Snow again
It snowed again today. This is the third (maybe fourth- I've lost count) snow since mid-December and I am sooo sick of it. Last night the weather people said we'd only get an inch or two where we live in Northern Virginia, but when I took the Preppy Puppy outside this morning at 9, we already had that much. I quickly got dressed and hit the grocery store. Surprisingly there weren't many people there. Anyway, we've enjoyed the day inside and I was able to catch up on some TV (Burn Notice, RHOC). And of course I took Spencer outside to play.
New blog design
The re-design of my blog is finally finished and I love it. The main reason I wanted to do this was because I thought the one column on the right was getting way too cluttered and wanted a design that had a column on either side of the posts. Enter Jessica at The Frilly Coconut Design Shoppe. Jessica is very talented and easy to work with. She was also very patient with me as I waded through background and font designs. Thanks, Jessica!
And while it's been up for a bit, I want to formally thank Dawn Wood of Lydia and Pugs for the SPECTATULAR header she designed. Dawn was not only fantastic to work with but she was also super quick. It was less than a week from the time I contacted her until the illustration was finished. I sent Dawn several pictures of Spencer and me, and she did a watercolor rendition of us, complete with the details I asked for. Thank you so much, Dawn!!
And while it's been up for a bit, I want to formally thank Dawn Wood of Lydia and Pugs for the SPECTATULAR header she designed. Dawn was not only fantastic to work with but she was also super quick. It was less than a week from the time I contacted her until the illustration was finished. I sent Dawn several pictures of Spencer and me, and she did a watercolor rendition of us, complete with the details I asked for. Thank you so much, Dawn!!
We're back to a family of five
I picked my husband up from the airport early this morning. He'd been gone for almost three weeks, traveling for work to Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and South Africa. The Preppy Puppy is very happy to have him home and they've been napping most of the day. I hope everyone is having a nice weekend!
Photo: Wikitravel
The birthday party
Patiently waiting for cake. Yes, I was cruel and made him wear the hat again. 
He couldn't get enough!
Three 'cousins' enjoying some birthday cake
Cake and goodie bags. Dogma and Doggie Style did a great job! Of course Spencer got the bag with the elephant. ;-)
He couldn't get enough!
Three 'cousins' enjoying some birthday cake
Cake and goodie bags. Dogma and Doggie Style did a great job! Of course Spencer got the bag with the elephant. ;-)
Happy 5th Birthday, Preppy Puppy!
Happy Birthday to my Preppy Puppy. Spencer is 5 today, which means in dog years he's now older than me. :-) I love my little guy to pieces and can't remember what life was like before Dave surprised me with him. Spencer was my wedding present from my hubby. Definitely the best present he's given me though I don't recommend anyone getting a puppy four weeks before your wedding.
Spencer had a pea-mutt butter muffin and opened some presents. On Sunday we'll see my sister's so Spencer can have a little party with her two Boston Terriers.
Having fun outside this morning
Happy Birthday!
Enjoying his muffin
Pressies!
Stay tuned for more pictures after the party Sunday.
Spencer had a pea-mutt butter muffin and opened some presents. On Sunday we'll see my sister's so Spencer can have a little party with her two Boston Terriers.
Having fun outside this morning
Happy Birthday!
Enjoying his muffin
Pressies!
Stay tuned for more pictures after the party Sunday.
American Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund
I am not a fundraiser by any means and hate asking for money (unless it's from my mom!). I don't think you know, but I've worked for the National Headquarters of the American Red Cross for the last eight and a half years. In my time here, I've seen a lot of devistation in the forms of September 11, the 2004 hurricanes, the Indian Ocean tsunami, Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma and the 2007 wildfires. The pictures and reports we've been receiving from our office in Haiti are heartbreaking and definitely the worst I've seen.
I know we all want to help the Haitian people and when you think about which organizations to donate to, I ask you to please consider the American Red Cross. You can donate by calling 1-800-REDCROSS; through the Web at www.redcross.org/donate; or by texting 'Haiti' to 90999. You can specify your money go to the Haiti Relief Fund or the general International Response Fund. I've seen your Red Cross donations at work while deployed to the Gulf Coast in 2005 and it's amazing how much a difference only a few dollars can make. Thank you for donating!
I know we all want to help the Haitian people and when you think about which organizations to donate to, I ask you to please consider the American Red Cross. You can donate by calling 1-800-REDCROSS; through the Web at www.redcross.org/donate; or by texting 'Haiti' to 90999. You can specify your money go to the Haiti Relief Fund or the general International Response Fund. I've seen your Red Cross donations at work while deployed to the Gulf Coast in 2005 and it's amazing how much a difference only a few dollars can make. Thank you for donating!
Fun things for girls and boys
So what I thought would be an every Wednesday thing has morphed into an every now and then Wednesday thing. I was struggling for something to post so thought I'd pick a few favorite things for both me and Spencer. I'll start with moi. I picked up these shoes last summer at Nordy's. They aren't the most comfortable but the cuteness completely outweighs this sad fact.
With the mild temperatures in Virginia I have been able to keep the light weight quilt on our bed. Frigid temperatures arrived with the new year so it was time to bring out the down. I decided I was tired of my old PB duvet cover so I picked this up last weekend at Yves Delorme. I love it but think hubby may not. He's gone for two more weeks so I'm using lots of willpower to keep it wrapped up so that he can decide if it's just a tad too feminine. We have so much pink and so many flowers around the house and I'm trying hard to buy things that are bit more gender neutral. :-)
The Preppy Puppy's birthday is Friday and even though he has more toys and clothes than he can use in a lifetime, what kind of mama would I be if I didn't pick up a few new things for my little guy. The only body parts left on Spencer's salsa monster are a torso and one arm. I got a new blue one for him, which I hope will soon become his new favorite.
The Preppy Puppy's birthday is Friday and even though he has more toys and clothes than he can use in a lifetime, what kind of mama would I be if I didn't pick up a few new things for my little guy. The only body parts left on Spencer's salsa monster are a torso and one arm. I got a new blue one for him, which I hope will soon become his new favorite.
His "big" birthday present is actually more of a present for me. Two new collar/harness/lead sets from the wonderful Erica at Lollipup Boutique. One set is blue seersucker and the other is green toile- perfect for spring! Now we just need some warm weather.
We're heading out of town this weekend to visit my sister in Annapolis, so the Spencester will be able to celebrate with his cousins, aka SAW's Bostons. I've ordered a birthday cake from Doggie Style and will also pick up some treats for the goody bags from Dogma.
Happy 101 Award, Part II
Many thank yous to my new friend at Dreaming in Pink and Green. I just found her blog a few weeks ago and I love it! And I'm thrilled to find a horse racing fan in blog-land.
10 things that make me happy
~ Looking at old pictures
~ When my spring bulbs start blooming
~ Skyping with my hubby when he's in Africa
~ My cozy cashmere throw
~ Barbecues in the summer
~ Watching happy Cavaliers prance around the ring at CKCSC shows
~ My house right after the cleaning lady has done her magic
~ My pink and green dining room
~ The upholstered headboard I made last summer
~ Blog followers! I love, love, love everyone who I've met through blogging and I get giddy every time I see I have a new follower. Thank you!
Since I tagged 10 people when I received this last month from Emily and Bethany (thank you again, ladies!), consider yourself tagged if you've not yet received the Happy 101 Award.
10 things that make me happy
~ Looking at old pictures
~ When my spring bulbs start blooming
~ Skyping with my hubby when he's in Africa
~ My cozy cashmere throw
~ Barbecues in the summer
~ Watching happy Cavaliers prance around the ring at CKCSC shows
~ My house right after the cleaning lady has done her magic
~ My pink and green dining room
~ The upholstered headboard I made last summer
~ Blog followers! I love, love, love everyone who I've met through blogging and I get giddy every time I see I have a new follower. Thank you!
Since I tagged 10 people when I received this last month from Emily and Bethany (thank you again, ladies!), consider yourself tagged if you've not yet received the Happy 101 Award.
Is there a Lip Balm Anonymous group?
If so, I need to join. I probably should have joined while in middle school, as that's how long I can remember having a lip balm addiction. It's bad. Super bad. I have them stashed all over the house, my cars and office. I just counted and I have 12, which is just ridiculous. My hubby asks why can't I just keep one in my pocket. As you can tell, he doesn't use lip balm. My family teases me about "my little problem" and I can't remember a birthday or Christmas where I didn't receive lip balm.
My love for Rosebud Salve came from my grandfather, a native Marylander and life-long user. Whenever I had an ailment, Hop would say, “just put some salve on it". I was SO happy to discover last month that my wish came true and the classic is now in a tube! You rock, Rosebud Purfume Company!
Labello and I became friends when I was in high school. I’ve noticed Labello has become popular in the US- possibly since Labello and Nivea are owned by the same company. In the last few months I’ve even seen several tubes of Nivea that mimic the design and flavor of the Labello ones (soft rose, milk and honey, and hydro care were three that I saw). New flavors pop up all the time but I’m loyal to the classic and hydro Labello sticks.
I also love an easy and cheap drugstore find, Blistex Complete Moisture. It doesn’t last nearly as long as the others but I’m completely addicted to the smell.
Last year I picked up a tube of lip balm at Lucy while buying some workout pants. Not very long lasting but the orange smell is divine.
Last summer I had some money burning a hole in my pocket so I bought Chantecaille lip screen. For almost $30 I was expecting the holy grail of lip balms but I wasn’t impressed. I didn’t care for the smell.
Others that make the rotation inlude Kiehl's baby lip balm, Savannah Bee early grey and Yes to Carrots citrus lip butter.
I am sure I am missing some great lip balms and would love to hear your picks (but no Chapstick- I really don't like it). As you can see, I really only like tube lip balm. Tins make my fingers greasy and I am obsessed with clean hands, but that's another post.
I better run. My lips are feeling very chapped and I get grumpy when my lips are dry. :-)
My love for Rosebud Salve came from my grandfather, a native Marylander and life-long user. Whenever I had an ailment, Hop would say, “just put some salve on it". I was SO happy to discover last month that my wish came true and the classic is now in a tube! You rock, Rosebud Purfume Company!
Labello and I became friends when I was in high school. I’ve noticed Labello has become popular in the US- possibly since Labello and Nivea are owned by the same company. In the last few months I’ve even seen several tubes of Nivea that mimic the design and flavor of the Labello ones (soft rose, milk and honey, and hydro care were three that I saw). New flavors pop up all the time but I’m loyal to the classic and hydro Labello sticks.
I also love an easy and cheap drugstore find, Blistex Complete Moisture. It doesn’t last nearly as long as the others but I’m completely addicted to the smell.
Last year I picked up a tube of lip balm at Lucy while buying some workout pants. Not very long lasting but the orange smell is divine.
Last summer I had some money burning a hole in my pocket so I bought Chantecaille lip screen. For almost $30 I was expecting the holy grail of lip balms but I wasn’t impressed. I didn’t care for the smell.
I am sure I am missing some great lip balms and would love to hear your picks (but no Chapstick- I really don't like it). As you can see, I really only like tube lip balm. Tins make my fingers greasy and I am obsessed with clean hands, but that's another post.
I better run. My lips are feeling very chapped and I get grumpy when my lips are dry. :-)
Oh, Target. What happened?
I stopped by Target tonight with the hope of picking up a new wreath for the front door. My Target usually has a good selection of dried Smith & Hawken wreaths as well as other S&H things. To my surprise Target has turned into Costco. There is a HUGE section of this random stuff. Random stuff in bulk. Seriously?!
If I wanted to buy 100 rolls of toilet paper, a jumbo pack of washcloths or 1,000 bottles of water I would go to Costco. Where I happily pay a $50 membership fee, thank you very much. I shop at Target to escape this and buy things in real people quantities. Real people who have tiny houses, like moi.
And so much for the pretty floral section they used to have. What had been an aisle and a half has been reduced to 1/4 of an aisle.
A few shoppers were browsing but I didn't see anyone load a case of lightbulbs into their cart. Am I the only one who doesn't like this?
If I wanted to buy 100 rolls of toilet paper, a jumbo pack of washcloths or 1,000 bottles of water I would go to Costco. Where I happily pay a $50 membership fee, thank you very much. I shop at Target to escape this and buy things in real people quantities. Real people who have tiny houses, like moi.
And so much for the pretty floral section they used to have. What had been an aisle and a half has been reduced to 1/4 of an aisle.
A few shoppers were browsing but I didn't see anyone load a case of lightbulbs into their cart. Am I the only one who doesn't like this?
Recap of our cruise (finally!)
A few weeks late, but I’ve finally catalogued the 600+ pictures hubby and I took of our vacation and want to do a quick recap (with lots of pictures!) of our first cruise. We went on Norwegian Cruise Line and sailed from Miami to Grand Cayman and Cozumel. The couple we went with (Dave's best friend from his fraternity and his wife) had cruised once before but it was the first time for me, Dave, and his brother, Barry. We all had a great time. At first I was worried that I would get bored being stuck in one place but there was a ton to do during the day- casino, bingo (SO much fun), movies, classes (the martini and mojito classes were super fun), learning how to make towel animals, the spa and so much more.
We didn't do a formal excursion in Grand Cayman but did visit the Tulum ruins while in Mexico. I have been to Tulum several times, the last being about 20 years ago. (yikes, I am OLD!) My mom found an old picture of me when I was 12 on the steps of the castle and I was excited to recreate the photo. I was soooo bummed when we got there and were told that they no longer allow people to climb the ruins.
The five of us had a super time and have decided to a pre-Christmas trip next year, too. Not sure we'll cruise again but I am definitely open to the idea of doing another one. Crossing my fingers that my brother-in-law will have a girl to bring next year. ;-)
Let's get this party started- notice hubby, on the left, already has his pirate belt on.
We didn't do a formal excursion in Grand Cayman but did visit the Tulum ruins while in Mexico. I have been to Tulum several times, the last being about 20 years ago. (yikes, I am OLD!) My mom found an old picture of me when I was 12 on the steps of the castle and I was excited to recreate the photo. I was soooo bummed when we got there and were told that they no longer allow people to climb the ruins.
The five of us had a super time and have decided to a pre-Christmas trip next year, too. Not sure we'll cruise again but I am definitely open to the idea of doing another one. Crossing my fingers that my brother-in-law will have a girl to bring next year. ;-)
Let's get this party started- notice hubby, on the left, already has his pirate belt on.
Dave, James, Meghann and me getting ready to set sail. Yes, I really am that short.
Grand Cayman- Dave likes the new friend he met.
Me, not so much.
The "Mayan natives" in Tulum.
Sadly, as close to el castillo as I could get.
The aftermath of the martini tasting.
I think Juan and Rodrigo, our stewards, knew that a proud GOP girl was in one of their cabins. :-)
Having fun at dinner. Dave luuuuvvvvs his Hawaiin shirts.
Quite the site in Tulum. I'll have to remember to pack my boots with my bathing suit next time. But I do like her man's pink and green backpack.
Thank you for indulging me and wading through all the pictures. :-)
Project 365
Good morning! One way I've found I stay accountable for things is to talk about them publicly. My weight loss goal is a good example of this, though I did get off track in December- cruise, holidays, overall yummy food.
Anyway, I have wanted to do Project 365 for a couple of years but I either forget about it until spring or I start off and then it fizzles by March. I'm not going to devote much blog space to this but I will post a link to the Flickr album where I'll add the pictures. I have two goals with this. The first is to get better with my photography skills. I've taken a few classes but I never seem to use the information I've learned. The second is to have a cool way of capturing the year. My mom gave me the One Line a Day journal and I'd love to have some pictures that capture what I'll be writing down.
I've not yet decided if I'll do themes each week or month, so for now I'm just going to take one picture a day of something that strikes me. I think the hardest part will be remembering to have my camera (I put my little Canon in my purse as a backup). I know I can snap something at home (like I did yesterday) but I really want to use this to capture the really cool things I see every day. I also want to use the manual settings as much as possible and make good use of my pricey lenses.
Without further ado, my first picture of 2010. It's a piece of pottery I painted a long time ago that my husband uses in his office to hold change. Not too exciting but I really like the colors and scallop edge.
I am excited to start this and have 365 memories at the end of the year. ;-)
Anyway, I have wanted to do Project 365 for a couple of years but I either forget about it until spring or I start off and then it fizzles by March. I'm not going to devote much blog space to this but I will post a link to the Flickr album where I'll add the pictures. I have two goals with this. The first is to get better with my photography skills. I've taken a few classes but I never seem to use the information I've learned. The second is to have a cool way of capturing the year. My mom gave me the One Line a Day journal and I'd love to have some pictures that capture what I'll be writing down.
I've not yet decided if I'll do themes each week or month, so for now I'm just going to take one picture a day of something that strikes me. I think the hardest part will be remembering to have my camera (I put my little Canon in my purse as a backup). I know I can snap something at home (like I did yesterday) but I really want to use this to capture the really cool things I see every day. I also want to use the manual settings as much as possible and make good use of my pricey lenses.
Without further ado, my first picture of 2010. It's a piece of pottery I painted a long time ago that my husband uses in his office to hold change. Not too exciting but I really like the colors and scallop edge.
I am excited to start this and have 365 memories at the end of the year. ;-)
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