i can dream: birthday wishlist

I feel like I haven't been shallow in a really long time.
Ha.
But really.

My birthday is one month from today. I am told year after year that nobody has any ideas for me, and they need a wish list. I always put off writing one, or coming up with one, because I feel like I'm dictating the amount spent on my gifts. Does that make sense?

Regardless, I decided to go ahead and put together my "ultimate" birthday wish list for the year. Of course, it's not a "big" birthday (meaning, not 21, 25 or 30) so I certainly don't expect it to be treated as such. I'm just having some fun.


MacBook Pro
13 inch, 2.3 GHz

 Y'all, I need a new computer. This is actually what I've asked for for my birthday this year. My current MacBook was my birthday present for my 22nd birthday. I'm *ahem* not going to TELL you how old I'll be this time around, but needless to say, my poor precious Mac has been put through the ringer. And since I have aspirations that involve needing my computer for work, I'd really like a new computer that will allow me to work with ease, comfort and security. To be honest, I'm almost afraid to do too much work on my current project because I never know when my computer's going to mess up. *knock on wood* I'm actually not THRILLED that Apple discontinued the regular MacBook, but I'm more interested in the Pro at this point, rather than the Air, because a) I need it a little sturdier, b) the increased memory and the faster processor are a big turn on. But. I'd still be thrilled to get an 11-inch MacBook Air. I'm not loving that the Pro doesn't come in 11 inches, but whatevs.


Otterbox for iPad 2

Yeah, this is a need. We'll be buying one regardless because I've had my iPad since April and it's had issues TWICE. It *needs* this case. It'd add a lot of bulk, but I wouldn't have to flip out every time it slipped out of my hands or Liam tried to pull it off the table.


Rosetta Stone: German

Truthfully, learning German not only sounds like a lot of freaking fun, but it'd help a lot with the project I'm working on right now. Also, I'd really like to be able to do my ranting and cursing in German. Pretty much yes.


Thor & X-Men: First Class on Blu Ray

Need I explain this? NO.
YUM.




That's pretty much it. Of course, I could have made it really outlandish and added thirty thousand things from kate spade's website, but I didn't. I also could have added some editing software, photoshop and the like, but I didn't. I also could have added Jane Eyre on Blu Ray -- which comes out TOMORROW-- but we all know that I'm not going to wait a MONTH for Michael Fassbender in a classic literature come to life period piece. It's like heaven on a disc.

So there you have it. That was fun ;)

random thursday musings

Okay, so I have about fifty thousand things on my mind right now. I just have to get a few of them off my chest...


My biggest pet peeve watching So You Think You Can Dance is when the individuals don't pick music that matches their dance. If you're leaping across the stage, flipping your limbs around and making quick, angular motions, WHY don't you pick a fast paced, upbeat song? It makes no sense to pick harp music and then act like you're dancing to 'Hey Mickey!' I'm just saying. And yes, I did dance for a long time and we never had such disjunction in our combinations.


Next, I got a new iPad cover today. It's a sleeve with a zipper at the top. I wanted something like to travel with, but when it came today? No padding. NONE. The regular price on this thing is $48. I'm telling you right now, if I had paid full price, not the $4.99 I did pay, I would have sent it back. As it stands, I am going to have to make a sleeve out of something to slip on the inside to add some protection. I wish they made indestructible bubble wrap...


I decided to take Liam on an impromptu trip to Sonic for a chocolate shake. He was so pleased when I handed it to him. However, he got too excited on the way home and dumped it in his lap. I had chocolate shake all. over. the backseat of my car. When he finally went down for a nap, I had to pull the car seat out, I had to Magic Eraser my car... It was a disaster area. Then, before nap time, I sat the little man on the potty and he leaned all the way back before going. So that was another mess to clean up. If I can manage to get out of this week without another bodily fluid clean up, I'll be happy.

I am watching TrollHunter again this evening. I watched it last night. It's a Norwegian film and I will review it in my Cinephile Saturday feature, but I want to say now... I would be back in Norway tomorrow if you gave me a ticket. And this movie, its scenery, makes me miss it even more. Favorite. Country. Ever. Also, I might have busted out my favorite picture book to reread some of the troll legends.

I miss troll traps.
And saft.
And smil.
And mozelle.
And walking streets.
And tunnels.
And rosemaling.
And everything.

I get to have lunch with someone pretty soon that I didn't think I'd get to see until October. I am so, so excited. There is nothing like finding a true kindred spirit, and someone whose conversation, be it meaningful or materialistic, you so thoroughly enjoy. I wish we were neighbors on a pretty regular basis.

My nails are awesome right now. I have Brisbane Bronze by OPI on my toes, the big toe has an accent of turquoise Martha Stewart glitter. My fingers have Essie's Beach Bum Blu, and the ring fingers have an accent of tourmaline MS glitter. I think I prefer the accent nail to be on my first finger. I am loving this glitter application process. It's a lot of fun, and I don't get a lot of strange looks. It's more... mature (?) looking than the standard full on glitter over nail polish look. Which I also love, by the way.

Zach opened a bottle of my favorite wine this evening, but our corkscrew broke IN the bottle. I was thinking it was going to be a problem. This is hands down, the yummiest wine I've ever had. And I'm not going to tell you where to buy it, because they get it in limited quantities and rarely, so I'd rather not have a bajillion new people to compete with for it. So, needless to say, it would have been an EPIC FAIL if we couldn't have gotten in.




I think that's plenty for tonight. PINNABLE ME is back tomorrow, be ready to play along!!

gift guide: anniversary shopping

Our 4th wedding anniversary is coming up, and quickly, and since I've been scoping out gifts for a little while, I decided to put together a little gift guide. 

For HIM:

** Zach has a few of these items already, but they're good products, so I included them. If you want your gentleman to smell SO good after grooming, seriously think about The Art of Shaving's Sandalwood scent. I love it. I'll go in and open Zach's shaving cream just to smell it.**

The Pottery Barn Classic Terry Robe

Tiffany & Co. Key Cufflinks

Burberry Check Print Bifold Wallet

The Art of Shaving 4-Piece Starter Kit

For HER:

**I'm pretty much obsessed with anything that's yellow, aqua or coral at the moment, and I think this pretty much reflects that. Ha. Oh, hubbers! If you want color/size advice, just ask ;)**

Mumbai iPad Cover 

Kate Spade Dot to Dot Scatter Necklace

Kate Spade Hilary Dress

Deborah Lippmann Sparkle Mini Giftset

sunday snippets

Hello friends and family!

It has been a really enjoyable week, even if fairly uneventful. I just wanted to take a little time and kind of brain dump today, so we'll go ahead with the ever-popular bullet list, hm?

• I'm driving my Mustang again. I'm LOVING it. We're no longer even discussing buying a new car. I DO NOT WANT ONE! I found myself grinning like a fool driving her today. I truly and really do love my car. I'm so happy to have her back. (Liam loves it too. And it's easy with him, so far.)
• We cleared out space in the garage for Marilyn today. We had cleaned the garage up pretty good, and I was putting the Explorer in from time to time, but I started working on painting projects and that took over the garage. It feels good to be using the garage for its intended purpose.
• Zach set up our heavy bag stand today and moved his hella-heavy kettle bells into the garage. Not only is Marilyn in her house, but Zach also has a place to work out. Win win, people. WIN WIN.
• My iPad is finally on its way back to me- it'll be here Tuesday. SO excited! I've missed it like a crazy person. 
• My dad has been home for about 10 days now. He has already taught Liam two new things that we all have been working on with him for a while. Seriously, I may just let my dad come over every day for an hour and teach L everything he needs to know! 
• We got all excited when we were working in the garage today because we found my old fishing rod, my reel and my gig, as well as the Shakespeare rod that Zach bought Liam the day after he was born. We are ready, willing and able, we can't wait to go fishing this summer!
• We're eating a Skinny Taste meal tonight. Zach and I cooked together and I really love when we do that. Also, we're both pumped about dinner, so that makes it even better. Yum. 
• I need to do a post about our meal planning and all that stuff.
• I'm trying really hard NOT to, but I'm becoming a bit of a calorie counter. I'll rephrase that. I'm really worried about my intake all of a sudden, though. It makes me a little bit sick that I can buy a bottle of Diet Coke and not consume as many calories as I do (0 cals in a DC, btw) when I drink a Vitamin Water, when I'm trying to be "healthier." Kinda gross, hm?
• Speaking of calories... we were running late one night so we popped a couple of Schwan's pizzas in the oven. Zach's pizza was 270 calories PER SLICE. We were both nastied out.
• Liam is still obsessed with Phineas & Ferb. We're planning his 3rd birthday party already. Yes, the two statements DO go hand-in-hand. 
• My MIL and I have ONE WEEK to throw together a Sip & See for Val and Colt. I'm going to be a decor and cake ball factory this week, excuse me if I drop off the face of the earth.

With that, have a wonderful week, friends! 

odds & ends

•  Hi there, Easter Bunny. I wouldn't hate you even a little bit if this pretty little gem found its way into my Easter basket. In fact, I would love you quite a lot. Because I think it's just about the loveliest thing I've seen in a long time. The colors and the pattern make me drool... or, if you're late, you know... Mother's Day is not far off. Just sayin'.
• Speaking of you, Easter Bunny, please consider my sanity when bringing things to my little angel baby boy. Because I'm not sure this mama can handle *that* many more toys that make noise every time you walk near them. Seriously. Help me out. Cars aren't noisy.
• We've implemented R-U-L-E-S around this house this past week. Serious rules. Liam is suddenly not liking this, but he's been getting quite a bit too big for his little britches for my taste. I cannot handle/abide by hissy fits when I turn off the TV, slapping when he doesn't get his way... it's actually helped me out a lot, and I feel a lot better about keeping him on a short leash at the end of the day. I do NOT want the child that hits/bites/scratches others in school. Trust me, his hiney butt doesn't want that either because it wouldn't feel very nice.
• Have we talked lately about how much Kate Spade GETS me? Oh no? Loooooook at this new striped dress they just debuted on their website this past weekend. Are you kidding me? It's like she wanted to make a dress just for me, according to my taste and in colors just for an upcoming baby party. Bah. I can't even begin to justify the price. Geeze, do I wish Rent the Runway had anything by Kate Spade.

• Speaking of Rent the Runway, let me send you an email invite! I'm desperate to try out their services, but I cannot justify paying $150 to RENT a dress when I can buy something beautiful for that money. Of course, I cannot buy a Herve Leger, but you get what I'm saying. But. the $40-90 price range is more reasonable. 
• We're talking cars. VERY casually. But... well, whispering. I love old cars. Classic cars. What Id like more than anything to tool around in on the weekends? An old WWII era jeep.
• My favorite TV show is getting ready to come back on air for a new season. It starts on the 23rd and I'm flipping excited. This upcoming season will be the FIRST time EVER that the series has been filmed on US soil, and I'm actually super, duper excited. Because he's going to sport a Stetson. Of course, now, Brits have started snapping up XX Stetsons to match him (he's a big cosplay character!) and they're surprised by the feel/shape/structure. No, duh. I just have to laugh. Measure your heads carefully, oh orderers from abroad!

 
• My iPad arrived this past Wednesday. I can officially say we are all in love with it. Zach's been playing Angry Birds on it. I downloaded a couple apps for Liam, a xylophone and coloring pages. We've been out to eat a few times since it arrived and I've taken the iPad along and just let him play with his coloring pages before the meal comes and he loves it. I love it too, by the way ;)
• I have the first line of my favorite poem engraved on the back (hello, when you order from Apple, engraving is free) and named the iPad after the poem's author. Yes, in THIS house, we name things. My old desktop was named Ralf after Ralf Schumacher. My iPod Touch is named Barnaby Barabas. Zach's iPod is named Roscoe T. Coltrane. Yep, that's us. So I now lovingly refer to the iPad as EAP. 
• I have to find a cover for my iPad. I don't love the magnetic one Apple makes. It's not really enough to protect it the way I want. I want something that's indestructible (a la Otterbox) but cute. Hey, Kate Spade, team up with Otterbox, please. :)
• I have already told my hubbers, our next home WILL NOT be in a master planned community. He agrees. I could never see another Homeowner's Association again in my life and it'll be too soon. I loathe them with every fiber of my being. Honestly, more HOAs need to be like New Territory and Pecan Grove: be your OWN organization and don't outsource. You're losing your sensitivity to your residents. I'm trying to talk Z into buying one of those couple-acre properties for sale on 359. That'd be heavenly.
• I don't know where I saw it, probably in Lucky, but whoever recommended that people with blue-green eyes wear purple eyeshadow like Olivia Wilde does... I love you. I never, ever, ever would have thought of it, but man-oh-man do my eyes POP with purple shadow. Like, for serious. Love.
• Strangely, when I preview this post, it is formatting with about three line spaces between each bullet point. I haven't a clue why. I haven't ever had it do that before. I guess Blogger is just trying to prove that it's smarter than me again. Whatever.
• I know a lot of people who just don't care, but I am excited about the Royal Wedding. Yes, capitalize the event. I'm pumped, anyway. I grew up in a country that has a long-standing monarchy. King Harald V, to be exact. Also, Australia is part of the Commonwealth, so while they've got a PM, they're still subjects of the British Royal Family. So yes, I'm really excited to watch the wedding because I feel like I can relate to being a "subject" better than most Americans. Also, how gorgeous is she? Fabulous.
  
• IF you're like me and enjoy classic films, you need to check out Royal Wedding! It's set in London, back when Prince William's dear Grandmama was getting married. It stars Fred Astaire, Jane Powell and Peter Lawford (who married into the American Royal Family, the Kennedys). It's so fun and sweet, and the scene where Fred Astaire is dancing on the walls and ceiling of his hotel room was shot by rotating the WHOLE room. I mean, it's just an incredible scene to watch, considering it was filmed in 1951. Check it out, you will definitely not regret it. Also, Peter Lawford is incredibly dashing. 

Can I just add a disclaimer?
I don't know WHAT THE HECK is up with the formatting in this post. It's completely bonkers and the post looks TERRIBLE and is driving me CRAZY but I can't seem to fix it enough to make me happy. I'm throwing in the towel on this post and I'll cringe at the formatting every time I see it, but at some point, give up, move on, make it better next time.

Oy.

SOURCES: {kate spade bangle, kate spade dress, wwii jeep, stetsons are cool, ipad2, EAP, Wills&Kate, Royal Wedding}

rewind

We had a very *good* week around here!

Monday, of course, was Valentine's Day. Zach and I had 9:30 reservations at P.F. Chang's in Sugar Land, and it was kind of nice, actually. We missed all the mooning high school kids, and while it was still busy, it wasn't like there were mobs of people everywhere.

I hesitated about posting the picture, though, because the neckline on my dress is messed up-- it's a square neck, the lining was folded out and I didn't notice. Boo. But we rarely take nice pictures of the two of us. And by rarely I mean practically never.

We spent the rest of the week being pretty lazy-- my mom and dad both worked Tuesday, Zach was off so we just hung around. Wednesday was more of the same. We spent the day in pajamas and played around the house. Liam loves nothing more than an afternoon spent with all of his cars, and I enjoy getting down on the floor and playing with him.  Thursday, my parents and I took Liam up to the Premium Outlets for the day and enjoyed being outside and out of the house.

Friday was busy and FUN, except for the very beginning. We had Liam's 18 month (1 month late) checkup at 8:30 in the morning. L is a big boy: he's 34.5 inches tall (99th percentile) and 30 pounds (90th percentile). Dr. Shaya was incredibly impressed by how strong he is, and he demonstrated by kicking the nurse in the gut with his thunder thighs when she gave him his shots. I felt bad, but it was her responsibility to hold his legs, after all. After we left the doctor, we headed to the mall to check out the City Flats at the Gap. My lady friends had all been raving, so I went to see what I could find. Due to the President's Day sale, I only paid $6.27 per pair! Considering they were $39.99 regular price, I was puh-leased. Then we headed to the park for our park playdate with Haley & Owen, Jacci & Scarlett, Taylor & Grayson & Gracie, and Haley & Haden. The kiddos had so much fun and it was nice to spend the afternoon outside.

Saturday, we spent the day at my parent's house. Liam got into his swim gear and played in the sprinkler. The kid loves water, y'all. He played with his Cozy Coupe, he played with his pushy Mater toy, he threw the balls for the dogs... My mom bought L a towel that pulls over his head- an anticipatory action for when my dad *finally* pulls the trigger on putting in his pool he wants. After we stripped him of his wet swim clothes, he ran around in his towel/cape for a while and loved every minute.

L also has a thing for getting IN dogs beds when they're in them. Not so much when the dog is elsewhere, but once a dog is in a dog bed, it's like moth to a flame. He cannot help himself. Cooper and Tucker BOTH got to experience this.

Playing 1-2-3 with Grandpa Ed.

Liam has been slowly, but surely, coming around to his ImagiNext toys-- Spike the dinosaur and Big Foot. Saturday night, I turned on Big Foot, gave L the remote and went to get my face cleaned up for bedtime. When I came out, L was feeding Big Foot. While he was on. Usually, he won't get within 10 feet of these toys when they're on. It was too cute. We then proceeded to play ball with Big Foot for about 20 minutes. Thank goodness these toys are finally getting some (little boy) playtime.

And THAT was our exciting week(end)-- hope you all had good ones too!

what i'm loving now

It's Tuesday.

Hubs is at home-- playing on his computer at the moment. Liam is napping.

I'm watching a random movie on HBO-- fiddling on the computer.

I suppose that makes it about time for me to show you all the wonderful little gems that are giving me the warm & fuzzies? Yes.

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So, Kate Spade again. Can you even resist this picture?

What's better is it's a v-i-d-e-o, their video to celebrate January's color, red. And I adore it. I've watched it a number of times, just because it makes me smile. Sparkly cake. It's like KS really can read my mind. Check it out: Kate Spade's January Red by Ely Kim

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Confession: I watch PBS. 

Specifically, I watch Masterpiece Theatre on PBS. I love it.

My newest favorite is Downton Abbey, which just finished running last week, I believe. 

It's actually a series in the UK, that is so popular they're making a second season (!!!) and I'm really thrilled. 

It follows the Crawley family, and takes place in 1913/1914 around the time of the start of World War I. The Earl of Grantham and his wife have three daughters and no heir to their estate, after their cousin died when the Titanic sank. Enter Mr. Crawley and his mother.

They're wonderfully interesting characters- particularly Dame Maggie Smith's Dowager Countess. 

In addition, the story covers the staff at Downton Abbey and all their shenanigans. And there are some pretty serious shenanigans. 

I have really enjoyed it-- it's available on iTunes, if you're interested. It's even the original BBC cut. When the show aired here on PBS, we lost about an hours worth when they cut the show down into 4 90 minute episodes. 

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Herm, there's Kate Spade again!

But this time, it's really not about the designer.

It's about the new spokesmodel, Bryce Dallas Howard.

These pictures have been everywhere on the internet, in magazines... and I'm obsessed with her HAIR color! Especially in that last picture. *sigh*

I'm considering saving all of these pictures on my phone and taking them with me when I go to see Steve next. I mean, I don't know if I could pull the color off, but HE would be able to tell me.

I think it'd be SO much fun to rock this color-- especially going into March.

I've had lengthy discussions with MM about our taste for fun colored hair, and sporting BDH's color, how awesome would some green extensions be? 

Steve better look out. 

I may be needing an Irish/St. Paddy's Day make over soon.

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I never really enjoyed reading Jane Eyre in English classes.

I always found it kind of boring. 

I mean, the girl has NOTHING good happen to her for most of the book.

But... 

I kinda really want to see this movie. 

I love Mia, she was so cute as Alice in Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. Also, Michael Fassbender plays Edward Rochester, so that's something to maybe, kinda... if I'm really lucky... talk my hubbers into going to see this with me. Who's Michael Fassbender?

Him:

Trust me, if you don't know what movie that is, or what scene, your husband/brother/boyfriend does. He's the epitome of manliness in that film. 

He also is the ONLY redeeming quality to Jonah Hex -- which, by the way, is one of the worst movies I've ever seen. He's also in Inglourious Basterds, which I haven't seen, and never plan to. I'm not a QT fan.

Anyway, I'm hoping either that my Mr. will agree to see it with me, or that it ends up on On Demand very quickly ;)

AAAAAND with that, folks, I leave you.

I hope you're all having a great start tot he week!

Image Source: {Bryce 1, Bryce 2, Bryce 3, Bryce 4, Bryce 5, JaneEyre, Michael300, Downton, KateCake}

pizzapie!

We decided to be very adult and make our meal plan Monday night before we went to the store Tuesday.

We were having trouble coming up with what to eat for dinner Tuesday night, so I suggested pizza.

Usually, we buy pre-made crusts, canned sauce (don't judge, it's the BEST) and the mozzarella with Philadelphia cream cheese in it (it melts so well!).

HOWEVER, this time around, Zach suggested we make our own crust. 

This is my arena, folks. The mixer? MINE. The kneading? All ME. Yes. So I told him to hie he to the computer and find me a recipe. 

Oh man. DID. HE. EVER.

The dough has to rise, then you split it in two, then let it rest for 10 minutes under a towel. The smell is insane. It makes that the longest 10 minutes eh-ver!

We plop them on a couple of cookie sheets, I work my fingers and make them into perfectly lovely crusts, brush them with olive oil and go. 

They take between 12 and 15 minutes to bake and the smell is DIVINE.

I made this for dinner Tuesday, and then yesterday for lunch, Liam and I wanted pizza. We didn't have enough time to make crust and make Zach a pizza too, so we had an extra crust. We baked it for half the time, then pulled it out, piled on the butter (4 tablespoons worth!) and cinnamon sugar, and then baked it for the remaining time.

Little boy heaven. 

I told Zach yesterday, when two crusts pre-made are about $4 a pop, it's WAY cheaper to buy the bread flour and the yeast. And to be honest, it's so easy and so much yummier, I am forever cured of wanting to buy crusts at the store.

perfect pachyderm

Sometimes, it's like people can read my mind. 

Lately, that "person" is Kate Spade. 

I came across the 2011 Spring Look Book this morning while I was marooned on the couch with a cold.

And I came across this:

That's the Royal Plantation Elephant Basket (retail @ $295) and I'm hoping and praying there's a way this little bugger could be mine. *sigh*

No, I don't know how I'd use it. No, I wouldn't carry it as a purse. But darnit if I don't smile from ear to ear when I see it.

two down, one big decision to go.

So I spent the evening (baby went to bed, hubbers went to sleep at 7:30) playing around with the arrangement of the prints I blogged about earlier.

Here are the final options...

OPTION 1

OPTION2

OPTION 3

OPTION 4

OPTION 5

I have settled on for sure using frames, and doing as the wonderful ABQ recommended, and I'm going to paint them white. The prints don't look bad next to the white paint. It's not going to annoy me. And, I'm going to use mismatched frames, to work with the eclectic feel I'm shooting for. 

WHAT IS YOUR VOTE? Which layout is YOUR favorite?