America's Game #GoArmy

I'm not a sports person.  I can typically tell you which sports team belongs in the NFL, MLB, NHL, or NBA, and I know the basic rules.  (Well, less in hockey, and I still haven't figured out "off-sides" in soccer.)

But one day a year, I'm a die-hard sports fan.  And that is the day of the Army-Navy football game, a.k.a. America's game.

My father, uncle (on my mother's side), and myself are all West Point graduates.  No matter how good either team has been in the regular season, Army-Navy is rarely an obvious game to watch.  There's something about this rivalry that makes each side want it so badly, miracles can happen.

So one day a year, I'm riveted to the screen.

Trent Steelman, saluting after his touchdown

It hasn't always been easy to watch.  Going into this recent match-up, we'd suffered embarrassing losses for the past decade.  But last year, we were within single digits.  And this year, as heartbreaking as it was, we were within a play.  We were leading into the 4th quarter, but came up short in the end.  It was one of the longest 15 minutes of my life.

After the game, I stood up to sing my Alma Mater with the team on screen.   Tears streamed down my face as I watched Army's Senior QB, Trent Steelman, sobbing on-screen.  He was so close, and he wanted it so badly.  I wanted it for him, for all of us.  We deserved it.  But I wasn't embarrassed, I was proud.

At the end of the day, I think about the seniors on both teams, who will join the armed forces in May, undoubtedly deploying to harm's way.  Truthfully, this football game was the easy part of their journey.

We'll get them next year.  BEAT NAVY!  I maybe a sports fan one day a year, but I have a fantastic team.

Treat Yo Self! #Giveaway

Ah, the holidays.  It's that time of year you spend tons of time and energy picking out the perfect gift for your loved ones.  But we at Caroline's Day and Adventures in Aubreyland agree on one thing: the holidays (and their amazing sales!) are also the perfect time to TREAT YO SELF.  (Parks & Rec reference, major cool points if you get that.)

I mean, we both may or may not have called random Nordstrom Rack stores nationwide this week to buy Hunter wellies (for ourselves) at $50 bucks a pop.  On a weekday.  Yup.  We saved SO much money!

Anyways, we know that not everyone out there has been able to treat themselves this year, so we decided to team up and put together an awesome GIVEAWAY for you all!  We actually bought stuff in our respective states and united our shopping powers just for YOU.

This giveaway includes:

• H&M Snood (the biggest trend this season in warm accessories!)
• Bubble Necklace (very J. Crew!)
• Metal/Leather Cuff
• Fair Isle Mittens (the top pops off so you can text!)
• Nail Polish (in festive red and gold glitter)
• EOS Lip Balm in Sweet Mint
• $10 Starbucks Giftcard (seasonal latte?)
• Spa Footies in Holiday Print

Holy cow, I think we went overboard.  Pretty sure this is easily worth $60 or more (we gleefully exceeded our budget), and we'll be mailing it direct to you!

Here's how to win:


1. Follow BOTH Caroline's Day and Adventures in Aubreyland via Google Friend Connect.

2. Comment under the original post in Aubreyland with your GFC name.

Additional Entries:

1 Extra Entry: Follow BOTH Aubrey (@aubreyland325) and Caroline's Day (@carolines_day) on Twitter and leave a comment with your handle name.

1 Extra Entry: Follow BOTH Aubrey on Facebook (fb.com/adventuresinaubreyland) and Caroline on Instagram (@carolinesday).

1 Extra Entry: Share this giveaway via Twitter (tag one of us in the tweet), Facebook, blog post, or Instagram.

Please include an individual comment for each entry.

That's it! This giveaway will end Friday, December 14, 2012 and a winner will be drawn via random.org and announced shortly thereafter. We know many are reluctant to leave an email address under comments, so please check back after the giveaway ends to see if you've won. If winner does not contact us either by comment or email within 72 hours, a new winner will be drawn.

***UPDATE:  Giveaway is only for those residing in the U.S.  Sorry, international shipping is unavailable for this giveaway!!!***

Movie Review: Life of Pi

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I have had the book Life of Pi on my Kindle for over a year now, but I never read it.  Then I heard it was in theaters and a pretty good flick, so I did what I almost never do: I went to see a movie without reading the book first.

I know, soooo bad, right?

Actually, wrong.

I loved this movie.  I even went home and started referring to my cat as "Richard Parker" afterwards.  It was colorful, thoughtful, and beautiful.  I didn't really know what to expect, but I found myself entertained and happy.

If you're looking for a visually engaging, imaginative story, this is the movie to see.  It's all about spirit.