I've been tagged...

But first - a few things!
I stressed out last night when I realized we are to be packed, loaded up and on the road in almost exactly 3 weeks. Oh hello, reality! This weekend is going to be one of organizing, throwing out and packing. Wow.
Last night, husband dug out some Tazo tea we had bought awhile ago and made me a nice little decaf. cup before bed. I think I"ll be getting back into this habit - a nice cup of tea is so relaxing before bed.
No job bites yet. I know I'm not patient - in the least, but it is frustrating. Hopefully, I can be really proactive after we move and I'm actually in the city I want to work.
But, we (ahem, I) am planning on putting out a few decorations and our little Christmas tree with lights this weekend - probably in conjuction with Holiday tunes and movies. :)


Weird/Random things about me:

1. I went New York University my freshman year of college. I was there 3 weeks before September 11. I stuck out the whole year but transferred that summer. I love NY and loved my year there (I wouldn't trade that experience for anything) but I'm very happy with my decision.

2. I met my husband at the beach on spring break (Cuhlasssy!). Our mutual friend invited us both and we hung out the entire week. 3 days after we got back, we had our first date over Mexican & Margaritas.

3. I don't like things Really hot - like soup, coffee or tea. I always put ice cubes in those to cool them down.

4. I have a really hard time A. admitting I'm wrong, B. taking any sort of criticism & C. revealing that I'm annoyed or pissed - I'm also polite to a fault. Work in progress :)

5. I love leftovers. Almost more than the night before dinner. I look forward to them for dinner or lunch.

6. I can't sleep in very well. I get up around 7:15 every morning and on the weekends, I'm up at 8:00. I like to get things done in the morning. In fact, I don't feel 'on top of it' until I've made the bed and organized the house a bit.

7. I'm not a fan of smoothies. For some reason, the idea of fruit and yogurt skeeves me out. And all of the little 'bits' of fruit.

8. I'm dying to go to England & Ireland. Hopefully, in the next 2 years, after we've settled down.

Sorry if these are a bit lame, I'm running out of juice here.
Hope everyone has a lovely weekend.

Random bits

Whew, we went out last night with a few friends of Mr.'s for some beers and wings. I've never been a wings person but the husband loves them! For an odd reason last night, I decided to try them again and loved it. Also, my distaste for celery? Gone (only, though, of course when they were covered in good 'restaurant' Ranch. Things like this befuddle my husband, his answer when I triumpantly told him I enjoyed them was "Why, now?" Why, not? I say.

Also, one of the perks of living in a college town are the speechs and presidential candidates making rounds here. This morning we got up to see John McCain speak and I was impressed with what he had to say - esp. in response to some of the questions by undergraduates who had not thought out what they were going to ask. I just like the feeling of being an informed voter.

Yesterday, I had a little Target Therapy. I enjoy perusing there because it relaxes me. However, I got a little bummed when I saw all of the great Christmas decorations and knowing we won't have a real tree on our first Christmas. I'm kind of ridiculous about a real tree, no fakes here - for real! But, I picked up a few holiday things to cheer up the house and myself! Here's one thing I love about Christmas - the gift bags! Is it just me or are they getting more clever and cute every year? My mom and I often re-use our favorite bags to each other because we don't want them thrown out. I'd love to think of a cool and creative craft to do with Christmas gift bags...Hmm.

We also unloaded four or five huge trash bags worth of clothing to Goodwill. It feels good to clean out! Now, onto the desk area...yikes. Trying to clean out before packing because I think that will make our lives a tad bit easier


Picked up a new pair of Champion yoga pants at Target. The beauty? They are bootcut and come in petite (and long) lengths now. Makes a lovely difference in workout gear to have it a little more tailored. I think they are a great buy for $20.00!



Onto other things I'm loving at this moment - Restoration Hardware. I like their Christmas decoration but I really enjoyed their couch selection. The choice of fabric alone makes me happy - I like the variety and style. But what I really loved was this ottoman. Pricey but I love the idea of a having a fabulous print on this style of ottoman. Putting this on the 'furniture I would love to have one day list!'
That's it for now.

Monday Musings

- Eczema = not cool. I have extremely dry skin and for some reason this winter is getting to me.

- Watched Elf last night (I mean how could we miss it when TBS had it on repeat 60 times). God, Will Ferrell cracks me up.

- I truly enjoy cooking. Honestly, I do. Call me Betty Crocker. (Ha!)
Got me a good glass of wine, some Christmas music and a new recipe from Food & Wine. I was inspired by the latest Food & Wine issue, mainly because the recipes sounded so good, a little more gourmet & not that hard. I'll save a recipe if it sounds good and has ingredients that are feasible. Right now, I'm making a 'slow cooker' recipe of Italian sausage & vegetable risotto. The steps were clear and easy to follow so we will see how it turns out!

- I've been pondering ah, life and such lately. I'm actually glad that I'm not getting my degree this semester because it has caused me to look for jobs that I honestly would have not considered a month ago. I tend to get so focused sometimes that I miss the obvious. I was intent on getting my MA & teaching. And that was it. I had the Doh! epiphany moment when I was like...I don't have to do that. Hello!
I've got some other experience doing administrative work and I like seeing what other things I could do. Not saying I'll get any of the jobs, but it makes me feel productive knowing I'm putting myself out there. Maybe I will teach, maybe I won't. But I've realized that life doesn't always transition so perfectly into what I've planned.

Which leads me to ask you readers, What path did you follow to get to where you are now? (your job/career/profession/whatever you want to call it) How did you find your niche? or have you?

It's procrastination nation over here. Here's a meme.

I give you money and send you into the grocery store to pick up 5 items. You can only pick one thing from the following departments.. what is it?

1. Produce: bananas
2. Bakery: cinnamon bread
3. Meat: ground turkey
4. Frozen: pizza
5. Dairy: skim milk

Let's say we're heading out for a weekend getaway. You're only allowed to bring 3 articles of clothing with you. So, what's in your bag?

1.Banana Republic Contour dark denim jeans
2. white blouse
3. J.Crew black merino sweater dress

If I was to listen in on your conversations throughout the day, what 5 phrases or words would I be most likely to hear?

1. What are you doing, Ralph?!
2. What's for dinner?
3. Hey babe!
4. Does that make sense? (when my students stare blankly).
5. Oy.

So, what 3 things do you find yourself doing every single day, and if you didn't get to do, you probably wouldn't be in the best mood?

1. having fresh espresso with skim milk and splenda in a big white mug
2. reading blogs in the morning
3. taking the dog for a walk

We're talking a 3 hour block with nobody around. What 5 activities might we find you doing?

1. Reading USweekly and gossip websites
2. Chatting to mom or friends on the phone
3. Watching trashy tv - most likely E!
4. Perhaps making something in the kitchen, probably just a glass of wine!
5. Taking a long warm bath

We are going to the zoo. But, it looks like it could start storming, so it'll have to be a quick visit. What 3 exhibits do we have to get to?

1. Not the reptile area!
2. Maybe elephants?
3. or giraffes? I don't know.


You just scored tickets to the taping of any show that comes on t.v. of your choice. You can pick between 4, so what are you deciding between?

1. The Office
2. Scrubs
3. Paula Deen
4. Project Runway

You're hungry for ice cream. I'll give you a triple dipper ice cream cone. What 3 flavors can I pile on for ya?

1. Cookies and Cream
2. Chocolate
3. Ben & Jerry's peaches & cream

Somebody stole your purse/wallet…in order to get it back, you have to name 5 things you know are inside to claim it. So, what's in there?

1. Tide to go pen
2. Vera Bradley wallet that needs to be updated
3. VB change purse
4. shopping lists
5. my cell phone that I've had for more than 3 years. Time for a new one!

You are at a job fair, and asked what areas you are interested in pursuing a career in. Let's pretend you have every talent and ability to be whatever you wanted, so what 4 careers would be fun for you?

1. Writer of chick lit books...yes, thats right!
2. College professor
3. Fashion designer for the folks at J.Crew
4. Working for a history of fashion museum

If you could go back and talk to the old you, when you were in high school, and inform yourself of 4 things, what would you say?

1. How to do hair that is naturally curly/wavy: here is a straightener my dear! Get rid of the gels!

2. Don't worry about the cool crowd. Give it a break. Stay home with your parents and go to the movies. You know you want to!

3. This is probably the smallest size you will ever be - let go of the body issues!!!

4. Don't drink 6 beers and try to convince your parents you're staying at a friends house while really passing out at the party.

We had a lovely Turkey day. Well, as lovely as family can get! Ha, but it was nice to sit and relax by a fire and eat yummy food. Loved it all. We tried to compound the effects by taking Ralph for several vigorous walks throughout the day. Saw the "Dan In Real Life" movie with Steve Carell. I love him and loved the movie. Reminded me of Family Stone with Sarah Jessica Parker but def. a good family movie. Other than that, we got home yesterday and attempted to detox with a vegetable soup dinner. I'm not sure how Thanksgiving can be tiring but we are enjoying a relaxing weekend at home. Trying to grade and follow up on the 567,045 applications I've filled out in the past few weeks. Job Hunt + my lack of patience in general = Not the happiest camper.

However, as I've reminded my husband all week, I've the official clearance to turn up the Christmas music and movies. Yes!

As for tonight, my plans are to make a big pot of chili and hang out on the couch watching football. It's pretty chilly outside and the I'm looking forward to the cozy factor of the evening.

Speaking of conversations I overheard (several of you do this and it cracks me up), I need to share this one. A little background first - my husband is not a full fledged prep (ahh, shock!). I will say he has a very classic style for a man (well, after I raided his wardrobe of his college flip flops and t-shirts, that is ;) but he doesn't have the affinity for anything preppy (pink - too girly, plaid - too much going on, critter embroidered pants - hell no)...shall I go on? I still love him despite his, ahem, opinions.
Anyway, I overheard him talking to his mother about some furniture they have in storage they want to give us:

Mom: Do you want Grandpa's chair?
Hub: Yes, I want Grandpa's chair - it's a classic and we can get it re-covered.
Mom: I think you should and don't you have another armchair that needs to be recovered?
Hub: Yeah, I think they would look good in a plaid fabric so they could both match.

Dost my ears deceive me?? Did he just say plaid? As he describes, an 'old man' traditional plaid, like I've always envisioned as part of our classic - almost Ralph Lauren inspired living room??
This, I like.

Thanksgiving

We're leaving early tomorrow morning for our Thanksgiving holiday. So, I thought I'd do the "What I'm Thankful for" post. It's a question they ask you as a child from Day One but I think as adults, we often forget to look around and remember what we are thankful for...so here's my list:

1. Husband - who supports me in every decision - life, career, family - everything. And truly wants to make me happy. Who I argue with, laugh with and love with. How our first date, Mexican and Margaritas, was like our last (Friday night, burgers and beer) where we talked for hours, way after the food was gone and the check was served. Who I'm just happy to share my life! (And who has a family who appreciates me and raised a wonderful son!)

2. Parents & brother - who are (and were) always supportive of every decision I made. Who I will miss the most when I move, but are the most happy for our future. And who are my friends.

3. My grandmother & father - from who I've learned an incredible amount about life and wisdom. Who will have a hard time missing our weekly visits but that's what letters and phone calls are for!

4. Friends - who still keep in touch, text me when I need it the most and will always be "the same" when we are together.

5. House over my head, food in the pantry & health!

6. The ability to be resilient, determined and energetic about life and everything it offers.

Sometimes, it's easy to get bogged down in "blahs" of life, but really, I'm so lucky.


For fun, I am thankful for the more "silly" fun things in life, like:

1. Tartan Plaid. Any plaid really, but in the winter, I love me some plaid!

2. Dictionary.com - I've written many a paper in the past few years and let me tell ya, the online dictionary has saved me!

3. Coffee. I need it every morning, I'm hoping to wean myself off of it one day but until then, I'll enjoy my morning boost.

4. Pre-peeled & packaged boiled eggs. Well, they don't taste as good as fresh ones, but they contribute to an easy and healthy breakfast when we are in a hurry and for that, I'm grateful.

5. Christmas music. Without a doubt, it ALWAYS puts me in a good mood.

6. HGTV - come on, I can always turn to the HG with a sigh of relief knowing I can watch people buy a house, decorate a room that looks is fun to criticize and go to bed peacefully. Oh, and I'm really thankful for the channel because it's one of like 3 things the husband and I can agree on watching.
( I mean really, hubby and I have said if we don't buy a house in the next few years, how are we going to outlet all of our HGTV knowledge?!)


*And of course, I'm so thankful for the blogging outlet for many reasons!*

Have a happy, safe and yummy Thanksgiving!

Monday

We had a great weekend. Maybe not as low-key as we probably needed but we got to see my mom and tailgate with some friends we haven't seen in a long time. And of course consumed way too much beer and fried chicken. I had a realization of my age when I asked my husband for a coffee, not a Diet Coke as a whiskey mixer, during the 2nd quarter so that I could stay awake. Yikes!

I got to clean up around the house and we did some grocery shopping. The kind of shopping where we bought what we wanted and walked away with Oreos and spinach dip, among other things.
That's about it for our weekend.

My goal is to get to the gym at least twice before Thanksgiving so I don't feel so bad about the inevitable sitting around that's going to occur all week.

My other goal, in the next few weeks, is to SERIOUSLY clean out my wardrobe. Like, I'm getting rid of the high school t-shirts that I wear to workout. And the random tees & sweaters I have that haven't been worn in ages. I read (on someone's blog I forgot, I think) that French women have 50-60 garments in their wardrobe and use them over. Quality over Quantity. I really want to be able to do this. It's not like I'm going out to purchase an entire new wardrobe but I'd to buy, for example, a few workout outfits that are durable and decent looking. Not old bleached pants from Wal-mart. Not that there's anything wrong with that. And I Know. I know that I should wait until after Christmas to hit up some major sales. I know that I will pat myself on the back if I do. We will see how long self-control lasts.

Wish I had more excitement but that's it for now.

PS. Did you know that Land's End had furniture and other Home odds & ends? Maybe I just had never checked it out but cute things there! Great gift ideas.

TGIF

First of all, thanks to everyone for their comments on my post 2 days back. You really don't know what it means to have a lovely support network like this!

This week has been slightly hectic - only because I'm really in the "getting a job mode" which means revising resumes, scouting the internet and crossing my fingers!! Hopefully, something good will turn up! Also, I've just taken a break. As they say, everything happens for a reason, and honestly with moving and trying to graduate and finish all of my thesis by strict deadlines would have made for a REALLY stressful girl - and that just isn't fun. So, now I can dedicate my time back to my classes, finding a job I want (and hopefully getting it) and preparing for our move.
Oh and enjoying Thanksgiving - hello! It is a week away...seriously - where does the time go?? We are going to the hub's parents for Turkey Day and while I'm going to bake Something to contribute (not really sure yet), I'm really looking forward to umm, relaxing and eating. :)

We have a place to live!We just found out our application was approved and we are really excited about the place - it seems to be in a good area and walking distance of bars, restaurants and trails. Now, its time to pack! Since we are renting a U-Haul - I guess they can send you boxes, packing tape, etc. to get your butt in gear on packing - lets hope that works! And we are moving a few days before Christmas. And really, we are just praying the weather will hold out. It's not going to be fun doing it right around Christmas . And me, being the Christmas fanatic that I am, I am disappointed that I won't get to decorate and have our first perfect Christmas together. I'll have some sort of Charlie Brown Christmas Tree and a few decorations for us before and after we move. On the other hand, I have to say it's a relief knowing I don't have to schedule, plan or shop for it. Avoiding the craziness of stores is one thing I don't mind.

I'm trying to keep active during the holidays seeing as how I haven't been to the gym in oh, at least a month. I'm ready to get back into a better workout schedule in the new year. In the meantime, walking the dog for an hour everyday has definitely kept me in some sort of shape - just not as toned as I would like.

Other than that, we watched I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, the other night and it's hilarious. I mean, I love those two - so, I knew I would be chuckling, loudly. Let's not even mention the umm, bottle or two of wine I've gone through this week ;) Oh, and we came across a "fair trade" market the other day on campus, where they were selling woven baskets that are similar to the Sweetwater baskets sold in the Lowcountry. Anyhoo, $16.00 for two (one trashcan size) was a steal! And some cool bangles for $4.00 eac, well, they were purchases I def. felt good about!

Got this sweater dress in the mail - I am enjoying it. It is on the shorter side, but nothing that makes me feel uncomfortable. I think it will be great dressed up or fun with leggings and cowboy boots. And the material? Is incredibly yummy - I think it is the merino wool - light but warm and feels great!

Also! A few of you have posted about gifts and shopping for men. Well, the Bobby Jones golfwear shop online is having some fantastic deals! The hub is not a golfer, but found one of the Bobby shirts at TJ Maxx and loved it. He says they are great quality and comfort. And get this, he ordered a few polos, 2 pullover sweaters and a lightweight jacket - all for about $230! When one of the sweaters was originally $150.00 - great steal. (I was really impressed with his shopping on sale) I've alerted my mom for Christmas to gather these up for my brother and dad - who enjoy golfing.

We are getting ready for a fun weekend, a big football game here and our last one this season - so, we are ready for some good old tailgating! Probably watching some movies and hopefully getting some work done. Have a great weekend!

Moving On...

Got to focus on the good stuff right - here are a few things I'm loving right now!

1. Cinnamon Toast - Pepperidge Farm Twist Edition (sans raisins - crucial!)
My breakfast, snack and dessert. Love it.

2. The look on my husband's face when I told him this was my winter lounge attire:
(He thinks Uggs are the equivalent of Napolean Dynamite boots taht he had to wear skiing when he was little...he hates them and the idea of sweater ugg type shoewear - below). It cracks me up!




(But seriously Christmas jammies - oh yeah!)



And these sweater sock slippers - well, I saw someone wearing them the other day who looked cute and thought,hmmm it is cold in Indy - hanging around the house with leggings? Perhaps.


3. Vest Obsessed:
I am. I have the Land's End down one, I have a great bright coral Patagonia one like this picture that I wear ALL the time. Then I have cheap workout type ones from Target. Looking for a good plaid one now. For some reason, I love the look of a layered vest.


4. This Mag...
I love it and the ideas in it. I really love older homes, I grew up in one, so I know what a pain they are to maintain.


5. These prints for gifts or for me! I found this from the December issue of Real Simple.
This website, jackandlulu.com
has monogrammed prints you can order (various backgrounds), matted and framed (in white I believe) for $50.00. I. Love. Them. Great for a child's room or perhaps newlyweds...:) Fabulous Preppy Gift.

Rollin with the punches...

It hasn't been the best start to the week. My graduate program has an orals exam part that must be passed in order to fulfill requirements for graduation.
And I didn't pass. And it sucks, big - time.
I studied for hours on end the past few weeks and have been reading in preparation since this summer. I'm an ok test taker but I'm horrible, like seriously, horrible at remembering details. And I'm not getting into excuses or the test-givers and their attitudes.
But, it just makes you feel inadequate to have someone tell you to your face "you failed." When you know you are a smart person - just not able to relate the random quote from a Romantic poet's poetry. And other people can, and other people do - and they pass and they celebrate in the midst of your failure.

Anyway, it's not fun and its been a hard few days because it puts off my graduation date till May. Which means I have to come back and re-take the exam to get my degree. Arggh.
And I'm trying to find a job in a new town.

So, as they say, the "best laid plans..." - my plans are just changed for now. It's only a bump in the road. Life lessons, eh? But ya know what, it is going to work out for the best - causes a wrinkle in plans but that is life and ya just gotta make the best of it.

And really, at the end of the day - I would rather fail any and every exam, and have a husband who skips a meeting to come home to comfort me & hug me, tell me it's going to be alright and take me for a Sonic hamburger for lunch. And of course, a sweet dog who will sit by my side while I cry.
Because really, that is what matters in the end.


"What lies behind us and what lies before us, are tiny matters, compared to what lies within us."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Keepin' Up...

With the Kardashian's - I do, and I don't know why....I also keep up with Kimora Lee Simmons. Blame it on E!

And trying to keep up with blogging - at least more than once a week! Speaking of, I haven't updated my blog links in quite awhile and I read many more fabulous blogs daily - so, I'm reading, just not updating yet. I'll get to it. And bloglines? What are those, I've seen you all mention them - maybe easier to keep up with blogs?

Well, I've been bitten by the holiday blog update. This is my new winter do. Something about the smell of pine, the Vince Guaraldi Trio, a glass of red wine, cold weather outside, plaid flannel pj pants and my family sitting around watching a movie makes me completely happy. So, feeling the spirit early this year and ya know what - it makes me happy! And I really want to see Fred Claus.

And my new mantra - damn you J.Crew - they continue to tease me with delights of tartan, plaid, reds and holidays. They have their new holiday intro and clothes and I'm just drooling.

In other news, my mind is running in about 10 different places - but I'll check in next week.
First, we need to figure out our umm, living arrangements - we'll be renting for the next 6 months, at least, being new to the area and just not having time to deal with house hunting. But, we need to figure out when we can move in - so make some plans.

I need to:
1. Organize what we are taking with us - hubby has a lot of IKEA furniture that we plan to leave or give to my brother. We are going to buy new, better quality furniture when we get there - that's a whole different ballgame.
2. Start packing. Ahh.
3. Christmas cards. Change of address cards. Together?
4.Organize what we will need for Christmas and a wedding in suitcases while we are in the process of moving.
Any moving tips?

Yikes. At least my holiday look is relaxing to me. :)
Anyhoo, probably won't be checking in until after my exam but have a great weekend and thanks to all for your supportive comments.

Times, They are a changin'

Well folks,
We had a wonderful weekend at the fall wedding we attended. I was in the bridal party and our grey dresses were questionable before but really turned out well for the color scheme of fallish colors, including lots of mauves. Gorgeous weather with the leaves turning. A fab. rehearsal dinner in a barn on a golf course (imagine more of a Martha Stewart designed barn/bbq rehearsal dinner). Then, we got ready, hung out with the bride, ate Chick fil-a and prepared for the wedding. She had a dress designed for her, based off of a Monique Lhullier, with lace and silk and it was - utterly gorgeous! The ceremony was beautiful, pictures were quick, a trolley with beer & koozies to the reception was fun and the reception was a blast. Great food, drinks and live band performing Al Green and other dance hits = great time for everyone (even my parents got on the dance floor!) The Mr. and I love to get down and boogie, so it was a Fun weekend.
Oh, and the bridal luncheon was a perfect pre-wedding event where we had a delish salad and received our gifts - monogrammed tote bag with monogrammed pashimina to match the dress. I love the pashmina (love them in general) because the monogram is the same color as the fabric. I know I'll be using it all the time!
Of course, we had so much fun that the drive home Sunday, while lined with amazing foliage, was long and hungover. I required 2 cups of coffee and 2 egg mcmuffins for my fuel - gross.

Anyhoo, this week I've been studying to pass my final exam to graduate while working on revising and finishing my thesis. My brain hurts and I'm really really really ready to be done. But, onward ho! because I still have a few more weeks of intense work. Everything, including blogging!, has taken a back seat. I have noticed, though, that Wal-mart and most stores have started putting up their Christmas decorations. Now, I am, some would say a Christmas fanatic. I thrive on the 'cozy'. I love the atmosphere - Bing Crosby, candles, Christmas music, cold weather outside, good food and drink. (We bought a few pine candles this weekend to soothe me - good pine, like we have a forest in our closet.) But, as I meander around the Christmas card aisle, I remember, it's November 1st and you have once again fallen prey to mass marketing. So, I am going to try to put off my craziness fora few more weeks. No promises though!

Speaking of Christmas...I believe I am still in need of a Holiday/Graduation outfit (Remember the whole rehearsal dinner, black dress post - well, the invitation lacked a note of the "casual" dress since it was in a barn...so, plans were foiled on that one!)
Here are a few items from J.Crew I am coveting right now and would be perfect to dress up for occasions.

I am a fan of black/white combinations and LOVE this Great Gatsby - esque scarf.


Love this style, shape and color.

Saw a few turtleneck dresses this weekend and decided I would enjoy one - cute and warm!


I like how you could change the look with layering different pieces with that plunging v-neck.

Again, with the cozy - but this could be perfect for running around town:




And in other Big news - the hubby accepted a job in Indianapolis!! We are excited, busy and probably going to be moving the week of Christmas (which really puts a damper on the whole decorating scheme.) It is a great opportunity for him, they are excited to have him and are giving us a very generous relocation bonus. I believe it is truly the best move for us, right now. It will be hard moving away from everyone we know - but this isn't a long-term or permanent move and hopefully will be the kind of position that can give us the opportunity to move where we want in a few years. It is going to be hard, especially around the holidays. But our families are excited and supportive and that is really helpful. It also affords me the opportunity to have room to get the job I want (which I need to proactively start applying, emailing like now). We've looked at a few areas and think we have some in mind, of where we would like to live. Things are just about to get craziER b/c now we have to pack, move, enjoy Christmas, get to NC for a wedding and start new jobs by January. Oh geez. Isn't that how life goes, you keep thinking you have relaxation/down time around the next bend...and then, Hello- here comes life!

So, readers, do you have any info. on the Indy area - Schools, betters areas to live, places to rent, school districts, shopping, restaurants? Any advice at all (or perhaps any bloggers from that area) would be helpful.
The Mr. lived there for about 3 months a few years ago, but wasn't looking at housing, schools, areas to live...so, he has an some idea of the area and his co-workers are more than willing to help, but I'd enjoy some blogger advice. :)


Oh, and functional but classic and stylish winter jackets? Or tell me, what kind of coat would be the best investment for a gal moving from SC to Indy in January?

Thursday

I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween. Ours was uneventful because we've been busy and the Mr. was out of town - but we are looking forward to being prepared next year!

We are off to a wedding of a dear friend this weekend and while I'm over-worked, I'm still very excited about the festivities...even, if I am going to have to have some quality time with my laptop at Starbucks :(
I think the weather is going to be beautiful, though, and I'm excited about the drive through the mountains to get there.


1. The Office & Scrubs - the best two comedies on tv, as far as I'm concerned. I laugh out loud everytime I watch them.




2. Have I talked about my obsession with Violet & Jennifer Garner? Well I am. And a lamb for Halloween - too precious!!

(photo from Justjared.com)

3. Chili - this is perfect weather for chili - one of my favorite meals/soups. I mean seriously, could it be the cheapest and easiest meal to make? Yum! I usually make enough for leftovers and I eat it for lunch and dinner
I've been using:
1 lb. of ground turkey (or lean beef, I prefer turkey though)
1 green pepper, chopped (sometimes I add in a yellow or red pepper, if I've got 'em)
1/2 bigger white or vidalia onion, chopped
1 small clove of garlic, chopped
1 can kidney beans
1 can black beans
1 can corn (I enjoy the shoepeg)
2 cans whole tomatoes (I chopped them a few times in the food processor)
1 small can tomato sauce
*I usually buy one of those 'mild chili' seasoning packets and add a few dashes of hot sauce for flavor.
Saute the onions, garlic and turkey. Rinse the beans and corn - throw them in with the tomatoes and let it simmer!

A meal that is so simple - yes, I can get behind that!
What are your favorite chili recipes?