Just Thinking

Well, I thought I wasn't going to have time to post this week but I just need a place to vent, third party style so here we go...

First of all, no offense to anyone but Victoria's Secret really gets on my nerves and gives me a headache - too loud and too neon pink! I tried to return something that I got as a bachelorette present (from a not close friend) which was wrong size but no, she ordered it from a catalog and thus I have to take another errand to return it on my own time and money. Annoying, where is customer service these days people, customer is always right?
As you all know, I've been working my butt off to get in shape this summer which has worked. My clothes fit better yaddi yadda, but the past week and half (and I'm foreseeing the next week), I just haven't had the time to get in the workouts I have wanted to. But its a constant battle with my own self, why can't I be happy walking the dog for an 1 hour and half a day. Why do I beat myself up for eating pizza? I was at Target today and famished at the checkout line and I picked up a Twix bar. I never buy or really eat candy bars - and it was a huge deal for me, why?? I need to get over this whole complex because it makes me more neurotic. I hate this perpetual feeling of be smaller, get in shape- going for a smaller size that I have. And FI tells me everyday (if not several times) just how beautiful I am (aww) but why do I still have these over riding thoughts?? Like I said, I've been walking everyday at a good pace, for good amount of time and I know that after the wedding is over, we will get back into a regular schedule, but I want to wash this part of me clean. I want to enjoy a glass of wine and good dinner with my FI and feel great about it - and you know what I'm going to, life is too short to be concerned with that!
My mom and I don't fight, as a rule, but we did last week. I love my mom to death and we are great friends but sometimes I feel like she isn't "listening" to me. I'm very conscientious of our budget for this wedding because my parents put me through college, graduate AND undergrad and are paying for my brother's school right now as well. I just don't want to put financial strain on them. However, sometimes my mom likes to just do what is "easiest" as far as planning goes. She doesn't really commit to plans until the last minute because she and my dad are busy - which is great sometimes, to be able to be flexible with someone, but not other times. She doesn't understand my pursuit of finding what I want for the wedding. I'm a shopper, I can get what I want for budget...hello internet! But she just thought I was putting way too much time and effort into finding the "right vase" and I had to disagree, I knew what I wanted, where to get it and why was that a big deal? She was just going to find any glass vase, willy nilly, to put on the tables. I just wanted her to know I had a plan and I could do it and it was important to me - why couldn't she see that?? Anyway, love her but oy, how weddings will make you get annoyed with people you never thought!

But back to the better stuff, since I have been obsessing about my new monogram, I found some sites that are monogramtastic!

So Pretty offers a ton of monogrammed things and they are offering a 20% discount off your entire order using the code TICKLEDPINK before 8/31/07! How great is that?!
I've got my eye on this monogrammed vest (I love a vest and its perfect for our transitional seasons here that are cool in the morning but warmer in the afternoon!)


Also, I noticed Lilybella Boutique from some of you bloggers out there and decided to order the clutch during their Christmas in July sale and I haven't actually recieved it yet. But I've already had a fabulous experience with Allison and her customer service. She emailed me to let me know the fabric I wanted was running late and I could order a different fabric that she would ship ASAP. She was so attentive and helpful! Go check her boutique out for cute stuff and great personal service!

Here's our new little guy, Ralph Lauren. He's sweet and laid-back and we are trying to make him feel at home here. Our friend (who is in vet school) found him wandering around a local grocery store and after no one claimed him, they said they thought we would like him. He is obviously too skinny and has some serious abandonment issues (I mean, someone left him at a grocery store - who wouldn't?!). But it was (is) to the point that he doesn't eat much or drink much water during the day. We walk him for a good 45 minutes in the morning and afternoon, but only drinks about 1/2 bowl of water. Maybe thats normal for him, but we aren't sure. Also, he doesn't eat that much and we aren't sure if that is because he isn't quite relaxed in our house or for some past reasons. He's definitely unsure of males and took quite a bit longer to get used to FI than me. And he follows us everywhere, to the bathroom, kitchen - he won't sit by himself. I just wish we knew what his life was like before, so we could have some answers! We just want him to be comfortable and relaxed here because he is nervous (about us leaving him, I assume). He is getting better, little by little - I think everyday he gets a little more confident. We have to interrupt his new lifestyle, though, because our vet friend (who found him) is taking him for the duration of the honeymoon and wedding. I just don't want it to be too confusing or overwhelming.

Singing Bee. Eighties Night = Awesome!

8 Things

1. People watching is one of my favorite habits. Especially in church (I know, I'm bad). However, I am not good at being subtle about it and FI constantly makes fun of me for it.

2. Caprese salad is my all time favorite meal. If I'm in the mood I buy a fresh mozzerella ball, fresh tomatoes and basil and a loaf of bread. I will then proceed to eat that for every meal until it is gone.

3. I can't stand for a shower curtain to not be fully pulled out.

4. I love going shopping for back to school supplies - I don't know why but Oh! that feeling of organization.

5. I can't start the day without the bed being made.

6. I've never dyed my hair. I have a naturally reddish color which I like and just never felt the urge. Of course, I'm sure this conversation will change when I spot a gray hair or two.

7. My favorite class in college was South Carolina history.

8. I only eat the cherry (and sometimes strawberry) flavors out of candy - like Starbursts, Jelly Belly or Sour Patch Kids.

T minus 2 weeks!

In the past week, I may or may not have:

Had a fabulous Pink and Green themed girl's weekend in Savannah - (it was perfect! My friends all did a great job down to the grosgrain ribbon decorations. We munched on chicken salad, shrimp and grits and cocktails the whole weekend while shopping!)

Driven to Wal-Mart for the specific task of picking up contact lenses and left with a rotisserie chicken and Draino.

Gotten in a fight with my mother about glass vases.

Invited to my first Mary Kay event at the said scatterbrained WalMart excursion and gave the girl my cell # - DAMN! Seriously losing it here.

Picked up our new dog, Ralph Lauren, ( please, my preppiness knows no bounds! - per FI's request we do just call him Ralph) and introduced him to our home.

Had Ralph chew up one of my favorite shabby chic blankets.

Thought to myself,"Hey lets get a new bathing suit for the honeymoon" and was severely perplexed when Old Navy, Target and J.Crew outlets had piddly to none offerings. Hello! Its JULY! Don't put your bathing suits up quite yet.

Made a ridiculous amount of to do lists/thank you notes and more lists.

Seriously considered eloping to Vegas. Or somewhere with a tropical beach.

As you can tell, I'm busy and frazzled but excited (yay) - making trips to Target, the mall...etc. Making sure we all everything we need (we go to the location of the wedding the week before, to stay there and get everthing done). I'm so excited to be getting married to the love of my life and I really just want to throw everything else out the window and This is our last weekend here without anything planned - although we will be busy! Our plan to is rest and TCB "take care of bizness!" I might not check in much but I'll be sure to before we leave. Oh, any recommendations on wedding day make-up or just products that may be long-lasting/water proof?


Anyhoo, since J.Crew has a fall preview and a welcome change from their summer stuff that just wasn't great to me (even though, like I said, it is JULY! J.U.L.Y!hey at least all of this stuff should be on sale by the time I can wear it in 2 or 3 months) - here are some that caught my eye. I really like the vibrant and deep colors they are using - I especially love the jacket.

And we're off!

I'm packing for my girl's weekend in Savannah and I'm getting excited! I can't wait to see everyone, do some shopping, drinking and beach lounging. :) I'm sure I'll have some interesting stories on Monday.

Otherwise, we've had some of our registery gifts rolling in and thats like Christmas in July - we had a fun time opening a bunch the other day. Here's one of my favorites from Pottery Barn the tray - we will probably get it engraved with our wedding date.



Speaking of Christmas in July, Thanks to Perfectly Pink & Monogram Momma, I saw these great little clutches on sale at LilyBella Boutique for only $10.00!!

I ordered one in the pink toile for myself and one in green polka dots for future sister in law as a gift. I think I'm just going to get them monogrammed at my own place because I have quite a few things to catch up on monogramming.

Speaking of new monograms...I ordered the pink LLBean medium tote with my new initials - its exciting but they were almost all backordered except for the medium zip top (which I don't mind) and I wanted to get it before the wedding.

That's about it, hope everyone has a great weekend.

A few things first and then a meme b/c I'm busy today

Dear Gilligan & O'Malley,

Thanks for making the most comfortable black knit "modal" pants for $14.99. I hope they become the socially acceptable "it" black pant. Until then, I'm wearing them 24/7 in my humble abode.

Sincerely,
Your Target Consumer

Dear Person at the DMV/DOT/Place where they give out licenses,

Maybe its me because I've driving up and down the eastern seaboard this summer and all over the southeast on interstates, but it seems to me that you handing out licenses to be a**holes on the road, not licenses to drive. How else do people have the nerve to drive 95 up on my arse (when I'm drivin the acceptable 10 over in a 70mph) and ride my arse in traffic, or how else do people think that changing 3 lanes at a time without pause or blinker is legal?? How else do people have a blantant disregard for the speed limit or the fact that they are driving a something TON vehicle?? Arghh, and since these lovely citizens have been using their right to be an A**hole - I'll be distributing my right to flip the bird to all of them!

Sincerely,
A Person who just wants to drive without fearing for their life or getting pissed off.




5 things in your refrigerator.

1. 2 half gallons of skim milk (one expired, one that is good)
2. leftover marinated grilled chicken
3. cut up cucumber slices
4. hummus
5. Enough deli meats and cheeses to feed an army (FI is a sandwich guy)

5 things in your closet:

1. A Shabby Chic luggage holder/rack (I keep all my clothes I'm too lazy to put up on it)
2. My new knit J.Crew pink dress
3. shoes and sandals on the floor
4. Vera Bradley travel totes
5. Polos (oxford, short sleeve, and knit) arranged by color and type

5 things in your purse or backpack

1. VB wallet and matching coin purse
2. Receipts I haven't organized
3. Tide to go pen
4. Neutrogena and Burts Bees lip gloss
5. cell

5 things in your car

1. Yoga mat
2. Atlas (well used this summer)
3. Cell phone charger that is very tempramental
4. Empty water bottles
5. CDs without the cases stashed everywhere

5 things in the world you want to see before you die

1. Ireland
2. Children and grandchildren
3. Our own house!
4. California and the West Coast (never been past Colorado!)
5. I'd really like to see myself on What Not To Wear (this is a dream of mine, i love my style but $5000 shopping spree and I'm pretty sure Stacey and Clinton crack me up)

Hair Brained

My hair is naturally curly, thick, dry and frizzy. It's also naturally red/auburn.
I could tell you all about my hair trials and tribulations from every day of my life.

I could tell about the middle school epiphany of "OMG I have curly hair" and how everyone at school thought I got a perm, when I let it go natural. I called them fools.

I could tell you about high school when I ventured into the world of hair products. I could tell you how I used the "bad curly scrunching gel" that turns hair crispy. Or how in the winter I would try to achieve the silky locks of my straight haired peers and would spend hours in front of a mirror with a paddle brush.

I could tell you about my freshman year of college and the awakening of the Hair Flat Iron. I could tell you about the ectasy I felt when I had the stick straight hair I had always envied. And how I "rocked" that super straight hair for a long time.

I could tell you how I ventured into a world of more sophisticated hair products and tried them all and how the humidity in the summer justified those purchases because my curls were on target.

Or I could tell you how I've gotten lazy with my hair because it just gets more dry and more frizzy as the years go on. How I just don't want to take the time to put 50 bajillion gels on it and then use the diffuser, only to have a dry frizzy hair that I will inevitably put up. How my hair is always up because I just can't deal with it.

College is an acceptable place for a ponytail/up do doodle everyday, but I want to be able to have a more professional look (aka wear my hair down), especially since I'll be teaching in the fall and entering a more professional work place.


I've tried A LOT! I do like John Frieda's Frizz Ease but I need more - something thicker, I think. I use about twice as much conditioner as I do shampoo. I've tried Aveda curly products, which I like too but it just seems that my hair still frizzes up. I haven't tried the Phyto line (its a pretty little penny) but if it works - hey I'll try it.

So Bloggers - how do you DO your hair? Curly or Straight? What works for you? I'll take any hair product advice - shampoo/conditioner/gel/mousse/serum/spray!!

Random

A couple of random thoughts:

Why do FI and I continue to torture ourselves by running outside at 6 p.m. in July in SC?! We've lived here for years and it only begins to cool by 8 p.m. After an almost heat stroke yesterday, we decided to switch to mornings. I'm all about getting in shape but this heat is TOO much.

Why do people over the phone (i.e. the Target phone answerers for bridal registery) feel it necessary to make me feel like a felon? I needed to change our registery address because FI has finally changed his mailbox number. With the 20 billion emails and passwords between the both of us, who knows what we signed up with. This is the guy at Target's curt response (usually right after I begin spelling it)...Me: "Umm, okay well thats not it, well what about T -i-c-k - Him: NO!@ We do NOT have that listed. We played this game for a few minutes until I figured out the right email/password combo. I mean, I do understand that there are some sketchballs out there trying to get free registery gifts, but come on.

Why did I drive an hour to the outlets only to find that they are in the process of putting out fall items and bathing suits are sold out? Dammit. I could find better deals online. This is what pisses me off about some outlets - they are just another retail venue (ahem J.Crew), I mean they did have some stuff on sale (I got shorts, a basic tee and a polo for $45.00) but online had a sale that was just as good the other day. Oh well, I broke down and ordered this in pink:



I'm excited, its a great color and looks comfy (all of yall have given it great reviews too).

Tabbed

Here's an interesting fact about myself (i.e. Nerdy and boring!). I'm ocd about my lists and tabs.Tabs on my computer.I also am a computer tabber. I probably, at any given moment, have 3 or 4 tabs open. I feel like this is how my brain is working now - in tabs. Just, so I don't forget, I leave up a page so I can remember something that I wanted to look up or try to find. I make one at the beginning of each week - typed, neatly on one page. I staple it to a printed out month calender and keep it in my purse along with other papers, receipts etc. Anyway, I'm weirdly obsessed with my system.

We had a busy weekend. Visited FI's parents for his father's birthday. We probably went out to dinner every night last week due to being out of town or busy. I'm defintely trying to pull back on that and just keep up a good, healthy momentum until the wedding. We've just been super busy, went to our wedding town and did some things. We decided to get our wedding cake at Publix. That's right the Pub! Our caterer's offering for a cake and the price just wasn't in the budget. There is one nice Publix on the way to the island resort and we thought, why not? Cake wasn't or isn't a priority for me or my fiance. I want it there, but its not one of my main money items. People, the cake prices are so cheap and they were very nice in assisting us. They also offered a lot of design choices and flavors. Easy Peasy. We were in and out.

I wouldn't be lying if I said that I was ready for this to be over. I'm soooo excited about the wedding itself - but I'm o.v.e.r planning. Just dealing with a million vendors, a budget and pleasing (or at least pretending to) random relatives is enough. I've pretty much had it.

But, on a better note - I believe we are getting a dog! We have some close friends, one of whom is a vet grad school student, who takes in stray dogs she finds. We've been talking about getting a dog and what we want but they have convinced us he is a great dog. He has basically been "test-driven" by them and their two hyper dogs. They say he just remains happy and calm. He def. has Rottweiler in him, but doesn't show any type of aggressive behavior. They said they would keep him over the honeymoon, neuter him and start training him as our wedding gift. I'm excited and FI is realllly excited, he's been wanting a dog forever. So here we go!


Bridesmaid's gifts:
Just ordered this from the J.Crew sale for $8.00 apiece - are you kidding? They are perfect for a beachy gift and I plan on filling them with fun beach stuff like navy flip flops - Fab-o!

Hitting up some outlets tommorow in preparation for the honeymoon and bachelorette party next weekend.

Working it Out!

I Posty Mc Post today (but we are goign out of town tommorrow and then the rest of the weekend, sooo..have at it)

So, I made such a big deal about hiring a personal trainer back in May and realized I haven't posted on my experience.

I wish I could say I went from this:

To this:



But seriously, I feel like I took a class in my own personal health. She first started me out with doing a food diary. Which is something that the magazines and health advisors recommend and it does work. It just made me look at the amount that I eat. I'm not really a fast food eater but I could kill a tub of hummus. It did help me to cut back on portion size too.
I basically met with her once a week and she would give me a strength training routine to do (which I did on my own 2 more times each week). She also gave me tips on cardio - like FI and I started running intervals 3 times a week. I can really tell a difference in our cardio, we are getting in such better shape. We run a 3 mile loop next to our apt. and we started out running 2min/walking 4 - now its vice versa. I am just impressed at how we are progessing and we are going to keep at it until we can run 3 miles, no sweat (haha!).

I only lost about 6 pounds to date (my goal was around 10-15), but honestly I feel so much better and in great(er) shape. I anticipate our runs (some days!) but I just love the feeling of getting into shape. I probably lost a dress size - maybe not a full one on some things, but my skirts and capris fit a lot better and I can wear a smaller top. I plan to keep up this routine for the rest of the summer...and into fall. I just really enjoyed hearing all of her tips and ideas about getting into shape, since she was the expert. I feel like I learned a lot too. I feel like a PT is someone I might go back to later on in life, when I've just gotten way too out of shape - but I'm motivated now (hello wedding day and vanity!) to keep it up on my own.

Ok back to fun and preppy posting!

Along with the typical wedding cake, we wanted to offer a dessert table. We just want people to have a choice of things to pick up and eat. Cookies, brownies, petit fours - pie? Do you all have any ideas or anything that you've used that would be great? Its going to be near the beach and hot, so maybe we should do something fruity and light also?

Another question, we have a lot of children coming. Not babies but probably around 20-30 children under the age of 16. This is a family wedding and we both have BIG families, thus lots of nieces, nephews and cousins. I just want to make sure that the children feel comfortable there and that the parents can still have a fun time. We lucked out with our reception sit (its a huge house) that the third floor, which opens onto the patio (where tables/bar will be) is like the beach house floor for kids. It has a bunch of couches, tvs, smaller bedrooms and a bathroom. We were going to put some DVDs on and fill up some of those cheap sand buckets with candy and toys for them to play. Its great because we can leave the doors open, the kids can play and the parents can walk right back to the reception. Does anyone have any other ideas for entertaining children at a wedding??

Oh, I believe I have found the bridesmaids gifts. I checked out our local trinket/silver monogrammed jewelry store for some gifts for a cousin who is singing, altar servers, etc. They have this great line of shell earrings and pendants, that can be monogrammed. It has a real natural look to it and I think its a great wedding at the beach present. I'm sure they are online too, I'll try to find pictures of it.

Thanks to Kimba, I think I found the new suitcase I need with free monogramming!! Its a wheeling duffel bag But best of all, it comes in pink. Now thats a monogrammed pink deal I can get down with.

Memories and random thoughts

I was packing up some of my stuff today to bring over to our new place together. I had already moved my "stuff that I used" and this was just junk underneath the bed and in the closet. I was going through it to see if there were things that I should toss or not and I ran across things that just brought back specific memories. It really just reminded me of the time that I am at in my life - transitional, exciting and crazy! I graduated college about 2 years ago and was just looking at how my style has become more focused. I graduated from the "oh I'm broke and in college and everything at Target is cute and trendy (hey, still is!)" But that was my PLACE to shop! Whew. How I relied on the good old folks at Tar-jay to keep me moving - and this was before the GO! international line.
Then I ran across my old NYU id. Yep, I went to New York University my freshman year of college (set me back a semester or two for graduating!). Most people I meet don't expect that out of my laid-back, southern personality - who graduated from a ACC school. I was at a different place at 18 (obviously!) and wanted to do something drastic and make opportunites for myself. I was just thrilled to have the acceptance, the opportunity and the support of my parents to live in NYC for a year. I loved all that the school and the city was going to offer me. I had visited NYC a few times with my mother and just thought, oh this is the place for me. I applied to NYU with the "oh I'll regret it if I don't attitude" and got in. And off I went - super thrilled and super scared. But two weeks after I moved into my dorm ( concidentally named first name) September 11 occurred. It literally changed my life. Fortunately, I didn't lose anyone close to me but I did learn/lose/change so much. I decided to stay the rest of the year but I was emotionally a wreck and really missed my family. People ask me now, in conversation about why I transferred, "Oh did you hate New York?". Well no, I love New York. I lvoe the people, the pace, the shopping, the restaurants - I mean, its New York. I didn't love events that happened while I was there. I didn't love the threat of terrorism and scares. I didn't love missing out on a typical college campus and atmosphere. And I didn't love being that far apart from the people I loved. I've been back several times to visit and I still love it. Oh, memories, eh?

Then, in the same day, I get an update from an old roommate of mine - who has been out of the loop for about a year and half. I wasn't that close to her, but I still kept wondering in the back of mind, Hmmm, wondered where she moved and what is she doing now. Next thing I know, she pops up with a Flickr account of an adorable six month old!! Wow. We weren't the best of friends (and not really great roommates for each other). She was in party mode (like 5 A.M. screaming, karoke mode), while I was senior 5th year, working a job, focusing on graduating mode. It's just very thought-provoking to see how someone can change their life, so young and so quickly. It's also inspiring to see how a new life can change another. Her son is so precious and she is obviously devoted to his every moment. You never know whats gonna happen.

I was a bit of a grouch this weekend.

Maybe it was because:

I woke up to an early morning call from a great-aunt saying, "You know, this is wedding isn't about you. Its about your guests." Then, right around calling my mom to say "I'm the boss down here". Taking southern hospitality to a RIDICULOUS level.

I had a major headache/sore throat all day Sunday.

I live about 5 hours from our wedding site and I get frustrated when I can't get everything done from up here.

I haven't been to Target in forever.

Its that time of the month.


But here are some reasons that made me a less grouchy camper this weekend:

Skinny Cow Cookies and Cream ice cream sandwiches. I am officially addicted. They are so extremely good and only 1.5 grams of fat. I mean seriously people, there is no reason NOT to have dessert.


Then, we went to see the matinee of Ratatouille. Yes. I had been waiting for this for a long time. I'm a bit of a lover of things French (No, not in the snobby "The Europeans lifestyle is better than the low-life fast food Americans.) but I took French all throughout college and high school. I love love love French bistro style food. I have eaten Brie and crackers for lunch a few days straight. I just enjoy the French food and I thought this movie looked adorable.

It was so visually impressive and cute story. FI's comments were that it wasn't as funny as Cars or Incredibles but I still liked it better. Our first winter together, FI and I went to visit his parents in Germany and made a weekend trip to Paris (our first time there, I had always wanted to go, begged him because it was Paris! Pareee! helloo, we must go! - even though he didn't want to deal with the "Snooty Parisiennes", as he said.) But of course, he obliged and after a loooong train ride, we arrived and FI got food poisoning. Not in Paris, but just in time for our trip. Yay. I still had a grand time - I lovedddd the people watching and the baguettes and pastries. We even made it to the Louvre. FI probably didn't have as much fun as me (love him just for trudging through the Louvre when he was sick), but we still enjoyed it while we were there. Anyway, just a little interlude of our usual Griswold vacation story.





So of course I got a hankering for cheese after the movie - so I picked up these Babybels to satisfy the urge (so I wouldn't go after a whole slice o Brie!)

Laid Back Holiday

Its been awhile!

We had a low-key Fourth because we went to the Cape last week, because I feel like there is so much to catch up (and I'm feeling a tad bit lazy) I'm going to hit up some bullet points today - I mean - I love a good list anyway, right?

• Drove to my hometown to visit my parents and have a dress fitting - dress fitting went great! Except. Our alterations lady is closing her own shop and working through another one, and since our wedding isn't in our hometown, I have to find a bridal salon, who may have to do my last fitting and steam my dress. A little stressful - but I found shoes. As my mother was saying, I was looking for the perfect ones and waited too long but the ones I DID find are great! Before you laugh, yes they are Hush Puppies! My dress was altered for an 1 1/2 inch heel - which is hard to find and I wanted UBER comfortable shoes for the whole day, so by chance we stopped at a shoe store and tried these on. They are soooo unbelievably comfortable and about an inch heel.
• 
  
• 
• Attended a cocktail party for two of my engaged friends in my hometown, it was nice. The crowd is just too stuffy for my taste. I'll just leave it at that, it was nice to be with my friends/bridesmaids - but too stuffy.
• Created the "MEGA" to do list because now we are just almost a month away, so we are trying to get everything in order, which is hard to do when your wedding is not in your town. I'm getting so excited for that and the bachelorette party in Savannah!
• Getting super excited by response cards - not so excited by responses from great-aunts, grandmothers and mothers (my own!) - who are picky about EVERYTHING - are you sending maps, how will people know how to get to the church...oy.
  
• Why oh why is J.Crew putting up all of their great winter sweaters for such STEALS right now - I just can't afford to settle my shopping bag when I've got the rest of the summer/parties/honeymoon clothes to pay for. But they are such deals, I feel like I should....hmmm!
• We visited FI's parents in Columbia who just moved. It was great to see them back in the states (they've been in Germany for 5 years!) and I love their older home. They are so laid-back about the wedding, that is such a nice feeling for me. We woke up on July 4th with them, had lunch and drove back here. Just spent the 4th going for a run, grilling out some chicken and corn on the cob, having a few cocktails and watching fireworks. Not too crazy but low-key for sure.
• I made the super simple 7 layer dip for our 4th (just the 2 of us, ha!) because its one of FI's favorite foods (dips?). Anyhoo, I wanted to do a super healthy version, since we are trying to watch the fat this summer - so I did a layer of of each:
  
• Fat free refried beans (discovered this in the store!)
• 2 avocados (I mashed them with some sea salt and fresh lime juice with fresh cilantro)
• Salsa (any kind - I've used black bean and corn salsa or a lime cilantro salsa I had on hand)
• Fat free sour cream (mixed with a package of taco seasoning)
• Shredded cheddar cheese and sliced olives on top
  
• Serve with Light Tostitos (I love how flipping simple this recipe is - yet, always a crowd pleaser and the low-fat version is seriously good!)
  
• We went to see the movie "Hot Fuzz" - which is a British parody of all of the "shoot em up" style movies that are popular, it was pretty funny - definitely a British sarcastic tone, which I enjoy.
• Last night we had a date night - woo! We just went to this Asian "fusion" restaurant thats a chain but pretty cheap and really fresh ingredients. I love their pad thai, so we dined on that and then went to Barnes and Noble for the rest of the evening. (we are so crazy, I know!) I could honestly drop $200 every time I go to B&N, I just love it. Apparently, too, the place to be on a Friday night - it was packed. There were also a lot of teenagers there too, sipping frappachinos and gossiping. Now, I'm all for teens hanging out in respectable places (i.e. the movies or B&N), but OMG SERIOUSLY OMG!! was all we heard. And when did teens start drinking coffee ?- I didn't even attempt a coffee drink until my senior year of college. However, I did get to try the Raspberry Frappachino and it was delicious. :)
  
• How is Nicole Richie pregnant? Seriously?! I feel like she is way too malnourished and immature to have a child - crazy!