Top Ten: The Art of the Blind Date

The blind date: equal parts awkward and awesome with a side of nausea.

I had two blind dates this past weekend and I came away completely exhausted and relieved.  And while I could talk at length about each gentleman, both of whom are God's precious children and loved by their mamas, I will instead focus on my performance.

Over the last few years, I think I have had nearly 30 blind dates. (How can this be my life!?) And in those nearly 30 awkward/awesome/nauseous encounters, I have learned a few things on how to prepare for the best possible outcome, if that even exists:

1. Shoot for having zero expectations. And when I say "zero," what I am really saying is try to have negative expectations. Sometimes, all I hope for is that he is breathing and buys my coffee. And even  that can totally backfire. I have found that the less Facebook stalking I do, the better. Facebook can totally skew your hopes, desires and dreams for your first date experience.

2. Wear what makes you feel amazing. Let's face it, you are already at a deficit when you head into a blind date. They may or may not know what you look like, therefore they may or may not be expecting Amanda Kerr to walk through the door. And while I can strut with the best of them, I like to eat. So, to counter-balance this, we have to feel amazing in who we are and that can be greatly highlighted by loving what we have on. Wear your best jeans, your favorite shirt, all of the things that make you feel good. And as tempting as it may be to show up in either a.) your prom dress or b.) your sweatpants, don't. Just don't.


3. Don't talk about tigers unless you train them or have been mauled by them. Then, BY ALL MEANS, talk away because you have earned it.

4. Have an "out." I say this not to be rude but to protect your sanity. There comes a time in every date when you are not sure if you should keep going or call it a day. Even if it is an amazing date, there needs to be an end time just to give you time to process every single word and facial expression so you can then call 10 of your best friends to analyze it together. I always have something planned approximately 1.5-2 hours after the date starts. This keeps things short and sweet but still with enough time to determine if you would like to see him again...or never, ever again. Whichever.

5. Always carry cash with you. Even though your deepest desire is that he will graciously buy whatever it is you are ordering, this sometimes doesn't happen. And there is nothing more exhilarating than to show some random idiot with bad manners that you are fully capable of buying your own cup of coffee, thank you very much.

6. If you are having a meal, do not order the following: spaghetti, BBQ, big hamburgers or anything else that falls apart easily. It is really hard to be sexy with sauce all over your face.

7. Somehow, find a way to talk normally. I consistenly amaze myself at how awkward I sound and I communicate for a living! Sometimes I even give myself a pep-talk before hand: "It's just talking, Sarah. You've been doing it your whole life. Don't fixate on the weather. Don't get all twangy. And please don't ever let the words 'I sleep with a breathing machine' ever come out of your mouth." It's tough love, but very necessary.

8. Don't take it personally if he does not call you back. Sure, it does reflect the lack of chemistry/attraction to each other but it doesn't change you who are as a person. It just means that there is one less guy in the world that you have to consider in your life plan. It is a weeding-out process. It has taken me a while to learn this but it can make or break your future dating experiences.

9. Try not to say no to a blind date, especially if one of your friends is setting you up. They love you and they want you to be happy. The only reason you can say no is if you have already gone on a blind date with the guy or if you are bleeding. You never know just how great the next date can be.

10. Dating is a freaking freak show. How two people ever meet and fall in love is a TOTAL MIRACLE FROM HEAVEN ABOVE, FOREVER AND AMEN.

Best of luck to you.

Six Months In

So, today is my half-birthday! I realize I may be alone in the celebration of this. It's not like Hallmark has half-birthday cards. But they totally should.

When I was young, my grandma and my mom would make a cake and serve half of it with half a candle. It is one of my favorite memories and needs to become a tradition because it means we have survived six more months, and sometimes that is a miracle in itself.

I also love this day because it is the birth date I wish I had. You see, summer represents all things wonderful and happy and magical and winter is like a vast wasteland of coldness and death. What can you do in January? Ice skate (um, hello broken elbow!) and freeze. But in July, the sky is the limit! Plus, the daylight is around for nearly six extra hours!

Feel free to join my half-birthday pity party.

However, this day also makes me think of all the things I did not do the first half of this year. It is a mile marker of sorts, helping me gauge my productivity, or lack thereof. But it is also a wonderful motivator and confidence-builder because you realize you actually contribute to society sometimes.

First off, here are a few of the items I have either accomplished, experienced or navigated. Stand back.

1. I started my own business. I have two cooking classes this week so let's pray for safety for all involved.

2. I survived the month of June at work. I am now taking naps under my desk.

3. I have yet to break a bone or sprain a muscle. Amen and amen.

4. I have begun taking the extra fluff out of my life, namely the news and blow drying my hair. Those two things really save so much time.


However, I still have a few things I would like to do in the next six months:

1. Visit a new country. This is a goal every year. Anyone up for Greece? Norway? Peru?

2. See more of my cousins. I miss each one of them, all 46,720.

3. Find a new hobby. I am thinking fly fishing or ballroom dancing. Or both. Or not at all. I really don't know.

4. Fall in love. People do it all the time, or so I hear. And I am really great at it.

5. Rediscover joy. I seem to have lost some of mine and I would like it back. It's a tricky thing, that joy.

6. Run a 5K. Oh, did I just type that? That must have been a mistake. I am so funny.

7. Take a cooking class in something I have never tried before, like French pastry or sushi.

8. Be more kind, generous and patient. It should just happen.

9. Be unbelievably brave and courageous. It is hard to plan for this one but I want to be if the situation arises.

10. Save up now for Christmas presents instead of paying it off in January. You would think I would have this down by now but somehow December 25 always sneaks up on me!

And a bonus goal...

11. Eat more watermelon. It is freaking delicious.

So, I have my work cut out for me. I have learned that I need goals in my life otherwise I wither into a pile of nothing who only watches Hulu and eats yogurt. It's not pretty, trust me. These will hopefully keep me on track to actually living life instead of watching it. Sometimes I need these little reminders, these little motivators to get me out of a rut and into a groove.

Bring it on, second half!

Top Ten: Spring Favorites from Pinterest

Holy cow. It is Wednesday already. And guess what? It snowed again in Denver. Apparently we like to call our Spring "Winter" around here.

In spite of the chilly morning and snow on the ground, I am celebrating warm weather in my heart. And do you know why? It is because Pinterest told me I could. There is nothing quite like a virtual bulletin board to make you want to bust out your flip flops!

So, while I wait for the snow to melt, I am here to share my latest favorites for Spring:

1. Statement Necklaces:
Isn't this GORGEOUS? Granted, you can't wear it with everything, but you could plan your entire outfit around this necklace. I am a huge fan.

2. Floral Print
I am a sucker for floral print. It is ultra-feminine but can still be paired with a chunky belt and denim shirt. Love!

3. Chevron.

I love chevron. The end.

4. Coral Bedrooms

I am always in the mood to re-do my bedroom and right now, I am drooling over the neutral/coral/turquoise combination. I could take a serious nap in these rooms.

5. Colorful Bags

I feel like I am perpetually on the hunt for the perfect bag. It is so hard to find the right combination of size, utility, material and color. But these two? I would take them both!

6. Salads

You all know that I am a girl who likes her food. But right now, I am so sick of hot, heavy meals. I yearn for quinoa and kale and fresh corn and fruit. Apparently, I am becoming a rabbit. And I am totally okay with that.

7. New Work Outs

I am always looking for ways to avoid change-up my workouts. Right now, these are the two I am tackling and I love them both. They go by so quickly! If my glutes are hating me then I know I must be doing something right.

Hike It Off: Treadmill Workout from Self Magazine: Set the treadmill at 3.6 mph, and toggle between inclines to simulate hills.
Minutes: 2  Incline: 0 Minutes: 1  Incline: 4
Minutes: 3  Incline: 8
Minutes: 2  Incline: 12
Minutes: 1  Incline: 3
Minutes: 2  Incline: 10
Minutes: 1  Incline: 12
Minutes: 4  Incline: 7
Minutes: 2  Incline: 12
Minutes: 2  Incline: 6
Total: 20 minutes

 

8. Flats

Flats are where it's at. Don't get me wrong, I adore heels, but flats make your life so much more comfortable. And there are so many cute ones out there right now!

9. Twirly Skirts

I love skirts in the spring and summer. And I especially love them if they twirl.

10. Parties

There is nothing I love more than a big backyard party! And once the snow melts and the ice drips off the roof and the ground thaws out and I can once again feel my toes, I am throwing a big backyard bash. Oh yes I am!

Happy, happy Spring, peeps! May you bask in the warmth of the sun today, even if you are wearing a down-filled coat.

Top Ten: Sarah and Melissa's Favorite Beauty Products

It is Friday of Beauty Week and today I present to you the top 10 products that Melissa and I adore!

Are you ready for this? I am sure you are.

1. Burt's Bees Chapstick

Chapstick is a must this time of year, especially if you live in the high desert (I almost wrote "dessert," which could apply as well) of Colorado. Burt's Bees is a favorite of mine and we all know that Melissa does not leave home without it!

2. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Cleansing Pads

I have been using these cleansing pads for nearly two years and I can honestly say they clean my face better than any other product I have used. They have two sides, one smooth and one with an exfoliating texture, and they leave my face feeling totally clean and refreshed. For the best deal, I get mine at Walmart.

3. Sally Hansen Nail Polish

Melissa and I both agree that you get more bang for your buck with Sally! Of course Essie and O.P.I. are stocked with fabulous colors, but they can run $8.00 per bottle! Sally Hansen has a plethora of colors and finishes and start as low as $2.50. Their "Insta-Dri" is currently my favorite, the brush is angled so it goes on super smooth. You can find them at almost every store that sells beauty products.

4. Bare Minerals SPF 15 Foundation Powder

My mom introduced me to Bare Minerals about five years ago and I haven't looked back since! I love how light it feels and I think it does a great job of giving you a smooth, balanced canvas for the rest of your make-up. I also love that it is natural and has sun protection included. This is a bit on the pricey side at $27.00 per jar, but I can stretch mine out to last 9-12 months. Totally worth the investment!

5. Mary Kay Moisturizer

Even though Mary Kay may seem like it is only for people over 50 or who were born and raised in Texas, I know plenty of hip women who swear by it! Melissa loves the Mary Kay skincare line and uses it daily. Having grown up in Oklahoma, I am very familiar with their products and agree that they are fabulous! Melissa uses this day and night and she says it keeps her face hydrated and radiant. I have seen her face and I totally agree. If you need a Mary Kay consultant, feel free to let me know and I can hook you up with Melissa.

6. Aquaphor

Prepare to be amazed: Melissa uses Aquaphor for under eye cream at night! After our discussion on Sunday, I decided to give it a try and so far, I am loving it! Essentially, it is a thick vaseline that I dab under my eye and around the ends. By the morning, I feel like my eyes look more refreshed and the skin around them appears more hydrated. I am so thankful for this new tip, not only is it easy to find but it is super cheap compared to expensive eye creams!

7. Revlon Grow-Lucious Fabulash Mascara

I am constantly trying out new mascaras. I can never seem to find just the right formula to make my lashes long, thick and non-clumpy. Currently, this is my new favorite! It has an old-school brush on it, not one of those weird rubbery ones, and the formula is smooth. I throw mine out every three months just to prevent clumping. The $7.99 is totally worth 90 days of long lashes!

8. BIOTERA Shampoo and Conditioner

In case you didn't notice, Melissa has amazing naturally curly hair. Truly, it is a masterpiece on her head! She uses Biotera products and loves all of them! And she doesn't even use those for curly hair. I trust curly-headed people when it comes to hair products. I mean, how can you not? I can't wait to try this!

9. Big Sexy Hairspray

First, I love the name. It is a goal in my lifetime to have big, sexy hair. Second, this stuff works wonders. It runs $17.99 per can but it can last for-e-ver. No need to mess around with other products. This stuff rocks.

10. Maybeline Unstoppable Eye Liner

I adore eyeliner, and the blacker the better! I have tried a bazillion different brands but I am loving Maybeline right now. It stays on, it doesn't smudge and you don't have to sharpen the end. I try to avoid sharp objects around my eyes, especially knowing my lack of coordination.

**BONUS PRODUCT**

Dollar Store Mouthguards

Confession: Both Melissa and I have to wear mouthguards at night because we grind our teeth. (I cannot wait to introduce my future husband to this, I am sure it is every man's dream to sleep next to a football player.) Currently, I use one that my insurance covered from my dentist's office, but Melissa gets hers from the Dollar Store. She loves them and says they are really comfortable! If mine is every eaten by my brother's dog or if I somehow leave it in a foreign country, I am definitely getting my at the Dollar Store, because, you know, it will only cost A DOLLAR. That is so brilliant.

Okay fabulous friends, thus concludes Beauty Week! Thanks for following along and if you have any products that you love, feel free to share.

Happy, happy Friday.

Top Ten: Fall TV Shows of 2012

After months of finding nothing on television except for the Kardashians and the Olympics, I am super excited for Fall TV! Not only am I looking forward to returning shows, but some of the new ones hold a lot of promise. Of course nothing will ever come close to Seinfeld or Tim Riggins Friday Night Lights, but I do appreciate a valiant effort.

So, here are my top ten in a complete random-type order:

1. New Girl - I loved this show last year. It is so weird and quirky and Schmidt could be one of the funniest characters on TV right now.

2. Parks and Recreation - I adore this show for so many reasons, but mostly I love it for Ron Swanson. His mustache alone should have it's own place in television history. Between him, Andy, April and Tom, I very rarely stop laughing. And having Paul Rudd guest star last year was perfection.

3. Modern Family - Phil Dunphy. Need I say more?

4. Revenge - This is my guilty pleasure, for sure. The plot is crazy, the characters are devious and I am always blown away by Emily/Amanda's self-control and ninja-like skills. I cannot wait to see what Season 2 has in store! Let's just hope that Victoria Grayson didn't blow up in the plane, the television world needs more of her.

5. Parenthood - Big kudos to NBC for starting this show early. It is so nice to watch new episodes of one of my favorites before the end of September. I love this show because it is as real as a TV show can be without being a reality series (not that reality TV is all that real, unless you are on an episode of COPS). This hour of television always leaves me wanting more but a little afraid of what might happen next to the Braverman family.

6. Revolution - This is a new show this season and I am already loving the premise of it being in a post-technology America. (After four days on a cruise ship without my cell phone, I am totally in favor of shutting things off every once in a while.) This show reminds me of The Hunger Games, and since I am a big fan of that series, here's hoping that this show will be around for a while.

7. Smash - Oh, musical theater, you are like a long-lost friend! I loved the first season of this show because of the amazing singing and dancing. Of course the plot was pretty entertaining as well, but we all know we watch musical theater because of the music. I am tentatively looking forward to the second season just because I am unsure of where the story will go from here, but as long as Katharine McPhee keeps singing, it will be great!

8. Castle - This show remains one of my favorites because Rick Castle is so darn charming. And now that that he and Kate Beckett have found each other's lips, this next season is bound to be entertaining.

9. Psych - This show could be the most underrated show on TV. It is pure genius and I implore everyone out there to watch all 6 seasons before season 7 starts in October. Trust me, you will not be disappointed! ("You heard about Pluto? That's messed up!")

10. Go On - Because I really want Chandler Bing to do well.

As you can see, I am a big fan of ditching reality for a while and becoming totally absorbed in make-believe! There is nothing I love more than to curl up with a dozen two pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, tuning out then tuning in.

So, what are your favorites this season?

Top Ten: Why I Am Addicted to the Olympics

Peeps.

I don't know about you, but my entire life revolves around the Olympics right now. I have watched more television in the last four days than I have the entire summer (minus the time when I watched every episode of Roswell). Last night, I dreamt about swimming. I either need to get a new life or I need to ride this wave for the next two weeks and soak up every minute.

I am even tweeting with a few of the athletes.

I think I need an intervention.

So, after four non-stop days of my new addiction, here are my thoughts on why these games are so great:

1. Team USA. Every time the Olympics roll around, I feel like it is the 4th of July on steroids. Patriotism is running amuck and I love every second of it. I tear up every time I hear our anthem, which usually means we are getting a gold medal. Double bonus.

2. Bob Costas. It is his voice that I hear in my head anytime I think of the Olympics. He has a way of making you feel like everything is okay, even if we are getting crushed by the Chinese. And I may be wrong, but I think he actually has a sense of humor this year.

3. London. For all the turmoil and controversy that have surrounded this Olympics (security, tickets, traffic), I am an anglophile at heart. England was my first international experience (at the ripe age of 17) and I love seeing those famous landmarks that hold so many great memories for me. Besides, I love a country that has royalty. And scones.

4. Gymnastics. This has always been my favorite summer Olympic sport. For exactly three months, I too was a gymnast. I particularly rocked the balance beam and the floor routine, but then I grew 9 inches and realized I may be a better shot putter. Regardless, I am loving the Fab Five and I am constantly amazed by their athleticism and talent. My heart is a little broken over Jordyn Wieber missing the all-around because of some ridiculous rule, but maybe she can make a comeback in Rio in four years. I am totally rooting for this. Oh, and tonight's team finals should be UH-MAZING.

(SIDE NOTE: Aaagghhh! I just saw the results. I hate spoilers. But it should be a very fun evening of gymnastics!)

5. Missy Franklin. Not only do I love this girl because she is from Colorado, but I especially love her for her humility. She is unbelievable and I wish her 79 more gold medals in the future. Oh, and she is 17. Seriously.

6. The Commercials. GE. P&G. Coca-Cola. You guys are rocking it. You are making me weep like a big baby. And you are making me want to thank my mom more often. Keep it up, Corporate America. These are the kinds of commercials we need on air.

7. Diving. This sport mesmerizes me, especially the synchronized diving. Their flexibility and control are breathtaking. And I love how they all hang out in a hot tub together.

8. Motivation. I don't know about you, but I feel like the biggest slug during these games. So, I have started doing push-ups and squats during the commercial breaks in an attempt to look as good as Lolo. I have a ways to go.

9. Swimming. This is the one sport that has everyone glued to their monitors. Thanks to Michael, Ryan, Missy, Natalie and countless others, the popularity of swimming has increased dramatically over the past decade, and not just for the eye candy. I find myself screaming at the television, jumping up and down, cheering for our swimmers like I am watching college football. Granted, these races occurred seven hours earlier and the outcomes are already on the internet, but I find that I am so excited about swimming.

10. Personal Stories. I love the personal stories of the athletes. I love seeing their hometowns, I love meeting their parents, I love knowing how hard they have worked and trained to get there. They make the Olympic games personal, meaningful and more than just another sporting event. It is the process that matters, not necessarily the outcome. There are so few opportunities when countries from around the world come together and have goals in common, and these personal stories are the glue that holds it all together.


So, are you addicted like me? Will we need to go through withdrawal together? Good thing there are still 13 more days to go!

Top Ten: My Thoughts on Ally McBeal

I have had some time on my hands lately. It's a season, I know, but it has forced me to sit still and be quiet. However, I am not always the best at just sitting so I decided that since I do not have a television, I would see what Hulu Plus could offer me.

And wouldn't you know it, it recommended Ally McBeal.

I never watched this show when it was actually on TV. I think I was finishing high school or maybe starting college and it just didn't seem relevant to my teenage angst. However, I just finished the first season and I am totally hooked! It is a literal goldmine of unique characters and horrible fashion choices. The plot lines are so ridiculous that they almost seem real.

It is really a very funny show.

So, without further ado, here are my thoughts:

1. Ally's lips drive me crazy. She looks like a sucker fish. I know this is part of her character, but seriously. Rein them in, sister.

2. The unisex bathroom is both awesome and disturbing. But I happen to love it for this show because so much of the good stuff happens in there. How would you feel about it? I am thinking that my bathroom phobia would grow exponentially.

3. WHAT IS WITH THE SHOES? Really? Did we actually wear those chunky loafer shoes with the ginormous heels? Was that the best we could do? Apparently it was. I am so sorry, fashion world.

4. The Biscuit is phenomenal. From his automatic toilet bowl flusher to his nose whistle to his isometrics in the bathroom stall, he could be my favorite character. He has such a good heart and knows how to make one killer closing argument.

5. I want to find a place where I can go and listen to live music every night and everyone there finds it perfectly acceptable to dance. C'mon Denver, let's do this.

6. Ally's love life could use my Aunt Marge.

7. Ally's skirts are completely ridiculous. They are barely wider than a belt. How did she sit down or bend over? I haven't quite figured out the logistics on that one.

8. Elaine's inventions are ingenious. My favorite is the face bra but the CD of man sounds is a close second.

9.  The Biscuit and Allys' therapist is superb! I love that she asks them to pick a theme song for their lives.We all need theme songs, don't you think? I am pretty sure mine would be "All the Single Ladies" or "I Will Survive." Either one.

10. Billy is a big wimpy weeny. I do not understand what all the fuss is about. Man up and stop being so dramatic!

Oh, there are so many more things I could write about, but I will stop there. So, have you watched the show? Did you love it or hate it? Or do you only wish that I would find a new hobby? Either way, I am all ears.

And Happy Friday.

Top Ten: Observations from the Gym

I have returned to the gym, people. It was past time. I realized that in order for me to be more consistent in working out, I needed to physically leave my house. My discipline on my treadmill at home had been lacking, i.e. I would bring a snack with me. For some reason I wasn't seeing the desired results.

So, for the past few weeks, I have been going to gym at all hours of the day. And during my time there I have come up with a few observations:

1. I don't like for people to be on either side of me when I am on the treadmill/elliptical/stair climber. I get intimidated, which causes me to look at their machine to see how fast they are going, which causes me to go faster, which in turn leads to a heart attack or complete collapse of my muscular system. Apparently my pride and insecurities cause me to act like a triathlete when I am actually more of a napper.

2. Working out is a very personal, private thing. Most people are in their own worlds, listening to music, reading or watching TV. They are not chatting, they are not Facebooking, they are merely focused. I appreciate this.

3. Gyms smell funky. No matter how many fans may be blowing or how often they clean the equipment, gyms have a foul stinky stank to them. You just can't avoid it.

4. I admire the people who swim for their workout because I do not particularly love to swim. There is too much time involved, from the primping to be seen in a swimsuit, to the actual swimming, to the getting out of the pool without looking like you need a forklift, to the showering, blow drying, curling, moisturizing and overall complete make-over that has to happen afterwards. I just don't have that kind of time, nor do I own a swim cap or goggles. I am fairly certain that would not be my best look.

5. I have given up completely on looking cute at the gym. I just can't pull it off. Some girls can and I secretly loathe them. Their sweat is even cute. Mine? Not so much.

6. The guys in the weight area always make me giggle inside of my head. Their behavior is quite predictable: walk around, find some weights, move so they can watch themselves in the mirror, lift weights, put them down, flex. Repeat. Giggle, giggle, giggle.

7. The classes that are offered also intimidate me. What if I am the only one in the room who can't hack it? What if I flail my arms too much? What if I am wearing the wrong type of stretchy pants? What if it is completely full of cute girls? It's just too stressful.

8. Personal hygiene is of utmost importance in this type of setting. UTMOST IMPORTANCE. Do whatever you need to do, but come to the gym clean. Your shower routine has a direct impact on my ability to focus. And with my coordination, I need to focus.

9. Hulu Plus on the iPhone has revolutionized my cardio workouts. I can burn off 300 calories while watching Modern Family. It's a win/win.

10. People of all sizes come to the gym. And people of all sizes work really hard to get fit. I admire this and it causes me to work out harder.

So there you have it! Feel free to contribute. Or come to a class with me. I could use a buddy.

Top Ten: What I Came Up With on a Friday

People. What is it about January that leaves you void of all kinds of cool blog material? Seriously, there must be a blogging vortex that leaves you speechless. I am thinking I will call this vortex "I just babysat a cat for 10 days and my social calendar is in desperate need of a boost."

But I did make a list for you. Lists just feel right on a Friday.

1. I am now back at my new place, void of cat hair and security alarms. And I kid you not, I could have sworn the cat was meowing "Sarah" as I left yesterday. It was scary. Or maybe I am scary. Whichever.

2. It took me 15 minutes to figure out how to turn on my oven last night. It is a fancy-schmancy oven that desperately needs an iPhone app. Thankfully I finally figured it out and the baking can officially commence!

3. I am addicted to the TV show Psych. My new place does not have a TV so I am watching past episodes on Hulu. Holy cow, that show if funny. And I kinda have a crush on Shawn. I am a sucker for a great sense of humor.

4. I got up at 5:45 this morning and ran. As in for exercise and not because I was frightened. I know, I am shocked as well. For some reason I just woke up rearing to go and my treadmill seemed like the best place to hang out. I would love for this to become a habit. My other habit of eating my very own pan of brownies every Thursday night is one I really need to break.

5. I am so ready for summer. Aren't you? Now that the holidays are over I just feel like winter should be as well. And I am drooling over these:

6. I am eating tuna for lunch, which is one of my goals for Year 32. Is one serving enough for the whole year? I am thinking so.

7. Another item to cross of the list is that I just got the approval to take a trip for work! Can you guess which country I am headed to next? If you get it right, I'll bake you a cupcake. For reals.

8. This is my favorite necklace. I wear it all the time and it makes me so happy.

9. My friend Lizz is getting married in Las Vegas this June and I am thinking it is going to be spectacular! Las Vegas just happens to be her hometown so the wedding party is headed out for a few days of celebration. And no, it will not be officiated by Elvis. It will be officiated by Donny Osmond.

10. Happy Friday, my friends! Enjoy the sunshine.

Top Ten: Favorite Christmas Movies

Christmas is nine days away, people and I have yet to watch a single Christmas movie this year. That is a crying shame, I tell you, A CRYING SHAME. So in honor of this fast-approaching day of celebration, I have listed my favorite Christmas movies in no particular order:

10. White Christmas. Oh, there are so many things to love about this movie. The dancing, Bing's voice, the General, Danny Kaye, the costumes and again, the dancing. I could watch this all-year round.

9. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Clark Griswold has characteristics of my dad, uncle and brother all rolled into one...which can make family reunions slightly awkward but always entertaining!Everything from the squirrel in the tree to the moose-head egg nog cups to the cat wrapped up as a present to Julia Louis-Dreyfus falling down the stairs make this movie one of the funniest movies ever. And cousin Eddie is in rare form. Rare.

8. The Holiday. Two words: Jude Law.

7. The Nativity Story. This movie makes me cry like a baby. It is so beautifully filmed.

6. Elf. I have always been a Will Farrell fan and this is one of my favorite roles. His interaction with James Caan is fantastic. And who doesn't like the four major food groups of candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup?

5. Charlie Brown Christmas. I have this soundtrack memorized and it immediately puts me in the Christmas mood. I love the storyline, Snoopy's dog house decorations, the scrawny Christmas tree and their dancing. It is sublime.

4. Love Actually. This is one of those times when an ensemble cast actually works. The story lines are interwoven perfectly and not one character upstages another. And the love-sick kid is fabulous. I only wish other ensemble cast movies (ahem Valentine's Day, New Year's Eve) could be so well done.

3. Meet Me in St. Louis. I love a good musical (well, naturally because of my musical theater days) and this is one of my faves. Judy Garland is stunning and her kid sister is such an amazing actress. She truly steals the show.

2. A Christmas Story. If there is one Christmas movie that represents Christmas to me it would be this movie. I have watched it every year since it came out and I have the entire thing memorized. The narration of this movie is spot on, the characters are flawless and the leg lamp is magnificent.

1. The Muppet Christmas Carol. I am going to be honest with you: I don't like A Christmas Carol. But when you throw some furry muppets with attitude problems into the mix, then count me in!

So, what are yours? Share away!

Top Ten: Things I Learned About Planning a Wedding

Okay, so this may be the last of my posts about weddings for a little while. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE weddings, but I am bit on overload, if you know what I mean. I am still dreaming about tulle and place cards. That is just not normal.

But before I depart from this blissful topic, I thought I would share with you some of the crucial things I learned while helping Claire plan her big day. And please keep in mind that I have not planned my own wedding which may make all of these suggestions null and void when that happy day comes.

Are you ready for this? Here we go.

1. Flowers die. Therefore, don't spend a lot of money on flowers. For Rachel's wedding, she ordered hers from Costco and they were stunning. They were also extremely affordable. The day before her wedding we all sat around and made our bouquets. It was perfect.

2. Don't stress over invitations. Since Claire only had 10 days to plan her wedding, she just called people instead of sending an invite. However, if you have longer than 10 days, I would encourage you to not fret over those puppies. They are pieces of paper that will be thrown away and no one will remember if you used crimson instead of burgundy. I promise.

3. Having a restaurant do your reception is the way to go. Maggiano's did an amazing job. Claire and Carr picked their faves from the menu and they were steaming hot when we arrived. And she didn't have to worry about decorating or cleaning up...which meant that I didn't have to worry about decorating or cleaning up.

4.  If a wedding planner is in your budget, I would encourage you to get one. You can control the price by determining how much you want them to do. But they are oh-so helpful when you can't be in two places at once. And they are even more helpful if you have less that two weeks to plan your big day.

5. Favors, although thoughtful and always appreciated, are not essential. Your guests are just happy to be with you and if there is free food, total bonus.

6.  Manicures and pedicures are a must. I am now addicted and I don't even have fingernails.

7. Take time to enjoy the day. Claire was so calm and collected and that made everyone enjoy the process of getting ready. The bridesmaids hung out and chatted, the make-up artist took her time to make us each look fabulous, the moms sat around and talked and everyone came and went, grabbing food on their way. It was totally relaxing and enjoyable.

8. Less is more. Right before Claire went outside to take her first set of pictures, she was covered head to toe in pearls and lace and tulle and sparkles. At the last minute, she took off her pearl necklace and her birdcage veil (she wore it for the ceremony). All of sudden you could see her face! And it was like she wore the dress, not the other way around. De-cluttering made a huge difference.

9. Wear false eyelashes. Trust me on this, you won't be sorry.

10. If possible, don't have a long engagement. When Claire first told me that they had 10 days to plan their wedding, I almost went into cardiac arrest. But throughout those crazy 10 days, I realized that being with the one you love should not wait. Marriage is what is sacred, not the planning. Once you are engaged, run as fast as you can to the altar and don't look back.

So there you go, that's all I have to say about that...at least for today. And someday, if I am ever engaged, and I am suffering from a severe case of bridezilla, please remind of these things so I can focus on what's really important, like the manicures and false eyelashes.

And happy Friday to you!

Top Ten: Fall TV Shows

Holy cow, people. I cannot keep up with Hulu. After what seemed like an eternity without television (which is mostly due to the fact that my TV still has rabbit ears), I am now overwhelmed with all the new and returning shows this fall. There are LITERALLY not enough hours in the day to watch them all!

So, here are my top ten this week.  Feel free to chime in, I would love to hear your faves!

1. Modern Family. Phil Dunphy. Enough said.

2. Parenthood. This is one of the most brilliant shows on TV right now. The characters seem so real and the storyline is fun and interesting. And the acting is right on.

3. Parks and Recreation. Oh my word, this show makes me laugh. It is such a fun, quirky cast of characters. It's like 22 minutes of pure entertainment. It really should get more attention.

4. Free Agents. This is a new one that just came out and even though they have only aired three episodes, I am really loving the chemistry between the two main characters. They are fun and witty and refreshing. I would recommend watching it if you get the chance.

5. Castle. I love this show so much. It is fun and sassy and creative and he is just darn charming. Did you know that you can actually purchase Rick Castle books on iBooks? I KNOW!

6. Pan Am. I watched the pilot episode on Sunday and thought that it has some big potential. Hopefully they won't mess it up with crazy plot lines and cliche characters. But so far, I'm staying hopeful!

7. The Middle. This is another show that flies under the radar but it seriously funny! I just love how real they keep things, like duct taping the dishwasher shut when they want to run it. Their kids are so very, very weird but the dynamics of the family just work.

8. The Office. I have tentatively listed this one because although I have been an avid fan for many years, I am skeptical of how well this show is going to work without Michael Scott. With that being said, I am still loving our favorite office misfits, even Dwight.

9. Up All Night. What do you get when you combine Christina Applegate, Will Arnett and Maya Rudolph? Total awesomeness. It is just enough weird and different to be funny. Let's hope they keep it up!

10. College Football. This year is going to be amazing. Boomer Sooner, peeps!

Top Ten: My Thoughts on The Help

***Spoiler Alert! I am going to talk about The Help.  So, if you have plans to read it, watch it, or do not care at all about either, this post may not be for you. But I am still REALLY glad you stopped by! I really, really like you.***

Okay, peeps. Let's chat.

Last week, amidst the fog that was jet lag, I managed to read The Help. I knew I was going to see it on Saturday and I really wanted to read it before the movie clouded my first perception of the story. And let me tell you, it sucked me right in. RIGHT. IN. And in my Ambien-fueled stupor, I managed to laugh, cry and get angry all at the same time. I love when books do that.

And then I went to see the movie. It is always so tricky to see the movie version of a book, especially if you finished the book a mere 20 hours before. And while I really enjoyed the movie, I loved the book more.

But I would still recommend the movie.

And the book.

 Recommendations, all around.

The only thing I don't recommend is finishing the book and IMMEDIATELY seeing the movie. Your brain just can't shut off. It just can't.

Now, you should know up front that I have never been in a book club nor do I know how to properly digest and pontificate on the power, importance, analogy or symbolism of a book. I just know whether I liked it or not. So with that being said, here are a few of my thoughts. And I do have some thoughts.

1. As a history major in college, post-World War II American history was my focus, so I loved how this book followed historical events in this country. Truly, I cannot get enough American history. (Nerd. Alert.)

2. Aibileen is magnificent. In both the book and the movie, her vulnerability, courage and integrity drive the entire story. Such a strong, lovely character.

3. I now want to make fried chicken.

4. The movie version of Celia Foote was awesome. She was so honest and innocent (well, socially anyway). She loved like a child and there is something very refreshing about that! Plus, that girl had some killer heels.

5. Sissy Spacek as Missus Walters was the best casting choice of the year. Her character in the movie is much stronger than in the book and I think it only enhanced Hilly's evilness.

6. Hilly is such a sad, ignorant, fearful character. But you can't blame her entirely because she was not (and is not) alone in her pursuits. There is so much to say on hatred and racism and segregation and ignorance that it makes my head spin. Bottom line: it is wrong. Dead wrong. It makes me sad and long for a day when these words will never be uttered again. That will be a glorious day.

7. Minny could be one of my favorite characters of all-time. Her gumption (that's right, gumption), combined with her sassy attitude make her the perfect compliment to Aibileen's self-control and strength. I loved their friendship. And is it wrong that I want her to make me a pie?

8. What was the deal with the naked man in the book? Anyone?

9. Stuart is a pansy. His only redeeming quality is...wait, no. He is still a pansy.

10. I love that Skeeter is awkward. I relate to awkward.

11. Aibileen and Mae Mobley's relationship just about killed me. Seriously. So sad and powerful. I bawled. Like a baby. I am not kidding.

Yes, I know there were 11 but consider it a bonus.

So there are just a few thoughts. What are yours? They can be on the movie or the book or on something totally different and random. I would love to hear them!