Some Questions for You

I've been pondering a few questions lately, and I figure who else it better to ask than all of my wonderful readers.  You haven't led me in the wrong direction before, so why not? 

Here are some random questions I have for you, I'd love to hear your opinion if you've got one...

1. We've watched seasons 1 and 2 of True Blood, but I heard season 3 gets even weirder (if that's possible).  We were planning on Netflixing Season 3, and then getting HBO for the summer to watch Season 4.  Is season 3 worth watching, or is it just too weird?  What did you think?

2. Sticking with the True Blood theme (I swear I'm not obsessed with vampires), have you read the Sookie Stackhouse series?  I'm looking for a good series to get me through the summer, and have heard good things about it, but I'm just not sure.  Should I read them?

3. Do any of you have black wood furniture?  Our bedroom suite is all black painted wood, and all of the dusting products I've tried leave bad smears that take days to go away.  Anyone have any tricks for keeping black furniture dust-free a little longer?  (I should have known better than to buy this furniture.  I love it, but the dust factor is making me CRAZY). 

4. Did you see The Hangover 2?  Originally, we couldn't wait to see it, but given all of the luke-warm reviews, I can't decide.  Should we go see it in the theater or wait for it to come out on DVD?

5.  All of you SoCal girls and frequent CA travelers... which beach is the best to visit for a long weekend?  We're thinking Orange County or Los Angeles beaches, not San Diego.  Feel free to send hotel and restaurant recs as well.  We're trying to plan a beach weekend, but I'm not super familiar with the areas and would rather base it off a personal recommendation that a review online. 

I'd love to hear what you think, so please share your opinions!

Thanks!

Every Weekend Should Be a 3-Day Weekend

Ahh, this weekend was amazing!  I'm not sure about you guys, but I absolutely needed that 3-day weekend, and am feeling completely renewed as I head into the last 9 days of my school year!

We enjoyed a little date night Friday night, a gathering with friends Saturday night, and a cookout at my parents on Sunday night.  We spent the rest of the weekend working around the house, relaxing, and floating in the pool.  It was simple and fun... just what we both needed.

We had amazing weather this weekend, which definitely added to the fun.  With the exception of cooler temps and wind on Sunday, the rest of the weekend was a perfect 90-ish degrees.  Given that we have no humidity here it was the perfect temp to lay in the sun and work on our tans, which we definitely did!

Anyway... here are some other random things I've been meaning to share:

-My sister has given me free reign on all things paper for her wedding!  Planning the invitations, etc. for our wedding was one of my favorite parts, so I a ecstatic to get started on hers.  This will definitely be one of my favorite summer projects...can't wait!

-I made a list of all of the bridal shower/bachelorette/wedding gifts I will need to buy between now and September, and let's just say it was a REALLY LONG list!  I love that we have so much to celebrate this summer, but whew, it's going to get pricey! 

-I hate that I'm loving The Bachelorette!  I swore I wouldn't watch this season, because I really don't like Ashley "the dentist" but the lack of other TV right now definitely drew me in.  Once I watched the premiere I was hooked. 

-I finally finished The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest this weekend, and I absolutely loved it!  I know a lot of people were turned off after the first book, but I have to say the 2nd and 3rd books were amazing.  I'm so glad I've read them all, and now I can't wait to see Swedish version of the movies!

-My class is performing our play for the school and parents next week, and I'm getting really nervous about it.  We've been practicing really hard, and I have all of the songs stuck in my head constantly.  I'm really ready for it to just be over, but really hope that it goes well.  EEK!  

Now I'm going to leave you all with some pics of my darling girls that I've been meaning to share. 

(I know you don't all share my passion for our pups, but my IRL friends and family like to see them, so bear with me).

  

I hope you all had a great weekend! 

Happy Memorial Day!

via Martha Stewart

Sorry for the lack of blogging recently, I've tried to write, but the only thing coming to me is school/job related.  Although I would love to vent and share via my blog and twitter, my anonymity on this blog isn't quite anonymous enough to share about everything I'd like to.

CAhusband and I were planning to escape to the beach for a few days, but we're having absolutely perfect weather here this weekend, so we're going to save the money and go another time this summer once it gets miserably hot in the desert.  I can only assume this will be our last weekend at less than 100 degrees for the next 3+ months, so I'm planning on lots of floating in the pool and reading over the next three days!

I plan to return to my regular blogging next week, I promise!

Enjoy your long weekend everyone, summer is officially here!

My Summer Wishlist

My usual standards (J.Crew, Anthropologie, and Loft) seem to be failing me so far this summer, with nothing too exciting in the June new arrivals.  No worries though, I still have a wishlist full of things I would love to add to my closet this summer.

                             

1. Tolani Breann Print Top 2. Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings in Blue Onyx

3. Tory Burch Leather Viva Shopper 4. Paige Denim Jimmy Jimmy Shorts

What items do you want to add to your closet this summer?

 

Five Friday Faves

With Blogger being down last Thursday night I wasn't able to get my 5 Friday Faves ready for you, but no worries, I'm back this week!

Here are 5 of my favorites this week...

1. Magnum Double Chocolate Ice Cream Bars

Holy cow are these amazing!  I've tried this flavor and the ones with vanilla ice cream, chocolate, and caramel, and they're both really good.  I'm a self proclaimed chocoholic, so I fancied the all chocolate version a little more.  Thank goodness they only come 3 to a box, so you can't go too crazy, but I still only allow myself 1 a week because they are FULL of calories! 

2. Fruit Ninja

I'm not a huge game addict typically, but I have been obsessed with Fruit Ninja ever since we got our iPad.  It's quick, fun, and I'm actually pretty good at it.  LOVE. IT.

3. Pinterest

I've become a pinning addict, and wasted a huge chunk of last weekend pinning things like crazy.

I never knew how big of a time suck Pinterest would be, but I love being able to keep track of my favorite things from around the web in one place.  Do you Pinterest? 

 

4. McDonald's Frozen Strawberry Lemonade

YUMMM, this stuff is so yummy and refreshing!  It is perfect for a hot day, so I see a lot of these in my future this summer.  Have you tried one yet?  Did you love it?

5. Tory Burch Miller 2's

(pardon my old pedicure, I'm going to remedy that this weekend)

I've wanted these sandals since February, and finally snagged them for 20% off during Saks Friends and Family.  The large metal buckle does make them a little uncomfortable at first, but now that I've broken them in I absolutely love them.  Now I want them in black!

I know some of you have played along before, so if you do, don't forget to leave your link in the comments!

What are your favorite things this Friday?

Ranking the Housewives

With the premiere of  The Real Housewives of New Jersey last night CAhusband had the nerve to ask,  "Do you really like those shows?" 

I obviously answered, "yes."  I have loved almost all of the seasons. 

Yes, they're ridiculous.  Does that deter me?  Obviously not.   

Anyway, when CAhusband asked me about liking the housewives I tried to rank them in my head.  It took some thinking, but here they are...

Please note, I left out the Real Housewives of Atlanta.  I've only watched half of one episode, and absolutely cannot tolerate it.  It (and all of the other seasons that have been canceled) have been left out of my list. 

1. Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

The first season of RHBH was wonderful!  I absolutely loved every episode and was so sad to see it end.  I can't wait for a second season.  Lisa and Kyle are my two all-time favorite housewives.

2. Real Housewives of New Jersey

They are the most ridiculous and have the nastiest behavior of the housewives, but oh the drama... it's addicting.  I can't wait to see how this season unfolds with the absence of Danielle and the addition of two new housewives.  After last night's brawl at a baby christening, I don't think it will lack any drama.

3. Real Housewives of New York City

RHNYC was my favorite until this most recent season, and before RHBH. 

I don't enjoy the RHNYC nearly as much without Bethenny there, but they still keep me entertained. 

Ramona's crazy cracks me up, but I really dislike LuAnn and Kelly. 

4. Real Housewives of Orange County

I've never been a huge fan of RHOC for some reason.  I didn't even watch the first few seasons, but am enjoying this one so far.  I can't stand Gretchen or Tamara, but the drama keeps me tuned in. 

Did you watch the RHNJ premiere last night? 

Which season of the Real Housewives if your favorite?

Odds and Ends

Here are some odds and ends for your Monday morning....

-CAhusband and I went to see Bridesmaids on Friday night, and holy cow was that movie funny!  I'd heard such good things about it that I was afraid I was going to be disappointed, but we both absolutely loved it.   It's been a long time since I laughed that hard at a movie.  You should definitely go see it! 


-I've been doing a much better job at limiting my Diet Coke intake lately, but I seriously day-dream about my next one all day long.  It's pathetic. 


-I've watched the Dear Sophie Google Chrome commercial several times since Rachel posted it.  I just keep thinking about how incredibly sweet it is.  When CAhusband got home the other day I made him watch it right away.  For some reason, I fantasized that he would react and say, "Oh that's so sweet, I can't wait to have a baby girl with you someday and do sweet things like that."  Obviously. HE. DID. NOT.  Not even close.... he rolled his eyes and told me I was stupid.  Sigh.


-I have 18 days of school left, and I am barely holding on... like seriously, I'm not sure I can do it.  Our last day is June 10th and I've recently decided that it should be against the law to have school after Memorial Day.  I used to leave for work at 6:40 AM and have now pushed it back to 7:15 AM, I can no longer stand the sight of my classroom, and I think I might lose my marbles the next time I hear someone say, "he cut me"  (in line, not physical cutting).  Don't get me wrong, I love my job and my kiddos, but this teacher needs her summer vacation.


-Given the uncertainty of my job situation at the end of this year, you probably think I'm crazy to be looking forward to the last day of school.  If this thought crossed your mind, you obviously aren't a teacher who has had to struggle to survive the last month of school.


-I am devastated that Brothers and Sisters has been canceled.  I know, it hasn't been quite as good this season, but I really didn't see that coming at all.  I'm really disappointed that it wasn't known well in advance that this would be the last season, because a good heart warming series finale would have been appreciated by all of the loyal viewers.  I suppose the finale did wrap up a lot of the stories, but we didn't find out what's going to happen with Kitty and  her pregnancy.  So sad.


-My good friend Amy finally had her baby boy yesterday!  I've been anxiously awaiting his arrival, and am so excited he's finally here.  Now I just need to see him and his momma as much as I can before they move at the end of the month.  I'm going to be so sad to see them leave. 


I hope your Monday is off to a great start... let's all pray this week goes quickly!!

Love for Something Borrowed

On Mother's Day I went to see Something Borrowed with my mom and friend, Yesenia.  I've been excited to see this movie since the day I heard it was being made, and still consider the book to be one of my all time favorites.  Needless to say, I was thrilled that I actually got to see it on opening weekend.

  

First, I need to say that I don't remember all of the little details from the book.  I read it at least 4 years ago, and can't recall of the small stuff, but I can say that the overall story was the same.  I left the movie trying to recall how it all played out in the book though, and am extremely tempted to re-read it this summer.  Luckily, Yesenia just read it and was able to fill me in on all of the subtle differences.

I absolutely loved the movie, and thought that all of the actors did a really good job.  I loved Gennifer Goodwin as Rachel the most, but John Krasinki as Ethan was a close second.  The story was really engaging, and you couldn't help but root for Rachel and Dex throughout the entire movie.

Obviously, if you made me pick, I would say the book was better, but it always is.  I remember getting really emotionally involved with the characters in the book, which was one of the reasons why I loved it so much.  I didn't quite get as connected to Dex and Rachel's relationship in the movie simply because all of the little things that have to be left out don't allow you to become quite as connected to the characters.

The one thing I do have to say though is that I really didn't care for the way they styled Darcy AT ALL.  I expected Kate Hudson to have an amazing wardrobe and look incredibly chic and beautiful through the entire movie to fit the image of Darcy in the book.  Overall, I though Kate Hudson did a good job of playing Darcy, but her whole look was off.  Her outfits just weren't quite as fabulous as I'd hoped they would be.

Second, I know several people mentioned this on Twitter, but Emily Giffin's cameo on the park bench of her reading Something Blue was so tacky.  It just seemed a little cheesy and definitely should have been left out.

Overall, I wouldn't say it wasn't like award winning by any means, but was right up my alley when it comes to romantic comedies.  I thoroughly enjoyed it, and can't imagine any gal who loves a rom-com wouldn't enjoy it too.

Did you see Something Borrowed?  What did you think?

Five Friday Faves

Yay, it's finally Friday!  I hope that you all had a great weekend, and are looking forward to a fun weekend!

Here are 5 of my favorites this week...

1. Laguna Candle by Voluspa

This candle is heaven in a jar!  I actually love all Voluspa candles, but this one is
my absolute favorite for summer!

2. Capeside Dress, J.Crew

This dress is meant to be a bathing suit cover-up, but I'm totally wearing it as a regular dress too!

It's nothing special, but I can already tell it's going to be my go-to casual dress for running errands in this crazy heat over the summer.  I have the periwinkle, but definitely want to go back and grab at least one more color.

3. The Fleetwood Mac episode of GLEE
In my opinion the last few episodes of GLEE have been pretty uneventful, but this episode was wonderful!
Between Brittany's Fondue for Two and April (Kristin Chenoweth) and Mr. Schuester's version of Dreams, I could watch that episode again and again. 

4. Embellished Linen Sheath Dress, Ann Taylor Loft

I instantly fell in love with this dress at Loft over the weekend, and can't wait to wear it!  I think it's the perfect teacher dress for Chapel days, and I'm sure I'll get plenty of use out of it for some bridal showers this summer too.  Isn't it pretty? 

5. A Week Full of Celebrations

This week is a busy one in my family with so many wonderful things and people to celebrate.

On May 5th my parents celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary!

On May 7th my sister, Molly, will turn 24!

On May 8th we will celebrate our wonderful moms on Mother's Day!

I hope you all have a wonderful Mother's Day weekend!

Stagecoach and Calypso for Target

We had a great weekend here in the desert, and I was so sad to see it end.  CAhusband stayed away from work for most of the weekend, and we had tons of fun.  Here's a little bit of what we were up to....

Stagecoach

CAhusband and I had an amazing time at Stagecoach this weekend.  It was a fantastic country music festival with over 50,000 fans in attendance, and we had a blast.  Saturday night we were able to see Darius Rucker and Kenny Chesney, and Sunday night we were able to see Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts.  There were many other artists there too, but not being a huge country fan, they were the only ones I actually knew.

We didn't get our tickets until the first day of the festival, and ended up scoring some amazing VIP tickets at the last minute. They let us into a special area with seats, nicer bathrooms, and our own food/drink tents that were far less busy than the open festival area.  Given that I'm not much for crowds, I think we definitely lucked out.  I'm not sure I would have enjoyed it nearly as much if we'd been camped out on the ground in the crowds.

The announcement of Bin Laden's death spread quickly through the festival last night, and what better place to celebrate America than at a country music festival full of patriotic fans?  There were some USA chants, and cheers all around.  The news definitely made for some very happy concert-goers.

Overall, there were some wonderful shows, the weather was perfect, and we were finally able to go to one of the huge music festivals in town.  We definitely marked one of the items off of our "Living in SoCal" bucket list!

Calypso St. Barth

I must admit, I'm extremely disappointed with the Calypso St. Barth line for Target.  I had such high hopes for a pretty pale palette and subtle patterns like their traditional line. 

Spring 2011, Calypso St. Barth

I really hoped to grab a sundress or two, and finally find a beach cover-up.  Unfortunately, what we ended up getting had a nearly neon color palette and lots of tie-dye.

Calypso St. Barth for Target

Once I ventured out to Target, I did get to see some of the pieces in person.  Unfortunately our store didn't have very much of it at all, and I wasn't really a fan of what I did see.  I've noticed some other bloggers that have had success though, and I think some of it can look great on.  I think I've decided that the overall color scheme of the line is what isn't really working for me.

I guess I knew they would have to cut corners to keep their cost down, and I wasn't expected amazing fabrics or beautiful beading like their regular line, but I was expecting the overall design to be similar.  Needless to say, I didn't buy anything. 

The little girl stuff did seem quite adorable from what I saw online, but I don't really have any need for pretty little girl tunics, now do I?

I also loved the elephant teapots, and wanted to grab one despite the fact that they don't really go with our house at all. Unfortunately, our Target didn't carry any of the home line.

Did you shop Calypso this weekend?  What did you think?