tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60536374911525494322024-03-19T14:12:56.652-07:00sweet summer smilesEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-48343638620976205632013-06-15T09:30:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:35.095-07:00Cacao. Good or bad?<a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/j.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-851" alt="j" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/j.jpg" width="300" height="300" /></a><br/><br/> <br/><br/>I recently purchased a bag of <a title="Cacao powder" href="http://navitasnaturals.com/product/441/Cacao-Powder.html" target="_blank">Cacao powder</a> from Whole Foods. After doing some research I've read mixed opinions/facts on the bean. I've read that it is a superfood packed with a lot of nutrients and helps boost your mood and is a great natural alternative to cocoa powder and chocolate (which is why I bought it in the first place). However, I've also read that it contains more toxins than nutrients therefore it's not good for you and it's <a title="highly addictive" href="http://files.meetup.com/306489/Is%20Raw%20Cacao%20a%20Superfood%20or%20Harmful%20Stimulant.pdf" target="_blank">highly addictive </a>resulting in a list of possible <a title="negative effects on the body" href="http://jinjeetalifero.com/?p=420" target="_blank">negative effects on the body</a>. I've eaten a bit of it over the past couple of days and I did notice that it has the same effect coffee has on my body...causing me to become anxious, which is probably why I will not consume much more of it. Right now I am just going to listen to my body but I'm really interested in finding out what you all have read and studied about cacao. What has been your experience with cacao?Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-39342213484050911692013-06-04T02:41:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:35.060-07:00Part 2: Chicago Trip 2013Three weeks ago John and I along with Molly and Ryan (our friends from Tampa) flew to Chicago for 4 a night vacation! We planned the trip very well (we purchased the <a title="Chicago Go Card" href="http://www.smartdestinations.com/chicago-attractions-and-tours/_d_Chi-p1.html?pass=Chi_Prod_Go" target="_blank">Chicago Go Card</a>) and had the opportunity to see everything that we had hoped to see.<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-15-17-00-13.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-788" alt="2013-05-15 17.00.13" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-15-17-00-13.jpg?w=870" width="870" height="652" /></a><br/><br/>The night we got in was <a title="Molly" href="http://theregoesmollyrose.wordpress.com" target="_blank">Molly</a> and Ryan's 2 year anniversary so Ryan planned a romantic dinner for them at the Signature Room (the top of The John Hancock building). While Molly and Ryan were at the very top of the building John and I were literally at the very bottom of the building enjoying dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and soaking up the city life :)<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/trhfdg.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-787" alt="trhfdg" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/trhfdg.jpg" width="600" height="800" /></a><br/><br/>Day #2<br/><br/>Was a lot of fun! We started off with The architecture boat tour which was really neat to see the city from the river and get schooled on the history of the Chi town. Afterwards, we hit up a local restaurant at the Pier for lunch and then hopped on the Ferris Wheel for a little ride then headed towards the John Hancock building for an amazing view on the 95th floor. It was beautiful! We also went to the Chicago History museum and that night went to Wrigley Field to watch a Cubs game. However, you did not hear this STL Cardinals fan cheering on the Cubbies!<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-14-11-41-23.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-789" alt="2013-05-14 11.41.23" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-14-11-41-23.jpg?w=768" width="768" height="1024" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-14-10-46-58.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-790" alt="2013-05-14 10.46.58" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-14-10-46-58.jpg?w=870" width="870" height="652" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-14-12-22-47.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-791" alt="2013-05-14 12.22.47" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-14-12-22-47.jpg?w=768" width="768" height="1024" /></a><br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/t.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-792" alt="T" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/t.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/yrtherte.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-794" alt="YRTHERTE" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/yrtherte.jpg?w=718" width="718" height="958" /></a><br/><br/> <br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/y5.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-793" alt="Y5" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/y5.jpg?w=870" width="870" height="652" /></a><br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/adfhzcx.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-801" alt="adfhzcx" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/adfhzcx.jpg" width="800" height="600" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/evdsca.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-802" alt="EVDSCA" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/evdsca.jpg?w=718" width="718" height="958" /></a><br/><br/> <br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/reg.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-803" alt="reg" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/reg.jpg?w=800" width="800" height="600" /></a><br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-14-19-39-34-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-805" alt="2013-05-14 19.39.34-2" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-14-19-39-34-2.jpg?w=870" width="870" height="652" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-14-21-10-52.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-806" alt="2013-05-14 21.10.52" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-14-21-10-52.jpg?w=870" width="870" height="652" /></a><br/><br/>Day #3<br/><br/>The following day we started off with MOSI. It was a really good museum however there were school children running around EVERYWHERE and we had a hard time enjoying all that the museum had to offer and the same for the Space Museum as well..SO many children! For lunch we decided on Chicago Pizza at <a title="Lou Malnati's" href="http://www.loumalnatis.com" target="_blank">Lou Malnati’s</a>. I had been looking forward to good pizza for much longer than just a couple of days. This midwest girl knows good pizza and I knew Chicago would not let me down. The pizza was soooo good, John and I ended up coming back the last night we were in Chicago. Apparently, you can have the pizza shipped to your house! Hmmm....I might see this happening in the future :) After pizza, we went on a bike ride around Chicago and Lake Michigan. This was my favorite part of the trip. It was a lot of fun exploring and we got to make a lot of stops along the way.<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/evf.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-795" alt="EVF" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/evf.jpg" width="718" height="958" /></a><br/><br/> <br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/fdgvcx.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-807" alt="fdgvcx" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/fdgvcx.jpg" width="600" height="800" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/gadsf.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-808" alt="gadsf" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/gadsf.jpg?w=800" width="800" height="600" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/htegrfvdaz.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-809" alt="htegrfvdaz" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/htegrfvdaz.jpg?w=800" width="800" height="451" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/nfgbdv.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-810" alt="nfgbdv" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/nfgbdv.jpg?w=451" width="451" height="800" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/rdfg.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-811" alt="rdfg" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/rdfg.jpg?w=800" width="800" height="600" /></a><br/><br/>Molly and I were told by both of our friends to go to <a title="Garrett Popcorn" href="http://www.garrettpopcorn.com" target="_blank">Garrett Popcorn</a> and try the Chicago Mix (half cheese, half caramel). So that's what we did! It was so good!<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/erg.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-796" alt="ERG" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/erg.jpg" width="718" height="958" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/regq.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-797" alt="REGQ" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/regq.jpg?w=718" width="718" height="958" /></a><br/><br/>We then headed to the SkyDeck at Wills Tower (aka Sears Tower) and took a lot of pictures standing over the city. Surprisingly, I wasn't too nervous standing over 103 stories of nothing :)<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/rgf.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-798" alt="rgf" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/rgf.jpg" width="600" height="800" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/rve.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-799" alt="RVE" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/rve.jpg?w=870" width="870" height="652" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/rvfeds.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-800" alt="RVFEDS" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/rvfeds.jpg?w=718" width="718" height="958" /></a><br/><br/>To wrap up the night we went out for dinner at his pretty hip restaurant near our hotel, I remember when we were eating dinner feeling so stuffed, turns out Molly and I both woke up in the middle of the night sick...our conclusion: we ate too much junk in one day! Guess that's a good sign of our daily diet though :)<br/><br/>The last day in Chicago we went to a lot of Museums: Field Museum, The Planetarium, and the Chicago Aquarium. We all were pretty tired but Molly and I were up for one more thing, a pedicure. The lady at the Spa recommended a place nearby our hotel and we were off! The boys definitely didn't believe we could make it there without getting lost and once we arrived to our destination safely we got a confidence boost that we could totally survive in a big city. It was a great way to wrap up our trip.<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/dsg.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-812" alt="dsg" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/dsg.jpg" width="800" height="600" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/erhgs.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-813" alt="erhgs" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/erhgs.jpg?w=800" width="800" height="600" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/fdahgvxcz.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-814" alt="fdahgvxcz" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/fdahgvxcz.jpg?w=800" width="800" height="600" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/few.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-815" alt="FEW" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/few.jpg?w=870" width="870" height="652" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/rgwefd.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-816" alt="RGWEFD" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/rgwefd.jpg?w=718" width="718" height="958" /></a><br/><br/> <br/><br/>One of my favorite things about Chicago was the transportation. Since we didn't have a car we literally took the bus and the subway everywhere. It was so much fun since I had never truly experienced anything like that. It was also cool to witness how many people could squeeze into those areas at once, at times I felt like we were a bunch of sardines crammed into a can. It was an experience!<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/4tgre.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-817" alt="4TGRE" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/4tgre.jpg" width="718" height="958" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/fgbr.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-818" alt="FGBR" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/fgbr.jpg?w=870" width="870" height="652" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/yhrt.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-819" alt="YHRT" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/yhrt.jpg?w=870" width="870" height="652" /></a><br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/>Here are some more fun pictures from our trip!<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/5hergwfd.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-820" alt="5hergwfd" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/5hergwfd.jpg" width="451" height="800" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/54yrgefdsc.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-821" alt="54yrgefdsc" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/54yrgefdsc.jpg?w=800" width="800" height="600" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/dafh.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-822" alt="dafh" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/dafh.jpg?w=800" width="800" height="451" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/ergds.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-823" alt="ergds" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/ergds.jpg?w=600" width="600" height="800" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/ergre.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-824" alt="ERGRE" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/ergre.jpg?w=718" width="718" height="958" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/gdf.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-825" alt="gdf" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/gdf.jpg?w=600" width="600" height="800" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/re.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-826" alt="RE" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/re.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="480" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/rfz.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-827" alt="rfz" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/rfz.jpg?w=600" width="600" height="800" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/yshbfdvz.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-828" alt="yshbfdvz" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/yshbfdvz.jpg?w=600" width="600" height="800" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-13-14-31-01.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-829" alt="2013-05-13 14.31.01" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-13-14-31-01.jpg?w=768" width="768" height="1024" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-14-13-46-47.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-830" alt="2013-05-14 13.46.47" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-14-13-46-47.jpg?w=870" width="870" height="652" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-15-16-55-00.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-831" alt="2013-05-15 16.55.00" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-15-16-55-00.jpg?w=870" width="870" height="652" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-15-16-56-22.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-832" alt="2013-05-15 16.56.22" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-15-16-56-22.jpg?w=870" width="870" height="652" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-15-22-27-48.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-833" alt="2013-05-15 22.27.48" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-15-22-27-48.jpg?w=870" width="870" height="652" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-16-11-01-24.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-834" alt="2013-05-16 11.01.24" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-16-11-01-24.jpg?w=768" width="768" height="1024" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-16-12-35-33.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-835" alt="2013-05-16 12.35.33" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-16-12-35-33.jpg?w=870" width="870" height="652" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-16-12-36-18.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-836" alt="2013-05-16 12.36.18" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-16-12-36-18.jpg?w=870" width="870" height="652" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-16-13-19-34.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-837" alt="2013-05-16 13.19.34" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-16-13-19-34.jpg?w=870" width="870" height="652" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-16-16-10-05.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-838" alt="2013-05-16 16.10.05" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-16-16-10-05.jpg?w=768" width="768" height="1024" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-16-19-51-05.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-839" alt="2013-05-16 19.51.05" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-16-19-51-05.jpg?w=870" width="870" height="652" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-16-19-51-35.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-840" alt="2013-05-16 19.51.35" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/2013-05-16-19-51-35.jpg?w=768" width="768" height="1024" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-65709490193823709522013-05-28T12:28:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:35.084-07:00Chicago Trip: Part 1I just finished editing this video of our trip to Chicago that we took 2 weeks ago. A more detailed post will follow shortly but here is a wrap of our trip in the meantime. It's kinda lengthy just to warn you :) Enjoy!<br/><br/>[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qM8W-IgN1J0&w=560&h=315]Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-35097068819967562642013-05-22T03:10:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:35.053-07:00My Last Days: Meet Zach Sobiech<p>I saw this video today floating around facebook. It's worth a watch.</p><p> </p><p>[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NjKgV65fpo&w=560&h=315]</p>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-41720960875315601852013-05-22T02:54:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:35.047-07:00A diffEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-84213457175765917462013-05-19T01:00:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:35.032-07:00A trip to the dog park!<div>A couple of days ago John suggested that we should take Bentley to <a title="Fleet Peoples dog park" href="http://www.ffpp.org" target="_blank">Fleet Peoples dog park</a> in Orlando. I'm not going to lie, I was a bit nervous. Bentely hasn't been around too many dogs in his 4 years of life, (honestly, he has never been to a dog park) so I wasn't sure what to expect from this new experience.</div><br/><div></div><br/><div>Once we got there I was overwhelmed and surprised by how many dogs were there just running around and playing. We started off by taking it a little slow. We went on a little trail that eventually led us to the lake where a large majority of the dogs were swimming and playing. Once Bentley was off his leash he started sniffing and playing with the other dogs.</div><br/><div></div><br/><div>Bentley has never gone swimming before and when we tried to get him to get into the water he wouldn't. So we threw a stick in the lake and told him to fetch. He slowly crept into the water and once he got to the stick he barely dipped his face in the water almost in a "polite" way. It was so funny and cute!</div><br/><div></div><br/><div><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/egsdv.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-699" alt="egsdv" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/egsdv.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="853" /></a></div><br/><div></div><br/><div></div><br/><div><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/khj.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-707" alt="khj" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/khj.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="853" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/dfbda.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-708" alt="dfbda" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/dfbda.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="853" /></a></div><br/><div></div><br/><div></div><br/><div>[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoSo6gjPAnk&w=420&h=315]</div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-65208403704699691212013-05-17T01:00:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:35.016-07:00Downtown Orlando LoveEver since John and I moved to Orlando we never felt like we actually <em>lived</em> in Orlando---> if that makes sense? Our first place was nice but far away from everything, the second place we lived was near shops and restaurants but was almost outside of the Orlando city limits. We are finally in a place where we feel like we are home and we're loving all that it has to offer! The other day I took a nice walk where I was surrounded by lakes and gorgeous old trees! It was perfect. I can't wait to explore more!<a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/regfv.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-693" alt="regfv" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/regfv.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="853" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fhd1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-694" alt="fhd" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fhd1.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="480" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/regv.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-695" alt="regv" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/regv.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="853" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/s.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-696" alt="s" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/s.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="480" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-9681657821166438972013-05-16T01:00:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:35.004-07:00Doorknob Renovation<div>The great thing about living in an old home is the charm and character that it radiates inside and out! John recently dove into a home project and restored our doorknobs and locks to their original state. He worked on it for about 2 days and they look fantastic!</div><br/><div></div><br/><div><strong>Before:</strong></div><br/><div></div><br/><div><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fbc.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-686" alt="" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fbc.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="853" /></a></div><br/><div></div><br/><div></div><br/><div></div><br/><div><strong>After:</strong></div><br/><div></div><br/><div><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/egrfdsv.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-683" alt="egrfdsv" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/egrfdsv.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="853" /></a></div><br/><div></div><br/><div>In case any of you have older homes and appreciate the "original" look for things I would reccomend following the steps below for a helpful way to take off any unwanted paint on doorknobs.</div><br/><div></div><br/><div>Things you will need:</div><br/><div>1) Baking Soda</div><br/><div>2) Good Brush for scrubbing</div><br/><div>3) Deep Old Pan</div><br/><div>4) An iPad or electronic device to entertain yourself :)</div><br/><div></div><br/><div><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/dfgs1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-690" alt="dfgs" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/dfgs1.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="853" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/grw.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-687" alt="grw" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/grw.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="853" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/bfd.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-682" alt="bfd" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/bfd.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="853" /></a></div><br/><div></div><br/><div><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fdb.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-688" alt="fdb" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fdb.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="853" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fb.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-689" alt="fb" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fb.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="853" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fsdg.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-684" alt="fsdg" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fsdg.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="480" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/rgwf.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-685" alt="rgwf" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/rgwf.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="853" /></a></div><br/><div></div><br/><div></div><br/><div></div><br/><div>After boiling the doorknobs in the pan I would advise burning a candle immediately afterwards, because it will make your house smell like rust. Luckily, the odor doesn't last too long.</div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-89215053030531409452013-05-14T01:00:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:34.993-07:00Bahamas/Key Biscayne 2013<div>So this post is really late. I mean really <em>really</em> late! BUT, I feel like if I don't write down my memories I might forget the small details later... so here we go.</div><br/><div></div><br/><div>In February, John and I along with two other couples (Sean and Tiffany and Molly and Ryan) purchased a 2 night,1 day cruise to the bahamas off of groupon for a very good price. We thought that February would be a great month to go and escape from the cold weather...however we were wrong. It turned out to be one of the coldest weekends during the winter in the Bahamas...as you will see below I'm wearing a coat during our trip!</div><br/><div></div><br/><div>The day before our cruise we stayed in Key Biscayne. When we checked in we were greeted with champaigne. It was a great way to start off our vacation! The "husbands" had pre-purchsed tickets to a yacht show in Miami for that day so while they were busy dreaming and drooling the "wives" enjoyed a day relaxing by the pool, reading, catching up on life, and last but no least "experiencing the spa."</div><br/><div></div><br/><div><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fhg.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-675" alt="fhg" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fhg.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="480" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fd.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-677" alt="fd" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fd.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="480" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/sgfd.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-678" alt="sgfd" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/sgfd.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="480" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/rg.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-679" alt="rg" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/rg.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="480" /></a></div><br/><div></div><br/><div>The next day we checked out and headed to West Palm to board for our cruise to the Bahamas! The first night Tiffany and I were deffinately feeling the seas. We both felt so sick. We could barely make it through dinner. (This happened to me on my Alaskan cruise and Tiffany on her honeymoon). Looks like we wouldn't survive on the million dollar yacht our husbands were informing us we would soon sail in the future :)</div><br/><div></div><br/><div><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/nl.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-670" alt="nl" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/nl.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="480" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/rgsd.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-671" alt="rgsd" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/rgsd.jpg" width="544" height="408" /></a></div><br/><div></div><br/><div>When we woke up the next morning we were in the Bahamas! It was beautiful! Our day started off with breakfast and a fun little taxi ride to the touritst area to rent scooters! Since Sean had been to the Bahamams several times before he knew of a secluded beach that was about 45 mins- 1 hour away from the port. The girls were a bit aprehensive about riding the scooters especaially since we were warned by the cruise ship employees not to rent scooters becasue they can be extremly dangerous. Needless to say, the scooters were a GREAT idea and we enjoyed them way more than we thought we would. The beach was amazing too. I have never seen water so clear and turquiose before. There was driftwood everywhere! It was gorgeous!</div><br/><div><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fgsd.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-676" alt="fgsd" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fgsd.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="480" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/dsg1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-667" alt="dsg" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/dsg1.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="480" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/rhg.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-668" alt="rhg" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/rhg.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="480" /></a> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fgd.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-673" alt="fgd" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fgd.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="853" /></a></div><br/><div></div><br/><div>Once we dropped off our scooters we took a taxi back to the port however in the middle of our ride back our driver recieved a call for a pick up in the opposite direction of where he was taking us. Immediatly after he hung up, he ws littlerally talking to the other taxi drivers car to car, window to window WHILE we were driving trying to get one of them to take us. After several failed attempts he dropped us off with a different taxi driver and then he took us back to the port. We honestly could not help but laugh. We had a great time!</div><br/><div></div><br/><div> <a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/sdg.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-669" alt="sdg" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/sdg.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="480" /></a></div><br/><div></div><br/><div></div><br/><div><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fhd.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-674" alt="fhd" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fhd.jpg" width="612" height="612" /></a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-39058914153775779612013-05-12T01:09:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:34.981-07:00Sweet Vegetable Juice<div><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/gfd.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-659" alt="gfd" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/gfd.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="853" /></a></div><br/><div></div><br/><div>This morning I had a little more time before work so I decided to put my new juicer to work. I thoguht I'd experiement with vegetables this time. Even though I do try to encorportate vegetables throughout my day, I know I still do not consume enough. Carrots, celery, and apples were on the list this morning! I even threw in a small lime to enhance the flavor. The juice was pretty sweet and I liked it that way, it deff. was not bland at all. I even had enough left over to keep in a recyled juice bottle to save for later. Can't wait to make it again!</div><br/><div></div><br/><div><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/gaf.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-658" alt="gaf" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/gaf.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="853" /></a></div><br/><div></div><br/><div></div><br/><div><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Sweet Vegetable Juice</span></div><br/><div></div><br/><div>3 Large carrots</div><br/><div></div><br/><div>3 Granny Smith Apples</div><br/><div></div><br/><div>3 Stalks of Celery</div><br/><div></div><br/><div>1 small lime (peeled)</div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-6333732585278853572013-05-10T01:00:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:34.881-07:00Juices and a cone dog!My poor little baby Bentley has been having some allergies and has been licking his leg raw so we had to put the cone on him. I couldn't help but laugh because he looks so cute and helpless when he wears his cone. Just had to share! I think he looks like an astronaut dog! hah<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/rety.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-629" alt="rety" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/rety.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="640" /></a><br/><br/>In other news...Look what arrived yesterday!! My Juicer!!<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/re.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-630" alt="re" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/re.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="853" /></a><br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/rgea.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-632" alt="rgea" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/rgea.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="853" /></a><br/><br/>John and I were <em>so</em> funny last night. We were definitely acting like a brother and a sister and arguing about who would put the first fruit in our juicer, so after going back and forth and laughing hysterically we decided we would cut the fruit up and place it in the juicer at the same time to be fair. It was a lot of fun and I am so proud of my hubs for making healthy choices! The juice was great! Here is the recipe we used!<br/><br/>2 Pears<br/><br/>1 cup of strawberries<br/><br/>1 granny smith apple<br/><br/>1 lime (optional)Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-26828836213769547802013-05-09T09:01:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:34.919-07:00Highway Don't CareI first heard this song last week on the radio and immediately recognized Tim McGraw and Taylor Swifts voice! I've been listening to this song ever since. What makes this song even better is the message. I watched the music video for the first time today and I love how the video makes a bold statement. It covers the issue of texting while driving. I am a HUGE advocate of <strong>no texting while driving</strong> so when I saw this it made me love the song even more. (I also love that Keith Urban is on the guitar too!) I <em>highly</em> encourage you to watch this video and think twice before you text and drive. It <em>really</em> is a very dangerous thing to do, and it's true: The Highway don't care.<br/><br/>http://youtu.be/KmxaY_OVvWA<br/><br/><strong>Highway Don't Care- Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, and Keith Urban</strong><br/><br/>Bet your window's rolled down and your hair's pulled back<br/>And I bet you got no idea you're going way too fast<br/>You're trying not to think about what went wrong<br/>Trying not to stop 'til you get where you goin'<br/>You're trying to stay awake so I bet you turn on the radio<br/>And the song goes<br/><br/>I can't live without you, I can't live without you, baby<br/>I can't live without you, I can't live without you, baby, baby<br/><br/>The highway won't hold you tonight<br/>The highway don't know you're alive<br/>The highway don't care if you're all alone<br/>But I do, I do.<br/>The highway won't dry your tears<br/>The highway don't need you here<br/>The highway don't care if you're coming home<br/>But I do, I do.<br/><br/>I bet you got a dead cell phone in your shotgun seat<br/>Yeah, I bet you're bending God's ear talking 'bout me.<br/>You're trying not to let the first tear fall out<br/>Trying not to think about turning around<br/>You're trying not to get lost in the sound but that song is always on<br/>So you sing along<br/><br/>I can't live without you, I can't live without you, baby<br/>I can't live without I can't live without you baby, oh baby<br/><br/>The highway won't hold you tonight<br/>The highway don't know you're alive<br/>The highway don't care if you're all alone<br/>But I do, I do.<br/>The highway won't dry your tears<br/>The highway don't need you here<br/>The highway don't care if you're coming home<br/>But I do, I do.<br/><br/>I can't live without you, I can't live without you, baby<br/>I can't live without I can't live without you, baby, oh baby<br/><br/>The highway don't care<br/>The highway don't care<br/>The highway don't care<br/>But I do, I do.<br/><br/>I can't live without you, I can't live without you, baby<br/>I can't live without I can't live without you, baby, oh baby<br/>(The highway don't care<br/>The highway don't care<br/>The highway don't care<br/>But I do, I do)<br/><br/>I can't live without you, I can't live without you, babyEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-53758250231549018292013-05-09T01:00:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:34.914-07:00Favorite things as of lately..<a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/gasdg.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-643" alt="GASDG" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/gasdg.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="853" /></a><br/><br/> <br/><br/>Plain rice cakes with pb and milk chocolate chips.<br/><br/> <br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fdg.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-648" alt="fdg" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fdg.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="853" /></a><br/><br/> <br/><br/>Dunkin Donuts Vanilla Chai Latte.<br/><br/> <br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/tdhf.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-646" alt="TDHF" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/tdhf.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="480" /></a><br/><br/> <br/><br/>Oatmeal with Strawberries, raspberries, almonds, coconut, and pb!<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/sga.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-645" alt="sga" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/sga.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="853" /></a><br/><br/> <br/><br/>PB and banana smoothies!<br/><br/> <br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/ewt.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-644" alt="ewT" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/ewt.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="853" /></a><br/><br/> <br/><br/>Apples with cinnamon and fresh lime juice.<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/xbf.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-647" alt="XBF" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/xbf.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="853" /></a><br/><br/> <br/><br/>Champagne!<br/><br/> Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-21538809542940329132013-05-07T01:00:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:34.874-07:00Taylor Swift in OrlandoAnyone who knows me well knows that I LOVE Taylor Swift's music. I think if we knew each other we would be great friends. She seems like the perfect girl friend! About 3 weeks ago I convinced John to accompany me to her concert in Orlando at the Amway Center.<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/dfgs.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-623" alt="dfgs" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/dfgs.jpg" width="480" height="640" /></a><br/><br/>I had a hard time finding tickets because her concert was sold out for both of the nights she was here but luckily I was able to locate 2 tickets last minute on Stub Hub. Ed Shereen opened up for Taylor and all I've got to say is: 1) I didn't know he rapped and 2) He is a great and crazy, fun, and energetic guitar player! He was impressive!<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/weg.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-624" alt="weg" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/weg.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="480" /></a><br/><br/>Taylor put on a great show as well! She always has really fun and unique performances on award shows so I knew she would not let her fans down at her concert. She literally put on a show! The props were amazing, her outfits, the dancers, and the confetti at the end. My favorite performance was when she sang "<a title="All too well" href="http://emilycorson.wordpress.com/2013/01/02/lyrics-taylor-swift-all-too-well/">All too well</a>" on the piano. You could really feel the emotion in the song as she played the piano.<br/><br/>http://youtu.be/QKFfKs59U1Q<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/teh.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-625" alt="teh" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/teh.jpg?w=640" width="640" height="640" /></a><br/><br/>This was my first Taylor Swift concert and I hope it won't be my last. I would love to see her again!Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-91778148444132948092013-05-05T01:00:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:34.852-07:00Swan rides at Lake Eola<p>A couple of weeks ago my friend Stephanie and decided it was time to spend some time with the Swans at Lake Eola.</p><p><img class="size-full wp-image" id="i-613" alt="Image" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/tharg.jpg?w=487" /></p><p> </p><p>Every time I walk around Lake Eola I see people having so much fun in their swan boats gliding along the lake.</p><p><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/ca.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image" id="i-614" alt="Image" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/ca.jpg?w=487" /></a></p><p>For $15 you get to paddle around Lake Eola for 30 mins. in a swan paddleboat. When we asked the man at the dock how we knew when 30 mins was up he said he actually doesn't keep track of how long someone is out there for, so enjoy your ride at your own leisure. However, he does warn all swan riders not to get too close to the fountain in the middle of the lake because you will apparently get soaked! We steered clear!</p><p><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fag.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image" id="i-615" alt="Image" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fag.jpg?w=487" /></a></p><p> </p><p><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/cd.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image" id="i-616" alt="Image" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/cd.jpg?w=487" /></a></p><p> </p><p><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/jyts.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image" id="i-617" alt="Image" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/jyts.jpg?w=487" /></a></p><p>Our ride was a lot of fun and I can't wait to go again!</p><p> </p>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-25552812604816823492013-05-04T01:00:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:34.908-07:00New York to California <br/><br/>I heard this song today on a music channel on my TV. I've been a fan of Mat Kearney since the first time I heard his song "<a title="Girl America" href="http://youtu.be/Z0M4za81Lk8" target="_blank">Girl America</a>" and as of today I really like the song "New York to California"..it's so sweet <em><strong>and</strong></em> it's played on the piano :) I was reading about the meaning of the song and apparently in an interview he said that "New York to California" is a very literal song, one that he just wrote in the moment. The song is very easy to understand...you just listen to the story in the lyrics.<br/><br/>http://youtu.be/VlkZpyoGrfE<br/><br/> <br/><br/>New York to California- Mat Kearney<br/><br/>Under the TV lights, you fell asleep again<br/>Don't know, I'm writing this song about you<br/>There's a picture of a Hollywood sign, reflecting off your skin I<br/>Don't want to live another day without you<br/>You woke up and said baby I, had one of those dreams again<br/>The rain came down and I lost you, In the wind<br/>You said something about don't leave, before you fell back asleep<br/>Before I could sing my song back to you<br/><br/>But you could find your self lost out in this world<br/>And I found a way to get back to your side<br/>No mountains to high, no stone is too small<br/>I'll build a bridge through the fire, for you I would crawl<br/>From New York to California<br/><br/>I could hear you softly breathing, oh what you do to me<br/>But baby I could climb down into your dreams<br/>I Build a ladder down through the clouds<br/>Where the storms Is raging now I<br/>Don't want to sing another song without you<br/><br/>If you find your self lost out in this world<br/>Then I'll find a way to get back to your side<br/>No mountains to high, no stone is too small<br/>I'll build a bridge through the fire, for you I would crawl<br/>From New York to California<br/><br/>Singing, la la la la la la<br/>Oh, It's not too far, la la la la la la<br/>Oh, to where you are, la la la la la la<br/>Oh, It's not too far,<br/><br/>Cause you, could find your self lost out in this world<br/>And I, Could find a way to get back to your side<br/><br/>If you find your self lost out in this world<br/>Then I'll find a way to get back to your side<br/>No mountains to high, no stone is too small<br/>I'll build a bridge through the fire, for you I would crawl<br/>From New York to California, To California, To CaliforniaEmilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-81400501146787583702013-05-03T12:37:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:34.846-07:00We bought a house!<p>Wow. <em><strong>SO</strong> </em>much has happened over the past month. The main thing being.... John and I bought a house! We actually closed on April fools day! (no joke here!) We have been really busy with unpacking, cleaning, and simply adjusting to our new neighborhood in Orlando.</p><p><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/dsg.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image" id="i-609" alt="Image" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/dsg.jpg?w=487" /></a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fbcx.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image" id="i-611" alt="Image" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/fbcx.jpg?w=487" /></a></p><p>Our friends tease us about moving again soon because they are not fully convinced we are actually settling down in this home. I can't blame them though because we've moved 5 times in the past 4 and half years. I'm pretty sure we are called "professional movers" now... haha.</p><p><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/agf.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image" id="i-607" alt="Image" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/agf.jpg?w=487" /></a></p><p> </p><p>Honestly though, we are here for a while. I was convinced of this after we unpacked our last box and threw out all of our cardboard moving boxes instead of saving them for our next move like we normally do. To say the least, this month has been completely exhausting and exciting. We love our new home and neighborhood and can't wait to explore more of the area. </p><p> </p>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-91944699768167061592013-04-14T10:21:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:34.840-07:00feel the music.<a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/a08217e7f5c9d3e1c9b0aecht2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-583" alt="a08217e7f5c9d3e1c9b0aecht2" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/a08217e7f5c9d3e1c9b0aecht2.jpg" width="600" height="600" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-34161099011006614342013-04-07T12:08:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:34.821-07:00created for a purpose.<a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/f7d3da377ec600a06c98555494ba5a65.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-556" alt="f7d3da377ec600a06c98555494ba5a65" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/f7d3da377ec600a06c98555494ba5a65.jpg" width="479" height="552" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-17976464787300734992013-03-31T12:06:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:34.816-07:00secret of change.<a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/97ead544dc1d5b9bbd9abcb05bb82b0f.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-549" alt="97ead544dc1d5b9bbd9abcb05bb82b0f" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/97ead544dc1d5b9bbd9abcb05bb82b0f.jpg" width="500" height="518" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-74123811048454408432013-03-24T11:56:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:34.810-07:00grow flowers...beautiful flowers.<a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/c57559cf29515df0bb77b335509868e9.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-545" alt="c57559cf29515df0bb77b335509868e9" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/c57559cf29515df0bb77b335509868e9.jpg" width="500" height="706" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-22406907867924167952013-03-18T10:06:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:34.827-07:00celebrating 25!In my mind I kept thinking how I am officially aging as my co-worker reminded me of my age when they asked me how old I was turning. "I'm 25" I say. Inside thinking, ..<em>that sounds so grown up. I'm not a little girl anymore</em>. As of two weeks ago I am now in my "mid" twenties, not early, but mid. Weird, right? At least, to me it is. The days leading up to my 25th birthday were filled a little with sadness as I thought of leaving "youthful numbers" behind..lol I know, call me lame and melancholy but I guess it kind of hit me that I'm actually growing up. I've heard so many times how life goes by so much faster the older you get<--- and that is SOOO True! In the midst of my small pitty party, I am reminded of how short and temporary life is and the guarantee of tomorrow is not promised to any of us. I am thankful for my life, thankful to be able to celebrate another year of life, and to be surrounded daily with so many undeserved blessings.<br/><br/>So with that being said, I celebrated my birthday by going to a nice dinner at Norman's with sweet husband!<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/kuh.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-566" alt="kuh" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/kuh.jpg?w=642" width="642" height="856" /></a><br/><br/>I love how they personalized the menu!<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/m1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-562" alt=",m" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/m1.jpg?w=642" width="642" height="856" /></a><br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/n1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-571" alt="n," src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/n1.jpg?w=642" width="642" height="481" /></a><br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/m3.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-567" alt="m" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/m3.jpg?w=642" width="642" height="481" /></a><br/><br/>We started off with these amazing fried green tomatoes, which actually turned out to be my favorite item of the night!<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/ml.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-568" alt="ml" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/ml.jpg?w=642" width="642" height="856" /></a><br/><br/>I ordered the organic chicken stuffed with plantains<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/m2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-563" alt=",m" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/m2.jpg?w=642" width="642" height="856" /></a><br/><br/>John ordered the pork, which was AMAZING!<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/njl.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-572" alt="njl" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/njl.jpg?w=642" width="642" height="481" /></a><br/><br/>And of course, cheesecake for desert!<br/><br/>The day of my actual birthday, I had the entire morning to myself and decided to take advantage of my day by going around town and hitting up all the freebies in Orlando, just because it was my birthday! It was quite the adventure!<br/><br/>My first stop was to <a title="CVS" href="http://www.cvs.com" target="_blank">CVS</a> where I bought a bottle of fun blue nail polish with the $3 giftcard CVS emailed me!<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/vb.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-575" alt="vb" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/vb.jpg?w=642" width="642" height="856" /></a><br/><br/>Next, was a birthday breakfast at <a title="Panera" href="http://www.panerabread.com" target="_blank">Panera</a> for a complimentary pastry of my choice!<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/v.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-574" alt="v," src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/v.jpg?w=642" width="642" height="481" /></a><br/><br/>Apple Crisp Muffin!<br/><br/>Then, off to<a title="Firehouse" href="http://www.firehousesubs.com/Birthday.aspx" target="_blank"> Firehouse</a> for a free sub!<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/n.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-570" alt="n ,." src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/n.jpg?w=642" width="642" height="481" /></a><br/><br/>Then, ending the day with free Fro Yo from <a title="Menchie's" href="http://www.menchies.com" target="_blank">Menchie's</a>!<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/mlk.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-569" alt="mlk" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/mlk.jpg?w=642" width="642" height="856" /></a><br/><br/>And somewhere in between all of that I managed to hit up some of my favorite stores for some birthday clothes!<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/m-mn.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-564" alt=",m ,mn" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/m-mn.jpg?w=642" width="642" height="481" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-71998106812255198862013-03-17T11:55:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:34.804-07:00goodness.<a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/d870b14c709714730f695ac23250b2d8.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-539" alt="d870b14c709714730f695ac23250b2d8" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/d870b14c709714730f695ac23250b2d8.jpg" width="530" height="731" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-54834243741951604452013-03-16T05:22:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:55:34.793-07:00Today I went to CVS and saved a TON of money!<a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/fds.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-535" alt="fds" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/fds.jpg?w=642" width="642" height="481" /></a><br/><br/>I've had an off and on relationship with couponing over the past 2 years and as you can see, my relationship is going well today :) I've been trying to improve my "Wifely" contributions a little more lately and one of the areas I'm focusing on is saving money. John and I have always been great savers but I want to improve in the areas that I'm in charge of like the grocery and necessity shopping. This is probably the one area that I don't really pay much attention to the price when I'm shopping for those items.<br/><br/>I realized this past week that my vitamin and probiotics bottles were getting a little low so I knew I needed to purchase more. John and I are trying to save money for our our big move coming up soon (more on that to come) and I didn't really feel comfortable dishing out a wad of money ---> everyone knows that vitamins and probiotics are not cheap! So what better way to save money than by doing a little research and couponing before I set out to purchase them!?<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Here is what I did!<br/><br/>I went to my favorite drug store, a.k.a.=<a title="CVS" href="http://www.cvs.com" target="_blank">CVS</a><br/><br/>I had to pick up some toothpaste and had a coupon <a title="CVS" href="http://www.cvs.com" target="_blank">CVS</a> gave me a couple of days ago for $3 off a $10 toothpaste purchase. I noticed there was sale for Colgate toothpaste if you spend $10 you get $5 <a title="ECB" href="https://www.cvs.com/extracare/landing.jsp?t=mySavingRewards" target="_blank">ECB</a> back, so I spent $10 on toothpaste and used my coupon and got $5 ECB, so out of pocket I paid $7.78.<br/><br/>They had all of the CVS brand vitamins on sale for B1G1, and the probiotics (NatureMade) were B1G1 free too! I also had one manufactures coupon and 3 CVS coupons that used, (including the $5 ECB I got back from the toothpaste in the first transaction.) This is the break down:<br/><br/>CVS brand B6 vitamins- $9.99<br/><br/>CVS brand B12 vitamins- $9.99<br/><br/>CVS brand Magnesium vitamins- $4.99<br/><br/>CVS brand Vitamin C- $4.99<br/><br/>Naturemade probiotics $17.49<br/><br/>Naturemade probiotics $17.49<br/><br/>------------------------------------------------<br/><br/>Total= $64.94 (before tax)<br/><br/>I paid= $19.72 :)<br/><br/><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-534" alt="photo" src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/photo.jpg" width="480" height="557" /></a><br/><br/>This makes me happy considering a month ago I bought a box of Target brand probiotics for around $20!<br/><br/> Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6053637491152549432.post-22943697011971964602013-03-04T00:52:00.000-08:002013-06-25T05:55:34.783-07:00What House Hunters doesn't show you<br /><br /><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/20130304-085242.jpg"><img src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/20130304-085242.jpg" alt="20130304-085242.jpg" class="alignnone size-full" /></a><br/><br/>Over the past month John and I have been searching for a home to buy. Let me tell you this, it's not easy. AT ALL. Almost every home we looked at or decided we wanted to put an offer on someone beat us to it. There was even one day where we saw 2 homes that came on the market and later that day our realtor told us they had offers already and we couldn't see them anymore. How crazy is that? I've been learning that house hunting isn't exactly as easy and pretty as House Hunters has lead me to believe! :) I'm literally on an emotional at roller coaster.<br/><br/><br/><br/>Here are a couple helpful tips for house hunting:<br/><br/>1. <strong>Constantly check online for new homes that become listed.</strong> We really loved sites like Zillow, Trulia, and Estately. They allow you to search in specific areas and you can sort by price, days the home as been on the market, sq ft, and etc.<br/><br/>2. <strong>If you see a home you like, see it that day and act fast. </strong>The market is viscous. Chances are if you like the home, someone else does too and they are not going to wait for you to make the first move. If you really love the house, place an offer and take your competition out of the picture.<br/><br/>3. <strong>Try not to get too emotionally attached.</strong> This is one of the hardest things because you do have to somewhat invision yourself in the home but if you don't get that specific home you were hoping for just remind yourself that it wasn't meant to be and know that the right home will turn up eventually and just be patient.<br/><br/>4. <strong>Get a realtor!</strong> Even though there are many online websites that can show you what homes are listed for sale, that doesn't mean that your realtor might not know someone that is about to list their home that might not show up online. They are there to work for you and help you find the perfect home you are looking for. <br/><br/>5. <strong>Be Patient!</strong> This is the hardest part. With house hunting you most likely are not going to buy the first home you see or probably even the second or third. In fact, you may be searching for months until you find the perfect one. Home buying comes with lots of paperwork, meetings with various people, negotiations, traveling to and from homes, time consumption, inspections, etc. I like to call it "hoops." Try and jump through each hoop one at a time. If you try and jump through all of them at once you are most likely going to stumble and fall and cry :) save yourself the scraped knees and tissues and breathe. You're buying a house, it's ok to be stressed and it's ok to be excited. Enjoy the ride!<br /><br /><a href="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/20130304-090753.jpg"><img src="http://emilycorson.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/20130304-090753.jpg" alt="20130304-090753.jpg" class="alignnone size-full" /></a>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02386551686114285349noreply@blogger.com1