Day 30 - Thankful that it's pomegranate season

I love pomegranates – they are so interesting! I just took apart my first one of the season and it’s perfect – deep ruby and sweet.

I hope everyone enjoyed the 30 days of being thankful. I think it really helped remind us that even on the most stressful days, we need to look for the positive, because there is always something to be thankful for. And now back to our regularly scheduled programming.

Day 29 - Thankful for Weddings

I love weddings.  I'm a hopeless romantic.  I don't really care who is getting married - odds are, I will get all misty-eyed and shed a few tears.  Weddings also give me the opportunity to watch television gems like Say Yes to the Dress and Four Weddings.  AND as a bonus, I love photographing weddings - something I thought I would like but wasn't totally sure I could handle until this year. 

Below is one of my favorite pictures from a wedding I assisted Monica with in August (see sidebar for her website). 

On a scale of 1-10, I'd say this is a full out "10" on the Romantic Scale.  Yes, there is such a thing as a Romantic Scale.

Day 28 – Thankful for Trick or Treat-ers

I love handing out candy to the kids – I dressed up like a witch, just like I do every year. So original, I know. I love to see all the different costumes. There were about 50 Mario and Luigis…not original. So here’s my top 3 costumes from Halloween 2010.

1.  A Whoopie-Cushion. If you bumped into him, he made a fart sound.

2.  A baby dressed like an egg and the dad was a giant chicken.

3.  A dollar bill. While this was just an ok costume, my friend said “oh there’s a dollar bill” and I bolted yelling “Where? I’ll get it!” This makes the list just because it made me look pathetically poor and cheap.

Day 27 - Thankful for Clean Sheets

Over the weekend (when I should have been writing this post), I changed the sheets on my bed.  Which I realize is normal, but isn't it delightful to sleep in cozy fresh sheets right after you change them?  They smell like Tide and fabric softener.  And it's getting cooler, so it's really cozy.  I can't wait to go to bed tonight!

**This should have been written on Sunday...forgive me!

Day 26 - Thankful for Comfort Food

I'm sorry, but whenever there is a chill in the air, I basically want to do nothing but sit here and eat delicious things.  And let's face it, most delicious things are not good for you.  So I'm thankful that on the weekends, I feel like I can eat whatever.  I don't order a sissy salad when I go out on the weekends.  I order things like Sunday Homestyle Chicken at Cracker Barrel.  Or Chicken Parmesan Milanese at Bravo.  And cinnamon melts at McDonald's. 

I can't wait until NEXT Friday.

**This should have been written on Saturday - sorry!

Day 25 - Thankful to be so Blessed

What I'm going to say is maybe going to come across as bragging.  I'm sorry for that in advance.  But I have a pretty sweet life...and that's what I'm thankful for today.

Today I got maybe the most inspirational email ever from one of my close friends from college.  It made me thankful that I am blessed with not only friendships, but deep friendships that not only stand the test of time, and the test of distance as well.  I was so happy that she shared what she did with me, and it made me realize that I have been so incredibly blessed in my life that I actually got a little teary.  I have my sister, my oldest/best friend and blog co-hort, my close friends and roommates from college, and my current roommate/best friend.  And I can go to any of these women with anything, anytime.  Honestly, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

To all my wonderful friends, whether you read this blog post or not - I love you!  You make my life WAY delightful.

Day 24 - Thankful for Carmel Apple Kisses

Sooo delicious!  Have you tried Hershey's new fall kiss flavor?  If not - go to the store.  Right now!  I wouldn't steer you wrong.  These little suckers taste just like carmel apples.  If you have no self control like me, beware...because they are incredibly addicting and before you know it the entire bag is just full of empty wrappers.  Enjoy!

Day 23 - Thankful for Weather Broadcasts

I know that many of us had some crazy weather yesterday.  However, when this weather interfered with my weekly NCIS fest on CBS, I was not too happy.  Until I realized that the weatherman was equally entertaining.  Have you ever noticed that meterologists get totally jazzed whenever they are talking about bad weather?  He was in the midst of telling people that if they lived in a mobile home to abandon it and run for a ditch...and he was excited.  Not nervous, apprehensive, or incredibly concerned.  Excited! 

He was also encouraging people to submit photos of anything that they had seen, but then was truly appalled when the photos came into the station.  There was one particular photo that showed a softball game being played while there was a funnel cloud in the distance.  Actual quote from Mr. Weatherman: "I have to say, I'm incredibly upset by this picture.  Why is the game still being played?  There had to have been lightning...there are people in an open field...this is not good."



I almost wish I was still under a tornado warning so that he was still on TV.  Almost.

Day 22 - Thankful for Philosophy

No, not the subject.  Please...I am no longer in school, so my synapses do not fire quickly enough to deal with philosophy.  I'm talking about the bath and beauty products.

I am in a great mood.  I am sitting here in my lovely room which smells of spiced cider (see one of our previous "thankful" posts on apple products).  And I just took a shower...using philosophy body wash.  My roommate's mom is a big fan of the QVC channel on TV (or "the Q" as she calls it).  She alerted us that Philosophy brand products would be on this weekend.  So we watched.  And now I am more addicted than ever.

I cannot actually tell you how in love I am with this stuff.  Do yourself a favor and go to their website.  And prepare to be in awe.  All of their new holiday products are out and they are adorable.  And I'm guessing that most of them smell like heaven.  The 3-in-1 bath and shower gels are phenomenal.  PHENOMENAL.  My skin feels clean, silky and smooth, and even though these products smell strongly delicious in the shower, you won't walk around smelling like a mimosa or a cinnamon bun all day.  It's indulgently fantastic.  Seriously.  I kind of feel like I went to the spa. 

Here are a few of my current favorites:

Pink Frosted Layer Cake 3-in-1 bath and shower gel.  This body wash smells exactly how it sounds.  Pure deliciousness, without being overpowering.  I used this yesterday.  It's in the permanent rotation.



Kiss Me lip balm.  This stuff is fantastic.  I'm usually a chapstick girl (my mom and roommate both cringe when I say things like that), but I can't get enough of this.  Beware: it's addicting.  But your lips will be lovely...so it's kinda worth it. :)



Pure Grace spray fragrance.  I have put my Ralph Lauren Romance on the shelf for awhile because of this.  I've even given up on my body sprays that I usually use.  I've been using this as an every day spray- it's amazing.  Read the reviews on the website - they are spot on.

My roommate and I are heading to the mall this weekend, and I plan on splurging on a few new ones/buying some early Christmas gifts.   I've heard (from Rose) that you can also find these products at TJ Maxx and Marshall's.  Now, go forth and pamper thyself!

Day 21 – Thankful for a beautiful night’s sleep

Here's what I realized this morning: I haven't got a good night's sleep in...well...years. I got a 4-inch very dense memory foam mattress topper for my old lumpy mattress...and OMG.  How did I sleep without it? How did I ever wake up feeling refreshed? I woke up this morning and I wasn't tired. I hopped out of bed (even though it was so fluffy and comfy I didn't want to) and got ready for my day. No groaning, no stiffness, no yawning. I am so rested and delighted with my new favorite item! It's like cuddling up on a cloud :-)

Day 20 - Thankful for Visitors

October has been a busy month for me down here in NC - we've had delightful visitors every weekend for the past 3 weekends.  First my parents, then my sister, and then my wonderful friend from college.  My roommate and I had such a wonderful time with all of them!  It's going to be quiet around here for awhile since things will be pretty low key in the weeks to come.  I miss and love all of you! <3

Day 19 - Thankful for Emails

Ah, email.  Remember the days when all everyone had in terms of an internet provider was America Online?  Whenever I open my email inbox, and I have new mail, I always mutter "you've got mail!" to myself.  I realize this sounds crazy, but email is fun.  Email is even more fun when it's a non-facebook update, non-spam, non-automated bill pay confirmation email.  And personal emails...well, they are simply the best.



I got a fun note of encouragement via email from one of my friends this weekend and it literally made my day.  I encourage you to send an unexpected/surprise/thinking of you/just because email to one of your friends this week - they will definitely appreciate it! 

PS - yes, I cheated by posting this a day late.  I had company here this weekend...forgive me! :)

Day 18 - Thankful for Flowers

I was taking a walk today and  I happened to have my camera on me - Fall is gorgeous here, and I didn't want to miss an opportunities on this beautiful day!  I took this when I was walking quickly past a (still!) blooming rose bush.  How pretty!  Flowers make me happy.  And so do Fridays. 

Sidenote:  I'm also happy and thankful that Night at the Museum is on TV right now.  Love that movie!

Day 17 - Thankful for being "normal"

I got screamed at and berated yesterday by a crackhead (no, literally a crackhead - I'm in the social work field) and suddenly everything in my life seemed pretty darn good. It made me upset because I hate confrontation of any kind, but it got me thinking.  I don't have to rely on other people for assistance, I live in a nice neighborhood, I have a loving family, and basically have my crap together. It kinda puts everything into perspective when life gets hard and bills get overwhelming and relationships get strained. So internet, there you have it. I'm happy for being happy, healthy, and somewhat normal. Somewhere in the middle doesn't seem all that bad afterall...

Day 16 - Thankful for Apple Items

Disclaimer:  This post is NOT about my love for Apple brand products (iPads, iPhones, iMacs, iPods, etc).  No, no it's not.  I actually own nothing that Apple has created.  It's true.  I don't even have iTunes on my computer.  But I digress.

I think we've established that I love seasonal items, what with the explosion of pumpkin recipes a few weeks back.  Pumpkin isn't all I love about Fall though - I also love anything that has to do with apples.  Here are two of my current absolute favorite things:

1. Spiced Cider 3-wick candle from Bath & Body Works.  I am convinced that this is what Heaven smells like.  Or at least a really nice Hallmark store (which is pretty close to Heaven, if you ask me.  I know, I'm crazy...but this is my blog.  I'm allowed).  If you don't want to spend the 20 bucks on the 3 wick, the store runs sales on the smaller candles, and you can try them in a whole bunch of scents.  But trust me...this is the way you want to go.



2. Apple Butter.  Of any kind.  You can get this at a farmer's market, an orchard, at Cracker Barrel, or on the table at Bob Evans.  Or in the jam aisle at the grocery store - Smucker's makes a darn good commercial apple butter.  And it's delicious.  I've been using it instead of jelly on my peanut butter sandwiches as of late, and that's a trend that will most likely continue until...well...forever.



Try these things - you will love them.  You'll get the warm fuzzies.  And you're welcome in advance.

Day 15 - Thankful for The Pioneer Woman

Have you ever checked out The Pioneer Woman's blog?  If you're not lucky enough to already know what I'm talking about, do yourself a favor and head on over to the link section on the right side of your screen RIGHT NOW.  Do it.  You don't even need to read the rest of this...but that won't stop me from writing about it!

This blog has changed my life.  Honestly!!  This woman is a genius.  And a delight.  Not only does she cook up some mean recipes (I just read through the entire breakfast section and my mouth is watering), but she has amazing photography tips and home & garden things.  EVERYTHING that I truly love is all in one place!

Day 14 - Thankful for candy-like medicine

I'm trying to be positive, really I am. But honestly, I feel like I've been run over by a truck. I have a cold and I'm pretty miserable. So today, in efforts of counteracting my thoughts of "un-thankfulness" about not having any more sick days...I'm thankful for delicious Luden's cough drops. I hate menthol and these taste like candy.

Day 13 - Thankful for Fall Weekends

This weekend, I did the following:

1. Spent quality time with my sister

2. Went to a NASCAR race and didn't sweat my butt off, AND saw my favorite driver win

3. Went on a hayride to a pumpkin patch and drank apple cider at a farm

It was delightful, and I couldn't have had more fun this weekend if I tried.  October in NC is delightful.  Trust me.

Day 12 - Thankful for (not so) Spontaneous Purchases

There was a full post up detailing the awesomeness of my secret purchase, but it needs to remain a secret so that it can be revealed at the proper time.  I have terrible shopper's remorse, but I don't have it over this.  Which is awesome. 

Anyways, this purchase was life changing.  And I am totally totally thankful for that.

Details to follow in a post most likely in November!!

Day 11 - Thankful for Happy Hour Deals

Sorry, no pic for this, but I'm thankful today to be leaving work early and heading over to Cheesecake Factory for their happy hour $5 appetizers. Sorry CF, I'm PMSing and hungry - you're losing out today because I'm ordering approximately 22 things. :-)