A Day in The Life of Sessy

Working on my Christmas Tan

2011-12-23T09:09:00.004-05:00

I seriously have not been to the pool since we moved into the new apartment. I can now say that yesterday, on December 22nd...I had an incredibly relaxing day by the pool in 80 degree weather. It really hasn't been that warm here in a while. I decided to take full advantage! It was defitely strange listening to Christmas Pandora stations, and hearing "Let it Snow", and "Winter Wonderland"!
It is supposed to be nice out today, but I need to finish my Christmas shopping....I may try to wrap it up quickly! So...for all of you who get gift cards, now you know why! (Kidding)

Festive in the NEW Apartment!

2011-12-06T20:17:00.009-05:00

A few weeks ago we moved...not too far, just about 15 minutes away. Now Stephen and I are both closer to our jobs, which is GREAT! The new apartment, is VERY similar to our last one....with a few minor upgrades. Immediately after we were almost done unpacking, we put out some of the Christmas stuff. I didn't want to go too overboard since we still aren't 100% unpacked but I figured I would share a few of the hundreds of pics I have taken with my phone!
Oh Christmas Tree...

When I texted this to my mom, she called me a "wise guy"! :P

So festive!

Chewy Chocolate Cookies...SO good! HERE is the recipe...I used wheat flour instead off all purpose!

Santa Wine Pants...

Speaking of wine - I have yet to find a more awesome place to hang our stockings!

The countdown is on!

Keeping up with traditions...

2011-11-26T19:26:00.004-05:00

It is tradition for Jen and I to dance when we get together! Now this of course isn't our usual choreographed awesomeness, but it still counts!!!

Rockstar Workout

2011-11-26T10:27:00.003-05:00

As you can see from the previous post, we went down to South Florida to celebrate Thanksgiving with the family. It was so nice to get away for a few days and take a break from all the unpacking that has been going on over here. We had a great time, as usual....everything was wonderful...great food, great people...how could you go wrong?!?! We even managed to fit in a few skype chats with our family in NY, that is always fun! In the morning, I went to the park with Aunt Laura and Uncle John to attempt to un-do some of the damage!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2011-11-24T17:14:00.004-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving from sunny Florida!!!

Very "Halloweeny"

2011-10-30T16:41:00.012-05:00

Last weekend we went on a mission to find a pumpkin. We didn't feel like taking a ride to one of the "pumpkin patches", so we set out on a journey to find one in town....we were successful at Lowes!

We carved it last Wednesday...

Meet...our pumpkin Jack! I sketched him, and Stephen carved him....it was a team effort!

Of course our Halloween decorations would not be complete without artwork from Jake!

I even roasted up some pumpkin spice - pumpkin seeds....Yummy!!!

AND I made pumpkin bread...

Click HERE for the recipe!
(I made it without the pepitas)

Cowabunga!

2011-10-30T11:12:00.011-05:00

I promised a lot of pictures, and I sure did deliver!!! Last night was the long awaited Haunted Hills 5K! It was rough, lot's of hills, and in case anyone was wondering...it's not easy running in a tutu!!! We had a blast, and all ran together (except for the last tenth of a mile). We even won the contest for best group costumes! Woohooooo! Heroes in a half shell - turtle power!!!
We all painted little ninja turtles on our nails....isn't it adorable?!?!

A Visit From The Parentals!

2011-10-30T10:42:00.007-05:00

Because I like for there to be some kind of order on here...I am first going to post the pics from when my parents visited before getting to the race photos! It's my fault because I have been lazy with keeping up with both the blog AND facebook! So here are some of my favorites. We had a GREAT time while Mom and Dad Sco were down here! The weather was perfect, we went to Downtown Mount Dora, and Epcot, and ate like kings pretty much every night!

Haunted Hills 5K - VIDEO

2011-10-30T10:13:00.004-05:00

Loving this video of the start of the race....keep watching, you CAN'T miss us!

Spirit Week

2011-10-23T13:30:00.004-05:00

We had a VERY successful Spirit Week at work! Team Guidance hosted the Pep Rally, and it was a BLAST. We also had activities every day like crazy sock day, twin day, decade day, tacky day, and of course spirit day. It seems like we had more participation than usual, everyone (students and staff) were so into it! Here are just a few of my favorite pics...there were a lot to choose from!

My "Something Blue"

2011-10-23T13:24:00.002-05:00

How lucky am I, that I have an entire family that is going to be my "something blue"?!?! I posted this on FB...such a nerd, I know! But you have to admit, it is a great idea! I got it from my LIW friends, but then I tweaked it just a bit!

Where have I been?

2011-10-20T17:37:00.009-05:00

Oh NO! I am in another blogging rut! You see, I have been so busy...too many bloggable moments I don't know where to begin!!! I will get caught up soon...maybe this weekend if we forego Legoland (see)! Haha, so I will start with the latest for now and then I will go back in time and fill in the missing moments that just HAVE to be documented on here.
Right now I am working my BUTT off getting ready for this:

It is going to be Ahhh-MA-ZING! I am a little nervous about the hills. I was hoping that the "hills" in the title wasn't literal, supposedly I am going to die....it is intense. I am preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. All this will be going down in my Halloween costume which I am not yet ready to advertise. Stay tuned. Anyways...until then I am getting my run on, and my shins are hating me!
I told you so! CLICK HERE!
And for extra motivation, my friend J-Vrag introduced me to the best website EVER....
RockMyRun.com
I have been "rocking my run" for over a week now, and I will NEVER listen to anything else! Ok, you get the point! :)

Ninja Tree House

2011-09-21T16:35:00.001-05:00

Love this new song by my brothers band "Ninja Tree House"!
Built To Always Last by Ninja Tree House

Spinach Stuffed Shells

2011-09-19T19:43:00.010-05:00

This is what we had for dinner yesterday. It is a healthier option than straight up stuffed shells.
Click Here for the recipe from EatingWell.com
The only thing I did differently was, I used 2 egg whites instead of 1....also, I used one package of frozen spinach, and a half of a bag of fresh spinach. I also added a little garlic to the spinach/onion mix. I also, cut out the nutmeg (not a fan). PLEASE, don't use jarred sauce if it can be prevented. I used some of Uncle John's sauce that I had frozen. Whip up a quick marinara if you don't have time for the good stuff. This recipe is tooooo good to go with a jarred sauce. If you are going to do it, do it right! With that being said, I will forgive you if you go for the jar, but my mother might not! :)
Before:
After:

ADITLOS - The Unintentional Food Blog

2011-09-19T19:04:00.007-05:00

I find it really interesting how this blog has evolved over time! If anyone ever has wayyyyy too much time on their hands, check it out. Scrapbooking was my first intent, followed by a play by play of our road trip, then our move down to Florida, and then a lot of every day stuff, and now there seems to be a lot of blogging about food. I just looked through the gallery on my phone the other day, and it is incredibly alarming how many pictures of food I take! I think it is safe to say, for every one post I have about food....there are about 15 others I could have done. I was holding back because I didn't want every post to be about food! Who cares...I'm going for it. I cook AT LEAST 6 out of the 7 days a week, and I am going to share! I'll get to the scrapbooking at some point....here are just a few pics from my phone that seemed to have gotten "lost in the sauce". Haaaaa....a little food humor...why is Stephen shaking his head???
Lasagna:
One of our pizza creations...veggie I think:
Eggplant Parm:
Shreddy Beef Tacos:
Pressed Grilled PB and bananas:

Panini's

2011-09-19T18:36:00.006-05:00

We made these the other night, and they were great! I will definitely make them again!
Click HERE for the recipe!
Super easy to make, especially when you have this adorable, handy, panini press! :P

Dinner Party

2011-09-18T10:38:00.004-05:00

Last Friday, Stephen and I had a dinner party. It's always a good time when you combine good friends and of course....good food! We made Bolognese sauce (Yum!), garlic bread (Aunt Laura style), and a Caprese Salad! Here are a few pics..

First Day for my Favorites!!!

2011-09-14T19:23:00.011-05:00

This post is a little late, but I wanted to make sure I gathered pics of all of my favorite kiddo's first days of school! How cute are they?!?!
Kaci and Joseph are in Kindergarten and 4th grade now....CRAZY!

Evan and Jake are in Kindergarten also, and Ryan and Julianna are in preschool!!!

How cute are all these kids?!?! I love and miss every one of them...MUAH!!! Have a great school year guys!!!

Picture doesn't do it justice!

2011-09-08T19:48:00.002-05:00

This was the beautiful sunset tonight....so pretty!!!

Minestrone

2011-09-07T18:37:00.010-05:00

It seems like I have been cooking up a storm these days, I just have to share this recipe from Laura Vitale! Check out her website, she has a ton of great stuff:
Laura In The Kitchen
OR Click here to go straight to the Minestrone recipe!
My first attempt to make this soup failed miserably, when I realized that I didn't have any broth, LoL! Luckily second time is a charm! So Yummy! Here is the video:

And here is how mine came out...it's a work of art, and SO DELICIOUS! I will definitely be making this again!
***And in case you don't know what pancetta is....it is an Italian bacon that isn't smoked. You can find it behind the deli counter, just ask them to slice it thick.

Cake!

2011-09-03T21:47:00.001-05:00

I thought this was funny....it pays to have connections in the bakery!

Uncle John's 50th

2011-09-03T14:10:00.003-05:00

We drove down south for UJ's birthday and we are making him dinner! Yummy Mexican shredded beef tacos! Kristen is my assistant!

Pie Face

2011-08-28T21:43:00.006-05:00

This past July, while we were out east at the B&B...we enjoyed this wonderful blueberry pie. We took these silly pics with my cell phone and I couldn't resist using them for the August Theme Challenge on ACOT which happened to be...silly faces! I thought this would be perfect!

I used this fun kit by Crisdam Designs:

The swirls came from this one by dsdesign studio:

Haven't done this in a while!

2011-08-28T16:17:00.003-05:00

I have been in another one of my scrapbooking slumps! I've just been so exhausted with work, wedding planning, cooking/eating healthy, and exercising, that when it comes time for hobbies....the thought of making a mess just exhausts me even more! I know I will eventually get back into it at some point. It was nice to do a little scrapping this weekend. I may even do a digi layout later, we'll see! I did this layout for an ACOT challenge where I had to use the colors blue, and orange. This was difficult for me because of the association I make with the NY Mets, yuck! Ha! :)

Another one

2011-08-25T17:44:00.002-05:00

I know I JUST did a whole "I love my brother post"....but I have to share...

Taco Night

2011-08-19T22:13:00.001-05:00

My favorite nights are taco nights...luckily we pretty much have them once a week! I like having them on Fridays....so good after a long week!

Miss Him!

2011-08-19T16:00:00.004-05:00

Man do I miss my brother...he is the best! Love Him!

Sco2Sko

2011-08-04T16:30:00.003-05:00

Our wedding website is all ready!!! Check it out:
www.weddingwire.com/sco2sko
Stephen wrote all those beautiful things in the "Our Story" section....isn't he wonderful?!?! I know!!! :)

Wedding Ticker from WhenIsMyWedding.com

Our nephew the artist

2011-08-01T20:45:00.002-05:00

Wow, Jake is just so talented I have to share this beautiful piece of artwork that we received in the mail today!

Changes at IMS

2011-08-01T20:41:00.003-05:00

Things are shaping up around IMS for the 2011-2012 school year! The teachers started today, and the kids come back next week! Here are some pics of the new office, and one of the cafeteria. Looking good Chargers!!!!! One of our custodians painted that back wall in the new front office by hand!!!

NEVER again!

2011-08-01T20:30:00.008-05:00

I will NEVER EVER run another 5k...during the summer! I did well considering the intense heat and humidity...the hills most certainly didn't help either! I am glad not only that I finished, but that I remained on my feet the whole time! It is crazy when you are sweating before it even starts and out of breath about 15 seconds in! Lisa convinced me to sign up for the Citrus Road Race in Citrus Springs this past Saturday, and if she asks me to run Black Diamond on the 13th she is NUTS! In fact let me take a minute to declare to Lisa Judd....NO 5K'S FOR THIS GIRL UNTIL LATE SEPTEMBER, So don't even think about it! Well, now it is official! So anyway, Lisa is a runner obviously and she placed as usual....so proud of her! What an experience..."good times"! This first pic is from before...the rest are after...

Long Island Wine Country

2011-08-01T18:04:00.003-05:00

While we were in NY, we spent a day by my future in-laws in LI Wine Country! It was the most perfect day in so many ways! Everyone had a wonderful time at the vinyards, we had a picnic at the Old Field, and dinner was at the bed and breakfast. It was just the best day! These pics are long overdue, mostly because I was waiting for Jen to post hers (not a good excuse, I know). Well, turns out I could be waiting a while, and I realized I have plenty of my own to share...actually soooo many that I had to make a slide show...

QT With my Sergi's

2011-07-18T17:37:00.005-05:00

NO trip to LI is EVER complete without me spending some quality time with my Sergi's! I can not believe how big they are getting! For Kaci's birthday present...I took her to get mani/pedi's...too cute! I also babysat them another night just like "old times". Of course we had to get our favorite...Ralph's Italian Ice!

Lisa & Steve's Wedding

2011-07-18T17:15:00.008-05:00

July 10th was my cousin Lisa and Steve's wedding! It was just a beautiful day all around!!! I think these pics speak for themselves!!! Everything was gorgeous! So happy for the married couple! It was the perfect day for a wedding at a castle! :)

Disney w/ the Worhle's Round 2

2011-07-18T16:58:00.007-05:00

I'm going to have to backtrack a tiny bit for this one. About 2 weeks (3 weeks?)ago, we spent 3 days in Disney with Kim, Mike, and the boys Jake, and Ryan. We had a GREAT time (how could you not)!!! We spent a day in Hollywood Studios, Typhoon Lagoon, and also the 4th of July in the Magic Kingdom...so fun! It was great to spend so much time with them...and then some bonus time when we went to NY the following week!
They are just too cute!

Wouldn't be complete without a sleeping pic...here is Ryan after a day at Typhoon Lagoon!

Palm Beach

2011-07-06T12:06:00.009-05:00

The third stop on the "Tour de Florida" was Palm Beach with my blondish mini-me/cousin Jen! We stayed at the Omphoy Ocean Beach Resort...it was incredible! We felt like royalty everytime we pulled up the the valet and they were all like "welcome back ladies"! Haha! Anyway it was an adorable boutique hotel, on the beach (is there any other way). We had a great time, unfortunately the whole second day it rained, but we managed to squeeze some pool time in before the skies opened up. We also rented a jet ski, which was a first for me. It was terrifying at first, but eventually I got used to it...so fun! Here are some pics...

Partial ocean view...

Then in usual Steph and Jen fashion...we got silly!

Miami

2011-07-06T11:50:00.004-05:00

I went down to South Beach and stayed at the BEAUTIFUL Fountainebleau for my cousin Lisa's bachelorette party. We had a blast! The weather was perfect, the beach was amazing, and so was the view from our room on the 30th floor. We ate at Barton G's, and then went out to Arkadia and Liv (now I now who DJ Tiesto is). It pays to go out with a group of gorgeous girls, let me tell ya! I had to limit the pics on this post...I have about 800 to choose from, (didn't know there was anyone as "snap happy" as I am)!!! So here is a sample of them, haha! Strange, i was in Miami only for 2 days and I have the MOST pics from this trip! Anyway, it was a great time...as you can probably tell!
Me and Lee..

The view...

St. Pete Beach

2011-07-06T11:21:00.006-05:00

About 2 weeks ago, I went to the Sirata Beach Resort in St. Pete with my friends Lisa, Jen, and Amanda! It was so beautiful and relaxing. LoVe being RIGHT on the beach! We went for 3 days and it was perfect!

It's a rough life

2011-07-06T11:13:00.008-05:00

So, I have been in a blogging slump again...but for a good reason! I haven't really been around much. I just went on what I have been calling "the Tour de Florida". I will try to update more pics throughout the day today. Here is a sneak peak of how it all went...
First I went to St. Pete Beach...

Then I went to Miami...

Then I went to Palm Beach...
After that I went to Disney for a few days! More pics to come I promise...I'm a little lazy these days! Recuperating and repacking for a 10 day trip to NY. Maybe I will pack later and go to the pool instead...

Ice Cream

2011-07-02T21:15:00.001-05:00

We are at Disney with Kim, Mike, and the boys!! I took these pics of them eating ice cream...so cute!!!

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Happy Fathers Day!

2011-06-19T17:10:00.003-05:00

I would like to wish a Happy Fathers Day to ALL fathers...new ones like my cousin Michael who just had an ADORABLE new son baby Nolan! Also Happy Fathers Day to my soon to be Father in Law as well as my Dad who I had this awesome Skype session with...while he opened his presents...

Painting Party

2011-06-16T09:26:00.005-05:00

Strangely enough, I spend my first official day of summer vacation at work painting my office! We each did an accent wall (I did two). Stephen took the day off to come help, isn't he the best!? We got our paint from my friend Lisa's fiance Rob who is a manager at Sherwin Williams...he hooked us up with a bunch of goodies, so we had matching uniforms. Painting is a lot harder than I thought....especially when the AC is on the fritz! I love how it came out, Connie and I did the light bluish color, and Sherina did the orangey sandy one! So pretty!

Buh-Bye Students!!!

2011-06-02T19:09:00.003-05:00

Last Wednesday was the last day of school for the students! I think it is cute how everyone comes outside to see them off! Now that the kids and teachers are on summer vacay we are getting A LOT ready for next year! I hope everyone has a great summer....I can't enjoy mine for a few more weeks!

My Brother the Graduate!

2011-05-24T19:58:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to my awesome little brother on his Bachelors Degree from SUNY Purchase! I am very proud, wish I could have been there! Love you Pete!

Rainbow Springs

2011-05-24T19:45:00.004-05:00

This past weekend Stephen had a work BBQ at Rainbow Springs...it is so BEAUTIFUL there! I got to meet some of the great people that Stephen works with, and we also went kayaking up and down the Rainbow River. It was so gorgeous the water was crystal clear. Picturesssss!

Three different waterfalls...so cool!

On A Boat

2011-05-24T19:21:00.003-05:00

A few weekends ago, the Orlando's came up for a visit. We decided to switch it up from our usual golf cart outing and do something a little different. We went and rented a pontoon boat and cruised around all day on the Homosassa River....2 words...Good Times!!! Seriously it was such a fun, relaxing day even with a quick passing storm. Here are a few pictures...Can you tell UJ had a great time? Jen posted this on facebook, she said "never to old to have a good time"...he really looks like a kid!

Only the classiest establishments have the specials written on a paper bag!

I made bread!

2011-05-24T19:11:00.002-05:00

I found a recipe online for "Quick & Easy" home made bread...my first thought was "what's the catch"? I figured it was worth a shot to try it...and it actually came out pretty good! It wasn't as light and airy as I thought it would be, but it had a really good flavor and made excellent Italian Subs!!! Here is the link for the recipe...
Click Here
YUMMMMMY!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Mommy!!!

2011-05-21T14:40:00.003-05:00

My Mom's "38th" Birthday was on May 17th!!!! I know this post is late, I promise I didn't forget it (I may have mailed her cards a presents a little late) BUT I just had to put this up here in honor of her birthday! Better late than never....it's the way we do things in this family! :) Love you Mom!!! This graph from GraphJam obviously reminded me of you...Rod Stewarts' biggest fan!

Engagement Pics

2011-05-19T20:14:00.005-05:00

Two weekends ago, we finally had our engagement pictures taken by Will Vragovic! He is AMAZING, we were SO happy with how they came out! We had such a great day driving around in golf carts, changing our outfits a bunch of times, and shooting pics in a variety of beautiful places! Will seriously did such an awesome job with not only capturing these shots, but also editing them. We LOVE them, and are having a tough decision picking out which ones (or one) we want to use for the save the dates! It is going to be a VERY difficult decision that we need to make ASAP!!! Here are some of them, I would like to make a slide show but I am slacking!!!

Space Shuttles and Flowers

2011-05-03T18:19:00.006-05:00

After the disappointment of the Endeavor launch being scrubbed, we decided to make the best of it and put our re-newed Disney passes to use! The flower festival was going on, it was B-E-A-UTIFUL!! It is amazing how people actually can do this! So pretty!

We did manage to get these 2 pics from us waiting in front of the launch pad...this is me and Stephen's friend Jared at Walgreens...

And this one...yea, keep on waiting!

Faux-Hundredth Post!

2011-04-27T20:48:00.007-05:00

I decided to celebrate my 400th post by making this...
I should make a post..."How to kill a half hour, and stay up way later than you should"...Goodnight!!!!
***I would like to semi-retract this post...turns out Blogger includes "drafts" in the total post count! I am really about 13 posts from 400! I will save this for the actual 400th post! Nothing like being prepared for once! Ok, now off to bed! Hahahaha!!

May = Very Eventful

2011-04-27T20:33:00.004-05:00

I am multi-tasking like i have never multi-tasked before! There are 4 very important "events" coming up at IMS starting next week --> Kindness Week, College Awareness Week, 6th Grade Orientation, and Parent Night! CrAzInEsS! Anyway, I am just hoping it all falls into place...taking it one day at a time! Look what I made on this very productive Wednesday evening...

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T19:08:00.004-05:00

For Easter we went to a place called McDivot's in Margate. It was really pretty, on a golf course, and how could you ever go wrong with an all-you-can-eat brunch? You can't! Yummm...I literally ate all weekend. Anyway, we didn't take too many pictures, we were sort of "pictured-out" after the previous day, but I did download this awesome "retro-cam" app, which was fun to mess around with. Enjoy...

Happy Birthday Aunt Laura

2011-04-25T18:58:00.004-05:00

For Aunt Laura's birthday, UJ took us all to Ruth's Chris Steak House....BEST STEAK OF MY LIFE! Now, I'm no expert on steak, BUT I doubt I will ever have another steak that will top it! Most of these pics came out kind of crappy, because my phone takes grainy pics indoors. When Aunt Laura gets the pictures off of her camera in 6 months...I'll post the good ones here, for now this will have to do! This first one was taken with Jen's phone, and I edited it like crazy, so it looks different from the rest...

Good old Deerfield Beach

2011-04-25T18:38:00.003-05:00

Everytime we go down to South Florida to visit the family...we always take a trip to Deerfield Beach. It is definitely one of my favorites...next to Delray!

Lake Minneola

2011-04-25T18:14:00.001-05:00

A few weekends ago, Stephen and I took the bikes down to Clermont and went for a 6 mile ride around Lake Minneola...it was so pretty. Almost forgot to post these pictures...oooopsie!

Dancing Cousins

2011-04-25T18:00:00.004-05:00

Jen and I used to make up a dance EVERY time we would see each other...which used to be about once a year when I was living in NY. Grandma LOVED watching us, she would cry pretty much every time. I think it is awesome that we still do this...in honor of Grams...and also because it is never not fun, no matter how old we are. This is for you Grams! Miss you! Also...we were trying to dry our hair before dinner!
(Notice how Uncle John walks by a few times, and doesn't even look up....this sort of behavior is actually normal!)

Coco-nutty

2011-04-23T11:19:00.001-05:00

Got to Coconut Creek yesterday...and celebrated our one year mark with a BBQ...yummmmm!!!

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1 Year Countdown!

2011-04-22T08:43:00.003-05:00

Can't believe we are finally at the year mark! It is still 366 days, because this next year is a leap year. It is crazy that we are already 1/3 of the way through the countdown since we originally started it! I can't wait to marry my best friend, and love of my life!!!

Wedding Ticker

Emotional Publix Commercial

2011-04-18T21:31:00.003-05:00

This Publix commercial is so emotional...it gets me every time!

Ferenginar

2011-04-12T18:35:00.003-05:00

There is a new addition to "Team Guidance"! Meet "Ferenginar Shermans Planet Rogan"! If you let a 12 year old name your new pet, chances are it will be something crazy you hadn't anticipated and also something you can't even pronounce! Just a warning...

It's that time again, already?!?!?

2011-04-11T19:23:00.004-05:00

It's FCAT time! "Yay" (yesss...that is sarcasm)! Now is the point in the school year where I try to do my normal day to day craziness....while FCAT is just thrown into the mix. It is definitely a team effort. It is incredible how much is involved behind the scenes, and how much prep work goes into just one test. Luckily our team is "Team Awesome"...I mean "Team Guidance". But it takes more than just Team Guidance to make FCAT happen and run smoothly, or I should say "smooth-ish"....yea I will settle for that! Haha! Here is a pic from last Friday while wheeling out boxes! Anyway, day one is over...just three more to go....and then the fun really begins! FCAT make-up days! :P
Crush it IMS!

My cute patio garden

2011-04-05T19:13:00.003-05:00

This isn't exactly interesting by any means...but I still figured I would share! I am very proud of my little patio garden this year...I have more going on than last year. I planted tomatoes, peppers, basil, thyme, mint, parsley, and red freesia. Isn't it cute?

My Ride

2011-04-05T18:58:00.004-05:00

My wonderful fiancé is so good to me! While I was in NY for the weekend, he took care of my car...changed the brakes, and made it sparkly and beautiful. Obviously it needed a little "photo-sesh"! :)

What a MESS...then he posted this on FB...
"On any given Saturday, a real dude's hands will look something like this..."
:)

Lisa's Bridal Shower

2011-04-05T18:55:00.004-05:00

I just got back from yet another whirlwind trip to NY. This time I was only up for about 48 hours, for my cousin Lisa's bridal shower. It was such a nice day, everything was beautiful, and it was of course so great to spend time with everyone!

Whatttttt?

2011-04-05T18:50:00.002-05:00

Love this scene from "Dispicable Me"....

Excited Much?

2011-03-30T18:02:00.002-05:00

A pic of me taken by the wonderful Will Vragovic....celebrating a little too soon! I had about 5 feet to go until the finish line! Note to self: be more aware of expression, even in times of great joy! Actually I should say "proud much"??? Haha!

Scope It Out - 5k

2011-03-26T13:01:00.006-05:00

We got up SUPER early this morning, so I could go participate in Debby's 5k - for colon cancer awareness (it is in honor of a friend of mines, aunt). It was a lot of fun, and I feel really good that I did it! 3.1 miles in 32 minutes and 19 seconds.....not too shabby!!! Going to the pool (haha), so I'm gonna throw these pics on here quick!

Just a taste

2011-03-21T19:58:00.004-05:00

From the title of this post, you might think for a second it is about food...yet you would be wrong! Ha! I have a ton of blog updating that needs to take place, but I am still recovering from Spring Break! We went to NY, and then my brother and his girlfriend Kat came and visited for a few days! Good times! Seriously! It was hectic, and I got sick in NY, which was awful, but overall I still would say it was a great spring break! I even managed to keep it up with the running (yet somehow still gained 3 lbs). So anyway, here are just a few pics until I have the energy to do it right... (oh, and the water was green for St. Patty's day!)

My cousin, the chef

2011-03-21T18:44:00.001-05:00

I thought this was too cool...my cousin Rob was on Fox Good Day NY, on a cooking segment! Meet Chef Robert Gonzalez, executive chef at the Greenhouse Cafe in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn! Soooooo cooooool!

Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe: MyFoxNY.com

The restaurant is DELISH, I wish I were able to go more often...because Chef Rob knows how to hook a cousin up...with some awesome bread appetizer...Mmmmm!!!! Here is the website for the restaurant...
CLICK HERE!

Back to TMK!

2011-03-09T21:25:00.004-05:00

This past weekend we went back to where it all began. I guess I can't truly say that, because of course the beginning was all the way back during our Long Island University days, but....we did spend most of Saturday in the Magic Kingdom. We haven't been to TMK since the engagement, so it was fun to go back and argue over the exact spot he proposed was. As usual, it is difficult to have an abundance of pics when it is only the two of us....but somehow we manage (although most pics look similar)!

This is where it happened....in front of this wall! :P
Love it!
Here are some more pics....what a perfect day!

Fabulous Four

2011-02-27T22:57:00.003-05:00

Well, I didn't get as many layouts done as I wanted to this weekend....I was SO slow and LAZY! But instead, I'd like to think I went for quality over quantity. Here are four layouts that I am very proud of! Maybe I took the easy route and went with digi over paper...but I think they came out pretty darn good (if I do say so myself)! :)

ACOT Crop

2011-02-26T15:00:00.002-05:00

Well, it is yet another crop weekend over at A Cherry On Top!!!
I am trying to get some stuff accomplished, but I am LAZY today...the laziness will probably carry over into tomorrow, I can feel it! So far, this is all I have done, had to make an umbrella for a fast scrap, LoL! Making progress!

Beachy Weekend

2011-02-21T19:16:00.007-05:00

Seriously, 3 day weekends are the best! It is amazing how much can get accomplished when you are given just one extra day. We decided to drive down by Aunt Laura and Uncle Johns, spent most of Saturday at Deerfield Beach, went to get my ladybug tattoo touched up, and had a relaxing evening at Bobby and Sherry's...always a good time!

Look at this incredible cake Sherry made for Nicole's 14th birthday...actually they both made it together...that purse is CAKE... how cool is that?!?!

Ryan Weaver

2011-02-21T18:41:00.007-05:00

On May 5th, Ryan Weaver will be performing for our PBS end of the year celebration. It will also be a nice end to Kindness Week!!! If you would like to read up a little on who Ryan Weaver is..
CLICK HERE
He came for a "Meet 'N' Greet" on Friday afternoon, and signed autographs (shirts, jeans, juice, bags of baby carrots, whatever they could find) during all the lunch periods. The kids are pumped!!! We managed to get this pic of team guidance before he left. Such a nice guy, I'm really looking forward to seeing him perform in May...I'm admittedly not a big country fan, but I know I will still enjoy it!

Valentines Day 2011

2011-02-21T18:30:00.004-05:00

Look at these beautiful flowers that my valentine got me, he also made me yummy brownies, and took me out for a day in Orlando where we bought my wedding band!
I surprised Stephen with heart shaped pasta...isn't it the cutest!?!?!

RunKeeper

2011-02-21T18:16:00.005-05:00

Sooooo...I started running again, and this time I am trying to do it right and take it easy. For a little added motivation, I started using this app on my phone that tracks it all.
Click HERE to check it out! I think it is a cool way to see how I'm doing! Also, I got these adorable new sneaks!

I have to be careful, because I get pretty bad shin splints from doing too much too soon...this is what Stephen comes home to find...
So dramatic, I know!

Lucky Me

2011-02-21T17:05:00.001-05:00

I had off today, had a ton to do, but managed to squeeze some scrapping in. I think I took on wayyy too much doing this "Layout a Day" challenge on Kim's message board...but I guess it was worth at least trying. So far I have a lot of work to do....at this point all I have is one down! Had to use the word "lucky"...

2 Weekends Ago

2011-02-15T20:06:00.002-05:00

Well, once again I'm slacking! Two weekends ago, Stephen and I went to Animal Kingdom. It was only our 2nd time there...so it was good to go back and do a few things that we haven't done before. We love Disney...can you tell??? But then again, who doesn't love Disney??? We are SoOoOoOoOoOo going to renew our season passes when they are up in April! Definitely got our money's worth!

I can't even stand....

2011-02-09T20:52:00.001-05:00

...how cute these two are...

Almost makes me wish for a snow day...just one, if I get to stay home with J&K, I'll take it! :P

2 Year Blogiversary!!!

2011-02-02T18:55:00.009-05:00

Can you believe it has been 2 years (Well tomorrow it will be...I was afraid I would forget to post...I'm getting my hair done)! Happy Blogiversary to ME! I can not even believe how much has happened in just 2 years! So glad i am keeping track of all of this!
*Remember when this used to actually be mostly scrapbooking?!?!? What happened, LoL!?
My first Post....
Click Here!

Now... 20 of my favorite posts on "ADITLOS"...Ok, maybe I shouldn't abbreviate!

((Click to Read))
1. Who On Earth Is Sessy?
2. Big Red Has a Boo-Boo
3. Pat's Pictures
4. Surprise!
5. Another Adventure
6. The Apartment
7. Parents Visit
8. More NY Pics
9. The Kiddos
10. How's It Hanging
11. Lizard Trapping
12. 296th Post
13. Magic Kingdom
14. Bulletin Board
15. Masters of the Possimpible
16. A-MAZE-ing
17. S-K-O-B-L-I-C-K-I
18. Gaylord Palms
19. Thanksgiving 2010
20. Of course I had to put this on here...lol, Pete...

Ok, so it is VERY difficult to narrow it down to just 20....obviously there are more....like the ENTIRE road trip, but too many to post!!!
2 Years, sure does go fast!

What did you do today?

2011-01-31T21:38:00.001-05:00

I picked an orange...no biggie...

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

2011-01-31T21:27:00.002-05:00

I found this recipe at Cookinglight.com,and changed it a little... it would be somewhat healthy if it wasn't for all the cheese and bacon...

Ingredients

Usually I double this so I have left overs for Stephen and I!

* 4 (6-ounce) red potatoes
* 2 teaspoons olive oil
* 1/2 cup prechopped onion
* 1 1/4 cups fat-free lower-sodium chicken broth
* 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 2 cups 1% low-fat milk divided
* 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 3 bacon slices halved
* 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 4 teaspoons thinly sliced green onions

Directions

Cube potatoes and then boil until they are fork tender

While potatoes cook, heat oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion; sauté 3 minutes. Add broth. Combine flour and 1/2 cup milk; add to pan with 1 1/2 cups milk. Bring to a boil; stir often. Cook 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in sour cream, salt, and pepper.

Use an immersion blender and blend until smooth. Top with cheese, green onions, and bacon.

Scrappy Time!

2011-01-31T21:19:00.003-05:00

I even managed to get some scrapping in this weekend!
I did this for a challenge where I had to journal about something "I remember..." journaling says..."…how much Grandma from California LOVED Penny!!! Whenever she would come stay with us, they would start their day by sharing a banana. They spent the day together lounging around watching shows like “Murder She Wrote”. When Grandma would go back home, Penny would wait by the basement door still for her to come upstairs!"
This one is a sketch challenge Kim posted for me...

I got a new table and chair....it is so much easier to scrap in there now, loveeee it!

Outside in January!

2011-01-31T21:04:00.006-05:00

Okay, I'm sure there is a point where this gets old to me....it hasn't happened yet. The weekend was GORGEOUS! We had the windows open, even did a little "spring cleaning"! Hahaha, not sure this will last but I hope it does!
I even have some basil that is starting to grow back! LoL....riveting I know!

The Keurig

2011-01-29T09:29:00.002-05:00

Gooooood Saturday Morning!!! I am going to go make a nice big cup of coffee from my brand new and improved Keurig. Our old one broke, and they quickly sent us a brand new one! Out with the old and in with the new... Thank godddd, because a few days before it broke...we just received our "year supply" of K-cups!!!

Until Next Time

2011-01-23T22:40:00.004-05:00

We moved the whole guest room around, and I was able to really organize the whole scrap area, it looks great! I will post pics of the room tomorrow...but for now check out this cute layout I did of a pic from when I had to say "goodbye" to Kaci and Joseph over the summer...
(The journaling says "Everytime I have to leave...it gets harder and harder to say goodbye")

Banana Slips on Man!

2011-01-21T21:23:00.001-05:00

OMG...my brother posted this on my facebook page, and it has literally been cracking me up all day!

Pasta Primavera

2011-01-20T20:09:00.005-05:00

Here is what was for dinner tonight

I don't have a pic of the finished product, I ate it all...
Here is the recipe!!!
(From Food Network...can't remember who)
Ingredients
* 3 carrots peeled and cut into thin strips
* 2 medium zucchini or 1 large zucchini cut into thin strips
* 2 yellow squash cut into thin strips
* 1 onion thinly sliced
* 1 yellow bell pepper cut into thin strips
* 1 red bell pepper cut into thin strips
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs or herbes de Provence
* 1 pound farfalle (bowtie pasta)
* 15 cherry tomatoes halved
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
* 2 medium zucchini or 1 large zucchini cut into thin strips
* 2 yellow squash cut into thin strips
* 1 onion thinly sliced
* 1 yellow bell pepper cut into thin strips
* 1 red bell pepper cut into thin strips
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs or herbes de Provence
* 1 pound farfalle (bowtie pasta)
* 15 cherry tomatoes halved
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Directions
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

On a large heavy baking sheet, toss all of the vegetables with the oil, salt, pepper, and dried herbs to coat. Transfer half of the vegetable mixture to another heavy large baking sheet and arrange evenly over the baking sheets. Bake until the carrots are tender and the vegetables begin to brown, stirring after the first 10 minutes, about 20 minutes total.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, tender but still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.

Toss the pasta with the vegetable mixtures in a large bowl to combine. Toss with the cherry tomatoes and enough reserved cooking liquid to moisten. Season the pasta with salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and serve immediately.

California

2011-01-20T19:31:00.010-05:00

Sooooo...I just wanted to add on here, that although the reason for the sudden trip to California was not at all a positive one...it is always a good time when the family gets together. By "good" I mostly mean "crazy"...but for all "intents and purposes" (it is not "intensive purposes"...who knew?) I will say it was a "CRAZY GOOD TIME"! Here are some of the happier memories I will take away from the unofficial start to 2011...
COUSINS!!!!!! (Okay...there is a very important person missing from this pic...my poor brother was sick, and couldn't come out)

Casano's Paradise...

Cousin Peter and Jen have 3 adorable puppies, Lucy, Lilly, and Louie...here is my cousin Michael Sco with LOUIEEEEE

Okay before I begin to explain this ridiculous "fiasco"..NO let's call it an "incident".. let me first start off by warning my "readers" (that means you Mom Sco and Sko...actually Mom Sco already knows this).... My Dad's family is nuts, everything is always interesting (putting it nicely)! An incident such as this is not that unexpected especially when we are all gathered together in such close proximity! I'm pretty sure this is part of the reason we all live so scattered across the US (New York, Alabama, Florida, California...even some in Jersey). There is probably some government restriction against us all being together for any extended period of time.
Ok, granted this is one of those "you had to be there" stories, but since I have photo's to prove this I'm going to briefly explain it here...so here is the pic...

Here is what is happening:
1. We are about a third of the way to Vegas in the worst traffic on the freeway imaginable...unintentionally of course!
2. Ears are popping, we are in the mountains...there is snow...something is wrong
3. We are in 4 separate cars
4. The Giannini's pull into the only turnaround for about 100 miles (most likely)...which I'm still thinking was illegal
5. Two cars pull into the shoulder right before the turn-aroud (I'm in the first one) a confused/crazy and probably angry Aunt Ann tries to get out of the car, and a whole commotion takes place in the car behind us
6. Oh NO, the car that my Dad and Uncle Michael were in, goes by in the lane to our right!!!!
7. Cousin Peter calls Dad and coaxes him over into the shoulder about a football fields length PAST all of us (and the turn-around)
8. Longgggggg pause/awkward silence once he finally makes his way over
9. Cousin Peter finally says ".........now back up"
10. After a lot of convincing and my dad saying "just go on with out us, we will suffer" (so dramatic)...and another long silence...
11. The reverse lights go on and my dad starts backing up...Everyone cheers!!!
12. I snap the picture
13. Mom freaks out "He is going to go into the ditch"
14. Dad does not go into a ditch (he wasn't even close)
15. We all successfully (and illegally..still...I'm just saying) turn around and book it out of there like a bat out of hell

It was a rush, and it will go down in history along with the "Maxi Pad Mix-up"...I'll get to that another time...

Okay, I think I painted a very clear picture in 15 steps, you get the point! Haha, moral of the story...it is always interesting...hahaha!

Oh, what was this post really for...PICS...
Look at this beauty I took on the plane!

A Poem

2011-01-20T19:25:00.004-05:00

This is a beautiful poem that my cousin Jennifer (Casano, not to be confused with Orlando...could my family BE anymore Italian?) had found, and I read at the ceremony at the cemetery. I just wanted to share it on here, because I thought it was perfect...also right before I read the last line, a bird started making a bunch of noise and we all laughed! It was good timing!

To Those Whom I Love And Those Who Love Me

When I am gone, release me, let me go
I have so many things to see and do
You must not tie yourself to me with tears
Be happy that I have had so many years

I gave you my love, you can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness
I thankyou for the love each have shown
But now it is time I travelled on alone

So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust
It is only for a while that we must part
So bless the memories in your heart

I will not be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come

Though you cannot see or touch me, I will be near
And if you listen with your heart, you will hear
All of my love around you soft and clear

Then, when you must come this way alone
I will greet you with a smile and a Welcome Home

Golden Grams

2011-01-17T15:24:00.005-05:00

I haven't been around for a while...just got back from California a few days ago. Unfortunately my grandmother passed away. She was 89 years old, and if I ever thought anyone would live to be 100 I thought it would be her. She was such an incredible person, so energetic, independent, and ALWAYS said what was on her mind! My cousins and I are all so grateful for having such an amazing grandmother...we were very lucky, and she will be missed!!! Here are some of my favorite pics of her...

New York!

2011-01-03T18:43:00.002-05:00

We went to NY for the holidays! Everything was perfect as far as the holidays went....until the Blizzard!!! We were snowed in for about a day and a half....which would have been okay to deal with....until Stephen got sick! Needless to say, things didn't exactly go as planned! We would have liked to have visited the reception hall where the wedding is going to be, but that wasn't happening. Oh, well there is always next time! Anyway, the good news is that Stephen is finally feeling much better! Regardless of the craziness up north, we still had a WONDERFUL Christmas! It was so great seeing everyone, and spending a lot of time with both the Sko's and the Sco's! :)
Strangely enough, I don't really have many pics at the moment...here are just a few...I'll add more when I get them!

Feliz Navidad!

2010-12-23T11:56:00.003-05:00

CLICK HERE!!!
...AND THEN HERE!!!

Status Collage

2010-12-22T21:15:00.003-05:00

Getting ready for NY, leaving tomorrow night!!!! We are very excited to be going for an entire week this time! Last Christmas we were only able to stay for about 4 days! So much to do in that one week, but I feel confident it will all come together! Can't wait to see everyone!!! I posted this status collage on facebook a few weeks ago and I was waiting until it got closer to the new year before I put it up here. I figure it is probably a good idea to put it up now though, before I forget!!! (Click on it to make it bigger...and then again to zoom so you can read it)

Skype

2010-12-20T15:50:00.003-05:00

My dad got a new laptop and last night we did our first (out of many, I'm sure) Skype sessions!!! I even got to Skype with Pete and Penny...isn't she the cutest?!?! That last pic my mom took about a week ago, she looks so snuggly! :)

Dancing lights @ Disney!

2010-12-20T15:32:00.004-05:00

Last weekend...on our way home from the wedding in St. Pete, we decided to take a detour and go to check out the lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios! One word...WOW!!!! It was amazing to see, and I'm sure these pics and video do not do it justice...but I figured I would share anyway!

"Those people"

2010-12-20T15:27:00.001-05:00

I'm officially one of "those people" with the cheesy stickers on the back of my car....but isn't it the cutest!?!?!

Anderson Wedding

2010-12-20T15:11:00.006-05:00

Last weekend we went to St. Pete beach for a wedding at the Don Cesar. We spent the weekend there, and everything was absolutely beautiful!!! Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson!!! We were so happy to be a part of this incredible day, and we also had a great time hanging out with Connie and Mike! Team Guidance!!!!

Dramatic...

2010-12-16T22:35:00.003-05:00

Okay, this is so funny to me....ohhhh the DRAMA!!! But in ALL seriousness....it really has been cold here! We had a lot of mornings in the 20's and the other morning the windchill was in the teens. I know all you New Yorkers are thinking "Waaaaahhh", but this is NOT normal! And it seemed to have lasted a while!!!

Haha! Thank god (I can't stand all the complaining...even though I have been one of them) it is warming up! This weekend will be back in the 70's...yayyyy!