The Rubber Hits the Road

Literally & Figuratively that is.

It's crazy time here. I feel like I felt 3 weeks before our wedding, we had planned as much we could and I was ready for the rubber to hit the road.
So, I'm in panic mode right here, right now - I have a comprehensive orals exam to pass and a thesis to finish in the next month - which is going to take up about 26 hours of each day to get done. This doesn't include teaching, prepping for class, grading, laundry, oh and life.

This is my new little compact friend (for the ridiculous amounts of coffee I have and will be drinking) - a splenda compact holder! One for the house and the purse ... :)

This doesn't include the major changes of our life which includes moving and getting a new job! (i'm not even thinking about packing and the holidays).
It is an interesting time as we transition into making a huge change together. We've had tons of serious discussions, a few arguments and some tears. But it is also exciting and we are really looking forward to moving out of a small college town to a bigger metropolis area with better and bigger opportunities, activities and really...better shopping (gotta look at the bright side of everything right?) I think the hard part is moving away from family - well at least an 8 hour drive to my parents and farther to his. Even though we know we don't want to settle there forever, what about starting a family in place where we have no support or network?
Questions, excitement and crazy time.

All that to say that I'm truly grateful that I have this blogging network and I know that its going to help me get through the transition.I'm not going anywhere anytime soon. Although my posts will probably be sporadic for the next few weeks.
Whew.

On a better note, I'll leave you with a pic of our sweet (yet slightly neurotic - just like his owners!) Mr. Ralph ...

Manic Monday

Hello there,

First of all, thank you so much for your sweet comments on our pictures. I truly appreciated all of you commenting - I mean you have all read about my planning and process - ya need to see the pics!

We had a nice and busy weekend. We hosted my in-laws and sister in law for a football game and tailgating. Lots of food, mimosas and Oreos were consumed. It was fun but like anytime guests come, you enjoy the quiet when they leave. We still don't have internet (curses!!) which is especially aggravating when I can't check my blogs, cough, I mean check emails from my students. Anyway, hopefully this is on the way to being fixed, since we have now switched companies.
We have another busy week ahead. I'm driving with the Mr. for a job interview about 4 hours away - It's going to be a long day and a long interview, so I want to be able to help him drive and check out the area. I think he is also going to be gone next weekend for an interview. I'm excited about moving, stressed about jobs, houses and moving away from our families. It is down to a several places and I'll be blogging when it comes down to the final decision. Of course, he had an interview with a company in a city with which we weren't familiar. And then after researching the area, potential jobs for me and potential houses - we became enamored with that place. And haven't heard from them since. Arggh. But, such is life and we will get thru!

We've also realized that December is going to be Hectic. With a capitol H. I have a thesis defense, graduation, at least 2 holiday/graduation parties, a wedding - oh yeah and packing/moving to an unknown destination! That being the case - I felt that a quality LBD was in order, instead of my previous post on the $30.00 LBD. I loved all your comments (and still am thinking about them as a fun purchase) but soon realized that I needed a quality piece I could use for the next 2 months. I'm looking at Banana Republic and their dress selection.

You ever have those days where you are in a Heinous (again, with a capitol H) mood and you let everyone know it. And your poor spouse/significant other takes the brunt. And you feel horribly guilty later that day when you stop and think about what a butt you've been. Ooh, I had one of those days Friday. I hate those days. But moving on...

I have a guilty pleasure obsession with QVC. That's right, QVC. For some reason, the utter cheesiness of the hosts and absolute randomness of the products always stops me when I roll through. Sometimes, they convince me that Diamonique is really a great buy and no one will ever know. Sometimes, the Mr. and I have an entire conversation about who in the hell buys this ____ item? If I ever become super wealthy, I'd probably just have a QVC card to buy the random stuff. Anyway, the channel never ceases to amaze and crack me up.

That's it for now. More later.

Finally!

Pics from our wedding..just a few of the Hundreds!! We have a print of every pictures and I haven't had the time to attempt to put them in albums or pick out which ones we want printed larger (because I love each one, really). The pictures of the bouquet was also my something old because the ivy was from the original ivy in my mother's wedding bouquet. My grandmother kept the ivy and has been growing it all these years!

Busy Week

Hello all,

Busy week here - I'll fill you in later. Meanwhile, I've got a rehearsal dinner to dress for in a few weeks. I don't really have time or money - but I do need something appropriate for a November evening - somewhat dressy. These are all around $30.00 (sweet price) and black - I figure even if I wear it once or twice, I won't be disappointed. I'm partial to the last two and they have good reviews from Target. Opinions?







I'm thinking the middle one might be the most figure friendly since I seem to be chowing down on mini-Snickers and cereal lately. I told my husband the other day, "It kind of bothers me that I can take down a box of Family Size Honey Bunches of Oats in one week!" I have a Seinfeld-esque obsession with cereal. When I was growing up, cereal was a consistent snack in our house. My mother, while she was a creative, full-time working, fabulous mom, was not a cook. Thus, a box of cereal and milk were always (and the only) snacks available and I still eat it all the time.
Anyway, maybe next time I'll tell ya about my obsession with QVC. Oh, and post my butternut squash soup recipe I made last night!

Pumpkins on the brain

Autumn is my second favorite season (the first being Christmas - not technically a season but much so in my book!) and I'm thrilled that fallish weather is finally upon us. I love waking up to brisk weather. In fact, I've been wearing a couple of vests (I'm a vest girl) over the past couple of days because I've been so excited.
I've also:
Picked out another pumpkin for our house at a farmer's market (still haven't gotten the carving pumpkin yet)
Bought a 'pumpkin' scented candle (actually it has cardamon spice in it and creates the best aroma in the house)
Picked up the Pumpkin Spice creamer for morning coffee
Baked butternut squash for soup
Bought a bag of mini-Snickers to set out on the coffee table (for our guests? no, for us. Bad idea!)

Overkill on the Autumn pumpkin spice excitement this year? Perhaps, but our house smells delicious!

In other news, we have been uber busy this week. Mr. TP has been going on quite a few interviews and will be doing the same next week - so, I've been helping him prepare for all those and get all of his dry-cleaning ready. What is about a guy in a suit? I just think he looks so great in one! I digress. On that note, we will be making some big moving decisions in the next two weeks, and I'm sure I will have a plethora of questions for everyone. We have it narrowed down pretty much to 3 places. It is an exciting and crazy time and I'll be blogging about it all.
Have a lovely weekend!

Tuesday Ramblings

I was very excited to find this website, Sugarboo Designs, because I love their photoboxes. I've seen them in boutiques in several cities and I can't wait to buy one for one of our wedding photos. They have special quotes written on wooden frames and I love how you can customize the color and quote.

We had a busy and fun-filled weekend. Friday - I just cleaned up the house, did some work and got ready for a weekend of guests. Saturday - we got up early and I did some mid-term grading. My brother and mom came over with a tailgate spread - fried chicken, potato salad, sushi (random but good) and other goodies. We had some friends from Charlotte drive down and we hadn't seen them since the wedding so it was fun catching up. K has an English Pug and the antics of he and Ralph were hilarious.
Then we did some power tailgating and made the rounds. Again, we got to see and visit with people we hadn't seen since the wedding so it was fun. And hot - fall weather for football please?? I didn't have a ticket but Mr.TP's friends had a great seat for him, so I told him to go on to the game. Ralph and I were exhausted and came back to the house to crash and watch the game (horrible VT vs. Clemson! Oy!) in air conditioning. Our friends left early Sunday morning and we puttered around the house cleaning up and making breakfast. Mr.TP's parents came up Sunday afternoon to drop off some furniture. They lived in Germany for 5 years and are in the looong process of unpacking several storage sheds. They have a few things that they don't need anymore but want to stay in the family. They gave us a "Cushman Colonial" bedroom set with dresser, nightstand and bed frame. I'd never heard of it but it is a beautiful wooden set. We all went out for Mexican, complete with cheese dip, after organizing and moving. And then Sunday night/yesterday found me very sick either with food poisoning or a nasty stomach flu. Needless to say, I was out of commission and just laid around yesterday. I can say I probably won't be eating Monterray's anytime soon. :(

We have a busy week here but nothing planned this weekend which is long because of our fall break. Where is the time going?

Shopping Distractions

Hey there - I rarely check my blogger email ( I have a work/personal one) but I was happy today when I did!

Here are some great websites to get you started on your holiday shopping or a little gift to yourself!

Lovely Stitches offers a fabulous selection of monogrammed and adorable items for adults and children. I love the idea of design your own headband (for $7.00!) - would make for great gifts.


Lulu's Labels is offering a "A Very Preppy Christmas" which excites me to no end! I can't wait to order cards for the Mr. and I to send out! The gift tags and address labels are adorable and affordable. I'm a Christmas fanatic, so get ready for some holiday posts!

Target TGIF

I love Target. I love this commercial (there are 2 versions) and I really love the smiling dog at the end. I rewind just to see him.

Have a great weekend! We are looking forward to weekend of visiting, tailgating and meeting up with folks we haven't seen awhile.

Quibbles & Quirks

Sometimes it aint all about shopping here... the Mr. and I had a quibble over a crock pot. That's right, a crockpot. Newlyweds fight over pot roast. Dear lord, what have we become!? Thankfully, I married someone who loves me and puts up with my crazy shizz.

Anyway, our quibble (over particular habits I have) lead to me thinking about quirks that I've noticed about myself.
(Which either might make me seem strangely OCD or cute and quirky).
I have a hard time with conflict and taking criticism. I am polite to a really bad fault. But, of course thats another post for another therapeutic day!

I can't start the day until the bed is made. I like to be all "set up". For example, if I'm sitting down on the couch with my laptop to do work - I have to have everything near by: books on the coffee table, pens and notebook on the side table & a bottle of water beside. I like the smell of real leather - so when I'm in a store with leather goods - I sniff away (I'm sure the employees love that)! I'm always thinking about the most efficient way to get somewhere - even if I'm in town, I try to figure out the place with less traffic. I love chocolate pudding and dipping sourdough pretzels in creamy dill mustard. Old school Janet Jackson. I enjoy a sincere Thank You note and don't enjoy people who don't have gratitude. Oh, and I enjoy my Starbucks non-fat grande latte without foam (I swore I'd never be that person but here I am adding a shot somedays).

*You thought you'd finally get a post that had focus, clarity and a point. But alas, read on for random thoughts!*

In other news, our cable internet provider has caused me to CURSE PROFUSELY this week. Listen, I understand things break down and need service. But should we wait for a week after caling in a service request before calling again since no one has come to our house or called? Should we be given a sliver of customer service, since we have been out of service for a week straight? There are a few things that really push my buttons and one is when people can't get their Damn jobs done. After 2 days of repeated calling for internet service. Gawwwd, it makes me crazy.

In BETTER news, I received my ATLoft and Land's End purchases. Gals, the Marisa Fit Sanded Trouser is ridiculously comfortable. The Lands End pant has great quality and lined with a pink/white striped oxford material around the waist and pocket - I enjoy details like that.
Eddie Bauer sent me the wrong size boot, so I'm in exchange process right now, but will let you know how they work out when I get them!

This week's episodes of The Hills & Gossip Girls = loving it.

And when I went over to Ladybug's Picnic to tell her how delish her Pumpkin - Chocolate Recipe was (umm, the husband killed half a loaf two hours after it came out of the oven - it is beyond yummy!) and found out she was pregnant!

So, despite the annoyances, today is definitely become a better blogger day...!

Preppy Fall Finds

Everyone knows that LLBean & Lands End are perfect for affordable and quality preppy items.
I just thought I would compile a list of the most affordable additions (that I'm probably going to purchase!) and that I love...

Lands End down vest for $25.00! People, for this price, you could get all of your favorite colors! I had this in navy last fall and Wore. It. Out. Now, I'm in the market for a new one and they have a plethora of colors - bright pink, bright green and even a yellow.


I love this classic LLBean tote in plaid for fall. I'd probably do the mini as a small purse for $22.00.


A classic 3/4 length polo - $23.00 - perhaps monogrammed...!
Lands End also has some Suede Moccasins for $29.99 - great deal and selection of colors and..
LLBean had All Day comfort clogs for $49.00 - I think I've read a post about someone ordering them? Anyway, they look like fall staples!

A few favorite things and more!

Bloggers, if you are interested then post these answers on your blog...

Readers, if you are interested please post your answers in the comment section.
I'll post mine too! I can't wait to hear your answers (be sure to include a link so we can get it)...



1) What kind of purse are you carrying right now?

Using: Right now I'm using a mini VV tote as a purse.

Coveting: This lovely and PERFECT Louis Vuitton handbag. I have a very much adored and loved Speedy 30 bag but I think the Neverfull would be a fantastic (and affordable - in LV terms, of course!!) addition. I love the shape, the handles - love it all!:

2) What kind of wallet is in your purse?
Using: A pink and green Vera Bradley which I will switch over to a basic brown leather wallet for the fall.
Coveting: A LV wallet to match. Naturally.

3) What kind of sunglasses are shading your eyes these days?

Using: A pair of black Eddie Bauer polarized. I really think they are fabulous day to day sunglasses - not too big, not too small.
Coveting: A big pair of Kate Spade:

4) What is your favorite lip gloss or lipstick?

Using: I'm not really a lip gloss/lipstick person until my lips get chapped. I keep Neutrogena lip gloss handy and Burts Bees shimmer balm. I enjoy them both.

5) What is your favorite fall/winter shoe?
Using: I really like J.Crew driving loafers, Bean Boots for nasty rainy days and I love a good brown leather boot.
Coveting: All of those beautiful leather boots out there that are too expensive and won't fit! I love all of the wool,tweed, herringbone flats J.Crew is offering.

We had a lovely and low key weekend. It included some long walks in the gorgeous weather, enjoying beer and french fries for dinner on an outdoor patio (oh, was that good!), watching football and organizing. It also included a trip to TJ Maxx and Old Navy. And I came home with nothing! Personally, I have a hard time with TJ Maxx - maybe I'm too impatient or our TJ doesn't have great selection (both, really) but I never stumble across great designer deals that my friends seem to find. And Old Navy? Don't even get me started on the HIGH waisted jeans and "fair isle" sweaters. Plus, trying on things is a nightmare. I'm really in between 2 sizes right now which is frustrating. So, this gal is sticking with her beloved online orders from places where the sizes are somewhat reliable! So, I ended up ordering pants from Lands End and Ann Taylor Loft. I'm usually pleased with ATL but never ordered pants from LE.
Unfortunately, it did include some much needed library hours but they helped me get ready for the week. We also watched Fun with Dick and Jane, which is? Hilarious. I laughed out loud quite heartily. A lot.

Well, I've got a ton of papers to grade and a ton of pages to write. So, off I go! I can't believe its practically the mid-term. My students and I are both losing steam. Hopefully, we will get it back soon!