Check out my birthday posts!
August is a fabulous month for me because not only is it my birthday, James' birthday, and Pixie and Grace's birthdays, but my blogiversary is on the 10th. So this year I celebrated 6 years of blogging. And thanks to Shari's Berries I had some delicious treats to enjoy!
First of all, I love Shari's Berries because you can never go wrong with an edible gift. There's something about the indulgence that just makes it even more enjoyable than any other gift. Everything is always wrapped so nicely. I got the Dipped Cheesecake Trio and Full Dozen Strawberries.
The strawberries were absolutely delicious and juicy but my favorite part was the detailed decoration of sprinkles and icing on top. There was dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate and all 3 kinds were equally delicious. In fact, in lieu of cake, this is what me and my family dined on for my birthday celebration over the weekend.
Just look at those sprinkles! YUM!!!
Now I selfishly kept the Cheesecake Trio all to myself. One was dark chocolate dipped with milk chocolate swizzles, another was dark chocolate dipped with white chocolate shavings, and the other one was dark chocolate dipped with nuts and marshmallows. I mean these were AMAZING!!!!!
The
Shari's Berries Birthday Collection has so many awesome items to choose from in a variety of sizes, and quantities. I feel like this is such a personal gift and it's great for birthdays but there are also plenty of other options for other occassions. Next time you need an idea for family, friends, or even coworkers, be sure to check out the Birthday Collection from Shari's Berries!
Okay, so I just had to make a blog post about this because the back story behind it is so funny. You may or may not know that my nickname is PI Ross because I can always catch onto things, dig up info on someone, or creep until I uncover whatever it is I'm looking for.
Now, never in my lifetime have I ever had a surprise ANYTHING and by now....I'm nearly 30 and I obviously have figured that no one would ever be able to pull one over on ol' PI! So imagine my surprise when I pull up to what I THOUGHT was my best friend's son's birthday party (mind you I brought him a card and some cash!) only to find some of my closest friends and my family standing around to surprise me with huge decorations with the number 30 on them. But the best part of this whole thing is that it was almost a disaster to get to August 6th, the day of the party. To their credit, my best friend Daniela, and my boyfriend James did an AMAZING job, but to my credit - I will never get a surprise party again after what I put them through.
So here's a little back story.
Around the end of June, beginning of July, James decided he wanted to throw me a surprise birthday party. I'm sure he's heard me say NUMEROUS times how "no one has ever thrown me a surprise party, I bet you'd never even be able to coordinate something like that.' LOL!!! Well on July 2nd he created a private Facebook event where he invited all of my friends and family, and even coordinated with them to get a hold of people to invite.
So cross over to me- my good friend Mary and her husband often get together with us, and when I saw her for my dentist appointment in July, she had mentioned maybe we could get together in August. We almost agreed on August 6th until I guess James texted Chris (her husband) and said ABORT! So Mary texted me and we rearranged a hangout for later in August. Now, that's all fine and good but in my mind, I have August 6th free.
Here's where it gets silly. In my mind, I wanted to plan a surprise for James. So I decided that on August 6th I'd tell him we were going over to my friend Liz's house for dinner. Then I'd end up surprising him by driving down to this restaurant in Maryland for some fresh crabs. So I threw that out to him in July and when he heard the date, he got ahold of Liz (who was in on the surprise for ME) and she was like "UMMM that's news to me"?!?! So then my best friend Daniela asks me if I can come to her son's birthday party. It's August 6th. So I break the news to her that I had a surprise planned for James. So she let it go.
So I get this text in July from James while I'm at work that says he has to work the weekend of August 6th so we can't do anything with Liz anymore. Then he said that he'd see what time he works till and then he'd take me out for a surprise that night. So I of course told him not to worry but I had a surprise planned for HIM then so I'd just do it later in the month. Then I texted Daniela and said that I could indeed come to Cohen's party.
Phew, crisis averted right? Of course not.
So another week goes by and I get a message from a friend of mine (who had no idea about the surprise party for me) so she asks if I can do dinner the weekend of August 6th. Since it was my only free evening until mid September I said yes and added it to my calendar in the Kitchen, thinking I'd only stay a couple hours at Daniela's party.
I go over to Daniela's house the weekend before to help out with wedding planning (I'm her Maid of Honor) and I asked her at some point what time her son's party was again, and she said "Let me text Eric to make sure". Eric is her fiance but I thought it was odd that she didn't even know the time. Ironically she was texting James to make sure she would tell me the correct time to arrive. Her poor kids are at her house that night and somehow they didn't blow her cover either. I even told her son I would see him at his party next weekend! HAHAHAHA!
So a couple days go by and it's Sunday evening the weekend before. I'm in the garden and James comes out and asks who Amber is? And if I'm having dinner with her? I guess he saw it on the calendar. He even had Liz from work check my desk calendar to see if it was on there too! So I snub him (because he never asks questions) and just say "she's a friend".
"Do I know her? What's her last name? What's she look like?" he asks, obviously because he wanted to contact her to tell her to cancel plans with me and invite her to my party. Unfortunately since they aren't friends on Facebook she wasn't seeing his messages.
Ironically, right before he asked me all that, Amber texted me to say she got a surprise trip to the beach from her boyfriend so we'd have to reschedule. So I tell that to James and I'm sure he was relieved. Although it's hilarious because Amber still knew nothing so it worked out perfect that we had to reschedule. PHEW!
So over the next few days I noticed that Daniela kept making sure I'd be at her party, telling me I need to help her set up. This guaranteed that I'd be there at 4pm to help her.
Fast forward to Friday night - I tell James I want to go out to eat next weekend on Friday so I was making reservations somewhere. He tells me he feels "meh" about it and doesn't care to go. He was intentionally trying to piss me off just for fun. So of course I'm livid and keep berating him for not wanting to go out with me. He tried to say he didn't have the money, and then when I asked "Why wouldn't you want to go out to dinner with me?' he replied "Why's it always gotta be about you?!" He said the whole time he was trying so hard not to laugh. I was so pissed off I began texting Daniela telling her how mad he was making me. To which she replied - Maybe he has a surprise planned that day or something, who knows.
Saturday comes - It's 3 pm and I noticed the neighbors pulling out to go somewhere. I don't know why I remember every little detail, but I do. So then I finally get in the car at 3:30 with James and we head to Daniela's dad's house (the location of the party).
Now I have this weird thing about parking in weird places with people watching. If you tell me to park in grass, I'm afraid I'll get stuck or something or that I won't know how to steer or angle my car correctly. On the way there I asked Daniela where I should park and she told me the grass. So I pull onto the street her dad lives on and I notice James texting. Then I start telling him my landscaping plans for the side yard (hahaha) and we finally get near the house. As we pull in the driveway, he tells me to just park, and as I turn and tell him "SHE SAID IN THE GRASS!" I notice there's a crowd so I'm already nervous to park and I realize I just saw a flash of my good friend Chris in my head. Why would I think I saw Chris at this party??
Then I realize. I throw the car in park and James says SURPRISE along with everyone else standing in the driveway! They said my face was priceless. This was the last thing I expected. Hell I even had running shorts, a sports bra and a tank top on (when I told Daniela that in text she told me to make sure I looked cute. OOPS haha!). I was still in shock as I was taking in the faces of my family, my coworkers, and my friends. I think I was so thrown off because I did not expect to see their faces at a party for someone most of them don't even know (Daniela's son). It hadn't even occured to me that it was for my 30th birthday!!
It was great. And it made my freaking night, and year, and life! I went to bed smiling that night and I woke up early the next day grinning and replaying the surprise moment in my head. I couldn't believe everyone was there for ME!!!!! WOW!
This is definitely the best way ever to say bye to my 20's and kickoff my 30's. I feel so loved!!!!!!!
There was cake and presents and cards and awesome decorations! I can't believe what I made James and Daniela go through!
So to celebrate my turning 30 this coming weekend, I figured I'd do a Q&A with questions submitted by my friends and readers. I was hoping to give you guys a few more details about me and this blog. Some questions have to do with blogging and some have to do with my life in general.
So here goes...
How many hours a week do you spend on your blog?
In the beginning I spent A LOT of hours on this blog but eventually I got into a great routine where I had the ball rolling and was always ahead on posting. So the amount of time has definitely decreased but still, the more time you put into something, the more successful it can be....so the answer to that is probably about 10 hours a week between writing posts, taking photos, responding to emails, and doing my own research for blog post topics.
What made you want to start a blog?
Well, my friends have always come to me for advice as far back as I can remember and they'd always tell me that I gave such good, neutral, realistic advice that I should write a book. So I did the next easiest thing and I started a blog where I could give advice to people on a variety of topics.
What is your favorite blog entry you have made since you started?
There are 2. They also both happen to be the most viral of all posts. Since I live my life on a budget and manage my money very well, it's definitely my How To Be On A Budget post and My Cash Envelope post. I love that these 2 posts have helped change people's lives!
What is one thing about being a blogger you think people will be surprised to find out?
Bloggers...they're just like you. They blow their nose, they go to the bathroom, the drive cars. Okay, just trying to mock those gossip magazines that say that kinda stuff about celebs. But seriously, bloggers are just like everyone else. The vast majority of us have 9-5 jobs, stage photos (our homes aren't nearly as perfect as the photos on social media make it look), and we become neurotic when we are out in public. We have to get just the right photo of our dinner when we go out to eat. Sometimes it takes 25 outfit photo poses until we fine the single one that we will use on our blogs. It's A LOT of work. I think the biggest misconception is that we just sit around and write. That's not how it is. There's so much planning, tracking, coordinating, scheduling, etc. that goes into every single thing we put out into the world. Oh and while it may seem like we get a lot of stuff for free, we really don't. I mean I'd be living the life if my entire grocery bill was covered from different companies I work with but that's not how it is. We're people too! :)
What are some of your favorite blogs to read?
Of course I have to plug my best friends' blogs and some of my fav bloggers that I stalk. Just kidding...or am I?
Helene in Between
Pioneer Woman
Jersey Girl, Texan Heart
Colleen Richman
She Said, He Said
What is the biggest accomplishment you achieved due to your blogging?
Hands down, my book, Fixing Your Finances. Without this blog I would never have seen how viral my financial advice could go so I never would have had the confidence to do it!
What are your favorite opportunities that blogging has brought you?
There are a few. As far as companies and products are concerned - I got my dream product - a robotic vacuum named Bobi. I also got my first piece of furniture from Castro Convertibles - a 3-in-1 Ottoman/bed.
I also work with car manufacturers to drive and review them, which is a huge luxury for me.
And then in the category of things I'd never get to experience except through blogging - well, I went to Lucky FABB Conference in New York a couple years back and saw Eva Mendes and Kate Bosworth. Also, I got to meet fashion designer Peter Som!
What are your favorite TV shows?
Honestly, after a long day of work I need mindless entertainment. I watch a plethora of TV shows, some are really classy and others are raunchy reality shows. Real World, The Challenge, Teen Mom, Catfish, Naked & Afraid, Couples Therapy, Bad Girls Club, Animal Kingdom, The Walking Dead, Shameless, The Affair, and of course Seinfeld.
What's your biggest life accomplishment?
Normally, I wouldn't have an answer for this. But thanks to blogging (and the extra income it gave me) I have to say my greatest accomplishment is becoming debt free!!!!
What do you do on weekends?
Surprisingly, I'm a homebody. I love socializing, but on weekends I like to just relax around my house and do whatever the heck I want. Nowhere to be, no schedule to follow, not a care in the world. I like to garden and read library books too. So exciting isn't it?
What's your biggest pet peeve in life?
I can not stand when people are negative and whiney, especially about something they have control over. If you are miserable all the time, take the steps necessary to get yourself in a better scenario or situation. When people are constantly whining to me, it starts to weigh me down with all the negative energy. Over the years I've distanced myself from negative people. Maybe that's why I like being alone so much.
How do you handle having 4 dogs?
It can be chaotic sometimes but my life would not be complete without all 4 of my babies. My world revolves around them, as it has since I was 19 and got my first dog, Pixie. I wake up early even on weekends so I can feed them, I clean my home religiously, and I spend a fair amount of money on them. They are my children and I wouldn't have it any other way.
How are you so hilarious on Snapchat?
Honestly, I just say what comes to my mind. I love being sarcastic so I embrace that side of me. I like to relate to people and I know they can relate to the things I share on there. Plus, I keep it real... what you see is what you get... if it's 9 at night before bed, I'm damn well gonna have no makeup on and be in my PJs for my snaps. There is no way in hell I'm getting myself all done up again just for social media.
How do you balance 2 jobs... your 9-5 and your blog?
I used to do most of my blog work on weekends but over the years, I've wanted to enjoy my free time more so I found a way to get things done during the week. During the day, when I'm at lunch or take my breaks, I respond to emails and peruse social media to interact with my peeps. On weeknights, I take photos for posts. First thing in the morning before I get to work I write a post or 2 a few weeks in advance of when it will go up. Somehow with my time management, I've been able to stick to that same routine so the two jobs don't really ever clash.
How do you feel about turning 30?
For a year or two I was dreading it, and then in the months before my birthday I've pretty much embraced it. Everyone older than me says that your 30's are the best. It's like your 20's except you have more money and more common sense. I am pretty excited to be 30 and I'm going to embrace it because life is short and there's no sense in dreading something that's inevitable.
Are there any things you want to achieve in the next 10 years before you turn 40?
Funny you should ask. In case you haven't seen, I had a 30 Before 30 bucket list which was a blast. In my 30's I would love to go whale watching, visit the World Trade Center memorial, go on a vacation to a tropical location, and build up a real healthy savings fund! Now, those sound like some major adult goals!
What are you doing to celebrate your 30th birthday?
I normally keep it low key and have my family and my grandmother over for a cookout. That's what I plan to do this year as well. Like I said, I'm a simple gal.
What do you do to stay in shape?
In the winter months when it's too cold to venture outside, I have a gym in our basement so I lift weights and use the elliptical. In the other months, I take long walks every other day. And every single day I make sure to get well over 10,000 steps on my Fitbit. I even take walks on my breaks at work.
How did you learn to cook those delicious meals you always share on Instagram?
Well, I started downloading Hello Fresh recipes from their site, and I'd buy all the ingredients and make the meals. I like thier recipes because they are set up so nice and so easy to follow. So basically those are still the main recipes I follow.
Do you plan on having kids?
Nope. It's something me and James have always felt even before we knew each other. From a young age we just never felt the urge to want to be parents. So we are a match made in Heaven!
What are your biggest fears?
I hate heights. And spiders. And deep water where I can't see the bottom. That's pretty much it. Also, I don't watch horror films. Ever.
What's your favorite food?
Honestly, it's so hard to answer that now that I've been cooking so much. I used to be a simple girl that didn't want to try ANYTHING new. Once I began cooking and following recipes I learned to try and enjoy new things. I still love sushi the most, even though I can't make it.
How do you stay so organized in life?
Well, I did this little thing called the KonMari Method of Tidying and it's changed my life. I own less stuff so it's easier to keep track of what I have. I don't buy what I don't need. My home is neat and tidy so the only cleaning that needs done is just cleaning surfaces and vacuuming the floor. I think everyone should try it. It's life changing!
Mac or PC?
Mac baby!
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
The ability to freeze time. So I could get things done and not have so many interruptions at work, ha!
How do you give such good advice?
What a compliment! Honestly, I just take all of my biases out of the equation and give people a neutral and realistic point of view.
Do you ever see your blog closing down? Don't even say that! It gives me anxiety just to think of it! No, I don't. I plan to keep this going for as long as I possibly can. That's why I designed it without sticking to a niche like "20-something", etc. This blog will evolve as I evolve.
How do you deal with internet trolls?
I don't. I ignore them. If they comment, I delete it. Simple as that.
What's your all time favorite TV series?
It's a tie between Breaking Bad and LOST.
Thank you guys so much for being my readers and my friends! I enjoyed answering these questions for you!
He also surprised me by waxing my car! 
