Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving all!

I ditched classes on Monday and hit the road to Ohio.

I’ve driven the Florida-to-Ohio route a few times: a couple trips in college, when moving to Florida, when going back to Ohio to get married, going back to Florida as a married lady, and then to and fro last Christmas. ... But I never did it ALONE!

(The hubs is somewhere between the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic right now).

Okay, so I was not completely alone.

I had my navigator:

who promptly fell asleep about 30 minutes out of Fort Lauderdale.

Luckily Morgan stepped in, back seating driving a majority of the way.

About two hours into the road trip, it started to get not fun anymore. As much as I love my dogs, they offer sparse conversation.

A few hours later, as darkness fell and I entered Georgia I found the all Christmas music, all the time radio station. Thankfully singing Christmas carols kept me alert and awake enough to make it to Macon for my overnight. (I apologize to Martini-dog and Morgan as my singing ability is on par with their conversation skills).

For all of you road tripping/vacationing with dogs, there is a must-use Web site: Bringfido.com. It lists pet-friendly hotels, restaurants and attraction across the country.

After a night in Georgia and breakfast stop at Chick-fil-a, I was on the road again. An unfortunate one-lane traffic pattern (for 6 miles) and then a tropical storm-like rains in the mountains slowed me down, but when I got closer to Ohio, I saw this:

A blurry rainbow ... A welcome sign?

I crossed over Ohio into rush-hour traffic, but after hours of driving by myself, I was super excited and thankful to be home safe! (Oh, and people in Ohio actually let you over when you have your turn signal on ... eat that Miami!)

Oh, and something exciting happened on my drive north. Remember the baby shower for Christie?

Well, she was induced on Tuesday afternoon, and gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on Tuesday night.

Baby Charlotte. Totally gorgeous.

Stolen from the hospital site, but I had to include a headband photo!

On Wednesdays, my bestie Kelly came over with her new baby … fur-baby that is. Carly, her Boston Terrier pup, and Morgan got along really well. I’m just sad we don’t live closer. It would be awesome to have regular puppy play-dates.

How cute is that coat?

Kelly and I stop in to see baby Charlotte. It was my first post-partum hospital visit ever. It was also my first time holding a newborn ... ever (While I have younger brothers I was too young to have any memories of hospital views or holding them).

Let’s just say I don’t think I’m ready for a baby anytime soon, since I froze when they put Charlotte in my arms. I was too afraid to do anything in fear I might hurt her or place her in the wrong position.

Plus, on the way to the hospital, Kelly told me babies sense fear, which made me even more nervous. Luckily, Baby Charlotte is polite and such a sweetheart that she barely stirred as I held her (I think she even gave me a smile).

My brother came in from Chicago last night and we drove to our lake house. We have five dogs and five people in a little cabin (my other brother is working/studying abroad in London). But it’s been great sitting around all day, watching the parade, and the dog show (nerd, I know) and then football all afternoon.

Once I checked my email this afternoon I had even more exciting news. My friend Michelle and her man are engaged!!!!

Stolen from FB, but Michelle looked so pretty I couldn't not post it.

So, as I am getting ready to celebrate with my family, I just want to say how grateful I am for everyone in my life. Despite not being completely in love with my living situation, this time apart from friends and family has made me become even more appreciative of them.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Hair-story

I have attempted three other posts, but I haven't been able to complete them. Perhaps it's my multitude of finals and quizzes plaguing me, or maybe it's the fact that the hubs is about to leave for the season (I get to see him at Christmas, which a only a crazy few weeks away, but I sort of liked having him around all the time :) ...)

But as any writer knows as they are facing writer's block, write what you know. And all I know is this home-girl needs a haircut! Well, a bang cut. What are these?

Every time I mention my bangs the hubs says, (middle column, 8th quote down).

Not helpful.

This will be my first professional haircut since oh, um, February 2010 when I did this:

Yes, that is my real hair

Unfortunately for you, photos from my high school days are under lock-and-key. Those of us in high school in the late 90s, probably remember the Sun-In obsession.

I had always wanted to be of lighter hair color, so I followed the trend. But what happens to dark brown hair with a cheap spray-in hair lightener? It turns orange.

So years later, when I had the opportunity I decided to go lighter, professionally.

I only lasted two months, and once I went back to black, I wanted to make an attempt to grow it out for my wedding. I EPICALLY failed and wore faux-hair.

HairDo Wrap-Around Pony

HariDo Chignon

Before I met my husband, I always had long hair. But a year out of college, I started working a corporate job, and I felt like I was conforming too much, too soon. So I did what any rebel-Yuppie would do: I chopped my hair.

In the middle with Mecs and Shan.

It was modeled after Mrs. VB herself.

My then-boyfriend (now the hubs) mentioned the ‘do reminded him of fellow South African Charlize Theron’s hair from Aeon Flux.

So what does any all-American girl who is trying to impress a handsome foreigner with an cute accent? I went even shorter:

And when Mark and I began dating, we would fly every weekend to see each other. My flights usually had super-short layovers. During one trip, foot traffic in the airport was re-routed and everyone had to re-enter through security to get to another terminal. I was late for my connecting flight, so I stood in line, cursing under my breath, throwing items into a bin, and quickly walked through security (you can’t run, as I learned at a later date and during a different story). As I picked up my items, a woman behind me told me, “Cute haircut.”

I thanked her curtly, barely glancing at her. I didn’t even bother with my shoes as I sprinted through the airport. My flight was delayed, but finally when we finally boarded I saw the pilot: the woman who liked my hair … and I had been a bit rude too. I was so embarrassed. After I sat down a flight attendant came over to me.

“The pilot has something to ask you,” she said.

I thought she was going to say something about relaxing and being kind to people. Instead she asked, “Where did you get your hair cut?”

Whew! (By the way, it was Greg at Mitchell’s Salon and Day Spa in Kenwood, Ohio, but I don’t know if he even works there anymore).

After the wedding I was about to cut it again, I realized the hubs has never seen me with my long locks.

When longer, my hair is naturally wavy. Actually I should clarify, it waves ... just one. And itholds nothing, as my curling efforts are often in vain. So when a friend in college had a short bob with really slight perm in it (think beachy-waves that are popular now) and it looked super cute, I went to the hair salon and asked for a perm with the loosest waves possible.

Unfortunately the style didn't transfer well to longer hair, and I ended up looking like Ashley Simpson, pre-nose job:

Rememba when ...

Sick of being compared to her, I decided to start-over. I stripped my hair and cut it short. The next day, I opened People, only to open it up and see this photo:

My hair was dead-on this 'do

A week later I was back to black.

Okay, so that about all to my hair-story. The long and the short of it, I need a cut. I would like to do something fun for the holidays, but one of my besties is getting married in June, and I haven’t figured out a hairstyle to wear yet, so I’m keeping it longer in the meanwhile. Though I guess I can always sport one of my faux-dos.

Products with Purpose

The only thing I LOVE more than a great buy (aka a sale!) is a product that does good. With Breast Cancer Awareness Month heading on the out, we’ve all noticed, and perhaps participate in, purchasing PINK for a purpose.

KitchenAid has a whole selection of products, all in pink!

Perhaps I’d cook more in a pink-accessorized kitchen (hear that hubs?)

Don’t like to cook? No problem there are a ton of other products that donate proceeds to breast cancer research or awareness. A few years back I bought a pair of this pair of New Balances:

They have multiple pairs this year (along with other accessories), but I sort of like this:

I'm not a runner, so I will not be paying $144 for a pair of gymmies, but this products has two good causes: breast cancer awareness (5% of the retail price goes to Komen for the Cure) AND the product is MADE IN THE USA! (They are actually the ONLY major shoe manufacturer still domestically producing products ... sad, huh?) They also offer free shipping for any Lace Up for the Cure purchase.

Sephora also has a whole bunch of cosmetic goodness; in more ways than one. Each participating brand will donate a portion of the proceeds to organzations that raise awareness for and find a cure.

Only $14?! Yes please!

Sephora also has The Sephora Project which lists specific products and their causes.

Even the NFL is getting in on the action.

What better way to sport your favorite team, a good cause, while still looking like a girl in sports gear?

Other products:

Essie Limited-Edition Polish, $8

AnnTaylor.com, $58

70% of the proceeds go to the Breast Cancer Research Fund

e.l.f., $3

They are donating 100% of all profits from the sale of the Glitter Gloss in Twinkle Pink and Glossy Gloss in Wild Watermelon to the Breast Cancer Research Fund.

13 Nights of Halloween

Last night was suppose to kick off ABC Family’s 13 Nights of Halloween. It started with a Pretty Little Liars marathon. I've never watched the show until yesterday, and I have to say I may have been drawn in and I may or may not be watching the new season come 2012. ...

However, tonight begins the movies. While I probably won’t be changing my plans to be home to watch every movie, I like the fact that if I want to watch a Halloween-themed/scary movie, there is one on TV. (I’m even worse with Christmas-themed movies.)

Some of my faves:

Hocus Pocus. (Once a SJP fan, always a SJP fan)

Beetle Juice

The Nightmare before Christmas

Others listed: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (the original is actually a bit too creepy for me ... and of course I prefer anything with Johnny Depp), and Monsters, Inc.

I know since it's on the Family Channel, real scary movies (Blair Witch, The Ring, Paranormal Activity, Scream, The Haunting in Connecticut, The Exorist, etc.) aren't included. But I'm not about to go out and rent these, as I feel I only have enough guts to watch some of the above with commercial breaks to still be able to sleep soundly.

For a full line up (you’ll thank me when you are channel surfing with nothing to watch) go here

Also, in the theme of Halloween, I was perusing through Pinterest (both the best thing that has happened to my creative mind and the worst thing to happen to my time management skills) and picked out some of my favorite Halloween décor:

I would LOVE to do this.

Beautiful for an entryway. And I LOVE the bats!

Again with skulls. (This is homemade too).

How cute!

And of course, since I live in Florida

Skull Candy

I’ve been a bad blogger lately as I’ve been consumed with post-show exhaustion.

But it’s almost mid-October, and I am counting down the days until one of my favorite holidays: Halloween!

Any holiday that makes it mandatory to receive and eat candy without repercussions is good in my book. (All the diet commercials start after the Thanksgiving and Christmas indulging Halloween is still in the safe zone). Besides eating candy and dressing up, I love Halloween because of the decorations.

Many of you are unaware of my slight obsession with skulls.

Even Martini-Dog isn't immune from the obsession.

The day after Halloween is All Souls Day here in the States, but it’s also the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) in Mexico,

where there is a celebration, parades and, the root of my love-affair, decorated sugar skulls:

For some reason I have an obsession with this holiday, and when I found out a woman in my class is from Mexico, I was just short of attacking her with questions about the holiday.

Okay, back to skulls. I was at Target a few weeks ago while all the Halloween décor was still being set up. I walked down the aisle and found this:

It lights up!

I totally would have registered for this stuff.

I practically had a heart attack. I didn’t buy anything as I have a strict policy not to buy decoration until the month of the holiday. But now it’s October, I might have to go back.

A grey skull cookie jar goes with the neutral costal décor of our apartment, right?

And salt and pepper shakers ... a bit much?

Honestly, I really want a Day of the Dead tattoo:

Don't worry mom, since I’m not Mexican, I don't feel right getting one.

But maybe a tribute to Martini-dog?

Adopt A Pet Month

Happy October y'all! I’m been super busy with school and this week is the final week of my competition prep!

We all know that October is the month to save the ta-tas, but it’s also Adopt-A-Pet Month. So allow me a bit of a PSA.

This is a cause very dear to my heart as two of my lovelies are rescues:

Martini-Dog

Morgan

While shelter dogs get the spotlight, there are other types of shelter animals as well including cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, etc.

If you are thinking of getting a pet, please check out your local shelters, rescues and even Craigslist as it often has pets for adoption or highlights animals on “death row.” (If you are meeting a private owner, have someone go with you to meet the pet if you choose this route).

Not into pavement specials? While there are local pedigree rescues, due to the economic downturn local shelters may also have owner-surrendered purebred breeds. (Actually, 25 to 30 percent of dogs in shelters are purebred!)

Obviously adopting a pet is a big commitment, and the worst thing would be to adopt a pet and have to bring it back to the shelter because it was too much to handle. Sometimes being a responsible pet owner means not owning a pet. So make sure you have the time and resources if you are thinking of this option.

But there are other ways to help:

Donate to your local shelter. Not only do they need money, but food donations, toys, towels, etc. Call and find out specifics needs. Also volunteer time: to socialize, to exercise, to walk and to clean out the temporary homes of the animals.

Donate to an animal. You may not have the ability to adopt a pet. There are plenty of shelter animals that have special needs or are in need of surgery or other expensive medical treatments to help make them adoptable. This cost money. Sometimes local shelters or petfinder.com will have specific animals that you can donate to their medical needs.

Foster. Local shelters and rescues need foster parents; both “families” that have pets (socialize) and those that have no other pets (special needs). This is a lot of work, but temporary and can be flexible (if you are taking a vacation, sometimes the organization will make arrangements for the animal rather than you having to worry about it).

You can also foster military pets when their pet-parents are deployed (anywhere from three to 13 months). Organizations like Guardian Angels for Soldier’s Pet offer this option. Don’t you want to be a apart of this:

Support. Support local pet adoption events. Many times shelters and rescues have walks, runs, festivals, etc. You don’t have to have a pet to participate. Call a friend who does or brave it yourself. Earlier this year the hubs and I spent a Saturday morning at a one-mile dog walk and festival. It was fun being around so many pet lovers and just a good change up to the usual Saturday morning routine. And I think the dogs had fun.

The big event

new friend

The hubs with the pups

Water break

If you have a pet, there are a great number programs to help promote pet ownership such as therapy dog programs (in hospitals and/or schools) and volunteering your time and your rescued pet at adoption events.

Pets bring a lot of benefits such as lower blood pressure, lower stress levels, lower chance of depression (or help with treatment) as well as increase physical activity and socialization.

... And don't forget to microchip and spayed and neuter your animals :)

Pre-Loved

This weekend was a bit exciting, as Mark and I bought a new (to us) car!

Okay, let me rewind a bit to about two weeks ago when Mark received his social security card. Bright and early last Saturday morning we walked into our bank and asked to get a credit card (from an American bank) for Mark. Since his social security number was brand spankin’ new, the bank told us even the most basic card was unlikely.

Impatient, Mark asked what he could do to build his credit score now. The personal banker suggested buying a car with financing, and paying it off in a year. Our immigration lawyer also suggested purchasing a vehicle, but for the purpose of proving our relationship. While having adding another bill didn’t seem worth it to prove our marriage, we want a house someday in the very nearer future, and you can’t really do that without a credit score.

So that afternoon Mark (who had been researching cars for months) found one in Fort Myers, and seeing as we were headed to Bonita Springs the following day, we thought we’d take a look.

We ended up at the dealership right before closing, and I literally drove the car off the lot, down the street and back on to the lot. We spent this past week obtaining and providing documents, transferring my car’s title into my name from my dad’s and trying to get last-minute insurance since the car was released from under my father’s insurance umbrella (Thank you to PJ at Geico for providing a tremendous amount of help to us on an early Saturday morning).

Finally on Saturday afternoon, around 5 p.m. we drove off the lot with a new car.

…. And quickly returned to the dealership when we realized we left our house keys on the trade-in’s key ring.

Seeing as Mark has a motorcycle and relatively easy-access to the yacht’s crew car and well as him being gone for half the year, we decided we didn’t need two vehicles and trading my little Hyundai Tucson in was the best solution.

I bought my 2005 Tucson brand new. I spent weeks researching cars, and I was so proud of myself for settling on that one. It has lots of room for a small SVU, tons of cargo space (I used it to move about 10 times), awesome gas mileage and a good warranty. Not to mention, I only had it in the shop once, besides the required routine maintenance.

I was super sad to see the Tucson go as we’ve had lots of memories together.

Goodbye Tucson! I loved you!

It made the Dayton to Daytona trip and back twice. It transported many of Theta Phis and roommates around Dayton (especially to Carmel’s). I sobbed cried in it, driving all the way home on my graduation day. (Leaving UD was probably one of the saddest days of my life so far.) It moved me to Columbus for my first “big girl” job, then back home, then to a new apartment, back home again, to another place and finally to Miami. I drove it to pick up Martini, and a couple years later I drove it to dropped off Mark after our first date. Later I drove it home to get married. Mark drove it back to Miami, full of wedding gifts, and ready to begin our new life together. We picked up Morgan in it. I spent many a frustrated mornings in rush-hour traffic attempting to get to school. … I could go on.

I know the Landie will be the one I will drive home after my last day of class and after I take my boards (possibly crying since I'm sure the exam will bring me to tears). It will move us to a new location (New city? New state?!). I will drive to my first day of work (possibly to my own business). We will drive around looking for our future house in this vehicle. It will most likely be the automobile that will hold children's car seats (… in the very far future, let’s not get too crazy).

I know that this new car is going to be wonderful, but moving forward is sometimes a bit bittersweet.

In memory: Hyundai Tucson 2005 - 2011