Weekend recap

Friday, Kelly and I went to The Deck for a few hours and had a nice time. The weather wasn’t that great and everyone stayed indoors most of the evening. It was nice to relax outside here and there, since it wasn’t that crowded. We had a low key night, which was just what I needed.


The Deck at night


During the day

Saturday, Geof and I relaxed around the house. I had work to do, so I caught up on that and we took it easy most of the day. Saturday night we had a Phillies game to attend and got ready for that. A thunderstorm rolled in, but passed over and the game only started about a half hour late. The Phillies played the Braves and were losing miserably, so we left in the 6th inning. We went to Outback Steakhouse and had a late dinner because we were starving. It was so yummy! I am addicted to the honey wheat bread and the chopped salad they have there!


The Liberty Bell that goes off when the Phillies hit a home run


View from our seats of the scoreboard

Sunday, Geof and I relaxed around the house again and then got ready for the Britney Spears concert that night. I’ll post a full review tomorrow. Overall, I thought it was a good show, but there are some things that I thought could have been better. We had great seats and I’m so thankful for Geof treating me to this. He really is the best and this is just another reason I love him. He also hasn’t been feeling well and was really good about everything. We got home and were able to stay up and watch True Blood. I cannot believe there is only one episode left. I have a feeling there will be major cliffhangers in two weeks!

Cult beauty favorites

People StyleWatch is the one magazine that I read cover to cover each month. I even rip out the pages when I’m done of things to add to the lust list as well as good beauty tips and tricks. The August issue featured a page on “Cult Classics” of beauty product favorites under $10. I had to scan and post this, because some of these items are staples in my house and others are some things that I would like to try.

I love Smith’s Rosebud Salve and apply this each night before bed. It really hydrates my lips and is so soothing. It has been around forever and has many uses. I also love Essie nail polish in Ballet Slippers. It is such a classic color that goes with everything.

Have you tried any of these items?

Wednesday randoms

1. I had a dentist appointment today and left with a clean bill of health…happy dance!

2. I found out that my dentist is on Twitter, which I think is cool. We both have 2 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and he “tweets” a lot about the dogs. I told him he was hip because he knows all of the Twitter lingo. We’re following each other now.

3. There is a giant hornets nest in the A frame of my neighbors house. It is seriously the size of a basketball. I need to take a pic. It is freaking me out. The association needs to take care of it.

4. #3 above explains why I’m seeing about 30 bees each morning that I take the dogs out.

5. Seinfeld reruns never get old.

6. I think I’m in love with these Reva's and desperately want them for fall.




7. Hubby and I watched The Last House on the Left Monday night and it was very scary and suspenseful.



8. I saw the following quote today: “Never let someone be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option.” This is so true whether it relates to relationships or friendships.

Another reason I love blogging

A few weeks ago, I was the lucky winner of Kristen’s giveaway. One of the prizes was a necklace from Enchanted Glass on Etsy. I worked with Jaci to create a customized piece and she was so easy to work with. It arrived last week and I love how it turned out. I couldn’t think of what I wanted, so I gave it some thought and decided to do something a little cheeky and cute. I had her make it say “Queen B” and add some bumble bee charms onto it. Here is how it turned out:


My new necklace!

Kristen also made dogs collars for Chase and Mandy, which I thought was so sweet. She even customized them with their names…too cute!


Chase in his new blue collar


Mandy in pink polka dots!

Weekend recap

Friday, I had more comp time and my friend Krystie came down and we went to the pool. It was nice until it started raining. Geof and I grabbed a quick dinner at Zac’s Hamburgers. I forgot how much I liked that place. It’s a local chain restaurant and they seem to keep opening new locations. We had a nasty thunderstorm and then things finally cleared up.

Friday night, Kelly and I went to The Deck. They were having a “Blizzard Beach” theme and had fake snow blowing around and things like that. Later in the night we were dancing and felt some water hitting us. We thought it had something to do with the snow and then the sky opened up and poured on everyone like crazy. It looked like a cattle herd with everyone trying to run inside. It was actually funny. We were soaked head to toe, but just laughed it off and enjoyed the band that was playing on stage indoors. They were called The Benderz and really kept the crowd going. It was a good time!

Saturday, Geof had his Fantasy Football draft at Barnaby’s and invited all the guys there, so I invited the girls. Colleen, Kristen and Kelly came and we sat at the opposite end of the table, enjoyed some food and frosty beverages. We had fun teasing the boys for being so serious and caught up on lots of girl talk. After the draft was done, we hung out there for awhile and then went to Alfredo’s so that everyone could grab dinner. After dinner, we decided to continue the party back at my house and had a Rock Band marathon in the basement. I wish I took pics, because some of them would have been really funny.


Me and Coll just hanging out


Kris, Coll and Kel


The boys in deep drafting thought...all 10 of them!


Celebration once the draft was complete

Sunday, Kelly and I had a movie day and watched Pride & Prejudice, Dracula and Nights in Rodanthe. I was a fan of the first two, but Nights in Rodanthe was depressing and not my kind of movie. Sunday night Geof cooked a delicious dinner for us (pork chops, corn and potatoes) and then we watched our Sunday Night HBO shows. True Blood outdid itself again, but the episode seemed so short this week!

Creative marketing

Ever now and then an advertisement comes along that really stands out and catches my eye. This billboard from Robbins Diamonds is something I see every night on my way home from work. I still laugh to myself whenever I see it. I just think that it’s very creative and attention grabbing. This is actually the jeweler that Geof and I got our wedding bands from (at the Delaware location…no tax!).

Splash Award

Thank you Southern Champagne Wishes and Park Ave Princess for passing the Splash Award along to me! I thought it was so sweet of these lovely bloggers to bestow this fabulous award upon me. If you haven’t checked out their blogs, I strongly encourage you to do so.

Southern Champagne Wishes is someone whose blog I recently started reading. She is a lawyer from the south with fantastic style. She posts the shoes that she wears each day and they’re drool-worthy, along with adventures from her life, reviews and fun shopping finds.

Park Ave Princess I’ve been reading for awhile now and she is darling. She is a college student and style savvy! I enjoy reading her posts about fantastic shopping finds.

The Splash Award is given to alluring, amusing, bewitching, impressive, and inspiring blogs. When you receive this award, you must:

• Put the logo on your blog/post.
• Nominate & link up to 9 blogs which allure, amuse, bewitch, impress or inspire you.
• Let them know that they have been splashed by commenting on their blog.
• Remember to link to the person from whom you received your Splash Award.

I pass this award along to the following ladies:

Kathie @ My Net Finds
Kassie @ The Girly Gallivanter
Brittany Ann @ Living in the Moment
Taryn @ Mr. Jones & Me
Kristen @ Ladybug Blessings
Christina @ This Girl’s Life
Michelle @ Stuttering Shell
Mrs EyesCanSee
Lacey @ Confessions of a Southern Belle

Late weekend recap

Hello, my friends! I came back and went missing again. Hopefully I will be a better blogger this week. Darn life keeps getting in the way!

Here is my weekend recap:

Friday, I had some comp time from work, so I went to the pool for awhile and then ran and got a mani and a pedi. Friday night, we had a big girls’ night out and Kelly, Kristen, Jessica and I went where else but to…The Deck! This week was much better than last and we had a wonderful time. I think I danced for 3 straight hours. It was so hot out and by the end of the night I felt like I just got out of the shower. My hair was soaked (what can I say, I'm a sweat-er). It was really funny because 12 Pack (Dave) from I Love New York, I Love Money and Daisy of Love was there. I know they’re VH1 trash shows, but I love them. He was really nice and it was just fun to meet him. We took pics with Kris’ camera, so I’ll have to post later this week.



Kel, Kris and I before we left


Kel, Kris and Jess AKA "Charlie's Angels"

Saturday, Geof, Kelly and I went to the pool and relaxed most of the afternoon and then ran to the grocery store to get stuff to have taco night. We came back to the house and Geof cooked for Kelly and me, which was so sweet. The food was delicious and we were very full. We turned in early and called it a night after a late dinner and watching some TV.

Sunday, Kelly, Kristen, Julie and I went to Atlantic City for the day. It was so hot out and we spent the afternoon on the beach, in the water and at the Bikini Beach Bar at Bally’s. It was a lot of fun, but the sun completely wore me out. We left AC around 4:30 and headed to The Deck for an event they were having. My friends wanted to try and win a cruise and Sean Paul was also there (I’m not a fan), but it drew a big crowd. We got to there around 6:30 and left around 8. It was just long enough, because I was beat. Once I got home and showered, I saw that I had bad sunburn. Thank goodness for Geof putting aloe on me! Geof and I stayed in and watched our Sunday night HBO shows and then called it a night.




Julie, Kris, Me, Kel at the Bikini Beach Bar


"Bikini Lemonade"...sooo good!

Right now I’m loving…

First, sorry I have been so out of the blogging loop this week! Work has been absolutely crazy and unfortunately I haven’t had a lot of free time in the evenings. I promise to catch up with all of you tonight and tomorrow. Without further ado, here are some things that I love at the moment:

Dior Addict Lip Maximizer

I love this lip gloss. It is not sticky and gives my lips a nice sheer pink tint and shine. It also has collagen in it and after continued use, it is supposed to help plump your pout. I noticed that it does tingle certain times, so that must mean that it’s working!


Febreeze Noticables

These air fresheners make my home smell so nice and last for at least a month. I keep one upstairs and downstairs so you can smell it all throughout the house. With having 2 dogs, I think it definitely helps.


Dating in the Dark

I admit that I’m a reality show addict and this new show is a right up my alley. I’m sure most of you know the premise, but it features single ladies and men that meet in the dark and then reveal their looks towards the end of the episode. Each person then decides if they would like to continue with the relationship after they have seen what the other person looks like. I find it so interesting what people decide once they have seen the person. You should also see some of the looks on their faces when the other is revealed in the light…priceless!


Bitch wine

I saw this awhile back at the store and based on the name, I had to try it (I know that’s terrible!). It turns out that it is quite good and different from any kind of red wine that I’m used to drinking. It is called Malbec and I’m not a wino, but I would describe it as medium to full-bodied with flavors of cherry and raspberry. It is very good! I think that it would be perfect to bring to a girls’ night party.

Weekend recap

Friday, Geof and his friends went out to watch some baseball and Kelly and I went to The Deck. It was one of those nights where a lot of annoying people were out and it just wasn’t much fun, so we left early. When I got home, I had work to do, so at least I felt like it was a productive night.

Saturday, Kelly’s younger sister and her friend were down from Vermont and they came along with Geof, Kelly and me to the pool. The weather was perfect and we had an overall nice day. We swam, played some volleyball and relaxed. After the pool we went and got pizza and then came back to our house. I had more work to do, so Kelly did some reading, Geof played video games and the girls listened to music and played MASH. Remember that game? It was really cute listening to them laughing and being typical teens. It was also nice to have a full house to keep me company while I had so much to do.

Sunday, I ran to the dentist with Geof. He’s been having some tooth troubles and we got it straightened out. It was funny because we go to the same practice and the doctor that came in to see him was in a hat, t-shirt and baggy pants. We were the only one’s there and it was just strange. He was so nice and really good about coming in on his day off.

After that, we went to breakfast at this great little place called Java Joe’s. They are only open until about 2pm each day and there is always a line. It’s basically a small café, but the food is so delicious. We came back home and I caught up on some more work and did some cleaning. We finally have food in the house, so Geof and I made this really great dish for dinner. We steamed some fresh shrimp, cooked some dirty rice and threw in a can of mixed vegetables. It was very tasty! We watched some Shark Week shows, the summer finale of Burn Notice and also watched True Blood and Hung. True Blood is killing me with the cliffhangers lately. I cannot wait to see next week’s episode!


Sunday night dinner!

Personality Traits Meme Award & Jules is a Gem!

My wonderful bloggy friend Taryn at Mr. Jones & Me tagged for the Premium Meme Award. If you have not visited her blog yet, I hope that you will soon. She is engaged and soon to be married in a few months!

This award requires that I list 7 traits about myself and then pass the award to 7 other bloggers who deserve recognition for the personality they share through their blog.So, all about me...in 7 personality traits:

1. Funny. I’m the one always making light of things and cracking jokes. If I’m down about something I will give myself a day here and there to deal, but I always try to pick myself right back up and smile again.

2. Loyal. When you’re a friend of mine, you’re a friend for life (unless you cross me!). I have been burned in the past for being loyal to a fault and giving people a ton of chances. Those days are over, but for the close friends I have, I would truly do anything for them.

3. Caring. I consider myself a good listener and try to be the friend that can be there to give advice if it’s asked for or just listen when someone needs a shoulder to lean on.

4. Outgoing. Hubby says that I will talk to anyone and he is probably right. I get this from my father. I love meeting new people and making everyone comfortable. I’m the friend that used to try to bring separate groups of buddies together. It never worked out so well, but I gave it a shot!

5. Detailed. I like to be prepared and I’m a list maker. I want things to be right the first time and I don’t like messes. I guess this could also be a little OCD too ;) I don’t like cups lying around or dishes in the sink…that sort of thing.

6. Genuine. I’m real 100% of the time. I don’t try to mold to what someone else deems perfect and I’m always myself. The only pitfall of this is that sometimes I share too much and wear my heart on my sleeve. I think that this can make me vulnerable at times.

7. Perceptive. If you met me in person you might think I can be a little silly at times, but honestly I pick up on others actions and words very well and feel that this makes me a good judge of character. If I’m meeting someone for the first time, I can usually tell in 5 minutes if they’re someone I would want to get to know better (I’ve been wrong on this a few times!!).

That’s it! I now tag anyone that wants to play!

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I was also given the “You’re A Gem” award from Kathie at My Net Finds. Kathie has been a good friend to me from when she started her blog and I love catching up on her life and reading about interesting things that she finds on the internet.

This award is for the special bloggers who take the time to not only read my posts, but also leave comments, respond to comments, form blog friendships with and support others, answer blogger questions, etc.....the ones who are a real "gem" in the bloggy world. The bloggy world wouldn't be the same without you! The only rule for this award is that to accept it, display it proudly on your blog for all the bloggy world to see your greatness and/or pass it on to other bloggers as you see fit. So, to the following bloggers, I say "you're a gem" to me and here is your award!

I am passing this onto the following bloggers:

Southern Champagne Wishes
Confessions of a Control Freak
The Queen of Clearance
Stuttering Shell
Tales of a Short Southern Momma

Shu Uemura mascara – not a fan

After reading some reviews and hearing positive feedback, I decided to buy a tube of Shu Uemura mascara and I have to say that I’m not a fan at all. I’d say that this is something that might be good for everyday, but certainly not for a night out. It only made my lashes darker and separated them a little. I didn’t notice any thickening or lengthening. It is also near impossible to get off, even after using two different eye makeup removers (Almay and Clinique). I actually lost a few eyelashes trying to get it off. I'm going to try and return this to Sephora as fast as I can.

I think I'll stick with my DiorShow and drugstore mascaras (Cover Girl Eyelights and Lash Blast Luxe).

What is your favorite mascara?

10 Month Anniversary

Today we have been married for 10 months and I cannot believe that we’re getting so close to celebrating our first year together as husband and wife.

Since I’ve told some funny stories the past 2 months about our wedding day, I thought that today I would share the story of the night Geof proposed.

I had been putting in late nights on a project at work for the 2 months leading up to our engagement and was so tired and stressed. Geof told me that he had planned a night out right before Christmas to get my mind off of everything, which was so sweet. He told me that we would be going to Longwood Gardens and then Dilworthtown Inn for dinner. The day came and I had gotten all dressed up since I knew we were having a big date night. The whole car ride to Longwood he was acting a little strange and I just thought nothing of it. We got there and started to walk around to see the fountain show, the beautiful light displays, the flowers/tress and ice show. It had been quite a night so far. We ended up getting a drink and relaxing on a nearby bench. I got up to look at the map and ensure we had seen everything before we left, and when I turned around to go back the bench, I saw a present hanging from a tree branch. Geof said that Santa brought me something and I smiled. I assumed it was an early gift and proceeded to open it. Once I unwrapped it and saw that it was a small jewelry box, he grabbed it and got down on one knee and asked, “Will You Marry Me, Will You Be My Wife, Will You Spend the Rest of Your Life With Me?". I of course said yes, behind tears of joy as he put the beautiful ring on my finger. Everything quickly turned to smiles from ear to ear. I was so excited and the night wasn't over yet.

We left Longwood Gardens and headed to Dilworthtown Inn for dinner. It is one of the most romantic restaurants I have ever seen. We got to our table and he had a dozen long-stemmed red roses and a bottle of champagne waiting at the table. We had a romantic and delicious dinner and the staff treated us like royalty.

It was a night I will never forget all the days of the rest of my life.

Here are some more photos from our special day taken by the talented Cindy Guessford


Happiness


With this ring


Centerpieces and tables at reception


I love how happy he looks in this pic


Our signature drink menu


Geof telling Kel a little secret

Our candy apple favors

My mom and dad

Walking off into the sunset

Weekend recap

Friday, Geof, Kristen, Kelly and I went to R.P. McMurphy’s, a bar and grill close to our home. Danny Bonaduce was hosting an event there and does the morning show on one of the rock stations here in Philadelphia. We thought it would be fun to meet him because we used to watch Breaking Bonaduce on VH1 and he is originally from our area. He was super nice and seemed very happy to be there.


Danny B. and me!


Geof and me


Kris, Me, Kel

After R.P.’s, Geof went to another bar to catch the Phillies game and the ladies and I went to The Deck. It was okay, but not the best time we’ve had there. I would have been perfectly happy just staying at R.P.’s.

Work is going to be crazy for me the next two weeks, so I decided to take is easy for the rest of the weekend and it felt really nice. It’s been awhile and I needed some time to just unwind and relax. On Saturday, I did some work and Geof and I caught up on shows we’ve been missing on the DVR like Burn Notice and just hung around the house. I took a really long afternoon nap and threw off my schedule. I guess I needed it though.

Sunday, Geof and I stayed around the house again and watched some movies. He rented Watchmen and I must say that it was 3 hours of my life that I will never get back. Certain parts of the story were okay and had me intrigued. In the end I was disappointed and not a fan. We also watched our Sunday night shows and True Blood was so good! I swear they just keep getting better and better.