head start? nope.

so i thought i was going to be really productive and start 'xmas listing'. not necessarily buying anything but doing a little internet browsing to get an idea of what i want to get people. it turned into me favoriting (i think i just made that word up) everything on etsy - for myself. wow, my selfless act turned totally selfish. fail.

one of the items i want. like bad.
they can be my 'special occasion glasses'.
ETSY.

Cowzone

I mean, CALZONE!
I used to think they were called cowzones when I was a kid.
Dustin and I decided to make calzones last night. We had never made them together before. Hell, I had never made one period. It was so fun because we both made our own which meant we could each add what we wanted. Dustin's consisted of meat (pepperoni) and cheese. Mine had those ingredients, plus veggies (broccoli, onion, & tomato)! OH. MY. GOD. They came out so good. I'm eating the other half of mine for lunch today. Is it 12:30PM yet?!

Dustin Says

"Fuck it, get me Fulton." (Picture coming soon...)

"We need a recliner."

On baseball:
"When you play outfield, you're your own best friend."
"It takes a certain kind of idiot to play catcher."

"Jared Leto is from the future."

Nausea

I keep getting these moments of nausea for the past month or so. It'll just hit for no reason and lasts for a few hours. No, I am definitely not pregnant. I just had my period last week. (TMI?! Isn't that what the internet is for?) I have no idea why it keeps happening but I think I might keep a food journal and see if that gets me any answers.

So for dinner: soup, wheat thins, and water. Normally this wouldn't be all that appetizing but when I'm feeling like this, it's like eating a damn feast.

Found

10 Facebook Statuses Nobody Cares About. This cracked me up. Then I realized I had posted similar status updates in the past which made me laugh even more. I'll admit that I have posted statuses involving 1, 4, 5, & 8. Yeah I'm one of those.

Anne Hathaway can rap. Who knew? I think she and Natalie Portman should collaborate.

TEN is back together! Well, at least for two shows (that are no where near me - grump face!) Watch this video about their reunion.

I love all Tattoo Tuesdays but I really loved this weeks. The peony tattoo is just so pretty. I'm definitely getting the tattoo itch.

I want to live in this room. Forever. The decor is right up my alley.

Hunger Games teaser!

M Turns Twenty

FRIDAY: Dustin rented 'Something Borrowed' off of xbox for me AND even watched it with me. Well, he laid on the couch next to me while browsing his iPhone while I watched it. But still. I read the book a few months ago and although it was entertaining it really wasn't as great as everyone made it out to be. It was one of those fluff books with no real substance which can be fun sometimes. The movie version was ehhh. I'm not sure what I really expected but sometimes on those rare occasions movies can be better than books (i.e. - Dear John). Marcus, Claire, and Darcy were some of the most obnoxious movie characters ever. At least Darcy is supposed to be that way but they went overboard with the other two. And Ethan? Not funny at all. The only scenes I really enjoyed were ones with Rachel and Dex. The movie as a whole was a big thumbs down.

SATURDAY: I woke up early and went to yoga with M. I sweat more than ever. I always say that at every yoga class - "man, i've never sweat so much in my life" but I'm pretty sure this time it was true.

And this is how awesome I look afterwards. Sweatastic!

Then later in the day, AFTER I showered and made myself look presentable, we took Miranda out to a birthday lunch to the Cheesecake Factory.

I died laughing when Miranda accidentally called the tentacles on the calamari - testicles. Actually, I'm still laughing about that. Oh and then there was the 'tent' story. My cheeks should be sore from the laughing.

Miranda and I both got what they call a 'Macaroni and Cheeseburger'. It was ridiculous! So good. See that thing on top of the burger? That's where the Mac-N-Cheese is. It just kind of explodes once you bite into it.

Brother/sister fun!

Those green eyes get me every time.

Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake.
BEFORE.



DURING.



AFTER.

After we stuffed ourselves we went by the mall. H&M is finally open and I couldn't love that store anymore. I had always heard about it but never actually shopped at one. I found the perfect blazer there. It's $60 which I don't really feel comfortable paying at the moment but you can bet your britches I will be back for it.

Dustin taking a leak in the fountain. (This photo didn't turn out as funny as planned but hey we tried.)

Then it was back home to say goodbye to the birthday girl.

I couldn't stop thinking about the fact that I have known her since she was thirteen. THIRTEEN. She was in 8th grade when Dustin and I started dating. Just a kid. We hit it off from the beginning, even with our 6 year age difference. Sure there were bumps in the road. Growing pains. But we came out better because of it. I'm so lucky to have her as my sister. Not only a sister, but a friend. She is beautiful inside and out. And as cheese-ball as it may sound, she has really grown into such a lovely woman. A fucking hilarious woman with amazing hair, tanned skin, serious road rage, the cutest giggle, and biggest heart.

Happy Birthday M! You're twenty, fuck yeah!

(click to make BIG)

Here's a little video from our afternoon.

SUNDAY: Actually slept in until 9AM! Hoooooray for that. It was a fairly lazy day. Finished up some laundry. Watched bits and pieces of the following: Little League World Series, Toy Story, and The Iron Giant. Also tried this hairstyle. It came out ok but it would have worked so much better with longer hair. GROW HAIR GROW!

And then while we were out today, I complained about how bright it was.
Good ol' sunshine state!
Dustin tried to help.

Antionio Brown

My next Steelers jersey will most definitely be - Antonio Brown. I was going to get one last year (his first year on the Steelers) but for whatever reason never did. Not only has he proven himself in a very short period of time but he has some pretty awesome TD dances.
This is the year.

WEEKend

Today was a good day.

Fridays are always better than any other day. I wake up and I have a little extra pep in my step because I know the weekend is near. It's a day filled with hope and possibilities. It's knowing I have TWO full days of doing whatever the hell I want. It's a good feeling.

Today was EVEN better than other Fridays. I came home during my lunch break which I do most days and had a few surprises waiting for me.

Surprise #1 - Dustin was home from work already! I always love when I get to see him in the middle of a work day.

Surprise #2 - Flowers on the dining room table. Apple juice in the fridge. Dishes put away. The best part is it was for no reason at all. We didn't have a fight the night before and it isn't some special occasion. 'Just because' surprises are the best. That husband of mine is such a keeper.

After work I went to go get my first pedicure since I lived in PC (8-9 months maybe). I can't believe I just admitted that. Eh, whatever. I had a nail place in PC that I liked and went to for 4 years, so I was kind of wary to try a new one once I moved back. Plus we have been trying to get back on our feet financially for the better half of the year. It was never a priority or something I could justify spending money on. But the time came for a treat to myself and boy did it feel good. I went with a co-worker/friend and we just flipped through magazines and chatted. I also forgot how nice it is to go with someone. I always went alone and was fine with that but I think I much prefer some good girly company.

I haven't been this excited about glitter since I was nine.

Happy weekEND!

The Friday Five

Childhood Movies: Sports

I always tell Dustin how many great kid movies came out in the 1990s (when we were growing up). I never see anything nearly as good these days. Poor kids! I have so many favorites that I'm going to have to break them down into categories. Here are my favorite sports related kid movies.

(source)

1. Little Giants - I can't even tell you how many times I watched this movie while growing up. I loved how bad ass Becky aka "Icebox" was. She was tough and better than most of the boys at playing football! Becky had good taste in boys too. Remember Junior (Devon Sawa)? I had a serious crush on him for most of the 90s. He's probably the only reason I was interested in watching this at first. It's a funny movie that really makes you cheer on the underdogs. Trailer.

Quote:
Jake: I use these for acid indigestion.
Teammate: What are we going to use them for?
Jake: Intimidation.

(source)

2. The Mighty Ducks (including D2 & D3) -QUACK QUACK QUACK! All three of these movies were just fantastic. Good story lines and interesting characters. Plus, lots of hockey. I think what really attracted me to this movie was the ice skating and all the tricks whether on ice skates or roller blades. I was big into rollerblading back then and secretly wished I could skate like them. My favorite characters were Charlie Conway (captain of the team), Goldberg (the comic relief), & Connie (one of the two girls on the team - girls who play hockey are just awesome).

Quote:
Goldberg: Be careful man, it almost hit me that time!
Conway: Goldberg, you're the goalie. It's supposed to hit you.
Goldberg: Does that sound stupid to anyone else?

(source)

3. Rookie of the Year - Kid breaks arm then gets to play for the Chicago Cubs. Pretty sweet deal right? Most people recognize Thomas Ian Nicholas from American Pie but he'll always be Henry Rowengartner to me. So adorable with that squeaky little voice. And of course Gary Busey as Chet Steadman. He's not nearly as scary as you might think. Well, not in 1993 anyway. Trailer.

Quote:
Dr. Kersten: [muffled, with hands over his face] Funky, buttloving...!
George: Did he say "funky buttloving?"

(source)

4. The Sandlot - I think we can all agree this is just one of those classic family movies. The most appealing part of the movie (for me) is the time period. The 1960s. So cool. I was just telling Dustin the other day while watching the Little League World Series, that I only like watching baseball when kids are playing. Hence, my love for this movie and Rookie of the Year. It's just not as fun watching adults play. Seems kind of like a kid sport anyway. I had a love/hate relationship with "The Beast". He's kind of scary but I'm always relieved when he shows his friendlier side towards the end. Trailer.

Quote:
Smalls: Oh yeah, the Great Bambino. Of course! I thought you said the Great Bambi.
Ham Porter: That wimpy deer?
Smalls: Yeah, I guess. Sorry.

(source)

5. Brink - One of the best Disney channel movies to date. And like The Mighty Ducks, I thought these skaters were awesome. The tricks were impressive and it had a fun little story line too. It's definitely the cheesiest of the bunch but I still love it. Don't judge.

Quote:
Brink: We skate for fun. We're soul skaters.
Gabriella: That's how it all starts. You start doing something for love, then you start doing it for money and before you know it, you're just another sell-out.

Black & Yellow

How cute is this? I MEAN SERIOUSLY! The cuteness of this shirt made me almost want a baby of my own. That lasted all of 3 seconds and I came back to reality. But lucky for me I know a little Steelers fan, so I can buy more of this kind of stuff!

Thirsty

This photo was taken on my lunch break yesterday - 1pm.

This was a couple gallons of water and 4 hours later.



It's amazing what a little love and water can do. Well, more water than love. Scratch the love, plants just need lots of water.

Busting Moves

Video from our canoe trip a few weeks ago.
The music really adds something extra.
10 points to Gryffindor or anyone who knows where I got it.

Erin came over yesterday.
We played a bunch of sports on kinect that involved us jumping all around our living room. There was also dancing. Singing. All around fun.
Dustin managed to kick both of our asses in bowling while slaving away in the kitchen at the same time. He's pretty awesome like that.

Erin and I started talking about hair styles. I told her she needs to try the no heat curls tutorial, especially with her long hair. It would look so cute!

Erin: Where do you find all of these hairstyles?
Me: Blogs & youtube.
Erin: Did you try the no heat curls?
Me: Yeah, don't you read my blog?
Erin: I only read it when you write about me.
Me: -___-

I then proceeded to french braid the side of her hair so she looked extra awesome for her night out. It looked so nice on her.
Enjoy some sweet moves in the video below.

Oh and we watched Paul this weekend. It was good!
I also saw a grown man walking around a parking lot wearing sponge bob slippers.
Oh world, you are so crazy.

Hair Research

How often do you wash your hair?
How often SHOULD you wash your hair?
Serious questions here people. I had to get to the bottom of it. AND I think I did.

I did some research. First I asked my close friends and then I asked the same question on FB.
And the results: 4 people (including myself) wash their hair every day and 10 people wash it every other or less. I had no idea so many people went a day or two without washing their hair. But the more I discussed it with everyone it makes total sense.

Lately, my hair has been feeling pretty dry. I tried this shine shit you spray in, but that didn't really do anything except make my hair smell really good (not that it didn't already smell good - just even better!). So after talking to some friends, I decided to try and go every other day. At first it was really hard. I love routine and breaking one I've had for so long was tough! The first day I felt gross. I felt like I had serious dirty hair but I'm pretty sure it was just all in my head - ha!

It's been about a week and I actually have noticed a difference. My hair is much smoother feeling and looking - BOTH wash and non-wash days. I don't have any more of the frizz EVEN in the crazy Florida humidity.

Today I went to have my hair trimmed (trying to grow it out) and the hair stylist told me I have really healthy hair but I do have a dry scalp so I'm hoping skipping a day will help with that as well. She also agreed it's better to not wash every single day. She told me how important it is to let the natural oils come out to give your hair that extra moisture. I never really thought about it like that. I felt like an idiot. DUH!

I've decided I'm going to keep it up unless I am sweating a lot or out swimming. Basically, I'm only going to wash it every single day if NEED BE.

The Friday Five (a day late)

Things that make my life easier (and probably yours too!)

(source)

1. iPhone 4. (I guess any kind of smartphone really BUT I just happen to prefer the iPhone). Obviously it does a lot of cool stuff that is just for entertainment purposes which is great but I rather focus on the things that really help me out. First, the GPS/map feature. I used to get really bad anxiety about driving somewhere unfamiliar. I worry no more because I always know where I am. Then there is the weather app. If I was out and about and saw clouds or if it started to rain, I would call someone and ask them to look up the weather. Which way is it headed? How long? How bad? But now I don't have to bother anyone. I know exactly what the weather is doing. Internet + phone = genius. If I forgot to pay a bill - BAM done. I don't have to wait until I come home to worry about it. Plus being able to receive my emails instantly is just so nice.

(source)

2. Jar Opener. Dustin's grandma randomly gave us one when we visited them in Pittsburgh last year and it is a life changer. I used to struggle to open my Apple Juice. I would wait until Dustin woke up and ask him to open it. (And by the way, he had trouble too so it wasn't just me.) But now I can open practically get into anything by myself with the help of this lovely little device.

(source)

3. DVR. I remember the days where I would be out with friends and cut it short because I had to race home to catch that week's episode of Felicity. OR I would ask my mom to record (and by record I mean with a VCR and VHS tape. ha!) a show but it never quite worked out. I would be watching my show and then in the middle of it Victor Newman would pop up. But now thanks to DVR I can record every show my heart desires, watch it whenever the hell I feel like it, AND the best part is not wasting time on commercials. Commercials are like sitting in traffic - just a waste of time. Even the Superbowl ones.

(source)

4. Calendar. This is probably pretty weird for most people (especially since everything is digital and paperless these days) but I love my calendar. I like to visualize what my month looks like - whose birthday is coming up, when bills are due, and weekend activities planned. It keeps me organized and on top of everything.

(source)

5. Remote Control Ceiling Fan with Light. I was totally fine with getting up and down to turn lights on and off, to change the speed of the fan but then we moved into a house with a remote. The ceiling fan had a remote! It was all very new to us and although it seems like it might make someone lazy, it's quite convenient. When you have had a rough day and you are laying on the couch lifeless watching some crap reality show and all you want is to cool down and you don't feel like getting up - problem solved!

Nights Like These

There is something about nights like these.

The rain, thunder, and flickering of lights.
Thrice playing in the background.
Giggles and hugs.

And it was the first time we got to watch the Steelers on TV this season.

Purple Sneakers

I was so excited to see my new sneakers (photo #1) waiting for me on our dining room table when I got home from work today. I love them so much! First of all - purple! Love me some purple shoes - can you tell? I bought these online so I never tried them on but they are super comfortable. Oh and the double shoelace is just the cherry on top. These are going to be great for the cooler months which I'm hoping are right around the corner. Wishful thinking in FL. Dustin and I have a lot of outdoor activities planned so now I'm fully prepared.

The 2nd pair of sneakers - chucks to be exact, I have had since high school. They are still in really good shape and all the scuff marks give them that much more character. I still wear these often, especially on jean day at work.

The third pair I remember getting for super cheap at Old Navy. They are cute and light weight but I quickly learned they aren't all that comfortable - at least not for walking long distances (wore them while exploring downtown Pittsburgh and was immediately transported to Ouch City). They are more appropriate for sitting. So I would wear them to a picnic, movie, or just riding in the car.

I've gotten a lot of comments about my purple shoes. I'm still not sure what the big deal is. But people have jokingly called them 'Barney shoes' (original people, real original). If you can't have fun with your damn shoes, then you aren't really living. Go try a brightly colored shoe - it's fun. I promise.

Regrets Will Burn

If you had a free pass to go back and change anything in your past, with the promise that it would only affect you positively, would you do it? And if so, what would you change?
Please first read Sometimes Sweet's post on this. It was not only honest but beautifully written. It left me with tears in my eyes.

This was a really hard prompt for me. I thought about it all last night. Thought about it all throughout my work day. I've finally just come to the conclusion that as cliche as it sounds, there is really nothing I would change.

Sure, there are a million little things I'd love to take back or change - words I've said or actions that have hurt others or hell, even actions that have hurt myself (the hair dying incident of 2006 comes to mind). But I couldn't think of a major moment that I would do differently. In the end, all of those big, heartbreaking, humiliating moments turned out ok. Yes, there was shouting, grudges held, physical pain, emotional devastation, utter confusion, complete embarrassment but I'm better because of it all. I have to remind myself that there were also lessons learned, apologies made, and lots and lots of growth within myself and that's what is truly important.

Dustin Says

"We need to get you goggles like Horace Grant."

"I'm a very aggressive dancer."

"I-4 = parents. Me = Will Smith. I just don't understand."

"This is catchy as fuck." (In response to me playing Britney's 'Till the World Ends')

"The guys asked me to join fantasy football but you know I can't cheer on anyone who isn't on the Steelers."

Found

Taylor Swift's new video for Sparks Fly. This video makes me really sad I wasn't able to get tickets for the Speak Now tour. Looks like she puts on a good show. =/

Sometimes Sweet posted this on her 'Friday links to love' - Things That Kill More People Than Sharks.

Ron fucking Swanson. The first 4 portraits are just perfect.

You better believe if I ever have a baby, I would want the room to be as cool as this and this. My fave nursery decor I've ever seen.

This Adele military cover is pretty awesome.

What a cool Romeo and Juliet style music video.

Drunken Monkey & Sparkling AJ

Early last week I got a facebook message/invitation for a meetup with some lovely lady friends of mine that I haven't hung out with in a really long time. I looked forward to this all week. We finally got together last night. We all met at the Drunken Monkey. It was my first DM experience. It's a really cute place. A little hipster-ish but with charm. They have food and all kinds of coffees and other drinks, most importantly Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Juice. Not only did I drink one while hanging out with the girls but I bought 3 more to take home. Two of which are already in Dustin's stomach. I also read on DM's website they have board game nights. Sign me up!!

We spent four hours catching up, laughing, reminiscing, & laughing. Here are some of my favorite stories that popped up in our conversation.

Colby told me she remembers being at my house (sometime in elementary school) with a few other girls, and my mom made us lunch. Apparently one of us dropped a tomato seed on the carpet and my mom flipped out. She told us all to go in the kitchen until the seed was found and thrown away. My mom is still a freak about her carpet. AND it still drives me crazy. I laughed over that story for a good five minutes straight just because it's so ridiculous and so something my mom would do.

Story number two comes from Amanda. I had sent her a postcard a few years back of a little cottage on a hill. She said at first she thought it was a joke. She couldn't understand why I sent her such an ugly postcard. Maybe I just wanted to get rid of them? She still hung it in her room with a group of postcards from other people for months until one day when Alex noticed it. She of course knew what it was right away being a fellow Harry Potter lover. It was of course Hagrid's hut. The funniest part is I remember picking that card out of my little HP postcard book that I think I got in high school. Not sure why Amanda got the hut but there you have it.

I enjoyed every minute with them. It had been far too long. I just hope it becomes somewhat of a regular occurrence. I need more nights like this!

Saturday Shopping

Yesterday I did some shopping. I got some things I've been needing (AND just plain wanting). I got some serious deals and I am really proud of them. I rarely buy things at full price unless it's already a decent amount. For example, the brown leather purse I got was originally $36 and I got it for $20. I had my eye on this purse for months! Patience actually paid off. Imagine that. Side note: I will never ever get why girls spend hundreds of dollars on 'designer' purses that aren't even cute! Ahh. Ok, back to my shopping trip. I got some shirts too - all under $10 each. Deal after deal!

I also bit the bullet and finally bought myself some new sneakers. I have had the same ones for at least 5 years, if not longer. They are falling apart! But I don't wear sneakers all that often - not unless I'm doing some athletic activity so I always put it off. It was hard choosing a good pair though. All the ones from Nike, New Balance, and Adidas were in the $70-100 range and that is ridiculous to me. I was able to find some Saucony shoes (purple too!!) for $49 with free shipping.

It kind of felt like back to school shopping except I bought everything with my own money, I didn't have to run anything by my mom, and of course the fact I don't go to school anymore. So yeah, not quite but almost! Maybe?

I would totally wear these on a daily basis - if only they had prescription lenses! (This was after yoga kicked our ass and made us sweat like we've never sweat before.)

Things I Have Learned Today

-I'm sure it's great to be an extreme couponer but it is NOT great waiting behind one in line at the grocery store.

-I thought scrubbing the bathtub was the worst household chore. Nope. It's most definitely cleaning out the microwave.

-I will never understand why small children must make such high pitch sounds. WHY?!

-I have an obsession with brown leather purses. I've always known this but today it was confirmed, when I bought yet another (but different!) brown leather purse.

The Friday Five

Actors that everyone else seems to find attractive except ME.

I guess I'm the weird one.

1. Johnny Depp - This man is obviously a great actor but that's not why he made this list. He looks like he hasn't showered in years and has weird bone structure. Sorry girls, he just doesn't do it for me.

(source)

2. Stepehn Moyer - OK, I admit I don't even watch TrueBlood but it's like Twilight in that it can't be escaped. I never even knew who this guy was until he started dating Anna Paquin. I mean what's up with his hair? Does he straighten it, then glue it on?

(source)

3. James Franco - No one freak out! I love him as an actor and even more so now that I have finished Freaks and Geeks. BUT he is not cute. Not even a little. He always looks high as a cloud and that is not attractive to me.

(source)

4. George Clooney - He reminds me of Jay Leno with a shorter chin. Clearly I am alone in this because every woman on the planet has dated him or slept with him. What's the difference?

(source)

5. Justin Timberlake - The boy band types have zero manliness and that's a problem for me. I will admit that shaving the bleach blonde curls helped a bit but he'll need more than that if I'm going to hang his poster on my wall. I don't get what all the fuss is about. I really don't.

(source)

So which celebrity do you think is no big deal in the looks department?

Dance Party

As I was sitting here on my computer, I opened my iTunes and put on some Britney (bitch!). That song 'Till the World Ends' is like crack. Within seconds of the song playing, it will have you up and dancing before you even know what hit you. That's kind of what happened to me tonight. I danced like I have never danced before. Danced so much I will probably be sore tomorrow. Dustin was laying on the couch laughing like I was doing something funny. Like I was putting on a comedy act. This was no act. It was dancing. Serious dancing! I did some disco, a bit of hip-hop, lots of kicks (kicks are important) and even whipped out my macho man dance. Dustin was clearly jealous of all my cool moves so he decided to try and show me up. He showed me his 'punching the ground' and 'boy band crouch' (which has nothing to do with Barty Crouch). This lead to us sitting in front of my computer watching Backstreet Boys and 98 Degrees videos JUST to find them doing the 'crouch'. We found lots of singing in the rain, shirts unbuttoned, and arms wide open like these boys had wings and were about to take flight. Then FINALLY we found it. The motherfucking crouch!

It's 1 min 22 seconds in to the video. Please enjoy.


And Blink does their version 27 seconds in...

Sweet Hangs

This is my boo. Er-boo. Boo-bear.



We met up for dinner tonight and had the most fun ever. On the planet. Yeah, THAT much fun. Good food. Good girl talk. I love this girl so much.
And then we ended our time with a mini photoshoot in the parking lot.
That's how cool we are.



I look like a mad scientist.
With a crazy eyebrow. Sometimes I can't keep that thing under control!



Why does my head look 10X bigger than everyone else's head?



Default? Default?! DEFAULT!