I’m baaaaack!

That’s right everyone. My unofficial blog hiatus is over and I’m glad to be blogging again. Leaving wasn’t planned and there were many times I wanted to come back, but just didn’t have it in me. Between work and life, I lost my mojo. The creative juices weren’t flowing and I didn’t want to just blog for the sake of blogging. For those that are reading this, I sincerely thank you for not deserting me and I hope you’ll continue to stay along for the ride.

Here are some of the highlights and interesting tidbits of the last 2 ½ months!

Chad & Amy (our friends from BCE 1 & BCE 2) came out to visit us and we took them down to the Jersey Shore. Our other friends Tracy and Stephanie came later on in the weekend the whole gang got to sightsee in Philadelphia. We did everything from Reading Terminal Market to the “Rocky Steps” at the Art Museum.


Survived my first and hopefully last Earthquake

Spent as much time as possible at the pool


Read…a lot. I’ve definitely discovered a new hobby (this book was also really good btw).


Made it through Hurricane Irene

Chester Count Restaurant Festival


Lots of dinner and movie dates!


That’s about it. We also just get back from Chicago over the weekend and I cannot wait to share all of our adventures from while we were there!

{mid} Summer Bucket List

It’s hard to believe that we’re already into July. Summer is flying by and I need to hang on tight before it’s gone. With that said, I wanted to make some goals for myself and fun ones at that. Most of the time we’re always setting goals to better this and improve that (which is great, don’t get me wrong), but sometimes we need to just let go and have a little fun. Isn’t that what summer is all about?

Here is what I intend to do before Labor Day weekend:

Amusement park


Water park


Read more


Watch a sunset or two


Wine tasting


Beach day


I’ll let you know how it all works out!

Is there anything you have your heart set on doing before the end of summer?

Images via weheartit

Summer Beauty Essentials

It’s almost summer and about that time to give our beauty routines a facelift. I don’t know about you, but as soon as the warmer temps hit, I’m ready for flip flops with pastel pedis and glowing skin.

Here are some of my beauty besties for summer:

Summer Beauty Besties by Jules7127 on Polyvore.com

MAC Cremesheen Glass in Fashion Scoop – I love the Cremesheen formula from MAC because it’s not sticky and this is the prettiest pale pink that looks good alone or on top of lipstick.

Bobbi Brown Bronzer in Golden Light – This is a great all-around bronzer and the matte finish works really well for me on my lighter skin.

Essie Nail Polish in Turquoise & Caicos – Just about any pink or pastel will do, but I especially love this color from Essie. It’s the prettiest shade of blue and reminds me of a tropical getaway. I love it on my toes.

EOS Lip Balm in Lemon Drop w/SPF 15 – These balms are not only fun because of the shape, but they also work really well at keeping lips soft and protecting against the sun.

Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effect After Sun Moisturizer in Coconut Papaya – This lotion is great after a day at the pool or the beach. It hydrates, smells amazing and gives a nice sheen. It looks especially good on your legs with summer dresses.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunblock, SPF 30 – This is hands down the best SPF I’ve ever used. It doesn’t have that typical sunscreen scent and it applies evenly and lightly.

Garnier Fructis Wonder Waves Wave-Enhancing Spray – Want summer beach waves? This is your new best friend. I love this and have been using it for two years. It gives natural looking waves like you’ve spent a day at the beach.

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Perfume – This seriously smells like summer in a bottle. I can’t even describe it. It’s somewhere between an exotic beach, coconuts and citrus/floral. If you see this in your local department store…smell it. It’s amaze-balls and already sold out online (last time I checked).

Bare Minerals Glimmer Eyeshadow in Nude Beach – Mineral products are great in the summer because they give a sheer wash of color and don’t feel too heavy. This is a beautiful, universally flattering shade for all over your lids. Just throw on some mascara and you’re good to go!

Do you love any of these products as much as me? Are there some that you’d like to add to the list?

Weekend recap

Friday I took the day off and our friends Stephanie and Tracy from Maryland came up for the evening. We went to happy hour at The Deck for a bit and then headed down to The Mann Center in the city for The Script concert. We got these tickets weeks ago and found out that SafetySuit was recently added to the tour. You all know they’re my favorite band, so to get to see both was an awesome plus. Some of our other friends were at the concert and Dawn and Stacy had extra tickets in better seats so we moved down to be with them. The weather could not have been better for a show at an outdoor venue and seeing both bands took me right back to a few weeks ago when we saw them on the VH1 Best Cruise Ever. After the show we waited around and got to see the guys from The Script. They’re so down to earth and nice, especially for being as popular as they are.


Tracy, Stephanie, Geof and I at The Deck


Us with Danny from The Script

Saturday, Geof and I went to Linvilla Orchards for the Strawberry Festival. The weather was nice and not too hot. We went to feed the deer and then took a hayride out to the strawberry fields to roll up our sleeves and get to picking. We only picked the best and made it a nice afternoon out of it. No matter what season it is, I love spending time at Linvilla.


Strawberry Festival

Sunday, we got my mom and went to the movies to see Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides in 3D. I loved it and it’s probably my favorite movie of the summer season so far. I hope this ignites a new series in the Pirates franchise as the movie certainly left it open for more. I also loved Penelope Cruz as the leading lady.


On Stranger Tides

After the movies, we went to Pinocchio’s and then headed and caught some of the MTV Movie Awards. Every year that I watch, I cringe little more and it makes me feel so old, yet I continue to tune in.

The Good Life

It’s almost time for the long weekend and the unofficial start to summer. I can’t help but be a little giddy with excitement.

Have a look at these images, turn up this song and enjoy!


Good Life – OneRepublic Song Lyrics


OneRepublic - Good Life

Woke up in London yesterday
Found myself in the city near Piccadilly
Don't really know how I got here
I got some pictures on my phone

New names and numbers that I don't know
Address to places like Abbey Road
Day turns to night, night turns to whatever we want
We're young enough to say



Oh this has gotta be the good life
This has gotta be the good life
This could really be a good life, good life

Say oh, got this feeling that you can't fight
Like this city is on fire tonight
This could really be a good life
A good, good life

To my friends in New York, I say hello
My friends in L.A. they don't know
Where I've been for the past few years or so
Paris to China to Colorado



Sometimes there's airplanes I can' t jump out
Sometimes there's bs that don't work now
We are god of stories but please tell me
What there is to complain about

When you're happy like a fool
Let it take you over
When everything is out
You gotta take it in



Oh this has gotta be the good life
This has gotta be the good life
This could really be a good life, good life

Say oh, got this feeling that you can't fight
Like this city is on fire tonight
This could really be a good life
A good, good life



Hopelessly
I feel like there might be something that I'll miss
Hopelessly
I feel like the window closes oh so quick
Hopelessly
I'm taking a mental picture of you now
'Cause hopelessly
The hope is we have so much to feel good about



Oh this has gotta be the good life
This has gotta be the good life
This could really be a good life, good life

Say oh, got this feeling that you can't fight
Like this city is on fire tonight
This could really be a good life
A good, good life, oh, this is

To my friends in New York, I say hello
My friends in L.A. they don't know
Where I've been for the past few years or so
Paris to China to Colorado

Sometimes there's airplanes I can' t jump out
Sometimes there's bs that don't work now
We are god of stories but please tell me
What there is to complain about

Images via we heart it

Calypso St. Barth for Target

Target has done it again!

Calypso St. Barth is teaming up with Target to bring a limited-edition line of affordable fashion, jewelry, accessories, and home goods to the masses on May 1st. This breezy and beautiful collection makes me want to escape to the closest beach. With prices ranging from $1.99-$79.99, it’s incredibly affordable compared to the average $500 price tag for this brand.

Calypso is a favorite among celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Kate Beckinsale. It’s not wonder I’m a fan considering how much I love their style.

Here are some of my favorites from the new collection:


Turquoise dress - Love everything about this from the color to the easy fit


Maxi Dress & Crochet Vest – Maxi dress…check. Diagonal stripes…check. This look is a winner.


Tunic, Shorts & Tote - Great mix of neutrals with a pop of color in the tote. The tunic is beautiful.


Navy dress, Tote & Wedges - The off-the-shoulder look is flirty without going to far and the scalloped edges are very pretty.


Tie-dye Wedges – The color combo is great and even though no-one would see it, I’m kind of loving the lime green lining.


Natural Wedges – These would go with anything and again, I’m loving the color choices for the lining.


Elephant Necklace – Global chic and I like the length.


Throw Pillows – I’m crushing on this melon & coral design. This would give any piece furniture that perfect summer flare.

Do you like anything you see?

Dreaming…

Of anywhere but here



It is too cold and I’m in need of some sun and fun in my life. This little inspiration board I made will have to suffice until then.

Looking at this makes me smile.

What's making you smile today?

Images via weheartit

South Carolina – Part 2

Saturday, we drove up to the outskirts of Charlotte and went to Ballantyne Village to walk around and explore some of the cute little shops. We visited The Blushing Bakeshop and had some cupcakes. The cupcakes we fluffy and delicious. The frosting is whipped and wasn’t too heavy, which was perfect on a hot Southern afternoon. The girl that worked in the shop was so also sweet and helpful in giving us some good tips about the area.


Me at The Blushing Bakeshop

After Ballantyne Village, we headed off to another part of Charlotte and went to Cantina 1511 for lunch. We heard some great things about this place and wanted to try it. This is seriously up there for some of the best Mexican food that I’ve ever had. Our sever made some recommendations and I’m glad we listened. We shared Queso Fundido as an appetizer and it was so rich, we didn’t come close to finishing it. We also shared the margarita flight that included their top shelf, house and blood orange versions of the cocktail. For lunch, Geof and I both had the Barbacoa de Puerco (basically shredded pork w/rice, pico de gallo, Mexican cheeses, guacamole, and flour tortillas). We also had the most delicious traditional and tomatillo salsa.


Geof and I at Cantina 1511


Margarita flight and Queso Fundido

After lunch, we walked around the shopping area a little bit and then drove down to the Lynx light rail station to catch a train into uptown Charlotte. This is such a convenient way to travel and I only wish we had something like this back home. We were dropped off right at the EpiCentre and this place was so fun. It’s an area filled with restaurants, nightlife and some shopping. There was also a Carolina Panthers game that night so there were a lot of fans out and about. We walked around for awhile and finally settled at Whiskey River for a drink. They had a mechanical bull, so we had to go check it out. Neither of us went for a ride though.


The EpiCentre in Charlotte


Geof on the bull


Pretty sunset on the train ride back

It was getting late, so we headed back to our hotel. We decided to go for a night swim and then befriended one of the workers at our hotel. He was so sweet and we told him about the SafetySuit concert the next night and said he might come because he was a fan of the band. It turns out that he did come to the concert and brought a friend. They were both such nice Southern gentlemen.

Sunday, we slept in pretty late and then spent most of the day relaxing out by the pool. We grabbed a quick lunch and then got ready to head out for the night. We drove up to Winthrop University for the SafetySuit show and met up with some friends we knew from Twitter; Jessica, her sister Ali and their dad. They flew all the way in from Boston for the show and are huge fans of the band. They were all so nice and it was great to meet in person.


Geof and I at the SafetySuit show


Twitter peeps!

They finally opened the doors around 6:30 and we headed into the show. The concert was wonderful and I was so glad that we got to see the band once more before they head back into the studio to finish up their 2nd album. We got to catch up with their sound guy, John who is as nice (and funny) as they come. We waited for the crowd to die down and then got to talk to the SafetySuit boys. It was nice to catch up with all of them and hear about their summer. They recently went to Europe and Africa to play for the troops and I thought that was really special.


Concert time!



Us with Doug, Tate, Jeremy and Dave

After the show, we headed back to the hotel and got ready for the long drive back home the next morning. We had a great few days away and it was nice to visit a city that I’ve never been to before. I can honestly see myself living in the South someday.

South Carolina - Part 1

Hello, my friends! This month has flown by and I cannot believe that tomorrow is the beginning of September. I wanted to recap our trip to South Carolina into 2 parts and below is Part 1. I have also posted the winner of the Lisa Leonard gift certificate at the bottom of this post. Thank you to everyone who entered.

We got up Thursday, picked up the rental car, fueled up and headed off for South Carolina. I had to gear up for this trip considering I’ve never driven more than 4 hours in the car. The drive wasn’t as bad as I was expecting. We hit some traffic around DC and Northern Virginia, but otherwise it was smooth sailing. About 6 hours into the drive, we needed gas and dinner so we stopped at a Cracker Barrel and gas station somewhere in North Carolina. I really needed a rest and my foot was pretty cramped. The break got me geared up for the last 1/3 of the trip and we finally made it to the hotel around 10:30 pm. They put us in a King Suite and then we got all settled in and called it a night.


Cracker Barrel photo shoot...Geof's expression cracks me up!


Our room

Friday we had a quick breakfast at the hotel and then went to checkout Winthrop University so we knew where we needed to be for the SafetySuit concert that Sunday and then headed to Target to pick up some things we managed to forget to bring along. Geof spotted a Jack in the Box and said we had to go there since we don’t have any near us.

After lunch, we headed back to the hotel and got ready to go lay out by the pool and go for a dip. We spent a few hours in the sun and then cleaned up to head out for the evening. We went to Jim ‘n Nick’s Bar-B-Q and it was beyond delicious. We definitely don’t have places like this back in PA. Our server could not have been any nicer and I was really starting to dig the Southern hospitality. After dinner, we decided to go to a movie and ended up seeing The Last Exorcism. It was super creepy and definitely gave me a good scare for the rest of the night. I have to give two thumbs up for an original horror movie. It goes to show that it doesn’t have to be a remake or a sequel to be effective. After the movie, we headed back to the hotel and relaxed for the rest of the night.


Pool time!


Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q


Beef Brisket dinner. That dinner and the cheddar biscuits were out of control good.


Us at dinner



The winner of the $50 Lisa Leonard gift certificate is Natalie from Miss Brightside. There were a total of 108 entries and I used Random.org to draw the winner. The number that resulted was #9 which belongs to Natalie. Congrats! Please contact me with your mailing info so that I can pass it along to Lisa.