Scott & Karla: Q&A

In my opinion
this is one of the coolest link-ups ever.

Love this & I love Bethany and her blog too!

Want to do a His and Her Q&A?

Link up with Bethany!!

It was so much fun!

Here are the questions that Scott & I answered.

Enjoy!!

What do you do when you're angry?

His: I tend to do things louder.  Like, slamming doors…cabinets. Maybe yell a little.

Her: I cry, usually.  Or eat lots of ice cream.  Either or.

What is an item of clothing your other half has that you wish they would throw away?

His: Her hoodies.  She has way too many and they are always all over the apartment.

Her: His angry birds t-shirt.  Like…hello?  You aren’t 12.

What is the greatest family vacation you went on as a kid?

His: Hampton Beach.  It was the only family vacation I ever went on, besides camping locally.

Her: We went to Ocean City, MD every year.  Love it so much there…I even convinced Scott to honeymoon there and it was a blast!

Would you want to live in the city, country, or beach?

His: Country…but not too deep into the sticks.

Her: New York City.

How do you handle farting in front of each other?

His: Let it rip.  She’s used to it.

Her: When I do, I always own up to it and he gets the biggest kick out of it.

What is your favorite type of cake?

His: I like to keep it basic.  Vanilla cake with chocolate frosting…or vice versa.

Her: Mom’s homemade chocolate cake with homemade vanilla frosting.  Mmmm cake.

What is the first thing you do when you get home from work?

His: Hug and kiss the wife.

Her: Change into comfy clothes and start making dinner!

What is a phrase or word your other half frequently says?

His:  She’s constantly quoting from the movie, Elf.  Not just because it’s the Christmas season either…she quotes it all year long.

Her: “What babe?”  - It’s like he has selective hearing.

Did you exaggerate anything when you were first dating?

His: No.  I keep it simple.  I never exaggerated to her. 

Her: I don’t know if I exaggerated but I did tell him that I thought I knew a decent amount about cars.  I clearly didn’t.  I sure do know a lot now though!!

Who is your other half as a superhero?

His: The Hulk.  She is incredibly strong for a woman.  She has helped me lift engines out of vehicles.  Her physical strength is insane!  And she’s not afraid to get dirty.

Her: He's Superman.  He is always there when I need him.  And not to mention, pretty nice to look at!  Too bad he doesn’t fly.  =)

*     *     *

Wasn't that fun?

Now go link up!
Happy Fridaaaaay!

This one time...

....at band camp…

Sorry I HAD TO.

Anyway, last night's Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting
reminded me of this one time

3 August's ago,

I had just turned 21.

My Mom & Aunt got me the best present ever.

I would have the opportunity to be a Rockette for a day.

Can you say, best day ever? 

I mean... what girl doesn't want to be this?

I was so freaking excited.

I didn't sleep a wink for 2 nights before we left.

We took the train, and by the time we got to NYC,

it was pouring rain.

But did that stop us...

....clearly NOT!

We got to enter through the "stage entrance" at Radio City Music Hall.

My Aunt and I ... clearly very excited.

We were able to dance in the room that the Rockette's practice in.

Ready to dance!

 Then we got a backstage tour of Radio City!!!

Mom, Aunt, & Me!

We had to wear leotards during practice! I hadn't worn one in YEARS!

We got to dance with a REAL LIVE ROCKETTE!!

We may or may not have been the OLDEST people there.

Aunt & I posing.  

We got to pose with an ACTUAL ROCKETTE!

LIFE= MADE!

Rockette Melissa & I.  

By the way... I'm 5' 9'' and she is like, a half a head taller than me.
YEAH.


After we danced, they taught us some Rockette choreography...
and then we had a Mock Audition.
I got scored by Melissa, and then she signed my audition sheet that I have since framed!

She signed my mock audition paper!

Yeah August 29, 2009 was the best day of my life...

right next to getting engaged on July 17, 2010

& getting married on June 16, 2012.

I was literally shaking the whole day at Radio City.

I was like a 12 year old girl at a Justin Bieber concert

& it was freaking amazing.

Girl Behind the Blog VLOG

Yep.
Linking up with Ashley and Julie today for The Girl Behind the Blog!

Apparently I didn't embarrass myself too much the last time I did one of these. Therefore, I did another one.
Enjoy.

P.S. Watch the Rockefeller Tree lighting tonight!! =)

Isaac Strong!

If any of you bloggers out there read Erin's blog,

then you've already read this heartbreaking story about Isaac.

If any of you do not read Erin's blog, please do.  

She is awesome & she is doing such a wonderful thing for this boy.

Go to her blog.

Read his story.

Donate $5.

Write him letters.

I'm having my students make him a card tomorrow for art.

This boy needs to be shown that he is loved by so many.

This boy needs to know that there are tons of people rooting for him

This boy needs a miracle.

Isaac, this is for you buddy.

Still Alive after Cable

 It’s been a week now since the cable guy came and took our cable away

for no real other reason except that I wanted to see if we can live without it.

It’s not necessarily that we can’t afford it,

though it will be nice not having to pay for it.

For a while it kind of seemed like a waste of money.

We were never watching it, except maybe just before bed.

Scott is not really a huge sports fan,

so he didn’t really mind losing it.

Netflix has every Top Gear episode he could ever dream of watching.

People were so shocked when we starting telling them.

“You are doing WHAT??”

Some people I talked to were in absolute shock that we would ever willingly want to do such a terrible thing.

The reality of it is,

we actually enjoy just spending quality time with each other

without the TV on…knowing that it was there if we really wanted to watch it.

Most of the time,

we enjoy playing a game of darts, playing Wii, board games,

or just sitting on the couch talking.

I know… weird, right? 

I feel like nobody really just spends time with each other anymore.

Our world has unfortunately turned into this…

I mean,
there is an actual restaurant in California that provides a 5% DISCOUNT
for people who leave their phones @ the door!!
Don't believe me??
Check it out this article!!

Anyway,

Now, without cable…

I feel like we have watched more TV than ever.

We have Netflix now,

& Scott has been scouring through all the TV shows and movies

like a crazy person.

Not gonna lie,

I have been re-living my high school/college years

by re-watching Laguna Beach and The Hills.

But regardless,

we are both enjoying this whole “no cable” thing

& we are still alive and well…

just in case anyone was worried.

The one thing I do miss is being able to blast Christmas music on the Christmas music channel that we had.

I guess that’s good news for the occupants upstairs.

=)

A Post Bound to Make me Lose Followers

Please know that it took a lot for me to even publish this, because this is such a controversial topic.  But it's something that I needed to get off my chest.

The other night, I was out at a bar catching up with old friends.  

As we are all talking, I took a moment to zone out of the conversation and eavesdrop on a conversation that a couple was having.  They were sitting near my group of friends.  
Their body language gave off a hint that they were on their first date.  

I was totally eavesdropping pretty badly when the guy asked the woman about her spiritual beliefs.  She said that she had a strong faith in God, and she feels as though God is around her everyday, in happy times, in sad times, in weak times... she said, “he is there”.

Now I’m just going to throw this out there… it's probably not the best idea to talk about your spiritual beliefs on a first date!!!!

Anyway, almost immediately, the guy told her that he was a complete atheist and couldn’t even see himself in a relationship with someone who believed in God.  He actually told her that he feels that going to church and believing in God is a crutch for people who are weak and can't solve problems or face life on their own.

OKAY.

 I couldn’t even listen to another word out of this man’s mouth.

I do not know what happened after he spoke so stupidly to that woman because my friend's and I got up and moved to a different part of the bar.

I know that the world isn't fair
& that some people are rude and disrespectful and ignorant.  
It's just the way it is.  I get it.  
But that doesn't mean that it's not frustrating.

Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs.  
This is America.  
He is entitled to be an atheist  
& she is entitled to believe in whatever she wants to believe in.

There was absolutely no excuse for him to be judgmental about her beliefs,
ESPECIALLY because HE asked the question!!!

So if I were her... before I would walk away from him,
I would have said this:

Has there not been a moment when you felt weak?

Felt like you just couldn't go on?

Felt like you needed help, needed a hand?

Has there not been a time in your life when you prayed?

Asking God, someone, anyone, to please grant you the strength

to move on with your day,

to get up one more morning and deal with the frustrations of life?
Because I've had these moments

& for me, I know that God is someone that I can turn to.

Someone that will listen to me.

I feel his presence around me.  

I. Have. Faith.

Some don’t.  And that is fine.  I am in no way discriminating. 

I love people all the same no matter what their beliefs or disbeliefs...  

But who are you to say that God is JUST a crutch.....

Have you never walked with a limp?

Show some respect.

Death by Chocolate

Today I am celebrating Thanksgiving again with Scott’s family.

I’m excited because his grandmother is an excellent cook

& we don’t have to travel far.

Scott & I actually share a driveway with his grandparents.

We could practically hold hands outside both of our bedroom windows.

That’s right!

They are our neighbors.

All we have to do is walk across the driveway.

It’s pretty cool

sometimes.

I am bringing a dessert along with me.

I always feel like being a guest, you should bring something.

And I was brought up in a family that I would call a little over generous.

We are the type of family that buys gifts for each other for holidays in which that isn’t really necessary.

For example, I got some new Thanksgiving themed dish towels and a cute Thanksgiving plate for Thanksgiving.

And I usually still get an Easter basket,

& Valentine’s day goodies.

It’s kind of awesome.

Anyway,

So I consider myself over generous at times, I guess.

And even though there will already be a dessert,

I am bringing more desserts.

I made Death by Chocolate.

If you have never tried this,

or don’t have the recipe…

there are many, many version of it.

But, here is the one I used.

Make it, try it, love it.

This may sound a bit morbid but Death by Chocolate

sounds like a cool way to die if I do say so myself.

What I'll be doing later.
-source-

=)

The World's Greatest Christmas Tree

Unfortunately, though very beautiful in it's own way, my Christmas tree is not the world's greatest Christmas tree.

The world's greatest Christmas tree  is 80 feet tall & survived Hurricane Sandy only to get chopped down *tear* in Mt. Olive, New Jersey and delivered to the heart of Rockefeller Center in NYC.
And this Wednesday night, for the 79th time, it will be lit.
All 30,000 lights.
It sends chills up my spine each time. And Michael Buble usually graces tree lighitng viewers with his awesomeness. As do the Rockettes.
Living in CT,  I am blessed. NYC is just a couple hours away.
I try and make a point to see the tree every year. In fact, I've seen it in person almost every year since I was in high school. It's a magical sight to see. I feel like a little kid again each time.
So. Check your TV guide or watch online... Because this tree is a spectacular sight. Too spectacular to miss.

Scott and I in front of the tree last year.

If you live close to NYC,  the tree will be lit until Jan. 7, 2013. Go see it!
=)

Photo Phanatic

It's no mystery, I love taking photos. Some say I take too many, or I take photos of the most ridiculous things to take photos of. Like, dinner... every night.
Anyway.  Let's just say I took a lot of photos yesterday before, during, and after creating a rather large food baby. Here are a few:

The table tables.

Mom gutting the bird.

Our place settings =)

This speaks for itself.

My Ring "Bear" & I.

My family gives gifts at every occasion...
even when gifts are not necessary.
Scott thinks this is silly.
I say it's pretty awesome.

Hiking in Mom&Dad's backyard.

I'm a Rockette at heart.

And maybe a little crazy...

Crazy enough to climb into a tree stand.

Now that you've seen a bunch of photos, I'd like to see some of yours! I'd love to follow you on Instagram, if you have one. And I'd love for you to follow me too! My name on Instagram is:  kay_em_ess

If you'd like me to follow you (if I'm not already), please feel free to leave your Instagram name in a comment!! =)

It's OK It's Turkey Day!

Today I linkup with Amber and Neely for It's OK Thursday!
Usually I have a bunch of It's OK's but today,  I only have two.

It's OK that I will be in a food coma in a few hours.
&
It's definitely OK that I'm not blogging today because it's THANKSGIVING!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!
Be thankful!  
Eat til you can't fit into your skinny jeans!  
Be sure to watch the Radio City Rockette's as they are performing at Macy's today for the Thanksgiving Day parade in NYC.... 
And enjoy friends/family today!
See you tomorrow!

*Wedding Wednesday*

Today is my Friday.
But it's really Wednesday. Wedding Wednesday. And I'm linking up with Mary today! YAY.

Today, I am going to make this short & sweet  & talk about our thumb print canvas!
Part of what our guests had to do before going into the reception was to sign the guestbook as well as put their thumb on  one of the two ink pads, and leave a thumbprint on a canvas.
Prior to the wedding, I was going a little cray cray on Pinterest. I admit.  It was pretty bad.
Anyway, I found this picture of a tree. Below the tree said, "Please leaf your thumbprint" And there were thumbprints all over it that were 2 shades of green.
I thought...WOW. I NEED TO DO THIS AT MY WEDDING! But... I wanted the thumbprints to be pink and blue. My wedding colors.
SO.... I thought:  Instead of leaves... I could do BALLOONS!
So I bought a canvas,  hand drew a married couple holding strings... made some directions for my guests... bought the ink pads and Wet Ones for our guests to clean their thumbs...
and Waalaaaa..

A beautiful momento that we have in our bedroom and will keep forever as a memory of our special day.
Looking at Pinterest now,  SO many people have caught on to the balloon idea!
There are even Etsy shops that sell these canvas's to bride's who want to do this at their wedding.
Hmmmm... Time for me to open up an Etsy shop!
Happy Wednesday!!

Tell Me About it/Real Talk Tuesday!

It's time for a double link-up Tuesday!!

This Tuesday, I am going to be talking about the upcoming holiday of Thanksgiving.
Ever since Scott and I started dating,  we have celebrated every Thanksgiving with HIS family. We have also celebrated every Easter with HIS family.
This is because I had no guts to tell his family otherwise. They get somewhat upset, and I wanted them to like me.
This year, my grandfather is dying of pancreatic cancer. I put my foot down and both Scott and I made the decision that  we are going to my parents house for Thanksgiving this year.
It didn't go over that well.  But it went better than I originally thought. His family has decided to change their date... & now we will be having a Thanksgiving with them on Sunday.
I was so happy and so thankful to hear that. Even if I was almost made to feel like it was my fault for the date to be changed.
Anyway.  
The main point is:
Newlywed Ladies:  Stick to your guns.  Don't let the in-laws get you down. Remember that you married a man who will support you  & have your back each step of the way.
To ALL my readers: Forget the diet on Thanksgiving. Remember to wear yoga pants, or something with an elastic waist. Or you could get one of these for the few days following Thanksgiving.

To All Hardcore Black Friday Shoppers:

Please remember, that while Black Friday is a fun tradition,

it's kind of a day where people go crazy to buy a whole bunch of things

after being so thankful for all that they already have just the day before.

This pic above says it all, actually.

So Yeah.  Just be smart.  Be safe.  And... it's only ..

That's my real talk for today!! Link up with Nikki for YOUR real talk!  =) Or Link up with Helene, Emily, or Kathleen for Tell me about it Tuesday! =)