Caio Bello... its Spa Night :)

So, I woke up this morning and crawled out of bed wishing I had another 6 hours of sleep...

(thats not an exaggeration.)

As I put my feet down on the cold basement floor (of carpet) I slowly walked to my door.

Creaking noises rushed thru out the living room as I opened my door...

then i saw it.

a sign.

a note.

i loved this.

This is what it said:

Sista, Lets do these things...

1. exercise

2. a sweet avacado facial

3. a 50's photo shoot (dressed up with red lipstick)

sooo fun.

I lover you,

Britt

Whatta wonderful way to start a day.

I called it "me day".

Because as soon at 5 o clock (somewhere) hit I knew I would be in my car on my way to spend time with... well.... me. (and brittany would be there too).

JUUUUUST kiddding.

So i came home to my wonderful sister and she surprised me with my biggest dream (hot oil treatments for your hair)....

just kidding I was scared and had never heard of it...

but it smelled fab-u-lous.

Then came part numero dos. Facial Masks.

this was refreshing but disgusting.

no avocado because.. well, brittany so kinda ate them.

So we used oatmeal instead. and honey. and egg whites. its okay, i guess.

Its currently marinating on my face and im starting to itch. (this cannot be good.)

here is a picture (aka momento) of our sister night....

Wonderful way to end a night, now I'll bask in my soft skin and hair and watch a movie.

ps: i see my best friend soon, cant wait... New years blog to come!

pss: christmas was good.

Wise words from the Grinch.

So, I have a new favorite book. Its been a favorite for a long time now.

But I'm lovin it more and more as each year passes.

How the Grinch stole Christmas.

looo-hooove it.

I have been picking a line to memorize every week. some are silly. All rhyme.

Some are insightful.

I think Dr. Seuss and i would have been friends.

Line for Last week:

"And he stuffed them in bags. Then the Grinch, very nimbly, Stuffed all the bags, one by one, up the chimbley."

(i laugh)

Line for this week:

"Every who down in Who-ville, the tall and the small, was singing! Without any presents at all."

So, its christmas time. Which in my family means shopping and lists.

The older I get the more gifts I buy.

side note: I am the worlds WORST gift giver. Im really good with the people closest to me, horrible for the rest. And by the people closest to me I mean, family and jess :)

Everyone else: sorry. I stink. many apologies.

Anywhoo... back on track...

Gift giving is where I lack.

Im not good at it, and I tend to stress over what to buy.... how much to spend... blah blah blah.

I was having a "gift giving conversation" with my mom yesterday when she made this comment.

Mom: I've been thinking about what would happen if I just didnt do it.

Me: Didnt do what?

Mom: Go christmas shopping, I havent even started and what if I just didnt do it.

Me: ooooh (thinking of the pair of toms, the nikon lense, the purse and the million other things I suddenly didnt just "want" for christmas.. I NEEDED them)

Mom: I just think thats not what Christmas is about and we got all wrapped up in it.

Me: Thats sad.

Mom: that we get wrapped up in it?

Me: no, that you dont want to buy presents.

Mom: I just dont think thats what Christmas should be about.

*** silence ***

I have been pondering what she said. And so I made a list. :)

a list of the things I enjoy most about Christmas.

It consisted of 8 things.

The first 4 being the MOST important...

allow me to share:

1.) Every sibling is home, family is ALL together

2.) Christmas Eve church service and Christmas Eve tradition

*this consists of oyster stew, chili and shrimp cocktail.*

3.) all my siblings and I sleep in the same room and stay up late

* I'm honestly not sure if this will change once we are married. this could make christmas awkward for the spouses.. eh, who cares.)

4.) Christmas Day dinner, going around the table sharing what we love about eachother.

Thats the list.

The rest does consist of opening presents, giving presents, getting pjs on christmas eve (tradition).

But the top 4 are the things that I would be broken hearted if we didnt do.

It made me realize the Christmas is NOT about presents. Its not about catching the sales. Its not about black Friday or the brand new purse.

Those things are so silly.

Its about Jesus.

Celebrating His birth.

Its about Family.

I'll still buy gifts for the people I love, because I love them.

But Im not going to stress over it.

I'm not going to go into debt over it.

And I'm not going to make a list of the things I want.

I have everything I want.

(except a boyfriend. crap.)

So, regardless of what i get I'm certain I'll have the best Christmas yet.

Because of what I already have.

As the Grinch said: "maybe christmas," he thought, "doesnt come from a store."

"maybe Christmas . . . perhaps . . . means a little bit more!"

thinking of the future...

there are some days when I think of all the things i think i could do. I dream, if you will.

this is my dreaming face:

Allow me to share.

I think I could be a photographer forever.

Im really loving it more and more.

Its so fun to capture a moment.

To have a memory on a piece of paper that takes you back.

I looo-hooove this. ----------------------------->

I also think I could be a nanny forever.

I really do love this more than words can explain.
I love being in a home, being with kids. taking care of lunch and snacks.
thinking up fun projects or field trips.
Most of all I just love loving those little youngins :)
They brighten my life up.
(i honestly cant get enough of you G, Addi and Paigers)

it makes me think of being married and having kids.

I realize more and more everyday

Especially during Christmas time.

Maybe its common for the average single 24 year old girl to think of getting married around the holidays.

Ok ok ok... so maybe i think of it more than just christmas time.

but more so christmas time.

I cant wait to decorate my own place with my little family.

that will be so fun.

ooooone daaaaay my priiiiiince will coooooome..... oooone daaaaay we'll...

ohh sorry... lost myself in the moment there.

Although I do spend a lengthy amount of time day dreaming about my future I have to admit that I'm really enjoying the present.

I have such wonderful people in my life.

And for the first time I'm allowing myself to try new things.

Example: photography.

this = love.

* side note: thankyou Jozette. You may not know this but a conversation that I had with YOU is what made me decide to try photography! **

Plus editing pictures has now taken the time I used to spend looking at wedding dresses.

I have decided this is a good thing.

I'm sure one day I'll get married and have kids and a house and thoroughly enjoy the Holidays in my own home...

but for now.

Im loving myself. Adoring those little Dean

girls. And the basement isnt half bad. :)

mom even helped me decorate.

Happy holidays from Brooke.

Maybe its good to think of everything we have now and not dream so much about what could be. :)

Life is Good.
God is Gooder (yep. I said Gooder).

And i'm thankful for the present of the present.

(you got it).

its the most wonderful time of the year.

Ok... I was starting this blog with the intention of writing about the holidays...
but as I finished my title sentence i heard Ryan Seacrest's voice (im watching E!) say something that rocks my world.
i cant believe it.
why cant he always be single.
ugh....
Jake and Taylor.
really?
weird.
Does anybody agree???
Jake Gyllenhaal (or as I call him.. my jake)
and Taylor Swift.
(really jake?! She is 12 and has dated a jo-bro)
whom i also was in love with... but that's besides the point.
I liked him better with Reese.

Okay... I, Brooke, will no longer care about celebrities lives.
I think I can.. I think I can... I think I can.

uugh.

Anyways...back to what I originally wanted to blog about.
I LOOOVE the holidays.

I just got back from Tennesse where I saw these people in the picture above:
(approx. 5 people had left for home before the picture was taken.. so they are missing)

Theres a pic of Grams and Gramps too :) looking awesome!!!

there was lots of us. and it was a blast.
Laughing so hard our stomachs hurt.
It was wonderful.
A week full of games, smiles, old movies,
home movies. thankful time. running around. golf cart races.
football games. food. pie. pool table. ninja game. pictures. food.
barn dances. and more food.

i already miss family time :) it was so great. :)
i have a good family. Really, I do. I realize this more and more as i grow up.
I also realize that I have the best life. Such great friends.
So much love in my life :)
and to make matters better.. christmas is here.

ahhhh.
As i speak there are christmas decorations filling my house placed perfectly in every spot (done in a way only mom can do it)
I have already watched White Christmas 3 times... and will probably watch it another million more :)
i love the holidays.

Mostly because I love spending time with the people in my life!
so here is a little shout out.
I love you mom. :)
I love you dad.
I love you brit, brandon and Brad :)
I love you Nish.
I love you Jess.
I love you Brit, Kel and Les :)
I love you Grams and Gramps and B.
And i really really Love the DEANS :)

Love love love love love love love.

SoOoOoO Close!!!

I am currently sitting in my sister's dorm room.
She is at work.
Im eating almonds and watching desperate housewives (the reality one.)

In about and hour and a half brittany will get off work and we will make our way to Campus Center (cafeteria... this makes me more and more excited about Thanksgiving... the food here... not so good.)
After dinner we will make our way to Aunt Gayle's house (auntie).
She lives about 15 minutes away.
There we will meet mom, dad and brad.
And then we will all be together again... (ahhhhhhhhh)
AFter spending the evening with Auntie, Uncle Steve, Mandy, Penny and Celia, my siblings and i will retreat to the basement where we camp out on couches and sleeping bags, put a movie on the big screen and stay up way too late laughing (at probably Brad).
Then we will wake up.
And drive for what seems like forever.
approximately 10 hours? Thats a guess.
I may cry. (i tend to get emotional on long car rides)

But then....
After driving forever..
and with much anticipation.
we will be THERE.
Grandma's house.
This is quite possibly my most favorite place in this world.
I simply cannot wait to pull up their long driveway and see the big white house :)

It's going to be awesome.

Grandma and Grandpa... here i come :)

Done-zo.

The bedroom make-over is COMPLETE... well, there is one thing left.

But I'm just calling it COMPLETE!

halle-stinkin-lujah :)

It really wasnt that bad and it's been done for about a week now.

But I like it.

A LOT.

Way more than before.

Should I keep typing (talking) about it?

Or just show you?

ok... ladies and gentlemen....

BEFORE:

plain. boring. unnnnn organized...

and.......................................................

AFTER:

Clean, Sharp, New paint, Cozy, simple...

TA-DA.

I loooo-hoooove it.

I've been in my room almost non-stop.

It may not look Drastic to ya'll.

But its so much better than before. Feels like me.

I have my "wall of favorite people". :)

This is probably my favorite part...

see if you can find your picture :) ha.

I only have to put the fabric "pads" on my headboard and then I'm officially done.

(thankyou SUE for giving me your headboard!)

I got an old wooden headboard from a friend and after some sanding and painting it LOOKS FAB.

I have TONS more to blog about.

Family pictures.

my new favorite kitchen facial. you heard me.

I'll blog about all that lata.

But for today I wanted to show you my new "pad".

:)

Feel free to come over whenever.

you are invited.

im having a nervous breakdown!

As I type these words my eye is twitching and my hands are shaking.

If there is a breakdown point in bedroom renovations then I have hit it...

I may cry.

It started so well (considering I did the work alone)....

.... can i take a second to say i cant wait for a husband one day that will take over painting, putting storage units together... and doing all the things i hate doing?! ....

back to my breakdown.

I finished painting, hanging most things on the wall....

its loooking............ good.

One awesome thing is this: I got a FREE bedframe...

** thankyou Dave Bedell... you ROCK! **

but as I was about to finish hanging a few things.

(you will see pictures soon)

I heard a crash.

.... coming from my closet.

I cried.

I knew what this meant.

This meant my biggest fear has come true.

that SHE is right.

ugh.... I hate it whens "she" is right.

you know who "she" is, right??

mother.

my mother.

her scolding me for buying dress after dress...

cute top after cute top.

i didnt have one in that color... or that fabric.

(are the excuses working with you?)

uuuuugggghhhh.

she. was. right.

once again I ugh.

So, i was forced to take all my clothes out of my closet...

as I picked up each precious piece (that had been thrown so carelessly onto the floor)

I began to notice something.

I have a lot of clothes.

possibly... just possibly... TOO many (however, im not ready to say for sure)

i have 35 dresses...... i know... stop yelling at me

35 dresses that fit...

not 15 dresses that fit and then the ones i hope will fit one day.

nope.... thirty five dresses that fit.

and over 50 dress tops... dont hate me.

What i want to do is buy a really nice wooden closet organizer that can handle my... "things".

but i just spent 50 dollars on a bedroom make over.

once again...

im crying.

Grand Totaly thus far = $0.00

So I finished my brainstorming last night on Project "bedroom makeover" and couldnt help myself but get straight to work.. so i made this:

Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 are as follows:

stage 1:

2:

and some painting:

Things are slowly coming together, i've got the vision in my head, now just getting my room to match the vision :) Tomorrow = shopping for the few things i need, getting new bed frame. making head board. (im most excited about this!)

Friday = painting!!!!

WOO HOO!!!! :)

i have a Dream...

I have a Dream.......

of a place thats my own :)

A place full of my favorite things...

this includes:

music, children, warm colors, comfortable bed.

So i have decided to re-do my room.

re-decorate. change everything.

a little transformation for the soul, if you will.

however, a certain issue comes to mind when i think of such a task.

$$$$$$

I have none of this.

So. I have set a goal.

I am going to redecorate my room- from top to bottom for the amount of...

(drum roll please)

50 dollars.

Things I need to change:

paint, bed, picture frames, some kind of storage unit.

i know what your thinking.....

"impossible"..... but.....

i think I can do it.

I'm going to dig deep into every crafty part of my being and make this happen.

Brain storming starts tonight. project starts tomorrow.

BEFORE :

the belly rules the mind.

I have found a new love.I find myself wanting to try new hobbies with every season.

This summer was gardening... allow me to show yo

u.

Now that summer is over I have found

new love...

cooking.

(notice that all my hobbies are based on food? is this okay?)

Im not much of a cook.

I once went to bed while cookies were in the oven.

I forgot I was baking.

HOWEVER... I feel it is my responsibility as woman to know how to cook a delicious meal.

EVEN if it is ONLY for Mwah. :)

I am proud to say that as I type these very words I have a pumpkin cheesecake chilling in the fridge.

I hear cheesecake is hard to make, so I am crossing my fingers in hopes that it "sets" alright.

I did contribute to our dinner last night...

behold.

a little toasted ravioli. Some salad. Some meatballs. and VOILA!!!

The meatballs are actually a recipe from my grandma (shout out to Grandma Marge)!

You actually make the meatballs in an onion-ee gravy sauce.

Doesnt sound too amazing...

But its completely fab.

on another note...

I'm starting to get more and more busy with photography.

so fun.

I took some pictures at a birthday party sunday and had a blast.

It was for a neighbor of the my nanny family.

This neighborhood is the ideal American dream.

We are talking christmas parties, kids birthdays,random get togethers.

trick or treating.

completely presh.

Here's a group shot of the cute kiddos:

I'll leave you with this........

I miss my sister.

She comes home in about two weeks.

Thats two weeks too long.

let myself go at 24.... whoops.

<--------- love --------------

I discovered something tonight.

And I'm kiiiiinda crazy about it. fo real.

ulta. ugh.

Ahhhhh-mazing.

(i made a purchase that I'll share with ya'll in another blog)

Make up. lotion. nail polish. perfume.

oh heavens. the perfume.

I may apply to work there just so i can spritz myself with endless perfumes.

I went there in my usual get up

(over-sized sweat pants with an old, faded, bleach stained t-shirt... and topped it off with a pony tail and head band).

Needless to say I had a mental breakdown.

Have a let myself go? yup.

Why?? No idea.

I soon realized that I have allowed myself to get stuck in a horrible habit of not taking the time to look.... well... nice.

I think its because I dont think I look good in hats.

and i hate the way my fingernails look painted.

Then again. I like hats.

and i LoVe finger nail polish.

Therefore.....

I will paint.

and love it.

no longer will I believe the bad things.

free at last, free at last.

Go paint your nails :)

the reasons i love fall.

1. turtle necks, boots, scarves and sweaters.

2. apple cider and hot coffee. yum.

3. Good reason to spend a night on the couch bundled up.

4. all the best tv shows come back.

*few examples: grey. one tree hill. bachelor. biggest loser = love. *

5. colors are PERFECT for pictures. check this out this picture of my favorite little guy I took on Saturday :)

But my favorite thing is this....

fall = new collections from designers.

new collections = new dresses.

new dresses =

<------------------ wow.

I could just die. Fall only fuels my sick obsession for weddings. And new collections warm my heart. :)

I LOOOVE fall.

As well as the desire for hot drinks and killer wedding gowns fall also makes me want to do one more thing:

change my hair.

This is what I want today.

I'll leave you with that.

Happy Fall.

TAKE THAT PROCASTINATION!

Sooooo, yesterday was very eventful for me!

Got tons of stuff done.

I even got to spend some QT with B-rad.

(I'm just going count watching one episode of Boy Meets World as QT)

I also got the pictures I have taken for families on cds and even got my favorites printed out... heres my favorite picture so far.

Ladies and Gents: Addie.

I also managed to wrap one present with the intent of delivering it TOMORROW...

we're going to hope this one happens.

But the big news about yesterday was DINNER.

So I live with my parents and my little 13 year old brother...

you would think in a family of 4 there wouldnt be much to do,

YOUR WRONG!

Monday nights are softball nights for dad, brad usually has some kind of basketball practice.

Which leaves me. mom. and dancing with the stars.

* quick shout out to my main man Derek Hough*

I think Bristol is going home tonight. :(

Anywhoooooo.

I was left in charge of dinner.....

So heres what I came up with.

Little homemade chips

(baked whole wheat tortilla with some xtra evoo and a little salt)

And some home made salsa with corn... SO GOOD.

We also had home-made provolone and mozzarella pepperoni pizza.

I repeat : sooo good.

But the best part people.. was desert.

Can I just say that I LOVE fall? I so love it.

Love the leaves.

Love that its starting to get a little cold.

Love a good backyard fire.

LOOOOVE apple cider.

ugh, i just love it. a lot.

so this desert was perfection to me.

baked-brown-sugar-apples.

heaven, people, heaven.

mondaaay.

Its Monday!

Here's what's on my agenda:

1. get pictures burned on cds for two very patient families

(who have been waiting for MONTHS)...

I am sooo not professional yet.

2. Get the schedule made for helpers for this years Christmas Play at church.

3. shower *this may or may not happen*

4. spend quality time with Bradley.

(he skipped school... i'm proud)

5. Write letters.... this is something I'm trying to get better at.

I have realized something about myself that is soooo embarrassing. I actually keep it a secret because im so ashamed.

HOWEVER... I think its time to let the world now my biggest fault.

I am a HOARDER.... of gifts.

Right now I have a wedding gift, a graduation gift, an anniversary gift and two birthday presents sitting in my room and in the trunk of my car.

I have NO idea why I do this. Its not like I want to keep the gifts, they are specifically bought for the interest of the recipient.

Yet, I have them.

so #6 on my list: wrap and return/or mail the gifts.

Have a good Monday. :)