Sunday, February 27, 2011

If you give a damn...

Um... I'm not really sure what to say about this but I thought it had to be shared. I just searched on youtube for "Oscars" because I missed the Red Carpet stuff tonight, and this video came up.
Two things: First, I love that she is playing "Take Me or Leave Me" as the background music, because that totally applies to this video (???????). Second, my favorite part is when she explains about renaming the one doll "Beth".

That is all.
~M

The Story of Us (cont.)...

Kate did a lovely job of telling the tale of Girlfriends (I’ve been waiting two weeks for my Kool-Aid Mustache to show up on this blog- finally, yay!!!!) A few more comments/points to add:

  • It was the 80s, which explains the KFC and Kool-Aid. My mom probably did call me “Melinda” because I believed believe that I was am a princess.

  • Not only did Kate, Laura and I become good friends in elementary school, but we also suffered through many bizarre ordeals at CCD (which is like Sunday school for Catholics but it was always on a Monday or Wednesday after school). Some of the strangest kids you’ll ever meet growing up will be in your CCD classes…

  • I would routinely remind “the twins” that I had to earn extra chore-points to have both of them over at the same time since there were (shocker) TWO of them and it required 10 points to have one friend over but 20 points for both of them. I did not have a lot of tact, plus I got us lost in the woods for four hours one day after school. We were almost milk carton kids.

  • Karissa and I met through basketball. For the first 2 & ½ years of our friendship I thought her name was "Casey", since she was most often called by her initials “KC” for sports and I apparently had hearing problems by the age of 11. She was by far one of the nicest players on our rival/sister middle school team, but it was INFURIATING how accurate her baseline jumper was and it sometimes made me extremely jealous of “Casey”. By high school I had learned her real name and we played on the legendary 9th grade basketball team together and were locker partners in 10th grade (BLPE!). Even though KC is the “newbie” girlfriend we’ve still known her for over HALF our lives, which is just crazy when you think about it.

I can’t wait until we’re old and our grandkids are so sick of hearing the stories of how we all met that they have us committed. Love these girls- they’re my soulmates.
~M

The Story Of Us

Each of us would have a different way of telling this story. This is my version.

And it begins in a Kentucky Fried Chicken. Laura and I were four. I remember right after we walked in to get lunch, my mom saw one of our family friends (Mindy's mom) who was there with her four year old daughter. Now, keep in mind, I was four years old but I remember the conversation going something like this:

My mom: "Girls, come here. Say Hi. This is Kate and Laura" And we sheepishly walked over to her.

Mindy's mom: "Hi Kate and Laura. This is Melinda" (It's possible she said "Mindy" here but I swear it was "Melinda").

silence

My mom: "You girls will be going to kindergarten together."

silence

Mindy's mom: "Well, it's nice to see you all!"

And that's the first time we met. The good news is we did start talking in school and thus began the friendship of 3/4 girlfriends. Mindy was an adorable four year old with this adorable Kool-aid mustache. She introduced Laura and me to green peppers and oreos and bon fires and the Internet.

Years later in ninth grade, I met Karissa in Biology class. She already knew Mindy because they played basketball together and as we transitioned into high school, the four of us became really good friends. We joined student council together, we attended football games and spent a lot of time at Outback.

We didn't dub our group "Girlfriends" for quite some time but we've shared a lot of memories. We visited each other at college and took vacations and celebrated weddings and a baby together. 
Even though we've been separated by distance over the years, we've grown closer in our friendship. And I know this is just the beginning...




The end,

Kate

Friday, February 25, 2011

You're the inspiration...
















Happy Friday.
~M

Pet Peeves

We all have them whether you want to admit it or not.  I have plenty-probably too many. Anyways, I’m currently involved in the Leanest Loser program at work.  We’re a month into it and I’m loving it.  It’s been the perfect motivator for me to get back into the workout groove.  But, it’s highlighted a few things that drive me nuts.
  1. If you are in an exercise class, do the workout.  Don’t just stand there and fake it.  I know it shouldn’t bother me because it’s not my waste of time but it’s still annoying to watch.  At least try, people.
  2. Don’t complain about how much weight you’ve lost to someone who clearly needs to lose weight.
  3. Don’t set up your bike or yoga mat directly in front of someone.  Use common sense and set up catty corner (or cattywompus J), please.  I really don’t want a view of your backside in Downward Dog.
  4. Locker room etiquette.  I think this will be its own post someday.  There are rules—unspoken, maybe—but follow them, please. I don't need to have a conversation naked with you anytime soon.
  5. Talking during class.  It’s one thing to mutter something about how crazy the instructor is or the difficulty of a task, but, if you’re going to talk for the entire 60 minutes then maybe a class isn’t right for you and your friend. It’s rude to the instructor and annoying to the rest of the class.  Besides, if you can still talk then you’re not working hard enough.  I can barely breathe let alone chat about the latest Glee episode.
 
Do these things or anything else bother you?  Or am I just the crazy annoying one that gets on everyone else’s nerves?

 
Here’s to a good workout…

 
~kc

Thursday, February 24, 2011

One day

One day I hope to have a house. And in that house, will be:

Floor to ceiling windows
via that kind of woman
{photo found at Apartment 34 here}

this exact bathtub
{photo found at C.W.F.H.L here}

this laundry room
{photo found at Never Without here}

an entire wall of bookcases (with a ladder)
{photo found at oh, hello friend here}

One day...

xoxo
Kate

B-A-N-A-N-A-S...

There are few things in this world that I'd like to purchase more than this bracelet (why is bracelet the word I misspell the most???) from BCBG. You can get it on their website and it’s listed at $18 which isn’t the WORST price ever, but I don’t absolutely need to have it like I need food, water and shelter. But still- bananas bracelet, you own my heart.
~M

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

So Thankful...



{photo}

...for Girlfriend text messages. Especially those that come at just the right time. Thanks, Em.

xoxo
Kate

Unfinished Business


Does anyone else absolutely love the Amazing Race?

When my husband and I first started dating, he would tell me over and over again how he hated ‘reality’ shows.  While I can’t agree with him there (I do love me some trashy reality tv), I had to convince him that Amazing Race isn’t really a reality show like the Real Housewives of NJ.  It’s more of a modern take on a game show.
Needless to say, after that first season of watching, Joe is as hooked on it as I am.  We’ve been a little disappointed the past few seasons due to bad challenges and just boring contestants.  But, the new all-star season premiered this past Sunday and I am already loving it. Some of my favorite contestants are back.  The Cowboys are so adorably funny and honest.  Gary and Mallory are my favorite father/daughter combo.  And Zev and Justin are just too cute.  This show makes me want to pack my bags and go explore the world.  If only we all had the time (seriously, when is there ever enough time) and money to do so!

Its a Good Thing


MarthaStewart.com
I have a house.  But, it's tiny.  And, we outgrew it two days after we moved in.  I'm always looking for ways to organize and consolidate.  About once a year, I get so fed up with all the "stuff" in my house, that I clean and purge (donate) everything that I'm sick of looking at (stepping over, moving, etc).

I was super excited to hear of this idea from my decorating inspiration: Martha Stewart.  (Side note: The title of LC's decorating inspriation is actually a three-way tie between Martha Stewart, KC, and her mom!)

When organizing your linen closet, group the matching fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillowcases together. Then, store the fitted sheet, flat sheet and one pillowcase all in the second pillowcase.  When I'm ready to change my bed (which I recently discovered is much less often than recommended, but don't want to give the specifics and totally disguise our followers), I can just grab one "set" quickly and easily and be on my way.  Unfortunately, this method eliminates one of my excuses for NOT changing the bed ("I can't find a matching sheet set to save my life!). 

So, dear hubby (and house guests), here's to a great night sleep in clean sheets!

Hugs to all of our followers,
LC

Maybe just one more try...

Love, love, love this song. I’ve always been a George Michael fan but I fell in love with this last year.

George Michael’s orginal video from 1987: Fog/Dust- you have me intrigued. Is this place just a messy dump- what’s with the blankets on the furniture??? Oh, you’re heart broken… my mistake, those are sob sheets. Drool- that fabulous hair and five o’clock shadow are almost too much to handle when combined with the WHITEST TEETH EVER. Plus you’re throwing in a great 80s blazer and a DANGLY GOLD CROSS EARRING with lots (and lots) of wall leaning. Yum.


Live cover by GAYNGS: Full disclosure, I saw this performed live last fall in Austin, TX which may account for some of my praise because it changes my life. But still- AHHHHH, little Mikey Noyce is too adorable for words!!!! His tiny dragon/dinosaur hoodie just makes everything better in the world. Plus his voice is amaze-balls. GAYNGS is an indie supergroup with a ton of great members- two of my faves being Justin Vernon, founder of Bon Iver, and Ivan Howard of The Rosebuds. Their entire set was great, but when they pulled this out in the encore I almost died.

Enjoy the tunes.
~Mindy

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Top Chef


Over the weekend, I had a chance to catch up on my DVR.  I was never a huge fan of Top Chef until my husband introduced it to me during season 6.  I loved Angelo during season 7, and really do believe he would have won the season had he not fallen ill during the last challenge.  I was very sorry to see him "pack his knives and go" last week on Top Chef All-Stars. 

A little note to Angelo:  I think you are the coolest.  One small mistake cost you the title you rightly deserve.  You will always be a Top Chef in my eyes.  Please feel free to cook for me and my blogmates any time!


Angelo Sosa
http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/bio/angelo-sosa

Now, I'm rooting for Antonia.  You go, girl!
Antonia Lafaso
http://www.bravotv.com/top-chef/bio/antonia-lofaso
Hugs to all of our followers,
LC

Monday, February 21, 2011

Take a look, it's in a book...


Is there a Book-It club for adults???

Currently, I am reading 5 books:
  • “A Storm of Swords” by George R.R. Martin (Page 832 of 1128; Recommended to me by LC’s husband, 3rd book in a series of greatness)
  • “The Orchard Keeper” by Cormac McCarthy (Pg. 166 of 246; As with all McCarthy reading, I am in a love/hate relationship with this book)
  • “William and Kate: A Royal Love Story” by Christopher Andersen (Pg. 235 of 301; Flying through it- a Prince & a Princess, royalty you guys!!!!!)
  • Washington: A Life” by Ron Chernow (Pg. 62 of 817… I wanted to hear about wooden teeth)
  • Finally, I just bought “The Healing of America: A Global Quest for Better, Cheaper and Fairer Health Care” by T.R. Reid (Pg. 11 of 272; Started it in line at Border’s bankruptcy sale and it came home with me)
~Mindy

Weekend Recap








1. Beer at Port City Brewing Company. The newest microbrew in the country.
2. Tasting unfinished beer right from the barrel. (!!)
3. Old Town Alexandria
4. The water front
5. An ice cream treat
6. Sunday lunch (it was as delicious as it looks. oye)
7. Sunday dinner (lacking effort to cook, obviously)
8. Taxes are done!

xoxo,
Kate

Sunday, February 20, 2011

I Blame You Hollywood...

Hi, my name is Mindy and I’m a celebrity gossip junkie. Some people have a cup of coffee each morning, I have my daily dose of gossip (stop judging me, I feel you questioning my IQ!!!) Between Perez Hilton and Just Jared I am usually up to date on everything I don’t actually need to know in life. Assuming some of your readers are also living a boring life (hello to my fellow Future “Cat Ladies” of America!) this is old news, but if not let me be the one to tell you that Jessica Alba is preggers, again. I know guys- Ahhhhhh, yay, so excited for more great things happening to people who are already living the BEST LIVES EVER with their super hot husbands and gorgeous, flawless, tiny-pored skin! (stab me, stab me now). JustJared had a few photos of Jessica’s “growing baby bump”…


Ok, seriously that is hardly a baby bump. That looks like me after I chow down on a burger at Red Robin. And what’s with the boots- is she part robot part cowboy? I do appreciate her husband’s Rite Aid shopping bag (RIP Dad), but these photos of her “bump” are just disappointing. Another thing she can add to her list of failures, just after “Into the Blue”.

seeing double

LC and I are twins. Identical twins. And best friends. I wish we were still roommates but I don't think LC's hubby would like that very much. Mostly because I'd eat all their homemade ice cream and monopolize LC's time.





She yells at me when I eat brownies in her car. But she still let's me do it. And she's probably the only person who knows to say "you're pretty" when I'm running ragged at mile 18 during our last marathon. Yep, I know...I'm a lucky twin.

xoxo
Kate

Saturday, February 19, 2011

I heart s'mores


I really do. I love s'mores.  I love graham crackers. I love marshmallows. I love chocolate. When you combine them together it's like heaven on earth.  I think I also love them because of the memories they bring.  Making s'mores is a process.  I will always remember looking for that perfect stick at camp over a bonfire. Or making them at Mindy's house. They bring me back to summer nights and I can almost hear the crackle of the fire.



So what brought up my declaration of love for s'mores? I think I just fell in love all over again.  I found this recipe for s'mores bars at a blog called Let's Dish. I love this blog. They always have great ideas. I've made this recipe three times now and it really is amazing. It gives you everything about s'mores that's amazing in a bar form.  Dying.

If you have the same love affair with graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallow that I do then you have to make it.  And enjoy every sticky bite.

I have to go cheer for the Tar Heels and work off all the extra calories I have now eaten.

Can I please have moment of silence???

Enjoy that moment of silence Nas because I'm about to start SCREAMING in excitement over the new Radiohead album. Eeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!! My favorite band of all time has returned. Although I knew they would be debuting a new album this year, I (along with the rest of the music world) received the BEST VALENTINE'S GIFT EVER on Monday when it was announced that the digital release would be Saturday, February 19th (also one of my very best friend's birthdays- signs guys, SIGNS!!!). I won't bore you all with the details of my Radiohead obsession, but suffice it to say I boarder on mental patient.
photo

Another reason you may hear me belting out joy today is that one of my most favorite people ever in the history of the world, Ms. Kay-T-Boner is going to be a Mrs!!!! Congrats Katie and Marty on your engagement. I look forward to drinking like a fish on your wedding day (classy). Here is a link to Katie's blog that you'll want to check out- she is amazingly crafty. This is totally another sign, as it was Katie who accompanied me to Roseland Ballroom last April to see Thom Yorke (lead singer of Radiohead, keep up) perform with Atoms for Peace- his side project. Enjoy the photo of Katie and I below, peeing our pants in excitement at the show. 
~Mindy

Friday, February 18, 2011

Our DC weekend:


a very brief snippet of our trip to the top of the washington monument...

 and what a view it was.  
xo,
Kate

I dig...


xoxo
Kate

Lemons and Roses

I am not an eternally optimistic person.  I can’t forget a person’s flaws; I look for the “catch”; and I expect life to hand me lemons.  Imagine my surprise today when life handed me roses.  It is a beautiful wonderful glorious pre-spring day in FEBRUARY!  It’s one of those days where I can open the windows, get out from the blanket I’ve been hibernating under all winter, and take Goosey for a walk. 


Goosey enjoying the swings and sun
 
I love my collection of winter coats, but today, it was wonderful to feel the warm sun on my skin.  I really do love walking fast, but today there was a cosmic reminder to walk a little slower (which helped me to spot this heads up penny on my way home!). 


                                              
                                                                   Find a penny, pick it up,...
 
And even though I’m not a “half-full” kind of girl, today, I believe there was little more optimism in my attitude.  Here’s to the perfect day for a pitcher full of lemonade and a vase full of roses.

                                           


Hugs to all of our followers,
LC

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Mama Mia, Here I Go Again...

For those of you who read my intro (if not, for shame!!!), you already know that I live with my mom. People are always complimenting me on taking care of her or telling me what a good, supportive daughter I am for staying around since she lost my dad, but I don’t think many people realize how much fun it actually is living with her. It would take WAY too many blog entries to get you all caught up to speed on how awesome my mom is and how much fun we have living together (most days), but here is a little snippet about why I love hanging out with crazy Mare:

Tonight, I started quoting “So I Married An Axe Murderer” in the kitchen while I was putting away leftovers (I know, a big girl job!!), and without missing a beat my mom just jumped right in. (“Jane, get me off this crazy thing, called love”) In fact, SIMAAM is one of her all time favorite movies. Initially she was drawn to the Scottish father that Mike Myers plays, but in reality she just absolutely loves good comedy.
photo

Growing up, our family always focused on my dad as the comedian- he was the class clown back in school and had a hoard of business man jokes that he threw around the office (we actually discovered his “joke box” in his office after he passed way, but that’s a whole different story…) What I’ve really noticed over the past few years since he’s been gone is how hilarious my mom is too. But we’re not talking knock-knock jokes here people, she is totally shameless about making fun of other people and laughing at their expense. It makes me so proud to hear her yell at idiots on Judge Judy or almost pee her pants laughing at episodes of Community or The Office (almost, I said ALMOST). Sometimes it sucks having to tell people I live with my mom (always quick to throw in a “my dad passed away!!!!!” just so they don’t judge me) but honestly, it’s hard to think of any other roommates who would always let me have the last slice of cake or join in on a dance party in the family room to Florence & The Machine or never complain about what I want to DVR (probably because she doesn’t know how to work the TV, but still!!). My mom is really one of my very best friends and although I have many days that I feel like strangling her (and even more days when I complain about not being married or living with a hot boyfriend named Ryan Gosling) I really have to say that most of the time, I feel blessed to be here.
~Mindy

Haaaave you met Laura?

Goosey learning to give kisses
My name is Laura (LC, for short). 
Once upon a time, I was a high school math teacher.  While those memories/coworkers/students still hold a special place in my heart, I finally feel I have found my calling as a SAHM.  My daughter, Goosey, occupies much of my time.  When I’m not conversing in baby talk, running to play dates and trying to keep one step ahead of a toddler, I cook, run, watch TV, shop, and read magazines.  I’m obsessed with summer, sunrises, the beach, ice cream, chocolate, brussel sprouts, marathons, The Bachelor, How I Met Your Mother, InStyle Magazine, Food Network, Nissans, and Free Cell.  I could do without soda, the ocean, dancing, messes, jealousy, and wind.  I dream of living debt-free, playing the piano, and raising well-mannered, responsible, happy children. 

High school was the best four years of my life.  College was not.  I met my husband at the age of nineteen and fell in love with him during our first kiss.  I knew I was going to marry him a week later.  I love his helmet of hair, his smile, and his boyish sense of humor.  He, along with my girlfriends, complete me.