30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 5

Day 5: Your Siblings

I am actually an only child. Growing up, I lived next door to my cousins so I always had someone to play with. But my being an only child is probably the reason why I have a strong love of reading, and why I can sit for hours doing nothing and be content. It's probably why I'm so laid back and why I get along with people so well.

Technically I am an only child. However....I do have a sister. A sister that has been with me through thick and thin. Through middle school, high school and college. Through crushes, bad boyfriends, and my wedding. She might not be related to me...and I may not have met her until we were 11 years old, but Leah will be my sister for life. I am truly grateful for the fact that I met my best friend all those years ago. It was just coincidence that we were in the same cluster in the 6th grade, that we both liked Gloria Estefan, that we both wanted to read aloud in history class. We were actually banned from reading aloud because we used to fight over who got to do it! It was just a coincidence that we kinda looked alike, that people would call one by the other's name, and that our moms have the same first name. I call her parents "Mom and Dad" and her little brother is my little bro. She planned by bridal shower, my bachelorette party, and listened to me whine about the wedding. I could not have chosen a better best friend!!

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 4

And with this post I am officially caught up to the others!!!

Day 4: Your Parents
This is not an easy post.

My mother is an amazing woman. She has been through oh so much in her life, more than I probably know about. Currently, she is recovering from her third neck surgery. She has not been able to feel her hands/arms for 15 years, yet she was at every single one of my band concerts, football games, dance recitals, and awards ceremonies. She has endured divorce and hardship and keeps plugging along. I can tell her anything and feel that we have grown closer since I have moved out of her house. We go to all the country music concerts together and share the same spunk and attitude.

As I said, my parents are divorced. As of 2 months before my wedding. That was hard. My relationship with my father was never fantastic. I used to think we were too similar to get along. We are both stubborn and need to have the last word in an argument. Imagine those arguments during my teen years. There is a lot more that I won't get into in this blog. But our relationship has completely deteriorated since my parents seperated and it makes me want to cry just thinking about it. Maybe someday it will be healed, but only time will tell.

Me and the parentals. I look like my Dad.

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 3

Day 3: Your First Love

This one is actually tough. I didn't really do the whole "crush" thing until high school. From junior year of high school through my freshman year of college, I had a steady boyfriend. I guess back then I would have said he was my first love. However, I would not classify him as this now!! I think my real high school love was my best male friend (and anyone that knew me during this time would probably agree with me). You know, the boy that you could tell anything to, the one that you flirted back and forth with, the one that you wanted to kiss so bad but never did. Looking back now, it was a huge tease but it made me happy then. If we had dated, I'm sure it would have been better than the one I was actually dating!! Our friendship slowly fizzled out once we went to college and I talk to him maybe once a year now.

As corny as this is...my Hubbs is my real first love. I had never met a man as amazing as he is. Love is being there through thick and thin, through good and bad, happy and sad. And I can say that we were there for each other like that even before we were engaged.

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 2

Day 2: Meaning behind your blog name

Unfortunately I don't have an exciting story here. I decided to start a blog as a New Year's resolution. At the time, we were living in our house for less than a year, our wedding was right around the corner, I would be finishing my degree and getting a job. Hello, we are growing up!!! I realize that the address to my blog doesn't fit anymore because I am no longer 23 years old, but we are still growing up one step at a time!!!

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 1

My dear friend (in real life and in blogland!) Mrs. F started this challenge and it looked intriguing, so I have decided to join in. Except it is a 30 day challenge and it's on Day 4 already!! Guess I have to do 4 posts today!! Travel over to Katie's blog to check it out!



Day 1: Introduce, Recent photo, and 15 Interesting Facts

Hi to blogland!! I'm Mrs. D (trying hard to avoid using real names on here)! My Hubbs and I got married over Memorial Day weekend 2010 after a 2.5 year engagement and 5 years of dating. We met at college at the end of my freshman year, his sophmore year. I thank heavens everyday that he came into my life. I graduated with my Bachelors degree in January of 2008, and just completed my Doctorate in physical therapy in September 2010. I start my first adult job next week and I am excited yet nervous to be a contributing member of society!
Hubbs and I built a house and moved in winter 2009. It has been an exciting and challenging adventure being homeowners. I love our house, but I am keeping a list of things we need in our next house. In the meantime, I am trying my best to decorate and make it our own. It will be much easier once I have a job and that extra money coming in!! We share our home with our two cats that do not even pretend to get along. Adds excitement and gets us ready for kids, right?
In my spare time, I blog, experiement with new recipes in the kitchen, dabble in photography, and play Farmville (yes, I am one of those people.)

Yup, that's me on our wedding day!!

15 facts:

1. I never drove on an interstate highway until probably about 3 years ago. I am terrible with directions and was so scared of getting lost/having a ton of other cars on the road. Well, watch out for me now, I'm a highway driver!

2. I didn't have a job until I was 18. It was a retail job at a women's clothing store and I worked there for 5 years. I quit back in February when I was on internship for my degree. I miss my co-workers but not the crabby people!!

3. I am a picture addict. I try to take pictures of everything so I can remember every moment. It was the #1 thing on our wedding list, and we chose the best photographer ever for our big day!

4. In reference to the above, I love to scrapbook!!! I did traditional scrapbooking for years and years, but recently I have started digital scrapbooking. It's so much easier because all of my photos are digital anyway.

5. I am in a person centered career, but I really hate people. It amazes me how people are so oblivious to the world around them and how many stupid things I see people doing everyday. If every person just did what they were supposed to, the world would be a better place.

6. Pet peeves: people that drive under the speed limit in the passing lane, people that don't use turn signals, people that stop dead in the middle of the grocery aisle with you right behind them, people that don't take responsibility for themselves, whiney people, people that spend money they don't have and then complain that they are in debt (see a trend here...people!!!)

7. I have been driving the same car since I graduated high school 6 years ago. It is almost time for a new car, but I am going to be so sad to let this one go!!

8. I have my doctorate degree but my study skills are horrible- I am supposed to be studying for my licensure exam right now but I am blogging instead!!

9. Country music is my favorite!! We go to at least 5 country concerts a year and I love every one of them!! All time favorite= Rascal Flatts!

10. I think I have the best in-laws I could ask for. People complain about their mother in laws all the time, but I love mine!!

11. I am an only child. My best friend and I have been inseperable since we were 11 years old and call each other sisters. It was even in her maid of honor speech at our wedding! I now have a sister-in-law and brother-in-law as well.

12. Planning our wedding was such a blast for me! I made everything by hand and no one could tell. Guess that means I did a good job. I can't wait to do the same for my friends when they tie the knot!!

13. I was on a wedding message board site throughout the wedding and met some wonderful ladies that I have met in person and kept in touch with since the wedding.

14. I miss having friends. Since high school and college have ended, I have lost a lot of friends along the way. I could probably count on one hand how many girlfriends I have, which makes me sad. I have no one I can call if I want a shopping partner or if I'm bored and want to hang out.

15. I have baby fever like crazy!! Ever since we got married, it seems like everyone is either pregnant or has a baby. I look at baby stuff online to get an idea of how much $$ the materialistic aspects are going to cost. If Hubbs is reading this right now, he will roll his eyes. He is not mentally ready for babies, and we are not financially ready for babies. But the fever is hard to get rid of!! Hopefully in a few years.

I've been tagged!!

Thanks to Allie over at Living The Adventures for my first tag!!

The way this thing works is that I answer these 8 questions; then I make up 8 questions and tag 8 people. Those 8 people will answer the 8 questions that I made up!  This is going to be fun! 

1. What is the best vacation you have ever taken/ favorite vacation spot?

When I was little we would go to York Beach, ME. I loved it there- beach, zoo, good food! I haven't been in probably 12 years. My favorite recent vacation spot is Newport, RI. There is just something about that busy town that says 'relaxing' to me. Niagara Falls, Canada is up near the top of the list too.

Hubbs and I in Newport -2010

On The Maid of The Mist- Niagara Falls circa 2006

2. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be/why? (Money isn't an object)

To be honest, I would probably stay in New England because I love the seasons and the history. However- I want a 5 bedroom, 3 bath 4,000 sq. ft. house on 20 acres that is set in the middle of the woods. I don't want to hear my neighbors, I don't want to be able to see another house, I don't want to hear traffic. Someday...even if I get the house in the middle of the woods with 1 acre, I will be happy.

3. What is your "go-to" outfit? or your favorite outfit (pictures?)?

Jeans and a sweater. If I am home or not going out in public, jeans and a hoodie or yoga pants and a hoodie.

4. What are you most thankful for in your life?

I am thankful for my husband and my mother, the fact that we own our home, the fact that we are both healthy, the fact that Hubbs and I both have good jobs (or I will next week, anyway).

5. What is one piece of advice you would give other women?

Be true to yourself and don't try to change yourself for anyone. You are fabulous the way you are!!

6. What is one thing you plan to accomplish before the end of this year?

Get my physical therapist license so I can truly say I am a PT!!

7. What is your favorite purchase you have made in the past month?

The table we bought for the front entryway.

Currently decorated for fall

8. Do you save money for things? What are you saving for? If not, what would you like to save you money up for?

I don't know if we save up per se. We just kind of buy something when we need it. Once I work, we will be saving for patio furniture for next summer, a vacation for next summer and maybe just a general rainy day fund. I would like to start putting money away for a future little one, but I think that would freak Hubbs out right now haha

Now onto my questions!!!

1. What is your favorite comfort food?

2. What is your dream vacation? (money is not an object)

3. What is your biggest regret? Your biggest success?

4. Name your top 5 favorite songs of all time!

5. What is your favorite way to destress?

6. What are two things you wish to accomplish in 2011?

7. What is your favorite adult Halloween costume? (Pictures?)

8. List 3 random facts about yourself.

I will tag 8 people, but feel free to respond even if I don't tag you!

Mrs. F at Journey To Our New Life

Michelle at Ew No, Tutu's Itch!

Vikki at Confessions of a Blonde Sports Fan, Knitting Optional

Kristin at Keenly Kristin

Ashley at According to Ashley

Ashley at My Carnival Ride

Neely at Chronicles of Neely

Heather at Heather's Hodgepodge

Pumpkin Bread

It's fall and the chill is finally in the air here in New England. My dining room table and front door are decorated with leaves, pumpkins, and pinecones. But the house was lacking something...ah, yes- the smells of fall!! So tonight I decided it was time...time for what? Pumpkin Bread!

Pumpkin Bread
From Carrie's Sweet Life, originally AllRecipes

1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
4 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water
3 cups white sugar
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 7×3 inch loaf pans.

In a large bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, water and sugar until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended. Pour into the prepared pans.

Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Loaves are done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.



The Changes: I didn't have cloves so I added allspice instead. I only used 2 loaf pans that were a little bigger than the recommended size, but I overfilled them. This resulted in my bread needing 70 minutes to cook through.

The Verdict: If I wasn't in a hurry and trying to take it out of the pan before it was cooled, it would be great. Instead, the bottom stuck to the pan and the rest of the loaf came out. Not too bad, though. I will grease the bottom of the pan a bit better next time. However, the flavor was great!! The bread is moist and you can taste the pumpkin and all the spices!