That’s SO 2013

It’s hard to believe it is 2014. The saying must be true because time really does fly when you are having fun. Although a year has past, 2013 brought a lifetime of memories.

JANUARY 2013- Me and Lgeezy

2013 started out for me with the rekindling of a friendship I once thought was beyond repair. Lauren and I are both very opinionated and my stubbornness hindered our friendship for a while and ever since we had a pretty intense talk sometime in January we have been closer than ever. We are always each other’s comical relief as well as ear to listen threw hardships. She and I often joke about how happy we are that we are friends and the truth is, I don’t think either one of us would have it any other way.

Lauren and I at my house for Superbowl 2013

FEBRUARY 2013- I couldn’t think of one big moment so I put two for September, because it was a pretty great month!

MARCH 2013- Trippin’

In March my 8 year old niece,Darby, wanted to go visit some of our family in Colorado so I did what any aunt would do, went with her. She is so patient for a kid. She was an amazing passenger and we enjoyed watching the snowfall as we made crafts by the fire. She loved the snow and knew exactly where she wanted to eat while in Colorado Springs, CO. It’s almost bittersweet to watch her grow up.

Well, Aunt Avyn had a big girl job so, I had to leave that Sunday and get back to work but Delta had other plans. I was stuck in an airport for 2 days straight. I spent one night in a hotel in Colorado Springs and another in Atlanta. Most people would have been miserable but lucky for me, I met some pretty kick ass people and we clicked instantly. We did everything together for those two days and even nicknamed ourselves the Delta Force. It was actually pretty amazing because to this day I talk to 2 of the ladies I met.

Delta Force stuck in hotel #1

APRIL 2013- Wilmington Bound

Quentin turned 30 this March and because I was in Colorado, I took him on a trip to Wilmington NC, in April. He is from Charleston SC, loves seafood, and had never been so we went down for a night and enjoyed some fresh seafood, a rooftop bar, and a beautiful condo overlooking the waterway. Although we didn’t get to take the sunset cruise I had planned because it was so cold outside, we still had an amazing trip and look forward to going again.

MAY 2013- Claybo party of 2

This year my friend of many years Jennifer Allen became Jennifer Claybo. That’s right, she got married to her best friend Jon Claybo! The two are a walking definition of marrying your best friend. They adore each other so much and I am so glad I got to witness them tie the knot. Everything was beautiful and I continue to wish them both a lifetime of happiness.

June- 28 Years of Greatness

One of my best friends, Beth, turned 28. My friend Casey and I hopped in the car and headed to Columbia, SC to celebrate 28 years of fabulousness with Beth. We had dinner at a Japanese restaurant where we actually sat on the floor. It was a feast of sushi, sake, and silliness. After dinner we had a pajama party with Beth and her roommates. I haven’t laughed that hard in a while.

Beth- the birthday girl

JULY 2013- America’s Most Wanted Tour

I try to go to at least one concert a year so this year I got a Groupon to the TI, Lil Wayne, and 2 Chains concert, told my friends about it and we all went. A few of us pregammed at my house then met everyone there and had a blast. Dancing on a summer night is one of the best feelings in the world.

AUGUST 2013- Playin’ By the Pool with Pipes

My friend Piper and I both got laid off from our full time jobs and instead of moping around about it, we did what we could, looked for jobs, and most importantly had fun! If we didn’t see each other at least twice a week, something was seriously wrong. We took our dogs on walks, relaxed at each other’s houses, but my favorite times were pool times. We joked about how we “worked from home and we had business meetings”–leaving out the minor detail that we were unemployed and went to the pool weekly. It sucked getting laid off but we are both getting back on our feet finally, but I must admit it this summer was one of the best ones because of her.

SEPTEMBER 2013- He liked it so he went and put a ring on it

Sunday September 15, 2013 my lifetime friend Casey was no longer  in a relationship with her boyfriend Jesse, she was now his fiancé. With country music playing, they sat in the back of his pick-up truck.  They were drinking wine in front of a bonfire when he got down one knee and asked for her hand in marriage. I am so excited to be apart of their wedding and can’t wait to see Casey as a bride! She will be gorgeous, I just know it!

Here’s the ring!!!

Jesse and Casey

SEPTEMBER 2013- She’s 1

This September my baby niece Remy Vera turned one! Decked out in a tutu and Chuck Taylors, she was the guest of honor at her cookies and milk themed birthday party. My sister in law is so creative she had a cookie decorating station set up for the children, a milk bar, and guest left with a mason jar packed to the top with ingredients to make their own cookies at home. I love my family and seeing Remy become a year old, walking and talking has been an amazing experience.

OCTOBER 2013- Glammed Up Pumpkins

This year instead of carving pumpkins, some friends and I headed to Piper’s house and glammed up some pumpkin. Piper supplied glitter, glue, sequins and more and we decorated our pumpkins. I think they turned out adorable and it was much cleaner than sticking your hand in a slimy pumpkin.

NOVEMBER 2013- Thankful for Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving my family and I enjoyed a delicious meal at my parent’s house. It was laid back but we were surrounded by love and each other.

This is some of our feast

DECEMBER 2013- It’s Christmas time in the city

Hands down, Christmas was the best way to end the year. From celebrating with my friends at our annual holiday party to watching my niece open her iPad, Christmas was amazing. Anytime I am with family and friends, I am content. They are the reason I get up each day and aim for greatness. Below are some pictures from my holiday celebrations.

My Charlie Brown tree

10th Annual Peacock Christmas Party

My amazing mother

Handmade crafts from my niece

Growing Up and Bucket Lists

This Saturday is my 28th birthday! For me, the past 8 years have taught me a lot. I have changed from a young carless  party girl to a caring professional  young woman. I feel like the 20s  have molded me into the person I truly am.  Although, I am proud of who I’ve evolved into, there are still a couple things that I’d like to do while I’m still in my 20s.

20 Things to Do While I’m Still in My 20s

1. PRAY more.
2. Land a CAREER that allows me to live comfortably.
3. READ more books.
4. Be more ACTIVE.
5. Spend more time with my FAMILY.
6. Get out of DEBT.
7. TRAVEL more.
8. Watch less TV. 
9. CUSS less.
10. INVEST.
11. MOVE into a house with a back yard.
12. COOK new recipes.
13. Get another PUPPY.
14. Get PUBLISHED.
15. Expand my MARY KAY business.
16. COMMUNICATE better when upset.
17. Become more CRAFTY. 
18. DONATE to cause I’m passionate about.
19. Become more PATIENT.  
20. SKYDIVE. 

Do NOT Enter!

The temperature is on the rise and so are the number of home break ins. I read my hometown newspaper online each day and the number of people whose homes are being broken into really makes me sad. There was a recent case in which a group of 3 men rang a couples door bell late in the evening  and robbed them at gun point in their own home. If we can’t feel safe at home, where can we feel safe?

Many studies have shown that home break ins are highest in summer. I am assuming this is because of the number of people on vacation along with the boredom of students being out of school for summer leading them into getting in trouble.

Although you may live in a nice neighborhood or out in the country, you still are at risk of becoming a victim. Make sure you prepare yourself and your home for any situation…

Below are 4 easy ways to help keep your home safe:

1. Do not showcase pricey items: Rearrange your furniture to ensure pricey items such as flat screen TVs, computers and other electronics are not visible from the road.

2. Leave lights, televisions, and radios on: Making burglars think you are home will make them less likely to rob you.

3. Lock ALL doors and windows: I know it may seem simple but even if you are only to a neighbor’s house make sure you lock your doors and windows. This is one of the easiest steps in reducing break ins because you never know who is watching.

4. Keep spare keys inside: Thieves look for spare keys out doors (it makes their job easier). Give your spare key to a family member or neighbor in case of an emergency.

Memorial Day Weekend!

Memorial Day is a day in which we remember those who have lost their lives fighting for our country. This Monday, we observe the federal holiday.  I can’t wait to show off my new bathing suit at the pool while grilling out  and catching up with some long time friends.  Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest weekends for drivers. Beach trips, parades, and barbecues are a few popular destinations for the holiday. While enjoying your three day weekend, be sure to keep in mind those who lost their lives serving our country and also be aware of other drivers while on the road.

Keep driving fatalities down by these easy steps (I know they are common sense but just thought I’d remind you):

-Focus on one thing and one thing only…DRIVING

-Do not text and drive

-Do not speed

-Do not drink and drive

-Watch for motorcyclists

Now that you made it to the party….what are you going to eat?!

Southern Grilled Barbecued Ribs

Ingredients

• 4 pounds baby back pork ribs
• 2/3 cup water
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup prepared mustard
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place ribs in two 10×15 inch roasting pans. Pour water and red wine vinegar into a bowl, and stir. Pour diluted vinegar over ribs and cover with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Baste the ribs with their juices halfway through cooking.
2. In a medium saucepan, mix together ketchup, water, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, butter, brown sugar, hot pepper sauce, and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer barbeque sauce for 1 hour.
3. Preheat grill for medium heat.
4. Lightly oil preheated grill. Transfer ribs from the oven to the grill, discarding cooking liquid. Grill over medium heat for 15 minutes, turning ribs once. Baste ribs generously with barbeque sauce, and grill 8 minutes. Turn ribs, baste again with barbeque sauce, and grill 8 minutes.

and what are you going to wash your food down with?

Easy Raspberry Lemonade

ADULTS CAN ADD VODKA

Ingredients

• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen raspberry lemonade concentrate
• 3 cups water
• 3/4 teaspoon lime juice
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
• 1 cup crushed ice
• 1 cup fresh raspberries, garnish
• 18 Mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. In a large punch bowl, combine raspberry lemonade concentrate, water and lime juice. Stir in lemon-lime soda and crushed ice. Garnish each glass with a fresh raspberry and a mint leaf.

and for dessert?

Wave Your Flag Cake

Ingredients

• 1 quart strawberries, divided
• 1 1/2 cups boiling water
• 1 pkg. (8 serving size) JELL-O Brand Gelatin, any red flavor
• Ice cubes
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 (12 ounce) package pound cake, cut into 10 slices
• 1 1/3 cups blueberries, divided
• 1 (8 ounce) tub COOL WHIP Whipped Topping, thawed

Directions

1. Slice 1 cup of the strawberries; set aside. Halve remaining strawberries; set aside.
2. Stir boiling water into dry gelatin mix in large bowl 2 minutes until completely dissolved. Add enough ice to cold water to measure 2 cups. Add to gelatin; stir until ice is melted. Refrigerate 5 minutes or until slightly thickened (consistency of unbeaten egg whites). Meanwhile, line bottom of 13×9-inch dish with cake slices. Add sliced strawberries and 1 cup of the blueberries to thickened gelatin; stir gently. Spoon over cake slices.
3. Refrigerate 4 hours or until firm. Spread whipped topping over gelatin. Arrange strawberry halves on whipped topping for ‘stripes’ of ‘flag.’ Arrange remaining 1/3 cup blueberries on whipped topping for ‘stars.’ Store leftover cake in refrigerator.

Don’t forget to keep the kids entertained..

-Set up a sprinkler in the yard or get a slip and slide

-Create a Memorial Day obstacle course

-Have a Memorial Day treasure hunt

-Hide and Seek

-Anything fun outdoors to get them out of your hair!

Finish the night with some beautiful fireworks…

International Day of Families

Ever heard of family day? Neither have I…until today! May 15th is a date in which countries of the United  Nations observe International Day of Families. Dating back to May 15, 1995, the International Day of Families is a day in which people of the UN focus on the importance of balancing work and family. Specifically, it stresses the significance  in financially and emotionally contributions of workers to their families while  consistently adding to the growth of the society. Celebrations include workshops, meetings, and campaigns focused on the strength of family support systems. Although here in a America this is nothing we celebrate, I think it is very important for all working professionals to keep in mind how lucky we are to have careers and families. It is important to always keep a tight balance of the two and continuously strengthen our efforts to grow in both aspects of our lives.

Fiesta Fiesta

Cinco De Mayo is a day honoring the Mexican defeat over the French during the American Civil War’s Battle of Puebla in 1862 in Puebla . Many people are mistake this day with Mexican Independence day, which is actually celebrates in September. Cinco De Mayo, is mainly celebrated in the region of Puebla and the US. Typical celebrations include Mexican cuisine, music, and beverages. Whether you go to a Mexican resturant with friends or host a fiesta at home, have fun and enjoy! Salud!!

SIMPLE MARGARITA RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 (6 ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate
• 6 fluid ounces tequila
• 2 fluid ounces triple sec

Directions

1. Fill blender with crushed ice. Pour in limeade concentrate, tequila and triple sec. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.

Me vs. Mega Millions

The jackpot of the Mega Millions lottery was higher last Friday than it ever has been. $640 million could help a lot of people in today’s economy.  I think they made a mistake and I am the actually the winner…oh wait I didn’t buy a ticket nor am I in Maryland, Kansas or Ohio.  I guess that makes me an addition to all the losers/ Although I was not one of the 3 winners I thought it would be fun to dream. Here are 3  things I would do if I were to win…

1. Travel: I have always had a dream to travel the world. I’ve been to Canada and Mexico but if I had the money I would go far! I have always wanted to travel to the Greek Isles. The beautiful beaches and monuments have always sparked an interest to me. I love the Mediterranean cuisine. If only I had been one of the 3 winners, I could be sitting on a  gorgeous Greek structure eating souvlaki’s and staring at the scenery.

2. Shop: As soon as I got my winnings I would hop my happy butt on a plane to NY City and live it up! I would be like Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City minus being left at the alter.  I would have so many new purses it would be insane. Along with all of my new fashion splurges, I’d of course have to get a new car, boat, and home. If you are going to win big; shop big. I can’t see myself carrying designer handbags and still drive a Honda, so yeah I think I’d have no choice but to settle for the Mercedes G-Wagon.

3. Decorate: What’s the point in buying a new home if  you don’t decorate it. I would put gorgeous art work in and silk  rugs from eSalerugs.com in every room. I would have a beautiful back porch with an inviting swing to lay on every day, since of course I wouldn’t be working. I would have my infinity pool over looking the beautiful beaches of Kauai, Hawaii.

Well I guess it’s back to reality huh?! Unfortunately I will not be living the luxurious life today, but if I work hard one day I can possibly enjoy that kind of life. Better yet, I think I’ll just buy some lottery tickets.

Gas on the Rise

There is no doubt about it, gas prices are on the rise.  The national average gas price has increased $0.12 in the past 2 weeks and it is not going down anytime soon. We can point fingers and blame whomever we choose but the fact of the matter is the price of gas isn’t going to decrease anytime  soon.  Although not everyone has the ability to drive, the high cost of gas is still effecting them.  Bus and cab fares must continue to increase in order to keep business.   As much as I wish I could help with this crisis, I can’t, but I am able to provide some easy ways to help reduce spending on fuel in this year.

• CARPOOL- Don’t have 2-4 different drivers all going to the same place.  If going out to dinner with a group of friends meet at a central location, throw in for gas, designate a driver, and all ride in one vehicle. Another suggestion is a friend at work who lives in your area and take turns driving to work.
• WALK- Don’t rely on your car because you are lazy. If you need  just a couple of items, and the grocery store is within a mile from your house, walk. Not only is it saving money on gas, but also allowing you to get a little exercise while running your normal errands.
• SHOP-  Groceries stores such as BiLo and Lowes Food reward their customers for shopping at their stores.  The money spent at these grocery stores contribute to the amount taken off per gallon at the gas station. The rules and regulations vary depending on the store, but this is a great way to save at the pump.
• RESEARCH- Don’t just go to the first gas station you see.  Search websites such as gasbuddy.com for the cheapest rates in your area.

Spring Break

One thing students look for each year is Spring Break! A full week of no classes is a great way for students to regroup, get out of town, and spend some extra time with friends and family. It is a reminder of how close to the finish line is in their academic carrer. Many of my own spring break vacations included me, friends, the beach, and a small amount of cash I earned from my part-time job. My parents always worried when we piled up and headed to the coast.  Luckily we were a smart group of kids who always came home safely with nothing but a ton of pictures and great memories. Spring Break isn’t about spending more money on the vacation than your college tuition, it’s about having fun and having a week away from the books. Keep in mind to be responsible, have fun, and relax.

Here are some ways to have save a little cash while enjoying your week off of school….

Go somewhere close

Instead of flying or driving somewhere far, decide on somewhere close. If you  live near a big city, there are plenty of tourist attractions you have probably  never seen. Spend your week as a tourist in your own town. If you are having  trouble finding things to do, ask your city’s visitor bureau for a list of  attractions. Try hitting all of the bars in one day, it’s much harder than you’d  think.

Find student discounts

Student discounts are abundant during spring break, especially in locations  that get a heavy influx of college students. When deciding on a place, call  around and ask what kind of discounts they offer.

Get the best price

Groupon and Living Social have been featuring a high number of vacation  getaway packages for 50-75% off. If you missed a great deal, you can always  check Lifesta for daily deals that have already passed. Also compare travel  sites if you need a flight, hotel and/or rental car.

Alternative sleeping arrangements

Housing costs are usually the highest expense when planning a vacation. Even  low-rated motels can charge over $100 per night in popular spring break locales  so find a cheaper alternative. If you’re going to the beach, you can usually  camp in a tent or you car for a small fee or even free. State parks also offer  cheap or free camping, whether it’s in a tent, your car or a big RV. Speaking of  RV, ask your grandparents if you can borrow theirs – maybe they’ll trust you  enough to let you take it.

Load up on restaurant coupons

Scour the web for coupons and gift certificates. Restaurant.com offers great  promotions all the time to get a $25 gift certificate for $2 instead of the  normal $10. Stock up on these and you can still eat out and drink for cheap.

Read more at ThatCollegeKid.com http://thatcollegekid.com/spring-break-on-a-budget/#ixzz1pVIuMjP6