Monday, May 9, 2011

Let's Go To The Movies!

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend! The weather up here was AMAZING yesterday - hopefully it'll stay that way! I had a nice relaxing weekend at home - it was much needed.

We didn’t do much of anything - but we did see Something Borrowed!!

You ALL need to go out and see this movie. Ok - so the reviews were less than stellar - it actually got an 18% on Rotten Tomatoes - womp womp. However - I find that most of the times that they say they hate a movie - I generally am obsessed with it. I just thought this was really cute and funny. Very light hearted and I found myself really relating to Ginnifer Goodwin's character. I haven't read the book yet - although I've read some of her other books - so I'm sure they're just as good. But seriously - I heart Kate Hudson and I really felt she did a great job in her character!



I also love John Krasinski and I think his comedic timing in this is spot on.



I don’t' want to give too much of it away - I actually HATE when people do that.  They really screw up the whole movie-going experience for me!


But I digress…back to the movie. It's just a fun rom-com that I think you'll all enjoy!!

I'm really looking forward to seeing Bridesmaids - that cast is hilarious!


It actually DID get good reviews - so hopefully I'll feel the same way. The previews look hysterical and I can't even handle Kristen Wiig. I'll let you know my thoughts as soon as I make my way to the theatre!

I get so weirdly excited for summer "blockbusters". I hope this summer doesn't disappoint - as one of my favorite things to do is go to the movies. I mean maybe it's just because I love the popcorn - I don't know - but regardless - I really do love it. Are there any upcoming movies that you can't wait to see or you recommend?!

Friday, May 6, 2011

Happy Mother's Day!!



I'm sure like many of you out there, I too claim to have the BEST mom in the world! So I love being able to take this day to show her that we all really love her and she does a great job being a mom! I know some of you are "newer" moms - so happy 1st Mother's Day to you ladies! I always like to pick my mom up something cute/fun - something she wouldn't necessarily buy for herself. If any of you are last minute shoppers and still looking for ideas - besides the usual flowers & spa trips - I've put some below!

I headed to Anthropologie for my gift - here are a few of my faves from there:

Amazon Dreams Pitcher
Homegrown Monogram Mug
Violet Posts
Herbery Stakes
Food For Family and Friends: Simply Delicious

Izmir Measuring Cups

Crate & Barrel is another place I look to:

Airtight Tea Pitcher-Infuser

Cuisinart® 8-Bottle Wine Cellar

Ria Pitcher

Cuisinart® Compact-Smoothie Blender

Triana Violet Plates Set of Four

And I love this "make your own cookbook". I actually gave it to my mom for Christmas and she LOVED it!  It's through a website called "Taste Book". Basically you can customize a whole cookbook - including pictures, etc. It's a great gift!!

Enjoy the weekend and enjoy your moms!! I'm heading home for the weekend with a huge mound of laundry - just one more thing that I know my mom will "love"!!


Thursday, May 5, 2011

Oh - Hello Polka Brothers!

Last night I went out with Hazel & Chase. I always knew going out with these two would be an adventure - they are just so fun and always up for anything. We were all just trying very hard not to forget that it was only Wednesday! Maybe not the best approach - but it did make for a fun night!

We started our interesting evening off at the Bierhaus -

I should've know it would be epic by this logo!
which any of you NYC'ers out there need to check out! Basically it's a bunch of "communal" tables, good beer, good food, and some interesting characters. Just beware - you can't "save" table space - I got in trouble about 3 times while waiting for the girls and one waitress literally came over and said "you have 2 minutes - I'm starting to count - now!" What?! Totally ridiculous! Thank God I looked up to see their little heads coming up the stairs! The only bad part about this place is that its really loud - so you have to yell/scream to have a conversation. And then, as we were sitting there, there was a little band setting up - so we knew it was about to get even louder! As we were in mid conversation all of a sudden the band started up - oh what kind of music you ask - that's right it was a POLKA band! Unreal! They are called the "Polka Brothers". Here's a lil pic - they're pretty bad-ass.


Pretty sure the guy with the piano-conductor hat was my favorite. So we were sitting there listening - first they played pretty traditional stuff. Then all of a sudden they busted out "You Shook Me All Night Long" - I'm sorry - what?! That song + an accordion = something you don’t hear everyday. Next thing I know they segue right into "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" - ok firing out the Aerosmith. It was truly amazing. So as I mentioned before there are only communal tables - so basically your sitting with strangers. Which is fine - people normally keep to themselves. Oh - but you forgot who you were dealing with. So in the midst of some German anthem-esque song I literally feel someone tickling my armpit and trying to lock arms with me.

Yes the 10 business men sitting next to us enjoyed the heritage song and were linked arm in arm and swaying back and forth. Basically I was "tickled" until I joined in. So disturbing on so many levels. So I grabbed Chase's arm and made her sway with me - Hazel took it upon herself to join in across the table from us! After that - we figured it was time for us to head out.

So we ventured to the next bar. Chase put about a million dollars into the jukebox - picked all these songs - then we decided it wasn't "fun" enough and left. The rest of the bar was in for quite a treat - about an hour of all our "faves"! While heading to the next place, Hazel thought it was only appropriate to start galloping like a horse (she had her "riding boots" on) and sing "Dog Days Are Over" to passer-bys. Hilarious - some enjoyed it more than others.

We hit up a few more bars before calling it a night - I mean it was Wednesday after all! Such a fun night - I feel like with Chase in the mix now (she just moved to NYC) things are about to get a little more crazy! This little trio has the potential to do some damage - watch out NYC!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Bedtime Stories

On days like these - the last thing I want to do is get out of bed! I hear the rain outside and it's still kinda dark out. I'm so cozy and all happy in my bed. I hate the cold feel of the floor as I make my way to the bathroom to prepare for yet another fun filled day at the office! I thought it might be a fun time to discuss bedding. Honestly - I HEART my bed. I think I've made a nice little "nest" if I do say so myself!  It's times like this that I really do with we lived in a more "Bedknobs & Broomsticks" society and I could just ride around in my bed.


Now my bed is super soft - basically it's like your on a cloud. I mean no big deal. But if you like hard, concrete beds - don't look at me! I think one of the most important parts to my bed is my feather bed. I'm obsessed. I actually have this one from Pottery Barn - it's the "hypoallergenic down-alternative" one - yes I'm a freak! It's seriously changed my life.


Aside from the necessary feather bed - the next important items are the sheets! These are essential. I don’t go for anything too crazy - quite honestly - my bank account can barely handle my shoe obsession let alone my sheet desires! I usually go for the "middle of the road" ones. For quite sometime I was devoted to the Jersey Cotton "Pure Beech" sheets.


These are great - however, I've graduated to a more "mature" sheet. My faves actually come from Pottery Barn Kids - and of course they have great ones at Pottery Barn, too. I find the "Kids" have more fun prints/colors.

Pottery Barn Kids

Pottery Barn Kids


Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn
Next up - a duvet/quilt. I like a duvet - I have a down comforter, so it just makes it easy for me. I've found some great ones not only at Pottery Barn (my sister just got a beautiful one from there), but also at West Elm.  Another great place for both sheets & duvets/quilts is Garnet Hill. I love that website! They also feature one of my faves - Lily Pulitzer!

Lily Pulitzer at Garnett Hill

Lily Pulitzer at Garnett Hill

Lily Pulitzer at Garnet Hill

West Elm

West Elm
Obviously last but not least - pillows! Both to sleep on and decorative. Sleeping ones a such a personal preference - so I won't even go there. But decorative pillows - so key! I'm still searching for a few to add to my shams, so any suggestions are welcome!

So after talking about all this - I'm right back where I started this morning - I want to crawl right back into bed! I'm counting the hours until I can be under those covers and sound asleep!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Hit Me With Your Best Shot!

On my way to work today I almost got hit by a car. In turn that jogged my memory a bit and I realized that not only have I been hit by a car - but I've also been hit by a biker. And I'm here to tell the tales!

The first incident was the biker incident. I was leaving the gym on a nice hot summer evening. My gym was in a strip mall - so basically you walk out onto a sidewalk. So I opened the door and I was reaching in my bag for my keys when all of a sudden I hear yelling. I wasn't sure where it was coming from and then I looked to my right and barreling down the sidewalk was this woman on a bike and she was heading right for me.



It all happened in such a split second I didn't even have time to react. Next thing I knew I was on the ground, basically straddling a bike and this woman was lying next to me. The receptionist from my gym came running out to help. I was bleeding, the bike was broken - it was a big mess - the other girl was totally fine though. The receptionist just kept yelling - "this is why bikes aren't ALLOWED on sidewalks! THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED!!" I was glad that she did the yelling because I just didn't have it in me. She took me inside, got me some ice, made sure I was ok to drive home. I got home and told my parents about the whole thing and the first thing my Dad said was "did you get her insurance information". Good joke, Dad!

The next incident involving the car happened more recently. Actually the day before Thanksgiving to be exact. I went to the grocery store with my sister to pick up some last minute things for my mom. We always have Thanksgiving at my house for about 30-40 people - so things tend to get a lil cray cray the day before! While we were leaving the grocery store and unloading our bags into the car, I was trying to be nice and bring the cart back up to where the guy was collecting them. On my way this old lady literally just backed her car into me and the cart - I stumbled a bit - but didn't fall. But the best part was - that she got mad at me! She started yelling and gave ME a dirty look! I was like lady - you just hit ME - are you serious?! Why is this happening!



Once again - this is what I get for trying to do a nice thing - not only going to the store for my mom -but also bring that cart up for the poor guy who has to run around collecting! For that I get hit by an old crazy lady!

So the next time your on your bike or backing out of a parking space - be sure to check and double check no one is behind/to the side/in front, etc. of you.  Because chances are good that it will probably be me.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Microphone + Cow Bell + Tambourine = One AMAZING Evening!

First things first - congrats Kit & her fab new husband! The wedding was simply amazing and I had sooo much fun!! As did Ruby, Sydney & Hilary!!

I started out the journey to the wedding at 6:30 AM - my train left the station! I thought for sure it would be nice and quiet given the God forsaken hour on a Saturday! Well - let's not forget who I'm talking about and of course I prob rode in the most ANNOYING car on the whole train. I was all psyched because I got my own seat - partly because who travels at that hour and partly because I gave a death look at anyone who even attempted to come near me. Right behind me was a mom and her son - I thought it wouldn't be a problem and an older couple sat diagonal in front of me - again - didn’t think anything of it. I actually thought the woman sitting across from me would be the biggest issue - she was on her phone for awhile when she first got on the train. Well wrong on all accounts! The girl across from me fell asleep immediately upon pulling out and then the fun began. The mom behind me might have been the most annoying person I've ever met. Not only did she literally cheer her son on (who was about 12) while he blew his nose - yes I'm talking "come on - do it again" , "you got it - another good blow", & "one more - keep going - yes - yes - good one" - but this was another one of their exchanges (in her most irritating voice) while she was trying to drill him on his math skills:

Mom: ok honey - what percent of 100 is 50
Son: 18%
Mom: no…not quiet - try again
Son: 38%
Mom: almost there - do it again


And this went on for a good 1/2 hour. I mean really lady - clearly the kid doesn’t know percentages - either teach him - or call it a day! In addition to this lunacy that was ensuing I glance over to find the older couple - like 70 year olds making out. Yup - she was laying across 2 of the seats with her feet up at a 90 degree angle leaning against the window and he was standing over her making out. DISGUSTING!!


Not just because they were in their 70s - I wouldn't want to see it if they were 17! There is a time and place and the Amtrak at 8 AM is neither!! I couldn't get off that train fast enough!!

Luckily Sydney & Hilary were at the station and off we went! We had about a 3 hour car ride ahead of us. Time flew and we were able to catch up and enjoy the ride! We also stopped at Sheetz - which is pretty much my favorite place of life. Best snacks ever! And a relatively clean bathroom! We pulled up to the gorgeous resort just in time to have lunch with Ruby & her husband. We enjoyed a few beers at lunch and soaked up the sun! Then we went to check on Kit's preparation and try to help her with anything she needed! Then we all got ready ourselves for the festivities!

The ceremony was perfect - out on the lawn - it was a beautiful night. Kit looked GORGEOUS!! Everything went off without a hitch - Ruby even had to do a reading and she did so well!! Next stop - cocktail hour outside! They had a great "signature" lemonade drink that Ruby did warn Sydney that it might make her "tootie fruitie"….what that means - I'm still not so sure! It was so nice and I'm so glad the weather held off! After that we headed into the room to enjoy dinner & dancing - 2 of my fav "D" words!

The band was amazing and all of us immediately headed to the dance floor as soon as we were allowed! While out on the floor Ruby looked at me and exclaims, "I can guarantee that the band is going to come at you with the microphone and you're going to have to sing"…literally with in one minute - who had the mic?! This girl - and I got to sing "Respect" - pretty much amazing. As the night progressed I saw a cow bell that I had my eye on - looked at one of the band members and she just handed it over. I've never seen Sydney look more surprised then when I came at her with that thing! It was awesome. Next - oh I'm sorry - there's a tambourine - yes please! Ruby and I climbed on stage - she danced - I tambourined - it was the best thing ever! I even looked out to find one of the random guests video-ing it - so we'll prob be viral by the end of the day. That is all I need for that video to "leak"!!



Unfortunately, the night did come to an end. We made a last stop in the hotel bar. Ruby's husband and I enjoyed some gymnastics - we were critiquing of course. Then we all retired to our rooms. Hilary, Sydney & I ordered room service - which we all fell asleep before it came. Awesome. This was mine and Hillary's exchange when the phone rang:

Me to Hillary (who was sleeping next to the phone): Pick up the phone
Hillary: What?!
Me: Pick up the phone
Hillary: Does nothing
Me: Pick up the phone and say hello!
Hillary: What?!
Me: The phone - that is ringing - pick it up and say hello!
Hillary: Ohhh…(picks up the phone)

Then me and Hillary had a few slices and Sydney remained sleeping - not to be disturbed!

The next day after brunch we all headed back home. The girls dropped me off at the train station where I had to endure screaming and annoying children. But the actual train ride was fine - and I watched The Fighter which was pretty much amazing - the best way to end a great weekend!

Lastly - I'd just like to add that I'm proud to be an American today!  I heard the news this morning and I wish I had that "Value Pack" of flags that Coco and I purchased back on September 12, 2001.  I'd wave those things proudly!  I'll close with this...a lil something I got from Loafers Sans Socks regarding Obama's "real" speech to our country.




Friday, April 29, 2011

A Gorg Day For Royalty!

This will be short and sweet. Can we just discuss this for AN second. I know you are all most likely inundated with Royalty at this moment - but I just can't let this opportunity for such beauty and grace to pass. I mean - Kate - amAHHHHZIng!! Talk about I DIE! Completely flawless! And rumor has it - she even did her own makeup! And that kiss on the balcony - chills - I actually giggled at how cutely awkward it was and then the second one was even cuter! Everyone just looked so perfect. The boys looked all dapper - hello Prince Harry!  The Queen in that yellow suit and the little ones - perfection.  And Pippa - Pippa!!! Almost upstaged her sister! That McQueen was TO DIE FOR! Completely flawless - the whole affair! I just can't stop staring at these images. So I thought I'd share with you a few of my faves. Wish my invite hadn't gotten lost in the mail!!






I just had to add 2 of my fav attendees!!




That little ones face on the left - priceless!