Observations from Moving.

With all due respect to war, MOVING is HELL.  Nothing ratchets up the stress level of even the most Namaste Nancy quite like packing up every single solitary 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.

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.

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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.

• 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.  
• 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.  
• 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. 
• 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.
• 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.  

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. 

Even more exciting?  It is cheap as all get out.  

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 mannnnnnnnnnnnny water ice trips in our future!

Saying goodbye

“Saying Goodbye” from The Muppets Take Manhattan KILLS me you guys.  KILLS ME.

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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. 

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.

What has been the hardest for me is saying goodbye to friends.  More so than I thought it would. 

Wait….that makes me sound like a really sh*tty friend. 

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.

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.  

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.  

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....

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. When L moved out, MVP moved in.  We got a couch....and eventually got engaged because thankfully he forgave me for the couch fiasco.  I even got a new last name.

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.

We're moving!!! AKA best excuse to start blogging again

If 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.

Not my mom?  Oh well then helloooooooo there!!!  Welcome back -- do I have some news for you!
MVP and I are moving!!!!  To Philadelphia!!!!

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.

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.

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.

I have gone on many, many 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.

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?!?!?

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 mean it.

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.

 

 

Wedding 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.

But not in the way you would think.....let me explain.

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.  Church Street Bridal gets designer dresses donated to them from folks like Kleinfelds (of TLC's Say Yes to the Dress), 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.

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.

A Jenny Packham Mimosa sample was available for purchase from Vows Bridal Outlet (of TLC's I Found the Gown).  This was THE DRESS I dreamt about, lusted after and pinned more times than was necessary.

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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!  

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!

However, this did not end up being the dress I ended up with....more in another post :)

Wedding Wednesday -- our wedding had a logo

I 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.

Something I realized early on in the process were that weddings had ....evolved, shall we say?  There were so many unnecessary and over-the-top 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.

Sounds ridiculous, right?  Trust me, I put that thing to GOOD USE.  I found One Fine Soiree 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.

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.  

But I think my favorite use was our wedding card holder.

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.  

Then, I got an idea.  On my OWN and not from Pinterest!!  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.  

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!  

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!

Why 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 tendencies to act like a weirdo 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.

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!

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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.
It took me a few beats to realize the noise was coming from underneath me.  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.

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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.

I looked up to see a very disgrunteld MVP.  "ummm, nothing," I stammered, "just listening to the guy downstairs."

"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.

"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."

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.

Just another normal, boring Saturday night......

Glow baby, glow!

I am a self admitted product hoarder junkie.  I firmly believe a new mascara/nail polish/moisturizer has the potential to change your life.

While cleaning out my inbox this morning, I saw an amazing deal on one of my FAVORITE products and just had to share.

TODAY ONLY, Ulta is featuring Laura Geller's Baked Highlighter (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 hoarder junkie thing I mentioned? It means I rarely ever use something up.  But this....well this is just that good.

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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.

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.

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.

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 from QVC (obvs) where the same set runs $26.50.

Spring is the perfect time to lighten and brighten and I HIGHLY recommend this highlighter to get your glow on.

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaack!

Long time no blog, right?

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.  

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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.  

I have missed writing.  

I have missed being creative.  

I have missed trying to make friends and random strangers laugh.  

Also, I think MVP misses me writing.  Before I could come here and talk about online shopping and BRAVO and Pinterest.  Now HE 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. 

Pinterest Goggles Are Real

I 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?

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Yeah...uh...not so much.  Planning a wedding with Pinterest is like having the unlimited meal plan at college.
"Chicken fingers for everyone! My treat since  swiping my student D is basically the equivalent of spending monopoly money, amiright?"

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 Wrong.  So. Very. Wrong.

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.

I have an ungodly amount 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.

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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.

***I AM 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.

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 feel like I am doing something other than just signing contracts and sending deposit checks.

The other day, I mentioned one of my ideas to MVP and showed him some pins so he had a visual.  

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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 the very real possibility this project could send me off the crafting deep end a chance it may not turn out exactly right, but the wedding is 8 months away. That is plenty of time.

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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!'"

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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.

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!!

Forget TGIF, how about TGWHAV?!?

While I am also totally TGIF today, I also want to proclaim "Thank God We Have A Venue!"

Even as the concept of actually being engaged was still settling in, people were quick to drill me, "So have you set a date?!?"

Side note: There was the one person at work who asked, "Is this your first?"  A little confused and thinking surely there is no way someone is THAT rude, I replied, "Cup of coffee?" "No, is this your first wedding?"
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.

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.

So. Many. Visits.

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.
Immediately -- YAY MARRIAGE EQUALITY!
Followed shortly with -- Holy sh*t now there is a GINORMOUS pool of couples looking to get hitched in Philly.

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.

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?

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.  

At least, that is what I keep telling myself.......

Deviled 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.

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.

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.
MVP: Can you hear them out there on the porch?"
Deviled Megs: Nope.
MVP: They're talking so loudly.

MVP exits.

Deviled Megs' inner monologue: I bet he was out there asking permission to marry me.

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.

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. 

As we were walking back to the car, I was admiring my sparkly new ring and then was fidgeting with my nails.

MVP: You're upset I didn't wait until you had a manicure, aren't you?

Deviled Megs: Um.....kinda?

MVP: Ok, we can stop and get you one on the drive home.

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.  

True Story.  

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.  Meeting MVP.  L moving away.  MVP Moving in.  Becoming an Aunt.  Buying a couch. The world's worst temp assistant.

And guys....never forget that I told you that Adele was about to become EVERYTHING.  So called that.  

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.  

Because everyone always asks to see the ring.

Life is Like a Batch of Pancakes

With 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. 

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!

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.

And that last pancake?  Well, it is usually the most perfect pancake you ever did see.

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. 

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.  MVP is my favorite example of that.

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.  

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. 

Just keep making pancakes.  Because eventually - INEVITABLY - they will get better. 

I Will Always Have Boogie Wipes

Remember 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.

I have previously professed my love of Boogie Wipes 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.

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.

Recently I had an experience that has really stuck with me....and will remind me to ALWAYS pack my Boogie Wipes.

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.

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.

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.

"Are you lost?" I asked her.

She nodded.

"That's ok," I reassured her.  "The same thing happened to me when I was a little girl. What's your name?"

"Mia" she said, her little lip trembling.

"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."
[Obvs I used our real name.s...I didn't need Mia to think her fate was in the hands of two weirdos!]

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."

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.

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!

Five on Friday

1.  Big news you guys....I am an Aunt! My brother and SIL welcomed a baby boy on Wednesday.

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.

2.  Also, this kid is going to be S-P-O-I-L-E-D.  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. 

I have spent too much money with Stellybelly for a woman with no kids

Lands End monogrammed totes....I just can't quit you!

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.

4.  It's the freaking weekend.  Enough said.

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. 

OMGYG -- nailed it!

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.

One night I was looking at my sad, naked finergnails and rememebred I had a new polish product (a QVC purchase, obvs) that I had yet to try.  And Omigod!Omigod you guys! (remember when I thought that would help me post more regularly? Yeah, I had forgotten too) this stuff is a revelation. 

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.

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.

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 Julep's MAVEN 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. 

Each month I look forward to getting my MAVEN box with new nail colors, 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.

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.

Seriously you guys....Treat Yo Self.  You've been working hard....you deserve it.

Feeling Young(ish) again - 2013 MTV VMAs

I feel like I need a little “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” after the MTV VMAs last night.  SO much I did not understand.   

So much made me feel uncomfortable.   So much made me feel…..OLD.

To be fair, I know at my age I am not OLD.  Unlike some who should remain nameless, I did not need to Google “twerking” (love ya, MGD!) But I know I am NOT young.  I realize this when I get too little sleep or when I have that unnecessary last glass of wine.  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.  I can *actually feel* my crows feet and brow furrows become more pronounced when I walk by a Forever 21.  Hell it happens when I pass the Juniors section in Target.   

So, IMHO,  my being not young = my being old. But for the brief period of time watching the VMAs last night, I felt....young again.  

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.  And I did.  BELIEVE me I did.  

I felt it when my first thought in seeing Miley Cyrus hump a foam finger was “What must her parents be think??”  

Via.  Don't worry Drake, I had to look away too. 

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.  

Nooooooooo

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees

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.  [Says the woman who has also paid money –as an ADULT - to see NKOTB (TWICE) and the Backstreet Boys]  

Via

With nowhere to turn with all my snarky comments feelings, I went where anyone else would go who needs an emotional outlet.

Facebook.

And there were all my friends, from all stages of my life, similarly horrified by a skanky-beyond-her-years Miley.  We marveled at the wonder that is JT.  We commented on and liked each others posts.  I felt like I could have been 20 years old again, watching it in the chapter room of my sorority house.  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. 

For a brief period of time….age was just a number. 

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.  But I am still laughing thinking about last night.  Thanks to those FB friends that made it more fun to watch….and helped make me feel not so OLD for one short evening. 

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) 

SO MUCH BAD DANCING

In addition to trashing your exes.  But did the camera need to show your reaction to every. Single. Thing?!?