Children of the Corn

Monday, we meet again. I had a pretty relaxing weekend and didn't take many pictures. Friday I got my hair done, woop! and Friday night Brian and I went out to eat and played trivia (I won, duh) and I had this yummy strawberry daiquiri (sorry it's so blurry.. my phone has been misbehaving horribly, blah!)

Saturday morning we went to Mitch's soccer game, then Brian went down to Baltimore for his two-hand-touch office football game, but I stayed back to go to a fall festival in town. 

I bought lots of books for 50 cents (I got 12 okay, I'm a nerd), had a smoothie for lunch and fries and a chocolate covered pretzel and my mom and I entered into a silent auction and won (it was for cupcakes and we are cutthroat). Then we went to a farm and bought some corn stalks, which made for an interesting ride home, to say the least. [Funny story. When I was 7 we used to walk by this corn field and my parents told me that the children of the corn lived in there, thinking I would think it was cute, like the Cabbage Patch Kids. It backfired, I freaked, and couldn't sleep until they told me it was a movie. I watched that movie a few years back, and my fears are real. Have you ever seen that movie? umm freaky Malachi!] Anyways, my dad drove me back to my house (a whopping minute away by car) and he and I took Hansel and Schnitzel for a nice long walk.. I really love living so close to my family because of days like Saturday :-)

Saturday night Brian brought me home some flowers (aww), then we made apple cider sangria, ate leftover taco soup which is the best ever, and watched some tv. 

Sunday was a lazy football day for Bri and a lazy Lifetime movie and baking/cooking day for me. Then Sunday night Revenge and Good Wife came back, so I was a happy girl! 

If you need a smile this Monday morning, start your day with this 6 second video from Vine that never fails to make me smile (I've watched it like 8 times already today.. somebody stop me!).

The 7 People You Meet..

..on the Highway to Hell. Today is my 50th post (woot woot) so I have a surprise for you... Brian is guest posting! In case you don't know, Brian commutes down to Maryland for work everyday. His commute should be about 35 minutes, but thanks to traffic, it usually ends up being closer to at least 50 minutes! Anyways, he's here to tell you about the 7 different types people he comes across each day on his commute. Take it away, Bri:

Ah yes, the morning commute. I swear I'm a decent person with above-average patience on a normal day. But what happens when I turn the ignition and back out of the garage? Something takes over and all bets are off.

When I'm caught in the painfully slow bumper-to-bumper stuff, it's all about playing mind games to retain some of the sanity that I have left. Of course singing loudly (c'mon we all do it) and using the steering wheel as my personal drum set helps. So does playing the license plate game, where you find as many different state's plates as you can (my record is 11 in one morning commute).

But lately I've been keeping calm by taking note of the many interesting characters out on the road. Sometimes you just have to laugh at these people (er, laugh with them).

Grandma
There's no worse feeling than tailgating a slow car, getting frustrated, possibly letting a few four-letter words fly, finally getting around them only to realize the driver is a sweet 90 year-old lady. 

It's not her fault! She is certainly in no hurry. Plus I'm convinced they can't even see over their dashboard ... must be hard to drive that way!

Bro
Probably the antithesis of Grandma is the Bro. He weaves through traffic like he's in Fast and the Furious 17 (that must be how many movies there are). He sports the RayBans, leans back with one arm on the wheel, tinted windows, and a dumb spoiler on the back. I saw plenty of this Bro growing up in New Jersey, but now he's been showing up a lot in PA!

Truck Driver
I do feel bad for the truckers out there, because living on the road with these other crazies must be maddening. But you think they would be tired of all the bad driving out there and try to set a good example for the rest of us! Not so much. Check out this scene from my afternoon commute yesterday (no one was seriously hurt, I checked):

iCantDrive
I think we're all looking forward to the day that cars can drive themselves, so that we can text all our buddies on the road. Until then, get off your iPhone fool! These texters usually get a thumbs-down from me (no joke) as I zoom past them.

To-Go Meal
The fun part of the morning commute is seeing what people try to get away with on their way to work. Obviously a coffee for the morning drive is essential. I've been known to grab a Pop Tart or a Nature Valley bar (crumbs everywhere) for the road.

But I've also seen people reading newspapers, eating breakfast while driving with their knees (how the heck?), and applying a full set of makeup. I guess you might as well be productive while you're stuck in traffic!

Policeman
This guy is the bully on the block. It's actually pretty funny to watch everyone slow down and switch lanes in fear when he shows up. Even Bro and iCantDrive pretend to act like saints. 

Of course, the rules do not apply to Johnny Law! I have witnessed him turn on those flashing lights to get by traffic, only to turn them off when he's through it. There must have been an emergency call at Dunkin Donuts (sorry I had to).

Throw-shit-at-you-out-the-window-guy
Finally, I will introduce you to my sworn enemy of the road. On a typical bumper-to-bumper afternoon commute home, I had the pleasure of following this clown for a long stretch of the highway. Apparently I was too close for this guy's comfort.

He proceeded to CHUCK HANDFULS OF CHANGE out of his window at me! We're not talking a few pennies, but handfuls of quarters and dimes. If I wasn't in complete shock I would have tried to catch some. And of course he had a kid in the back seat. I hope he wasted all of his change on me and couldn't pay the toll! 

Okay but in all seriousness, be safe out there people, and keep your eyes out for crazy drivers!  --Brian

Isn't he awesome?! Don't you feel like joining his commute? When he first told me about the change-chucker, I was so angry I wanted to track that jerk down! I love Brian for making that crappy commute everyday so he can live with me in PA :-) Have a great weekend, I'm off to get my hair done! Leave Brian some comment love so he wants to come back and guest post for me again soon. 

What's in my Makeup Bag?- Body Edition

Welcome to the Final Edition of What's in my Makeup Bag? This week, I'm going to talk about moisturizers and other body products I like. This post is a bit shorter than the others, since I really don't use a ton of "body" products. Make sure you check out the hair, face, and eye editions I did the last 3 weeks! *By the way, all pictures were taken by me, that way you know I have actually tried out and used these products! This is not a sponsored post, just wanted to share some stuff I've tried! These are merely my opinions and should not be taken as fact.*

Moisturizer and body wash. I recently decided to try out this Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer. I like that it is quick and easy to use, even upside down, but if I really need deep moisturization, like after I've shaved my legs, I always revert to Bath & Body Works cream or lotion; it always does the job well and smells awesome in the process. I also always use the shower gel. I honestly have not used anything else in years! Pink Chiffon is my FAVORITE scent, followed by Rome Honeysuckle Amore (is it just me or does the smell of honeysuckle bring anyone else back to their childhood?). For fall I love and always use Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin, and for winter I always use Vanilla Bean Noel.

After Shave. Alright, I hate talking about this but it needs to be said. After I shave my bikini line, lotion just doesn't cut it. I've used Bikini Zone for years with okay results (there really isn't much else out there so I've always stuck by it). But then one day I bought Brian some of this Neutrogena Men Triple Protect Face Lotion to use after he shaves his face. I forgot my Bikini Zone one time when we went to the lake, and resorted to using Brian's Neutrogena Men Face Lotion, and oh boy, I loved it! It is perfect for the bikini line and is way better than Bikini Zone. Little does he know, I steal his all the time now!

If you have any questions about anything I said, please comment or shoot me an email :-)

What are your favorite body products? Have you used any of these with different results? Let me know in the comments! I hope you enjoyed this mini-series!

Just a Quick Wednesday Pick-me-up

If you need a laugh today, you NEED, yes need, to watch this video. What could be better than a video where Ellen calls 88-year old Gladys who "loves Jesus, but drinks a little"? haha enjoy!!

I Wish I Were Walking on Sunshine

I planned to talk about my car accident today, since I've been wanting to get it off my chest, but honestly this week has been heart-wrenching enough that I just cannot relive that right now on top of it all. So when I saw Whitney at McKenzie Wild had nominated me for a Sunshine Award, it was definitely needed to brighten my day. Thanks Whitney!

1. If you could pick a color to describe your personality, what would it be and why? Hmm I'd say pink, because it's my favorite and I am pretty girly so yea.

2. If you had to pick one clothing designer or store to shop in for the rest of your life what would you choose? TARGET no doubt.

3. Why did you start blogging? Honestly, I wanted a hobby and to meet new people in different walks of life. I've been reading blogs for years, so it was time to start my own.

4. What is your favorite movie or book? My favorite book is probably Emma by Jane Austen. Did you know the movie Clueless was based on this book?! 

5. The best day you have had to date, describe! The best day will be the day I pass the bar exam! (less than 3 weeks til results, fingers crossed *nervous face*)

6. Your LEAST favorite word? Retard/retarded. It is so insulting and hurts real people. Get educated. Stop using this word.

7. What is one thing you have always wanted to do but have yet to accomplish? Nothing big, but probably knitting my first project. I can tell you right now, I am not going to accomplish my September Goal; knitting is hard guys.

8. What is your biggest fear? Spiders. They are truly the most disgusting things in the whole world, and you can't convince me otherwise.

9. Who is your best friend and why? Brian. He has always been there for me through thick and thin and I love him for that (and many other reasons).

10. What makes you "walk" on sunshine?! These bloggers that I am going to nominate for the Sunshine Award (if you've already been nominated that I know of, I won't nominate you again so you don't have to do it twice-- here's looking at you Kelli, Amanda and Whitney, haha):  

• Miranda at Young and In Progress
• Lauren at Going Green: Our Army Adventure
• Stacie at Happiness in Bloom
• Codi at The Art of Balance
• Rachel at Sunshine and Sinatra
• and anyone else who wants to be nominated because all of YOU bring me sunshine.. thanks so much for reading my blog guys, it really does make me happy

The "Rules":

1. Link back to my sunshine award blog
2. Include the sunshine logo in your blog (see above) 
3. Answer the following 10 questions
4. Nominate blogs / bloggers who add a touch of sunshine to your day!

My questions: 

1. What is your favorite dessert?
2. If you could eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
3. If there is one annoying blogger habit you could eliminate, what would it be?
4. What is your favorite season and why? 
5. What is your favorite sports team?
6. When was your favorite birthday party and what did you do?
7. What Harry Potter character do you want to be?
8. If you could have any pet in the world, what animal would you choose?
9. If you could have one wish, what would it be?
10. What's your favorite pizza topping?

Lions and Tigers and Bears

Oh my. I hope you all had a great weekend. Weekend recap time, here goes.

Friday night Mitch was over at our house and wrote that on our chalk wall. In case you can't read it, it says "I don't work on days that end in Y and I still get paid." I don't know where he gets this stuff. Saturday morning I got up early and went to Mitch's soccer game. Then Brian and I went to the market and had a yummy lunch. In the afternoon, we saw the Wizard of Oz in IMAX 3D and it was awesome. I just love that movie and how universal it is that kids and adults alike can watch and love it. Some of my favorite quotes:

Saturday night I spend baking and we watched some movies and QVC Christmas. On Sunday, Schnitzel got himself stuck in the duvet cover (it was hilarious), and my Mom had a Mary Martha (it used to be called Blessings Unlimited) Party, and it was 15 woman talking and eating and spending money on quality and meaningful stuff, I love it. 

Have a happy Monday!

“But I read that soda kills you and Jesus saves”

Whew finally Friday!! So last night Brian and I were supposed to go to trivia at a sports bar called Aroogas with my friend Stephie and her husband but it was cancelled on account of Thursday Night Football which is sad because I love trivia! But we went to Aroogas anyways and ate yummy food. I'm not sure what the point of this story was, except to say I hate when trivia is cancelled!

Anyways, I have a few little life tips for you today that may or may not make your life easier! They're pretty random, but they are just little tips and shortcuts I find helpful in my everyday life.

One. When you're pinning back some hair off your face (like your bangs), put the bobby pin in backwards (push it towards your face) and it will stay all day! This has been a life-changer. 

Two. Ice cubes make great non-fat and free dog treats! Brian first gave them to Hansel and Schnitzel when they were puppies and now we can't even get a glass of water without them running in wanting ice cubes. You'd think we were giving them steak or something!

Three. Putting a paper towel in a sealed bowl of lettuce will keep it fresh for days longer than it otherwise would.

Four. Use foil to get off that stubborn glitter nail polish-- Soak a cotton ball or paper towel in nail makeup remover, then put that on your finger/toe, wrap foil tightly around to hold it in place, then wait. Grip tightly and yank off with a twisting motion, and most should come off. The advice I've seen online is wait 5 minutes, but mine was really stubborn and I had to wait up to 30 minutes for some of my toes, and you may have to do it a few times, but it does actually work.

Five. If you are nauseous or have heartburn, drink some ginger ale. It usually helps!

Six. When in doubt, about anything, watch Gilmore Girls. I swear, that show has all the answers. 

Figured out a way to not lose all those bobby pins? Know how to lose weight and eat whatever you want? Got any other good life tips? Have a great weekend! Linking up with Whitney.

What's in my Makeup Bag?- Hair Edition

Welcome to the 3rd edition of What's in my Makeup Bag? This week, I'm going to talk about hair products I like. Last week I talked about products I like that are specifically for your face, and the week before that I talked about products I like for eyes. Next week is the last week of this mini-series, and I will be talking about moisturizers and other body products. *By the way, all pictures were taken by me, that way you know I have actually tried out and used these products! This is not a sponsored post, just wanted to share some stuff I've tried! These are merely my opinions and should not be taken as fact.*

Shampoo and conditioner. Honestly, I've tried it all. Salon brands, cheap brands, drug store brands, and the jury is still out for me. I have never found any I truly love. If you have any recommendations (I have oily hair but I try to keep the ends moisturized), please let me know! :-)

Dry Shampoo. Again, I've tried it all, expensive brands and drug store brands, and I always come back to baby powder. Obviously this won't work for everybody, but it does for those of us with light hair. It is ultra cheap and so easy to use, I've been using it since high school! I just sprinkle a little in my brush (or straight in my hair if it's really oily), then I brush it through and voila, my hair isn't oily anymore! If I need something a little stronger, this Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Spray is the best I've come across(just the plain kind, not the keratin kind). It is less than $3 (!!) and works better than any other brand I've tried (and believe me, I tried LOTS!).

Heat Protectant. I have only ever tried this L'oreal Paris Color Vibrancy Dual Protect Spray and I've had no issues with it. I spray it on when my hair is still damp, and I feel like it has protected my hair from damage when I straighten it. I will probably buy it again as long as it keeps doing its job!

Repair Serum. I found this at the store one day when I was looking for something to repair the damage to the ends of my hair when I still had my perm (yuck!). I really like this stuff, and use it about once a week. You just put it on the ends of your hair before you go to bed. It's not greasy at all and doesn't leave residue all over your pillow, and it makes your hair really soft!

If you have any questions about anything I said, please comment or shoot me an email :-)

What are your favorite hair products? Have you used any of these with different results? Let me know in the comments! Check back next week for What's in my Makeup Bag?- Body Edition!

This or That? aka Hump Day hates me

So I woke up late for Schnitzel's grooming appt, because I got it confused with my interview time for tomorrow (!!). Then I hit 4 one-lane/one-way roads in the 5 mile drive to the groomer (thanks PA, you are ridiculous). Then I realized [when I threw up] that I took my antibiotic this morning on an empty stomach this morning, and while I was doing that, Hansel ate my granola bar! C'mon Hump Day, I thought we were friends! Anyways when I saw Erin and Whitney were doing a this or that linkup, it was exactly what I needed.


Vacationing in Florida or vacationing in NYC: Depends on the time of year. NYC is close enough though that it doesn't need to be a technical vacay, and we are going to Florida twice in the next 9 months for 2 of Brian's cousins weddings, so I guess I don't need to choose.
iPhone or Droid: iPhone! I am not updating to iOS 7 til tomorrow afternoon tho when the craziness in my life dies down, because the last thing I need is my phone out of commission right now!
NSYNC or Backstreet Boys: If this was 15 years ago I totally would have picked BSB.
Being forced to delete Facebook or being forced to delete Twitter: Facebook
Fireball or Miller Lite: Miller Lite because my tummy hates spicy alcohol, yuck!
Full House or Family Matters: Considering I grew up calling Full House "The Michelle Show," I'd def say Full House!

Dumbledore or Gandalf: Dumbledore, obvi
Dying Easter eggs or Carving pumpkins: I can't pick! Egg dying is less messy, but carving pumpkins has the benefit of pumpkin seeds to eat!
NFL or NCAAF: NFL.. what even is NCAAF?
A hangover forever or sobriety forever: sobriety forever, hands down.
January or July: January. I hate summer heat!
Hannah Montana or Miley Cyrus: Hannah Montana! I miss that show!
Shark Week or Fashion Week: I couldn't care less about either.
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air or Saved by the Bell: Saved by the Bell, even tho looking back, both are pretty sexist dumb
Britney or Christina: Brit Brit, no question.
Burrito or Burrito Bowl: Burrito, yum I love mexican food, I've eaten it at least 7 meals a week for the past who knows how long!
Reading blogs on your phone or reading blogs on your computer: I prefer computer but ain't nobody got time for that (at least, not that often). 
Angelina or Jennifer: Jenn forever. Angelina is ick.
Doug Funny or The Rugrats: Doug! I just love that show.
An open mouth chewer or a heavy breather: Heavy breather. I don't need to see your almost-digested food.
Here's to hoping everyone's Hump Days improve from here on out!

It's okay, it's just a fart

So I grew up in a small town near Aberdeen, Maryland, which is where I went to high school (my town didn't have a high school). Cal Ripken Jr. actually attended my high school, and so did the Henderson brothers who play/played for the Minnesota Vikings. 

Aberdeen Proving Ground is a military base on the edge of town, where they test a lot of explosives. You could often hear and feel them testing explosives even in my town 8 miles away. As a kid, I was freaked out by it all, so my Mom explained the testing to me, and I found this reassuring. Eventually whenever I heard the noise, I'd comfort myself by saying "it's okay, it's just Aberdeen."

Well my aunt, uncle, and cousins were over our house one day. My cousin Ryan (who was always a bit gassy and obnoxious) farted pretty loudly, and innocent little me, not realizing it was a fart, tried to reassure myself and everyone around by saying "it's okay guys, it's just Aberdeen."

*Buh-dump-bump-chhh*

"Monday, Monday, Can't Trust That Day.."

Haha we sang the Monday, Monday song at my 4th grade 60s and 70s chorus concert, along with a lot of other greats. I definitely need to do a post on that concert, because it rocked. Anyways, all weekend I suffered from my terrible allergies, and don't feel so hot this morning, so I'm going to make this short and sweet with a quick picture recap. I'm actually guest posting today over at Yammering Yankee so stop by if you want to find out what Kate Middleton and Jay Z have in common!

Friday night we had ice cream for dinner and went to bed at 9 (#headacheproblems). Saturday we went to my little brother's soccer game where I enjoyed a hot apple cider from Dunkin Donuts, made homemade chex mix, I got to wear one of my new pairs of boots, and Schnitzel played peek-a-boo.

Saturday night we met up with some friends, one of whom I hadn't seen since law school ended (and she brought me Hermione Granger's wand!!), at a yummy Irish pub where I had awesome potato soup and "Blarney Bread," and Brian had Shepard's Pie. Yesterday I literally laid on the couch all day because allergies suck. I hope your Monday is as painless as possible!