I'm obsessed

So the lack of blogging & commenting is in part totally because of this. 

I'm obsessed with Glee.  I'm not sure what rock I was living under when this show started, but its awesome.  I mean I am laughing out loud at the episodes.  And this is coming from someone who can barely stand to watch a chick flick.  Right now the show is on break until April, which is giving me the time to catch up on the episodes and of course, listen to the soundtrack (volume 1 & 2) nonstop in my car.

So tell me - are you obsessed too?  Who's your favorite student?  And do you love the way Emma dresses all J.Crew-ified, or is it just me?  And who is cuter Puck or Finn?  Ahhh - the struggles!!  Now back to another episode.

Planning for 2010

Can I just say how excited I am to see what 2010 has in store for us?  I've already started marking important dates in my agenda for 2010.  I saw this Lilly Pulitzer agenda back in the fall and immediately ordered it.  While I do have an iPhone and most of my appointments are sent electronically, I'm still old school and keep a paper agenda too.  And with something this pretty, I gotta show it off!

 

I did a Google search to find a picture and realized that the agenda appears to be sold out on most online sites, but I know Hallmark sells Lilly Pulitzer items, so if you hurry, you might be able to grab one for yourself too!

Pigskin Pick'Em: Week 16

Well friends, the time is drawing near...as we only have 2 weeks left of regular season NFL and the announcement of the winner of Pigskin Pick'Em.  I hope your team has sinched a spot in the playoffs. 

Here are the picks for Week 16:  Since it was Christmas, I didn't get a chance to post our picks for first game, but we both picked San Diego - and lucky for us, they came off with a win!

Hope every had a great holiday, I'm getting ready to hit the road back to D.C. (and praying traffic on 95 isn't brutal).   

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! 

I hope you are enjoying the day with family and friends!

Be sure to tell me what Santa brought you!

(that's Ryan, he dressed up as Santa on the last day of work)

New York City: Let's Recap

Well its been a few weeks since we got back from NYC so I thought it fitting to share some highlights.  Ryan and I spent three days in the city and took hundreds of photos.  I've narrowed down the hundreds to a select few to share with you.  I'll just go ahead and apologize now for the long post.  Sorry.  

Day 1: We checked into our hotel and headed to Time Square to check it out and get some Broadway tickets.  Based on a referral, we got tickets to see Rock of Ages.  Its an 80s love story musical.  It was funny and the music was awesome.  After the show, we had dinner reservations at The View, NYC's only revolving rooftop restaurant.  It was located 48 floors up and had great views of the city.  After dinner, we headed to the Empire State Building.  I remember going in the past with my family and having to wait in line to get upstairs, however on this occasion, there was no line.  We bought the tickets and were whisked upstairs to check out the view.  It was breathtaking, but I couldn't look over the edge for too long as I started feeling nauseous from the heights.

 

Day 2 (morning):  Woke up at the crack of dawn and headed to Top of the Rock in Rockefeller Center to see views of the city in the morning.  Again no line (probably because we were there at the crack of dawn) and the views were amazing.  I loved seeing the city in the morning, it looked so calm and peaceful.  After taking in the views, we headed to the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall.  The show was amazing!  I'm so glad we went.  After the Rockettes we grabbed lunch, saw the tree in Rockefellar Center (its huge, much bigger than it looks on TV) and headed to Central Park. 

Day 2 (evening):  After Central Park, Christmas windows, it was time for dinner.  We went to Mesa Grill (Bobby Flay's restaurant) and it was delicious!  Best food of the trip (besides the NYC pizza, which I HAD to have).  The only thing that could have made the food better was if Bobby Flay was in the restaurant.  I hear he comes in a couple days a week so I guess we'll have to go back another time to try and catch him.  After dinner, we went back to Rockefellar Center for ice skating.  To say I was petrified, would be an understatement.  But I sucked it up and did it, and didn't fall once!  By no means was I graceful out there, but I'm getting better :)

Day 3: Last day in the city.  We went to visit Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, Ground Zero, ate some pizza, and headed home.  Statue of Liberty was amazing and it was so exciting to see Ryan see it for the first time.  Ground Zero was a sight to see - the work they are doing to rebuild is surreal.     

So there's a quick recap of our trip to NYC.  We accomplished all we wanted to see and do in our trip, and made a list of even more we want to do on our next trip!

Thank You, Thank You!

...I'm so happy to report that I reached my goal of 30 followers (and then some) this month!  Yea!  I couldn't of done it without your help, so thank you!  I started blogging as a way to decompress from work and meet new friends while carving a little place in the world for me.  I can say that I've made new friends and I'm really enjoying this blogsphere!

So if you aren't already following me, here are some reasons you might want to:

-You can get my updates ASAP (don't you like knowing the news, rather than hearing the news)

-I'm going to start sharing my favorite wines (and nothing is more than $15 a bottle!)

-It is the holiday season after all, and shouldn't we all do something to benefit others?

-I love a craft project (on the cheap) and I'm always trying to do my own interpretation of popular designers work.

-I bake.  A LOT.  And if you follow me, I might send you cookies.
-All the cool kids are doing it.

Dare to...have traditions!

Its the last week for Kim's DIY Challenge & Party.  I can't believe it, time really does fly when having fun!  This week is all about traditions.  Since this is the first time Ryan and I have put up a tree together, we are starting our own traditions.  I also have some traditions of my own from my family.

Family traditions:

-My sisters and I always open one gift on Christmas Eve.  Its is always pajamas and they always match.  After opening the pjs, we race upstairs to put on our new Christmas pjs and be the first person back downstairs.  When we were younger, that's when we would also eat come of Santa's cookies.  After all 3 of us are downstairs (last one is a rotten egg) then we officially "hang" our stockings.

-Stockings: This is another tradition I love.  I've had the same stocking since I was a kid.  Mine actually suffered a casualty last year when the toe broke off, but my Mom repaired it and actually just emailed me this picture!

It also suffered a hole many years ago but again my Mom repaired it.  I love stockings, its one of my favorite parts of Christmas morning - and something Ryan and I are starting this year.  The best gifts can come in small packages!

Relationship traditions:

-Putting up the awesome white tree together after Thanksgiving.

-Hosting a holiday party (after this year's smashing success I'm making it a tradition)

-Collecting Toys for Tots at the above mentioned awesome holiday party.

-Constructing a gingerbread house together.

-Our late Christmas:  Ryan and I always wait until after Christmas with our families and until we both get back home to exchange gifts.  Since we aren't married yet we haven't spent Christmas Eve or Christmas morning together.  Our grandparents live close to each other so we do see each other on Christmas Day but we don't exchange gifts until we get back to our house.  We go out for a nice dinner and then exchange gifts while watching some Christmas movie.  I love that we wait until after all the hustle and bustle is over to exchange gifts.  I'm sure this tradition will change some after we get married, but we will always open our gifts together, just the two of us. 

So what kind of traditions do you have?  Check out what others are doing at Kim at NewlyWoodwards.  And a big thanks again to Kim for hosting this shindig, its been lots of fun "meeting" new bloggers :)

Pigskin Pick'Em: Week 15

Posted by Ryan

After MPP's big lead, I have come back strong in the second half of the season. Before this week's round of games she had a 1 point lead and after last nights game and her resistance to pick OUR TEAM, the Cowboys, I have evened the playing field leading into today's games. And here we go:

A Gift for Me.

So I mentioned I got a new job back in November and I'm loving it.  Since I'll be traveling more with this new job, I knew I would need a nice big tote to keep my files in but yet something that didn't seem too large I couldn't use it for everyday as well.

Cut to my first payday:  I'm excited about the new funds appearing in my paycheck and I come home to find I've gotten a coupon the mail.  It happens to be from Coach for 20% off.  Have I mentioned I love Coach bags?  You can get classic style with a funky twist and its not too outrageously expensive (pricey yes, but its not at the Kate Spade or Prada level yet).

And did I also mention that my new job is located next to TWO shopping meccas?  Tyson's Corner Center & Tyson's Galleria.  Combined the 2 malls have every store under the sun.  And I can see them from my office window.  It is seriously dangerous. 

So my work day ends and I somehow find myself at the mall and in the Coach store.  I must have blacked out once I got to my car and awoken at the Coach store.  As my eyes focus, I spot this:

The bag was calling my name..."Kristen....get me, I'll be perfect for work & play...you know you want me, you just landed a new job after all..."

So like any typical teenager, I succumbed to peer pressure and purchased it.  I can honestly say, the bag was right, its perfect for work & play, and I did save 20% with my coupon.  So happy new job/Merry Christmas to me!

So what's the best thing you've ever bought on a whim? 

clearly on a major side note: Pigskin Pick'EM: I pick the Saints tonight and Ryan picks Dallas.  He's a die hard fan and refuses to pick against them. 

Tasty Delight

Edited on Saturday morning:  It is snowing like like crazy in D.C.  Reports are calling for 1-2 inches to fall per hour and up to 2 feet.  Now my question is, why couldn't this happen on Sunday night so work would close?  Stay warm everyone!


So the weather forecast is calling for 8 inches of snow, starting tomorrow night.  8 inches, in D.C.!  Seriously, if we even get the 8 inches, it will cause mass panic in the area.  So with reports looming, I (along with everyone else in the metro area) headed to the grocery store to stock up on the necessities (cheese, chips, coffee, bread, and peanut butter and had we not just had a raging holiday party, it would also include beer & wine) in-case we get snowed in (hey, 8 inches is a lot for us D.C. folk).

While perusing the cheese selections, I saw that Jello pudding snacks were on sale!  Score, normally I wouldn't buy them, I can't see spending $3.50 on 6 snacks but I do love pudding.  My favorite flavors are chocolate, Oreo, and the new Boston cream pie that Jello is putting out.  I noticed however the store was stocking a new flavor...Cinnamon Roll.  Instantly, it was in my basket.

I have to say, I had my first taste tonight, and it is YUMMY.  Not too sweet.  And just the perfect portion size.  Good thing I can hide them in the back of the fridge behind all the beer to keep Ryan at bay.  :)  It could be a long few days cooped up inside if we get the 8 inches of snow and I'll need this Cinnamon Roll pudding if my cheese supply runs out.

edited to add:  Ryan and I both pick the Indy Colts in tonight's game. 

Outdoor decor

Here's a pic of the front of my house. It's windy tonight so hopefully everything is still up in the morning!


...testing a blog app for my iPhone...

Posted by iPhone

Dare to..deck the halls!

I'm back this week for Kim's DIY Challenge.  This week was about decking the halls, which was perfect for me as Ryan and I need to deck the halls for our holiday party which was a smashing success last night.  Since arriving back from New York City late Tuesday night, we went to town getting things together for the party and decorating.  Here are some photos I took before our guests started arriving.  I'm bummed to say I didn't get a single photo during the party nor of my Christmas cupcake pops, but take my word, they were adorable!

 These photos are from the living/dining area.  I had started setting out the food in the first picture, we had all sorts of appetizers and desserts.  The centerpiece is a tray with silver and white candles and various silver ornaments.  Simple, but chic if you ask me.  The second photo on the top right is more jars filled with ornaments and my new favorite blocks that say Merry Christmas from Target.  Peaking in the corner of the photo, is Santa.

That's right, Santa.  Ryan has a Santa suit he is planning to wear to work on Christmas Eve and came up with the DIY version of Santa.  He picked up this Santa advent calendar from TJ Maxx and stuffed his suit with pillows and propped the advent calendar on top.  I have to say, he was big hit at the party!  Finally a shot of our stocking (new this year!) and my faithful Snowman cookie jar that is filled with fresh baked cookies.

Ta-dah...our white Christmas tree.  I fell in love with a white tree I spotted at Target but hated the $200 price tag it carried.  I found this white one on Black Friday at Walmart for $40.  I love it!  It makes such a statement and I'm so glad Ryan was OK with me getting the white tree.  Its my favorite part.  We also collected Toys for Tots this year so you can see some of the toys poking out from under the tree.

This has nothing to do with the challenge but here is Ryan and me before the party!

Happy Holidays everyone!  Can't wait to see how you've decked the halls!

Love my decor?  Then check out what some other folks have done over at Kim at NewlyWoodwards. 

Week 14

Ryan and I hosted a great party last night - we had some good food, good wine, and great times!  Today I'll be relaxing on the couch (in my pjs of course) and recovering from the last glass of wine I felt I needed at 1am.  :)

Here are the picks for this week.  Some good games on today!

My sister, Kelsey

So I've mentioned before on my blog that I have a twin sister.  What I haven't touched on yet, is that I also have a younger sister, Kelsey.  She's 19 years old and a sophomore in college.  Born on the Fourth of July, her birthday always draws a celebration (haha).  She shares my love for Coach bags, cheese, and Twilight.  She's got great style, and I'm always asking her for style advice when I see her. 

While in high school, Kelsey joined Job's Daughters.  Every Thanksgiving weekend the Virginia bethels have a pageant and compete to become Miss Virginia Job's Daughter.  Well in 2008 Kelsey won the pageant!  I was so proud to be in the audience that night and watch her compete and win.  She's a wonderful public speaker (must get it from my dad) and seeing the shock on her face was priceless.  This past year has been a whirlwind experience for her as she has traveled across the state for meetings, grand visits, dinners, and receptions.  This past Thanksgiving as the new round of competitors walked in the door, I was once again proud to be in the audience to watch her reflect on all the memories and moments.  Here's a few pictures of her from the competition in 2008, one of the 3 of us, and her final moments as Miss Job's Daughter 2008-2009.  

 So Kelsey, congrats again on winning the competition and having such a wonderful year!  I'm so proud of you and can't wait to see what other amazing things life has in store for you.  

And I'm always willing to swap Coach bags and clothes with you should you tire of any of yours :)

Real Quick: Our Picks

I just realized its Thursday and I haven't done my picks yet.  So real quick before tonight's game kicks off here is the pick for tonight.

Miss Prissy Paige: Pittsburgh

Ryan: Pittsburgh

Back on Sunday with the rest of the picks!

I'm baaaaaaaaack!

Ryan and I had a FABULOUS time in NYC!  We walked a marathon, rode the subway a zillion times, took over 500 pictures, and ate some great meals.  I can't wait to share some pictures once I've had a chance to digest them all.

In the meantime, we are busy prepping for our holiday party on Saturday.  I've got to plan my outfit, try and get a hair cut, finish decorating, and get busy in the kitchen.  Clearly the most important things must come first. 

Some upcoming posts I'm trying to get to:

-a special shout out to my sister, Kelsey

-my holiday decor

-craft projects I'm working on

-good reads

And as you know, I'm trying to get 30 followers by year's end, so I only need 3 more!  If you are a recent follower, THANK YOU! and if you are reading this and like what you see, please follow me!

New York City, here we come!

As you read this Ryan and I are either (1) on our way to NYC or (2) are living it up in big city.  We departed today at 6:30 AM (our cab came at 5:45!). 

Just a few of the things we have on tap for the trip:

-Statue of Liberty

-Ground Zero

-Mesa Grill (and hopefully say hi to Bobby Flay!)

-Top of the Rock

-Central Park

-Rockettes Christmas Spectacular

-Times Square

-Broadway show

It is a good thing we sat down and make a spreadsheet of each day's activities (can you tell I'm a meeting planner?!  It'll be a busy few days and I can't wait to tell you all about our trip when I'm back on Wednesday!

First snow of winter.

The news called for it, but I didn't believe it would happen, surely not this early in December!

However, I woke up to a white lawn this morning.  I love snow and was so excited to see it coming down and covering the front and back yards.  I told Ryan its a white anniversary  (you know like white Christmas).  Here's a few pics Ryan snapped for me this morning. 

(front of the townhouse)

 

(front lawn area)

(back yard)

I think today calls for some hot chocolate and fresh baked, straight from the oven cookies to celebrate the first snow fall of the season (and hopefully many more!)

Weekend Plans

Boy oh boy, this weekend is super busy.  Tonight is my company's holiday party.  Tomorrow at 6:30 AM (yea, that's right AM) I'm volunteering with Junior League.  The afternoon is filled with a friend's jewelry party, then Saturday night Ryan and I are celebrating our 2 year anniversary :)

And Sunday, we leave for NYC for a few days!!.  I can't wait.  We've got a whole schedule of everything we want to do.  Its going to be whirlwind, but isn't that how the holidays are supposed to be?

What's on tap for your weekend?

Pigskin Pick'Em: Week 13

While 13 is unlikely for most it happens to be my lucky number (I was actually born on Friday the 13th) so I have high hopes for Week 13.  Here are our picks.

ps.  Please help me reach my goal of 30 followers by the end of the year, so if you like what you are reading, please follow me to ensure you get all my updates!

Still leading.

While I've lost the big lead in Pigskin Pick'Em, I'm still hanging on by a thread (aka one game).  Thanks to the Saints going 11-0 I'm up by one.  Its getting close...

November Goals Check-In

So December is here, I can't believe how fast this year has gone by.  I guess when you are having fun, time really does fly!  Since its the dawn of a new month, let's check in and see how I did with my goals, shall we.  A cross out means I achieved my goal.  I love crossing things off lists.

November Goals:

-Do yoga twice a week.  Fail.  I started out pretty good, but laziness got the better of me. 
-Make holiday banner for dining room.  Fail.  I did buy the paper though, so it will happen before the party!
-Make Thanksgiving themed cake pops. 

-Finalize plans & itinerary for NYC trip. 

-Start planning for holiday party in December. 

-Enjoy my first day at my new job (Nov. 17th - eek!).
-Send Christmas cards (at the end of the month).  Fail.  I purchased them and will be sending them over the next week.
-Eat a slice of my grandma's pumpkin pie.  Fail.  Thanksgiving plans changed and we didn't eat at her house as I had originally thought.
-Bake 2 new desserts.
-Start work on knitting a cowl.  Sorta Fail.  I gave this one a half cross off, I did get some yarn from my mom last weekend, but I haven't done anything with it yet.  

So this month I'm going to try and work a little harder.  Here are my goals for December (in no particular order).

-Try 2 new recipes for dinner.

-Yoga and/or 30 Day Shred twice a week.

-Bake a dessert and donate to firemen in the neighborhood.

-Enjoy the holiday season with family and friends.

-Host a fun holiday party (and collect Toys for Tots at the party).

-Go ice skating.

-Try a new wine.

-Tacky lights tour in DC/visit National Christmas Tree.

-Get 30 followers by the end of the year.  So if you are reading this and aren't following me, please help me achieve my goal and follow me!

What's your goal for December