That Time We Missed The Last Train Home

Last weekend was my friend's 30th birthday party in NYC! Before I get into the story though, I should mention that C and I live in NJ... in central NJ. So we took the train in, and had a few train beers en route (always a plus about public transportation!)

We headed in a bit early to get some great southern food at Soul Fixins. (We learned about it via Groupon...still love that site!) It was tiny inside, but the food was delicious! Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese... everything was so good!

Then we headed over to the club at 10:30 (can't be the first to arrive!), because the invite said the party started at 10. Haha. We were met by an angry, preoccupied bouncer who announced that the club didn't open until 11. I remember why I stopped going to clubs. Oookkaaayyyy...

So we found this quaint little bar across the street to kill time for a bit. It was pretty much empty, but it was perfect. It was close, the bartender was awesome and started a conversation with us about opening restaurants/bars in the city, and it was just so... comfortable.

Inviting sign outside the back up bar

Drinkies

C checking out the sitting room- love all the vintage stuff they had

Eventually we get in...hooray! I saw the birthday girl and a few other friends from college, and it was really fun! (I even took shots which, if you know me at all, is something I do not normally do!) They were playing 90's hip hop/R&B/party tunes, which was awesome! We were having a great time! So much so, that we lost track of time. Once we noticed my friends leaving, we got a little nervous. "Why are they leaving their own party?" we thought out loud. And then we checked the time. C's watch was wrong, and his phone was dead, so I checked my phone... and it was 1:20 AM. Our last train home was at 1:27... and we were no where near the train station.

Me and the bday girl, and college friends!

C and I

Enter freak out mode!!!

C got angry... really angry. I still had a working cell phone, and I remembered that our other friends, who live by us, were also in the city that night for a different party, so I called them. They were on their way home... only one exit away from home (an hour and some away from NYC). I told them what happened... and they offered to come back for us! We were able to get on the PATH to Newark, and they picked us up from there.

We got so lucky! I mean, I guess there were a few others we could have called, but they were the first ones I thought of, and they definitely saved our asses! The next train out of NYC wasn't until 5AM... sleeping in a train station, just because you were out having "too much fun" would have totally sucked!

Have you ever gotten stuck anywhere because you were partying too hard?!

Please tell me I'm not alone!

Semi Wordless Wednesday: Delayed

I found this post in my drafts folder... it's originally from November 11? Basically what I did while Hurricane Sandy was in town and I was off from work for a week!

What's Cookin: Oreo Truffles

Last week a couple friends and I met for Book Club. We each try to bring a little something to go with our wine :) and I made these little balls of happiness. They were a huge hit, so I thought I would share them with you! Plus, it's pretty easy!

You need 3 ingredients:
A package of Oreos
a package of cream cheese (8 oz.) (at room temperature)
a package of semi-sweet or white chocolate chips (or you can get that chocolate dip stuff like Dolci Frutta... I won't tell!)
wax paper, a baking sheet, and toothpicks

Yields about 30 balls.

Directions:
1. Using a food processor, grind all your cookies until they resemble crumbles. In a bowl, mix well with all the cream cheese. I used a rubber spatula to mix- be careful, it's sticky!

2. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, and place on a wax paper on a baking sheet. Freeze for 10 minutes. (I actually froze for 10 minutes, poked the toothpicks in, and then froze for another 20 minutes so they wouldn't get stuck in the melted chocolate.)

3. While the balls are freezing, "cook" your chocolate. I used the stovetop on low heat , and started stirring once the edges were visibly cooking. but then I got tired of stirring, so I used the microwave, checking on it often. For other methods to cook chocolate, see here: http://candy.about.com/od/workingwithchocolate/a/meltchocolate.htm

4. Once your chocolate has melted and your balls sufficiently frozen, stick each with a toothpick (or skewer, or fork) and dip them in the melted chocolate until coated. Put them back on the wax paper and refrigerate until firm (I refrigerated overnight).

nom nom nom

For the original recipe, click here. But I think my directions are way better ;)

What's cookin at your place?

The Wake-Up Playlist

I commute 4 hours every day, so one thing I am absolutely dependent on (besides a large coffee) is music. And upbeat music at that, especially on a Monday morning! So I wanted to share a few of my current faves that keep me groovin from sun rise to sun down!

I thought this one was a little bit country when I first heard it, and country isn't really my favorite, but it's so darn catchy, I couldn't help but highlight it. I'm sure I'll be checking out some of their other stuff soon!

Little Talks- Of Monsters and Men

I can't get enough of this woman's voice. Seriously. I just got both of her CDs for Christmas, and it's still not enough. The beat is pretty hot too!

Sweet Nothing- Calvin Harris ft. Florence Welch

Oh, Cee-Lo, you get me every time. I just love his old-school vibe. 

I'll Be Around- Cee-Lo Green ft. Timbaland

After a 5 year hiatus, Justin Timberlake is back! And he brought a buddy along for his first single...

Suit and Tie- Justin Timberlake ft. Jay-Z

Of course I have to follow JT up with some Britney (B!tch). I'm so happy she's back, and I hope she doesn't go crazy again!

Scream and Shout- Will.I.Am. ft. Britney

This is my #1 right now- saving the best for last! I will literally listen to this on repeat for days on end, take a mini-break, and replay again! I just love the beat! 

Thrift Shop- Macklemore and Ryan Lewis ft. Wanz

Runners Up/ On Deck:
Don't You Worry Child- Swedish House Mafia
Big Mouth- Santigold
I Knew You Were Trouble- Taylor Swift ft. Sammy Adams
C'mon- Kesha
Pound the Alarm- Nicki Minaj

What are you listening to lately? Or what should I add to my playlist?
I love hearing your suggestions!

The Happiness Report #17

Source: middlechildcomplex.tumblr.com via SunCravinGirl on Pinterest

dinner with an old friend

book club

the first fire in our fireplace of the season

being alone in the apartment

Source: ohmyfreakingstars.blogspot.com via Pamela on Pinterest

oreo truffles (recipe coming Tuesday!)

my Jersey Girl wine glass

my favorite meal made by my love

red lipstick

short work weeks
this video (originally seen on Lo's blog!):

What's making you smile today?

Book Club Friday: The Darlings

This Week I'm Sharing...

From GoodReads: 

"A sophisticated page-turner about a wealthy New York family embroiled in a financial scandal with cataclysmic consequences. 

Now that he's married to Merrill Darling, daughter of billionaire financier Carter Darling, attorney Paul Ross has grown accustomed to New York society and all of its luxuries: a Park Avenue apartment, weekends in the Hamptons, bespoke suits. When Paul loses his job, Carter offers him the chance to head the legal team at his hedge fund. Thrilled with his good fortune in the midst of the worst financial downturn since the Great Depression, Paul accepts the position.

But Paul's luck is about to shift: a tragic event catapults the Darling family into the media spotlight, a regulatory investigation, and a red-hot scandal with enormous implications for everyone involved. Suddenly, Paul must decide where his loyalties lie-will he save himself while betraying his wife and in-laws or protect the family business at all costs?"

My Thoughts:

This was actually the book I chose for book club. I read it in October,  but I'm writing this now because our group just met last night, and I didn't want them knowing my opinions before we met! (Hi ladies!)

This is like reading about Bernie Madoff, from the insider's perspective.
I was confused for a good portion of the book. I didn't understand some of the language (lots of finance and/or law terms). Alger used a lot of pronouns, so I was confused as to who was speaking at points. And 
there were so many characters that I had to make a chart just to keep them straight in my head, but they all intertwined in the end. It was told from several viewpoints, which I really enjoyed. Definitely a quick and very interesting read- great insight into high society New York.

What are you reading?

What I Wore: Layers

C wasn't home a lot last week. He had professional development training, sometimes coming home as late as 11 pm! So I apologize for some of the crappy self photos- he's usually my photographer!

I've been layering a lot lately. I'm wearing about 3 shirts in each of these pics, even if you can't see all of them! Leggings have also become a best friend of mine. It's been so cold recently, and I really hate being cold!

An on-the-go pic. This is what I look like commuting- though I'm pretty sure I'm usually not smiling!

coat: Old Navy

hat: Lids

Scarf: Kohl's

bag: Totes, via MJM Shoes

scarf: Kohl's

pink sweater: super old, no idea

gray pants: New York & Co.

boots: Chinese Laundry 

white shirt: Gap

black sweater: Old Navy

gray pants: Express

shoes: same as above

I really like this new necklace, which was a birthday gift. 

It's so sparkly!

orange tank: F21

shirt shirt: Kohl's

sweater: JC Penny

brown pants: super old, no idea

boots: Charlotte Russe

I'm linking up with...

The Pleated Poppy- What I Wore Wednesdays

Doranda - Watch What I'm Wearing

Abbeyleigh- Dress For The Day

Miriam- Wardrobe Wednesdays

"I'm Not a Player, I Just Blog A Lot"

Two weekends ago my friend threw a party. 

{Sorry for being a bad blogger lately, I'm just super late posting about it!}

It was supposed to happen in December, like before Christmas, but it didn't work out. So we had a delayed Christmas, with homemade Indian food {what? It's traditional in some people's world.}

It was also the first time we all saw her new house. It's so cute! It has all these split level sections- it's awesome. And she has an in-ground  pool and a meat smoker (which her hubby used for our tandoori chicken- omg yummm).

Indian yumminess. Saag paneer, tandoori chicjen, shrimps in some spicy yummy sauce, and lentils
More food not pictured here, my bad

Fillin our plates... and our bellies

Set up some extra seating in the living room. The hostess with the mostest is in pink- Hi Kelly!

Our main chef and her hubby

Enjoying good food and good company!

Like I mentioned, this was also a bit of a delayed friends' Christmas, so of course there were presents!

I got this awesome wine glass (which I promptly used, as seen below)

Jersey Girls Do it Better

A bunch of stuff I actually need/use, pretty earrings, and my new most favorite tshirt EVER. 

I haven't had an opportunity to wear it yet, but I will- and it will be posted here...obvi.

Thanks A!

How was your weekend?

The Happiness Report #16

Homemade Indian food

Getting presents after Christmas

Giving presents

Dinner parties

Sicilian pizza

Being crafty

Cleaning/ purging from the apt

Daytime drinking

Making plans

Opening an Etsy shop!

What's making you happy this week?

Book Club Friday: Redeeming Love

This week I'm sharing...

From GoodReads: 

California's gold country, 1850. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep.

Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside.

Then she meets Michael Hosea. A man who seeks his Father's heart in everything, Michael obeys God's call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel's every bitter expectation, until despite her resistance, her frozen heart begins to thaw.

But with her unexpected softening come overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so Angel runs. Back to the darkness, away from her husband's pursuing love, terrified of the truth she no longer can deny: Her final healing must come from the One who loves her even more than Michael does ... the One who will never let her go.

My Thoughts:

I actually read this back in June, but I forgot to add it here! This book was recommended to me by my coworker. She said it was one of the best books she had read in awhile. I noticed beforehand that this was historical fiction, which is one of my fave genres. But I guess I didn't read the summary, because I  did not realize this was Christian Lit until I began reading, and even then, not until I was already pulled in. I've never read this type of book before, though I identify myself as a Christian. I would say I'm more spiritual than religious, if that makes sense.

Anyway, I really loved this book overall. The only thing keeping me from giving this book 5 stars is the fact that Rivers beats you over the head with the God talk. I understood (eventually) that this was Christian lit, but I didn't need a concussion to understand that the only way Angel was going to be saved was through God.

I did, however, absolutely love the story and her way of telling it; not all at once, but gradually throughout the book. I felt like I was actually there with her. I also liked how Angel, Paul, and Miriam grew and changed throughout the novel.

What I Wore: Gray Daze

I didn't realize this before I posted the pics, but I've been wearing a ton of gray lately. (I'm wearing it today too- eek!) I guess I dress how I feel. And this crappy weather we've been having is making me feel very... gray! I can take the cold (with lots of layers), but I need some sunshine in my life! Anyway, here are some outfits from last week. I should mention, most of these are work clothes. I work in a business casual environment, though the "rules" are quite flexible.

shirt: Victoria's Secret

blazer: Old Navy

pants: Express

skinny belt: borrowed from a dress

boots: Chinese Laundry via DSW

I'm still trying to re-purpose some of my fave clothes- my shirt is actually part of this VS PJ set!! C was soo jealous that I was wearing pj's to work, I got a ton of compliments on it, and it's super comfy... it was MY little secret!

Source: victoriassecret.com via Dani on Pinterest

black turtleneck and tights: Kohl's

fleece jumper: gifted

necklace: gifted

black pumps: Nine West

purple turtleneck: thrifted

necklace and sweater stockings: gifted

gray skirt and flats: Charlotte Russe (belt came with skirt)

cowl neck sweater: Michael Kors via TJ Maxx

belt: Wet Seal

jeans: Express

boots: Charlotte Russe

The last look was for dinner at C's parent's house and a day trip to NYC to visit my aunts. It was inspired by this pin: 

Source: johnna-cameron.polyvore.com via Dani on Pinterest

I actually have brown suede jacket that I haven't worn in forever, but it's not the same shade as the belt and shoes. Oh wells. 

Do you have a color that you're wearing a lot this week?

I'm linking up with...

The Pleated Poppy- What I Wore Wednesdays

Transatlantic Blonde- What I Wore Wednesdays

Doranda - Watch What I'm Wearing

Abbeyleigh- Dress For The Day

Miriam- Wardrobe Wednesdays

Book Club Friday: The Hobbit

This Week I'm Sharing...

From Goodreads:

In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort.Written for J.R.R. Tolkien’s own children, The Hobbit met with instant critical acclaim when it was first published in 1937. Now recognized as a timeless classic, this introduction to the hobbit Bilbo Baggins, the wizard Gandalf, Gollum, and the spectacular world of Middle-earth recounts of the adventures of a reluctant hero, a powerful and dangerous ring, and the cruel dragon Smaug the Magnificent. 

My Thoughts:

This book was recommended to me by C. I was wary of reading it, because he said it was really good but we have different tastes in books, and he is a complete nerd when it comes to anything having to do with LOTR (and Star Wars, but that's a tale for another day) (sorry hun!). But this wasn't as long as those (and I wanted to read it before the movie came out), so I gave it a shot. It was great! I was afraid it would be really drawn out, or the fight scenes would be a bit graphic, but they weren't at all! I loved how fast paced it was, and how I truly felt as if I was on an adventure with Bilbo. I'd seen all the LOTR movies, so it was so cool seeing where it all began, and how things unfolded. And it was funny! My favorite part was the riddles with Gollum. I could relate to Bilbo's skepticism about going on the journey, his self-doubt when he was with these dwarf warriors, and his sense of pride when he was successful. He was smart, cunning, and witty, even when he was afraid. 
Loved this book!

Source: gocomics.com via Dani on Pinterest

I also loved the movie- it stayed true to the book in so many ways, and I can;t wait for the next installments! P.S. Gollum is SOOOO creepy! Precious!

The Great Cleanout

So I wrote out some goals just last week. The first thing we worked on was cleaning/organizing/purging our apartment. Things looked crazy and we were overwhelmed by "stuff" during the holiday season. So this weekend, we started working on it. We took down the Christmas tree (tear), the ornaments went back in their boxes, and the decorations back in their crates. Our decorations go in the back of our storage closet though, so we had to take everything out to get back there. We started purging.

The ab roller from 98?

Gone.

Extra stereo speakers?

Gone.

This AWESOME board game? (I almost wanted to keep it just because it made me giggle)

Gone!

Random boxes of junk?

Gone.

But then we couldn't stop. Does anyone else have literally a TOWER of Tupperware sitting somewhere high (in our case, the top if our fridge), that's just waiting to topple over? seriously, I was nervous of falling plastics every time I opened the fridge. So we went through every.single.piece. A bit too much wear and tear? Chucked it. No matching lid (or container)? Garbage. Just too much? Gave more than half to his mom. But what about the good pieces?

We had to return some clothes to Marshall's, so we checked out their Home Goods section (we also needed new bathroom rugs, as one got shredded in the dryer... Oops.). And what did we find? This awesome red bin, that was on clearance I'm guessing because of the "Christmas-y" color, for a mere $3!! Obviously it had to come home with us, and it is now the perfect holder for our Tupperware! It's lightweight and the color actually matches the rest of our kitchen!

Leaning Tower of Tupperware

We found a match! Filling the bin

No more fear! Looks better too!

We also went through our hall closet and second bedroom "junk" closet. We still have some cluttered areas to go through, but it honestly felt SO GOOD to be free from some of the things that were just cluttering our minds and space. It was therapeutic- I highly recommend it!

How are you doing with your goals so far?