DIY: Starbucks Gift Basket

My two friends and I decided to exchange Christmas gifts this year, on the night we went out for my birthday. I received homemade coasters, drink mix, and a bracelet from my one friend, as well as Mod Podge, which has become my best friend, and hot chocolate mix in a cute little mug from my other friend.

I loved both their gifts! They were extremely thoughtful! I decided to get them gifts that went together rather nicely. For my one friend, I got her a blanket, in her favorite color, a movie I love [P.S I love you], popcorn and two cute, yet cheap popcorn holders, and bath salt, all of which I found at TARGET, which is probably my favorite store. I wanted her to have a gift that she can use after her long days at internship, when she just wants to curl up in a ball on the couch.

For my other friend, I decided to base her present around coffee, Starbucks, in particular. I found this cute basket at ... yup you guessed it.. Target, in the shape of a sleigh. I put tissue paper in it and added a Starbucks cup - I took the idea from Pinterest and filled it with brown napkins from Starbucks & white tissue paper, to look as if there was an actual drink inside.

I then added a cute Snowman cookie, also from Starbucks, and stuck the giftcard right in front. Not only was this gift really easy to create, it also was extremely personal - knowing she loves Starbucks.

I wrapped the gift in cellophane, tied it with a ribbon, and then put the white card on the bottom so it looked like the sleigh was on snow!

If you happen to try this DIY project out, let me know! I'd love to see how you put a personal twist on it! 

Into the City Take 2

The night of our anniversary we decided that we were going to try to go into the city during the week, right after Sal got out of work because we weren't going to skip our yearly tradition. It made me happy that he was willing to go no matter what, just to see me smile. It's amazing what our loved one's will do for us. So we picked a night and we were off. Thankfully there was barely any traffic getting into the city. We found a place to park that was close enough to the tree, and although parking was EXTREMELY expensive, we dealt with it and began walking.

and walking...

and a little bit farther...

We were almost there, but not quite, but I mean who wouldn't want to walk past all of these gorgeous displays in NYC?!

When we finally made it to the tree, we couldn't believe how many people were there. We knew there were going to be a lot of people, but it was insane. Instead of getting a picture in front of the tree, we had our usual pictures taken there by professionals. What was awesome about it, that we didn't know prior, was that you could go into the Top of the Rock building and purchase them right there, instead of waiting and buying them online. Sal bought the one picture I absolutely adored, and decided to wait to give it to me for Christmas, in a frame that he picked out. More about that in a later post though.

We were starting to get hungry, so I decided to buy dinner - SANDWICHES! - on me, for having had such a wonderful night thus far. 

Having seen the tree years prior, we got bored rather quickly, and decided to walk to Bryant Park. I had never been there before, and neither has he. If you haven't either, I highly suggested going there. It's so beautiful, especially during the winter when it's open. There is a smaller tree, right next to a skating rink, and shops surround the whole park. The smells are wonderful, from kettle corn to hot chocolate, and the shops are filled with handmade items.

See what I'm saying? Beautiful. This is definitely a night that I will look back on and smile.

4 Years Later...

December 17th marks 4 years since Sal asked me to be his girlfriend. I can still remember that day like it was yesterday... out there on the frozen over soccer/baseball field. I don't even remember it being that cold out, I just remember the butterflies in my stomach, I knew it was coming.

This year, we originally wanted to go into the city to see the tree that night, but it was a Saturday, the week before Christmas, and we couldn't even get anywhere near the city. We decided to stay in Hoboken. We drove up and down the main road and decided to just walk and search for a place to eat. We found this cute little Italian restaurant and decided to try it.

He got the meat lasagna special, and I got the chicken parmigiana. It was absolutely delicious and we'd definitely go back again. We took a ride up to our spot, which overlooks Weehawken and the city, across the Hudson. It was so beautiful... the night was clear, and although it was cold, we had each other and that's all that mattered... just kidding we walked around for a bit, but it was seriously way too cold to just be standing there looking at a view. It was pretty amazing though to see a few photographers taking this opportunity to get the best pictures of the city, and although I'm not a photographer, I'd say I got a pretty good picture.

 Afterwards we drove around looking at all the Christmas lights, though we didn't think there were as many as last year... it was still nice and relaxing, especially once we stopped and bought hot chocolate to enjoy during the ride. We tried to go to Target to pick up a Gingerbread house to make, but get this... they were sold out! I couldn't believe it, but I guess that's what I get for waiting till last minute to make one.

The whole time we were talking about how quickly these 4 years went by, and how quickly the next 4 years would go by as well. We even got to talking about getting engaged next year, and although we'd be 23.. we're definitely not ready for a wedding until after I get my Master's and get settled in my career, maybe a 2 year engagement. I just couldn't help getting nervous and excited when he started talking about it... imagine, me engaged ... nope I can't imagine it either, but we shall see.

Special Friends Day 2011

Special Friends Day. A day when students volunteer at my college, in the recreation center, to be a child's,  friend for the day, participating in activities and games all day. These children are special, though they have a disability, it is necessary for them to be able to play and enjoy the same activities just like any other child would!

Last year, I participated in this amazing opportunity with my friend from another college, and we had such an eye opening experience, that we knew we needed to do it again this year. I must admit, this year was even even more intense, because our buddy couldn't speak her needs, like the buddy we had the year prior. She would repeat whatever she had heard last, and although she was extremely capable of physical motions and movements, her mental capacity was quite low.

What amazed me was the strength her father had, having two children who were disabled, though one more than the other. I can't imagine how I would handle the situation, but I know that I won't ever know unless I am put in that position. I give these parents and families more credit after volunteering for two years in a row, because it was stressful for me ... not knowing what she wanted, how to make her have the best day, or even when she needed to go to the bathroom.

I wish I could do it next year as well as years to come, but I am graduating in May, and therefore, won't be able to. I do hope that other individuals get involved though, because it's not only eye opening, but it's memorable. I will always remember my two buddies, and think of all they need to go through and battle against in the years to come.

Love, Aubrey: Book Review

In my Children's Literature course I took this past semester, we were assigned to read a young adult book. I was given Love, Aubrey by Suzanne LaFleur. I borrowed it from my local library, because I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it, and I also didn't want to spend more money on college - textbooks and tuition are expensive enough. This was a quick read, and yet it was filled with deeper meanings than I could have imagined. It's definitely a book I would recommend to anyone, whether they're an adolescent or not; I'd also recommend this book to children in the hospital who are grieving and dealing with loss, as long as they are ready to handle something so concrete.


Synopsis from Barnes & Noble:

"I had everything I needed to run a household: a house, food, and a new family. From now on it would just be me and Sammy–the two of us, and no one else."

A tragic accident has turned eleven-year-old Aubrey’s world upside down. Starting a new life all alone, Aubrey has everything she thinks she needs: SpaghettiOs and Sammy, her new pet fish. She cannot talk about what happened to her. Writing letters is the only thing that feels right to Aubrey, even if no one ever reads them.


With the aid of her loving grandmother and new friends, Aubrey learns that she is not alone, and gradually, she finds the words to express feelings that once seemed impossible to describe. The healing powers of friendship, love, and memory help Aubrey take her first steps toward the future. 


My Review: 


As you're reading the first chapter, you begin to ask questions - what happened to this little girl? What about her family? Why is she 11 years old and going food shopping by herself? Then you start putting the pieces together. There was an accident. Death has occurred, as well as abandonment. She is learning, quickly, how she must be independent and she cannot rely on anyone else. After a while, her grandmother comes to her rescue, and takes her from her lonely home in Virginia to Vermont. It's quite a change for this young girl, but it gets better when she meets the neighbor, a young girl who is quite alike. Although she has setbacks, through the many tears that are shed, she begins to see that good things can happen even after the most devastating events. In the end she must choose between a life she once had, and the new life she has only just begun. I think this book would be great for a child in the hospital, because it helps describe times in the hospital, death/loss, abandonment, grief, family, and support. Of course it must be developmentally appropriate.

I thought it was interesting to read about Aubrey in the hospital, without a Child Life Specialist, and seeing that she was scared, didn't know what an IV was or where she was, and not knowing what had happened to her. She was given medication to sleep, and wasn't allowed to express any emotion. The letters that she eventually wrote, due to the advice of her counselor at school, helped get her feelings down on paper like a journal would. 

It's a definitely a book I'd recommend, as I previously said, not only because of the amazing story line, but also because the literary elements flow so well together [flashbacks, memories, letters, sensory language]. If you're looking for a quick, easy read, but one that might make you cry and connect to the characters - this is definitely a must read. 

My Rating: 5 Stars

DIY: Birthday Gift Basket

My quite recent best friend turned 22 on the 15th. I say quite recent because although we've known each other through classes, we've just become close due to an online summer course we took. I have to admit, she's my twin - not looks wise, but personality and life wise ... we are the same person. We both aspire to be Child Life Specialists, we're both organization freaks, we both love DIY projects, and we are nonstop talking/laughing. It's hysterical, and I'm so happy that we met and grew close.

Anyways, a bunch of us went out for her birthday - TGI Fridays and then Cheeseburger in Paradise for a little karaoke. It was such a fun night; I'm definitely hoping there will be nights exactly like it over winter break before she leaves. Yes, she's leaving me to go intern at the Children's Hospital in Hershey. Amazing, truly amazing.

So I decided I needed to get her something that she was going to use, and love. I was contemplating getting her something that she could put up in her apartment or use during her internship, but I settled on an idea when I went to Michaels. I searched the store for craft items, knowing how much my friend loves diy projects and crafts in general. From scrapbook paper, to stamps and stamp pads, to blank cards and ribbon! I gathered them, paid, and started to create a basket for her. I added tissue paper on the bottom, and then started to arrange the items in the basket to look perfect - like the Happy Birthday Stamp right there in the front? HA.

My mom helped wrap it with cellophane & ribbon because I had never used it before.

Here the final look:

Looks professionally done, but it wasn't! I think this is a great idea for anyone trying to add a personal touch to a gift, and can certainly be done with anything! I think I'm going to be creating baskets for every special event in someone's life! They can be as inexpensive or expensive as you want them to be! 

She absolutely loved the gift, and knew right away that I had made it, because she knows me all too well! 

We then continued our night out, and had way too much fun! 

Happy Birthday Jaclyn - hope you had an amazing night!

Secret Santa

In my one class, my group decided to do a Secret Santa, along with an end of the year party - filled with cupcakes, brownies, and cookies! I made homemade funfetti cupcakes, holiday style [check them out on my baking blog].

We sat around the table in the classroom and talked about the semester, gave each other advice about any problems that had come up over the semester, and just chatted about the news. It was great to relax and enjoy each other's company before finals start to kick in.

After we ate, we traded our gifts. I had the only guy in the group and ended up getting him Christmas candy & an Aluminum Yankees water bottle. My best friend ended up getting me. It was quite hysterical because she was able to hide it until the night before class - I kind of ruined it myself... but I still loved the presents that she got me.

[A scarf, cupcake bath products, and the Love Actually DVD - all in a cute penguin bag, it's like she knew I love penguins !]

I absolutely loved everything, and can't wait to watch the movie, because I have never seen it! 

I haven't done a Secret Santa since high school, and it's definitely something I'd do again! It's great for coworkers, students, and even family members! 

On Our 4 Year Anniversary

Though I have many things to write about [so look out for future posts this week], I think I will wish my boyfriend, Sal, a Happy Anniversary! It's been 4 years since he asked me out, and I don't regret saying yes... though there are some days [kidding..]

He asked me out four years ago on a baseball field that had frozen over, a few blocks from his house. I have to admit it was rather romantic, and I guess I couldn't help but say yes. He had planned to ask me out a couple days earlier when we went to the city to see the tree, on the roof of the Top of the Rock. I was too nervous, and didn't want anything to be ruined so I told him not to ask me out then, I guess I saw it coming. I'm glad I waited it out though, it just proved to me that he really cared for me and was willing to wait, even though he wishes to this day that he had asked me out on the roof.

Although we've had our rough patches, and what couple hasn't, we have been through it all. I wouldn't change anything, because it has brought us closer, and allowed us to change with each other for the better of course.

When I first said I love you, I must admit I had no idea what love was.. having just broken up with my previous boyfriend 7 or 8 months prior, I was broken and confused. Being in a relationship wasn't all that it was hyped up to be, but maybe that was because I was in a relationship with the wrong person. Being with the right person, who loves you for you and accepts every bit of you, makes the relationship that much better. Now, with each passing day Sal has shown me what love really is, and I learn something new about him that I love. It's honestly an amazing feeling and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I guess it's like people say... "you'll just know."

I can't wait for the next few years with the boy, knowing that the future holds an engagement, wedding, and babies. He's got a hold on my heart, and I can't seem to break away, but I don't mind, as long as he protects it and cherishes it, I think I'll be okay. Not only is he my protector, but he's my best friend. He knows just what to say to make me smile or laugh when I'm feeling down or upset. He's up for any adventure I throw at him, and he even takes me on wild rides that I don't even think I'll ever be prepared for. It's as if every day opens up a brand new chapter in our book, and I can't wait to see how this story unfolds.

[2007; 2011]

Tonight we will be attending his brother's band's Christmas show, and then we will be headed into the city to see the tree and just enjoy each other's company.

12.17.07. I love you Salvatore Michael always and forever. 

Salvatore's 22nd Birthday

Every year since we've been together, Sal has figured out his gift for his birthday AND Christmas. Now if you know me well enough, you'd know that I'm always so excited to give people gifts for all occasions, but I do not like when that person finds out what I got them. I like the surprise effect, catching their face as they open it and see what they've received. It's always an amazing present, no matter what I don't let anyone down. This year though, I was actually able to surprise Sal, in more ways than one.


I started planning this weeks before his actual birthday [November 30th]. I even bought his actual gift in October. I never do anything ahead of time, I'm always procrastinating, so I'm not going to lie I was pretty happy with myself... although it was hard to not give him the present right then and there. Anyways, I sent out a Facebook invite to all of his friends to come and celebrate Sal's birthday at Colorado Cafe... a little country bar with a mechanical bull. However, the night I chose was not country night... it was dance night for 'every lifestyle.' I'd have to say that was a surprise in and of itself. I arranged for everyone to meet there at 9 on November 25th, the Friday before his birthday. The excuse I made? "I want to go out with you, just us, before you go out with your friends." I told him I was taking him out and that it would be a surprise. I had him close his eyes for the 40 minute ride, and even though he saw where we were when we got out of the car. He had absolutely no idea that there were people inside, waiting for him!

At first we walked into the bar part of the place, but they were in the restaurant part so I had to quickly divert him away from the bar. It was amazing! All of his friends were there, they yelled Surprise!, and his best friend turned around at the table and handed him a beer. It could not have gone better! For the rest of the night we talked, rode the bull - many many times, and danced!

All night he kept coming up to me and telling me how amazing this was and how thankful he was. That was a gift for me - to see him happy, surrounded by friends. I wanted him to see how loved he is, and I don't think he's ever going to forget it, I know I won't.

On his actual birthday, November 30th, we went to dinner. I made him wait until after to open his actual gift. Of course we went to his favorite place - Pub 199 and enjoyed crab legs, clams, and mussels. He finished as fast as he could, though enjoying it thoroughly! 

He opened his gift... 

and realized he would be souring high in the sky! 

I bought him a 30-40 minute Introductory Discovery Flight Package, where he would be able to learn how to fly a small plane, and eventually fly it himself! He was so happy because he'd always wanted to fly a plane, and eventually get his flying license, and now he can start! I'm so happy he'll be accomplishing something in his life that he has always dreamed about. I don't think I can top this birthday next year, but we'll just have to wait and see. 

Happy birthday Salvatore ! I love you, always and forever. 

Tastes from Home Frito-Lay E-Cookbook

Remember not too long ago I was asked to participate in the Tastes form Home Recipe contest? I needed to submit a recipe that reminded me of home. I turned to my mom's chicken and the tomatoes my dad was growing in my backyard. I knew that a new flavor would be Tomato Basil, so I figured this was perfect! I decided to make Brushetta Chicken, with a side of pasta. Find the recipe and more about the contest here. Now although I didn't win the contest, I was given a free bag of chips and a recipe stand!

I was also given the chance to throw a giveaway for my followers, in which a random follower won sample bags of all the of the new chips that Frito-Lay was creating! It was amazing hearing stories of the smells that reminded each individual of their home, and it was great to acquire new followers! These chips are incredibly healthy, and tasty too!

So after the contest and giveaway I figured that was that. I was 100% wrong about that! I received an email today that began like this...

"Thanks again for the delicious recipe you submitted in our Tastes from Home with Frito-Lay recipe contest!  We’re excited to announce we’ve compiled all of the recipes – including yours – into our first ever e-cookbook, Tastes from Home by Frito-Lay Fans!"

Wait, what?! I was going to be featured in a cookbook!? I couldn't believe, and wouldn't believe it until I actually saw my recipe, along with my name on page 81! 

How awesome?! I am still shocked, and although it may not be a big deal in someone else's eyes, it is to me and I couldn't be more proud of what I have accomplished. 

There's a Twitter sweepstakes, today (December 6, 2011) from 3:00 p.m. Central to December 7, 2011 3:00 p.m. Central. Watch for a Tweet today from @FritoLay, share which recipe from our cookbook is your favorite [which is hopefully mine!] using the hashtag #FritoFlavors, and you’ll be entered to win one of five Frito-Lay prize packs! Each pack includes five coupons for chips and a Frito-Lay apron. See official rules here.

I would greatly appreciate it if you voted for me, but if you can't or don't, I won't mind... I'm just way too happy seeing my name in print! 

*Note: I was part of the Frito-Lay Recipes Contest

DIY - Winter Bucket List

Fall was a time for leaf coloring, pumpkin carving, and baking cookies! I have to say I was excited when Katie from Loves of Life posted a Fall DIY Bucket List. I printed out the printable, which can be seen here. Sal and I didn't check off everything, because we were quite busy during the fall months with school and work, but we did try our best. See?

Not too bad, but we're hoping we can cross off more on the Winter Bucket List. If you're wondering why I didn't trick or treat or dress up for halloween, it was because Halloween was essentially postponed to a Friday, because of the snow we got here in Jersey. I think I'm a little too old to go trick or treating now anyways, but I'm not opposed to dressing up! 

So for this Winter Bucket List. I was able to use the same white frame I purchased at Target for $6.00. I just replaced the red candle, with a more festive one for the wintery nights. 

So all you need is a frame & the printable and you have yourself a cute little decoration for the holidays. And I mean, who doesn't like check lists?! The printable can be found on Katie's blog - Loves of Life. So head on over there.