Books & Movies

I've been catching up on fun reading these days (and taking advantage of our fabulous local library)...


Notting Hell - This is a good summer read, lots of fabulous descriptions. I just love descriptions of the wealthy Londoners...cashmere socks, warmed floors and the food - honestly, I love that more than anything. Told from several different character's points of view - overall, good.
Posh - Imagine a little more realistic and depressing Gossip Girls. About a teenage girl, her boyfriend, their dysfunction and their relationship with their mothers. Like I said, if you are in the mood for something a little more gritty and sad, get with this one. Not bad, just for a certain mood - in my opinion.
Yummy Mummy - Oohhhh, yes, of all 3 - I totally recommend this one. I couldn't put it DOWN when I was supposed to be packing. I thought the main character, Amy, was uber realistic and completely related to her. You know when you follow a character and buy every choice they make, even when they are bad, because they are so human. While I loved Notting Hell for the descriptive introductions, I loved this for the character. And (it seemed to me) she created a realistic world of a new mother, who is lonely and is trying to cope with her new reality and new body. I definitely would pick this one up!!



So, I have a little secret. Ever since I can remember, I've been infatuated with "cheesy 80s movies."

As in, my friends know me as the cheeseball with a collection of VHS (yeah that's right) of classics from our childhood. As in, the movies that are only found in the non-chain rental stores with a little dust on them. As in, the type of movie most people make fun of for lame soundtracks, too many neon clothes and big hair. I couldn't name them all here and probably wouldn't even know half of the names, but any movie that TBS would play on repeat, would fall under this category.

It just reminds me of summertime, when I was young and we would go rent a movie (for like, what a dollar??) and get a snowcone for the road home. Going to the movie theater and renting movies were kind of a ritual in my house. We loved it.

• Can't Buy Me Love: Come on, I loved Patrick Dempsey waaayyy before he was McDreamy. "Can't Buy Me Love" where he tries to buy the love of a "cool" girl, so he can be cool! Yes! The cars, the clothes, the dorks v. popular crowd. Classic. Remember "Loverboy"?!

• Splash. Oh for about 6 months or so, my best friend and I, when we were in elementary school would have a slumber party, wake up, watch Splash and American Gladiators, eat cereals and jump on her trampoline. Those were the good old days when we thought crazy merwomen were wondering around NYC !

Turner and Hooch: This was on tv the other day, I mean how can you not love Tom Hanks?! I wasn't a huge fan of this when I was younger...but now, just look at the movie poster.




Uncle Buck: Heheh, I love John Candy and the scene here where he makes the gigantic pancakes for McCauley Culkin. This, The Great Outdoors and Summer Rental are some of my all time favorites!
Adventure in Babysitting: Puhleease, I started babysitting at the age of 11 or 12 and Elisabeth Shue was soooooo cool to me. I could watch this one over and over!

Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's: Ok, I could probably put this one in my top 5. It's awesome: they get to live at home for the summer "parent free", she gets to work at a vague "design firm for uniforms", get a boyfriend and hang out. I really don't know how many times I've watched this movie, but I wanted to be Christina Applegate for a summer when I was 12. Honestly.
Girls Just Want to have Fun: SJP before Sex and the City. A dance competition?? 80s music?? Fabulous costumes?? Yes, please!
My Stepmother is an Alien: Hahaha, she eats batteries out of her purse and the UFOs are hilarious. This is a legit classic 80s movie.
Pretty in Pink: Oh, here is the real deal. Molly Ringwald. Pretty in Pink. Every girl's anthem. And What a crush did I have on Andrew McCarthy???? In all of his fine 80s prepwear??

Well, that ends here. I could go on forever, but I won't.

What are your favorite cheesy/80s/90s/childhood movies?

Sporadic Thoughts on a Monday!

Scene: Every single Sunday Morning (keep in mind our mass schedule goes - 7:30 am, 9:30 am and 5:30 teen mass).

Alarm blaring at 6:30

Me: You can take a shower first...bleah bleary eyed talk
Husband: No, you take longer
Me: Ok, I'll sleep a little longer

7:00 am

Me: Damn, we aren't making it...how about 9:30

Hub: erghh, 9:30 too busy, but ok...

Roll over back to sleep

9:00 am

Me: Damn, we definitely aren't making this one either...how about brunch and 5:30 mass
Husband: snoring zzzzzzzzzzz
Me: Ok.

Why do we follow this pattern?? Every week, why don't we just up and admit we are never going to get up that early on the weekend!!

- I missed a girl's weekend with my high school friends and can I say? I'm not disappointed in the least. It's a sad but true acknowledgment that I've moved on, just in the fact that my life priorities are different. I'm ready (and I feel dorky for saying it) but to make new friends, girlfriends I can go, have a drink with and not have the catty "I know your past, all we do talk sheeot all night" conversations. One filled me on the weekend and her notes included how another friend was a lot more skinny now and how she had been chubby for her size (Which she was SO NOT), so she was looking better...like, I don't have these conversations. Maybe it's because I hang out with guy so much, but I'm reminded of how I was so "bodily insecure" in high school because these friends were super skinny and I just wasn't. I just don't like that whole vibe, feeling and attitude of "who's lost weight and looks better." In fact, I hate it and was really disappointed hearing that come out of her mouth. Oy, moving on!

- I had a FANTASTIC 'monogrammer' before we moved, I took everything to her. Then, I realized I was getting married, so I thought I'd just save up and wait to get the new monogram. Now? I have a HUGE list of things I want to get monogrammed. And I shall list them here!

*Our fabulous duvet/pillowcases (white with a blue stripe) husband wasn't too keen on the Big monogram in the middle of the duvet, so we agreed on the pillowcases.
*My Vera Bradley, I switched to the Pink Petal which is already retiring (geezz!)
*Silver jewelry - I really want a set of earrings and a great silver cuff with engraved initials
*Tote bags - I have a random assortment of LLBean navy totes with our last name, but I'd like to get one with my new initials
*We got this gorgeous silver tray for our wedding and I'd love to get it engraved with our wedding date/name
*Preppy monogrammed gifts (Have you been to this site?) I LOVE the preppy plates, what a fabulous idea! An everyday, useful melamine plate with a monogram. I would really love to get a set of these and how perfect for gifts?? Because really? What do we use everyday, bowls and small 'sandwich' plates!

And just for good old preppy sake - How about Target, Cynthia Rowley and Whim creating MADRAS for the summer??? Can't wait. I'm thinking I want the table cloth. I remember Cynthia Rowley's Swell and how I had all of the plastic dishes, the shower curtain, the towels - that was a really great line. So much fun.

- This weekend I: packed, packed some more, got rid of more clothes (haven't worn in a year? See YA!), attempted to sell some things on Ebay, ate fettucine alfredo (haven't eaten in years), ordered MORE boxes and packing paper, fought with hubby about throwing away a frame, got really excited about our move, worried about this whole we pack up a trailor/pod thing and have all of our stuff delivered and looked for sandals online. Oh and watched some great old school TBS movies. Watch for my 80s movie post I'm working on. And watched another Harry Potter (addicted much!!)

Happy Friday!

Today is my main man's birthday! We are celebrating with a grill-out of sorts and per his request, "beer, brats and rhubarb pie!" This - I think I can handle...we are actually picking up this pie from a deli b/c he loves it and I'm going to make a cake as well. It will be nice to just hang out tonight.

Yesterday, we took the afternoon and went to the museum of art here, which is a fabulous museum. They had a special fashion exhibit, which is why I really wanted to go, but it wasn't that great. Cool, but I guess I'd rather see older clothes versus new crazy, modern contemporary garments. I was more fascinated by the 18th century female dress with the tiny corset. Anyway, it was neat. Then we just meandered around for a couple hours. Good times. Although too bad my Target Isaac Mizrahi flats KILLED my feet and I was complaining by the end. Those are the times I remind myself - Quality. Quality shoes are MUCH better.

Ok...that's it for now, must run! Later gators, hope this weather holds out for the weekend!

What is this? 2005?

Better late than never, say I!

I'll admit, that I've never watched or even cracked the spine of a Harry Potter movie or novel. As an english lit studied gal, and as a bonafide lover of children's and adolescent lit, this is a travesty. Well noted by many of my peers and friends - they just can't believe I haven't found the love. Which isn't to say I haven't wanted to - I knew that I would love the books and movies but graduate school usually doesn't allow time for fun reading. This weekend, I watched my first movie and I love! I can't wait to read the books. I think I'll save it for this summer and just order the whole set off of Amazon or Ebay or something!

I've also become the last person on the planet who has become addicted to American Idol and Lost. Like I said, I'm a few years too late - but here I am.

Otherwise:

Our house is a mess. Complete mess. Moving and packing and a sink full of dishes makes me go argghhh. However, hubby is home today and hopefully taking care of it.

Score! I finally hit up the TJMaxx in our area which did have a GREAT selection of VV and Lilly P. However, while the Lilly prices are AMAZING, I can't justify buying them at this moment - I just hope the peeps as TJ kept it coming.

Just loving this spring weather...loving it!

Shaken up!

It's all over the news now, but our area of the country had an earthquake last night and it was my first! It was weird because at about 5:30 this morning P & I woke up to a rumbling/shaking feeling and we thought it was a fierce wind or the crazy, fiesty squirrels who race around on the roof (yeahh, they would have been some Hardcore squirrels!). But then we turned on the news and found out it was an earthquake, it was a strange way to start the day!

Besides that it is a gooorrgeeeouuusss day and Ralph and I had a great jog. I love having the windows open and fresh air rolling through. We are having a yard sale this weekend (our first!) because there are some things around here that we just don't love enough to move. Especially since our last move was so recent and we remember cursing ourselves for all the "crap" we hauled, we decided to lighten the load. And, to be quite honest, we have some lovely wedding gifts that were not on our registry, aren't our style and haven't even been opened. I feel bad, but at the same time...why keep it if it's just going to stay in the back of a closet??



My friends are excited to have us moving back, especially for the summer but some of our family? Are very unhappy with our decision, and they've let us know. They think we are foolish for uprooting, leaving my husband's job for a less certain future (although, I've gotten a full-time stable job) etc etc. I guess it's always hard for parents/relatives to realize we are adults and we will make our own decisions. It doesn't make life any easier though, knowing that folks you love don't approve of your decision - it kind of sucks, really. Personally, though, I'd rather move to a place that we def. want to settle down before we have kids and mortgage (aka right now), doesn't seem that crazy to me...but apparently to some it is! Oh well, we are happy and excited to be doing it, so that's all that matters.

And for the weekend, I think I've been tagged, if not - here's some random info!

6 random/weird/uninteresting things about me:

1. A GIGANTIC pet peeve of mine is to not be able to find something (why I'm not so great at moving, I like to know exactly where everything is at all times)...For ex, I may or may not have lost my digital camera and have turned the house upside down looking for it!! Praying to St. Anthony as we speak.

2. This one is really nerdy. I'm very picky/pay attention to font. I like to have my documents in certain fonts and love certain ones as well. I have particular ones for my to-do lists, my papers etc. And it drives me crazy we can't have different fonts on blogger!

3. I still pick my crusts off sandwiches, I like for the bread and sandwich matter balance to be even. I also eat my pizza crust as I eat the pizza. Weird.

4. I think I might be the last person in America, but I've finally gotten hooked on American Idol. Actually, I like watching it on DVR b/c then you can fast forward all of the banter and get to the good stuff.

5. I am a cereal addict. I can and will eat it for all 3 meals. I definitely did it in college! Currently, I love Honey Bunches of Oats....yum!

6. This isn't really weird but I'm running out of steam - my favorite cocktail lately is vodka over ice, soda/sparkling water, fresh squeezed lemon or lime and splenda. Refreshing!!

Have a great weekend!

I'm bummed because I didn't get to sign up for 2 fun blogger events, The Preppy Spring Swap and GG's Monkey adventures. I hate missing out but I knew our address was changing and I didn't know where we would be, plus, it's a pain enough to get regular mail forwarded and changed.

Loooovving the gorgeous weather which puts me in a great mood for spring meals with veggies asparagus, tomatoes, peas and other yummy things. I don't know about you but I love the simplicity of Parmesean, butter or olive oil, lemon and salt and pepper with a veggie. In fact, I did just that with peas and orzo the other day and it was a success here. I also did that combo with tomatoes and asparagus which I just roasted in the oven for a bit. Yummmmm. And I made a chicken salad last night, but it was pretty simple. P is against all "things" in his salad but me? I'll have grapes, pecans and sometimes a little dash of curry in my chicken salad. Numm, just thinking about it. I limit my making of it, because I could honestly down it all in a sitting. Ohhh, and a tomato sandwich is my favorite summer treat. Just a fresh, juicy tomato from the farmer's market on toasted bread with real mayo and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Ahhh. Love.
Ok, enough of food.

Along with spring comes sinus infections, which I pretty much regularly get now, as an adult, every year. Yet, I still have a hard time catching onto my symptoms. For the past two weeks, I've been sneezing, having the headaches and wondering what the H is wrong with me...duuuh. Tylenol Sinus and I'm a whole new gal.

Although I'm beginning to wonder if my neighbor's smoking habits are contributing. Ever since we've moved in, we would get whiffs of cig smoke in our bathroom. Weird. Then, last week, we decided to turn the air off, open the windows and enjoy the fresh spring air. Umm, our entire townhouse began to reek. We realized our neighbor's smoking is affecting our house...arghh, so annoying.

And you know what else is annoying? Sprint's website...have you ever tried to pay an online bill with them?? OMG. Beyond annoying and I was never successful. Annnndd, trying to find a place to live long distance. While I'm on a rant, PEOPLE CUSTOMER SERVICE IS A PART OF YOUR JOB. I'm talking to this one company, which looks like it will be our temporary rental home (because of dogs, area, we've whittled it down to this one and of course they are jerks). I explain myself politely on the phone, hoping that I will get more information and help from this person. First of all, her tone made me feel like I was a telemarketer for asking questions like, "What's the washer/dryer set-up, is there a hook-up?" Then, I had the gall to ask if they had more pictures (like on the inside of the property) and she responded that no they don't, pictures aren't useful anyway because they are usually of just a wall and they don't really have the time to go by and take pictures anyway. Arghhhh. Just. Plain. Rude.

Enough for today, however, I took out my skirts and dresses last night and got sooooo excited to be wearing them!

Summer Dress Picks

Adore these spring/summer frocks from J.Crew and Banana. Love the J.Crew for pockets and just all around perfect for wearing in the summertime, and really? I always love a good pink polka dot!

Best Line

"At least surgery can make me pretty, but surgery canNOT make her any smarter!"

Ambre, THE Rock of Love

Of the 5238709 other things to discuss:

• Ok, I just like bulleting, I do it on all my lists. Something about my OCDness. Anyway, here goes.
• We had the Master's on all day yesterday and were reminiscing about how we were there last year...oh the egg salad sandwiches, preppy gear and adorable golfers. What a great event!
• I'm ready to venture out to Marshall's/TJMaxx after seeing everyone post about their great purchases AND especially after a co-worker told about the one near us that is usually stocked. Although. We. Are. Not. Spending. Frivolously.! Arghhh, just in time for Spring gear too! By the way, helping out at a Lilly boutique doesn't do much for the "want" list. I just walk around the store and caress the fabrics. And the Minnie's section. To Adorable!
• Speaking of clothing lust: This store: Joules, UK - I've just discovered. My new crush! LOVE! The patterns, dresses and most things are reasonably prices (although I don't know about shipping). When things settle down, after we've paid for the moving bills, I'm all over their wrap dress.
  
• Rock of Love with Bret Michaels. I'm sorry, I LOVE this trashy show. It is great. I haven't watched the last episode, but I've heard the outcome. I just am fascinated by Daisy's face. And Bret? Kills me with the headbands!! Killing me! Even my husband, who turns his nose up at Reality tv, is caught up in it. Oh, and the new Office episode - dinner party with Jan's crazy candles...hilarious!
• My new dessert habit - a small tablespoon of Nesquick in skim milk - not uber healthy but fills me up and hits that sweet spot after dinner.
  
• As we started going through the office last night, to go through some boxes, I was actually relieved to see how much we had NOT unpacked. Sweet, turn that right around. I've resigned to the idea that until we buy a house, I'm not dealing with decorating or buying furniture that matches...when that day comes, I will be ready, until then... Oh, but I did register for HGTV's green house. I'm sorry to say I registered more because I frickin want that house, it's gorgeous more than the "green" aspects.
  
• Long car trips make for looonggg conversations and ermm, with the stress lately, some definite arguments. Especially when we both stay with each set of parent's/in-laws and when they get into our business, as adults. It's interesting (to be polite) to be an outsider into a family and see the dynamics in a whole new way. Suffice it to say, we had the "arghh your parents drive me crazy" talk, but resolved that we are firm (and thoroughly happy) in our decision because we feel like it is truly FOR US, no matter any and all of the family arguments against us. Speaking of long car trips, we had to laugh and wonder if we made a mistake in naming Ralph well, because, as you can see where I'm going with this...his name implies. Bless his heart, he is the best traveler - he will just curl up in the back seat and go to sleep for the majority of a trip. And puke. Without fail, everytime, at some point. I mean, I'm prepared - with all sorts of rags, cleaners. Poor guy. It's so cute though, because when he stays with my parents, he has two other dogs to play with and they Play. He has so much fun running around with them and sleeps for a few days when he gets home because he's so pooped!
• I'm back to a semi-regular schedule in Blogger world and all of the new blogs that I've read/have commented here, I'll be adding you to the list! Red & White Preppy, I'd love an invite.
• I hate waking up feeling crappy but I did today, I think the week on the road has finally taken a toll. And I just keep wandering around the house, overwhelmed about where to even begin! Hrmm, well if you see a younger, sickly looking gal in Marshall's today with an oversized sweatshirt and sweatpants...overlook her! :P
  

ChaChaChanges...

Well, we are moving! We've had some lengthy discussions about life and what makes us happy. Ultimately, we moved hoping this job/place would provide us opportunities but it looks like P's job is not going to provide those opportunities, at all. And we were unhappy, not with the place, at all - we've enjoyed where we live, but when we both just looked at each other and said, why don't we just move back to the South, it was like it all clicked and made sense. Anyway, we are stressed but mostly just excited and happy. It's going to be crazy! Moving! Again! Oh Crap!

But, we know this is where we want to be and we are looking at future opportunities beyond jobs and it just makes sense. AND, I was offered a full-time job while we were there. Seriously, just handing out my resume with a smile and while we were eating lunch, I got a call. Crazy!! We knew one of us would have to have something and now we do. We are going to probably have to do a partial move and live like college kids on summer break (which we are both used to!) for awhile but we honestly don't care at all.

That's it for today, we just spent the week on the road and I'm pooped. There is so much to do! I can't tell you how happy we are though. Although, there are only 2 reasons I'm upset about my address changing in the next month: Our tax rebate check (gotta change our address with the IRS - Fun!) and Monkey's World Tour via Grosgrain Garage! Seriously, I read up on the blogs and am super disappointed but I can't wait to read and see where Monkey goes - what a great idea!!

Foreseeable Change

Ahh, life. It loves to just move around like the wind and change constantly. We have some things going on that are going to be for the better for us, I believe. I'll be updating but we are going out of town next week, so this will be the last post for a bit.

Unless, we pick up a laptop this week. We both have desktops (P is a Mac geek, I'm the lowly PC) but we really need a computer for traveling, etc. P had his heart set on a Mac, but really, I'd probably be the main user of it and? I really only use a computer for Word, Itunes and the internet. And maybe powerpoint. I don't need a lot of "stuff" with it. And cheaper (ish) laptop recommendations? I'm hoping we do something about that soon.

Also, I'm contemplating going private. Not for awhile but I am thinking about it. And I was trying to incorporate a background on my blog (I NEED a new look), how do you do that?


Other than that, I've been drinking too much wine at night and realized when I saw a box of Swiss Cake Rolls in the cabinet, that I'm ready to cut back and monitor my food better. Onward to moderation!

Oh, and we went out last Friday just to celebrate in general (and we never went out on St. Patrick's day b/c we were sick/tired/it was a Monday). We hit up a pub that P has been excited to try. Well, long gone are the days of alcohol tolerance! After a few pints (of what I can't remember), some fried food and a whiskey/coke - I was done. And slightly hungover the next day, when I made the decision to eat a cheesesteak for lunch. Uggghhh. I felt disgusting. HOW in the world did I survive my college years?? Seriously.

Speaking of the past, I just finished this book of short essays from authors about their relationship to Judy Blume's books. Talk about defining my childhood/awkwardhood in middle school. It is so funny and if you read any Judy Blume, you can relate to these authors.



Real Housewives of NYC? love it. Bethenney is out of control, she needs to take a chill pill. I like her honesty but seriously calm down. I was laughing my arse off about her take on Simon's comment, "No, you are Ferrari!" Hahahahah. Ramona is still annoying and I think I'm liking Luann more now - I love her home decor. Very clean and modern.

That's it for now. Have a great week. I know I'll be back with better and more informative posts later!! Wish me luck, if ya don't mind!!