Music for your Monday

In honor of the next concert I am attending...Ray LaMontagne (AKA Ray La) and David Gray on Friday, August 20th...I give you a taste of these fantastic gentlemen...

Ray...You Are The Best Thing


Ray....live version of Shelter.  Love


David...Be Mine


David...Jackdaw (just love the piano)


I've seen David before, last October.  Amazing.  Ray will be a first!  I am listening right now to a sneak peek of his new album on NPR.  Swoon!

Music for your Monday

JM was amazing.  Train opened for him and was also great.

So, for you my friends...

A few fave JM's, a new (to me) Train song that I am totes in love with (the lead singer of Train came down off the stage on Friday and sang in the crowd.  Literally came right up to our seats!), and a bonus Ben Folds that is me and H's song.  I am just in a really love song-y mood today. 

Enjoy :)

JM - Clarity
He played this on Friday night.  Top 3 faves.  Love.



JM - In Your Atmosphere
Will never get sick of this song.


JM - War of My Life
Live from the concert Friday.  Not my footage.  His rants are odd and he is kind of a douche, but I just love the message!


Train - Marry Me
A new fave!

Ben Folds - The Luckiest
So in love with this song...

Nostalgia

Friday, July 20 2007.  The date of my first John Mayer concert.  I went with my new(ish) work friend, Just.  She and I had recently become close at the office and we bonded over similar taste in music, a shared astrological sign and a propensity for overanalyzing things.  Namely, our feelings.

Just had recently broken up with the one.  This was also a catalyst for our closeness.  Being firm believers that people are placed into your life for a reason, we knew it was all part of the big plan that - although we'd worked in the same, small office for close to a year - it was only now that we started doing lunches, manicures, and the occasional happy hour.

The concert was amazing.  We had lawn seats at the venue and sat on a big blankets with beers and hot dogs.  This was also the first night I ever met H.  As the date for the concert approached, I reconnected with a high school friend who was also planning on going.  We decided to meet up at the concert and say hi.  Once Just and I arrived and found our perfect lawn seats, I got a call from said friend who was on her way to the show.  A question: Would I mind if her boyfriend's brother sat with us? He bought a last minute lawn seat (to see the opening act - Ben Folds) and she'd introduce us.

"He's a nice guy, not a weirdo or anything."

And so, Ben played and John played (Just and I swooned) and I made a new friend. He was a bit quiet, cordial, I think he bought us a beer. He was kind. He drove all of us home and asked for my number.  I saw him a few times after that, but we never really dated until - well, until now!  Until May of 2009 when we saw each other again (at his brother's and my friend's wedding) and we've been together ever since.

Tonight, I am once again going to see John Mayer at the same exact venue as '07, on this - a Friday night in July.  I am going with Just.  We haven't worked together in over a year since her departure from the company.  I miss that.  I miss sharing an office with her.  I miss sharing every. single. thing.  Every feeling and every emotion.  It was almost like something didn't really happen to me until I shared it with Just.  We now have a slightly different relationship, but still remain very close.

So many of the circumstances are the same and just as many are different.  We've been to two more JM shows together since.  I am finding myself feeling very nostalgic and reflective about going to the concert tonight, singing and dancing, reconnecting and catching up, and reliving that night in July.

"...I know a girl ... she puts the color inside of my world..."

{circa 2007}

Lamebook Wins

Funny Schtuff.  Click to enlarge.

O, O, O, Oprah

Who doesn't love O for her positivity and inspiration?

I finally realized that being grateful to my body was key to giving more love to myself.

Oprah Winfrey (1954 - ), O Magazine

 

{photo via i can read}

Music for your Mond....er, Tuesday

Last Sunday was the laziest. Sunday. Ever.  And it was great.  We got up around 11 and ate blueberry pancakes and then went back to sleep all day.  Did nothing.

In honor, and a whole week plus later, here are my favorite lazy songs. 





Yes, let's go back to sleep.

Kickball in College

I'd give anything to go back.

Dinner Last Night

In an effort to satisfy a serious pasta craving without blowing my daily calorie count completely out of the water, I wanted to try to make this recipe.  I stalk the Eat Like Me Blog on Self.com and love getting the insight into what a nutritionist really eats!

Quite pleased with the results, I must say.  It was fresh and filling, loaded with veggies and very flavorful.  It was almost like a summer version of a Chicken Scallopini.

The only changes I made was adding some red onion while sauteing the garlic and I also added two boneless chicken thighs that I threw on the grill with some salt and pepper.

Highly recommended!

{the almost finished product, without the pasta or the fresh mozz; photo taken by camera phone}

{photo via Mary Ruffle}

Music for your Monday

Top Ten Feel Good Summer Songs

Uncle Kracker - Smile
"I'm lucky just to linger in your light..."


Kid Rock - All Summer Long
Yes, it's cheap knock-off of a classic (H despises this song!), but it's catchy...


Kenny Chesney - Summertime
Quintessential.


Zac Brown Band - Chicken Fried
Guilty Pleasure.


Zac Brown Band - Toes
I am cheating and giving you two ZBB songs.  But come on.  If this doesn't say summer, what does?


Michael Franti & Spearhead - Say Hey (I Love You)
Ok, I saw this song performed live a few months ago when they opened for John Mayer.  Incred. 


Kris Allen - Live Like We're Dying
I dig Idol. 


Adam Lambert - Whataya Want From Me
I dig Idol.  A lot.


TLC - Waterfalls
Crazy. Sexy. Cool.


Heavy D & The Boyz - Now That We Found
Bringing it back to '95.


I''ll be listening to these all week.  You should join me.

Oh and a bonus...because I love this song.

YHL Love.

Oh you, Youngsters...how you woo me with your ideas.  I cannot get enough of you!

You better believe I will be trying this or that when we go away this weekend - and hoping to continue the tradition!

You kids never cease to amaze me.

Check them out - now!

Upcoming Vacation!

This weekend, H and I will be eating and sightseeing our way through Memphis TN!  His Mom's family lives down there, and we'll be visiting them, meeting up with some cousins, and experiencing the city!  I've been there once, with my Mom, but we only saw Graceland, and it was just one night.  This trip will be different!  I cannot wait!

Stuff No One Told Me

Love these.

{Find them here.}

Dinner Last Night

Last night, I set out to make this delicious-looking and healthy recipe from Real Simple.  I adore my daily Real Simple e-mails that send me quotes, recipes and ideas.  Let's begin with the beautiful, magazine photo, shall we?

That looks awesome.  And now, for my version.

First, the veggies - purchased from my favorite produce stand in Center City.  And cheap. Spinach (which will also be used for another recipe tonight! More on that later...), Roma tomatoes, zucchini and a large red onion.

Making my first vinaigrette (!), which I marinated the chicken in and reserved half for dressing the salad.

I grilled everything up.  Beautiful weather for grilling last night, I might add. 

And look at those equally beautiful grill marks! 

(The red onions did not turn out as well. As I chopped them, they started to fall apart, so I placed them - along with the rest of the zuchinni, into a foil pouch and stuck them up on the top shelf-thingie of the grill. I'll have them as leftovers at some point!)

The finished product.  And, once again, I surprise myself with the fact that I actually can cook (sometimes.)

I rewarded my hard work and low-calorie dinner with dessert - of course.

Why I am switching nail salons...

**Disclaimer - This post is less-than-enjoyable to read.  It's sort of sad and a bit disturbing.  Read at your own risk and don't claim I didn't warn you.**

My twice-a-month manicure and not-nearly-as-often pedicure are two of my favorite ways to treat myself.  Tiny indulgences that are budgeted for and get me through some weeks.  I've been a regular at a salon that is literally right next to my building for about three years now.  (Wow, I cannot believe I've been working in the city for five years.  It doesn't seem that long.  I remember being so freaked out by the idea of it when I was interviewing at my company!  But, I digress...) 

Every other week, I pop in - usually around 2ish - for a quick (we're talking 20 minutes people) and simple manicure.  I don't always get the same person, but I am a familiar face.  No appointment needed, short and square, same(ish) color every time (a nude or pinkish tone) - no frills.

Two weeks ago, I stopped in - for a pedi this time.  I probably get about six pedicures a year, and mostly in the summer months.  They take a little longer (but not much) and are twice as relaxing.  A magazine and a working massage chair are all I need to forget, temporarily, that I am at work and truly relax.

So, back to two weeks ago, I think it was a Wednesday.  Sitting in the chair and enjoying OK! Magazine (I am obsessed with the Kardashians.  Admit it, you are too.), I was halfway through when an older woman came charging through the salon, heading quickly towards the bathroom and being shouted out the entire time by the employees.  Apparently, they did not want her using the bathroom as she wasn't a customer.  They chased after her and steered her out - everyone in the tiny salon was watching the whole thing.  I didn't realize until she was on her way out that her pants were soaked.  She had wet herself.

Sad.  I told you.

She didn't look too old, and she was mobile.  No walker, no cane.  She was dressed a bit odd, but who's to say?  She didn't look homeless either.  Apparently, she just had an accident.  Maybe she was sick.  Maybe she just literally could not hold it. 

The whole thing was over right after it began.  She fled the salon and wouldn't even look up, clearly embarrassed.  The woman in the pedicure chair next to me mentioned that it looked like she had purchased clothes from the consignment shop next door.  She remarked on how sad the situation was, how the salon should have let her use the restroom and how the woman would not even look at any of us.  I mean, how embarrassing. 

I started to get angry.  Why couldn't they let this woman use their restroom?  I do understand that, as a business in Center City, they need to be careful about wanderers coming in to use the facilities.  But, this was different.

A distinct smell permeated the space, it was unmistakable.  The employees and other patrons started exaggeratedly holding their noses and and spraying everything in sight.  Rolling their eyes and laughing - yes, laughing - they made sure that the smell was covered by some awful perfume, cleaning products, anything with a scent.

This made me even more angry.  If my feet weren't elevated and covered with soap, etc. I might have walked out.  Maybe I should have.  I couldn't believe the insensitivity.  And I don't mean to judge the employees or the other patrons - I really don't.  It just shocked me.

This shook me up as I paid for my service, I couldn't get the vision out of my head.  I couldn't stop thinking about this lady.  I proceeded down to the CVS and I saw her, sitting on a bench outside a bar.  She seemed content and she had changed into a new pair of pants.  I guess somewhere had let her use their facilities.

Needless to say, I won't be going back to that salon.  It just doesn't feel right.  I wanted to write them a letter, telling them they'd lost a patron over that whole ordeal.  But no, there's no need.  I'll just find another place, the prices are all the same around here anyways...

Am I being dramatic?  High and mighty?  I don't mean to be.  Change is good sometimes anyway.  And I hope that lady is doing ok...

"h&g"

("Hi and goodbye.")

I heard it through the blog-vine (via Lovely Little Things) that one of the quintessential chick flicks is being turned into a musical! 

With a great soundtrack like it has, I am sure it would be a great show!

Music for your Monday

The Classic Vinyl station on Sirius XM Online has got me reminiscing about my pre-teen years when all of my friends were into whatever was playing on Q102 or Eagle106 (remember?) and all I wanted to do was steal my Mom and Dad's cassettes and listen to the likes of The Stones, Billy Joel, Elton John, and The Eagles.  And don't even get me started on Rod.  He's a whole 'nother story.

Love me some Classic Rock...

For your listening pleasure...some Steely Dan?



This song is my Mom's ringback tone - so when you call her phone, this is what you'll hear...



Perhaps I was a bit beyond my years...

Definitely a grateful Friday!

Storms left a path of devastation all over our area last night.  They were quick, lasting only 15 minutes or so, but way powerful.  The trains out of the city shut down, so I had to find alternate transportation home - thank goodness for the Dish!

Thousands are without power.  I am SO grateful that we didn't lose ours and I was able to enjoy the comforts of light, TV and - most importantly - the central air last night. 

Here is some evidence of the craziness via my favorite news station's website.

Beautiful Release

In the late 90's, Sarah McLachlan was like my bible.  Listened to her religiously.  Used her lyrics as my prayers.  Attended Lilith Fair like a faithful follower.  She spoke to me.

Joey was my high school boyf.  I guess you could say he was my first love..although, I am a believer that every time you are 'in love', it's different - because it's with a different person.  And hell, I was a different person then.  The way I was in my relationship with Joey is vastly different than how I am with H.  I mean, we're talking a ten year difference here.  Jeez, I feel old.

Anyway, Sarah and I - we got through the break-up with Joey together.  We went to retreat together, we graduated high school together.  She was my girl.

Listening to Coffee House Live on Sirius XM Online (aka my new BFF) and Sarah is the artist this week.  Taking me right back to 1999.  What I'd give ...

Grillin'

Nothing is more summer than the smell of a grill.  I've been pushing, in the least pushiest way, to get one since the temps started rising.  H loves to cook and we watch more food TV than we probably should.  It made perfect sense to me!  He was hesitant, but I think once we started looking and pricing, the idea became more appealing.  He is a man, afterall.

One would assume that with H's slight hesitation, a modest grill would be what we were in the market for.  Our search began that way, but certainly ended much differently!  On Sunday, we spent an hour and a half in Home Depot and came home with this puppy.  Yikes.  It barely fits on the patio.

But - as I said - he's a man and he went big.

Our inaugural meal was last night.  Lamb with veggie and potato skewers.  I wish I had a recipe, but H never follows them.  Actually, since Alton Brown is his hero, he did use this maranade. 

It. Was. Amazing.

I cannot wait for more grilled dinners!  Tonight, I am going to be daring (and conquer my fear of blowing up the patio) and grill up a burger and some more veggies.  Perhaps an update tomorrow with my progress will be in order.

Happy Summer!

Happy Father's Day, Big Den.

Five years ago, you left us on this day.  Miss you more and more as time goes on. 

Hope you had a great Dad's Day, wherever you are!

{dig the 'fro and the Dennis the Menace tat!}

525,600 Minutes

How do you measure a year?

One year ago, I was work work working my Wednesday away, anticipating a date I had later that night with a guy who I'd met at a concert in '07 and ran into again at a wedding in May '09.

One year ago, my phone lit up with a text around 1 pm or so asking what kind of wine I liked to drink and what time I wanted to go to dinner. And was Italian ok?

One year ago, my trusty black cotton dress* was the outfit of choice because I felt most comfortable in it, relaxed.

One year ago, texting Jackie the entire time from my little apartment, I got ready and waiting for him to come pick me up.

One year ago, we sat across from each other at a cozy Italian BYO.

One year ago, I had no idea what to expect.

One year ago, I had no idea what I wanted.

One year ago, I had no idea what I needed.

One year ago, I had butterflies.

Today, I still do :)

* I am wearing the same dress today! When something works, I hang onto it ;)

{image via Le Love}

Here it is, the groove, slightly transformed...

So yes, it is Monday morning at 9 am - 9:07 to be exact, and I am already planning the weekend. What of it?

Friday at 5 pm - or earlier, if the office closes early as we usually do at the brink of holiday weekends (fingers crossed!) - is the Official Start. Of. Summer!

I could not be more excited!

Plans include:

-sunning myself poolside, at the pool in our complex (!)

-a Memorial Day morning 5K walk

-celebrating a special 1 year anniversary with H

-a visit to this Farmer's Market. I am in the mood to attempt to make corn salsa...we shall see how that goes

-two BBQ's on Monday...one of them includes making recipes from this book!

-an extra day off on Tuesday!

Happy Summer!!

One Week!

Can't Hardly Wait!

She said, He Said

This is the first I am hearing of Andrew Gottlieb's answer to the recent chick-book best seller, Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat Pray Love...I am admittedly intrigued. Tried getting into EPL but couldn't continue past Italy. Shocking, I know, that the chapter/country dedicated to eating was the most interesting to me. While Gilbert's writing is good and easy to ready, I found her kind of whiny.

It's a funny title, if nothing else!

Foodie.

Funny, I was just thinking about this last night...how much I love to eat, how much I wish I could cook, how delighted I get when I actually throw something together that tastes halfway decent.

Then I saw Taza's post about food, her love of food, her love of bad food (me too!) and her new propensity for food blogs. She lists some faves and I will definitely be adding them to my reading list!

H works nights and so, most weeknights, I am left to my own devices in the kitchen. Sometimes, it's disasterous. Sometimes, it's McDonald's. And sometimes, it just works. A few weeks back I threw together a dish that I really enjoyed! I caramelized some onions and cooked sauteed them with some green peppers. At the same time, boiling whole wheat pasta. Then I added some red sauce, just a touch, to the veggies and some feta cheese. A little sour cream for its creaminess. I used some pre-packaged salmon as my protein and - presto! - a successful meal that was really good!

I took a picture of it and sent it to H. I have no idea why I do this. Maybe it's to prove that I can sometimes surprise myself in the kitchen. I take pictures of my food a lot. Evidence below.

Food Shot #1 - breakfast for dinner last night. Open face egg sandwich with pork roll and cheddar. Home fries with a bit of onion. Oh, and ketchup. Lots of it.

Food Shot #2 - the makings of a pizza I made for us as a late Saturday night snack a few weekends ago. Yes, lots of cheese. This was a Five Ingredient Fix recipe. Love that show.

Food Shot #3 - the concoction I described above, salmon and pasta with veggies.


What can I say, I guess I am an official foodie.

Keeping it Light...

Thanks, Snoop.

{photo props to Me Against Them}

Loving a person just the way they are, it's no small thing
It takes some time to see things through
Sometimes things change, sometimes we're waiting
We need grace either way

Hold on to me
I'll hold on to you
Let's find out the beauty of seeing things through

There's a lot of pain in reaching out and trying
It's a vulnerable place to be
Love and pride can't occupy the same spaces baby
Only one makes you free

Hold on to me
I'll hold on to you
Let's find out the beauty of seeing things through

If we go looking for offense
We're going to find it
If we go looking for real love
We're going to find it

~Sara Groves "Loving a Person"

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day, love you Mom xoxo

{image via those clever Truffle gals}

Friday-itis

Senioritis, from the word senior plus the suffix -itis (which refers to inflammation but in colloquial speech is assumed to mean an illness), is a colloquial term used in the United States to describe the decreased motivation toward studies displayed by students who are nearing the end of their high school, college and graduate school careers.

Thank you my friend Wiki.

Every Friday afternoon, everyone gets a touch of this. This Friday, however, with the gorgeous sun and perfectly cool temperatures, it's absolutely brutal.

Happy Weekend!

Birfday fun

This blog has been sorely neglected. I guess I've been busy. Happy busy, for sure.

Since my birthday is this Sunday, I thought a birthday meme would work.

Courtesy of fellow Aries, Katie!

How many birthdays have you celebrated so far?: This will be my 29th birthday. Wow, that sounds like a lot.

When is your next one coming up?: Sunday! Easter Sunday, to be exact. The last time my birthday fell on Easter, I don't necessarily remember it, but I am not sure how I feel about sharing my birthday with a holiday. Is that selfish?

If you could get anything, realistically speaking, what would you ask for?: Um, money? But who doesn't want that? And if I could be really cheesy for a second, I really wanted H to have off all weekend, and he does! So, I guess I got what I asked for :)

If you could ask for something magic or like superpowers, which kind?: Easy. A remote control for time.

Who do you want to be with during your birthdays?: Everyone I love!

How do you plan to celebrate your upcoming birthday?: We have the whole weekend! Starting with, well...last night actually. I mean, H was off last night and we went up to have dinner with my Mom. Tonight, he is off again and who knows what we will do! Tomorrow night, dinner with Jackie and my Mom and the delicious Clam Tavern. Then Saturday and Sunday are completely open! The only plans we've really talked about are going up to Ridley Creek State Park on Saturday morning and then a nice dinner on Saturday night. I almost feel a bit overwhelmed with possibilities of what to do, especially with such nice weather! Whatever we do, it will be great.

What was the worst present you ever got on a birthday?: Oh, I cannot even think of one, actually.

What was the worst birthday fiasco you ever had: Two years ago, I had a tough birthday week. A string of bad luck and unfortunate events made for an uneasy feeling on April 4th, but I made it through.

Did you ever purposely give someone a crappy gift?: Never!

Who would you never ever ever want to attend your birthday?: Oh again, I don't know. Isn't this supposed to be a happy time?!?!

What was the best birthday present you’ve ever received?: A surprise party and a book of letteres written to me by all of my friends and family. I think that was for my 25th.

What was the best birthday you’ve ever had?: Besides my 25th with the suprise party and book, my 21st was great too.

Why was it so great?: I was living in DC for school with five of my favorite girls and my Mom surprised me and came to visit! We had a cake, drinks and then she came out to the bars with us. It was so fun.

What is your fave birthday activity, even if you havent done it (yet)?: I love just allowing myself to be a little self-indulgent and selfish with attention.

Who would you love to come to your birthday to celebrate with you?: Easy, my Dad.

What did your family do to celebrate your birth?: When I was in grade school, my Mom would send me into school with Dunkin Donuts munchkins for the class and then bring me a Happy Meal from McDonald's for lunch. Parties and sleepovers with my friends...parties at the skating rink.

What happened for your sweet 16th birthday?: My Mom bought me a car! A powder blue Chevy Cavalier station wagon. She even put the big red bow on it!

Would you be okay with dying on your birthday?: I think I would...I feel like it would be strangely fitting.

{my 21st in DC!}

Channeling my inner beach...

More snow?

Mother Nature, you've got to be kidding.

I'd rather be here...

Or here...

{the above two photos from my fantastic Cali trip in '08}

I'd rather be here...doing this...

{above, courtesy of a friend's Facebook Album...she wouldn't mind}

Think Spring!

Cork it.

New. Blog. Obsession. Can't. Stop. Reading.

Head is swimming with ideas, ideals, tips, tricks...

What we need...

What we want...

What I want...

And here's the first. I know just the place for you. More to come.

{image via Art.com}

Hunkered Down.

Oh, snow.

Philly was hammered this weekend with about two feet of the white stuff. It was beautiful (to me), as I had not one place to go. I was scheduled to work at Sam's on Saturday, but the restaurant was closed. I made a pot roast and mashed potatoes, had some fresh veggies and Trader Joe's hummus. Watched movies, did a little cleaning, napped...it was great.

And here we are, on Tuesday, and we are bracing for another foot tonight into tomorrow. Preemptive actions are being taken around the office for a possible closing tomorrow and, I have to admit, I am as excited as a kid in grade school...listening to that fuzzy KYW1060 broadcast...waiting, praying, WISHING, for that magic number to be called...

Ready to be snowed in again...got BBQ pulled pork in the crock pot, some whole wheat rolls, leftover pizza, a book to finish and another to start, more veggies, the lovely convenience of modern technology and NetFlix on Demmand. A wonderful thing.

So I can kiss you anytime I want.

Watched Sweet Home Alabama last night...

Reece is so young in that flick...

and Josh Lucas is just too cute for words...

It made me want to live in a small town...

no big buildings...

no public transportation...

county fairs and dive bars...

home cooking...

so simple...

Happy Birthday Aunt Mar!

{photo, circa 1981}

I love you and I hope you have a great day! xo

“Only an Aunt can give hugs like a mother, can keep secrets like a sister, and share love like a friend.”
~ Spanish Proverb

animal love.

Even if you are not a true animal lover (which, admittedly, I am not) - you will absolutely love Interspecies Friends, a new addition to my daily reads. Although the posts don't appear to have many words, just more ooh and ahh-worthy pics.

It's complete cuteness overload.

{serious spoonage}

{this guy reminds me of Puff}

{not sure it could be any more adorable}

We have much to learn from these guys...

Confession.

{image via PostSecret}

I always cheated.

Happy Monday, all.