I haven't done weekend updates in awhile, but the last two weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind. Here's what's been happening in my world.
Last week my good friend M treated me to a wine glass painting class for my birthday. I was thrilled because it was different than the usual canvas style and, ya know, wine. It was awesome to have some one-on-one girl time and catch up. Fun fact: I used to have an Etsy store where I sold my own painted wine glasses before it became a "thing."
Over the weekend M and her hubs invited us over for Christmas tree decorating and dinner followed by Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Blue and I got spoiled with a syrup set, decorative night lights (2, one for each apt), plug-ins, and dish towels which is apparently a tradition for them.
You know what NOT to get vegans for Christmas? Cashmere scarves, which I realized were animal-based while en route to their apartment for tree decorating and dinner. I'm scrambling to find something to deliver now. And because I just found this list last night, I'm sharing this last minute gift guide. Procrastinators can still get Christmas presents online in time for Christmas! Yay for technology (and Amazon Prime).
I thought the movie was awesome, particularly the last third. The ending was perfect. M disagreed. If you're considering seeing it, just know that you don't need to have seen any of the other Star Wars to understand this one.
On Monday we had our office Christmas party. I was super excited because in my last department, all we ever did were potlucks in the conference room (if anything). I was super excited because this dept rented out a bar for several hours complete with catered food/drinks, games and giveaways- and I won a Chromecast! Woot! Now I just need to figure out how to use it and what to do with my Roku.
The morning back from my vacation, my boss told me that I would be filling in for our telecommunications person as she was going to be out on medical leave for 3 months. I moved from the basement to her office. The view is much better here- I forgot how nice it is to have windows again. And it's my first time in my own office, even if it is temporary. It's a lot of trouble shooting and my brain hurts by the end of the day but I like being back in the main office where all the action happens (for the most part).
Friday night goals:
For now, I'm sitting by the yule log YouTube video with my Spotify Christmas playlist and praying this day goes quickly and smoothly.
Happy Wednesday friends! I've been falling off the wagon with blogging lately, and even though my birthday was two weeks ago and Christmas is in only 6 days (!!!), I'd figure I'd share some of the things that are on my wish list. Of course, any and all gifts are welcome, but "I'll tell ya what I want, what I really, really want!"
Big Ticket Item: Photo Printer.
One that connects to my phone, so I can just plug my phone in and boom! Full color photos come out. My mom is forever complaining that I "never have any pictures" which is entirely true since I don't use a "regular" camera anymore; I take photos with my phone. Also, I kind of miss the whole idea of looking through photo albums/scrapbooks. And I always say "Oh, I'll just make one online" but I never do.
I don't have a pet, but I hate doing chores, such as sweeping. This would be more of a "nice to have." It's also $150 less than the Roomba.
Team/Fan Wear: I just became a recent NY Rangers fan, and was so sad when I went to a game and had no gear. This sweatshirt is awesome, but a hat would be just fine too.
Cold Weather Accessories: I can never have too many hats/scarves/touchscreen gloves/fuzzy socks. This year I really want this awesome double duty hat that could also be used as a scarf! And some comfy flannel lounge pants.
Throw Blankets: I love my fuzzy throw blankets and use them year round. Unfortunately, this fox one that I found in late summer is no longer available. :(
Mugs: Another item you can never have too many of.
Other: Next year I want/need to get back into cooking. I've been following Budget Bytes on IG and have tried several of her recipes with much success, so I'd get a lot of use out of her cookbook. I'm out of my favorite perfume, so adding that to the list. I've been wanting a flask for years, and how cute is this one?! Love desk accessories, especially sticky note sets and a daily funny calendar. And an iphone compatible tripod would come in so handy. This one is only $12 and comes with a remote control.
Back in September I made a list of all the fall things I wanted to accomplish. 9/15... not too shabby! Scroll down to see what's on the deck for Winter.
Fall Bucket List
drink allthepumpkinales: Check! We actually attended a pumpkin beer event called the Great Pumpkin Road Show and even though it closed down early (some city code violation) we got to sample at least 5 new pumpkin beers. Unfortunately, I forgot to check them in so I don't remember what they were. Womp. But I purchased some new ones for home too. My fave? Schlafly Pumpkin Ale.
craft something: Fail.
put up fall decor: Check! (even if it was the day before Thanksgiving)
go to the Central Park or Bronx Zoo: Fail.
attend another concert: Check check! Stevie Nicks with the Pretenders! Kevin Griffin from Better than Ezra! Cirque du Soleil: Kurios!
Stevie Nicks with Chrissie Hynde
enjoy a PSL or 5: Check!
bake Oreo pumpkin cheesecakes~ an annual tradition!: Fail.
dress up and host our annual Halloween party: Done son!
attend an Oktoberfest event: Fail.
complete the Fall Film Challenge: I DID watch 25 movies, but they weren't all from my original list because I couldn't get them all. And then Jenn announced a bonus round, so I watched the reamining 5 from that list, which I carefully curated from Netflix/Hulu/Amazon Video.
attend a football game//tailgate//or throw a Football themed party: Fail.
visit a new city: TRIPLE CHECK YAIS! Jim Thorpe, PA and New Orleans!
Steamboat Natchez in New Orleans
go pumpkin and/or apple picking: Semi-check? We went to pick pumpkins and apples, but all the pumpkins were already picked just chillin in a patch which was lame, and we were cold so skipped out on the orchard part. check out the Highline: Fail.
attend a fall festival or winery: Check!
Winter Bucket List
Go see the tree in Rockefeller Center
Union Square Holiday Market See a play/musical on Broadway
Frozen Hot Chocolate at Serendipity
deck the halls
craft some stuff
Go see Rogue One: A Star Wars Story: tickets purchased for tomorrow!
have a holiday movie night- complete with hot cocoa and footie pajamas
I've mentioned that I'm heading to New Orleans tomorrow for my birthday. I've been wanting to go to NoLa for several years now, and I am BEYOND excited! I am one of those people who plan vacations down to the hour not because I have to, but because I love doing it. Also because it's rare that I visit the same place twice, so I want to make sure I see everything I want to in case I never make it back there. Also, I'm a planner. I'm a list maker. I used to be more spontaneous but as I've gotten older I like to know what I'm doing and when. (This also makes packing easier.) I also like to ask friends who have been to the area to send me recommendations- unfortunately for this particular location, a lot of my friends visited in conjunction with a bachelor/ette party and honestly didn't remember where they went! But thanks to you bloggy friends who shared their trip high and lows with me! I'm not sharing my itinerary because stalkers, but here's what I plan to see/eat while I'm there!
New Orleans Top 10 List
Cafe Du Monde- a New Orleans institution!
steamboat ride down the Great Mississippi!
dinner at Chef Job Besh's "Luke"
live jazz at Preservation Hall
hurricanes at Pat O'Brien's
The "Twirl" Tour
no caption needed
hot toddy and food competition!
classic Reveillon holiday dinner
lights and train ride through Celebrate the Oaks
Other stops not pictured include The Gumbo Shop, Jackson Square, a jazzy brunch, and Central Grocery- home of the muffaletta! (I've never had a muffaletta. I don't even know if I like them, but I'll find out this week!)
Sooooo... how was everyone's holiday/Thanksgiving?! I've noticed it's been mighty quiet around Blog Land (myself included). I suppose everyone is getting back into the swing of things after having a few days off (hopefully!). My Thanksgiving weekend was quite...eventful to say the least. I wanted a quiet Thanksgiving at home or at least local, but that didn't happen. I wanted turkey with all the fixins, but that didn't happen either,... until Sunday night. So what happened? Well what had happened was... Hijacking My mom had (unbeknownst to me) offered us up to her church to serve a Thanksgiving meal to the homeless. Minus the fact that we didn't get to eat any of it, that was pretty heartwarming, and I was happy to have been a part of their Thanksgiving. Afterwards, we went to Long Island to visit my grandmother's grave. (We do this on holidays because there's a little bus that takes us directly from the train to the site for free.) Except you have to be in the right train car to get off at that stop, and we weren't, and we couldn't GET to the right car because the train was jam-packed with Thanksgiving parade visitors. We got off at the next stop and planned to cab it back, but for some reason my Uber and Lyft apps refused to work. The we saw a nice family of 3 who DID get an Uber... an finagled our way into their car. With them. And proceeded to take them 15 minutes out of their way to the cemetery.
setting up for Thanksgiving at the church
Hitchhiking
We only needed a few minutes to pay our respects, so we asked the nice Uber driver to come back for us after he dropped off the family. Except we forgot to take his number and my app still wasn't working. After waiting for about 15 minutes, my mom decided that he had abandoned us so we started hitchhiking back to the train station (about a 45 minutes walk/7 min drive away). Literal thumbs up on a (small) highway. We stopped several cars, but everyone refused (so much for the kindness of strangers). Luckily our driver did eventually come back for us so we made it back to the station just as the train arrived.
Other Hijinx
We were so anxious to start our trek back that we hopped right on that train... in the wrong direction. We wound up right back at the station where we stole the family's Uber. It's a desolate station with a lot of derelicts around, so we raced to the nearest restaurant/bar/cafe for safety and to wait for the next train back to NYC. Except it was also filled with shady men, and loud salsa music. (I had a video, but it's really shaky so I'll save you.) We stayed because it seemed safer than being outside, and got a 6 pack and drank out of paper bags in the restaurant and on the train. Because getting drunk with family is part of the tradition, right? Happy Thanksgiving!
At home, we unpacked our leftovers from that morning and I opened a bottle of cranberry wine that I had been saving just for that day. We polished off the food and drinks while watching some movies.
obligatory family photo
I guess I can file this holiday away as "the one where I tried new things."
Enjoying: Keebler cuddles when he's not being a nudge
Hai friends haaaii! I'm back! After an unintentional mini-hiatus, I'm refreshed and filled with new ideas for posts, and excited again. I was in a bit of a slump, and was given an "out" with thinking of stuff to post with Alyssa's prompts (thanks girl!).
Doing/Counting: down the days til my birthday vacation in New Orleans! I've outlined our itinerary, bought tickets to a jazz concert at Preservation Hall and a cocktail walking tour, and made reservations at almost all of the restaurants we'll be dining at. Now I just need to pack and find a suitable carry-on bag. I am so psyched!
Buying: one for them, one for me- my Christmas buying philosophy :) I just got these foxy fleece shorts on Black Friday and they are soooo woobie. I've actually never owned fleece shorts before but they're perfect because my legs get really hot under blankets. Plus, foxes. Can't go wrong with foxes!
foxy shorts
Cheers-ing: So I didn't know it, but apparently my job was going to let me go at the end of December due to lack of funds. However I was just recently informed that they worked out the budget to keep me, and will hire me full time July 1st! YAY! My mom and I celebrated the news last weekend.
my fave champagne
Wrapping: Christmas presents, duh! I'm putting together a sort of gift guide/what I bought so be on the look out for that next week!
Eating: Piecaken! I had no idea what this was, but Blue's niece (currently in culinary school) made it for us last weekend- it's vanilla cake with a creamy pumpkin pie center. I'm not a huge dessert person normally, but I do like both is those things, and together- well all I can say is WOW. It was sooo good!
*nomnomnom*
Drinking: I've recently become obsessed with Keurig' s Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll coffee. So much so that I bought a box of pods for work!
Burning: BBW Cozy Cabin, which I just found out is no longer available :( Good thing I bought it during their Autumn sale!
Watching:This Is Us, Westworld, The Walking Dead (only 2 more episodes- gah!!!), and of course Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. Have we all caught up now? Thoughts???!
Me and Blue's GG binge tees :)
Listening to: John Mayer's "Love on the Weekend" on repeat.
Planning: what to read for Erin's Book Challenge! Categories listed here! Starts January 1st! Also, a December wardrobe capsule. You know, where you pre-select several pieces to wear for a period of time and only wear those things. I feel like I have a lot of holiday-type clothes that I've forgotten about so I want to make sure I actually wear it this year. I'm also trying to incorporate more skirts/dresses starting today, because I honestly don't remember the last time I wore one. Maybe I'll document it. I think I may try to wear makeup for the month too. Baby steps though.
Today marks 7 years that I've worked at my company. I know that may not seem a lot to most people, but it by FAR the longest I've ever worked somewhere. When I first got out of college up until, well, 7 years ago, the longest time I worked at a company was about a year. Some of those were temp positions, in some cases the position got eliminated, and in one (my first one), they determined I wasn't a "good fit for the company." I found out after getting my job here that one of my former bosses gave me a negative referral (which is actually illegal, I later learned), and the hiring manager still hired me. I am currently in my third role at this company. I've worked with so many different management types and learned a lot about myself, about work-related stuff, and about interpersonal relationships. I was really scared in late July when my role in one department was eliminated, but was offered an opportunity in a different department (where I currently am) in the same meeting. I didn't think I'd make it this far, and yet, here I am, and I'm forever grateful to my first boss for taking a chance on me. With that, I'm sharing some other favorites lately! Favorite Song: Rockabye- Clean Bandit ft Sean Paul and Anne Marie
Favorite Moment: Making it 7 years! Here's a pic from my first day and today. Sorry for the quality of the second, obviously not professional!
Favorite Purchase: I got Shari's Berries delivered to my former boss as a thank you for hiring me :)
Favorite Surprise: This gorgeous bouquet just arrived from Blue wishing me a Happy work-a-versary and continued success! Best part? They're in a Tami Taylor sized martini glass vase!
Favorite Food: My old coworker took me out to Joe's Crab Shack for a work-a-versary dinner! This crab penne Alfredo was da bomb!
Favorite Challenge: I don't think I've mentioned this yet, but I've started a weight gain challenge with two coworkers. The challenge goes from Nov. 7- Jan 2. Losers (whoever puts on the least weight) take the winner out to lunch of their choice. I've downloaded My Fitness Pal to help me out, and started changing some eating habits and trying new things like this Green Machine smoothie!
Favorite Sephora Sale Items: Surely you didn't think I'd skip this right?! These are my top 3 picks. I especially love the first one because I already had my favorite perfume on my wishlist (I ran out), and this sampler costs almost the same and comes with a coupon for a free regular size perfume! Can't beat that! I've heard ah-mazing things about the Drybar Triple Sec, and love the size of this mini set. And I found the Belif "Don't Be Flaky!" set by accident, but anything to keep my skin hydrated in the cold winter months and reduce the appearance of pores is a win in my book!
Favorite Cause:I've been quiet during this whole election season BUT- This is a petition to the members of the electoral college to vote against Trump when they vote on 12/19. It's a long shot but over a million signatures so far... Exercise your rights!
Back in March, I created a soundtrack of my life. While that more completely encompasses some of the songs that define my life, I'm back with a second edition which includes memorable "firsts" in my life in terms of music.
First Concert: David Hasselhoff (1989)
*insert "see no evil" monkey emoji* I can explain. I was 6 and my mom took me to the NJ State Fair, where he happened to be playing that day for free. He pulled me on stage and gave me an autographed CD.
First Music Video: Soundgarden- Blackhole Sun (1994)
For the most part, I didn't have cable growing up. The first time I saw MTV and a music video was this one at my best friend's house. She had 4 older brothers (who had their own TVs), so MTV was constantly on in her house. I was in awe by how freaking creepy, weird, and sometimes gross it was.
First Song I "Sang": The Archies- Sugar Sugar (1996)
I didn't actually sing this; I performed it in a middle school lip sync with four of my friends. It was actually a scarring time in my childhood because picking a song led to a HUGE fight with some of my other friends. We didn't make up until the middle of high school! They performed Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive." We won :P
First CD: Spice Girls- Spice (1996)*
The first CD I wanted to own was Green Day's "Dookie." However my mom spotted the Parental Advisory on it, so that was a big fat NOPE. (*I mentioned here that Boys II Men was my first CD; I believe I got these two at the same time, for birthday/Christmas.)
First Concert I Paid For: the very first Z100 Zootopia in 1999.
Britney Spears, Black Eyed Peas, Kelly Clarkson, 98 Degrees, Jesse McCartney, Ciara, and All American Rejects. I remember I purchased the tickets at CD World, which was a Ticketmaster affiliate, and took my best friend.
First Song (I remember) Blasting From My Car: Britney Spears Oops I Did It Again (2000)
I blasted almost every song when I first got my license, because I was so elated that I got it and was one of the first kids in my class to get one. I used to drive my two best friends home from school every day, and this was in heavy rotation.
First Song with a Significant Other: Uncle Kracker- Follow Me (2000)
The first 4 guys I dated were into classic rock. I didn't mind it, but I was more of a pop person (as seen above). This one was on both stations. I knew it and liked it, and at the time having "our song" was a big deal. Ahh, high school!
First Singer I Met: Jessica Simpson- Irresistible (2001)
She was promoting her Irresistible album at a local Best Buy. I got a button, her autograph and a picture with her! I was so excited. In fact, I think I still have the button somewhere. And then the girl behind us in line gave us free N'Snyc tickets for that night because she couldn't go. Icing on the cake!
First Time: LL Cool J- Luv U Better (2002)
No, not literally during the first time, but right before. I was in college. My friends and I went to a Halloween frat party, and me and the guy I was seeing danced all night and then left right after this song.
First Heartbreak: Nelly Furtado ft. Juanes- Fotografia (2003)
I actually sang this song (for real this time) with my then-crush for a college multicultural luncheon, and I don't even know Spanish. I learned the lyrics quick-fast though, especially since he was fluent. Then we dated, and then we broke up. I've mentioned before that I had a huge love of Nelly Furtado (my blog name came from one of her songs!), and then-boyfriend took me to see Juanes this same year. So of course, this one was played on loop while I cried myself to sleep. Here's the English translation of some of the lyrics:
Every time I go away I carry your photographs next to my skin
To see them every time that your absence eats my whole heart away
And I can't help but love you
Every time I look for you, you're gone
And every time I phone you, you're not there
That's why I should say that you are only in my photos
One of the prompts from Alyssa's non-blogging challenge was "What you hope people receive from you." I read a lot of others' answers to this, and though a few of mine match, certainly not all of them do, and that's okay. I wanted to include some of the other answers I saw, like kindness for example, but I'm just not very nice, especially not to strangers. I toyed with not answering this one because it's not all good, but neither am I, so I'm sharing. These are the top five that came to my mind. Honesty Everyone who knows me knows that I'm honest, sometimes to a fault. If you're a close friend, I don't hold back. "Does this make look good?" No. "Is this a bad idea?" Yes. "Do you think...?" [insert honest opinion]. Friends have actually mentioned that they ask me certain things because they KNOW they'll get an honest opinion from me, even if it hurts. I'm not one to sugar coat things. I guess I never learned how? I do stay true to the whole "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" (I'm not a total bitch), but if you ask my opinion, be prepared for a healthy dose of honesty. Hard working I haven't seen this one on anyone else's list, but it's very important to me. I'm a very hard working individual. I will work my ass off for you if you're my boss, and with you if you're a coworker. I will lose sleep over unfinished projects with a looming deadline. I care enormously about my work or any project to which I'm assigned duties (any bridesmaids out there may relate to that), and I will work tirelessly to get them to completion. In other words, you can count on me. Go Getter Hand in hand with the above, but a little different, and I wasn't sure exactly how to word this one. I guess I mean I am able and willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. Prime example: at one job, we were set to present at MetLife, and their Snoopy rep was out sick. Who offered to get in the costume? I always offer to stay late, or learn something new, or just DO when others back out. This doesn't mean I'm a suck-ass either; I do have boundaries, but I'm quite focused in trying to get where I want to be, and will do what it takes to get there. Enthusiasm If I'm excited about something, you will know. Repeatedly. If I'm excited about something for YOU, you will also know repeatedly. My enthusiasm is infectious, or so I hope. And I make no secret of hiding it, even if it's over something ridiculous. Acceptance So I said above that I'm not especially nice, and I'm not (unless I have to be, which was true in a former role and even my besties were fooled that I actually wasn't super nice all the time but rather sarcastic and occasionally fake...as needed for work purposes). However overall, I hope that people know I'm extremely accepting of everyone, regardless of religion, race, political affiliation, etc. I don't discriminate, and I don't judge (for the most part... I mean if you're preggers and drinking Jack and Coke while smoking, I may judge a bit). But I think most people I know know this about me. They can tell me almost anything, and I won't judge them for it, whether it's good, bad, ugly, and/or generally unacceptable. This may also be a fault, but unless their personal safety is involved, I try to accept everyone's situations and also keep them to myself (#6?).
After last month's spending freeze I went a little crazy this month, but I'm not too mad about it. I had been keeping an eye out for sales and got away with a few really great steals, especially at Nordstrom Rack. I bought out all of their clutches because they have a battery pack in them so you can charge your phone while it's in your purse, and who wouldn't want that?! I also bought a bunch of plaid wool scarves because you can't beat $15 each before the holidays. Coupled with a few things I've bought throughout the year at miscellaneous sales and such, and minus one or two more things for Blue, I'd say my Christmas shopping is complete! Other than that, I found a Uniqlo sale on all of their Heat-tech underthings. I tried them for the first time last year and it's amazing, especially for layering. It's super thin, but uses some Japanese awesome technology to like, trap your body heat and keep you super warm. I needed shoes and was able to score a 20% off coupon from Blue who had made a purchase at Payless recently. Though the Target booties may have to go back, because while I was cleaning out my closet last night, I found a pair that apparently I bought last year and never wore (oops). The other Target and Amazon items were for my Eleven costume. Also, did you guys know that Aeropostale is going out of business? I used to shop there as a teen, and then stopped because the styles seemed a bit young/immature for me, but I recently found my way back there to stock up on basics like jeans and sweaters because everything is 50/70% off online AND in store! I have no excuse for the weekend getaway purchases. I found this awesome little thrift shop and couldn't help myself. The leather heels fit like a glove (and I love slingbacks in general), and the purse is made of the softest leather I've ever touched. And the wool items are like, the non-itchy, thick wool, not those flimsy wool things that are in stores now. (I know "flimsy wool" sounds like an oxymoron, but it's true!) I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to go on a perma-spending freeze for the rest of the year now, but I don't even care because I finally feel like I have more than enough to make it through the winter. And I filled a second Thredup Cleanout bag and already need another one, so maybe that will help?!
Have you ever bought something and then lost it/forgot to wear it?
