Christmas 2011 Recap

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Nikki Rose Ty

Christmas was bittersweet this year. I really missed my parents and my sister’s family, since they are now living in Philippines. There were also less presents under the tree, but we were all together, and that is what is most important.

Every single gift I got was so great. I got some new flats, an awesome eyeshadow palette, a manicure kit, a much needed pedicure kit, and a portable iPhone/iPod speaker. I told Prentyce not to buy me anything for Christmas. He has already spent so much money on me this year that it’s almost embarrassing. Thank you for all my gifts family, during Christmas and throughout the year.

Christmas mass was nice. We went right before the party and had to leave an hour early to guarantee seats. The lesson the priest spoke of was about how someone asked him, “How come there’s never something new for Christmas mass? Why isn’t there a new scripture? Or story?” He told us to enjoy the things we already have. We do not always need something new to be happy. I cannot express how true that message is, regardless of what religion you follow or don’t follow. Every holiday season, we are all so eager to get that new iPad or to buy that blouse on sale. This Christmas was the first Christmas that I didn’t ask for anything except for my health, so that I could go back to work and back to school. I have never wanted anything more…

This Christmas was different for me for a lot of reasons, but I know everything happens for a reason. To end, here is my family’s Christmas photo. Can you find Prentyce? : )

Christmas Photocards & Last Minute Shopping

Posted on December 18, 2011 by Nikki Rose Ty

For some reason, I want to send out Christmas/holiday cards this year. It might be my recent obsession with stationery, all this free time I have, or the fact that being engaged makes me want to do a million projects.

Here are photos from the past three Christmases of Prentyce and me.

Photos edited with iOS apps: Diptic, LabelBox, and PhotoTreats 
(Yes, I used all three apps per pic.)

I think we look pretty gosh darn sexy, but you might beg differ. My favorite thing about all three of these photos is that our poses are so similar. I also absolutely love that Mr. Albright has gained weight since 2008. Doesn’t he look ~~scrumptious~~ great?

We have yet to take our picture this year due to the fact that Christmas Eve has not arrived (only 6 more days!). If it is tasteful, I’ll be definitely sending it out to a few friends and some of my our relatives.

But for now, I have bigger things to worry about, like finding gifts for my big brothers. Boys are so hard to shop for! You can buy girls just about anything, i.e. lip glosses, lotions, nail polishes, make-up palettes, cosmetic bags, tops, shoes, etc. What are you supposed to get boys? Tools? Ehh. Shirts? I get them this every year, but I hate being so repetitive. Gadgets? I’m too poor. Ahhhh… I need another Christmas miracle in the next 6 days.

What’s the first Christmas miracle, you ask? I am feeling so much better! I haven’t had a muscle spasm in 2 weeks and I can walk around without getting fatigued. The physical therapy exercises really helped a lot. I continue to do them twice daily. Prentyce keeps reminding me to slow down though and not rush myself to health. It’s so hard to sit idle and while I have forgotten at times, nothing bad has happened ~~yet~~. I am asking Santa for more progress and long-lasting health for me and everyone I know. I hope he comes through for me.

I probably won’t update again until after Christmas, but I’m wishing you and yours a very happy holiday! Don’t forget to spread peace, love, and joy.

5 Things: Cyber Monday Awesomeness + Deals

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Nikki Rose Ty

There’s less than 12 hours left of Cyber Monday, just in case you didn’t make out well on Black Friday. Personally, I prefer Cyber Monday, but to each his/her own. Here are the 5 reasons why Cyber Monday is absolutely awesome!

1. Save on gas
Not having to drive to the store is great, especially since it hurts so bad to walk still. Plus, less chances for a car accident! I haven’t purchased gas for my car in more than 2 months and the tank is still practically full! That’s a savings of $200+. Think of how much money you would save if you didn’t have to drive anywhere?! (Not really happy about not being able to drive anywhere, but I have to look at the positives!)

2. No waiting in line
About two years ago, Pretyce and I were in line at Target on Black Friday. It was cold, sad, and worrisome. You had to be on guard so that these other em-effers wouldn’t cut you in line. I hated that! Check out this photo from the People of Walmart. It’s madness!

3. Gets bigger every year
With the increase of online shopping, many retailers are choosing to participate in the Cyber Monday bonanza. Check this article by the San Francisco Chronicle, which states that Cyber Monday sales are up 15% in comparison to last year . More retailers means more competition which means more savings!!!

4. Storewide discounts and free shipping with no minimums
Looking at the sales online today, I noticed that many online retailers were offering such awesome deals! Additionally, the abundance of free shipping promos has risen compared to last year (in my experience). Free shipping are two of world wide web’s most beautiful words!

5. Here’s a list of the deals I liked:
Wet Seal – Free shipping (no minimum) & 40% off your entire order
Living Social deals - I got the OfficeMax $10 for $20
Apple.com – Free shipping (no minimum) until 12/22
Kohls.com – Free shipping & 20% off your entire order (Coupon Code: CYBER20)

I only have a few people left to check off my Christmas list! Isn’t that great? I just hope I am well enough by Christmas Eve to wrap all the gifts.

Good luck on your holiday shopping! Are you almost finished or not even close?

What sound does a zebra make?

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Nikki Rose Ty

I was going to be a zombie this Halloween, being that it’s pretty easy to accomplish. All you would need would be the following: ripped clothing & face makeup.

But… I didn’t feel like ripping any of my clothes, looking like a hot mess, or putting a whole face of makeup on.

On a whim, I decided to be a zebra. I wore a zebra patterned top, black leggings, and a black cardigan. (Yeah, pretty boring… )

My makeup was inspired by this YouTube video:

And as far as the title goes, I was trying to roar at my nieces & nephews, but I don’t think zebras roar. What sound do they make?

(un)Happy Halloween!

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Nikki Rose Ty

Happy Halloween everyone, except right now, it doesn’t feel very happy. Halloween is so different this year compared to how I have celebrated it the past six years. In what ways you may ask? (I know you could care less, but I’ll tell you anyway.)

Parents & the Lee fam were still in America
I had a perfectly working back
We would be having a huge party with awesome decorations & games & lots of food
My splendid costume would be ready to go
My spirits would be as high as druggie

To make matters worse, as of right now, I am costume-less. Due to me being basically handicapped the past 2 weeks, I have done nothing Halloweeny. I have thought of some ~~lazy~~ easy costume ideas though, i.e. zombie, nerd, secret agent, etc., but still… none of them have gotten me excited about celebrating what used to be my #2 favorite holiday (Christmas is my #1 favorite).

My nieces and nephews are still at school right now. Hopefully I’ll be in a better mood by the time they are let out, so that I won’t get the “Killjoy Award”. (I just thought of that.)

Excuse me while I take my pain meds followed by a shot of candy corn.

Have a very happy Halloween.