Monday, November 30, 2009

Can you really forgive and forget?

Does making amends really exist?

I get these daily morning prayers sent to me and it's a way to start my day with my cup of coffee. I wouldn't say I am the most religious person you have met nor a great representation of how God would want me to act (especially my FOUL mouth.. I'm working on it... well I need to!). But I am definitely a true believer and do strive, every once in awhile, to be a good person.

Here is one of the recent Prayer of the Day's I received: "I pray that I may accept the Lord's forgiveness. I pray for the grace to forgive others as God forgives me."

So, as I sit here on November 30th I think to myself does it really exist? I believe it is definitely possible to come to terms, finally be at peace, and move on with your life when it pertains to certain situations, but do you ever really "forgive and forget"? Whether it be infidelity, divorce, abuse, or the ending of a relationship or friendship can you really do both?

Now, I'm a person that thinks a lot (no way!!!) and I don't really know if it's truly possible for me to forget indefinitely. I've been in a few situations, in my day, where I have been able to forgive or at least come to peace and put things behind me, BUT every once in a while something sparks me to think about a particular moment. I may not have the animosity I used to have, but it definitely passes my mind.

Last One....


Out of the bed should make it?!?

I know that every household is different on how the split their responsibilities. In our house Kyle usually takes care of the "outside of the house" chores, but I've been known to take the trashcans down to the curb once or twice :) and I usually take care of the "domestic" chores (although he does fold like a thousand times better than I do, which is odd because my mother has always been obsessed with folding and ironing).

However... I strongly believe that last one out of the bed should make it! I know it's a little different because I work from home (i.e. so I'm still here when he leaves), but what if I didn't? I wouldn't want to come home to an unmade bed each evening; there's no closure to your evening.. you have to jump start that day by making it and each evening commence your sleep with unmaking it!

It doesn't really bother me and obviously I'll keep making the bed in the morning, but I couldn't help but look over (from my desk) to the unmade bed and wonder....

Mail Merge Mayhem



OK so this is BEYOND embarrassing, BUT I don't know how to do a mail merge! I know I learned years ago while interning one summer, but I forget already!

I am trying to assemble the addresses for our first annual George Christmas cards : ) and can't seem to figure it out!


I have my list in Excel and I am already ready to merge and it's not working. The first address keeps taking over all the other "labels". I really want to get this done so I'm about to stay up late just to input each address- crazy and SO unnecessary I know, but I can't figure it out!

ANY help would be greatly appreciated! I guess that's what you get for not working in a "corporate office"!

Cyber Monday?

Apparently today is HUGE for online holiday shopping?!?

Here is Forbes' list on the "steals":
http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/298/cyber-monday-steals/

Here is Good Day's List:
http://www.myfoxphilly.com/dpp/money/dpgo-cyber-monday-best-day-online-deals-lwf-200911221259244231719

Also, apparently there is such thing as "Free Shipping Day"/December 17th. Here's a list of participants:
http://www.freeshippingday.com/

Morning Fav

HOLIDAY SEASON!!!!!!


(our fire place)

'Tis the season to be merry merry indeed!!! I love how, for me, Thanksgiving is the start of the "race" for the Holiday Season! Nothing ever feels 'real' for me until Thanksgiving.

I love pulling out the Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving, putting up the Nativity Scene/manger, getting the tree that Saturday, giving it a day or two to fall before putting on the ornaments! Candles are lit everywhere and all day in our house... I'll probably go through numerous candles just to create the "perfect" ambiance! I currently have Vanilla Cinnamon Brulee "cooking" in the kitchen!

After our busy day today, tonight I have plans of decorating the tree while blasting Christmas tunes, and drinking a warm apple cider mixture : ) .

My favorite Christmas tunes: "Santa Baby"; "All I want for Christmas is You"; "Baby it's Cold Outside"; "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch"; "Up on the Housetop" (has to be Jackson 5 though)!

On another note.....
I feel like sometimes there is just SO much grunting and complaining around the holidays when we should really be enjoying it and appreciate the festivities! I fall "victim" to the 'grumpies' too every once in awhile, but this year I am really going to try and stay positive and grounded! I'm sure there will be bumps in the road with present shopping, dinner planning, and people making things difficult, but I really want to keep in mind what Christmas is all about.... giving, sharing, spreading good cheer!

And whoever wants to be apart of that with me then please do, but all Mr. and Mrs. Scrooges... STAY AWAY : )

Here is the start to some of our inside decorations (keep in mind it looks a lot cooler at night)... more to come...
(our tree "falling" before ornaments)


(sparkly-white Christmas boot with Candy Cane treats)

(Our Nativity Scene.. Go Jesus Go Jesus Go Jesus GO!)


Tuesday, November 24, 2009

5 Stars for Philly Newstation

Just one more reason why I love Fox 29 'Good Day' Philadelphia...........

Long story short (yeah right)..... my fabulous friend got hitched this past weekend in Philly and being part of the bridal party (thanks again for including me!) we did the traditional rehearsal 'walk-thru' at the church the night before.

As we're waiting for the reverend, or as I referred to him "Rev Run", to finish his instructions on when and how to walk down the isle, when the 'bride-to-be' shouts out: "KIRAH... look who it is"... I had no idea.. Santa Claus?!? So, I run over and she is pointing to a picture of Jenn Frederick from 'Good Day' (our favorite news morning show). So, what do I do... take a picture obviously... professional photographer of the weekend over here.... it was the GG documentary show in my eyes!

Monday morning comes around, I post my pictures of the AMAZING weekend, and include the one of Jenn Frederick. Feeling bold from sleep deprivation I decide to "facebook friend" Jenn , with a little note attach about the picture and she accepted and wrote back such a nice note! Same with the bride! How awesome is that? Like I said before, they are just SO down-to-earth and awesome! Just one more reason to keep watching and spread the news!!!!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Mornin Fav

Entertainment: Gossip Girl


AHHHH I just caught up on 3 episodes last night and it was amazing! Kyle finished up Monday night's episode and was getting SO annoyed with me because I was yelping, hiding my head in pillows, and clearly freaking out!!! I don't know why I get so awkward!!!!

All I think I seriously love all of the characters minus Little J, Dan gets on my nerves, and I just think Vanessa is pretty. I even liked the cameo by Hillary Duff after awhile.

But who knew Chuck Bass could end up on top and he and Blair would be SO adorable together!! Serena is just amazing- definitely no secret that I am a HUGE Blake Lively fan (starting with Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants)- she is not only absolutely GORGEOUS, has amazing boobs, but the way she carries herself so confidently is admirable!


I have always loved Blair, even though she is a schemer and pretty OOC at times, she keeps things interesting and is laughable. I also think Leighton is amazing in real life. And always back to Nate Archibald xoxo cutie patootie!

What I think is even weirder is how it is a series so those that have read the whole series know EXACTLY what is going to happen. I would imagine that maybe they change it up a bit, but I feel like someone told me it's the same as the books... literally!

Tune in next week: http://www.cwtv.com/shows/gossip-girl

XOXO

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

'Tis the Season

So, it's definitely NO secret whatsoever that I LOVE weddings and Christmas time! I love the actual events, but prepping for them is simply one of my favorites!!!

So with that being said.... as I mentioned of my friend's is getting married this weekend, YAY!!!!!! And I am WAYYYYYYY excited, she is going to be GORGEOUS!

AND walking around the neighborhoods and seeing houses and stores already putting up some Christmas decorations and lights, I guess it means it is that time of year to start pulling out my FAVORITE "modern" Christmas movies (Elf, Family Stone, The Holiday, Love Actually to name a few)

So when I think of the two combined this is what I come up with:

Twilight Series: New Moon Tribute

So in honor of the 2nd movie, New Moon, in the Twilight Series coming out THIS Friday, November 20, I decided to do a little tribute of my fav promos or pictures.


Last night at dinner we were discussing whether or not Kristen Stewart and RPatt are actually a couple... whether they are or not, the way they look at each other is TOO CUTE for words and the definitely have "a" connection.. oh to be young and infatuated... or to be older and infatuated with teens (Twilight, 90210, Gossip Girl) and vampires... who knew?

Twilight Mania


So, I'm in my bi-weekly spin class and we're pushing towards the end and about to go up this "hill" and what song starts to play.... Paramore's 'Decode' from the Twilight movie... so OBVIOUSLY I get SOOOOO PUMPED up and then the instructor goes "Does anyone like the Twilight series" and I do NOT know what got into me, BUT all of a sudden my hands were up in the air and I was screaming "YES YES"... seriously OOC- who does that?!? I am by far the youngest in the class and right before I almost JUMPED off my bike and ran out due to massive embarrassment the WOMAN (yes woman.. mom of 3 kids) catty-corner from me has her hands up on the air screaming 'YESSSS.... Nov 20 baby"... I was DEFINITELY shocked, but so excited that someone else shared my enthusiasm and then it started this whole 30 second train of jokes about going to see the movie this Friday for a matinee pushing through the tweens!

AND on top of it all there are many more of us sophisticated 'lady friends' that are trying to plan attending the New Moon movie... we're taking the world by storm... AHH GOTTA LOVE IT!!!!

Morning Fav

Health/Food: Emergen-C

I should just be the spokesperson for this company, because I have been promoting it like it's my J-O-B! My old college lacrosse coach used to pass out packets and packets of it and I never got into it the way my one friend did. She used to walk around with her water bottle and I thought it was so weird..... but now I get it!

It's probably NO secret that I am a stress ball sometimes, which in turn makes me sick. SO right before my wedding I decided it was unacceptable if I were to be sick and have a fever blister, etc. etc. for my wedding (luckily God heard my prayers, but I forgot to ask for the months following too, note to self!), so I literally got a lifetime supply from drugstore.com and chugged all summer. I truly think it helped. I stopped cold turkey after the wedding and BAM got sick right away.

So now whenever I have an event or can't "afford" to be sick I always drink Emergen-C. Or if any of my friends aren't feeling so well I always try to recommend it because it has the additional vitamins, antioxidants, AND some of them are "energy booster's" which can always help!

One of my bff's is getting hitched this weekend (WAHOOO SHOUT OUT) and I can't stop pushing it on her enough... SO GO BUY IT ALREADY HAHAHAHA JK!

http://www.emergenc.com/

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Tales of a Traveler


Bienvenido a mi blog de PANAMA :) (welcome to my blog from Panama). Here is a piece of what I wrote last evening.....

WOWEE…. so this trip to Panama I “decided” (all the flights were taken on my usual flight out of Philly) to try flying direct to Panama via Newark Airport. To say the least, my Sunday was a “No” fun-day , flying through Newark really helped my day out. I had a nice calming trip courtesy of Amtrak and then got through check in and security like “that” (could you see?!? I just snapped), found Vino Volo (AMAZING), this cute wine restaurant place and had myself a glass of yummy Chardonnay, and came to find out (ok I forgot) my ticket was…. BUSINESS (i.e. first) CLASS WAHOOO!! First class service all the way baby! AND LET ME TELL YOU……….. Continental has freaking Direct TV!! So guess what I did?! Caught up with Kourtney and Khloe do Miami (i.e. Khardashians my FAV fam) for hours! OF COURSE It turned off 2 minutes before the 2-hour wedding special due to “normal flight activity- B.S. people!! But then I caught some Z’s! First person through “Extranjeros (foreigners) Customs” baby.. oh yeah! Although I was a little sketched out at one point and thought my driver was driving on a flat tire, but regardless we got to the hotel safe and sound and I tipped him rather largely (he was def confusd) for not kidnapping, raping, and killing “la rubia”. SERIOUSLY- why do these awful thoughts go through my head!

So, I settle in my hotel room until my 5am wake up call only to not be able to fall asleep because I am enthralled by a movie… and HOW MANY TIMES have I seen Legally Blonde?!?!?!

Right now it’s not even 8PM and I am sitting in a teeny tiny single bed (although very comfortable) at an 8-room boutique hotel at this project, with ZERO cell service, reflecting on my day and how incredible it was… SERIOUSLY!!!!

…… In the car for 6 hours; then doing an inspection on a gorgeous villa, when ALL I could think about was how HOT and HUMID I was (yeah I was in skin jeans and boots- DON’T ask. I was trying to “look the part” and I didn’t think a dress and heels cut it- my usual Panama dress code) and wanting to jump in the pool. Finished off by a nice romantic dinner for two by the pool with the inspector… Magdalena : ) hehe… I seriously think my brain HURTS from thinking and speaking in Spanish all day… LITERALLY! Although GREAT practice, I was definitely done by the end of the day when I couldn’t even get a cognizant sentence out in Spanish NOR English!

So as I lay here… I think what a random, but kick-a** day. I’m seriously SO lucky! Although, I would feel a little luckier if I could call my “HUBBY”

Voy a dormir.. Besitos xoxo

Friday, November 6, 2009

Potty Break

So the bathroom renovations have begun... EEK!!!!

We hit a little bump in the road with the plumbing, but luckily a friend was able to lend a helping hand and it was fixed quickly!

I can't say I'm the easiest person to be around during a renovation, but I'm trying my hardest. I don't truly love the dust and debris everywhere... especially when my puppy is trying to eat it.

BUT I'm really proud of Kyle of taking this project head on... as long as he gets the gross toilet bowl out of my office and the house is clean when I arrive home next week from my trip and a house guest... me anal?!? NO WAY!!!

It has actually been a fun process in the sense of picking out the tiles and fixtures I want!!! I'll try and post some before and afters...

Before


Cause... You got to have Faith


OK definitely sort of awkward that I paired a George Michael song with my new little niece, BUT..... that's who I am.

BUT enough about me because she is the absolute CUTEST! I feel like every grand parent thinks their newborn grandchild mostly looks like their child :) so when my mom kept saying she was "so my brother" I could see little things here and there, but nothing that POPPED out... I felt like they said that about my oldest niece, but at this stage they change so much daily it's hard to tell. Although, I was looking back at the pictures I took and there is one picture where she really does look like my brother!

She is SO tiny... I think I could have stayed there all night and held her (although I do definitely still panic when they start to cry... for some reason I take it personally.. like oh sh*t I made the baby cry.... clearly back to me.. cause it's not like babies don't cry all the time or anything right?!?). And when she does cry it's so tiny; my sister inlaw says it sounds like a little bird- SO true!!!

I leave this weekend for business and know that when I come back next week she'll probably look even different when I see her again!!

So, I'm not going to lie and say that I don't have baby fever, but COME ON..... how can you not?!?! ADORABLE!!! I think I'm just lucky because my nephew and nieces are truly well behaved. BUT being in that hospital brought up so many questions and definitely freaked me out!

I am just SO SO SO glad that everyone is safe and sound and healthy!!!!

Morning Fav

Food: Christopher's 'Grilled Chicken Breast Salad"

Ingredients: Marinated grilled chicken with mixed greens, avocado, crispy onions, smoked Gouda, and a toasted pine nut dressing

I know this must seem like such a random 'morning fav', but yesterday I was lucky enough to dine at this fine establishment, :) hehe, and usually hands down I always get this salad. Every now and again I'll throw up a Hail Mary and get the chicken salad sandwich (also to die for).

To be honest, not sure what it is on the scale of healthiness (as salads with all of the "stuff" they put on it + dressing usually isn't that healthy anymore), but the way the Gouda makes all of the other ingredients pop and everything just melts in your mouth is simply heaven!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Welcome to Our World

Welcome Welcome Welcome little girl!!!

So not much time to blog now, BUT I just wanted to sing from the roof tops about my new niece.... FAITH L. MILES! I cannot WAIT to meet her this afternoon! She apparently is a teeny bugger... 6lbs and 10oz!

Some grandparents (NOT to call anyone out) forgot to take some pictures last night, so I have NO idea what she looks like)!!!!!!!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

HO HO HO = NO NO NO!

OK so I can't say that I'm not DEVASTATED............
BUT I'm putting life into perspective



Did you all know that Santa Claus isn't real?!? Just Kidding (although I definitely think I was 10-12 when I found out... late bloomer + I liked pretend)!

Anyway... I love love love the holidays and our annual Christmas/Holiday Party!!!! We've had one for the last 3 years (OK it isn't an eternity or anything, but every year since we have been in our new casa) and it has been a BLAST!!! Last year we finally turned it theme.. phew... Ugly Christmas Sweater Party! I have been waiting and waiting for Halloween to get the heck out of here, so EVITE.com will put up their Holiday Evites.. sure enough, day after October 31st... tah dah! So, I make my Evites, come up with some catchy sayings, pictures, layouts, the guest list (of course you were on it.. hehe), and send it to Mr. George to add his list and do NOT get the response I was expecting. :(

Not to make him out to be the bad guy, but he just thought with all of our fall and and holiday entertaining to begin with (did I mention I'm having 20 for Chirstmas?!?), our travels, and our house projects (bathroom and kitchen renovations) it just wasn't the best idea. I know I always... yes ALWAYS.. try to do too much, BUT this is what I live for! I swear I would be a party planner if it didn't involve always being on OTHER people's time!

As I was about to start stomping my feet, turn purple, and begin begging, pleading, and demanding like Veruca Salt, I decided to respect his wishes... I KNOW what you are thinking.. Going down without a fight?!?!? It just felt right this time to just say "ok".

BUT HAVE NO FEAR.. I'll be damned if I don't figure out a way to throw in a theme at the beginning of 2010... maybe a "Golf Pro's and Tennis Ho's" Party for my Birthday... The Big 2-1 :) is a special year and definitely calls for a theme party!!!!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Busy Busy Bee


I feel like I have SO SO SO much to blog about and so little time!!!! This week is a busy one as I'm prepping to head down to Panama this weekend; my parents just got back from Spain last night (my dog has already been accused of peeing in their condo- FALSE allegations obviously.. no but seriously he didn't and they did just ask.. promise!); awaiting the arrival of my new niece or nephew (Good Luck Denise); getting to take care of Lena whenever Baby Miles arrives'; attempting everything under the sun and moon to NOT be sick; and last but certainly not least undergoing our master bathroom renovation (yes like father like son hehe)!

So I will definitely try to keep posting as I want to share all my experiences of last week: my A Chance to Heal 'Parent Talk', standing in for Mommy and Daddy at Brady's Halloween Parade, taking Lena around the neighborhood on Halloween; and my friend's 3 week count down Bach Party.. don't worry... what happens in Philly stays in Philly, hehe! But it was SO much fun to get to hang out with all of my friends this weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Morning Fav

Food/Drink: Layer Cake Malbec


So, ever since this summer Kyle and I have been on this Malbec kick, especially ones from Argentina. Just ONE MORE reason to LOVE LOVE LOVE Argentina! GOSH- I am SO dying to go back there...

ANYWAY. This summer I was also determined to try "Cakebread" wine after a friend recommended it to me. So as I was down in Maryland I thought it would be nice to hunt down a bottle of Cab or Merlot so Kyle's mom would like it too and we could share in the festivities.. as it def more on the expensive side! Well, no such luck at this one wine store, BUT they did have a bottle of Cab by Layer Cake, who's label has a layered cake on it (shocking I know!!!), which anything with a cake on it can't be bad... right?!?! Well.... wasn't a huge fan :( and definitely disappointed....

So fast forward to a few weeks ago when I went over to have a glass of wine with a friendly neighbor and she offered me a glass of Layer Cake Malbec. EEKKKKKKKK... haha, jk, I decided to give the brand a second chance and absolutely LOVED IT! Went over to another friendly neighbor's house last week and was offered a glass of Layer Cake's Malbec... yummy two times. So for my Parent Talk last week I decided to stock up and it was a huge hit!

On top of everything else it is a Chairman's Select and is VERY reasonably priced!

"
Tasting Notes: Pure, rich and very elegant; a powerhouse of lush black fruit, silky cocoa, black spice and cream, wrapped around blackberry, cherry and ripe plum. Layered and complex with a nose to linger over, a finish that never ends. Sweet anise, hints of tobacco, black chocolate, more cherries and exotic spices, layers of jam." It is definitely a rich wine, but has a nice smooth finish!