Shower Like A Rockstar

I must say I am impressed. If this is what a rockstar smells like, that's great. But it can't be. Especially after a show. It just smells too good. Let me explain. During my many hours of blog stalking, I came across lush. I was instantly enticed. Once I got a coupon for cheap shipping, I talked Laura into placing an order with me. It was like waiting for Christmas. It took many hours of delieration and web surfing to decide on my final purchases. I was only allowing my self a small treat as a reward for my recent promotion. I knew all the bonus money was going to bills, so I thought it would be ok to allow myself a small indulgence. Once I placed the order it seemed like an enternity before it arrived. I was constantly tracking online. And then finally I checked the package's progress and saw that it had ariived. Only there was nothing on my desk. I made it to reception in record time and between breathes of excitement asked the secretary if there was a package for me. "Oh yes, right here. I was just about to walk it back to you", she replies. But the box was already in my hands and I was on my way back to my desk. I tore it open like I was starving and it was a bucket of fried chicken. Ahhh...the smell. The smell. The smell. Way better than fried chicken. Instantly swirling around my nostrils. All the flavors mixing around. I brought it over to Lauren's desk and we smelled each item individually. (Except for some lotions Laura ordered becuase those were in plastic containers.) I really had no idea the magic that was in store for me.


The first time I showered with my new products was a bit awkward at first. I don't think I have used bar soap since Reagan was in the white house. Yet I held the Rock Star soap in my hand. This bar was a little square and clunky and the bubblegum color was a little weird. But let me tell you the foam that came out of this block of pink goodness. It was so creamy and smelled great. The scent may not be my absolute favorite, but I am certainly willing to experiment with other bars. I do have two more to try. I was impressed with how little I actually had to use. Which was also the case for the shampoo bar. My hair is so thick that I was a little worried when I saw how small it was. I go through shampoo and conditioner like Britney goes through depression medication. But I was pleasantly surprised. Just a little wipe of the wet bar across my hair and it was a release of wonder! My hair lathered up quickly and the smell was so delicious. This bar is supposed to have glitter in it to make your hair a little sparkly, but that didn't happen. Althouh my hair did smell pretty kick ass! It was one of the most enjoyable showers I have taken since the last time Fred & I...well we won't go there. Anyway, I was in such a little morning euphoria I started glancing around at all the little nuggets in my room that make me happy and thought I would share a few...

my vanity from the younger years


my favorite snuggly blanket covered in cat hair (the cats like to snuggle with me when I am wrapped in the blanket-and I am ok with that!)


This book that is so good I am forcing myself to read it slow so it doesn't end!


Happy Frosty Friday everyone!!

One, Twice, Three times a layout

So I started this layout last November. I was so excited when I found the patterned paper at CKC last summer. I knew it would be perfect to scrap the pictures from my cousin's wedding. I was also excited becuase I was actually pleased at how I looked. I really liked my bridesmaids dress. I loved the colors and thought I looked ok which is rare for me in a dress. There is something I love about getting all dressed up like that. I had gotten my nails done the day before and hair done that day. I felt like a lady. I was excited to scrap these pictures and had a really great idea to play up the red/black them. Having a vision prior to actually sitting down to scrap always seems to end in disaster for me. When I think too long about a layout or plan it too far in advanced from the time I will actually scrap it, I always end up dissapointed. I think I spend so much time working up the idea in my head that by the time I try to put it on paper, I've exhausted it. That is exaclty what happened with this layout. I got all excited when I finally sat down to work on it but just couldn't seem to translate it from my brain to the paper. Last night I sat for the third and final attempt. Although I was way less than satisfied with the results, I was at least relieved to call it a complete layout. And I will call it a lesson learned. A lesson that is certainly apllicable to the rest of my life. I have a habit of overthinking/over analyzing things and then end up frustrated or dissapointed.


After I finished the red & black layout, I decided I needed a mental repair. Laura had bought me KC's kit from SiSTV. Now on first glance, I was a little dissapointed. It was not quite my cup of tea. But as no one but Laura knows, I am a KC stalker. For real. I do not think this girl is the greatest scrapper out there, but I full on respect what she does, what she represents and give her mad props. I've been reading her blog religiously pretty much since the begining when I stumbled across her on Two Peas. She just plain rocks. (Plus she is a fellow Long Islander!) OK, enough of that. So the kit was sitting on the bed next to me as I was scrapping the red & black atrocity. I felt like I needed some artistic clarity or something. So I dumped the contents of it on my table and without much thought or deliberation, this is what I came up with:



It took me about 20 minutes and I got much more satisfaction than I did in 3 sittings with the red & black layout. Although, I put the wrong date. I actually said yes on October 20, 2007. Go figure.

Becoming a Bride

That's what I am doing...apparently. I did get my dress and veil so I guess I am on my way. That experience turned out a lot better than I expected. Me & my mom had a lot of fun. We started the day off with manis & pedis, went to the diner for breakfast and then the shopping began. The dress I chose was the second one I tried on. I have to say, I never expected to find something that I loved so much and actually thought made me look pretty. The dress is gorgeous and I can't wait to wear it. I got my veil to match. That was so much fun, when we got home I was walking around with my veil on. I didn't want to take it off. Being a bride is more fun than I thought it would be!

Classes At Riverside Scrapbook Co.

"Love Story"
Celebrate Valentine's Day by telling your "Love Story". Relieve the journey with this special mini album. There is room to retell all the juicy details from how you met to your first kiss and plenty of room for photos! There are also pockets to hold all your cherished memorabilia such as letters and ticket stubs. Learn some new techniques with foam, stamps, and paint. And finally get to play with that Glimmer Mist everyone has been talking about. This is a great gift for your partner or a wonderful way to document the story for future generations.
Please bring basic class kit. Cost: $20
Dates: Wed., Feb. 6, 7pm-9pm OR Sat., Feb. 9, 10am-12pm





"Valentine's Cards"
Spread the love this Valentine's Day by being your very own cupid! Make Valentine's cards to share with your loved ones. Celebrate the season of love while learning some new techniques at the same time! We will make 4 cards using techniques including embossing, emboss resist, distress inks and paper distressing. 2 of the cards are 3D!
Please bring basic class kit. Cost: $15
Dates: Wed., Jan 30, 7pm-9pm OR Sat., Feb. 2, 10am-12pm

NYC's Celeb Magnet

Move over Perez Hilton! There is a new celebrity magnet in my life. My friend Michael has yet to fail me. I never told Fred specifically about Michael constantly ending up in the same place at the same time as various celebs. I only mentioned a few stories here & there in fear of getting his hopes up. I should have known that this day was going to be no different than any other trip to visit Michael in NYC.
It was sheer pleasure right from the begining. We hit no traffic and made it into Manhattan in great time. Threw the car in a garage and headed up the 4 flight of stairs to Michael's apartment in the sky. Ok, well everything but the stairs were sheer pleasure. When I called him from downstairs to get the code, I exclaimed, "See you in half an hour". I take my time hoofing it up those bad boys!
We hungout at the apartment for a bit then cabbed it over to see the Blue Men. Originally Fred & I were sitting in Row 2 and Michael in Row 1, but he switched with some kids so we could all sit together. This worked out great becuase Michael was able to sneak some pictures. I attempted but my Catholic schoolgirl guilt got the best of me. So Michael snapped this shot of Fred & I in our "Blue Man Group Attire"-ponchos and headbands made of streamers.



After the show we had photo ops with the Blue Men. Surprisingly we walked away with no paint stains on us!! Although some mushed bananas did get under my poncho somehow. Luckily we were going back to Michael's house to change before dinner.



But, not without a stop at Crumbs of course. Yummy!! Cupcakes in all sorts of flavors!! Ok, back to the story. Up the stairs to hell again. Change for dinner relax for a few minutes then on to Becco. All day we were joking around about having dinner "with Lidia". Michael used some silly accent carrying on about ridiculous things he would say to her. Finally Fred told me to stop becuase she wasn't going to be there. I knew otherwise. I just had that feeling and my celebrity lucky charm. I also had a great deal of hope becuase I knew meeting Lidia would make Fred's night. And it certainly did!
I was talking to Fred shortly after we sat down and happened to glance over his shoulder. I noticed her immediately. Lidia Bastianich was standing there talking to a table of people. I grabbed Fred's arm, shaking and just kept repeating his name until he looked in her direction. Sad to admit, we were both completely starstruck. I was more excited for Fred becuase I know the feeling. I was lucky enough one day (when in NYC with Michael of course) to meet my favorite living artist, Chuck Close. It was such an overwhelming experience. Fred went up and got Lidia's book and when she finished at the table next to us, I asked her if she would sign Fred's book, excitedly explaining that it was his birthday and he is also a chef. She was very nice, even asked where he was a chef. The only words he could manage to speak were "New Jersey". I give him a lot of credit though, when I met Chuck Close I had tears coming down my face. She posed for a picture with Fred and just as she was about to step away, Michael (who had a little wine in him) exclaims "Well we are starving so I hope the food is good!". Leave it to Michael! Attract the celebrity than say something like that! I have to admit, it was pretty funny. She smiled politely and said, "Well we have plenty to eat!" Needless to say that euphoria lasted the rest of the weekend. When we woke up Sunday morning, the first thing we said was "We met Lidia yesterday". The best part for me - making Fred's birthday special.

Time Management

As many of you know (since I bitch about it, often incessantly) I have one long ass commute to work every day. 150 miles roundtrip. Which as I mentioned you probably already know since it is one my favorite topices of complaint. Well since I am realizing what a slow process it is to sell a house, I figure I better get better at my time manangement skills. I have very little time in the evenings to do much of anything. But I am trying to put what little time I have on a weeknight to good use. If I do a little bit each night, by the time the weekend rolls around I have actually done something! Who would've guessed?!?!
OK, wait! I can not take full credit for this little epiphany of mine. It all stems from my friend Theresa.
Let me start at the begining...
A few weeks ago I was cropping with Theresa and a few others at RSS. After Theresa finished a layout. She used the scraps to make a quick yet fabulous card. I thought this was a great idea. All your supplies are already out and how often do you ever go back and use your scraps? See, it has become taboo for me to give anyone in my family store bought cards. They think just because I house an arsenal of paper, scissors and adhesive, that I am therefore obliged to only give hand made cards. And my darling fiance seems to think the signature on my ass says "Hallmark" and not "Xavier Roberts". LOL! Anyway, I find myself constantly scurrying around to make a birthday card just minutes before I am about to leave for the birthday party. And, have said to myself on every occassion "You really should just make a bunch of cards ahead of time and avoid this last minute panic." Although I have to admit, last minute panic is what got me through college. So while I was making a card for Fred's birthday, I used the extras and made a second card. I was very proud of myself for using my time wisely. All my supplies were already out. It took mere minutes. The only problem is - I made one extra card but am going to need 3 this month. At least I tried!! Thanks Theresa for your inspiration!
But, it is a step in the right direction. It's only a little over a week into the year and I have already done quite a bit. I amon top of my class prep, made one extra birthday card. What's next?!?! Maybe you should wait and see....

This is the card I made for Fred. It is fitting for many reasons. He is a chef. He loves Peanut M&M's (yes mom, I said peanut). And inside was a poem about how we go together. I know it's cheesy but he is my favorite person to make things for. Although my mom runs a close second. It's fun to make things for her becuase she always cries. I know how good the project is by how much she cries!



And this is the card I made with the leftovers. Still not sure who this is going to but I think I have a good idea.

Thought Process

So I was surfing the web and on my google homepage, this was the "Random Cat Photo" of the day. Pretty Random that I would swear my animal loving life that it is a picture of Bailey. But I'll let you decide.

Random Cat Photo



Bailey



So anyway, after I stared at the photos for a few minutes, I started thinking again about how this silly picture of Bailey & Hazel had already become an anchor to my year. It represents so much for me and a lot of what I hope is in store for 2008. As I explained yesterday, this was a surprise considering a year ago Bailey would not even be in the same room with a cat. We have made similar journeys. I look at the picture and I am reminded that it is time I am adjusted to life in NJ. I need to stop worrying about things and just kick back and relax. I have to stop paying attention to the meaningless details and just take things for what they are. And I need to be comfortable in my surroundings. Who knew Bailey could stir up so much emotion in me and lead me to be so profound? Regardless, this picture is certainly going to serve as an anchor for me. Not only for all the things I mentioned, but also as a reminder of how much I love my kitties!! Just an added bonus. And that feeling of feline love is what led me to this layout..