinner was at Mos parents house, and it was delish! another great turkey day with the family. after stuffing my face, and finalizing plans for Black Friday, Mo and I left dinner to get our shopping on.. I don't typically buy a lot on BF I just go to help Mo get things for my little cousins.. but occasionally I'll find a sweet deal on something.

Friday::
carrying over, we shopped until 7am.. that would make being up for 46 hours with only 3 hours of sleep, a new personal best for me. we got everything we wanted, as always. we're self proclaimed professional BF shoppers.. although we should be nationally recognized for it.. BFP (Black Friday Professionals). I meant to bring my flip so I could capture some of the ridic moments but I forgot, naturally. but I did get some great deals. I scored:: a tv for Gram, a few items for my cousins, a small but cool item for Mom, and even a few things for Melis. after hours of shopping it was home to sleep. the rest of the day I just lounged in sweats and watched Toy Story 2, Toy Story 3, Four Christmases, and Fred Claus. I was still exhausted.

Saturday::
BUCKEYE NATION!! my Buckeyes defeat the team up north to finish with an undefeated season!! O-H!! UrbanRenewal. BuckeyeNation. SilenceTheDoubters.
other than 'the game' I didn't do much. it's just Mom and I for the weekend, all the boys went down to southern Ohio for more hunting.

Sunday::
YEA BROWNIES!! my Browns beat the Steelers!!!!! enjoyed watching that victory, and then enjoyed dinner at Mangia Mangia. it was delish, I got the chicken madison -chicken with mushrooms in a white wine sauce.. kinda like chicken marsala but even better. and then Mom and I stopped at DQ to get a birthday cake for me.

elf-style at DQ.

 

11/19-11/25 Goals

1:: have a successful//fun Black Friday.

2:: enjoy Thanksgiving with my family//friends.

3:: finalize plans for the Cavs game.

4:: go to the Ortho.

5:: watch 25 Days of Christmas. :)

these goals were pretty easy, I did it purposely cause I knew with Thanksgiving I'd be busy. 5/5!

 11/26-12/2 Goals

1:: get my car e-checked.

2:: get my license plate stickers renewed.

3:: have a great time at the Cavs game.

4:: enjoy my 23rd birthday.

5:: pack//prepare for OU.

p.s. only one more day for this awesome giveaway!!

life is good

Sunday Social

HERE WE GO BROWNIES, HERE WE GO!! WOOF WOOF!! BEAT THE STEELERS!!  --yes, the capitals are necessary.

1:: Name four jobs you've had in your life...
       babysitting, barista at Beans Coffee Shop, dog washer, middle school volleyball coach.

2:: Name four movies you watch over and over...
       The Sandlot, Remember the Titans, Mean Girls, Christmas Vacation. there's a lot of movies I watch over and over... Sweet Home Alabama, Boondock Saints, The Proposal, Halloween series, Ocean 11-13, the Die Hard series, all Disney-Pixar movies, Elf, The 'Burbs....

3:: Name four places you have lived...
       Chardon, Concord, Painsville, Wickliffe. all in the marvelous Buckeye state.

4:: Name four of your favorite foods...
       skyline, hamburgers, chicken nuggets, chinese food

5:: Name four things you always carry with you...
        phone, chapstick, money. that's basically all I always have.

6:: Name four places you have been on vacation...
        Canada, Jamaica, Mexico, Vegas. I've been on a lot of vacations in my life... Cayman Islands, Hilton Head, Florida- Disney (multiple times), Orlando, Siesta Key; Kentucky, PA, Bahamas.....


life is good

Very Pinteresting

 one

hahahah

two

Go Buckeyes, and Go Browns!

three

I love Duck Dynasty

four

seriously though...

five

oh hey there

six

a wine station, how cool is this?!

Also, look at this brilliant idea! A way we can all keep track of other bloggers birthdays!
go here to participate....

Beat Michigan Week - Ann Arbor is a whore. Go Buckeyes!

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

because tomorrow I will be extremely busy, with pre-Black Friday, playing football, enjoying Thanksgiving, and then Black Friday, I want to take this time to wish everyone a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I hope everyone enjoys their day.. and the weekend ahead.

life is good

now that's what I'm talking about

My mind was just blown. I just received an e-mail from miss Stephanie @ Bourbon and Glitter, stating that I actually won something! I won Jenn @ Party of One 's Burt's Bees gift pack!! I lovelovelove Burt's Bees! and next week it's my birthday, so this is a marvelous early present! I'm so excited! :) :) :)

Describe your perfect day...


hmm, this one is tough. there's a thousand different things that I could do that would make my day perfect.

option one:: sleep in until I'm good and ready to get out of bed, mosey around -eat some breakfast, watch some Boy Meets World, or some other awesome show, then shower//get ready for the day. meet up with a few of my closest friends.. Malone, Erin, Ashley, Carrie, Olivia, D, Al, and go to a Tribe game. watch my Indians win, then back to the house to finish the night with my friends and family with a Lane Bonfire.

option two:: up earlier to shower//get ready for the day. meet up with a few of my closest friends and family.. and watch the Buckeyes win in the horseshoe, after tailgating all day. then hanging out with friends//family for an after party.

option three:: up early to shower//get ready for the day. meet up with my closest friends and go to a country concert at Blossom. tailgate before, and after, then back to the house to finish the night with friends and family with a Lane Bonfire.

option four:: fly out to Vegas with the family and live it up.

basically my perfect day is just doing something with my friends and family. that's all I need.


Beat Michigan Week - it's November 20, 2012 and Michigan still sucks!
life is good

Weekend Update - #BIZ

first off, let Beat Michigan Week officially begin. MUCK FICHIGAN!

 
Friday::
went with Mom to a holiday craft show thing that a family friend puts on every year. all homemade decor, jewelry, baked goods, and hot apple cider.. and well priced too. I got my little cousin a few hair clips that I know she'll just love, and even a festive Christmas clip for myself. Mom bought a snowman lamp, she loves snowmen.. oh and of course we got some cookies. then it was home to hang with the family and watch the Chardon game, unfortunately my Hilltoppers lost, but they had a great season.

snowman lamp, pretty neat huh?

Saturday::

I don't even know where to begin. I guess I'll just start at the morning. worked at Beans Coffee Shop like usual. went home and got ready for the Lane/Rice Melt Takeover. first, let me just say that Melt is a delicious local restaurant that has been featured on various FoodNetwork shows. if you ever come to NE Ohio I highly, highly, recommend trying Melt.. just be sure you have time cause there is always a wait, it's that good. we had a 2 1/2 hour wait time, since we had such a large group. during that 2 hours we went to another local restaurant-bar, Hooley House, to drink. I had one awesome beer it was like a cider beer, had a shot of everclear in it, a shot of some kinda raspberry thing, and an apple pie shot, needless to say - it was delish!! and deadly too, drink two of those and you'll be dunzo. I also had a Strawberry Marg, yum. then it was officially time for the Lane/Rice Melt Takeover. I got the "Parmagedon" which is perogis, cheese, sauerkraut, and maybe onions too I don't remember, but it was unbelievably good. accompanied by a "Zombie" which was some kinda fruity cocktail. after the Zombie my cousin, Curtis (Curtis is the same age as me, I've been pretty close with him growing up), and I thought it would be a wonderful idea to order the highest alcohol percentage drink.. and that's what we did. its called the Blithering Idiot, and it is DISGUSTING. but we drank them. friends don't let friends do stupid stuff alone, or in this case, cousins don't let cousins do stupid stuff alone. then we had a Blonde Bombshell, which is just another kinda beer. that's the other great thing about Melt, they have a menu (full menu) just for their drinks. after all of that insaneness, we finished off the night by going to yet another local bar, Just One More.. the Lane/Rice JOM Takeover if you will. the whole night was hilarious, crazy, insane, awesome, etc.

Curtis with his Blithering Idiot

Curtis, Lauren, Me, being "Blithering Idiot Zombies"

Sunday::

THE COUNTDOWN TO THE 25 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS BEGAN!! I lovelovelove Christmas, and everything about it -movies, shows, decor, music, spirit, everything. and my Browns lost, boo.

sidenote: Saturday was the craziest//awesomest day of football ever. both Kansas St and Oregon lost in big upsets, Kent State beat BGSU, Kirtland (high school) came back to win after being down 24-0 at the half, Mentor (high school) took a risk in triple OT with a 2pt conversion to win and pulled it off, and my Buckeyes stay undefeated with another W.

11/12-11/18 Goals

1:: drink more water (carry over).

2:: eat healthier (carry over).

3:: start getting a Black Friday plan together.

4:: organize my movie collection.

5:: put a screen protector on my Mom's iPhone, and other little tasks I've been putting off.

I still drank more water than usual, but less than last week so I only italicized it. I also, ate a little healthier, but it was Dads birthday so cheesecake was involved.. and the Melt trip I talked about. since I only count italics as halves, this week I get a 3/5. not horrible.

11/19-11/25 Goals

1:: have a successful//fun Black Friday.

2:: enjoy Thanksgiving with my family//friends.

3:: finalize plans for the Cavs game.

4:: go to the Ortho.

5:: watch 25 Days of Christmas. :)

how was your weekend?

life is good