Thoughts on Fall TV

We are solidly into Fall TV and while I always think there are going to be a ton of new shows I love, there usually aren't. Here are a few that I am LOVING and a few that I thought I would love, but aren't panning out.

LOVING:

This is Us. Is there anyone who isn't watching this show? I think it is just incredible, so well written and beautifully acted. I loved the big twists at the end of the first two episodes (won't say anything if you haven't seen them yet) and can't wait for more. Have you watched it? What do you think?

Pitch. A fictional show about the first female professional baseball player. The first episode had a big twist at the end that I really didn't see coming. It made me sad, but then made me like the show more. It shows the struggles the main character has gone through and her struggles in the male-dominated world of baseball. It's good, you guys. And bonus: Mark-Paul Gosselaar is in it and cute as ever!

LIKING:

American Horror Story. This has been one of my favorite shows, but this season is taking a while to heat up for me. I'm not hating it at all, but I'm waiting for something crazy.

THOUGHT I'D LOVE, BUT AM NOT:

The Good Place. Sigh. I had *such* high hopes for this show. I love Kristen Bell, and Ted Danson, but this show just isn't doing it for me. I can't quite put my finger on why, but it's just not worth watching for me.

American Housewife. As of the time I'm writing this there has only been one episode. This is another show I had high, high hopes for. The pilot, however, focused solely on the main character's body insecurities, and trying to find someone bigger than her so that she wouldn't be the second fattest housewife in town. Ugh. Maybe I'm too sensitive to it, but there was a line when they were talking about a plus sized woman, and the husband said "Yeah, there's no getting around her on the sidewalk." Eww. There is so much more to being a mom and a housewife than berating yourself for not being a size zero. Let's talk about it. Give me a show about that. I don't know, I'm going to give this show a few more chances, but I hope the body issues are not the only focus of the show. Fingers crossed.

What are YOUR thoughts?? Please, let me know. Any amazing shows that I'm missing??

Gone but not forgotten.

...cancelled TV shows, that is. ABC cancelled one of my favorite shows ever, Nashville. The reason for the cancellation, according to ABC president: "At the end of the day, we didn't feel that even though Castle andNashville were wonderful shows and good performers for a long time, the future for us didn't lie in those shows." Um....I don't get it. Nashville had consistent and loyal viewers from the beginning (self included) and I am incredibly sad to see it go, especially after the big cliffhanger it left us with. 

There is hope, though. Lionsgate tweeted this after the series finale: #Nashies What a cliffhanger! But we won’t leave you hanging. There's more story to be told. #BringBackNashville

Sounds like confirmation that they're bringing it back, right?? Fingers and toes crossed.

And now for some of my others favorite shows that have been cancelled, and are gone but not forgotten:

Pushing Daisies. This was a quirky, little show about a pie maker who could bring back the dead, by touching them. Super weird, but I loved it. Alas, it was cancelled after a few seasons.

Smash. A musical dramedy. Incredible music, and I loved all of the storylines. I really miss this one! I have listened to the album over and over and over. And funnily enough, one of the actors on Smash, Will Chase (he played the character who played Joe DiMaggio in the Marilyn musical) was on Nashville as Luke Wheeler. He has a great voice!

Ugly Betty. This show had a pretty good, little run, but still I wanted more. It was a fun show, with a great heart.

Those are some of my favorite cancelled shows. What are some of YOURS???

Thoughts while getting a massage...

Tony and I recently got massages at this awesome new place in town. One hour of foot reflexology, and a half hour full body massage. It was blissful. But I find whenever I get a massage I can't shut my brain off, no matter how hard I try. Some random thoughts that went through my head:

Ahhhhh......
I hope my masseuse likes me.What if they don't like meThey have no reason not to like me......Random song stuck in my head all of a sudden: Ghost by Ella HendersonAhhhhh........
Oh my goodness that feels so good!
Don't stop!!!!
I wonder how much time I have left...?
I hope I'm not drooling.
"Give up thew ghost, give up the ghost...."
I want if their hands ever get tired.
What if they have someone with bad b.o. Like really bad? I don't think I could power through that.
Random song stuck in my head all of a sudden: Spring, Spring, Spring - from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Ahhhhhh.....
Don't ever stop!
Oh my gosh, stop thinking and relax!
"April showers will come, so they say. But they don't - and it's May!"
Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!
Time's up?! When can I come back again?


Are you able to shut off your mind and relax when you get a massage?

My Top 10 Pet Peeves

We all have those little annoyances. Things that aren't really a big deal, and shouldn't bug you but they do. Pet peeves. Here are my top ten.

1. People waiting for parking spots. Especially at Costco. People do it everywhere, but especially at Costco and it kills me. If you parked at the farthest parking spot, and walked in it would still be quicker than waiting for someone to unload their massive Costco cart, and get their kid(s) in their seat(s) and get out. KILLS ME!

2. When I have a Pandora station on, and they don't play any songs by the artist I've chosen. ie: When I've got my Gavin DeGraw station on, and they don't play any Gavin DeGraw in the 30+ songs I've listened to.

3. Smudging nails I've just painted. Argh.

4. People who never use their blinkers when they drive. So rude. And dangerous.

5. People that don't put shopping carts back where they belong at the store. I always see people put carts near where they belong, but not where they actually go. Like it will actually kill them to walk the extra foot and put it back in the right place.

6. When a book starts out great but doesn't end that way. I recently read Pretty Girls, and was sucked in right away. And then it took a turn for the very dark and very disturbing. I can handle a little bit of dark, and a little bit of disturbing but this was too much. I actually had nightmares from this book.

7. People who take up two parking spots. I can't believe how often I see this. WHY?!?!

8. When people call San Francisco Frisco. Or when people refer to California as Cali. I cringe so hard with both of those. It really is like nails down a chalkboard to me.

9. When a book becomes a movie, and then they change the book cover to the movie poster. No, just no.

10. When I hold the door open for someone and they don't thank me, or even acknowledge me. What happened to manners, people?!

What are YOUR pet peeves?? Let me know I'm not the only crazy who has them! ;)

Fall is here!

Happy first day of fall!

Musical Memories

It's funny how our senses can be connected to certain memories. I know some people have strong scent memories, and I do too. If I smell the combination of cigarettes and leather it brings me instantly back to an unpleasant memory. Or if I smell the perfume "Youth Dew" by Estee Lauder I am instantly reminded of my Grandma. Some people have taste-related memories. Me? One of my strongest and most vivid memories is connected to the song "Chariot" by Gavin Degraw.

It was a Tuesday night in mid-November, 2005. Tony and I had been married for just about a month. I remember it was a Tuesday because our dog Ramon had his puppy classes on Tuesday nights at PetSmart. We were both at his class that night, and when we walked out we saw a Christmas tree lot across the parking lot. We walked over, SO excited to get our first Christmas tree together. Our eager puppy Ramon, (who just celebrated his tenth birthday in July) dragged us via his leash the entire way. We looked at trees forever, arguing over what type to get. Tony wanted a big, beautiful Noble Fir, I wanted a sad looking Charlie Brown tree. (Still an argument I have with my family every year when picking out a Christmas tree.) After much debate we settled on a tiny tree, one that would fit on top of our tiny little kitchen table. It seemed perfect for our tiny little family, celebrating our first married Christmas together.

When we walked back to our car, which was our first big purchase ever, a 2001 Mitsubishi Montero. (Man, I loved that car!) we strapped the tiny tree to the roof, instead of popping it into the trunk or the backseat, where it would have easily fit. It somehow seemed more grown up to do that. When we got inside the song "Chariot" came on the radio and I told Tony how much I loved it. We stopped at Target right then and there (after the song was done) so I could buy the whole Chariot cd.

To this day anytime that song comes on I am instantly transported back to that night. Not that there was anything particularly remarkable about it or anything, but it sticks in my head as a bit of a special night. A reminder of a simpler time.

Life is great now, just so much busier. Anytime I feel like the craziness of life is starting to get to me, I pop that song on and am brought back.



Do YOU have any songs that connect you to a memory? What about scents or tastes?

My current MUST-have item (and it's only $12!) ....and what's in my makeup bag

So, my pouf (my makeup bag) holds all of the essentials I can't possibly be without at any given moment.

But, let's say I was on a desert island (or "Survivor") and could only pick one. That item, hands down would be my Paula's Choice lip and body treatment balm. It is so unbelievably moisturizing and fixed my cracked, dry, winter lips overnight. I also use it on my cuticles (it can be used anywhere on the body) but it stands out as the most incredible lip product I've ever used! I currently use all of Paula's Choice products for my skin and have noticed such a tremendous improvement. I can't recommend her products enough. If you want to try anything for yourself, use THIS link for $10 off of your first purchase (full disclosure, I'l get $10 off my next purchase too. This isn't a paid post, though, I just really want to share how much I love her products!)

Anyways, I want off on a tangent there. Other things I love to always have with me:

• 2 different lipstick shades. One red, one nude. I always have Parris (or Truck 12, sometimes both) and Coco with me.
• Lindsay lipgloss. It's a peachy, seashell nude that is gorgeous on it's own, but also beautiful when paired on top of a darker color.
• Korres face powder. It's great for touch ups, and this one doesn't clog my pores. It's actually on sale right now!
• Hand sanitizer. I'm not picky on what kind.
• Nicole by OPI cuticle oil to go. Cuticle oil that's perfectly packaged to take with you, and won't make a mess.
• Hair ties. I love the soft ones like this, you can get them anywhere, but since my girls and I seem to go through a ton of them I make mine.
• Perfume sample. That one is the new Tory Burch fragrance.
• Nail file. Again, I'm not picky what kind, as long as it's cute and gets the job done!
• My pouf, which is my actual makeup bag. I am obsessed with these - perfect size!

What's in YOUR makeup bag??

Monogram Crazy

For as long as I can remember I've been obsessed with letters. I don't really doodle little drawings, I doodle letters and words, and monograms. I'm obsessed with monograms. Big time, and lately I'm finding myself even more obsessed with monograms than usual.

Here are some of my favorites:

Click the small pictures below to shop any of my picks.

monogram crazy by glitterandglossblog featuring 

What do you think? Are you a fan of monograms? xo!

Tangerine Tango

Tangerine Tango is Pantone's color of the year. I'm a fan.

1. Hayden by Julep {comes off much brighter than it appears in the picture}
2. Hot Orange patent Robinson clutch by Tory Burch
3. Kitchenaid stand-up mixer
4. Belmont roller bag by Z Gallerie
5. Kiss Me Coral lipstick by Revlon
6. Cordani wedges
7. Design Sponge at Home

What do you think of the color of the year? What's your favorite color?

Confessions

confession:  I've made THIS soup twice in the last two weeks. It's amazing and so easy. I add some fresh green onions and turkey bacon on top. Yum.


confession: The girls and I have gone to the drive-thru Starbucks in our jammies way too many times in the last week.


confession: I have a ridiculous to-do list. Instead of tackling some of the things on that list when I get really stressed out I play on the computer.


confession: I'm glad that Boardwalk Empire, Dexter and The Walking Dead have all had their season finales.  I've been having a hard time falling asleep on Sunday nights.....


confession: We're throwing a ton of parties now through March. It stresses me out, but I kind of thrive on party-throwing stress.


confession: I hate confrontation. With a passion. I'm pretty wimpy (though I try to talk tough) and I back down all the time, even when I know I'm right. I'm dealing with a bit of a confrontation right now, and I feel physically ill over it. I want to scream "Can't we all just get along?!"


confession: I went Christmas shopping at Old Navy and ended up with more things for me than for others. Whoops.


confession: I've listened to Wham's "Last Christmas" approximately 500 times so far this season.


confession: I'm running out of ideas and places of where to put our elf, Patches. He needs to be up high to keep him away from Ramon and Gianna. Hmm....


So....what's on your mind? xoxoxo!

Tell me I'm not the only one....

I saw this on Pinterest and laughed so hard.  This is what I do every night that Tony is working.  I've got it down to a science. Walk in my room. Turn on the TV so there's some light. Turn off the main light, go into the bathroom turn on that light. Brush teeth, go potty, wash hands, turn off bathroom light.  Then I ninja dive into bed (so my feet don't have to touch the ground.)  In mostly darkness (still have a little light from the tv) I plug in my phone, put on lip balm and hand cream.

Who else has seen way too many scary movies and is with me on this one? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

I call this my bling finger....

If you know me well, you know that I am obsessed with nail polish, nail art - basically all things nails.  Some people think the nail art/nail polish craze is a new thing, but I think with Pinterest, and blogs people who have loved it for years are now just getting to show it off!  I ordered a fun Konad nail stamper and two plates (1, 2) and they came today.  Obviously I had to try them out.  I used white nail polish with the leopard stamp and it turned out way less than awesome. Leila was watching my every move and said "I know what you need - nail jewels." So I added one nail jewel. I liked the way it looked, but Leila asked me to add another, then another, then another.......now we're back to less than awesome.

Want to see my lame first attempt at nail art?  Here goes.....

Nail Fail.

Seriously, it was cute when it was just the white leopard print with one jewel.  Oh, well.  I can see lots of random nail art in my future.  The nail polish is OPI's Road House Blues and the white I used to stamp the leopard on is Zoya's Snow White. If you want some nail bling you can get it here and if you're interested in Konad Nail Stamping, check out some tutorials here!

Here's how my revised nails look now. A tad better. Color on the ring finger is OPI's Simmer & Shimmer if you're interested.

Have a great week, friends!

Craving Fall

Is anyone else officially over Summer?  I'm ready for cardigans, pumpkin spice lattes and chilly days.  Here is my ideal outfit for Fall 2011.  (The gorgeous Evy's Tree Diana wrap will be available September 2. Click any of the items to see where you can directly purchase them.

Craving Fall by afdjewelry featuring pocket jeans

So, what are you looking forward to most this Fall??

Random thoughts from a happy weekend

Hey Friends! I hope you all had a happy weekend - we sure did! On Friday night Leila had her first sleepover at my brother and sister-in-law's house.  Did I tell you they bought a house less than a mile away from us, and just got a puppy? YAY!!  Leila loved every single second of her sleepover, and even cried when we got there to pick her up. Haha!

Our tomato plants (all nine different varieties) are going crazy, and we needed something to do with them, so Tony and I made mushroom bolognese, but instead of canned tomatoes we used garden tomatoes and crushed them up.  It was amazing, but next time we make it we will probably double or even triple the garlic. I highly recommend it, though.

To use up some more of those tomatoes we also made pomme frites with homegrown ketchup. In a word: yum.  FYI, though - the ketchup makes a ton. I canned and froze three jelly jars, and kept one jelly jar in the fridge.  Another recipe I highly recommend!

This morning we took a long walk downtown and saw a poster for a children's play of Beauty and the Beast at our local theater. Tony got all excited and asked if he could take Leila on a daddy-daughter date to see it.  It was sweet to see his excitement, because he hates plays, especially musicals (where I, on the other hand can't get enough of them!)  They took off for a surprise date, and both loved every single second of it!

Don't forget that today is the last day to enter the Whisker Graphics giveaway! Winner will be announced tomorrow.

Tell me - what was your favorite part of the weekend? xo!

You Asked, I Answered (part two)

Part two :)

Blanca said...I agree that I'd love to hear about any blogging tips you may have. I blog as a way to not forget those special memories and I jot down ideas that I have. I don't have any followers and that doesn't make me sad because I would only want people to follow along if they reallly wanted to not "just cuz". Hey Blanca! I answered some of those in part one and also want to add to blog whatever is on your mind, no matter how random it may be.  Some of the most random bits of useless information floating around my head are the most-viewed posts I've done. :)   Also, I would love to know what kind of parenting tips or tricks you have. It's always fun to hear other normal moms thoughts, not moms who think their better than other moms.  Oh gosh - not sure I have any advice, just do the best you can, and try to "let go."  Gianna is crazy wild (quite the opposite of Leila!) and I had to let go of the idea that she'd be just like Leila - calm, content, etc. and go with the fact that she has a lot more energy and we have to let her get her energy out! Often times we'll go to the park and just let her run around the open field.  Haha - she's like a puppy! I'm certainly not a perfect mom, but I do the best I can. At times I definitely get frustrated and yell at the girls.  After that happens, when all is calm again I always make sure to let my girls know how much I love them.   I also love knowing if the blogs I follow or etsy shops I shop at are support our troops. My husband and I are both US Marines and it's so nice to hear that other people all over the place still support what we're doing. Thanks so much to both you and your husband for what you do! I used to make a "Military Pride" necklace, and with all of the money made from the necklaces sold we put together care packages to send to our troops - we did it through Any Soldier.

 

mel @ the larson lingo said... 1. What made you get into handstamped jewelery? Was it a hobby first & then a business? I got a necklace with Leila's name on it as a gift from a well-known stamped jewelry maker. I liked it, but was underwhelmed with the look and design for the price that was paid for it. I got a cheapo leather-stamping set at a hardware store and some practice sheets of copper and started playing around with it. Once I got better I ordered a much nicer kit and some sterling silver pieces and started the jewelry business :) 2. If your girls would have been boys, what would their names have been?  Leila would have been "Theodor Anthony" (Teddy) and if Gianna was a boy her name would have been Evan - not sure on the middle name. 3. What is your dream vacation spot? With kids? Without kids? With kids - Disney Bahamas Cruise! Without kids - Mediterranean Cruise.  I'm a big fan of cruises!

 

jolene's spot said...Hey! I love your blog, I just never comment:) I wanted to know if you had any make up recommendations for people with very sensitive combination skin? {I answered Jolene more in-depth via email, but here are some more sensitive skin makeup recs!)  For foundation I'm a big fan of Bare Minerals, but only in the cooler months. For some reason it makes my skin itch like crazy when I get hot.  In the Summer I use Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer and LM secret camouflage  concealer.  The biggest tip I have for ANY skin type is to use sunscreen (minimum of spf 30) every single day!!

 

Kristin said... Celebrity crushes?  Alexander Skarsgård, David Beckham, Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper - yum!!  Favorite color? pink!  Favorite song? "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" by Wham! Favorite place to shop?  Nordstrom and Target Favorite material thing? My turquoise Marc Jacobs Venetia Bag

Matt & Tara said...  out of all your tattoos, which spot hurt the worst? the big one on my back - took over three hours and every minute hurt! i am with mel...if your girls would have been boys what would have been their names? Teddy and Evan :)

Adrienne emailed...You are so creative and love your sense of style. Thank you :) Do you have any recommendations when it comes to decorating for weddings? Or any blogs you would recommend that are wedding based? YES! I am *obsessed* with this photography blog.   Every wedding and engagement shoot has a beautiful vintage feel.  Check out my friend, Candace's wedding - it might be the most beautiful I've ever seen!  Style Me Pretty has also featured some really gorgeous vintage-inspired weddings.  Aaron and I are going for a vintage feel at our wedding- with canning jars, bird cages, old hardback books, typewriters, etc. Any suggestions to make our wedding fabulous!? It sounds like it is going to be amazing!!  Can't wait to see it!  Are you on Pinterest? (If not I'll send you an invite)  Type "vintage wedding" into the search engine and you will definitely find inspiration!

Kristin said...  Ok, one more question. It's kind of a silly vain one, but one of my last questions was too, so oh well. I want to know your favorite lipstick: I don't wear lipstick very often, but when I do I'm a fan of "Hug Me" and "Pink Plaid" both by MAC.  lip gloss: "Chihuahua" and "Pillow Talk" both by Nars and "Banana" and "Cotton Candy" both by Stila.  eyeshadow: you cannot go wrong with *any* eyeshadow by Stila - they are the best, but the colors I think everyone should own are "Kitten", "Oasis" and "Tone". If you want bang for your buck invest in a Stila eyeshadow palette and play around with all of the different colors!  and blush. "Orgasm" and "Sin" both by Nars are my absolute favorites!! Be specific - names, colors, brands! I have a big gift card to sephora and want to use it! Enjoy spending that gift card, girl!  Oh, and yes, I agree with the requests for makeup tutorials. Tell me what kind of tutorials you want!

 

Thanks for all of your fun questions - I had fun answering them!

 

Now I have a question for YOU - since so many of you have asked about makeup tutorials I want to know what kind you'd like....basic face, basic eye, smoky eye, etc.  Have a great day, everyone!!