Saturday, October 31, 2009

Late but not forgotten.

Here's our Halloween pumpkins! Ryan carved his first pumpkin this year, how sweet.  I hope to make it a tradition. 


I carved a vampire with fangs and Ryan did Dwight from The Office (he made the stencil himself, how cute!).  We dressed up as an angel and an escaped con.  Pictures and Pigskin Pick'Ems to follow tomorrow!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Moving on up in the the world

No, I'm not moving.  But I did get a new job!  It is still in the Northern VA area and I'm thrilled with the new adventures it promises.  My first day is Nov. 17th and I am ready to hit the ground running.  It is for another trade association in the conference and meetings department.  I'll be doing a lot of what I am currently doing but with more challenges and more responsiblity.  I can't wait!

This weekend is going to be busy.  Ryan and I are last minute Halloween shopping tonight, attempting to try to carve pumpkins, and look at new digital cameras.  Tomorrow is flag football and meeting friends for drinks (and hopefully seeing my friend who will be in town from NJ!) and finalizing plans for NYC (hotel is booked, yippee!).  Sunday I want to go to Eastern Market (a big flea market near the Hill) and then football and baking!  My oh my, it'll be a whirlwind. 

ohh and I want to squeeze in some crafting/knitting.  I'm crushing on these great cowl neck knits I've seen on the runways.  I've found some on Etsy from HappiKnits (check out her store and some of her work below) but want to try making one myself.



Thursday, October 29, 2009

Doing My Part.

I’d like to think of myself as environmentally conscious. In fact, I’ve set up a “recycling center” in the house to help sort our items. Every Tuesday the neighborhood puts out 4 bins for recycling – paper, plastic, aluminum, and glass. Residents are encouraged to sort their recycling and the pickup is on Wednesday morning. Ever since the recycling center has been in place, I can honestly say that our recycling quota has increased ten fold. Now instead of having the recyclable items clutter up the counter (as was the case in the past) it all neatly gets filed away in the center. And it makes the Tuesday sort even easier. I picked up this 3 drawer rolling caddy from Target for about $10 and printed the labels on my computer at work.

So here’s the center empty on Tuesday night.


And here is it full on Tuesday evening.
 

Any cardboard or larger items that don’t fit in the drawers get put into a paper bag and rest on top. This recycling center is tucked into the corner of the kitchen so it doesn’t impede traffic when I’m cooking and guests aren’t forced to stare it down while eating. Everyone gets a hoot when they see it.

I’m trying to apply more “green” principles to everyday life too and making smarter decisions when it comes to purchases. I have a Camelback that I use each day to (1) monitor my water intake (8 glasses or more) and (2) it cuts out the need for bottled water and the waste. Ryan and I recycle grocery bags for needs around the house and I will be using only wrapping paper that is made from recycled materials for Christmas this year. We keep some plastic containers (butter, feta cheese, etc) to reuse as storage for leftovers. Every little bit helps and I hope to keep on adding to the list of things we do to improve the environment.  What “green” ideas have you implemented in your daily life?

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Crisis of the Closet.

I am having a crisis of the closet.  My life was just dandy until I thumbed my way through the Victoria Secret Christmas catalog last night.  I wasn't looking for anything particular, just thought I'd give it a glance before I sent it to my recycle bin...that was when I spotted this.

Now, I love the unexpected and I'd like to think I could pull this sequin jacket off, but I'm just not sure.  I think it would look so chic with some jeans and black boots, a black dress, or even leggings and a white tee.  Couldn't you see me in the streets of NYC with this on? 

So my question to you is, is this just too outrageous to even be considered cool?  I don't want to look like I just stepped off the Vegas stage if I wear this in public...

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

I've made it official.

I’ve just made the first investment into my blog. I purchased my domain name – http://www.missprissypaige.com/

I’ve had such a fun time blogging and making new friends over the past month, I went ahead and purchased my domain name (you know in hopes my blog will take off like the next Twilight movie). When I first started the blog I was hesitant to purchase the domain name – what if I hated blogging, what if I couldn’t keep up with it, what if it was just a fad like legwarmers (which I’ve seen are back in style)? So I gave it a little bit and I’m so proud of myself for sticking to it and enoying every moment so far, that I rewarded myself with the $10 domain name purchase.

Hopefully you aren’t experiencing any troubles with the new site, I know Blogger and Google are working to update my DNS listings (yea, I have no idea what that means either, but I saw it in the help section). Let me know if you experience any quirks…

..and THANKS for being a part of my blog!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Recipe Rundown

Welcome to the new Recipe Rundown!

Each week (hopefully before Monday night but this week is trial and error...) I'll post the recipes I'll be making for dinners during the rest of the week.  I started planning our meals months ago but with the craziness of Ryan's school, Junior League, work trips, and day-to-day life, my planning went out the window.  Well now I'm re-energized and re-organized to make this work again.  Nothing is worse than coming home from work and staring in the fridge and thinking "What on earth are we going to eat tonight!"  Instead of frustration, I'll know exactly what is on tap for the evening and can hopefully devote more time to crafting and pursuing other projects I've got in the works.  So without further a due here is the first installment of Recipe Rundown.

Tuesday - Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice

Wednesday - Chicken Sybil with oven roasted cauliflower

Thursday - Spaghetti with sauteed chicken and wilted spinach

Friday - leftovers

Saturday - Lemon feta chicken

Sunday - leftovers

A few items to note:

I don't eat any red meat.  AT ALL.  I haven't eaten red meat in over 10 years, I don't crave it, don't think about it, and don't under any circumstances eat it.  I also don't eat lamb or veal.  I didn't eat bacon or sausage for 10 years until I just tried it again recently.  I wasn't impressed, so I won't be eating any more of that stuff.  As you can tell, I'm a pretty picky meat eater, so expect to see lots of chicken, seafood (I love me some shrimp and salmon), turkey (only ground), and veggie options in my menus.  Ryan will eat anything so when I'm away from the house for dinner, I encourage him to eat his steak, pork, and sausage then.  Cause I won't even cook it.  I also hate touching raw meat and avoid it at all costs.  That's where Ryan comes in - he preps the meat and I do everything else with it.

I also have a big love for feta cheese.  I will use it whenever possible.

Ryan and I tend to eat out once a week so that's why I have included leftovers a couple of the nights.  During the week, we are really good about packing our lunches so we can enjoy the dinner and drinks (also referred to as "date night" ) out come the weekends.  Nothing beats a PB and Banana sandwich in my lunch box!  :)

Update:  I've added the recipe links to for each night.  Sometimes I pull from cookbooks, sometimes from the web, and sometimes from memory so I'll try to include the recipe when possible.  You might notice a pattern of using Weight Watchers recipes, I started the plan a few months ago and lost about 10 pounds.  I'm "maintaining" the loss by monitoring what I eat myself without paying WW to do it, so I scour the web for free recipes.  Enjoy!

pps.  The meaning behind Chicken Sybil?  According the website I found it from, the name comes from the fact that the chicken recipe is so versatile, it has, ahem, many personalities.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Pigskin Pick'Em Week 7

Ok, so this is really my last post until I get back into town.  We only differ on 4 picks most importantly the Atlanta and Dallas game.  Yes, I'm a Cowboys fan, but I picked Atl.  I hope I'm proved wrong on this one.

My First Manicure

Yes, that's right. I'm 25 and hadn't had a manicure all my life. Until Thursday night. I decided to get one with the premise, “ohh I'll just do it once and then I can maintain it”. In these tough economic times, I've been cutting back on indulgences like pedicures, Starbucks, buying a new lip gloss every week, handbag and shoe shopping, and hair color (I’m trying to appreciate my natural look). So what lead to my departure from my budget to a manicure? Desperation and embarrassment.

You see, when I was in San Antonio for work a few weeks ago, my nails were destroyed. I’m not normally one to pay much attention to my nails so if I notice they look shabby then I know other people see it too. And my hands were so dry. It was awful. So I decided to take the plunge and treat myself to a manicure. And boy was it worth it. The best part – the hand massage. If I had only know about that earlier, maybe I wouldn’t of waited 25 years to get one.

I didn’t take any before pictures to spare myself the embarrassment, but here is the after. It was kind of hard to get a picture where my hands didn’t look freakish. I like to think that I have dainty hands.  I chose a light pink color to match most of my clothes.  I know it was an OPI color but I can't remember the name!

 
In other news, Ryan surprised me with the sweetest card and flowers on Wednesday night.  It was the 2 year anniversary of our first kiss.  I made him pose with the flowers.
 

Both of the pictures were taken with my Blackberry so the pictures aren't the best.  Speaking of pictures, Ryand and I are in the market for a new digital camera.  If you have one that you just love, please let me know what it is, I need some recommendations!

I'm heading to Richmond this weekend to see my family so I'll be off the blog until Sunday.  Have a great weekend!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Key to my heart...

It was love at first sight!  I might be a little late jumping on this bandwagon, but I'm still jumping!  I'm currently crushing on the Tiffany keys.  You may have seen these appearing in ads on all over the wahzoo, but everytime I see one, my heart beats a little quicker.

My favorite one is the with the the heart detail (above on the left).  Its so simple yet stunning.  You can bet this will be on on my wish list (along with new hybrid car, new digital camera, new wardrobe, and many more things...one day, after I will the lottery, right?)

What are you thoughts about the keys?  I'd love to hear!

Enough Said...

....I'm up by 7 in the Pigskin Pick'Ems.  Check that stats on the sidebar!  Blogger decided to cooperate this morning, yea!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Uggg...

...I'm trying to post the update on on my Pigskin Pick'Em and Blogger won't allow me to upload a picture.  Is anyone else struggling?  I posted a comment on Blogger Help so here's hoping Google will come to my rescue!

Monday, October 19, 2009

20 Something...

I joined 20 Something Bloggers to meet more friend in my area, and in the blogsphere.  So if you're on there and aren't following me, please add me as a friend so we can meet!

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Pumpkin Cupcakes

This weekend I had my fill of pumpkin.  Yet, I'm still hankering for more!  I started off Saturday with pumpkin coffee (and I'm not a big coffee drinker but I can't with stand the pumpkin!), then I made pumpkin cupcakes and frosted with pumpkin icing!  I braved the downpour to venture out to the store to get supplies for the pumpkin cupcakes and let me tell you, it was worth it.  Here's the play by play...

(after staging the picture, I realized I forgot to include the cinnamon)
 
All mixed up, and I don't know what to do (that was my attempt at a laugh...)


Most crucial element...the icing...


Out of the oven, and ready to be eaten!  These were so yummy, I didn't have time to stop and take a picture of them with the icing all piled on...I was too busy eating them...but trust me, they were good.  

ps.  I'm spanking Ryan in the picks...go me...I told him today at the bar (the Giants/Saints game wasn't being broadcast in our area) that if I go up by 10, I'll give myself a bye week....or I'll make it a couples massage!  :)

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Keeping myself busy...

Its cold and rainy out today (as it has been for the last 3 days!) so I'm keeping myself busy by catching up on all my magazines.  And I must admit, I'm super excited to spend a rainy day inside the house!  What do you do on rainy days to keep busy?

Friday, October 16, 2009

Pigskin Pick'Em Week 6

Are you ready for some football?! 


Wednesday, October 14, 2009

You might also like...

A big thanks to my friend Jenn at This Girl Loves Pink for her help with my blog today!  I've spotted the widget, "You might also like" at the bottom of her posts and lots of fellow bloggers, and couldn't for the life of me figure out how to get it on mine.  I've found this tool is great, especially when you've discovered a new blog, to get to know the blogger a little better.

She saved the day (and my sanity) by telling me how to get it.  I hope you enjoy this new feature as much as I enjoy it!  Now I'm trying to figure out to extend my page to eliminate some of the white space on the sides, if anyone knows how to do this, please do share!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Pumpkin Picking

Ryan and I made a trip to Cox's Farm on Monday.  While I have to admit, we were probably the only 2 people there without kids, still had a great time!  Cox Farms had something to offer for everyone - from tons of slides to cute little piggies!  We were able to pick up lots of pumpkins (I am obsessed with the mini ones - so cute!) and then we got 2 to carve.  I've started decorating the house for fall, so stay tuned for a forthcoming post on our "fall-afied" house!

In the meantime, check out some pictures from our day - we took a lot, so bear with me on with these highlights!  Can you imagine dressing up in a gorilla costume while carying a boy in a cage?  Well someone does - that's hard work!

 
11 little piggies with their mom.  They were all climbing over each other to keep warm.

Walking to the patch and marketplace...


Which mini one should I get?  They are all too cute!


Coming home with with pumpkins...Ryan buckled the 2 large ones up - won't he be a great dad one day (if we ever have kids)


All done, what a fun day!  Stay tuned for picks with what I've done with the pumpkins...


ps. Pigskin Pick'Em.  I won Week 5 too.  I've increased my lead by 3! 

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Cooler weather

Currently I've got the chili simmering, a pumpkin ale in my hands, and slippers to keep my toes cozy (Ryan thinks my slippers resemble baked potatoes and in a weird way, they do - what do you think?).

I love this cooler weather since it lets me wear my chunky scarves and cozy sweaters.  Ryan and I are going to Cox Farms tomorrow to pick up some pumpkins and gourds so I can start decorating for Halloween (I may even look for some apples too).  Check out this aerial view of Cox Farms - sure looks like they have something for everyone!

Tomorrow is Columbus Day and that means that I have the day off from work!  I'm looking forward to another day of sleeping in late, getting some baking done (picked up my first can of pumpkin from the store today), and of course Monday Night Football with Ryan.

Pigskin Pick'Em Week 5

I picked the lead back up in Week 4, here's hoping I can carry over to Week 5.


Saturday, October 10, 2009

Back Home.

I am back home from my trip to San Antonio. I'm exhausted after working 14 hour days for 4 days straight, but from the feedback I heard, the conference was a big success! I will get back to posting and commenting tomorrow as I need another day to catch up on sleep. See ya'll tomorrow!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Pigskin Pick'Em Results: Week 4


Posted by: Ryan

The results are in and Kristen regained the lead by two in the Pigskin Pick'Em. I don't know what happened to me this week, but from the looks of it I picked some real losers (7 to be exact). Thanks a lot Tony Romo for blowing another one for us this week. You'd think the way he was playing that Jessica Simpson was at the games.

Well, the first quarter of the NFL season has come to a close and Miss Prissy Paige is holding her own. As of last week, I could almost smell the massage oils and relaxation in the air, but after this week the only thing I can see is my credit card being swiped and someone asking me how much tip do I want to leave for the masseuse. But only the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters of the season will prove who is crowned champion and is awarded the holy grail, THE MASSAGE.

Monday, October 5, 2009

I'm leaving on a jet plane...

...and won't return until Saturday. 

If you're reading this, I'm en-route to the airport to fly out for San Antonio, TX.  My company is putting on a conference and since I work in the meetings department, I'll be there.  I checked the weather during the stay, and its calling for 90s and thunder storms!  Quite the opposite of the nice cool weather I've been enjoying at home.

I promise to catch up with every one of you when I return.  I'll finally get my life back after this conference!  Have a great week!

Sunday, October 4, 2009

What are you reading?

Hi friends, I'm in need of some help.  I'm looking for a good book to read.  I'm talking about one that makes you forget to watch all shows you love on Bravo (Top Chef), one where you realize you haven't eaten dinner and its 10pm, one where you stop conversing with your boyfriend (or husband, or roommate, or family) because your nose is stuck in a book and you can't stop turning pages.

If you know of a book that fits this bill, please please please let me know.  I'm in a reading slump and I need help!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Ping-Pong Anyone?

So Ryan and I had date night after work in Old Town Alexandria.  I work in Old Town and Ryan used to work there before he got a new job, so we both have discovered some favorite restaurants in the neighborhood.  One of our favorites is Red Mei.  Its an Asian eatery and is delicious, and the price can't be beat.  $6.93 for an entree (and it is big enough for two meals).  It is yummy


So we met there for dinner and walked around after wards.  The weather was beautiful and we strolled into Ross Dress for Less.  I will be traveling all next week for work and was looking for a new jacket to take with me.  I didn't find anything, but Ryan did!



30 minutes later, we are home and he's set up our new ping-pong table.  Its our dining room table, transformed.  We've been playing non-stop since the game came home with us.  For $9, I can honestly say we've gotten our money's worth.  Feel free to stop over and challenge us! 

In full disclosure, I may look sweet and innocent, but I pack a nasty ping-pong paddle ;)

Friday, October 2, 2009

Pigskin Pick'Em Week 4

We are rounding the corner of Week 4 in the NFL.  This week I'm trying to reclaim the winning title after Ryan snuck in and grabbed it from me last week.  I've gone out on a limb with some of my pics, but I stand by them.


Also, I want to add that Ryan and I are currently beating the majority of ESPN "Expert Picks" and CBSSports "Experts Picks".  I'm totally impressed with myself and Ryan.  These "Experts" are paid to talk about football 24/7 and we are beating them (if you don't believe me, check out the links in the paragraph).  Maybe this time next year, I'll have my picture on ESPN.com and they will be asking me for advice on picks!

Haircut

So this week, I decided to get a haircut.  You're probably thinking, wasn't her hair pretty short to start with?  And with that, I'd have to agree.  But apparently, I thought there was still enough hair to cut it. So here's a picture before my cut...



and after.



The cut is pretty similar to what I've had in the past, only its more stacked in the back, and longer on the front.  As is typical with me, I love the cut when I'm in the stylist's chair, hate it when I get home, and for about 2 days afterwards.  Then I'll wake up one morning and love it.  Well yesterday that was the morning for me.  Got the cut on Tuesday night, and Thursday morning, I loved it.  Ryan likes it too (he actually picked it out for me).  I'm still playing around with it and starting to love it more each day.  What do you think?


 

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