Nicole's 5 Things

Thanks Jessica for tagging me in your 5 things post.

Her questions for me:

1. Who in your life do you look up to most and why?

I have a lot of people I look up to in my life,

but I'd definitely have to say my husband. 

Yup corny freakin answer Nicole.

He is literally the hardest worker,

kindest person,

smart as Einstein,

looks out for others before himself,

and has tons of goals and aspirations.

2. What was your favorite movie growing up? Why was it your favorite? Do you still like to watch it today?

I was definitely a die hard Lion King fan. Just something about

the cute animals and the general message 

behind it was awesome.

It's my goal to see it on Broadway.

I haven't watched it in a long time.

3. What is your opinion of Christmas music? When do you start listening to it, if at all?

I looovvee Christmas music.

There's just something about it that is so fun and uplifting.

I usually turn it on after Thanksgiving...

even though at the mall (where I work) it's been playing since November 1st.

4. What do you look forward to most on Thanksgiving? Why?

I look forward to seeing all my family the most.

Because of our busy lives,

we don't get to see everybody all the time like we would like.

So Thanksgiving is great to see all of our families.

Also eating a lot :)

5. If you could go anywhere in the world, money not being an issue, where would it be and why?

Greece and Italy.

They've been on the top of list for a while now.

My grandpa was from Italy and I just

love everything Italian.

Both have a ton of history behind them

and great food to try :)

Pet Peeves

I like to think of myself as a pretty

laid back, go with the flow type of person.

It takes a lot for me to get really mad or aggravated

(unless you knew me when I worked at the bank,

I was often mad).

I choose to live life to the fullest and with much

positivity rather than negativity.

However,

we all have our pet peeves.

Who doesn't?

And if you say you don't,

you are blatantly lying to everybody.

Lets start with one of my top pet peeves:

'I Don't Have Any Money...'

this is probably tied for number 1.

I don't have any money- 

oh but you can go and spend your 'no money' on 

makeup, hair stuff, and clothes that cost

together way more than you don't have?

Yea... not ok.

Especially when you do it to get out of doing something

or just because you want sympathy.

Yes Sir Dan and I don't have a lot,

but I would never go around complaining about it.

I hate liars!!!

Not little white lies that we all tell to ourselves

(ex: I don't care about my weight),

big, bold lies.

For example: a guy at work was secretly dating

a much younger coworker.

We all knew it but they lied straight to everybodys face

and told them nothing was going on.

Until he got promoted to manager and she quit because

they were nervous about getting caught.

NOT COOL PEOPLE.

Just tell the truth, 

because in the end we all find out some way or another.

Cheaters

Not like on a test, 

even though I can't stand that either,

but on a partner.

If you have an open relationship,

that's one thing.

There's no reason to be married
and sneaking around.

I think it's wrong and immature.

If you can't control yourself,

you shouldn't be in a relationship

or with that person.

The Complainers or One Uppers

We all have these people in our lives.

Those that don't stop whining or complaining about their lives

or the ones that have to one up everything you do.

Can't stand either of them.

Teen Pregnancy

Unless you are actually trying to get pregnant

for some reason at that age.

Nowadays with Teen Mom 1,2,3..etc and

16&preggo-

it's almost a game to see who can get pregnant instead

of the opposite way around.

Be responsible,

party with a hat on,

don't sleep around.

'When are you having babies?'

Since Dan and I started becoming serious in our

dating relationship,

we were always asked this question.
Along the same lines- 
when people find out I'm married,
and because they assume I'm 19,
the first question they ask is:
Oh, so you have children.

Enough is enough.

Not for a while when both our careers are stable,

we have done our traveling and adventuring,

after we get a dog,

when we are ready to settle down.

We may  be married,

but that doesn't mean I have to pop out babies right away.

We have a lot of married life to live first.

I personally believe that no matter how long you've been together,

you should spend a bunch of years to get to know each other

and explore, vacation, have little responsibility in your marriage first.

There you have it!!!

Nicole's list of pet peeves.

Can you relate to any of them?

Nicole's Holiday Advice

Since my weekend was pretty relaxing and low key- I figured I'd give ya some super advice on how to go through the holidays with a bang. Sir Dan and I have been doing this now for 5 years, maybe more I've lost track, so we are use to the chaoticness that comes along with being together and tons of people to see.

You Will Be Pulled In A Million Directions: If you have tons of families to see in one day, you are going to feel like inspector gadget with is  go go gadget arms and legs because  everybody wants to see you. We have 4 places to be each holiday. Last year we did his family Thanksgiving, mine Christmas. We were suppose to switch it around this year. Buuuutttt... This year is more complicated cause some families will be here for Thanksgiving but not Christmas. And honestly, I don't care that we will be going to 3 houses on Thanksgiving, and 3 or 4 on Christmas. Why not see everybody for all holidays?! Be Inspector Gadget and use your helicopter hat to visit your family, his family, and whomever else you want to see. Now you don't have to worry about one area of the family bustin your balls for not being there, or running the risk of being miserable because you didn't get a chance to see who you wanted. Just remember: you aren't cooking, cleaning, or buying the alcohol- so eat, drink, and be merry!
Drink: This one basically explains itself. If you are visiting a few places, drinking is the best medicine. It keeps you calm and sane, while ingesting delicious spiked eggnog: (Nicole's spiked peppermint eggnog- mix eggnog and peppermint schnapps together. Mix in some chocolate. decorate with a chocolate rim,  crushed candy canes, and a candy cane). You're Welcome.

Dress cute but comfy: The worst feeling in the world is- an itchy sweater, pants too tight, feet hurting because of your heels. In my honest opinion- it's your family you are going to be with... they've probably seen you in sweats with  your hair/makeup not done. Don't go all out for them. Find a nice pair of leggings, a cute but non itchy sweater, and pair it with some boots. BAM!

 (left) yes I am wearing footie pjs and  Sir Dans shirt says 'my girl has great tatas'
Eat... a lot! Yes we are all on our diets of choice and all try to be good throughout the holidays. But ya gotta live a little. It's one day outta the year where you can enjoy some amazing food. If you are going to drink, ya might as well eat because drinking is worse anyway.

Be Merry and Thankful: No matter what you decide, be thankful you got to be with loved ones... and pass out from a food coma.
Happy Holidays Everyone :)

There's Nothing Better Than...

Wow,  another great idea for a linkup! I'm full of them.

There's Nothing Better Than: Blaring, and I mean BLARING, the new Cher album while cleaning the entire house.

Not only is the apartment spotless, but the neighbors now know just how bad I am at singing... aanndd all the birds got to see my dance moves.
There's Nothing Better Than: playing hookie. A lot of students miss school, every week. I hate missing school. One because I love it and two- my clients depend on me being there. But with life being so busy and the holidays coming up, the apartment was a disaster and I needed to throw away some  hours anyway. And it was an awesome day to have to myself.
There's Nothing Better Than: chocolate.  Yup nothing more to say.
There's Nothing Better Than: my chiweenie.

she's super cuddly and makes everything better!
There's Nothing Better Than: my husband. He's my soulmate and I love him more and more every day.

There's Nothing Better Than: A day in NYC topped off with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

There's Nothing Better Than: IT BEING FRIDAY!!!
What are your weekend plans!?

Behind the Scenes

Over the past couple weeks, I've been lucky enough to be behind the scenes of some gorgeous photo shoots. One was a professional photo shoot, with casting calls, a huge set, makeup, hair, video and photo shoots. It was amazing.
Last week- I was assisting on a bridal shoot that took place at school. I helped putting up the hair, makeup, and on set. It was awesome!!! I loved every aspect of it.

Most of the models were students from school, a couple were family of the owners, and one (the model with the baby, her baby) works in the salon. Don't they look gorgeous. These are also pictures I took on set, the professional ones are ubelievable and flawless!

Don't Make This Weekend End!!

This weekend was a weekend

I officially don't want to end... EVER!

After a busy, hectic Saturday at school-

I ran home, changed, grabbed Sir Dan,

and met my family to head to dinner

and the Transiberian Orchestra concert.

We went to this authentic German restaurant

before the concert-

which has a beer stein ceiling and entertainment

the entire time!

After dinner,

 we headed over to the concert.

I've listened to their music for years,

and have always wanted to go see them.

My parents treated all of us to the concert,

and our seats are dead center.

The music was incredible,

the light show was unlike I could've ever imagined.

Definitely a MUST see if it comes to your area.

Sunday morning,

Dan and I woke up bright and early,

got ready and headed into NYC.

Our main reason was to see the Radio City

Christmas Spectacular at 7pm.

But we made it a whole date day throughout the city.

We checked the weather and it said cloudy all day,

no problem for us.

We walked out of Grand Central and it was raining.

But nothing could ruin our day.

We bought an umbrella and started walking to Fifth Ave.

We stopped and looked at many window displays,

Tiffanys was definitely my favorite.

We found our inner child,

and headed into FAO Schwartz (bottom left).

Walked the upper East side and 

decided to document the gorgeous brownstones

and beautiful serenity of it all.

We finally made it to Serendipity-

the famous frozen hot chocolate.

We had under and hour wait,

so we went to dylans candy shop and bought

an ornament for the tree.

Every time we head to NYC we go there...

it seemed appropriate.

We walked around for a while and went back to

eat our hearts out.

Their food is ssoo freakin good,

and the frozen hot chocolate is unbelievably bangin.

When we were so full we couldn't move,

we walked to and thru Central Park-

our favorite thing to do.

After Serendipity-

the rain completely stopped which was awesome!

We walked thru the park for a while then 

decided to walk up broadway to Times Square.

The first store we saw was the M&M store.

They added a 'Personalize Your M&M' section,

so we had to try it!

It was a cool project I must say-

great for gifts and announcements. 

These are for us though haha.

We grabbed a pretzel (ya gotta),

sat on the red stairs overlooking Times Square,

did a little more meandoring and then went over to

the fabulous Radio City.

We've seen the show before,

my parents and grandparents would take us 

all the time when we were little.

But they completely changed the show as of two years ago.

The whole entire second half is different-

they added a new storyline with a new message,

changed some choreography and costumes,

and added new songs and dances.

It was truly spectacular.

I think my mouth was open the entire time!

And the best part?!

We found the tickets on groupon for $30 each.

And they were dead center second row mezz...

perfect view of the entire stage!

If you ever want to take a trip to NYC-

it's a must see.

And there ya have it.

Please don't make me go back to reality.

This weekend was like a dream!!

Well Hello There

Wow this sounds like a fun linkup after actually thinking about it :)

Well Hello There- Monday morning. I actually despise you this Monday like a normal human because you are the official end to my crazy work week of 13+ hour days.
Well Hello There- super cute boots I purchased for a  great price and can't wait to wear every day:

source

Well Hello There- first whole day I got to spend with my husband for more than an hour. Since the past 8 days were spent at a photo shoot, work, school, sleeping and 13+ hour days, I hadn't seen my husband in over a week. Yesterday we spent the whole day together.

Well Hello There- almost full clientele for the holidays.
Well Hello There- No No-Spend November ... with our new budget we are sure to still have tons of fun, see lots of holiday awesomeness, get our Christmas Shopping done and out of the way, and STILL save. (ps- when talking about no spend november with Sir Dan, his response: well that just sounds boring. This is why we are soul mates).
Well Hello There- super cute paternal side to my hubs.  This just melts my heart.

Well Hello There- being a nerd and buying the new call of duty. This is one of the many similarities we have- when we were dating, this instantly won his heart (so he told me).

Well Hello There- quick coffee break with the husby inbetween work and school on Friday so we could catch up on our lives. (yay holiday cups and skinny caramel macchiato)

Well Hello There- amazing photo shoot I got to assist with last Monday and Tuesday.  It was such an awesome experience, full of learning! (don't worry, there'll be a whole post about this sometime soon)

Well Hello There- freakin awesome weekend coming up: Trans Siberian Orchestra Saturday night with the fam, NYC trip Sunday for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. 
How was your weekend?!

No no spend November here!

Welcome back!! To myself that is.  This week has been nothing shy of complete Craziness and super tiring.  I haven't even opened my laptop, I'm sitting here on my phone during a break at school Praying this works. 
Anyway- besides my crazy schedule, There is a point to this post: Why sir Dan and I aren't participating in  No spend November. 
Debt sucks.  There is no doubt about that.  The government seems to care less about Racking up our national debt these days Ssoo there's that.  Dan and I have student loans, And that's it for our debt.  No credit card debt Or outstanding loans, Just student loans. 
I think for a one income family  And one full time student that's pretty freakin awesome.  We've worked very hard to keep it that way.  And of course we'd love to see our student loans vanish,  Who wouldn't?? 
We are paying the monthly payments to pay them down And over the course of our years-  They'll be gone.  And that's fine cause we are making progress. 
I had a client the other day who told me this: Her father always wanted to go to the Grand Canyon But passed away before living out his dream.  He told her  to save money but live for the now.  I loved that saying.  We are saving but we are also living.  We found a groupon for $30 tickets to the Radio city Christmas spectacular!! We sale shop 98% of the time.  We are planning a vacation.  We will have a date night next week.  And we are still putting money into savings. 
Why restrict yourself and know what's out there When you can go live and learn.  We've perfected budgeting and that's how you  Can pay off debt/save and have fun.  Buy 1 not 2 pair of shoes you don't need.  Go see a seasonal concert (we are!)  Because they don't travel in the summer or not in November.  Christmas shop now when all the deals really are!! 
And that's why we aren't participating in no spend November.  We are too busy living and having a good time :)