mondays.

Hi all! I am sorry for my absence this past week. Time got away from me and the days flew by. My reader is filled to the brim so I have some catching up to do! Cannot believe that tomorrow is the first of February! 2011 is sure off to a speedy start.

How did everybody spend their weekends? Mine had its highs and lows. I was able to float my MLK holiday to Friday and take a 3 day weekend to head down to VA. Aside from the necessary maintenance of my car and my hair {two very crucial things} I hung out with my roommate from college. We had a yummy dinner and saw Country*Strong. 

SO GOOD! I had wanted to see it since I first saw the previews so I was glad that it lived up to my expectations. Let me just say that if/when Gossip Girl ends {I won't miss it too much} Leighton can definitely have a career as a country singer. And I wouldn't even hate it if her and Garrett*Hedlund got together off the big screen because they had such chemistry in the movie. But then again that very well could have just been good acting. Who knows. The evening took a turn for the dramatic after leaving the theater. I guess things like that happen in small towns. I won't dwell on it too much because I have given too much of my time and energy to a pointless situation. And I am officially through.

I missed the SAG Awards due to my drive back up to NY but I heard that those expected to win did in fact take home the trophies. I wanted to make it a goal this year to see all the movies nominated for Best Picture for the Oscars but I don't know if that will work out. I have only seen 4 of 10 at this point {10 seems like way too many in my opinion}. I borrowed Inception from my brother so that one I can knock off the list soon, but I only have until Feb 27th to see the rest. Can I do it? Probably not. Not with work, gym, and studying preventing me from being a permanent couch potato. But that's probably for the best.

Hope your weeks are off to a wonderful start!

the kids are not all right.

The title of this post was the clever title of last night's episode of Gossip*Girl. I have to tend towards agreeing with them if they continue to push the envelope even further into the unbelievable with this show. Serena plotting a hostile takeover of her mother? Puh-lease. I think I am on the verge of un-loving this show. Anyone agree?

In other news, I fell into a bit of post-giveaway writer's block. Nothing seemed too relevant or exciting the past couple of days. This weekend was sort of low key. A lot of New York is in mourning over the Jets losing. I am not a Jets fan but I am an anyone-who-plays-the-Steelers fan, so I was slightly bummed. 

Friday night I stayed local and went to dinner and a movie with one of my sorority sisters. Black Swan, anyone? I was terrified. I am a huge wimp and when anything jumps out at the screen I literally lose it. Regardless of my nerves, the movie was great. It was dark, thought provoking, and twisted. I have no idea what really happened, so I was a bit frustrated. I know this sounds like a negative review, but those who have seen it will understand where I am coming from. Bottom line is that you should definitely see it! 

Saturday night met up with my cousin and had too many margaritas at Dos Caminos. Why did I do this? I do not know. Especially since it was bitterly cold outside. Frozen drinks? I wish I had a reasonable explanation. But they were quite yummy! As was the guacamole. The night got ahead of us as is often the case in Nueva York, but I shocked myself {and the free world} by getting up hangover free Sunday morning. I headed down to the Lower East for my dear friend E's surprise birthday brunch. She had no idea, so that just added to the fun of it.

The weather is down right depressing. I may pack it in and head to the tropics. Open a tiki hut and shack up with a beautifully bronzed surf instructor?

i just google image searched 'paradise' and came up with this. uh, yes please.

drumroll please!

The time has come everyone to announce the winner of the giveaway! I put all your names into an Excel spreadsheet and generated a number between 1 and 64 using random.org {take my word for it, I am too lazy to screen shot all this stuff}.  and the winner is....

#58 - jMe from Brunch at Julie's!

*julie, shoot me an email at chelleybelle3@hotmail.com with your contact info!*

I wish you could all win, but this was too much fun I might have to do another one again soon. Maybe 150 followers?
 

Happy Friday to you all! I think this weekend is going to be much less packed than the last. I am going to see Black Swan tonight! I am sure it will be just as mind boggling as I have heard.

150.

This is my 150th post! How exciting?!

A quick thank you to Little Miss Can't Be Wrong at how i met your father {with a little help from the wonderful Audrey Hepburn} for inspiring this post today. Will you all think less of me if I confess to first having seen Breakfast at Tiffany's this past summer? I know, for shame. It's one of those things that I have always intended to do and never done, but finally snagged it out of the $5 DVD bin at Target. Kind of like skiing, I have never been skiing. Or eaten a bowl of cereal. But let's not get off track here...

This quote of Audrey's really struck a cord with me.

"I have to be alone very often. I'd be quite happy if I spent from Saturday night until Monday morning alone in my apartment. That's how I refuel." 

I am not one bit an introvert. I love me some people. I talk all the time, often in circles. I went on a date with a guy two summers ago who told me I had conversational ADD. I have yet to find a reason to disagree with him, but am trying to hop less from subject to subject. That being said, people are often shocked when they find out that it's just me and the dust bunnies in my apartment. {Literally, I have never seen more dust in my life.} "You live by yourself? Aren't you lonely?" And to be frank, I don't really have time to be lonely. There are so many upsides to living alone. No one expects you to tell them your comings and goings. You don't have to worry about anyone borrowing your things without asking. You can leave anything you want anywhere because it's ALL YOUR STUFF. You can come home from a long day at work and not have to explain anything to anyone. If you want to talk it out you make a phone call or shoot a text. And finally, forgive me if this is an over share, but its the honest truth... clothes are totally optional. 

What's Up Wednesday.

It's that time of the week again! I can tell you are all just bursting with excitement. Well here you have it!

*I saw a guy driving a red VW Beetle last night. Probably one of my biggest pet peeves. And then I got to thinking that clearly there will be a post in the future about things guys should never be caught doing. Of course wearing Hunter wellies and driving punch buggies will be atop that list. If you have any no-no's to add, please do!

 *i dont think i would mind a guy driving the classic style, just not the newer girly model*

*I cannot even believe the success of this giveaway! I am so glad that you all like it. Just a few more days, spread the word!

*Face*book is really about to, if they have not already crossed the line. After 'friending' someone on Sunday, my newsfeed informed me that "You and So-and-So are now friends after attending the same event on Saturday". Yes we were both there, but why are you reminding me? I didn't see you there, Face*book.

*There are two levels to my gym. Apparently this is a problem for some people. I always feel as though stairs are similar to a highway. You follow the rules of the road. If you were driving on the wrong side of the road, you wouldn't expect people to move for you, correct? So if you are walking up THE WRONG SIDE OF THE STAIRS do not stare at my like I am supposed to move. You are in the wrong, buddy. Step to the right.

*Regis*Philbin is retiring from Live! I am so upset. I just adore that man and he is true television royalty. I cannot even begin to imagine who they will have replace him on the show. They have huge, Bigfoot, monsterous sized shoes to fill. Any suggestions?

*LOVED this story of Emily & Ryan in the NYTimes this week. It really does read like a romantic comedy script. Too cute!

*I am starting to think more and more about spring. Perhaps that's because my mailbox and inbox are inundated with catalogs and email promotions for adorable floral dresses and it's only January. Unfair.

*No matter how hard I work out or how healthy I eat, it is clearly impossible to get the scale to budge during that time of the month. Thanks a heap, biology. 

*Speaking of which, Rachel*Ray recently had a show about makeup made for men. I had to laugh, but was also a bit offended. That's not part of the deal whatsoever. We have the kids so therefore we {and only we} get to cover up our imperfections. Plain and simple. Guyliner? Gimme a Kit-Kat sized break.

I think that's about all folks. Do tell, what's up with you today?

state of the girl.

I've been feeling different lately. I wouldn't call it a feeling of contentment but maybe more so a feeling of comfort. For those of you who have been reading for a while, you may remember the roller coaster of emotions I dealt with upon graduating college back in May. Knowing that I had just left the last sure thing in my life was really mind boggling. I always knew the academic course I was on. Middle school, high school, college. But college is really the last thing that is for certain. There's no guarantee I will get married and have a family or have a great career, or any career for that matter. Those are all things that I have to work for and at. And I was scared, terrified even. What if I got stuck somewhere along the way to where I am and where I am going? But I took a step back, looked at the little pictures as opposed to the big ones, and I think I am doing just fine. There isn't going to be another time in my life where I can be this selfish. I hate to throw that term around but literally I am doing everything on my own accord lately, and I am finally doing it for ME. I want to work my gym time in to my daily schedule, I want to feel better in my clothes and my skin, I want to splurge on dinners and drinks in the city. The only person I have to be accountable to right now is myself {and my boss of course ;)}. I think I had been so concerned for so long about doing things for other people, that I really just lost myself. So what if I am not saving a whole lot, but my job is getting done and my bills are getting paid on time. I have a roof over my head and food in my tummy. I know who I am and what I have to offer. I always said that I needed to love myself before someone else was going to love me, but I don't think I really ever believed it. Now, I really can't imagine feeling otherwise. I can't say that I am having a full on love affair with me just yet, but it's a work in progress.  

and here we go again...

with all the things we did and not a minute spent. {A little Paramore for this Monday morning, no?}

If I had a dollar for every time I hit the snooze button this morning I would be rolling in the money. My bed was just too warm to budge, but alas I made it into work. I remember a few weeks ago that the radio said January 17th {today} is the saddest day of the year. I sincerely doubt that. There are 11 months left to go in this year and I am sure there will be some sadder days to follow. Hope you are all having very happy days! They also said that June 17th will be the happiest day of the year, so at least we have that to look forward to!

How was everyone's weekend? Mine was rather jam-packed but very fun! The crawl Friday night was too fun. We all managed to make it to all three stops and I think L really enjoyed her birthday festivities. Saturday morning E and I woke up feeling pretty good {an unlikely occurrence for me as I am the girl who usually suffers from 24 hour hangovers} and headed down to SoHo. I had been wanting to try Prune for brunch, and it did not disappoint. It was crowded and we had to wait, but the food was quite yummy. 

We then ventured over to Uniqlo. What a fun store! Very much an American Apparel vibe to it. Lots of basics for very reasonable prices. I snagged a great olive green military style jacket as well as as a super comfy navy striped tunic. I think at one point I turned around and four or five girls were buying the same top, but I really liked it so I got it too. If you are in NYC, you must check out this store!

From there, I headed to my first blogger meet up! Christine {from bun&borough} and I started our blogs around the same time and she quickly became one of my favorite reads. Turns out we even have some common friends and it was great to finally meet her! It was truly like meeting up with an old friend because you really get a window into people's lives by reading their blogs. We had a yummy lunch at Artisanal, I highly recommend it. {Um, apparently I ate my way through NYC this weekend? I don't know if my trainer will be pleased tomorrow.}

Yesterday I did some serious cleaning of the apartment. E came out from the city and we had a little Golden*Globes dinner date. We stopped at this yummy  market near my apartment and picked up some cheese and crackers, grilled veggies, and lasagna. {Again with the mention of food...} We made our predictions and bet on who got more correct. I lost by three so I now owe E some frozen yogurt. I originally wagered dinner but after realizing I was going to lose I quickly changed the stakes.

And now here are some of my best and worst dressed choices of the night. In no particular order...

The Best

Amy*Adams

 

Eva*Longoria

Anne*Hathaway

 The Worst

  

Michelle*Williams

 

 Jennifer*Lopez

Natalie*Portman

 

I really hate to add Natalie to the worst column because I adore her and am really wanting to see The Black Swan even more now, but the Beauty and the Beast rose is just not working for me.

What about you? Any strong favorites/dislikes? Hope your weeks are all off to a great start. There is still plenty of time to enter the giveaway!

Uh.. what?

*QUICK REMINDER! If you have commented and not followed, or followed and not commented please make sure you do so as BOTH are required to be entered in the giveaway! I wouldn't want anyone to get left out. Thanks so much girls {fairly certain there aren't any boys around these parts}!

Is anyone else as outraged as I am about the change in zodiac signs? Who does this guy think he is to just alter people's lives. Alright maybe its not THAT serious, but still! Since I still have my Virginia license, a bouncer up here tried to trip me up by asking my zodiac sign. What will I do now? Tell him that it depends on which system you're going off of? First Pluto is gone and now this? Of all the pointless discoveries...

Also, any thoughts/feelings/concerns about this photo? 

 

via 

I love me some Dan Humphrey Penn*Badgley, and I will give him the benefit of the doubt because I know that there are Hunter's for Men but I had a very strong "B*tch Stole My Look!" feeling after seeing this. My navy blue wellies and I have become close friends with all this recent snow. I also feel towards him how I felt towards the guy in front of me in the cafeteria at work after he ordered a salad with grilled chicken and balsamic vinaigrette... MAN UP!  I like Hunter boots and grilled chicken salad, but that's fine because I am a chick. Just sayin. Tell me I'm not alone in these thoughts?

Heading into the city tonight! Yesterday was college roommate L's birthday and we will be engaging in some very collegiate throwback activities involving different drinks at different apartments, a crawl if you will. Let us hope the night ends better for me than it did in the college days. I say that as though I didn't just graduate 6 months ago. I will be wearing this little pretty that I recently purchased from J.Crack. I was having such anxiety since it was a final sale item but it all worked out because I love it.  And its sparkly.. added bonus!

Add some dark skinny jeans, black suede wedge booties, and perhaps a slight drunken stumble, and you have a fantastic visual of my Friday night.

Happy weekend friends.. enjoy yourselves!!

Giveaway Time!

Hello everyone! It is finally time for my first giveaway! Hooray for reaching the 75 followers mark! After a bit back and forth I have come up with something that I hope you will enjoy. I happen to love Long*champ as I know many of you do as well. The bags are durable and versatile and I have one in every size. One lucky winner will receive...

 

this adorable red Long*champ coin purse! As well as...

a $25 gift card to Nord*strom!

The rules to enter are as follows:

You must first comment on this post *AND* become a new follower or already be following for 1 entry.

You will receive 1 additional entry for blogging about this giveaway on your blog. Please let me know when you have posted!

You have until Friday January 21st to enter. Good luck! I am so excited to finally do this so I hope you are all excited as well! :)

What's Up Wednesday.

Hello everyone and welcome to the inaugural What's Up Wednesday {hopefully a cute graphic commemorating the day will follow soon}. I really just wanted to have a name and day for my brain dump posts and Wednesday seemed like a good time for that. Without further adieu...

* Why does food have a sell by date? I think its primary purpose is to confuse me. If its in my refrigerator by that day, how do you calculate what the eat by date is? I don't want to have to guess these sorts of things.

* Gwyneth*Paltrow and Sophia*Bush have come forward revealing that they are related to victims of the shooting in Arizona, Gwyneth being related to the Congresswoman herself. Kind of makes you wonder about all the people you are related to, even distantly doesn't it?

* I am about to start studying again for the first preliminary exam in my chosen career field. I took it in August and did not pass but also did not prepare. I have no excuses this time. I think I am going to need you all to keep me on track with my study schedule.

* Anyone else as sick of Sarah*Palin as I am? I am thrilled that her show was not picked up for a second season. This has nothing to do with her political leanings and everything to do with the fact that she is annoying.

* Still loving my Mac. I should have made the switch sooner!

* A televangelist is blaming the repeal of Dont*Ask*Dont*Tell for the recent bird deaths. Puh-lease!

* I cannot wait for Spring. Urban and Antrho are just teasing me with their catalogs that arrived in my mailbox last week.

 

Well, I think that just about empties the noggin for today. More insight into the mind of MLD next Wednesday!

live for now.

Thank you to all of you for your kind words and thoughts. It was an emotionally taxing weekend, but we made it through as a family. I can't remember the last time we were all together as my dad is the oldest of five. It is unfortunate that it took my grandfather's passing for us all to come together again, but at the same time I am glad that it finally happened. My grandfather lived in the same small town his entire life so everyone knew him. There were so many people who came to the funeral home to say goodbye to him. We were all very touched. 

There is a song that I have been listening to a lot lately that really sums up how I am feeling now about my grandfather's passing...

"But you’ve gotta make time for time,
You can’t fast forward,
No, you definitely can’t rewind,
That’s how,
I know you’ve gotta live for now"

There are things I didn't say and things I didn't do but I can only look forward now.

Don't think I forgot about my promised giveaway! It is coming this week so stay tuned! I also am going to start a little something I want to call "What's Up Wednesday". It is going to be my little list of things that are exciting, upsetting, or make you scratch your head and wonder a little bit.

One more thing... have any of you done any cleanses? I purchased a book last year on the Clean program and am considering starting that soon, but I wanted to see if anyone had any experience with these sorts of programs. I feel like I want to really jump start 2011 and get my body in a healthier, detoxified state.

not what I expected.

Greetings from 2011 everyone. I must say that the new year did not start off on the foot that I intended it to. My paternal grandfather passed away New Year's Eve morning. We had seen him in the hospital on Christmas, but he was heavily sedated. I am hoping he somehow knew that we were all there. He was expected to get better and had been taken out of ICU but then took a bad turn. I will be heading back upstate on Thursday to be with my family for the weekend. I will be back to posting early next week. Please keep us in your thoughts!