Friday Favorites

I can't believe a whole week in December has already flown by.  I have been so busy at work and haven't had time to publish any posts, but I have a few in the making so stay tuned! :)  Carrying on in my new trend I bring to you: this week's favorites!

Favorite Holiday Endeavor:  XTU Toy Truck Parade
XTU held it's annual Toy Truck Parade on Saturday, December 1st.  Hundreds of people met at the station early in the morning to register and decorate their vehicles- there were cars, trucks, big rigs, and emergency vehicles.  The many people then decorated their cars and got ready to parade down I-76 to Xfinity Live!  (Here is a video clip of the event!)  Admission to the event was an unwrapped toy.  As the day progressed Toy Mountain grew to overwhelming proportions.  This picture does not even do the amount donated justice.  I couldn't fit all the toys in one shot and didn't get a picture of the 20 bikes someone donated as well.  Hunter Hayes performed and all of the proceeds benefited the kids of CAPE.  What a wonderful way to kick of the holiday season and get into the Spirit of Giving! :)



 


Favorite Holiday Treat:  Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Squares

Need I say more?

Favorite Word: WANDERLUST
Wanderlust is a very strong and irresistible impulse or desire to travel the world.  The word couldn't describe me any better at this point.  I have had a travel bug instilled in me since I was young and that bug grows everyday.  I literally want to see the world.  I want to move, experience new things and different cultures- it all fascinates me.  But for now, I am uncontrollably excited about my two definitely planned trips on the calendar (Skiing Jackson Hole, Wyoming for New Years & Mardi Gras in New Orleans).  I also have some other trips in the works!  Once I buy a few more things on my wish-list I will be in full force to saving enough money for a one way ticket and I can't wait! :)



Favorite Song:  Charlie Worsham, Could It Be

Charlie Worsham is a new Nashville recording artist who just released his first single Could It Be.  I love the song, especially this acoustic version from when he paid a visit to the radio station.  The song tells a cute story about the beginning stages of a relationship- not knowing what it will bring and I love the beat/instrumentals! :)  I am loving a bunch of new artists that I can't wait to share with you, hopefully soon!

And my all time favorite of the week.....

Favorite Announcement:  A ROYAL BABY!!!!
The palace made a statement Monday morning saying, "Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, are very pleased to announce that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a baby".  I have been anxiously awaiting this official announcement since the Royal Wedding.  (And if you can't trust E! News, who can you trust?)  I have been so intrigued by the Royal Family for a while.  I watched the Royal Wedding at un-godly hours of the morning on that Friday in April 2011 and became even more fascinated with the history and tradition when I went to London two weeks later for a wonderful internship opportunity.  I learned an unbelievable amount about the Royal Family and the English culture.  It is something that I still love and take interest in.  I hope to post more about my once-in-a-lifetime experience in London and share all my adventures, knowledge and love for their culture.  But for now, we are all officially on Baby Bump Watch!!!

Cheers!

Friday Favorites: The Start of Christmas Season

This week officially marked the beginning of Christmas season.  With some great Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, decorating the house, listening to Christmas Music non-stop and enjoying Thanksgiving leftovers, Christmas is in full swing.  Here are some of my favorite things from this week..

 

Favorite Meal:  Turkey Croquettes
Literally heaven in a ball.  Turkey and Stuffing mixed together in a ball and fried.  I didn't say it was healthy, but it is oh, so delicious!  The picture doesn't do them justice, I almost didn't include it in the post.  I'll have to ask my mom for the recipe if you're interested, which you should be, cause my mouth is literally watering right now! YUM!






Favorite Decorating Extravaganza:  Putting up the lights!
Usually I don't help much at all with putting up the lights, but this year I was totally in the spirit to decorate and get ready for Christmas.  I think the fact of not having finals or other distractions has let me soak up the Christmas spirit early and I love it!



Favorite Deal:  50% off Express
I woke up Friday morning around 11:15 before a dentist appointment and checked my email.  I saw an email from Express that they were having 50% off until noon- instant panic set it.  I had been dying for this super cute sequin skirt that I couldn't rationalize paying full price for.  I was so excited to be able to get it half off- and just in time!  Hello, New Year's Eve outfit!


Favorite Event:  Carrie Underwood Concert
Carrie Underwood's Blown Away Tour made its stop in Philadelphia on Wednesday night and what a night it was.  I went straight to the Wells Fargo Center from work and met my sister, Kristine, and my friends from the radio station there.  We had awesome seats and both Carrie Underwood and Hunter Hayes' performances were amazing.  I saw Carrie perform on her Play On Tour and was thoroughly impressed.  This concert left me nothing short of BLOWN AWAY!  Hunter Hayes also continues to impress me with his musical abilities- I can't believe he played/recorded all of the instrumentals for his debut record, but it's true.  The kid plays over 30 instruments.  I can't even name 30 instruments.  I am literally mind blown!  An added perk to working at a radio station- backstage passes!!! And Kristine got to experience the perks as well.  Such a fun night! :)  

 And now, the most exciting and squeal-worthy Friday Favorite!

Favorite Announcement:  Boy Meets World Sequel is OFFICIALLY HAPPENING!!

Boy Meets World was my favorite show of the legendary TGIF line up as a kid.  (That and Full House are neck and neck for my all time favorite childhood show.)  So naturally I was peeing-my-pants-excited when there were rumors that the show was going to have a sequel!  Then Ben Savage, better know as Cory Matthews, tweeted that the show was officially happening and I got even more excited!  The show is still in early development, but will have the original producer and members of the cast, according to this Fox News article!  I'm pretty certain I speak for most 90's children when I say that I can not wait for "Girl Meets World" to air!!!!

What are some of your favorite things this week?

My Christmas Playlist!

Christmas playlists are just as important as any other staple of the Holiday season.  Here are my favorite Christmas songs (and favorite versions of each), which will be playing all day, everyday, for the rest of the year, with some of Pandora's Country Christmas thrown in the mix!  Enjoy!

What's on your Christmas playlist?

Rutgers to the Big Ten!

It has been officially announced that Rutgers University Football team will be the 14th member of the Big Ten Conference starting at a date that is TBD, but most likely the 2014-15 season.  

When I heard the rumors flying around all sorts of social medias, all I could think about was:

 "HELLO BIG TIME COLLEGE FOOTBALL!!!"

Rutgers, to me, is more than my alma matter.  Rutgers is something that I associate with friends, family, football, my childhood, many memories and countless other blessings in my life.

In a way, I grew up on the banks.  Not only being a die-hard fan throughout childhood, being a student, and now an alumni, but having the memories that I have and being able to watch the football program grow into what it is today has been truly amazing.

I was in the stands when the team went 2-9 in 2001 and 1-11 in 2002.  I flew to Miami with my grandpa, aunt/uncle and cousins for the game against the Hurricanes in 2003.  I was there for the biggest win in school history when Rutgers beat Louisville, ranked #3 at the time, 28-25 on Thursday, November 9, 2006.  I also traveled to Houston Texas with my dad and other family members for the 2006 Texas Bowl against Kansas State.  I was there throughout a devastating 2010 season of 4-8;  the season with no bowl invitation and when Eric LeGrand became paralyzed.  I have been there during the scorching hot days early in the season, and freezing cold ones towards the end.  I have stayed during rain, snow, and really any weather condition that presented itself on game day.  And I have taken numerous road trips to Syracuse, West Point (Army), Anapolis (Navy), etc, to cheer on the Scarlet Knights.  But most importantly, I'm here now, as Rutgers is currently 9-1, looking for a Big East Championship title in 2012 and making a move to the Big Ten.

To say that I love football and Rutgers, both together and separately, is the understatement of the century.  I could not be more happy, proud or excited to watch the team and program "KEEP CHOPPING"!  I also see some very fun road trips in the future!!! I've always wanted to go to "The Big House"!

I have been waiting for Rutgers to make it to big time football my whole life and I am so excited to see where the program goes.  I am so proud to be a part of the RFamily!

My father sent me to old Rutgers,

And resolv'd that I should be a man (or a woman);

And so I settled down,

in that noisy college town,

On the banks of the old Raritan.

On the banks of the old Raritan, my friends,

where old Rutgers ever more shall stand,

For has she not stood since the time of the flood,

On the banks of the old Raritan. 

Then sing aloud to Alma Mater,

And keep the scarlet in the van';

For with her motto high,

Rutgers' name shall never die,

On the banks of the old Raritan.