Help me!!

While I love blogging, I've been really wanting to jazz this thing up a bit. A friend of mine, Jennie, has this cool thing on her PC called WindowsLive Writer.

She's able to write blog posts on there and put together photo albums, pictures etc., with the ability to post to blogger when she wants to.

Since I'm a Mac, not a PC, and this particular bit of blogging goodness is only available for PCs, it just won't work on my computer! Booo!!!

I've scoured the web and found this little article telling me the top 10 Mac apps for blogging. I've downloaded 3 of them and they aren't what I'm looking for.

I don't care that I have to get onto Blogger to post something, what I really want is to be able to jazz up my pictures, without having to jazz them up individually in photoshop or something. Ya know, different sizes, maybe two or three on the same row {I know, sounds a little too crazy} and different borders. Like this {ok, I don't know this family, but aren't they adorable?? I love reading their blog!}.

Anyone know of a way that I can do all of this on a Mac?

HMT: Update

Today was my second time to step up my distance.

I haven't been the best at keeping up with my training since Blizzard '09 hit OK just before Christmas. I told myself I would definitely run on Thursday...that didn't happen. I told myself I would definitely run on Friday...that didn't happen. And then I told myself that I would for sure do pilates for my cross-training on Saturday...that didn't happen. {Noticing a pattern here??}

So, my 5-miler was scheduled for today. I wasn't going to let that slip by, so I hit the treadmill. I would have certainly preferred to try my hand at 5 miles outside, but the snow/ice was really cramping my style.

I ran with Real Housewives of NYC on the tv, which provided enough distraction that I didn't even see my distance until 4.5 miles. Yes! I made the full 5 and I couldn't be more proud {well, I could if I'd ran outside, but that didn't happen, so I'm proud of my 5 treadmill miles}.

Now that I have my Garmin, I'm kinda chomping at the bit to get outside and work with it! Maybe by next Sunday {and my next 5-miler} I'll have dry roads to run on!

Looks like I'm really on my way to running that half-marathon!!

Nicest of the Nice Lists

I've given you a rundown on the weather and our whereabouts on Christmas, but I know you want to hear about the goods, right?

Ha! I guess I've been good this year, because Santa {and the rest of my family} was ever so generous! The highlights of my Christmas are

J got me these gorg Tory Burch flats! I love them! I've always wanted a little touch of animal print, and I think these are perfect!!

My parents were so generous and I know I've talked about this a couple of times. I couldn't be more excited to get it all figured out and start pacing my runs! Half-marathon, here I come!!

John's parents got these for me! I'm so excited to wear them all 3 different ways!! And, if you know me at all, you know I love gray!

Christmas 2009

With the possibility of a "Blizzard '09" we were getting excited that Christmas was only days away on Wednesday.

Thursday morning, I woke up to pouring {freezing} rain. The dogs tried their hardest to refuse to go to outside, but I talked them into take care of business, and then enjoying the warmth of the house.

By around 9:30 or so, the rain had turned to freezing rain/sleet. And let me tell ya, the winds were a force to reckoned with. The weathermen {who took over all of the local stations for at least 12 hours straight} were saying the winds were sustained around 40 mph with gusts around 60 mph.

I did a little precooking for Christmas day and a little work {boo!} and did my best to stay inside.

By noon or 1, the sleet had turned to snow, complete with high winds and huge snowflakes! We were destined for a white Christmas! It snowed until around 8pm, and even then the winds were still whipping the snow around and the temperatures were freezing!

With church canceled, we hunkered down at J's parent's house. Dinner was quiet, but it was nice to be inside and nestled in with loved ones. We felt fortunate, since we knew there were people out there stuck in their cars on closed highways with little food and little hope of getting to their ultimate destination.

Christmas morning was great! I got up and took the pugs outside {again, they were very hesitant to be out in the snow} and hung out. J got up not too long after, so we checked out our stockings {which probably took 5 minutes...they were kinda sparse} and then opened the few presents we had under our tree.

Then we braved the short trek to his parents' house. Christmas morning was great! Such good company and everyone was so generous! I really missed my family, but J's family is the best substitute I could ask for!

We didn't think the extended family was going to make it, but they also braved the roads and made it to Christmas lunch!

I didn't take many pictures, but we had a great holiday! I can't believe how fast it comes and goes. I hope everyone had a safe, and joyous Christmas as well!

Here are my few pictures from the snow {from my phone}:

Earlyish in the day, with sleet starting to accumulate

J's parents' backyard by late afternoon -- see that snowdrift up on the back fence??

New Phone & 100th Post!!

Yesterday morning, I woke up and grabbed my phone. I hit the home button {iphone...} and tried sliding the little button to the right to unlock it. Nothing happened. I tried again, and again, and again, and again, and nothing. This went on for the better part of the morning.

I turned my phone off around 10 different times, but nothing changed.

J and I ventured out to run a few errands, and stopped by the AT&T store. The lady in there wasn't able to do anything.

I came home and called Technical Support. After 40 minutes on the phone with Yolanda {thanks, lady!} my phone was still locked up tight. We updated, restored and restored from back up {mostly spent in friendly silence}.

At that point, I was frustrated and having to use J's sucky Blackberry. After a conversation with my brother, it seemed like I'd exhausted all of my options.

This morning, I decided to make the trek to OKC to brave Penn Square Mall and go to the Apple Store. I mean they have a Genius bar! If they can't do it, no one can! They were, of course, as nice as can be. But, they, too, were unable to unlock my phone. Ugh! So, what did I do? I bought a new 3Gs. Merry Christmas to me...

I like the new phone, but would have probably chosen to not spend $215 on a new phone right now.

On to more exciting news, this is my 100th post! I've really enjoyed blogging and hope that you've enjoyed reading. Thanks so much and here's to at least 100 more!

Chrismukkah

Christmukkah is this holiday party that two sets of brothers put on in Oklahoma City. I think it's been going on for a couple years {maybe more, who knows...}. Anywho, J and I decided to go this year, and were a little curious as to what it was like.

I guess last year was crazy, because in lieu of a big event center and "random high-schoolers", they chose to cap the number of guests and have it at an undisclosed location.

The plan was to park your car at Penn Square mall, hop on a limo bus {with your choice of beer or RBV} and let it take you to the party--which happened to be at Seven47. It worked out great! We enjoyed the bus ride, the music, the booze...everything!

Before entering the world that is Chrismukkah, we ventured over to Joe's Taverna for his Christmas party. This is the third year we've been invited to Joe's party, and let me tell ya...this was the craziest, by far! After a couple of beers with Joe, we braved the cold and walked back to Seven47.

J and Buddy, his college of Journalism friend

Joe, me {in a crazy pimp hat} and J

Chrismukkah did not disappoint. There was a shot block, there were dancing Mrs. Claus' on the bar, there was a VIP area with hookahs, there was good music! Although I would have liked to have a few more friendly faces there, we had a great time.

Since we were so busy having fun, I only have a few pictures. But, here they are.

On the bus to Seven47 {with a cool piece of hair across my forehead...}

J and the dancing Mrs. Claus'

The season of giving

I've finished my Christmas shopping, but maybe you haven't and are feeling overly generous and thought about getting me a little something to put under my tree?

I was perusing a Garnet Hill catalog recently and came across a couple of things I just have to have liked.

Cashmere Long Cardigan

This sweater is seriously cute. I love that its long and I definitely love the ombre from gray to black {speaking of gray, how do you spell it? gray or grey?}.

Eileen Fisher Seasonless Silk Comforter

J and I have bedding, but I think this is so gorg. I love that they're somewhat metallic (so romantic) yet in neutral colors, allowing for all kinds of great accent colors!

Anyway, with only 7 shopping days left, you might want to put in your order with Garnet Hill. But, I'm not opposed to a little New Year's present, either!

Blow-Ups

Has anyone noticed the number of different Christmas blow-ups available now? Of the ones that I've seen this year, the highlights have to be {in no particular order}:

•winter-themed playing Christmas carols {imagine the electric bill on that bad boy...}
•Santa in his bi-plane with a turning prop
•Christmas-themed merry-go-round, with real turning parts.

and my absolute fave...the nativity scene.

Yes, while in Austin last weekend, I saw a front yard sporting this holiday symbol dressed in its finest poly-blow-up material {or whatever they may be using}.

Ok, but seriously, a blow-up nativity scene?? I mean I guess I understand the desire of some blow-up sitting in your yard practically shouting at passersby your love for the holiday season. But, a nativity scene? I just don't think it screams "Jesus is the reason for the season" when he, Mary, Joseph, the three wise men, a couple of camels and a cow are made out of commercial vinyl being blown up with an air pump.

But maybe I come from a place of no, not a place of yes.

Well...this is what it should have looked like...

I finally got most of my Christmas cards in the mail the other day, and although I thought the printing quality was less-than-stellar, I still like the design I used.

And, like I said, since the printing quality was less-than-stellar, I've decided to post what it should have looked like on here.

The printers had a hard time figuring out exactly what I wanted. My specs were 6x4" and it was front and back...which shouldn't be too complicated, right?

Nope, the printers just could.not. figure it out. At first, they stretched the card so that the top half was 4x6 and the bottom half was 4x6 so that the card would fold over at the white dotted line....uhh...did I specify that? NO!

Then they were worried that it wouldn't fit in the envelope I specified...

If I could, I would have told them this: I know exactly what I built. I know the specifications and what I'm looking for. If I'd wanted the front to be folded in half, don't you think I would have told you that? And, if I didn't think it would fit in the envelope I told you I needed, do you think I would have told you that I needed it? Also, I wanted the card to bleed...which means you should not have put a white border around it, as I specified with my crop marks in the PDF I emailed you.

Since it's the holiday season, I chose to keep my mouth shut and probably not get anything like that printed from them again.

So, if you got our card, please remember that the design is well thought-out and good looking {minus the fact that the gray reindeer came out black -- ugh!} and let me know if I can help you with any design needs! {shameless self-plug, sorry!}

HMT: Update

I'm on week 4 of my HM training, and I think things are going swimmingly runningly {not funny? sorry}. I've done the first two weeks of the training twice each, and I'll do my final 4-mile long run this Sunday.

I have to say that I'm a bit nervous about upping my distance, but I know I can do it. Everytime I mention to other runners that I'm going to run a half, they are so encouraging, and let me tell ya...it goes a long way.

With the weather turning much colder {especially in the last few days...} and the winds picking up {seriously, Oklahoma, what is WITH the winds?} running outside isn't really my favorite daily activity. But, I'm thinking I'll have to just suck it up and do it, since I'm potentially pushing up my the date of my first official half.

No, I'm not creating my own Montgomery-sponsored race, I'm really thinking about doing a run before the OKC Memorial.

Some friends of ours live in Ardmore, and there's a 5k, half and full-mary from the Arbuckle mountains into Ardmore. Uhh, I checked out the course for the race, and it's mostly straight and mostly downhill {perfect for my first half, doncha think?}. Anyway, it'd be fun to run with friends, spend the weekend with friends, and accomplish my first half...with friends {didn't see that one coming, did ya?}.

Interested in a fabulous March run from the Arbuckles into Ardmore? Go here. Not interested? Go here or here or here.

holiday crafting

Since J had to take pictures at a high school basketball game last friday night, I had some alone time, which proved perfect for finally putting together my ornament wreath!

I'd scoured every Dollar Tree in a 25 mile radius {all two of them...} and loaded up on red and gold baubles.

To my crafting supplies I went. Hot glue gun: check, wire coat hanger: check, about 70 ornaments: check. I was ready.

About an hour, two glue sticks and three pounds of glitter later, I had myself a cute little red and gold ornament wreath. My only problem now? Where to hang the sucker. My original idea was the hang it in the middle of one of our windows, but that's where we plan to put the tree, which means my hard work would be overshadowed. Not ok.

So, for now, it's hanging on a door knob in the hallway and as soon as I get some red ribbon for the top, it just might stay there.

Pictures to come...

who IS that guy?

The town that we live in has a Christmas parade every year, with Santa riding the fire truck {or ladder truck as my crazy-town husband likes to call it} at the end.

Who did they ask to be Santa this year? Two guesses, and the first doesn't count.

Yes, my hubs.

Pre-Santa get-up

Half of The Look

The parade was last night in the balmy frigid temperatures, and I must say he made a pretty good Santa! {And provided many laughs, and a story to last a lifetime!} There were over 60 floats in this parade and by the time the fire {ladder} truck was in sight, I have to say I was ready for it to be over {only due to the temps, of course}.

J had the Santa wave down pat and though I couldn't hear him from the ground, his "Ho, Ho, Ho" was pretty darn good.

Oh, and don't worry, I definitely got some blackmail pictures. Unfortunately, by the time he was all suited up, I had left him to find the best spot to grab all the candy I could to watch the parade. But, here are a few that should give you a good idea.

The pics above are the best ones I have of the big man, but for to take up more space your viewing pleasure, here are some of the better pics from the parade:

There were several bands, which means it was a real parade.

It's just not right to have a parade without some form of John Deere tractor.

Santa! {Husband!}

A little blogger love

A few weeks ago {months? I don't know...} I posted a few books that were on my Christmas list. Two books by Tori Spelling and, of course, L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad {isn't that on everyone's list??}.

A friend of mine {hey Erin!} happened by the blog and saw this post. So, what did she do? What any normal person would do. She commented that she had both of the Tori books and would be willing to box 'em up and send 'em my way.

Too cool! I promptly emailed her and said, yes, please!

I got the box last week, and though I haven't cracked either of them {I'm still in the middle of my Twilight reread} I'm super pumped about my holiday reading!

Dreams really do come true!

Everything's a dollar? For real?

I have a newfound obsession with the Dollar Tree. Unlike Dollar General, everything really is a dollar. Nothing is $1.99 or $1.75, nope, everything is really a dollar {or less}.

I went to DT on Tuesday for said ornaments and though there was a small section of holiday biz-nazz, I was pretty impressed. I got several packages of ornaments and some wrapping paper. Total? A little more than $9.

I went to DT today {another location, thankyouverymuch}, and loaded up on more ornaments {do I have a slight problem?? Answer: yes.} and some red and gold candles.

By the time I'm done with Christmas decorations shopping {and stalking every DT in a 100-mile radius} our house is going to look like it threw up red and gold. Awesome! Let me know if you're having red and gold withdrawls, we 'd love to have you over.

By the time I'm finished, Santa won't miss our house

I've always wanted my house to be decked out for Christmas, and I've tried in years past, but it seems like this year, I have extra motivation {thanks to all you other crafty bloggers out there!}.

Yesterday, I got home from work and started a little decorating. We still have to go pick out our fake white flocked tree {yes we go to a real Christmas tree farm and pick out our own tree and can even cut it down ourselves!} and put it up and decorate it {I'm hoping that's on the agenda for this weekend}. But, even with the few things I put out yesterday, our house is starting to look a lot more festive.

I still have plans to make this. I've bought a few ornaments for it, but ended up repurposing them before I could even start on the wreath. Yes, I have Christmas-Decorating-ADD. My plan is to replenish and buy a few more ornaments and get it made and hung by this weekend also.

I also want to get some garland and pine cones and more ornaments and some lights and some...haha

Poor J, he won't know what hit him.

When the ornament wreath is completed {after who knows how many extra trips to replenish ornaments I repurposed}, I'll post a picture of our holiday decor.

More Thanksgiving

J and Hannah...soo cute! She had all the boys wrapped around her little finger. Watch out for her, she'll probably be a heartbreaker one day. (oh, and notice the stuffed animal pug? Yeah, we've pretty brainwashed our entire family on pugs. Hunter and Hannah have 3 stuffed animal pugs between them!)

Then there's Hunter with an infectious smile and laugh. He was too much fun!

Anywhere Jason went, Hannah was sure to follow, with the biggest grin you've ever seen.

Brian with a girly drink, drinkin' it girly-style.

The obsession with Jason continues.

Hunter and his Gigi (is that how you spell it, Mom?). She's affectionately called Geeg.

It's really unfair how much those kids like their Unkie Jas.

I really wish I'd gotten a picture of all the awesome food we had (thanks Mom and Mia!). Maybe next year...or even Christmas. Sure, I'll be on the ball for Christmas. Sure...

It's the Holidays

With Thanksgiving behind us, I finally have a little time to sit down and do an update on what we did for the holiday.

J and I {as I mentioned before} finished up our last issue of 2009 right before leaving for Austin to spend some QT with my family. We were both a bit stressed about getting the issue approved and helping his parents get their paper out early, before getting tangled in terrible traffic hitting the road.

We hit the road on Tuesday around 2, which, of course, put us in Fort Worth for rush hour. {While FW is by no means Dallas, the traffic there is no better. It took us the better part of an hour and a half just to get through there. J was so frustrated!} We finally made it to Austin around 8:30 {after a bathroom/gas stop in Waco and a stop at George's to pick up the rolls for Thanksgiving}.

My brother, SIL and niece and nephew flew in around noon on Wednesday. They have a love for Taco Bueno that not many people can understand, so the moment they stepped off of the plane, the plan was to head straight to Bueno for a potato burrito and mexi dips and chips {sooo good!}. Not most poeple's idea of the ideal homecoming meal, but to them, we were eating the finest fast-food-mexican money can buy.

Thursday was very fun, but not without it's "family moments" but the food came out awesome and it was so much fun having everyone together! We had lunch around 2 and then got everyone together for a family picture. We haven't had a good one since J and I tied the knot. After a few attempts we got a couple of good ones and even got "photographic evidence" of my brother having a "mullet" {it's a family joke that will never die...}.

Friday came way too soon, but we were thankful for as much time as we got with my family. We need get up to Denver soon and are maybe planning another long-weekend trip back to Austin sometime before Christmas.

I have a lot of good pictures, but until I have a chance to go through them all, here's a smattering of the good ones {that also happen to already be on the computer...how convenient!}

My family, with my mom putting a halo over Mia's head

Hannah Mae with whipped cream on her precious little face...she's pretty darn cute, huh?

nephew Hunter licking the beater...he's also super happy and super cute. Wish we got to see he and his family more often!

This is where Lily would camp out most of the time. She loved that super-soft blanket.

Christmas Cards

I started working on a Christmas card back in July. Yes, I love me some Christmas, and I was excited to make my own cards this year.

We sent out cards two years ago, but I was slacker last year...So, I'm back on the wagon and designing my own cards. Here's one of the two I designed. I'm not sending this one out because it's square and would require extra postage booo hissss.

What do you think?

If this were the chosen one, those would not have been the chosen pics. Although, J and I love that pic of the dogs, because it's a good representation of what they like to do on summer days. The backyard is like their African savannah.

Back to the real world, what do your Christmas cards look like this year?

Half-Marathon Training (HMT): Week 1

My first week of training for a half-marathon has come and gone, not without a bit of stress and blood, sweat and tears.

My plan is to do my week 1 training twice, since Thanksgiving would be in the middle of week 2 (and, let's be honest, Austin is entirely too hilly for my fragile week 2 status). So, for my first week, my long run was 4 miles. I know it's not some cross-country trek, but it's longest I've ever run outside and I was definitely nervous.

But, it went great! I ran my first mile on the track behind our house, then my usual 3 mile route. I think I went a little (uhh...like .2) farther than 4 miles! And, by the end, I kind of felt like I had more energy to run further. Bring on the 13.1 now!

The only thing I need to work on is my "stretch & strengthening" and my choices of cross-training activities. My only option at this point is walking, but I'd like to get a bike to do some of them. We'll see...my parents have some old bikes at home, but is it worth it to refurbish one of those or would it be better to buy a new one?

I'll get back to you on that one. And, I'll keep you posted my training!

So glad it's over

Last week was brutal, which explains my absence!

Our last issue of the semester comes out December 1, but because of our press lag and Thanksgiving, we've had to have the issue to the press a day early. Then I found out that our editor would be out of town all weekend, even Monday. So, the issue essentially had to be done by Friday.

I was constantly working and constantly stressed, but this morning, I finished up the last few things I had to get done before I take our final issue tomorrow morning.

Then, it's hello Thanksgiving and hello relaxing family time!

Oh {cold} snap!

The weather has finally turned from fall/spring temperatures to winter temperatures!

The last two mornings {yes, I'm back in my morning workout routine!} have been freezing and super windy. And although the wind and cold usually make one of my eyes water {so weird and so annoying}, I'll take the cold, winter weather.

I hate it when it's warm in November and for the holidays and I have this "rule" that once I've discontinued my flip flops, I will not break them back out, no matter what the outside temps may be, until atleast March.

But, this year, I had to break that rule, and it pained me to do so! Not because my feet look gross because they haven't seen a nail file, bottle of nail polish or capable pedicure hands in too long, but because it's the principle. November = boots, tights, leggings and close-toed shoes. Not flip flops.

Anyway, the weathermen are predicting that the weather will warm up, and I'm sure I can count on 70s for Thanksgiving day {especially since we'll be in balmy Austin}. But, for now, I'll take what I can get. So you better believe that I'm wearing all the cold-weather gear I can get my hands before my hot flashes force me into short sleeves and {gasp!} flip flops!

Super Sunday

My usual Sunday goes something like this:

Wake up anywhere from 8:30 am to 11 am. Sit around watching tv and thinking about the fact that I should be doing laundry, making a grocery list, cleaning the kitchen, getting some work done, etc. When J wakes up, we watch some tv together and then I usually make my way to the guest bedroom to lay in bed and watch all of the shows that I DVRed during the week. {Seriously, I watch way too much tv...it's a bad habit!}. This goes on until around 10 or 10:30 pm, when it's time for me to hit the sack and say to hell with another week hello to another week of work. 

This is what I did today:

Woke up around 9:45, but wasn't quite feeling ready to get out of bed, so I slept until around 10:40 or so. {I was up until well past 3 am, so, my late wake up is justified. ok?} Called the BFF around 11, checked to make sure she was feeling ok, then solidified our plans for some QT. 

The BFF and I live about 40 minutes from each other, but we do not see each other enough. We made plans to hang out today {with lots of encouraging excitement from our NFL football-loving husbands}.

Lunch at Ted's, walking the too-crowded-for-a-Sunday mall. Checking out the Sprint store for a new phone for B. And, finally, checking out Old Navy to see if they had the jeans I wanted in the length that I needed {short...gasp! They had them and they were not as cute as previous pairs that I've owned. What happened ON?? What happened??}

I had a great time and really think that it should be a bi-weekly occurrence {one the hubs can jump onboard with}. So, what do you think B...wanna do it again? 

Veteran's Day

I have opinions about the war that we are currently engaged in, but those don't matter today.

Today is a day to THANK those men and women who are currently serving, who have served and those who have given their lives so that we may live in America, a free country.

Thank you for everything that you do!

Christmas on the run

It's no secret that I'm into running, and I'm really working on getting myself more training-friendly.

With Christmas around the corner {no, seriously, it's sooner than you think...no...seriously}, I've found a few things that would make this whole running thing a little easier {well not so much easier, as keep me a little better informed/dryer/warmer}.

This is a Garmin wristwatch, and I found it on amazon.com (here) for $148 (but I'm not sure how long that low low price will last. It's regularly $299) Can I just say that I had no idea these kinds of things existed. Sure, I knew you could have a Garmin for your car, but a watch? This would make tracking mileage much easier than timing myself and then hopping in my car to watch my odometer while I drive the course I just ran. Who knew!

There are cheaper ones available, but if I'm going to go for it, I may as well, go for it.

I already have one of these in purple and I love it! I seriously have to wash it all.the.time since it's my favorite one to wear. It's from Target, and since we all love Target {including me} and their fab sales, you know this one will be cheap. Right now you can find them for $16.99

Then there are these cute side-tie capri running tights. I'd probably prefer some long pants {with the weather on its way to being cold}, but I found these on sale at nordstrom.com for $32.90.

Here are a couple of examples of what I'm looking for in running tights. These aren't on sale, and I know I could find some cheaper ones {I'm a bit lazy today}, but I like UnderArmour ones a lot. Both are from nordstrom.com and the UA ones are $59.99 and the Nike ones are $50.

There you have it...a couple things that could really enhance my running, as well as my half-marathon goal.

Low Key

Life lately has been very low key.

Minus work {which is always crazy in some way} we've been pretty boring, and I like it. But, there are a few things I'm looking forward to:

•Thanksgiving {even though it'll be a too short visit with my fam, I always look forward to going home and trying to show John new aspects of Austin}
•Seeing my niece and nephew {it's been almost a year since we got to spend time with these two and that's wayyy too long!}
•Our last issue of the semester {this one goes to press just before Thanksgiving, which means we'll get a nice little break from the weekly craziness!}

Those are just our November happenings.

I've been kicking around the idea of having a holiday party, but I'm not sure. Our house is so small that I worry about where everyone will be...not much couch room to sit on, not much room in the kitchen to hang out in. Not to mention the fact that we're a bit out of the way for many of our friends. Hmmm, what to do...

I'd love to put together a cute invite and fun menu, but is it too much work? Ahhh! I'll keep you posted if I decide to go through with it!

Christmas literature

I've been in a bit of a book rut recently.

When Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince came out in the theaters in July, I opened the book {again, for about the 4th time} and read it. Then, of course, I had to read the seventh book {it's a vicious cycle, really}. But, those are the only two books I've read in a really long time.

Sad, I know. So, I've decided I want a few new books on my shelves to get me through this 70 degree cold winter weather.

sTori Telling {by Tori Spelling}, under $15 on amazon.com

Mommywood {also by Tori Spelling} under $20 on amazon.com

LA Candy {by Lauren Conrad, of The Hills} around $10 on amazon.com

I fully realize that these are not exactly Pulitzer prize winning novels, but they caught my eye. Hey, I'm a sucker for reality tv. I watched Laguna Beach from the beginning and made the move to LA with Lauren to The Hills. And, I'm a newcomer to Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood, but I love them as a couple, I can't help it! Plus, everyone needs a frivolous read {or two...or three}.

Rules of the road

I have a bone to pick with bikes on city streets {and the hipsters that ride them, but that's another post altogether}.

I understand that riding a bike is a "green" mode of transportation, not to mention, it's a great workout {two birds, one stone}, but, when riding your bike around, you are supposed to follow all traffic laws. This means you stop at stop signs, yield, stay in your lane {which should be the sidewalk, because you're slow} and signal when you're turning.

Please try to be aware of your surroundings, otherwise, I might be tempted to forget that I, too, have traffic laws to abide by.

What I want for Christmas

Since Christmas is right around the corner {yessssssss!}, I thought I'd give all you eager generous gift-givers out there a little insight into what I'm craving. I'm going to post {at least} one item a week that anyone who might be around 5'4" with brown hair and hazel eyes {hey, that's me!} would love!

The first item on my list {but, really, this is in no particular order} is a Michael Kors watch. I have a watch, but it's very small and very ladylike, and I think sometimes, I don't want to be small and ladylike {that's what she said?}, I want to wear a big ol' chunky watch, and Michael "King of American Design" Kors knows what he's doin'.

Gold Oversized Runway Watch

   

White Midsized Chronograph Watch {195}

I like both of these watches, and honestly, MK's watches are pretty reasonably priced. Most are between $195 and $250. For a watch {that should last a lifetime} that's a great price! Find them here.

What will be the next item on my list {oooo, the suspense!}

A girl can dream

I love me some fashion, which means I love to scour websites for all the cutest stuff, drooling over the clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, etc.

I've been jonesin' for something cute and sequined {remember this post?}, and when I came across this adorable sequined cardigan {which also comes in black}, I decided to do an inspiration board of what I might wear with it {if that nasty little B word -- budget -- weren't a part of my vocabulary...}.

Here's what I came up with:

I'm mostly a simple kind of gal, when it comes to clothes. I like to spice up one part of my outfit and keep the rest pretty simple. But I also love a little unique detail, and I think this outfit has a little of both.

I love the fanciness {is that a word?} in contrast to the distressed jeans and I like the fringe to keep the sequins playful and I like the black pocket tank to keep the sequins and fringe from being too much and well, I love those foley + corinna bags {they're just the perfect everyday accessory}.

What would you wear for a casual Saturday?

Splish Splash

I didn't go overboard decorating for fall, but I did put a few little splashes in our house. So, on Friday {after cleaning the house} I picked up the camera to take a few pics and continue working on my photography skills.

a couple of cute little pumpkins on our shelves

a couple more {I really think our wall color compliments the colors in the pumpkins}

"woven" wood pumpkin on our coffee table

{a little closer this time}

With Halloween behind us, I'm kind of chomping at the bit to fill our house with Christmas decoration and smells. Is November 2 too early???

PS - Can you believe it's already November?

My vision

Since we painted our bedroom in July {I think...}, it's super bare. We have nothing on the walls, and I still haven't finished painting that side table I started on in July {I think...again...}.

I know I posted about that new online-only magazine, Lonny. I was "thumbing" through it again just now and I saw a picture I remember liking from the first time I checked it out.

I really want to make my own headboard, and, before I saw this picture I wanted to use a neutral fabric and maybe spice it up with nailheads or something equally interesting. But, then I came across this picture again, and it makes me want to use a bolder fabric on the headboard {if I ever get it done...}. I love the red animals and flowers, and although a similar fabric wouldn't really work in our bedroom, I'm thinking black stripes or something bold and black, because said side table will eventually {read: soon} be painted black.

Tasty Tradition

For the last 2 anniversaries, J and I have stayed home the night of our actual anniversary and cooked dinner. And, considering things have been working out, why mess up a good thing?

I got some filets, asparagus and potatoes and we planned to "hunker down" and have a nice dinner {a la TV trays} and watch the Yankees get beat. I had a special surprise for J up my sleeves, though.

J loooves mushrooms, and The Pioneer Woman had an awesome looking recipe for stuffed mushrooms on her blog a couple of months ago. Luckily something triggered my memory and I remembered that I  had emailed myself a link to the recipe, otherwise he would have never tasted these savory treats.

I set out to make the stuffed mushrooms, and though the recipe looked easy enough, I got a little flustered as I got through the steps. I definitely started browning the sausage a little too early, but all in all, the mushrooms turned out great {so J said...I'm not so much a mushroom fan}!

After the mushrooms were in the oven, we started prepping for dinner. Cut up the potatoes {J loves to fry them in our new cast-iron skillet}, oil/salt/pepper the asparagus and season the steaks.

{I could give you the play by play of the cooking of our meal, but I'd be bored just typing it...}

Here are a couple of pretty terrible pics of our food {sorry I was too busy stirring, tossing, etc. the food}.

stuffed mushrooms in the oven

mushrooms fresh from the oven

potatoes in our cast-iron skillet

steaks ready for the grill

asparagus, ready for the grill

Then, we watched the Yankees. Well, correction, I watched about 6 innings and gave up and watched Tuesday and Wednesday's episodes of Young and the Restless {if you aren't watching, you're missing out, btw}.

In defense of the Yanks, Cliff Lee pitched the game of his life, and grease-ball Chase Utley had two home runs. I have to wish the Bronx Bombers better luck tonight...let's tie up the series!