Five Favorites: 2013

This year is quickly coming to a close! Many of us are reviewing what happened this past year and reflecting on all of those events. For this edition of "Five Favorites," I'd like to talk about five of my favorite things about 2013.

1. Being a Homeowner

Who would have thought I'd be a homeowner at my age (26)? It's really pretty incredible. It was probably the most stressful process of my life when I was trying to buy the house, but now that it is over and I've been in the house close to a year, it is definitely worth it. Nothing compares to having your own space that you can do whatever you want with! Now I just need to finish unpacking... Yes, I am a horrible (great?) procrastinator!

2. Driving at Sebring International Raceway

It isn't often that you get an opportunity to drive on a track that countless racing professionals have raced on for decades. Not only was this an amazing experience just because I got to drive at the limits of the car, but it was also incredible because of this track's history. This is one of the most challenging tracks around, and mastering it is an incredible feeling. I don't know if it is possible to master this track, but just driving it at a decent rate of speed is amazing.

3. Getting Engaged

OMG OMG he proposed and I said yes!!! Haha, so it was an early early morning in August when Mike and I were out on the beach for my sea turtle patrol. He asked if he could come with me this time, and of course I said that was fine because it can be a little lonely on the beach at 6am. We were walking along, and he pointed something out, so I turned that direction, and when I turned back around, he was on his knee! Being engaged has been a fantastic experience. It's amazing knowing you get to spend your life with the love of your life.

4. Decorating for the Holidays

I'm not posting a picture for this one, even though I have a few examples, because I've posted them before and I've posted them recently. I'm sure you all have gotten your fill of holiday pictures. Not only are being in a house and being engaged fantastic, but celebrating our first holiday season together in our house was awesome! It is so nice to have a place to decorate together. We even had our own Christmas tree!

5. Growth

This one is an important favorite. Growth isn't one of those things I can pinpoint, but the combination of experiences I've had this year have helped me grow as a person. I've had good times and bad times, and they all teach me something. It's nice looking back and knowing you are a better, stronger person now. Life is always changing, and that isn't a bad thing. One of my favorite quotes is "Everything drifts. Always in waves." So let's ride those waves and have a blast doing it!

Happy New Year!

Five Favorites: Food

While we're all recovering from being overloaded on turkey and stuffing, let's talk about food some more, shall we? When I have a say in what I eat, I don't always make the healthiest choices, but they sure are yummy ones!

1. Brownies

This is the absolute best dessert ever in my opinion. Chocolate gooey-ness, pure indulgence. They are so many calories, but I can't resist them. Any time there is a potluck at work or anywhere, I offer to bring in brownies, hoping I will be able to take a lot home. Brownies are also really easy to make from a box. Betty Crocker is my best friend.

2. Cheetos Snack Crackers

These, oh my goodness. These are a bite of heaven. If you like Cheetos, you will love these. I discovered these when I was in college, and my local grocery store carried them. At some point, they stopped, and I was totally devastated, but I got over it (mostly) eventually. Recently, my fiance and I tried a grocery store that we always pass by near our house. They have lots of international foods and unique things. Lo and behold, they had my crackers! Now I am hooked again.

3. Green Beans

This is the one healthy thing on this list. If I had to pick a favorite vegetable, green beans would be it. Real green beans though, not fake ones. I consider fake green beans to be the kind from cans, or frozen. Real green beans are fresh. Fresh and delicious. I love the just-picked nature flavor, with just a little bit of butter. Nothing compares to the rich flavor of green beans. Corn, lima beans, carrots -- nope. It has to be green beans.

4. Smoothies

Smoothies are fantastic for being on the go, sitting at home relaxing, or anytime really. I love that they can be a junk food if you are in a junk food mood, or they can be really healthy with fruits, veggies, and certain additives. Either way, they are always delicious. When you don't feel like a meal, but you know you need something in your stomach, smoothies are a great solution.

5. Pizza

The food of all foods. It is the ultimate in deliciousness. Cheese, bread, tomato sauce, pepperoni, just give it all to me. I love pizza. I could eat pizza 5 days a week and not get sick of it. In fact, I nearly did that when I lived around the corner from a place with $1 slices. It was the perfect lunch before my afternoon job. How can you resist $1 slices? My favorite places now are Mellow Mushroom and Hungry Howie's. Hungry Howie's really has some great pizza, with free flavored crust, for very reasonable prices.

What are some of your favorite foods?

Five Favorites: Non-Material Edition

It's that time of year when many people are posting lists of things they are thankful for, Black Friday shopping lists, or general wishlists or favorites lists. Many favorites lists are full of things, such as cosmetics, apparel, or household items. I like the idea of favorites lists, but I wanted to do this one a little differently. Below are five of my favorite non-material things.

1. Exploring.

I am lucky enough that I've gotten the chance to do a bit of traveling to other countries as well as some cities in the US, including New Orleans and Key West. One of my favorite parts about traveling is learning about different cultures and ways of life, which can vary even within a single city. There is always something new to learn, even within whatever city you live in. There is a lot of variety in life when you really take the time to slow down and notice the little things. The above picture was taken on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, purposely out of focus.

2. Pets and animals.

What would we do without our pets and awesome wildlife? When we have a bad day, our pets are there to comfort us. When we're bored, they end up doing something ridiculous and silly. And when we're happy, they're there to celebrate with us. Pets can provide amazing companionship and help us forget about any daily stuff we are dealing with. Wildlife can be pretty amazing too. How incredible is it when a monarch butterfly flitters past? Or when you see an armadillo just off a nature trail, chilling. These creatures can be really inspiring in their own way.

3. Photography. 

Photography is a great way to capture special moments, or even relatively normal moments. The thing about photos is that you can freeze feelings. I like to believe each photo has its own mood, and it transports you someplace else. I also like how an ordinary, everyday object can take on a new personality when captured in a unique way. Here, the sun is rising and I captured it through a hole in a seashell. It gives the sunrise a more muted, yet surprising feel.

4. Home.

Home sweet home. There's no place like home. To many people, home is a sanctuary, and that's the way it should be. I am thankful for the environment my parents provided for me as I grew up, and I'm thankful for my current little family -- my fiance and our two kitties, Turbo and Nitro. It's a place where I can always feel safe and comfortable, and it's a place where we can build memories together. It's really fun sharing a home with the ones you love.

5. Weekends.

Woohoo! Unfortunately this weekend is coming to a close, but the weekend always gives us something to look forward to. A break from work and weekly tasks. Of course, being a homeowner, there is always some sort of work to be done, but it is nice having the choice of when you want to get the work done. This past weekend, my fiance and I went out to a beachfront bar for a couple drinks, then tried a new restaurant for dinner. It is things like this that make weekends seem like mini vacations, and those are always fun and appreciated.

What are some of your favorite things that aren't material things?