Cheerio to Cheerios

I have a new found addiction that I just can't seem to quit…Cheerios.  I don't know if you've been down the breakfast aisle recently, but the classic cereal your grandma's snacking on has a new twist.  Forget the Honey Nut flavor, there's now 14 varieties of Cheerios!

It all started when I tried the Apple Cinnamon.  One spoonful, and I was hooked.  Usually, I'd just keep buying the same flavor, but on the back of each box are suggested mixing combinations.  For instance, they recommend adding Cinnamon Burst Crunch to Apple Cinnamon, creating an "Apple Crisp."  Or, you could add Frosted Cheerios to Chocolate for a "Chocolate Cake" taste.  My favorite though is anything that's mixed with the Multi Grain Peanut Butter Cheerios.  Fast forward six weeks, and I'm now the proud owner of seven cereal boxes.

See, I wasn't exaggerating when I said seven boxes. 

At this point, there's no telling how many handfuls of O's I've eaten in the name of research.  I feel like a Pokemon Master trying to catch all the flavors.  So far, I've tried them all except for the Dulce de Leche Cheerios.  They must be good though since I've already searched 10+ grocery stores and still can't seem to find them.

Basically, Cheerios are the best quick breakfast (or lunch or dinner) option around.  But beware, once you start it's hard to stop!

And if you're wondering the 14 members that make up the Cheerio family, here they are:
-Cheerios
-Honey Nut Cheerios
-Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch
-Multi Grain Cheerios
-Apple Cinnamon Cheerios
-Banana Nut Cheerios
-Cinnamon Burst Cheerios
-Chocolate Cheerios
-Dulce de Leche Cheerios
-Multi Grain Cheerios Peanut Butter
-Multi Grain Cheerios Dark Chocolate Crunch
-Frosted Cheerios
-Fruity Cheerios
-Yogurt Burst Cheerios

So, go ahead and try a few combinations for yourself.  Then, tell me which is your favorite.

The Glory Days of Valentines Past

Candy hearts, huge balloons, fuzzy teddy bears, hugs, and kisses…all the things that make Valentines Day wonderful, right?  If you're in a perfect relationship, the day may bring you nothing but joyful memories, but what happens if V-Day rolls around and you're contentedly by yourself?

I'm one of the 92 million single people living in the United States, and, honestly, I can't complain. 

Sure, it'd be great if someone else was buying the bag of chocolate kisses I've devoured today, but I'm a grown up with a credit card.

Don't worry this isn't one of those "woe is me" posts.  I'm certainly not opposed to Valentines Day; it's actually one of my favorite holidays.  I just wish it wasn't so focused on couples.  

Remember the good old day of elementary school?  Everyone gave cute cards and candies to each boy and girl in their class.  Back then, it wasn't labeled a couples day; Valentines Day was just a day for friendship.

Isn't he just the cutest?  I love the valentines mailbox too! 

 Today, I was lucky enough to "time-travel" back to the glory days of Valentines past.  From 9am onward, I attended three school dances and 40+ classes parties.  I was there to witness elementary kiddos opening Spider Man valentines from their secret crush as well as the sugarcoma that comes with eating four cupcakes, chips, candy and fruit punch in a 20 minute period.  I got more hugs than a girl could ever hope for, and a few fellas even asked me to be their valentine.

He asked her to dance; then, she asked him to dance.
I asked, and yes they are boyfriend/girlfriend. 

His suit...Her Hello Kitty tutu! 

Take a look inside a 2014 Valentines Day Loot Bag. 

So excited by his Valentines! 

I guess what I'm trying to say is, regardless of my relationship status, I've been showered with love.  This Valentines Day couldn't have been any better, and all it took was a few sticky-handed hugs.  

Sitting Pretty at 23

Taylor Swift's "22" can no longer be the song I turn to when I'm looking for a song about my age.  Nope, I'm another year older…I'm sitting pretty at 23.  As I look back at the past 12 months, it's one that's been filled with quite a few milestones.  I graduated from college, left New York, got my first real job, bought my own car, and even had a power bill be put in my name; I guess you could say 22 was a year of changes.  But like all good years, 22 only had 365 days.  

23 has a lot to live up to, so I decided I'd give it a jump start by spending my first few days sipping mimosas and roasting s'mores in the North Georgia Mountains.

When we decided to leave our snuggly warm cabin...


Our first outing was to Anna Ruby Falls.  Located near Helen's Unicoi State Park, it only costs $3 to visit these wondrous water walls.  For those of y'all who aren't into the whole hiking thing, this is the site for you.  The trail is only 1/2 a mile long.  And, when you get back to the bottom be sure to check out the gift shop.  It's filled with crafty finds from local artists in addition to your typical t-shirts and bumper stickers.

I'm pretty sure I'm the worst pet mommy in the world.  Dublin was supposed to get snow last week; when we didn't, I made it my mission to make sure Roo got her picture taken in the "Devil's Dandruff."  She was not a happy girl, but doesn't she look cute? 

Mandatory Mother-Daughter selfie with the falls in the background! 

After that we visited Babyland General Hospital.  I know, you're probably thinking why would a now 23 year old want to visit a Cabbage Patch Kids Playland?  I was right there with you until I walked through the glorious doorway that is BLGH.  Dressed in scrubs, LPNs (Licensed Patch Nurses) greet each guest, revealing great photo-op spots and dishing on their favorited doll design.  I was never much of a Cabbage Patch kiddo; American Girls were more my thing.  But, it took some serious restraint not to snatch up one of their babies born on my birthday!  Maybe they put something in the air?  Anyways, I'd say if you're a parent (or just someone staying in Helen who's looking for something to do) make a trek to see the cabbage patch for yourself.

Isn't her hair just the cutest. 

Obviously, this was a post-visit pictures.  Hence the goofy-grin and super excited expression about dolls. 

So, what we've learned here is I may be one year older but I'm obviously still a child at heart.