If you lived here you'd be home now.

2011-11-12T10:02:00.001-05:00

Dggdwtja

Congratulations

2011-01-02T09:45:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Sarah for winning my December Mean People Suck Giveaway. She is the winner of a Starbucks giftcard. Yay!

Just a little thought for everyone in 2011....

Wishing you and those in your life a very Happy and Healthy New Year.

YAY

2010-12-29T08:01:00.002-05:00

Just signed up for my first race of the season for 2011. Triathlon season here I come!

Do you have any good suggestions for races for next year? Let me know.
Also, I am looking for a good training program- anyone have any suggestions?

A December to Remember

2010-12-28T15:13:00.002-05:00

Everyone has their ups and downs- but my December has been a roller coaster of events! I thought I would do a little recap. As I mentioned in my earlier post, my friend A took me for a little pick me up to her friends salon. I had the whole package, highlights, manicure and pedicure....all while being offered pumpkin martinis. Fabulous. Here was the final product :

I am definitely a fan...and the next day at work I got a million compliments :) Yay. Thanks A. You are really a wonderful friend and I appreciate your support immensely!

But then, stress impeded my life. After having a nice relaxing lunch with R, I hopped in my car and began driving to the local shopping mall just before Christmas. One car slammed on their breaks, and then another slammed on theirs, then I slammed on mine and smash....I ran into the guys hitch- went through my license plate. Fabulous. Poor R had to deal with my hysterics- thank you to him for being so calming in my crazy state. Luckily, I was ok and the family in front of me was ok. But my pretty car....was not:

4500.00 worth of damage. Ugh. Thankfully, I have very good insurance. This was my first accident ever. But still, it sucked.

Work came to a close quite smoothly. Now I have an 11 day break- a nice time a relax. But before I left, I was showered with gifts. Wow.....I am loved :)

Finally, right before the holidays I decided that I needed to gain some control on this stressful time of the year. My trainer, who is always wonderful began a food service plan. Basically it provides you with the exact portions that you need. So it started- 4 perfectly portioned meals a day (two shakes, two meals). It is a pretty amazing business- check him out if you are in the area:

www.rightwaynutritionandfitness.com

I did not know what to expect- my first delivery arrived like this:

Hmmm....

Let me tell you, the food is absolutely yummy. Hope this works! I will track my progress starting this week. A really great and affordable way to jump start the new year! New workout routine, new eating style, new beginnings!

I am going into this new year with a positive outlook. I am not going to lie, December kinda sucked for so many reasons. The main thing that made me cringe is the presence of lies. I have realized that once someone begins on a path of lies, there is no turning back and no one is safe. If someone lies to me they just as well are probably lying to you. A harsh reality that I have had to come to terms with. But, all I can do is stay true to myself. I will not perpetuate lies, I am an honest and genuine person to a fault. Life will go on and I will be okay, hey we made it this far, here's to a wonderful and prosperous 2011!

Music Music Music

2010-12-28T08:35:00.001-05:00

I have had some downtime this week and have been looking into new artists...I stumbled upon this one some time ago on So You Think You Can Dance and then again today...I am a fan....thought I would share :)

Christina Perri

Great sound. Check her out :)

Ten on Tuesday

2010-12-28T08:13:00.000-05:00

1. What was the number one item on your Christmas wishlist?
Definitely my North Face jacket. I am addicted!

2. Did you get the number one item on your Christmas wishlist?
Yes I did! Love it! I also got some other really nice things this year including a triathlon bathing suit, Coach gloves, workout gear and a very sweet and heartfelt card from R. Christmas doesn't have to be all about gifts, sometimes it is just some loving words that make the difference.

3. How long has it been since you’ve had a pedicure?
December 18 :) My friend A decided that I needed a pick me up and took me to her friends salon for highlights, a manicure and pedicure (red of course). By the way, all of these services were complimented by a pumpkin martini. Yes, I will return to this place :) (hair pictures to follow)

4. How cold is it in your city today?
Freaking freezing. We just had a blizzard here in NY (see picture below)

5. How many pillows do you sleep with?
Two. I like my pillows firm.

6. Can you roll your tongue?
Random question, but yes.

7. Do you always buy the same mascara or do you try new ones each tube?
I usually stick with Clinique products for my mascara- buying the same one each time. Occasionally, I go over to Sephora and treat myself- but normally it is the same one over and over.

8. What’s your favorite cookbook?
I am not a big cookbook person- so I cannot say that I can answer this one sorry!

9. What was your first pet?
My first pet was a cocker spaniel named Barney (way pre- purple dinosaur). He was a great dog, but I definitely tortured him as a child- pulling his ears. Hey, I was a baby and did not know any better.

10. Do you wear jewelry on a daily basis?
Yes I do. I wear my wedding band and engagement ring everyday on my finger. As well, I always wear my David Yurman bracelet on my left arm.

Thanks again to Roots and Rings for this weeks Ten on Tuesday!

Good tunes...

2010-12-27T12:39:00.000-05:00

Just saw this and thought I would share....I always love these lists through AE College Radio....check it out on Pandora here!

What a list!

(Song - Artist)

100 Yard Dash Raphael - Saadiq
Accusations - The Juan Maclean
All Yr Songs - Diamond Rings
Ambling Alp - Yeasayer
American Boy - Estelle
Audience - Cold War Kids
Baby Fratelli - The Fratellis
Baby Lee - Teenage Fanclub
Backseat - Darker My Love
Bombay - El Guincho
Boy - Ra Ra Riot
Boyz - M.I.A.
Bright Lit Blue Skies - Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti
Camera Talk - Local Natives
Can You Discover? - Discovery
Cannibal Resource - The Dirty Projectors
Charmless Man - Blur
Cinco - The Ruby Suns
Cold Love - Tim Kasher
Collector - Here We Go Magic
Come Wander - Delorean
Constellations - Darwin Deez
Coronado - Deerhunter
Could It Be - Mackintosh Braun
Dancing On My Own (Rex The Dog Extended Remix) - Robyn
Dashboard - Modest Mouse
Days Of Our Lives - Restless People
Don't Back Down - Restless People
Don't Look Back in Anger - Oasis
Doubt - Delphic
Down For So Long - The Rapture
Empty Room - Arcade Fire
Everything Is Everything - Phoenix
Fatalist Palmistry - Why?
Fight Test - The Flaming Lips
Fools Gold - The Stone Roses
For Reasons Unknown - The Killers
Forever And Ever Amen - The Drums
Fortress - Pinback
Get Lucky - New Young Pony Club
Golden Skans - Klaxons
Heard It On The Radio - The Bird And The Bee
Heartbeat Song - The Futureheads
Holiday - Vampire Weekend
Hollywood - Marina & The Diamonds
I Can Talk - Two Door Cinema Club
I Wanna Be Sedated - The Ramones
I Want You - Fefe Dobson
Infinity Guitars - Sleigh Bells
Intergalactic - Beastie Boys
Islands Sink - Chin Up Chin Up
Janglin' - Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Just The Way You Are - Bruno Mars
Kickstarts - Example
Kilojoules - Freelance Whales
Led To The Sea - Jenny Owen Youngs
Let's Get Out Of Here - Les Savy Fav
Let's Go Surfing - The Drums
Light Up The Night - Black Eyed Peas
Like A Hitman, Like A Dancer - A.C. Newman
Little Secrets - Passion Pit
Love And Do What You Will - Ceo
Love Is Noise - The Verve
Me And The Moon - The Drums
Month Of May - Arcade Fire
Move - CSS
No Mercy - Ceo
No More Pirates - Chris Garneau
North By North - Faded Paper Figures
Not Like Any Other Feeling - The Thermals
Odessa - Caribou
One - Sky Ferreira
Pack Up - Eliza Doolittle
Parade Of Punk Rock T-Shirts - Maritime
Paris - Friendly Fires
Quarry Hymns - Land Of Talk
Search Party - Small Black
The Captive Mind - The Helio Sequence
The Hair Song - Black Mountain
When I'm Small - Phantogram

Blizzard of '10

2010-12-27T12:20:00.003-05:00

Soooooooo snowy.

Nothing like a good snowstorm in NY (except for the shoveling of course).

Great time to snuggle under the covers.

Happy Holidays!

Christmas in NY

2010-12-26T17:24:00.001-05:00

Hope everyone had a very merry christmas. I can't believe the holidays are over already! These weeks really seemed to fly! Although I wasn't the best shopper or card giver this year- I still had some time to celebrate! Our yearly tradition of going into the city was a success! There is nothing like walking around NY for the holidays. Sometimes pictures are better than words!

We saw a play.....and our seats weren't too bad :)

Second row!

We dined...

(cousin k and aunt l)

Walked around...

And of course hit Rockefeller Center!

(mom and aunt l)

There is nothing like the holidays in NY.

Hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas!

We did :)

Christmas eve

2010-12-24T23:49:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas eve everyone!

Today went well, pretty low key. Christmas eve lunch with the family followed up by a movie with R. Good times all around. It is always nice to be surrounded by people that love you. I am extremely lucky to have so many wonderful people in my life.

Hope everyone has a very happy holiday!

Headed to bed with a little piece of my family tradition....the good ol' yule log. Merry Christmas!

Ten On Tuesday

2010-12-21T23:47:00.001-05:00

Wow....this week flew- recap tomorrow....but before I go to bed here we go!

1. Do you do any volunteer work?
I used to be the volunteer work queen, but unfortunately life got busy and stressful. So, no I haven't lately but yes I will, a resolution for 2011.

2. Do you have night and/or morning ritual?
At night I pack my bag for the gym and the day ahead. As well, I always check my blog and friends blogs as well as facebook before I head to sleep. My morning time is way early because I wake up at 4:30- so not much of a ritual, just getting up takes enough effort!

3. Would you rather exercise or diet? Why?
I have come to the conclusion that at this point in my life both are necessary. I don't like the idea of a diet because it usually has to do with major restrictions. But, in the same respect, I am not a big eater or a big food person. So of course, if I had to choose, I would choose exercise. Oh yeah, and I actually enjoy it immensely.

4. If you would rather exercise, do you prefer going to a gym or working out at home?
Can I say that it depends on the season? During the winter the gym gets me moving. I do enjoy pool workouts so that has to be in the gym too. During the nice weather months, I do prefer to stay home and go outside running or bike riding.

5. What do you think is a huge waste of time?
Perseverating on things I cannot control. What a waste.

6. What is one way you save time?
I am a horrible time saver. Multitasking is my only way to get things done quickly. Luckily, I have the brain to do it!

7. What is your current obsession?
North Face stuff, Blackberry, my I-Pad, and triathlons

8. What is a current obsession you can’t wait to pass?
I have an Angry Birds obsession, which really sucks away a lot of time.

9. Are you currently reading a book? If so, what book? Would you recommend it?
I am not reading anything currently, but want to read Unbearable Lightness by Portia de Rossi. Looks kind of interesting.

10. Since we had the 90s question last week, what’s your favorite songs from 00′s?
Definitely was a big Outkast fan- Hey Ya, Justin Timberlake-Sexyback, Radiohead-anything, TI-Live Your Life, Timbaland- anything, Katy Perry, One Republic- Apologize, and Lady Gaga-anything. Yep, definitely work in a middle school :)

Ten on Tuesday

2010-12-14T18:35:00.001-05:00

1. What is your favorite kind of cheese?
Cheese is good- probably fresh mozzarella, gorgonzola, blue, goat, and brie.

2. Do you prefer fudge with or without nuts?
Either, although I am not a big fudge person.

3. How do you feel about cats?
I am a dog person with a cat. My great aunt from Pittsburgh had tons of strays in her backyard. One kitten survived and I took it the dead of winter. The cat was cool because he has mutant paws....and thumbs- she named it Mittens. When we moved to NY, grandma took over the cat. They are best buddies and I am ok with that.

4. Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts?
Ugh neither really.

5. Do you wear a watch?
Hardly ever, bit I do have a Philip Stein with a dead battery gathering dust.

6. What are a few of your favorite songs from the 90′s?
Hmmmm- Radiohead Creep, Fatboy Slim stuff, Oasis stuff, Blur stuff, Arrested Development Tennessee (LOL), Right Said Fred Im Too Sexy....ok flashback sweet sixteen.....my birthday is in January so I was one of the first to turn 16. The dj plays the song....and all the guys start stripping- not bad stripping- but you could imagine my parents faces :)

7. Do you like scented candles?
I'm kinda over candles.

8. What do you like on your hamburger?
Hmmmm blue cheese, bbq sauce and onion straws....mmmmm

9. How often do you cut your fingernails?
Not that often, usually get a manicure every month or two

10. Do you sleep in socks?
No way. And, even if I did, the sock monster would get them anyway.

Thanks again to Roots and Rings for allowing me to ponder cheese and old school music tonight :)

New Beginnings...

2010-12-12T20:19:00.003-05:00

Holiday time gets so busy and stressful sometimes and we just get lost in the shuffle. Life sometimes just does that to me, sweeps me away without me even knowing it. I had a long talk with R last night, a good, heart warming talk. It made me think about how the holiday season has once again swept us away. Time to regain control. I have been distracted, so very distracted with things that just don't matter. It made me come to the realization that my focus has waned from what really is important. It is time to snap back to reality. Ready, set, go.

Ten on Tuesday

2010-12-07T23:07:00.001-05:00

1. What do you order at Starbucks?

Grande Skinny Hazelnut Latte. Yum.

2. Where is your favorite place to eat breakfast?

I love breakfast! My favorite is probably this little place called Maureen's Kitchen. It is a FABULOUS breakfast place....and is completely decked out with cows....inside and out. Why cows? I have no freaking idea! I love their baked oatmeal.....so yummy.

3. Are you on Twitter? Why or why not?

Yes. Framboise131

Why? No idea. Something to do. I am a Twitter slacker though.

4. What is your favorite Christmas movie?

Elf, hands down.

5. Are you a good gift giver?

I am a fabulous gift giver.

6. Do you like your handwriting? Bonus points for posting a picture.

I have decent handwriting. In the seventh grade my English teacher told me that I wrote like a schizophrenic. I think he meant that I changed my handwriting as I changed my thoughts, which is bizarre. But hey.....it was original :)

7. Is your signature legible? Bonus points for posting a picture.

Yes it is legible, but slightly on the large side.

8. Have you ever been to New York during Christmas season?

Yes, always. Oh wait, I live in NY. I do definitely go into the city every year though to do some shopping and see the pretty windows at places like Macys, hang out at Bryant Park, and see the tree at Rockafeller Center. I am going in again a week from Tuesday with the family- this time to see a Broadway show and the tree.....oh and maybe a little shopping.....

9. Are there any items that you are completely brand loyal?

Hmmmm.....this is a thought provoking one. No?

10. Who is your favorite public speaker?

Hmmmm. I did just go to a conference for work that had John Halligan speak. He was amazing. For those of you who do not know him- take a look at his website. He is the father of a middle school boy that committed suicide after being bullied both in person and over the internet. Such a sad and powerful story and was conveyed in the most compelling manner. So sad but amazingly well done.

Thanks again to Roots and Rings for Ten on Tuesday.

Love It....

2010-12-06T23:26:00.000-05:00

Fix You...

2010-12-06T23:01:00.002-05:00

Awesome video. I love Coldplay. Don't you?

Really?

2010-12-06T21:19:00.000-05:00

My good friend A posted about her crazy Christmas decorating neighbors here. I think I have her beat....driving through my neighborhood.....I saw this....and needed to share...

Geez, imagine that electric bill. Oh, and yes, they do this every single solitary year.

Simple Acts of Kindness...

2010-12-06T21:11:00.000-05:00

As you know I am hosting another Mean People Suck Giveaway for December. I really love hearing about all the good deeds that you are doing or planning to do. I hope I am being even a little bit of an inspiration. But, I realized that I need to post some of my own acts of kindness and plan to do so as much as possible. I have three for today:

Today, I went to visit my dad while he was having dialysis. Dialysis can be long (4 hours), tiresome, depressing and outright boring. My dad has to go to dialysis three times a week, every week. I know that I brighten up his day when I come in to visit him during his time there. I know I am lucky to have this time with him because recently he had a pretty big health scare. I will cherish every moment that I have with him.

In other family news, I brought my mom an ice coffee at home because I heard she was sick. She just has a sinus infection but thought it would cheer her up. It did.

Finally, today I gave a coworker a shoulder to cry on and a much needed hug. A crazy and stressful our lives can be, it is important to step back and think of others, a kind word can mean a lot.

My world in pictures....

2010-12-06T20:52:00.001-05:00

Driving home from work today....I saw a little storm coming in....ok just snapped a few with my blackberry....but you get the picture :)

Good Thoughts....

2010-12-04T22:50:00.001-05:00

By the way....

2010-12-03T22:42:00.000-05:00

My purging has not gone off to a good start. B or L.....help! I need tips from the masters!

December Mean People Suck Giveaway

2010-12-03T22:15:00.000-05:00

December is here already!!!! Wow. Time is going fast. As promised I will be doing a monthly giveaway to promote simple acts of kindness in the world.

The prize?????

A Starbucks Gift card :) Who doesn't need a few warm beverages this time of year?

Once again, in order to enter for this giveaway you must follow my blog (through google reader on right or facebook on left) and tell me that you are doing so AND comment me with a simple act of kindness that you did or plan to do for someone. You can enter one time per day for the month of December. A winner will be chosen on January 1, 2011! Happy New Year!

What Goes Around Comes Around

2010-12-03T21:58:00.008-05:00

I love my friends. Lately, my friends have been so great. I am really lucky to have each and every one of them in my life! Karma keeps coming up in conversation. Just today my friend S was having a hard time but looking positively toward the future. She is a great girl that deserves the best. Life has thrown her a great deal of tragedy and loss in the past few months. But, she is getting through like a champ which really demonstrates her strength and perseverance. Then, my friend K and I were discussing this video all week. Random? Yes. Old? Yes. Is Justin Timberlake hot? Yes. So.....I thought I would share this "oldie but goodie." Here is to S, Karma...and JT hotness :)

Ten on Tuesday

2010-11-30T23:26:00.004-05:00

1. Where are you from? Have you lived there your whole life?
I am from New York. Long Island to be exact. I moved away for college and lived in great places like Meadville, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. Then I moved for my job to Annapolis, MD. Finally, I moved back to NY for another job. I guess things come around full circle. It is definitely nice to be close to family and friends again!

2. How would you classify your clothing style?
Random. I like my clothing style- I think it suits my personality. Where do I shop? My favorites are places like Ann Taylor Loft, Gap, American Eagle, Macys and even Target because hey- what girl does not love a great deal?

3. What kind of car do you drive?
Volkswagen Jetta

4. What would your dream home look like if you could have it (or already do!)?
Hmmmmm.....dream home....I do not need anything huge- quaint is fine. If I had my choice, I would love to have a house with a turret and a wrap around porch. I always wanted a home office in a turret. Those are dreams of mine. Looking around....my dream home would probably look like this....

In terms of the inside, probably nautical and beachy themes. Hard wood floors are a must and it must have character. And, maybe a sun room or sun porch. One day :)

5. Do you have kids, and if so, how many and how old were you when you had them?
No kids yet, but it certainly seems like a recurring theme around my life recently.

6. What is your favorite hobby?
Triathlons, working out, blogging and traveling.

7. Are you going to have any New Year’s resolutions for 2011?
To not dwell on the past and look to the future. Of course, to get in the best shape possible and to live life with a positive outlook. I also want to count my blessings because really I have a pretty good life :)

8. What is something, if anything, that you’d want to change about yourself?
I would definitely like to be in better shape and am on a mission to work that out! Oh, and I would like to live life for me on my terms rather than everyone else's.

9. What is something that you love about yourself?
I think I am pretty funny, very patient and a good friend. I am a very forgiving person and thoughtful towards others. I am always on a quest to make people happy. OK yeah, I guess I am pretty awesome :) (just kidding)

10. Pick one of the following: Someone to cook for you, someone to do your laundry, or someone to do your dishes.
Dishes definitely. I am not a lover of cleaning.

Although I did not realize it until today, I must thank C from Roots and Rings for this fun Tuesday recurring event!

Oh yeah...

2010-11-30T23:04:00.001-05:00

I got these tonight......for wayyyyyyyyyyy on sale.....like big time on sale (over 50%)! Love them!