Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Is it all make believe?

Ever feel as though the life you are living is not your own? That the people, the characters, places and things are are merely pieces of a game; dictated by some higher power? What lies before us, merely an illusion; a mirage that inevitably does not exist? "It's all make believe, isn't it?" She uttered. Did she have the same feelings? Sometimes I walk around with purpose, but no meaning. I live begrudgingly, completing the mundane; tasks that hinder me from feeling alive. It is when I exude passion, that the light in my eyes shines through. Lately, my passions have been neglected. It is in these brief minutes I can write that the energy within me blossoms. I often wonder if it is selfish to ignore. Ignore the world to escape for a few brief moments; to desensitize, to figure out the players in the game, to comprehend the mirage. Is it selfish to want to be alone?
{found in my journal}

{source: pinterest}

xo Kristina

Excerpts & Confessions of an Unpublished Writer V

It seemed as if an eternity had passed before either of them spoke. Their surroundings; somewhat somber, were masked by the sound of falling rain. Marie clenched tightly onto Carrie, as if her arms alone, could encompass and take away her pain. Marie listened as Carrie's breaths grew quieter and the sobs that shook from her petite body began to fade.

"He needs you darling". Marie started, "I know, how hard it is going to be, but he needs you and I think that you need him." Her voice was calm, absent of the grief that once bestowed their embrace. She was somewhat stoic, as if the last few hours seized to exist. "I know," Carrie managed to say, "But I don't know how strong I can be."
"Do the best that you can, sweetheart. I can't imagine what he is going through right now." Marie whispered. 

 For a moment, Carrie sat and thought about Vinnie. The urgency in his voice; the frantic phone call. "I will go see him" she muttered as she wiped the tears from her face. Slowly, she stood. "Is he in his room?" She asked. "Yes, he is. He hasn't come out since he heard of the news." Marie replied. "Okay." Carrie mumbled. 

Marie watched as Carrie walked to the front door, and smiled encouragingly. The smile, however, was not as convincing as she would have hoped.

*** 

As Carrie closed the large front door, a wave of nostalgia came over her. The sweet smell of vanilla filled her nose, and suddenly she felt at ease. Candles illuminated the living room casting shadows upon the beige walls. Large leather couches were surrounding by a sea of pillows and blankets that Marie had often kept out for Carrie and Vinnie on movie nights. Thoughts of normalcy, however, escaped her, as she followed the stair case leading to Vinnie's bedroom. 

Alas, she faced the door to Vinnie's bedroom. Taking a deep breath, she knocked... 

{source: weheartit}

My Number One Rule

{source of pics: pinterest}

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Singing Sweet Home Alabama...

I think for many, Memorial Day is the official start of summer. Pools open, burgers and hotdogs are smoked on the grill, bonfires are lit, and of course our bodies get exposed to that wonderful sun! I hope you all are enjoying your weekend as much as I am! So let's kick off summer with one of my feel good tunes: "All Summer Long" By Kidrock.

Splashing through the sand bar
Talking by the campfire
It's the simple things in life, like when and where
We didn't have no internet
But man I never will forget
The way the moonlight shined upon her hair
And we were trying different things
We were smoking funny things
Making love out by the lake to our favorite song
Sipping whiskey out the bottle, not thinking 'bout tomorrow
Singing Sweet home Alabama all summer long
Singing Sweet home Alabama all summer long
Now nothing seems as strange as when the leaves began to change
Or how we thought those days would never end
Sometimes I'll hear that song and I'll start to sing along
And think man I'd love to see that girl again
Singing Sweet Home Alabama all summer long
Singing Sweet Home Alabama all summer long
Singing Sweet Home Alabama all summer long
Singing Sweet Home Alabama all summer long
{Weheartit}

{Happy Hour Readers: What are you looking foward to this summer?}

Words to live by # 3


{It's never too late to be a rockstar}


Hope you all are enjoying your Memorial Day Weekend!

Friday, May 27, 2011

I Will Never Be

I will never be the girl
with the perfect hair, complexion, or body.
But I will accept the frizz, the laugh lines, the blemishes, and eventually the wrinkles.
I will embrace my round belly when I have overindulged.

I will never be the girl
who looks pretty when they cry, takes the perfect picture, or walks with an air of elegance.
But I will be the girl
who will accept the fact that tears are representations of strength,
pictures do not depict inner beauty,
and that if I fall,
my scars are a reminder of how far I've come.

I will never be the girl
who has it completely together, or the girl who exudes confidence at all times.
But I will be the girl
who understands that my flaws, insecurities, even my doubt
are all apart of who I am,
And that I am strong enough to know that I can change.

I will never be the girl
that all the guys want on the their arm.
But I will be the girl,
that is perfect for the right man.

I will never be that girl,
because I am uniquely,
wonderfully,
me. 

{Miss Marilyn Monroe: A Confident Beauty}
 {letting go}

It's on the Bucket List...

{pinterest} 
{Would love to learn how to surf}

Italian Date Night

I have to admit, that I love to cook. Although I am the learning stages, I can't help but get excited every time I am in the kitchen with a bag full of fresh ingredients from the store! 

Since it is Friday and the long weekend is ahead, I decided to go back to my Northern roots and devise an Italian menu for date night. My mouth is watering just looking at the pictures and I can't wait to actually make this! Enjoy! 

{The Appetizers} 

Antipasto Kabobs
Delightfully, simple yet delicious,quick and easy!
Ingredients:
1 package of Three Cheese Tortellini (Buitoni)
1 can of Medium or Large Black pitted Olives
1 jar of Green Olives
2 (12oz.) Containers of Marinated Mozzarella Balls
Several Slices of the following:
Salami
Pepperoni
Prosciutto
Newman's Balsamic Vinaigrette (to marinate tortellini)

What you need to do:
{Feel free to use your creativity and personal taste preferences when putting these kabobs together!} 
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 
Cook tortellini for about ten minutes, until soft.
Drain, and set aside to cool in a large bowl.

Once tortellini have cooled, drizzle Balsamic Vinaigrette completely covering tortellini and place in the fridge for a couple hours.

To make Kabobs:
Alternate ingredients starting with an olive, until skewer is completely covered!
{This step, is basically personal preference} 

For a simpler version, or if you are not a fan of meat you can use just mozzarella, tomatoes, olives, and add a touch of basil. 
Tomato, basil, and Mozzarella skewers
Before the meal:
Caprese Salad With Balsamic Dressing

{Caprese Salad}
Ingredients:
3 vine ripe tomatoes sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 lb. of fresh water packed mozzarella sliced 1/4 inch thick
10-15 Basil Leaves (fresh from the garden would be ideal!) 

What you need to do:
Layer alternating slices of tomatoes, mozzarella adding basil leaves between each onto individual plates.

Dressing:
5 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
4 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp. Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. crushed red pepper spice.

Combine all ingredients together in a small bowl and drizzle over the salad!

The Main Event:

New Englander's love their seafood, so I had to get a recipe that contained one of my favorite things:
SHRIMP!

{Garlic Shrimp Linguine}
Ingredients:
1 lb. of uncooked linguine
1 tbsp. of butter
3 tbsp. of white wine 
2 tsp. of grated parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. chopped fresh parsley
1 pinch of salt and pepper to taste
1 lb. of medium shrimp, peeled and de-veined

What you need to do:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a Boil.
Add pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat;
add wine, cheese, garlic, parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.

{Imagine how good your kitchen smells}

Simmer over low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Increase heat to medium-high, adding shrimp to saucepan.
Cook for 3-4 minutes or until shrimp begins to turn pink.

Scoop pasta onto plates, and spoon sauce over pasta.
Garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley.

POUR A GLASS OF PINOT GRIGIO and Enjoy!

Happy Date Night!

Happy Hour readers: What do you like to do on date night?
Do you like to cook or go out to a fancy restaurant?
Share your comments below!

{All photos were retrieved from Pinterest}

Thursday, May 26, 2011

My Fashion Obsession: All Things Sparkly!

"Go Insane
Throw some glitter 
Make it rain"
{Kesha-Blow}

{I am a sucker for things that sparkle!}
Check out my Fashion Obsession for the week!



{source: pinterest}

Seeking Inspiration

Today, I would love to be able to write, to create, to do something...but I am lacking drive, and possibly ability. I find myself wanting to make each post better than the last, but today, the best I can do (at this present moment) is leave you with a picture and words of wisdom. Maybe after lunch, this shall pass...

{the lovely pinterest}

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

An Open Canvas: Beauty Redefined II



{Source: All photos are from pinterest}



The Man Mantra: Revised

The Original:
What I would like to call the "Man Mantra"
{warning: delightfully humorous}


And now, my version.
{which came to me as I was applying my make-up this morning}

The Man Mantra: Revised 

One day, a handsome prince asked his beautiful princess to marry him.
Upon careful consideration and examination of the 2.5 carat diamond ring, she politely declined.
Time and other circumstances would prove she was not ready.
So, as the handsome prince lived his life of Jack Daniels and cute skinny girls with his noble men, she devised a plan.
Her fortune was vast; her spirit unscathed.
So there it began, a business of sorts.
Napa Valley,
Verona,
Tuscany and France;
One by one her wineries grew.
Then, one day it happened.
As fate would have it,
The beautiful princess came across the handsome prince; tired and worn,
purchasing a bottle of her now famous wine.
His eyes widened as he saw his beautiful princess, now more beautiful than before.
She extended her hand, to that he gave her a kiss
Their eyes met; a multitude of curiosity
She smiled and spoke:
"Now, my handsome prince, you may have the cute skinny girls, the Jack Daniels, and the absence of my nagging, persistent bitching...
But darling, success'...she whispered seductively, "Is so much sweeter".
With that she waltzed away, leaving a hundred on the counter
"Enjoy my wine, my darling prince." 


xo Kristina

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Arts and Crafts for the Wine-o

What you need: old wine bottles & Christmas lights (you chose the color!)
What you need to do: Feed lights into the wine bottles! 
Quick, Simple, and SO CUTE! 

Perfect for getting the girlies together! 
{might as well pour a few glasses as well}

{source: pinterest.com}

Monday, May 23, 2011

Learning to Trust

I have come to believe that with age, comes a sense of self worth and maturity. It appears, seemingly overnight, as the moon disappears through the clouds and the sun whispers a faint "Good Morning" welcoming the new day. Suddenly, the life you envisioned becomes an ever pressing reality that leaves you breathless. 

This morning, I felt it. I awoke with such emotion and vigor that I couldn't help but smile. As the sun illuminated the bedroom, everything became pristine; clear. It felt different. Even the air, the cool morning breeze, left goosebumps across my sun-kissed skin. The roses, although slightly wilted, seemed bigger and brighter. I realized  I've been hiding; afraid to pinch myself as if my surroundings were actually that of a dream. I was afraid to believe; afraid that the glimmer of hope would fade. 


There he laid, content within the depths of his dreams, oblivious of the music that streamed from the alarm. Possibly in protest; a silent refusal. As I watched the rise and fall of his masculine chest, I realized that I have never been happier. How often in life do fairy tales come true, I wondered, shifting the weight of my body. 

My answer appeared moments later as he lovingly positioned his body close to mine. The fairy tale was not that of a glass slipper, a prick of the finger, or a long coma-like slumber. The fairy tale was an understanding; an awakening that gave me a sense of revival. I had been afraid, but he was there when I needed him to hold my hand. 


Learning to trust...learning how to open my heart.



 
This photo was retrieved from "The Bottom of the Ironing Basket"

Why this photo?
I was struck by the beautiful simplicity of this photograph...
Reflective
Peaceful
Assured.

{The fairytale...is the one you create.}

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Just Because


Every girl whether she would like to admit it or not, loves to get flowers! Here are a few photos of the beautiful white roses I got on Friday!


Friday, May 20, 2011

Electric Touch




This beautiful photograph was retrieved from LeLove.
{photographer unknown}

"Give me your lips and with one kiss we'll begin."
{Blink 182}


Music.Lyrics.Love : Almost Lover




Photographer Unknown
"Your fingertips across my skin
the palm trees swaying in the wind, images
You sang me Spanish lullabies
the sweetest sadness in your eyes, clever trick." 


I was touched by the simple, yet complex emotion of this song. It reminded me of highschool and that first breakup that rendered me lethargic, sad and lonely. Why is first love like that? Why do we feel the world is going to end? I can laugh now, upon experiencing what it truly means to be "in love". But that 15 year old version of myself believed otherwise. 
First love...

Happy Hour Readers: Who was your "first love", how did it end? Are you still together? Share your heart filled stories. 

{A Fine Frenzy: Almost Lover}




Thursday, May 19, 2011

Happy Hour Mixology #2 : Do you like Pina Coladas?

A Classic Cocktail for a sweet lil' Getaway!


As for the Jimmy Buffet Fans...

"If you like Pina Coladas, and getting caught in the rain.
If you're not into yoga, if you have half-a-brain.
If you like making love at midnight, in the dunes of the cape.
I'm the love that you've looked for, write to me, and escape."

What you need:
4-6 ice cubes
2 measures white rum
1 measure dark rum
3 measures pineapple juice
2 measures coconut cream
pineapple & orange wedges to garnish

What you need to do:
Blend the crushed ice in the blender with white rum, dark rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream until smooooth.

Pour into a tall chilled glass, and enjoy!

{Recipe from: The Mini Manual of Cocktails by Parragon Books 2010}

An Open Canvas: Beauty Redefined

A
Deeply Personal,
Unique
 Form of Self Expression...
An
Open Canvas:
Beauty Redefined


Happy Hour Readers: Do you have any tattoos? If so please share.

xo Kristina

Words to Live By...


{marilyn monroe}

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Excerpts & Confessions of an Unpublished Writer IV

6 years Earlier

Carrie had just gotten out of work when her cell phone vibrated violently in the center console of her car. As she brushed her hair away from her face, she sighed. "Better not be Mike", she silently protested. "Hello, this is Carrie", she mumbled. But there was no answer. "Hello?" she asked once more. A quiet voice then replied, "Hi Carrie." Upon hearing his voice, she smiled. "Oh, Hi Vins. What's up?" She waited for his response, searching the radio for a song she actually liked. "Vin, is everything OK?" "No Carrie I-", he started. "Just come over. I need to talk to you", he whispered. Before she could answer, he hung up the phone.

Puzzled, she put on her seat belt and turned the key to the ignition. A quite roar erupted from the motor as she quickly put her car into gear. As she drove down the familiar road, she found herself worrying about the urgency in Vinnie's voice. She had known Vinnie since she was two, and she had grown accustomed to Vinnie's array of emotions. Tonight, however, his voice was different. Her stomach ached in nervous anticipation.

A mile later, she was in Vinnie's driveway. Marie, Vinnie's mother, was already outside sitting on the porch swing. Upon seeing Carrie, she stood wiping her beautiful hazel eyes. "Come here, Carrie," she whispered as she pulled Carrie close to her. "What's wrong, Marie? What happened?" she asked as she listened to the steady beat of her heart. "You haven't heard?" Marie replied cautiously. "Heard what, Marie? Is Vinnie OK?" Marie paused, regretfully anticipating the words that would soon follow. Her heart ached in agony as she looked at the innocent face before her. The day that Carrie was born, Marie had found a special place in her heart for her best friend's daughter. With tears in her eyes, she took Carrie's hand. "Carrie, there's been an accident."

Like a dagger, the news of the accident pierced through her heart. Thoughts of Vinnie soon flooded her mind as she tried to piece together the information she had received. Nervously, she pulled away from Marie and asked, "What accident? Whose been in an accident?" Carrie yelled. Marie hesitated, wondering how she was going to tell Carrie that her best friend was no longer alive. With a lump in her throat she replied, "Stephanie."

"Stephanie!" She nearly screamed as she cupped her face within her trembling hands. "W-What are you talking about Marie?" she managed to mutter between sobs. "Last night", she began. "Last night she hit a tree...the car was totaled." For a brief moment, Carrie said nothing as if her voice escaped her. "If it happened last night, why didn't anyone tell me?" Carrie searched Marie's face for answers. "They identified the body this morning."

Accident. The body. Stephanie.

Suddenly, Carrie felt queasy; her knees no longer able to hold the weight of her body. She collapsed hitting the porch with such force that it shocked Marie. "Carrie! Are you alright?" she yelled as she rushed to her side trying to support Carrie's weight against her torso.

Carrie tried to interpret the faint sound of Marie's voice. Slowly, she began to regain consciousness. "Oh, Carrie, your alright!" Marie nearly sang as she kissed Carrie's cheeks and brushed the hair away from her face. Carrie's otherwise youthful glow appeared pale, and her mascara ran from her pale green eyes. Not knowing what else to do, Marie held Carrie. As Carrie's tears soaked through her sweater, she wondered how her son and Carrie would cope with the death of Stephanie.  


Tuesday, May 17, 2011

The Little Things



Practical Magic


"Well, that's what love is like. Everything inside you tells you to stop before you fall...But you just keep going."
Practical Magic

Leather, Lace & A Ducati


I have never been a girly girl. In fact, my obsession with shoes and all things pink and sparkly, is fairly new. If it weren't for a few good friends back in college, I still might be wearing my old Vans with my jeans up to my belly button. Thankfully ,(for everyone's sake), they were the ones who introduced me to eyeliner, eyeshadow, lip gloss, and lace panties from Victoria Secret. They taught me how to style my hair, apply a seductive smokey eye and how to enhance the "girls" for picture-perfect cleavage. 


 Lesson by lesson, they gave me sense of confidence that I had seemingly been lacking. I soon realized, I could be a "woman" even if I was still a "tomboy" in spirit. Truthfully, I am not ashamed to admit I know how to throw a perfect spiral, take back a shot of Jack Daniels, and well, hang with the boys. I understand what "3rd and down" means while watching a New England Patriots game, and I love to go ice fishing. My heart will always beat faster when I see a big truck with a Hemi and I will always go wild when I hear the first roar of a street bike when winter fades to spring. There is something about motorcylces that drive me absolutley insane and I can't wait until I own my dream; an 848 Ducati. 
 Now, the 848 Ducati, is a finely engineered machine. In my opinion, the motor merely purrs as it glides down the interstate; weaving through curves like a man caressing a woman's smooth, naked body. To put it bluntly, the 848 Ducati is sex on two wheels; it begs to be ridden. Upon first sight, my heart pumps with nervous adrenaline.  It is seductively dangerous and it questions your mere insanity as it accelerates to 80, 90, 100...120 miles per hour. To say that I would be pleased to own one is an understatement; I would die happy.
 As for bringing out my more feminine side? I would be proud to wear a bit of lace underneath that leather jacket. Mysterious...mystic...divinely tomboy. 

Monday, May 16, 2011

I'd be Lying...

i'd be lying if i didn't say you make me feel alive.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Words to live by...


Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday!

We get by with a little help from our friends...

I stumbled across this blog post today and my heart grew three sizes. I actually envisioned myself as the Grinch on Christmas morning when he finally discovered that the Who's in Whoville didn't need packages or ribbons to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.


Love, I am discovering, takes on many different forms. There is the kind of love that makes you weak in the knees; the kind of love that renders you speechless as you divulge in the concept of forever. There is the kind of love where you doodle red and pink hearts on tatered notebook paper; day dreaming as you scribble their name. There is unconditional love. The kind of love where you grow old with another individual; the vow you repeated on your wedding day. Then of course, there is the love that you share with your best friends; the kind of love that embodies understanding and acceptance. The kind of love that fails to disipate even when the romantic, unconditional, young love fades...


Please take a moment to read this blog post I found on LeLove. It is a tribute to all those who love their best friends. With that being said, I want to tell my best friends how much I adore them. xo

Click on the "Best Friends" Link below the picture


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