Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Much ado about nothing...I guess

So I haven't blogged in a while and it's not cause I don't want to it's just that I don't have much to blog about. I'm not sure if as a blogger you're supposed to apologize for not blogging or act like you've never left...I'll stick with the latter.

Ok so this year has been pretty uneventful for me. Since graduating from graduate school I haven't been able to find employment. So I'm trying to take this time to not dwell in my own sadness ( harder than it looks) and so I'll share with you what I've been up to. nothing spectacular but hey it's worth a mention.

1. I've been doing ALOT of dog sitting for my brother. He lives in MD and has a dog that I absolutely adore. She was a rescue that he adopted 12 years ago and she is still going strong (albeit a little slower but still strong). I watched her for about 2 weeks and have become a pro at picking up dog poop.  I can finally say that I'm ready for my own dog, since that was the one barrier that was keeping me from taking the plunge

                                                               Isn't she adorable?!?!

2. I"M GOING TO SEE JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE!!! Sorry for the caps, I'm not yelling....wait YES I AM!!  It is that serious!!! Its not for a few more months but it's worth the wait. PLUS you know it must be serious if I'm going to see him in Philadelphia because out of every city in the US that is the one I despise the most. But if Justin's going to be there nothing can keep me from him!




3.I saw "The Best Man Holiday" on Sunday!!! I have been waiting for this movie to come out since I saw the fist one back in 1999 ( WOW right??)  and it was an emotional roller coaster but worth every minute. SUPERB!!!

 
This is me in NYC on Saturday with only one more day left until I was gonna see the movie. I WAS EXCITED! ( Yup I'm lame with no shame :0)
 

4. Those of you who know me know that I'm dead serious when I say that HARRY POTTER is a way of life! I have a bucket list and then I have a separate HARRY POTTER bucket list of all things HARRY POTTER that mainly include places I want to visit and explore. However I also read the Hunger Games series and thoroughly enjoyed it. Now here is a warning to those who have yet to read it but are curious. It's not as good as HARRY POTTER but it's kind of like comparing apples to oranges. Now having said that it was still very good but all three books aren't as good as the first ( 1st was a 10, 2nd was an8, and the 3rd was about a 5). However the second movie is coming out on Friday and I would be lying if I said that I wasn't excited about it ( review coming soon!)


                                                                TEAM PEETA!

5. I've also been looking for someone to design my blog who isn't too expensive. I've open to suggestions and recommendations. I know I'm still new at this but I think I'm ready to take it to the next level...JAZZ ME UP!



6. Lastly, time is ticking and I CANNOT for the life of me decide on which Erin Condren  Life Planner cover to pick. I go through this every year and this year is no different, I've already done the "Favorite Things" cover, and the "Fleur Feliz" cover but now I'm stuck and can't choose between like 4 more that I love. #firstworldproblems.


7. But mostly I've been looking for a job. If you know of anyone looking for an experienced, hard working HR professional with an MPA please let me know !!!! ( hey a shameless plug never hurt anyone right?)





Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Cup Crazy !!!!!

 Let's discuss a pop culture phenomenon that has turned into something that cannot be contained and it is driving me NUTS!! It's the cup song or " Cups" as it's formally called. 

Now I want to start by saying that I'm a fan of Anna Kendrick and Pitch Perfect was BEYOND awesome. Howeverthe cup song is now all over the place and I cannot seem to go anywhere without hearing it or seeing someone between the ages of 10 and 22 trying to form that popular rythem with their glass at a restaurant or online ( in one of the million copycat YouTube videos). Please everyone there are valid and substantial reasons why this MUST STOP...
 
1. Your attempt does not sound the same. Anna had a long time to practice and that heavy glass you're using from "The Cheesecake Factory" is not the right prop

2. Please understand that this is not the first song to be accompanied by a cup. Not sure which one came first but in my opinion it was done better by two young sisters (Lennon and Maisy) who later went on to co-star in the awesome show "Nashville" . Please clock this link to check out their awesomeness...http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lennon-maisy-live-youtube/id555053161

3. You're killing the awesomeness that could have been this catchy quirky song that had a cup as it's main accompanying instrument. Please understand just because something is cool and different doesn't mean everyone has to learn to do it. That's how quirky turns to catchy, which turns into annoying and then finally it lands in the ' not even good enough for American Idol' pile. 

So please everyone give the cup song a rest. 

Aca-STOP!!

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Don WHAT?!?!?!


Movie-goer BEWARE !! I mean that in the 'make sure that you talk to someone who has seen the random movie written, and starring a celebrity you're not sure if you like yet' kind of way.

I saw "Don Jon". You know, the one written and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Well I went with the BF and we were both looking forward to seeing it but goodness gracious neither of us were expecting what we encountered. It was like soft porn or something.

It's about a guy who is addicted to porn and his struggles in trying to hold a serious relationship while keeping that addiction secret.  I guess I kind of knew that info before I saw it but I didn't expect so much nudity and/or graphic footage. I mean I kind of liked Joseph Gordon-Levitt ( long name that's kind of annoying to say right? But he grew up to be sort of a looker so the name...eeehhh not so bad anymore) but when I saw this I just left the theatre confused and not sure what to think.

I just would like to warn anyone who may or may not watch this movie in the near future. Do not expect a regular movie with like a conclusion or anything cause you'll probably be disappointed and wonder why the theatre (or RedBox) charged you full price.

I'm still shaking my head...



Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Organized Chaos

Long time no see! I have been a busy bee this past week. My closest friend since the 3rd grade got married this past Friday and I was a bridesmaid. The wedding was beautiful and the reception was a blast! Having been in quite a few weddings recently I am learning how to pace myself for those long days and this time I think I finally got the routine down. I didn't stay up late the night before. I made my hair apt early enough that morning so I wasn't running late and I didn't forget anything I needed at home ( for me that's a HUGE accomplishment). I was then able to enjoy my friends day and let it all be about her and she was simply a beautiful bride!

Then on Saturday I had a 2 part day...

Part 1:

My friend Jenn made brunch and invited me and the BF over for some delish food! Now let me start by saying that she is a chef so it wasn't just any ole spread it was THE SPREAD. I mean she had fruit, eggs, bagels, cinnamon raison bread, muffins this DELISH pumpkin butter spread stuff ( not really butter that's just what they call it thank goodness) and best of all she had ...

                                                                   CANDIED BACON!

It was absolutely DELISH! Its bacon covered in black pepper and brown sugar! I know... I know... it sounded strange to me at first but once I tasted it I was hooked! It was a great time hanging out with her, her hubby, and her new baby. Lots of laughs and a great way to wind down from the day before.

Part 2:

I'm not sure if you have been to this restaurant that I'm about to name but if you haven't please make it a point to go.
 
FOGO DE CHAO!!!
 
This place is a Brazilian steakhouse where the salad bar is insane, the sides are DELISH, and the meat is never ending. I try not to brag about restaurants because I know everyone has their own taste. Plus I would hate to send someone to a place where they spend their money and don't enjoy the food, but with this place you can't go wrong!  You flip your disk to green and they bring you out as much meat as you can handle ( 12 different varieties...some of it is even wrapped in bacon!!!) then you flip it to red when you're done or want to take a break then flip it back when you're ready to pig out again. Best restaurant I've ever been to and I wholeheartedly recommend it.  
 
Here's just a taste...

 
So overall my weekend was a smashing success. It was hectic, chaotic and I didn't get much time to sit and relax but it was certainly the best weekend I've had in a long time. I hope you had a good weekend too! What were you up to?
 
 

Monday, September 30, 2013

"Have you heard...Have your heard...Have you heard"

I figured I should start off the week with another classic theme song from the 80's. Now if your childhood didn't consist of the following show please know that you missed out. Although this show took a backseat to the "Mickey Mouse Club" for me it was still a classic and was a 4:30pm week day... cannot miss show! Feel free to sing along and say hi to Fergie!

PS: 5 points to anyone to can name the hit song Martika had in the late 80's.

Hint: It has the same name as a Britney Spears song.

Carissa this one's for you!

 
 

Gluttony is not cute unless it's a food truck event

Well I simply cannot wait to tell you about my weekend. Mainly because on Saturday I went to an event called "Trucktoberfest"  with my awesome mom @ Monmouth Park in Eatontown, NJ.  I'm not sure how long many years they have done this event but its basically a food truck lovers paradise with no less than 15-20 food trucks serving all types of food.

I like to think of myself as being mildly adventurous when it comes to trying different types of food but at an event where everything is fried or sprinkled with bacon , you could give this treatment to a shoe and I'd still eat it!

I didn't eat everything in its entirety but I certainly gave it a go and it was worth every single calorie! I think the best way to sum all of the items I tried is with an array of visual aides. Lets begin...shall we ?!

                 It was simply a beautiful day outside! Perfect for pigging out in broad daylight.

                                                                         Bacon

 
Yes that is bacon on a stick. And although I'm a firm believer in bacon as the connective tissue that brings so many people together, I wasn't able to even eat a whole piece because unfortunately there wasn't too much meat and the amount of fat turned me off. ( I mean look at that fat right???)
Now if we are talking about the ultimate bacon experience get ready in 3...2...1...
 
 
Yes this is EXACTLY what it looks like. BACON FRIES! It was a too much to eat on my own but I certainly tried and even with the unnecessary gravy it was worth the wait in line.
 

Meat fresh off the pig !

 
Yup! They roasted a pig right behind the truck and served the meat to all of us who were salivating in line and obviously weren't bothered by that roasted pig on a stick visual ( I'm not gonna lie it took me about 20 min to get over that). I ordered the shoulder and it was served with Spanish rice and beans and it was YUM-O!
 
Banana-Rama!
 
They even had a stand where they took frozen bananas and pureed them into the consistency of yogurt or ice cream and you can choose the topping of your liking. It was DELISH!!! It was so good I was halfway finished before I remembered to take the pic so ...my bad :0/
 

Wild Game-type Meats!

 
Now I'm not sure if these meats are "technically" considered wild game but they are to me. ( I'll refer to my lovely friend Carissa at T is for Townsend ( check out her awesome blog) who would know all about this particular subject.
Now as adventurous as I was feeling that day I wasn't feeling THAT adventurous...maybe next time ;0)
 

Mainstream Offerings


 
They certainly had enough food for those who weren't willing to be adventurous. See the insanely long hot dog my mother got with sauerkraut ( she is not adventurous with food...at all) and underneath that is the steak sandwich I inhaled before remembering to take photo. ( I was hungry alright...geeze)

EWW Cheese!!!

 
Now most people know this about me but I HATE cheese! And by hate I mean I don't want it to even touch any food I'm about to eat. I can pretty much say this about any dairy products as the taste of them is simply insulting. But I'm featuring this picture of the one food truck there that was by far the most popular and all they sold was grilled cheese! They had all types of fancy cheese and bread combos. Their sign says "EAT" and that's exactly what people were in their line to do! Well done cheese truck ;0)
 
So yeah that was my fabulous day at "Trucktoberfest". I met up with some friends and brought my mom along to enjoy the day so it couldn't have gone any better. I mean who doesn't love the 3F's...Family...Friends...and Food? I can't wait to do it again next year!
 
 
PS: I got a ring pop and a candy necklace out of the deal so I have no complaints!

 
How was your weekend?
 
 
 

Thursday, September 26, 2013

...along with the Emmys

                                                                      The EMMYS


I might be the only person I know who still watches awards shows. Now let me clarify by saying that I only really obsess over 3 awards shows; The Emmys, The Oscars, and The Grammys. Occasionally I'll watch the Golden globes but it's almost ALWAYS an exact prediction of who wins at the Oscars so I figure "why bother".

Here are some highlights:


  • Neil Patrick Harris did a good job hosting. the best part for me were the AMAZING acceptance speeches I mean I think Tina Fey might be the funniest woman on TV right now. Plus she looked amazing in that blue dress.


  • Julia Louis-Dreyfus! Another super funny comedian. She won for best lead actress in a comedy ( for VEEP...a brilliant show btw...a MUST SEE) and her acceptance speech was in character and simply hilarious.  
 
 
  • Michael Douglas won for 'Behind the Candelabra' and I was stoked because that movie really was good.  Isn't Matt Damon awesome too??
  • Modern Family won for best Comedy and we all know that show is my Wednesday night!

Some of the lowlights were;

  • No individual cast members of 'Modern Family' won...:0(
  • No one from Downton Abby won...:0(
  • Kerry Washington didn't win for 'Scandal'
  • I didn't win for my awesome HBO show that hasn't been created yet but that I star in and kills in the ratings...give it time Hollywood, it's coming.


The Cat is outta the Bag...

Alright so this post is a Chaos/ Pop Culture mash-up. Split into two posts. Get ready...3...2...1


My episode of the Bethenny show aired today!! ( If you missed it , it airs again tomorrow afternoon right before Wendy...please watch)

Had to take a selfie I mean...I couldn't pass up the opportunity right?

The AMAZING necklace I wore ( Thanks to my friend for letting me borrow it)





     (These chairs were eventually moved before taping started but isn't this set BEAU-TI-FUL!)

There was panel that consisted of Mike Epps, Roselyn Sanchez, and Terry Cruz. They discussed relationship issues...you know the reg. But the highlight was Coco Austin...you know Coco from "Ice and Coco"!!! I loooove her! She seems so sweet and her workout routine should be documented by the government because it is INSANE! In person she is shorter than I thought but her body is even better. Her awesome 'toosh' and boobs are as large as you would assume but her waist is SUPER tiny! I mean I wouldn't be shocked if she was a size zero (in the waist that is...imagine getting those custom jeans made...wow. I mean they would have to be right?)  But she seemed super sweet and was super cute in person. Plus her shoes were the stuff of dreams! I mean yellow peep toe Christian Louboutins  <<swoon>>.

At the end of the taping the audience got $100 gift certificates to 'hanky panky' which is an online lingerie pajama store where Beyoncé and a few other celebrities shop ( ie expensive). I'll be making my purchase in the coming weeks thank you very much!

 


Friday, September 20, 2013

What happened to classic theme songs?

Ok this post might be a little bit of a rant but it's something I've noticed and it really "Grinds my Gears" ( like the Family Guy reference?) What happened to all of the good sitcom theme songs? When I was growing up in the 80's and 90's all of the shows we watched as kids had AWESOME theme songs. The kinds of songs that would get stuck in your head and whenever you heard them you were instantly reminded of the show it belonged to. Now even the good shows today ( Modern Family, Scandal, etc.) don't have good theme songs. Most are instrumentals that although might be recognizable aren't TRUE theme songs. So I thought there would be nothing wrong if in the next few weeks I sprinkled this blog with a few of the classics from the 80's and early 90's ( mostly 80's cause those were better). I hope when you hear them your heart gets as excited as mine does and that you can't get it out of your head for the next few days ...that's my gift to you! I guarantee you'll thank me later.                                                                          
 
Theme Song #1: Growing Pains
 
Sidebar: Who would've thought that the guy who played the dad (Alan Thicke) would end up being the dad of  Robin Thicke. (Who really is talented ...minus his lapse in judgment at this year's VMAs)
 It's weird how things play out right?

Everything looks bigger on TV

You will never guess what I did yesterday! I went to a taping of the Bethenny Show!
and it was awesome!
 
Now I know it would seem obvious that living only an hour or so away from the city ( New York) that I would try to go to as many tapings of my favorite shows as possible (SNL, Wendy Williams, Jimmy Fallon, etc) but I always figured it would be too much of a hassle to take off from work or get tickets for a day that actually fit my schedule, so I never tried. That is until my awesome friend Maria got tickets for us, in which case I couldn't refuse! I had a BLAST! I've never seen the Housewives of NY but from what I heard she is hilarious so I knew I was in for a treat.
 
The crew was awesome and Bethenny seemed very nice. As per the orders of the network I can't talk about the guests of the show or post any pictures ( I'll be sure to do that after the show airs...PROMISE). But what I can say is Bethenny is TINY! I didn't know humans came in that size. I mean whatever size is smaller than a 00 is the size she wears. Strangely enough though it looks good on her. Most times I see people that small and I think " she needs to eat a hamburger" but not with her. KUDOS Bethenny for pulling it off. Now if I was that size I would look like one of those kids from the commercials that Sally Struthers is trying to help, but I stay fed and I like it that way! But Bethenny...not so much. She looks great!
 
Disclaimer: Before people start thinking that I'm an advocate for women to weigh 98 lbs that's not what I'm saying. I'm just saying that most times when women do it's not a flattering look, but on her it's not to frightening. See I think that explanation didn't help but I'm done trying to fix it. Now it's just word vomit.
 
But I think I'm going to make attempts to see some of my favorite shows...SNL is next!!!
 
 
What shows have you seen?
 
 

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Don't call it a Comeback!!

Ok this post is definitely about food ( the first of many). Not just any food mind you, probably one of the best cereals that has ever existed. First let me give you some backstory. When I was a kid my mother would only buy healthy cereals for my brother and I.  We were so NOT used to sugar cereals. So much so, that when we would visit our grandmother and she would put sugar on our cereals or give us cereal loaded with sugar that my brother and I wouldn't eat it ( trust me I'm not longer that disciplined).

Fast forward to my mother's more liberal days she finally let us explore the sugar cereal world and I discovered 'Count Chocula'. It was from that point on the only cereal I would ever request for her to buy. Fast forward again to about 5 years ago that I noticed it was no longer available and I have been unable to find it ( trust me I've looked far and wide). UNTIL TODAY....

Are you ready?...

Are you sitting down?...

Are you hungry?...( cause I am)

Waaiiit foooorrrr iiitttt...



BOOM!!!
 
The feeling was like the equivalent of getting the closest parking spot at the mall during the holidays, or finding $20 in the pocket of pants you haven't worn in a year...TIMES A MILLION!
 
Of course I purchased the box and intend to go back for more. Now I exercise regularly and watch what I eat...until it comes to this cereal then all bets are off. When I eat this cereal it might as well be my profession! Do you have a favorite cereal and if so please pray that it never goes away like mine did? I wouldn't wish that upon anyone!
 
 

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Wrappin' up the Weekend !

Do you ever have one of those weekends where you do a lot but at the end feel like you haven't done much at all? I think I've just had one of those weekends. But the more and more I think about it I did see some noteworthy things. I visited family in Maryland, went to my first yard sale, and saw a few gems along the way. Lets discuss...shall we??

Driving down Friday night was fun as always, but stopping at a rest stop I saw something that I've never seen before. They might be common but until now I have been unaware of their existence and let me tell you this idea is GENIUS!


 
I'm not even sure what to say to this except ITS ABOUT TIME! I always feel bad for mothers who have to use the bathroom and have to fit one or more children in the stall with them. It always sounds like they're trapped in the smallest space possible and that the mother is about to pull her hair out. So if every public bathroom had one of these I'm sure it would be appreciated by mothers everywhere. Well done rest stop...well done!
 
 
Then on Saturday I saw something I haven't seen in AT LEAST 10 years I was with my mother and my brothers girlfriend when my brother's girlfriend says " I'm hungry wanna go to Bennigans?"..BENNIGANS...BENNIGANS...you bet your fiddle I do! Their chicken tenders are famous and the atmosphere is always friendly. The only problem is I didn't think they existed anymore. Every one I have seen in the past 10 years has been an abandoned building with a tattered Bennigans sign that's missing the 'B' and any life that was left in it. But when she said there was one not too far from the yard sale my face lit up and it felt like Christmas in September!
The food was great and I can now say that I have attended one of 3 remaining Bennigans in the U.S. ( if there are more they are hidden VERY WELL)

With the family time and my trip to Bennigans I think my weekend was a success. No, I didn't really meet anyone new or travel someplace unexplored but where I did go was an adventure enough for me (at least for the time being ;0)

                                                                  How was your weekend?

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Bloglovin, or simply Lovin my Blog

Ok so I'm learning a lot and I mean ALOT ( wait is that one word or two? I'll have to google that later) about this blogging stuff. My good friend Carissa whose blog is called "T is for Townsend" ( don't know how to post her link yet ...still learning people) has shown me the ropes and is great and teaching me step by step. Recently she informed me about 'Bloglovin' and walked me through the signup process. SHE IS AMAZE-BALLS!! So if you have time and like what you've read here so far, feel free to follow me...:0) 

The link is below

I promise I won't bite


Follow my blog with Bloglovin

A day remembered...

I created this blog as a way to have fun and share my crazy "randomness" with the world. However I would be remised if I didn't pay tribute to those who helped save lives and those who lost their lives on this day 12 years ago. Remembering the fear I felt as a young college student in the DC Metro area that day and the sadness that I experienced for the victims and their loved ones was something I will never forget.  Even through that devastation I was proud that my county was able to come together and show the world that we are not broken and that we are strong. I am proud every day to live in this great country. I know that we have issues (what country doesn't?) but I'm grateful that the United States of America is MY country.


Monday, September 9, 2013

Hello Everyone !!!

Well HELLO... HELLO... HELLO to everyone out there in the blogosphere. I'm new to this whole blogging thing but I'm stoked about the idea of being able to share my crazy opinions and everyday nonsense with the world ( I mean ranting about nothing is my middle name...:0D)

I guess I can share a little bit about myself to get this party started...ready???

  1.   I love to smile and have a good time. If it's not making me happy I'm probably not interested in doing it. 
  2.  I have an addictive personality ( nothing bad or illegal) but that's where my massive consumption of anything pop culture , food and chaos/craziness related comes from
  3.  I love a good book. I can read a mystery or a book about serious topics but I prefer not to. I love to laugh ( please refer back to fact #1) 
  4. I think shoes are a way of life and if I could own a pair for every day of the year then I would (don't think I won't try though)
  5. Target ( yes the store) is also a way of life and I love the idea that you can walk in and purchase groceries, an outfit for Saturday night, a TV, tampons, and dog food without feeling  tacky.  #teamtarget (wait is that a thing?)
  6. My family is amazing and any chance I get to have family time I'm jumping on it. We laugh together every day and I wouldn't have it any other way ( haha that last sentence rhymed...did you catch that)
  7. Bacon is beautiful
  8. I love to travel! I haven't done it too much lately but any chance I have to visit someplace new I'm gonna do it because you only live once and I want to make sure I experience as many positive experiences as I can

Ok there's a lot more about me that could share but you'll find it all out in time  ( plus I don't want to scare you off). I stopped with 8 facts because I prefer even numbers ( yes that is also a 'thing'). So please stop by and visit again soon as I hope to have some interesting things to share with you. In turn I hope to get your opinions as well and have lots of fun in the process. YAY blogging! I can't wait!