a BIG update

Well here we are in December and the summer is long gone. Fall has come and winding down. Gone are the pumpkins and the leaves. The house which smelled of pumpkin spice and candy corn candles is now filled with the "deck the halls" ( which is my new favorite scent). Where has the year gone? Well we've been quite busy at the homefront.
- I ran my 5k with my younger brother and finished with a time of 33:26.
- We finished the bathroom renovation ( pics to come and more deets in a different post)
- Mexico was amazeballs. Perfect mix of relaxation, adventure filled with lots of love, and wine. And its a time spent that couldnt have been at a better time.

And its a good thing we did those things because, we are expecting a baby boy March 4, 2012!!!

So What Wednesday!

Again Im linking up with Mrs.Dew Blog for SWW. Its a great stress reliever.

• So what if Im a horrible speller. Thats what spell check is for.
• I think The Voice is so much better then American Idol.
• I like Post - Divorce Chrstina much better then Pre Divorce Xtina.
• I consider Guilana Rancic just as much as a serious journalist as Ann Curry.
• I ve traded my daily starbucks for my highlight maintenance...Its expense!!!

ANd I feel sooooooooooo much better.



Perfect Sunday

Perfect Sundays do not have to be lazy. But they do have to include spending time with my H, grilling some healthy yummy food and maybe the perfect cocktail

Sunday Funday Cocktail

2 parts grey goose vodka

1 part Hypnotiq.

fresh squeezed juice of 2 lemons

Combine all 3 ingredients with ice in a shaker and shake. Shake it like a Polaroid picture. And then strain into a martini glass and top with some sparkling water.  Soo good.

Maybe next Sunday will include some landscaping or yard work?

The Royal Wedding - and here's to thier Happily Ever After.

I wanted to wait to blog about the Royal Wedding until I really absorbed it. Im a huge fan of the "New Royal" movement the Prince is hoping to project.  Im intrested to see what philanthropic ways The Duke and Duchess will  act on and explore and support. I know the Prince/Duke is already involved with African charities. Also, as American, I dont think I can fully grasp the importance this weddding is to the British People - but I can totally appreciate it for spectacle, marriage, union, and event that it is. You see its real-life fairy tale. Its Cinderella-esque story is like Disney for us grown up gals. Instead of a Fairy Godmother theres Sara Barton for Alexander McQueen.  And Prince Charming is well, Prince William who is absolutely Charming.

Which brings me to our Princess ( or Duchess in this Case) Shes just like us. She grew up, went to University, graduated and just happened to meet a Prince all while doing it. I wonder if the rumors are true that she had  a poster of Prince William in her dorm room.  But lets talk about the former Ms. Kate Middleton.  Shes stunning. Gorgeous brown hair that goes on for days and seems totally approachable. Like I would have hung out with her, enjoyed a shopping trip at TopShop and then went out for drinks.  And girl is well on her way if not there as a Style Icon:

What I adore most about her is shes consistent in her style. Chic, modern, classic line and knows what works best for her and her figure.  So, the then-Ms. Middleton and her Prince fell in love and enjoyed a long courtship ( our modern-day princesses/duchesses keep it classy)

When the engagement was announced the Media went into a frenzy and so did my girlfriends and I.  Truth be told I was hoping to plan a party to watch the wedding with my girls - but with the time difference, it would have been a sleep over.  Everyone was speculating who would design the dress. THE DRESS. Personally I thought it was going to be Stella McCartney, as McQueens designs seemed a bit too much for the Royal Wedding but I was pleasantly surprised. 

So back to the Modern Day fairy tale.  For a generation of us, who grew up going to Disney World and reading about Cinderella/Snow White/Sleeping Beauty this was a big deal to us. And it didn't disappoint.  The pomp and circumstance of it all was amazing, spectacular.

And so the stage be set:
Westminster Abbey

The Beautiful Kate Middleton Who, very much like other brides today chose 2 dresses both by Sara Barton for Alexander McQueen

And the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

And May the live Happily Ever After.

So What Wedensday?

This is the first time Im participating in MrsDews blog Link up! Love her attitude :)

This is what IM saying SO WHAT too?

• I keep thinking about Mexico.
• I am not a fan of sushi. Love fish. Hate Sushi. Yeah I said.
• I gave up line for Lent and I dont particularly miss it.
• So what if my roots are out of control.
• Im already craving fall and it hasnt even been summer yet.

Run for your life

I cant exactly remember where Ive heard the phrase "Run for your life before" while Im sure a quick google search would sufifice - Anywho, one of my goals for this year was to really put myself first and Ive started running as one of my commitments. And I suck at it, and Its hard and it hurts, but it is so freeing. The results are quite nice too if I say so myself. And while Im still a novice and have no intentions of running a marathon I am however training for a 5k. Its on June 25th, and we are a little less then 12 weeks away.  I am running with my brother ( who is mr. fitness himself ::rolls eyes:: ) I am also doing it to raise money for Eplipsy.  I actually did the walk last year, so I know what to anticipate for the run this year - it mostly flat so the course will be familar and kind. 

To compliment the running Im still stretching with yoga to help with the pain and ease my muscles. Since Im so novice Im just trying to feel my body out and see what I can and cant do and how I can push myself and when to stop. I will be honest, I do  have some anxiety about serisously injuring myself....but all I can do is just hope for the best, plan and listen and just stick to my goal...which is to complete the 5k.! I have a trainer at my gym and IM using my C25K app on my iTouch,. and its helping - makes the training time go by fast. Soon I want to adjsut my diet, before I was counting calories, but now that Im increasing my activity I need some more filling but low cal foods.  Veggies, beans and fruits are getting me trrough the day right now, and lots of water and Pike Place roast from Starbucks. But thats where Im at right now. :)

*Viva Mexico*

So, this year is the year of the Vacation and the Bathroom Renovation. By vacation, I don't mean perusing through Europe ( though, that would be just a visit home for E) or laying low in Low Country in South Carolina. Or even a visit to one of the Great Lakes.
We need a real vacation.
And we are going to:

Rivera Maya in Mexico and above is a view of our Resort, Marina El Cid  ( I think) via Expedia. and I.cant.wait. To sun, eat and drink it up for  a whole week with my Hubs. Seriously though, After working my ass of for the past year and putting in 50+ hour a week recently I cant wait to sit myself under a cabana sip on some Patron and bask in the sunlight ( with my SPF 70). Authentic Mexican food? Yes please! Seeing a smile on my husbands face all day, what could be better? And if it rains all week, well theres a spa and I totally plan on packing important reading materials such as US Weekly, INTouch, and my favorite Sookie Stackhouse books to relax with. 
That said, whats the second best thing about Vacations?
Shopping for them!

And I wont lie to you guys, I'm totally geeked about it. Normally I'm shopping for work or workout clothes so rarely to I get to just buy plain fun stuff. I'M feeling lots of looks right now and these are my must haves so far.  I'm currently waiting for my Dolce Vita for Target wedges to arrive and they look similar to this:

And I love the look - I'm hoping to purchase dresses to work with shoes to wear for dinner, as I'm trying to not to pack very many since they take up so much space. I'm thinking a pair of tennis shoes ( like Adidas shell tops) or some pumas for the plane and incase we plan a mini excusrison to the Mayan ruins, 2 pairs of flippy floppys ( I'm on a boat bitch!) and maybe another pair of heels for dinner.  Another must for me are some dresses. Right now I need about 5 ( tee hee) 3 for dinner and 2 for cover ups at the pool or perhaps I can find one in a similar cut to this Gypsy 05 dress, which I would buy in a heart beat but its silk and that's just not going to work in Mexico In June.

And my last item that IM obsessed with now is finding the perfect spring/summer fedora. Who would of thought Id be taking fashion tips from Freddy Krueger, but this year I dressed  up as Ms. Krueger for Halloween and I looked good in that fedora, I was rocking it. I really  want a straw one similar to this:

And I totally would style it with hair in a low pony and some sunnies ala Ms. Britney Spears.

And there you have it, that's what I'm obsessing over especially for this vacation. The Hubs and I have been working so hard and had a rough time  since our last vacay - so this one is extra special, and we leave for Mexico the day after my first 5K, so its really special, and I think that's why I'm going all out.

Where are you going on vacation this year????

What I did during my lunch today....

I am an equal oppurnity shoe buyer. Per Se. My shoe collection is filled with shoes from Aldo's, Jessica Simpson brand shoes, I own 2 pairs of Jimmy Choos and my beloved Louboutins. I have about 6 pairs. You also find right next to the Loubies, my Target *or Tar-Jay* shoes which are suprsing comfortable. My most comfy pairs though believe it or not are from Banana Rebublic. Well made and classic design.  Who would have thought.  Once we finish our bathroom and closet renovation Id like to post pics of my organizing skills. But those my friends are not my favorite.

My favorite shoes are my Tory Burch Revas. You honestly can dress them up at work...black pants, fitted top and a cute cardi or structured blazer if you cant manage in heels all day. Or, and my favorite way to wear them is to dress them down. The smooth leather just completes a tee, jeans and a scarf or even leggings and a long tunic and a great bag. They are one of the better investment shoes because they are so versitile. Also, if you like to wear them during your communte they are so thin that you can easily through them into the bag.  

So Yay to lunches spent shopping.!

2011, what have you done for me lately?

I often wonder if anyone really reads my blog, I imagine there must be some spam type views, but if any readers our out there I'm dying to know.  That said this is an online journal for me if you will so I'm using it to be keep up with my thoughts and goals and Ive totally revisited my goals.

As I sit here in my home office I'm thinking here I am 28, what do I really want to do, what do I really love to do,. You only live once and maybe this is the wine in me talking, but I really, really want to make it count. So since 2011 is almost 1/4 of the way over. I'm taking more control of my goals and getting the most I can get out of this year and my life.  Tomorrow isn't guaranteed and life is what you make it. So, what am I doing about it.

I can honestly say Ive made a concerted effort to love more..love my husband more, love my family and friends more and love myself more. I may be vain in some aspects but I really need to work on loving myself. Ive started :

• Writing in a journal everyday. I'm going to utilize my blog more and make it how I want it to be. Eventually my goal for this blog is for it to be a magazine that I would love to read, but women in my age range to.  If I can inspire one person in anyway that's a huge accomplishment. Plus, when I was young I loved magazines. I remember being 13ish and reading Seventeen ( my fave!) and YM and drooling over prom dresses, and here I am at 28 reading Vogue and drooling over Couture. Somethings never change I guess.
• Taking control over my career. I've heard that you should never let a career or money define who you are. But I want a career, and I take my job very seriously and while Im not quite where I want to be yet, Im some where and I m working damn hard to get to where I want to be.
• My physical health.. My weights yo-yo ey if you will. up and down. up and down. up and down. But Ive never pushed or challanged myself physically. But I registered for a 5k on June 25, 2011 so Ive started training....I also like dancing. burlesque style and yoga.  They really center me, as cliche as it sounds.
• Making my house a home. This year we are completely redoing our bathroom, and after a hellish and dis-heartening day at Lowes and Home Depot, I'm more determined then ever to re do this bathroom and decorate this house a little more.

So, its important to revisit your goals to get yourself back on track. Now that Im a bit more centered, Im anxious to see how this goes!

Hair Apparent

Hair. Its all about the Hair. Some say its all about the eyes, but really its all about the hair. Secretly I judge people on the hair. Not like good person, bad person, douchelord, etc. However you can tell alot about a person from their hair.  Today I had a hair appointment for highlights and a cut, so this morning I spent sometime browsing my favorite hair idols. Today was more of a maintenance visit but I did do something a bit different.....
That said here are a few of my hair idols.....

Jessica Simpson...I love JS, I love her style, I LOVE  her shoes and I was a big fan of the Newlyweds. On a side note, she totally wears her heart on her sleeve and you can always tell by her look when shes happy or sad. Here are a few of my fave JS looks:

Short or long girl got the bombshell thing down when she wants too...

When it comes to brunettes....I have two heads of hair that Im totally lusting over.

Cheryl Cole, who I had no idea who she was until I saw her on Perez Hilton  and she is a Brit import who is on her way to hitting it big here. I'm not surprised because her is lush. lush. lush.

Another Celeb Crush of mine ( and who I can dedicate a whole post too ( My style icon - seriously) Kim Kardashian. She went blond briefly after her breakup with Reggie Bush, and it was not my favorite but she rocked it,because lets face it. She can rock anything.

And well what did I end up with today? I got some bangs and I'm on the fence about it. Lets put it this way, its very country chic. Not Country Strong, Gwenyth Paltrow rocking Versace at the CMA's country chic. But a Carrie Underwood meets Jerseylicious type chic think this:

And I just want to add, that I think Carrie is lovely, I really do. Her hairstyle is all her own but its not working for me.  So I have some experimenting to do before I post some pics.

Bisou Bisou

Vampires, Oh I how I love thee......

In recent years, Vampires seem to be all the rage,  I guess most recently with the Twilight Saga and True Blood.  However, this trend is not new to me.

My parents believed in quality entertainment for their children, ( note sarcasm) so my obsession began around the age of 8 ish. I remember watching Fright Night, and I was immediately intrigued. I didn't understand then ( or maybe I did ) all of the sex, lust and rock n roll and lest we forget blood involved but I was hooked.

Cut to 2009.

When we moved in to our new house, I was on vacation for a week, since the move was rather easy I had to find a way to occupy myself for a week. No Internet or TV available I traveled down to Family Video and I was searching for some series, something on DVD to make the time pass...and I had all intents and purposes of renting Dexter ( Showtime) and then I saw this big red lips:

And so my love affair began.

After I finished the season in oh say 3 days, I went out and purchased the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris which the Series is based on and haven't looked back since. The first two seasons of the show were stellar. The 3rd season left much to be desired, although not too disappointing. Since the 3rd book , Club Dead is my favorite one out of the series with the 4th, Dead to the World a close 2nd. ....

And besides, who doesn't love hot Viking 1000 year old vamps? Point in case Mr. Eric Northman portrayed by  hot, hot, hot Alexander Skarsgard. For your viewing pleasure:

                                                                      photo via access hollywood


So the next Sookie Stackhouse book isn't scheduled to come out until May 2011ish and season 4 of HBO's True Blood is probably going to have a June ish premier date, so it will be a long time til I can feed my obsession.

And No, Im not reading Twilight what am I 15 or something?

Goals for 2011

Happy New Year!
Looking back at my Goals for 2010, I came to the realization that I achieved all but a few of them. The downfalls came kitchen renovations,  yoga and date night....but I the other ones I did without a problem. Not too shabby if I say so myself.

So without further adieu...

Goals for 2011!

Personal:

1. Work out every morning.
 No excuses, unless Im in extreme pain or somehow misplaced a limp, I need to work out. For myself, for my health.
2.  Detox myself from Celebrity Gossip.
Yes, if Guliana Rancic isnt reporting it, well then do I really need to know?
3. Read more concrete, intelligent pieces.
My current reading list as follows:  Unwed and Undead, The Help and catching up on US Weekly. Sense a trend?

For my career and marriage, Ive made strides in 2010 and I hope to keep the trend going.

For my house, well thats a different story......for another time...