Wednesday, June 29, 2011

T minus 2 days

and I'll be here:

(via)

WILMINGTON, NC!!!!!!!!!!

I've only been to Wilmington once and it was in the dead of winter - so, I'm super excited to visit. One of A's sisters lives and work there, so A, Jerri and myself are using this extra-long weekend as an excuse to see her pretty face!
Can't wait to see her and sit my white bum on the beach!
What are you doing for the 4th of July weekend?

During the epic thunder/lightning storm we had last night, I managed to make the most delicious meal:

Grilled Pork Chops with Grilled Pineapple Salsa

(via)

You can find the recipe here.
Oh, Emeril Lagasse... you are a genius!!! It was by far the tastiest thing I have ever made!

Happy Hump-day!

Till next time-
M

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Reality check!

Dear Ashley Hebert -
I think it's time for a reality check...not from the guys that are left (you actually have a few great ones still around..ahem, Ames...ahem, Ben) but a reality check from your clothing.
If you have a stylist, please fire him/her.
If the Bachelorette gave you a clothing allowance, maybe you should think about returning the clothing you bought.
I know you have a really great body, but I don't want to see EVERY bit of it every Monday night. If you have a see-through top on, put a tank top on underneath it. I don't tune in to see your black bra.
If you have tiny shorts/skirts on, maybeee you shouldn't wear hooker heels.
If you're working out, maybe you should put on a shirt.
And lastly, if you are considering tying your shirt up to show your stomach, Don't. Do. It.

... Just saying..

Case in point:

                                                                           (via)
  (via)
(via)

In my humble, and obviously much more conservative opinion, I think you should take a few style tips from Jillian. She is by far the cutest and best dressed Bachelorette: 

(via)

(via)
And for crying out loud, if you are over Bentley...stop talking about him!!

Till next time -
M






Monday, June 27, 2011

Line up and follow up

Hellllooooo there! Its been 5 days since my last post and I think that's the longest I've gone without blogging!

Lots to catch you up on....where ever shall I begin...

Oh yea - If you haven't read about my "DC girls trip," go here.

On Thursday, I drove back up to DC for a line-up.  I was dealing with a lot of emotions leading up to this day and was a complete ball of nerves. Lucky for me, A came with and helped ease the tension. Our first stop was the U.S Attorney's office where all my information was taken and after a quick meeting with the Attorney working the case we walked over to another building for the actual line-up.
Everything happened so quickly and I have to admit, it was all very exhausting and overwhelming. There were 12 people present to do the same line-up as me, which was for the short man who was holding the gun. They lined all of us us up against the wall and then walked us into this great big room. I guess I watch too many Law and Order shows because this room was nothing like I expected. Carpeted floors, detectives lining the back wall, a microphone near the front and on the right hand side were floor to ceiling pieces of glass. They sat us down and a detective talked us through what we were about to experience. They let a few people go behind the glass to reassure us that the men in the line-up would not be able to see us and then walked us back out. We were seated in the order they originally placed us in and then one-by-one escorted back into the room. The lights were out, but the room behind the glass was illuminated and 6 guys were standing inside holding numbers.
When I walked into the room, I remember feeling like this was an out of body experience. I never expected to  be here, doing this and once again, coming face-to-face with the man who had a gun pointed at me. I was really worried I wouldn't recognize him, but when I walked into the room, looked at the men behind the glass, it took me only a few seconds to find him. The detective near the microphone asked if I recognized anyone, and my immediate response was "Yes, Number xx." I didn't make them turn to the left or right, and I didn't need them to say anything. Without a doubt, it was number xx. Let me tell you, it was an amazing feeling.
However, I did find out afterwards that these guys were more dangerous than I originally thought. I heard that they did shoot someone, who is still in the hospital after 7 surgeries and they also tried to kidnap another girl. These guys were definitely the "bad guys" and I'm glad that not only was no one killed, but they are now behind bars.

Now, moving on to the fun stuff -

Friday night we went and saw Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings on Brown's Island. I have seen her once before (in DC of all places) and she puts on an amazing show. If you haven't heard of her, check her out.

                                                                         (photo via)
Had a really great weekend with these kids:

(Gahhh, I need a spray tan...asap)

And drank too much of this on Saturday:

So, a lot of rest (and Sweet Frog, of course) was much needed on Sunday!

Ruh Roh - Bentley's return to the Bachelorette is tonight! Will you be watching?

Till next time -
M

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Pick me! Pick me!

Hurry over to A Cup Of Joe - she is having THE. BEST. GIVEAWAY. EVER!




EmersonMade, the husband-and-wife clothing line based in New Hampshire, is offering a $1000 shopping spree to one lucky winner...No offense, but I hope its me!!


Gahh, isn't Emerson the cutest??


I've been lusting after these red jeans for quite some time:




Along with this pretty young thing:


                                                                                  (via)


Till next time-
M

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Oops...

June 21, 2011 -
Official first day of summer,
Longest day of the year, but most importantly...
National Wear Your Lilly day!!!


And guess who forgot about it this morning while getting dressed? THIS GIRL! Oops.
Maybe my Lilly bag that I carry my lunch in every day counts? Yes? No? ...Maybe so??

Another big "oops" of the day:
While driving to work this morning, I rear-ended another car. Nothing that we could see on either car was damaged (thank you, Jesus!). We exchanged information and she is taking it to see if anything under the car was damaged. Keep your fingers crossed that everything will be fine.

In other news, I made the best dinner last night! Greek Nachos!


I got the idea and recipe from Not Without Salt........its a definite "must try!"

Till next time -
M

Monday, June 20, 2011

Coming clean

Okay - I have to come clean about something...

I'm totally stealing this blog post - but it made laugh out loud numerous times while reading it! One of my favorite new blogs, The Southern Eclectic (check her out - I'm mildly obsessed and when I say mildly, I mean incredibly) posted this a while back.

Enjoy! ...I sure did..

A Woman's Dictionary

{1} "Fine"
This is the word women use at the end of any argument when they feel they are right but can't stand to hear you argue any longer. It means you should shut up. {NEVER use "fine" to describe how she looks. This will cause you to have one of those arguments.}

{2} "Five Minutes"
This is half an hour. It is the equivalent to the five minutes that your football game is going to last before you take out the trash, so women feel that it is an even trade.

{3} "Nothing"
"Nothing" means something and you should be on your toes. "Nothing" is usually used to describe the feeling a woman has of wanting to turn you inside out, upside down, and backwards. "Nothing" usually signifies an argument that will last "Five Minutes" and end with the word "Fine."

{4} "Go Ahead" - with raised eyebrows
This is NOT permission; it is a dare! If you mistake it for permission, the result will be the woman getting upset over "Nothing" and you'll have a "Five Minute" discussion that will end with the word "Fine."

{5} "Go Ahead" - normal eyebrows
This is NOT permission, either. It means, "I give up" or "do what you want because I don't care." You will get a raised eyebrow "Go Ahead" in just a few minutes, followed by "Nothing" and "Fine" and she will talk to you in about "Five Minutes" when she cools off.

{6} "Loud Sigh"
This is not actually a word, but is still often a verbal statement. It is very frequently misunderstood by men. A "Loud Sigh" means she thinks you are a complete idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you over "Nothing."

{7} "Soft Sigh"
Again, not a word, but a verbal statement. "Soft Sighs" are one of the few things that some men actually understand. It means she is momentarily content. Your best bet is not to move or breathe in the hope that the moment will last a bit longer.

{8} "Oh"
This word - followed by any statement - is trouble. Example: "Oh, let me get that." Or, "Oh, I talked to him about what you were doing last night." If she says "Oh" before a statement, run, do not walk, to the nearest exit. She will tell you that she is "Fine" when she is done tossing your clothes out the window, but do not expect her to talk to you for at least two days. {"Oh" as the lead to a sentence usually signifies that you are caught in a lie.} Do not try to lie more to get out of it, or you will get a raised eyebrow "Go Ahead" sometimes followed by acts so unspeakable that I can't bring myself to write about them. <---Us? Do unspeakable acts?? Confused.

{9} "That's Ok"
This is one of the most dangerous statements that a woman can say to a man. "That's Okay" means that she wants to think long and hard before deciding what the penalty will be for whatever you have done. "That's Okay" is often used with the word "Fine" and in conjunction with a raised eyebrow "Go Ahead." Once she has had time to plan it out, you are in for some mighty big trouble.


{10} "Please Do"
This is not a statement. It is an offer. The woman is giving you the chance to come up with an excuse for what you have done. In other words, a chance to get yourself into even more trouble. If you handle this correctly, you shouldn't get a "That's Okay."

{11} "Thanks"
The woman is thanking you. Don't faint and don't look for hidden meaning. Just say, "you're welcome."

{12} "Thanks A Lot"
"Thanks A Lot" is dramatically different from "Thanks." A woman will say "Thanks A Lot" when she is really ticked off at you. It is usually followed by a "Loud Sigh." This signifies that you have hurt her in some callous way. Be careful not to ask what is wrong after the "Loud Sigh," as she will only tell you "Nothing."


Till next time -
M

Friday, June 17, 2011

The trouble with jogging is...

.. that the ice falls out of the glass.


I think if i had the opportunity to trade jobs with anyone - it would be this lady, Paige Smith. I recently ran across her blog and I'm in love. Not only is she super cute, but she is super talented too!

Paige is a print designer based out of Philadelphia, PA who has worked with with the one and only, Lilly Pulitzer (among others). On the Lilly blog, I found where Paige explained one of her prints, "Let them eat cake."



(Picture/story via Lilly blog)

“Doing all of the impressionist inspired prints for Spring 11 took me back to my time spent studying abroad in France. One of the most memorable experiences there was having lunch at Laduree in Paris on the Champs Elysees. I remember looking at the rows and rows of confections, each treat a work of art. The pistachio and strawberry macaroons were my favorite! Drawing the cakes took me right back to that day, I had cravings for sweets the entire time I was working on it! I also got to visit the Prelle Showroom while I was in Paris, an amazing Textile house that made fabrics for Marie Antoinette. When I returned home from France I was a little obsessed with the Marie Antoinette Movie, I think it helped with the culture shock. The movie used Prelle fabrics and confections from Laduree. I recommend putting on the “Let Them Eat Cake” dress and getting inspired by Marie Antoinette’s decadent fabulousness!”

Le sigh...back to selling paper...

Till next time-
M

Thursday, June 16, 2011

And so with the sunshine

"And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer." 
— F. Scott Fitzgerald (The Great Gatsby)

I can't explain it...There's just something about summer that keeps me happy... 
Maybe its the smell of our dinner cooking on the grill (thanks to A) or its the endless amounts of fresh fruit/veggies.
Maybe its the brightly colored sundresses hanging in the closet or the Jacks broken in and ready to go.
Maybe its the sounds of fireworks from the baseball field every night or the two months of endless travel opportunities.. Our destination TBA

(Via pintrest)

After the amount of traveling we did last weekend, I'm looking forward to a weekend of QT with A. 
Dinner date on Friday night.
Possible minor league baseball game Saturday night.
Rest....
and maybe a few of these:



Leave it to Martha to come up with a delicious-looking summertime cocktail!
Happy Thursday - Its almost the weekend, folks!

Till next time-
M

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

What I'm loving Wednesday

A few things I'm loving this week:

1) My amazing family (obviously):






(photos via my mom's camera)
2) Bagel Thins
       Have you all tried these? By far, my newest obsession - they have quickly surpassed my love for daily English Muffins

3) Long walks around the Fan
     Due to the spained ankle (thanks a lot, Michael Jackson), I have replaced my runs with long walks around Richmond with Jerri. Yesterday, we walked from our house to Carytown.....which leads me to my fourth and final love....

4) Sweet Frog
    Doesn't get any better than this!! Mango/sweet cream yogurt topped with fresh kiwi and strawberries.
I. Die. 


Whoever came up with the idea for choose your own yogurt/toppings is a genius. A genius, I tell you!!  I hope he/she is living the high life because they certainly deserve it!!

                                             (Not my actual yogurt...photo from VAfoodhead)

Hope you have a happy Wednesday!

Till next time -
M

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

To Holly

Wishing my little sister, Holly safe travels, lots of love and tons of fun while living/traveling in Shanghai, China for the next two months!



                                                                          (Images via)
Till next time-
M

Monday, June 13, 2011

Well it sure is Monday, isn’t it now - I gotta get myself through the week somehow


Can I just say how wonderful this weekend was? Pretty sure my sister was the most beautiful bride on the planet. Due to my I-phone being stolen, A kindly sent me the pictures he took on his. Take a look:










I loved seeing all my family while back in Ohio. I always have the best time when we get together. My favorite memories were NOT eating Fazolis with Holly, Eliza and Isabel's "first dance", A's first (and most likely last) keg stand, watching Sally try to keep her eyes open after getting false eyelashes put on, meeting all the new Holtzmuller babies, and watching my handsome brother walk Laura down the isle to a Coldplay song (a girl after my own heart).

I'll hopefully be able to post more photos soon, but for right now - I'll leave you with a few videos from Friday night's rehearsal dinner/roast. Enjoy!

                                                                   Maid of Honor roast:

                                                            Siblings guide to living with Laura:


Blog post title: "It sure is Monday" by Mark Chesnutt


Till next time -
M

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Extreme Jealousy.

Okay, my jealousy for 4-yr olds is now out of control...


Why you might ask? (I know, I know...this is a strange topic)


While at lunch today, I was reading my favorite website, Gawker and found this:

"Suri Cruise's shoe collection is worth a reported $150,000. The world's most precocious preschooler is "a massive fan of Marc Jacobs" and has had "several shoes custom-made, so if they didn't come with a heel, Katie had them redesigned for Suri. She commissioned a pair of Louboutins for her a while back." This has been your daily reminder that five-year-old Suri Cruise has a better life than you do."


Um...Suri has a pair of custom-made Louboutins? WHAT!!! NO FAIR.
Apparently they look like this:


                                                                              (via)
I'll take a pair in Black, Silver and Gold, please!
Though, as much as I hate to admit it - the girl's got style!







In other news, besides my jealousy, I am headed home to Ohio for my little sisters wedding on Saturday. Super dooper excited to see all my family and come back to VA with a brother-in-law!! 


Till next time-
M