Morning Fav

Restaurant: La Collina

Last night I took Mr. George out for his birthday dinner to one of our favorite restaurants, La Collina. My parents have been going there for years and every once in a while I've been lucky enough to get an invitation to join them. When I was younger it was "the place where Ms. Justine sang jazz in the bar". As I got older it became "the place where the nice older man came to talk to you, the people knew my parents name (and they new theirs), and I could get a small pasta sample for an appetizer... cool can I come?". And now hopefully it will become a place of tradition.

It's a small to medium size restaurant on the top of a hill right near Manayunk (you can see it from 76). The cuisine of choice is Italian, which I am not usually a huge fan (as pasta, cream, and veal don't really sit too well in my stomach), BUT the way they run the restaurant you can pretty much have what you want within reason and there's no judgment. Like our meal last night. We had the lobster ravioli as an app, ordered the wedge salad (that wasn't even on the menu), and then Kyle got the veal special and I got the Langostinos app as my meal. Everything we shared they doubled and don't overcharge.We didn't even have to look at the wine menu, told them want we wanted, within reason, and they brought the perfect match! We ended the night with strawberries and whip, Kyle had a yummy glass of port, and a wonderful conversation with the owner!

They're very attentive (NOT in an overbearing way) and make sure you're happy and do a damn good job of making you feel special.. and after all that's what matters most, right? The owner and maître d', the waiters, and even the bus man know who we are.. always "Mike Miles' daughter", which is A-O-K with me! But that's why we like it. The food is definitely great, but it's more of the extraordinary service.

A little dissapointed in a BIG name store

Are you a fan of the "warehouse" wonders like Costco, BJ's, or Sam's Club?!? I definitely am even though we're only a "party of 2" right now. I know it is VERY easy to purchase things you don't need, but in all reality is I try and do a lot of cooking and baking and having these essentials... and clean up essentials is key! Especially since the 'hubby' doesn't exactly spare any body wash (yes I'm lucky my man's clean, ha ha).

Long story short... I originally was a Costco member, who also became a BJ's member in September '08 for candy variety for the wedding gift bags. Then my Costco membership canceled and I still had my BJ's (haha tell me you don't laugh like an 8th grader when you read that.. yes I AM mature). Well, now my BJ's (haha again) expired.... ok STILL laughing on that one.. it reminds me of this video: (http://www.rooftopcomedy.com/watch/KnowingYourPartner) I have decided to go back to Costco... not sure why, just figured I try it out again.. WELL.. I was VERY DISSAPOINTED! I kept trying to tell myself, it's not that big of a deal, there are bigger things to worry about, which there definitely are, and it's easily fixable.. just go buy another membership and/or call Coscto and try and get out of our new membership (Option 1).

I couldn't really find anything I wanted in Costco and I didn't know if it was because I was used to BJ's selection (not laughing anymore, sort of gross) or what. And then it dawned on me... BJ's has healthier options! I couldn't find one thing I would usually get in Costco on the light version (i.e. Polly-O string cheese, Peanut Butter, Salad Dressing, etc.). Not that something that sits on the shelf and isn't really that perishible can be considered "healthy", but you catch my drift!

I will just think of this littler "debacle" as a challenge for me to stand up for myself, give myself more confidence to speak the truth and improve Costco's Customer Service! Turning something into a positive... well we'll see, I'll keep ya posted!

Icing Disaster!

EEK- so a little update, went to check on the cake and it looks DISASTROUS! All the topping has come/melted off!

So, I took it all off, hiked the freezer "temperature" to the COLDEST and am in hopes the cake and ice cream will soon be one, in the best way possible... Then am thinking I will use my "back up icing plan" (Pillsbury pre-made) in an hour or so and let it freeze again...

Oh the Drama's of a Domestic (less) wife! HA!

Can the Cake Cut It?

(ps... my cake does NOT look like this!!!!!!!!!)

So, I wanted to do something for "hubby's" birthday in terms of a "dessert". Brownies, muffins, cupcakes, and chocolate chip cookies are pretty much standard in our house, SO those choices were out, because I really wanted to do something special! I was going to bake a cake, but then realized he doesn't really like cake, besides our wedding cake I have been shoving down his throat on the 20th of each month for the past year! HAHA!

Then...it dawned on me.. HE DOES LIKE 1 cake in particular.. ice cream cake! And... I'm going to attempt to make this? BAD IDEA! Well they say it is the thought that counts, right? So, I got a great recipe from Ruby Flats yesterday, which I was really pumped to make, BUT by the time I was at the grocery store at 6pm I was exhausted and couldn't fathom starting this dessert knowing I was going to f* it up! So, I went on ehow.com and got another "style".

I think everything turned out pretty good except my homemade 'whipped cream topping'. I did EXACTLY what they said, but it came out a little runny... so, I froze it a little longer and this morning when I went to put it on the cake it wasn't 1/2 bad... until it started melting. I definitely probably consumed 1/2 a pint of "whipping cream" (makes me gag just saying that word.. it just sounds gross) before I headed out for the gym at 5:30am! BUT I did get it all on there.. the cake pieced together, then wrapped on a platter..

P.S.- which brings me to another tangent- was I suppose to use Cling Wrap or Aluminum Foil (i.e. which one will NOT take the icing off with it)... I opted for Foil with PAM sprayed on it?!!?)... I PANICKED.. OK!

Final step- to put the "cake mold" into the fridge to really UMPH it together... oh yeah... NOTE TO SELF... SIZE UP YOUR PLATTER PLATE TO YOUR FREEZER! Really underestimated that freezer size... which brings me back to PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let us be able to upgrade our appliances soon! So, then I had to transfer the cake mold to a small plate with the running 'whipped topping' and layer of ice cream without cracking the cake... phew! It worked! So, now my layered cake is laying tilted in the freezer, because it still isn't wide enough... Fingers crossed when it comes lunch time to take it over to his work it isn't disastrous!!!!!!!!!!!

Morning Fav

Celebrity: MY HUSBAND!

Haha, ok maybe he is just a celebrity in my eyes, but 'hubby' takes the #1 'Morning Fav' spot this AM to celebrate his BIRTHDAY! Happy Birthday Bumpkin!!!

Poor birthday boy was up before 5AM and headed into work for the early shift! LUCKILY I had everything all lined up the night before to make sure he got his AM coffee and "Happy Birthday Chocolate Chip Pancakes" before running out the door! I got a glimpse of my future as I was walking in to the Y telling all of the staff members they better remember to wish him a 'happy birthday'.... I'm going to be THAT MOM!!! EEK! Back to me moment, sorry... anyway this is about Kyle.. haha

I don't even think I can begin to describe my husband without going on for pages and pages and pages and you not wanting to click off the blog and/or vomit! So, I'll make it quick.... First off, Kyle is one of the most hard working people I know. And lucky for him he's pretty naturally talented in the sense that if he doesn't have experience in something (whether it be a sport or industry) he can focus hard enough to pick it up, what appears to be, quite easily! Kyle is extremely caring and giving. Although Kyle is pretty straightforward and will tell you like it is, when asked, he can be quite mysterious to those that don't know him.... like you're always trying to "figure him out". But in reality he really does lay all his cards out on the table. He comes off a little more quiet and introverted, but if he's comfortable around you he can loosen up pretty quickly! AND he's actually pretty good at getting under your skin on purpose... as my mother would say, "a skootch", but you know exactly when he's doing it so even though he gets your all riled up, you can't help but smile!

All in all...I guess you could say I'm pretty lucky our path's crossed and he decided to keep me in his life.. or it went a little something like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycuZqJzSocE&feature=related

He's my best friend; my mentor; my hero; my husband!!

Classes on Common Courtesy Traveling

On a completely OPPOSING note to my "morning fav' some people are COO COO!!! While traveling this morning we encountered this ridiculous woman and the check-in and baggage.

You know, I'm NOT so familiar with the whole new "electronic kiosk" process, because when I travel for work it is always international and you have to talk to someone (phew) and usually when I fly Southwest we don't check luggage (I know don't pass out that I can actually fit all my stuff in a carry-on. It helps when you're visit friends that you can share clothes and hair products with... I mean that's 20lbs. right there!). Well this morning we had to check baggage because "hubby" decided to bring his clubs (which I am GLAD he did because he's already out on the course... 70 and sunny) and there was a pretty long line. There was a softball team traveling, which made things a little more hectic between the teen girls, parents dropping off, and intimidating coach yelling at them "to get it together"- umm hello you do KNOW it is 6am and these girls are in high school, right?!? Where's the compassion or just plain common sense?!?

Well, this "elder" woman took it upon herself to start bossing everyone around- including the women that worked there. "there's one open over here.. there's a screen open over there... jeez- sir, sir, there's all these screens open over there". SO.. finally you just couldn't ignore her anymore AND it was our turn at the front of the line. So, she finds it her duty to start telling me what to do and that this screen is open... when I nicely proceeded to tell her that someone was at that kiosk trying to check their luggage and she thought "umm well you can still check in". I started to get a little irritated so I decided to counter... "Ma'am where would you like me to go in that small spot, my husbands has clubs and a suitcase". Her answer- she thought she should BUDGE.. yes I said budge.. in front of us... So, I kept it together as much as possible because I always want to make my mother--in-law proud when we travel, but as I walked away I definitely think the words crazy; chill out; woman; and maybe the f* bomb flew out. Luckily it wasn't loud enough for too many people to hear, but I mean this woman was seriously just rude!!!

Morning Fav

Travel: Flying!

Greetings from Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina! Up since 4:30.. shower; dressed; traveled by car, bus, and plane; chai-tea; coffee; working, and Regis and Kelly all by 9:30AM... WHAT?

I mean it is just amazing that this is even feasible! And THAT is what I love about flying. Every so often there is that case when traveling can be draining- jet lag, stuck in airports, running to catch a flight, trying to get on a flight, etc... I mean those situations can get very stressful.... I'm talking fever blister stressful, BUT on the whole, I really enjoy it.

After I've had my coffee and am finally functioning there is something so energizing and inspiring about the whole process! Whether you are traveling for work or going on vacation it's crazy what you can accomplish!

Video Clip Variety Hour

Just wanted to share some videos I came across this week that I thought were either really cute or funny!!! Maybe I'll bring back some oldies but goodies too...

Suburban Housewife
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqgRHVmF8N0

Joshua Sacco performs 'Miracle'
http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2009/10/video_of_the_day_joshua_sacco.php#

Knowing Your Partner
http://www.rooftopcomedy.com/watch/KnowingYourPartner

Too Live News
http://www.rooftopcomedy.com/watch/TooLiveNews

Charlie bit my finger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he5fpsmH_2g

David after the dentist
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txqiwrbYGrs

'The View'

I wish I could show you what the view is from my desk, but the pictures don't do it justice... so I had to come a little closer... but SO pretty... especially with the sun streaming down!

If you have a brain.. please use it

Do you ever think you are invincible or that the laws of gravity don't apply to you? I seriously don't, but sometimes my actions may appear that I do! When I think about whether or not I should do something, if it's probably not a good idea, the first thought that enters my mind really is "I probably shouldn't do that" and then this other little voice says "oh it's ok, it'll be fine". Now, luckily I'm not dabbling with crack cocaine here people... but still, what do they say?!? 'Go with your gut instinct'?

So, yesterday I was making some lunch and I really really enjoy a toasted sandwich! And usually I will use my panini maker, but if it's open faced, I'm forced to use the oven broiler. We have this awesome stone pizza circular "thing" that we leave in the oven and you can pretty much cook anything off of. Sometimes I will just throw my sandwich on there, but it can get messy if the cheese melts everywhere. But then that leaves me one choice- to put a plate in with the food (yesterday it was pizza). Which normally is OK for dinner, but I usually eat lunch up in my office and then I have to put the 'ove glove' on and carry it upstairs and if I'm really hungry and the plates hot..... You know the more I'm telling this story I'm thinking it's probably NOT a good decision to think when you are hungry!... anyway... so I have these small plastic plates and the slice fit so perfectly on it, I just thought.. I'm only going to put it in the oven for 2 seconds, it won't melt, it will be fine... well low and behold.. not 30 seconds later.... I smell something.. EEK.. I already forgot I put a plastic plate in the oven... so I open it up and it's this PERFECT white, flat circle.... It pretty cool! Not the smartest idea i've had, but luckily I had that stone 'thing' and it laid flat and I just scraped it up into the trash vs. a melty mess all over the oven bars.

So, NOTE TO SELF... plastic can NOT go in the oven

Morning Fav

Entertainment/Life: Inspirational Moments

http://lalalovelythings.blogspot.com/2009/09/your-story.html

So, I don't think it was any secret that yesterday my endorphin level was probably a little low! I think by the days end I was doing a good job of staying positive and keeping things into perspective. BUT I did get a little pick-me-up towards the 4 'oclock hour when Ruby Flats sent me this AMAZING link to this blog posting. Now, I've never read any other of "la la Lovely's" blogs, but I definitely plan on it. I loved this blog so much I printed it out and am definitely putting it up on my wall, maybe even contemplating framing. I love how it is so natural, so down to earth, so human! I hope this inspires you like it did me:

* Here's the blog in case you don't get the link, but try out the link if you can.. it's cool!

Do you ever just think sometimes, about how amazing life is. I mean most days we drag our feet around feeling the effects of what we deem to be a rat race, but is it really? In the midst of the routine there are things happening all around....Some things that have nothing to do with us, some things that are right in front of our eyes and yet some things are happening that we have no absolutely no clue about, yet soon enough we will. Behind it all, your life is coming together, even if you are not aware of it.

Sometimes I forget this. I get lost in my smallness and in the bigness of the world and the others in it. And then there are these magical moments when I just know that behind everything there is a purpose. And I have a purpose. A reason that to live and a part to play in this beautiful life story. And you do too . . .Even if your not quite sure what your part is, or who the characters are in your story. And, even if everything seems to be falling apart, you still have this spectacular life to live out. Life happens (and so does other the stuff, as the saying goes). Life happens whether it is intentional or unintentional. Your story is being written whether you are writing it, leaving it blank or letting others write it for you. I want to write my story well. And although, I don't know what the next chapter will be, I can write this page, which is my today. And this page leads right into the next page. Will it be blank, left for others to dictate or will I fill it with my own creative ideas, thoughts and adventures? I'm ready to make every page worth turning to the next. Look for the extraordinary. Look for beauty. Look for love. Look for life. Look for purpose. It's all right in there in your everyday. In the small things you pass by and in the magical things that make a rare appearance. Hold on to them and let them fill the pages of your very own story. Your story is waiting to be told.

New Blog Sighting

http://holleewoodworld.tumblr.com/

So, I "secretly" really like this blog. My friend passed it on to me awhile ago before I even thought of blogging and I really liked reading it every once in awhile... then she reintroduced it to me when I started blogging again. This woman is honest and it's hilarious, in a good way! Not only is she very attractive, but "she's not like a regular mom, she's a cool mom" (Mean Girls reference). I love how she'll have cute stories and pics about her kids and then cover topics that other "mom's" can related to or just fun hollywood gossip! And I obviously like the fact that she is into Gossip Girl and The Kardashians... oh guilty pleasures!!!

Pity Party for 1?!?

OK, so I know you all know how I feel about the "Poor Me Train", but I think I'm at whits end about to jump on!!!!

I mean I know I can be OOC (out of control... which by the way me and my friends came up with that WAY before 'lol' and computer/aim jargon was even born!) but I know I cannot be THAT annoying- Do NOT answer that, haha, OK maybe I can! BUT lately I get the feeling that 'some people' can't stand me, like anything I do is really annoying and then it just keeps adding up and finally I think to myself.. let's put things into perspective... I know I'm not perfect, I'm not a saint, I'm not the smartest, but am I really that "bad of a person", "annoying", "mean", etc. etc.?!?!?

And I always come back to NO... the way that I feel (all these negative things times 10 zillion) cannot be in proportion to how I actually am. I'm sure I can be all of these things at times, but all-in-all I think I'm a pretty "good" (for lack of a better word) person. SO, why do I feel this way sometimes?!? And it's not ALL the time... like if you saw me I don't look DP or sad anything. Cause overall I'm not, I'm happy and motivated, but this is how my mind works.. these thoughts just swirl and swirl and swirl around on the inside of my brain....

What's that saying.... "don't give others control or permission" to make you feel worthy or have control over you? Is that even in a saying or did someone just give me that awesome advice one time?!? And it REALLY is true!!! A LOT easier said than done when you are having these feelings as a reaction from someone you truly care what they think or say... or don't say!!!

And then the way my mind works is I go into "survivor" mode where I will get to the bottom of this "debacle" if it's the last thing I do.... and then I feel like it only feeds the fire and makes things worse. See a little side-note about me if you didn't get it before.. I only have 2 gears.. 1st gear and 6th gear.. there's nothing in between.... so you can just picture the shenanigans!

The only advice I have for myself is positive self talk, self-affirmations, and really truly trying to keep things into perspective and reality for me! So when I do feel these feelings.. I have to assess the situation and either truly take responsibility (if I have 'done' something) or realize that I do NOT have control over others, their thoughts, actions, or reactions and accept that I cannot "control or fix" a situation and go on with my life the best I know how and in the end it will all work itself out for the better.. WHY PEOPLE?!? Because...... "everything happens for a reason"

DOES ANYONE ELSE EVERY FEEL THIS WAY?!?!

Oh well... no lo se..... maybe I just needed to vent and actually sort of feel better and can re-focus my day! Thanks for listening!

Closing in on Bette Homemaker

OK- where did that expression come from anyway? So, I've been talking about doing something fall for weeks now and I'm slowly getting into it! With some crafty ideas from Ruby Flats hopefully I'll take it up a notch once that gorgeous flower arrangement is no longer! I'm set for ideas on centerpieces for the fall and Christmas season.... Here are a few things I've done around the house to try and spice things up a bit.. it's not much and the iphone pic quality is shameful, but still, it's the thought that counts, right?!?

Morning Fav

Entertainment: Pandora Radio

http://www.pandora.com/

Pandora Radio is technically "an automated music recommendation and Internet Radio service". I originally came across Pandora through the iTunes application. This summer, when we were grill-aholics, we'd hook our phones up to our "Home Depot" radio and just chill outside and listend to music!

Now I listen to it, usually in the afternoon, when I need some motivation, but a little distraction. I just pull up a new internet page and it remembers the last "station" I had on our my favorites!

Right now I have Josh Radin and they play all of his songs plus some artists like him that they think I'd want to hear! You can even fast forward through a song you don't want to hear (don't get too carried away, they only let you FF 4 times in a "listening period".

Talk About Talented

I've been meaning to post this all week, but look at the GORGEOUS arrangements Ruby Flats made for my Trunk Show last week. Isn't it awesome! She bought most of the flowers from Produce Junction and gathered some from her back yard and just had the vase and blue ribbon to match "laying around". She is seriously SO crafty and talented! I LOVE IT!

Morning Fav

Home Decor/Style: Home Grown


Home Grown is a home accessories "boutique" located in Haverford, PA (right off of Lancaster across from AAA). This store could break your bank if you are not careful, BUT the items they have in this store are to-die-for! It has helped me take my entertaining up a notch and I'm slowly collecting to make my table-top a bit more stylish!

One of my favorite things in there are the sales "specialists". I mean I don't care which one of the 3 ladies you speak with, they know their sh*t! And as much as they want you to buy their items I feel they are really there to help you create what you're looking for. I went in their last week for a gift and could have come out of their in-debt (for myself obviously) but the nice associate told me to go home, think about what we discussed, see if it would work, and come back! I really appreciated that instead of shoving the 20 chargers down my throat, ha, which I could have done myself!

Note-to-self: they do NOT do returns, only store credit!!!!

The website doesn't say too much, but it's cute and tells you a little bit more about the store:

http://www.homegrownpa.com/index.php

Layer Up Butter Cup

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR..... It's cold in here.. there must be some TOROS in the atmosphere!

OK so it was a Bring It On reference, BUT there's no other way to describe our house, but a wee bit frigid! I mean I could definitely turn on the heat... at least we are very lucky to have the option of heat, but the weather has been swaying back in forth between 80 and humid and 50 and frigid! What are we suppose to do.. AC one day and Heat the next. NO WAY am I giving PECO another reason to hike up my bill! So, what to do?!? It's suppose to be 75 this weekend and sometimes it can be really nice now with the windows open at night.

So, in the midst of blogging hubby came home and did NOT appreciate my cold hands all over him so he made the exec decision to turn on the heat! I always forget modern day heating we can create a schedule!!

Morning Fav

Entertainment: Philly Fox29 News

http://www.myfoxphilly.com/

I know the newscasters are different in each city, but I think the common theme with Fox News is consistent... they are just a "real", down to earth, chill news station that let's us know what is going on locally, nationally, and internationally!

My favorite is "Good Day" M-F mornings. These newscasters are seriously hilarious and constantly crack me up! One day two weeks ago they were talking about how Eagles player Hank Baskett was released from Philly and ALL of them were so upset, because that meant there would be less Kendra sightings and they kept showing this one old clip of Kendra doing a workout/cheerleader routine and it was hilarious! They joke around with each other constantly and it actually keeps me intrigued! I turn them on first thing in the morning, while I'm making hubby's lunch and morning coffee, I'll stream them live on my computer sometimes so I can listen live, and sometimes even at noon while I'm making my lunch!

Live stream: http://www.myfoxphilly.com/subindex/video/live_news

Although, I will say... do you ever wonder when you a newscaster just disappears?!?!? And you think, where did they go and why? And did they make the "announcement" in the 5 second slot that I didn't watch... so mysterious!

In Need of a Friend

I seriously think Puppa needs a friend! BUT there is absolutely no way I could do the puppy-thing over again nor have 2 dogs in our house, yikes!

He is seriously the cutest thing and I just want to eat him; yes I'm biased! He is so good.... sitting with me all day in my office entertaining himself with toys, naps, and getting into mischief...

I play a little....

Then get pooped and it's time for a cat nap

I'm up now and need Mommy's attention... Mommy pick me up!

Then Mommy says I have to have "puppy time" and play alone... OK...And now I'm really tired again so I think I'll lie down....

He is getting a little bit older where he can hold his bathroom breaks and we know his schedule. But when we go for walks he just wants to play, play, play with the other pups and sometimes their owners do not feel the same way, ha! I could just seem him being so cute with another pup playing together all day long while I work... oh so cute!!!! But so unrealistic! Not that we travel that much, but 2 pups step it up a notch and not just teeny notch a BIG notch!

Another thing...he absolutely NEEDS to be outside, he is obsessed! So, now we're toying with the idea of an electric fence or putting a cute picket white fence in the backyard... I don't know why I'm so opossed to it, but I'm just not feeling putting a fence up in our backyard even though it looks cute. I know the hubby wants to make my life easier, but I secretly think he wants another house project... oh those boys, it's always something!!!! And I'm sure he gets tired as I gripe about puppa will just want to sit on my lap and every so often jump on my legs to be loved. I finally made a little seat on the chair next to me at my desk.. I know I'm psychotic, but he loves it! See for yourself...


IS THIS HOW PEOPLE FEEL ABOUT ANOTHER BABY?!? I.E. MY KID NOW NEEDS A PLAYMATE, HAHA!