My Life at Thirty

pancake helper

2011-02-18T01:50:00.002-05:00

Happy Thursday all!

I'm here to share yet another secret of mine with you (this must be a week for secret-spilling!)

Making pancakes can get messy when you're pouring the batter onto your griddle. Clearly it's a problem because people are manufacturing tools (a la the Williams-Sonoma pancake pen) to alleviate the mess. I have a trick that's even better - and a fraction of the price! I read this in a magazine a while back -- Real Simple or BHG, I don't really remember -- where you simply re-use an old syrup bottle. Works like a charm!

Rather than discarding my old syrup bottle when it was empty I saved it, cleaned it out and now re-use it each time we make pancakes. I even toss it in the dishwasher. Great thing is when this one get old or beat-up I can just throw it out and start over again with a new bottle!

...and for those of you that have trouble pouring from the bowl into the bottle
without making a mess, try a small funnel. viola! mess-free!

wordless wednesday

2011-02-16T01:36:00.001-05:00

(via iPhone with my Hipstamatic app)

no more static!

2011-02-15T02:10:00.001-05:00

Ok girls, I'm about to share a secret with you that is going to make your winter!

My hair is like a static magnet this time of year - no matter what I do the minute I step out of the house and put my winter hat on - done. Static appears. And those days that I brave the cold hat-less, by the time I get to work and turn on my computer - boom. Static.

Then one day a friend told me about her secret weapon® serum and I decided to give it a try. While on the hunt for it at my local drugstore I came across something even better! The makers of this secret weapon (and yes, it really is called "Secret Weapon®") now also make a shampoo and conditioner to help tame the static before it happens! {aaaahhh!! Cue the angels singing}

I have tried the shampoo/conditioner combo for a week now and I can honestly say I have had NO static problems. I've gone full days at work without having to throw my hair into a ponytail by lunch. I've even been able to wear hats! {gasp!} I think I'm in *love*

happy v-day

2011-02-14T01:50:00.001-05:00

♥♥ Happy Valentine's Day to all you lovebirds!! muah!! ♥♥

(click to view larger)

(images via)

Auto Draft

2011-02-13T16:32:00.000-05:00

superbowl top spots

2011-02-13T07:43:00.001-05:00

I know it's a week late and all the post-game hoopla over the best and worst Superbowl commercials has come and gone...but I still wanted to post my fave commercials for y'all to see.

{1} Bud Light - "Hack Job"

{2} Doritos - "House Sitting"

Grandpa!!

{3} Volkswagen - "The Force"

This is a clip of the :60 -- they played the :30 during the game spot but the :60 is great!

And saving the best for last, but certainly not least, the Chrysler 200 spot.

Anyone from Metro-Detroit or anyone that has any sort of tie to the city can't help but feel some sort of emotion when you see this -- it's clearly an anthem spot for all of us in the D.

At first I thought if only a Detroit ad-agency was behind this concept, then, then it would be really something...but after thinking about it a little more I had a change of heart/mind. Because this amazing idea was sparked from the West Coast -- well that means that people out there get it, get us...and that's saying something.

Imported from Detroit. We're certainly no one's Emerald City.

{4} Chrysler - "Born of Fire"

project 365 - week 6

2011-02-13T07:07:00.000-05:00

(click to view larger)

I know, I know...I wasn't very good at taking photos this week so it's a little sparse.

1 & 2. We met up with Michael's friends Emily and Steve at a karaoke/bowling birthday party

3. My wii avatar...challenged Michael to a friendly sporting competition

4. Sushi Friday @ work = yum!!

mmm...saturday

2011-02-12T16:08:00.000-05:00

There is nothing better than having a lazy Saturday with my lovie. Sure we had chores to do but that's the beauty of being an adult - we can decide when to do them and when to put them off :) Today we decided to have a cozy, lazy day. It started this morning when we had a late breakfast -- I made pancakes for Michael...and made a special 'lil batch with some mini chocolate chips. They were delish!

Then we lounged around the house for the rest of the afternoon before getting ready to head out for an early Valentine's dinner at our usual, and favorite, sushi spot. Followed by a sweet treat of ice cream while snuggling up on the couch watching a movie on the tellie. It was a perfect day...love days like today!

2011-02-11T16:16:00.000-05:00

so in case anyone was wondering, here's where my mind has been for the last week...focused on moving and all the things we have to get done before the big moving day. This collage sums it all up (click to view larger.)

(images via)

throwback thursday

2011-02-10T14:46:00.000-05:00

here's a throwback for ya...

Someone sang this at karaoke last weekend and then I heard it again on the radio this morning. No matter how old this song is you just gotta love it...cuz you - you got what I neeeeeeeeeed Biz Markie!!

once a planner, always a planner

2011-02-09T18:35:00.000-05:00

Ok, we all know that we're moving and the move date is scheduled for the end of March. Now that may seem like a long way off to you but really when you break it down it really only leaves me with 5 actual "weekends" to prepare and pack up my entire apartment! So what did I do? Of course, I made a schedule {free calendar printable courtesy of The TomKat Studio} to plan out exactly what I need to tackle and when I plan to tackle it. Ha! So here it is...February and March roll up your sleeves and let's get to packin'!!

Auto Draft

2011-02-08T18:24:00.000-05:00

Auto Draft

2011-02-07T18:24:00.000-05:00

design on a dime

2011-02-07T17:50:00.000-05:00

So we have some shopping to do over the next two months - and that shopping includes purchasing a few new items for our new place. Fun...but expensive! I've been online window shopping for WEEKS now, seriously weeks (since before we even knew we officially had the apartment!) And with that I'm making a list of wants vs. needs...

{needs}

1. A sideboard/buffet to house extra kitchen storage since we have no pantry! So far I've found these, in order of favorites:

^^I really like this one but it's $$$ (boo hoo! because it's the only piece that we can actually get in a store to see/touch!)

2. Desk -- I think we're going to go with this one from IKEA but in a darker wood. I'll just need to find an inexpensive drawer unit to store all the miscellaneous office supplies like envelopes, stamps, paperclips, paper, etc.

3. Bath towels/rugs/accessories for the 2nd guest bath...we're either going with chocolate brown and cream or a charcoal grey color scheme

{wants}

1. A new comforter. I really, really still love the duvet from Restoration Hardware but there's no way I'm spending that much $$ so we'll just have to keep looking until something else comes along and strikes our fancy.

2. Fireplace screen -- oh wait, I already bought that. oops! *wink*

3. Laundry Organizer -- since our laundry room is itty bitty we need to utilize all the wall space we can get...in fact this might be moving up to the {needs} list

{now I just need to win the lottery}

project 365 - week 5

2011-02-05T18:24:00.000-05:00

(click to view larger)

Michael made me heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast (cue the "aw!!")

Date night!! consisted of dinner -- sushi (on fire) and a movie (No Strings Attached)

did a little cleaning and organizing of my files

Throughout the entire week keeping all my friends and their families in my thoughts...pray for Egypt

Wednesday = snow day (aka work from home day!!)

(images via and via)

shut the front door!!

2011-02-02T13:07:00.000-05:00

O-M-G!! This could not be more perfectly suited for me!! So one of my "sayings" when I'm in disbelief is: SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!??! Today I discovered this wooden sign on Etsy that is absolutely perfect...if only the price were perfect.

I mean, I know it's handmade and all but $175 plus shipping, really? C'mon! So calling on all you crafty bloggers out there -- someone has to have a clever way of making this at a more affordable cost, yes? Pretty please?!!!! I have to, have to, have to have this - it will be perfect for our new place!

♥ مصر ♥

2011-01-30T06:40:00.000-05:00

For those that know me know that I used to live in Cairo -- it's a place that I hold very dear to me. My time spent in Cairo had an extremely large impact on my youth and helped to shape the person I am today. Most of my closest/best friends are the ones I went to school with there -- and we're all still very close today. Cairo (Maadi) is a place I call home.

This week has been extremely sad as I watch the news reports and see all the destruction taking place. Each time I log into Facebook a friend has posted yet another news article, video footage or status update with more upsetting news. I still know many people there - friends, their parents, old family friends/neighbors, etc. Reports I've received say that they are safe, and some are even making their way out of Egypt on the last few flights available (Alhamdulillah!)

People are looting, prisoners are escaping and running the streets, I've even read reports of people taking shifts in their own apartment buildings to stand guard and keep their homes protected. There are too many reports to post here...any news channel or website is monitoring the situation and it's continuously changing by the minute. One of my classmates from Cairo (Jon Jensen) is a reporter and he is there now documenting the situation - I've been keeping track of his Facebook and twitter feeds to get updates on the events, as well as his safety. Here is a report from Jon yesterday that another friend of ours posted on Facebook (having trouble getting the video to post within the blog so including the direct link to the web): Raw Feed from Cairo

Please keep my friends and their families in your thoughts and prayers...good luck Egypt.

♥ مصر ♥ (♥ Egypt ♥)

project 365 - week 4

2011-01-30T05:40:00.000-05:00

(click to view larger)

1. Michael, Mom and I wen to the Plymouth Ice Festival

2. Michael and I at North American International Auto Show

3. Yes, it really was only 5 degrees - had to document how cold it really was!

4. Michael and I spend Friday night baby-sitting his nieces and nephew...those kiddos are too darn cute!

5. We rec'd word this week that we got the apartment we wanted, yay!

home sweet NEW home

2011-01-27T15:27:00.000-05:00

So we received some exciting news this week…we officially found a new place to live! I got a call from the apartment complex on Tuesday notifying us that the apartment we were hoping to get is going to be available in March (when my current lease is up.) We are thrilled!! Two bedrooms AND two baths – can’t wait! Here are a few photos of the model to give you a glimpse of what I have to work with since everyone has been asking what it looks like:

The main area (living/dining/kitchen) is all very open. Again, this is the model so the paint and furniture is just for show.

And we have a fireplace!! (click to enlarge and view this panoramic)

master bedroom, with walk-thru to master bath

What will become the office...it's the same size as the master!!!

This is the actual apartment building -- we have a pond view which should be nice in the Spring/Summer!

And…in honor of our new pad I went shopping last night (couldn’t help it, after the workday I needed a little retail therapy) and bought this lovely little piece for our new-soon-to-have fireplace – on clearance at Target!! Now we'll just have to figure out how to actually start the fire...

weekend of events

2011-01-23T17:45:00.000-05:00

This weekend was a weekend of events. Yesterday Mom, Michael and I went to the

It was about 10-15 degrees outside, while it made for perfect ice-sculpting weather it was painfully cold for us - but we toughed it out for a few hours {plus a quick stop into Starbucks helped to (a) gave us a warming break from the cold (b) allowed me try out my new iPhone app so that I paid using my new 'mobile card' while (c) helping me earn more stars to finally get to "green" status...now onto the gold!}

This year they added a little cross-country ski track for the kiddos - super cute to watch them!

photo op of Michael and I -- seriously I think I had 5 layers on!

Some photos of the teams hard at work

Walking around downtown all the storefronts displayed sculptures that their businesses had sponsored -- I thought this one from UBS was quite amazing. How did they get all those pennies in there?!

Mom, Michael and I on this gigantic ice throne...made for an ice cold bottom though!

Today Michael and I made a stop downtown at the North American International Auto Show. I haven't been to the auto show in years -- and there weren't as many {if any} concept cars as I remember from my childhood. But it was still fun to check out the new cars and do a little comparison shopping {for example the new Explorer vs. the new Jeep -- hard to choose which one we're gonna go with.} Plus we got to sit in a few cars that we'll probably never in our life own - like the fancy new Benz with automatic shutting doors and the pop-up nav {luvs it!}...though we do look pretty good in the new BMW convertibles *wink*

project 365 - week 3

2011-01-22T03:10:00.000-05:00

(click to view larger)

1. updated haircut :)

2. Michael and I at his nephew Jacks' Baptism

3. Jack's Baptism

4. more apartment/condo shopping

5. reinstating our Thursday night Lime Light field-trips after work

2011-01-18T15:24:00.000-05:00

Just flipped through this weeks issue of People and saw a photo of Jennifer Hudson...now I'm not really a fan (don't really care one way or another) but I must say she looks fantastic! Does anyone else think she looks amazing?!! I think I've found my new body-image inspiration. It used to be Fergie, but who am I kidding, Fergie was never chunky.

Work it J-Hud!

(@ the GEM Awards, Jan. 7th)

out with the old, in with the new

2011-01-18T13:38:00.000-05:00

For those that know me know that I'm a little Type A...sometimes a little OCD...let's be honest when I'm really up on my game I'm an organization/color-coded freak! In my blog-surfing this weekend I came across IHeartOrganizing and I really like her approach to tackling one project at a time! Plus, the one thing I'm really bad at maintaining is all my paperwork (bills, receipts, work documents, etc.) so I figure why not try a new approach?

The challenge this month, organizing all that paperwork! January Challenge: Project Paper

She's already on Step 5 -- but I'm just beginning Step 1 tonight and probably won't make it to Step 3/4 until the weekend. Still...I'm pretty excited about it, not gunna lie!!

mish and mash

2011-01-14T18:35:00.000-05:00

I know I haven't posted in a while but Michael's been very sick this week so I've been a bit preoccupied. He finally went to urgent care today after being out sick since Monday, turns out he has bronchitis and two ear infections, yuck!

Since I haven't had time to blog I now have all these random thoughts and things that I want to get out...basically a bunch of miscellaneous mish mash.

Let's start with Project 365. I found this idea over on Sarah's blog (Life {Sweet} Life) and thought this is actually something I might be able to do. Ever since I got my iPhone this past summer I find myself using it to take photos all of the time. My goal isn't necessarily to take a photo each day, but if I can pull together a collage for each week then that's good enough for me! Unfortunately I'll have to skip Week 2 since I wasn't really up on my photo-taking with Michael being ill, but here's my Week 1 attempt:

(click to view larger)

1. snow storm Tuesday...took me 2 hours to drive home (which normally takes less than an hour!)

2. Michael's niece, Kara, getting cozy on my lap during dinner

3. baby shower cupcakes for Danielle at work

4. put a deposit down on our new office couch/sofa bed! now we just need March to get here so we can have it delivered!

5. shoveling snow at my grandparents old house

Just before Christmas I had ordered a necklace for Christina (my pick in Michael's family Secret Santa drawing,) but because I ordered too late it actually just arrived. From the day I drew Christina's name I knew I wanted to get her this necklace with the letter "j" (for her baby boy Jack) but hadn't found "the perfect one." Then one day when I was blog-surfing I came across the Vintage Pearl and there it was! What's perfect about this is that now when she has her 2nd baby (or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc.) she can continue to add on more initials. I think it turned out great - can't wait to give it to her this weekend!

I also received an email newsletter today from Ballard Designs, and these super cute throw pillows caught my eye. Don't know of anyone getting married in the short term to buy these for but they were too cute not to post.

Next on the list is decorating the new place. We have a couple of months but March will be here before I know it. The first items on the list are 1} a new comforter set 2} new bath linens since we'll now have a 2nd (read: guest) bath and 3} a corner/L-shaped desk for the office. I fell in love with this comforter from Restoration Hardware but there is absolutely no way I'm spending that much on bed linens - especially since it's just a duvet cover - er, at least not until we buy a house (hmm, do I see a registry item in the future?.) But goodness isn't it pretty?!

I've been searching the net for weeks and haven't found anything that I love as much...any ideas folks?

baby shower cupcakes

2011-01-05T17:57:00.000-05:00

After all the compliments I received on the reindeer cupcakes at my company holiday party, I volunteered to make cupcakes for a baby shower that we're throwing tomorrow for one of our team members. I found this adorable idea online and decided it would be a simple (yet cute) way to whip up something special for the occasion - and fast!!

The instructions from the maker suggested cutting holes in the cupcake for the pacifier and I highly recommend that -- otherwise you risk cracking the cake.

I was also glad to make use of the rest of my bag-o-mini chocolate chips from the holidays (for the eyes!) And since the mommy-to-be doesn't know if it's a boy or girl I went pink and blue vs. green and yellow. At first I wasn't sure about them -- they didn't look as good as the original photo but I think that's because she used real pacifiers...and let's get real, who's going to go out and buy 24 real pacifiers? The ones I found from the cake decorating store work just fine...and they allow me to distinguish the chocolate from the yellow *wink*

HNYE!

2010-12-31T13:51:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!! I hope everyone has a lovely (and safe) NYE and that you're ringing it in with friends and loved ones. Here's my New Years Eve collage (click to view larger.) Cheers! See you next year ;)

(images via)

new shows in January

2010-12-29T06:29:00.000-05:00

Those that know me know that I am a reality TV junkie, sad but oh so true.

The Bachelor returns on January 3rd and this season they're bringing back Brad Womack (Brad was on an earlier season where he didn't choose either of the last 2 ladies at his final rose ceremony.)

I am so excited that I have the day off of work so that I can actually watch the premiere live and not on DVR because from the previews it looks like this premiere is one NOT to miss!!! Unfortunately for Michael it's football Monday, which means he'll need to find another tellie to watch hehe.

I also love dance shows (SYTYCD and ABDC are tops) and starting January 4th there's a new dance show in town -- Live to Dance with Paula Abdul. It's a USA spin-off of a British show/dance competition which at first blush sounds a bit like So You Think You Can Dance...I'll be interested to see how this show performs!

my Christmas re-cap

2010-12-26T22:53:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas holiday and that you were able to spend it with loved ones! Our holiday was a bit of a whirlwind...we were constantly on the go for the week leading up to the big day so it's nice to settle down for a minute and rest. We split Christmas -- Christmas Eve and Christmas morning breakfast with my family, then Christmas Day with Michael's family. There was a lot of food, presents, hugs, food, packing and unpacking cars, and more food. Thank goodness I have this week off from work, now it's time to relax and enjoy the leftovers and presents!! I hope Santa was good to everyone - he most certainly was good to me! Here are a few of my favorite gifts this year...

This year I made holiday goodies for both families! A tray of my own homemade peppermint bark, mini cherry cheesecakes, sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes, chocolate pretzel kisses... and a partridge in a pear tree. Of course I had to take a few photos to share with all of you!

I made another batch of reindeer cupcakes (remember the ones I made for the holiday party last week!)

I also made snowflake cupcakes which I found from Glorious Treats (along with a recipe for making Royal Icing used to make the snowflake decor.) I received lots of compliments on all of the goodies -- *whew*-- I mean YAY!

elf quotes

2010-12-26T09:38:00.000-05:00

I've been wanting to share a print that we made since before Christmas, however it was part of my Secret Santa gift so I really couldn't post it for fear people would see!

I found this poster on less cake {more frosting} (via it's in the details) that showcases a wonderful quote from the movie Elf, and since it wasn't a printable I enlisted Michael's digital help to create our own version. We made one for his sister-in-law since I had her for Secret Santa (and it's one of her/her hubby's fave Christmas movies) but loved it so much we just had to make one for ourselves too!!

(quote from Buddy the Elf)

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-25T06:18:00.000-05:00

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! Hope your holiday is warm and fuzzy...and I hope Santa is good to you this year!

(image via)

2010-12-23T14:51:00.000-05:00

wanted to share a quick pic update...presents wrapped and under the tree, complete with our handmade gift-tag ornaments :)

lightbulb cake

2010-12-22T17:10:00.000-05:00

For those of you that saw (& tasted) my birthday cake last year from Just Baked you know they do unbelievable work! Recently they posted a photo of their new Lightbulb cake for the holidays. I thought I would attempt it myself...of course it didn't turn out as pretty as theirs but there's always next year - practice makes perfect right?

love this shot...

mod podged ornaments...with 4 days left 'til Christmas

2010-12-21T19:55:00.000-05:00

Remember a few weeks back I showed you the mod podged ornaments from brown paper packages? Well I finally got around to making my own tonight (Kierste includes a great step-by-step on her blog that was super easy *and helpful* to follow!)

This was my first project (ever) using Mod Podge...personally I think I still prefer the hot glue gun but the podge is definitely less lumpy.

It took me forever to find paper I actually liked - and ones that weren't too busy either - but each of these had a little sparkle which gives it that extra little touch for the holiday!

And viola! Ornaments for the fam! We're actually going to double the use and attach each of them to a present so that they also serve as gift tags...pretty clever (and resourceful) if I do say so myself!

2010-12-20T11:49:00.000-05:00

just a little something to keep us all in the holiday spirit and get through the week...my Christmas collage (click to view larger)

(images via)

reindeer cupcakes

2010-12-16T17:05:00.000-05:00

A while back I found these adorable reindeer cupcakes on some random healthy living blog, only there was no source or details about how to make them...so I went to the all-trusty google and found some blogger ideas on the cute cupcake treat.

Be the Cake has a fabulous little "how to" on her site, which I used to create these darling little treats for my work holiday party tomorrow.

I did switch up the antlers, using a version I found from a UK online news site. I will say that I actually ended up using plain white frosting and mini chocolate chips (turned upside down) for the eyes - which is different from Be the Cake...and I used red and brown "noses" to distinguish between chocolate and yellow cake.

Notice my festive cupcake boxes? Yeah...those are actually the cardboard bottoms from the bottled water cases that I just covered with wrapping paper and then lined with green tissue paper. I came up with the box idea back in the Spring when I made the cupcakes for Amanda's bachelorette party and need something disposable since we were going to be out on the town -- only this time I got smart and actually covered the cardboard. I feel like my own version of Real Simple magazines "new uses for old things," ha!

I think the reindeer cupcakes are pretty cute and I plan on making them for the family Christmas gatherings as well, so I guess my colleagues will be my guinea pigs!

my year in status - via FB

2010-12-09T17:47:00.000-05:00

'Keep Calm' Christmas printables

2010-12-06T18:03:00.000-05:00

Yes, that's right they're back -- Keep Calm printables! Just in time for Christmas!!

I took the 'Merry On' version from Craftily Ever After (she has other fab versions available on her site!) and found this new one from Agape Love Designs & Photography. I had Michael alter both to adjust colors to fit my own scheme but they turned out great! I'm so excited - they look perfect right next to the tree!

Photo courtesy of the Hipstamatic app with my iPhone!

countdown to christmas

2010-12-06T16:49:00.000-05:00

I'm not much into decorating my workspace (mainly because I like to keep it as simple as possible - no clutter) but I stumbled upon this idea courtesy of life {sweet} life and thought it would make for a cute, yet simplistic, holiday decoration to keep on my desk. She even made them to be free printables, you can download here.

Aaaaaaaannnd...since I was in decorating-overload this season I simply could not pass up this absolutely darling frame that I found at Jo Ann Fabrics last week - and at 60% off how could I not purchase it?! I thought this frame would be perfect for the red printable from life {sweet} life to have at home!

Christmas tree card holder craft

2010-12-05T17:28:00.000-05:00

Last year I saw this ribbon "tree" holiday card holder in Country Living magazine that I thought was a darling way to display Christmas cards! Finally this weekend I got around to making my own version...here's my first step by step craft to share!!

Courtesy of Country Living - December/January 2010

To start you need:

2 wood dowels (I used 3/8 dowels but would recommend using a smaller width so the binder clips fit better, mine barely fit over the width of the dowel)

2 yards of ribbon, folded in half (I would recommend using just a smidge more than 2 yards to get that nice tail at the bottom)

ribbon for a bow and hanging

hot glue gun

small binder clips

Step 1:

Cut the dowels into 5 pieces -- 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 inches

Step 2:

Fold your ribbon in half and place the shortest dowel about 6 inches from the fold. Then place the remainder of the dowels, spacing them about 5 inches apart from one another. Use the hot-glue gun to secure the dowels in between the piece of folded ribbon.

Step 3:

For a finishing touch, attach a hanging ribbon and bow to the card tree. I would also suggest cutting a piece of the dowel the same width as your ribbon and insert it at the top of the tree to avoid scrunching the ribbon once it's hung...and viola, there you go! Just attach your cards with binder clips that you can get from any office supply store. (or Target *wink, wink*)

Enjoy!

'tis the season for gift giving

2010-12-05T11:56:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Michael and I knocked out most of the Christmas shopping -- only 3 1/2 people left!! While shopping we found these wonderful hand warmers from Restoration Hardware (new store that I love!) -- they'll make the perfect gifts!!

They also had these amazingly cozy cashmere pillow covers that I so wanted to take home...but even on sale ($99) they were still out of my price range. Maybe next year Santa... *grin*

holidays with mod podge

2010-12-03T05:08:00.000-05:00

Found this cute idea for holiday ornaments this morning from brown paper packages -- though I think I'm going to try and make mine into name tags and use them on Christmas packages this year! I've heard of mod podge a few times and everyone seems to LOVE it, though I'm still not sure what it is/does...guess I'll find out soon enough!

closet heaven

2010-11-30T18:52:00.000-05:00

I found this site tonight during one of my online scavenger hunts for absolutely nothing in particular, Ballard Designs. Of course there's not a single store within 200 miles of my house but hey, that's why the internet and free shipping over $50 were invented right?!

And with one scroll of the mouse I found it...closet heaven:

Seriously, I need to find a way to make this mine. That and I need to find a house with enough rooms so that I can have my own dressing room to fit this simply gorgeous piece of furniture!

Here are a few other all-time fabulous closets to drool over...

The Mariah. Ok a little less white...

but not quite as teeny-bopper-pink (the Miley)...

ah yes, the Carrie *heart*

secret santa

2010-11-29T10:27:00.000-05:00

OK, this year like every year my mom asked me for my Christmas wish list so that she can get her shop-on, only I seriously can't think of anything to put on the list (within reason that is... I don't think the Christian Louboutin's that I want are within reason...this year *wink*) And now not only do I have my mom asking, but also the bf and crew. I need to come up with something -- and fast -- otherwise I could find myself with an updated sock collection!!

So here's my question for all of you out there...

What's on your Christmas list this year?

leave a comment - I need help with ideas!!

Happy Christmas!

2010-11-29T10:14:00.000-05:00

Well the tree is finally up and decorated! We just finished yesterday...here it is!

Don't mind the turkey-day wall hangings in the background, I haven't switched out to Christmas yet (that's on the "to do" list for this week!)

Lightfest 2010

2010-11-22T18:32:00.000-05:00

For years growing up I remember my mom telling me about how Hines Park Drive has a decorated light-show at Christmastime and I remember always saying I wanted to go but then never following through. This year a co-friend told me about the Wayne County Lightfest grand opening and how there would be fireworks and hot cocoa...so I thought "it's about time I finally go check this out! And how sweet would it be if I could get my lovie to come with?!!" Trust me, it didn't take much convincing at all, he was totally game!

We stopped off at Starbucks to grab a Salted Carmel Hot Chocolate (yum!) to keep us cozy on our little outing, unfortunately by the time we got there we missed the fireworks, but it was still lovely just driving through the 4-mile stretch of holiday lights. Here are some quick pics from the display (gosh I ♥ my i4!)

lights over the bridge

sledding down hills...

entering the light tunnel...

Reindeer flight school!

Reindeer flying over bridges...

Santa's sleigh

Happy Holidays!!

creeping in on Christmastime

2010-11-20T09:27:00.000-05:00

I think it's safe to say that I like tradition (a lot) and we all know that I live by my own set of rules. For me, the Christmas season does not begin until the Thanksgiving Day parade when Santa receives his key to the city...then game on, it's Christmastime!

It drives me batty to see retailers stocking their stores with Christmas wrapping and decor while there's still Halloween candy out of the shelves. I just don't like it....and I'm in advertising! It's my job to market and sell, sell, sell!!! That's another reason I love Nordstrom's -- remember my post from last year? Same thing this year, they're not decorating their store until after Thanksgiving - good for them, loves it!!

This year I'm super excited about the holiday season, more so than I have been in recent years, which brings me to my dilemma. I find myself starting to creep towards Christmas a little earlier than normal. Case in point, this past week Michael and I went to the Wayne County Lightfest (more to come on this in my next post) and thus I feel hypocritical for believing that one should not begin Christmas until after Thanksgiving, while I'm here ooo-ing and ah-ing over lights! Secondly, growing up we never put the Christmas tree up until after Thanksgiving but I've been hearing people around the office and at the beauty salon talk of getting their tree up before turkey-day and I started thinking, maybe it wouldn't be so bad to put up just the tree - no other decor, just simply the tree - for Thanksgiving this year. I'm torn, am I going against my own tradition? Grrr!!

**So here's my question for all of you out there...do you put your Christmas tree up for Thanksgiving or do you wait until December?**

Starbucks and red cups!

2010-11-18T08:33:00.000-05:00

So I may not have told you all about the latest love of mine, the Starbucks Shaken Iced Green Tea Lemonade - sweetened please. Seriously, I have at least one a day! My co-friends (colleagues that are also my friends) and I take turns making the "bucks-run." But this morning on my way into the office I just felt like I needed a dose of the warm and fuzzy, so I opted for my all-time fave - Nonfat Peppermint Mocha, no whip please. The barista handed me the famously-lovely red cup, my first of the year, and then told me that this week it's buy one get one! Um, yes please I will be back later! See for yourself...

'Keep Calm' Thanksgiving printables, take 2

2010-11-15T13:54:00.000-05:00

OK, here it is...my version of the Keep Calm Thanksgiving printables from one of my earlier posts.

My bff and her hubby came over for dinner Friday night and she absolutely loved them - score!! Very excited to see what Christmas printables will be coming my way!

it's an elmo birthday party!

2010-11-14T12:58:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I showed you all the cake that Michael and I made for his niece's 2nd birthday party (which was yesterday) and let me tell you the cake was a HUGE hit!

In fact most people didn't believe that Michael helped make and decorate the cake...so let me say it for all of the world wide web to hear -- he totally helped, it was a 50/50 effort on both our parts! :)

In effort to stay with the Elmo theme I thought it would be cute to decorate our present with none other than Elmo himself. I searched online for Elmo images, enlarged the size, printed, mounted the pieces to a thicker card-stock and glued to the bag...and viola, elmo peeking out from the bag!

Happy birthday from Elmo!

give thanks

2010-11-14T12:40:00.000-05:00

Found this v. cute idea for Thanksgiving today from it is what it is. You can download the free printables from her site as well as find other great ideas for how to use them as gift tags, place cards, etc...enjoy!!

bridal shower crafts

2010-11-11T21:16:00.000-05:00

We're having dinner guests tonight, my bestie and her hubby. In preparation for having them over we did a little house cleaning and in doing so I came across all the bridal shower projects I did for her wedding festivities this past Spring. Before I hand them off to her I thought I would share with all of you.

When we planned the bridal shower I knew I wanted to play some type of game, however I didn't want it to be cheesy (a la toilet-paper-bride.) So I went to the all-mighty Google to seek out some ideas and found Love Bingo, courtesy of the brilliant Martha Stewart. It was super easy to make:

I actually made all the printed pieces in Word, jazzed it up with some clip art, and printed everything on colored stock paper at Kinko's (cropped all the pages there too)

I used my heart-shaped scrapbook punch and made the bingo chips out of scrap paper

For the paddles, I just used double-sided tape to stick the groom's and bride's names to either side of wooden craft sticks (from Michael's)

I enlisted the bride's help in coming up with 10-12 factoids about herself and her groomy, I turned them into questions and all the guests had to determine if the fact was about the bride or the groom -- correct answers got a bingo. It was simple, quick and fun -- the guests had a great time playing along and they all found out some interesting tid-bits about the couple!

I also made the bride a recipe box to match her kitchen. It's something I saw in a scrapbook store a few years ago, and when I couldn't find a recipe card holder to match my kitchen I decided to make one for myself! I thought it would be a great idea to make one for the soon-to-be-Mrs. as well!! I even made recipe cards with her name on them, which we included in each invitation and asked the guests to write down their favorite recipe to add to the couples new collection. I gave her the recipe box at the start of the shower and then displayed it so that all the guests could drop in their card before they left.

The red one is mine that I made a few years ago, the lime colored one (with cards) is for the bride.

Thanksgiving trimmings

2010-11-11T14:43:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving is right around the corner so I dug up some of my magazine clippings that's I've been saving in folders (hey, I'm still making the transition to digital copies for everything - one day at a time!) Here are a few ideas that from Better Homes & Gardens, November 2008.

Easy to make place settings -- cut circles from scrapbooking paper using decorative scissors then either draw on letter or use rub-on letters to personalize.

BHG also provides templates for the leaf wine charms, click here. Just cut 'em out, punch a hole, label with your guests names and attach to glasses with a gold cord. Simple enough.

Also found this cute idea for a menu on their site, very simple and you can probably even replace the stalks with twigs or leaves found around your own backyard!

birthday pressie!!

2010-11-10T17:20:00.000-05:00

I just had to share the amazing gift my wonderful boyfriend gave me tonight...it completes the last item on my "wish list"

I can't believe, we've all just been talking about this and here it is for my birthday pressie! I've had this specific version booked-marked for quite some time, years even, and without even knowing the site name(Keep Calm Gallery) Michael ended up ordering from the same place. He had it shipped in from London and had it framed locally here in town.

I love it - and I've already found the perfect place to hang it (at least until we get a bigger place with an office!)

I had a wonderful birthday - thanks to all my friends, family, colleagues and fellow bloggers for all the birthday wishes!!

2010-11-09T20:01:00.000-05:00

It's official. TODAY is my birthday and I'm the big 3-1 now. Happy birthday to me.

Cheers to another year!

final hours at thûrt-e

2010-11-09T17:05:00.000-05:00

I never thought this day would come, that I would have made it an entire year and still be here - blogging all my randomness out into the interweb ;)

I must say I woke up this morning in a mini-panic that today was going to be my last day at thirty. Finally, now that I'm comfortable with being 30 (and realized that it really is like the new 21) things have to go an change again. When I turned 30 I didn't feel 30 - and I still don't feel 30, nor do I think I look like I'm 30 let alone 31. Thirty-one just doesn't have the same ring to it...at least when you're 30 people look at you like "oh, pfft...you're barely a day over 29."

Now it's reality....I've entered my thirties...THUR-TEES!

A year ago I made a few resolutions for myself, and of the 5 resolutions I can honestly say I only made good on 1.5 of them (0.5 being that I got a physical but still call my mother each time I need to fill out a health form at the doctors office.) So as my year at 30 comes to a close I thought I would do a little wrap up, here are a few highlights of my life at thirty...

I've managed to:

quit one gym to join another and yet still not go to the gym

try sushi and discover I actually like it and sometimes now even crave it

take a pole-dancing class

maintain this blog

learn how to make an apple pie from scratch

learn to not live by so many rules and actually enjoy my life

write my first ever wedding toast for my besties wedding

and last but most definitely not least, find a wonderful man and fall in love

Overall I'd have to say 30 was a life-changing year...31 has a lot to live up to!!

excited for 'Keep Calm' printables

2010-11-08T13:19:00.000-05:00

For the past few weeks I've really gotten back into my crafts (probably because it's the holiday season and that's typically when I'm most crafty) and thus have stumbled upon oodles and oodles of blogs that have recently become my "go to" resources for craft ideas.

Everyone knows how much I love the British 'Keep Calm' posters...that being said, I came across this blog Simply Awesome Printables that showcased a very cool idea for Thanksgiving, courtesy of another blog, Craftily Ever After, for FREE!

You can print out all three (shown below) from Craftily Ever After -- I even found prints she did for Halloween that I'll want to use next year and I look forward to seeing what she comes up with for Christmas!! I can't wait to do this myself and post pics!

watch out Ace of Cakes, here comes Elmo!

2010-11-07T18:59:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago Michael's mom hurt herself pretty badly (2 broken wrists and a broken elbow) - she's doing so much better now but still has limited use of her hands. That being said, after seeing my wonderful artistic ability (see my cupcake bouquet post) she enlisted our help to make Michael's niece, Lucy's, 2nd birthday cake. Are you ready for this...it's an ELMO cake! We started out with this design from Cake Central:

I immediately began to do my research online for ideas and techniques (on a side note, came across a great tutorial video on making hair/grass using the Wilton #233 tip, click here for the video) but when we finally got to it this weekend neither Michael or I could freehand the Elmo outline to our liking...then I showed him a few cake images I came across that used a sheet cake (like the photo above) with the Elmo face pan that you can get at any craft store. We were in the car within minutes, driving to the store to purchase the pan. It was definitely the best decision we made. Here are the photos from our our cake-making-extravaganza...not too bad for a couple of first-timers!!

one last idea before the season's over...

2010-11-01T03:47:00.000-04:00

I know Halloween is over, but I came across this too-cute-to-pass-up idea from Gluesticks and just had to show it. I love the idea of decorating clothes pins and using them to attach the name card...reminds me of a craft project I did way back in the day (Girl Scouts - ha!)

Now these were made as kids treats obviously but I'm thinking I can spin it for my co-workers here...have a few tricks up my sleeve for some upcoming holiday treats so stay tuned to see what I can come up with!!

2010-10-30T18:08:00.000-04:00

Earlier this Fall I did a lot of online shopping for Halloween decorating ideas and came across this creative alternative to the traditional pumpkin-carving from Good Housekeeping:

So a few weeks ago when Michael and I went pumpkin-picking we chose 3 pumpkins with this idea in mind. Of course here we are the night before Halloween and we didn't finish all 3 designs...instead we decided to go ahead with the traditional carving - but we at least kept one of the masks alive!!

eat if you dare...

2010-10-28T19:33:00.000-04:00

A few years ago a friend of mine showed me how to make a scarilicious treat and every year since I've handed them out to co-workers for Halloween. It' really easy to put together (just time consuming) and is always a huge hit at the office!

eat if you dare...

2010-10-28T18:17:00.000-04:00

A few years ago a friend of mine showed me how to make a scarilicious treat and every year since I’ve handed them out to co-workers for Halloween. It’ really easy to put together (just time consuming) and is always a huge hit at the office!

happy, happy birthday…to mom!

2010-10-24T18:41:00.000-04:00

This weekend we celebrated my Mom's birthday. We went to the cider mill in the afternoon then spent a quiet evening at home with a home-cooked meal, watching movies, followed by the grand finale birthday cake of course!

After 2 batches of cake mix, 3 trips to the craft store and many headaches I finally pulled of the cupcake birthday bouquet -(whew!) plus I made a small double-layer 6" cake so that she could still have a cake to blow out the candles! This time the bouquet was not as easy as the trial run, but I think it came out even better (I used more cupcakes and a different icing tip.) Here are a couple pics of the final result:

2010-10-18T17:38:00.000-04:00

Last year I saw a Halloween wreath in a craft store and decided I could replicate it on my own - and at half the cost! Turned out to be a spooktacular welcome to any trick-or-treaters that come to my door!

2010-10-17T18:58:00.000-04:00

I've been trying to find cute, new ideas for a birthday cake since my Mom's birthday is coming up. After many Google searches I finally decided that I'm going to try and make her a cupcake bouquet! I went to JoAnn Fabric's this morning and bought my supplies to do a trial run - just to be sure I can pull off the real deal next week. Well, here's my first trial:

Whattaya think? Not too bad for a first-timer eh? I also took a quick video (on my phone!) to give the 360° view:

Of course I always try to add my own spin to things so for this project I found these super cute tulip-shaped cupcake wrappers in purple and green to help with the whole flower effect. I'm pretty happy with results - hopefully all goes well next week for the real thing -- Mom's birthday bouquet!!!

And as for my leftover cupcakes, last week I found this crafty little idea on Gluesticks and so I made a few Halloween treats! Again, added my own spin...found those cute little candy-corn shaped clothespins in the check-out line at JoAnn's - only $1!!

You can't see it - but I even included Halloween sprinkles on the top layer of frosting - yummy!!

Willkommen to Frankenmuth

2010-10-17T18:27:00.000-04:00

When Michael told me that he'd never been to Frankenmuth I decided that we needed to put that on the agenda of things to do/places to go see...so this weekend we took a little day-trip out there. I took him to Bronner's Christmas Wonderland (world's largest Christmas store,) then we walked around downtown Frankenmuth before ending our trip with a chicken dinner (of course!) from Zehnder's. Here are a few pics from our trip:

of course I couldn't walk away without purchasing something! I found these adorable little snowmen ornaments that I think will be the perfect addition to my Christmas tree since they'll compliment my new tree topper!!

walking around downtown Frankenmuth...

...I stumbled upon this lovely little spa and I couldn't help but take a photo since it was called Serendipity...

chicken dinner finale...Zehnder's!

ski teal we drop

2010-10-12T08:56:00.000-04:00

Now that Fall is here you know what that means…Fall fashion!! And with Fall fashion usually comes my go-to staple nail polish, ♥Russian Navy♥, however this time when I went to my manicurist I decided to try one of the new Fall trends I’ve been seeing in magazines. Deep hues like teal/hunter green are some of the hottest colors for Fall, so I opted for the Ski Teal We Drop from OPI...

It's no Russian Navy but it's definitely a contender for mixing it up a bit!

victory for MSU!!

2010-10-10T06:57:00.000-04:00

As we all know I am not a football fan of any kind, but I am a Spartan fan no matter what the sport and the one thing I am passionate about is the MSU/U of M rivalry. There's nothing I love more than beating the Wolverines and putting them in their place!!

I read that the former UM player Mike Hart sent a message to the Wolverines just before the game that ended with "...tomorrow we put little brother in his place" -- a follow-up to his previous "little brother" comment 3 years earlier. Well Hart, looks like karma is a b.i.t.c.h. Congrats to the Spartans on a third consecutive win!

Just in case you can't read the score, 34-17 - GO GREEN!!!

cider, donuts, ribs and apple pie!

2010-10-10T05:04:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was my initiation into the A's family tradition - apple picking at Blake's orchard followed up by a rib dinner and homemade apple pie. And what a gorgeous day it was for being outside!!

We started out with a cider and donut break at the mill (yum!!), of course everyone else and their monkey's uncle was doing the same thing - it was so crowded!! Then we drove out back to the apple orchard to pick apples to use in our pie baking... Jonathan apples, Red Delicious, Fuji, Granny Smith and more!

The guys started cooking the ribs for dinner, while the ladies got to work in the kitchen making the apple pies (all while watching Michigan State give U of M a beating in football.) This was the first time I've ever made a pie and from scratch no less - even made the pie crust from scratch, no store-bought stuff here! I was quite surprised to find how easy it was! And, if I do say so myself, my homemade apple pie was quite delicious :)

Looking forward to year #4!

salted carmel chocolate heaven in a cup

2010-10-09T18:07:00.000-04:00

OMG - had the most delicious drink from Starbucks this morning!! Salted Carmel Hot Chocolate! On our way to the apple orchard we stopped at Starbucks so I could have my much needed cup of coffee (hey it was early!) I ordered my regular fave drink (Non-Fat Peppermint Mocha) and Michael ordered this "new" drink he'd read rave reviews about online. I say "new" because apparently it came out in '08 but it's new to me! Now, despite my love for the ♥♥ Peppermint Mocha ♥♥ I may need to start switching it up every no w and then for this sweet & salty treat! It was simply scrum-dilly-upmtious, seriously heaven in a cup!!

fall is here...time for pumpkins!

2010-10-03T11:51:00.000-04:00

I've been itching to go to the cider mill and pumpkin patch...and after one failed attempt (made it there in flip flops and then realized that warmer clothes and boots would have been more appropriate) we finally made it! We found this great place in Northville, full service with cider and donuts, hayrides, corn mazes and pumpkin-picking. Here are a few pics from our field-trip:

I haven't been pumpkin-picking in ages...in fact I think this is a photo of my last time, me and my Dad :)

2010-09-17T14:45:00.000-04:00

♥ ♥ loved this song when it first debuted on So You Think You Can Dance...great video too! ♥ ♥

2010-09-11T09:28:00.000-04:00

Michael and I went to the movies tonight and saw this preview...can't wait for date night so I can see the new Katherine Heigl movie. Looks so cute!!!

boy-what?!

2010-08-20T19:11:00.000-04:00

So I know that lately my posts have been sporadic, ok let's be honest they're simply non-existent! Looks like I have some explaining to do, eh?

When I first started this blog the idea was to capture my life at the age of the big 3-0, a sort of online diary that captures everything I accomplished now that I'm officially - yes most definitely - an adult. Plus I was a workaholic, gave up on working out, procrastinated at any hobby I tried to take up (NO! me?!) and was a sad singleton that spent a lot of time chillin' alone since all my friends we're coupled off and having babies - so what else was I going to do with my time beside write?!

Well for the past several months I have been very busy, hence my lack of writing. And the only thing I can blame it on is...my boyfriend, Michael **GASP** That's right folks! No need for a double-take, you read that correctly...there is a special someone that has been stealing all of my time for the past 6+ months and keeping me so busy that I haven't had time to actually do what I had intended to, which is document all the happenings in my life at 30. But let's look on the bright-side, I'm not a sad singleton anymore! :)

going to the chapel and we’re gonna get married…

2010-06-21T13:18:00.000-04:00

This weekend one of my besties got hitched - the Schmiller became a Miller! We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day - it was simply perfect. Congrats to the Mr. & Mrs. -- so happy for them both!

Here's a collage of a few of my fave photos...

Established 06.19.2010

Ceremony at St. Hugo's of the Hills Stone Chapel, Reception at Orchard Lake Country Club

2010-06-17T19:58:00.000-04:00

As you know one of my BFF's will be tying the knot this weekend. Tonight was the rehearsal dinner which was actually held at the same location that the wedding reception will be, Orchard Lake Country Club. The rehearsal went off without a hitch (duh, she's not getting hitched until Saturday! ok lame joke...) I just hope I don't trip over my heels down the long walkway in church -- fingers crossed!

The rehearsal dinner was gorgeous, the set-up couldn't have been more beautiful even if Martha Stewart herself put it together! Here's a pic:

The bridesmaid and groomsmen gifts we're pretty awesome as well! The bridesmaids all received these cute hat boxes filled with a Sephora gift certificate, vintage picture frame and a super cute Coach travel case. The groomsmen all got personalized Louisville Slugger baseball bats. Pretty sweet actually!

he put a ring on it!

2010-05-22T10:03:00.000-04:00

Bachelorette Party in full effect last night! We took the soon-to-be Mrs. out for her last night on the town as a singleton...below are the delicious cupcakes that I made (with a little **bling**) in honor of of the event:

Happy Bachelorette Party! He put a ring on it!

got turkey neck?!

2010-03-10T10:23:00.000-05:00

I was at Sephora the other day buying my oodles of lotions and potions and all things girly. While I was making my purchase the girl behind the register informed me that I spent so much money that I got a free gift - and that I could pick between 3 items: face primer, neck cream or something random that I don't recall. Well I just think face primer is strange so I vetoed that, then looked at the neck serum and though, well I do put lotion on my neck (see "potions and serums" from November) so why not sample the free lotion that's designed for the neck? Perfecto!

I got home and was all excited about my new neck cream, until I pulled the box out of the shopping bag and took a good look at the packaging: "Got Turkey Neck?" Um, seriously?! Is that supposed to be like "Got Milk?" Which brilliant marketer thought to put that on a women's beauty product?!! Clearly had to be male...no female in her right mind would use the term "turkey neck" when talking to another female.

Now I'm a bit skeptical of using the product...wonder if there are side effects to use...like will I start saying "gobble, gobble?!"

bitch oh no you didn't

2010-02-24T16:36:00.000-05:00

Well I met my new neighbor tonight...what a treat that was let me tell you! It's such a crazy story that I can't even believe it happened myself - so let me start at the beginning...

It's about 8:30pm and I pull into the drive only to notice a car parked in my carport. Then I see a woman coming out of the apartment below mine (the apartment that has been sitting vacant since July) and think "oh! they've finally rented that apartment!" So I yell out to the woman (who's talking on her cell phone,) and here begins the insane interaction:

Me: Excuse me, ma'am? Hi, sorry, but you're parked in my carport.

Woman: No I'm not, this is my spot.

Me: No, I'm sorry, your spot is actually #15 - the next spot - only someone from the building over there (pointing to building) is parked there. Mine in #16 - the one you're parked in.

Woman: No they told me that I'm in this spot, I looked before I got here. It's on my paperwork.

Me: Ma'am, I've lived here for a year and a half, almost two years and this has been my carport. I'm sorry, I don't know what to tell you.

Woman: No, I don't know what to tell you.

She walks back into her apartment (still with the cell phone attached to her ear, talking to someone) and appears moments later with a folder or something. She gets into her car but does not shut the door, instead I see her starting to flip through paperwork. She's actually looking at her contract!!! I wait a few moments, dumbfounded that this woman is actually sifting through papers to prove me wrong -- in the middle of a cold and snow-storm evening, I mean seriously.

Me: Ma'am? ... Ma'am? Ma'am! (finally getting her attention) Carport #17 over there (point to another spot) is empty because the apartment is vacant so when you move your car you can park in that spot if you like, you know, so your car doesn't get snowed on tonight.

Woman: oh I'm not staying the night.

(Me in my head: then why are you making such a big deal about moving your car? Just move the car and we'll deal with the paperwork after!)

I wait a few more minutes as she continues to talk on her cellphone and flip through papers.

Me: Ma'am? Ma'am, I'm sorry, I'm not trying to be rude but I really need to get home. Really, I need to get to my apartment.

Silence. No reaction.

Me: Ma'am, really I'm not trying to be rude but --

Woman: I'm not trying to be rude either. (still talking on her cell, flipping papers)

Me: (mumbling to myself) bitch - oh no you di-int. seriously?!

Me: Ma'am I really need to get upstairs to my apartment, I have things I need to get to. Really, can you just move your car and we can deal with the office in the morning?

Finally she gives in and decides to move her car...only she doesn't part in #17 like I recommended -- whatever. So I dial up my mom as I go to park my car because now I'm just spun up about this unreasonable woman who wasted like 5 minutes of my time for no reason whatsoever, and frankly isn't making a very good first impression with me. As I gather all my bags and walk to unlock my door I hear:

Woman: Excuse me....(she mumbles something about the papers saying she's #15 so she was wrong, I don't know exactly though because I was on the phone and at this point had no interest in giving her anymore of my time.)

Me: Yes, I know. The car parked in your spot is from that building over there. I don't know which apartment it is but the guy parks there and has since this apartment has been empty since July. That's what people tend to do around here, once an apartment is vacant people start parking in the open spots.

Woman: Oh well see you could've told me that but you went and decided not to share that information with me.

Me: Excuse me?! (now I'm a little louder and a little more feisty) Um, I did tell you that! And I was trying to be nice by telling you that that spot over there is available for you to park in as that apartment is empty. This way you could park your car under the carport and not get snowed on. (this next bit said with MUCH attitude on my part) I was trying to be nice in the spirit of being neighborly and all. I mean, don't want to get off on the wrong foot or anything!

Woman: Me either (something about not getting off on the wrong foot.)

Me: Well that's too late. (and I SLAMMED my front door shut and stomped all the way up the stairs cursing on the phone to my mom: "seriously, WTF?! You don't want to start with me lady, I'll stomp up these steps every effin day!"

blah blah blah, rant rant rant. Nice to effin meet you too!

valentine shmalentine

2010-02-14T14:34:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day - the dreaded day all singletons, myself included. Thankfully this year I didn't feel like all the lovey-dovey-mushy crap was forced down my throat this year (though it probably helped that on Saturday night while all the couples were out having dinner and a movie I had a date with Mr. Jets Pizza and my DVD player.) This is not my bitter tirade of how I loathe the day, seriously! I'm just saying that I wasn't as bothered by "all hearts day" in terms of this year I didn't feel like a lonely pathetic singleton cat lady.

And just to make this rant a bit more educational...here's a brief history lessen courtesy of Wikipedia: Valentine's Day, which is actually Saint Valentine's Day, is named after early Christian martyrs named Valentine and was established by Pope Gelasius during the Middle Ages. It's purpose is to celebrate love and affection, traditionally expressed by giving flowers, "valentines" cards or candies.

♥ xoxo ♥

30 can be amazing

2010-02-06T10:51:00.000-05:00

I'm still adjusting to this whole "life at 30" thing that just sort of happened to me (ha!) and in doing so I started to think about all the famous women out there that are in their 30's. So I made a list - 30 amazingly gorgeous female celebs in their 30's -- in no particular order other than age...

Rachel McAdams - 30

Kate Hudson - 30

Claire Danes - 30

Busy Phillips - 30

Pink - 30

Danneel Harris - 30

Zooey Deschanel - 30

Kourtney Kardashian - 30

Katie Holmes - 31

Ginnifer Goodwin - 31

Becki Newton - 31

Nelly Furtado - 31

Liv Tyler - 32

Maggie Gyllenhaal - 32

Katherine Heigl - 33

Ali Larter - 33

Michelle Monaghan - 33

Alicia Silverstone - 33

Kerri Russell - 33

Lindsay Price - 33

Isla Fisher - 33

Reese Witherspoon - 33

Sara Ramirez - 34

Drew Barrymore - 34

Charlize Theron - 34

Kimora Lee - 34

Stacy Ferguson - 34

Kate Winslet - 34

Eva Mendes - 35

Kate Beckinsale - 36

my so-called life circa 1995

2010-01-27T15:31:00.000-05:00

So apparently it's doppelganger week on Facebook and you're supposed to change your profile picture to a celebrity that looks like you/someone you have been told you look like. There isn't a celebrity out there that I resemble now but all too often in my teen years was I mistaken for Angela Chase (aka Claire Danes from My So-Called Life)...whattaya think?

I ♥ Jordan Catalano!!

love me some Chuck Taylor!

2010-01-18T14:26:00.000-05:00

So very excited am I! I finally found the perfect pair of All Stars!! I've been crushing on a few pairs for years now but could never settle on just the right color until now! Look at my new kicks -- aren't they so puuurty?!

my own personal 27 Dresses life

2010-01-10T07:55:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was an eventful, jam packed day of...dun dun dun...bridesmaid dress shopping!!! Now I must say that after the marathon dress shopping/trying on extravaganza, I do take issue with dress manufacturers as well as bridal boutiques.

First of all, dresses are not made "to scale" - for example, if you're normally a size 8 then you'll actually be wearing a size 10 or 12 bridal gown (depending on the designer.) Not to mention that there's an additional $25-40 charge for sizes 18+ -- so if you're a 14-16 in real life, not only are you told that you need a "plus size dress," the politically correct term for fat ass, now you're also rewarded by having to pay more for a dress size that you don't even wear in your normal everyday life! Now how is this fair? And how does this help to promote healthy body image for women? C'mon designers/manufacturers...know your target! Way to make us feel fatter than we are!

And as for you bridal boutiques, you'll be able to better serve your brides and her entourage if you carry 2 sample sizes of each gown. A size 10 and 20 should do it - this way those medium-to-small-size girls can try the size 10 dress on (with some pinning) AND you'll have another size that the larger girls can try on (again, with pinning if needed.) There's nothing like having a size 10-14 woman trying on a size 10 dress that's really meant for someone who'se a size 6-8 to make them feel insecure and...well, FAT. Thank you bridal boutiques, way to make us feel fatter than we are!!

Despite the low body image caused by 6-ft of silk shantung we had a fun-filled day with our own personal fashion show fit for 27 Dresses. Here's a glimpse of some that didn't make the cut (pfft did you think I'd show you the winner? of course not! You'll have to wait for that one!):

resolutions 2.0

2010-01-01T18:28:00.000-05:00

When I turned 30 I made resolutions for this year and here I am, 2 months later and I've only followed through on 1 of the 5 resolutions I set. So as I embark on the New Year I think it's about time to start doing some of the things I've been talking/thinking about for some time now. I mean, I'm only 30 once and I should be able to look back a year from now and say that 30 was the turning point where I stopped talking about the things I wanted to do in life and actually started to live my life! Here's my revised resolutions list - 2.0...

try something new, something different (and don't be afraid to do it alone)

volunteer somewhere (this can also count for #1)

get that damn passport!

start going to Hip Hop again, whenever I can make it because it makes me happy

start cooking a real dinner again, even if it's late (and enjoy it with a glass of vino)

recycle more (and find that darn recycle center to drop off the zillion plastic bottles you've been saving to recycle!)

keep blogging

Happy New Year - wishing everyone joy in your heart, money in your wallet and success in all that you do! xoxo

life. love. music.

2009-12-30T22:15:00.000-05:00

Tonight Kate and I discovered a great local musician. He's an amazing singer/songwriter...listening to him play was delightful! His music resembles that of John Mayer with a hint of Matt Nathanson - at least that's my opinion. What's even better is that I found out that he's now doing shows at my favorite restaurant/bar -- if you know me then you know where!

You should really check him out - especially the song "Bella" : www.robinhorlockmusic.com

"I forget which me I'm supposed to be when I'm with you"

terrorist attempt too close to home

2009-12-28T08:01:00.000-05:00

On Christmas Day, a 23-year old Nigerian student hid explosives in his underwear in an attempt to blow up a plane en route from Amsterdam to Detroit. Two days later there was a second bomb scare on the same Northwest flight number (253), same route from Amsterdam to Detroit. A Nigerian business man locked himself in the bathroom and refused to come out for over an hour claiming that he was ill. This triggered a potential bomb scare even though it was resolved that the man was, indeed, genuinely sick.

Now as a result of these issues there are new restrictions for airline travel. Airlines will stop displaying the tracking maps that show where the aircraft is in a given flight route so that passengers won’t know exactly where the plane is at. This also means no movies during the flight! In addition, passengers will now no longer be able to use the bathroom or get out of their seat for the last hour of the flight. During that time you will not be able to access the overhead nor can you have a blanket or pillow on your lap as the plane starts its decent. This last one particularly sucks for me since I’m always so cold on planes – guess I’ll just have to load up on the sweaters now!

The question at the moment is security. Could the TSA or DHS have prevented this? Security experts and media are saying that had the 23-year old man been properly profiled (given red flags of purchasing the ticket in cash, not checking any baggage and the fact that his father previously alerted U.S. officials that his son was a threat!) he would never have been allowed on the plane.

I once went on a date with this guy that works for the Department of Homeland Security – he had recently moved from D.C. to Michigan to work at DTW. Of course I asked him about his work and he told me that part of his job included taking measures to try to pass through security with explosives, weapons, etc. undetected in order to see where issues lie and what corrections needed to be made in order ensure passenger safety. Given this, I know that authorities do try to get in front of these situations to prevent them from happening. Still, the truth of the matter is that once a terrorist is on the plane, security has already failed.

good things come to those who bargain shop...

2009-12-27T10:50:00.000-05:00

I have been looking for the perfect tree topper for 5 years and I've finally found one that fits me! I had my eye on this gold star (@ Target) for a few years so I finally bought it this year only to be disappointed by the fact that it was WAY to heavy for my tree and kept falling forward. Bummed that I had to start my quest all over again my tree went yet another year without a topper.

Yesterday I while shopping with my mom and aunt in downtown Plymouth I saw a sign "50% all Christmas items" in the window of the florist. I've passed this shop many a time and never went in because, well it's a flower shop so I figured they wouldn't have trinkets and gifts, etc. just flowers. So we walked in and halfway through the store there it was - a decorated Christmas tree with the perfect tree topper -- a trapper hat!! And at 50% off I couldn't pass it up!

Even though Christmas is over this year at least I've finally found the perfect tree topper for me -- I am so excited!! Love it!!

the magic of Christmas - found!

2009-12-26T12:47:00.000-05:00

So we all know by now that Christmas is clearly my favorite holiday. I love all the lights, wrapped packages, decorations and even the snow. Though, I do miss how things used to be when I was young - almost every house on the block would be decorated! Stores would decorate inside and out...but not so much these days which for me is sad, the small-town magical holiday feeling just isn't the same. I miss that feeling.

That's why I have fallen in love with Plymouth. I've always enjoyed strolling down the streets of Plymouth in the summer, attending the festivals and shopping at the fabulous boutique stores but this -- this has sealed the deal! My mom and I took my aunt to downtown Plymouth today to show her around the shops and just get out of the house for a bit. When we hit the streets the first thing I saw was Santa's House. It was as though it were straight out of the movie Home Alone -- Santa's House right in the middle of the park for boys and girls to visit. Absolutely LOVE it! The park was lined with decorated Christmas trees and even a Nativity scene. Small town holiday feeling that I remembered as a child -- this is what makes the holiday season feel magical!

merry christmas, happy holidays

2009-12-24T04:51:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas all!! I know I've been slacking a bit on the blog posts but December has been a (unexpectedly) hectic, crazy and stress-filled month. Work has kept me working insane hours - practically 7 days a week. Now I will not discuss work on this blog, I prefer to keep things light and fun, filling it with all the adventures at 30 without weighing it down with job joys and woes. So we'll leave it at that and now onto Christmas!!

Merry Christmas, hope Santa brings you lots of goodies!

sightseeing in the city of angels

2009-12-16T20:55:00.000-05:00

I just got back from L.A. last night -- was only there for about 48 hours but oh boy did I encounter some interesting sights and I feel compelled to share a few of the highlights:

SUNDAY, 8:00am EST -- I spy with my little eye a woman wearing a black sparkly midriff jacket, stonewashed ripped jeans and hot pink stripper heels getting into the security line at DTW. Seriously?! It's 8 o'clock in the morning what are you thinking hooker?

MONDAY, 7:00am PST -- actually enjoyed waking up to see the ocean outside my window...ready to enjoy the calm before the storm!

10:30pm PST -- driving in West Hollywood on the way back from Jones Cafe and saw a van with huge a Menorah on the roof...apparently it's a trend

Midnight PST -- walked to a bar close to our hotel in Santa Monica where I got stuck chatting up an older gentleman about 80 years young. His name was Steve, I think. He was a fisherman. He's in love with a woman in Ohio -- and her husband does not mind that they're planning to have a rendezvous next month. Steve's wife is not aware, or maybe she is and just doesn't care either, I'm not really sure. Steve tried to hand me something under the table -- looked like a folded napkin in a little square. What was it you ask? I wasn't sure myself at first...come to discover it was weed. I politely declined which actually embarrassed and offended him. He slurred something and left. Sorry Steve, have another.

TUESDAY, Noon PST -- checking in at the Delta counter in LAX and a tall, burly man at the kiosk next to me starts yelling at the Delta attendant. Something about he needs to get home and he's about to miss his plane, yada yada. Completely makes a scene and starts yelling at the supervisor as well -- it was almost scary the way he continued to go off and yell "I have kids at home waiting for me...(dials cell phone) Carl, yo man I think I missed my plane!" He created such a ruckus that I was waiting for someone to call security to escort him out. But no one did.

2:30pm PST -- sitting on plane for about 30 minutes only to find out that there is a mechanical problem with the right de-icer of the plane. Apparently this is a very important feature and thus because it is not working properly we can not fly into Detroit "safely" due to the weather conditions in Michigan. We can, however, fly into Minneapolis where we will then switch plans to a new aircraft with a de-icer that works properly so that we can then continue on to our final destination...hmm...

8:30pm CST -- About to land in Minneapolis where from the plane you can see out the window about 20 cop cars (flashing lights and all) surrounding some building and another copy car blocking traffic from entering the street. This was probably about 20 minutes from the airport. Looks pretty serious if you can see this from the plane before it even touches ground, eh? Oh yeah did I mention that by now I should have landed in Detroit had the original flight gone on as scheduled?

9:30pm CST -- Getting ready to board again, the gentlman I sat next to on the plane starts complaining to the manager of the McDonald's kiosk, apparently he ordered a #8 and it was deep fried chicken was so hot that he burnt his lip which proceeded to blister (trust me, he pointed it out when we got back on the plane.) He wanted a refund and kept saying "what can you do for me?" Oh yeah this dude was filming a video in L.A. -- apparently he's like the next Weird Al Yankovic and sings parodies of songs (overheard him telling someone that he wrote spoof on the Plain White T's "Hey There Delilah" with "Hey Aunt Jemima" -- if you know me then you know I <3 PWT and spoofing them with syrup = not cool dude.)

WEDNESDAY, 12:30am EST -- finally arrive at DTW now get me the *bleep* home and away from all these crazy people!

<3 Matthew but not his scent...

2009-12-09T17:16:00.000-05:00

Does anyone find it odd that Matthew McConaughey stars in the Dolce & Gabbana cologne commercial for "The One"...yet he's been on record saying that he doesn't wear deodorant or cologne because he doesn't like to "smell like someone or something else." I read in People not too long ago that he said if his smell bothers people he'll take a shower...so not really believing that Matthew is smelling like the new Dolce & Gabbana no matter how good he looks in the commercial!

the david beckham room

2009-12-07T18:52:00.000-05:00

*warning! girly content, risk of TMI if you continue to read*

So I switched gyno's (my Mom recommended her doc) and this morning I had my first appointment with my new doctor. It was quite an interesting experience -- as I learned that this office is a teaching facility when I was asked if it would be ok to have a student observe. Granted it was a female student so I agreed...it made me feel a bit uncomfortable but I felt bad saying no. Plus, at the time I thought she was only going to observe the pre-meeting conversation that took place before I had to take my clothes off (yes, this doctor likes to meet all new patients in her office before they get naked.) But oh no...the student was there for the whole thing. Then in the middle of everything the doctor buzzed for the nurse, who was not discrete as she walked into the examining room, no, instead the door swung wide open for the entire world to see.

Never in my life have I ever had so many people in an examining room at once while I was so exposed. It was very awkward and I couldn't wish for it to be over fast enough. The silver lining, however, was that this new doctor has a sense of humor in that when I laid down and looked up at the ceiling this is what I saw...

Of course later that day my Mom asked me which room I had...she said "did you get the George Clooney room?!" uuummmm...no.

about last nite...my plea to Mr. 302

2009-12-07T17:26:00.000-05:00

Dear Mr #302 -

I can appreciate that you like to get your groove on from time to time. And the first time you woke me in the middle of the night I laughed. Chuckled the second time too...but by the third, fourth and fifth time it just became annoying.

I must say I am curious by your routine...as this event occurs every Sunday night (ok, technically Monday morning) at 12:30am -- like clockwork. Why 12:30am? Why not mix it up and try 10pm once in a while? Or is that just too crazy for you kids? Is it because you don't believe in doing the deed on the Holy day - but at 30 minutes past the hour it's game on? Or is it because you think your neighbors will all be in bed and not hear you -- news flash, we share a wall and I can hear everything...all 60 seconds of it.

Honestly it can't be that earth-shattering seeing as how your booty partner sounds exactly the same each time, week after week, like a recording. She's either (a) faking it or (b) faking it. No one sounds exactly the same that many times in a row.

Nevertheless, Mr. 302, I am not complaining out of jealously, rather I have to work Monday morning and being awoken in the middle of the night is causing a disruption to my sleep pattern. I would greatly appreciate it if you would change up the routine a bit, heck try Saturday's at 2am or maybe try the kitchen next week and if all else fails - buy her a muzzle.

Please & Thank You

Ms. #202

America's Thanksgiving Day Parade -- Happy Thanksgiving!!

2009-11-26T08:46:00.000-05:00

Detroit's America's Thanksgiving Parade is the second oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States. One of my favorite parts of the parade is the Fred Hill Briefcase Drill Team - they're so much fun!!

Since I wanted to include a shout out to the Briefcase Brigade on my blog I did a little Google research and learned something new today! Drillmaster Fred Hill organized the Briefcase Brigade (originating in Plymouth, MI) as a way to advertise his men's clothing store during the 1985 Plymouth Fourth of July Parade. From there they became regulars in Detroit's America's Thanksgiving Day Parade and continued to perform even after Hill's clothing store closed in 1992. They took 2008 off from the Detroit parade to march in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC...but they're back this year in full effect!

Here's a clip of the Fred Hill Briefcase Drill Team performing in the Macy's parade last year (begins at 1:29.)

Of course the best part of the parade -- the reason everyone stands in the cold for hours just to get a prime viewing spot -- is to see Santa Claus make his debut! Growing up I’ve always watched the parade on television – when I was little I “oooh’d and aahhh’d” over the floats and balloons and as I got older I was preoccupied with other things (like sleeping) but never once have I missed the end of the parade to watch as the Mayer of Detroit presents Santa with the key to the city. As mentioned in an earlier post, it is not until this time that Santa should appear with his helpers in stores – this is the start of the Christmas season and now the season can begin!

Happy Thanksgiving to all…and to all a stuffed night!

rob vs. justin

2009-11-23T18:30:00.000-05:00

For those of you that know me you know that I'm a reality TV junkie -- which includes the Hills (even though it's not the same without LC.) Previous seasons I did not like Justin Bobby. He always looked, well... scuzzy. This season I don't know what happened but Justin Bobby is H-O-T! And I couldn't help but notice recently how Justin is starting to resemble another hottie mc hotterson -- Mr. Robert Pattinson. Check it out...hmmm...

potions and serums

2009-11-23T18:02:00.000-05:00

I'm a girl, so of course I love make-up, hair products, perfumes, lotions and potions. A year or two ago a friend of mine told me "make sure you put lotion on your neck to avoid the aging flabby skin that gravity begins to bring down with time." At the time I just brushed the comment off, like sure, ok, if I remember - whatever.

But now that I'm 30 this comment has been lingering in the back of my mind...do I need to start paying attention to all the potions and serums out there that help "prevent" women from aging? "Prevent" being the operative word, ha! Even though I don't look my age, I'm 30; does this mean I need to start the prevention techniques now to avoid the saggy, wrinkly stuff from happening later? UGH. How stressful! This is the part of getting older that I don't like...in fact it kind of takes the girly fun out of trying out (and liking) all the lotions and potions out there.

Cameron Diaz said it best in the Holiday: "Severe stress makes women age prematurely because stress causes the DNA in our cells to shrink until they can no longer replicate. So when we're stressed we look haggard. This is just women, not men. And remember when they used to say that single women over the age of 35 were more likely to be killed by a terrorist than to get married? Ok that was horrible, but now, our generation is also not getting married and BONUS real terrorists actually became part of our lives. So the stress of it all shows up on our faces making us look haggard. While Ethan goes on looking cute forever and shtupping his 24-year-old receptionist!"

Dear Age,

Thanks for taking the fun out of it all. Boo on you. You suck.

Sincerely,

Me

live like we're dying

2009-11-22T04:56:00.000-05:00

I heard this song on the radio the other day and thought it was the Script (love the Script) but found out that it's actually Kris Allen's new single. Either way, I think this song should be part of my mantra!

Live Like We're Dying ~ Kris Allen

Sometime we fall down and can’t get back up
We’re hiding behind skin that’s too tough
How come we don’t say I love you enough
Till it’s too late, it’s not too late

Our hearts are hungry for a food that won’t come
We could make a feast from these crumbs
And we’re all staring down the barrel of a gun
So if your life flashed before you, what would you wish you would’ve done?

Yeah, we gotta start lookin' at the hand of the time we’ve been given
If this is all we got then we gotta start thinkin’
If every second counts on a clock that’s tickin'
Gotta live like we’re dying

We only got 86 400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell ‘em that we love ‘em while we got the chance to say,

Gotta live like we’re dying
And if your plane fell out of the skies
Who would you call with your last goodbye?
Should be so careful who we left out of our lives
And when we long for absolution, there will be no one on the line

Yeah, we gotta start lookin’ at the hand of the time we’ve been given
If this all we got, then we gotta start thinkin'
If every second counts on a clock that’s tickin'
Gotta live like we’re dying

We only got 86 400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell ‘em that we love ‘em while we got the chance to say,
Gotta live like we’re dying

You never know a good thing til it’s gone
You never see a crash until its head on
Whey do we think we're right when we’re dead wrong,
You never know a good thing till it’s gone

Yeah, gotta start lookin’ at the hand of the time we’ve been given
If this all we got, then we gotta start thinkin'
If every second counts on a clock that’s tickin'
Gotta live like we’re dying

We only got 86 400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell ‘em that we love ‘em while we got the chance to say,

Gotta live like we’re dying, oh, like we’re dying
Like we’re dying, oh, like we’re dying

We only got 86 400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or throw it all away
We gotta tell ‘em that we love ‘em while we got the chance to say,
Gotta live like we’re dying

the twilight saga

2009-11-20T17:27:00.000-05:00

It's official, I am smitten with the Twilight saga! I rented Twilight over the summer and totally dug it - so when I received an invitation from E! to a private screening of New Moon on opening night at the Palladium (Birmingham, MI) of course I went! I took my mom with me...we mingled at the reception, grabbed our soda and snacks and picked up our swag before heading into the theater. I def liked the movie and stand firm -- I AM TEAM EDWARD.

can we celebrate one holiday at a time please?

2009-11-19T13:33:00.000-05:00

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. There's an energy at the holiday season, seeing the town all lit up and people bustling down the street, arms full of packages -- I absolutely love this time of year.

But I am a firm believer that Santa Claus is not supposed to be out yet! Not until he receives the key to the city at the Detroit Thanksgiving Day parade!! I can't get over the idea that all the malls are decorated and already have Santa out -- it's barely mid-November!!

That's why when I was at the mall tonight and saw that Nordstrom will not be decorating their store until after Thanksgiving I wanted to applaud them! Love Nordstrom's even more now -- THANK YOU!

HaPpY bIrThDay - WeLcOmE to ThE dIrTy ThIrTies!!!

2009-11-15T12:39:00.000-05:00

In honor of my 30th birthday I decided that I wanted to do something fun, something different, something memorable and something big! So I gathered up 7 of my closest girls for a Girls Night Out on Saturday night.

The evening began with a pole dancing lesson at Uptown Body Fitness -- where we got a little more workout than we had bargained for but it was well worth it! The girls at the studio were so sweet they even decorated the studio with balloons and happy birthday signs AND they gave me a feather boa and birthday tiara (how fitting!)

After our pole dancing lesson we had cocktails and appetizers....and presents and birthday cake! YUM! My absolutely perfect 3-tier topsy turvey cake was AH-MAY-ZEENG!! Three layers of deliciousness -- black forest, carrot and yellow cake. So good! And my girls are the best - thank you all for the wonderful gifts! Totally not necessary but so much appreciated!

My Life at Thirty

pancake helper

wordless wednesday

(via iPhone with my Hipstamatic app)

no more static!

happy v-day

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(images via)

Auto Draft

superbowl top spots

{1} Bud Light - "Hack Job"

{2} Doritos - "House Sitting"

{3} Volkswagen - "The Force"

Imported from Detroit. We're certainly no one's Emerald City.

{4} Chrysler - "Born of Fire"

project 365 - week 6

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I know, I know...I wasn't very good at taking photos this week so it's a little sparse.

1 & 2. We met up with Michael's friends Emily and Steve at a karaoke/bowling birthday party

3. My wii avatar...challenged Michael to a friendly sporting competition

4. Sushi Friday @ work = yum!!

mmm...saturday

(images via)

throwback thursday

once a planner, always a planner

Auto Draft

Auto Draft

design on a dime

{needs}

{wants}

{now I just need to win the lottery}

project 365 - week 5

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Michael made me heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast (cue the "aw!!")

Date night!! consisted of dinner -- sushi (on fire) and a movie (No Strings Attached)

did a little cleaning and organizing of my files

Throughout the entire week keeping all my friends and their families in my thoughts...pray for Egypt

Wednesday = snow day (aka work from home day!!)

(images via and via)

shut the front door!!

♥ مصر ♥

project 365 - week 4

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1. Michael, Mom and I wen to the Plymouth Ice Festival

2. Michael and I at North American International Auto Show

3. Yes, it really was only 5 degrees - had to document how cold it really was!

4. Michael and I spend Friday night baby-sitting his nieces and nephew...those kiddos are too darn cute!

5. We rec'd word this week that we got the apartment we wanted, yay!

home sweet NEW home

weekend of events

project 365 - week 3

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1. updated haircut :)

2. Michael and I at his nephew Jacks' Baptism

3. Jack's Baptism

4. more apartment/condo shopping

5. reinstating our Thursday night Lime Light field-trips after work

(@ the GEM Awards, Jan. 7th)

out with the old, in with the new

mish and mash

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1. snow storm Tuesday...took me 2 hours to drive home (which normally takes less than an hour!)

2. Michael's niece, Kara, getting cozy on my lap during dinner

3. baby shower cupcakes for Danielle at work

4. put a deposit down on our new office couch/sofa bed! now we just need March to get here so we can have it delivered!

5. shoveling snow at my grandparents old house

baby shower cupcakes

HNYE!

(images via)

new shows in January

my Christmas re-cap

elf quotes

Merry Christmas!!

(image via)

lightbulb cake

mod podged ornaments...with 4 days left 'til Christmas

(images via)

reindeer cupcakes

my year in status - via FB

'Keep Calm' Christmas printables

What's on your Christmas list this year?