Weekend Get-away

Over the weekend I made a quick trip to Lancaster, PA to visit some old friends. 

These ladies have been there for me through thick and thin and although I don't tell them enough, they are the best thing that has happened to me. 

I don't know where I would be without them. 

Although our main goal for the day was bridesmaid dress and wedding dress shopping, we managed to fit in a mini trip to down town Lancaster for coffee, pottery painting and dinner. 

The artwork at this cafe was amazing! I especially loved the lamps with the Hebrew writing. 

My dear Irish girl.  She is there for me on a daily basis.  She knows me inside and out and has never judged me, let me down, or left me astray. 
I would give my life for this girl! 

The Bride, beautiful, loving, and has been there to me since I was five.  I can't believe she is getting married next year, but I can't wait for her wedding!

My soul sister.  We have shared many thing over the last 10 years.  She was the first person I met at college and has never let me down as a friend.  She is compassionate and loving to all friends.  I hope she is blessed with an engagement ring soon.  Her new beau makes her very happy.

One of the highlights for the afternoon was painting pottery. 

I love little shops like this and was so excited to pick out a piece and begin.

The girls were so careful to make sure their pieces came out perfectly. 

The design on this bowl is so pretty! I can't wait to see it, and eat something amazing out of it!

I was so sad for the weekend to end. It was so great to spend time with the girls.  I wish I could share photos of the dresses, but don't want the secret to be revealed!

Looking forward to my August mini-vacation with them in NYC!

An apple a day keeps the doctor away!

I am notorious for avoiding doctors. 


Its funny that I grew up in a family full of those in the medical profession, but something about me avoids going regularly to a doctor.  It had been a while since I had gotten a routine physical, blood work, urine test, or even seen the gyno, but since I am trying to stay on the path for the Happiness Project, I took the initiative of setting up doctors appointments today from the dentist, to the general practitioner,even stopping at the Gyno. 


Before I could even get my foot out the door today, I woke up with a shooting pain in my back.  My ugly annual kidney stone reared its head and decided to remind me that for the next few days I will suffer in pain until this passes.  Although I was having difficulty getting out of bed or even getting comfortable I tried suffering through all of my appointments until I could finally get a prescription at the end of the day.  I am "comfortable" now after popping a few pills and decided it was time to catch up on my blog, something that I have let go for a few months now.  


Seeking out medical help today reminded me that our health is a big part of feeling energized and happy.  I have been trying to eat healthier, drink less alcohol, and stay strict on the supplements that help get my body back in check.  July was a great month to focus on the health portion of my life and now all I need to do is kick my butt back to the gym...however, I might wait until AFTER this stone passes!


Nothing like straining your pee everytime you go :( 

Book Review: ROOM

This past month my book club read the book Room by Emma Donaghue.  I had heard many great reviews that I knew we had to put it down on our list.  I have to say that it may have been the fastest I ever  finished a novel.  I highly recommend women (and men) of all ages to read this.  Its not only eye opening to the tragedy people face in the U.S. but it is almost relevant to many things going on in the world today such as the Jaycee Duggard story and other like hers.  


I have already influenced my mother, college roommates, and sister to pick up this hit fiction novel.  Run, don't walk to your nearest Barnes and Noble or library.  Its a must read for the summer!

Ten on Tuesday

1. What is your favorite zoo to visit?
So far in my life my favorite zoo is the one in Washington, DC.  I have only been to a few in my life but by far this one is the cleanest and most enjoyable.  I hope one day to visit San Diego's.


2. Do you visit a zoo very often?
Its been a year or so since I have been to a zoo.  I think I am overdue for a visit.


3. Do you have a membership to a zoo?
Lucky me! DC's zoo is free!

4. When you visit a zoo, do you stay all day or just an hour or two?
If I am by myself, I usually stay a few hours, if I go with others, it tends to be a bit shorter of a trip.

5. Do you buy food at the zoo or pack a picnic lunch?
Buy food at the zoo, however, I never thought of packing a lunch to eat there! Definitely on my 2012 bucket list

6. What is you favorite animal to see at the zoo?
I think the Elephants.  They are so massive and beautiful.  

7. What is your least favorite animal to see at the zoo?
Bats.  I am deathly afraid of them and dread going near any part of the zoo that holds them.

8. What is your favorite memory of going to the zoo as a kid?
Watching the big cats.  Lions, tigers, panthers and cougars.  They are so exciting to watch. Sadly, I also believe the zoo sold Dipin Dots and I absolutely loved them growing up!

9. Do you visit the gift shop when you go to the zoo?
Of course! I am a sucker for gift shops.  They always seem to have the coolest items. 

10. On a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the best and 1 being the worst) how nice is your city’s zoo?
8 -- Definitely one of the better zoos in this country.

Ten on Tuesday

Ten on Tuesday! - June 28, 2011

1. What’s the recipe for your favorite drink? (Smoothie, alchoholic, coffee, whatever.)

My favorite alcoholic drink is vodka on the rocks with two lemons.  

My favorite guilty pleasure drink is Pepsi

My favorite refreshing drink is lemonade

2. What kind of razor do you use?

Venus - those commercials get me every time

3. Who is your favorite Sesame Street character?

Hmm, I guess I would have to say cookie monster! But I always loved those movies that Big Bird did. 

4. What makes the perfect salad? (Lettuce type, toppings, dressing, etc.)

Croutons (no wonder I am overweight)

5. What was your favorite subject in school?

I had always loved my chemistry class.  I am surprised I never ended up something in the medical field, because I really enjoyed this class. 

6. What’s your favorite summer tradition?

Camping! I love it, from the campfires to s'mores, I love to go out and camp

7. Do you suffer from season allergies? How do you combat them?

I am allergic to pollen and because I wear contacts the allergies sometimes make my eyes water and itch out of control.  Usually eye drops and OTC medication helps. 

8. How often do you have to charge your cell phone?

Every day all day long.  I hate my Droid.  I can't wait to get the Iphone

9. Do you have a bucket list?

I have a bucket list for life, for before 30, for each year, and then for each birthday - birthday. I live for lists and love lists. 

10. Do you have any desire to go back to school?

A part of me will always crave education, and although I doubt I will go back to school, I think I will always be taking community classes to learn more skills. 

Must Buy Mondays

If you know me, you will know that if money were no option, I would be giving gifts to people everyday. I sometimes spend hours on the computer or researching magazines for cute and creative gifts for my loved ones. To share my favorite products with you,  I decided that on Mondays I feature items you must purchase!

Introducing, Must Buy Mondays

My new favorite product is inspired by my cousin's love for cotton candy.  She might be reading this post, but I hope not, since I want to give this to her within the next 6 months as a gift.

How Genius is this?

For the low price of $25 you can send your loved one 10 mini tubs of cotton candy.  With flavors ranging from pink vanilla to Banana the options are endless. Not only does Tasty Clouds have cotton candy, but you can find caramel apples, snow cones, and even party rental equipment. 

Check out: Tastyclouds.com to spice up your next gift or event.

Grateful Things

A while back I started a project on listing something I am grateful for each day.  Because of my new inspiration for the Happiness Project, I have decided to spend less time finding something in each day and more time focusing on the big picture of happiness....thanks for following along to my grateful things section, but for now I am closing the chapter on those blog posts.