Trunk Show

http://www.stateofgraceboutique.com/

Last night I hosted a trunk show for Amanda Barton, entrepreneur, fashonista, and owner of State of Grace boutique in Bryn Mawr. Amanda is an older sister of one of my good high school friends, but now I can truly call her a friend of mine as well. Not only is her shop so cute, but the items are well priced and reasonable! Another bonus is that Amanda is truly so personable! Whether you are at her store or a trunk show she is right there to help, but not in that awkward, pushy way where you want the person to leave you alone. And there is seriously no pressure to actually buy anything, which is nice!

I have never been to a trunk show, so it was cool to experience it first hand. She brought over a ton of jeans, clutches, jewelry, tees, and then a HUGE rack of clothes! Then the guests came and went as the pleased; hopefully finding an item they liked, munching on a few snacks, and a glass of wine... at first I was a little nervous because I was the only one "wining", which one again made me feel like the true wino I am, but by the end the remaining women and myself were enjoying a quite conversation and glass of wine after our purchases!

My purchases:

Fidelity Denim Scoop Skinny Jeans

Loveappella Multi-Use Scarf

* I can't find it online anywhere, but it is AMAZING! So it's all one piece, attached in a circle and you can wear it long or double it up for a more snuggly look, you can apparently wear it as a "hoody" or even a wrap! It's amazing!

Priorities Boyfriend Blazer

* This picture does NOT do the blazer justice at all.. it's really cute and especially unbuttoned. It was definitely the HOT commodity last night!

Gold Necklace with small initial pendant

Can't find the right one online for a picture, but it is what I have been looking for everywhere! I just wanted a small, classic gold piece that I could wear everyday!

Funny Story... a good laugh

If the shoe fits... or doesn't...

Most of you that know me, know that I don't always have the common sense of what size I really am.. whether it's my boobs, my shoes, or pant size... I just am not that in-tune. I'm finally free of the number on that scale and can honestly say most days I go by how I feel! Which is SUPER important, but a whole other blog in itself. I have fluctuated a ton with my size over the past 10 years and so I never really know what size I am... I usually go into a store and say look at me.. give me what size you think will fit and I won't be "offended" if you think I need a bigger size in something.. you know?

So... in college I would even have my shoes too big- like what? I now seriously will be between a 7 1/2 and an 8 1/2, but mostly and 8. My closet in college... definitely teetered more towards 8.5/9. I'll never forget my freshman year at UMD and I had ordered my running shoes too big (didn't know it at the time) and when they came and my other freshie friends and I were laughing out loud and making a fuss on how big they were.. one of the seniors passive aggressively said something, definitely loud enough for us to hear, something close to "well that's the size you ordered" or something basically being "shut up and wear them"... which obviously I would do anyway, but it was freaking hilarious.. and after that I went home and probably cried cause I was so scared I got yelled at by a senior! So, for the rest of the year I plopped around in my 9.5 sneakers and XL gray sweat suit- I know.. gross! And I wasn't alone... like why were my friends and I confused that "our boys" liked the sorority girls better than us.. hmmm take a wild guess!

Segue.... to my Sophomore year as I jumped on a couch at Halloween screaming "This is a Halloween party, NOT a cutie patootie party".. I was honestly probably just jealous that I couldn't fit myself into the cute little Police officer outfit with short shorts and had sprayed my hair pink and NO ONE new who I was... JEM from JEM and the Holograms people!!!!

Anyway.... I have always had the problem with pants... so I usually opted for sweats, skirts, or dresses! My thighs and waste don't really match up.. which I'm ok with now.. but used to get really frustrated with when I was younger and buy my pants WAY too big and refuse to wear a belt... I mean I was disastrous!

And on top if everything else, I don't really have a style or a keen sense of style, so I just dabble in each "department". So, last night at the trunk show I was explaining how I just was baffled by why my skinny jeans do not fit into my boots... luckily I was home, so I ran upstairs grabbed my jeans and boots and put them on display.. only to find out I wasn't wearing "skinny" jeans at all and NO wonder why my outfits weren't coming out as planned! I mean they were "skinny" to me (apparently they are just straight leg), well at least skinnier than my other "boot legs", but it was so funny.. it was DEFINITELY a good laugh and luckily I was able to find a great pair or REAL skinny jeans! PHEW!

Morning Fav

GOOD FRIENDS!

I know this isn't my typical "morning fav", but I seriously have to refer back to my blog motto on how important good friends truly are! I am so lucky to be surrounded by such a wonderful group of women (so weird to think of myself as a "woman").

What sparked my "epiphany" (yes I almost choked on that word)?!? I had a trunk show last night (details later) and I was just astounded by the people that came and even the ones that didn't, how much they cared that I knew they wanted to be there! I just can't believe I had so much DRAMA in my life before and was drowning in BS! I mean I know that's part of being a girl, but still! I know it never goes away completely, BUT this is a huge "upgrade".

My point being... next time you are treated horridly or see someone being put down, made fun of, felt inferior... step up and stop it right away! We need more true alliances in this world than coming together over putting others down or petty things! Let's truly be happy for one another! I seriously have this perm-a-grin on my face this morning (that could have been the rendezvous I had with the sexy man laying next to me in bed... TMI ... TMI ... TMI, but hey at least I am being real!) from knowing how lucky I am to have encountered these women in my life and to being open to meet others with open arms!

Wedding Etiquette

"It's my day Bi*tches"....... don't mess with the bride

I was walking down Broad Street this past Saturday and saw an outside wedding cocktail hour and there we non-bride/bridesmaids in white! I wanted to SCREAM OUT from across the street at this woman's 'no-no', but just decided it was better to blog about it instead haha!

I know I'm not a wedding planner (I'd never be able to beat out Philly's best Mark Kingsdorf) and some people may beg to differ, BUT I truly feel strongly about what I am about to say....

I honestly feel that it is NOT OK, in any circumstance (unless the bride strongly indicates you should) to wear white to ANY wedding-related event!

A bride gets ONE TIME (hopefully, but shit happens and it could be more than once..anyway...) to shine and she should be the only one to wear white!!! I've seen it happen time and time again...at a wedding... at a rehearsal dinner... and I've known for a fact that those brides were truly upset/dumbfounded! Some girls just truly didn't know or 'didn't get that wedding etiquette memo' and then other girls just don't care!

I think it's OK to accessorize or incorporate white in your dress or outfit, but I just don't think it's appropriate to wear a predominately white dress!

And if you do.. I hope this happens to you :)

Morning Fav

Home Style: Personalized Stamps


Not only are these personalized stamps SO cute and help spruce up that 'love letter' (or bill) your sending, but super easy to use and very affordable. I have the hand writing equivalent to a a 3rd grader. Let's just say I didn't 'earn my ink' in fourth grade (AIS girls you KNOW what I am talking about... for the rest of you- if you had 'pretty' and legible cursive you were able to use a pen instead of a pencil and that just wasn't in my cards!). So, it was always a process for me to try my hardest to have neat handwriting on my envelopes. I mean after taking 10 minutes to 'address' my envelop without having my letters droop diagonally down the page and make sure my print is neat so my envelope doesn't end up in Zimbabwe I only had so much patience to put up our return address. AND I will admit for awhile I was using those little sticky return addresses, but then the guilt just finally overtook me that I was using them and not donating to the charity that "sent" them to me.. PHEW it feels SO much better now that I have confessed that! SO.. my cute alternative- the personalized stamp!

I'd put mine up, but I'd rather not have my address all over the internet- especially since I'm a big time blogger now and have stalkers, haha I wish!!! I got mine at our local Swoozie's (The 'new' Blue Tulip), but here's the website just in case: http://www.psaessentials.com/

To Decorate or NOT to Decorate?!?

THAT is the question... or the question is closer to: can I do this myself?

I am SO not creative when it comes to stuff like this! BUT I absolutely LOVE the idea of decorating our house for autumn/fall- which starts at 5:19pm tonight people!!!

Now, I don't need the black crows and lanterns (although the lanterns probably are my favorite, but my stoop is a little smaller and it would just be way too excessive right now). BUT just incorporating those fall colors would look so cute! Maybe outlining the door, adding a wreath, and some pumpkins? I feel like I could get the basics at Michael's or Joann Fabrics and do it myself if I were crafty- so what are my other options? I have reached out to my crafty friend Ruby Flats (http://rubyflats.blogspot.com) to see what ideas she has for me!

Hilarious Commercial Hits Close to Home

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeDjuKYzX8w

So, I know a shorter version of this commercial has been out for a little while now, but I seriously cannot stop myself from cracking up every time I see it!

#1- Because I can TOTALLY see myself doing this someday. I am probably one of the least subtle people when it comes to getting other's attention to NOT say or do something and it ends up just being so awkward!

#2- I love our men, but sometimes they just have absolutely NO clue and I can see half of the dad's I know doing this before a little coaching! In fact, right now as the Aunt/Uncle or fun neighbor I would probably do what this Dad did and then the kid would never eat it again and I wouldn't be allowed over during dinner anymore!

#3- I really do admire how people can come up with some really creative commercials! It is truly hit or miss with the public! Hmm, how to make a commercial funny or interesting without people getting "over it" too quickly?!? I mean commercials are why we watch the SuperBowl, right??

Morning Fav

Food: Fat Free Flavored Coffee Creamer
Try and say THAT 10x fast! But on a more serious note, I do not think I could mentally start my day with a 'cup a joe' without it! You could probably argue and say that if I need the cream then I'm probably not a true coffee drinker- OK argue away!!!! I'm not going to fight you on it! If my morning 2 cups don't have the exact amount of cream that I like than it just don't work (too little it's too bland and needs sugar and too much it's too sweet and gives me a head rush). Like I said people, I know this is all mental here, but if that's what gets me kickin' and motivated than so be it!

I used to be a huge "International Delight" fan and now I just stick with my "Coffee-Mate". Probably because that is what is usually on sale, but I have just gotten so accustomed to their flavors. My favorite are the FF French Vanilla and the FF Hazelnut. I learned a trick from a friend to mix the two (which I do on occasion) and it is a nice yummy treat!

I have gotten so used to my morning coffee that unless it is a "frou frou" drink from Dunkin' Donuts or Starbucks I can't drink coffee "out". Take the shore this summer.... we would go out for a fun family breakfast and I would get up before hand to make myself a pot so I could have a cup before the restaurant and then when I got back! Probably a little extreme- WHO ME?- but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!!!

OOH La La

I was having a little mental block today during lunch and so I checked Facebook and up popped a post from my Twilight group (YES I became a "fan" of Twilight)

Side note- walking down Pine on Saturday afternoon I'm not sure who I embarrassed the most- this random woman or my hubby! This cute, "young" (def 30's) mom was sitting outside on her stoop with the baby monitor right next to her reading.... drum roll please... Eclipse- YES- a book from the Twilight Series! And I screamed a little louder than I meant to "SEE THAT WOMAN IS A MOM AND SHHHEEEE IS READING TWILIGHT! EVERYONE IS OBSESSED!" A block later I looked back and the woman was gone- oops, hopefully she had to tend to the baby and not that I mortified her!

.... anyway, found some great pictures of the cast filming up in Vancouver... WHICH now only motivates me more to finish my work so I can get in bed and watch the movie ASAP!!!!!!!! The actuality that this will get to happen is slim.. but a girl can dream... isn't that why I like Twilight so much?!?

Here's the link in case you are interested!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2177462&op=1&view=all&subj=605206&aid=2178319&auser=10509994&id=686939685#/album.php?aid=108845&id=8526405673

Blog Heaven

So, I would just stay online and "blog" all day long if I could to gush and gush about our weekend! It was SO AMAZING! Sometimes, well most of the time, I always try to overdue or out-do myself when really it is SO true that sometimes "simple really IS better"! We had such a wonderful weekend and I can't wait to share it all with you- some GREAT recommendations of places we visited- but this morning is a little busy, so it will have to be later!!!!!!!
<3

Morning Fav

Food: Sam Adams' Oktoberfest

Yummy Yummy in my tummy!!!!!!!! I usually stick to wine these days, but every so often my pallet craves a beer. I usually stick to the lighter side- a Mich Ultra/Bud light/Miller light, or a gluten-free cider, but every once in awhile I get daring and go for something a little "heavier" like a Blue Moon or Framboise. BUT my hubby really likes to try out the seasonal beers and one of his fav's is the SA Oktoberfest. We're not SA fans in general, like my dad, but this stuff is really good!!! It's actually pretty light, where I can have more than 2... and if I'm mixing on and off with a lighter beer I can stomach even more- the trix of the trade! It has a great aftertaste filled with spice, but isn't "too spicy".

What's in a year?

five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes

five hundred twenty five thousand moments so dear
five hundred twenty five thousand six hundred minutes
how do you measure? measure a year

It's crazy to think about where I was at this moment last year! I think I was probably sitting in the same chair, at the same desk, in front of the same computer! I was definitely burning mixes for my bridesmaids and printing out itineraries for our guests' gift bags! I'm pretty sure that morning my ink cartridge ran out and I had to make an early morning run to Staples! Of course! All jacked up on water + Emergen-C and Sugar-free Redbull that week, I was anxiously awaiting all of my out-of-town girls that arrived to help me finish off the goodies-bags (and the left over Hopes Cookies. I still honestly think SOME PEOPLE were breaking them off on purpose so they could eat them.. haha), drop them off (with LESS THAN enough help from the hotel staff), and get pampered at the nail salon with complimentary Champagne in plastic cups- LOVE IT!!!! While my dear mother-in-law held down the fort and instructed the landscapers where to lay the sod and plant the bazillion flowers and plants hubby ordered! I seriously get all nostalgic when I think about those moments and memories! It was such a wonderful time that went by way too fast!

That being said, so much has happened this past year! As I tell my husband all the time, it seriously has been OUR best year yet, but we went through a LOT of crazy stuff! From getting sick in more ways than one the DAY AFTER our wedding, moving to Colombia, not moving to Colombia, walking Pneumonia, laying to rest old dreams and taking on new ones, new jobs, letting go of old friends and meeting new ones, getting a puppy... literally doing a 360 with our lives in order to do what's best for our family! But that's what you do... you get married and that's your #1 priority- your family!

I've always loved Kyle and thought I put him first, but I didn't realize how there can be a "higher" level. Along the way things change and luckily for us this past year we just became one. I don't know when or how it happened, but it did. In the beginning everyone kept asking "Is it different?" and I'd say no. And then just one day I realized it is. I can't explain it- it's not like we sat down and had a talk about being on the same page. There's just more of a respect and understanding there. I notice it when I go to get frustrated or upset and I realize in the big scheme of things it really isn't that big of a deal... and it melts away (ehh most of the time, haha)!!

Side note: In case you were wondering, the bridesmaids mixes included: Rebecca, True Companion, 99 Problems, Outloud, Passin You Buy, Luven Me, All for You, Shimmer, Great Divide, Long Day, Miss you, Burn One Down, How Many Licks, Satellite, Tha Crossroads, How you Remind Me, and The Song That Jane Likes... YES YES YES- talk about a RANDOM mix, but those were the songs that reminded me of them!!!

Morning Fav

Style: Clean, Crisp Curtains

Shower curtains that is! Long story short- I get all of my mom's magazines at my house which is great because I get to look through all of the catalogs of beautiful house decorating items and ideas that I can't afford! WOW- passive aggressive, sorry!

I came across these classic monogrammed shower curtains in her Ballard catalog. They just arrived yesterday and they completely change the look! I went from clutter crazy to a chic bathroom in minutes! See we have two old school bathrooms- you know what I'm talking about- that gross colored tile! Well, these new shower curtains definitely tone it down a bit and look so cute too!

Ps- not my bathroom and of course I got a "G" on them!

Morning Fav

Entertainment: A good Laugh!!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7bJnfQba00&feature=related

So I'm changing it up a little, BUT I just had the best morning laugh in a long time!!! I was just catching up on some emails I didn't get to read completely yesterday and came across one between a few of my close friends from college. Beyond many other things, the topic of our hair has bonded us for life. From helpful hints to straight out jokes it never gets old!

All serious "babyness" aside I was saying how when I... EVENTUALLY... get preggo and am ready to pop little boy/girl George out I need to freshen up. You know... get my eyebrows waxed, some high lites, and if it's safe by the time this happens maybe one of those Keratin treatments that de-frizz your hair (cause Lord only knows once that baby comes there's no "mommy time" and not so sure it would be such a good idea for me to go out in public) so any help I can get!!!

Luckily my friends know me REALLY well and sent back this youtube clip.. I mean this is literally me to a T!

Fun Wedding Pics......

Wedding Pics

This is my ALL-TIME favorite wedding picture sequence.....

As my husband is trying to thank our guests:

I steal the mic from Kyle, cause clearly I'm an attention *****

Then for some reason my maid of honor thinks she's in on this deal... but me no likey!

AND she's got it... haha!! Good thing she's a great public speaker!

Tribute: Patrick Swayze

I feel compelled to make a tribute this morning to the incredibly talented and always hunky Patrick Swayze! I'm sure you have already heard, but unfortunately he lost his battle with pancreatic cancer yesterday at age 57!

It's not like we didn't know he was sick, but still...... it is SO incredibly devastating! I mean will 2009 be known for tragic celebrity deaths?

He was SO incredibly talented! From Broadway to Road House to Dirty Dancing to Ghost to To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything to name a few of my favorites! I mean that man can act, dance, and seriously crack some skulls! On top of his Hollywood accolades apparently he was extremely nice as well!

My obsession with Patrick began in maybe 2nd or 3rd grade after watching Dirty Dancing. I know my mom was a big fan, so I'm guessing I watched it with her, but I used to make my friends that came over for sleep-overs watch Dirty Dancing, then play Dirty Dancing with my Barbie play-by-play, and then pretend make out with my pillow (pretending it was Patrick Swayze). The ultimate memory I have though... is from 3rd grade when we had to fill in a silhouette of ourselves with cutouts, pictures, and words that represented who we were. Mine? Gymnastics? Soccer? My family? Ummm no......... PATRICK SWAYZE. I mean it was a long time ago, but I think I full fledge remember my WHOLE silhouette being filled in with my mom's magazines and cutouts of him. I wonder what Mrs. Richards my 3rd grade teacher thought! Hopefully she had my mom in for a little parent-teacher conference!

Morning Fav

Food: Arnold Bread Sandwich Thins

Not only do they taste yummy, but they really are versatile! I came across the "thin bread" last spring and think I have used them during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My favorite is the multi-grain and then the whole wheat.

I am a huge bread addict... I mean advocate! To each his own, BUT being someone who really takes an interest in health and nutrition, how can we think it's OK to completely cut a VITAL part of our "food pyramid" out of our diet?!? Well weather you are a carb feign or phobic I think these are a nice alternative to our everyday bread choices!
Breakfast: a nice alternative to my English Muffin. I just pop them in it the toaster and add some PB and J

Lunch: another nice alternative to our regular sandwich smashers... They're light, so it actually gives us more room to pack on the protein and veggies without filling up! I really like the multi grain toasted with egg salad... delicious!

Dinner: I really prefer these sandwich thins to typical hamburger rolls. My favorite? Paired with my Morning Star garden burger

http://www.sandwichthins.com/

Twilight Saga

Pardon my French, but.......... talk about "lady wood" (thanks for updated term Meg!).....

So Kristen, Rob, and Taylor unveiled the OFFICIAL New Moon trailer at MTV's VMA's last night. Thank goodness hubby fell asleep early or I would have totally missed it! I'm 100% obsessed again, but at least I am able to control myself again.. I was really worried for awhile there last winter!

It premieres in theaters Friday, November 20th which just so happens to be the day before my good friend's wedding, so the day will be left open... that gives me 3 choices.....

1. Go to those midnight "showings" the night before that they have for CRAZY, WEIRDO fans and NUTTY, OBSESSIVE LITTLE GIRLS THAT READ TEEN BEAT AND BOP AND PUT POSTERS OF BOYS UP ON THEIR WALLS (ohhh wait I'm I did that too when I was "younger", so I'd fit right in.. haha)

2. Wait 'til the following Monday and go see a matinée (i.e. I feel like Sunday would be a cluster ****)

3. Hope they have a early morning showing before the festivities begin.. it's cool, I'm a freak!

But seriously... when I first heard about this "series" I was SO against it. I didn't do the whole "Harry Potter" thing and although I played Barbie until 8th grade and had imaginary friends I'm not into the whole "make believe.... 3rd dimension... Sci-Fi" stuff... until I randomly picked up the first Twilight book on a trip home from Panama. By page 3 I'm literally having a panic attack on the plane.... by page 50, I'm doing everything possible to restrain myself from shouting our or throwing my book down at the flight attendant, and by page 100 I'm looking out the window (yes I always get a window seat if possible) so no one can see my "almost" tears.

OK so I'll shut up now and post the trailer in case you didn't see it on my Facebook! Ciao BELLA : )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POVHiVBrW54

First Tribute

Our first dance........ http://miles.netdrivein.com/index2.php

You can fast forward through the slow part (at least 1 min)... it makes me feel nauseous! I hate first dances if you can't naturally dance... it's so scripted... it seriously gives me SAD to watch me and how I'm like counting in my head, haha!!!

Wedding Tributes.....

With our 1-year anniversary approaching this Sunday (9/20) I thought I'd do little mini tributes this week to our wedding last year!!!


Gosh.... what an AMAZING time it was! It went by WAY too fast, but I just LOVE LOVE looking at all of our pictures! I'm actually going this week to make my album with the FABULOUS Sarah DiCicco (http://www.sarahdicicco.com/)... yes almost a year later I have gotten around to it! But I am SO excited to order my pictures and frame them and hang them up on our wall in classic black and white!

We're also SO excited to open our 1-year anniversary gift from our AMAZING wedding party!!! You all are SO thoughtful and have kept us on our toes... no one ever spilled the beans either!

JLP

So as of this past weekend I am an official "member in training" of the Junior League of Philadelphia!

After my first provisional meeting it doesn't sound as "hoity toity" as you would assume. I'm sure, like with everything, I'll be dealing with social and political B.S. somewhere along the way if I stay in for the long-run. But I think this is going to be a really great opportunity.

The JLP's missions is "an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable".

Growing up my family and school has always promoted voluntarism and giving back to the community. I've volunteered with A Chance to Heal foundation for a few years now and although I truly believe in their mission, I really felt it was time for me to take on another venture (hmm... in my "free" time?!?). I think that the JLP will be a good segue for me in regards to getting more involved with volunteering and the non-profit sector.

On another note, I think it will be really good for me on a personal level. As talkative as I can be.. I can get really nervous and panic about social situations if it's something new to me. In college my roomie and I referred to it as SAD (Social Anxiety Disorder) and then a few years later they actually came out with a medicine for it, haha... no I'm not on it!!!

I think this will be a good way to meet new people, not looking for a new bff, but open my horizons, put myself out there, engage in different types of conversations or social events I wouldn't otherwise be apart of. I'm hoping it will help me step out of my comfort zone and try some new things I have been thinking about.

There is definitely a time commitment to it, but it doesn't seem too intrusive. Looks like I'm trading in my soccer shinguards and cleats for casual business dress and gardening gloves... haha jk!

I'll keep you posted!

Morning Fav

Beauty: Nexxus Humectress Ultimate Moisturizing Conditioner

I have been a product junky for as long as I can remember.... or at least since I was "KrazyFrizz". I spent years trying to fight my hair causing, what seemed to be, irreparable damage. And now even though my hair's much healthier from alternating between my luscious (ha!) curly, wavy locks and going straight and sleek (only if there's negative humidity) I have to constantly keep my hair properly conditioned. I have tried everything from $5 conditioners to $60 conditioners and never really found an "every day" product I really liked. I found plenty of masks, but you have to keep those on for 20+ minutes, but all of the other everyday products left my hair feeling greasy or like a Brillo pad.

I came across Nexxus when I was picking up travel size toiletries for one of my Panama trips. After I used it the first time I thought there had to be a mistake that my hair felt that soft... I mean I was deep frying it daily down there! So, when I came home I ironically found a GInourmous pump bottle of it at BJ's. So of course there was a part of me that wanted to buy it because it was so big and had a pump and I felt all official, but I'm so glad I did!

Now please don't judge the product by my recent Facebook pictures, because I am in DESPERATE need of a haircut, but take my word for it! Try it out first in travel size if you're afraid of taking the plunge!

Morning Fav

USA: 9- 11 Tribute


Wow. Can you believe it has so long? It's crazy how time really does fly. Do you remember where you were 8 years ago today? I do. I was in a less than thrilling math class and when another student announced that 2 planes crashed into the WTC in NYC I knew it was bad, but had no idea what it "meant". I think about how naive and ignorant I was back then mostly due to my lack of knowledge.

Once again, without trying to get too political, I think it's great when we can come together as a country. Unfortunately mixed in with the good of our country is also corruption. And yes I think there are things our country, as a whole, can improve on. But we are SO lucky compared to some other countries who live in fear, in the middle of warfare, and extreme poverty. What do they usually say... tragedy brings people together? I hate that that is so true. But I believe there's a reason behind it. So, even if it's for one day try to put our differences aside and appreciate the opportunity each of us have been given. Forget Annoying Annie in the next cubicle, Miserable Mary next door, and even the usual "dumb ass" that turns without his blinker on :) . Smile a little more today. Say "hi" to one extra person. Do something selfless. Remind someone how important they are to you, even if you think they already know.

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and take a look around once in awhile, you could miss it.” It's easy to get caught up in our everyday lives and forget to see the big picture. I think it's a good thing to be humble and brought back down to earth every once in awhile. I do not know anyone directly involved in the 9/11 attacks and for that I am very lucky, but I constantly think about those who were directly and indirectly involved and my thoughts and prayers go out to them, their families, and loved ones.

I've been told I have a very soft heart, so whenever I hear the tributes I tend to blubber like a baby and then feel selfish that I haven't felt the horrific pain as others have... but really it doesn't matter. Today we are one.

Here are some tributes... some are songs, remixes, videos, etc. They were really hard to listen to and/or watch, but they were put together for a reason. If you want... feel free to click on a link below.

God Bless USA!
http://www.tributewtc.org/index.php
http://attacked911.tripod.com/
http://weshallneverforget.org/SteveAlbrightMemorial.htm
http://www.guzer.com/animations/miss_daddy.php

Quote of the Day

So this morning I had the pleasure of taking care of my gorgeous nephew... who is a 4-year old trapped in a 7-year old's body.. I swear!

Anyway, we're playing Wii and I am ALL-OUT trying (yes you can imagine very intense faces) and he is still beating me.. tennis, baseball... then comes bowling. He bowls a striker; then another, then another one... and let's just say I didn't play my best game.

So, he goes... and I quote "Aunt Kiki forget about the gutters, just don't hit it there".

Enough said!!!

Morning Fav

Style: The New Fall Color?


So, who watched President Obama's address to Congress last night?!?

Don't worry I'm not going to go all political on you... I'm not one to go flaunting my political views in public.

BUT on another note, I happened to notice the popular color among the women. There were shades of red and magenta spread sporadically throughout the room.Now, I'm no fashionista, but I think that many women in one room at such a high press event could mean something.

Is red/magenta the new fall color? If so, I better get shopping : )

I think I could pull off a red top, red shoes, or accessories, but definitely not a full pant suit.

I found this cute website too.. I sort of really like Michelle Obama and how she plays the classy role... her outfits, for the most part, are cute too!

http://www.theobamadress.com/

Morning Fav

Style: Tory Burch Tory Tote


"I like my Sketchers, but I LOVE my Prada backpack".... "but I love my Sketchers".... "that's because you don't have a Prada backpack". Name that movie.. OK give up? It's from "Ten Things I hate About You" (give me a break I watched it this past weekend so it was fresh in my mind!

Well that's how I feel about my brand new surprise delivery last night!!!! I was SHOCKED when Kyle kept me pushing me to open this unidentified box and I opened it up to find her... she's SO pretty! After a few bumps and bruises along the way I finally have got the "friend" thing figured out and I've got friends around me that help take care of me... for instance last week when my friend sent me the Tory Tote email, that I so nonchalantly forwarded to my mom and hubby! Well looks like he got the hint! I was thinking for Christmas or something, but there it was, last night.. just for me... no reason at all but because he wanted to! SO THOUGHTFUL!!!

Headed downtown to work today.. can't wait to use... what a great accessory!!!!!!

Coming........

Hi Everyone! I've been dying to blog but work and house-hold chores have taken over my life... but I guess that is a good thing, because it means I'm being productive....

..... and being productive "gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't."... oh wait oops did I just quote "Legally Blonde"- haha I love that line! Must be on a Reese Witherspoon kick with watching Cruel Intentions last night... That is KRAZY (but good) movie!!!

Lots to blog about so I'll be back soon!

Morning Fav

Food: Homemade Chicken Cheese "Steaks"

As healthy as hubby and I are when it comes to our food choices we definitely like to indulge... especially during the fall/winter months (aka when football begins). He actually likes to watch football and I'm in it more for the atmosphere- make some yummy food, drink some beers, scream at the TV, etc. etc. Last year I started making some of our "favorites" at home (vs. ordering out) to make things a little healthier and then I don't feel bad the next morning! One of our favorites is the "homemade chicken cheese steak". I don't have any measurements, because everything you can pretty much eyeball.

Ingredients:
* Chicken (preferably tenderloins or the thin strips)
* Shredded Cheese/Part skim or the lowest % possible
* Sliced Cheese
* Salt to taste
* Pepper to taste
* Bun/Roll

Directions:
Cook chicken on stove with dash of salt and pepper
Cube and shred chicken via knife OR for better results place in small Cuisinart mixer
Place cooked chicken in a bowl and mix in shredded cheese to taste
Put chicken/cheese mixture in microwave for 30 second intervals until well blended
Adding salt and pepper to taste
Heat Buns/Rolls
Put chicken/cheese mixture on bun/roll and place slice of cheese (1, 2, 3, etc.) to taste on top
Place sandwich in oven (on broil) to melt and crisp cheese (1-2 minutes)

Mornin Fav

Sports: US OPEN


I never really thought tennis was anything special until I started playing this summer. I've always said it's a sport I want to take on again (dreams of going pro during youth clinics at the Conestoga Swim Club, haha) and finally was able to make that happen this summer. Large in part to some go-getter friends that make things happen and I actually got on a schedule. NOW... by no means am I even close to being good, but I really enjoy it! I definitely have those urges, more often than none, to throw my racket on the ground or use it to give the net the beat down it deserves... clearly!

But, I've really gotten into WATCHING the US OPEN this year. From being a sports enthusiast I pretty much know 'who's who' and can listen to the sportscasters tell me what's going on as opposed to what is expected.

Last night I found myself enthralled by the Blake vs. Rochus match, screaming at the television, stomach in knots, etc. My mom was faking fun of me that my sounds resembled something similar to what you'd hear coming from a porn movie and Kyle asked "do you know this guy"? My response: "Ummm it's Blake (yeah couldn't tell you his first name) and besides he's AMERICAN"! Ha!


Now that I'm learning the sport I just appreciate good tennis and how they can actually PLACE the ball where they want to go. And I can actually see and understand the player's strategy (making them move all over the court, or if the opponent has a week backhand, etc.).

And it doesn't hurt that I get excited to see what the lady tennis players are wearing.. anyone catch Maria Sharapova's tennis dress? LOVE IT! I always find it amazing how they can wear all this jewelery and actually look cute sometimes.. OK so I admit, maybe that's why I wanted to start playing tennis.. for the cute outfits!!!


And the ball runners outfits aren't too shabby either... designed by Polo.

22.....28

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4znJTziDg4

Just referred to this clip in an email and thought I'd share it with all of you. It's from the movie The Sweetest Thing.. great movie.. crude but great! And even before age 22 I was doing this..... although mine have seem to disappeared all together, which some may not like (hubby), BUT it gives me more options when picking out an outfit and I don't have to wear a bra!

ps- disregard Christina Applegate's character when she comes in because she's complaining about "arm fat" that is non-existant when she weighs like 5 lbs

Who Am I?

My whole life I've known myself as KiraH Miles, but I bet the state of Pennsylvania would beg to differ!

See, my first name on my birth certificate is Kira, sans the "h". Not sure quite when and where along the way my mom added it. So, I've always written my name with an '"h" on the end and mostly everything I own has it as well. The funny thing is.. is that on my driver's license my name is 'Kira", but I signed it with an "h" and no one has EVER said anything to me. Even more ironic is that my PASSPORT says "Kirah", which is obviously different than my ID or Birth Certificate and have never had a problem!

So, a whole year later, in the process of getting everything ready for my big name change I figure I can just put that lovely "h" back in the books and were good to go... apparently not according to Social Security and the DMV. I would have to file with the courts for a LEGAL name change! And I was advised it's probably just easier to start signing without the "h", because apparently the process is quite annoying AND I would have to go back to SS and the DMV and do the name change ALL OVER AGAIN!!!!

Between my license, passport, credit cards, mortgage, health insurance, etc. I have 3 different alias'! This could either be really fun or get me in a heap of trouble : )

So.... do I go through the hassle of trying to legally trying to put that "h" back on there... I mean to me that's my name.. or should I just get used to my new identity?!?

Mornin Fav

Entertainment/Novel: Jodi Picoult

If you've ever read one of her novels, then I'm sure you'll agree on how fabulous her writing is! She is so creative and always has the perfect mix of mystery, love, deception, and compassion. I love how she allows us into the minds of each of her characters and we get to see their perspective on the different predicaments.

She literally writes a page turner; you have to keep reading to find out what's going to happen on the next page. Sometimes I have to put down the book, take a deep breath, and get ready for what I'm about to find out (OK maybe that's cause I'm a freak!).

I'm sure you know her better for "My Sister's Keeper", which was just made into a movie with Cameron Diaz. That was definitely a great book, but she's got a few more that I really like. I actually have only gotten through a portion and still have a ways to go, but I can't wait!


My all-time favorite: The PACT.
It was the first book of hers that I read. My mom gave it to me on a summer trip back in college and I think that was the fastest I ever read a book (until the Twilight Series). I could NOT put it down and I was in Spain with 4 of my best friends! Once I was done we circled the book around between all the girls who read it on the trip and loved it! I can't even describe the emotional roller coaster I felt I was on while reading this book! That's all I can say without ruining it!


My List:
1. The Pact.... a modern day Romeo and Juliet, sort of.
2. Plain Truth.... don't get turned off by the "Amish setting"; very good
3. 19 Minutes.... has a Columbine setting, but gets you deep in the minds of those involved
4. Salem Falls
5. My Sister's Keeper
6. Songs of the Humpback Whale
7. Vanishing Acts

Currently Reading:
Change of Heart

Still to read:
Handle with Care (my mom's next favorite after The Pact and next on my list)
Keeping Faith
Mercy
Picture Perfect
Harvesting Heart
The Tenth Circle
Perfect Match
Second Glance

Website: http://www.jodipicoult.com/

Morning Fav

Food: Oriental Coleslaw Salad


I had to throw this recipe out there before the end of summer. Not that it can't be made for a fall BBQ or Saturday afternoon treat! It was given to me by a good friend when I needed a last minute salad my husband had offered to bring to a work BBQ! I think I have made it at least once a week throughout the summer! It's quick, easy, and "dummy" proof... I.E. I misplaced the ingredients/ directions a few times and winged it and it still turned out great!

Ingredients:

• 2 - 1 pound bags of coleslaw or broccoli slaw
  
• 1 bunch of green onions (optional)
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup sugar
  
• ½ cup oil
• 2 packages Ramen noodles (chicken flavor), broken up
• 2 packages of Ramen noodle seasoning
• 4 oz. package of almond slivers
• 4 oz. package of sunflower seeds (shelled)

Directions:

* I like to combine everything (minus the almond slivers and sunflower seeds) and really let everything soak up the flavor

* The cool thing is that you can do this 30 minutes before eating or even over night (I tend to think the longer the better)

* Don't forget to add the almonds and sunflower seeds right before serving (but if you don't, not the biggest deal in the world.. in fact I usually forget to, oops!)

This recipe is also "fire proof" in the sense that if you don't want to make this large of a portion, you can just use one bag of coleslaw and cut all the ingredients in 1/2 to taste!

Sex and The City

Was I the only one that didn't know there was going to be a sequel?!?


http://www.popsugar.com/tags/sex+and+the+city+2

YAY!!!!

I don't care about the reviews, I'll be watching for sure!

So Smart!

In an attempt to make my point that 'morning whining' isn't okay, I dragged the dog cage into the hall way.. OK that's not entirely true.. BUT Harley has been waking up a little earlier than usual, hmm maybe that's because we've been going to bed an hour and a half earlier, and it always seems to be 5 minutes before my alarm goes off- doesn't he know that's is like a cardinal sin?!?

So this morning I figured 'let me try and shower first so we can take a longer walk', but he was still crying.. maybe that's cause he had to PEE (I know.. bad, bad Mommy!) and I didn't want him to wake up Kyle so I dragged the cage into the hallway so he could see me shower (not like that perverts) and didn't think I was deserting him! Well that worked out great!

So, I made the executive decision to bring his kennel back into the office and look who is inside it, on his own free will and LOVES it... Poopy!! I mean now he can have a more comfortable nap time during the day!

Phew!

ps- I'm going to be the worst mom ever!!!!!! Or maybe there's hope and I'll just be creative like my mom!

Morning Fav

Entertainment/Gossip Website: Pop Sugar



Every girl has a gossip site she swears by. My 'new' fav:

http://www.popsugar.com/

I'm not sure how I came across Pop Sugar... oh wait now I remember... during my 'dark phase' this winter when I became ridiculously obsessed and overtaken by the Twilight Series (to be featured soon) and would not stop looking up photos of the to-be-released Twilight movie and Pop Sugar always had what I wanted!

The website is super easy to follow and they update their stories more frequently than a lot of other sites (People and Us Weekly).