Dear Cankles,: January 2012

As I'm getting into the spirit of all things Valentine's Day, I thought it would be nice to share the websites and blogs I absolutely ADORE!

Absolute Favorite - Vitalic Photo Blog. I first stumbled upon Vitalic Photo girls when I was living in Sebastian, FL where they reside. A mutual friend introduced me to their work and Chrissy, one of the two fabulously creative photographers. I've been stalking their site every week since! I just LOVE the feel of their photos and shoots. Their editing is creative and unique without being overdone. I am obsessed with all things Vitalic!

Site which I can spend HOURS on - Pinterest!! Most of you are very familiar with Pinterest, pinning and boards but for those who are not, I will give you a brief overview. It's a big, giant, web-based cork board where you can grab and pin anything and everything you like, want, desire, see or NEED from anywhere on the web! You can even upload your own pictures to "pin". Each pin goes on a "board" which is basically a way to categorize your pins. Think of it as your own personal sticky note board! Love to pin!

Most creative website I follow: Living Locurto This is a website full of free printables, PSD downloads and overall creativity abounds from Living Locurto. I also heart their sister-site iheartfaces.com These gals have got their creative genes flowing and I'm proud to say I usually love all of their posts!

Health & fitness website best: My Plate Livestrong I use this website to track my weight and calorie intake. I'm currently using it to help me watch my caloric intake and hopefully shed a few pounds I gained over the last few weeks (months/years). Love, love, love Livestrong!

Favorite friend website: Britta's Banter Britta - author of self-titled Britta's Banter - is a dear friend of mine from my childhood. I have known Britta since I was four or five so almost 100% of my life. She is a wonderful writer, a fantastic mom to Mr. Lance and a very good friend! I always crack up at her various topics and banter (get it? Britta's Banter). She is one talented chick and I'm so glad to be able to call her my friend!

Industry website I frequent most: Being in the produce industry, I rely on The Packer for my daily and weekly produce news. I can count on The Packer for the most recent industry related news, updates on my friends and colleagues in the business and great updates on new commodities and trends.

Favorite Food website: Skinny Taste The name says it all - it tastes good and is good for you! I love most everything I try from Skinny Taste and I especially appreciate that you don't need 40 unheard of ingredients to complete these recipes. Once I make them, I can check the calorie count of each dish and log it in Livestrong. If I really like it, I may pin it on Pinterest too!

Of course there are many more, including the very popular Facebook, LinkedIn and my Hotmail account. Polyvore is growing on my top favorites list and with Cooper in 1st grade we are constantly on IXL, RazKidz and other education sites. The world wide web is a very infinite wealth of knowledge, entertainment, and expression. Let's hope the government allows it to continue to be an outlet for our constitutional right to Freedom of Speech!

What are your top sites? Please leave me feedback and let me know! Happy surfing!

It seems Christmas has come and gone so quickly this year. It could be because we were traveling so much over the last five weeks and haven't really had a chance to slow down yet. So here is a brief review of our FIVE Christmas celebrations (there may have been more - I lost track)

Dec 1 - 4: Coudersport Christmas (#1)