tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91926425345117843682024-03-13T10:53:49.212-07:00Deviled MegsDeviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.comBlogger393125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-49543912138410263992015-08-21T06:15:00.001-07:002015-08-21T06:15:25.944-07:00Observations from Moving. With all due respect to war, <i>MOVING</i> is <b>HELL</b>. Nothing ratchets up the stress level of even the most Namaste Nancy quite like packing up <i>every single solitary</i> thing you own, putting it all on a truck and driving it to your new place. Your reward for all this work? UNLOADING a zillion boxes and then UNPACKING every single solitary thing you own. It's like winning the lottery. Except not at all. And then someone suckerpunching you in the gut just to top it off.<br />
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Moving may be one of those great equalizers -- we have all had to do it at least once Short, tall, old, young, man, woman....at some point we have all found ourselves on our hands and knees dragging boxes out of the dark corners of our closets and then having an anxiety attack deciding whether you should keep that "Peter Pan" cast t-shirt from high school or if donating it to Goodwill negates your stunning performance as an Ostrich and killer moves as Senior Dance Captain. Ok, that last one may be hyper specific to me, but you know what I mean. <br />
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So I am on the other side of our big move from DC to Philly, looking at all the boxes and bags and random things in odd places and reflecting on this latest move. <br />
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<li>Paying movers is worth every-single-penny. Going one better and paying people to also pack up all our sh*t may be the closest I will ever feel to being Beyonce in my whole damn life. I left for work last Friday a frazzled, on-edge mess. I came home 9 hours later and our entire apartment was packed up and ready to go. </li>
<li>If you are moving as a couple, one of you needs to be the organized one. Not saying if this organized moving partner was me or MVP, but it was super helpful to have a portable file full of birth/marriage certificates, parking permits, moving receipts, Comcast account details and other paperwork organized and tucked safely into a monogrammed tote. </li>
<li>If you can, take pictures of the place you will be moving in to and then develop a plan for where everything will go when you move in. This will help surface any places where you may be deficient. As in, if you have a huge hall closet that stores a crap-ton of your stuff and your new place has no hall closet (and is sadly a little light on in-unit storage) you can spend some time pre-move devising a plan or where all the things will go. Or if you need to buy new storage pieces to store all the things. Otherwise you will be looking at a bunch of boxes in your dining room and cursing to yourself. </li>
<li>In addition to packing an "overnight" bag with those items you will need quick/immediate access to (change of clothes, sheets for the bed, toiletries), keep an easy to find box of cleaning and laundry supplies. Because you may need to do a little extra cleaning on some rooms/items before unpacking and because if you move in the middle of a heat wave you will sweat through your clothes and go through more outfit changes in one day than someone hosting the Oscars.</li>
<li>Thank GOD for all the apps that let you know what's close by, who delivers what kind of food and all that jazz. Because until you get some groceries, you will be eating quite a bit of take-out/delivery. </li>
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We have also quickly become HUGE fans of the corner deli. It is an actual 2 min (if that) walk from our place and they have WAAAAAAAATTTTTTTERRRRRRR IIIIIIIIIIICCCCCEEEEE. For those unfamiliar, water ice (pronounced wooder ice here in the PHL) is like italian ice. But a bajillion times better. </div>
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Even more exciting? It is cheap as all get out. </div>
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That one on the right is $1 and the one on the left is ONLY TWO FREAKING DOLLARS. We've only had it twice this week, but I can see <i>mannnnnnnnnnnnny </i>water ice trips in our future!</div>
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<br />Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-43306012881742314392015-08-14T11:28:00.000-07:002015-08-14T11:31:40.734-07:00Saying goodbye<div class="MsoNormal">
“Saying Goodbye” from The Muppets Take Manhattan KILLS me
you guys. KILLS ME. <o:p></o:p><br />
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As we have been in the stages of cleaning up/purging the
apartment, I have found myself humming it while I have been making donation
bags for goodwill, then catching myself humming it and almost crying. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I can’t believe I have been living here as long as I
have. This apartment and this little
area outside of DC. Admittedly, I have
ragged on it. Quite a bit. But that’s
me, you guys….you know I find the flaw and never focus on the good. I’ll try to work on that in Philly. You know, since it’s a city known for its
optimism and general rosy outlook on
life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What has been the hardest for me is saying goodbye to
friends. More so than I thought it
would. </div>
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Wait….that makes me sound like a really sh*tty friend. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I never thought I would have the amazing friends that I
do. I don’t mean that to sound
completely cliché, but if you told me 10 years ago where I would be and who
would be in my life I probably would not have believed you. I consider myself so very lucky.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Friendships born in college, mostly at the KD Kastle, have grown and deepened over the years. I've watched as friends got married and had babies. And now some of those babies are going off to kindergarten and first grade and aren't really babies anymore. </div>
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I got lucky that a craigslist roommate turned into a very dear friend. Living with L made me a better roommate and a better person in general and now MVP gets to reap that benefit for the rest of his days, haha. </div>
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I got home from work last night and the whole apartment was packed up in boxes, MVP noting that it took one person 4-5 hours just to pack up my closet. Not sure whether I should be ashamed or embarrassed....<br />
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Looking at the boxes and the bare walls made me teary-eyed. So much happened in my life in the 6 years I lived in that apartment. <a href="http://deviled-megs.blogspot.com/2012/01/with-every-ending-comes-new-beginning.html">When L moved out</a>, <a href="http://deviled-megs.blogspot.com/2012/02/moving-day.html">MVP moved in</a>. We <a href="http://deviled-megs.blogspot.com/2012/01/lessons-you-learn-from-getting-new.html">got a couch</a>....and eventually <a href="http://deviled-megs.blogspot.com/2014/06/deviled-megs-said-yes.html">got engaged</a> because thankfully he forgave me for the couch fiasco. I even got a new last name. <br />
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So today is a little bittersweet, thinking about the good friends and the good times I've had here. I know I am not exactly moving to a different planet, I mean, it's only a 3 hour drive away. But still.....as much as I love Philly and I know MVP and I will love living there, there won't be anyone there quite like them. <br />
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Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-64648253332574817372015-07-29T17:28:00.001-07:002015-07-29T17:28:31.390-07:00We're moving!!! AKA best excuse to start blogging againIf you have been wondering what ever became of this blog and curious as to what in the heck I have been up to....then you are probably my mom and can just as easily pick up the phone and call, for crissakes. <br />
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Not my mom? Oh well then <b><i>helloooooooo</i></b> there!!! Welcome back -- do I have some news for you!<br />
MVP and I are moving!!!! To Philadelphia!!!! <br />
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To say that we are both pumped is an understatement. MVP was offered a great new job.....I was very, VERY fortunate that my job made it possible for me to work remotely....and here we are, about 2 weeks away from the apartment being packed up and moved about 3 hours north on I-95. <br />
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MVP and I are both incredibly excited to be living closer to family members, especially our siblings and our nieces and nephew. We are also really excited about being able to live in the city, not having to leave our house to be able to watch the Eagles each week and.....Wawa. Obviously, Wawa.<br />
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DC has been my stomping ground for eleven years. I have had a ton of fun. I have lived in 3 different houses/apartments with approximately 14 different room/housemates. I have worked at 5 different companies. I have been able to grow friendships I started in college and been so fortunate to meet many new friends who have become just as close.<br />
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I have gone on many, <i>many</i> bad dates. I have had some great dates. I have fallen in love. I have had my heart broken. After I met MVP, and we started dating, I was often reminded of some of the places and dates and people I had to go through to get to him. Sometimes as big and full of people as DC is, it felt smaller. I wanted to so much to embrace this new relationship with this new person and felt like around many corners, there were sometimes ghosts of relationships past hidden in the shadows. <br />
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At the risk of getting into that uncomfortable touchy-feely zone with y'all, what I am really and truly excited about is starting this new chapter with my new husband. Still feels very odd to say/type that word, but trying to get into the habit. I'm looking forward to lots of new places, new favorites and new memories that I am sure we will look back on fondly some day. It feels really strange to admit that "out loud" here....but strange in the best possible way. Does that mean I am finally growing up?!?!?<br />
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What I am also very excited about is that this new life update gives me the best reason ever to start blogging again. I have missed it....I know I have said that same thing before, but TRUST you guys....I <i>mean</i> it. <br />
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So I am hoping that many of you may want to follow me and my fish-back-in-more-suitable-water story. I promise to keep it interesting, keep it entertaining, keep it FUNNY and keep it real. <br />
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<br />Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-35003390529204780342015-04-15T09:02:00.000-07:002015-04-15T09:02:19.442-07:00Wedding Wednesday -- my first trip to a Wedding Dress shop (sort of) ended in me buying a dress (sort of)That's right -- my very first trip in person to look at wedding dresses ended with me buying a dress.<br />
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But not in the way you would think.....let me explain.<br />
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MVP and I went to Lynchburg, VA last year for a wedding. I asked if we could go a little earlier than planned to scope out Church Street Bridal, a place that had been recommended to me on WeddingBee. <a href="http://www.churchstreetbridal.com/" target="_blank">Church Street Brida</a>l gets designer dresses donated to them from folks like Kleinfelds (of TLC's <i>Say Yes to the Dress</i>), think previous season styles or sample dresses. They then sell these for a HUGE discount and the proceeds are used to help women and children in the Central Virginia area. A wedding win-win to say the least.<br />
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While I didn't find "the one" when I visited, the folks at Church Street Bridal were beyond friendly and I quickly followed them on Facebook so I would know when new donations came in. MVP and I went to grab lunch and while we were there, I got an alert on my phone. <br />
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A Jenny Packham Mimosa sample was available for purchase from <a href="https://bridepower.com/" target="_blank">Vows Bridal Outlet</a> (of TLC's <i>I Found the Gown</i>). This was THE DRESS I dreamt about, lusted after and pinned more times than was necessary. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pixgood.com/jenny-packham-mimosa.html" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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Some quick texts back and forth with my mom and the dress was purchased and on its way to my apartment. I was on cloud nine -- I couldn't believe my good luck! <div>
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While it was not the way I had originally envisioned buying my wedding dress, it did involve some of the know-how I had learned from watching so many hours of wedding-related TLC shows, that is for sure!</div>
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However, this did not end up being the dress I ended up with....more in another post :)<br /><br />
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Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-85645175867900055962015-04-08T12:09:00.003-07:002015-04-08T12:10:14.586-07:00Wedding Wednesday -- our wedding had a logoI am usually better about writing if I have a "regular column" so to speak. Since I had no time or mental focus to write about the wedding while I was planning, I thought maybe I could share some of it now that it is all said and done.<br />
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Something I realized early on in the process were that weddings had ....evolved, shall we say? There were so many <strike>unnecessary and over-the-top</strike> new things that people were doing, I felt really out of the loop. But one of the bandwagons I *did* jump on was having a wedding logo. <br />
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Sounds ridiculous, right? Trust me, I put that thing to GOOD USE. I found <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/OneFineSoiree" target="_blank">One Fine Soiree</a> on etsy, and after a few emails back and forth describing the look and feel I wanted, she sent us 4 amazing samples, and we chose the below.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n5Qe28OT-p4/VSV50OxxAqI/AAAAAAAAC3w/3L7XZcLwZQA/s1600/Megan%26Jimmy_Logo%2BPNG.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n5Qe28OT-p4/VSV50OxxAqI/AAAAAAAAC3w/3L7XZcLwZQA/s1600/Megan%26Jimmy_Logo%2BPNG.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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I used it for the stamps for our wedding invites, made thank you notes out of it, put it on welcome bags, put it on the cake bags, MVP used it as part of his gift to me....I even used it as my facebook profile pic. </div>
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But I think my <i><b>favorite</b></i> use was our wedding card holder.</div>
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You guys, I had the WORST TIME trying to find a card holder that was not super corny or look like it was highly flammable. When I finally DID find one I loved....well it was two weeks out and they could not ship it in time. </div>
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Then, I got an idea. <b><i>On my OWN and not from Pinterest!!</i></b> I swung by Homegoods and got a large glass apothecary jar for like, 12 bucks. Then I taped a print out of the logo inside, busted out my favorite Sharpie paint pens and went to work. </div>
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And voila -- a card holder that is not only un-cheesy, but something that can be used in our home in some way. Super proud of my crafting skills on this one! </div>
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Is there something you crafted for a wedding or a kids birthday party or some other event that you are still patting yourself on the back for? Do tell!</div>
<br />Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-19261214541440571952015-04-07T12:26:00.000-07:002015-04-07T12:26:12.630-07:00Why buy the cow when you can get the crazy for free?While I do think MVP found himself a great match, I know he was also well aware of my <strike>tendencies to act like a weirdo</strike> charming eccentricities. Some of these he warmed up to and joined in on -- like watching In the Kitchen with David on QVC or killing time wandering around a Costco. Some he still wants no part of, like BRAVO. And sometimes....well sometimes he just shakes his head at me and probably wonders what the hell is wrong with me. <br />
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This past Saturday night would have been one of those head shaking moments. It was late at night - MVP was starting to drift off to sleep, I was enjoying some of the TV he hates watching - Barely Famous on VH-1, to be exact. It's like my Us Weekly came to life in the form of a tv show!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.refinery29.com/rsvp/r29-barely-famous-screening" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">via</span></a></td></tr>
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I paused the TV to get a drink of water; while in the kitchen I heard really loud, but muffled, voices. Grabbing my attention, I leaned towards the wall to see what was going on with my neighbors. Nothing. <br />
It took me a few beats to realize the noise was coming from <i>underneath me</i>. So like anyone else would do, I lied down and pressed my ear to the kitchen floor. JACKPOT!! As a side note, the neighbors who live underneath us are HUGE JERKS and the one guy has come to yell at me on a few ocvcasions for "banging around upstairs" when all I was doing was walking to a different room. So I was even MORE curious to get a better sense of what the eff was wrong with them. So this was justified eavesdropping. <br />
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I must have lost track of time down there on the kitchen floor, because the next thing I hear is "What the hell are you doing?!?" And that was coming from *inside* the apartment. <br />
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I looked up to see a very disgrunteld MVP. "ummm, nothing," I stammered, "just listening to the guy downstairs."<br />
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"Well while you were in here lying on the kitchen floor, the TV unpaused itself and some porno movie is blasting at full voulme and we have the damn windows open!" he bellowed.<br />
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"Whoops, sorry I guess the last channel we watched before my on-demand binge was Cinemax. It's late, so they've changed over to Skinemax by now I bet."<br />
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MVP sighed heavily and trudged back to bed. I reluctantly got up off the floor, grabbed that drink or water that I set out to get probably 20 minutes earlier, and headed back to bed. Well, headed back to finish my show, then watch another horrible yet entertaining show (Walk of Shame Shuttle...yes that's the name of the show) and went to bed. <br />
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Just another normal, boring Saturday night......<br />
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<br />Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-10492987503952588962015-03-31T07:19:00.000-07:002015-03-31T07:19:29.731-07:00Glow baby, glow!I am a self admitted product <strike>hoarder</strike> junkie. I firmly believe a new mascara/nail polish/moisturizer has the potential to change your life. <br />
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While cleaning out my inbox this morning, I saw an amazing deal on one of my FAVORITE products and just had to share. <br />
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TODAY ONLY, Ulta is featuring <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod12091183" target="_blank">Laura Geller's Baked Highlighter</a> (with brush!!) as one of their beauty steals. You guys.....this stuff. Amazing. I went through a whole one and am on my second. Remember that <strike>hoarder</strike> junkie thing I mentioned? It means I rarely ever use something up. But this....well this is just that good.<br />
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First - The consistency of Geller's baked collection is crazy good -- it starts as a cream and is then baked for 24 hours. It truly melts into skin and looks flawless. <br />
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Second - Contouring and highlighting is really having a moment right now, isn't it? It can become a girl's best friend, but definitely takes some practice to make perfect. This highlighter is THE PERFECT WAY to dip your toe in. <br />
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Third - This brush may not seem like a big deal, but trust me, it is perfection. Use the larger end to lightly pat the highlighter along the tops of your cheekbones and give your face a smidge of dimension. Better yet? Use the other end of the brush to dot highlighter at the inner corner of your eyes. Instantly makes you look alive, awake, alert, enthusiastic. Seriously, this stuff can fake a good night's sleep. This and coffee and no one will ever know you were up late binge-watching Netflix or dealing with a fussy toddler. <br />
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Fourth -- The deal today gets you the highlighter AND brush for $15!! Ulta claims it is a $44 value (which I am sure it is) but I have bought it before <a href="http://www.qvc.com/Laura-Geller-Baked-Vanilla-Highlighter-wDouble-Ended-Applicator.product.A232299.html?sc=A232299-User&cm_sp=VIEWPOSITION-_-1-_-A232299&catentryImage=http://images.qvc.com/is/image/a/99/a232299.001?$uslarge$" target="_blank">from QVC </a>(obvs) where the same set runs $26.50. <br />
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Spring is the perfect time to lighten and brighten and I <b><i>HIGHLY</i></b> recommend this highlighter to get your glow on.Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-6165392776485133852015-03-25T13:16:00.003-07:002015-03-25T13:17:54.335-07:00I'm baaaaaaaaaaaack!Long time no blog, right?<br />
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The past year has been one that was busier than I was prepared for. Survived another shakeup at work, but not without a LOT of stress and long hours. Another (bigger) shakeup is on the horizon, but I can't even think about it right now or I will break out in hives. And there was the small matter of planning the wedding. Which was wonderful. And stressful. All at the same time. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ashcroftanthony.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/just-married.jpg" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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So here I am, coming back with my blogging tail between my legs, hoping I may still have some friends/fans/followers out there that would be willing to get back on board with me. I am feeling my life starting to relax back into a normal and painfully boring existence...and that is a good thing. A very good thing. </div>
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I have missed writing. </div>
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I have missed being creative. </div>
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I have missed trying to make friends and random strangers laugh. </div>
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Also, I think MVP misses me writing. Before I could come here and talk about online shopping and BRAVO and Pinterest. Now <b>HE</b> has had to be the one to listen to that stuff. So if not for me, do it for poor MVP. Come read my blog so he doesn't have to listen to my nonsensical ramblings. </div>
Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-43902273702932019852014-07-08T04:02:00.001-07:002014-07-08T05:46:53.867-07:00Pinterest Goggles Are RealI am trying to sloooooooowly get myself away from the post-engagement "PIN ALL THE THINGS!!!!!!" phase. I mean really, given my pinning skills, this wedding is pretty much planned, right?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WTMzBGYgAX0/U7vDrCFDK4I/AAAAAAAABy4/6tIly8IadyA/s1600/marry+you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WTMzBGYgAX0/U7vDrCFDK4I/AAAAAAAABy4/6tIly8IadyA/s1600/marry+you.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.someecards.com/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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Yeah...uh...not so much. Planning a wedding with Pinterest is like having the unlimited meal plan at college.<br />
"<i>Chicken fingers for everyone! My treat since swiping my student D is basically the equivalent of spending monopoly money, <b>amiright</b></i>?"<br />
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Wrong. So. Very. Wrong.<br />
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I knew it before, obviously, but now that MVP and I are in the throes of planning, I feel like I have a permanent expression of "That costs how f*@king much?!?" on my face.<br />
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I <strike>have an ungodly amount</strike> try to keep a healthy dose of skepticism when it comes to DIY projects. Because I know I have been at the crafting rock-bottom before. Sitting on the floor, crying, clutching a glue gun and looking around at the total mess I made of $128 dollars of "supplies" from Michael's. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjZ6RYcn2xY/U7vGkPG5RKI/AAAAAAAABzc/RkE7KPl0-eQ/s1600/tamra.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cjZ6RYcn2xY/U7vGkPG5RKI/AAAAAAAABzc/RkE7KPl0-eQ/s1600/tamra.gif" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Have you experienced something similar? If you have (and it's okay if you are too ashamed to admit it...), this experience should be forever known as Pinterest Goggles***. Much like with beer goggles, what starts out as fun eventually takes a sharp turn down This-is-a-Horrible-Idea Avenue, and we don't have the mind to stop before it is too late. And with both, there is usually a ginormous mess to clean up the next morning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">***</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">I <b>AM</b> GOING TO MAKE THIS PHRASE HAPPEN. That may also involve trademarking this phrase...so clearly I am not going to get much done today. If any TM lawyers have stumbled across this post, gimme a shout.</span></div>
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That said, there are a few things that I have seen on Pinterest that I would like to try. Partly because they may be more budget-friendly, but also so I can <i>feel like I am doing something</i> other than just signing contracts and sending deposit checks.<br />
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The other day, I mentioned one of my ideas to MVP and showed him some pins so he had a visual. </div>
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Let's just say, he was not into it. Not so much because of what it was, but because I was going to take on the task of making it. I appreciated his concern, and tried to explain that I am well aware there is<strike> the very real possibility this project could send me off the crafting deep end</strike> a chance it may not turn out exactly right, but the wedding is 8 months away. That is <i><b>plenty</b></i> of time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cADm4p3OwA4/U7vDrdV_3LI/AAAAAAAABzU/ybpNfEYf2FY/s1600/online+relax.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cADm4p3OwA4/U7vDrdV_3LI/AAAAAAAABzU/ybpNfEYf2FY/s1600/online+relax.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.muchmusic.com/35-reasons-were-thankful-for-mindy-kaling/" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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He looked at me with that expression that simply says "I am filing this away so I can say 'I told you so!'"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YxrWrcUeG_E/U7vDrL--ouI/AAAAAAAABzA/mQOe5lX60Wg/s1600/disappointed.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YxrWrcUeG_E/U7vDrL--ouI/AAAAAAAABzA/mQOe5lX60Wg/s1600/disappointed.gif" height="210" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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I think we agreed to disagree on the issue...and by that I mean we just stopped talking about it and he left to go watch TV in another room. Feeling full of "I'll show you!" moxie, I jumped on Amazon and loaded my cart with supplies. Ordering online has an added bonus of not having that personal interaction with the Michael's/A.C. Moore cashier, who looks at you with a mix of empathy and pity as she rings you up for a shopping cart FULL OF STUFF that she knows is never going to come to its intended crafting fruition.<br />
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It's an endless cycle, people. Just like the morning after a long, late night of drinking, when the fog and haze of the beer goggles has gone, you vow you are never doing that again. And then later - could be a month, could be a year, you forget all about that promise. That's me and my struggle with my inner-Martha-Stewart-wannabe. Oh Pinterest goggles....I just can't quit you!!<br />
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Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-68744411978255987992014-06-27T10:43:00.003-07:002014-06-27T10:43:39.118-07:00Forget TGIF, how about TGWHAV?!?While I am also totally TGIF today, I also want to proclaim "<b>T</b>hank <b>G</b>od <b>W</b>e <b>H</b>ave <b>A</b> <b>V</b>enue!"<br />
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Even as the concept of actually being engaged was still settling in, people were quick to drill me, "So have you set a date?!?" <br />
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Side note: There was the one person at work who asked, "Is this your first?" A little confused <strike>and thinking surely there is no way someone is THAT rude</strike>, I replied, "Cup of coffee?" "No, is this your first <i>wedding</i>?"<br />
Yes, on top of my actual JOB sometimes making me want to scream, tear my hair out and cry simultaneously, I also work with people who seemingly have little regard for social skills. <br />
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Getting back to the point here, I would always try to respond politely "No, no date yet. Still just enjoying being newly engaged." And while I may have appeared calm, inside I was already getting my freak-out on. MVP and I had decided we very much wanted to get married in Philadelphia. But that also meant doing a bunch of research online and then orchestrate several drives up to Philly to do on site visits. <br />
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So. Many. Visits.<br />
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Over the course of two weekends I think we saw a total of 15 or 16 places. And while I was already starting to feel the stress...one place running into the next...can't remember which end is up....at that same *exact* time, Pennsylvania legalized same-sex marriage. <br />
Immediately -- YAY MARRIAGE EQUALITY!<br />
Followed shortly with -- Holy sh*t now there is a GINORMOUS pool of couples looking to get hitched in Philly.<br />
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After many, MANY back and forth phone calls, a few tears on my part, weighing pros/cons (i.e. there is not a big enough discount that will get me to book my wedding on Sept. 11) we nabbed a date (two months sooner than I thought we would be getting married) at what was our top venue choice.<br />
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MVP and I are VERY excited to be getting hitched at The Down Town Club in Philadelphia on March 13, 2015. And yes, I am aware I am getting married on Friday the 13th. Given the choice between that and Sept. 11th you can see how easy my decision was, yes?</div>
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But it seems there is not all that much time to enjoy the sense of peace that came with getting that squared away. Now we are in the throes of tackling the next set of To Dos -- band/dj, photographer, videographer. This whole idea of wedding planning seems a LOT less stressful when I watch it on TLC. I am lucky in that MVP is a HUGE help (calling vendors, helping with research) so I am actually in pretty good shape. </div>
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At least, that is what I keep telling myself.......</div>
<br />Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-72851353399907378312014-06-09T11:13:00.000-07:002015-08-14T11:06:56.609-07:00Deviled Megs said "Yes!"Ok, it was really weird to even type that blog title. But about two months ago, during a trip to LBI, MVP asked me to marry him. And, as the blog title has already given it away, I said yes. <br />
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I knew that the proposal was coming. I had wanted MVP to use a diamond that had belonged to my Gram, so I would occasionally check the ring box in my drawer to see if the ring was still in there. So when it was gone, well I'm no Nancy Drew, but I figured it would be soon-ish.<br />
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Scene - LBI for Easter weekend, getting ready for our usual drive on the island. Deviled Megs is in the house getting ready to leave, MVP is on the front porch with Coach and Pop-Pop. MVP comes back in the house and comes to find Deviled Megs.<br />
MVP: Can you hear them out there on the porch?"<br />
Deviled Megs: Nope.<br />
MVP: They're talking so loudly.<br />
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MVP exits. <br />
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Deviled Megs' inner monologue: I bet he was out there asking permission to marry me.<br />
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We did our usual LBI drive -- first to the southern point of the island, and then up to Barnegat Lighthouse at the northern point. But this time, our usual drive ended with a proposal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KodMJpG_klU/U5Xyqp-Os7I/AAAAAAAABwk/Q6PyJEBP2iU/s1600/engaged+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KodMJpG_klU/U5Xyqp-Os7I/AAAAAAAABwk/Q6PyJEBP2iU/s1600/engaged+(2).jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, this is the first photo of me on the blog - eeks! Don't tell MVP, I didn't ask him if it was ok to post it. </td></tr>
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As we were walking back to the car, I was admiring my sparkly new ring and then was fidgeting with my nails.</div>
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MVP: You're upset I didn't wait until you had a manicure, aren't you?</div>
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Deviled Megs: Um.....kinda?</div>
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MVP: Ok, we can stop and get you one on the drive home.</div>
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I mean as if I didn't already know he was a keeper, that sealed the deal for me right there! So technically, the very first person I told that I had just gotten engaged was Kim of Kim's Nails in Surf City, NJ. </div>
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True Story. </div>
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It's been a crazy and exciting time since then -- sharing the good news with friends and family, taking drives to look at wedding venues, spending too much time on Pinterest. MVP recently asked me why I hadn't blogged in a long time. I gave my usual responses - so busy, work is stressing me out, no time, etc. But he then reminded me that I do love this weird little corner of the interwebs I have all to myself. I have missed it. The other wonderful thing about this blog is that it's let me capture some of the most important things in my life these past few years. <a href="http://www.deviledmegs.com/2011/08/tales-from-trenches-tuesday-coming.html" target="_blank">Meeting MVP</a>. <a href="http://deviled-megs.blogspot.com/2012/01/with-every-ending-comes-new-beginning.html" target="_blank">L moving away</a>. <a href="http://deviled-megs.blogspot.com/2012/02/moving-day.html" target="_blank">MVP Moving in</a>. <a href="http://www.deviledmegs.com/2013/09/five-on-friday.html" target="_blank">Becoming an Aunt</a>. <a href="http://deviled-megs.blogspot.com/2012/01/lessons-you-learn-from-getting-new.html" target="_blank">Buying a couch</a>. <a href="http://deviled-megs.blogspot.com/2010/10/so-long-temp-assistant-i-will-not-miss.html" target="_blank">The world's worst temp assistant</a>.</div>
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And guys....never forget that <a href="http://www.deviledmegs.com/2011/02/when-something-really-lives-up-to-hype.html" target="_blank">I told you that Adele </a>was about to become EVERYTHING. So called that. </div>
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Will this be a wedding blog now? Who knows. It would be hard not to write about it since it is a pretty big thing in my life right now. But I don't see me being a "Hey you guys, help me pick out the font for my cocktail napkins" kind of gal. So if I can promise not to write about every. Single. Wedding. Detail. I hope you will all come back and join me here from time to time. </div>
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<br />Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-16403951756386146882013-11-15T07:56:00.002-08:002013-11-15T07:56:28.185-08:00Life is Like a Batch of PancakesWith all due respect to Mr. Gump, I had a thought this week that life is actually more like a batch of pancakes. Well, at least *my* life is. <br />
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Both MVP and I had off from work on Monday for Veteran's Day. I was up before he was (as usual) and thought it would be nice to head out to the kitchen and make breakfast for one of my favorite veterans. Before you go thinking how sweet that is, let me tell you that he was up about 15 minutes later and I made him come into the kitchen to help me. What a sucker, he shoulda stayed asleep!<br />
<br />
If you are anything like me, that first pancake is almost a throwaway pancake. It's always misshapen, burnt on the edges, undercooked in the middle....or if you are REALLY talented, all three! But as you keep going, the pancakes get better. You figure out your timing a little more each time. You get more comfortable. You get more confident.<br />
<br />
And that last pancake? Well, it is usually the most perfect pancake you ever did see.<br />
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As true English major, I have a penchant for analogies. I use them often at work, with friends, and obviously here on this little old blog. I couldn't deny the life lesson in that batch of pancakes the other morning. <br />
<br />
It's OK if things don't turn out perfectly the first time around because if you just take each thing as it comes and have faith, they will get better. Sometimes it isn't just more time -- your whole version of "perfect" may even need to be readjusted. <a href="http://www.deviledmegs.com/2011/08/tales-from-trenches-tuesday-coming.html" target="_blank">MVP is my favorite example of that</a>.<br />
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I have felt like that in jobs...in volunteer efforts...in friendships. Frustrated that it wasn't "working" at that very moment, but not having the strength or wisdom at that time to just keep moving forward and just keep making pancakes. <br />
<br />
And with time, things get better. You have enough professional misfires and missteps to see them coming a mile away now and are able to work around/through them with more grace and ease. You have enough balance and perspective to not allow the bad volunteer day/project derail all the good you do simply by caring, showing up and being consistent. You realize that friendships grow and change over time and come to understand that is not always a bad thing. <br />
<br />
Just keep making pancakes. Because eventually - INEVITABLY - they will get better. <br />
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<br />Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-12494702806710484302013-10-23T20:24:00.000-07:002013-10-23T21:11:09.067-07:00I Will Always Have Boogie WipesRemember that episode of Friends episode when Ross' son Ben was born? Monica proudly proclaims through tears "I'm you're Aunt Monica....I will always have gum." I'm that same way...except that instead of gum, I will always have Boogie Wipes. <br />
<br />
I have previously professed my love of <a href="http://www.deviledmegs.com/2012/02/what-im-loving-wednesday_29.html" target="_blank">Boogie Wipes</a> here on the blog. Seriously, they are the best. I am currently having a little bit of the sniffles and thankful that no matter where I am, I have stashed a pack of boogie wipes nearby. In the event I don't have Boogie Wipes? Well, while that it a most unfortunate situation, I will most definitely have a back up of baby wipes/wet wipes. <br />
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Yes, I am THAT person with a Mary Poppins bag full of more stuff than you can shake a stick at. MVP and my friends have often laughed at me for this. You know...UNTIL someone needs something. Tailgating and going to brave the port-o-potties? I'm the girl you want with you -- I will send you in with some wet wipes/napkins (just in case!) and when you return I will have you hold out your hands and will hit you up with some Purell. That's me. Love it or leave it. <br />
<br />
Recently I had an experience that has really stuck with me....and will remind me to ALWAYS pack my Boogie Wipes. <br />
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The Columbus Day Holiday weekend gave me a chance to get up to PA and meet my cute little nugget nephew. He is just so.....I mean there are no words. I could have sat there and held him for days. We also got to stay with MVP's sister for the night and get in a visit with his niece, who is 9 months old. Even though she was a little under the weather and not feeling quite like herself, she was still too cute for words and I love seeing MVP get to spend time with her. It was a niece and nephew two-for-one weekend. <br />
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Before our trek from PA back to VA we decided to stop at Franklin Mills Mall. We had memories of it from when we were younger and thought why not, we don't have to rush to get home. While we WERE able to score some good deals on some new Phillies and Eagles gear, the mall was....well, not *exactly* what we remembered it to be from 20+ years ago, let's say that.<br />
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Nevertheless, we decided to walk around just to see how it had changed. As we walked, I noticed a little girl walk past us. I looked at her and thought that her face looked red...like she had been crying. I then became aware that there was no one else with her and told MVP we needed to turn around and follow that girl. I called after her then hurried and caught up with her as she slowed down. I crouched down and introduced myself, and asked her if she was ok. She stared at me with wide sad eyes that made my heart feel like it was going to burst into a million pieces.<br />
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"Are you lost?" I asked her. <br />
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She nodded.<br />
<br />
"That's ok," I reassured her. "The same thing happened to me when I was a little girl. What's your name?"<br />
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"Mia" she said, her little lip trembling.<br />
<br />
"Mia...that's such a pretty name! My name is Deviled Megs and this is my friend MVP. We're going to help you find your family so don't worry."<br />
[Obvs I used our real name.s...I didn't need Mia to think her fate was in the hands of two weirdos!]<br />
<br />
And while MVP went to flag down a security guard to help us, I pulled out my Boogie Wipes and helped little Mia dry her tears and blow her nose. I asked her who she was at the mall with today and she said her mommy. I told her I loved her pretty pink sweater and asked her what color shirt or sweater her mommy had worn to the mall today. "Brown."<br />
<br />
In less than 10 minutes we reunited Mia with her mother. I really cannot even imagine the emotions Mia's mother must have gone through when she realized her little girl was lost but I was so thankful to be there for the happy ending. The look in her eyes as she mouthed the words "Thank You" to me...well I don't know if I will ever forget her face.<br />
<br />
Without getting too deep or philosophical about the experience, I really do feel like there was some divine intervention that had us decide to make that unplanned stop at the mall. Some other force at work that had us decide to walk around for a bit...so they we could find little Mia and help her get back to her family. And in all of that....I can say that there was a huge payoff for this childless 30-something and her penchant for Boogie Wipes. It may not be exactly the kind of product endorsement they are looking for, but I will be a loyal customer for life! <br />
<br />Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-36771897930962830792013-09-20T07:09:00.002-07:002013-09-20T11:01:00.685-07:00Five on Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jSCth3TeI-0/UhdtRu6-xmI/AAAAAAAABeU/GTKe_7xxa1Q/s1600/5+on+Friday+Logo+-+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jSCth3TeI-0/UhdtRu6-xmI/AAAAAAAABeU/GTKe_7xxa1Q/s320/5+on+Friday+Logo+-+Final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
1. Big news you guys....I am an Aunt! My brother and SIL welcomed a baby boy on Wednesday.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7z893jA3RY/UjxQstYJ5eI/AAAAAAAABig/gmrGbnmDO4g/s1600/Colin+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7z893jA3RY/UjxQstYJ5eI/AAAAAAAABig/gmrGbnmDO4g/s320/Colin+1.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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And this is obviously an even bigger deal because it is their first child and my parents' first grandchild. He is such a cute little nugget and I am looking forward to getting to meet him very soon.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2KM4Z22mcHk/UjxQu7uT66I/AAAAAAAABio/PsjcTX3rU8w/s1600/Colin+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2KM4Z22mcHk/UjxQu7uT66I/AAAAAAAABio/PsjcTX3rU8w/s320/Colin+2.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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2. Also, this kid is going to be <b>S-P-O-I-L-E-D</b>. I may have gone a tiny bit overboard with the baby shower gifts. I just kept buying things as I saw them over the last few months without keeping track...and had accumulated QUITE the collection by the time the shower rolled around. But the thought of adorable little outfits and a whole new set of things to be monogrammed is just too much for me. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dHlX5lI8ang/UjxSHkg61xI/AAAAAAAABi0/_mXwKOH_U-Q/s1600/jon+jon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dHlX5lI8ang/UjxSHkg61xI/AAAAAAAABi0/_mXwKOH_U-Q/s320/jon+jon.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have spent too much money with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SmockedByStellybelly" target="_blank">Stellybelly</a> for a woman with no kids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZxTIYWC1no/UjxSH0ZwWZI/AAAAAAAABi4/e2NNLc14s78/s1600/tote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gZxTIYWC1no/UjxSH0ZwWZI/AAAAAAAABi4/e2NNLc14s78/s320/tote.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.landsend.com/products/halloween-tote/id_242870?sku_0=::Y35" target="_blank">Lands End</a> monogrammed totes....I just can't quit you!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
3. We have had Honeycrisp apples in the work pantry this week. This pleases me greatly. For as many downsides I have found to my work/office over the course of my tenure, I will admit it IS a really nice thing to be able to go to the pantry and enjoy a snack. Especially when it means I don't have to BYO apples.<br />
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4. It's the freaking weekend. Enough said.<br />
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5. Today, MVP has the honor of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. I drive past Arlington Cemetery every morning and it is just such an awe-inspiring and moving sight to see all those white markers. To say it gives you true perspective on what's really important in life is an understatement. You think about all those people who made the ultimate sacrifice and the families and loved ones that mourned that loss. I am really just so proud of the important work that MVP does and can only try to understand how meaningful today's event will be for him. Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-24036606968239847842013-09-12T14:28:00.001-07:002013-09-19T09:31:14.135-07:00OMGYG -- nailed it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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MVP was out of town for work for a whole week. I got to have some alone time, dinner with friends and their babies, watch whatever I wanted on the TV, you know the drill. It was me, my yoga pants and a whooooooole lotta Bravo.<br />
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One night I was looking at my sad, naked finergnails and rememebred I had a new polish product (a <a href="http://www.qvc.com/qvc.product.A239608.html?item=A239608&ref=GAS&tpl=detail&cm_ven=GOOGLESHOPPINGFEED&cm_cat=Beauty&cm_pla=Nail%20Care&cm_ite=A239608-000-000&CAWELAID=600006460000022618&catargetid=600006460000295391&cagpspn=pla" target="_blank">QVC purchase</a>, obvs) that I had yet to try. And <i><b>Omigod!Omigod you guys!</b></i> (remember when I thought that would <a href="http://www.deviledmegs.com/2013/07/omgyg-aka-omigod-you-guys.html" target="_blank">help me post more regularly</a>? Yeah, I had forgotten too) this stuff is a revelation. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LsvMZn69wRI/UjIe1Ido8SI/AAAAAAAABh0/zwGfVhCMCSc/s1600/Julep-Freedom-Polymer-Nail-Top-Coat-Duo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LsvMZn69wRI/UjIe1Ido8SI/AAAAAAAABh0/zwGfVhCMCSc/s320/Julep-Freedom-Polymer-Nail-Top-Coat-Duo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NnR2vJvSql0/UjIcUSeUIFI/AAAAAAAABhA/FlA7SVOGq2g/s1600/freedom_fw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Julep's Freedom Polymer Topcoat is a total gamechanger. I love gel manis -- that mirror like shine and the lack of drying time. And I have even invested in all the tools and products so that I can have a DIY gel mani-pedi at anytime. But the biggest PITA with gel polish? Removal. Second biggest? Limited color choices.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ycj-EJTU6PA/UjIdqFEFhoI/AAAAAAAABhc/Xl5T5o9a2tk/s1600/freedom_pdp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ycj-EJTU6PA/UjIdqFEFhoI/AAAAAAAABhc/Xl5T5o9a2tk/s320/freedom_pdp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Enter the Freedom Polymer Topcoat. The topcoat is "activated" by light, creating a unique polymer coat that prevents
chipping and leaves your nails with a
gel-like shine. The quick-dry formula cures under regular light in 3-5 minutes. Better yet? No more gel-removal hassle - any nail polish
remover does the job.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8cduy-hqXpM/UjIcUXRKLvI/AAAAAAAABhI/O77Zi0loVys/s1600/freedomtopcoat-pdp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
And on the subject of color choices, I am in serious love with the shades offered by Julep. Because I love my monthly beauty subscriptions (currently get Glossybox and Birchbox), I was intrigued by <a href="http://www.julep.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/301392/" target="_blank">Julep's MAVEN</a> service. You take a quick quiz so they can get an idea of your style and tastes. Your first MAVEN box will ship within three business days. I promise you, you will LOVE coming home and being greeted by a little box packed with two polishes chosen just for you and some other beauty goodies. <br />
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Each
month I look forward to <a href="http://www.julep.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/301392/" target="_blank">getting my MAVEN box with new nail colors</a>, cult faves and other beauty products that are just right for me. Better yet? I am totally in control and can decide how often I receive my shipment and can cancel at any time. But I have been obsessed with the colors they send me so don't see myself cancelling anytime soon. <br />
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Even better, Julep sends me a preview email so I can see what I will get in my next shipment. If I take a peek and decide I want to try a different style, send my box to a friend (how sweet of an option is that?) or skip the month
(and the bill), I just log into my account and submit my request.<br />
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Seriously you guys....Treat Yo Self. You've been working hard....you deserve it. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UKqYIohaa3s/UjIiMlcr8wI/AAAAAAAABiA/O7JLEgxbHxM/s1600/treatyoself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UKqYIohaa3s/UjIiMlcr8wI/AAAAAAAABiA/O7JLEgxbHxM/s320/treatyoself.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-55716589225003813242013-08-26T10:12:00.006-07:002013-08-26T10:12:53.529-07:00Feeling Young(ish) again - 2013 MTV VMAs<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I feel like I need a little “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless
Mind” after the MTV VMAs last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SO
much I did not understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So much made
me feel uncomfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So much made me
feel…..OLD.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To be fair, I know at my age I am not OLD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unlike some who should remain nameless, I did
not need to Google “twerking” (love ya, MGD!) But I know I am NOT young.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realize this when I get too little sleep or
when I have that unnecessary last glass of wine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It causes me great pain when I change out my
winter/summer clothes 2x a year and come across jeans and dresses in sizes I
know I will NEVER wear again, yet cannot bring myself to throw away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can <b>*actually feel*</b> my crows feet and brow
furrows become more pronounced when I walk by a Forever 21.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hell it happens when I pass the Juniors
section in Target.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, IMHO, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>my being not young = my being old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> But for the brief period of time watching the VMAs last night, I felt....young again. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you watched most of the VMAs you may be saying “WTF,
DeviledMegs?!?!” Anyone over the age of 25 felt old as DIRT at least once
during that trainwreck of an “awards” show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BELIEVE me I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I felt it when my first thought in seeing Miley Cyrus hump a
foam finger was “What must her parents be think??” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7pMAy0CHGF8/UhuKR3EIE6I/AAAAAAAABfQ/JUEZjMLCzlY/s1600/Drake.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7pMAy0CHGF8/UhuKR3EIE6I/AAAAAAAABfQ/JUEZjMLCzlY/s320/Drake.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.popsugar.com/MTV-VMA-2013-GIFs-31327160" target="_blank">Via</a>. Don't worry Drake, I had to look away too. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I felt it when Jared Leto announced a
performance and as fans cheered for him, and I realized anyone under the age of
18 doesn’t even know that he was Jordan-FRAKING-Catalano.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOXFKOcuL-0/UhuKhves0iI/AAAAAAAABfY/1bHNMvuAXuw/s1600/Leto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOXFKOcuL-0/UhuKhves0iI/AAAAAAAABfY/1bHNMvuAXuw/s320/Leto.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nooooooooo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uo6Boy_z1g0/UhuKjk_2o2I/AAAAAAAABfg/_JLdMKqw1J0/s1600/jordan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uo6Boy_z1g0/UhuKjk_2o2I/AAAAAAAABfg/_JLdMKqw1J0/s1600/jordan.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And yes, the sheer fact that I had been giddy with
anticipation since it was announced that there could be an N*SYNC reunion in
the works was an indicator I was OLD.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>[Says
the woman who has also paid money –as an ADULT - to see NKOTB (TWICE) and the
Backstreet Boys]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hoslmkpd7dQ/UhuK1zyLRII/AAAAAAAABfo/qkGeI8cRTSs/s1600/NSYNC.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="169" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hoslmkpd7dQ/UhuK1zyLRII/AAAAAAAABfo/qkGeI8cRTSs/s320/NSYNC.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.popsugar.com/MTV-VMA-2013-GIFs-31327160" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With nowhere to turn with all my <s>snarky comments</s>
feelings, I went where anyone else would go who needs an emotional outlet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Facebook. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And there were all my friends, from all stages of my life,
similarly horrified by a skanky-beyond-her-years Miley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We marveled at the wonder that is JT. We commented on and liked each others posts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like I could have been 20 years old
again, watching it in the chapter room of my sorority house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know, back in the dark ages where you HAD
to watch things live because there was no DVR, and your friends had to BE THERE
because you couldn’t text/tweet them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For a brief period of time….age was just a number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And yes, reality came crashing back this morning as I
struggled to get my butt out of bed after staying up WAYYYYYY past my bedtime
and had to put forth extra effort to get myself presentable and out the door to
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I am still laughing thinking
about last night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thanks to those FB
friends that made it more fun to watch….and helped make me feel not so OLD for
one short evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PS - We get it, MTV. Tay Tay and Selena are just a couple of besties having a fun night out dancing (and perpetuating the sterotype that White Girls have no rythm) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AzfKwG97mPY/UhuMNJCNpaI/AAAAAAAABf8/xuAunNNp2Kc/s1600/bad+dancing.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AzfKwG97mPY/UhuMNJCNpaI/AAAAAAAABf8/xuAunNNp2Kc/s320/bad+dancing.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://awkwardtaylorswiftdancing.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">SO MUCH BAD DANCING</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In addition to trashing your exes. But did the camera need to show your reaction to every. Single. Thing?!? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J6GFKvyP06o/UhuMAU_qSzI/AAAAAAAABf0/c6PqUerO8_8/s1600/Tay+Tay.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J6GFKvyP06o/UhuMAU_qSzI/AAAAAAAABf0/c6PqUerO8_8/s320/Tay+Tay.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-57207424478211531932013-08-23T07:49:00.001-07:002013-08-23T07:49:12.243-07:005 on FridayLinking up for Five on Friday.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSCth3TeI-0/UhdtRu6-xmI/AAAAAAAABeQ/jBC-NKSciN8/s1600/5+on+Friday+Logo+-+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSCth3TeI-0/UhdtRu6-xmI/AAAAAAAABeQ/jBC-NKSciN8/s320/5+on+Friday+Logo+-+Final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
1. BB cream for your hair.<br />
I am sure by now you all have become familiar with BB creams (BB = Beauty Balm). heck, now we have even moved on to CC creams (CC = Color Correcting) and apparently DD creams are in the works. Confused? <a href="http://fashionista.com/" target="_blank">Fashionista</a> provides an <a href="http://fashionista.com/2013/04/the-difference-between-bb-cc-dd-creams/" target="_blank">excellent breakdown</a> of the difference between them all. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_M8lRWKEz8/UhdvZR0EeDI/AAAAAAAABeg/y856xHzUtdc/s1600/creme-large.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_M8lRWKEz8/UhdvZR0EeDI/AAAAAAAABeg/y856xHzUtdc/s200/creme-large.png" width="118" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--_M8lRWKEz8/UhdvZR0EeDI/AAAAAAAABeg/y856xHzUtdc/s1600/creme-large.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
Pantene now has a <a href="http://www.pantene.com/en-US/hair-care-products/product/Ultimate-10-BB-Creme.aspx?UPC=080878175239" target="_blank">BB cream for your hair</a>, and it is marvelous. It touts itself as a 10-in-1 solution for things like manageability, heat protection and shine among others. All i know is that when I use it post-shower, my blowdry looks so much better than usual (and dare I say takes less time? Maybe I am imagining things). Less frizz, movement and body to my hair. It is a great drug store find for sure. <br />
<br />
2. This picture of Charlie Manuel breaks my heart and makes me love him more all at the same time. I know the Phillies felt they had to make some big changes, and firings like this are just how the business of baseball is done. But I think I loved the Phillies *that much more* with Charlie as the team's Skipper. He made me feel....safe. I trusted Charlie. He always felt like a Pop-Pop to me...I imagined a dish of Werther's candies set next to his favorite chair at home and could imagine him sneaking me a $10 bill when no one was looking, with a little wink to say it was our secret. This pic also let me know Charlie is just like me. He knows that when you are heading out of Philadelphia, you should stop to get some Wawa for the road. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-foMoE2VbbQg/Uhdw7CEzXCI/AAAAAAAABeo/66gcLYjm3Q0/s1600/Charlie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-foMoE2VbbQg/Uhdw7CEzXCI/AAAAAAAABeo/66gcLYjm3Q0/s320/Charlie.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
P.S. Coach is placing his bet that Charlie ends up in DC....and I must say, it would make it a little easier for me to root for the hometown team Nationals if that was the case. <br />
<br />
3. Friday. That means the end of this hellatious, craptastic, Calgon-take-me-away week is in sight. Thank goodness because I am seriously running on empty when it comes to patience and composure at work this week. I have found myself biting my tongue (literally...as in I almost drew blood) so many damn times this week to stop myself from just letting sh*t fly and telling people exactly what I thought. <br />
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4. The movie "Jobs." I saw it last week and it's just kind of....*meh*. I feel like Ashton Kutcher slapped together a bunch of mannerisms, threw on a black mock turtleneck and called it a performance. To me is was just a drawn out impression of Steve Jobs. I don't feel like I learned anything I didn't already know or got any insight into his life. The movie was a somewhat glorified live-action version of Steve Jobs' resume. The highlight for me was Josh Gad. I just love him. <br />
Oh and the other highlight was also being able to see it in MVP and mine's <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/amc-courthouse-plaza-8-arlington" target="_blank">new favorite theater</a>. This AMC theater revamped itself with leather recliners, reserved seating and a tricked out fancy coke machine. You know, the kind that lets you pick from what feels like a gazillion choices. Diet cherry ginger ale on tap? Yes please! <br />
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5. <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2372162/" target="_blank">Orange is the New Black</a>. Finally convinced MVP to give this Netflix series a try and I am hooked. The first season has 13 episodes --we watched three in a row last night, and am fairly certain we will plow through the other ten over the course of this weekend. This series is based on Piper Kerman's memoir about her own experiences in prison. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ONiZkGFgfJc/Uhd2PujaOcI/AAAAAAAABe4/cQ5jgwkJPRY/s1600/orange-is-the-new-black-poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ONiZkGFgfJc/Uhd2PujaOcI/AAAAAAAABe4/cQ5jgwkJPRY/s320/orange-is-the-new-black-poster.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://collider.com/wp-content/uploads/orange-is-the-new-black-poster.jpg" target="_blank">Via</a></td></tr>
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Aside from the novelty of this being nothing like any other show you've watched recently, the performances on this show are A-mazing. I am also hooked by how they choose to reveal characters' back story, giving you little snippets here and there they not only give you insight, but make you go back and reevaluate things that character has done or said in a previous episode...sort of like "Oh NOW I get why she said that!" I won't get on the "better roles for actresses" soapbox (and I know the series is set in prison, so by default characters will be outside of your run-of-the-mill TV actresses) but I love seeing women of all sizes, shapes, colors and ages on TV. I am not sure if it is funny, sad or scary that I think the characters in Orange is the New Black look more like "real life" to me than those on most poplar series today. If you have Netflix, you must give this series a try. And if you don't have Netflix, Orange is the New Black and House of Cards are all the reason you need to sign yourself up and get your binge-watching on! Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-2695249659544239602013-08-20T08:22:00.003-07:002013-08-20T08:36:41.873-07:00Oh Shift! Thoughts on the Lilly Pulitzer online saleYes, I am overdue for posting on here....work/life has been crazy as of late to say the least. Soon though, I promise!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UhT3dbS6tgA/UhOHoMJxKpI/AAAAAAAABds/wQZv0_Hi528/s1600/LillyP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UhT3dbS6tgA/UhOHoMJxKpI/AAAAAAAABds/wQZv0_Hi528/s320/LillyP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lillypulitzer/photos_stream" target="_blank">Pic via Facebook</a></td></tr>
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My experience with yesterday's Lilly Pulitzer annual online summer sale has left me with thoughts and comments I <i><b>need </b></i>to share. You know, with someone other than MVP who could really care less about a bunch of crazed ladies hitting refresh on their browser for 6+ hours yesterday.<br />
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As many of you know, I LOVE a good bargain. Like, I get an incredible high from finding something I love at a crazy-low price. I have often felt I would easily medal if bargain shopping (specifically online) somehow became an Olympic sport. Just this past Sunday night, I amazed MVP with my skills -- he was interested in a pair of shoes, I offered a few online shopping suggestions and bing-bam-BOOM, he was able to get the exact pair he wanted for about $35 less than retail. AND free shipping. You're welcome, MVP. <br />
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So it is TOTALLY in my nature to look forward to something like the Lilly P sale. I set aside a little shopping fund in advance of the sale so I can take advantage of as many bargains as my little pink and green heart desires. I make sure I am online in time for the 8am start. And I also try to take everything with a heaping spoonful of reality. <br />
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EVERY YEAR there are website issues. Anyone who has shopped the sale before should already know that and keep the complaining to a minimum. I will admit that yesterday's first day of the sale took things to a new low, as I heard that there were some possible security breaches on the site; shoppers logged into their online account (where they have saved billing/shipping info, payment info, etc.) before shopping the sale, only to see (well, those who were fortunate enough to notice) that even though they had entered their correct log in info, they were shopping under someone else's account.<br />
[Side note, <i>to my knowledge</i>, Lilly Pulitzer has not publicly discussed or acknowledged the alleged privacy scare]<br />
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There were also issues with shoppers assuming that their transaction was completed successfully because they received a confirmation email AND their card was charged. Only to find out later the order was not able to be placed BUT their card was charged, and they would have to wait 1-3 days to have the funds credited back to them.<br />
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However, what struck me the MOST yesterday, were some of the careless and cruel comments I read on Facebook, Twitter and so on. Some of the comments I empathized with -- the inability to view what was in your virtual shopping tote, the frustration with the lack of real time inventory update, etc.<br />
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But the comments I had issue with....well they are still gnawing at me this morning.<br />
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First and foremost, it's an online sale. These are brightly colored shift dresses and patterned shorts we are talking about here, not bread for your starving family. Let's try to keep a healthy perspective on things. Your life does not begin and end with your ability to score as much discounted Lilly as humanly possible. Well, at least <b>I</b> don't think so. If <b>YOU</b> do.....gosh, I kind of feel bad for you.<br />
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But that....well that was not the worst of it. What made me cringe last night -- literally made me sick to my stomach -- were those women who voiced OUTRAGE at the sale being ruined by people who were not considered to be "loyal" Lilly shoppers. As in, folks who are not regularly paying $200+ for a shift dress but flock to the online sale in the hopes of scoring some of those same fashions for under $100. These women spewed hate, shame and vitriol towards others...basing their "worthiness" to shop an open-to-anyone-online-freaking-sale on their ability to afford the sale wares if they were listed at full price.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HllVOEA16c0/UhOH5c1sw-I/AAAAAAAABd0/rhLQbwycKgE/s1600/flash+sale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HllVOEA16c0/UhOH5c1sw-I/AAAAAAAABd0/rhLQbwycKgE/s320/flash+sale.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/lillypulitzer/photos_stream" target="_blank">Pic via Facebook</a></td></tr>
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Hell, even if you can afford full price Lilly, some people may not see VALUE in purchasing these same garments and accessories at full price, myself included in that group. <br />
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While I had many problems and issues with the 2013 annual sale, it was this last issue that left the sourest of tastes in my mouth. It has me not just questioning this sale, but the consumer definition of this brand in general. Frankly, I would be hesitant to even wear any of my LillyP right now, because I would NEVER want to be associated to all the self-righteous and self-entitled shoppers yesterday who claimed they DESERVED more/better/preferred access to the discounted offerings as a reward for being "loyal" customers outside of this annual sale. I'm not gonna go so far as to say wearing a Murfee scarf is the same as wearing a sandwich board saying "Proud to be part of the 1%"...but it's pretty damn close for me at this point. <br />
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So for those women crazily hitting refresh and taking breaks to post on Facebook <strike>bitching</strike> griping about the unfairness of it all.....step away from your computer.<br />
Take a deep cleansing breath.<br />
Were you able to feed your family yesterday?<br />
Is there a roof over your head? <br />
Do you have a paying job that allows you to make ends meet?<br />
Are you fortunate enough to not have friends, family or loved ones currently serving in a war zone?<br />
Are you fortunate enough to not have anyone you care about currently battling a life threatening illness?<br />
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If you answered YES to any of these questions, then take a moment of GRATITUDE for all that you do have before posting ANY more comments about the myriad of perceived injustices associated with the Lilly Pulitzer online sale.<br />
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I'm going to practice what I preach and if anyone cares to join me, please do. Since I did not make any purchases during this year's online sale, I'm going to take some of that money that I had dogeared for the Lilly Sale and donate it to a worthy cause. They are people out there that need the support of charitable organizations MUCH more than I need a discounted shift dress. <br />
<br />Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-90300305883140175552013-07-25T09:02:00.001-07:002013-07-25T09:02:44.451-07:00OMGYG (aka Omigod You Guys)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Not sure how familiar any of you are with the musical Legally Blond (or for the true nerds like me, <a href="http://www.mtv.com/shows/legally_blonde_search_for_elle_woods/series.jhtml" target="_blank">MTV's Legally Blond the Musical: The Search for Elle Woods</a>), but there is a song in the first act that I think of often -- "Omigod You Guys"<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/1763GUD-Pg8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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Really, it's just that earworm, catchy, jubilant refrain of <i><b>Omigod!Omigod you guys! </b></i>I feel like that *perfectly* captures the same hyped up level of enthusiasm I feel when I find something new that I love and I want to tell everyone about it. <i><b> </b></i><br />
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So.....I thought........why not make this a regular recurring post? OMGYG can give me that much needed outlet to tell people (you know, all six of you reading this little blog) about something I found that I love. TV show....movie....book....recipe.....and probably tons of things from QVC. <br />
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Sound good? Let's give it a try.<br />
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OMGYG.....<a href="http://www.kindsnacks.com/store#All-KIND-Products" target="_blank">KIND BARS</a>. <br />
Why has no one told me how incredible these are? I picked some up on sale at Harris Teeter a few weeks ago and didn't think much about it. Until MVP sent me an email saying whatever new bars I had gotten were basically the best thing ever. <br />
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He was speaking specifically about the Almond and Coconut KIND bar. <br />
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<img alt="Almond & Coconut" height="320" id="image" src="http://www.kindsnacks.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/k/i/kind_bar_almondcoconut_2.png" style="display: inline;" title="Almond & Coconut" width="222" /><br />
<br />And seriously? WHOAH, so good. And not bad for you at all. KIND bars are that magical combination of healthy AND tasty. I have been stashing them at work to have on hand when I am working late and need a snack or forget to bring breakfast. These are also great to keep in the car or in your purse for a snack on the go. And I think kids would love these -- they really are so delicious it's hard to believe they are actually healthy. <br />
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<img alt="Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt" height="320" id="image" src="http://www.kindsnacks.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/k/i/kind_bar_darkchocolatenutssalt_2.png" style="display: inline;" title="Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt" width="222" /><br />
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I am also pretty much in love with the Dark Chocolate, Nuts & Sea Salt flavor. Seriously, the salty and sweet is amazing and there is only 5g of sugar!<br />
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I am also anxiously awaiting the debut of their new GRANOLA BARS. And yes, I pre-ordered mine from QVC, no surprise there. The <a href="http://www.qvc.com/KIND-Healthy-Grains-25-piece-Granola-Bar-Assortment-Search-Results.product.M42542.html?sc=M42542-SRCH&cm_sp=VIEWPOSITION-_-1-_-M42542&catentryImage=http://images-p.qvc.com/is/image/m/42/m42542.001?$uslarge$" target="_blank">new granola bars are exclusive to QVC</a> until later in the fall. You can pick up a box 25 bars: five each of Oats & Honey with Toasted Coconut,
Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Chunk, Vanilla Blueberry,
and Maple Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt. And if they are half as good as the bars we have been loving, I am sure I will need to keep that shipment on auto-delivery! <br />
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<i><b><br /></b></i>Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-90341404101766667812013-07-24T10:59:00.000-07:002013-07-24T10:59:01.575-07:00WILW in GIFs<br />
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<a href="http://littledaisymay.blogspot.com/2013/06/what-im-loving-wednesday_12.html" target="_blank">Linking up for What I'm Loving Wednesday</a></div>
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<b>I'm Loving...</b>all my horrible, mindless reality tv shows. Because really....when I am going through a ton of nonsense and no-good crap at work, there is nothing I like as much as forgetting all my troubles and peeking into the pseudo-"real"- lives of people who are pretty much total nutbags.<br />
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So, in honor of my love of Reality TV, I will update you on my life using some <a href="http://realitytvgifs.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Reality TV GIFs</a>. <br />
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I was scheduled to be out of the office the week of Aug 5 for a little vacation.....<br />
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You know, until things started catching fire, blowing up and otherwise falling apart in general and I had to come to the tough realization that I literally could not afford to be out of the office the whole week. MVP was not happy about it (since it was a vacation with his family) and also because I literally NEED a break from my work for the sake of my sanity.<br />
<img alt="http://25.media.tumblr.com/56587bf05f25e4b8a1e5d8a199d0e071/tumblr_mpqkgysU0x1ql5yr7o1_500.gif" class="decoded" height="223" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/56587bf05f25e4b8a1e5d8a199d0e071/tumblr_mpqkgysU0x1ql5yr7o1_500.gif" width="400" /><br />
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Remembering an old US Air credit MVP had from getting bumped on a flight last year, we were able to salvage some of the vacation. I can work Mon-Tues and then fly down to meet him on Tuesday night. Two days in the office is a good compromise, right? And then I still get four solid days of vacation before flying back on Sunday. WIN!<br />
<img alt="http://25.media.tumblr.com/1de8da32bbeb9b89e48429b9f501703d/tumblr_mpr8nibrDH1ql5yr7o1_400.gif" class="decoded" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/1de8da32bbeb9b89e48429b9f501703d/tumblr_mpr8nibrDH1ql5yr7o1_400.gif" /><br />
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Flying also means.....I avoid the long, long car drive!!!<br />
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<img alt="" class="shadowed" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lv4vloYoux1ql5yr7o1_400.gif" /><br />
<br />Work is still.....the same. Awful, but I have learned to just deal with the awfulness. Every time I look at my inbox, I want to either cry or just throw my computer/iPhone off a bridge.<br />
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<img alt="http://31.media.tumblr.com/9419ae0fd13ba75b6855da4a13fe0dfe/tumblr_mmcr71AXQ91ql5yr7o1_400.gif" class="decoded" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/9419ae0fd13ba75b6855da4a13fe0dfe/tumblr_mmcr71AXQ91ql5yr7o1_400.gif" /><br />
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Just this morning, I had to mute myself on a conference call so I could yell AT the phone.<br />
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<img alt="http://31.media.tumblr.com/a307225501d2622e6d9409bf6ebd661f/tumblr_mowk0oDY3c1ql5yr7o1_400.gif" class="decoded" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/a307225501d2622e6d9409bf6ebd661f/tumblr_mowk0oDY3c1ql5yr7o1_400.gif" /><br />
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But I am just going to "keep on keeping on" and hoping there is a new and better opportunity on the horizon. Working my network and putting myself out there and all of that. Hopefully things happen sooner rather than later. Until then.....<br />
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The good news is, there are tons of people out of the office on vacations, so at least I can work with my door closed and some music to make the time go by a little more painlessly.<br />
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But still, most days leave me feeling a bit....Ramotional<br />
<img alt="TGIF." class="shadowed" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4y3zvS1qs1ql5yr7o1_r1_400.gif" /><br />
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<br />I have also just been feeling so BLAH about myself.<br />
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Even though I have been really good about getting up early to get my Physique 57 on and trying to eat fairly well. <br />
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I think I just need to give myself a break sometimes, and not be so hard on myself<br />
<img alt="" class="shadowed" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8v2ybPsKl1ql5yr7o1_400.gif" /><br />
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Because really?<br />
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Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-49384110105491564302013-07-19T07:20:00.002-07:002013-07-19T07:20:27.495-07:00Just a quick update...After my last post about my current state -- and how most of it stems from my work situation. <br />
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One, I needed to just vent it out, go home and vent some more, and then just go to sleep. Tried as best I could to put it all behind me on Thursday and just keep plugging away. I also decided to take a quick meeting with the Director of Talent Management in HR. I guess I should not have been surprised, but I found out I was supposed to have been interviewed for the job I applied for....not pulled into a ten minute meeting and told why he wasn't going to pick me. The HR Director seemed truly stunned that this had all been not just mismanaged, but the process had been corrupted in that I had not even had the opportunity to talk about the job about what made ME a uniquely qualified candidate. My boss did send me an email Wednesday night telling me to "<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif'; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Keep doing what you're doing. Cream always rises to the top." </span>Just confirms a bit of my feelings that there is no way for me to succeed where I currently am, and to a larger extent, at this company.<br />
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That said...this is NOT NEWS to me. I had needed to stick it out through mid Q2 of this year to be able to get my 2012 bonus. Trust me friends, I am on the lookout for other opportunities very aggressively. I am just not having a whole lot of luck and sadly am not passing the phone screen stage of most of the things I am pursuing. I know this is not a revelation to many -- and some of you know this far better than I do -- but it is still a really tough market out there. People are out of work for a really long time before finding something. And when they are, sometimes it is one or two steps back but they take it because it gets them back to work. Even my colleague who left my department a few weeks back took a pretty sizable pay cut to leave this job for that one. And she has two teenage daughters at home. Yes, I guess that solidifies just how ICK it is at my current job but also what is available out there...and she has MUCH more experience than me.<br />
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Anyway, it was just my long winded way of saying, I had a bad day but believe me, I have not resigned myself to my current lot. I am (and have been for quite some time) actively looking to move out of this position and likely that also means leaving the company. It's just not been all that promising out there in the job market right now, but I am keeping it up because the alternative is trying to make things work here and I know now more than ever that THAT is not an option for me. Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-46863703271975110792013-07-17T12:24:00.004-07:002013-07-17T12:28:17.655-07:00I wish it was What I'm Loving WednesdayI mean, technically it <i><b>IS</b></i> WILW. And there are most definitely feeling like I love many things. But I feel like they are all overshadowed at the moment. I am just feeling incredibly overwhelmed.<br />
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I am overwhelmed by my feelings of not being <b>enough</b>.<br />
<br />
I know I have lamented here quite often about my troubles at work. At how I am somehow not enough, <a href="http://www.deviledmegs.com/2013/04/lean-in-or-bow-out.html" target="_blank">mostly because I am a woman</a>. While my male colleague was promoted shortly after that incident to the same role/title as me, he has no additional responsibilities or work as a result. Just a higher title and, I presume, a better salary.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile I run circles around him at work and nothing happens.<br />
<br />
I applied for an opening -- more senior -- within my department. I had several colleagues in various departments ask me if I was considering applying because it seemed like such a great fit for me. So I thought, you know what, I should. I was granted an "interview" that I was told would "take no more than 30 min." Don't need to be a genius to know that this "interview of no more than 30 minutes" is not going to be an actual interview. That meeting took place this morning where I was told it was "admirable" that I applied, but the role was being given to someone else within the company. That I "shouldn't be discouraged" because "opportunities eventually come up somewhere for people like you (me)", and - my personal favorite - "I felt I owed it to you for you to hear the news from me."<br />
<br />
Um....was that supposed to be inspiring? Motivating? Comforting? Not sure.<br />
<br />
He also made it sound like a timing issue, citing that this internal candidate had applied last week.<br />
Wait...so had I.<br />
<br />
And that this candidate had great relationships with X, Y, and Z.<br />
Wait...so do I. <br />
<br />
I literally have so many thoughts and feelings coursing through me right now.<br />
Anger. Disappointment. Confusion. Sadness. Apathy. Hopelessness.<br />
<br />
But I just keep on return over and over again to this feeling of not being enough.<br />
<br />
It's not just at my job -- where in actuality the work that I do is MORE THAN ENOUGH -- but in my volunteer work, in my personal relationships.<br />
<br />
I feel less than. Worse than that, I feel unworthy.<br />
<br />
I feel like "someone like me" doesn't get to have the good job. Good being defined by sane workplace with mostly supportive colleagues and opportunity for advancement.<br />
<br />
"Someone like me" doesn't get to have the husband and kids and all of that.<br />
<br />
"Someone like me" isn't the sort that is held in high regard by friends and colleagues. I'm not anything special. Not anything memorable.<br />
<br />
This meeting today was the straw that broke the camel's back in terms of my thoughts about myself right now. I wish I could just go home, crawl under my blanket for a few days, be alone, and then come back to work on Monday. I just need time. Away from my sh*tty worklife. Away from other people.<br />
<br />
I just want so much to be alone with my thought because I feel like I need to actually FEEL these FEELINGS. I worry I have been brushing them off for so long and that may be what has led me to where I am now. <br />
<br />
I don't know if that makes any sense. I don't know if I am the only one who feels this way because it's honestly not something many people are openly talking about. Well, at least not anyone I know. <br />
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Ok so maybe Ron Burgundy gets me....<br />
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<br />Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-37812162771453831112013-06-21T08:47:00.004-07:002013-06-21T08:47:55.720-07:00Five on Friday<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://alizadventures.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></td></tr>
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1. It's the first day of summer and also Wear Lilly Day! Sadly, I have not yet retrieved my boxes of summer clothes from storage yet, so I had no seasonally appropriate Lilly to wear. But I have this calendar on my desk....so that should cover it, yes?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YrXTWBbEJtc/UcRwSZOh2jI/AAAAAAAABac/iTcYoTDXIn8/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YrXTWBbEJtc/UcRwSZOh2jI/AAAAAAAABac/iTcYoTDXIn8/s320/photo+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really hate trying to use iPhone photos on blogger.....</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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2. That pic is a good segue to my Pop-Pop being back into his house down the shore! I can't wait to get up to visit -- especially since he started putting his crab traps out yesterday. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YUf09iBRZIM/UcRxiVmaGzI/AAAAAAAABao/mAfyQtTzW-Y/s1600/pop+pop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YUf09iBRZIM/UcRxiVmaGzI/AAAAAAAABao/mAfyQtTzW-Y/s320/pop+pop.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">True story: after Sandy, Pop Pop had to throw out about 15 pounds of crabmeat from his freezer. Sadness. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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3. I am <strike>grasping at straws </strike>trying to find the positives at work right now. I will say the upshot to being insanely busy is that the day goes by quickly.<br />
<br />
4. Have any of you had <a href="http://www.mygrandma.com/" target="_blank">My Grandma's Coffee Cakes</a>? I bought a sampler of them (<a href="http://www.qvc.com/My-Grandmas-9-piece-Mini-Coffee-Cake-Tropical-Sampler-Search-Results.product.M41584.html?sc=M41584-SRCH&cm_sp=VIEWPOSITION-_-1-_-M41584&catentryImage=http://images-p.qvc.com/is/image/m/84/m41584.001?$uslarge$" target="_blank">from QVC</a>, obvs) and <b><i>ohmygodyouguys</i></b> you HAVE to try them. The sampler I bought were 9 personal-sized mini cakes, 3 cinnamon, 3 banana walnut and 3 coconut.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oyqxx2_zNqA/UcRy9V3PErI/AAAAAAAABa4/-KEMwEE8kCs/s1600/coffee+cake.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oyqxx2_zNqA/UcRy9V3PErI/AAAAAAAABa4/-KEMwEE8kCs/s1600/coffee+cake.jpeg" /></a></div>
One of those in a bowl....with some vanilla ice cream. THERE ARE NO WORDS. You can buy them from the Q (seriously, it's about time QVC put me on payroll with the amount I talk about them!) or from My Grandma's site. You may also be lucky enough to have them at your local grocery store (<a href="http://www.mygrandma.com/Content.aspx?src=locator.htm" target="_blank">you can check here</a>). In case there was any doubt, you can buy these lovelies at Wegman's. Just another reason why Wegman's is ah-mazing. Just have to wait until 2014 and there will be one close enough to me to shop there on the regular.<br />
<br />
5. Tomorrow, MVP wants to take a trip out into MD for a big yard sale at the Antiques/Tag Sale place he loves (Called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chartreuse-Co/114197751948541" target="_blank">Chartreuse & Co</a>. and if you are in the area it is definitely worth a trip!) Anyway, the last time we were there, <a href="http://www.deviledmegs.com/2013/06/i-am-horrible-blogger.html" target="_blank">we wandered over to the outlets</a>.....I don't think we need a crystal ball to see what's in my future there....MORE PAJAMAS!!!!<br />
<br />Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-36647544714962013002013-06-12T09:52:00.002-07:002013-06-12T09:52:25.831-07:00WILW<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://littledaisymay.blogspot.com/2013/06/what-im-loving-wednesday_12.html" target="_blank">Linking up for What I'm Loving Wednesday</a></div>
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<b>I'm Loving...</b>that I have been a little bit better/consistent with posting. [Pats self on the back]<br />
<br />
<b>I'm Loving...</b>presents. Getting presents for people is one of
my all time favorite things to do. A few weeks ago I got an amazing
text from a friend (who happens to be my Little Sister from my
sorority....and yes, her contact info is saves as Little in my phone). She was set to be a caller on an episode of Watch What Happens Live!<br />
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<br />
Yes, I felt a pseudo-parental sense of pride about the whole thing and
naturally had to celebrate the occasion with an appropriate gift. One
for her, and one for her daughter.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U9kUd-PY8ac/UbimltyPEoI/AAAAAAAABZo/gSzbTvzJPf4/s1600/mazel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U9kUd-PY8ac/UbimltyPEoI/AAAAAAAABZo/gSzbTvzJPf4/s320/mazel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>I'm Loving...</b>sticking to the plan of getting up earlier in the
morning to do my Physique 57 before work. I definitely still feel like
a grump when the alarm goes off and I trudge out of bed, but when the
workout is done I feel like I have started my day off well and if
everything else goes to sh*t....well at least I accomplished something
first thing in the morning!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nt4ucrnC6-I/UbikrD5TZ7I/AAAAAAAABZI/Y7O8VtMlgbg/s1600/physique-57-workout-dvd-cases-discs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nt4ucrnC6-I/UbikrD5TZ7I/AAAAAAAABZI/Y7O8VtMlgbg/s320/physique-57-workout-dvd-cases-discs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bossmomonline.com/bosslady/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/physique-57-workout-dvd-cases-discs.jpg" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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<b>I'm Loving...</b>that last night, MVP told me he was proud of me for getting up early to workout.<br />
<br />
<b>I'm Loving...</b>that today is really my Thursday since I am off on Friday for a doctor's visit. Not really sure what that says about me/my job that I am THAT excited about going to the doctor....<br />
<br />
<b>I'm Loving...</b>Princesses of Long Island. You guys, this show is <i>SUCH</i> a train wreck and I love every second of it. <br />
<br />
<b>I'm Loving...</b>that I got some old clothes cleaned out of my closet last night and have two huge goodwill donation bags ready to go. <br />
<br />
<b>I'm Loving...</b>that after work tonight MVP and I are going to a <a href="http://www.getmortified.com/about/" target="_blank">MORTIFIED</a> show. I harbor a secret desire to join the DC chapter. I think the only problem is that I have way too many embarrassing experiences to choose from.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I2_Wh6Uj5cY/UbikYQbGoQI/AAAAAAAABZA/jFH9jmI--MA/s1600/Mortified.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I2_Wh6Uj5cY/UbikYQbGoQI/AAAAAAAABZA/jFH9jmI--MA/s320/Mortified.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.92y.org/Tribeca/Event/Mortified.aspx" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9192642534511784368.post-86991845173614307902013-06-10T06:49:00.002-07:002013-06-10T06:49:56.061-07:00Another one bites the dust<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8FgKFbtubIc/UbXY0tHjTAI/AAAAAAAABYg/F7ov8orsKRg/s1600/worse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8FgKFbtubIc/UbXY0tHjTAI/AAAAAAAABYg/F7ov8orsKRg/s320/worse.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m79wvg7TV21rzdim4o1_400.jpg" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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It has been just around 4 months since<a href="http://www.deviledmegs.com/2013/02/t-to-g-to-i-to-f.html" target="_blank"> my boss was let go</a>. It has been a really "interesting" time since then...lots of uncertainty, rolling with the punches, pulling my hair out, and just trying to hang on and get by. <br />
<br />
They finally hired someone just over two months ago. The role changed a bit -- was put in another department, I was not reporting to them) but it was a good thing. Gave us some new perspective to work with, I really enjoyed working with him, and was thinking maybe this could help give me some hope for awhile to keep on keeping on.<br />
<br />
Well, about a week or so ago, he announced he was moving to a different group. Same role, just different group within the company. I thought there was a possibility it could happen when there were some other internal moves, but hoped maybe I would be wrong. No such luck.<br />
<br />
Last Monday, we actually had a new hire start in our department -- same role as me and my colleagues. A good sign for sure, thinking after she was fully onboarded we could redistribute the workload and I might be freed up a little to focus more on some of the projects I never seemed to have time for. <br />
<br />
And then today the most senior person in our dept put in their two weeks. I knew it was bound to happen. We both fell for a "bait and switch" when it came to our jobs here -- being led to believe we would be doing one thing, then after starting realizing it was nothing like what was discussed during the interview process. <br />
<br />
So now...well now my friends I am officially screwed. No idea how things are going to get by until they hire a replacement for her (and really, she had all the institutional knowledge for our group, so that is irreplaceable) and how we are going to manage her workload in the interim. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
You know that feeling when you don't think it could get ANY worse....and then it does?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>I feel that times a hundred today</b></i>. </div>
<br />
I am almost longing for the days of <a href="http://www.deviledmegs.com/2010/10/so-long-temp-assistant-i-will-not-miss.html" target="_blank">my temp assistant at my last job</a>.....Deviled Megshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01329451917349508921noreply@blogger.com4