Happy New Years! It is officially 2012 and one of my many goals, as featured on one of my boards on Pinterest (I've become absolutely addicted to it!) is to be more attentive to this blog.

I'd like to feature more on fashion, DIY interior design and of course, I don't think I could ever let go of my personal posts.

In the last few weeks my cousin and I have joined a gym and are working on making ourselves healthier, more fit and happier. We've been pretty good about going a few times a week and I can already see a positive change in myself. I feel more motivated and happier, my arms have been aching the last couple days (muscle!) and I'm amazed whenever I cross a mile mark on one of the stationary bikes!

I'm currently out of a job, but am beginning my search this week. I'd really love to get a good restaurant job so that I can save tips to help pay property taxes in April.

One of the things I'm most looking forward to is hopefully getting a SmartCar again once we've paid off the car in late spring. I miss that fun little thing and the fact that even filling it with Super, I never spent over $40 bucks on gas for that thing in a month.

Christmas was wonderful! Some of my family from AZ came out to celebrate with us and it was wonderful having that time with them.

I got a lot of wonderful gifts, a new stereo system for the car that I can finally hook my iPod directly into (getting installed Wednesday), some beautiful clothes and what I've been wanting all year, a NookColor!

The hubby, Katie (my cousin) and I spent our New Years Eve at the Mission Inn last night to see the lights and ring in the new year. It was a wonderful time and Katie came over beforehand so we could get all prettified together. She did my hair in a lovely 50's style and now I've got to buy myself a teasing brush so I can try to replicate it.

In the meantime we've been cleaning and organizing. I got the bedroom all cleaned up and rearranged, as well as the living room and kitchen. I still have so much more I want to do though! I want to get started on DIY projects around the apartment and the first place I want to focus my attention is the bathroom. Nothing too insane, but it needs better storage solutions first and foremost. It also needs a touch of excitement and some beautifying. Of all the rooms in my house, the bathroom is my least favorite place to end up in and I want to change that. All the details on that will be in an upcoming post.

A couple days ago we bought ourselves a SodaStream. Ya know, that thing that lets you make your own soda at home? I had a taste test at Costco the day after Christmas and was amazed at how close to the brand name soda's it tastes. The money savings is what is most exciting to me, oh and not having to lug bags of soda bottles up the stairs a few times a week! We bought some extra bottles yesterday and I am eager to get a couple bottles of soda going. Another great thing about it is that it requires no electricity or batteries. Amazing!

Have you bought any great, money saving items lately? Do you have any money saving resolutions for this year? Oh, and what did you do last night to celebrate the New Year? 

Whatever you did, I hope you had a wonderful time surrounded by friends and family and that this new year brings you lots of happiness and success!

xoxo,

    Gina

Empowerment/Life Thursday

I feel incredibly blessed. I have a wonderful home, a loving husband and so many family and friends that make my day happier and brighter just thinking about them. I don't know where I would be without these people and I don't ever want to know. They bring such a vibrance and peace to my life that I've never felt before. They're there when I need them, whether it be a shoulder to cry on, to listen to my angry rants or laugh and enjoy life with.

I wouldn't wish life any other way!

My parents are the most caring, giving people I know. Teenage life was rough and it was tough getting along like any family, but now I am thankfully out of that phase and have an appreciation for my parents that I've never had before. They are always there, always compassionate and give the greatest advice. They go out of their way to make sure and my sister and I feel loved and happy. They give and give and give, and I want to be able to give as much back and make them proud and happy, as they already are, to have me as their firstborn.

My Grama Mc makes me laugh! She says the funniest things and is so incredibly sweet. She's a no bullshit kinda person and I appreciate that about her. She took me on a cross country trip to South Dakota when I was a kid, and I still treasure that time and the photographic memories from that trip. She always looks beautiful and has the greatest laugh and a love for life and family that I so enjoy! She's thoughtful, caring and is there whenever you need her, no matter what it is. And she brings a fun sarcasm to everything.

I grew up with this beautiful Lady living down the street from me. We didn't exactly click at first, but now Meredith and I are the best of friends and I miss her all the time. I wish she didn't live so far, so we could spend more time together, but she's only a phone call away and I can talk to her about anything. She's funny, sweet, and has a laugh that inspires everyone around her to laugh too. She brightens up any and every room!

These Ladies rock! I always have soooo much fun with them! They are wild and crazy, but then we can talk about the most serious of things and we click together so much! I feel like I teenager whenever I have the opportunity to go and visit my Ames and Krista. Whether it be a night on the town in Laughlin, watching marathons of the Golden Girls or huddling together for a scary movie night, they're where I want to be. I can't imagine life without them and I will never let our friendships slip away. Even if I ever somehow wanted to, they'd never let me! LOVE you guys!

My husband is the funniest man I know. We talk about the weirdest things and we do the weirdest things and totally understand each other. I feel like I've found the other half of myself and he makes me so happy! I can't wait for us to renew our vows on our 5th anniversary this December!

Cousin Joey, Aunt Lanie, Mom, Uncle Mike, my sister Aubrey, and my baby cousin Aubrey

I love these people to death. There is no one like my Aunt and Uncle and I love spending time with them. They're silly, fun and make me feel so loved. My cousins are a huge part of my life and I love being around them. They are silly and crazy fun! I'm so happy when I'm around all these people.

My sister surprises me every day! She's so smart and beautiful and she has such a bright future ahead. I know she's going to achieve all her dreams and kick ass while she does it

My sister Aubrey, Krystle, me, Krista and Ames

My BHC girls! Life is perfect with them!

Katie, me and Kristen

Me and my bar hoppin Ladies. We act wild and crazy and enjoy many a Midori Sour together. I can't imagine life without them.

Heather, Me, Nin, Kelly

All my model lovelies! Pure fun and always ready to chill and have a good time!

I met these gals at a rough patch in my life. But we all helped each other to get through it. Kind, caring and understanding I wish nothing more than happiness and love and hope we'll all get the chance to get together again!

There are so many more beautiful people that have touched my life. Obviously, these are just a few. I am thankful for the joy of having everyone who has touched my life in some way. You all are such a blessing!

Who are your blessings, what are you most grateful for? Please do tell in the comments!