Back That Azz With Global Citizen Artists

So I finally finished a book! YAY! However, our book club doesn't meet until Sunday, so i don't want to give anything away to any of them who might read this, so I guess I'll review it next week. And we'll go straight to...

 I am SUPER excited because I won tickets to the Global Citizen Concert in Central Park tomorrow!! It's a free event, but you need tickets to get in, and I won! The headliners are Stevie Wonder, Kings of Leon, John Mayer, and Alicia Keys! I'm also excited because I like all of them and haven't seen any of them in concert! Now I'm just hoping it doesn't rain because you can't bring umbrellas into the event! Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Since the concert is tomorrow, I've been prepping... by replaying all my favorites in anticipation! Enjoy!

These are all great, but who I really can't wait for is ALICIA KEYS!

And I hear Bono may be making an appearance, so maybe he'll perform? I sure hope so!

Have a wonderful weekend!

That Time I Went to A WNBA Game

I've mentioned that I will do (almost) anything at least once. 

So even though I know absolutely zero about women's basketball, when my friend invited me to the last game of the season, I went. I like sports, and beer, and new experiences. I saw The New York Liberty vs. Phoenix Mercury. (Phoenix won... boo!) It also happened to be all-star Katie Smith (from the NY Liberty)'s last game ever! She retired after being in the league since it's inception, which I thought was pretty cool. And even though I hadn't even heard of her before that night, the ceremony and all the pics and clips from past games and words from her coaches, former and present, was all so touching! Not gonna lie, I may have teared up. Plus, I got a free t shirt with her signature!

pre-game

Katie Smith, giving her "goodbye" speech

I was surprised that there were cheerleaders. However, it was a group of senior citizens (literally) who performed in the half time show. Let me just say, I was really scared that one of them was going to break a hip! And I never want to see someone my grandparent's age dancing to Nelly's "Hot in Here". Ever. Again.

My friend also got tickets to a Q&A with the #1 star in the WNBA- Britney Griner. At 6'8" she was like a giant, especially compared to my 5'2" little self! Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture next to her. She talked a lot about how she got to where she is, hard work, dedication, and her teammates helping her out. She talked about always being made fun of because of her height, and how uncomfortable she was for so long in her own skin, how she had low self esteem, and how basketball was her release- when she got stressed out, she would take to the court. Looks like it definitely paid off! She also talked a bit about coming out earlier this summer, and others reactions to it. I didn't think it was a big deal, but apparently she got a lot of heat from the media, and people talking shit because she's so tall, and has a deep voice, and is good at bball.  I guess athletes are coming out more these days, but I still think it must take so much courage to do it. She was really down to earth and personable, and I liked that she took time out to just talk to us and was so honest.

Hey Britney!

 I also had the pleasure of meeting former WNBA star Kym Hampton! And this time I got a picture (excuse the hair- it was late and my hair had wilted by this point)! 

Have you done anything random lately?

My Top 10 Must Haves For Fall

I have a pretty classic style. One thing I love about fall is getting to pull out the scarves and boots. I am all about comfort. And my main issue is being cold- I really really don't like being cold. So layers are key for me, especially in fall, when it's 50 degrees in the morning and 70 by late afternoon! (I just checked the weather- that is literally the forecast for today!)

So here are my "Must Have" Items for the season:

Top 10 Fall 2013 by lildesiqua featuring a yellow v neck sweater

1. A black moto jacket
2. classic denim jacket
3. blazers- any and all. I wear blazers a lot for work. They're great because they offer an extra layer of warmth, I like the shape it gives me, and they are still professional. I'm especially loving the one above!
4. scarves- a lightweight print one, and a chunky infinity one
5. basic black and white stripe shirt- because they go with everything
5. florals. They are so feminine and girly, which is not really my style, but I do like being a girly-girl sometimes
6. cardigans- again, any and all. And in every color. Pleaseandthankyou.
7. chambray- it's versatile enough to wear in the office and out and it's perfect for layering
8. a structured (big) bag, preferably in a neutral color like brown. Mostly because I carry too much stuff with me at all times, and it needs to fit. I like the shape of this one.
9. black ankle booties. I haven't found any that actually look good on me yet, but I'm still searching!
10. tall brown boots. ("Motorcycle boots"?) Perfect with jeans or skirts, especially when it's colder so my legs don't freeze! And they're comfortable enough for everyday wear.


Do you have any "must haves" for fall?

What's Cookin: Stove Top Shepherd's Pie

Have you ever found yourself with a lot of sides, but no real main dish? That's how I felt last weekend, until I came across this recipe from the back of the Stove Top box (who looks at those recipes? This girl). 

I realized I had 4 out of the 5 ingredients already... however the recipe called for beef.

I've never cooked beef before. 

Truth be told, I've never cooked any meat before. 

Not that I'm a vegetarian, I was just lucky enough to always live with someone else who was a great cook, whether it was a friend, roommate, etc. So I was a bit weary, but you can learn how to do just about anything on Youtube. 

(And I didn't die, so that's a plus!)

Anyway, this only took about 20 minutes, and made a lot of food (it says 6 servings, but I think it was more, or maybe I just got tired of eating it after 4 servings). 

Ingredients:

1 lb. of ground beef

1 box (6 oz) of Stove Top Stuffing Mix for Chicken (I had Cornbread, so that's what I used)

2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables

1/2 barbecue sauce

1-1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

Heat oven to 425 degrees

Prepare stuffing according to directions on the package

Meanwhile, brown the meat, then drain. 

Stir in Barbecue sauce, and spoon into greased 2-qt. casserole dish

Top with stuffing, vegetables, and cheese

Cover with foil and bake 15 minutes.

Enjoy!

Mine burned a little on the edges- I didn't cover it. Still tasted good though!

What's your go - to for a quick, easy dinner?

Fall Bucket List

Back in May I created a Summer Bucket List. I tried to blog about most of the things I did, but I'm still a little behind! Here's a review:

1.     go on vacation somewhere warm and tropical (June can't come soon enough!)- check! (though I still haven't written about it... not too late right?!)

2.  go down the Shore (that's what we say in Jersey!)- check!

3.     go to a Phillies game (or 5)- I went to a Yankees game... but it's baseball so I'm counting it!

4.     picnic in the park- check!

5.    see an outdoor movie- check!

6.     get my hair did- check!

7.     BBQ (or attend one)- check!

8.     try 5 new restaurants- I was hoping to actually write about them, but I know I went to at least 5 new spots

9.    have a bonfire/ roast marshmallows on an open fire- fail

10. RELAX!- check!

11.  go to a concert/music festival- check!

12.  go to a fair- I think I did this? 

13.  have a movie or TV series marathon day- check! 

14.  purge all needless junk from my home, and update my closet- check!

15. Take lots of pictures- check! (just need to upload...oops!)

16. Start (and finish?) a scrapbook- fail 

17.  tubing down the river (I want this every year, but probably won't happen...again... grumble)- double fail 

18.  Read some good books- I read at least two? Not too bad, all things considered

19.  go on a boat ride/short cruise- check! Took an hour boat ride during vacation, and a ferry to Governor's Island!

20.  watch fireworks- fail. Kinda disappointed about this one more than the others :/

And since yesterday was the first day of fall, and even though I really love summer, here are a few things I'm looking forward to doing in Autumn:

drink allthepumpkin ales

bake pumpkin pie~ an annual tradition!

craft something (maybe another wreath?)

host a party

attend another concert

dress up for Halloween

attend a football game//tailgate

bake banana nut bread

 buy 2 major purchases [necessary]

attend a fall festival

enjoy a PSL or 5

have a blast at my friend's wedding

find time to have fun during a work conference, and go to the San Diego Zoo!

What are you looking forward to this season? 

**Linking up at The Petite Blog Hop at Smile and Write!

The Happiness Report #41~ Happy Fall!

crafty

- lazy days

- winning last week's Fantasy Football game! Hoping to do it again this week!

- a new found appreciation for my job 

- link ups: they give you a defined topic to write about, and I love finding new blogs to read
- Youtube suggestions: I like finding great new music as much as I like finding awesome new blogs
- putting up some fall decorations

- opening all the windows
- coupons. I seriously bought the Sunday paper just for the coupons!

- I cooked meat for the first time... and lived to tell about it!

- this video:

Around the Interwebs:
- I just found The Other Juliette, and this post absolutely cracked me up!
- I also just found Helene in Between (super late, I know) and she gives a great tip right here
- Not only am I a part of Gen Y, I'm pretty much the definition of it... and this article is actually pretty accurate as to why so many in my generation are unhappy
- Allie outlines some positives about being single

What's making you happy this week?

Confessions and Back That Azz Up!

via

- I take all my photos with my phone. Which is why there are so many crappy photos. It's easy. And I don't even know where my camera is (I also moved recently, so I'm sure it's in one of the boxes still... which brings me to number 2)

- I still haven't unpacked from moving. And I finished moving August 13. I mean, I did unpack some stuff, mainly when I was looking for things I actually needed, but I haven't been motivated to unpack the rest. Maybe this weekend?

- I hate moving. Packing, unpacking, reorganizing, renting (and driving) U-Hauls, the physically moving heavy crap... I try to think positive, like "But I have a whole new space to decorate!" but then I remember that I'm lazy and there are reruns of Friends on.

- My coworker has been out for two weeks and though I used to complain that she was annoying, I miss her. Especially since I have been the only one in my department (yup, department of 2 right here) and my workload is REDIC. To say I'm overwhelmed would be an understatement, and I've worked more late nights than I care to mention.

- I will look at every single person's post in a link-up that I partake in, even if I don't post a comment... and I will not be satisfied until I do. So sometimes I'm reading them a week late. 

And with that, my favorite link-up of the week (because who doesn't like listening to good music to get you through a lame Friday afternoon and ready for the weekend?)...

This or That? [In Pics...Mostly]

So I saw this over at The Peanut Program, who got it from Two Thirds Hazel, and wanted to play, because apparently I am a link-up wh*re with no motivation to recap my own life, and I'm not ready to talk about Fall yet. So we're choosing... This or That?
Vacationing in Florida or vacationing in NYC: Vacationing in Florida, because it's warmer than here, especially in winter! iPhone or Droid: iPhone! I've never had a Droid, but I'm very happy with my iPhone NSYNC or Backstreet Boys: I wasn't a huge fan of either one, but I guess N*Snyc. Fun Fact: I was standing in line with my friend to get Jessica Simpson's autograph at a music store (she was opening for them nearby), and the people behind us gave us free tickets to the show since they couldn't use them! Being forced to delete Facebook or being forced to delete Twitter: Facebook because I'm not a fan of all of the Fluffers (great definition here), rants, or seeing all of these people's statuses who I'm not really "friends" with.  Fireball or Miller Lite: Miller Lite because even though I actually like Fireballs, I can control myself much better with beer. Fireballs act like mind erasers for me. Full House or Family Matters: Innocent Olsens and Uncle Jesse... what's not to like?! Plus, Urkel annoyed me after awhile. Dumbledore or Gandalf: Confession: I have never read or watched any Harry Potter. So Gandalf wins as coolest wizard. 
Dying Easter eggs or Carving pumpkins: Carving pumpkins 

Though I was never this good at it!

NFL or NCAAF: NFL all the way- I never got into the college teams/league. A hangover forever or sobriety forever: A mini hangover or like a full blown "Im going to die a slow horrible death" one? I can handle the mini one, otherwise, I guess sobriety :/
January or July: I love summer, so definitely July. January is one of the gloomiest months of the year! Hannah Montana or Miley Cyrus: I don't like either, but at least Hannah wasn't twerking or licking sledgehammers.  Shark Week or Fashion Week:  Fresh Prince of Bel-Air or Saved by the Bell: "In West Philadelphia, born and raised..." Britney or Christina: I think Christina is more talented, but Britney is definitely more entertaining Burrito or Burrito Bowl: Burrito Reading blogs on your phone or reading blogs on your computer: Computer because it's faster and easier. Angelina or Jennifer: Too easy.  Doug Funny or The Rugrats: LOVED Doug! And Pork Chop! And Qual Man! An open mouth chewer or a heavy breather: Ew. I guess open mouth chewer because it only lasts as long as they're eating? But both are really annoying, and kinda gross.

Oh, How Pinteresting!

I have a lot of posts "in the works", however no motivation to actually finish them. Not sure what that's all about. I have, however, been quite busy on Pinterest. So you guys get another linkup-- sorry! And as much as I hate to admit that summer is coming to a close, I can't help but be swept up into some fall-inspired pins.

Here's what I've been pinning lately:

I can definitely think of some friends that would get a kick out of this!

Gathering ideas for this year!

Every.Time.

Beef stew, crock pot style

Too cute!

Most pinned this week!

I love everything about this transitional outfit

What are you pinning lately?

You can see all my other pins here!

The Happiness Report #40

-This. Is. So. How. I Feel-- Going Out in College vs. Going Out Now

-I'm Happy that I didn't get addicted to this game!

-online shopping

-happy hour

-sweatpants

-finding out that I'm going to Cali!

-As a female born in the 80's, who didn't love Lisa Frank?

-I can't believe this is a real product... to ensure that your shit really don't stink!

Confessions and Back That Azz Up

I confess....

- my shopping/ spending has been a bit out of control lately

- I don't exercise. Ever. I have done Zumba and Cycling classes, but only because I was shamed into it 

- If you write a post about exercising and/or dieting, I will skip it, even if I love everything else you write

- I'm really superstitious, and today is Friday the 13th. I am convinced something horrible will happen by the end of the day, but I'm trying not to think about it

- I scream at my TV during football games (as noted last Monday night)

Ok, I confess that I do exercise- with Mystikal's workout plan.
Hope you all have an ass-shaking good weekend!

The Happiness Report #39

- my friend had her baby!!! Gabriel Joseph, weighing in at 9 lbs, 3 oz!

- weekend mornings lounging on my porch with coffee

- being able to hear the local high school marching band practice

- my new neighborhood

- catching up at a local bar with my girlfriend who I haven't seen all summer

- being able to go back to work... and a short week!

- sharing books

- my new housewarming present double candle

- sleeping in

- celebrating happy occasions with my friends

Book Club Friday and Back That Azz Up!

This week I'm reading...

From Goodreads:
"Faith Holland left her hometown after being jilted at the altar. Now a little older and wiser, she's ready to return to the Blue Heron Winery, her family's vineyard, to confront the ghosts of her past, and maybe enjoy a glass of red. After all, there's some great scenery there….

Like Levi Cooper, the local police chief—and best friend of her former fiancé. There's a lot about Levi that Faith never noticed, and it's not just those deep green eyes. The only catch is she's having a hard time forgetting that he helped ruin her wedding all those years ago. If she can find a minute amidst all her family drama to stop and smell the rosé, she just might find a reason to stay at Blue Heron, and finish that walk down the aisle."

My Thoughts:

I got this book in a book swap, but it's one I would have picked out myself. This was a good, fluffy chick-lit. Though I didn't love Levi Cooper for most of the book, and Faith Holland was a bit too goody-two-shoes for my liking, and it was rather predictable, I really enjoyed the ending and how they just seemed to "fit." If you are looking for something light and breezy, I would definitely recommend this one!

"Some people talk about ya

Like they know all about ya

When you get down they doubt ya

And when you tippin on the scene

Yeah they talkin' bout it

Cause they can't tip all on the scene with ya

Talk about it

T-t-t-talk bout it

When you get elevated,

They love it or they hate it

You dance up on them haters

Keep getting funky on the scene

While they jumpin' round ya

They trying to take all your dreams

But you can't allow it"

A Day At The Racetrack

A few weeks ago, I was minding my own business, when my friend called inviting me to Yonkers. She wanted to go, but her bf didn't want her to go alone (and he didn't want to go). Never having been there before, I agreed. I'm not a huge gambler (actually I'm not a gambler at all, I like holding on to my money when possible), but it was a nice day, and seemed interesting enough, so why not?

When my friend invited me, she invited me to the casino, Empire City. I walked around the slot machines for awhile, mainly following her, until I got bored and wandered off. I found myself outside, and there was a racetrack. So while she was slotting it up, I was mostly outside, watching the races. 

It brought me right back to being 8 years old, going to the Meadowlands racetrack with my grandpa (except this time I got to have a beer too). He loved betting on the horses. When he wasn't physically at the racetrack, he was either at the OTB or at home listening to the races on the radio. The last time I went with him, I told him I wanted to bet on a horse too. There was one named "My Little Danielle," so of course, that's the one I bet on. No one else bet on her. My grandpa laughed a little when placing the bet, but he did it anyway. And ya know what? She won!! I think I won $48, which is a whole lot to an 8 year old! That might be my favorite memory with him. It was something we could bond over, which is probably why I remember it so well. 

I didn't bet on any this time around, maybe next time. But it was definitely a fun time!

where I be

And they're off!

Got a $10 voucher just for being a first timer- woop!

The one slot machine I played- I liked it because you could literally tap the screen to smash the pigs!

Hot dogs + beer = racetrack perfection

OOTD
glitter gray tank- Express
chambray + necklace- Wet Seal
coral pants- Strawberry's

sunset