Spring Cleaning

These past six years I have lived on my own with no roommates (aside from the first three months), and I've loved it. However, in a month and a half I'm moving and getting a place with one of my friends. This is going to be a big adjustment for me. I decided I would start packing two months out so I'm not in a big hurry right before it's time to actually move. One thing I've learned through this whole process, you accumulate a pile of stuff in just six years. 

In my case... mainly clothes. I haven't had a washer or dryer in my house since I moved out. When it's time to do laundry I have to pack up all my dirty clothes and take them to my parents house and do them. (Most of the time my Mom does them... Thanks Mom.)  After they are all washed and dried.. I have to pack them back up to lug them back home and up the stairs to fold and put them away. Laundry has always been a hatred of mine. I found that just going and buying new stuff, when I didn't feel like taking laundry, became less of a hassle. Downside: I have accumulated a lot of clothes.

The first load of clothes to be donated.

I decided that I really do not want to pack up and move all these clothes when I don't even wear most of them. Last night I decided to begin the process of going through and donating what I don't like or don't wear... I ended up with six bags of clothes... and that's just the beginning. On the agenda tonight is to go through my shoes and get rid of a bunch.

Sidenote: I discovered the joys of using the vacuum seal space saver bags. OH MY GOSH! Where have these been all my life and why haven't I been using them? Since Mother Nature decided to skip Spring and go straight to Summer without any signs of 30 degree weather, I decided to vacuum seal all my winter coats...holy amazeballs... I'm in love. Don't think you have to get the super expensive Ziploc ones.. I bought some really cheap ones and they work wonderfully too! After seeing the amazingness, I decided to pack up most of my hockey jerseys and vacuum seal them. Screw moving boxes, I'm about to go buy a bunch of these bags and move stuff that way...definitely won't be as bulky as boxes will be.

I got these at Deals! 6 bags for $5! What a deal.

Got these at Dollar General

Although I still have a lot to do before I move, I'm really excited to be getting the house decluttered and dejunked. (Like my made up words?!) I have a bad habit of keeping things that I'll "maybe use one day". Luckily I've been doing really well and just throwing everything out. Yay for Spring Cleaning!

Do you guys have any helpful hints for cleaning, decluttering, or moving?!?!? Or maybe some tips and pointers for living with a roommate!? I know it sounds crazy.. but it's the little things I'm going to miss about living alone.  

I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend and enjoys the wonderful weather. I know I will be outside all weekend soaking up as much Vitamin D as I can! 

No More Pencils, No More Books

No More Teacher's Dirty Looks

School's Out For The Summer

I've had that song ringing in my head all weekend. I'm so excited to have a 3 month break from school before hitting the books again. It's funny how stressed out I get myself over school, when I could have cared less in high school. Everything dealing with school came easy to me when I was younger. I never had to study and always did really well. Now-a-days if I don't study.. you might as well forget it. One thing I want to work on for next semester is to not be a cram studier.. it's such a bad habit. Evidently it's been working for me though. I checked all of my grades and I got an A in all of my classes this semester! Yay meeee!!! I'm so proud of myself! 

As we all know, yesterday was Mother's Day. I hope everyone had a fantastic day! Yesterday I spent the day with my family. My Mom, Dad, Grandmother, Sister, Brother-in-law, and I all went out to lunch to celebrate the day. After much deliberation, we decided to go to Pirate's Cove. (Delicious) It was quite the perfect afternoon for having lunch on the patio! After many laughs and great food we headed back home to figure out what the rest of the day would consist of.  We went through many ideas of what we could do, and Mom decides she wants to head to the zoo. So the 5 of us (Grandma went home) packed in the car and headed to the zoo. Beware of going to the zoo in the spring.. it's evidently mating season for many animals.. I'd check out the animals first before letting my kid see. Someone didn't take that advice yesterday and started yelling, "Maya go, get away" after realizing the animals were doing it. I couldn't tell you what kind of animals they were.. but man were they putting on a show for everyone... AWKWARD.

All in all yesterday was a great day.. now I will leave you with a picture from the zoo.. :)

We were letting out our inner wild sides.

Happy Day Donuts

The other day, while I was out shopping with my beautiful Mother, I spotted a donut shop that had a grand opening sign up. What else was I suppose to do? I stopped in to check it out. 

Holy Amazingness is all I have to say! 

Happy Day Donuts is fabulous!

My first thought was that it was like Duck Donuts. If you haven't been to Duck Donuts and don't know what I'm talking about... they make their donuts fresh to order. They have a machine that just keeps popping them out so they are nice and fresh. However, these donuts are different from the ones you get at Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Kreme.

For one, they are made to order. You can decide what kind of icing and what kind of toppings you want on each individual donut. Secondly, they are cake donuts... and oh so delicious.

Unlike Duck Donuts, Happy Day Donuts also provides a selection of gourmet donuts that they have ready for you to pick from. I'm not a big donut fan, but I'm pretty sure this place changed my mind. 

I highly recommend checking out Happy Day Donuts. 

They are located in the Greenbrier area of Chesapeake across from Greenbrier Mall.

1580 Crossways Blvd to be exact. In the little strip right behind Cracker Barrel. 

However, make sure you pay attention to their hours, so you don't show up two hours after closing time... like I did last night.  

Sun - Thurs. 6am-6pm

Fri & Sat. 6am-9pm

You can check them out on facebook, twitter, or their website.

Now I will let the photos do the talking! 

The Donut Machine

The Gourmet Donuts display!

Donuts & Hot Tea. :)

Top L to R: Fruit Loops, Black Forest, Vanilla Icing with Crushed Oreos
Bottom L to R: Strawberry Pie, Vanilla Icing with Rainbow Sprinkles, Strawberry Icing with Peanuts

My Fruit Loops donut... Freaking Fantastic

First One in a While

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Sadly, this day means absolutely nothing to me... seeing as how I'm not Irish in the slightest bit. Green was also not included in my wardrobe choices today, but if someone pinches me.. I'm punching them.

Anyways, while everyone was out drinking and having a good time this weekend.. I was spending some time down at the beach house. Rentals are starting to get booked, so it's time we get a few last minute things done to the house before the season starts. (By the way, if you want to rent it.. you can click this link. ) 

Every house down in the OBX has it's own individual name that the owners come up with. For us, we didn't come up with the name... our fantastic Realtor came up with it. Our beach house is named "Rowland With The Tide".  (Our last name is Rowland) While we were picking up our sign, the guys told us about a fantastic little place within walking distance to get the best burger on the beach. After looking up their menu and everything, Dad and I decided to walk on down to Art's Place for lunch. Let me tell you... Freaking Amazingness. Literally. Those guys weren't lying.. It was the best burger I've had on that beach. I stuck with a regular burger and my Dad ventured out and got a Carolina Burger. A Carolina Burger is a regular hamburger patty with chili and coleslaw on top. My Dad isn't really one for burgers... but he said he would definitely come back and have another one there. Not only does Art's Place have an amazing lunch menu, they have a fantastic breakfast menu as well. My Mom and I tried it out the following morning, since again, it was in walking distance. I got eggs scrambled with cheese, bacon, and the home fries. It was absolutely amazing. So if you are ever down in the OBX, especially at our beach house, be sure to visit Art's Place for some fabulous food.. I promise you, you won't be disappointed.

Now for a little photo dump... Enjoy!!

Dad letting Otis ride in his lap on the way to OBX.

My view.. from my bed. That's the Ocean.

Duck Donuts.

The new sign for the house.

New sign up on the house!

Jonas loves the sun deck. 

Otis making sure all the work is getting done.

Pretty sure there's no better way to spend my Saturdays.

Art's Place... AMAZING.

Go Surf Brahhhhh. 

Regular Burger.

Carolina Burger.

Funny sign.

I'm Right Back at it Again.

"If you're too cool for school, I ain't here to make no friends."

This week has been my first week of the Spring semester for school. I decided to only take 3 classes this semester, and I'm already beginning to regret not signing up for another one. Yeah, I know that technically I still could, but then I'd be entering a class late and I just don't want to do that. At least I know for next semester if I have the option of these teachers.

Though I didn't want to, I'm taking a day class this semester. With working full time, I didn't want to have to take off work time to go to class.. luckily my boss (my Dad) was willing to let me off work to go. Last semester I took Accounting I from a professor who I did well with. After getting a 96% A in his class, I decided it would be best to take Accounting II with him as well. Sadly, the only time that he was teaching the course was Monday and Wednesday from 1-2:15. So this semester, that is when I have him.

The first day of class I was quickly reminded why I shy away from taking classes... I like the smaller class sizes and the older range of students. I felt like I walked right back into my high school class room and you didn't have any personal space. Literally, all but one seat was taken in the classroom. This will be the last day class I take! However, I feel good about the class, seeing as how I know what this teacher expects from us and the types of quizzes, tests, and assignments he produces. So here's to hoping I get through this semester without waiting to slap someone!

Literally up until a couple hours before my Monday night class(Organizational Behavior), I wasn't sure I was going to have it. On the class schedule, it said I was enrolled but there were only 4 students and there was no class number assigned. Luckily, everything got figured out and I headed off for class. When I arrived, half the class was already there... so we were waiting on one more person to show up. After the teacher and the other student showed up, the teacher started to get everything ready for class. Next thing I know, he's cursing the overhead projector for not working correctly... this is when I knew the class was going to be alright. Later on in the class, he was taking about stress and stress in the work place. He then proceeded to say that due to stress, that's why Bourbon and Cigars were invented.

Last night was my last new class of the semester. A couple days before the class started the teacher emailed all 6 of us students and told us that instead of meeting at the normal class time (7:15), we would meet at 8:30. Me, being and old lady and all, hated the idea of going to class that late. We got there and literally talked for 15 minutes and we were out of there. Evidently TCC scheduled my teacher for two different classes at the same time... at two different campuses! My teacher, being the smart guy he is, decided he can do both... just make them every other week. So now I only have my Thursday class every other week. Work load is still super easy, so it should be a breeze.

Overall, I'm really excited about school this semester! Can't wait to keep getting these classes out of the way and see it all pay off for me in the end!  Is anyone else is school this semester? How are your classes going?

The City of Brotherly Love

I woke up before the sun came up Saturday morning, to a bunch of rain... but that didn't dampen my mood. Usually when I'm being woken up at 5 am, I'm not too happy... luckily it was so I could head up to Philadelphia. After getting up and getting myself and the dog ready, we headed over to my parents house. Jonas got to stay the day with his puppy brother, while my Dad and me set off for the City of Brotherly Love.

If you know me, you know I'm obsessed with hockey.. and more specifically, the Philadelphia Flyers. I even have a tattoo on my leg. Anytime I get to take the 5 hour trip up the Eastern Shore, I never hesitate! Especially when there's free tickets involved, and a promise to see Mr. Mike and Mrs. Barbara. Unfortunately we didn't get to spend much time there, but any time is better than none. 

Dad and I got everything ready to go and set out on the road to Philly. My Jeep got broken in for her first road trip, as well. I've done the trip to Philly a million times, but some how we got to talking and completely missed our exit to continue up 13. Things started to look pretty unfamiliar to us, so I whipped out the phone and pulled up google maps. Sure enough we were headed up 50 instead of 13. But no biggie, thanks to technology I just plugged in the arena address and we were well on our way. I think, however, we found a new route to head up.. to us it seemed a lot easier of a drive. Higher speed limit, less traffic lights, and fewer little towns to go through. I think we made a great find! 

We got up to the arena and parked, then headed in to get some Chickie's and Pete's. If you haven't had crab fries from there, you're seriously missing out. It's always a must have when I go to a game. After devouring some delicious chicken and fries, we set off to find our seats. I absolutely loved our seats! We were sitting behind the goalie (which is where our season tickets are at Admirals games) and 12 rows up off the glass.

The name says it all.

Cutlets and Crab Fries.. && of course cheese sauce!

Though the Flyers didn't win the game.. I couldn't be upset. Being here in Norfolk with an AHL team, you see a lot of players come and go and Saturday was no exception. A good handful of guys that won the Calder Cup here in Norfolk, were playing against the Flyers on the Tampa Bay Lightning. Though I definitely would have liked to see the Flyers win, it's always a great time seeing the boys of the past doing really well in the show. 

After the game was over we fought the traffic and the rain to go get a delicious cheese steak from Geno's. Yes, you can get a great cheese steak in a million places around the city.. but the two most famous are Pat's and Geno's. They are on opposite corners from one another and no matter what time you go, there is always going to be a line and lots of people. The pouring rain didn't stop anyone that day, that's for sure. I've had both Pat's and Geno's and I definitely prefer Geno's... but that's just my personal opinion. I never go to Philly without making a stop at Geno's. If you're ever in the area.. come with an appetite and try them both and see which one you prefer. But be sure to order right... or you will get kicked to the back of the line. Me... I prefer mine to be, "Whit Wit". Gotta learn the lingo before you go. 

I got my fat girl on with this one! Delicious.

After saying goodbye to Mr. Mike and Mrs. Barbara, we hit the road again to head back home. We made sure we paid attention to the roads and came back down the planned route (13). Everything was going along just dandy and we were pretty much traveling alone, no cars around us. Randomly my Dad looks in the review mirror and here comes an SVU barreling down the road. By the time I looked in the side mirror, I see the car swerving straight towards my back bumper and at the last second swerve back the other way and drive past us... inches away from my car. I was completely freaked out! I was screaming and trying to climb out of my seat. After he went past us, we saw him swerve all over the road and we were sure we were going to see him splattered across the road way, but thankfully we didn't. 

After making it home in one piece, I headed home to bed. I don't know why... but something about being in a car all day traveling makes me exhausted! I was just happy to be curled up with my dog and not sitting in the seat of my car anymore. 

Now I'll leave you with some pictures to look at since you've now read a novel! Hope you enjoy! Sorry the quality isn't that great, I forgot my camera... rookie mistake. I have tons of pictures of the game, but there's too many to post!

Going through some of my Flyer's jerseys.

I look horrible, but this is our drive up!

Chickie's and Pete's.

Our seats! Not too shabby right!?!

Mr. Mike! Love this man!

Look! He has a Flyer's jacket on!!

This made me giggle... Gudas and Downie!

Snow... I don't do snow!
Glad it was all melted.

Mayhem! But the glorious Geno's.

Told you it's crazy down there,
but here is Pat's.

Mrs. Barbara and Mr. Mike! 

Ray's Happy Birthday Bar.
I just thought the sign was funny.

Rocking my new Hartnell hoodie!

It's Finally Friday!

Why, oh why, do I find it so hard to clean out my closets and donate clothes. I seriously have so many clothes that I don't even wear, but I still hang on to them. I have heard the trick about turning hangers around to help you get rid of stuff you don't wear within six months... but it won't work. I even keep clothes that I don't fit into anymore, in hopes that one day they will fit. It's such a horrible habit. I really need to tackle this whole getting rid of clothes thing, and quickly. I'm starting to run out of room in my closet and dressers.

Goodwill, I hope you're ready for all these bags of clothes... cause it will be quite a few. Are there any tips that help you to throw out clothes? I could sure use some helpful hints. And it's not just clothes sadly. I just need to go through my whole house and get rid of things that I don't really use. The place I live in is up for sale, so eventually I'm going to have to move... I'd rather not have to pack and move stuff I don't need. Sadly though, that hasn't even motivated me much.

On a brighter note, my Mom and Sister are going to help make my goal of cooking more become a bit easier. My lovely sister Beth had the fantastic idea to set up a board on Pinterest where the three of us can share recipes. Seeing as how this is where we all mainly find our recipes, it seemed like a brilliant idea. When I went to start pinning to it, I realized I really need to get out of my comfort zone. I easily have about 200+ recipes.. and I could only think of 4 that I have tried off of Pinterest. So, now it will be new recipes from here on out. Send well wishes my way, I will need them!

If you have any awesome recipes on Pinterest that you would like to share with me.. PLEASE... by all means .. do so. This is my Pinterest link. Cleaning tips, DIY projects, recipes... I welcome it all! 

Tomorrow is the big day and I can't wait! If you read my last blog, you already know I'm headed to Philly. Even though it's only a day trip, I will try to take as many pictures as possible. Driving up at 6am in the rain won't be fun but it will all be worth it! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! 

One of my favorite places on earth.

Starting the New Year off right.

It's only six days into this new year... and already it's looking good. I'm just saying.. I ate my black eyed peas on Wednesday, and Thursday I was going through to make sure I got all the money out of my Christmas cards and guess what I found!?!  A $100 bill. Usually I take the money out of cards right when I open them, but for some reason I didn't. Thankfully I looked in the card before I threw it away! If this is what happens when you eat black eyed peas for New Years... then I'll be sure to eat them every year!

As everyone is making different resolutions for the year, I am just thinking about things I want to improve upon. I think the three things this year that I really want to work on are finances, happiness, and cooking more.

I've been doing much better when it comes to handling money and starting to save up instead of just blowing money on stupid stuff, but it's something I think I can improve on much more. Seeing as how cooking more is on my list, that will also help with not spending unnecessary money. If I don't cook dinner, I usually go out and by lunch, which wastes more money. I'm usually only cooking for myself, so when I cook.. I definitely have leftovers for lunch. I have a few basic recipes that I know really well, so I tend to just do those over and over. Broadening my recipe base is definitely something I'm looking forward to! If you follow me on Pinterest, I apologize in advance for all the pinning of recipes. If you don't follow me... check me out here!  I tend to find tons of great recipes and DIY projects that are fun to do! 

The third thing on my list of things to improve upon is happiness. Don't think I'm all depressed and sad all the time, because that's not the case. I love my simple, laid back kind of life. I tend to let things that I can't control affect my happiness though and I'm done dealing with it. My goal is to hold no grudges against anyone, for anything and just live the life I want. The only person that will be in charge of happiness from now on, is ME! 

This weekend is definitely going to be a good jump start on the year, seeing as how I'm headed to Philly. My Dad and I are taking a day trip up to Philly for the Philadelphia Flyers game vs the Tampa Bay Lightning. I can't tell you how excited I am for Chickie's and Pete's, a cheesesteak from Geno's, a good ole hockey game! 

Unless you've tried these... you will never understand how amazing they are!
Chickie's and Pete's Crab Fries!

What are you guys' resolutions, or what are you trying to work on!?