Saturday, December 31, 2011

New Year's Eve

I'm not really one to make resolutions for the new year because I never seem to keep them. However, I do have hopes for what 2012 will bring me.

I wrote this on Facebook the other day and I truly hope to make this my mantra in 2012: "In 2012 I plan to do things MY way. It's time to be happy. Which means I'm doing what I want to do. Don't like it? Don't be in my life. Life is WAY too short to spend time with people who bring you down. So bring on the good friends and adios to the ones that make me cry. 2012 is going to be a GOOD year and I want to make memories with the people who count."

In 2012...

I hope that this blog will continue to flourish and that you all will continue to read!
I hope that my current friendships will grow and that I'll make new friends as well.
I hope that I will finally graduate.
I hope that I can rise above the drama and live my life for me.
I hope that the love I have in my life will continue to flourish and grow.
I hope that 2012 will be my year.

And for all of you

I hope that 2012 will be an amazing year as well.

Happy New Year!

Friday, December 30, 2011

Looking Back On 2011

Each year I like to look back and think about the things that I've gone through, both good and bad. This year is no different. 2011 was a very different year for me but I feel as if it has brought me to figuring out more about who I am and what I want. Without further ado, a look back at

Those of you that have been around for awhile know that I had my share of bumps. Over the last year...

I found myself on the outs with my family. This has been recently but nonetheless it has been hard for me. I still feel a bit like the "black sheep." It's a hard way to feel. I'm taking it day by day I suppose.

I've sometimes struggled with work, especially when feeling as if certain people are treated differently than others. I was even sent home early once for mouthing off (and although my boss later apologized I still felt like a jerk for acting not so adult).

I struggled in my marriage. A lot. I struggled with the way I was being treated and how unhappy and trapped I felt.

Because of these struggles, Dustin, my soon to be ex, and I decided to split.

This decision will probably follow me for the rest of my life.

Like 2010, 2011 felt like a year of struggles and rebuilding. However, some really wonderful things happened this year too...

School has remained very important to me and after just 2 more quarters I will finally be graduating.

I received a promotion at work, which felt amazing and told me that despite my not so adult moments that I am respected at my job.

Although I've read a little less this year, my love for reading has continued. I've read some really amazing books this year, books that have made me laugh and cry and books that will remain in my heart.

I tried new things, such as driving all by myself several hours and doing a boudoir shoot.

My friendships have flourished and I no longer feel as if I'm the girl with no girlfriends. Special thanks to my amazing blog friends, I love you all!

I have found someone that treats me with the respect and love that I know I deserve. I no longer have to distrust what I'm told and it feels good to be at a point in which I feel secure.

Blogging has continued to be a rock for me. This community has been there for me through all these highs and lows. It has brought me good friends and so much support. I feel blessed to be part of such an amazing community and I thank each and every one of you for being part of my life.

This year has certainly been a year of rebuilding for me, one filled with good and bad things.

I have to say I'm ready to say goodbye to 2011. I can only hope that 2012 will bring lots of good things - and I wish you all a new year full of good things as well!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

When she awakes in a cemetery, Nora Grey isn't sure what to make of her situation. She soon finds out that she's been missing for weeks - with no one knowing where she was or who she was with - and she can't remember the past 5 months of her life. She wants to get her life back on track but she quickly finds that there's a nagging voice in the back of her head telling her that something isn't right. She has visions of angel wings and she meets people that aren't who they seem. Nora knows something's up and she begins to wonder if all of it has to do with her disappearance.

Then Nora meets a dark, sexy stranger that she feels an incredible pull towards. She can't help but think she's met him before and slowly but surely she finds herself falling in love... all over again.

This is the third book in Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush series and I think it might just be my favorite book in the series thus far. It almost makes you ache knowing who the mysterious Jev is and wanting so much for Nora to get her memory back so she knows exactly what's going on. This is also the book that basically leads to a war between two different races; it's that point where you go to flip a coin and it's spinning in the air and you're anxiously waiting for it to drop. I cannot wait to see what happens next so Becca Fitzpatrick better get writing!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Weekend Plans

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As I mentioned in yesterday's post, my New Year's weekend is going to be very low key. In fact, I don't plan on leaving my apartment the entire weekend (yep, I'm getting all dressed up and staying in... that's how I roll).

And even though it's going to be very chill, I'm so excited. Here are some things I'll be doing this weekend:

Lighting lots of candles to set a fun mood.
Watching a ton of movies, including the two that I got for Christmas (Crazy, Stupid Love and Friends With Benefits).
Drinking chocolate wine (I swear to you, if you haven't tried it yet you really should).
Drinking non-alcoholic champagne (because it's DELICIOUS).
Drinking champagne (I can have both).
Waffles and mimosas on New Year's Day morning.
Staying in my PJs all day on New Year's Day.
Board games.

Who needs crazy parties when you have all that planned? Certainly not this girl!

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

New Year's Eve Outfit

Now that Christmas is over I am SO ready for New Year's Eve. My New Year's Eve is actually going to be really chill this year, which I'm okay with considering the over-dramatic NYE's I've had the last couple of years. However, despite the fact that I don't have a lot planned, I still intend to dress cute. I'll be wearing this on Saturday:

The dress is from eShakti, an awesome website that offers adorable clothes for women size 0 to 26w. eShakti also allows you to customize your clothes, letting you change length and neckline or allowing you to enter in all your measurements for a dress that fits you perfectly.

The dress I got is called the Grecian Grape Dress and it's actually far more purple than the picture. I'm pairing it with a cute black belt (not the one pictured but you get the point), flat boots (the ones pictured), and sparkly black tights. Of course I plan to add cute accessories too and I promise pictures!

What are your plans for NYE and what will you be wearing?

Monday, December 26, 2011

Love Actually

Last night after dinner was eaten I went back down to my apartment to watch one of my favorite Christmas movies, Love Actually. I don't know what it is about this offbeat, sometimes crass movie that just fills me with the Christmas spirit.

I adore the story of Daniel and Sam. It is so sad when Daniel loses his wife, especially having to raise his wife's son And the way they bond over Sam's first love is just so darn sweet. The airport scene just makes my heart leap.

And there's Jamie and Aurelia. Oh my goodness, from the minute they meet you just know their story is going to have a happy ending. And when Jamie learns Portuguese and goes to find her it's just so darn cute.

I think my favorite couple from the movie is The Prime Minister (I looked him up on IMDB, he doesn't have a name in the movie!) and Natalie (who, by the way, I can't figure out why they call her fat throughout the movie. I think she's gorgeous). I just love how nervous they both are around each other when it's obvious that they're so meant to be.

But of course this scene is the one that both makes my heart melt and break all at the same time. Every time I watch it I wish that things would be different for this couple. But this movie isn't all perfect happy endings and you can't deny the sweetness of this.

Oh this movie. It's a wonderful Christmas movie.

What are your favorite moments from this movie?

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas.

Thank you all so much for your love and support.

Happy holidays to you and yours!

With love,

Krysten

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Happy Saturday V8.5 ~ Christmas Edition

{via}

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

1. Peppermint ice cream

2. Wrapped presents

3.Candy canes

4. Nuts

5. Santa

6. New PJ pants

7. Presents from good friends

8. Christmas lights

9. Reese's peanut butter cups

10. Eggnog

Friday, December 23, 2011

Shopping Is DONE

Welp, I am FINALLY done with all my Christmas shopping! I honestly can't believe I waited as long as I did and it sure does feel good to get done. No matter what I do, I can't seem to not procrastinate when it comes to Christmas shopping.

I must say, it's pretty satisfying checking out my little tree.

And all the presents waiting to be unwrapped!

To be honest, I've been very "bah humbug" this holiday season. I'm not sure what it is. But I do know that I'm going to be making some changes come 2012. So hopefully I won't feel grumpy for much longer.

Are you done with your Christmas shopping yet?

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Christmas Questions

Okay, this little survey has been making its way around the blog world and I can't help but fill it out too! Enjoy!

{via}

1. egg nog or hot chocolate?
What about hot chocolate with a little egg nog in it? I like both!

2. does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Santa wraps them, duh.

3. multi-colored or white lights on tree/house?
Multi-colored. I love the look of white lights but I just love the colors!

4. do you hang mistletoe?
I never have but it would be fun!

5. when do you put up decorations?
This year it was the middle of December, although usually I like to do it before then.

6. what is your favorite holiday dish?
Turkey!

7. favorite holiday memory as a child.
Getting a diary from Santa!

8. when did you learn the truth about Santa?
I think around 10? I saw my dad carrying a big present downstairs when I should have been sleeping. The next morning that same present had a tag from Santa.

9. do you open a gift on Christmas eve?
In my family we open ALL the presents on Christmas Eve.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
With colored lights, candy canes and lots of sentimental ornaments.

11. Snow! Love it or dread it?
I dread it but I am sad there won't be any for Christmas.

12. Can you ice skate?
Well, I can rollerblade so... I suppose I can ice skate too.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift?
To be honest... not really? Is that sad?

14. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you?

The holidays are hard for me this year. I suppose remember the good times.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
Cheesecake!

16. what is your favorite holiday tradition?
Watching Christmas movies and drinking hot chocolate while decorating the tree.

17. what tops your tree?
A silver star.

18. which do you prefer: giving or receiving?
I like both!

19. candy canes. yucky or yummy?
Delish!

20. favorite Christmas show?
Elf, Love Actually, The Holiday.

21. saddest Christmas song?
Gosh we were JUST discussing this at work. Blue Christmas is kind of depressing.

22. favorite Christmas song?
I'll Be Home For Christmas, Baby It's Cold Outside and All I Want For Christmas Is You.

Merry Christmas all!

P.S. Thanks to everyone that helped me reach my goal - I'm not at 1,002 followers with over a week left until 2012! Thank you all for reading!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Damage Control by Denise Hamilton

Maggie Silver is trying to climb up the ladder at an elite PR firm in Southern California whose clients include a slew of actors, athletes and politician. But this time Maggie's got to tackle her toughest client ever: Senator Henry Paxton, an easy to like, distinguished statesman who also happens to be the father of Maggie's estranged best friend from high school.

Bur Maggie's got more problem than possibly running into her old bst friend, because her PR firm is doing damage control for Senator Paxton when he is found to be a suspect in the murder of a young female aide. Maggie is throw back into the glamorous world of the Paxtons and memories begin to flood back from the stormy years in high school when Anabelle Paxton was her best friend. As Maggie delves further into the murder she also begins to realize that the ties of old friendship are stronger than she ever imagined.

I won this book from the amazing site Free Book Friday and was so excited to dig into it. I liked Maggie Silver's character and I loved the way that the book jumped back and forth between the present day and Maggie's past. The mystery surrounding the death of Senator Paxton's aide kept me turning pages and the end was definitely a bit of a shock! Definitely a good read, I'd totally recommend it!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

So Close

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Happy Tuesday!

Monday, December 19, 2011

"Merry Christmas"

{via}

I saw this picture on Post Secret yesterday and had to post about it.

Yesterday at work I had a table with an older lady, a lady even older than her and an old man. The youngest of the three asked for the bill at the end and while I was standing at our computers she came up to pay. I cashed her out and thanked her and as she walked away she wished me a merry Christmas.

I don't know where the stigma came with those words. And if someone said "happy Hanukkah" or "joyous Kwanzaa" it would still make me smile. It's the kindness behind the words that really mean something. So when did people get to uppity?

I challenge you all to go out today and wish people whatever it is that you celebrate. Say it with an open heart and a smile. I guarantee you that it'll make you feel good and it'll make them feel good too.

Merry Christmas all and happy holidays.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

HP 30 Day Challenge ~ Day Three

3. Which (if any) of the films make you angry because they ignored important parts in the book?

Wait, what? Wasn't this my favorite film from last week? Yep, sure is. It's my favorite because of the Department of Mysteries fight scene. However, it made me angry because SO much was cut out from the beginning of the book, I felt that Kreacher should have been featured as being more important and a lot from the Department of Mysteries was cut out as well. I get it, the 5th book was LONG. But it still bummed me out nonetheless.

P.S. Did you know J.K. Rowling was up in the air as to weather to kill Arthur Weasley or Sirius Black off? As much as I love Sirius (he's one of my favorite characters) I'm glad she left Arthur. His family needed him.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Happy Saturday V8.4

{via}

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

1. Candy canes

2. Dressing up at work

3. Chocolate fondue

4. Once Upon A Time

5. Puppies

6. Pretty dresses

7. Christmas lights

8. White tortilla chowder

9. Giving the perfect present

10. Tights

Friday, December 16, 2011

What Day Is It?

Happy Friday everyone! Can you believe we now officially are in single digits till Christmas? It's absolutely freaking me out because I suddenly just realized how close Christmas is and I still have shopping to do, eek.

Today is technically either my Monday or Tuesday, depending on how you look at it. It's my Monday because I still have 4 days left of work after today. But it's also my Tuesday because I worked yesterday. Yup, 6 day work week, oh joy. I'm hoping we get at least a somewhat good rush this weekend, we've been slow lately and that means not so hot tips. So fingers crossed please!

Finally before a little fill in the blanks (brought to you by the little things we do) I'd like to ask you all for some more good thoughts and prayers. My co-worker, who I mentioned before, found out that his cancer has spread and that chemo is not an option. He's 43 years old. It just kills me to think about. So please keep him and his family in your thoughts. It would be very much appreciated.

Without further ado...

1. My most favorite "little thing" is driving in my car with the music turned up, singing along and not having to think about anything.

2. I'd give anything to have my coworker be healthy again. The look on his face on Monday just about broke my heart.

3. I can't believe that it's almost 2012. I am SO ready for this year to be over!

4. The one thing I'd like to achieve today is to get my marketing project done so that all I have to worry about is finals.

5. The last thing I want to do today is go to work. But alas, I have to make money.

6. If I were writing my own blank today, it would say: What are you looking forward to most? And I would answer by saying "New Year's Eve!"

7. My favorite candle scent is currently the candle that my Cold Hands, Warm Hearts swap partner sent me. It's called Coral Hibiscus.

Happy Friday (or Monday or Tuesday) all!

P.S. A super happy 30th birthday to Ang! Please drop by her blog and give her some birthday love!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Time Is Ticking

With 2012 coming up VERY fast I decided to look over my 101 in 1001 list and made a very horrible discovery. I've only completed 38% of my list and I have the rest of it to complete by October 4th, 2012.

Taking out everything I've already completed, here is everything I still want to do:

Send a secret to PostSecret
Get another tattoo
Learn to knit or crochet
Stop Swearing for one month
Build a fort
Have a tea party
Go bowling
Go to a Saints game
Host a murder mystery party
Go to a restaurant by myself
Do something nice for a stranger
Pay off credit card debt
Spend a weekend in Chicago
Make a vision board
Do something with the corks I've been saving
Wear more skirts/dresses (Started 5/27/10)
Leave someone a really big tip
Write letters to 5 people I care about
Eat more fruits/veggies
Write a love letter
Take Monte on more walks (Started 4/2/11)
Go to the drive in at least 3 times in a summer
Do the 30 Day Shred
Do a "Wreck This Journal" (Started 4/16/10)
Use a whole pad of post-its for Operation Beautiful
Cover up the tattoo on my wrist
Save $5 for every goal achieved on this list
Go to Ren Fest
Make a "Soundtrack of my Life" for my iPod
Get Monte fixed
Take 48 pictures in one day - day in the life of me
Do Minnesota AIDS Walk again
Donate $5 for every item not completed
Put $1200 into savings
Go on a picnic
Spend 24 hours without the computer, TV and cellphone
Answer the "50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind"
Have a "girls day" with Mom
Get something to put over the bed
Have a couples weekend
Go on an overnight or weekend by myself
Paint the bedroom
Carve or write my name somewhere permanent
Write letters to 5 people that "did me wrong" and then burn them
Submit a novel to a publisher
Find a "real" job
Write the first draft of a novel before NaNoWriMo
Do a vlog
Kiss in the rain
Make the backyard look nice
Keep a diary of letters to my unborn child
Make the bedroom MINE
Make or buy a jewelry holder
Christmas shop on Etsy
Send someone flowers for no reason
Get new glasses
Go to a chiropractor
See a show at the Ordway
Write a letter to an author I love
Go to Duluth in the summer
Try 5 new foods
Visit a new state
Spend a whole day at a coffee shop

I have 63 more items to get through by October 2012. I'm not sure if I'll complete them all but I'd like to complete as many as possible. I'm terrible at setting goals and sticking to them and I'd love to be able to say I completed as much as I possibly could.

So help me out all! Hold me accountable. Help me stick with this!

Do you set goals for yourself? Do you stick to them?

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Cold Hands, Warm Hearts Swap

Last year I didn't get a chance to participate in the Cold Hands, Warm Hearts swap, an amazing idea put together by Sandy of Sandy a la Mode and Ilene of Much Love, Illy. This year, though, I couldn't wait to find out who my partner was.

I was super excited to be introduced to Stephanie of Femmena Mala. One of the questions asked of us when filling out our swap forms what are top 3 favorite things in the whole wide world were. Upon reading and finding out that one of Stephanie's was Harry Potter I knew we were a perfect match!

And so Stephanie and I not only became swap partners but we became friends as well, which I think is the best part of being in a swap. So when I got Stephanie's package in the mail, I could barely stop to take pictures I was so excited!

The pretty box

Stephanie's note to me

The prettily wrapped packages

Pretty presents

A necklace and ring from Stephanie's Etsy shop

A Christmas ornament (the K)

A teal colored mug

A candle that smells so delicious I could eat it

A scarf and, of course, matching gloves!

Stephanie, thanks so much for the sweet gifts! And also thanks to Sandy and Ilene for introducing me to Stephanie!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

HIMYM

I finally gave in.

How I Met Your Mother is currently on the Netflix instant queue.

So I started watching.

And I can't stop!

What's your favorite sitcom?

Monday, December 12, 2011

The Weekend... With Chocolate Wine!

Hello all! How's everyone doing today? Me? I'm good. I'm really good.

The only really BAD thing that happened this weekend is my car not wanting to start on Sunday. So I get to go get the battery tested. I'm hoping they'll tell me that it was just a case of how cold it was and the fact that I shut it off and turned in on three times in the span of about 10 minutes. We shall see I guess.

However, lots of good things happened this weekend. Such as:

Chocolate wine (yes, chocolate wine, I am not kidding)
Christmas decorations
Cupcakes
Tacos
Board games
Watching Elf (one of my all time favorite Christmas movies)
Cuddling
Candy canes
Steve's Pizza
Celebrating a special someone's birthday

Today I am super busy so I'm going to leave you all by saying that I'm pretty darn happy right now. And it feels fantastic.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

HP 30 Day Challenge ~ Day Two

2. Your favorite of the 7 movies.

The reason I like this movie so much is because it helped me to picture the fight scene from the Department of Mysteries. So much happened in that scene that I had a hard time picturing and I felt like seeing the movie really helped. At the same time, they also cut A LOT of stuff out in this movie that was in the book. But we'll discuss this another time, promise.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Happy Saturday V8.3

{via}

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

1. Apple pie

2. Christmas shopping

3. Swap goodies

4. How I Met Your Mother

5. Ordering new curtains for my bedroom

6. Putting up Christmas decorations

7. Steve's Pizza

8. Drops of Jupiter by Train

9. Candles

10. Getting excited for a certain someone's birthday

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Saturday, December 31, 2011

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