A Celebration Date Night

When I passed my certification exam, I was extremely excited not only because I passed, but because my nights would no longer be filled with studying and reading. I must admit, I give Sal a lot of credit for coming over and sitting with me as I studied. So when I passed, Sal was just as excited as I was. We immediately planned to go out that weekend to celebrate. We chose to go to a restaurant a few towns over because the chef was a Chopped Champion.

I ordered a glass of white wine, while he ordered a beer. We cheered; I was now a Certified Child Life Specialist. The atmosphere was perfect, they put us in the back corner, so it felt like we were alone. We ordered mussels for our appetizer, but I must admit they weren't as good as we were hoping. I was really disappointed because I thought our whole entire meal was going to be bad. Thankfully we didn't leave, and we had amazing entrees, and the dessert wasn't too bad either!

Once the food was devoured, we just sat there enjoying each others company, sipping on our drinks, talking and laughing. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this restaurant, and the title is definitely deserved... just don't order the mussels!

Afterwards, we headed home, but not to call it a night! Instead, we picked up my brother and his friend and headed to the bowling alley. Sal and I hadn't been there in years, but we both looked at each other, knowing that the first time we hung out was at a bowling alley with two friends. We were 16 and apparently the bowling alley was the cool place to hang out, especially on Fridays during laser bowling!

We played boys v. girls and even though we won the first time, the boys got better throughout the night, and beat us, and then beat us again. I had the top score of the night, which I was pretty proud of - 132!

We still didn't go home after we left the bowling alley. We took a long drive, listening and singing to country music, and there's honestly no better way to end the night.

The Tone It Up Nutrition Plan

I found Tone It Up back in July, I had just gotten back from the Dominican Republic with Sal and I knew that by looking at some of the pictures, I wanted my body to be more fit and toned. I was searching the internet and came across their website, packed with healthy recipes, challenges, and workouts! While I saw that there was a nutrition plan, I didn't purchase it right away, especially because I couldn't see spending $150 on it. Instead I bought the Beach Babe workout DVD and the Perfect Fit Protein. I began working out using their videos and DVD, as well as attending kickboxing classes and running. I also started eating lean, clean and green. I had stopped eating fast food and drinking soda all together before I even started working out, but while working out I tried to eat less processed foods as well. I began to see a huge transformation.

It wasn't until after the Beach Week Challenge, in early September, when I came back from Vermont with Sal, that I took the plunge and bought the Tone It Up Nutrition Plan. I had won a beach babe prize pack during the week, and that made me even more determined than ever to stay on this healthy path.

"Karena and Katrina, founders of Tone It Up, combine their backgrounds as Certified Personal Trainers, Nutritionists, Athletes and Lifestyle Coaches with their personal experiences and struggles to help you achieve a healthy weight and lifestyle with the Tone It Up Nutrition Plan."

The plan includes over 100 pages of what Karena and Katrina eat, their recipes, how to tone up, and explanations of different foods you should avoid. It's as if your personal trainers are right their with you in the kitchen, gym, and living room! There are 5 different types of plans available, perfect for anyone's lifestyle - regular, vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, and pescatarian. I bought the regular plan, and absolutely love it.  When you purchase the plan, you have a lifetime membership, which means that you will be emailed every single update! It's a one time, get all kind of deal!


Here's what is included when you purchase the plan:

• Tone It Up™ Nutrition Plan. (Regular, Gluten Free, Vegan Pescatarian or Vegetarian)
• Lifetime Access to the Members Only Group with Support
• Lifetime of Free Updates to Plan & New Recipes
• Measurement Guide and Chart to track your progress.
• Grocery List and Delicious Recipes- PANCAKES!
• BONUS 7 Day Slim Down- Slimming Plan to prepare for an event.
• BONUS Full Body Blast Fitness Program.
• BONUS Abs Program that gives you a toned core and slims your waistline.
• Comes as a PDF file for immediate download. You’ll receive all future bonuses & updates as well!
• Lifetime Membership to the Tone It Up Team which includes:
  Access to the Exclusive Area of the Online Community to discuss the plan with Karena & Katrina and other Tone It Up Team Members.Weekly Emails with Q&A, motivation and exclusive recipes and offers for Team Members!
• 
  

With this plan, you're not only changing your lifestyle for the better, but you're able to meet amazing ladies that are inspirational and motivational! I've 'met' women from all over the world, that push me everyday to be the best I can be, to workout, and eat healthier. For me, it was never about losing weight, I just wanted to feel more confident and tone up my stomach. I've found that this Tone It Up team holds so much more for each of us, than we could have ever imagined.

The slim downs are what really sold me, because aren't we always looking for a way to slim down quickly? Well Karena and Katrina include a 5 Day and a 7 Day slim down to do once or twice a month right before a big event! Have a wedding coming up where you might bump into your ex? Hitting the beach and want to look extra sexy? Or did you just enjoy a little too much turkey at Thanksgiving? These slim downs are perfect. I actually did my first 5 Day Slim Down quite recently and I was able to lose 3lbs in just 5 days, in a healthy way of course - eating right and exercising! 

[This was before the 5 Day Slim Down]

On this plan, I've been able to eat what I love by figuring out healthier ways to make it like pancakes, chocolate cake, and ice cream! Yes, you can eat all of that, in moderation of course! Below are a few of my meals from the plan that I've made so far, and believe me, there are still pages and pages of recipes that I have yet to try yet! 

Still hesitant? Check out some success stories on their website - here. 


Today could not be a more perfect day to purchase the plan because it's CYBER MONDAY and Karena and Katrina are offering an amazing deal! Buy your nutrition plan for $150, and they're also going to gift you with the Beach Babe DVD, Pink Tone It Up Hat, Tone It Up Water Bottle, a Packet of Perfect Fit and a coupon, as well as a Tone It Up Decal! I mean what could be better than that!? 

If you're still unsure, comment below or email me with any questions you have, and I'll gladly answer them honestly and thoroughly! 

90 Minute CKO Kickboxing Fundraiser

Hurricane Sandy. I'm sure anyone and everyone knows about this hurricane that took many lives and destroyed dozens upon dozens of houses, especially houses on the New Jersey coast. It also destroyed our shore... it's sad, not only for the people who lost everything, but for those who spent their summers down the shore and turned moments into memories. We can no longer go "dts," at least not yet - clean up will take months.

While I wasn't greatly affected, I know others who were - those who lost their home, including everything in it... a home that now has to be demolished and built back up again, those who lost power for 7+ days, and those who simply lost a tree in their front yard. I provided my house as a safe haven for others to come and charge up, to chat and enjoy a healthy lunch, and to sleep when their house got too cold.

I wanted to do more though, much more. While I'd love to volunteer to clean up the shores, they aren't accepting too many volunteers, at least not yet. Instead they are asking that people donate money and supplies to help those in need. As soon as CKO Kickboxing announced that they'd be holding a fundraiser challenge, I signed up immediately. Those that signed up would donate $20, which would go to the Red Cross and participate in a 90 minute kickboxing challenge. They were also collecting supplies ranging from socks to toothpaste! Aside from the money, I had a couple of extra gallons of bleach and donated that, because I figured that during the clean up, it might be necessary to have. I also recruited my mom and my friend to join.

We arrived early that morning and claimed our bags, three in a row. We also began to stretch, and before you knew it we were faced with the 90 minute challenge of kickboxing! There were 6 trainers who took their turns pushing us to our limits, and I must admit it was intense, but well worth the sweat. I just kept thinking about all of the people that lost everything and that only made me punch and kick harder. I love kickboxing, so I loved the challenge, and it was great doing it with people I care about. We made it, though sweaty, we had finished!

I found out later that day that we had raised $6,000 to support Sandy Relief efforts and had collected a few tons of supplies. I couldn't have been any prouder at that moment, to realize that I had helped... no matter how bad I busted up my knuckles!

Motivation Mail: October

If you still haven't signed up for Motivation Mail with Alyssa at Everything A, then I suggest you go and do that before reading the rest of this post! This is now my third month participating and I'm so grateful that I have been able to "meet" and chat with three amazing ladies.

This past month I "met" Kyle, which I found funny because that's my brother's name! I never thought of Kyle being both a girl's and boy's name, but I love that it can be! Our mail was pretty random, literally. Kyle told me how she loves random knick knacks, and told me to expect a box full of random. Meanwhile I sent her a box of little lists - from to-do lists to to-buy lists. I figured if she was sending me what she loves, random goodies, I'd send her what I love, lists! I also included a smelly pencil, a little package of lotion and a facial, trail mixes, hand sanitizer, and a dream catcher! I was a little delayed sending hers out because Hurricane Sandy, my Child Life Exam, and the Nor'easter, but she didn't mind at all, thankfully!

I received her box a week before I sent hers out, and I was super excited to open it, not knowing what to expect!

Not only was her card super sweet, but everything she included was so interesting! Not only did I love not knowing what to expect, I loved everything she gave me - earrings, nail polish, soap, and hair bands to feel pretty, of course(!), starbucks via & chai tea (pumpkin chai was absolutely delicious and I need to go out and buy some more), Emerald Breakfast On the Go, which was so tasty, Gummy worms, and a homemade bar, notecards, and lastly leis! 

While I haven't used everything yet, I plan on it! I passed on the coffee to my brother, since he's a huge fan, as well as the gummy bears, but everything else was mine to keep!

I'm excited for next month's Holiday Motivation Mail! 

Deck of Lies- Death: Book Review

Of course, you didn't think I'd leave you without a book review for Jade Varden's most recent, Deck of Lies: Death, did you? Definitely not, especially when the book was that good... however, she left her readers with yet another cliff hanger. I have to admit, it does make me want to go out and buy the final book! Her last and final of the Deck of Lies Series comes out this month so be on the look out!

Synopsis According to Barnes&Noble:

All In

I never wanted to get in this deep, but I did go looking for the truth before I was prepared to handle it. But how do you close the lid on Pandora’s box? You can’t unlearn something, or forget a dark secret once it’s been revealed. 

I have no choice but to do my part to bury the truth again -- this time, someplace no one will ever be able to find it. But that’s the problem with lies. Once you start pulling threads, everything unravels. 

No one is who they seem to be...not even me.

My Review:

Rain finds out even more secrets about her family, and it's incredible to read how many secrets and lies there really are within one family. It makes you wonder how many secrets your own family is hiding from you, and if you found out one, would it lead you to find out all of them. River, Rain's friend who was accused of murdering Laurel, is now out of jail on Rain's behalf. It sounds like a good thing until Rain is now the suspect in the murder case, to cover up Carysn's doing.

I loved the relationships that continued to develop over the course of the three books, especially throughout the lies. My favorite relationship had to be the one developing between Sawyer and Rain, that is until his secret with Laurel is discovered. I give Rain a lot of credit for discovering the truth, and then dealing with it, though in her own way.

My mind might have exploded a million times every time I read about a new secret and filled in a new space on Rain's family tree. It gets intense and it makes you want to keep track of all the family members, though I didn't because I think I would have just gotten frustrated. However, I did enjoy the book, and cannot wait to read the final one. I'm hoping there aren't too many surprises, but I can only imagine.

"The dove sings all day in its golden cage because it doesn't know it's trapped" (page 69). 

My Rating: 5 Stars

Good, no... GREAT news!

I'll be the first one to admit that my aspirations for my future have been all over the map these past few years. I want to be happy, but I also want to make a descent amount of money - I don't think that's too much to ask for. I started out going to school for Early Childhood Education - I had dreams since I was little of becoming a teacher, I even held class in my backyard for my neighborhood friends, and I would assign homework! Those dreams lasted until I got a job as a preschool teacher's aid. I found that I though I loved the children, I wasn't in love with the teaching aspect. I then changed my major to Child Life and haven't looked back since, although I have looked at additional certifications and graduate schools, everything from baby planning to nutrition coach, and nutritionist/registered dietician to personal training. I'm not sure where my future will take me, but as you can see I have a lot of options and plans.

Back in August, I had to apply to take the Child Life Certification Exam - about a week or two after I found out that I was able to sit for the exam. I had signed myself up for an online prep course, and studied as much as I could. I found the class extremely helpful because you were not only getting experience from two Certified Child Life Specialists, but you were also being given the study tips and relaxation tips necessary to pass the exam. We read the appropriate books that would help us pass, had weekly chats and assignments, and even took practice tests. I was fully prepared for the exam, though I was still nervous.

On November 7th, I headed into the city early after I had gotten in a workout and a healthy, filling breakfast. I arrived to the testing center much earlier than I had planned, but luckily for me they let me start my exam as soon as I got there because a nor'easter was coming and they wanted me to get back home as soon as possible. Yes, we had a nor'easter, a week or two after Sandy - lucky us, right? Not.

After I finished the exam, I didn't know what to think. I told the proctor I was finished and he printed out my results. Fortunately, I took the online test so I was able to see my test results right away, instead of having to wait 4-6 weeks for them. He handed me a paper facedown, and I thought that I had failed, without a doubt. I flipped the paper over and read the results...

I HAD PASSED! I AM AN OFFICIAL CERTIFIED CHILD LIFE SPECIALIST! 

He looked at me, chuckles, and says, "Congratulations, you looked like you were going to pass out!"

To which I replied, "You made it seem like I failed!"

He had done it on purpose of course; I guess that's the fun of being a proctor, at least when the individuals taking the tests pass.

I headed to the bus with the biggest smile on my face - not only had I passed, but it was snowing... and in the first few minutes that it begins to snow, the world is beautiful, as if it's slowing down. While on the bus I talked to my parents, as well as my brother and Sal - they were all excited, but knew I was going to pass. I was exhausted when I finally got home, but couldn't stop smiling. I had done it, I had reached my dream. Now all I needed to find was a job!

Instead I turned on the TV and watched a couple of episodes of Friends, while enjoying a healthy lunch and soon after a snack, as the snow fell outside.

DIY: Pumpkin Mask

Some days, you just need to relax - that was me on Friday. I had the entire day off, so I thought it'd be great to make the whole day a "me" day. I baked and cooked in the morning, something I love to do, and then in the afternoon when the house was quite, I made a quick pumpkin facial mask, from the Tone It Up Holiday Hottie Series, applied it, and just sat, mindlessly meditating. It only lasted about 15-20 minutes, but it was calming to say the least. All you have to do is focus on your breathing, when your mind wanders, just keep bringing it back to your breathing. It's incredibly relaxing, and your face will feel so smooth and clean after the facial!

I've never had a facial before, so I was a bit nervous about the whole thing, but it proved to be beneficial for my mind and my pores!

It smells amazing, but don't eat it! Save it for your face! All you have to do is wash your face prior, mix all of the ingredients together, and apply. I also decided to warm up tea bags and place them over my eyes. Sit back and relax for roughly 15-20 minutes, and then take a warm, wet washcloth and wipe the pumpkin mask off.

This is perfect for any individual, especially those that have a little pure pumpkin left after making all of those delicious, holiday recipes!

Now I'll spare you the picture that I took mid-facial, but here's my skin afterwards... glowing, right!?

Source: Tone It Up 

Deck of Lies- Tower: Book Review

I finished reading all three of the Deck of Lies books rather quickly. It was as if I was like the main character, Rain, and I needed to uncover all of the lies, the lies that changed everyones lives forever. This book was filled with even more deception than the first one, Deck of Lies-Justice; Jade Varden drags her readers in again in the second book of the series.

Synopsis According to Barnes&Noble:

A Tower of Lies...

Death brings some families closer, but it’s ripped mine apart. I wanted to convince the police that they had the wrong suspect...but I never expected them to start suspecting me. Now, I have no choice but to keep searching for the truth, even if all my relationships fall to pieces around me. 

Someone is trying to make me look guilty. I never thought my mission to prove my own innocence would lead me to more family secrets. I thought I had already discovered the truth about myself. But every answer raises more questions, and everything I think I know is about to change...again. 

I have to find the truth, no matter how much it hurts -- before I get charged with murder.

My Review:
I read this book immediately after I finished the first one, and I hate to admit it, but I hated the repetition that occurred in the beginning. Again, I understand why this is done, in case someone has forgotten after a long period of time, to refreshen their memory, but it still bothers me that I have to read what had already happened in the book I read a few hours before. 

Rain is now being accused of murder, along with her friend River. In order to get River out of jail, she admits to having been with Laurel, the girl who was murdered, which places her at the scene of the crime, even though she was never there. I believed someone else had killed Laurel, but I was wrong in the end, it wasn't who I suspected, because there were even more lies that were found out. It honestly reminded me of the Housewives shows, but Secret Housewives instead. There were a world of secrets and they started to unravel when Rain travelled with Sawyer to the tower, from her "mother's" tarot cards in book one. It wasn't the kind of tower that Rain thought it was, but rather a mental institution that locked up even more secrets. 

Secret after secret is uncovered, and if I was Rain I'd be overloaded with information at this point, but she is determined to make herself find out everything and prove her innocence. As I flip page after page, I can't keep up with what's happening because there is way too much going on. Strangers are turning into family and family members are turning into strangers. Readers are able to discover the connections between each character in the book. However, it ends just as Rain finds out the killer and calls him/her out on it, one of her so called "siblings." Upon finishing this book, I was intrigued, and of course went out and bought the third one, because who could end a book without naming the killer!? Only a great author, with the intentions that you go out and buy the next book. 

The only flaw of this book was the editing; it needs a better editor next time. 

"When you step out of childhood, it's not because you finally reached some marked date on a calendar. It's because you can no longer look at the world with innocence and trust" (page 466). 

My Rating: 5 Stars

Holiday Hottie Week 1

I'm participating in Holiday Hottie Series with the Tone It Up trainers, Katrina and Karena, as well as my tone it up sisters! Just like I participated in Beach Week back in August/September, I headed into the week full force, with all the motivation in the world, and that's how I finished it off!

Karena and Katrina thought it was time to gear up to be mentally and physically prepared for the busy holiday season that will be here before we know it! Just think, Thanksgiving is a little over a week away! They wanted us to be the most confident we could be before these holidays spring on us!

More about the Holiday Hottie Series: 

"Let's all be Holiday Hotties...together!

Want to be part of the action? Sign up here! And be sure to download your grocery list below :)

Share the love on twitter and instagram with #HolidayHottie

Starting Monday here's what you beauties can expect:

~ Week one ~ ease into it! Rejuvinate your body, feed your spirit, learn the power of deep breaths, journaling and short meditations. This is your transition period! Think of it as a warmup ;)

~ Week two ~ Amp it up! Two workouts a day, the 5 Day Slim Down, holiday shopping lists ready to roll, and time to spare! This week, you'll continue to nourish your precious self with relaxation tips and inspiration...but you'll rock your body too!

Remember, hotties: YOU can do ANYTHING for two weeks!

Check the Blog every morning for your DAILY workout and Refresher Tip of the Day ~ these will include tasty recipes, stress relievers, motivation and organizational tips for holiday gift buying!"

The night before Holiday Hottie Week 1 began, I sat down and began to plan out my week of food and workouts, including my intentions. It's best to plan what you want to eat each day, so this way you steer clear of anything that's not on your meal plan. The workouts were to be provided by our trainers, of course, which really helped because it's like you had no other choice - they just had to be done!

By the end of the Holiday Hottie Series I want to:
- look and feel toned (loss of inches&gain of muscles)
- be confident and happy with my body
- remain positive, less stressed and relaxed
- be ready to bring on the holidays with family and friends in a healthier way

Monday I planned the Cowabunga (x3) workout in the morning and had scheduled kickboxing for the afternoon, which worked out perfectly. I ended up having 6 meals, spaced out about 3 hours each. After completing the workout in the AM, I refueled with a bombshell spell (special drink for those that are members and have the nutrition plan) and a pumpkin protein pancake, talk about delicious. For my snacks I had natural pb on a banana with granola (AM) and a larabar (PM). For lunch I enjoyed power packed beans and rice, and for dinner I had the lemon garlic chicken with broccoli (two recipes from the plan). Day 1 was done and had gone over quite perfectly.

Tuesday - Day 2 - went just as well. Instead of doing 5K training by myself, I decided to wait until Sal and I could train together. It ended up being perfect because K&K posted a Cardio Circuit workout (x3), which was a very difficult workout that I fell in love with, talk about a sweat fest. I was able to beat some of my personal bests (1 mile & 1K)! 

I enjoyed a bombshell spell and a no huevos wrap in the morning, followed by a luna bar. For lunch, I made the chicken summer salad (again from the plan), and had a protein shake right after my workout. For dinner, when I came home from work I enjoyed a turkey burger wrap with tons of veggies! Another day in the books! 

Wednesday went well too with malibooty (x3) planned for my workout for the day. I enjoyed the bombshell spell and a protein pancake for breakfast, and natural pb and granola on an apple. For lunch, I made a wrap with turkey and cucumber slices. Afterwards, I had a luna bar, and for dinner I had pomegranate blueberry great grains cereal with almond milk - delicious and quick! 

Thursday was just as great, with a Slim Without the Gym (x4) workout planned, as well as a 2 minute plank in the morning, and a 5K on the tread climber in the afternoon. I had a bombshell spell, as well as a protein pancake, which are delicious, for breakfast. Afterwards, I had an apple, and eventually a kale salad for lunch. In the afternoon, I had a luna bar, and for dinner I made an egg white omelet with strawberries because I got home from work late. 

As you can tell I like taking pictures of my abs, so I can see the difference in the workouts, and to look back on each day, seeing how far I've come! It really makes all the difference to me at least, and motivates me to do better and workout harder. I can promise there are no ab pictures on Friday. 

Friday was 'Me Day' because I had absolutely no plans. I planned to do the long&lean routine and a toning move (20 x3). I wanted to rest because I knew I had the CKO Kickboxing 90 minute Challenge the next day (more on that in an upcoming post). I tried berry good oatmeal (another meal from the plan) and hated it ... I am just not an oatmeal fan - at all. I then had a greek yogurt, while I started to bake and cook for the weekend. For lunch I enjoyed chicken, brown rice, tomatoes, black beans, avacado, and salsa... yes, I had a spanish/mexican food craving this week. I then had a fiber plus bar, and eventually for dinner I enjoyed steamed chicken, broccoli, and a small serving of the pumpkin and carrot soup I made.

Before I ate dinner, and before anyone came home, I meditated for 15 minutes, while I enjoyed a DIY pumpkin facial. It was extremely relaxing and a perfect way to end the week. 

For dessert I had a piece of the healthy dark chocolate cake and scoop of perfect fit ice cream that I also made (recipes may or may not be posted soon). It was absolutely delicious, and it didn't taste like I was eating anything healthy, so it was a bit dangerous. While I also made sweet crock pot apples, I didn't have them for dessert, talk about a sugar overload, healthy sugar that is!

This week definitely prepared me for the 5 day slim down that was planned for the following week, and I'm certainly feeling like a holiday hottie already! 

Mom's Surprise 50th Birthday Party

My mom turned the big 5-0 on October 24th. She kept mentioning how no one wanted to do anything for her birthday and was really upset about it. Meanwhile, I had been planning a surprise party for her since September. Since I don't know the addresses of many of her friends, I created a private Facebook event. I was extremely nervous for the whole month. Not only did I have to study for an exam, but I had to pull off this surprise. It was important to me that my mom had a birthday that she'd always remember. I couldn't believe it, but there were about 30 people that RSVP'd that they'd be there - 30!? My dad and I went to a local restaurant/bar and reserved an area for the night and it was set. We even made sure that we went out on her actual birthday, on Wednesday, to throw her off. Her one friend invited some of my mom's friends and we went out for dinner and drinks. We even facetimed my brother TWICE that day, because she was upset he wasn't coming home from school - once when she opened her birthday present (yes, we even got her a birthday present too) and again when we were out to dinner, it got quite emotional. Little did she know that he'd be making a surprise appearance later in the week. It was great though, and she really thought that was it for her birthday celebrations. 

That Friday I took my mom out shopping for an outfit. I thought it'd be great to finally be able to spend time together. We went to the mall and immediately ate lunch. We needed fuel before we walked around the mall looking for THE perfect outfit. Even though it was a little early, we decided to have some sangria with lunch to start the celebrations. I told her that Sal and I wanted to take her out for dinner, with my father too of course! 

After our California Pizza Kitchen lunch, we did end up finding the perfect outfit, at Express. Afterwards she got a cappuccino and I refueled with some water. She told me she wasn't feeling well and wanted to go home to sleep; she even suggested just ordering pizza at home, but I was not about to let this surprise party become a failure. I've gotten pretty good at throwing surprise parties - okay, this is only my second one... but they were both successful! 

We headed home, but decided to stop at the grocery store to gather supplies and food for Hurricane Sandy. We wanted to be prepared early in case we lost power or got stuck in the house. We stocked up on batteries, flashlights, and tons of sandwich meat and cheese. We quickly put the things away and began getting ready for the night. I told everyone to be at the restaurant at 7:30pm and I told them I'd be bringing my mom around 8:00pm. Sal picked us up and drove, letting us out right at the door. We hopped out and I walked in as if nothing was special. 

My mom's face says it all... she had absolutely no idea. 

While everyone shouted 'surprise' and 'happy birthday,' we made our way around thanking everyone for coming and saying hello. I honestly couldn't believe how many people had showed up, just for my mom.

She was even more shocked and emotional when she saw my brother sitting there with a smirk on his face. 

So the surprise was a success, and the more friends and loved ones she saw, the happier she got. 

She kept thanking my brother and I, and we just smiled at each other. Knowing that we pulled off the ultimate surprise, because she honestly thought no one was going to do anything big for her - I mean how crazy is that - no party for your 50th!?

My dad ordered pizzas, since they're known for their pizzas, and buckets of beer for everyone. Sal even walked over to the pizza place he used to work at, and made mussels, especially for my mom and dad.

My brother and I had ordered a cake at Baskin Robbins, a specially made cake, just for my mom with chocolate chip mint ice cream, her favorite, and vanilla cake. It had to be one of the best cakes I've ever had, aside from the cookie dough one at Coldstones! 

The party went well into the night, and as people started leaving, we could tell that everyone had a good time, my mom especially. I snapped as many pictures as I could to document the entire night. 

I'm so thankful to everyone that helped me pull it off, and I'm so happy that my mom had a great, memorable time. 

Happy 50th Birthday Momma, and many more! I love you.