Christmas Roundup

Hello Everyone! I'm back to blogging today after a little break over Christmas! I'm going to try to do a couple of posts today because I actually have the time, but this first one is going to be a roundup of my Christmas!

On Christmas Eve, my whole family gets together at someone's house... this year we went to my aunt and uncle's in Connecticut. We all gathered around and ate Borscht (polish soup) and then we opened our presents! I truly love being around my family. Many laughs were shared and many memories
were made. Including painting my cousin Matthew's nails with glitter :)

As far as Christmas Eve presents go... I'm always so blessed. This was our second year pulling names for Christmas Eve presents instead of everyone getting everyone something. I pulled my sister's name and got her The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug Extended Edition, exactly what she wanted. My name was pulled by my cousin Matthew and he got me a pack of K-Cups filled with one of my favorite Starbucks Blends and a super nice travel coffee mug. My cousin Amber also got me K-Cups (Starbucks 2014 Fall Blend), I think my family understands that I really like coffee. All the other Christmas Eve Gifts were from my Nana and her Fiance' Bill... a new set of pajamas, some nice shirts, hair and body things (mousse, body wash, etc), and a new hair straightener... which really is a Christmas miracle because mine was on it's last leg and my new one is by a long shot the best one I've ever owned, they also gave me some money and a Target gift card. I know there was something else that I received from them and it's totally slipping my mind right now... I'll update this post when I remember. One other thing about Christmas Eve... The Saturday before, my cousin Amber and I went Christmas Shopping together and decided to get matching outfits for Christmas Eve. We had nearly everything the same even down to our shoes and earrings. It was so much fun and so exciting. Everyone's reactions were hysterical and actually, my uncle and little cousin were matching as well. I'm so glad that we did it. When we got home, my mom and dad gave us our annual Christmas Pajamas. This year they were a soft pink shirt with penguin pants! They were lovely :)

On Christmas Morning, we woke up late... since we're not little kids anymore we don't do the whole getting up at 6am to open presents thing. So we got up late and had some coffee, then very impatiently waited for my parents to be ready so we could open presents. Let me tell you... my parents did good this year :) First I'll round-up what I got my family and then I'll go through what they got me. I made my mom and dad hanging letters (K & S for Kris and Steve) for above their bed. I got my mom a candle from target (sugar blossom... smells AMAZING) and a Bubba mug for her coffee. I got my Dad a Boston Bruins shirt and Macadamia Nut Popcorn. For my sister, a picture frame that I painted a nice sister quote in, some earrings and a necklace, and a hand painted coffee mug. Finally, for my Nana, I did a painting for her and Bill, and got her a ring holder for her new engagement ring. I also made up baskets for my Nana and Mom filled with note pads, lotion, and chocolate. Now onto what I so wonderfully received:

Although this is one of the last things I opened, I'm putting it first in this post because it was the most meaningful. My parents got me a $100 Southwest Airlines Gift Card so that I can buy tickets sometime to go visit Asa (boyfriend) in Maryland. They also got me two movie tickets that I plan to use for a date night for Asa and I. My parents are so supportive of Asa and I's relationship and that fact and these gifts mean so incredibly much to me. I also got new canvas and paint pens, new boots, new moccasins, socks, more K-Cups (Dunkin Donuts French Vanilla this time), a couple new belts and a new gorgeous journal. The other couple big gifts were an Olaf (from frozen) stuffed animal and a Bose Bluetooth Speaker! I loved all of my gifts from my parents... they're wonderful people. My sister did good with her gifts for me too. She got me the book "Unstoppable" by Christine Caine, which I've been wanting to read for a while and she got me a new gorgeous watch! We also open presents from my family in the midwest on Christmas morning! From my grandparents I got a 2015 Red Sox Calendar (a tradition for them to get me) as well as a Target gift card. From the Thompson's (aunt, uncle, and cousins) I got some gloves, socks, hot chocolate, and another Target gift card. Finally from my Uncle Matthew, Aunt Molly, and baby Emma I got a handmade scarf (see picture below) and one final Target gift card. Overall, I got $125 in Target gift cards... my family knows me really well. To my family members who may be reading this, thank you so much for all the gifts! I love them all and truly appreciate them :) The rest of Christmas Day I just hung out with my family. We ate a huge meal, watched Frozen and then played pictionary. It was truly a marvelous and relaxing day. I love my family! :) 

That's the round up of my Christmas Festivities! 

What about you? What did you do and get for Christmas?

** Please enjoy some of these other pictures from the day. **

Olaf! 

My new Bose Speaker

Nana's Fiance' Bill resting with Mia

My Christmas Selfie! (Note: New Scarf made by my Aunt Molly!)

Merry Christmas! 

From the Archives: My First Post

It's been almost a year since I started this blog (what?!) and I've gained a lot of new readers since then... especially since joining The Peony Project. A lot of my current readers may be wondering why my blog is titled "Life is a Highway" and haven't dug all the way through my archives to find my very first post! My first post was about exactly why I chose the name of the blog! I decided to pull that post out of the archives and re-post it for those new readers who may be wondering! I hope you enjoy! 

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Now, I know we probably all know the Rascal Flatts song that was featured in cars... and even if we may be ashamed of it, I'm sure we've all jammed out to it a time or two... but have you ever actually taken the time to sit and think about that phrase? No? Neither did I until it came to my head for a blog title. 

Life truly is a highway. Think about it. What do highways have? 

Highways Have Ups and Downs. Hills and Valleys.

Sometimes we have to put our foot down on the gas a little harder to get up the hill when we're driving, but once we make it to the top, it's a feeling of relief. I remember last summer when I interned in South Dakota we were on our way across state on Route 90 to take the kids to summer camp and the church bus is OLD. There's one hill just past Chamberlain, SD that the bus has a hard time making it up... we had to put the flashers on and move slowly up the hill the whole time wondering if something is going to snap and the bus is going to break down. But it didn't, the bus made it up and over the hill and we all breathed a sigh of relief at that moment. 

When we're trying to get up a "hill" in our lives... when we're fighting that upwards battle... don't we get so worried and anxious sometimes that we're going to break down and go sliding back down that hill? But when we finally persevere enough and we make it to the top... to the plateau... isn't that the most relieving feeling?

And then there's the valleys, or downs. When we're driving and the road starts going downhill and the speed of the car keeps getting faster and faster what do we do? We hit the brakes... sometimes not so hard that we come to a screeching halt... but we ease on the them... to keep our car in control. Everyone will have a "downhill" time in their life. 

There is nothing wrong with that... there is nothing bad about that... but how do you handle it? Do you just let yourself keep speeding up and speeding up until you hit rock bottom and slam into something? Do you slam on the breaks and cause a pile up behind you? Or do you gently ease on the breaks and keep yourself under control and send a warning to those behind you that you're slowing down and everything is okay? 

Highways Have Open Roads

Picture it. You're driving down the highway in the warm month of June, the sun is shining, the radio is up, there's only a couple other cars on the road... and everything is going great. We've all got those "open road" times that it feels like nothing can bring us down and life is going so wonderfully. Those are my favorite times.

Highways Have Traffic

Have you ever come around a turn on the highway and had to slam on your breaks before rear ending the car in front of you because there's some sudden traffic? I've learned something when it comes to traffic... it doesn't last forever. It may last longer than we would like it to... but eventually... the road clears. Something else I've learned about traffic is there is always a reason for it. Whether it's a small reason like a lane shift and people just don't know how to merge properly... or a bigger reason like a car wreck... there is always a reason. 

However, we don't always see that reason until when? Until we're through the traffic. Life is so similar. Sometimes everything is going fine then we round the turn and slam on our breaks to wait through a time of traffic, a time of difficulty. But much like the traffic on a highway... the traffic of life doesn't last forever... and there's always a reason for it. 

So make the most out of the highway in your life. Persevere up the hills, have control in the valleys, turn your music up on the open road, and have faith in the traffic.

This is why my blog is titled "Life is a Highway". Follow along with my as I travel my highway... enjoy my posts about life, love, beauty, food, and anything else that comes up along the way. I hope and pray that you are blessed by this blog.

Fancy Fridays: Holiday Edition

Fancy Fridays is back! It's been a LONG time since I have done one of these posts, but I'm excited for another post! In this edition of Fancy Fridays, I'm going to show you some of my favorite finds for the holidays! Whether you have a work or family party, or you simply just feel like dressing up, I hope these simple and adorable outfits inspire you! Be prepared for a lot of red! 

The first of my adorable finds! I've actually sort of copied this outfit in my own wardrobe. Simple red dress with black tights and little booties! It's so adorable, simple, and fun! 

Source: Indulgy

This is probably my favorite out of the dresses in this post! I love the champagne and burgundy colors together and you could absolutely pair some excellent accessories with it! Also, take along a cardigan if you get chilly! 

Source: Lyst

(I tried to find a direct link to this exact dress, but Lyst apparently has a never-ending dress supply... so after scrolling for about 20 minutes, I gave up.)

This sparkly gold dress is a perfect alternative to the typical red dresses that you usually see around this time of year. I still love the pop of red in the shoe though! 

Source: Pinterest

More Red! Again, an adorable short sleeve that you could pair with black leggings or tights and a cute black cardigan. Throw on some gold accessories and you're set for a wonderful evening! 

Source: The Polyvore Collection

One more red! I love when I find dresses that are actually on models! She looks great in this dress with a deep V and simple earrings and clutch. Soft curls go perfectly with this mini-cocktail dress! 

Source: Inspiration Fashion 

(The link goes to a blog... the author of that blog gives no credit to where the original outfit was found) 

Last but not least... black and gold! A simple combination and another great alternative to red! I love this outfit! Throw on a chunky necklace and simple cardigan and you're set! 

Source: Nordstrom

(Unfortunately, this dress is currently not available)

Well that's all from me today! I hope you've enjoyed this edition of Fancy Fridays! 

What do you think? What do you like to wear around the holidays?

Lately

It's been an extremely busy couple of weeks! I finished up school for the semester (with good grades, by the way) and then I headed to Maryland for a week with my sweet guy. We'd been directing his church's Christmas play together for the last couple months and this last weekend was showtime! Here's a catch up on everything that's gone down. Also, after this post, my posts will be a lot more consistent now that I'm home and done with school and living on campus. 

This is Shelton 130. The dorm room I lived in all semester. This room now holds dozens of memories and was a little home away from home for me. I studied, I cried, and I slept. It was truly a cozy little place (and I mean little). I had the most wonderful and beautiful suite mate who encouraged me and became a close and dear friend over the course of the semester. If you haven't already heard... I will be taking classes online in the spring semester so this was my last college dorm room ever. My dear friend Heather came over the night before I moved out to help me pack and Kat (the gorgeous suite mate I mentioned) helped me squish everything in my car. I'm thankful for this semester. It stretched me and helped me grow in various ways and I got closer to people I would have never expected to. It's been a great run, Valley Forge. See you in May for Graduation! 

This is Chipper. He belongs to Roy and Terri (the couple that my boyfriend lives with in Maryland). Chipper and I like to snuggle until he starts to claw at my clothes. I love this kitty and when I'm with him it makes me miss my kitty. I'm a cat person... and Asa is just going to have to accept that. :) 

Friday was our day off from all things to do with the play or work. We told our cast to take the day away from it and we didn't have rehearsal so we did the same thing. He took me on a date night and we went to ikea to look at things and dream about the future. Then we went back to the house and cooked a spaghetti dinner together. I love cooking with him. I made the meat sauce and he cooked the spaghetti and meatballs. I set the table with two place settings and the roses he had got me the previous weekend. We lit a candle and opened a bottle of sparkling cider. It was an absolutely amazing and memorable evening with the most amazing man around. He's stolen my heart, and I don't want it back. 

Saturday evening was showtime! The cast got ready and we all prayed! There wasn't a huge crowd but the team still killed it and the show was a huge success! Sunday morning's show was even more intense! The church was packed and adrenaline was high. The cast put on the best show they've ever done and they did it all for the glory of God! I was so blessed to be a part of this incredible show and incredible team. After the show on Sunday, Asa was speaking and he mentioned something about me and all of a sudden I was being brought forward and the cast was handing us each a bouquet of roses. One of our main actors then took the microphone and thanked us for everything we did and handed us a bag with some gifts and a signed program for us. It was one of the sweetest moments. I was in tears. Again, shout out to the cast of Baby Boy... thank you all for letting me be a part of this amazing show. I love you all, in case I hadn't told you that enough. :)

Monday Asa and I didn't do a thing. We slept in and relaxed for the day and then went out for a nice dinner together. Tuesday morning was a sad one. It was the day I had to leave. Asa treated me to a nice breakfast at Denny's and then we grabbed me a coffee for the road at Starbucks. Like I said earlier, this boy has stolen my heart. I love him a lot. I didn't want to leave, but I knew that it would only be a couple weeks until I see him again since he's coming to Massachusetts for New Years. :) After this, I started my trek home. 

This is a very blurry picture... but it says "Massachusetts Welcomes You" and let me tell you, after an eight hour drive from 10am-6pm... it was a very welcome sight. I truly do love this state and I'm glad to be home. Like I mentioned earlier, I'm home for good... or at least for a while. I'm taking my classes online in the spring. It was also my last time seeing this particular sign that I've seen very often over the last 4 1/2 years... I won't be making that eight hour drive to Maryland again (because believe it or not flying is cheaper and way easier) and I won't be driving to school most likely until May when I graduate. Leave it to me to have that be an emotional experience... but it kind of was. 







That's what I've been up to the last couple of weeks! I hope you've enjoyed this small update. What have you been up to? 

Simple Stir Fry

Hello Everyone and Happy December!

Today I'm going to be sharing with you one of my favorite recipes to cook and eat! When I interned in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in the summer of 2013, my aunt taught me how to make this absolutely delicious stir fry. I introduced it to my family back in Massachusetts and I've been making it ever since. I made it this past Saturday while I was home for Thanksgiving and decided to share it with you!

Here's what you need:

6-8 Chicken Breasts
1 Bag Frozen Chopped Onions
1 Bag of Frozen Peppers 
Frank's Red Hot Sweet Chili Sauce
Soy Sauce
Honey

Here's what you do: 

1. Boil the Chicken 
       • I usually boil mine in a mix of water and chicken broth.

2. Cook the Peppers and Onions
       • Fry them up in a skillet with tall sides. Option: you can use butter to add a little more flavor.

3. Add the Chicken
       • Once it's boiled, cut the chicken into strips and add it to the peppers and onions.

4. Add the Sauces
       • Pour in the Honey, Soy Sauce, and Sweet Chili. I usually use all of the sweet chili... the honey and soy sauce I usually just eyeball to see how much I need. 

Mix it all together and let it heat all together. Once it's heated all the way through, serve over rice and enjoy! 

If you decide to try this recipe, please let me know what you think!