tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86931339619411040262024-03-05T04:42:25.208-05:00Happy Thursday BlogVictoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-18985439444751954122015-07-23T15:30:00.000-04:002015-07-23T15:30:01.575-04:00Love Story: How We Fell In LoveWhen <a href="http://happythursdayblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/love-story-how-we-met.html">I last left off</a>, Jesse and I had met and he had asked me out over AIM. A few days after that he was having his 24th birthday party and a large group of us all went to DaRuMa's for dinner. While we were waiting for our table, I was a bit nervous and told him about the Zumba class I had attended for the first time that morning. It was very random. We had a good dinner and then headed to a bar. Jesse was having a good time and he ended up telling me how much he liked me and gave me a kiss. It was a little forward for me and I went home not long after that. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaX19XIaGagFMuax9Wt6-0I90I0NphNL5MFZXj_aAMLO84dYPVw8k-0dVf2ZpFLZoNbbOVVnC71gINT_mJXpD-PZFnsy_U7VAxkgccnz9AKe42BfN6RqlYxhfweSWt2cvmi2w6NtakGKL/s1600/4424_82123770422_500325422_2308978_8310946_n.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaX19XIaGagFMuax9Wt6-0I90I0NphNL5MFZXj_aAMLO84dYPVw8k-0dVf2ZpFLZoNbbOVVnC71gINT_mJXpD-PZFnsy_U7VAxkgccnz9AKe42BfN6RqlYxhfweSWt2cvmi2w6NtakGKL/s1600/4424_82123770422_500325422_2308978_8310946_n.jpg.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jesse's 24th Birthday - May 2009</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All the following week I was not sure if I still wanted to go on our date because of that sloppy kiss! Again, Brett convinced me to go because Jesse was a really good guy and at the very least I would have a nice dinner. I didn't change our plan and our Friday date continued.<br />
<br />
I was off work that day and Jesse gave me a call a few hours before our date saying that his coworker broke the passenger seat belt in his car and asked me if I could drive. I agreed, but I wasn't very happy about it. (Strike 1) Jesse did plan a really great date. He knew I liked art, so he took me to an FGCU art show. I drove all the way to Estero and on the way there he answered his phone in the car, on our date! (Strike 2) We had a fun time at the art show and then I drove us back down to Naples to go to my favorite Thai restaurant. We had a great dinner and conversation. I asked him what was next. We went to the Naples Pier and sat and chatted some more. While we were there, I saw my first shooting star and thought about how I <i>could</i> see myself marrying him some day. We also ended the date with our "second first kiss," since Jesse doesn't remember our first one. Luckily he never got a third strike. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PKX017gE_o2ISnTjzJMwtCJdy8nf4jy_FiqU8rM3tyYBoGMT5J-mPJKHoDLlJUT-RxT7ESkNqCH_3yrJA2c51SEBEsgrt9jvq_GYe0Ikvyd2VUMg92EQE1NS_erqrg00Fnqq4WoVuKEI/s1600/5451_549737021047_60601537_32678161_1548843_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5PKX017gE_o2ISnTjzJMwtCJdy8nf4jy_FiqU8rM3tyYBoGMT5J-mPJKHoDLlJUT-RxT7ESkNqCH_3yrJA2c51SEBEsgrt9jvq_GYe0Ikvyd2VUMg92EQE1NS_erqrg00Fnqq4WoVuKEI/s1600/5451_549737021047_60601537_32678161_1548843_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our First Date - May 2009</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was a really great date and we got along really well. My mom and I went on a two week trip to England a few days after that and the whole time I couldn't stop thinking about Jesse. I looked everywhere for a Manchester United shot glass, but could not find one. As soon as I got back we had another date and then saw each other pretty much every other day after that. He asked me to be his girlfriend on June 11 after I brought him Dairy Queen when he was sick at home. He appreciated me coming to see him and I thought him asking me if I wanted to be his girlfriend was so cute as nobody had ever asked me that before.<br />
<br />
Jesse and I pretty much fell in love that summer at the beach and over Legos. I'm not even much of a beach person, but it really does hold a special place in my heart because of our first summer together six years ago. Once a week we would go to the beach near my parents' house, sit on a blanket, and chat while the sun was going down. It was so nice getting to know him and his dreams, joys, and fears.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Zcg4YWXwZt8XVpkSkI5g80uQ6A8O89S4y9OEzx9BI4z_sU1qX1H_GUp2qrJqeEB2kyLr_cMDf1R7BDxG4HHE2ydBUTbKqgfLDkKo56yyGdCoZK47__sBdTQHWZBJ8oRe6AdrvlSV1Y77/s1600/4th+of+July+2009+016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Zcg4YWXwZt8XVpkSkI5g80uQ6A8O89S4y9OEzx9BI4z_sU1qX1H_GUp2qrJqeEB2kyLr_cMDf1R7BDxG4HHE2ydBUTbKqgfLDkKo56yyGdCoZK47__sBdTQHWZBJ8oRe6AdrvlSV1Y77/s640/4th+of+July+2009+016.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our First Holiday - July 4th 2009</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We also used to have Lego dates to build Star Wars themed shapes. They were a lot of fun and yes, we are big nerds.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWhhOh9TkVB2-MndrhjKkKsu12CpDo9fi9itylU9Dw_q3ztrMSmP7lbmXfGRS8kufxgVlJWrEMcS1R3fRE1cmv4mwWyrr8JHTTYFAbIC8UmAEa1uhJxw67WpNq_nPOCU2re66qeOpWOHY/s1600/lego+date+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWhhOh9TkVB2-MndrhjKkKsu12CpDo9fi9itylU9Dw_q3ztrMSmP7lbmXfGRS8kufxgVlJWrEMcS1R3fRE1cmv4mwWyrr8JHTTYFAbIC8UmAEa1uhJxw67WpNq_nPOCU2re66qeOpWOHY/s640/lego+date+014.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lego Date I - June 2009<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I don't remember one specific moment where I fell in love with him, but by the end of that summer, I knew I wanted to marry him and spend the rest of our lives together. The first time he told me he loved me was in August of 2009. It was so sweet and I will remember it forever!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrRlZDCf3-69r9A9FpQEqbDbSyQ8d7skm0pBRDjLAV9SRD72v8RbbiwPA-DjMXwgSzKpvIMJQHrRp_WrfC6KEidrd45YKwAoLDdVfB57QamNOVvSX0Hyhqh2EOe3R0LWkpZ6HrlXtkxcx/s1600/12380006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrRlZDCf3-69r9A9FpQEqbDbSyQ8d7skm0pBRDjLAV9SRD72v8RbbiwPA-DjMXwgSzKpvIMJQHrRp_WrfC6KEidrd45YKwAoLDdVfB57QamNOVvSX0Hyhqh2EOe3R0LWkpZ6HrlXtkxcx/s640/12380006.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parasailing Summer 2009</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-50283547311900890242015-07-16T07:30:00.000-04:002015-07-16T07:30:00.616-04:00Where In The World Would You Go?Ok, so I need your help! My husband and I are trying to decide where we want to travel to next year. We've tossed a few ideas around and are definitely leaning one way, but I have a couple questions for you:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcXWbCjf0tzNE93IgdyRQ4vNyXZvLdDrHk5Iiv7VXwgZHuWOKBnP-a02XsqRl93KzCldo9TLfFPcG-PwwLNVf0DA2TiIEPOOE0e2GJStnm7AXrK8JUVaZHTtQB6zOar4fnctVMRdHVvqB/s1600/Where+In+The+World+Would+You+Go.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcXWbCjf0tzNE93IgdyRQ4vNyXZvLdDrHk5Iiv7VXwgZHuWOKBnP-a02XsqRl93KzCldo9TLfFPcG-PwwLNVf0DA2TiIEPOOE0e2GJStnm7AXrK8JUVaZHTtQB6zOar4fnctVMRdHVvqB/s1600/Where+In+The+World+Would+You+Go.png" /></a></div>
<br />
Would you want to stuff yourself on culinary delights? Check out every art museum you can find? Go on a safari? Walk a haunted ghost tour? Take a bike tour? Attempt a cooking class? Drink wine straight from the barrel? Get lost in the crowd? Relax on a beach? Sit on a double-decker bus? Float on an architecture boat tour? Hike a mountain? Scuba dive in new waters?<br />
<br />
I would love to hear about whatever you would like to do! If only there was time and money to do it all! Are you more of a city or country traveler? If you don't have a dream trip, what have been some of your favorite experiences? Now that I've been to see Gaudi's architecture in Barcelona (posts to come), I'm trying to figure out what my next dream trip would be.Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-36469774025069012832015-06-25T09:31:00.002-04:002015-06-25T09:31:45.308-04:00What I Learned In My 20s<div>
So, this is 30! My birthday was earlier this week. It was a great day thanks to my loving family and coworkers. :) Yes, I worked on my birthday, but it was such a great day. I was really spoiled and could really feel the love. If this is a glimpse of what this decade will be like, I am in for a treat! 30 is awesome and not scary at all!</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFmZs1uku1bnkWm0TMzcSTy2g13wOtxrH4r172x10vZeRhkX73XxJJ4vRqsHH2tlMw3osLMVA2t_RMzblUd6rr13-6X53dfaWZUEadFNg9KV4ONq0bkcuKvM2peDMjcFBlTZGEMTEmNjZ/s640/blogger-image--1403118352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPFmZs1uku1bnkWm0TMzcSTy2g13wOtxrH4r172x10vZeRhkX73XxJJ4vRqsHH2tlMw3osLMVA2t_RMzblUd6rr13-6X53dfaWZUEadFNg9KV4ONq0bkcuKvM2peDMjcFBlTZGEMTEmNjZ/s1600/blogger-image--1403118352.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I did a lot in the last decade. I got my bachelor's degree in biology, got a few new jobs, met and married my loving husband, bought a home, and traveled around the world. I've also learned a lot of stuff about life. I know there is a lot more to learn still, but I still feel like sharing what I've learned so far. My top 10 things I learned in the last 10 years are below:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
1. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">One huge lesson that I learned is that a career
doesn’t define who you are.</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> For more than the first half of
my 20s I was job searching! I wanted to find my dream job, but</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> I realized that I
don’t need the perfect job to be the person I want to be! So I found a job I enjoy most of the time and choose to be happy.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjua71Dbm6I8Svs19-7PZP-q9k0eyu9AWKkIyvItSO0kBzVTQIIlnT_tGPpGm67CKFG1yyPGUEMpNOVe0WTXFwp-8-mEI5JlpjQVe1EQDsUlOv0p1FtbFNoNubX9kIMba7kZUWdMrNcnF1Y/s640/blogger-image-2015655784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjua71Dbm6I8Svs19-7PZP-q9k0eyu9AWKkIyvItSO0kBzVTQIIlnT_tGPpGm67CKFG1yyPGUEMpNOVe0WTXFwp-8-mEI5JlpjQVe1EQDsUlOv0p1FtbFNoNubX9kIMba7kZUWdMrNcnF1Y/s1600/blogger-image-2015655784.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="post_body">
<br /></div>
<div class="post_body">
2. Where I spend my free time shows what I value. Spending time with Jesse and our families has become a large priority for me as I've gotten older. I try to always take all of their phone calls and respond to texts as soon as I can. It shows them their importance to me. I have tried to cut back on mindless TV and just watching my favorite shows and read instead and I am a big fan of rest and relaxation.</div>
<div class="post_body">
<br /></div>
<div class="post_body">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCccdqrb9aL22uhyFJGi4VmL5vd8xtNltgxTO2QKpgioyrfUOx3NLe5mMkBllWnP4suerkQvd_M1Am-N4qO4OO0vWc0SV-hXQeYjxyYiyqUafkc1lxtahYuRJv-HrjUtWkHhQX67fidtXr/s640/blogger-image--1557826429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCccdqrb9aL22uhyFJGi4VmL5vd8xtNltgxTO2QKpgioyrfUOx3NLe5mMkBllWnP4suerkQvd_M1Am-N4qO4OO0vWc0SV-hXQeYjxyYiyqUafkc1lxtahYuRJv-HrjUtWkHhQX67fidtXr/s1600/blogger-image--1557826429.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="post_body">
<br /></div>
<div class="post_body">
3. Sleep and rest is important! Staying up until 1:00AM doesn't help anybody. I am not very good at sleeping, so I feel it is even more important for me to prioritize this.</div>
<div class="post_body">
<br /></div>
<div class="post_body">
4. Owning a home is empowering. It truly makes me feel like I can do anything I put my mind to.</div>
<div class="post_body">
<br /></div>
<div class="post_body">
5. Marriage is awesome! As long as you invest your time in it. Jesse and I are closer than we were before we got married. We trust, support, and love on each other. Without the other, neither of us would be who we are today. Cliche but true.</div>
<div class="post_body">
<br /></div>
<div class="post_body">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7krJtXrvPtnb6NuMcoKrEZQo5kPvfx2xJqeJy3pioQO2uLO6cmH_JwWXjhjxsFYHztYspRBPbaemo1n-dXbd1k9GEFuw4wPJufXbams0TMoLFZnAeOgHJ3u4-zkgv6CpHyNWtwWcSmEt2/s640/blogger-image-569575901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7krJtXrvPtnb6NuMcoKrEZQo5kPvfx2xJqeJy3pioQO2uLO6cmH_JwWXjhjxsFYHztYspRBPbaemo1n-dXbd1k9GEFuw4wPJufXbams0TMoLFZnAeOgHJ3u4-zkgv6CpHyNWtwWcSmEt2/s400/blogger-image-569575901.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="post_body">
<br /></div>
<div class="post_body">
6. Find a workout that you love and it won't be work, but will become a hobby. Mine is Pilates! It took me a long time to find it but I am obsessed and never want to miss a class, seriously!</div>
<div class="post_body">
<br /></div>
<div class="post_body">
7. Food is love. One way I show Jesse I love him is by meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking 4-5 nights a week. Our date nights almost always involve food because it is so personal and intimate. It's not just indulgent food that is love, but good, healthy food is loving your body. And there is no other way I would enjoy celebrating than going out to dinner with my friends and/or family and toasting our meal with a glass of bubbly. I never would have said this ten years ago, but I love food!</div>
<div class="post_body">
<br /></div>
<div class="post_body">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdiMeNF4vi3QnpzU8FK7dAWhTFfgULyweiymExeLmqamIsM_k0W3xHOYDsm8sXF8JgVSGZFzSvgsP9KA47dG_xv6o1RfyUhoqoOZGAqFUozf50RzC582q7bB7oaDQEOHIv9F1N7pMFCfH/s640/blogger-image--1303453732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihdiMeNF4vi3QnpzU8FK7dAWhTFfgULyweiymExeLmqamIsM_k0W3xHOYDsm8sXF8JgVSGZFzSvgsP9KA47dG_xv6o1RfyUhoqoOZGAqFUozf50RzC582q7bB7oaDQEOHIv9F1N7pMFCfH/s1600/blogger-image--1303453732.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="post_body">
<br /></div>
<div class="post_body">
8. I'm a planner and I am not ashamed. It helps keep life organized and allows spontaneity. "Failing to plan is planning to fail." - Benjamin Franklin</div>
<div class="post_body">
<br /></div>
<div class="post_body">
9. You get what you put in. I learned this in my mid-20s and still say it all the time for all situations. For example, if you halfheartedly complete a project, that project is going to be mediocre at best. Relationships, work, and working out are all definitely included in this theory.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxgaEHbXHrTEAYnUN6QNYeBZ96NKbuph5FUDiOPwkBZdZgwVUCPo7oGaEVdB_bnbdNzQSq783nauJV-2b-XqFcdqfJmjB1NgNYWwLO_UQPQQwn457xq7wNvSSscoUqnvhfmavusj_HxBw/s640/blogger-image-2047738681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxgaEHbXHrTEAYnUN6QNYeBZ96NKbuph5FUDiOPwkBZdZgwVUCPo7oGaEVdB_bnbdNzQSq783nauJV-2b-XqFcdqfJmjB1NgNYWwLO_UQPQQwn457xq7wNvSSscoUqnvhfmavusj_HxBw/s1600/blogger-image-2047738681.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
10. I also learned how to cook this decade. I only knew how to make a few things when I started my 20s, mostly eggs, and now I cook at least 5 nights a week!</div>
</div>
Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-11671873691076381152015-05-28T08:30:00.000-04:002015-05-28T08:30:01.059-04:00England 2014: Manchester United<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17013767568" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7604/17013767568_fb8846a8f9_c.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16581307673" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7593/16581307673_684dfbbe6e_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16994081987" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8778/16994081987_dce878d3e3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16581307993" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8798/16581307993_a425b1979c_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17003530030" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5324/17003530030_c18913a0b4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16994083777" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8696/16994083777_4eb57ac087_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16983636287" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7673/16983636287_92a882ebba_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17004906019" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8734/17004906019_0b51539889_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17013770778" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7717/17013770778_3d8297a655_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17200929281" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5449/17200929281_298b5923f8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17013774438" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7689/17013774438_e915911403_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17003389318" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8771/17003389318_e35fef6b22_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17003607140" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7591/17003607140_a1943b11a9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17165215486" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8780/17165215486_50e6ebf4d8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17003618760" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="800" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8780/17003618760_fb7cbee0e8_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16568718624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=" by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt=" " height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8798/16568718624_a056a1d84c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-18696177849458043862015-05-14T09:39:00.001-04:002015-05-14T09:39:30.723-04:00Iberian Dreaming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img src="http://photos.cntraveler.com/2014/10/16/543fff6169d5bb9d1d7e629c_la-sagrada-familia-interior-barcelona-spain.jpg" height="479" width="640" /></div>
<br />
We are going to Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon in just two and a half weeks! I cannot wait! I have wanted to go to Barcelona since I learned about La Sagrada Familia (above - <a href="http://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2014-10-16/9-best-places-to-visit-in-barcelona/14">source</a>) in my Modern Art class in college; it's always been the top of my list of places to go! My husband is Portuguese, so it has always been a dream for him to go there. We decided to add on Madrid because it also sounds like an awesome city, and we can tour the Real Madrid stadium. I am very much looking forward to tapas, paella, sangria, cava, pasteis de nata, seafood, and of course sightseeing!<br />
<br />
<u>Things We Will Be Doing</u><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Sightseeing</li>
<li>Walking</li>
<li>Going into churches</li>
<li>Museums</li>
<li>Flying between cities</li>
<li>Going out to dinners</li>
<li>Checking out the nightlife</li>
<li>Taking siestas (<i>when in Spain!</i>)</li>
<li>Going to the beach</li>
<li>Eating and drinking</li>
</ul>
<br />
Since the beginning of this year, all I have thought about was packing for this trip. It'll be quite warm/hot during the days, but the evenings might be a little cool for me, so I will need versatile pieces. I need clothes that cover my knees and shoulders for church visits but also keep me cool and comfortable with all our walking. I want easy-to-wear stuff, and I also want to be able to dress it up, so everything needs to coordinate. I have been scouring Pinterest to check out all of those "Pack for 30 Days in a Carry-On" posts. While I don't think I will go that minimal, I do want to limit the amount of stuff I am taking, especially because we are traveling between three cities with most likely cobblestone or uneven streets.<br />
<br />
Below are a few of the things I know I am bringing:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/spain_portugal/set?.embedder=13513473&.svc=copypaste&id=158511800" target="_blank"><img alt="Spain and Portugal" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/fHeywRv7rNGJSnOiGVIGA/cid/158511800/id/8Fs7sN355BGJEf9ktfvecw/size/c600x543.jpg" height="543" title="Spain and Portugal" width="600" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/spain_portugal/set?.embedder=13513473&.svc=copypaste&id=158511800" target="_blank">Spain and Portugal</a> by <a href="http://happythursdayblog.polyvore.com/?.embedder=13513473&.svc=copypaste" target="_blank">happythursdayblog</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/j_brand/shop?brand=J+Brand" target="_blank">J Brand</a></small></div>
<br />
My color scheme naturally became blue and white, but I hope to spice it up with some pinks and blacks as well. I really only want to take three pairs of shoes: sneakers, sandals, and flats. I plan on using the chambray as both a shirt and a cover-up, and bringing a few other cardigans to do the same and mix things up. I also want to bring a couple dresses and a bikini for those sunny days I know we will have!<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>What tips do you have for packing light? Should I bring a pair of heels for the evening? Any recommendations for food and drink while we are over there? Please let me know as talking about travel and food are pretty much my two favorite things!
</i>Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-24009271452570232102015-04-23T13:30:00.000-04:002015-04-23T13:30:02.115-04:00England 2014: Manchester<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17003478710" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8771/17003478710_111d3be2f7_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16983587737" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5470/16983587737_33fdbd59dd_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17004860489" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7687/17004860489_82606d915a_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17004862689" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7589/17004862689_146a350e5f_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16570834333" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7682/16570834333_e3ce406111_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17201509355" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5441/17201509355_f22cf624f7_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17003571380" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7717/17003571380_cce27cb0fb_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17004946409" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8712/17004946409_3540534862_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17189460132" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8697/17189460132_5bb4cf2b9e_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16983693187" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8728/16983693187_6f3ac2ffb9_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17003592360" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7680/17003592360_5a19bb53ce_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16570931243" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7629/16570931243_fe7dc8386b_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17199861812" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7623/17199861812_671272be4e_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17200931481" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=" by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt=" " height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8759/17200931481_d4d8702c8b_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17201515915" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=" by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt=" " height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8719/17201515915_35e066a569_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16570934043" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7668/16570934043_cacd39f51f_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17190535761" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7638/17190535761_2fc112ba12_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17201516415" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7648/17201516415_5d4fb22c4d_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17199861712" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7630/17199861712_08f7de959b_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/17003631420" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=" by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt=" " height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7695/17003631420_9892bab321_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16983741307" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8685/16983741307_ef4d489451_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16570971973" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7707/16570971973_f0c05bb911_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-33334291271147210602015-04-02T14:30:00.000-04:002015-04-02T14:30:00.340-04:00Rome: The Honeymooners<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16824416342" title="Rome: The Honeymooners by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rome: The Honeymooners" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7602/16824416342_34999f4c01_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
Our honeymoon was so much fun. I strongly encourage everyone to take some sort of "honeymoon" after their wedding. It is such a big relief after the craziness that is wedding planning. I can't believe it was almost two years ago now! I absolutely loved spending all day with my best friend while exploring the gorgeous country of Italy. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16824425182" title="Rome: The Honeymooners by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rome: The Honeymooners" height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8698/16824425182_0b24c1441d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16824418452" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rome: The Honeymooners by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rome: The Honeymooners" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7649/16824418452_13b13aa9a2_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16639422679" title="Rome: The Honeymooners by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rome: The Honeymooners" height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8571/16639422679_369ec9b6db_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
It is unbelievable how well we get along. I am very quiet and reserved with most people, so they wouldn't realize how silly I am on a day to day basis. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16639426689" title="Rome: The Honeymooners by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rome: The Honeymooners" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7645/16639426689_67f0f1b816_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16638152450" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rome: The Honeymooners by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rome: The Honeymooners" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7648/16638152450_6a77944420_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16825566475" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rome: The Honeymooners by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rome: The Honeymooners" height="800" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8562/16825566475_0962051b41_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<br />
We drank wine for lunch AND dinner and ate like royalty. It was a lot of fun to be free from any obligations.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16203173854" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rome: The Honeymooners by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rome: The Honeymooners" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8673/16203173854_4da2fee668_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16618217027" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rome: The Honeymooners by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rome: The Honeymooners" height="800" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8652/16618217027_9a0442a972_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We threw coins into the Fountain of Trevi, so you know we will be back. I already keep asking Jesse to take me back to Florence and this time do more exploring in Tuscany.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16825538225" title="Rome: The Honeymooners by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rome: The Honeymooners" height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8681/16825538225_af362067ae_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16638155420" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rome: The Honeymooners by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rome: The Honeymooners" height="800" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8586/16638155420_78f3fea528_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<br />
We saw a lot and walked even more. While I do love walking, our favorite days were the more leisurely ones.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16638180310" title="Rome: The Honeymooners by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rome: The Honeymooners" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7624/16638180310_0b3a0f63ec_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<br />
Sitting in enotecas on the street were some of my favorite moments.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16639427279" title="Rome: The Honeymooners by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rome: The Honeymooners" height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8601/16639427279_33bddccdb1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16824450582" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rome: The Honeymooners by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rome: The Honeymooners" height="800" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8622/16824450582_1e6c84f214_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<br />
Basically, this man makes me the happiest and luckiest woman in the world. Even on a regular old Thursday when we just get a few hours together after work (for us both) and Pilates (for me) where we eat dinner, talk about our days, and snuggle on the couch watching tv.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16638164520" title="Rome: The Honeymooners by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rome: The Honeymooners" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7623/16638164520_2e9502e210_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
P.S. Let me also say, that I strongly recommend bringing a hair tie on a vacation. I accidentally forgot and had a knot of hair for 85% of the trip!<br />
<br />
<u>Honeymoon Posts</u><br />
<a href="http://happythursdayblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/gondolas-and-gelato.html">Venice</a><br />
<a href="http://happythursdayblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/firenze.html">Florence</a><br />
<a href="http://happythursdayblog.blogspot.com/2014/05/naples-florida-to-naples-italy.html">Naples</a><br />
<a href="http://happythursdayblog.blogspot.com/2014/08/picturesque-positano.html">Positano</a><br />
<a href="http://happythursdayblog.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-ancient-city-of-pompei.html">Pompei</a><br />
<a href="http://happythursdayblog.blogspot.com/2014/08/amalfi-and-ravello.html">Amalfi and Ravello</a><br />
<a href="http://happythursdayblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/rome-sights.html">Rome: The Sights</a><br />
<a href="http://happythursdayblog.blogspot.com/2015/03/rome-food.html">Rome: The Food</a>Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-11884685068277626392015-03-19T12:00:00.000-04:002015-03-19T12:00:01.039-04:00Rome: The FoodOne of the main reasons I love to travel is to eat and drink. It is a great glimpse into the culture of a place, plus it is delicious. Before we left on our honeymoon, I had a few requests to take a lot of pictures of the food we ate. Luckily that isn't a problem for me; I love taking pictures of food. Check out <a href="https://instagram.com/picatoria/">my Instagram</a> if you don't believe me. While we ate great everywhere, I thought since we were in Rome the longest I would make a post on just the delicious food we ate there. The food in Rome can be a bit hit or miss. Since there are so many touristy places, it can be difficult at times to find a good one. The ones listed below were awesome and I highly recommend them!<br />
<br />
Where We Ate:<br />
<a href="http://www.enotecaculdesacroma.it/en/">Enoteca Cul De Sac</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pizzeriabaffetto.it/default.asp">Da Buffeto</a><br />
<a href="http://www.frigidarium-gelateria.com/">Fridgidarium</a><br />
<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187791-d1750370-Reviews-Mario_s-Rome_Lazio.html">Ristorante Mario's</a><br />
<a href="http://osteriaingegno.it/index.php/en/">Osteria dell'Ingegno</a><br />
<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187791-d790414-Reviews-La_Sacrestia-Rome_Lazio.html">La Sacrestia Ristorante</a><br />
<br />
Fun story about Ristorante Mario's. I went to Italy with my family in 2000 and we ate at this really good restaurant near the Roman Forum. On our third day in Rome, we had plans to go to the Roman Forum and Colosseum. The night before I emailed my mom and asked her if she had any crazy memory of what that restaurant was called. I woke up in the morning with an email from her that had pin-pointed the location of the restaurant! She didn't remember the name, but she did remember the roads we had taken to get there and followed them on the map and knew that this must be the right place. And as soon as we walked up to it, I knew it was the right one! It was just as good as it was 13 years ago. Thanks Mom!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/15922305953" title="IMG_1919 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1919" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7312/15922305953_60f4951870_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/15919928694" title="IMG_2131 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2131" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7372/15919928694_107c4c2f6f_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16355030970" title="IMG_2134 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2134" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/16355030970_59128b8240_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16540796561" title="IMG_2135 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2135" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7459/16540796561_1c24dcbc85_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16542527215" title="IMG_2194 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2194" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/16542527215_065f987572_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16540795251" title="IMG_2195 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2195" height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8625/16540795251_8bc396ecfd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16356608077" title="IMG_2196 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2196" height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8616/16356608077_19bd8a1a14_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16540786691" title="Wedding and honeymoon 1617 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Wedding and honeymoon 1617" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7303/16540786691_4564b07660_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16542524785" title="IMG_2280 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2280" height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8679/16542524785_008106f056_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16541420022" title="IMG_2313 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2313" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7301/16541420022_a5f39d930c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16354812128" title="IMG_2336 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2336" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7456/16354812128_61e738fd2a_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16542522735" title="IMG_2338 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2338" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7452/16542522735_fe73ae8412_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16542522155" title="IMG_2340 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2340" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7316/16542522155_b162912b1a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16356215399" title="IMG_2360 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2360" height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8654/16356215399_ef6fdd19f8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16356214339" title="IMG_2384 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2384" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7398/16356214339_756ee089c5_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/15922297003" title="IMG_2396 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2396" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/15922297003_5127426efb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/15919917744" title="Wedding and honeymoon 1798 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Wedding and honeymoon 1798" height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8583/15919917744_2883111319_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-44515646211956093032015-03-12T09:30:00.000-04:002015-03-12T11:29:20.547-04:00Rome: The Sights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After our time <a href="http://happythursdayblog.blogspot.com/2014/08/amalfi-and-ravello.html">on the Amalfi coast</a>, we headed to our final destination of Rome. Since there are so many amazing historical sights here, this is a picture heavy post and I will keep my comments relatively short. We were in Rome for 5 nights and had some days with great weather and a couple of rainy ones too. Rome is beautiful, just like everywhere we went, but it is SO touristy. You can see in these pictures, it is so busy everywhere and we weren't even there "in season." Everything also felt so sprawled apart. Our hotel was gorgeous and felt very luxurious, but I didn't love the location. If there is a next time, I would pick to stay in the Piazza Navonna area. I have two more posts on this never-ending honeymoon series, one about the food in Rome and the final one with some of my thoughts and cute pictures of my husband and I. Let me know if you have any questions about any of these pictures, I always love talking about travel and planning. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Where We Stayed:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.dorchestercollection.com/en/rome/hotel-eden">Hotel Eden</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16542468945" title="IMG_1934 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1934" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7392/16542468945_3d9399a6e8_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16354974160" title="IMG_1931 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1931" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7396/16354974160_cd8c467dc7_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16354758188" title="IMG_1935 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1935" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7409/16354758188_d02c457904_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16541306022" title="Wedding and honeymoon 1234 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Wedding and honeymoon 1234" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/16541306022_1906f2640a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16540676621" title="Wedding and honeymoon 1216 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Wedding and honeymoon 1216" height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8669/16540676621_405648f6c2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16354756508" title="IMG_1965 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1965" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/16354756508_f01f7a06d2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16354969580" title="IMG_1982 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1982" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/16354969580_f72c38954c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16540733171" title="IMG_1990 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1990" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/16540733171_7e496ce817_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/15922238213" title="IMG_2022 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2022" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7402/15922238213_b43737386d_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16354749238" title="IMG_2024 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2024" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7321/16354749238_5d22e0171f_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16354747978" title="IMG_2045 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2045" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7333/16354747978_725ba77296_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16540727041" title="IMG_2055 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2055" height="481" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7373/16540727041_e16773eb16_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16354911800" title="Wedding and honeymoon 1307 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Wedding and honeymoon 1307" height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8617/16354911800_fdbb02e7a4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16542454495" title="IMG_2067 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2067" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7444/16542454495_cf8df48fb6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16516416796" title="IMG_2078 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2078" height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8590/16516416796_bb8ae9257e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/15919847634" title="IMG_2093 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2093" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/15919847634_b2dd166eb2_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16516408996" title="IMG_2115 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2115" height="800" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8608/16516408996_bb5455f53f_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16541341212" title="IMG_2123 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2123" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7378/16541341212_70798afb12_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16542443195" title="IMG_2136 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2136" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7290/16542443195_5baf000bc4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16356134089" title="IMG_2150 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2150" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7296/16356134089_4d2d747af0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16356517947" title="IMG_2189 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2189" height="800" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8562/16356517947_eae584cf29_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16516395296" title="IMG_2216 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2216" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7365/16516395296_623c8a4fe1_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16516393736" title="IMG_2232 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2232" height="800" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8656/16516393736_d9e68465c2_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16516389966" title="IMG_2233 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2233" height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8663/16516389966_a0d2c975f3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/15922200773" title="IMG_2243 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2243" height="800" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8639/15922200773_9b80594f6c_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16356111059" title="IMG_2326 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2326" height="480" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8602/16356111059_4bc131d48c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/15919818354" title="IMG_2330 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2330" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7341/15919818354_465a113046_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/16354920540" title="IMG_2331 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2331" height="800" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8661/16354920540_93152d9bd5_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/15919817164" title="IMG_2341 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2341" height="800" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/15919817164_2180b91d51_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/15919815534" title="IMG_2344 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2344" height="800" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8592/15919815534_1dd20c3e36_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-18161335830798504942015-02-19T15:11:00.000-05:002015-02-19T15:11:00.140-05:00Simple 5 Day Trip Up North<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
<div style="position: relative;">
Part of <a href="http://happythursdayblog.blogspot.com/2015/02/goals-for-2015.html">my 2015 goal to simplify my life</a> incorporates my wardrobe and packing skills. Unfortunately, I had an unplanned trip to Massachusetts last week to attend a funeral. I thought this would be a good opportunity to put my simplification to the test. Being from Florida, I only have a few winter clothes to begin with (although I have a lot more sweaters than I thought I did), so it was easier to stick to a smaller number of items.<br />
<br />
Aside from the essentials (undergarments, socks, and pajamas), I took three sweaters, three shirts, two pants, two coats, two boots, one dress for the funeral, and a hat, scarf, and gloves. I wore everything I packed and feel good about my lightweight travel essentials. Even my carry on was simplified. I only took my Kindle, iPhone, headphones, and charger (not shown).<br />
<br />
Most of these items below are not the actual ones that I took as most of my winter gear is very old, but they are similar. I have placed an asterisk (*) next to the ones that I actually own.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/simple_day_trip_up_north/set?.embedder=13513473&.svc=blogger&id=149194834" target="_blank"><img alt="Simple 5 Day Trip Up North" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/EzaPFH32lPMOLdBNMQ/cid/149194834/id/lG0aI-Cy5BGHdy7360zHKw/size/c600x519.jpg" title="Simple 5 Day Trip Up North" /></a> </div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/simple_day_trip_up_north/set?.embedder=13513473&.svc=blogger&id=149194834" target="_blank">Simple 5 Day Trip Up North</a> by <a href="http://happythursdayblog.polyvore.com/?.embedder=13513473&.svc=blogger" target="_blank">happythursdayblog</a></small></div>
<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
<br />
<small></small><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=13513473&.svc=blogger&id=125622214" rel="nofollow">ASOS zipper dress</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=13513473&.svc=blogger&id=121506361" rel="nofollow">Madewell sweater pullover</a>* / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=13513473&.svc=blogger&id=112763895" rel="nofollow">MANGO cotton cable knit sweater</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=13513473&.svc=blogger&id=130013615" rel="nofollow">Design History ribbed cardigan</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=13513473&.svc=blogger&id=123750806" rel="nofollow">J Crew stripe tee</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=13513473&.svc=blogger&id=129812328" rel="nofollow">Merona t shirt</a>* / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=13513473&.svc=blogger&id=119308444" rel="nofollow">Cuddl Duds thermal tee</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=13513473&.svc=blogger&id=123227882" rel="nofollow">Helly Hansen red hooded coat</a>* / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=13513473&.svc=blogger&id=119641191" rel="nofollow">Carven Coat</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=13513473&.svc=blogger&id=122826810" rel="nofollow">Sanctuary clothing pants</a>* / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=13513473&.svc=blogger&id=75795279" rel="nofollow">Gap dark wash skinny jeans</a>* / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=13513473&.svc=blogger&id=117126895" rel="nofollow">UGG Australia short ankle boots</a>* / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=13513473&.svc=blogger&id=130232979" rel="nofollow">Badgley Mischka pebbled leather handbag</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=13513473&.svc=blogger&id=110801159" rel="nofollow">H&M shoulder strap purse</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=13513473&.svc=blogger&id=121901691" rel="nofollow">Forever 21 black scarve</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=13513473&.svc=blogger&id=123784574" rel="nofollow">Isotoner spandex glove</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=13513473&.svc=blogger&id=120641711" rel="nofollow">Forever 21 black beanie hat</a> / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=13513473&.svc=blogger&id=78903975" rel="nofollow">EOS Lip Balm</a>* / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=13513473&.svc=blogger&id=118964150" rel="nofollow">STEVEN by Steve Madden Women's Intyce Riding Boot</a>* / <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/thing?.embedder=13513473&.svc=blogger&id=130467212" rel="nofollow">Osmia Organics | Hand Repair Cream with Organic Aloe and Shea *</a></small></div>
</div>
</div>
Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-62690769999674369472015-02-12T11:46:00.000-05:002015-02-12T11:46:00.162-05:00Edison and Ford Winter EstatesI can't believe I have lived here for 17 years and never been to the<a href="http://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/"> Edison and Ford Winter Estates</a> before! It is really fun and a beautiful piece of property. My husband and I did the whole thing, including the gardens, houses, museum, and botanical lab, on a self-guided tour with an audio guide about a year ago. The entry fee was $20 each and it took us about 2 hours to cover it. There is a lot of history and fun facts throughout the properties on signs and via the audio guide. Plus it is located on the Caloosahatchee River and benches have been placed all over to relax and enjoy. It was really beautiful! Rarely are you told that you can walk on the grass at these historical locations, but here you can explore wherever you want and are told only to avoid stepping on the roots of trees and not pick any fruits or flowers.<br />
<br />
Walking around the estates reminded us of being in Italy and going through the palaces, gardens, and museums. And thinking about that trip is getting me excited for our next trip to Spain this summer!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/16406208396_47aca9df11_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/16406208396_47aca9df11_c.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7433/16431252502_09f77d184e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7433/16431252502_09f77d184e_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8632/16406204736_b80f7c87fc_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8632/16406204736_b80f7c87fc_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8674/16246269897_4921c8a432_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8674/16246269897_4921c8a432_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8628/16430412621_ef4ce11658_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8628/16430412621_ef4ce11658_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7376/16432166915_5bf7411efd_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7376/16432166915_5bf7411efd_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8668/15812115063_d0e7f4b1d1_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8668/15812115063_d0e7f4b1d1_c.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7402/15812112103_7d4168f9b9_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7402/15812112103_7d4168f9b9_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7346/16406179606_46b518de4f_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7346/16406179606_46b518de4f_c.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7347/16432152505_5cfd47d637_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7347/16432152505_5cfd47d637_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7428/15812099353_9d9fdbabc8_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7428/15812099353_9d9fdbabc8_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7417/16246237667_dec97926a4_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7417/16246237667_dec97926a4_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/16430375961_f37b5c975f_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/16430375961_f37b5c975f_c.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7284/16246225027_e9d6342911_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7284/16246225027_e9d6342911_c.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7334/16244725900_4fd0f45164_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7334/16244725900_4fd0f45164_c.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8657/15812077833_ae504da7a2_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8657/15812077833_ae504da7a2_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8651/16244466828_dffebb6f56_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8651/16244466828_dffebb6f56_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8673/16246210277_446255c419_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8673/16246210277_446255c419_c.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7420/16244709780_bd7564515d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7420/16244709780_bd7564515d_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/16430346381_2be4dd7665_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/16430346381_2be4dd7665_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8604/16406125066_38be277d07_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8604/16406125066_38be277d07_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7360/16406121716_0867f9f990_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7360/16406121716_0867f9f990_c.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7282/16431158822_161dd46939_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7282/16431158822_161dd46939_c.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7393/16432087355_e5839a3237_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7393/16432087355_e5839a3237_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7444/15812036353_1208ab5078_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7444/15812036353_1208ab5078_c.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7322/15809565724_0100bc0eb1_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7322/15809565724_0100bc0eb1_c.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8653/16244418778_5979fced34_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8653/16244418778_5979fced34_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8590/16406092406_b9eb2e5c1c_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8590/16406092406_b9eb2e5c1c_c.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8667/16244406558_034b5aa9bd_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8667/16244406558_034b5aa9bd_c.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7315/16244652920_cd656493d1_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7315/16244652920_cd656493d1_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/16244646440_eb89a4fdce_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/16244646440_eb89a4fdce_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7333/16432060645_9439186778_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7333/16432060645_9439186778_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-68850830117707613542015-02-05T07:30:00.000-05:002015-04-02T16:59:51.336-04:00Goals for 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7339/16428526595_e377d72b8b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7339/16428526595_e377d72b8b_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We are a month into the year and I haven't posted my goals yet. I think this is indicative of how busy I have been so far. First of all, I had a great Christmas and New Year. On January 3rd my little sister got married! After that, I was sick for about a week. Once I got better, I finally felt motivated to reflect on the past year and plan for the future.<br />
<br />
My first thought about <a href="http://happythursdayblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/happy-new-year-2014.html">2014 </a>was not a very positive one. My biggest disappointment about last year was that we did not save as much as I expected to, but I hadn't considered the rise in health insurance costs (our monthly premiums almost tripled) when I planned how much I was going to save.<br />
<br />
When I really thought back about what we did and accomplished, I was impressed. We did a lot of traveling in 2014 and had a really great time! I did a great job with being healthy. I started Pilates reformer classes and I am in love. After only 5 or 6 classes, I already had the body I wanted. Now I've been doing it for about six months and I am stronger, leaner, and so much happier with myself. I have also continued to do barre once a week for my cardio.<br />
<br />
My theme of 2015 is going to be SIMPLIFY. I just want to strip everything down to the essentials, to get rid of the distractions, and focus on the people that I love and want in my life. I divided my goals up into six areas and honestly I'm just really excited about the year to come.<br />
<br />
SOCIAL<br />
1. Saturday is the only day I will be checking Facebook.<br />
2. Sundays are internet free days.<br />
3. Have friends over to our house once/month.<br />
4. Have girl time once/month.<br />
FAMILY<br />
5. Try new diets that work for Jesse.<br />
6. Read 2 more books with Jesse for our book club.<br />
FINANCIAL<br />
7. Stick to my budgets for groceries, gas, and "play money."<br />
8. Only buy 12 new articles of clothing.<br />
PHYSICAL<br />
9. Wake up without pressing snooze.<br />
10. Get outside for at least 10 minutes every day.<br />
CAREER<br />
11. Read 2-3 business books.<br />
<strike> 12. Get long-term care insurance licensed.</strike><br />
13. Get more advanced PPA training.<br />
HOUSE<br />
14. Redo closet systems.<br />
15. Add garage shelves.<br />
16. Replace shower door.<br />
<strike> 17. Move microwave over stove. Increase my cooking prep space.</strike><br />
18. Do some landscaping. Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-27024698376279631972014-08-28T11:00:00.000-04:002014-08-28T14:08:54.910-04:00Amalfi and RavelloOn our final day on the Amalfi Coast, we had planned to go to the Isle of Capri. Sadly, we were there in the off-season, so there was only boat to Capri each day and we just missed it. So, instead we decided to explore Amalfi and Ravello, other cities on the Coast. I really liked Amalfi. It was small, but busy. It just had a nice feel to it. We explored the basilica and had a tasty lunch at Il Tari. It was so funny to us to see school chaperones splitting a bottle of wine at lunch while watching the children. We took a crowded bus up to Ravello and spoke with another American couple on their honeymoon. Ravello has great views and is a very quiet city. It would be a great place to get away from everything. We explored Villa Cimbrone and had more gelato and then <a href="http://happythursdayblog.blogspot.com/2014/08/picturesque-positano.html">headed back to Positano</a>.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
Honestly, I thought the Amalfi Coast leg of the trip would be relaxing and it was the total opposite and tiring. The traveling between the cities was exhausting and the weather wasn't nice enough for us to go in the pool. Everywhere was gorgeous and I still had a good time, but I don't think we will be going back.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Where We Ate:</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.amalfiristorantetari.it/">Il Tari - Amalfi</a><br />
<br />
Amalfi:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14705420058" title="IMG_1818 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1818" height="853" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3910/14705420058_d202e5a156_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14891675002" title="amalfichurch by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="amalfichurch" height="279" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5581/14891675002_24ddbba0ce_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14891674732" title="IMG_1847 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1847" height="853" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3920/14891674732_8576f9bf0c_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14891675022" title="amalfilunch by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="amalfilunch" height="322" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3858/14891675022_46029e5b2a_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14891674872" title="IMG_1855 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1855" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3905/14891674872_034b399b56_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14705477077" title="Wedding and honeymoon 1152 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Wedding and honeymoon 1152" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5594/14705477077_6914d95446_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Ravello:<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14869030316" title="IMG_1865 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1865" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5583/14869030316_fb3aef9201_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14891675602" title="IMG_1869 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1869" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5561/14891675602_711897b9a9_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14705374169" title="gardenstroll by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="gardenstroll" height="421" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5560/14705374169_3e028ee073_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14892002005" title="IMG_1881 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1881" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5576/14892002005_9eb6584003_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14888960781" title="views by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="views" height="237" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5586/14888960781_29899b555a_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14891675472" title="IMG_1887 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1887" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5569/14891675472_d63b23c9da_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14705338950" title="ravello by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="ravello" height="421" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5560/14705338950_ed4c285684_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14705477847" title="Wedding and honeymoon 1192 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Wedding and honeymoon 1192" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3907/14705477847_7c16665738_o.jpg" width="640" /></a>Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-3240392494857255432014-08-21T08:30:00.000-04:002014-08-21T08:30:00.958-04:00The Ancient City of PompeiOne of the things I was most excited to do on the Amalfi Coast was go to Pompei. I have always wanted to go there. As a child, I remember having a photo book with the history of Mount Vesuvius and the ruins. Pompei did not disappoint and brought the history to life. Jesse and I were both so excited to see everything we had heard and read about in person. We spent the day exploring with the audio guide, which we loved. On our way <a href="http://happythursdayblog.blogspot.com/2014/08/picturesque-positano.html">back to Positano</a>, we also stopped at Herculaneum. It is a smaller city that was destroyed in the same eruption, but is even better preserved than Pompei. I would recommend it. There is a lot of walking though, so be prepared.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14869030906" title="IMG_1731 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1731" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3840/14869030906_d3275d03b8_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14705421428" title="IMG_1739 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1739" height="853" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5559/14705421428_e0185da5f5_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14892002445" title="Wedding and honeymoon 1046 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Wedding and honeymoon 1046" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3904/14892002445_a623d94331_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14891676272" title="IMG_1750 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1750" height="853" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5552/14891676272_2be4582a53_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14891676212" title="pompeisilly by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="pompeisilly" height="421" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3912/14891676212_97f95aa647_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14892002335" title="Wedding and honeymoon 1047 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Wedding and honeymoon 1047" height="853" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5591/14892002335_e742d36fbe_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14705421168" title="pompei by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="pompei" height="421" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5577/14705421168_912b7fe5f7_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14705478467" title="Wedding and honeymoon 1055 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Wedding and honeymoon 1055" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3901/14705478467_f3d028ac74_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14705478597" title="pompeicloseups by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="pompeicloseups" height="421" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3924/14705478597_6c7df59abb_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14705339310" title="Wedding and honeymoon 1113 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Wedding and honeymoon 1113" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5584/14705339310_a34d3c9685_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14891676402" title="herculeneum by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="herculeneum" height="237" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3897/14891676402_9de5562fd9_o.jpg" width="640" /></a>Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-83083230749901033212014-08-14T10:33:00.000-04:002014-08-14T10:33:00.186-04:00Picturesque PositanoI really need to get these Italy photos up from our honeymoon last April! The best ones are still to come too. <br />
<br />
After spending <a href="http://happythursdayblog.blogspot.com/2014/05/naples-florida-to-naples-italy.html">one night in Naples</a>, we headed to our next base of Positano on the Amalfi Coast. The travel to get here takes forever. You have to take the local 70 minute Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Sorrento. Then you take the scariest bus ride ever, on a tiny two-lane (barely) road cut out of the cliffs. But, this beautiful city is utterly breathtaking. I mean, just look! This was the one part of the trip where I wish I had a camera other than my iPhone with me. The only downside is we did not like our hotel. The first thing we did was go to the beach and touch the Sea. It was cold, but the color of the water is the prettiest I have ever seen. On our first night here, we had the most amazing meal at La Tagliata. This is a must do! Say hi to Pepino and his family for me when you do! I would also recommend having a drink at Le Sirenuse. We spent three nights here as a base for exploring the Amalfi Coast, which I have split up into their own posts.<br />
<br />
Where We Ate:<br />
<a href="http://www.latagliata.com/">La Tagliata</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ristorantemax.it/">Ristorante Max</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14705372689" title="IMG_1720 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1720" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5594/14705372689_e06f5ff3f9_b.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14705476167" title="IMG_1644 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1644" height="853" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3864/14705476167_441fe0a338_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14891673802" title="landscapes by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="landscapes" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5594/14891673802_739389c387_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14705421368" title="IMG_1719 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1719" height="853" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3866/14705421368_dd4c9cb565_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14705337770" title="IMG_1903 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1903" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3884/14705337770_18d635f802_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14869029106" title="aroundtown by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="aroundtown" height="421" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5580/14869029106_3bfaa01ff4_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14888959791" title="IMG_1902 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1902" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5582/14888959791_8267d6f6a8_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14888959611" title="inthetown by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="inthetown" height="421" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5575/14888959611_f18c242b4c_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14705373019" title="IMG_1678 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1678" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3903/14705373019_bdd186dfca_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14705419228" title="Jesse La Tagliata by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Jesse La Tagliata" height="853" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3839/14705419228_a286a11899_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14888959481" title="La Tagliata by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="La Tagliata" height="724" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3886/14888959481_4ba1cb2f1d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14705337800" title="IMG_1899 by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1899" height="853" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5595/14705337800_a58c6b453e_o.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14892000155" title="positanocolors by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="positanocolors" height="421" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3852/14892000155_d9311a9de5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/14888959141" title="snapshotspositano by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="snapshotspositano" height="644" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5561/14888959141_d94bb928a6_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-16958757626924444952014-05-22T10:00:00.000-04:002014-05-22T10:00:02.860-04:00Naples, Florida to Naples, ItalyOn our Italian honeymoon, after <a href="http://happythursdayblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/firenze.html">visiting Florence</a>, we spent one night in Naples, Italy on our way to the Amalfi Coast. There was a fair going on near our hotel so we checked it out and then had a pizza and white wine for dinner. It was a fun evening and our hotel had an amazing view of Mount Vesuvius!<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">
Where We Stayed:</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.hotelexcelsiornapoli.com/en">The Hotel Excelsior, Naples</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">
Where We Ate:</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #414141; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/antonio-e-antonio-napoli-3">Antonio & Antonio</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2916/14218401236_2b37eac755_z_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2916/14218401236_2b37eac755_z_d.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2929/14054906728_8288dfdc30_z_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2929/14054906728_8288dfdc30_z_d.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2923/14239308272_16a7081876_z_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2923/14239308272_16a7081876_z_d.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2905/14054945400_cc655c9200_z_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2905/14054945400_cc655c9200_z_d.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2937/14261732923_9108e687ae_z_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2937/14261732923_9108e687ae_z_d.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5034/14054909459_a6c46a960f_z_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5034/14054909459_a6c46a960f_z_d.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5500/14238251571_665a4b95b8_z_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5500/14238251571_665a4b95b8_z_d.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2938/14218399566_73b6c2bb9b_z_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2938/14218399566_73b6c2bb9b_z_d.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2924/14261733713_dff9b851dd_z_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2924/14261733713_dff9b851dd_z_d.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-69458354366181828452014-05-11T08:30:00.000-04:002014-05-11T08:30:01.374-04:00Happy Mother's DayHappy Mother's Day to my beautiful mother! If I am even half the woman you are, I will count myself lucky.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5503/11781089395_0e6f2986b3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5503/11781089395_0e6f2986b3_z.jpg" /></a></div>
Fabulous photo by the one and only Jessica Lorren Photography, <a href="http://www.jessicalorren.com/">www.jessicalorren.com</a>Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-53673164569884498232014-05-01T10:02:00.000-04:002015-02-02T10:17:46.893-05:00101 in 1001<h2>
101 Things In 1001 Days</h2>
<h3>
Jan 25, 2014 - Oct 22, 2016</h3>
<ol class="inlineList">
<li>Finish this 101 list</li>
<li><strike>Write a letter to myself to be opened when the 1001 days is over</strike></li>
<li><strike>Write a letter for Jesse to open at the end of 1001 days</strike></li>
<li><strike>Celebrate our 29th birthdays (2/2)</strike></li>
<li>Celebrate our 30th birthdays (0/2)</li>
<li>Celebrate our 31st birthdays (0/2)</li>
<li>Perform 31 random acts of kindness on my 31st birthday</li>
<li><strike>Start a wedding anniversary photo tradition</strike></li>
<li><strike>Celebrate our one year anniversary</strike> <i>(completed April 5-6, 2014)</i></li>
<li>Celebrate our two year anniversary</li>
<li>Celebrate our three year anniversary</li>
<li><strike>Take Jesse to England </strike><i>(completed March 12 - 22, 2014)</i></li>
<li>Go on a girl's trip with my college friends</li>
<li>Go on a trip with just my sister</li>
<li>Go to wine country</li>
<li>Go to Vegas</li>
<li>Go on a European adventure</li>
<li><strike>Go to Key West again</strike> (<i>completed June 21-24, 2014</i>)</li>
<li><strike>Go to the new Harry Potter land</strike> (<i>completed September 2014</i>)</li>
<li><strike>Go to Disney World again</strike> (<i>completed May 2014</i>)</li>
<li><strike>Go to Star Wars weekend</strike> (<i>completed May 2014</i>)</li>
<li>Go to Epcot food & wine</li>
<li>Take Jesse to Oktoberfest</li>
<li>Go to the Swamp Buggy races</li>
<li>See the Royal Rumble live</li>
<li>See a stage show every year (2/3) <i>(1:Phantom of the Opera - London - March 2014, 2:The Book of Mormon - Naples - January 2015)</i></li>
<li>Create travel books for our trips</li>
<li><strike>Create "photoalbums" for paper souvenirs (like wedding invites and cards)</strike></li>
<li>Create annual photobook "yearbooks" for our family (0/2)</li>
<li>Finish wedding projects</li>
<li>Shoot and develop 50 rolls of film (8/50)</li>
<li>Private</li>
<li>Read 30 books (5/30)<i> (A Feast For Crows, Where'd You Go Bernadette, The Five Love Languages, Daring Greatly, The Fault In Our Stars)</i></li>
<li>Read the Bible</li>
<li>Learn calligraphy</li>
<li>Take a cooking class</li>
<li>Take a dance class with Jesse</li>
<li>Take a painting class</li>
<li>Take tennis lessons for two months</li>
<li>Learn how to properly apply makeup</li>
<li>Learn how to French braid my own hair</li>
<li>Take a crafting class at West Elm</li>
<li><strike>Host a dinner party at our house</strike> (<i>completed Thanksgiving 2014 - hosted both sets of families at our home</i>)</li>
<li>Host a "Friendsgiving"</li>
<li>Host overnight guests</li>
<li>Throw a 4th of July party</li>
<li>Do something nice for my coworkers and office</li>
<li>Send Christmas cards every year (1/2)</li>
<li>Go to the eye doctor every year (1/3)</li>
<li>Keep an indoor plant alive</li>
<li>Find a church </li>
<li>Hike on a mountain</li>
<li>Go kayaking</li>
<li>Go paddleboarding</li>
<li>Do the Color Run</li>
<li>Have a spa day</li>
<li><strike>Cook dinner for my parents</strike></li>
<li>Babysit my nephew(s)</li>
<li>Pick my own fruit</li>
<li>Make a new friend every year (1/3) <i>(Betsy)</i></li>
<li>Get a professional hair blowout</li>
<li>Make a will</li>
<li><strike>Buy a new car</strike> <i>(completed July 2014)</i></li>
<li><strike>Get Jesse a new car</strike></li>
<li>Pay off Jesse's student loans</li>
<li>Save six months of expenses for our emergency fund</li>
<li><strike>Buy new prescription sunglasses</strike> (<i>completed May 2014</i>)</li>
<li>Buy or make a headboard for our bed</li>
<li><strike>Buy a living room rug</strike> (<i>completed August 2014</i>)</li>
<li>Get new window coverings (0/3)</li>
<li>Replace shower door in master bathroom</li>
<li>Do landscaping</li>
<li>Re-do closets (0/4)</li>
<li><strike>Paint outside of house</strike> (<i>completed September 2014</i>)</li>
<li>Buy sofa bed</li>
<li><strike>Buy abstract art for dining room</strike> <i>(completed April 2014)</i></li>
<li>Paint bathrooms</li>
<li>Replace kitchen counter tops and add back splash (<i>will not be happening in this time frame</i>)</li>
<li>Hang a map to mark our travels</li>
<li>Get our patio ready for entertaining</li>
<li>Paint and redo the laundry room</li>
<li>Upgrade washer and dryer</li>
<li>Have a photo shoot of us in our home</li>
<li>Attend three community meetings (0/3)</li>
<li><strike>Find a new computer backup solution</strike> (<i>bought two new external HDs, one for media files and one to replace my backup drive using Mac's TimeMachine - which is backing up the main HD and the media files HD</i>)</li>
<li>Create a new online username</li>
<li><strike>Sort out the photographs on my computer</strike> (<i>moved all the files onto my media files HD</i>)</li>
<li>Sort out the music on my computer</li>
<li><strike>Clean out my old closet in my parent's house</strike> <i>(completed April 2014)</i></li>
<li>Private</li>
<li>Private</li>
<li>Private</li>
<li>Private</li>
<li>Private</li>
<li>Private</li>
<li><strike>Transition into using natural beauty products</strike> (<i>completed by the end of 2014</i>)</li>
<li>Find a sustainable diet for Jesse to lose weight and maintain it</li>
<li>Rearrange kitchen for maximized prep space</li>
<li>To Be Determined</li>
<li>To Be Determined</li>
<li>To Be Determined </li>
</ol>
Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-55003326508600280402014-04-06T11:30:00.000-04:002014-04-06T11:30:00.885-04:00One Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/11782300906_3149d17375_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/11782300906_3149d17375_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3761/11781773653_085e69af05_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3761/11781773653_085e69af05_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Getting married to Jesse has been the best thing I've ever done. And I've done a lot of great stuff! I wish everybody knew how sweet he really is. And I'm sure he wishes everybody knew how goofy and talkative I really am. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I didn't think that I would love being his Mrs as much as I do. I just didn't think it would change anything, but it really has! I feel even closer and more connected to him than I did a year ago. I am so happy to be doing life with him. I feel lucky that he chose me to be by his side. I am not afraid to be mushy. I tell him I love him at least five times a day, probably way more. And I wish I could properly express in words how much I love being his wife. I hope, at least, that every day he feels loved. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am so happy we chose the ceremony readings that we did. They are perfect in how we approach marriage and life. Reading them again, just makes me feel even more excited for our marriage. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Happy Anniversary Jesse! I love you so much.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2839/11782288166_d4b36699ac_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2839/11782288166_d4b36699ac_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/11782284356_e052ec0078_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/11782284356_e052ec0078_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3735/11781759023_2f023e2819_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3735/11781759023_2f023e2819_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/11782276196_8f795e1dde_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/11782276196_8f795e1dde_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 80%; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;">12 </span><span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;"></span>Put on then, as <span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;"></span>God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, <span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;"></span>compassionate hearts, <span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;"></span>k<span class="offset-marker" data-offset="5158806" id="marker754477"></span>indness, <span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;"></span>humility, meekness, and patience, <span style="font-size: 80%; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;">13 </span><span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;"></span>bearing with one another and, <span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;"></span>if one has a complaint against another, <span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;"></span>forgiving each other; <span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;"></span>as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forg<span class="offset-marker" data-offset="5159006" id="marker7735571"></span>ive. <span style="font-size: 80%; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;">14 </span>And above all these put on <span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;"></span>love, which <span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;"></span>binds everything together in <span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;"></span>perfect harmony. <span style="font-size: 80%; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;">15 </span>And let <span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;"></span>the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called <span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;"></span>in one body. <span class="offset-marker" data-offset="5159206" id="marker2178533"></span>And <span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;"></span>be thankful. <span class="offset-marker requested-position" data-offset="5159225" id="marker5886412"></span><span style="font-size: 80%; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;">16 </span>Let <span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;"></span>the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, <span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;"></span>singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, <span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;"></span>with thankfulness in your hear<span class="offset-marker" data-offset="5159406" id="marker7588588"></span>ts to God. <span style="font-size: 80%; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;">17 </span>And <span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;"></span>whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, <span style="font-size: 80%; font-style: italic; line-height: 0; vertical-align: super;"></span>giving thanks to God the Father through him. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Colossians 3:12-17</b></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7345/11782266476_e051d158d2_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7345/11782266476_e051d158d2_z.jpg" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3780/11781486035_06ed3380e7_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3780/11781486035_06ed3380e7_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2863/11781478355_b9168ca974_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2863/11781478355_b9168ca974_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3785/11781476635_0eae444711_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3785/11781476635_0eae444711_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b> The Art of Marriage</b> by Wilferd A Peterson<br />
<br />
A good marriage must be created.<br />
In the art of marriage the little things are the big things...<br />
<br />
It is never being too old to hold hands.<br />
It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once each day.<br />
<br />
It is never going to sleep angry.<br />
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.<br />
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.<br />
<br />
It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.<br />
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.<br />
<br />
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.<br />
It is finding room for the things of the spirit.<br />
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.<br />
<br />
It is not only marrying the right partner...<br />
It is being the right partner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/11782248286_acd15846d8_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/11782248286_acd15846d8_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7411/11781721703_8b6d75fcc2_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7411/11781721703_8b6d75fcc2_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3831/11781871624_1ae270af3b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3831/11781871624_1ae270af3b_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5504/11782221506_d30dbdebdc_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5504/11782221506_d30dbdebdc_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2812/11782209636_256f5eb774_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2812/11782209636_256f5eb774_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3789/11781860734_3c89fcbde1_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3789/11781860734_3c89fcbde1_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/11782193026_52318ecb0d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/11782193026_52318ecb0d_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
All of these dreamy photos are from Jessica Lorren Photography at <a href="http://www.jessicalorren.com/">www.jessicalorren.com</a>. I love them!Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-8721942683180833172014-04-03T10:30:00.000-04:002014-04-04T06:11:49.616-04:00My Rehearsal DinnerThe day before my wedding was rainy, windy, and cold. I knew I couldn't do anything about it, so I tried my hardest not to even think about it. I met my mom and sister so we could have manicures and pedicures together, which was a nice, quiet start to the wedding weekend. After that I drove back home so that Jesse and I could drive down to the hotel together as we would be leaving together on Sunday (as husband and wife!!).<br />
<br />
Fast-forward a couple hours and Jesse and I were on our way to the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club. We checked in to our rooms and I dropped my stuff off in my room before we started the rehearsal. Unfortunately, it was sprinkling with rain when we arrived. We waited for everyone to arrive for the rehearsal. The rehearsal made everything become real. We were finally getting married. Our event coordinator, Melissa, went over all of the logistics and made everyone feel comfortable. The Naples Beach Hotel really treated us well the whole weekend!<br />
<br />
Our extended families then joined us for our Rehearsal Dinner which was also at the hotel, in the chickee hut by the beach bar. It was decorated very beautifully with orchids submerged in water. We had chosen an Italian themed dinner in honor of our Italian honeymoon so we were serving sangria and Italian beer.<br />
<br />
Jesse's father said a sweet welcome speech and then his sister gave a nice speech about my family welcoming Jesse so easily. Jesse's second groomsman, JP, gave a great speech about his relationship with Jesse and he thanked me for not only accepting Jesse's passions, but embracing them. Then Jesse and I thanked everyone for being there.<br />
<br />
We enjoyed the Italian food afterwards, but then the wind started picking up and making everyone cold. Everyone had a great time at the dinner, but started to leave to get out of the cold. I said my goodbyes to Jesse and we took our last picture as Miss and Mr! It was a truly wonderful day and we loved having that special time with our families.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/13570079554" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rehearsal by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rehearsal" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3780/13570079554_4c4549cac2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/13570078124" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rehearsal by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rehearsal" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/13570078124_f400b08f5c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/13569767023" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rehearsal by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rehearsal" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7132/13569767023_b895ed0507_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/13569710685" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rehearsal by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rehearsal" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3749/13569710685_6f0cb8f43a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/13569764353" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rehearsal by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rehearsal" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7263/13569764353_018a096bea_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/13569708005" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rehearsal by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rehearsal" height="480" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2920/13569708005_bd41e90b6f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/13570059874" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rehearsal Dinner by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rehearsal Dinner" height="640" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2848/13570059874_591a1bb7a2_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/13569693735" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rehearsal Dinner by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rehearsal Dinner" height="640" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2862/13569693735_0b22de5158_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/13569761083" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rehearsal Dinner by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rehearsal Dinner" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3800/13569761083_cabb55d373_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/13570069884" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rehearsal Dinner by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rehearsal Dinner" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3690/13570069884_908147a27f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/13570068494" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rehearsal Dinner by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rehearsal Dinner" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3734/13570068494_d226c0b053_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/13570067674" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rehearsal Dinner by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rehearsal Dinner" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7371/13570067674_7333b20a7d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/13569756973" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Rehearsal Dinner by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rehearsal Dinner" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5500/13569756973_f72e4c49c1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the Moms!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/13569756313" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rehearsal Dinner by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rehearsal Dinner" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7369/13569756313_5b11615d08_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/13569755613" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Rehearsal Dinner by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rehearsal Dinner" height="480" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2909/13569755613_cd29cf435e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So excited for my sister recently getting engaged to this sweetheart!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/13569747323" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rehearsal Dinner by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rehearsal Dinner" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3682/13569747323_ffebb372b3_c.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/13569754173" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rehearsal Dinner by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rehearsal Dinner" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3706/13569754173_7751e21ebb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/13569753473" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rehearsal Dinner by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rehearsal Dinner" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3714/13569753473_d96814ea9f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/13569750213" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rehearsal Dinner by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rehearsal Dinner" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5226/13569750213_d92a4b0ca6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/13569749653" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rehearsal Dinner by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rehearsal Dinner" height="480" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2906/13569749653_14a04cfe04_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/picatoria/13570057584" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Rehearsal Dinner by Victoria B, on Flickr"><img alt="Rehearsal Dinner" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7456/13570057584_f1a228967c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-64910612172140724832014-02-20T11:29:00.001-05:002014-02-20T11:29:49.116-05:00Love Story: How We MetI always tell people that Jesse and I don't have an exciting love story. Which isn't very fair or true. All love stories are great! It is fun since Jesse was quite persistent! It wasn't love at first sight like my parents, nor high school sweethearts like Jesse's parents, but that doesn't make our story any less romantic, sweet, or meaningful. It is worth celebrating! Since Valentine's Day was last week, so let's keep the feelings of love going!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We first met at our friend JP's birthday party in August 2008. We were both 23 and a couple years out of college. I wasn't very big into going out and had only met JP one time before his party. My friend Brett invited me and said that JP really wanted me to go. I don't know if that was true but it seemed to have convinced me so I showed up. A lot of the people there I was meeting for the first, second, or third times and are now some of my closest friends. A little while later, Jesse showed up. He and JP have been friends since high school. Jesse and I didn't really talk that night; the only thing he said to me was that "you are the photographer for the night."<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3UZUPYFtGAC_5ZIVLb7noeB8BwyY8StMmuaXBQjgX_vesVdgxnUj6q1_nhysS6SNFuf12EKXiFnQBQK0hMeAWT5C8BzcxRv8xbDozV9YfNPU1lco2hFnJ3IRbt9ozSDq1n2s_1gzo-fr/s1600/nye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY3UZUPYFtGAC_5ZIVLb7noeB8BwyY8StMmuaXBQjgX_vesVdgxnUj6q1_nhysS6SNFuf12EKXiFnQBQK0hMeAWT5C8BzcxRv8xbDozV9YfNPU1lco2hFnJ3IRbt9ozSDq1n2s_1gzo-fr/s1600/nye.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Year's Eve 2008/2009</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
A couple weeks passed and we all went bowling as a group. Brett told me who was going to be there and I didn't remember who Jesse was! I thought I hadn't met him, but after seeing him at the bowling alley, I figured it out. While we were bowling, I found out he had a girlfriend. I think that immediately put him into the friend-zone. We hung out together as a group a few more times for the rest of 2008, including Halloween, another friend's birthday, and New Year's Eve. In early January 2009, he and his girlfriend broke up, for good.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3Dd0rL1fUVqehzclwVXaNAUXY00OuFZwQc64C8vZIMB0qQ_luAV4vw7l79w68c5QJDM-t3gUq3GVOK5_C8PT2thZcrMsVPerMdTyhn42SeTtPzoN9dloG4DIEVPIEPS6ciBJknqjN8Nk/s1600/valentines09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3Dd0rL1fUVqehzclwVXaNAUXY00OuFZwQc64C8vZIMB0qQ_luAV4vw7l79w68c5QJDM-t3gUq3GVOK5_C8PT2thZcrMsVPerMdTyhn42SeTtPzoN9dloG4DIEVPIEPS6ciBJknqjN8Nk/s1600/valentines09.jpg" height="224" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first Valentine's Day (not as a couple) - 2009</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
At the beginning of February 2009, I went on <a href="http://happythursdayblog.blogspot.com/search/label/tokyo">my trip to Tokyo</a>. During this time, Jesse was taking a course called Dale Carnegie Training. He used this as an excuse to "get to know me better" and talk about my Tokyo trip after I got back. We met up for coffee at Barnes and Noble. Later, he told me he felt like he was giving an interview and figured I didn't like him. I didn't realize it was supposed to be a date especially since I had previously friend-zoned him. I honestly thought it was a class assignment or something. I thought we had a really good time, even though I was being shy!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRyUMzIP0h6Q6bbdRxit0BJMfsN2_093wiV16n5i-rB5bzdwZOCo4WcHE6GRRBUdUAHqPw0o8pSac5KMcuFVhTQnF2ztWca5fE6AIgIagqQ1jbuBGvt2a3VwtemDQthHd4Rs5ADtqZ_Ml/s1600/stpaddys09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRyUMzIP0h6Q6bbdRxit0BJMfsN2_093wiV16n5i-rB5bzdwZOCo4WcHE6GRRBUdUAHqPw0o8pSac5KMcuFVhTQnF2ztWca5fE6AIgIagqQ1jbuBGvt2a3VwtemDQthHd4Rs5ADtqZ_Ml/s1600/stpaddys09.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Patrick's Day 2009</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Fast forward a couple months to May 2009 and Jesse had stopped trying to get to know me better as I'm sure it was like talking to a wall. But he was still commenting on all of my Facebook posts and pictures, because every time we hung out as a group he remembered he still liked me and wanted to get to know me better. I remember talking to a friend saying he comments on everything so I think he might like me a little. He had started going back on AOL Instant Messenger just to talk to me since I still used that regularly back then. One night we were up late chatting on AIM and he asked me out on a date. I smiled to myself and told him that would be fun and we set a plan for the week after his birthday party. To be continued...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64wcXGAOAsSbWmeQeAcBWFmuC3K-GXRHKjqW4ojPQ_TwWA4vLV4UGI0CgrMrx6ahy_r9tiyvZcr0Ur8Vungw7x69S_RhwWivmH0H-nJjRicQJL5HlTu4pI3ivlbZTuWqfOlyo-UCzIRkG/s1600/acefest09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64wcXGAOAsSbWmeQeAcBWFmuC3K-GXRHKjqW4ojPQ_TwWA4vLV4UGI0CgrMrx6ahy_r9tiyvZcr0Ur8Vungw7x69S_RhwWivmH0H-nJjRicQJL5HlTu4pI3ivlbZTuWqfOlyo-UCzIRkG/s1600/acefest09.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-41839619212933267942014-01-16T15:00:00.000-05:002014-01-16T15:00:01.892-05:00Firenze!<br />
<a href="http://happythursdayblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/gondolas-and-gelato.html">After a couple nights in Venice</a>, we headed over to Florence by train. When I was kid, I went to Italy with my family and did not like Florence, so I wasn't really looking forward to it and we only planned to be there three nights. Oh wow, was I in for a surprise! I fell deeply in love with it! It is a small, walkable city with inexpensive and delicious food, and it is beautiful. The architecture and art is breathtaking. Every street begged for me to photograph it and being the navigator, I led us past the Duomo every time. I know I will be back again someday. If you are lucky enough to go, please make sure you climb the Duomo, go up to Piazzale Michaelangelo, and eat at Trattoria Sostanza.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Where We Stayed:</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.stregisflorence.com/">The St. Regis Florence</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Where We Ate:</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/italy/florence/review-486327.html">Trattoria Sostanza</a> (please go here, best chicken I have EVER had)</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187895-d1753675-Reviews-Note_Di_Vino-Florence_Tuscany.html">Note di Vino</a> (wine bar)</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.fuoriporta.it/en/default.asp?lng=en">Enoteca Fuori Porta</a> (wine bar)</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/italy/florence/review-200666.html">Cibreo Trattoria</a> (near Santa Croce, handwritten menu in Italian)</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187895-d1852485-Reviews-Casa_del_Vin_Santo-Florence_Tuscany.html">Casa Del Vin Santo</a> (near Ponte Vecchio)</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/gelateria-perch%C3%A8-no-firenze">Perche No?</a> (gelateria)</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.trattoriazaza.it/English/">Trattoria ZaZa</a> (order anything with truffle sauce)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/11957317453_8e70b54212_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/11957317453_8e70b54212_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2829/11957849416_8ca8d2fd6e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2829/11957849416_8ca8d2fd6e_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/11957316233_623baaec93_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/11957316233_623baaec93_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/11957848246_bc8bec9d1b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/11957848246_bc8bec9d1b_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3819/11957845706_697f504ff7_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3819/11957845706_697f504ff7_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3707/11957441604_92508b4e43_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3707/11957441604_92508b4e43_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7384/11957442374_cc735a7797_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7384/11957442374_cc735a7797_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5482/11957444644_251aa74dac_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5482/11957444644_251aa74dac_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/11957020565_9a8e039bc3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/11957020565_9a8e039bc3_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2837/11957850316_07c7411338_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2837/11957850316_07c7411338_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5534/11957317613_698a707bcd_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5534/11957317613_698a707bcd_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3709/11957313353_1940220fbf_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3709/11957313353_1940220fbf_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/11957844176_b374edef5e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3784/11957844176_b374edef5e_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5531/11957024825_799008c983_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5531/11957024825_799008c983_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2866/11957311463_cb4f5e77cb_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2866/11957311463_cb4f5e77cb_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3701/11957311013_4c40d06c96_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3701/11957311013_4c40d06c96_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5506/11957441484_8c4c826678_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5506/11957441484_8c4c826678_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-47196741517923882902014-01-09T12:00:00.000-05:002014-01-09T12:00:05.478-05:00Gondolas and GelatoTwo days after <a href="http://happythursdayblog.blogspot.com/2013/10/april-6-2013.html">our wedding</a>, we started our honeymoon in Venice, Italy! It was quite cold there in April and we were jet lagged, but we still had a great time wandering around the streets, getting lost, and taking silly pictures. We took a gondola ride, ate lots of gelato, and did I mention getting lost? One of the best parts is getting lost since you find so many interesting nooks and crannies. The food wasn't as exciting as we hoped and it was crowded everywhere with tourists, but Venice is definitely different than anything and I fully recommend it.<br />
<br />
<u>Where We Stayed:</u><br />
<a href="http://www.danielihotelvenice.com/">Hotel Danieli</a> (<i>near Piazza San Marco</i>)<br />
<br />
<u>Where We Ate:</u><br />
<a href="http://www.damamo.it/eng/">Da Mamo Trattoria Pizzeria</a> (<i>near the Rialto Bridge</i>)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2856/11761752995_b81b071c9a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2856/11761752995_b81b071c9a_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7365/11762123004_2fa647583a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7365/11762123004_2fa647583a_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/11761949723_2f60f199e9_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/11761949723_2f60f199e9_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3775/11762465946_cdb4b789fa_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3775/11762465946_cdb4b789fa_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7355/11761696475_d33e4077ff_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7355/11761696475_d33e4077ff_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3796/11761707485_e67fc1bcb3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3796/11761707485_e67fc1bcb3_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2809/11762097344_cc47fb2838_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2809/11762097344_cc47fb2838_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2884/11762461126_cdee8cc62b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2884/11762461126_cdee8cc62b_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3786/11762462316_8a6fc6b92d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3786/11762462316_8a6fc6b92d_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5517/11761716835_ca13cda5d1_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5517/11761716835_ca13cda5d1_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/11761939313_8d642f1f5a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/11761939313_8d642f1f5a_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3729/11762449346_1136d51f1d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3729/11762449346_1136d51f1d_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5481/11761933723_857682f27a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5481/11761933723_857682f27a_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7406/11761930883_8f684f5aa2_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7406/11761930883_8f684f5aa2_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/11761702535_a8517465b4_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7401/11761702535_a8517465b4_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2891/11762123074_75b4b5a3fb_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2891/11762123074_75b4b5a3fb_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2844/11762459826_626d688ae0_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2844/11762459826_626d688ae0_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/11762121134_69229a3b5f_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/11762121134_69229a3b5f_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3701/11762103534_f41515c2f9_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3701/11762103534_f41515c2f9_z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7317/11762470806_13a00cae5b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7317/11762470806_13a00cae5b_z.jpg" /></a></div>
Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-27693555896860576082014-01-02T16:00:00.000-05:002015-02-02T10:18:23.210-05:00Happy New Year 2014!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3685/11699589194_f84c9b02c5_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3685/11699589194_f84c9b02c5_c.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Happy New Year 2014!<br />
The past year was definitely one of my favorites. I had a lot of big changes in my life; I started a new job, got married, went on a dream honeymoon across Italy, changed my name, combined my finances with Jesse, and my office moved locations! Just one of those would have been a big deal on their own, so I feel very accomplished with the success I had with <a href="http://happythursdayblog.blogspot.com/2013/01/goals-for-2013.html">my goals from last year</a>.<br />
<br />
Over the past few days I have been working through <a href="http://laracasey.com/2013/12/27/2014-goal-setting-part-1-lets-do-this/">Lara Casey's 2014 Goal Setting</a> steps to create my goals for the new year. Last year I did it, but I had already developed a handful of the goals I wanted to accomplish due to all of the big stuff happening. This year is a lot more loosely defined. We have planned a vacation to England in March, but aside from that, I have no strict obligations. I think the goal setting steps were even more valuable this year because I didn't have anything defined already. They make you look at what you want your life to look like and how you can make this year the best yet. A few of my favorite activities are listed below:<br />
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<div>
<b>What did you learn from what WORKED in 2013?</b><br />
1: Taking time away from technology is true rest. Choosing books, relationships, and adventure is the way to my heart.<br />
2: I love giving to people. It makes me feel complete. It is worth my time to find a way to reach out to others. Cards are a fun one, but even a text message to see how they are doing today is good. Buying surprise presents was my favorite one though.<br />
3: Getting married and working with Jesse to build our dream life means EVERYTHING to me. Just this morning Jesse was saying, "how can 2014 top 2013?" I told him "this is the first year we will be married the whole time." And he said "but we got married in 2013, nothing is better than that." I said "the only thing better than our wedding is our marriage." It’s true!</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>What did you learn from what DIDN’T WORK in 2013?</b><br />
1:<b> </b>I need to focus on strengthening the relationships I have instead of wishing they were already close. It only makes me feel sorry for myself, even though I DO have girlfriends I just need to touch base and see them more often.<br />
2: I need to say no to the TV. It will give me so much more time to do everything I want to do but say I don't have time for: chat with friends, do photography, cook, be healthy, and read. I do have time I just choose bad behavior instead of good behavior.<br />
3: I need to open myself up to people more. I am fun and silly and talkative. I may not be a good storyteller, but I’m a great listener and I want to give to people.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
My Word of 2014 is VULNERABLE. Vulnerable has a pretty negative definition, but to me it means opening my heart to others. Without that ability to feel or get hurt, you can never truly get to know somebody. It's the reason why my strong relationships are just that: strong. There is so much love in being vulnerable. I just want to love on others.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<b><u>2014 Goals:</u></b><br />
<br />
FINANCIAL <br />
<ol>
<li><strike>Complete <a href="http://nancyrayphotography.com/my-contentment-story/">The Contentment Challenge</a> from January 1st until March 12th. </strike></li>
<li>Save $25,000 in our emergency fund.</li>
<li><strike>Buy a new car. </strike></li>
</ol>
HOUSE<br />
<ol>
<li><strike>De-clutter the house and reorganize different areas such as our closets, garage, and bookcases. </strike></li>
<li><strike>Paint the outside of our house.</strike></li>
<li>Do landscaping. </li>
</ol>
PERSONAL <br />
<ol>
<li>Exercise four times a week and sit around a lot less. </li>
<li><strike>Create a quarterly book club with Jesse.</strike></li>
<li><strike>Get enough sleep and wake up earlier.</strike></li>
<li>Plan two "adventures" a month. </li>
<li><strike>Read 12 books in 2014. </strike></li>
<li>Volunteer once a month. </li>
</ol>
<span id="goog_1441234821"></span><span id="goog_1441234822"></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7427/11713575514_ce3e1eeb3a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7427/11713575514_ce3e1eeb3a_z.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8693133961941104026.post-44166985868108617322013-11-28T14:27:00.001-05:002013-11-28T14:32:13.249-05:00Happy ThanksgivingHappy Thanksgiving! I'm not the biggest fan of Thanksgiving food, but I do love the spirit of today. The focus on family, friends, and loved ones, along with being thankful for everything that we have, is how I want to live every day.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3752/10179869854_5fac8cc7bb_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3752/10179869854_5fac8cc7bb_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Jessica Lorren Photography www.jessicalorren.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My husband and I woke up early this morning and braved the 45 degree weather to run a 5K around our neighborhood. Then we watched the parade and snuggled on the couch. Later we are going to his parents armed with red wine and my slow cooker mac and cheese. <a href="http://whiskandaprayer.blogspot.com/2010/08/magazinecookbook-monday-slow-baked-mac.html">This is the recipe I am using</a>. This is the third time I am making it and it has been a real crowd pleaser every time so far.<br />
<br />
This year has been amazing with so many highs! I have so much to be thankful for:<br />
<ol>
<li>First and foremost, I am thankful for my husband. He is such a great man and I am beyond blessed to call him my husband for the rest of our lives. Getting married to him was the best thing I have ever done.</li>
<li>I am also so thankful for our family and friends for all of their love and support this year. Seeing so many of them in one place at our wedding was amazing!</li>
<li>I am thankful for the beautiful weather on our wedding day as well as our wedding vendors! They were awesome and worked so hard to make our day magical. So great!</li>
<li>I am so proud that my cousin Lauren is making huge improvements in her recovery as well as my sister in law Jennifer for the success of her surgery.</li>
<li>My fantastic honeymoon that was romantic and the best vacation I have ever taken. I will be forever in love with Italy. Take me back any time.</li>
<li>My new job has been one of the best things ever. I feel very fulfilled. I am busy and making a difference at the office as well as with our clients. My coworkers are also so great to see every day.</li>
<li>My house and neighborhood still fill me with such pride.</li>
<li>There are so many other things I am grateful for that seem like "little" things, but are really the big things, such as my health, my country, and my life. I'm trying to enjoy it all the time.</li>
</ol>
<div>
Have a great day, turn off your phone, and spend time with your loved ones. They are what matter. I love you!</div>
</div>
Victoria Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17239464221030794825noreply@blogger.com1