Ending the week on a fun note, some confessions since it’s been a really long time since I’ve shared any! You can see the rest of my random confessions here.

* I really like the Justin Bieber “Boyfriend” Song. I get super excited when I hear it on the radio and feel like a teenage girl listening to the lyrics. Kinda takes me back to the days of Backstreet Boys and *NSync. (Side note: I like music that some of Jolie’s kindergartner friends enjoy. No idea what this says about me.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GuqB1BQVr4

* Speaking of Backstreet Boys, I went to see them in concert in high school. I may or may not have lost my voice that night.

* I’m really enjoying some of the Free Book Friday books that I downloaded on my Nook over the last few months. They may not be the most classic of literature but they are fun and do provide me with a break from reality.

* One of my favorite snacks lately? Pepperoni slices. No idea why. With a few wheat thins and a piece (or two, who am I kidding) of cheese? It’s lunch some days.

* I am feeling totally unattractive lately. Maybe it’s cause I need a haircut or haven’t been able to workout as much but man it needs to change and soon.

* Once Jamar got kicked off The Voice I stopped watching it. He was my favorite.

* I took Jolie to her church group on Wednesday night; I turned to make sure she got settled in and she was standing there waving to me and smiling, watching me leave. She kills me with her adorableness sometimes.

* Sometimes when work pisses me off, I flip off my computer screen. That’s acceptable, right?

* I also this like totally ridiculous Snoop Dogg song, even though it doesn’t apply to my life at all. Just a fun summer tune to listen too! (Warning: it’s not work place appropriate music, unless, you know, you work in a strip club or a rap studio.)

* Oh! New Celebrity Crush: the Deeks (sp?) character from NCIS: L.A. which is Knight’s favorite show to watch.

* When I found out Parenthood is being renewed for another season I’m pretty sure that news made my day. I’m easily pleased sometimes.

Any Friday confessions to share?

As a Bonus Mom, there’s the Right Thing that we are working on to improve things for the kidlets and our sanity. Of course that’s not simple so there is a lot of angst, worry, frustration, fear, hopefulness, praising and being thankful for our kick-butt laywer, keeeping records of every.single.thing, not understanding the court system at all, and then some. Oh, and a lot of me being vague (still). Somedays after we hear new news from the lawyer or put up with more junk from their mom it takes all my energy to put a smile on my face and get my “mom” hat on. But do it I must and I’m always more than glad to have them with us. The hugs,the “I love you,” pictures, and belly laughs are totally worth it. {photo credit}

On the homefront, we are selling our house which means we live in a state of cleanliness and anonymity so that we are ready to show our house pretty much at any time of day. Given that we have had eight showings in the last two weeks I’m confident our house has never been this clean. We’ve mastered the art of prepping the house for a showing in less than one hour. I wonder if I can put that on my resume? I’m hopeful it will be bought sooner rather than later.

Since we are selling this house, that means that yes, we are moving. So add packing, cleaning up and sorting out (why do we all insist on having so much stuf?), and an upcoming garage sale to the short list for the next two weeks because, um, we move in about three weeks. THREE WEEKS. We were able to find and purchase a new (fabulous) house which I’m incredibly excited about for a variety of reasons, first and foremost being that it’s our house. This means a fresh start for me and Knight as a couple (no more living with the ghosts of his ex!). We will have friends and family nearby, things to actually go and do when we feel like it, better school districts, better professional opportunities for Knight and for myself. Right off the bat I’m crazy excited. Of course buying a house doesn’t come without its own fun: inspections, appraisals, situating closing times (the first two went great, the last one is being a tad tricky) and the lovely logistics of moving an entire household. I hate moving. Hate.

And then there’s that pesky thing called wedding planning. I always think I’ve done a lot of planning until I realize there are five more things for every one thing I’ve accomplished. Even when I try to delegate things it lands back on my plate. Family politics are a bitch. The wedding to-do list seems to be growing, not shrinking. I’m really looking forward to the wedding in five months because: a) I get to wear my gorgeous dress; b) I’m marrying the love of my life; c) no more wedding planning! and d) week long honeymoon in paradise.

Plus, if that’s not enough there is still the everyday life: work. Being a fiancé. Parenting when we have the kidlets (and even when we don’t; I worry about them when they aren’t with us). Trying to fit in time for me, friends, family, exercise, reading and everything in between.

Somedays it takes all my energy to just put one foot in front of the other. To push through the day. And the next one… and the next…

There are nights I want to sit on the couch and just stare at the wall and void my mind of all the 1,001 thoughts and to-do lists running through my brain.

Other days I feel like crazy overwhelmed because it’s just too much for one person to handle and keeping it together some days really tries my patience. I know we are fighting the good fight with the Right Thing. I know it’s necessary for us to leave this house and start over fresh. I understand wedding planning is not always easy, and of course the general life stuff isn’t always a walk on the beach either. I’m just drained. I’ve got all these balls in the air and for awhile longer a few of them won’t be able to be caught. Until then I’ll just keep repeating that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and if you’re going through hell, keep on going…

How do you handle it when you have too much on your plate (and you can’t scrape any of it off)? What’s your favorite mantra/quote/words of wisdom for getting through a particularly busy-rough-joyful-all-rolled-into-one patch?

A European vacation. A luggage mix-up. A note from a secret admirer.

Meet two single parents who think they’re too busy to date.
And two teenagers who can’t stop writing flirty emails.
This is a tale of connections—missed and made—in a universe that seems to have its heart set on reuniting Ms. 6B and Mr. 13C.

In the Bag is a smart and stylish story that explores the old-fashioned art of romance in a modern world, where falling in love can be as risky as checking a bag on an international flight. Buckle your seat belt—it’s going to be a bumpy vacation!

What I loved about this book: Kilse currently lives in Missouri, so I really enjoyed the references throughout the book to the St. Louis Cardinals, Washington University, Gooey Butter Cake since two of her main characters are from the STL. The chapters alternate points of view and perspective which I find always makes a book more enjoyable and keeps the readers guessing. Most of the book takes place overseas in Paris, Madrid and Barcelona and I enjoyed some of the little known facts about each city both cultural and otherwise that I had forgotten or wasn’t aware of.

Klise keeps things simple while managing to remind us to make sure we keep our eyes (and our hearts) open, because we never know what to expect.

Perhaps the book is a tad predictable for some, but there are a few twists and turns that are slightly unexpected as the book draws to its close. Anyone who loves traveling, stories about missed connections, and a new twist on the classic love story should definitely check this one out!

What kind of books do you enjoy reading when you’re traveling? Do you have a favorite book that’s a take on the classic love story?

Disclosure: Thanks to TLC Book Tours for keeping my bookshelves stocked this year by providing me with complimentary books to review. I have not been otherwise compensated for my reviews and opinions.

* Our wedding invitations shipped earlier this week and arriving today. I’m so excited to see them, address them, send them! I have new ideas daily for the wedding; it’s fun but distracting at times.

* Don’t watch the movie Young Adult. Knight and I watched it this past weekend and it was kinda… lame. It was funny at times, but the rest of the movie was pretty depressing.

* Sometimes the best way to get out of a funk: baking homemade chocolate chip cookies and reading a good book. Works every time. Other things that help: watching ridiculous tv like the Pauly D project.

* There are some evenings where nothing is better for dinner than grilling (and the fact that there aren’t as many dishes to clean).

* This weekend is relatively unplanned. After two weeks of traveling for work and a whole host of other things going on (details to come next week) I’m kind of excited about it!

Anything on your Friday list or your mind you want to share?

The Shoemaker’s Wife came in the mail and of course I got all excited, maybe even admiring the cover for awhile. Then I started the book and fell in love with the way Adriana weaves the characters’ lives into one beautiful story, the historical picture that’s painted throughout this book, and of course the twists and turns that the story takes as it progresses.

Here’s a brief overview of the book as found on Barnes & Noble’s website.

The majestic beauty of the Italian Alps at the turn of the twentieth century is the setting of the first meeting of Enza, a practical beauty, and Ciro, a strapping mountain boy. When Ciro catches the local priest in a scandal, he is banished and sent to hide in America. Soon Enza’s family faces disaster and she, too, is forced to go to America.

Unbeknownst to one another, they both build fledgling lives in America. Ciro masters shoemaking and Enza takes a factory job until fate intervenes and reunites them. But it is too late: Ciro has volunteered to serve in World War I as Enza begins her impressive career as a seamstress at the Metropolitan Opera House. Over time, these star-crossed lovers meet and separate, until the power of their love changes both of their lives forever. Inspired by Adriana Trigiani’s own family history and the love of tradition, The Shoemaker’s Wife defines an era with operatic scope that will live on in the imaginations of readers for years to come.

I laughed. I cried (a lot). I cheered for Ciro and Enza. I stored away beautiful Italian names in case I ever have kids. I dog-eared pages because some of the lines really spoke to me. A few of my favorites:

“Mama always said a good family has one heartbeat. No one knows you like the people who live with you, and no one will take up your cause to the outside world quite like your blood relatives.” – pg. 45

“A man could think clearly in a place that gave breadth to his dreams.” pg. 136

“The wise man leaves the past behind like a pair of boots he has outgrown” pg. 146

“Life is a series of choice, made with the best of intentions, often with hope.” pg. 311

This book is longer at over 400 pages but it’s worth it: an epic story combining love, family, triumph and determination you really can’t go wrong.

You can follow Adriana on Twitter and Facebook if you want more on her books and live, up-to-the-minute news.

Have you read any of Adriana’s books? If you could invite an author to your birthday party or wedding who would you choose?

Disclosure: TLC Book Tours provided me with a complimentary copy of this book to review, however all opinions and views are my own. I was not otherwise compensated to write a positive review.

This Mother’s Day, I’m working with Clever Girls in support of Macy’s Heart of Haiti to shine a light on the “trade, not aid” program, which provides sustainable income to Haitian artisans struggling to rebuild their lives and support their families after the 2010 earthquake.  

My mom is the best. I am sure a lot of people say that but I really mean it. She makes up the most ridiculous nicknames for me, all of which I tolerate, because I know she loves it. In return, my mom lets me give her a nickname now and then, too.

We have little rituals, like going to get ice cream after grocery shopping, just the two of us. We’ll sit it in the car, cross our legs, listen to the radio and talk about whatever pops into our heads. When I was in college, we’d call each other as soon as Gilmore Girls was over to rehash the entire episode; we now text all during Parenthood. We plan to start a charity together soon, an endeavor I’m incredibly thrilled about. We go to journaling classes together and both hoard books. On Mother’s Day,  I treat her to a few new plants for the garden and lunch, usually ending in ice cream. (Ice cream is our thing, in case you couldn’t tell.)

While my mom has always been a mother, she’s also been one of my very best friends. I can tell her anything and know she’ll tell it to me straight if need be, or help me through a difficult situation. She encouraged me to start blogging seven years ago. She introduced me to Sex and the City and even went with me to a midnight showing of the second movie.

She’s been known to call me when I’m sick to recommend my favorite comfort foods, or on particularly bad days reminds me to indulge in a piece of chocolate (or two). When I have those pesky adult-life crises, you can count on my mom to be there with words of wisdom to help break down the situation.

She is my best friend, my confidante, my cheerleader, my shoulder-to-lean-on, my friend who will always watch chick flicks (and buys them, too), my role model in both work and relationships, my biggest fan, and above all my mom.

Do you have any Mother’s Day traditions or a favorite story about your mom/mother figure that you want to share?

What is Macy’s Heart of Haiti? Heart of Haiti is a “Trade, Not Aid” initiative launched by artist and social entrepreneur, Willa Shalit, The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and Macy’s. Already, Heart of Haiti has led to employment of 750 artists in Haiti, providing financial benefits for an estimated 8,500 people in the country.

Each item is a one-of-a-kind design and handmade by a Haitian master artisan from raw materials such as recycled oil drums, wrought iron, papier-mâché and stone. The collection features more than 40 home decor items including quilts, metalwork, ceramics, jewelry and paintings and is made almost entirely from recycled and sustainable items such as old cement bags, cardboard, oil drums and local gommier wood.

Heart of Haiti products are available online at Macy’s.com.

Thank you to Macy’s Heart of Haiti for sponsoring my participation in this “Share Your Heart” promotion. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions expressed here are my own.

This past weekend we…

* Went wedding ring shopping. Nothing has been purchased as of right now but we discovered that Knight prefers traditional wedding bands to the fancier ones he/we thought that he’d like. And for me? I’m kind of torn. My engagement is really unique and I’m hesitant to add anything to it so I’m contemplating wearing the band on my right hand. Since my engagement ring is so different, a lot of people have already asked/assumed that I’m married. Guess it could work.

* Finally decided on the suits for the guys. For some reason this was a huge weight off my/our shoulders. I feel so good with our decision and know that it’s going to look awesome in photos.

* I officially officially (yes, I meant to write that twice) ordered our wedding invitations. There has been a lot going on as of late that has had me wedding planning distracted. My goal is to get them out in mid-June for arrival no later than beginning of July.

* Started to plan the shower that Knight’s mom is throwing… well, he and I are planning it. There’s probably a post lurking in here somewhere, but marrying someone who has already been married before? Not always easy, especially when his family kinda treats you as though you don’t matter and/or makes you feel like this wedding is inconsequential since Knight’s already done it. The word elope is still in my vocabulary.

* Onto happier things, the wedding website has been updated and apparently a lot of our out of town guests have booked their rooms for the hotel already! I also added some things to our wedding registries since there has been some talk that I don’t have enough on them. Truth: we don’t need that much stuff since we merged our household last year.

* I went through the day prior and the day of the wedding with my mom, mapping it out by time and who needs to do what/where/when. Next up will be the itineraries.

Things I’m looking forward to: food tasting in June, my bridal hair trial (not until September but I’m still excited!), my first dress fitting sometime in June and deciding/ordering our wedding rings, the bridesmaid sleepover we’ll be having at my parents’ house a la the Sex and the City movie, saying our vows in front of friends and family.

What’s not been fun: fielding the same questions over and over and over and over even though people have our wedding website address and even though we have posted the information on said website. I appreciate everyone’s enthusiasm but I’m tired of sounding like a broken record! Also, the family stress (see point above).

What’s been fun: We got our first wedding present last week. One of my cousin’s sent us our gift super early which is totally fantastic. Focusing a bit more on the DIY part of the wedding; I’m still missing some of what I need for the centerpieces so I’m working on finding/tracking it down. I started planning the bridesmaid gifts, too. I’m really excited about the ideas I have! Oh, and ordering my wedding shoes. And of course, day dreaming about the honeymoon.

Time for your input! We have an idea for the favors at our wedding and for the gift bags we give to out-of-town guests at the hotel, but I’d like to know what your favorite wedding favor/thing in a gift bag is that you’ve received at a wedding? Anything that you loathe as favors at weddings?

What really goes on behind those perfect white picket fences?

In Frances’s mind, beautiful, successful, ecstatically married Emma Dunham is the height of female perfection. Frances, recently dumped with spectacular drama by her boyfriend, aspires to be just like Emma. So do her close friends and fellow teachers, Lisa and Jill. But Lisa’s too career-focused to find time for a family. And Jill’s recent unexpected pregnancy could have devastating consequences for her less-than-perfect marriage.

Yet sometimes the golden dream you fervently wish for turns out to be not at all what it seems—like Emma’s enviable suburban postcard life, which is about to be brutally cut short by a perfect husband turned killer. And in the shocking aftermath, three devastated friends are going to have to come to terms with their own secrets . . . and somehow learn to move forward after their dream is exposed as a lie.

Palmer’s writing is different than other books I’ve read so far through TLC: a little bit more conversational, a little bit funnier and there are some great references to TV Shows (Miami Vice) and movies (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) that any child of the 1980s will smile at. There are moments in this book that are so raw, like when Frannie deals with the aftermath of her break-up from Ryan, who is also a co-worker, that I was transported back to the days of dealing with some of my own tumultous break-ups. Or when Frannie looks at herself and tries to figure out why it is that she’s unsuccessful in love (something I have done a few times myself). One of the added bonuses: Palmer includes a sample of the songs that are on Frannie’s Break-up Mix CD complete with explanations as to why these songs are perfect for break-ups. I always enjoy it when authors add lists and recipes that the characters would craft themselves at the end of the book.(If you check out Palmer’s website and read her blog, she makes music recommendations once a week and I have to say, she’s got some good mixes!)

If you are looking for a book that combines mystery, romance, self-discovery and a hint of humor, this would be a great book to try. It starts off a bit slow but once the momentum starts, you won’t want to put this book down. Check out Palmer on Twitter and Facebook!

Have you read any of Palmer’s other books, such as Conversations with the Fat Girl or Seeing Me Naked?  Anything you’ve read lately that’s worth checking out?

Disclosure: I was provided a complimentary copy of the book by TLC book tours but was not otherwise compensated for my review and opinions, which are all my own.

Some days, especially lately, I feel at a crossroads with blogging: perhaps it’s because I can’t freely share or write like I used to as I go through the Right Thing I blogged about a few weeks back, or maybe it’s because I feel like what I do have to say is inconsequential or boring. Then I read posts like LaMidge’s and realize that I’ve been feeling a lot like what she describes in this post. A LOT. (Go read it if you haven’t. I’ll wait.)

I still love blogging 98% of the time. I love my friends I’ve met through this space. I love knowing that if I found myself in a city other than my own I’d probably have two or three blog friends to call upon. I love that a few of my favorite CD mixes are from bloggers. That I’ve traveled near and far to meet you. That several of my very best friends and a decent chunk of my wedding list are bloggers. I love that when I have good news I want to share it with my friends here. I love that I sometimes have the opportunity to review products I genuinely care about. I love the sense of community and knowing that maybe when I post on a serious issue, it might help someone else out there. I love that this is my space and I don’t have to apologize for what I say or how I feel, when I post and when I don’t. Except that last part? Lately I do feel like I have to watch what I say or I feel bad when I don’t blog as much as I used to. There is this is random perceived pressure when it comes to blogging and I’m not digging it. So I haven’t been.

This past weekend I realized that blogging is a part of who I am. I don’t think I’ll give it up anytime soon; it’s part of my identity and as I grow, my blog identity will change and evolve. I’ll be here, posting but on a completely random schedule with no rhyme or reason to it. For awhile long some of my posts will be of less substance until I can share more on the Right Thing and all the big, huge, life changes that go along with it. I’m finding my next blog voice: part 20-something, part-future-wife, part-mom-in-a-way. Melding those isn’t so easy, on the blog and sometimes off the blog. So I ask you to bear with me as my blog identity changes.

Are you still in love with blogging? Do you find that your blog identity changes as your life evolves?

* Tuesday night I got together with one of my bridesmaids; I see her about every two months when I’m back in the Lou for a work trip and no matter what it’s always great to catch up. Her mother-in-law was there for a bit which was awesome because I had had a really rough day and her hugs always help. She also gave me some pointers on the Right Thing that Knight and I are currently working on, for which I’m grateful. After her MIL left, I made dinner while she put her adorable 8-month old to bed and then we just hung out. Talked about everything and nothing in particular. I’m so glad to have such great friends in my life.

* Wednesday night I treated myself to a mini shopping trip. I had a gift card to Ann Taylor Loft. I scored a pair of jeans for $20, a new pink cardigan and two fun shirts with color so I feel like I’m more ready for spring and summer than before. I’d love to buy half that store, but I’m pacing myself.

* So my latest Netflix obsession: One Tree Hill. I know, how teeny bopper of me and I know it’s been on for like 10 or 11 years now, but it’s filling a gap I need right now in my down time.

* Last night I took Jack on a walk around my folks’ neighborhood and on our way home, a puppy decided to follow us home. She escaped her invisible fence and wanted desperately to play with Jack, though sadly he wasn’t interested (he was kind of a jerk to her which is so not like him. I think he heard the buzz of her collar and got freaked out?). I had to take her back to her house but of course she didn’t want to cross the line of the invisbile fence. Her whimpering was killing me but fortunatley her owners came out to help. (I won’t comment on how I don’t think a small puppy should be left outside alone with a new invisible fence….)See also: I would like a puppy. Cause, you know, we don’t have enough going on.

* Last week Jolie came over to our house wearing a shirt that read “My Mom Rocks!” which happens a lot and doesn’t phase me one bit. She came up to me after dinner and told me in her most serious voice that shirt applies to StepMoms like me and did I know if they make “My StepMom Rocks!” shirts because if they do, she wants one? I nearly died from the cuteness and heart-melting right there.

Anything from your week you need to catch me up on?