Here I am, not Black Friday shopping.

Every year, I have an internal debate with myself about Black Friday shopping. Here's how it usually goes: 

Do I go? 

Should I stay home? 

Jeez, some of the sales seem really good.

You would have to get up so early. Or even worse, not even go to sleep.

Maybe you could invite friends to go with you and make it fun! 

Ugh, but the crowds.

*Commercials* OMG, there is a massive TV on sale for $25!
I don't need a TV. In fact, theres nothing that I need to get.

Actually, thats not true, I need to get presents for *lists out x amount of people*

Maybe I should go, that way I can get all the presents at once and I won't have to worry about it for the rest of the month!

Okay, so if I am going to do this, I need to plan out where I am going to go, and what I are going to get for everyone. 

*Tries to plan for a few minutes*

F this, I am just shopping on Cyber Monday. 

Black Friday really brings out some of my worst qualities. I am a procrastinator by pushing off buying presents. I am lazy because I really just want to lay around and eat leftovers. I am a perfectionist because it would bother me to go shopping without any sort of plan (and if I am going to make a plan, its going to be a damn near perfect one and thats too stressful). 

For those of you that go Black Friday shopping, I hope you scored awesome deals and that you didn't get run over by a crazed shopper. Or more so, I hope that you weren't the crazed shopper who ran over others.

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For those of you that chose not to go shopping on Black Friday, thank you for not making me the only one and I hope you enjoy some cheesy holiday television (exactly what I will be doing)!

What I am thankful for this Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! 

My backyard this morning!

I was tagged last week to list out a few things I am thankful for, by Nancy over at Sincerely and Sarcastically, who's posts never fail to make me laugh hysterically (which can present a problem when I am in public). I have been saving my list for today so I could have a thankful themed Thanksgiving post!

1. My loved ones

I am saying loved ones because I wanted to group my family, friends, and John into one as they are all so special to me and I am most thankful to have all of them in my life. They love me unconditionally, even when I am micromanaging control freak or when I can't stop (won't stop) sings Frozen songs. 

2. Opportunities 

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I am thankful that I have been given so many opportunities in my life. Although I gripe about it, I really know that college is something that some people out there can only dream about. I love learning and expanding my horizons, and moving away from home to college allowed me to do that!

3. Knowledge

This might not make sense once its out of my head and onto this post, and I am not trying to say I am thankful for being smart, but I am trying to say that I am thankful for knowing myself. I know this is coming out wrong but this relates to majoring in nursing. Many nurses that I have talked to, either at clinical or my instructors or even nurses in my yearly check-ups, have said that nursing was their second career, and they only discovered that they wanted to do it after training for a completely different job/career/major. On the flip side, I have known that nursing was for me since my junior year in high school, and fall more in love with it in every clinical rotation that I go through. I am thankful for this knowledge that I have made the right choice. 

4.  Coffee

I had to have one silly thing that I am thankful for and I picked coffee because without fail it is the one thing that is a constant in my morning. Whether its 6am and I am up before the sun to study for class on a Tuesday or its 10am and I am just getting out of bed on a lazy Saturday, making (or buying!) coffee is the first task of the day! I love how it makes me ready to tackle whatever lies ahead in my day and I am thankful for whoever discovered that running hot water over finely crushed up coffee beans tastes pretty dang good. 

5. YOU

I am thankful that you all as fellow bloggers have invited us into your life and let us laugh (and occasionally cry) with you. Also, its makes it a whole lot more encouraging to work on a post when I have gotten so much good feedback from you all, so I am thankful for that! I have learned so much from all of you and I can't wait to continue to learn more! 

I hope you all have a fantastic day that is filled with loved ones, food and pants with stretchy waistlines. 

Don't hate me, but...

I hope people assume this when they read that I am from New England, but I am a lover all of New England based sports teams...including the Patriots. I actually never realized the hostility that pretty much every other team (and their fans) carry towards the Patriots, until I came to college and learned that people actually liked other teams (still don't understand why). So if you are highly against the Pats, stop reading because there are a lot of pictures below of happy Pats fans, a beautiful Gillette Stadium, and the best football team in the world. 

We only live about 2 hours away from Foxboro, but with traffic, getting there can take 2.5/3 hours and getting home takes 4. So we hopped in the family car around 9 and with a good book in hand, the ride flew by and we were walking into Gillette Stadium by noon. However, we couldn't go to our seats without a quick stop in the pro shop. 

Although I was completely overwhelmed with the array of things that you could get with the Patriots logo on it, I picked up the hat I am wearing in all these pictures, solely because I saw Gisele Bundchen wearing a similar one on her Instagram. If this is wrong, then I don't want to be right because its adorable. 

It was a perfect game too...the Pats won against the Lions (obviously). The only downside to the day, was the couple in front of us that apparently wanted to prove to everyone how in love they were so they spent more time drunkenly making out than actually watching the game. I tried to not notice, but considering I couldn't look at the field without having them in my eye line, I spent a lot of the game just grossed out. NO ONE WANTS TO SEE THAT AT A FOOTBALL GAME, OKAY?

Every time that couple started to prove their love... via

Weather-wise, it was a perfect day as it was 55/60 degrees! This was a rare day for November in New England and we really lucked out as my mom and I don't tolerate cold weather well...(we just complain about it). 

Above is a picture of my new boyfriend, Julian Edelman... It took me a while to recover from my breakup with Wes Welker, but things were just never going to work out after he left the New England for Denver. Julian and I are keeping this quiet for now, because I am afraid of making all my friends jealous. If you were wondering how I caught his attention...it was definitely the hat. 

GO PATS! 

**Disclosure: No, I am not actually dating Julian Edelman, although it would be cool. Yes, 2007 was the greatest year of my life (when the Pats went 16-0).**

Thanksgiving Break is the light at the end of this week

I know that this is the millionth time I have mentioned classes/homework/clinical in my posts lately, but because I am heading into the most stressful part of the semester, I literally can't help it...(maybe I can, but that would require too much self control on my part). In order to get through this week so I can get myself home for Thanksgiving break, I thought I would share with you some things I am looking forward to for next week! 

1. My Family

Although I saw my mom last weekend, I am anxious to give my family big hugs (even though my brothers are at the age where hugging isn't cool). I know I have mentioned this a bunch on here but my family means so much to me and being with them for a week at home is something I have been looking forward to for a long time! 

2. HOME 

I have tried to make my apartment as home-y as possible, but nothing will ever compared to my family home where dinners are made for me and I don't have to take an elevator to get home. I haven't been home since I left for school back in August, and the August-November break has always been the strangest one since I started in college. When I leave home, it is still summer and absolutely beautiful outside, but when I come back for Thanksgiving break, the trees are already bare and the average temperature is barely hanging onto above freezing. Even though I am headed into the cold, I could not be more excited because it means December is on its way in!

3. My friends and John

My friend group at home hasn't changed since the 6th grade, so to say that I am just friends with them is an understatement. We have watched each other grow up and seen each other through every good/bad situation that life has given us. I love seeing them over breaks and catching up on how school has been and hear about all of their shenanigans. 

John is an obvious one that I look forward to because instead of him being 3.5 hours away, he will only be 15 minutes away. I was with him this past weekend, and it was easier to say goodbye knowing that we are going to see each other again so soon!

4. I really love stuffing

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I love holidays...especially ones that are associated with good food. We are having Thanksgiving dinner at my house this year, which I love because it means I can get dressed up for dinner, then run upstairs to put sweatpants on right after we are done eating. Anyone else do this?

5. My faux fur vest from Express

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...I left it at home (silly Meghan!) and for obvious reasons, I am excited to wear it. Do I need to explain more?

I hope you all have days off next week to celebrate Thanksgiving and you are looking forward to it! Let me know whats getting you through until then! 

Will I turn into an icicle this weekend?

Why is it that the last few Fridays have been so long? You'd think that I would be happy because (hello!) Friday, but lately they have been the days that keep me going from my alarm at 6:30am to bedtime, which is usually after midnight... It's a mix of school things and fun things though so I can't complain too much!

1. Gas prices

Can we talk about how cheap they are? Combined with gas points that I get through grocery shopping, I paid $2.45 a gallon last week. I am ready to drive everywhere now! That's why I really don't feel bad about driving to go see John this weekend...the gas station is basically paying me to go, right?

2. Speaking of John..

It's homecoming at his college in PA this weekend so I'm headed up there to participate in some of the festivities. I'm excited because there is just so much school spirit during homecoming and no matter if it's my school or not, the excitement is contagious! We have a homecoming ball tonight (he is nominated for the homecoming court!), and a parade tomorrow. I don't know how I feel about watching a parade, when it's suppose to be 40 degrees out so we will see how long I actually last...

I am a little nervous this is how I am going to look Saturday... via

3. One week until Thanksgiving break!

Time seems to get slower when breaks are near, and I am especially feeling it now! I need to get home to my animals (and my family), don't my professors understand? Also, its getting really cold here in VA and all my warm winter jackets are at home. All the more reason for break to get here now! 

4. I read a book! 

I know this sounds silly (and slightly pathetic), but I honestly can't tell you the last time I was able to read a book for fun and not for class, during the school year. I always have my nose in a book in the summer and on breaks, but once school picks up I find myself reading out of textbooks/flooded with so much work that I feel too guilty reading for pleasure. Somehow I don't feel guilty about Netflix though...

5. POLL: Coke or pepsi? Diet or regular?

I recently had a conversation with someone who was adamant that Pepsi was the best soda, and as a Diet Coke fiend, I wouldn't listen. My school just switched form Coke products to Pepsi products this year, and I just hate it. I guess it has been a positive change though, as it has forced me to just have water! 

I have been seeing so many five on Friday/Friday favorites posts, and I wanted to try it! Luckily I found April's awesome blog because of it! Hope you like the post...I sure did so I might do them more often! 

Wouldn't it be cool if...

Wouldn't it be cool if...

...iPhones had wireless printing capabilities

...Netflix had a wider range of movies (I have seen so many, I am nearly running out...not true but almost..)

...Tuesday nights weren't the loud party nights on my street

...There was an app that generated clever/sappy/thoughtful/whatever mood you wanted Instagram captions for you

...Blogger had a more mobile friendly platform so I could write posts on the go

...Our brains allowed us to remember more after hearing something once (imagine how much less time I would have to study)

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...People were nicer to each other and did more random acts of kindness

...There was another day between Sunday and Monday

...Instead of having a washer and a dryer, it was combined into one appliance

...Phones and laptops had batteries that we could switch out so we wouldn't have to bring chargers out and about

...There were coffee fountains like there are water fountains

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I always think in terms of "wouldn't it be cool if" so I though it would be fun to share! Does anyone else have these thoughts? Comment with your own "wouldn't it be cool if"! Can't wait to read them!

Last Minute Weekend

Does anyone feel overwhlemed when they open their bloglovin account after a few days of not reading posts, and you have 145 posts to read? Thats like reading a novel! Good thing I am through the hardest test of the semester and now I have a bit of a reprieve before having to immerse myself in studies again. Thank goodness my test was last week and not this week because I was away this weekend!
My mom called me Tuesday night and after conferring about the weekend, we made a last minute decision to meet in northern Virginia on Friday so we could attend a memorial wheelchair basketball tournament that was held in honor of my mom's best friend's son, who passed away last December. My mom and her friend have known each other for 20 years (almost my whole life), and have seen each other go through the best of times and the absolute worst of times whether they have been near or far from each other. Their friendship is inspiring and I was so happy that my mom and I were able to support her and her family this weekend.
The whole tournament was incredible, and if you have never seen a wheelchair basketball game, I suggest you pull up YouTube right now and watch a clip. The coordination and athleticism needed to play is incredible. While I was watching the championship game, I couldn't believe how fast the ball moved up and down the court! Some of the players had such a competitive drive (the drive I most definitely lacked in high school swimming) and some of the players were in it for the fun (they were the ones with big smiles on their faces while playing!).

Tee shirt from the tournament!

It was nice to spend some quality time with my mom as well. I usually only get to see her for Parents Weekend and school breaks...so it was a treat to see her on a random weekend! Since we spent most of the weekend at the community center where the tournament was being held, I don't have much else to write. I know I am not giving this weekend the justice that it deserves but I don't know how to write that I spent the whole car ride back to JMU crying about the strength and love in my mom's best friend's family and how much of an impact they have on me every time I see them. I am so thankful to know them and to learn from them.

Sorry for the sap, but this weekend really meant a lot to me and I wanted to share a piece of it! I hope you are all having and great week!

Monthly Favorites | October 2014

Whoops, sorry for this being a little late into the month but between the puppy farm post and the Halloween recap post, I thought this one could wait a bit! The month of October was a very exciting, but stressful month for me! #Blogtober14 was a blast, but trying to stay on top of the prompts was hard. But 24 out of 31 isn't bad! Schoolwork has been through the roof, and with finals approaching in a few weeks there is no slowing down (#nursingstudentproblems).
October was also a great month because I saw my family, my best friend, and John! My November schedule is looking to be even more exciting as I have two weekend trips this month, and obviously I am looking forward to a much needed Thanksgiving break. As I a writing this, I am realizing that I won't spend a single weekend in my apartment at JMU in November...guess that means I don't have to clean it! Enough rambling and onto things I have been loving in October!

Beauty

My oily skin is the one thing that I really can't stand about my body...not that I have a great body, but I just try to be confident about myself and not tear myself down with mean comments. However, oily skin deserves all the mean comments. I hate coming home at the end of the day and looking like I have just stepped out of a rain storm (gross and exaggerated but still). I am always looking for powders to control the oil, and this Rimmel Stay Matte translucent powder has helped a bit. I am not sure if I am noticing a difference because I really just want it to work or if it is actually keeping my skin from being Niagara Falls. I apply it with a fluffy powder brush after putting on foundation (or just on its own if not wearing foundation!) and I try to just press it onto my skin. The best thing about it is that it was only $4 from Target so even if it helps a little, its worth it. 

Two beauty favorites this month?? How exciting. As I have written about before, I love Revlon lipsticks. I don't think I can leave a drugstore without one in hand...Lately I have been on the hunt for Revlon's "Black Cherry" lipstick and it is sold out in every store I have tried (I guess its the world telling me I don't need autumnal lips??). So I guess I will just wear "Love That Pink" until I track it down. I find the name of this shade to be quite deceiving because I think it is more of a reddish shade than a pink shade, but no matter what you call it, it is a beautiful color. What I love most about this product is how long it lasts. I put it on around 11am Saturday morning to tailgate, and was still getting compliments on it at 4pm...this doesn't seem like it would be a long time but it still looked freshly applied, which I think is impressive! 

Food

I think the my favorite food for October goes without saying...I still have a lot of candy left so please come and eat it so I won't be forced to. 

Activity

Although this is an odd category, I started it last month in my favorites post and will continue it because I think its fun! An activity that I have really gotten into is making a cup of herbal tea before I go to bed at night and just letting myself wind down while watching Netflix/Youtube or reading your blogs. I never used to be an herbal tea girl...I was strictly an English Breakfast tea drinker in the afternoon, but now I love chamomile and lemon teas at nighttime. I find that it is a great way to relax and it helps to not go from homework mode straight to bed, as this makes me feel like I have no life. Does anyone else do this? 

What are some of your favorites this month?

P.S. Please help me figure out better photography skills...I really try and I don't love the way the pictures come out. Leave links with posts you've written about photography/posts others have written that you found helpful! Or leave tips! Thank you!

Halloween/Homecoming Recap!

I am a little nervous this post won't make any sense as I am still half asleep after having all my energy completely zapped from the weekend! From 5:30 Friday morning when my alarm went off to wake up for clinical, to 4pm last night when our last guest left, it has been nonstop. 

FRIDAY

Halloween! I spent most of the day at my nursing clinical, and was soo excited the entire day because my best friend (who graduated in the spring) was coming to visit for Homecoming weekend here at JMU! I rushed home to lots of big hugs and very girly screams as it has been two months since our last visit. After meeting up with some other alumni for dinner, we went back to our apartment to get ready. 

As I have written before, I love makeup...so this Halloween I wanted to do something cool with it! 

FINAL PRODUCT 

Everyone said I looked so creepy and I was just happy that it stayed on the whole night even though I was dancing like a fool! I had my phone out the whole night taking pictures with every intention of posting them here today, but as I look back on them, they are blurry and embarrassing with unflattering angles so just be grateful I am not subjecting you to the horror. 

SATURDAY

Homecoming! While we are not known much for our football team, JMU likes to tailgate like we are. So even though it was 44 degrees and raining, we bravely left our apartment to partake in the activities. We hopped around and visited with friends who were having tailgates, and unfortunately chickened out when it finally came time to head into the stadium for the game because my fingers were too cold to even open my purse to get the tickets... BUT we did manage to take this pic before we headed home! 

JMU's mascot is the Duke Dog!

After getting home, we crawled into beds and hopped on couches to nap, with every intention of getting up and dressing up again...but instead we woke up and were too lazy and tired to get off said couches. So a Bridesmaids viewing and freshly baked cookies ended up being more our speed. 

SUNDAY

We woke up feeling completely well rested and refreshed (thanks Daylight Savings Time)! After a yummy brunch, we decided to be more lazy and watch more TV until our guests unfortunately had to leave to go back to the real world. To console ourselves, my roommate and I had leftover pizza and watched movies until the sudden realization hit us that we had lots of homework...

Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better weekend! Now onto a challenging week with probably the hardest test I am going to take this semester on Thursday! I hope you all have a great week! 

Goldens upon goldens

I am writing this post to cheer myself up through pictures of dogs. Now, you might be wondering why I am so sad...#Blogtober14 is now over! Choosing to participate was one of the best decisions I have made for my blog since I started it back in May. I connected with so many amazing bloggers and it taught me so much about blogging!

Some background on todays post: I went to a dog ranch last weekend to play with some golden retrievers! It is a dog breeder that is about 25 minutes away from JMU, so it attracts a lot of students who miss their pups at home (like me!). I was so excited to come here, but nervous too because I knew I wouldn't want to leave without taking one back with me. Also, I was nervous about what kind of conditions the dogs would be living in because we were driving out into a very rural and secluded area (I was scared we would show up at a puppy mill basically). Fortunately, once we got there, I could see that the dogs are treated very well so I wasn't as sad about not being able to take all of them home. 

I was really nervous about this happening...

We got to play with SO many dogs, and even got to take a few for a walk!

I have yet to wipe the dog slobber off my camera so I am off to do that! 

HAPPY NOVEMBER!