Guess Who's Back In The Mother F-ing House?!

I'm baaaacck!!! Hello all you little followers out there - if I even have any left! I'm so sorry for my summer/early fall hiatus. Things have been really cray in my life and I'm just starting to get myself back on track! A few things that I'll highlight below and then lets just carry on "business as usual"!

1. One of the main reasons I've been away were some pretty mayyyja medical situations - BUT I'm back on track and ready to rock 'n roll. So my apologies, but I just haven't been in the "bloggin' place" these past few months. With all that behind me - I'm ready once again to delve into my life and into your hearts!!2. Can we discuss the final season on Teen Mom?! I mean what the what happened?? Still don’t enjoy Farrah, Catelyn & Tyler have a special place in my heart, I hope Maci & Kyyyyle are back on & finally - Amber - there are no words.

3. I'm in the throws of redecorating my apartment. I'm acting as if I'm undertaking this huge situation (mansion proportions), however let me inform you that I live in a studio - I repeat I live in a studio. But that being said, I'm going for brown tones with pops of orange - so I'll post some pics when it's all done and I'm actually excited about it and not stressed about it!

4. I'm overly excited for all the fall shows to start again. The Voice is already in full swing, Gossip Girl final season - dying, Revenge - can't even wait, New Girl - I can't and Modern Family - I'm sooo excited for Gloria to be pregnant!! And there are a few new ones that I am seriously excited about - Mindy Project in particular. I watched it last night and it is spot on - I'm already obsessed.

5. I joined a book club and I already had to miss the first meeting because I couldn't finish the book. So there's that. BUT I'm holding steady on this second one, so hopefully I'll be able to participate in October.

6. I saw Bruce Springsteen the other night and it was prob the best concert I've ever seen. He was seriously inspiring and amazing - at 60+ to be able to do what he does - incredible. He played for 3 1/2 hours straight - like no interruptions - nothing - just played. He really spoke to me - I've currently been rocking out to all things Bruce on my way to work.

7. I'm totally psyched about the fall nail colors - dark is back!! I've already done a few that I'm loving.


Nein-Nein-Nein-Ok-Fine




Essie - Sytlenomics Collection




German-icure



8. My new food obsession are Kind Bars - if you haven't tried them run to your grocery store and buy them. They're amazing! A great snack or breakfast and I lovey love!!

9. I got my dress for my sister's wedding (one month to go!!!) and it's backless. Not sure what I was thinking - but it seemed like a good idea at the time. I'm searching for a bra that will help in that department - I'm open to suggestions - I just ordered this one and hope it works/doesn't fall down in the middle of the ceremony on my feet.

10. I'll leave you with this…at the request of friends I joined Match again. I already hate and here's why (an actual email I received):

Hi :)
Interesting the way you bring yourself outhere.
You have definetely have shined on your ability of being classic and
I think your thoughts are swiftly very well claimed.
Is the nature of you, I suppose ;)
A very calm to read, sensible, feminine at the same time quite vibrant and pleasant profile I must add.
I got impressed by your warmly gentle ways very sweet and kind.
And then after words comes your smile...eyes... gorgeous, besides
I'm assuming that you got all together balanced thru body and mind with a whimsical touch so we all think we are.
I'm in Queens. I'm in Manhattan and Jersey often.
I do work on the fantastic world of aeronautics and electronics, biggest airline around.
Let me know if you would like to meet sometime ? I know I would like to ;)
Have a absolute great day, nothing less,

I'm so excited to be back my pretties!! I promise I'll be better!! Happy Wednesday - hoping your morning went better than mine (lets just say I was late and my secretary said the word "coolio" while she was lint rolling my dress). XOXO

Wedding Bells Rang!!

Hey world, I'm back.  Sooo there has been a lot going on - like mayjah things peeps!  Most importantly, my lil bro just tied the knot!!  This past weekend was a whirlwind of fun and emotions and coupled with the insanity I like to call work, things have been pretty cray.

So the wedding was gorg - despite the torrential downpours that happened.  It was raining sideways.  NBD. Here's a few highlights because to spell it all out would take like about 20 years…

- I drove up to Boston with my brother, SIL and 3 year old nephew.  Sat in the back seat.  We pretty much had the best time ever.  My nephew and I sat back there and chilled/chatted.  It was great bonding time.   Shared some snacks, NBD.  Don’t worry I pretty much had a bag of Goldfish with me the entire weekend and he actually said these words to the flower girls "are you guys hungry??  My aunt will give you Goldfish if you want them - she ALWAYS has them."  Sooo if you ever need them - you know who to turn to!

- I got a spray tan from Benefit which was amaahhhhzing.  Everyone complimented it and said it looked soooo natch. 

- We saw David Spade at dinner Thursday night.

- I saw my sister's wedding gown and picked out my bridesmaid dress!!

- As we pulled up to the church for the rehearsal a homeless man was peeing on the lawn.  Sooo that happened.

- My sibs & I made a slideshow that pretty much rocked the entire rehearsal dinner.  Just saying.

- We got our hair done and I was obsessed with my stylist.  We pretty much laughed the entire time.  including when I said I wanted a messy low bun and he said "honey I don’t do that.  let's not say 'messy'".  Ummm pretty much that's my "go-to style", but whatevs you can do whatever you'd like.  And I wound up with a low bun with "detailing".

- I had my first air-brush makeup job and it did not disappoint.

- My nephew wore a 3 piece seersucker suit.  Nuff said.

- My newest SIL looked like a doll.  She was amazingly gorgeous.  My brother looked so handsome and they were 2 of the happiest bride & groom I've ever seen in my life!

- Richard Simmons was staying at our hotel - the one where the reception was, too - there may have been pics taken by my relatives.  And there were a lot of sparkles.

- My brother's best man speech made me cry - like a small child.  It was so heartfelt and awesome.

- We pretty much rocked our faces off on the dance floor.  I may or may not have had a dance off with my brother's friend.  It was amazing and one of the best things I've ever been involved in - in my entire life.  He was quite the worthy opponent and at the end - we just joined forces and gave everyone the show they came out to see. 

- I heart my brother's friends.  Even though one of them referred to me as "medium-old".

- Sunday came wayyyy too quickly.  I can't believe it's all over!  Wahhhh!

This weekend is one Ms. Coco's baybay shower!!!  I'm sooo excited to see the girls, I'm in a bit of a withdrawl state!!  I'll have more to report in the  next few days!!  XOXO

Barre Mania

OMG ya'll.  I went to my first Barre Class last night - I'm having trouble moving.  But real quick before I get into that.  Sorry for the MIA status - things have been beyond.  That's it - just beyond.  My little bro is getting married in like T-16 days.  AND a special shout out to 2 girlies that got engaged!  My sister…wahoooooo!!  AND Hermione…. yippppiiieeeee!!!  So excited for them!!

Ok so that's that.  I decided to try something new, other than the Pilates reformers that I'm obsessed with.  I've been doing it for a few months now and honestly its one of my favorite workouts I've ever done.  But I've been wanting to try these said barre classes, so I (in my infinite wisdom) paid $150 for unlimited classes.   I'm going to Pure Barre.  Oh and PS - I've never even been to one before - so that was one of my better choices in life. 

So off I went last night.  I got there early and changed…felt totally inadequate already.  Everyone had on these "special socks", I was sporting plain whites.  And then we went into the room and the instructor told me what I'd need.  So I put my stuff like kind of in the front middle - honestly I was trying to hide from the door where people could look in - and I didn't think much of it.  And then the instructor said:  "Ohhhh right in front - that's a bold move".  To which I awkwardly try to slide back and then class started and I kid you not - ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE!

All of a sudden she was like yelling things and counting, I was just tying with all my might to keep up and be coordinated.  Basically the whole room was judging me.  

Everyone else seemed to know what they were doing and of course I was front and center for everyone to see.  I would have been embarrassed if I wasn't so focused on counting and trying to just keep up.  It was one of the hardest classes I've ever taken in my life.  Now I'm not saying I'm some Fitness Magazine model - but I feel like I'm in decent shape.  When I tell you I was dripping wet and could hardly breath - that's an understatement.  I mean people must have thought I was one plié away from a heart attack.  At one point I couldn't even wipe the sweat off anymore - I just had to let fly.  I just wanted it to be over.

So when it was all finished (and btw there were no clocks in the room so you didn’t even know how much longer you had to endure this insanity), I literally could barely walk - it was more like lumbering if you will.  I got on a bus and everyone looked at me in disgust - sorry I'm not sorry. 

And now I'm the proud owner of one unlimited month of this madness.  And I think I'm just sick because I already signed up for classes Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday.  Like what is wrong with me?! 

Oh and one quick thing before we part ways…my new obsession is The Voice's Tony Lucca's version of "99 Problems".  Do yourselves all a favor and go download it from iTunes.  But in the meantime…here's a preview…AMAZEBALLS!!

Summer Lovin'

Hellloo Everybody.  That was said in an "Aunt Bethany" voice.  And if you don’t know who that is - then really I just don’t know what to tell you. 

First off - quick shout out to my lil sister sister.  Her team won their game on Saturday and she had a GOALLLL!!  

A few family members, including myself, surprised her at this game, so it was a great day!!  And a second round of shouts go to GUUUURLLL and GUURRLLLFRIEND …you know who you are…you made valiant efforts for the team (on the field and elsewhere).

And now onto this thing I will call a post.  I've gotten a few things over the past few days that I've become ridiculously obsessed with.  Sooo I figured it was my duty to share them with you all!

1.  This stuff from Kiehl's is changing my life.  I mean in a broad sense of the term, but none the less…life changing. 

            First, this, the "Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution".  I'm obsessed.

            Second, this, "Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado".

Not sure that either will actually do what they claim, but I'm going to go down swinging because I cyrussly am obsessed with both of these products.

2.  The "No. 2 Pencil" Skirt from J. Crew.  I now own it in the following colors…

And I'm contemplating this one…

 Of course I bought them all full price (except the green one) and now they're on sale - but whatev, I've already gotten my dolla bills worth!

3.  The last item is another "beauty" product.  I had Bobbi Brown Friends & Family last week, so I took the opportunity to re-stock and I snuck one newbie thing in there.  This…

Now I was actually skeptical and thinking that I'd be returning it in like one second.  But OMG it's amazeballs.  I heart every square inch of this thing!  Def worth it and I hope I won't steer you down the wrong path!

Ok well that's all for now!  Enjoy your weeks!!  XOXO

P.S.  I found this blog, Reality TV Gifs, it's pretty hilar!

What Is The Universe Trying To Tell Me?!

Hey kids, lil 'ol me here!  Sorry for the long pause - things have been beyond hectic, but I'll give you a few updates on my life and what's been going on in good 'ol Lizzie-ville.  Apparently I'm into the "'ol's" today. 

1.  I went to DC this past weekend - yup my old stomping grounds!!  It was sooo much fun.  Jason (Ruby's husband - ps he picked his name and was super excited about it - best thing ever!) picked me up from the airport Friday night and then it began!  I met Ruby at their house, we changed, got ready and into the city we went!  We met up with a bunch of my old work cronies and Sydney even surprised me! Hilary and Kit met up with us later too.  Things got wayyyy out of control, as per usual with this old work crowd.  We basically just had a debaucherous evening that ended with me throwing up in an ally (which may or may not have been a gas station, but I'm sticking to an ally because it sounds more classy).  It was one of the most fun nights ever!  I woke up on Ruby's couch, fully clothed, with my hoop earrings still in.  Saturday was not as fun.  The girls came over for brunch and I was so not feeling well!  I tried to drink a lil bit, but that just wasn't an option.  So we all just hung out and had a low key day.  My flight back was super early on Sunday, so it actually was for the best that things remained under control!

2.  I saw American Reunion with Giuliana on Sunday. Seriously - it wasn't as good as I hoped it would be.  There were definitely a few funny parts, but I just really hoped they'd knock it out of the park and it was kind of flat lined for me.  BUT I mean I had to see it, it was part of my youth and generation.  I mean I was class of 1999, too!  BUT after the movie we walked around our neighborhood adn enjoyed the gorg weather.  I'm such a nerd, but I really love where I live in this big crazy city!

3.  Not only did my Pilates class kick my butt on Monday, my spin class kicked my tush yesterday!  Like I'm having trouble moving people!  And I have another Pilates session today!  Wahhhh!

4.  TV notes:  Giuliana & Bill is making me sob like every episode.  I'm so obsessed and I want to be like in their marriage - I heart them sooo much.   The Voice is unbelievable!  I'm like in shock after every episode.  

Last night was no different - my girl RaeLynn got sent home - NOT COOL!!  But it was a hard choice, I just think she's so darling!  And can we discuss Adam Levine for just a minute.  Like I want to jump his bones and his little performance only solidified that we were obviously meant to be married.  I'm just saying.

5.  Lastly, I've been feeling a little "meh" lately.  Can't quite explain, but just not myself and a little "down in the dumps".  Well I think the universe is trying to help me express my feelings because I kid you NOT this was my "playlist" that was completely RANDOM on my walk to work this morning:

Survivor - Destiny's Child

I Wanna Go - Britney Spears

Empire State of Mind - Jay Z

Wonderful World - James Morrison

Rolling in the Deep - Adele

I mean - COME ON!!!  Like could this be anymore telling of my life right now?!  INSANITY!!

Ok that's all for now folks, but I promise I'll be better…and by promise I mean…

Reader Recommendation!

Happy Wednesday all you party people!  I hope everyone has some fun and exciting plans for the weekend!  Due to the Easter holiday - I'm shipping up to Boston to spend the weekend with my parents & sisters.  I’m hoping for good weather - and as always - good food!  Might even get a chance to catch up with a few peeps living up there in good 'ol Baaaahhhhston.  Get it?!  That's "Boston" in a Boston accent.

Ok so anyway…Ruby sent along this fabulous website link to me today and I'd like to share!  It's calledBirchbox and you can join for $10 a month and you get a box full of beauty goodies each month!  You can also tailor your account to be sure that you're getting samples of products you actually might want to purchase.  There are also a ton of really great brands that are participating.  So if you love getting and testing out new products - this might be a fabulous way to do so!  It's also great because you've only spent $10 and not a ton of money for something if you don't like it.  

That's the worst!  It seriously maddens me when I spend money on something that I use once and then I hate it! 

This concept is also similar to the JewelMint and ShoeDazzle - only those you create a profile and everything is one price.  For JewelMint it's jewelry for $29.99 and for ShoeDazzle it's shoes for  $39.95. On both sites you create a profile and then they send you the shoes/jewelry that would best fit your style. Pretty cool - or as my boss would say "pretty nifty". 

Speaking of bargains - I'm so amped!  I took a pair of jeans to be hemmed - which btw I never have to do because of my height, but I digress.  I went to a few different places that all quoted $25+ to do a simple hem and a week to get them back.  THEN I stumbled upon this little gem called Dejavu - amazing friends!  $4.95/pair of pants or jeans!!  

I'm sorry - that's a steal!  I'll report on how they come out - but honestly, how badly can you screw that up?!  Let's circle back to that question when I pick them up in 2 DAYS and I'm now the proud owner of "jorts". 

Enjoy this gorg weather everyone!!  XOXO

The Night Dana Carvey Wouldn't Leave Me Alone/I Heart Austin

Ok - "surrrry folks - parks closed - moose outside shoulda told ya!"  And if you don't get that reference I sorta feel sorry for you.  

Anywho - sorry for the delay - I had some brother's wedding things to tend to last week!  Their big day is coming up in 2 months!!  Wahhoooo!!  But I digress…now back to my story!

Thursday Night

Hazel had a work happy hour that she had to attend/run/organize/be everything for.  So I joined her - never one to turn down free food/drinks and it was another gorg night!  Basically after a little while, I was being more awkward then I've ever been.  No one really wanted to talk to me and one gentleman actually said "you look like a lost soul".   So that was my cue to exit and just sit myself at the bar and watch basketball until she wrapped up!  So I headed to the outdoor bar, got a seat and was answering emails, watching the game, entertaining myself.  Next to me was this guy - I swear to God was  Dana Carvey look-alike.  He even talked like him - that voice he does in the "isn't that special" skit.  

Oh and he was a office furniture salesman.  Dying.  Well he took a liking to me and would.not.stop talking!  He was about 50+ and I really had no interest.  He kept telling me how pretty I was, asking about dating in NYC, said he'd like to come visit.  Oh that's right folks - he was looking for an invite to come visit - what?!?!  My favorite line was when he looked at me through his spectacles and said "you have really pretty eyes. Everyone tells me that too.  We have like the same eyes.  Let me look closer (leans in) - yup they're the same."  What is going on?!  I wanted to crawl under the bar stool and cry.  This was the best TX had to offer me?!  I'm sorry - he was a nice man, just came on a little thick and I clearly wasn't into it.  I was very polite and kind though, I wasn't rude.  Eventually he left - sigh of relief all the way around!

Hazel finished up and had invited her brother and his wife to join us for a few drinks.  It was great to meet them - totally love!  We hung out for awhile - it was just so nice out we didn't want to leave!  We had a great time!!

Friday

Austin day!!!  Yippeeeee I get to see Hermione!  I got up and Hazel had to go to the office for a few hours.  So I went to breakfast at this place - Twin Sisters.  It was great - a nice leisurely morning!  Then I headed back to meet Hazel and got ready for our trip to Austin. 

We left and grabbed lunch on the way - prob the most amazing place I've ever been to.  We had BBQ at Rudy's that was the best I've had in my life.  

It's served on paper - that's right - just paper.  And we had some sides which were even more amazing.  The clientele was straight up Texas - I loved every second of it! 

We got up to Austin and headed right to Hermione's apartment.  After our initial yelling/squealing with excitement over seeing each other we all get ready for dinner.  First we had a drink at this great Mexican place then we headed to Lamberts - again - amazing.  I think I prob gained like 10 pounds on this trip! After that we went out to a few bars - so much fun!  Some of the best people watching I've ever seen!! 

Saturday morning Hermione had to head out of town - wahhh - but Hazel and I got to stay at her apt!  We went to breakfast at this place - soooo hometowny I loved it.  I had "migas" - yah that's right I know the lingo.  For those of you NOT in the know - it's like eggs & tortillas.  They were superb!  Only in TX do you get chips & salsa with your breakfast - it was fabulous.  Then Hazel took me on a tour of campus and downtown Austin!  I hit up the bookstore - saw a few key places.  After that we went for a walk around the lake - again - weather was amazing! 

The afternoon was spent a great bar - sitting outside - enjoying some beer!  We watched the basketball games, a few of her friends stopped by, nice and relaxing!  We also went to this area of Austin - Rainey Street.  Basically this guy just bought up some old houses and converted them into bars - it's the coolest little section.  We went to Clive - it was fabulous!  Here are some pics:

We didn't stay out too late - I had to get up at 4:30 AM for my flight, which was not the most fun - BUT no biggie! 

Sunday

Sunday came wayyyy to quickly.  I was so sad to leave Hazel!  I had such a good trip and it was fun to see a new city.  I'm pretty much obsessed with Austin and would love to go back soon!  It's such an amazing city!  It's never fun to come back from vacay - but it was good to be home in my apartment and back into a routine!