irene

ha! found here

your daily quote

found here

sunday morning breakfast

I made these for breakfast this morning.

Can you say holy grown up 5 year old, Batman?  Because that's pretty much what we are over here.  So I found the recipe here and of course the photo cred goes to her as well.  So I was thinking these would be perfect for a child's birthday breakfast orrrr just a Sunday morning when you want to try something different.  Also, we weren't huge fans of the vanilla glaze (maybe I did something wrong) so if I made them another time (Lord, please save our teeth) I would serve them with whipped cream on top.  Now go be free my people and release your inner child!! :)

your daily quote

When you’re in your nineties and looking back, it’s not going to be how much money you made or how many awards you’ve won. It’s really what did you stand for. Did you make a positive difference for people? 

Elizabeth Dole

your daily quote

I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light.

Helen Keller

oh my glee

Before Abby even came to Pittsburgh, we set a date to see Glee 3D.  So the first night she was here we ate some delicious Mexican food and walked on over to the theater to see this gem.  And what a gem it was!  After I got over the initial shock of paying for a 3D movie on a weeknight (yes, I've gone to 3D on a week night but this was even more expensive) I was able to sit down and enjoy the show.  We figured out that the extra cost was because we had to pay for our stupid 3D glasses.  Then they asked us to recycle them at the end, to which I said (to Abby): "I recycle many things, I will not be recycling this stupid glasses that I just paid for."  Done and done. 

So back to the show...for those of you that are curious/confused about what this movie exactly is: it is basically a concert that you're watching in a theater in 3D.  Duh, read the movie poster.  Don't worry, we were still confused until we were actually experiencing it.  So they played all the big songs and had little interviews with all the cast members as well as some Gleeks.  Also, they highlighted 3 or 4 particularly special Gleeks and told their stories of how Glee made their lives better/more awesome (btw, no one was knocking at my door for a story, just sayin...).  I have to say the little personal stories were quite cute.  So between the personal stories and seeing the "live" performance (I get emotional at live performances) there were a few tears shed.  Definitely worth the money (+ totally still have the 3D glasses in my purse, you never know when you'll need them)!  I highly suggest any of you Gleeks out there that haven't seen it go see it, now!  Also, stay through some of the credits...they do a little encore performance.

Spoiler alert: There is an adorable little Asian in this movie, and no, it's not Mike Chang.

your daily quote

The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it.  You either have to laugh or cry.  I prefer to laugh.  Crying gives me a headache.

Marjorie Pay Hinckley

and the britney song was on...

Sooo the Britney Spears concert was AMAZING!  She was incredible (which was to be expected)!  I wish it would have lasted a tad longer, but you can't always get what you want, right?  Oh, and I didn't tell you the best part...my sweet cousin ABby came with me!!  That's right, she flew her little booty up here and went with me and we had a blast!  Thanks so much for coming Abs, I love you!!!  Here are some pics (most of them courtesy to Abby because I never take pics and she was awesome enough to take control of my camera and document for me, sanks!).

anxiously awaiting for B to come out

our Britney outfits (sorry Sterling, I couldn't locate the red pleather jumpsuit)

DJ Pauly D opened for B, Abby was thrilled (fist pumping)

when the Queen B first came out :)

B in the flesh

How I Roll set (one of our fave songs on her new album)

love this outfit :) 

performing some of her old school songs, love that

amazing end to an amazing show
(singing here: Till The World Ends--love this song!!)

your daily quote

found here

your daily quote

Prayer is when you talk to God; meditation is when you listen to God.

Unknown

your daily quote

(found here)

surprise in the mail

Look what I got yesterday!

Yay!

Thanks a million billion Mom!!!

your dailly (britney spears) quote

I would really, really, really like to be a legend like Madonna. Madonna knows what to do next, and when she's performing, the audience is just in awe of her.

Britney Spears 

(I'm pretty sure you achieved that B, good job :)

chicken rollatini with spinach alla parmigiana

Just made this for dinner and it was DELICIOUS!  It wasn't too difficult but I did need to read the recipe a few times while making it, partially because I'm a spaz about getting correct measurements and I have no short term memory (or long term for that matter) and partially because it was a little more difficult than just throwing things in a pan.  Anyway, here's the link to the recipe.  Love this gal's site because it's all "skinny" stuff.  Holla for that!  And photo cred goes to her as well.  Enjoy!

simply put: things i like

Here's a list of a few things I like (and you should too!):

JASON all natural lavender body wash.  So fresh and so clean, clean.  Also, loving the pump on the bottle.  It's a great value and I found it here.  No this is not an endorsement (although if they want to pay me that's cool too).

Multi Vites Adult Gummy Vitamins.  Not just for kids anymore!  As some of you may know, I do not like swallowing pills.  I swallowed my first pill on my 17th birthday, yes, that is correct, 17th.  It was totally a mind over matter thing, whatever.  With that said, I still don't enjoy swallowing pills which makes gummy vitamins perfect for me!  And you can join the club my family has created by making fun of me for taking gummy vites at the ripe old age of 25.  Because I.don't.care.  I get nutritional supplements and a little treat all wrapped into two little gummies each morning.  Please and thank you.  Plus these are cheaper than the ones at Target, so holla for that!  Oh and let me link that up for you...you can buy these here.

While we're on the gummy kick, why not add calcium gummies, am I right?  Right.  Because let's be honest, as a woman I am prone to be calcium deficient so here we go.  Problem solved.  I tried the chocolate calcium supplements but after a few weeks I got tired of them, because they just tasted...chalky...yuck.  Then I saw these sweet little things and ordered them here, go figure.  Oh and also, I saw that they have prenatal gummy vitamins (you know, when that happens one day) so I'm pretty much set for life!!

I bought a pair of Danskin Now Leggings yesterday at Walmart for $8!! Yeah, I know, $8!!  I like to run in capri length/legging material pants because while I'm running I don't want my clothes going anywhere.  Like I don't want them riding up/slipping down/any other way of clothes moving around kinda thing going on because I can't be bothered with that kind of stuff while I'm trying not to pass out from running exhaustion.  So I ran in these last night (which means they were totally sweat soaked, pretty picture, right?) annnnd kept them on after that and I'm wearing them today!  I smelled to make sure they weren't funky this morning.  You can judge me later.  Plus, when I wear them around the house I feel like a super cool yoga instructor.  So this is really a win-win-win situation.  I'm going to buy more pairs of these so I can wear them now, all the way through the fall and let's be honest, the winter (with Uggs) and not have to smell for the funk of "after run".  Yesssss, I will be washing them but it doesn't hurt to have multiple pairs of something you really love, right?  Right.

your daily quote

It is unwise to be too sure of one’s own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err.

Mahatma Gandhi

your daily quote

 

(found here)

death cab for cutie (the sound of settling)

So I just returned from the Death Cab for Cutie concert and it was AMAZING!! I mean I've loved this group since the beginning of college and it was just incredible to see them live. This is definitely my favorite song of theirs and they closed with it tonight! I most certainly sang every word and danced around like a fool...because honestly, how many times do you get the chance to do that? That's what I thought. A big thanks to my friend Taylor for tagging along, it was so great to have you there with me, love you!!  Hope you enjoy the song!!

dixie learned a new trick

And no, it's not merengue dancing like this dog, although we'll start working on that stat.  Her new little trick is self taught.  Whenever I'm opening my laptop and she is having a rare moment of desperation she will simply close it back.  That's right.  And it's happened twice in the past day.  She will snout-butt (not to be confused with headbutt) my arm out of the way and then quickly close the laptop by lying her head on it until it snaps shut.  (please note that the laptop is never fully open when this happens, only a mere couple of inches...because when this dog wants attention she wants it now)  She then jumps up next to me on the couch and pants like a madwoman with stanky dog breath in my face until she has had sufficient belly/side/head rubbing.  Then she quickly hops off and runs toward her beloved ball.  Only then am I allowed to do my computer bidding. 

Oh and btw, I bought some doggy toothpaste and a doggy toothbrush because she is starting to have some mad tartar buildup on her teeth.  Have any of you ever brushed your dog's teeth?  How did you ease into the process and how did the dog react to it?  And yes, I've tried a ton of "tartar blocking" bones and dental treats and they are c-r-a-p.  Any helpful tips are much appreciated!

your daily quote

The real things haven’t changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong.

Laura Ingalls Wilder

redefining the southern belle

I came across this fabulous article (Redefining the Southern Belle) while reading Perryn's blog and I LOVED IT!  I mean it is perfect!  I'm going to copy Perryn and highlight this particular section:

There are other defining attributes, some more quantifiable than others. Southern women know how to bake a funeral casserole and why you should. Southern women know how to make other women feel pretty. Southern women like men and allow them to stay men. Southern women are not afraid to dance. Southern women know you can’t outrun your past, that manners count, and that your mother deserves a phone call every Sunday. Southern women can say more with a cut of their eyes than a whole debate club’s worth of speeches. Southern women know the value of a stiff drink, among other things.

and...

I was also taught that your children are not supposed to be your best friends. Southern women do not spend a lick of time worrying about whether or not their kids are mad at them. They are too busy telling them “No” and “Because I said so,” which might explain why there are rarely any Southern kids acting a fool and running wild around the Cracker Barrel.

Like seriously, I couldn't have written this article better myself.  Love it.  Do yourself a favor, carve out some time and read it.  You're welcome :)

holy (they're filming the movie in pittsburgh) batman!

Yes, it is true that they're filming the next Batman movie in Pittsburgh right now!  And so far I've heard of three different sitings of the Batmobile.  John saw three (I guess they need extras?) Batmobiles covered up in tarps when it was raining the other day.  (For those who know Pittsburgh, they've had a hunk of 5th Avenue blocked off the past few days so they can shoot scenes)  Another friend simply saw the Batmobile.  And another friend was telling me about a couple getting married at Saint Paul Cathedral and after the ceremony they were taking pictures...well lo and behold the freaking Batmobile was right across the street!  So the couple walked over and asked the movie folks if they could get a wedding picture with the Batmobile and the people said yes!  I mean how BA is that?!  I was a tad jealous.  I also know a lady that's going to be an extra in the film.  Aaaaaand there was a casting call for extras for CMU students which John did not attend......and that's all of my connections to the filming of the next Batman movie. 

PS-My eyes will be peeled for Christian Bale sitings.  

your daily quote

I would rather trust a woman's instinct than a man's reason.

Stanley Baldwin

hoopin' ain't easy

(image cred)

As previously stated, I went to a hula hooping (?) class yesterday with some friends.  It wasn't so much a class as it was just a group of people gathered together to do some hooping.  And there was music playing, which was nice.  But I really enjoyed it!  I was able to talk to my friends while attempting to hula hoop.  Which apparently I haven't done (without the aid of Wii Fit) since I was a child.  I thought that I was a good hooper until I attempted this class.  Thankfully, one of my friends is a great hooper and showed me some tricks to get the thing to stay up and continue going round and round.  I should've taken a picture but since I am notorious for never taking my camera anywhere there was nothing to document this excursion.  If  I may, let me paint a picture for you...I am decked out in work out gear and am standing in the middle of a church yard with about 25 other people trying to get a dang hoop to stay around my hips.  I'm quite proud of my hips (since there's really nothing else I can do about it except be happy that I have them because they aren't going anywhere) so I thought they would be helpful in the hooping area.  Not so much.  But finally, after watching little girls and their mothers literally shame me in my hooping skills, I got the hang of it.  And I worked up a freaking sweat.  So for those of you in the Pittsburgh area, here's where I went: hula hoop gathering and for those of you not living here, I'm sure there are places in your city that offer similar classes/gatherings.  I highly recommend it to someone who wants to try something new or if you are a mom/grandma/someone responsible for a child, it's very kid friendly. 

your daily quote

Love doesn't just sit there like a stone; it has to be made, like bread, remade all the time, made new.

Ursula K. LeGuin (The Lathe of Heaven)

how to live a great love story vol. 2

Today's article from Donald Miller is directed at the fellas.  And might I just say, he has a great way of wording things, job well done sir.

How to Live a Great Love Story Vol 2

your daily (andy warhol) quote

When people are ready to, they change. They never do it before then, and sometimes they die before they get around to it. You can’t make them change if they don’t want to, just like when they do want to, you can’t stop them.

Andy Warhol (Andy Warhol: In His Own Words)

Love the quote.  Love him.  Just love.

today's run

I like posting stuff about my runs because I like to imagine that you are somewhat interested in progress/daily struggles and to be honest, it makes me feel good to say that I'm still running, therefore there is a higher chance that I will continue this craziness.  So here are some things from today's run:

•  My entire body was begging me not to run but I did anyway (yay me for staying dedicated!) and ended up running past the original distance I set for myself (whoop whoop!).  Fist pump.
• Songs that I listened to and haven't heard in a hot second, yet seem to be giving me an odd sense of motivation to continue running: Bossy by Kelis and Nookie by Limp Bizkit.  I think Bossy gave some motivation because let's be honest, it's just an awesome song.  As for Nookie, I have no idea where that motivation came from except that I haven't heard it in a looooong time and it made me laugh.
• When I was done I was sweating all over, like we're talking places I didn't know could sweat.  How does that happen?  Ewww.
• After I changed clothes (into gardening clothes, I'm getting ready to weed the yard...yes, I lead a glamorous life) and thought I was somewhat dry, I get up from the couch and there's butt sweat.  Yes, butt sweat.  Awesome.  Gross times like a million.  Yuck. 
• Shins are doing OK.  They still ache a little even though the pain has gone down a lot.  And I still think it's worth it...I keep telling myself that.  

So sorry if it's a boring post folks but that's pretty much my life as of right now.  And oh yeah, I'm going to a hula hoop class with friends tonight so I shall report back tomorrow!  

donald miller is awesome...again

LOVE this article I just read on Donald Miller's blog.  Hope you love it too :)

How to live a Great Love Story

my relationship with yogurt

So here goes my relationship with yogurt...I can't stand it.  Like I think it's super yucky and is one of the few foods I won't eat.  Not appealing to me.at.all.  Anything with yogurt in the title I will steer clear of.  And apparently frozen yogurt places have been all the rage lately.  Like they're popping up all over the place and I've seen tons of blog folks talking about how they love it.  Yuck.  Frozen yogurt.  No thank you.

So you'll be surprised to know that I went to check out Tutti Frutti (a frozen yogurt shop) the other night with some of my friends after they convinced me that it was really delicious.  And let's just say...I LOVED IT!  It was wonderfully delicious!  Yum-yum-yummy!  So you begin by choosing a bowl size and then choose which frozen yogurt flavor you would like.  Ready for another surprise?  I chose french vanilla!  Say what?!  I'm a gimme chocolate or gimme death kinda gal.  French vanilla might as well register as the flavor "nothing" in my world.  But I decided that if I was going to load it up with cookie and candy bits I might as well start with a blank slate.  So then I moved on to the next station and loaded my bowl with oreo bits, chocolate chip cookie dough balls, mini m&ms, sprinkles, mini chocolate chips and maraschino cherries.  I later told my sister that it looked like a 5 year old exploded in my cup.  All of that to say I am now a frozen yogurt fan!  Like I've been craving it ever since I stepped out of the frozen yogurt shop.  It probably had crack in it or something...well maybe it was just the insane amount of sugary goodness I loaded on it.  Nonetheless I will be back again.  Mark my words.

Oh yeah, and I bought some of this at the grocery store yesterday.

 And it was deeeeeeelicious!! Yummmm!  So now I like frozen yogurt and yogurt blend ice cream but I still won't touch actual yogurt with a ten foot pole.  That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

your daily quote

Burdens are for shoulders strong enough to carry them.

Margaret Mitchell (Gone With the Wind)