Hi All .. sorry I've been MIA all week, there's been a lot going on around here!

So, to catch you up, this week I went to a Caps game (they lost, boo!), did a reunion with some college friends (where I met the CUTEST new puppies!), and kept up my typical workout routine. I am doing the 10-day accelerated workout challenge that came with my Zumba DVD set, and I'm really liking it so far! It really adds some flavor to the normalcy (and sometimes boredom) of the gym every day; plus, I can do them at home, which I love! Beach body, here I come!!

Our trip is only 8 DAYS AWAY!!!! B and I could not be more excited about jet-setting off to Florida for 5 days .. only 5 1/2 work days to go!!

Since we went out and partied pretty hard last weekend for the 25th celebration of the Rinaldi's, I'm thinking a relaxing night in will do me well tonight; get some things done around the house, catch up on TV, and cozy up with Twilight :o)

Since I missed a wordless Wednesday this week, here are a few pics to keep you updated!

First of all, can I just say that I was SO happy for Kate Winslet last night?! She is just as cute as a button, and I think the Oscar was well-deserved (even though I have yet to see The Reader, but plan to!)

I have always loved tuning in the the award shows; all the glitz and glamour, the gowns, the jewels, there is just so much eye candy! Speaking of eye candy, I thought Hugh Jackman did a great job as host, especially when he called out Brangelina with

"Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie .. well, I don't have a joke for you, but I'm contractually obligated to bring you up at least 5 times tonight."

LOVE that. His opening number was great, especially since it incorporated Anne Hathoway, whom I adore.

It looks like we're going to have a busy Netflix queue over the next few months, since I now want to see all of the films that were nominated for Best Picture.

A few questions ...

1) WHAT was Jessica Biel wearing? I'm sorry, but girlfriend needs a new stylist, if you ask me.

2) Anne Hathaway, SJP, Amy Adams & Jennifer Aniston - who are your stylist's, because you all looked smashing!!

3) Brad, oh Brad .. what is it that you see in Angelina again?! Ugh.

4) I have to say, I got excited to see the dashing Edward Cullen get up there to present, which reminded me, I must get back to Twilight!


In other news, our weekend was great, but not long enough! We partied pretty hard Saturday night, and between that and staying up late to watch the Oscar's last night, I am one tired girl today!

Is it Friday yet?!

Only 12 DAYS until vacationnnn!! :o)

Well we are in for an eventful weekend, my friends! Aliya (and her hubs, Justin) turned 25 this week!

In light of this monumental occasion, we have a weekend full of events planned, that include, but are not limited to, an all-girls dinner and movie night this evening. We'll finally be seeing Confessions of a Shopaholic (and yes, I know the reviews have been shotty) and will do some gift-giving, gossiping and most likely gorge ourselves on whatever yummy treats Aliya's Mom whips up for us. Her Mom sent out the email invite for this little event a few weeks ago, seriously, how cute is that?!

Tomorrow will begin with some morning mimosas, a Georgetown basketball game downtown, followed by a much needed afternoon nap to prepare for the real party! Pregame drinks at the Rinaldi's, followed by a high-class bash at one of our local watering holes. This should make for a wonderfully eventful (and exhausting) weekend! I will try and get some good pics to post next week!

So, without further a-do, Happy 25th Birthday to one of my best friends in the world, Aliya!!

Thank you Pocket Full of Pink for tagging me in this little Q&A! Although it was a few days ago, I am just catching up!


Rules: Post this list on your profile replacing my answers with yours. Tag people to do the same thing. If I tagged YOU, it's because I want to know more about YOU!

1. Where you named after anyone? Sadly, I think I was named after an actress that my Mom loved in her mid-twenties.
2. When was the last time you cried? Probably last week sometime
3. Do you like your handwriting? Yes, but more-so when I'm actually concentrating on what I write
4. What is your favorite lunch meat? Turkey (with honey mustard!)
5. Do you have kids? Nope, on my to-do list in the distant future :o)
6.If you were another person, would you be friends with yourself? Yes!
7. Do you use sarcasm? I do, probably more than I should at certain times
8. Do you still have your tonsils? Yes, ma'am
9. Would you bungee jump? Negative. I think I may have a slight fear of heights
10. Naked? Hmm .. sure?
11. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? Yes, I guess it's on my list of OCD things I do
12. Apparently #12 was lost somewhere along the tag!
13. What is your favorite ice cream? Turkey Hill Choco Mint Chip .. mmmmm
14. What is the first thing you notice about people? Eyes and style, I think
15. Red or pink? Red
16. What is your least favorite thing about yourself? I over-analyze too much
17. Who do you miss the most? My family
18. Do you want everyone to complete this list? Sure!
19. What color pants and shoes are you wearing? Skinny, dark wash jeans and brown Uggs :o)
20. What are you listening to right now? The printer in my office, ugh.
21. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Jungle Green, always loved it!
22. Favorite smells? Home-cooked meals, clean laundry, still hot from the dryer, the beach, B :o)
23. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? B, obviously
24. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes! We are becoming great, blogger friends!
25. Favorite sport to watch? NY Jets football, clearly.
26. Hair color? Natural brunette
27. Eye color? Hazel-ish green :o)
28. Do you wear contacts? Nope
29. Favorite food? Tough one - possibly macaroni and cheese, it's my vice!
30.Scary movies or happy endings? I love me some happy endings, but scary movies are fun!
31. Last movie you watched? Failure to Launch
32. What color shirt are you wearing? Blue Lacoste sweater
33. Summer or winter? Summerrrr - beach week, are you here yet?!
34. Hugs or kisses? Mmm .. can I say both?!
35. Most likely to respond? Good question!
36. Least likely to respond? Better question
37. What book are you reading now? Twiliiiight
38. What is on your mouse pad? Company Name
39. What did you watch on TV last night? American Idol - yay!
40.Favorite sound? Rain outside my window, but only when I can stay in bed and listen
41. Rolling Stones or Beatles? Stones
42.Where is the farthest you have been from home? Mexico? Sad, I know
43. Do you have a special talent? In high school, I was a great singer, although I can't say that I have kept up with this talent since college
44.Where were you born? Ridgewood, NJ
45.Whose answers are you looking forward to getting back? Everyone's!
46. How did you meet your significant other/spouse? College party, although I cannot pin-point the exact moment. We had a lot of the same friends, but it wasn't until after we graduated that it started down this road :o)


Ok, all .. consider yourself tagged!!

Happy Hump Day!

Admit it, I'm not the only one addicted to this season of The Bachelor. I did watch last season, and watch Deanna break Jason's heart, so that may very well be why I've got his back this round, and boy has it been interesting!!

Did everyone watch last night?!! If not, beware, there is a SPOILER below!



So, to be totally honest, Melissa is my favorite. She has been for a few weeks now, and I felt HORRIBLE that her parents wouldn't meet Jason, cause that definitely puts her at a disadvantage. Oh well. I digress ..

I did NOT see last night's rose ceremony coming! Gillian?! I surely thought he would get rid of Molly, you know, with her being 24 and all?! I guess he likes 'em young, and who can really blame him? Haha.

Anywho. Is it bad that I am excited for them to bring back Deanna?? As sad as it is that she picked the dud last season, and is still out there "looking for love," it definitely makes for good TV! I cannot wait to see all the drama, too bad I have to wait 2 weeks?!?

Hope everyone had a wonderfullll love weekend!

One of my absolute favorite, all time quotes, from the one and only "Rent." If you've seen it, you know what I mean, if not, just take some time to measure all of the love in your life, in whatever way, shape or form it shows up.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day weekend! And for those of you who are off on Monday (like me!), enjoy the extra day to relax, get together with friends, be productive and/or lazy, cause I know I will!!

B and I are going on our V-Day date tonight to a wonderfully romantic and quaint little restaurant near his hometown. I am super excited to eat the delicious food (so I hear), drink wine and just enjoy a quiet evening with my man.

We are celebrating tonight because I will be traveling to Richmond, VA tomorrow afternoon for a good friend's bridal shower on Sunday! Steph is one of the closest girlfriends that I made in college, and she's getting married in April - let the celebrations begin! (She's the one in the Lily dress :o))


What are YOU doing for V-Day? Any big, romantic plans? Well, however you're planning to spend the day (or weekend), make some time to revel in, and celebrate all of the love in your life!

Happy Friday <3

So, I decided to participate in Aliya's letter game that she had going on this week, and she assigned me the letter T, so, here we go!

1) The Boy .. sorry, couldn't help myself :o)


2) Traveling - we are greatly anticipating our upcoming adventure in South Florida, and are already planning multiple beach trips this summer!!



3) TV - anything from Gossip Girl to American Idol - I am basically a TV junkie, and proud of it!



4) Tanning - and no, I do not mean fake-and-bake, I really just mean, being tan. Gosh, I cannot wait for summer!!


5) Training - I love fitness and working out!


6) Talking - I love to chat! With B, my friends, my family .. I talk to a good deal of my girl friends multiple times, every single day.


7) Treats - I am not a huge chocolate person (weird, I know), but I swoon over ice cream and Reese's!


8) Trends - I heart fashion, and love finding the newest piece that inspires me! Carrie Bradshaw is always a good start :o)



9) Time with Friends - whether I see them every other day, or once a year, I cherish moments with my friends.


10) Trucks - I miss my SUV every day (even though I love the $$ I'm saving on gas!), but I have to say that one of my favorite things about my truck-driving beau, is the good old, down home country in him :o)


Leave a comment letting me know if you want to participate, and I'll send a letter your way - it's fun!

Only 24 more days until our WONDERFUL anniversary vacay to warm & sunny Florida!!!

Sorry I have been rather MIA so far this week! Work has been crazy busy, and I have been trying to make some headway through these projects. But, such is life, and I know you've heard the excuses before!

I wanted to go ahead and pass this award on (from last week) to some fellow bloggers, for their outstanding job of being classy, sassy and keeping me entertained! (Seriously, my morning coffee reads have become my favorite part of the day!)

"These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find friends and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships will be propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly- written text into the body of their award."



So, without further a-do, the nominees are (drum rollllll) .. OK, so you all win, but that was kinda fun :o)

1. Erin
2. Pocket Full of Pink
3. Ashley (of Drew & Ashley)
4. Ashley (my fave quasi-sister-in-law)
5. Vanessa

Thanks ladies, for inspiring me every day!

I will be back with more tomorrow, as it is time for me to wrap it up here and get my butt in gear for tonight's workout (a Dance/Cardio DVD that I rented) - wish me luck!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to my sister Amanda for awarding me with this today, it made my Friday!


I will be sure to pass it on next week!!!

Have a great weekend!

I have found SO many great blogs in the recent weeks; so many that it has made me feel like my little blog needs to be spiced up! TO that end, I created a signature to use on my entries, and I think it's pretty cute! Check it out:



Your thoughts, opinions and ideas are welcome for this "new look" that I am trying to imagine up.

I may just have to beg Aliya to do it, haha

OR! I can ask this lovely lady who recently designed my sister's new banner!

Thoughts?!

TEXTAREA_ID

I am jumping on the bandwagon for "Wordless Wednesdays", so thanks to Habbala for the inspiration!

On this Wordless Wednesday (with a few words, sorry) - I'll give you this weekend's recommendation!! I heart movies. The End.

For as long as I can remember, I have always been "that girl" that everyone thought would marry first, have tons of babies, an adorably clean house (clearly), and be the stay-at-home Mom I've always wanted to be!! Let's just say, on all accounts - I'm working on it!

In the meantime, I like to think that I share a lot of common interests/daily activities with my newly married and newly maternal friends. And man on man does blogging help!!

What's my point?!

Well, I have been feeling extra domestic and productive this week, and figured I could share some tips! In the last few weeks, I have been overcome (thanks to inspiration from fellow bloggers, family & friends) with motivation to make my daily lifestyle the best it can be. I am doing this by:

• Working Out - (be it cardio, strength, flexibility) at least 4 times per week, and I am LOVING it! I have been working out consistently for a while now, but the holidays took a toll on my routine(s). I have to thank my roommate for showing me this wonderful park behind our house, complete with nature trails, grills and picnic tables! It has become my new favorite place to run; that is, when it's not iced over, like it was on Saturday. I also bought a new Pilates DVD to do at home, you know, since the small gym I use at work has been buzzing with those that are sticking to their resolutions. Working out at home has become one of my new favorite things, especially since I like to keep some spontaneity in my workout routines.
• Devotionals - I found a few great devotional books for women on-the-go, and it has been a great start or ending to each day. B and I have also been so good lately about making it to church (together) on Sunday mornings! This was one of our New Years resolutions, and a very important one to both of us, I think we're doing quite a good job for a couple who lives an hour apart!
  
• Cooking/Diet - OK, I wouldn't call it "dieting" by any means, but I have found this new inspiration to really make a concerted effort to eat healthier. I have picked up a few new recipes lately, and have been cooking up a storm! (which B loves, of course) Thanks to my resident cooking guru, Aliya, I have had plenty of yummy and sensible recipes to choose from as of late. I have also been seriously enjoying my yogurt and blueberries breakfast, followed by an average of 2-3 salads per week for lunch. What has gotten into me?! Well, I do have an anniversary trip to prepare my beach bod for?!!?
• Clean House - to be honest, I never really lost my motivation in this department, I have ALWAYS been very neat, and therefore, my dwelling-place reflects me well. I have had so much fun living in a house vs. an apartment over the last few months, and have had a chance to decorate for holidays and just for fun. I have also learned to take on further responsibilities like mowing the lawn, and taking the trash out on an actual trash day (what a grown-up, I know!) Well, in keeping with my clean/decorated house, I sometimes cannot resist a new purchase to spruce things up! This week, it was a fabulous rug for our entryway. I tried to find a picture on Target.com, but no luck!

Man, do I sound like Oprah's Best Life Week, or what?! I guess I thought I could pass on some of the inspiration I've been feeling lately to all of you!

In other news, I am on the pursuit for the perfect 2-year anniversary trip dress! Forever 21 is a staple for my wardrobe, plus I have a $50 gc left over from Christmas. Any ideas?!


Oh! I almost forgot - I thought of a great Valentine's Day gift for B; something we can share, and can get his 42" plasma involved, as well. I'm not sure if he'll read this, so inquire within for details!

Happy Tuesday!