Kristin's Bridal Shower

This Sunday was Kristin's bridal shower.  She wanted a surprise...and after wearing dresses to EVERYTHING for the past few weeks and being prepared for the shower to happen at any time, hopefully she's happy with how it turned out.  :-)



Kristin with her bridesmaids and flower girls.



Kristin and some of our work peeps.

 

 





The awesome cake that Jackie (Kristin's future SIL) made. 

 



I made tropical body scrub (coconut lemon/lime) as the shower favors.  As a group we then "beached it up" by putting the little containers in a cute plastic martini glass with a little umbrella.  Fun!

We had two REALLY funny moments at Kristin's shower.  The first one was before Kristin even got there!  It seems we should have been more clear with the restaurant hostess what Kristin and her fiancé look like.  The hostess tried to lead an adorable couple into our function room.  I've never seen a guy jump away from his girlfriend and emphatically shake his head "no" as fast as that guy did!

The second funny was courtesy of my mom.  As part of her gift, she gave a few Yankee Candles.  The "blueberry scone" candle smelled yummy!  However, the "mmm....bacon" candle; not so much.  It was so bad that it made it's way around the room for all to smell.  As a group we all decided that it smells like Kibbles n' Bits.  Lesson learned!  Always smell the candle before you buy it; even if the sales associate tells you that it's a best seller.

This Sunday was Kristin's bridal shower.  She wanted a surprise...and after wearing dresses to EVERYTHING for the past few weeks and being prepared for the shower to happen at any time, hopefully she's happy with how it turned out.  :-)



Kristin with her bridesmaids and flower girls.



Kristin and some of our work peeps.

 

 





The awesome cake that Jackie (Kristin's future SIL) made. 

 



I made tropical body scrub (coconut lemon/lime) as the shower favors.  As a group we then "beached it up" by putting the little containers in a cute plastic martini glass with a little umbrella.  Fun!

We had two REALLY funny moments at Kristin's shower.  The first one was before Kristin even got there!  It seems we should have been more clear with the restaurant hostess what Kristin and her fiancé look like.  The hostess tried to lead an adorable couple into our function room.  I've never seen a guy jump away from his girlfriend and emphatically shake his head "no" as fast as that guy did!

The second funny was courtesy of my mom.  As part of her gift, she gave a few Yankee Candles.  The "blueberry scone" candle smelled yummy!  However, the "mmm....bacon" candle; not so much.  It was so bad that it made it's way around the room for all to smell.  As a group we all decided that it smells like Kibbles n' Bits.  Lesson learned!  Always smell the candle before you buy it; even if the sales associate tells you that it's a best seller.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

How To Look Like A Hero, In A Few Easy Steps...

Wait.  You didn't think I was going to let you in on my secrets, did you?! :-)

I joke about the "hero" thing because I had two different people label me that (jokingly, of course!) in the past few days.

Thursday night it started snowing. I know...it's New England; big deal.  By the time Friday morning rolled around, we had over a foot of snow on the ground instead of the 1-3 inches that were predicted.  And it kept snowing!

My fabulous cousin Kristin and I not only live near each other, but now work in the same office.  So, we chatted.  We debated a little.  We decided to suck it up; dig out and go to work. So I swung by and picked her (and her son) up.  We arrived just before noon to an almost empty office and looking like rock stars. By the time we departed a little after 4PM, I had to dig my car out again.  And, let me tell you - digging out a Chevy Tahoe is WORK!  When all was said and done, our little snowstorm netted us around two feet of unexpected snow.

The front of our office building.  For scale purposes - B is a fairly tall 9 year old!

Saturday morning, Kristin and I went to the florist so she could pick her wedding day flower arrangements.  Pink, pink, pink! 

 

Pretty, right?! :-)

 
About an hour after I dropped her off at home, she called to say that Penny (her Jeep) was making a horrible noise.  So I got in the car, met her at Target and called AAA.  In the hour and a half wait, we did a little shopping at Target (You want me to shop?!?!  TWIST MY ARM!!!!) and then I dropped her off at home again. 

All in a day's work!

Wait.  You didn't think I was going to let you in on my secrets, did you?! :-)

I joke about the "hero" thing because I had two different people label me that (jokingly, of course!) in the past few days.

Thursday night it started snowing. I know...it's New England; big deal.  By the time Friday morning rolled around, we had over a foot of snow on the ground instead of the 1-3 inches that were predicted.  And it kept snowing!

My fabulous cousin Kristin and I not only live near each other, but now work in the same office.  So, we chatted.  We debated a little.  We decided to suck it up; dig out and go to work. So I swung by and picked her (and her son) up.  We arrived just before noon to an almost empty office and looking like rock stars. By the time we departed a little after 4PM, I had to dig my car out again.  And, let me tell you - digging out a Chevy Tahoe is WORK!  When all was said and done, our little snowstorm netted us around two feet of unexpected snow.

The front of our office building.  For scale purposes - B is a fairly tall 9 year old!

Saturday morning, Kristin and I went to the florist so she could pick her wedding day flower arrangements.  Pink, pink, pink! 

 

Pretty, right?! :-)

 
About an hour after I dropped her off at home, she called to say that Penny (her Jeep) was making a horrible noise.  So I got in the car, met her at Target and called AAA.  In the hour and a half wait, we did a little shopping at Target (You want me to shop?!?!  TWIST MY ARM!!!!) and then I dropped her off at home again. 

All in a day's work!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Bridesmaid Dresses

Friday evening, Kristin (aka the bride!) and all her bridesmaids convened at David's Bridal to pick out dresses.

We started with a vision of her two matron of honors in begonia/fuschia and her three bridesmaids in a lighter pink.  I think Kristin originally was thinking a shorter dress too (but wouldn't swear to it).  After trying on lots of gowns and having the salesperson deem us "the happiest bridesmaids all week", we'll be wearing these gowns on August 2nd:

via David's Bridal website

 

The bride and Sandy (the lucky girl who WON'T need it hemmed like some of us shorties!)

What do you think? If you're nice, I'll model it for you AFTER it arrives in May and I get my alterations done.

Friday evening, Kristin (aka the bride!) and all her bridesmaids convened at David's Bridal to pick out dresses.

We started with a vision of her two matron of honors in begonia/fuschia and her three bridesmaids in a lighter pink.  I think Kristin originally was thinking a shorter dress too (but wouldn't swear to it).  After trying on lots of gowns and having the salesperson deem us "the happiest bridesmaids all week", we'll be wearing these gowns on August 2nd:

via David's Bridal website

 

The bride and Sandy (the lucky girl who WON'T need it hemmed like some of us shorties!)

What do you think? If you're nice, I'll model it for you AFTER it arrives in May and I get my alterations done.

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

A Dose of Random...Or, How I Spent My Weekend

Happy Monday!  My brain is a smidge fried, so I'll be employing bullet points to keep from completely boring you (hopefully). :-)

• Thank you all for the support that you've given me in changing careers.  Tuesday I'll be doing the final exam for the Home Health Aide portion of the class.  Any quick prayers that I don't have a brain freeze will be appreciated.
• The remainder of the week I have skills labs, where I'm going to get paired with the person either before me or after me alphabetically.  That means I either have someone who is afraid to touch people...or doesn't speak English.  I apologize in advance for any venting that may be sited here later in the week.
• Saturday I did my class project on Cancer.  It's fabulous people...believe me on that. :-)
• While that was happening, I had a plumber come and steal all my money!  Well...he did replace the faucets in my kitchen and downstairs bathroom, but it wasn't fun paying that bill!
• Then, I got to hang out with Kristin to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. 

Mixed berry Margaritas!

• Sunday Meadow & Beckett enjoyed sunbathing at my parent's.  They also spent some time scavenging the back yard for dandelion greens.  I think I might have miniature goats instead of dachshunds...
• If you follow me on Twitter, you already know that I'm a bit heart-broken.  I've learned that I either won't be getting a new puppy from the rescue I volunteer for, or it will take at least another two months.  I don't blame them at all...it's totally the state of MA.  They are making it very difficult for people here to adopt from out of state.  Never mind that "my" puppy is no more than 50 miles away from me! Just thinking about it still makes me teary.



Sunbathing puppers!

This week's 3 on Thursday question:

 Share three secret single behaviors (Remember the SATC episode? Things you do you wouldn't want a man to see you doing)!



Happy Monday!  My brain is a smidge fried, so I'll be employing bullet points to keep from completely boring you (hopefully). :-)

• Thank you all for the support that you've given me in changing careers.  Tuesday I'll be doing the final exam for the Home Health Aide portion of the class.  Any quick prayers that I don't have a brain freeze will be appreciated.
• The remainder of the week I have skills labs, where I'm going to get paired with the person either before me or after me alphabetically.  That means I either have someone who is afraid to touch people...or doesn't speak English.  I apologize in advance for any venting that may be sited here later in the week.
• Saturday I did my class project on Cancer.  It's fabulous people...believe me on that. :-)
• While that was happening, I had a plumber come and steal all my money!  Well...he did replace the faucets in my kitchen and downstairs bathroom, but it wasn't fun paying that bill!
• Then, I got to hang out with Kristin to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. 

Mixed berry Margaritas!

• Sunday Meadow & Beckett enjoyed sunbathing at my parent's.  They also spent some time scavenging the back yard for dandelion greens.  I think I might have miniature goats instead of dachshunds...
• If you follow me on Twitter, you already know that I'm a bit heart-broken.  I've learned that I either won't be getting a new puppy from the rescue I volunteer for, or it will take at least another two months.  I don't blame them at all...it's totally the state of MA.  They are making it very difficult for people here to adopt from out of state.  Never mind that "my" puppy is no more than 50 miles away from me! Just thinking about it still makes me teary.



Sunbathing puppers!

This week's 3 on Thursday question:

 Share three secret single behaviors (Remember the SATC episode? Things you do you wouldn't want a man to see you doing)!



reade more... Résuméabuiyad

She Said YES!

You may have noticed a few mentions of my favorite cousin (and one of my best friends) Kristin & her fiance lately.  For those of you that have been reading awhile, I've always said "boyfriend".  Well...there's a good reason for the recent change in terminology! 
The man in her life asked her to marry him!!!  Not a day too soon, either.  They've been together for 10 years, and make a great couple!

Aren't they adorable?!



To document her voyage from new fiance to wife, she's created a new blog - And I Said Yes!. Come on by and say "hi"! I know she'd love to share the experience with you...and get some great tips for a fun, economical and beautiful wedding too!!

You may have noticed a few mentions of my favorite cousin (and one of my best friends) Kristin & her fiance lately.  For those of you that have been reading awhile, I've always said "boyfriend".  Well...there's a good reason for the recent change in terminology! 
The man in her life asked her to marry him!!!  Not a day too soon, either.  They've been together for 10 years, and make a great couple!

Aren't they adorable?!



To document her voyage from new fiance to wife, she's created a new blog - And I Said Yes!. Come on by and say "hi"! I know she'd love to share the experience with you...and get some great tips for a fun, economical and beautiful wedding too!!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Tuesdays At The Table - Crab Rangoon

Happy Tuesday!  If you follow me on Twitter, you've already seen me ask this...but can we skip to the weekend?  It's been a long week already!

Before I talk about my recipe for the day - I have a little "housekeeping".  Stick with me!!

A HUGE welcome to all the new faces that have been contributing recipes lately!  I love seeing new people join in on the fun.  :-)  Everyone is dropping by to encourage each other and thank each other for sharing, right?!?!

And while we're loosely on the subject of new people.... I'm one follower away from kicking off my "Oops, I forgot my blogoversary, but I want to have a giveaway" giveaway.  I'll also be kicking off my flip flop swap later this week!!

And lastly - here is my new Tuesdays At The Table button!  It was time for the button to get a face lift and Kirstren was fabulous enough to read my mind and create this for me.  Drop by and see her! (Sidenote: The box displaying the html code for the button keeps disappearing.  If you want the code for your blog - email me!)

I love, love, love crab rangoon!! Sure, I could go to one of the local restaurants when the craving hits...but sometimes, it's more fun to make them at home.

Crab Rangoon
1 tub (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Spread
1 can (6 oz.) crabmeat, drained, flaked
30 wonton wrappers
1 1/2 cups oil

Mix cream cheese spread and crabmeat; spoon onto won ton wrappers, adding about 1 tsp. crabmeat mixture to each.

Moisten the edges of wrappers with water; fold diagonally in half. Press edges together to seal.

Heat oil in medium skillet or wok. Add won tons, in batches; cook 1 to 2 min. or until golden brown on both sides, turning once. Remove from skillet with slotted spoon; drain on paper towels.

What's cooking in your kitchen?



Want to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself? It is still FREE to sign up with Bamboopink and have your own personalized website to sell Bamboopink jewelry by JudeFrances. Over 25,000 people nationwide signed up in just over a month...and you can too! Click HERE. Don't want to sell, but want the inside track on discounts? Sign up!!

Happy Tuesday!  If you follow me on Twitter, you've already seen me ask this...but can we skip to the weekend?  It's been a long week already!

Before I talk about my recipe for the day - I have a little "housekeeping".  Stick with me!!

A HUGE welcome to all the new faces that have been contributing recipes lately!  I love seeing new people join in on the fun.  :-)  Everyone is dropping by to encourage each other and thank each other for sharing, right?!?!

And while we're loosely on the subject of new people.... I'm one follower away from kicking off my "Oops, I forgot my blogoversary, but I want to have a giveaway" giveaway.  I'll also be kicking off my flip flop swap later this week!!

And lastly - here is my new Tuesdays At The Table button!  It was time for the button to get a face lift and Kirstren was fabulous enough to read my mind and create this for me.  Drop by and see her! (Sidenote: The box displaying the html code for the button keeps disappearing.  If you want the code for your blog - email me!)

I love, love, love crab rangoon!! Sure, I could go to one of the local restaurants when the craving hits...but sometimes, it's more fun to make them at home.

Crab Rangoon
1 tub (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Chive & Onion Cream Cheese Spread
1 can (6 oz.) crabmeat, drained, flaked
30 wonton wrappers
1 1/2 cups oil

Mix cream cheese spread and crabmeat; spoon onto won ton wrappers, adding about 1 tsp. crabmeat mixture to each.

Moisten the edges of wrappers with water; fold diagonally in half. Press edges together to seal.

Heat oil in medium skillet or wok. Add won tons, in batches; cook 1 to 2 min. or until golden brown on both sides, turning once. Remove from skillet with slotted spoon; drain on paper towels.

What's cooking in your kitchen?



Want to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself? It is still FREE to sign up with Bamboopink and have your own personalized website to sell Bamboopink jewelry by JudeFrances. Over 25,000 people nationwide signed up in just over a month...and you can too! Click HERE. Don't want to sell, but want the inside track on discounts? Sign up!!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Pretty Little Buttons!!

Guess what?!  My fabulous cousin Kirstren (aka Kristin) made me a new Tuesdays at the Table button today!

Isn't it pretty?!?!  I absolutely love it!  It was time for a TATT button face-lift and I'm so happy that Kirstren was able to hook a girl up...um...help her favorite cousin....uh...make something so pretty.  :-)

This weekend I'll do a little bloggy updating so you can all grab the button too.

Do you need a new button?  Perhaps a super cute signature?  Drop on by Kirstren's blog! I know she'll put her creative mind to good use and make you something fabulous!



Maybe if I'm super lucky, she'll do a button for my upcoming flip-flop swap.... :-)

Guess what?!  My fabulous cousin Kirstren (aka Kristin) made me a new Tuesdays at the Table button today!

Isn't it pretty?!?!  I absolutely love it!  It was time for a TATT button face-lift and I'm so happy that Kirstren was able to hook a girl up...um...help her favorite cousin....uh...make something so pretty.  :-)

This weekend I'll do a little bloggy updating so you can all grab the button too.

Do you need a new button?  Perhaps a super cute signature?  Drop on by Kirstren's blog! I know she'll put her creative mind to good use and make you something fabulous!



Maybe if I'm super lucky, she'll do a button for my upcoming flip-flop swap.... :-)

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Weekend Plans

After a week (fine, five long days) of feeling amazingly gross - I'm finally starting to feel better!  HURRAY!!  I hope none of you get this stomach flu.  It isn't pretty...

To celebrate feeling better, I'm thinking I might get a manicure on Saturday.  Not just any manicure, but an OPI Axxium manicure.  Have you heard of it? We all love OPI, right?!?!  Well, their gel manicures are so much more fabulous.  They DON'T chip!!!  Like...EVER!! (Almost!)  I got my first gel manicure right before Christmas and despite running around, shoveling, washing countless dishes, typing all day, and generally being rough on my hands - this stuff is still holding on for dear life.

Sure, the nail growth shows.  But, dang, I LOVE my manicure still.

And on Sunday I get to go here!  So excited!! A few sips of wine, a little shopping and some silliness with three fabulous ladies.  :-)

I'm sure that I'll have a few new wines to rave about after being there!

What are you planning this weekend?

After a week (fine, five long days) of feeling amazingly gross - I'm finally starting to feel better!  HURRAY!!  I hope none of you get this stomach flu.  It isn't pretty...

To celebrate feeling better, I'm thinking I might get a manicure on Saturday.  Not just any manicure, but an OPI Axxium manicure.  Have you heard of it? We all love OPI, right?!?!  Well, their gel manicures are so much more fabulous.  They DON'T chip!!!  Like...EVER!! (Almost!)  I got my first gel manicure right before Christmas and despite running around, shoveling, washing countless dishes, typing all day, and generally being rough on my hands - this stuff is still holding on for dear life.

Sure, the nail growth shows.  But, dang, I LOVE my manicure still.

And on Sunday I get to go here!  So excited!! A few sips of wine, a little shopping and some silliness with three fabulous ladies.  :-)

I'm sure that I'll have a few new wines to rave about after being there!

What are you planning this weekend?

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

"Sock" It To Me

I'm working on these puppies...  Someday, they WILL be socks.  :-)

Through the holidays, Kirstren declared that she'd be knitting her first pair of socks, come January.  And now that time has arrived, and like a good little follower (heeheehee), I joined in.  More pics to follow as the project progresses.  :-)

Are you working on any craft projects?  Have any sock knitting words of wisdom for us?

I'm working on these puppies...  Someday, they WILL be socks.  :-)

Through the holidays, Kirstren declared that she'd be knitting her first pair of socks, come January.  And now that time has arrived, and like a good little follower (heeheehee), I joined in.  More pics to follow as the project progresses.  :-)

Are you working on any craft projects?  Have any sock knitting words of wisdom for us?

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Shop Til You DROP!

I hope that everyone had a fabulous, filling, fun Thanksgiving!  Mine was awesome.  :-)  Carbo loading potatoes and stuffing was a good idea, right?  I needed energy for shopping.

Here's where some of you are going to think that I'm absa-blooming-nuts or that I'm utterly genious.  (By the way, both are entirely true...)  Here is the Black Friday schedule that Kirstren, Heather and I used.

10 PM          Brush teeth and clean car
10:20            Leave for Kirstren's house
10:30            Pick up Kirstren
11:10            Arrive at Heather's house
11:15            Prep coffee to-go and get pep talk from Heather's hubby. 
                    His words of advice?  "Don't get stabbed, girls." 
11:40            Get in line at Toys 'R Us.
12:45            Get rained on in line at Toys 'R Us.
1:58              Successfully leave Toys 'R Us.
2 AM             Time for cupcakes and Christmas music in the car!
2:20               Old Navy - Hello, 5 dollar PJ pants!
3:30               Kohl's - I accomplished half my Christmas list here.
4: 45              Target - Easily the best organized store I was in all night.
6:10               Wal-Mart - Easily the least organized store I was in.
7:40               Breakfast with the ladies and a re-cap of our night.
9:30               BED!!!

Did you partake in Black Friday shopping?  Did you have to stand in line to get into more than one store?  Find any great deals that everyone should know about?

I hope that everyone had a fabulous, filling, fun Thanksgiving!  Mine was awesome.  :-)  Carbo loading potatoes and stuffing was a good idea, right?  I needed energy for shopping.

Here's where some of you are going to think that I'm absa-blooming-nuts or that I'm utterly genious.  (By the way, both are entirely true...)  Here is the Black Friday schedule that Kirstren, Heather and I used.

10 PM          Brush teeth and clean car
10:20            Leave for Kirstren's house
10:30            Pick up Kirstren
11:10            Arrive at Heather's house
11:15            Prep coffee to-go and get pep talk from Heather's hubby. 
                    His words of advice?  "Don't get stabbed, girls." 
11:40            Get in line at Toys 'R Us.
12:45            Get rained on in line at Toys 'R Us.
1:58              Successfully leave Toys 'R Us.
2 AM             Time for cupcakes and Christmas music in the car!
2:20               Old Navy - Hello, 5 dollar PJ pants!
3:30               Kohl's - I accomplished half my Christmas list here.
4: 45              Target - Easily the best organized store I was in all night.
6:10               Wal-Mart - Easily the least organized store I was in.
7:40               Breakfast with the ladies and a re-cap of our night.
9:30               BED!!!

Did you partake in Black Friday shopping?  Did you have to stand in line to get into more than one store?  Find any great deals that everyone should know about?

reade more... Résuméabuiyad

Bowling In Style...

I don't know if I've divulged this before....I bowl.  Not well, but I bowl.

Last year, I was the permanent sub on my cousin (Lady) Kirstren and her best friend (Queen) Heather's team. (BTW, I have a royal monicker too...feel free to guess what it is) I think I bowled more times than the woman I filled in for. But that story is better left alone.

This year - I get an actual spot on the team.  I mean, I'm happy just to get a night out with a few of my favorite peeps, an excuse to people-watch, and my weekly fix of MaryLou's News coffee - but I'm really happy that I get to participate on a more frequent basis.

That means I need to buy bowling shoes.  I know you're laughing at me (and I don't blame you), but I was really excited to find something cute.  I was READY to have to look online for hours - far and wide.  Um...not so much.  The first website I stopped on had what I consider to be the height of bowling fashion (or geek chic; your choice).

Aren't they cute?!?!

I don't know if I've divulged this before....I bowl.  Not well, but I bowl.

Last year, I was the permanent sub on my cousin (Lady) Kirstren and her best friend (Queen) Heather's team. (BTW, I have a royal monicker too...feel free to guess what it is) I think I bowled more times than the woman I filled in for. But that story is better left alone.

This year - I get an actual spot on the team.  I mean, I'm happy just to get a night out with a few of my favorite peeps, an excuse to people-watch, and my weekly fix of MaryLou's News coffee - but I'm really happy that I get to participate on a more frequent basis.

That means I need to buy bowling shoes.  I know you're laughing at me (and I don't blame you), but I was really excited to find something cute.  I was READY to have to look online for hours - far and wide.  Um...not so much.  The first website I stopped on had what I consider to be the height of bowling fashion (or geek chic; your choice).

Aren't they cute?!?!

reade more... Résuméabuiyad