Hannah D and Queen B

2010-09-08T18:36:00.003-04:00

On Friday I am headed to Baltimore for a long weekend.

As you probably know, I am originally from the Salty Balti. As you probably don't know, my company also happens to be headquartered there.

I have meetings at corporate Monday and Tuesday but my company is awesome and offered to fly me up on Friday for a weekend with my family. I could not be more excited!

I haven't been home since June 2009 and that is far too long in my opinion. I am looking forward to many things, including but not limited to:

Seeing friends and family

Celebrating my birthday a little early with a brunch at Alizee

Shopping at DSW, Nordstrom, Forever 21 and South Moon Under

No humidity and cooler temperatures

Having a small memorial to honor my Dad

Playing with my (my mom's) dog, Sminks

Sleeping in a swanky-ish downtown hotel Monday night

Stocking up on Berger Cookies

Meeting all the corporate employees I've talked to on the phone

And last but not least, the food not available in good ol' Charleston:

TCBY

Royal Farms fried chicken & western fries

Utz chips

Snowballs

(and many more)

but most importantly, these guys at my sister's house Saturday night:

I will catch up with ya'll when I get back next week. In the mean time, have a fabulous weekend!

P.S. - the face mask from the post below didn't have any amazing effect, and may actually be responsible for a small zit I started to get on my cheek. But you better believe I put the kibosh on that real quick with my favorite product (also referenced in the video):

DDF Sulfur Theraputic Mask

I use this weekly, every Sunday, and as a spot treatment when needed. I promise you, it is a miracle worker. Try it and you won't be disappointed!

2010-09-06T22:18:00.003-04:00

This is embarassing... enjoy!

Oh and I was totally wrong about this:

Help me out... who am I'm thinking of!?

2010-08-23T07:00:00.001-04:00

D.S.D

October 1, 1941 - August 23, 2005

If I could get another chance

Another walk, another dance with him

I'd play a song that would never, ever end

How I'd love, love, love to dance with my Father again.

2010-08-17T19:32:00.005-04:00

I've officially been a working girl for two days now. Two 6 am wake-up days. That part is not fun.

Luckily, everything else about the job is wonderful. Although I just helped everyone get caught up on menial office tasks yesterday in order to have a full day of meeting with a corporate compliance lady today. So, no real work yet, and no time spent at my desk, but still - all is good. I'm excited to take all my office supplies in tomorrow and get busy on some of my own work. I am seriously addicted to office supplies - my heart pitter patters in the parking lot at Staples. I am officially lame.

Sharpies make me swoon

I also hope to be able to find some time in my schedule to continue blogging. We all know I suck at blogging these days & I really wish I posted more regularly.

It seems as though the best/only time to do so will be when I get home at night but we all also know how big of a TV addict I am. My dvr is insanely full already since I've been going to bed before 11 which restricts the number of shows I can watch every night to one or two.

I also have very few free nights in the next few weeks. One would think I'd make less plans for weeknights now that I'm occupied 8-5 every day, but actually the opposite is true. My MyAgenda is full, full, full.

Anyway, just stopping in to say Hi to everyone, I'm off to watch Bachelor Pad!

Hot

Gay

2010-08-10T11:20:00.007-04:00

I am quite the Queen of random thoughts over here. For instance, nothing besides my own crazy mind got this idea stuck in it last night:

Any fellow Big Love fans will know I was talking about this creepy weirdo whose equally creepy clan is one of my favorite parts of the show:

For those who don't watch, Hollis is on the right.

On the left is his main wife, Selma.

Anyway, I love this show like it was my first-born and was ultra curious to see if an air date for Season 5 had been set yet. I turned to my trusty friend Goggle for the answer and he made me very sads by telling me no air date yet.

But WAIT. Look here! Have you heard about this show?

SISTER WIVES

TLC - September 26th - 10 p.m.

I think it goes without saying that I am ridiculously excited.

2010-08-09T21:20:00.007-04:00

So, I'm pretty tired of staring at that lame post below - you?

Sorry friends, I have had a crazy busy month: interviewing left & right, getting to know a new guy ("mr. T" on Twitter) and deciding he's just not my type; friends we will forever stay, babysitting (of course), and spending too much time at the beach & with my girlfriends.

I got some big news on Friday: I got a job. (!!!!!!!!)

Starting next Monday, I will be working in the commodities brokerage industry (fancy for shipping) at a wonderful company here in Charleston that just happens to be headquartered in my hometown.

I feel like this job has been waiting for me all along and that is why the ~~ridiculously~~ long job search journey I've been on has been peppered with so many interview -> no job situations.

Another gem to come from this process: some hilariously weird interview stories. I will fo sho be blogging some of this shit - less than 2 weeks ago I sat indian-style on a floor for 2.5 hours.

I also have the usual things to fill you in such as a fabulous must-read book, my review of The Luxe (not the fab must-read), Bachelor Pad, great food, good times, and of course, bling bling:

Add "why PhotoBooth makes me look like I have leprosy" to that.

2010-07-16T15:28:00.005-04:00

Today as I was crossing the street to the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry, one kid in each hand, it dawned on me that I've been babysitting these same two for almost a year now. As soon as I got home I checked my archives for this post to see exactly when I started. Then I read this one and this one and got a tear in my eye reflecting on how much deeper my relationship is with them than it once was.

I literally love these kids like they were my own. I can never hear too many times how much they love me & I am their all-time favorite (and at this point only) babysitter. Their Mom told me today how blessed she is to have found me and I told her I felt exactly the same.

I spent a fabulous day with the littles at the Mt. Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park & the Children's Museum.

I also got a chance to check out their new house on Daniel Island. It was beautiful although still under quite a bit of upgrading construction. I am truly so very happy for this family to finally be in a home here. They have spent over a year now living in a two bedroom company condo while trying to sell their home in the upstate in order to purchase here.

When we got there, Madison told me she had a present for me and brought out a beautifully wrapped (for a 10 year old) box. When I tore off the paper, I was greeted with this note, which again brought tears to my eyes.

Inside was this purse and wallet, made from duct tape and tissue paper! Madison is quite creative and very much a fashionista-in-training and I appreciate so very much that she thought of me and took the time to make me these gifts. I think I'm going to pick her up a roll of hot pink duct tape before I babysit next!

Sorry for the lengthy, sappy post. This gesture of generosity just pulled at my heart strings more than anything else has in a very long time. I couldn't be more thankful that this family has become so much more than a "client" and I can't wait to see these kids grow up even more, even if that means my services will no longer be needed.

And just because it never gets old to put my favorite ginormous Trina Turk shades on small children:

And I guess I should mention, if you read those back posts, I have not exposed these children to Ludacris. We keep it strictly tuned to Sirius' Disney Radio channel (115). All 3 of us belted out the Glee version of "Don't Stop Believing" today at the top of our lungs with every window down. I loved it.

Enjoy your weekend, I plan on soaking up some SUN. My tan is major faded after a week straight of rain!

2010-07-14T15:32:00.004-04:00

When I first heard Pink Sass talking about a certain fellow(?) on Twitter named Lord_Voldemort7 I was all "SO not into Harry Potter." Then I read his feed & died laughing.

2010-07-06T16:30:00.004-04:00

I just finished reading Superstud by Paul Feig and I have to say, it wasn't the quickest read, but it was funny as hell. Just a warning: it is not for the easily offended as you can probably tell from the tagline, "or how I became a 24-year-old virgin." It basically details all of his sexual experiences up to that age, and while they're fairly graphic, his dorkiness makes them equally hilarious.

I was drawn to this book because Paul is the creator of one of my all time favorite TV shows, Freaks and Geeks. Did any of you watch it? It was ~~retardedly~~ sadly cancelled after only one season, but that one season is fan-effing-tastic. It was produced by Judd Apatow and it stars many of his now-famous band of merry men, including Seth Rogen & James Marsden who are two of my favorites. If you've never seen it, do yourself a favor and pick up the DVDs. I promise you will not be disappointed!

Tonight I plan on starting The Luxe. It was recommended to me by the librarian as a "victorian version of Gossip Girl" so I snagged the only copy of it left at the lib. Have any of you read this series? I would love to hear your thoughts!

2010-07-01T12:49:00.001-04:00

2010-06-29T18:35:00.005-04:00

When I was babysitting today, much like it always does, my mind wandered to food. Mainly the Seafood Mac & Cheese I had last week at one of my absolute fave Mt. P eateries, Mosaic. Then I realized, ummm holy shit EMERGENCY, that dish is only a dinner special for the month of June.

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways... crab, shrimp, big ass noodles, gouda cream sauce, BACON parmesean bread crumbs...

So I already lined up a dinner date tonight to getmesome (Mac & Cheese) and basically, I'm already thinking about who I can rope into going with me again tomorrow. Oh and um, diet starts Thursday!

2010-06-25T12:12:00.005-04:00

My interview went extremely well yesterday and I'm feeling very confident that this position will be mine come next week. Still keeping my fingers crossed though! This weekend I plan on doing not much more than this:

And drinking this:

Red's Deck Punch - my favorite :)

In what will hopefully be a "farewell to freedom" weekend that ends with a full-time job starting next week!

2010-06-24T12:34:00.003-04:00

At 3:30 pm today I am interviewing for a J-O-B. Not just any job, a job in my dream industry with a top of the line company. More so than that, I NEED a job like woah. Beaching and pooling it every day has been fun, but honestly - I'm bored. And I need money.

This situation has been the source of a lot of stress on me the past few days and I'm just happy it's been resolved and an interview has been scheduled. Long story ~~short~~, I originally applied May 18th, never heard back, received an e-mail at midnight on Tuesday saying he wanted to schedule an interview for today between 10am & 1pm.

I e-mailed him back yesterday, never got a response, was having a pity party this am, called & left a voicemail. He finally returned my call just a short while ago & said he never received my response but wanted to interview with me at 1:30. Then changed it to 3:30.

Anyways, all this to say: if you're of the praying variety please throw one out for me. And if not, please cross your fingers!!

2010-06-23T18:06:00.003-04:00

Summer TV is undoubtedly some of my favorite. I seriously think my DVR gets more of a workout during the summer than during the "seasons." My newest guilty pleasure happens to be this gem:

I never thought I'd see the day that I watched an ABC family series, but I have to say, I am loving this show so far. I have to admit that, true to form, I've already googled to find out who the mysterious A is. I'm impatient like that.

Anyone else watching?

2010-06-22T15:10:00.005-04:00

I know this is a very common & not at all unique sentiment, but I seriously think my Mom's cooking is the best in the world. I am lucky to have inherited a box full of some of her signature recipes that came from our old house in OCMD when it was cleared out to be sold.

One dish that I remember with only the fondest of memories is her Angel Food Cake. She made it very regularly throughout my childhood, and I was always allowed to choose the accoutrements. Although there are several varieties that I just adore, one of my favorites was always standard vanilla cake with lemon creme & fresh raspberries or strawberries.

My mind was wandering over the weekend and I thought about this dessert. I've always been intimidated to make Angel Food Cake from scratch because all I've ever heard is how difficult the technique is and how easy it is to mess up.

I'm here to tell you, with a KitchenAid stand mixer to do all the work for you, it couldn't be easier! I'm sure it's not impossible to make with a regular electric hand mixer, but if you have a stand mixer - you absolutely need to use it to make this cake!

In my opinion this is the perfect summer dessert: light, fluffy & fresh. Oh, and non-fat too!

Mom's Angel Food Cake

1 1/2 cups egg whites, 11-14 large eggs* (I used 12)

1 cup cake flour, sifted 3-4x

1 3/4 cups super-fine sugar (or regular sugar run through a food processor)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (feel free to sub any flavored extracts you choose)

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1/3 cup warm water

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine egg whites, water, extracts & cream of tartar. Start on slow and gradually increase speed to medium. Whip for about 4-5 minutes or until medium peaks have formed. great tutorial on peaks

Slowly add half the sugar until incorporated.

Combine remaining dry ingredients & gently fold mix by hand, a little at a time, into egg white mixture; be sure to not overmix & deflate.

Gently transfer batter to an ungreased angel food cake pan (tube pan) and bake for 30-35 minutes until a wooden skewer comes out clean.

Immediately turn the cake upside down to cool for an hour. Do not skip this step or the cake will completely deflate.

Most pans specifically for angel food cake have "feet" for this. If yours does not, use a bottle (worcestershire works well) inserted in the center hole to balance upside down

*It is extremely important to make sure NO egg yolk gets into the whites & that you have no residue in your mixing bowl - both will prevent egg whites from forming proper medium peaks. Room temperature eggs separate more cleanly & are easier to whip.

Here is a collage of some pics I twittered during the baking process:

Although this post has already entered way-too-longville, I absolutely have to give you the recipe for the lemon creme. It is arguably the best part of this dessert & many of my taste testers ate it by the spoonful.

Lemon Creme

1/2 cup whipping cream

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoons lemon zest, about 1 whole lemon

1 4oz container lemon yogurt (I used Yoplait whips)

Whip cream until soft peaks form, 2-3 minutes. This is remarkably easier if you chill the bowl & beaters in the freezer first.

Slowly incorporate the sugar and lemon zest.

Fold in yogurt. Voila, enjoy!

And on a closing note, the best compliment & how I know this dessert is loved by others than me, my two skinny minnie bffs ate THREE servings each :)

2010-05-03T13:29:00.003-04:00

It is with a heavy heart that I write this post. I'll keep it short & sweet in saying that as a survivor of kidnapping, I've told you before to lose the "it can't happen to me" mentality.

Although my contact with her was limited to a few casual interactions at parties many moons ago in high school, I can't help but feel rendered immobile by the news that she was the UVA student found murdered this morning.

Full of promise, beautiful beyond words, kind beyond comprehension - Rest In Peace, Yeardley Love.

Picture Credit & More Information

2010-04-30T14:05:00.003-04:00

Reed is cool, I know she'll understand that it only took me a mere 66 days to accept this award. According to her it took her 75 years to accept it so I think I'm in the clear. And I'm totally stealing this directly from her post:

"only weirdos don't like awards and presents and shoes. so THANK YOU." - ditto, Reed.

I think it'd be cool if every time a celebrity received a major award (Oscar, Emmy etc.), instead of making an acceptance speech, they just listed 7 completely random things about themselves. Food for thought.

1. I won't straighten up the house for a friend stopping by but I will deep clean it for the Comcast man.

2. I used to leave my keys in my door overnight ALL THE TIME...

3. ...Because I used to party pretty frequently until I realized bartenders aren't just asking you for your autograph when you sign that paper for them.

4. My all time favorite song across all genres, no matter who's singing it is "Into the Mystic"

5. Zac Brown Band's cover of Into the Mystic live from Bonnaroo is the best version I have ever heard, including Van Morrison's original.

6. I am completely obsessed with ZBB. I'd estimate that probably 12-14 hours each day I have their music playing.

P.S. "Pass the Jar" comes out on Tuesday - I am so excited you have no idea. I preordered like 2 months ago and have kept a mental/twitter countdown since.

7. I haven't been this obsessed with a band since *N SYNC and that was a borderline psychotic obsession. I plan to devote a post to it one day - you'll be amazed. Or disgusted. We'll see.

Um, I feel like the new kid at school who has no friends. I have no idea who to pass this along to so I'm just gonna skip that whole shebang.

Enjoy your weekend!

2010-04-29T13:51:00.008-04:00

Ok, let's just pretend I didn't disappear for 2 months when I promised I'd return to blogging. Ok? Ok. ~~way too many Oks for one sentence~~

I've been a big blog reading slacker too, and for that I apologize to my blog friends. I'm just lazy & Twitter is way easier. I wish all of you were on Twitter, but then I realize that most people don't have oh, ALL DAY, to devote to 140 characters or less.

Anyway, today I learned a very valuable lesson. One which probably should have been learned a long ass time ago, but alas I've learned:

it is a good idea to check your mail everyday

About a month and a half ago, my friend Meg and I went to try out for Wheel of Fortune at a local mall. Let me just say, this was more a redemption trip than anything else.

Backstory:

When the Wheel Mobile came to C of C a few years back we went to the auditions with a big group of people. A big group of people who all could have cared less about being there, while Meg and myself (and William) were in peeyourpants excited mode.

And wouldn't you know? Every.single.person we were with's name got picked to try out (lottery style) except mine and Meg's. I even had to go on stage and shag (the dance, pervs) with my friend William because that's "what he does in his free time." I also believe I was wearing sweatpants that day - sexytime.

Sidenote: just be forewarned, if you ever try out for Wheel and you say you like to dance, sing, crip walk, freestyle etc. (basically anything that can be demonstrated in 30 seconds right then & there) they WILL make you do it.

Moving right along, Meg and I were quite the Bitter Betties about not being picked and that resentment never waned. I love Wheel and Jeopardy. I have watched them almost every.single.night for as long as I can remember. Basically, being a contestant is UP there on my bucket list. And the Jeopardy tryouts are ridiculously hard - anyone ever done it?

Long winded backstory! True to form, Hannah D, true to form.

Bringing us back to 2010, Meg and I headed to the tryouts full of anticipation and fingers-crossed. Round, after round, after round came and went. People to our left and right, front and back were losing their shit as their names were called.

~~I'm about ready to punch fake Pat and/or fake Vanna in their fake faces~~

Destiny/karma/fate is a funny bitch sometimes. Wouldn't you know that in the very last round, the very last name they picked was none other than Hannah Dreallylongreallyhardlastnametopronounce.

So I go up there with four other wannabes and I'm all jazzed that I got the last position, which I've deduced is a good thing because the four people ahead of me have to pick letters first. I wish I could remember what I said in my "interview" portion of the audition but the only thing I'm certain of is I gave a good long "haaaaAAyyy" and said "that's my thing." Oh, and I told them I was currently unemployed but "looking! HIRE ME!!"

look at me, SO eager.

I remember that the puzzle was person: Boy Scout Leader, and despite my prime positioning and years of training, I failed to solve it.

I left with a light up Wheel Mobile pin and a baseball cap. And the instructions to check my mail for word of a second audition within the next two weeks - which I did, religiously. It doesn't matter if you didn't solve your puzzle, they just want to see how camera-friendly you are.

No letter came in those two weeks. A few tears were shed, maybe. But none more than today when I checked my mail for the first time since last Friday. And found this:

I got my callback to round 2 of auditions. And it was yesterday.

I don't think there's ever been a more appropriate time to say: FUCK MY LIFE.

2010-03-01T11:12:00.006-05:00

I'm back - like Ma$e, except I haven't become a preacher or anything. Just busy becoming the best single girl I know how! Let me tell you, this breakup has been quite the toughy - mostly because it was so unexpected. But I have really come to appreciate it as a blessing in disguise, an opportunity out before I got deeper in. The latter of which would have resulted in bigger heartbreak somewhere down the road, that's for sure.

I want to start by thanking each and every one of you, from the bottom of my heart, for every kind comment, e-mail, tweet, message etc. that I have received over the last month. Your words were, at times, the only thing that made me smile. And now are exactly the encouragement I need to keep on truckin'.

Today could not be a more perfect day to mark the emergence of a new me. A first-of-the-month Monday, a golden opportunity to put the destructive behavior to rest once and for all. I'm unbelievably ready for it too. In my absence, I have changed a lot, learned a lot, and cried a lot. I am beyond ready to put my best self out there: starting now. The "Emancipation of Hannah D" is dropping today, and girl, that album is HOT. Sorry, had to, love me some Mimi.

Can I just say one thing? Single life is FUN. I have the greatest group of friends anyone could ask for; ones who have literally picked me up from rock bottom and forced me to re-enter the world. And my family? I owe them a million thank yous, and even that could never suffice. They are wonderful.

I'm sure there are plenty of questions about the breakup, in fact I know there are because I've gotten about 20ish on FormSpring so far. PS - if you haven't noticed, I added a FormSpring question box on my sidebar. Ask me anything ------>

Anyway, back to my point, I understand there are questions. Of course there are. I'm just as inquisitive as each and every one of you, and I know there's even a few of you who have been reading since way-back-when, when I first met "Blondie." The fact of the matter is, he is a part of my past, and I'd like to leave all discussion about him in the past too. Sure, I might have a rough day here or there and need to vent about something, but that is my choice to make. I want to thank you in advance for keeping questions about the breakup out of my FormSpring inbox :)

Back to that whole single girl is FUN thing - I couldn't be more excited about it. I was definitely a hermit, save for a few happy hours, for the first few weeks and let me tell you: it did me absolutely no good. My Mom was in town for a few weeks, but I still wanted to do nothing but stay in, drink ~~bottles of~~ wine, and bitch to my friends and sister on the phone. Oh, it's probably a good time to mention that I quit (well, forced them to fire me) my job right after everything went down. No sweat off my back, I fucking hated that place.

Back to the single/fun thing, again. I finally had that "one night out" this past weekend, the one you need after a breakup that proves to you there is fun to be had again. I needed that reassurance quite badly, and am so eternally grateful to have found it. Fun in the form of sushi/saki/champagne dinners, attention from some of Charleston's finest gentlemen, and a few "we're with the DJ" bar visits can lift even the lowest of spirits. Nothing like feeling like a V.I.P again ;)

For the sake of ending this post before it becomes obnoxiously long (believe me, I know I've already entered the long category) I want to leave you with this song. I heard it a few weeks back and I love it. YouTube was scrubbed clean of illegal versions yesterday, so this is the 30 second official clip - the album drops tomorrow, so excited!!

Now I'm feeling how I should

Never knew single could feel this good

Stop playing Miss Understood

Back in the game, who knew I would

So flex how I spread my wings

Loving myself makes me wanna sing

2010-01-29T14:46:00.006-05:00

Hit me with your best shot: best break-up songs. GO.

{yes, I am one of those people who attaches music to traumatic events}

On repeat:

Burn (Confession Special Editi...

Leave The Pieces - The Wrecker...

Take A Bow - Rihanna

Cry Me A River - Justin Timber...

and my personal favorite, natch:

Bossy Featuring Too $hort (Mai...

2010-01-23T12:43:00.005-05:00

My relationship with Blondie came to an abrupt and heartbreaking end last night. I didn't see it coming - not at all. I was faced with some information that left me in the position to have to end things, no question about it. I'm not ready to talk about it, it hurts more than anything I've been through before.

I will be back to blogging when I find my heart again. I thank you in advance for any words of encouragement you may choose to leave me. They mean more than you'll ever know - and that is why I love all you dear readers. Thanks for being here.

ETA 1/27: Thank you all so, so, so much for your kind words. I have been a complete mess for the past few days, but am seeing my old therapist (who I adore) and know I am in a much better place for it. If the improvement I've seen in myself in 3 days is any indication of what I'll be when I'm completely healed, well all I have to say is, watch out!

I've adopted a new mantra {today is a good day, tomorrow will be better} and a breakup anthem:

Take A Bow - Rihanna

2010-01-19T17:54:00.003-05:00

The new girl that lives above me is driving me insane. Slowly but surely she's driving me to the point of taking a broomstick to the ceiling at 3 a.m. Let me explain: she is all of 5' tall and maybe 100 lbs, she is TINY. I jumped for joy when I saw her moving in because I've only ever had two bad renters up there since I've lived here: a family with two boys, 7 & 9, and a man who weighed approximately 300 lbs. Also, there have been periods of up to a year with no one up there.

Both of these tenants were loud in their own respect - the boys thought the condo was a personal skate park, track, and trampoline. I mean, it was BAD, I came home to pictures smashed on the floor more than once. After a few months I went up and talked to their mom about it, she was very kind and apologetic and kept them under control after that. The biggun' man - well every step he took sounded like a bowling ball hitting the floor.

But... he was nothing compared to this new girl. I thought based on her petite-ness she would be nothing but quiet. But alas not, Blondie and I call her "clodhopper." I swear on my life, she wear high heels 24/7 and sounds like an elephant. I mean seriously, who wears heels INSIDE their house!? And no, this isn't my only issue with her.

I'm pretty sure she's a hooker, or at the very least a huge slut. I've seen maybe 30 different guys leave her condo at all times of the day since she moved in December 1st. It is truly strange - and the other giveaway she's a whore is coming out of my door every morning to find a vast array of cigarette butts, all different brands, strewn all over the walkway to my door. She must be a smokers-only prostitute.

I know most of you are probably like SAY SOMETHING, but I have what is called neighbor-phobia. It takes a lot ~~obviously~~ to drive me to the point of complaining, because I'm so scared of being the complex bitch. We already have one of those and everyone hates her and walks the other direction when you see her out ~~stalking~~ walking her dog. She is a whole different post for another day though; did I mention she's in L.O.V.E. with Blondie? Grrrrrr.

Anyway, my plan of attack for clodhopper, come the day I gather up the courage to take action, is to buy her a pair of slippers and an ashtray and leave them upstairs with a note. Aggressive huh?

This is where you readers come in, what would you do? Help!! Any crazy neighbor stories of your own?

2010-01-18T17:23:00.001-05:00

Anybody know of any jobs in Charleston?

I really f-ing HATE mine.

That's all for today :(

2010-01-16T15:53:00.004-05:00

I think it goes without saying at this point that I am extremely excited about watching these guys play tonight. GO RAVENS!!

There is a special thing happening in this game that most of you probably don't know about. And it is one of the most awesome displays of compassion I think an NFL game has ever seen. The first play call tonight won't be made by Jim Harbaugh, our head coach. Or by Cam Cameron, our offensive coordinator. It won't even be made by our qb, Joe Flacco. It will be made by him:

Matthew Costello is a 14 year old student & athlete at Loyola Blakefield Middle School in Baltimore, and he's got an inoperable brain tumor. Apparently he's been making calls in the past few games, a blessing given to him by Cameron. The story hits close to home for Cam, a cancer survivor himself, and he has taken a very special interest in Costello. His calls have been spot-on so far and I can only hope that streak continues tonight.

Take a few minutes and read the full story from ESPN magazine here. It will warm your heart and bring tears to your eyes - so touching and truly awesome.

Oh and a very happy Birthday wish goes out to Mr. Joe Flacco. We're all behind you bud, bring home the cake!! Oh, and if any of you are watching the game, look for my mom in the 5th row, 50 yard line, Ravens side. She'll be wearing a huge hat shaped like a birthday cake!! I am sooooo jealous she's at the game - she's a total road warrior, drove by herself 15 hours to see her boys play!!

P.S. - look at the sweet tissue holder my mom posted on FB a few minutes ago, with the caption "the Colts are gonna cry, and I brought the tissues"

2010-01-14T19:45:00.006-05:00

This is my recipe for flawless skin:

The Clarisonic brush is incredible. It's been a hot topic in the blog world since Christmas, but let.me.tell.you - I've been using this baby for well over a year (since Oct 2008, actually) and I am here to tell you that it works in the long run. It gives me the best cleansing I've ever felt and because of it, I no longer wash my face - just brush it every a.m. in the shower.

PS - if you were wondering, a fully charged battery lasts for about a month in the shower without recharging - ding! I seriously wish they would have offered this awesome printed version when I bought mine.

How pretty is that!? It would look lovely in any girly bathroom :)

Next up, the best.powder.foundation.EVER - Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder. I have to admit, I've only really used "face makeup" for a few years now ever since I discovered bare minerals. Well listen up: bare minerals has nothing on this shit. I've been using it since last summer and it is to die for. The finish is just impeccable and you can not beat the packaging. Not only does the shaver feature save you from over-using, but it means no more spills/drops/cracks that seem to always happen to my makeup.

Anybody else swear by these? What skin products do you recommend? I'd love to hear!

2010-01-10T16:24:00.004-05:00

First off, let me just say, way to go RAVENS!! You played incredibly today and made your fans prouder than proud - watch out Indy, we're comin at ya, and hard. What a great game though, huh? I hope everyone was watching :)

I wanted to share some game day recipes that we fixed today. Both were excellent and easy as pie. You should try them one Sunday for an exciting playoff game or even for the big daddy, the Super Bowl in February.

If you can't read the directions by enlarging the picture, the links to the recipes are here: Baltimore Ravens Potato Skins (or Chesapeake Butter as they call them)

Slow Cooker Spinach Dip

Both recipes came from the newest issue of the Food Network Magazine. The skins were in the awesome fold out of toppings for every NFL team, and the dip was in the "50" booklet insert, this month of dips - YUM!

It is a really great resource for not only recipes, but techniques and some interesting "behind the scenes" articles. If you never read it before, I highly recommend you pick up a copy next time you're at the grocery store!

2010-01-08T14:59:00.004-05:00

It probably slipped right past you, but I mentioned in my post yesterday that Blondie and I RARELY get to have lunch together these days. Well, the truth is we RARELY see each other at all. Due to some new developments in the past few weeks, and some major additions to our already busy schedule, I'm lucky to kiss him goodbye in the a.m. and really lucky if I see him again pre-10 p.m. Needless to say it's been pretty hard on our relationship, and it is only temporary, but still hard.

I wish I had time to explain why this is the case, but I don't today. I wanted to post before I leave work here in a few mins (short day for me!!) and it's too long of a story to tell in this short time - I will fill you in soon, promise. Anyways, point is, I'm just worn quite thin by the bickering, the lack of time together, and the increased responsibilities it has put on moi. We've had maybe a total of five fights in the year and a half we've been together, that's pretty good if I do say so myself. Now it seems like we're just at each others' throats all the time - no fun. We are definitely still in the "adjustment period" and I know things will work themselves out with time but I also know it will require effort on both of our parts.

Wow, ok, totally unnecessary explanation, sorry about that. Here was my point: sometimes all it takes is one text (how ironic huh?) to mend a wounded heart left over from a fight last night.

Blondie: What time do you work tomorrow?

Me: 10-4, why? (umm p.s. I HATE working Saturdays but luckily it's only once a month!)

Blondie: I was going to find someone to cover my shift so I can spend some qt with my girls

That time is so much more needed then he will ever know, and I am so thankful for it!

2010-01-07T12:09:00.004-05:00

One thing I really have a hard time with is mantexting. I don't know if it's necessarily fair to apply the lack of basic texting knowledge to an entire gender category, but lets just roll with it for now. Guys, I'm sorry.

My Blondie, with all his redeeming qualities, can not master the art of texting to save his life. He just doesn't get it - the etiquette, the abbreviations, the importance of it, the usefulness of it, none of it. Don't even get me started on my Mother, who thinks you cn abrve evry wrd (can abbreviate every word) by simply leaving out letters. Oy.

Anyway, I wish I could tell you I had a whole repertoire of odd, funny, or just plain non understandable text convos I've had with Blondie, but I don't. I just have one from just a few mins ago:

{per usual, my thoughts in italic}

Me: Lunch today?

Him: If you like who says "if you like?" seriously? not him - well at least not ever before today

Me: Of course, you know I like to have lunch with you whenever we can which is RARELY these days

Him: What time where? wow, obviously you put some effort into that one, no comma or anything, grr!

Me: Prob later than usual, 2:30ish, you tell me where

Him: K, I'll figure it out um, is it just me or would it be normal to text the name of a restaurant in this message?

Me: All I know is you need to bring me my UGGS - it is fuc*ing freezing in here today, I can't stop shivering. Seriously, I'm starting to think our heat is broken. Actually, bring me a snuggie too.

Him: K this response infuriates me more than anything in the texting world - and I get it at least once a day from him. If you need to be quick, at least add the "O" so it looks like you cared even just a teeny bit - for realz.

Me: Um, just fyi, I was joking about the snuggie

Him: W E you say ok if you're going to abbreviate whatever, for the record it's w/e, not W___E, and yes I bet you a trillion dollars he would have actually brought me a snuggie to bring back to work had I not clarified that.

I just realized this probably isn't as funny to you, or on paper at all for that matter, as it is to me. And basically I can surmise one thing from all of this: He's still in bed. Typ.

2010-01-06T13:54:00.007-05:00

One of the things I was most upset with myself about during the blogging hiatus was not acknowlodging the lovely awards I was given by fellow bloggers. I truly feel terrible it has taken me this long, but better late than never, right? I feel even worse because it's been so long, I can't remember all of the ones I was given - but I did remember two. Even though these awards have made their rounds and said their farewells by now, I feel like the least I can do is still complete them, so here goes:

First, The Kreativ Award, from Katie over at The Perks:

7 things people probably don't know about me:

1. I find something about a man that's good with a measuring tape drop.dead.sexy. (yes, a measuring tape). Weird, I know.

2. Almost every remote in my house is missing the battery cover. It's actually pretty ghetto - most of them have tape holding the batteries in. And the strangest part is I have NO idea where the covers go. Does Blondie hide them? Is there a monster under my bed who eats them? A battery cover burglar in my neighborhood? Yikes.

3. One random thing I really hate is when you get out of bed to go to the bathroom and it's dark outside, thus tricking you into thinking it's the middle of the night. Then on your way back to bed, you look at your phone/clock and realize it's 5 mins before your alarm is supposed to go off. This happened to me yesterday morning at 6:54 a.m. - I'm still bitter.

4. I have NO earthly idea where my tolerance for cold weather ran off to. I have literally been shivering on and off, outdoors and indoors, for 3 days now. And, yes it's cold here, but I grew up in Baltimore for Pete's sake.

5. I've always wondered who Pete (see above, last line) is.

6. I have a few kitchen quirks, one of the weirdest being I usually don't like food that I have just cooked. It just doesn't taste good to me for some reason. Oven baked? Fine. Crock potted? Fine. Skillet to plate? Ick. One exception to the rule? Tacos.

7. I love to drive. I do the driving 90% of the time when it's just Blondie and I. Most people would dread the 9-10 hour trip from Charleston to Baltimore, me? I love it - it is familiar and comforting. I've probably driven that route (aka I95) 35 times in the past 5 years.

Next, the Over The Top award, from B over at Dreaming In Pink & Green:

1. Where is your cell phone: On my desk
2. Your hair: Blonde
3. Your mother: Complicated
4. Your father: Missed every day
5. Your favorite food: Crab Dip
6. Your dream from last night: Inappropriate
7. Your favorite drink: Vodka, Soda, Splash of OJ
8. Your dream/goal: Be my own boss
9. What room are you in: Office at work
10. What is your hobby: Reading
11. What is your fear: Regretting things I've never done when I'm old
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years: Married to Blondie, 2 blonde babies in tow :)
13. Where were you last night: Home with Queen B :)
14. Something you are not: Immature
15. Muffins: English
16. Wish List items: Too many to count - new house = #1. New job = close second.
17. Where did you grow up: Baltimore, Maryland
18. Last thing you did: Went to the bank to straighten out a transaction, boring!!
19. What are you wearing: Skinny jeans, camel riding boots, black shirt, red puffy vest
20. Your TV: HUGE, Samsung, and necessary.
21. Your pets: Duh, the love of my life, Queen B.
22. Your friends: I can count the true ones on one hand (this was B's answer, but I'm keeping it too - so true)
23. Your life: Stressful (for right now)
24. Your mood: BORED
25. Missing someone: Daddy & Mommom - every second, every day
26. Vehicle: Jeep
27. Something your not wearing: a headband, it's a bobby pin day
28. Your favorite store: South Moon Under - miss it!
29. Your favorite color: Teal
30. When's the last time you laughed: Earlier today
31. When's the last time you cried: Last night - Biggest Loser.
32. Your best friend: B2B
33. One place you go over and over: Gas station - coffee in the AM, fountain soda after lunch!
34. One person who emails me regularly: Nana
35. Favorite place to eat: High Cotton or Bambu

2010-01-04T14:58:00.002-05:00

I figured this was the case... glad I didn't give into the hype before I did my research!

(click to englarge)

2010-01-03T11:52:00.003-05:00

Anyone out there use Wonder Hangers? I am seriously about to lose my mind trying to purge my closet - I swear, I do this all the time and it's the same story, different Sunday.

It usually plays out like this: I have no intention of getting rid of stuff, just cleaning. Then I realize there is no way I can clean because I have too.much.stuff all around and that is putting it lightly. So then I spend 5 a few hours filling a black contractor's trash bag full of shit I don't need. Then, just when I've think I've made space for everything to be put away, I see them: the ~~mountain~~ pile of clothes on top the dryer, the rubbermaid tub of winter clothes in the office, the 35 completely random items hanging in the second closet - all of which I forgot to account for in the "space needed" equation.

So, I'm about to the point where I'm done with trying to "clear" space, and just looking to "create" it. So, back to my initial question: Anybody actually use these things?

2010-01-02T13:01:00.003-05:00

Eloise ranks high among my favorite childhood literary characters. I mean HIGH, high - probably only second to Madeline. I'm a bit ashamed to admit that I own, and regularly watch, the DVD versions of "Eloise at the Plaza" and "Eloise at Christmastime." What can I say? I'm a super-fabulous kid at heart.

If you haven't heard yet, the recent major renovation of The Plaza Hotel in NYC included the building of a real-life Eloise Store. It's been a long time since I've been to the big city; back in Baltimore, it was a quick three hour jaunt, now: notsomuch. But, if I ever needed a reason to go, this is IT!

Hopefully we (and you too!) can fit a visit into our 2010 schedule. I'd just love to see the store and imbibe in some rawther delicious tea :)

2010-01-01T12:53:00.012-05:00

Woah - this is an unfamilliar screen - you mean there's actually a place where one goes to write a post for their blog? Hm, must have slipped my mind; & in the 2-months-long sort of way this time. Where to begin ~~again~~? I think jumping on the 2009 recap bandwagon is as good a choice as any to start this blog anew in ~~space-age sounding year~~ twenty-ten.

2009, in review:

January

Shared the story of my kidnapping.

Had a few misadventures:

Saw a fantastic Rascal Flatts concert:

February

Queen B lost her Lady Parts

Blondie and I celebrated 6 months

I relocated the "Greatest Photo of All Time":

March

Queen B turned One on the 9th, Blondie turned 23 on the 28th

This actually happened.

April

Published my first, and only, VLOG

Had a happy easter, and the worst brunch ever

Attended my first "A Charleston Affair" & met the lovely GRITS for brunch the next day :) Sadly, forgot to bring my camera, but she was great!

May

GRADUATED from The College of Charleston:

Spent 8 days in ~~heaven~~ Barbados (scroll down and watch the video for pics)

June

Worked on my tan

Took a trip to Salty Balti

July

Brought a visitor back from Baltimore for a few weeks' stay

CUT.OFF.ALL.MY.HAIR. (still a bit traumatized)

Blondie & I celebrated our One Year anniversary on the 30th :)

August

Obviously we were tres boring in August, but this post has a pic recap of the summer

September

Went to see the 2009 Coastal Living Idea Cottage

Discovered my fave nail polish color of all time

Finally gave in & joined TWITTER

October

Turned 23 on the 1st:

Saw her royal highness, Ms. Kathy Griffin:

Got my first ~~in 5 years~~ REAL job!! One that I have been on break from since the 23rd and I don't go back until Monday :)

November

~~Stopped Blogging~~

Discovered my love for camping at the Halfway to the Hoedown weekend:

December

Went to Dirty Myrt (Myrtle Beach) to see L.M.F.A.O & had the best time ever:

Flooded my car trying to drive through downtown on the day when we got "Blizzard 09: Rain Version" - Charleston floods worse than any other city, believe me - we call it the Holy Lake, instead of the Holy City.

Because of ^ misadventure, wasn't able to travel home, but had a fantastic Christmas & New Years with my Blondie here in SC:

On the last day of the month, made the resolution to start blogging again, so here I am! I am so excited to be back, reading and writing, and can't wait to see where 2010 takes this little ol' blog!

Bah-Humbug

2009-10-31T13:56:00.004-04:00

Hmm. Wrong Holiday, right sentiment. I have never, ever liked Halloween. I don't really know why, and it's not a hatred rooted in religion, I've just never been a fan. I won't got into all the deets because I explained it here last year.

Blondie and I have a low-key day planned of cleaning, switching out the summer clothes (which seems a little silly on this 80 degree day!?), and dining at our favorite sushi establishment later on. LAME, I know. No offense to you if it's your "OMG faveeeee holiday and my costume is SOOO H.O.T" (I've been hearing a lot of this lately) but it's just not for me.

Plus, how would we ever top last year's costume? ~~Certainly not as Jon & Kate or Balloon Boy which I've seen 100,000 times already last night and today.~~

Work Blog

2009-10-29T17:31:00.003-04:00

This is my first feeble attempt into work blogging. It's fun bc I'm working on my huge HP touchscreen, and for the first time, I've seen my blog as it shows up on a PC. I've always used a Mac so I've never seen it like this before - looks good, but the colors are def WAY different than on my MBPro.

Anyways, just wanted to check in and say Hi from work! I'm alone in the showroom tonight until 7 and a little bored, but I should probably get back to calling customers :) Thank you readers so much for bearing with me during this hectic adjustment period of very little blogging. I am excited to report that I have finally settled down mentally and can resume thing normally.

P.S. - I just got caught blogging by customers that came in! I had to jump up to help them and we were walking around talking about things and the guy was like "Oh look Blogspot - you're a blogger? Me too!" - whoops!!

Oh and I'm going to leave you with one recipe that I've been dying to share. I've been meaning to make it for a week or so and I haven't made it to the grocery store for the ingredients, but my stomach is growling just looking at the website so I might stop on the way home for them! How good does this look!?

Apple Pie in a Glass recipe via The Hungry Mouse

1/2 - 3/4 cup Apple Cider (depending on ho thick you want it)
1/8 tsp. ground Cinnamon + more for garnish
French Vanilla Ice Cream - enough to loosely pack a pint glass
Whipped Cream to top

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon. Enjoy :)

Coolest Thing I've Ever Seen

2009-10-28T17:41:00.004-04:00

{photo credit: insanewiches.com}

If you're looking to waste 12 a few hours today: click here.

KAG = AMAZING

2009-10-27T14:54:00.006-04:00

I just have a quick minute girls, but I wanted to send you over to KAG's blog to enter the most amazing giveaway. She has teamed up with Lemon Tree Paperie to give away these tres fab Whitney English goodies:

Clipboard

Notecards

Calling Cards

Candle

All personalized, all gorgeous! You better believe this newly-employed girl would lurve to deck out her new office with these goodies! I hope I win!

Thank you so, so, so much KAG - this giveaway really is AMAZING.

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

2009-10-26T11:09:00.003-04:00

My lovely readers, I am so sorry I let you down on finishing fall week last week. Here's why:

The Good: I got a JOB! A real, grown-up job. I'm not comfortable discussing specifics in this public forum, but I will say it is in a niche market of the interior design industry, and I am loving it so far. Mucho responsibilities already as I am preparing to take over the office manager's duties when she has her baby - due Nov 23rd! Talk about no time to learn!

The Bad: In preparation to become full-time, I have been working M-F, but only for four or five hours a day. This has really just been a shock to my "me schedule" because until now (since 2005) all of my time has been me-time. I guess I just needed a week to adjust to the new responsibilities. It really left me feeling like I had no time to blog, but I promise I will do my very best to not let my job interfere with my blog anymore. Any helpful tips on the working/blogging balance would be greatly appreciated.

The Ugly: I have been completely smacked in the face with one nassssty cold. I woke up Saturday a.m. and immediately knew I was sick. I thought maybe it was just a side effect of the massive hangover I was facing from the oyster roast the night before. But when it was still here, and 10x worse, yesterday, I knew it was its own demon to battle. I literally parked in on my HUGE memory foam beanbag, with bed pillows, and a down comforter all day and watched nothing but trash TV in my cold med induced half-coma. I feel a little bit better today, but still have a perma-cough that is just so annoying!

Anyways, I just wanted to check in and apologize for not posting the rest of my fall musts. I will try to do it sporadically over the next few weeks, definitely starting with recipes! I have made some yummy stuff lately!

L.O.L, Literally

2009-10-19T16:25:00.003-04:00

I will return to fall week tomorrow with some fantastic fall recipes, but today I wanted to tell you about last night. We had the pleasure of seeing this funny lady:

The fabulous Miss Kathy Griffin. I just love her and she is too, too funny live. My cheeks hurt today from laughing so hard. We had fabulous seats in the 3rd row, and we were so close that I almost cried one time. I'm so weird like that, being that close to someone you love so much is an emotional experience for this girl!

She covered every topic from balloon boy, to the Oprah interview with Whitney Houston, to her date for the Teen Choice Awards, Mr. Levi Johnston. Those are just a few, there were many, many more. If she is coming to your city on this current tour, I highly recommend you go to the show - you will not be disappointed. If not, pick up her book, Official Book Club Selection. It is definitely a must read, her humor transfers flawlessly to written word and it is a heartfelt, yet hilarious memoir.

If you are reading this KG, I love you! You killed it last night!

Fall: Shoes & Accessories

2009-10-17T11:43:00.015-04:00

Well, the chilly air has officially arrived and it definitely feels like fall here in Chucktown today! I've developed my own sort of fall "groundhog" tradition here since some years it stays warm well into November, and some years (like this year) the warm weather is long gone before Halloween. If it is cold on my birthday, it is a sure sign the warm weather has been bid adieu, and this year it was freezing. No scientific proof needed here, just postulation, and, so far, accuracy.

I've been in major nesting mode lately and have wanted nothing more than to cuddle in front of the fire with my Blondie on these chilly nights. The change of seasons always slaps me in the face with a 2-week or so acclimation period. Lately, I've been cooking up some yummy comfort food, pulling out the cozy sweaters, and lusting over all thing fall-fabulous. I also have enacted a self-imposed "unnecessary" shopping hiatus until I can find a job. It is such a tough market here, I have no idea when that will be, but I'm holding strong so far. It is SO tough with all the lovelies out there this season.

Over the next week I will be sharing my favorite fall recipes, clothes, accessories, shoes etc.

Let's begin with some classic shoes & accessories I consider essential, and some new things I'm loving ~~and losing sleep over~~ for fall:

FOOTWEAR

L.L. Bean Duck Boot

These are one of the most practical, classic, fall style staples that there is. They are far more fab than galoshes, and far less trendy. These boots will last you through years and never go out of style. I have had a pair of ducks for as long as I can remember!

Corso Como "Gianna" Ankle Boot

These will surely be one of my first purchases once the shopping hiatus is over. There is nothing more I could ask for in a shoe. I love ankle boots with tights and dresses for fall, and the gunmetal leather, dainty bow, and wrapped heel make everything about this shoe completely lust-worthy. I lurve these.

Corso Como "Fargo" Flats

I am, and always have been, obsessed with leopard print. I am very particular about the pattern, color etc. though which usually leaves me disappointed in most items. I love the print on these flats and think the black ruffle is adorable. I need these - they are my motivation for finding a job! I've been searching high and low for 2+ years for perfect leopard flats and these, I think, are them!

Attilio Giusti Leombruni Classic Riding Boot

These are arguably the chicest riding boots I've ever seen. And they have the price tag to prove it, ringing in at a cool $600. I will probably never own these, I mess up my shoes too much to spend that much on a pair, ~~purses? that's a different story :)~~ but aren't they just lovely to look at? YUM.

EYEWEAR

D&G Oversized Aviators

Aviators are my primary glasses for fall. I tried these on at Sunglass Hut a few weeks ago and they are fab. The arms are so sturdy and the glimmering gold looks great on blondes. Am I the only one who thinks sunglasses look best with fall clothes?

RayBan Round CATS

I don't think I've ever owned purple glasses!? And it is totally my favorite fashion color this season so I def need these! Cat eyes are one of the most flattering styles on me, and I think they look fantastic on almost every face shape.

HEADBANDS

Burberry Check Headband

One word: Necessary. My headband collection is extensive, we're talking three digits here, and I've been wearing them my entire life. I'm actually upset with Blair Waldorf for making them a "trend." I'll leave it at that because I get heated about this subject. Anyways, this is a classic print, classic shape, and you will wear it forever. Enough said.

L. Erickson Brown Weavers Italian Silk Double Skinny

I love the nubby looking texture of this silk, and let me tell you, there is no better headband brand than L. Erickson. I own so many it's hard to count. They are beautifully constructed and comfortable as can be, no 3 p.m. headband headaches here!

Anthropologie 'A Rose is a Rose' Headband

I love the contrast of the lime green and black here, and the gorgeous, big silk rosettes. I think it would look fab with an all black outfit. Also with a winter white coat and boots!

COLD-WEATHER

Anthropologie Cashmere Squiggle Scarf

Oh, sigh, the feel of cashmere around your neck, there is nothing like it! The scarf looks like heaven and I can totally see wearing it with a simple white, cotton, long-sleeve T and jeans.

NY&C Red Label Cable Knit Capelet

This piece is so versatile and affordable, and looks truly cozy for fall. It can be worn a number of different ways, making it even more well worth the investment. I don't think I would necessarily style it with a SUIT though? WTF!?

Anthropologie Stratus Shapes Headwrap

Headwraps are so necessary in really cold climates and they usually aren't as cute as this one! I definitely need to pick it up before I travel to Baltimore for the Christmas holiday. Looking at the picture of it just makes me feel cozy inside.

Michael Kors Button Detail Rib Knit Gloves

Not only do gloves keep you warm, they protect your mani! NARS Tokaido Express mani to be exact :) Michael is always perfection, and these winter white, button-up beauties do not disappoint!

Burberry Trench Check Earmuffs

Totally frivolous? Check. Totally fabulous? Double check.

Not so necessary for the no-snow Charleston winters, but my friends up north, you totally need these!!

Time Flies

2009-10-01T10:44:00.006-04:00

Today I am:

I never heard from the job so that is a MAJOR bummer, but making the most of my birthday nonetheless. Reserved an awesome VIP cabana at a chic sushi place here in Mt. P for 12 or so of my nearest and dearest. With temps in the 50's at night (WTF!???) I'm glad it has a fire pit built into the middle of the table! Should be good times had by all. My only request has been a Baskin Robbins mint choc chip ice cream cake - YUM! And of course a bottle of champy - preferably Veuve La Grande Dame :)

On a sadder note, my dad and I shared the same birthday so I always spend much of my day missing him like crazy. My birthdays will NEVER be the same again without him here. I miss you Dad, I know you're celebrating with me in spirit!

Anyway, I am about to open my present from Blondie and figure out what to do today until dinner - I had hoped for one last beach day but it is wayyyy too cold so I'm thinking I'd like to go to all the antique shops around town and look for little treasures :) Happy Birthday to ME!

ETA: Just opened my birthday present from Blondie:

I lurve it. And I lurve him :) I am one very lucky, very happy girl!

Spare Ribs

2009-09-29T12:28:00.005-04:00

Has anyone ever seen this ~~man~~ woman with a 15-inch waist? I just got an e-mail from my sister about it and it was too good not to share. The pictures are like a trainwreck, you know you shouldn't keep looking, but you do. This woman has got some SERIOUS issues, see for yourself:

That last one really is the kicker! Can you say man-face!? WTF!? I'm only believing she's a woman because she is a Guinness World Record holder for smallest waist. They'd for sure check the accuracy of their story and verify she's a woman, right? Right!??

If you're interested, here's the e-mail's accompanying story:

Is there any end to what women will do to try to enhance their (perceived) beauty?

Origins: Many women have at one time or another engaged in drastic or unhealthful means of achieving a perceived societal ideal of feminine beauty, everything from starvation dieting to radical cosmetic surgery. Rumor has long held (apocryphally) that these extreme measures for achieving a preferred female body shape
include the practice of having ribs surgically removed in order to create and maintain wasp-waisted figures.

The woman pictured above, 71-year-old Cathie Jung, does actually have a wasp-like waist of the sort that Victorian women were rumored to have achieved through dangerous surgical procedures. Indeed, since 1999 she has held the Guinness World Records title for "Smallest Waist on a Living Person," possessing a waistline measured at 15 inches (a figure that is commonly described as "about the same size as a regular jar of mayonnaise"). And she did in fact attain her tiny waistline through a form of body modification, but it did not involve rib removal or any other form or surgery.

Ms. Jung started out with a more typically dimensioned 26-inch waistline and, through the wearing of corsets around the clock over the course of ten years, slimmed it down to a mere 15 inches:
Jung says it was her and her husband's fascination with all things Victorian that led her to pursue a perfect hourglass figure.

"I was sort of a teenager in the '50s when small waists were in vogue, and when I got into my 40s, the kids were gone. I realized that I was going the way of all women my age and starting to look a little dumpy and frumpy," Jung said.

So she began wearing corsets full time. This Victorian secret to a slimmer waist has appeared in films ranging from "Gone with the Wind" to "Pirates of the Caribbean." Jung wears corsets day and night, removing them only to shower, ultimately reducing her 26-inch waist down to 15 inches.

"Wearing a corset to me now is a way of life. It's something I do 24 hours a day," she said. "Of course, with the Guinness [World Records] book being as popular as it is, people do recognize me."

"The corset will decrease the space in your stomach, so she doesn't eat large amounts at one time, which is probably better anyway," [her husband] said. "The same thing happens when a person has their stomach stapled. So you're really not shifting organs all around like some people envision."

Jung has now held the Guinness world record title for smallest waist six years running, and fame has been kind to her. Celebrity designers have created her corsets, famous photographers have snapped her picture, she has appeared in advertisements and she's made television appearances all over the world.

Fingers Crossed!

2009-09-28T09:19:00.004-04:00

I have a BIG job interview at 11 today, suuuuper nervous because it's really important I get this one. Just wanted to ask ya'll to keep your fingers crossed and say a little prayer for me today. I really appreciate the support and friendship of this blogging community, and thank you in advance. I promise a real post later on :)

ETA: The interview went flawlessly in my opinion. I loved the company, offices, and my interviewer, she was SO sweet. I realllllllly hope I get it - I'll know by Wednesday, so keep those fingers crossed. Also, my birthday is on Thursday and what better birthday present could there be than a full time job!?

Oh, and if you don't follow Summer Wind, head on over to her blog ASAP because she is having an amazing giveaway that ends tonight with Fine and Dandy Shop. If I win I am totally getting Blondie this bowtie for Clemson games:

Where My Mac Girls At?

2009-09-23T15:16:00.002-04:00

I am having oneofthosedays x 100, so this post is going to be short and sweet. Have all my Mac users upgraded to Safari 4? If you haven't, do. That's not an option. Anwyays, how much do you LOVE the Top Sites screen (or as my friend, B2B, calls it - the Jeopardy screen)???

{This is a stolen image from Google - not my own page}

I have been wanting a screen like this forever, wishing one day Woz would read my mind and produce me a screen displaying all of my most visited sites as of late. GENIUS! I have it set as my home page so it is like a directory of awesome sites just asking me where I want to go. Lurve.

The other best thing about it? I can totally tell what blogs I am ~~stalking~~ loving and make sure I have them on my blogroll. I think we can all agree that finding a blog you love and losing the URL is tres frustrating. Then you google search all kinds of random things you remember like "two munchkins, white mocha coffee creamer, fall decor, DIY wreath, mom with a minivan that she hates."

Feeling nosy? Be honest, have you asked yourself what my top sites might be just yet? You stalker!

1. This blog

2. Twitter

3. Facebook

4. Piperlime

5. The Pleated Poppy

6. Misadventures Of A Newlywed

Conclusions (like a lab report, yo):

1. This is living proof that I care more about my blog than twitter! What a relief - I feel about 23% better about taking that 15 day blog break this month.

2. Twitter is good therapy for a Facebook addiction.

3. ~~I filled my shopping bag, opened the window four or five times, and found a coupon before~~ I bought things on Piperlime yesterday.

4. The Pleated Poppy and Misadventures are awesome blogs. You should def read if you do not!

5(kinda). I by accident published this post with only a title, then had to sit here and rush through it so sorry for the abreves.

Self-Presents #1

2009-09-22T12:18:00.003-04:00

So, my birthday is in a cool nine days, and the self-presenting has already started. Let me just say, I am terrified to turn 23. I don't really know why, but I want to stay 22 forever. Also, I am a big believer in buying myself birthday presents - and lots of em.

I logged onto Piperlime this A.M. to check Rachael Zoe's fall picks after watching last night's episode of The R.Z.P. I was greeted with a lovely 3-day only, 20% off anything coupon - the best! By the way, the coupon code is TREAT and is good through tomorrow so hurry up and click over (but check out my goodies first :) !

Here are my first three self birthday presents:

Melie Bianco Chain Trim Bag

Cute & cheap! LOVE! I almost always carry a satchel style bag in the crook of my arm and this saddle color is perfect for fall. I love, love, love the Hype turquoise suede satchel I'm carrying now, but there is limited time left to wear such a punchy color. This bag will make a great transition piece!

Coconuts "Holly" Flats

Purple - LOVE. Flat - LOVE. Ruffles - LOVE.

Kelsi Dagger "Tamantha" Flats

What seemed like a never-ending search has finally subsided. Navy flats (that you can actually tell are navy, not black) that I actually like and, BONUS, with adorable rosettes too! I don't think I have any flats with this high of a back and I think it will be a great feature. I promise to let ya'll know!

Well, Happy 9-days-early Birthday to me!

Ho-Hum

2009-09-20T12:31:00.004-04:00

Ho-Hum. That is the perfect way to describe how things have been around here lately. Nothing too exciting to report, everybody and their mom just seems to be sooo busy with school/work these days. I've been such a slacker in the blog department - I just really haven't felt inspired to be honest. Maybe it's because I finally joined Twitter and get my internet fix that way now? Anyway, I promise to be back with regular posting this week.

Arguably (and pathetically) babysitting last night was one of the more exciting things I've done this week. This week has been purge and deep clean week here at Casa D. If 10 minutes of A&E's Hoarders isn't enough to make you want to throw away everything you own, I don't know what is. I also think we are on the verge of re-doing the great room so I want to have as little as possible to move out of the way when that time comes. I'll post this week about my plans, I'm really excited I've finally nailed down exactly what I want to do and don't have 15,000 directions I could take it anymore :)

I want to leave you with the funniest little video the kids made when I babysat last night. Madison is such a performer and only ever wants to make videos and record songs. And Davis, well he's just a cutie pie and is 5 going on 30 when it comes to conversation, seriously. See for yourself:

I like to call this video "Why I am glad I was an only child"

ETA: I made sure to get permission from the kids' parents to put this on my blog. No worries :)

Late To The Party

2009-09-09T14:52:00.005-04:00

I've known about twitter for a long, long time now, but have never joined. I think I first heard about it from my sister maybe 3-ish years ago and all I could think was how sketchy!? I would never want people knowing where I am all the time, and what I'm doing. To me, it seemed completely self-absorbed. But, now that it is mainstream and everyone and their mom (literally) has it, I figured I might as well join the club. Here goes nothing...

www.twitter.com/Hannah__D

If you're a reader, please, please add me, or send me invites if you're private! I need some tweeps!!

Perfect Saturday

2009-09-05T17:59:00.014-04:00

I am feeling more inspired than ever, in so many ways, after today. I had what is, in my mind, the perfect Saturday (other than if Justin Timeberlake showed up at my door, proposed, and flew me off to St. Tropez with all my closest friends and family to celebrate, but I digress...) with my friend Meg and her mom, Mama K. I love Mama K, she is AWESOME, and I love when she visits from Columbia. So, what did us three ladies get into?

First, we had lunch at the most delicious little sandwich shop, The Square Onion, which is in the I'On neighborhood. We sat and gabbed and ate our delicious lunch - and way overstayed our welcome! We sat and talked at their big farmhouse table for a few hours before heading to our "main event." Oh, and we ran into one of mine and Meg's favorite professors from C of C - loves it!

The "main event" was visiting the 2009 Coastal Living Idea Cottage right in the same neighborhood (I'On). I'd read about the house a few weeks ago in City Paper and knew I just had to go see it in person, and Meg and Mama K were the perfect company to come along. We took a tour of the house, then took our own driving tour of the whole neighborhood - it is tres fabulous, and tres expensive. Beautiful, beautiful houses, and when you get back deep enough, you may think you're in downtown Charleston. Their biggest pond mimics Colonial Lake downtown almost to a T. We even got out and walked around some of the vacant, for sale homes.

Then we headed to Old Village to look at some more houses since Mama K had never been back in there. I love the O.V. and would just die to live in there one day. There are historic homes galore, dating back to the Civil War era, and historic markers everywhere. Here is a cool fact: Mount Pleasant (the suburb where I live) was originally a plantation, owned by the Motte family, and the original house and private church are right there on the water in O.V. The house is gorgeous and has been beautifully restored - what a gem!

Then we stopped in what could possibly be my favorite store ever, Out Of Hand, on "downtown" Pitt Street in O.V. This place is literally my version of heaven. One side houses home decor, in the middle is a flower shop, on the right is the paper good/wedding section and out back is the warehouse and event planning business. I am supposed to e-mail the lovely owner, Lisa, this week about a job. Keeping my fingers crossed - we really hit it off, and I would die to work for her.

If you're in Charleston any weekend before October 11th, I would definitely recommend touring the Idea Cottage, and if you won't be around before then, a ride through I'On or Old Village is still a great activity. Here are my pictures and captions from the Cottage:

{I am not too sure what the end post on a staircase is officially called, but this one is old, salvaged, and beautiful}

{awesome artwork made of vintage bottle caps by local Molly B. Right}

{I am a big fan of grouping books by color, and using them to add height to a small item}

{the library, with plum colored built in bookshelves}

{the incredible driftwood coffee table in the library - SWOON}

{look at the detail of the driftwood!!}

{little reading nook off the library - I am copying this idea somewhere, someday}

{random vessel I liked #1}

{random vessel I liked #2}

{kitchen, obvi}

{close-up of the handmade tiles}

{onyx fruit bowl - another random vessel I liked}

{my favorite part of the kitchen - these pulls were HUGE, and wonderfully aged}

{any idea what type of metal this is? it was hammered and patinaed (?) beautifully}

{if you wouldn't want a set of Le Creuset teal canisters in your kitchen, you're crazy :) }

{entryway/mudroom with great old brick flooring, ash wood paneling, and the inspiration board for the whole house}

{staircase leading to over-garage guest suite - one of only two bedrooms}

{gorgeous iridescent, teal, subway tiles in the guest bath}

{looking over the central courtyard from the guest suite balcony}

{view of the canal and pond from the master bedroom balcony}

{the most stunning cabinet doors in the master closet}

{love, love, love grasscloth wallpaper - this one in the master was beautiful}

Sorry I didn't have more pictures of the master bedroom, but to be honest, I wasn't too impressed. Just look at the fabric in the last picture and imagine it as the bed linens, bed canopy and columns, and drapes. WAY too much for my taste, but I did like the wallpaper. Overall, the house was gorgeous and I am so happy we went to see it - I hope you enjoyed my photo tour :)

Enjoy your long weekend!

Glam Alert!

2009-09-02T13:52:00.003-04:00

On this second day of September, the weather is certainly not letting me forget fall is almost here. There are certain things I like to change with the seasons: wardrobe, home decor, makeup, and NAIL POLISH. I'm sure there are more but those four are big. I love to pick out a signature nail color each season and buy my own bottle. I'm big about bringing my own stuff for manicures - too many bacteria out there to chance it!

I've been loving purple lately for any and everything (and especially on the jerseys of my Ravens!) and I decided to find a flattering purple shade for this fall. Enter:

I just ordered this nail polish from Sephora - NARS Tokaido Express . Sephora.com describes the color as "black amethyst infused with gold" - YUM! NARS polishes are awesome and last for weeks with just a touch up of top coat every few days. I love, love their Orgasm polish as much as I love the blush by the same name - super chic. These babies are a bit pricey (for nail polish) at $16, but well worth the extra $ for less chips, and finer color.

Let me tell you, this shade is SUPER hard to come across so if you like it, better snatch it up. I've been trying to get it for like a month and half but it is always sold out on Sephora.com. Side note: WHY DON'T WE HAVE A SEPHORA IN CHARLESTON? Seriously!? Ok anyway, so they finally e-mailed me today and let me know it was back in stock. I wouldn't expect it to last long though - precisely why I ordered mine this morning! I can't wait for it to arrive :)

I will share pics of the first manicure I have done with it, for sure. It may be a couple weeks though because I am trying to grasp at any last straw of summer I can and still rocking the hot pink!

Oldies But Goodies

2009-09-01T19:09:00.003-04:00

I adore watching movies and TV shows from my childhood. I miss the days where programming was just simple. I pray that there is a circa-1995 movie on TBS every night when I go to bed, they have the most of them. If there's not, it's Golden Girls or Home Improvement for me. I've seen every episode of Golden Girls so many times I've lost count - love it. I've been collecting DVDs of my childhood favorites not only to use as background noise while making my picture frames, but to build a collection of "classics" for my kids to watch one day. I just got a package from Amazon today with these five:

What are some of your favorite childhood movies?

Cozy Toes

2009-08-31T15:17:00.003-04:00

I am not so much a "slipper person," but I do like to have "house shoes." I in no way suffer from the common problem of cold feet. In fact, I suffer from the opposite: hot feet. I always sleep with my feet outside the covers and can not STAND to wear socks. I only wear socks when I'm wearing tennis shoes; as gross as it sounds, I don't even wear them with boots. Eek.

That being said, I found my ideal pair of house shoes recently at Old Navy. They are not enclosed as to assure non-hot feet, but are so soft and cushy they're classified as slippers. Seriously, the soles of these things are so thick and luscious, I would wear them around town if they weren't so clunky and big. They are perfect to kick around the house in and CHEAP to boot - only $8.00 (on sale)! If you're in the market for some new house kicks, stop by ON and try them on, you'll never want to take them off!

Terry Cloth Slippers on OldNavy.com

The Bagel

2009-08-30T15:00:00.003-04:00

Nothing screams Sunday to me like a good, fresh bagel. I grew up eating bagels every Sunday, literally from birth to high school graduation, at the most hole-in-the-wall authentic Jewish place ever, The Suburban House. My dad and all of his cronies held court at the same table, with the same waitress, the same 3-way cut baskets of bagels, and trays of lox and toppings for 20 something years. It was a special, special place to me - filled with some of my happiest childhood memories and omelets the size of my head. Sadly, it fell victim to fire a month or so back and burned to the ground. I still regret not taking Blondie there when we went to B-more back in June.

One of Suburban House's packed dining rooms.

Suburban House's Corned Beef Sandwich - SERIOUSLY.

Luckily for me, I recently found a family-run bagel bakery right here in Mt. P, Bodacious Bagels. It's no Jewish deli, there are no corned beef sandwiches with spicy mustard or matzo ball soup (2 of my favorites), but the bagels are all that really matter to me. Their selection of bagels and cream cheese is so extensive it makes you want to come back every day to try them all. What sealed the deal for me, however, was the interaction I saw between the owner and her regular customers this morning. There was a couple with their sweet baby girl, dressed in green seersucker, who interacted with the owner as if they were her own children. We asked her if they were of any relation and she told us that the wife came in almost every day while she was pregnant and that is why they're so close. Now, they bring the baby girl in every Sunday to see her.

Bodacious Bagels - Shelmore Village

Bodacious Bagels' Bagels. Each basket holds 2 or 3 varieties.

This is the kind of story that makes me want to patronize a business. These are the people who I want my money to go to. This is a place I want to take my little ones one day. And I'm so happy I've found a good bagel shop. It seems silly to get so excited over something so trivial as bagels, but to me, it's those little things in life that really make it wonderful.

Success!

2009-08-28T13:03:00.003-04:00

Babysitting last night was such a blast. I guess I've really grown up since I last babysat (story below) because not only did I turn on the nurturing charm, but it totally gave me baby fever! I know I'm not ready for my own anytime soon, but it makes me want to babysit more! I helped Davis, 5, copy some pages from his favorite train book to make his own story. He was so cute learning to spell and write his letters. When I was helping him spell a sentence and I got to the word "is," he said, "STOP! I know how to spell is, it's in my name!" SO cute - he has the biggest personality for a five year old ever.

His sister, Madison, 8, was more interested in finding out if I was Hannah Montana. We (she) watched the movie while Davis and I were working on the book, then came the SING-OFF! She is a total performer and wanted me to listen to her sing a duet with Zach Efron. She was so cute belting it out with her eyes closed and not missing a single word. Afterwards she put me on the spot singing T. Swift. Ha! Then we gabbed about how HOT Zefron is and we all played Mario Kart on Wii until their mom got home. They were mucho impressed with my Mario Kart skills, even though I blatantly let them beat me every time. They thought I was god after I showed them some secret short cuts!

When their mom got home all they could say was, "MOM, MOM, we want Hannah Montana to babysit every night!" So, hopefully I'll hear from them again soon, because honestly, I don't think I could ever get tired of hanging out with these kids - they were seriously awesome. And any time I get paid to play Mario Kart is fine with me. I went and spent my money on margs and fajitas with my Blondie afterwards too which was a nice treat.

Thank you all so much for the advice you sent me. It will definitely give me ideas for next time (although I've already been instructed to bring my computer so we can make singing videos - oy). Have a good weekend, girls, and enjoy this summer weather while it lasts! I'm totally in the "ready-for-fall" boat, but I know once it comes I'll be longing for the hot, summer days. Such is life, I guess!

Ruh-Roh

2009-08-27T12:28:00.003-04:00

I'm not exactly sure how this happened but somehow I got sucked into babysitting tonight. Let me make this clear: I AM NOT A BABYSITTER. In any way, shape, or form. The only babysitting experience I have to my name is looking after two boys, who belonged to friends of my parents, pretty regularly for a few years in high school. I think they were about 7 & 9 when I started watching them, but very mature for their ages, and very cool. Oh, and their house was SICK - bonus!

Remember when I said they were cool? Well, they thought I was cool too, and even more so, thought my music was the shizz. I would drive them to lax practice or games and we would listen to Ludacris - Word of Mouth. WOW, I can't believe I let them listen to that music at such a young age when I think about it now, but they loved it. They may or may not have memorized the entire spoken intro, which if you've heard it, is VERY inappropriate.

My bad influence streak doesn't stop here. They used to love to hear about my high school antics, the my-parents-are-out-of-town ragers we used to have, and anything else they probably shouldn't have. I was pretty blunt with them, that's just my nature. Oh, and one of my good friends lived next door to them so he would come over and hang out sometimes and we'd co-tell them stories together.

Cue: high school graduation party. The boys and their parents were invited, along with everyone I think I've ever known in my whole life. Well, since the boys knew about my partying ways, and they were finally invited to party with me, they decided to do a little bragging. As in, they went to their very conservative Catholic school that day and told all their friends they were going to "an underage drinking party." Yeah - way to go me. Their parents went in and cleared up the whole misunderstanding with the principal, but this memory still kind of haunts me.

And is probably why I haven't babysat since. Until tonight. Blondie's sister's boyfriend's boss (got that?) desperately needed a babysitter and asked me to do it the other night. I was a few drinks in and was like, "Sure! I lurve kids!" Now I am stuck here, terrified of the fact that I may royally f up some other kids tonight, and trying to think of constructive (read: not Ludacris) activities to do with them. Blondie's sister said they love making videos. Oy. I'll be sure to fill you all in on how it goes!

And any advice you can send my way before 6 p.m. would be greatly appreciated!

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

2009-08-26T15:27:00.004-04:00

I am SO excited ya'll - I finally won a giveaway! The charming Sweet Simplicity had an awesome giveaway and picked me as the winner today. I am seriously thrilled - what better treat could there be to find out on a nasty, rainy day!?

I will be receiving these two fabulous gifts:

A year's subscription to Southern Living and...

This adorable monogrammed lunch tote.

I am just seriously on Cloud 9 that I was the lucky winner and am absolutely appreciative of the generosity of our blogging community. I am on the brink of getting my much anticipated Etsy shop open and as soon as I do, I will be hosting a giveaway of my own, so keep your eyes peeled.

Also, if you don't read Sweet Simplicity, head on over and say Hi. This is seriously one of my favorite blogs to read. She is so sweet and relatable, and has one CUTE little doggie. I promise you won't be disappointed!

Thanks again, SS!!

Soda Love

2009-08-25T17:11:00.004-04:00

I am obsessed with Sierra Mist Cranberry Spalsh soda. The only problem? It's seasonal and only available during the winter. I have been known to stock up when it's available but a girl can only store so many 2 liters - and that so many is not enough to make in an entire year.

Cue: my newest drink obsession: Crystal Light Cranberry Apple. I am, and always have been, a die hard Crystal Light addict. It is a very rare occasion that you will not find a pitcher on it in my fridge. I have an entire shelf dedicated to it in a cabinet in my kitchen - seriously, probably 20 containers. This new flavor is amazing on its own, but a little tweaking and it is even better.

+ =

Seriously, just mix a can of diet (or regular) 7up (or Sprite, or Sierra Mist) with a few splashes of Crystal Light and it tastes exactly like Cranberry Splash! Loves it!

*@!%$ Blogger!

2009-08-24T16:32:00.002-04:00

Since last Wednesday I have been in constant contact with Blogger support because my blog stopped letting me sign in! I couldn't post, comment, or see my private blogs - how frustrating! I finally got an e-mail this morning telling me all should be well. I'm sorry for my lack of posting - and it was even more frustrating to not be able to let ya'll know what was going on! Grrr, I have the biggest love/hate relationship with technology. I will be back with regular posting starting tomorrow. I know I have a lot to fill you in on so get ready!

PS - has this problem ever happened to anyone else?

Menu Planning

2009-08-15T20:19:00.002-04:00

So I spent some time today planning out lunches and dinners for the upcoming week (M-F). I've done this plenty of times before (planned a week's worth of meals) and every time, I haven't actually done it. Well, this time, I am bound and determined to complete the whole week. I've made one shopping list for Monday and another for Thursday. I have all the recipes in a folder and in order. Just to ensure I actually complete this goal, I am going to post the menu so it ~~forces me to actually do it, all the while, haunting my dreams~~ gives me even more encouragement.

Monday

Lunch: (turkey) hot dog, sweet potato fries

Dinner: shrimp rolls, sweet potato fries, confetti veggie pancakes

Tuesday

Lunch: spicy tuna melt, leftover veggie pancakes

Dinner: chicken fajita salad, cheese quesadilla

Wednesday

Lunch: leftover tuna melt, leftover fajita salad

Dinner: grilled shrimp skewers, grilled scallion sweet potato packs

Dessert: grilled plum and raspberry packs

Thursday

Lunch: shrimp and snow pea salad, ham sandwich on pita bread

Dinner: paella

Friday

Lunch: ham sandwich again, pretzels, carrots

Dinner: mediterranean turkey burgers, greek salad

Dessert: banana pudding pie

Of course, I will share any successful recipes with you all! I'm really excited about all the yummy food - I really hope I can keep up with all the cooking!

The Past Two Months: Pictures

2009-08-14T14:00:00.013-04:00

So I finally pulled out the camera cord and uploaded all the pics off my new cam. I have to admit, I am the worst at remembering to take pics, and even worse at remembering to upload them! Here's all the pics I've been promising:

Baltimore: Aquarium

{I wish I would have had my professional camera - it was WAY too hard to get good ones of the actual fish with the point and shoot, that's why there are no good ones to share}

{The Jellies were by far my favorite - and made for beautiful pictures!}

{A whole pod of living jellies, up close and then far away}

{Electricity-producing Jelly}

Baltimore: Harbor Place

Baltimore: Fells Point

Charleston: Niece's Visit

{So sophisticated - drinking coffee at Magnolia's brunch}

Charleston: Past Few Weeks

{Fajita/Rita Monday at Chili's - DESTRUCTION}

{Purple'd Up - ready to go watch the Raven's game last night; sadly, it was blocked from TV down here :( thanks for the win though boys!!}

Blondie's "game face" cracks me up!

Game ON

2009-08-13T15:52:00.000-04:00

GO RAVENS.

Worth A Try

2009-08-12T13:35:00.003-04:00

Last night's dinner was so fun and the food was amazing! Unfortunately (and typically) I forgot my camera, so no pictures of the adorable house or dynamite food :( Next time, I promise! I figured I would share two recipes that I made with ya'll since they turned out so well, are perfect for the long, hot summer days and are super easy.

Ina Garten's Fresh Corn Salad

5 ears of corn, shucked

1/2 cup small-diced red onion (1 small onion)

3 tablespoons cider vinegar

3 tablespoons good olive oil

1/2 tablespoon kosher salt

1/2 cup julienned fresh basil leaves

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the corn for 3 minutes until the starchiness is just gone. Drain and immerse it in ice water to stop the cooking and set the color. When the corn is cool, cut the kernels off the cob. Toss kernels in a large bowl with red onion, vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Just before serving, toss in the fresh basil. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Mamma Mia Sangria

-- I saw this on an episode of Grill It! with Bobby Flay the other day and knew I had to make it. It's a "diet" version of sangria that his guest made with her meal. I can't remember her name but she was a sweet southern woman from Mississippi who had lost 60 lbs. recreating her favorite meals in a healthy way. This one was definitely good, and cutting the wine with ginger ale makes it go a long way! --

1 lemon, cut into wedges

1 orange, cut into wedges

1 extra-large orange, juiced

1 lime, cut into wedges

1 small can chopped pineapple in juice, drained

1 tablespoon Splenda

1 bottle chilled red wine (Shiraz or Zinfandel

1 liter chilled diet ginger ale

1 cup strawberries, washed and hulled

Squeeze the juice from all the citrus into a large pitcher. Toss in the wedges once they've been squeezed. Add the pineapple, splenda, and wine - stir to combine. Chill overnight in the refrigerator. Add the ginger ale and strawberries to the pitcher just before serving. (I made this all right before serving, put it in the freezer for 20 mins or so to chill, and it was still delicious. I imagine it would be even better left overnight)

Oh, and Queen B and LuLu are officially in a full-on love affair. Lulu is a little Chihuaua that is just adorable and loved making B work hard to catch up with her running laps around the yard. Then, they snuggled up on the couch after dinner, completely wiped out. They are so cute together - I will def get pictures next time we have a play date!

On a completely unrelated note (and to keep this post from being completely pictureless :) these riding boots just arrived on my doorstep:

I'm SO excited for fall, and although it's 157 degrees outside today, these have put me in the mood! They are so cute and comfortable and I can't wait to bust out the jeans and sweaters. Come on, October!

Busy Bee

2009-08-11T16:31:00.005-04:00

Sorry I haven't listed my shoes yet - I have to be honest, all weekend friends were picking through the piles and the number of good ones left has seriously dwindled. I'm going to sort them soon though and put up pics! I'm sorry I didn't give ya'll first dibs like promised, but the offer to get them OUT of here immediately was just too appealing.

I have been so busy lately it seems like. Even though I am still not working, I am sooo tired come the end of the day! I can't imagine how exhausted I'll be when I finally buckle down and enter the working world!

On that note, I've been working very, very hard to build an inventory of picture frames to open an Etsy shop. I'm hoping to get that up and running in the next few weeks. I already have a cute little name for the shop and all I need to do is order a header from Danielle that matches my blog design.

Blondie and I had a busy, fun weekend and now I've spent all day yesterday and all day today doing LAUNDRY. I despise laundry - that must explain the 7 or 8 loads I've done so far! Last night we went to Chili's (ask anyone - I lurve Chili's) for fajita/rita Monday. $2 margs and $15 for a double order of fajitas ... not too shabby! Any they were yummy :)

Tonight, I'm headed to one of my BFFs Becca's house for a girls night grill out. I'm taking queen B to play with our friend Emily's precious puppy LuLu and us girls are going to sit around, drink some wine, eat some yummy grilled goodness, and gab to our hearts' contents.

I love spending time with Blondie so much, I can forget to devote a proper amount of it to girls only events, even though I love them! I think we might start a once a month book/supper club to keep us all on track! Oh and Beccaboo lives in the cutest historic house - it has hearts cut out of all the shutters! I am def going to take pics to share - I got a new camera to take on our trip to Baltimore almost 2 months ago and have yet to upload any pictures from it even though there's a ton. All together now: PROCRASTINATOR!!

ETA: Oooh now I am SUPER excited to grill out tonight, because I just found out it's not just us girls, it's us girls and our GAYS! I love me my gays like you have no idea - best gossipers EVER! My fabulous main gay, Brunson, stopped by to keep me company between laundry loads today for a gab sesh. He is so great ya'll, and he's become a major player in the fashion scene here in Chas.

He also just moved into a fab loft on King street that I can't wait to see later this week! He also knows all of the Housewives of ATL personally and gives me the newest dish on their escapades. I can't wait for the episode with Lisa's fashion show b/c he was sitting front row with Michael Knyght (project runway) and I hope we can hear his snarky comments in the background :) He was telling me about it today and told me there's a very interesting opening "act" featuring ATL's version of the Pussycat dolls doing "loop-de-loops" and "drag queen twirls." LOVE you Brunny-Buns!

It's A GO!

2009-08-07T13:19:00.003-04:00

Due to the response on my post below, I have decided to go ahead with "listing" my shoes on the blog! I'll try my best to get it done this weekend!

Can't post much today b/c I am SUPER busy, gotta run out again now and stop in the office where I recently applied for a position to introduce myself, then take my car at 3 o'clock to have my navigation system replaced. Who knew breaking one knob would result in needing a whole new unit!? Then I'll be grabbing lunch with Blondie, doing a little shopping, then out on the town tonight.

Happy weekend girls!!

Interested?

2009-08-05T15:19:00.003-04:00

So I've been clearing out my shoe collection for the past few days and have amassed quite the pile of pairs to get rid of - probably 30 to 40 pairs total! I have quite a few Lilly, Via Spiga, Kate Spade etc, some in worn out condition, some in worn once or never been worn condition. My question to you readers is:

Who wears a size 9/10 and would be interested in me selling them here on the blog?

I wouldn't sell anything for over $20 since my plan as of now is to donate them all to My Sister's House. I just want them to have a chance to go to a loving home before they're given away to land in God-knows-whose hands.

Please, please let me know if you're interested and maybe let your other blog-friends know too. I really want this to work out and I will definitely do it if I have enough of you interested. No pressure to buy, just want to make sure enough of you have gigantor feet like me and would even be able to purchase if I did this! I'm excited!!

EDIT: If you're interested, make sure to let me know ASAP - I'll make the decision on Friday to do it or not, simply for the sake of getting these things out of here!! Although I've done all the dirty work, it doesn't feel like I've achieved anything with them just sitting around!

"It's Like Topping A TV Dinner With Fresh Chopped Parsely"

2009-08-03T14:32:00.002-04:00

Warning, this is a rant: There is one, and only one, show on the Food Network that makes me uncomfortable enough to actually change the channel. Sandra Lee's Semi-Homemade. ICK. What an f-ing cop out. Seriously. I understand people are busy, and they have kids, and this that and the other thing. I'm totally fine with using pre-made ingredients to make something quick and simple. But for a dinner party, really? And the best part is: parties are her whole schtick! I've never tried canned chicken, so I can't really knock it, but I certainly would NEVER serve such a thing when hosting company.

Really though, it's actually SANDRA herself that makes me crazy. Ok, I understand she had it extra tough growing up and has really made something of herself but, seriously, how can anyone stand to listen to her for more than 3 minutes? The mispronunciation problem she obviously battles is the absolute worst. It's eSpresso, Sandy, not eXpresso.

Maybe it's just me, but I'm more interested in the quality of the food than the tablescape thankyouverymuch.

WOW.

2009-07-31T14:51:00.005-04:00

As you've probably noticed already, I now have a completely transformed blog! I am very lucky to have worked with Danielle, at The Design Girl, to design this layout from the ground up. I really enjoyed working with her and believe me, this design far exceeds any expectations I had when we first started.

I would highly recommend using her for anything graphic design related that you might need. If her portfolio isn't enough to sell you on her, let me just say, she is a JOY to work with. She gives you the freedom to inspire the design, but then gets her capable hands on your ideas and turns them into something you would have never expected. Oh, and she's extremely professional, hands-on, and very timely to respond to e-mails (a heaven-sent quality), which makes the whole process fun and exciting. Oh, and did I mention she's always doing giveaways and contests to raise money for charity? Seriously, work with her. She is awesome.

Anyway in honor of my new design, I'm finally going to activate the followers box. I don't really know why I haven't done this yet, but oh well. My plan as of now is to hold a BIG giveaway when I make 100 followers.

There will definitely be incentives based on when you joined! Hopefully you'll find out what these are sooner than later!

Music Love

2009-07-28T12:58:00.002-04:00

I have been playing this CD on repeat since it came out and I LOVE it:

Sugar Ray - "Music for Cougars"

Sugar Ray is BACK and better than ever in my opinion - a summery reggae, hip-hop flare sound mixed with their old style. I am LOVING it! It's a definite must hear!!

... As A Dog

2009-07-26T14:40:00.003-04:00

Apparently my immune system went out the door with my hair. It's official, I have the been bitten by the "summer sick" bug. NO FUN. On Friday, I flitted about downtown to the nail salon, shopping, happy hour and such with a tall glass of iced OJ in hand, which apparently didn't do me much good. Boo. At least I've been stuck indoors and been able to get 6 loads of laundry done (I'm ashamed there was even that much) and watched so much HGTV that my brain is fried. I guess my Sunday night TV lineup of: Big Brother, True Blood, Hung, Entorage, Daisy of Love, Kendra and Denise Richards won't help out that cause. Seriously. Who watches that much TV in just one night? Seriously, anyone????

But, I digress, I just wanted to apologize for my sickness-induced lack of blogging and thank all of you lovely commenters for the compliments on my hair. I have grown to LOVE it, best decision ever. Look for my return soon and let's hope this sickness gets a case of the Mondays and slacks off.

This is getting a little old:

I always sleep backwards on the bed when I'm just sick and lounging and Queen B obviously LOVES it because she can sit on my butt and watch out the window. It's the simple things in life, really. Oh, and I LOVE to bring couch blankets into the room and sleep on top of my comforter - I do it almost all summer!!

My New Haircut

2009-07-22T15:08:00.003-04:00

So I went SHORT, short....

And I LOVE it!!!!

The best part was that I had 12+ inches to donate to Locks of Love... so happy!!

Doing It

2009-07-21T11:57:00.006-04:00

Confession: I haven't had my hair cut or highlighted since my last birthday. OCTOBER 1, 2008! WTF!? I wasn't exactly "happy" with it then and I've really grown into the super-long, beach-chic, messy look this summer. But lord, it is SO hot to have hair down the middle of your back! I just called a new (to me) salon and made an appointment. I asked for the best blonde colorist they have. I'm also planning on cutting off about 10 inches into a shoulder length bob. I'm terrified already, but hair grows, I guess. I'm just hoping all goes as well as I have planned in my head and I come out looking like this:

I literally have tears in my eyes just thinking about chopping all my hair again. I have to do it and I know it will look acceptable at worst. I'm hoping it looks AMAZING. We'll see - pictures for sure!

Edit: I just went scanning old FB pics for ones of me the last time I chopped my hair off, back in April 2007. I cut a TON off last time because I did it for locks of love. Here's a pic: (please disregard my orange eyebrows. I have no clue what was up with that?)

Now that I look at this picture closely, I think I can chalk my orange eyebrows up to excessive spray tanning. Thank god I left that practice back in 2007. A healthy, natural, spf-30 earned suntan is MUCH more flattering.

What do you readers think? I need opinions here! I want something more purposeful and styled than the above. Any good style reference photos would be greatly apprecaited!!

Edit AGAIN: o.m.g the salon just called me back and told me they just had a cancellation for tomorrow morning with their senior master stylist I could take instead of next week. I decided to go ahead and take it. OMG. No backing out now!

Style Personality

2009-07-19T14:39:00.003-04:00

I saw this fun quiz over on Grosgrain Garage and thought I'd share it with my readers too! I thought for sure I would be classified as "Hamptons White Wash" like Leesie, but alas, I was wrong. Here's my style personality:

High Street Classic

You collect key pieces over time.

Rich and luxurious objects appeal to you.

Your home is a temple to all you love.

Beloved memories fill your home.

You balance function with excess.

You enjoy the finer things in life.

Trends are integrated into your home.

Well, I think this is pretty accurate if:

1) Homegoods' objects are considered "rich and luxurious"

2) Mish-mash of college and grown-up furniture is trendy

3) Well, just erase that whole point about function and excess. Minimalism is not a word in my vocabulary.

Anyway, I really love the image on my cover (heyyy, guest editor!) so maybe it's not totally off. It really was a fun quiz, all you do is drag appealing objects to your bulliten board. Head on over and take it, and let me know what you get!

Missed A Spot

2009-07-16T13:39:00.005-04:00

No, no, I'm not air-shooting my face, and I know you can't really from this pic, but I am SUPER sunburned right around my mouth! It's the oddest thing ever. It's literally the corners of my upper lip, all the way around my bottom lip. I guess I just completely forgot to put sunscreen on that area yesterday? All I know is, it HURTS!

It's totally worth it though because I spent the most glorious 7 hours of uninterrupted bliss on Sullivan's yesterday, chair in the enormous tidal pool, steady breeze blowing, no one closer than 30 feet away, with nothing to do but read my mags and book. I am weird and I LOVE going to the beach by myself. It really is one of my favorite things ever. And I am SO blessed to have spent every single summer of my life thus far living at a beach, let's hope this never changes.

That's a pic from my blackberry of my set-up, but this is before I got the *genius* idea to ditch the towel and put my chair IN the tidal pool. PS - huge tidal pool, huh!? I'm proud of myself for sitting in it considering it's filled with fish, huge blue crabs, and goodness knows what else! But I did it - and I have the lip suburn to prove that I overstayed my welcome!

Holy SALE, Batman

2009-07-15T17:22:00.003-04:00

This Kate Spade sale is UNBELIEVABLE! Hurry over before everythings gone!

Comfort Food

2009-07-14T13:39:00.007-04:00

I was awoken on Sunday with some big time family drama via the phone. After 3+ hours of talking to numerous family members, lending a caring ear, and offering advice, I felt completely emotionally drained. I decided to work out to release some of my frustrations and then took a nice, long bike ride (on Blondie's - mine's still not here!) to cool down and clear my head. When I returned, I scanned the grocery sale ad's and made myself a list. I find grocery shopping for the week very theraputic, it's almost a physical manifestation of the idea "tomorrow is a new day" for me.

It was then that I thought, I should make something special and uber-comforting for dinner to celebrate the end of a really tough day. I remembered this fabulous shrimp & chorizo mac and cheese a friend of my sister's brought to her party in Baltimore. Too bad when I asked him for the recipe, he told me it was all off the cuff! So I scanned the internet for something similar and found Michael Chiarello's "Mac and Cheese My Way."

Holy ish. Heart attack in casserole dish! But it was truly delicious and exactly what I needed. The cooking process helped to take my mind off things, and the eating process melted away any other worries that were left. YUM! Oh and Big Brother, Daisy of Love, True Blood, Hung, Entourage, Kendra, and Denise Richards (Sunday night = TV overload!) were good escapes from reality too!

Michael Chiarello's Mac and Cheese My Way

18 pieces extra-large shell pasta

2 tablespoons EVOO

1 cup tasso ham or bacon

5 large shallots, minced

1 clove garlic, mined

1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup white wine

2 cups cream

1 cup grated fontina

1/2 cup grated sharp Cheddar

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

18 medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 cups gently packed spinach

Kosher salt and ground white pepper

Hot pepper sauce to taste (recommended: Tabasco)

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley leaves

Directions

Preheat broiler.

Cook pasta.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, add the olive oil and tasso or bacon, cook until just crisp.

Add shallots and garlic. Cook and stir over moderate heat just until shallots are translucent.

Add the flour, cook stirring constantly to blend and toast the flour, about 5 minutes.

Add the white wine, reduce until almost dry.

Add the cream, bring to a simmer until the sauce coats the back of a spoon, about 5 to 10 minutes.

Remove from the heat and stir in the cheeses, shrimp and spinach.

Gently stir until cheese is melted, spinach is wilted and shrimp is beginning to turn pink.

Season with salt and white pepper, to taste. Season with hot sauce, to taste.

Drain the pasta, making sure to shake all of the water off and out of the shells.

Place drained shells in a 9x13 baking pan.

Add the cheese and shrimp mixture and gently fold into the pasta.

Sprinkle with the bread crumbs and chopped parsley.

Place under the broiler until the breadcrumbs are toasted about 2 to 3 minutes.

Heartstrings

2009-07-13T15:50:00.004-04:00

This NYTimes article, sent to me by my lovely seester, really pulled at my heartstrings and made me that much more homesick than I already am, especially in the summertime. Don't get me wrong, I love Charleston and will probably spend the rest of my life here, but some things like this, really make me yearn for a temperate Maryland summer. Take a minute to read this article if you have one, and if for no other reason than it is beautifully written.

The Crab Houses of Maryland's Eastern Shore

I was lucky enough to have crabs with my Blondie while we were in Baltimore a few weeks ago, and I am so happy that I did. I enjoyed teaching him how to pick them (I can pick them with my eyes closed!) and I enjoyed rejecting his offer of a hugh piece of backfin, informing him "we don't give away our backfins." An oyster house up the street from us is having a "crab pick" on Saturday and I am excited just to show all my friends what's up, but truthfully, anywhere outside of Maryland, it just isn't the same. And by isn't the same, I mean not as good :)

It's The Freakin Weekend - R. Kells

2009-07-10T19:39:00.009-04:00

So I just have a minute, and I'm sorry I haven't uploaded pics yet (are you really surprised? prob not), but I just have so much fun stuff going on these days:

- FINALLY buying beach cruisers. Blondie and I went shopping for them today and it was nothing but a typical shopping experience per us. Blondie was fine with a great looking gray and cream model straight from the floor. I, of course, wanted non-metallic PALE TURQUOISE, so I ended up custom ordering it with pink fenders! YAY - it'll be here next week! Oh, and a wicker basket for Queen B, natch.

- Non-stop picnics at our brand new in-our-backyard Waterfront Park

- Organizing the linen closet (ugh)

- Spending wayyyyy too much time in the sun (I am 3x tanner than I've ever been and I've lived at the beach ever summer my whole life - eek!)

- Enjoying the 90 calorie goodness of WW Coffee Pops - I ate three yesterday

- Writing a business plan - details to follow upon completion - I need to start working, and I want to work for myself! Ha!

- Looking forward to a CRAB FEAST here in Charleston (my wet dream) on the 18th

and last but definitely not least (my fave actually)...

- Planning our 2 night getaway to Savannah for our One Year Anniversary at the end of this month!!!!!

I'm going to leave you with a beautiful picture I came across on Flickr recently:

Photo Courtesy of Joel8x

Happy weekend, Pretties!!

Oh, and P.S. - I caught my oven on fire last night. Flames and all. Who knew broil at 400 and bake at 400 were two different things!? Ah the life of an undomestic goddess... fighting fire for the sake of a midnight tuna melt crisp. P.S. - tuna and a little cheese on 1/2 an Arnold sandwich thin = heaven!

Catching Up

2009-07-08T14:53:00.002-04:00

WOW! Finally a minute to breathe... I'll tell ya'll, these past two weeks have been crazy, in the best kind of way. Blondie and I spent a long weekend, Thurs - Mon, in Baltimore, I ended up bringing my niece back with me (see below), spent the last 9 days hanging out 15 year old style, and now I just cleaned up the house, sent my Blondie off to shuck oysters and pour drinks and come home smelly, and I am PLANTED to the couch with some tea in my tervis and full house on, ready to catch up. Holy shit, longest sentence ever.

So, in Baltimore, Blondie and I didn't have the most free time, but we packed a lot in. This is how it went, I tried to mix my own favorite places with typical touristy stuff:

Thurs - leave Chas around noon, get to Baltimore around 9:30. Catch up with my sis, head to my uncle's bar (where I basically grew up in the kitchen b/c my dad was a partner, love this place), see my 2 best friends Rachel and Charles, drink some $1 beers, head home early.

Fri - up early for breakfast at The Paper Moon Cafe (a true Baltimore must see place). Head down to the inner harbor, go to the aquarium, walk around the Harborplace shops, the Galleria, have a drink at McCormick and Schmick's. Stop by my church to show Blondie the underground peace chapel and columbarium where my dad is. This place is so moving, my church is very old, grand, and just plain beautiful. It's the Episcopal Archdiocese of MD and the services are awesome. I always feel so close to my dad when I'm there.

Headed home to help my sister set up for a huge annual party she was having the next night (our reason for going up this particular weekend). Set up a HUGE tent with like 10 people, put out all the tables, chairs, and table decorations. At fried chicken and western fries from Royal Farms (rofo) and hung out all night outside in the amazing 65 degree weather on their beautiful deck. Watched the fireflies, I miss them SO much here in Charleston, it is far too humid to have many here.

Sat - helped my sister cook in the morning, she is such an awesome hostess and self-taught cook, I love to help her and learn her tricks. Headed to my mom's house for a pool party she was throwing for my cousin's 16th birthday. My mom is a nutjob and has completely ostracized herself from the rest of the family so it was totally awkward that they would want her to host a party for them. Most everybody put their game faces aside and came out to support my cousin though, which was nice.

My mom's house is a perpetual yard sale. She has SO much stuff it is absolutely unbelievable. The house looked like a thrift store. Need a lamp? Check the dining room table. Printer? There's 6 of them out next to the POD in the driveway. Christmas decor? That would be in Hannah D's room. Oh, and there's definitely a Christmas tree up in the living room that was wrapped in birthday tinsel and called a "birthday tree." I can't believe I'm even telling you all this.

The thing is, my mom was a Stepford wife x 10 when I was growing up. Immaculate home, lavish parties, a million friends, gourmet cook, in top top shape, en vouge, everything. And she was the best mom ever. The downfall she's taken since my dad died is truly, truly unbelievable. Most people who see her don't even recognize her. People who knew her can't believe she's change so much (for the worse). It's sad, it'd day and night, but I have chosen to more or less disassociate myself from her for the time being. Which I'm sure you already knew, anyway, ramble.....

So then we leave there and go back to my sister's house (where we stayed, BTW) for her party. Saw everybody and their mom, got drunk, told my niece she could come back with me, watch, beautiful fireworks, watch my niece's date ask her to be his gf (his name is Zach Dick. It's funnier when you say it out loud), kissed my Blondie, and partied the night away. I'll leave it at that.

Sun - Sleep. In. Clean up the yard, take down the tent (with only 4 this time), put everything away. Take Blondie on a driving tour of little bars in Canton (which we planned on going to) that are all closed on Sunday (old school liquor licenses), head to Fells Point, walk around and take pictures, drinks and apps at this awesome little Irish place with bomb french onion soup made with Guiness. More walking and pictures. Head to Bo Brooks for CRABS. Oh, how my heart misses a true crab feast. Bo Brooks was the perfect place, maybe not the most hole-in-the-wall authentic, but the jumbos were huge and the view can't be beat. Stop by bff's to say goodbye :( Sleep early.

Mon - Pick up at niece at my brothers house in BFE (aka Harford Co), stop by the orthodontist for something?, hit the road. 9 hours and countless are we there yet's? (is it just me or is 15 too old for that?) we made it back safe and sound. With Crab Chips and Berger cookies in tow.

Oh jeez, I didn't mean to write that much so I'll leave it at here for today. Tune in tomorrow for Episode 2: I've never hung out with a 15 year old. Oh and goodness, no pictures! I'll upload them soon too, promise.

Being MySpace

2009-07-03T20:00:00.001-04:00

We are sooooo MySpace

July 2009

2009-07-03T00:20:00.002-04:00

Just thought I'd share my July 2009 rap playlist with ya'll, it's a good one and I can't get enough these days. I'm pretty up on the new new so if you enjoy the "bump bump" (as my dad used to call it) music like me, look up these songs, they're good!

1. Every Girl - Young Money

2. (this one is old, but I forgot to put it on June 09) Chillin' - Wale f/ Lady Gaga

3. My Time - Fabolous f/ Jeremih

4. Big Dreams - The Game

5. Obsessed [Remix] - Mariah Carey f/ Gucci Mane

6. Louie Bounce - J. Kwon

7. So Damn Down - Tanya Morgan

8. Roll Up The Purp - Guce

9. Million Bucks - Maino f/ Swizz Beats

10. I'm Good - Clipse f/ Pharrell Williams

11. Checkin' My Fresh - Kia Shine f/ Young Dro & Maino

12. Across The Globe - Fast Life Yungstaz f/ Sammie

13. The Life - Willy Northpole (love this name) f/ Ne-Yo

14. Screwed Up - Trae f/ Lil' Wayne

15. Get Involved - Ginuwine f/ Timbaland & Missy Elliott

16. Supaman High - R. Kelly (is BACK) f/ OJ Da Juiceman

17. Why R U - Amerie

18. Self Made - K. Michelle f/ Gucci Mane

19. Real Big - Mannie Fresh (I always throw in a good high-school-era song at the end of all my CDs)

Change Of Plans

2009-07-01T19:15:00.004-04:00

So, Baltimore was wonderful - I'll be sure to fill you in on it soon. One thing I didn't expect? To bring my 15 year old niece back with us for 9 days while my brother is in Ireland! Please excuse my semi-absence (again) through the 7th as we are having some great family bonding time! And by family bonding time, I mean me watching her text her boyfriend ALL DAY LONG every day. I mean 0 down time from the phone, all-out texted conversations. I swear, teens these days will have carpal tunnel at 25. Mark my words.

ETA: I didn't mean for this to sound so snarky! I love my niece with all my heart and am SO happy to have her here and to get to spend so much time with her - text-a-holic or not, I'll take every minute I can get!

Shambles

2009-06-24T11:50:00.003-04:00

Really!? REALLY!? Keepin' it classy (and ever shweaty...)

Oh and this night I almost started an altercation with some T-R-A-S-H-Y girls outside this bar with hardcore guido accents. You see it's in a strip of bars on East Bay that are tiny, tinier, tiniest (hence the shweaty-ness). They were walking by and said something about how they hated it here and every bar is smaller than the next. I took it upon myself to turn and yell to
them, "These are historic buildings, not the Jersey shore, hon'." Always have to throw that Baltimore hon' in there. SPEAKING OF: BLONDIE AND I ARE GOING TO BALTIMORE TOMORROW FOR A LONG WEEKEND YAYAYAAYAYAY. I'll post more about the trip later.

Anyway what one could assume is the best picture from that night (above) alas, is not. Behold the jumpsuit:

We Are Horrible Parents

2009-06-23T18:02:00.004-04:00

Don't ask me how we found out about this (because I have no idea) - but when you put hair clips on B's legs... she does the funniest walk. Just got the brilliant idea to video it and share it with you! Please ignore Blondie's babytalk - yes, it is embarrassing. Yes, you know you do it with your furbabies too.

How funny!? She's done it wayyyy better before though. She's actually kind on getting the hang of it. She used to look like a tap dancer when they make really big arm circles. HA!

Ok, gotta run, off for a date night with Blondie: fajitas and margs at Los Arcos, then seeing The Proposal! I'm dying to see this movie because I'm in love with ~~Ryan Reynolds~~ Betty White and since we saw Star Trek last, it was my pick! I would l.o.v.e to see The Hangover again (we saw it opening night - bad idea) but I can't bring myself to unless I've seen this one! I'll let you know how it is!

Lyric Love

2009-06-22T20:20:00.003-04:00

I (ironically?) love these lyrics from the Rascal Flatts song "Love Who You Love" and wanted to share:

Love who you love

With all that you have

And don't waste time - it flies so fast

Love who you love

And say that you do

Hold on as tight as they'll let you

Sweat It Out

2009-06-22T13:49:00.006-04:00

Hi, girls! I am coming at you live from the pool in my condo complex - I live right by the pool so I can access my wireless internet connection from right here!! I can stay connected all day while still soaking in the rays - FAB. Unfortunately, we have some less-than-classy (understatement) renters who recently moved in who have taken to throwing nightly ragers at the pool, and by nightly I mean until 3 a.m. I didn't really take issue with it until this morning though, not only because I can party til 3 a.m. with the best of them, but because I didn't realize the destruction they were causing.

As soon as I got out here this morning, I noticed the pool was distinctly cloudy and n-a-s-t-y looking. Then a little boy, an out of towner, politely told me "the poowl is cwosed, it's unsafe to swim." I heeded the advice of this four or five year old, but still wondered what could be wrong with the pool. The pool man showed up about 30 minutes later in none-too-great of a mood (I wouldn't be either if I were him, but I didn't know at the time). Apparently he had shown up early this morning to do his routine Monday morning cleaning. Well he was greeted by, "over 100" empty beer cans/bottles strewn about the grounds of the pool, dog poop all over the pool deck, two pool chairs IN THE POOL, the grill, open, covered in left out bacon, and the pool water level to be significantly low.

He did some further examination only to find that somehow, a MAJOR crack that took them oh, 4 f-ing months this spring to repair, had been somehow re-opened. He thinks that it wasn't completely repaired when it was supposed to be but since the water level has been unusually high lately due to rain, we haven't noticed the problem (like I'm looking anyways....). According to him there must have been so many people in the pool last night that caused so much water to displace, that the water line is now below the crack, can't fill itself above the crack, and won't come up high enough to active the chlorine pump. Really, REALLY!? I'd love to know exactly what my $250/month H.O.A. fees are going to Island Realty. This is ridiculous.

Anyways, moral of the story: if at the pool you can't swim, blog!!

P.S. - this is how sweaty I am:

WOOF.

ETA: woah, when I looked at this picture sans outdoor-sun-glare, I realized my bubbies (I've been saying this way longer than the NJ housewives by the way...) look ginormous. Like Pam Anderson ginormous. I wish! I'm a full B at best... awkward angle I guess.

Good For The Soul

2009-06-18T13:06:00.003-04:00

One of my friends, M, is having quite a tough day today so I invited her over for a girls-night-in dinner. I am going the "summer comfort food" route and making my mom's authentic Maryland crab cakes (to-die-for), white trash potatoes (funeral potatoes, whatever you call them), silver queen corn, and a raspberry buttermilk cake for desert! I think we're just gonna hang low and enjoy some girl talk and maybe watch He's Just Not That Into You.

Thank God for good girlfriends!! Oh, and don't worry, my Blondie will have a plate waiting for him upon his return home from work :) AND, I'll share the recipes (successful or not-so-much) with you all soon!

Here's a picture I stole from the cake recipe, just to make your mouths water:

Photo Courtesy of www.SmittenKitchen.com

LOVE

2009-06-17T13:15:00.004-04:00

Sorry I've been MIA - I'll fill ya'll in soon enough :) Just wanted to share this amazing & amazingly funny collabo:

Best Of Barbados

2009-05-25T22:04:00.004-04:00

Hi, all! I'm officially reconnected (and it feels so goooood...), I've gotten my photos together, and I'm here to SHARE! We had the most amazing time in Barbados, it was truly a wonderful vacation. But (and this is sooo indicative of my luck) our camera broke a few days into the trip! I don't have nearly as many pictures as I'd like and I didn't snap some things I wanted to before it broke (like the beach), but we have the memories and that's better than nothing right?

I'll give you a timeline of the trip since it's not all documented (this is long, so if you don't give a shit - scroll down to the bottom, there's a pretty nifty slideshow):

Day 1

- woke up at 4 a.m. (shoot me in the face)

- at the airport by 4:30 a.m. (per the strict 2 hr pre-flight policy of our hotel and shuttle)

- at our gate by 5:00 a.m. (see, I knew the 2 hr policy was ridiculous for 6 a.m. flights!!)

- sorry, all that was just a little rant.

- flew from Jacksonville to Miami, 2 hr. layover in Miami, flew to Barbados (about 4 hrs)

- checked in to our hotel & were greeted by 1) a bottle of Mount Gay Extra Old (thanks, B2B) and a wonderful gift basket with banana bread and champagne among other things (thanks, Seeester)

- got a bite to eat at a little sandwich place (see pics of us with our "first rum punch")

- walked around and explored the gap & took pictures

- stopped in Cafe Sol for a drink (where the cool paper bunting picture was taken)

- instead of a drink, had 12

- made friends with the owner and the bartender and went shot-for-shot

- stumbled home and passed out circe 8 p.m.

Day 2

- got up early and met with a tour company rep to book our activities

- spent the day at our beach (some people call it Dover beach, I call it our beach)

- went to the Bajan (pronounced Basian, not Bahay-an like I thought) Roots & Rythm show, a cheese-tastic dancing variety dinner show

- was more interested in the all-you-can-drink (& eat!) part of the whole shebang

- bought a STEEL DRUM (awesomeness) and an even more cheese-tastic souvenir photo of us with the dancers:

- to bed at a reasonable hour because we had to be up at 6 a.m.

Day 3 (or as I like to call it, the day I accepted that I get seasick)

- up at 6 a.m., picked up at 6:30 to be at our private fishing charter by 7 a.m.

- take Gravol (Bajan dramamine) around 6 a.m., feel like I've taken 5 Xanax bars by 7 a.m.

- out on the boat for about 30 minutes, anchor by a jetty, I know I'm going to be sick, it's just a matter of when, really

- puke my brains out a solid four or five times before I realize, I'm not going to feel any better

- under the advice of Blondie, head back in, much to his dismay (I think I will feel bad about this one forever. Literally, forever. All he wanted to do on this trip was fish. I ruined it.)

- fork over $300 for NOTHING

- realize I've gotten seasick my whole life and should probably just stop convincing myself I've magically grown out of it

- spend the majority of the day sick as a dog in the room (I FULLY BLAME THE DEVIL PILL, GRAVOL)

- Blondie spends the majority of the day drinking at the pool bar

- I eventually join him, 10 or so beers behind

- go to dinner at Luigi's, eat ham, cheese and olive tapenade bruschetta among other things

- olives and beer don't sit well with Blondie, his turn to puke and turn in for the night

Day 4

- breakfast at Bean and Bagel, checked in on Facebook from their internet cafe

- beach all day

- Oistin's fish market for the night. It's an awesome outdoor market with probably 100 food vendors and 50 craft vendors, a concert pavillion, and a huge fresh fish market. It's hoppin' on Friday nights - everyone on the island comes out!

- back to the Gap - headed to Reggae Lounge

- arrive around 11 and realize that people don't come out until 1 a.m.

- hang for awhile, listen to some good jams (they played my all-time fave reggae song, "Ganja Farmer" - cool in my book), drank quite a few more Banks (their local beer - amazing)

- headed home at a reasonable hour

Day 5

- up early for our ATV trip

- with the most ridiculous NYers, I'm going to do a whole post about them here shortly (see slideshow)

- had the greatest time ever on our tour: rode through all the towns on the west coast north of Bridgetown, stopped at the northern cliffs, off-roaded through some sugar cane fields and got muddy as hell, stopped at a bar and grabbed a Banks, went to a lookout point in the mountains

- got back, took a shower and hung around the hotel - it was completely overcast and off/on rainy that day

- realize the camera is broken

- go to dinner at Pisces, upset the whole time that I didn't have a camera to document the absolutely breathtaking interior

- head home early because we're both dying to finish our books (LAMEST STATEMENT EVER MADE - it's even worse that it's true)

Day 6

- breakfast at Red Rock (a restaurant in our hotel)

- beach all day, drank our weight in amazing smoothies from Charles' (our friend from Savannah) stand

- ate a bomb-ass hotdog and some amazing egg roll-ish things from a hotel on the beach

- home, shower, get ready

- hotel bar for 2-for-1's

- dinner at Harlequin, Blondie had the "best duck he's ever had in his life," and that's saying a lot because he had duck at a very upscale restaurant here in Chas less than a week before that was really good

- stop by McBrie's - the Sunday night party spot

- decide we don't want to pay $20 cover and would rather shoot pool and hang at the hotel bar

- walk back to the hotel

- the bar is closed

- walk to a little local spot called Scotty's

- Scotty's is closed

- throw in the towel

Day 7

- sleep in

- head to The Savannah Resort (our hotel's sister in Bridgetown) for an amazing couples massage (again, thank you, thank you, thank you B2B!!)

- two whole hours of BLISS

- realize I don't appreciate the part of a massage where they grab your love handles and shake

- a to-die-for late lunch at a little coffee shop down the street from the Savannah

- home to shower and get ready

- do all our shopping for souvenirs for friends and family (and some for us, of course)

- apps and beers at a little place called Lighthouse with a wonderful one-man-and-his-guitar act playing the typical one-man-and-his-guitar classic songs

- realize once we're home, we forgot to buy two things

- Blondie heads back out alone and discovers that men walking solo are non-stop approached by prostitutes

- I'm happy they leave couples alone

Day 8

- head to the airport (so sad, but kind of ready to get home - over a week is too long for me to be away)

- buy umpteen bottles of pepper sauce - amazing shizz they use like mustard (like on your table you have ketchup and pepper sauce)

- fly to Miami

- go through customs with our shopping bag of pepper sauce

- realize we have to go through security at the Miami airport after we've re-checked our bags

- no idea what to do with the 7 definitely-not-airline-approved sized bottles of pepper sauce

- we decide to have them double-wrap the actual plastic shopping bag full of it in plastic wrap at the station where you pay them to wrap your suitcases

- provides a nice padding, go check the tiny package, we're in the clear

- get on the puddle jumper to Jacksonville

- fly through a tropical depression in a 50-seater plane

- I lose my lunch about 15 minutes before we land due to the extreme, we're-going-to-die turbulence

- American Air is very lucky I had another plastic bag to use as a sick bag because they didn't provide any. Until I thought about how we had that bag, I was fully intending on puking in the seat pocket

- the whole plane hates me, save for the business lady and her gay assistant behind us who gave me gum

- my puke smells like the bbq chicken pizza I had from CPK at the airport (SICK, I know)

- business lady magically produces a gallon size freezer ziploc for me to put the puke bag in

- smell under control (not really, but let's pretend) but still have a few spots on my shirt and pants - yuck.

- 90 year old male steward could care less that I'm crying and on the verge of a panic attack and refuses to help me get off the plane a.s.a.p when we reach the gate

- finally get off the plane, get our bags, and get the hell out of the airport

- I've never been so happy to see a Best Western in my whole f-ing life

Good god, if you managed to make it through all that ~~GET BACK TO WORK, JEEZ~~ you're a superstar. If not, here's that slideshow you're looking for:

Obviously I had to set it to some Rihanna (which is actually ironic because they HATE her there) and this is my all time favorite Rihanna song. It's called "Kisses Don't Lie" if you're interested.

2009-05-23T12:36:00.002-04:00

Happy blogoversary to me, happy blogoversary to me, happy blogoversary Hannah D, happy blogoversary to me!

One year ago today, I (re)started this little blog with the hopes of documenting my random thoughts, shopping finds, and puppy-raising fiascos. Little did I know how much of an impact this blog and you readers would have on my life. I am so thankful for each and every one of you, and reading your blogs makes my day so much brighter. Thank you all a million times over for being supportive when I needed it, offering advice when I didn't have anywhere else to turn, and laughing along at the funny moments. I am so lucky to consider each and every one of you my friends.

On that note, what better blogoversary present could I receive then to have new readers come out and introduce yourselves? Come on, I don't bite - and I can always use new blogs to add to the blogroll!

Queen B loves every one of you too!

Gone Fishin

2009-05-11T12:24:00.003-04:00

Hi all! Just checking in one last time before we head off for our week in the sun. We're headed to Jacksonville tonight, we fly from Jacksonville to Miami to Barbados at 6 something tomorrow a.m. so we're headed down to stay in a hotel room tonight.

Graduation weekend was awesome. I had a great visit with family and friends, lots of eating, lots of drinking, lots of celebrating, and lots of love. I really can't believe I'm technically "unemployed" - I always considered school my "job." I'll take on that one ~~a week or two after~~ when we get back.

I promise to become a more regular poster as soon as everything returns to normal. I'm not taking my computer with me, but there is an internet cafe right near our hotel so I might stop in to say hi! Also, keep your eyes peeled for a guest post!

I'll leave you with a picture of me and my beloved Nana from mother's day brunch yesterday at Magnolias. I love her so much and it was so nice of her to make the journey down here. She is just the greatest thing ever. (Here's a throwback post I did about a book she made me when I was little)

I promise graduation pictures upon my return! My mom did most of the picture taking so she should be e-mailing them so me any day now - too bad (not) I'll be disconnected for the next week and a half (we're visiting Blondie's mom in FL for her birthday when we get back form Barbados)!

Tomorrow: 8 a.m. - 5 Years In The Making

2009-05-08T21:32:00.003-04:00

Why Did I Find THIS When There Is So Much Cleaning To Do!?

2009-05-04T18:29:00.003-04:00

http://www.textsfromlastnight.com/

YUM

2009-05-04T14:33:00.003-04:00

Get in my mouth right now.

I'm going to have to wait until my graduation dinner on Saturday night, but the cravings are kicking in already. Oh boy.

Why Did It Take This Long?

2009-05-01T11:25:00.009-04:00

To try INFUZIONS on Shem Creek!? Holy ish ya'll, Blondie, B2B and I ate there last night and it was hands-down the best sushi I have ever had. They completely blow Tsunami and ~~lame-ass~~ Wasabi out of the water. They technically do "fusion food," and although I proclaimed to hate fusion food in the parking lot ~~(typical)~~, I was sorely mistaken. We were total fatties and I'm just going to give you a rundown of what we had:

Drinks (we arrived at 10 til 7, so to secure happy hour pricing ($4 martinis) we double-fisted right off the bat. KLASSY):

Me:

1) Shem Creek Peartini - if you like pear, you will LOVE this. Delish, although a tad on the strong side ~~which is totally fine with me~~.

2) Key Lime Pie - let me just preface by saying I have very high expectations for Key Lime Martinis thanks to Coast (they even line the glass with graham cracker crumbs YUM). This one was different - lighter and more refreshing and overall, it was pretty damn good.

Blondie:

1) Lemon Drop Martini - I don't drink Limoncello (so sad, I know, but it tastes like soap to me, kind of like cilantro) so I couldn't tell you how it was. Blondie says it was awesome though.

2) Carolina Sweet Teatini - OMG this was the absolute best martini I have ever tasted. Anything with STV (sweet tea vodka) doesn't take much convincing though - love it! Will definitely be ordering this one on our next visit.

B2B:

1) Charleston-tini - very heavy on the pineapple taste, but good enough nonetheless. Both of B2B's drinks tasted a little too strong for my taste (it is possible) but I think he really enjoyed them.

2) Infuzion's Flirtini - There was a lot going on in this one but I don't think any one flavor stood out too, too much. It is their signature martini so I'm sure it's popular and hey, it does it's job.

Appetizer

We all shared their "Pulled Rotisserie" smoked potato chips topped with pulled rotisserie chicken and zesty orange sauce. This could possibly have been the best thing to ever touch HannahD's taste buds (well, until dessert). The chips were like thick, hand cut, salty, and everything they should be and the orange sauce was sweet and spicy and just overall YUM. I would definitely recommend this dish and order it again myself.

Sushi

We each ordered two rolls and all shared, except Blondie made out like a bandit and B2B and I don't like too much raw stuff so we couldn't pick off his!

Me:

1) Lord of the Rolls - tempura shrimp and cream cheese inside with shredded crab and spicy mayo mix on top. BTW - I'm pretty simple when it comes to sushi, so this was right up my alley. It was incredible and one of the favorites of the whole table. Their roll names are pretty clever too.

2) Extreme California - crab, shrimp, cucumber, avocado, and cream cheese. See, told you I'm into "simple sushi." This one is a classic, but they just make it perfectly and the presentation is beautiful. Bonus points in my book.

Blondie:

1) Bonsai Roll - tuna, yellowtail, salmon and cucumber topped w/ wasabi caviar, shrimp and avocado. Although I didn't try a whole piece - Blondie (a long-time sushi addict) claimed this was one of the best rolls he's ever had. I did try the wasabi caviar and yowza: spicy, salty, and delicious.

2) Rainbow Roll - California roll topped with shrimp, avocado, salmon, tuna, and albacore tuna. Another classic that, according to Blondie, was perfectly prepared and absolutely delicious.

B2B:

1)The Infuzions Roll - tempura lobster, green onions, topped w/ seared filet mignon. Orgasm.in.my.mouth. Enough said.

2) Crunch Roll - tempura shrimp and spicy mayo. We all enjoyed this one - and it was by far the easiest to handle with our chopsticks!

Dessert

I don't usually order dessert unless 1) I'm still not full from dinner, 2) it is an upscale place and I'm in 3-course-meal mode, or 3) there is something that looks so unbelievably good, I couldn't fathom leaving without trying it. #3 was the case in this situation.

S'mores Lava Rolls - mini spring rolls filled w/ decadent Hershey's chocolate, marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs w/ vanilla ice cream.

I really don't think I need to tell you how good these were, they speak for themselves. I may or may not have had a dream about them last night.

_____________________________________________________

We just had a great time and I can't wait to go back. Their lunch menu looks YUMMY, and if I didn't think it was overkill, I'd go back this afternoon to try it out. We'll probably end up going back sometime next week though, I can already see it. The location is beautiful (for locals who don't already know - it took over Creekside), it is right on the water with multiple decks, glass rooms and several bars. They also have a whole rooftop that feels like a tree house, which I love.

I just noticed on their website that they have good DJ's on Friday and Saturday nights - HOORAY, since there is no.where. fun to dance here in Mt. Pleasant. I think this just might be my new hot spot. Definitely try it out if you're ever in town.

P.S. - did I mention I'm done with college? WTF!?!?!?

Three Things

2009-04-24T10:03:00.003-04:00

Three things that made yesterday the best day EVER:

1. Spent 7 AMAZING hours on the beach in the most perfect weather - 80 and sunny with a steady breeze and water so still it looked like glass. There's something so tranquil to me about spending time on the beach by myself. Sometimes it's just good for the soul - the perfect setting for some quiet reflection. I got to spend awhile by myself yesterday but I was glad my friend B2B met me out there around 2ish. Did I mention I managed to get pretty tan - even after reapplying SPF 30 every hour on the hour? I'm probably going back today to meet my friends Emily and Becca after class! I am thankful every.single.day to have the luxury of a 10 minute drive to the beach. Loves it!

2. While at the beach I got a text from a group member from my Audi group letting us know he picked up our graded project. Let me just say - this project was ridiculously hard. So hard, in fact, that the class (which is really just this project) is being moved to the GRADUATE SCHOOL program in the fall. P.S. - this is only the first year it's been taught. The night before we turned it in, the four of us sat in the library and discussed how we were hoping to get an 80. Guess what - WE GOT 100%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I literally responded to his text with "HAHA very funny - what did we really get?" I also saw this same group member ~~6 glasses of champagne deep~~ on E Bay street last night and proceeded to give him 12, or so, high fives.

3. When I walked in the door from the beach, I got a return call from a wedding planner that B2B put me in contact with letting me know she'd love to take me on as an intern, STARTING MONDAY! Oh, and my first project I'll be working on is a Bat Mitzvah with a High School Musical theme. I plan on watching all 3 of them on Sunday after church&brunch since I've never seen them (shocking, I know). This is such a huge relief - I really need experience seeing as I haven't worked since summer 2005 so I was happy someone was willing to take me on! I am SO excited!!!