Mmmm

With cooler temperatures on the way for the weekend it's getting me excited for hot chocolate!  I love to dip graham crackers in my hot chocolate.  And, buttered toast.  Weird, I know, but, my babysitter did when I was younger and I've done it ever since.  Spatz bread is the best for it and rumor has it I'll be getting a loaf from home this weekend!!

Photo from Picasa

Fun with Lauren

One night last week I babysat Lauren and we had a great time!  She was just a talking and singing away on the car ride to our apartment.  Baby Beluga was her song of choice.  When we got home we had a fun time playing together.

We played Play Dough and made "2" in honor of Lauren just turning 2.

Lauren LOVES to play with the books on our book shelf when she visits.  Can you tell?

We finished off our night watching a Baby Einstein Animal DVD.  I love this picture of her.  She looks so innocent.

Thanks for hanging out Lauren!  I had a great time like always!  Can't wait to do it again!

The best apple of my life!

Today is the two year anniversary of when Jon proposed to me. 

It was a beautiful fall Sunday and we headed out to Westview Orchards on the east side (this is when we lived in Detroit).  We took a hayride out to the orchard to pick apples.  I remember carrying the large bag of apples and Jon not offering once to carry it for me.  Soon enough I would find out why! 

Our bag was pretty much full and I heard the tractor in the distance coming back around.  I told Jon we needed to hurry up and catch the tractor.  He asked me to slow down and I said no.  Then he tried to give me an apple to put in the bag, but there was a worm on the bottom of it so I said it was nasty and told him to toss it and turned to walk away.  Finally he tapped me on the shoulder and asked me to slow down again.  I turned around and I saw an apple with something really shiny in it!!  Jon got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife!  I remember thinking it was all so surreal.  Was it really happening?  I HONESTLY had NO idea he was going to ask me then.  It was a wonderful surprise! 

Afterwards Jon told me he freaked out when I told him he had a bad apple and to just toss it because he had already taken a bite out of it and placed my engagement ring in it.  He thought I was going to take the apple and throw it along with my ring.  Good thing I didn't!

The apple is still with us.  We keep it in the freezer- it looks a little nasty now.  We've thought about getting it bronzed.  Can they do that to food?

See the little opening at the bottom?  That's where my ring was.

And...because I just got my MacBook with all of the data transferred, I have this picture from the day of!  

Go! Fire Up Chips!

We had a fabulous weekend!  Lots of fun times, fun people, and great food! 

Friday evening Laura, my BFF, arrived for the weekend.  She make the long trek from Detroit and I love her so much for doing it.  We went to dinner at Piece Brewery & Pizzeria with some friends (Andy, Jess, Alivia, Jack, Lin, Young Jeffrey, Tim, Ryan, and Jon to be exact).  We had a great time.  Great pizza and beer!  Then some of us went to the bar to get a few drinks.  It was a fun night catching up with everyone!

Saturday morning Laura and I got ready for the big Central Michigan University vs. Northwestern football game.  Laura and I have been best friends since kindergarten and we went to CMU together.  We lived together from college until we got married and loved every minute of it.  That's a true friendship there!  :)  Back to the weekend...We took the train up to Evanston and met Kate, Geoff, Lisa, Brian, Sara, Laura, and Chad for the game.  Kate, Laura, Sara, Lisa, Laura, and myself all went to CMU and we overlapped by a year so it was a fun game for all of us.  It was wonderful to have everyone in Chicago for the weekend.  Too bad the Chips lost! 

Lisa, Laura (Fischer), Kate, Laura (Penny), Sara, and myself

Laura and me

Kate and me.  You can barely tell she is preggers!

After the game we took the train up to Kate and Geoff's house.  We walked around the Highwood Last Call Art Festival and enjoyed a super creamy hot chocolate.  We ordered Lou Malnati's pizza for dinner and, like usual, it was delicious.  The rest of the evening was spent enjoying a campfire in Kate and Geoff's backyard (with a few adult cocktails).  It was so much fun being all together again!  It brought back lots of great college memories.  And, I got to meet Laura's (Fischer) husband, Chad, for the first time...he's a great time!!!  

Sunday morning Laura and I got up and headed to the Bongo Room for breakfast.  Laura had a croissant sandwich with hash browns and I had pumpkin pancakes with a honey, cinnamon, pecan butter!  It was a great breakfast.

And, Jon and I took my MacBook to the Apple Store in the afternoon to get everything transferred over!!  It should be ready today or tomorrow!  YAY!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

We all love you so much!  You make it so easy!  Here are just a few reasons:

- You always send us newspaper clippings that interest us
- You always show up with baked goods
- You always make us a delicious homemade breakfast at home or the cabin
- You always support us
- You always send us delicious recipe emails
- You always bring us presents for the heck of it (thanks for the fall doormat last weekend!)
- You always make the best Sunday afternoon dinners
- You always make sure Dad is taken care of (and that is no small job...love you dad!)
- You always put us first


You are the best mom ever!

Enjoy your day!  We can't wait to celebrate with you next weekend!  Love you!

It FINALLY arrived!

Remember when I mentioned I spilled water on my MacBook?  Yeah, I did it.  It was a complete accident, but it happened.  The lovely people at Apple told me my logic board was dead...D-E-A-D! 

So, I was left with a couple of choices:
-use Jon's old laptop as our primary computer
-purchase a new MacBook
-purchase a refurbished MacBook

As I've mentioned before, I quit my job this summer (i.e. there was NO money in the budget for a new laptop).  We saved appropriately for the time I would be out of work, but not for large purchases such as this.  However, both Jon and I used my MacBook ALL OF THE TIME.  How would we go without a fast, fully functioning computer?  After much discussion we decided we would need another MacBook.  While I do love his laptop (we've become friends lately), it has days where it just doesn't want to wake up and get to work.  I'll probably be like that when I'm a senior citizen, too!  :)

So, we decided to purchase a refurbished MacBook.  This allowed us to save quite a bit of money, but still have a new computer.  And, refurbished Macs come with the same exact warranty as brand new ones.  Can't beat that!  But, how was I to know if the refurb I'd be getting would be a good one?  Well, I spoke with a wonderful customer service rep, Shawn, at Apple.  He walked me thru what was currently for sale and what ones I should look into and what ones I should pass on (because they are an outdated model, etc).  So, I ordered one that was the current model (a newer version that my old one). 

I tracked my shipment daily...ok, maybe multiple times per day!  The delivery date from FedEx was set for last Saturday, the 18th.  I woke up at 6:45am to make sure I didn't miss the delivery man (I had to sign for the package).  If you remember, we had Lauren's birthday party on Saturday.  It came time for us to head to the party and still no FedEx man.  :(  By now it was 2:30pm so I thought for sure he would have been here seeing as it was Saturday.  We were greeted with a white delivery note stuck to our door when we got home that night.  He came at 3:53pm.  I also learned from that note that FedEx doesn't deliver home shipments like this on Mondays.  Are you kidding?!?!?!  I called and tried to see if I could pick it up, but they said no, not until FedEx had tried to deliver it three times (I think that person was wrong, but whatever).  So, Tuesday would be my next chance to get.

Tuesday I was up at my sister's helping her around the house for the better part of the day.  I was gone from 6:15am to 2:00pm.  Thankfully I got home and did NOT see a white delivery slip on the door.  He hadn't come yet!!!!  I was not about to do anything Tuesday afternoon.  I camped out on the couch with all of the blinds open so I could see his truck pull up.  The hours kept creeping by and I kept thinking things up in my mind.  What if he didn't have time to deliver it?  What if the tracking information online was wrong?

Then my cell phone rang at 5:52pm.  I didn't recognize the number and I never answer those calls, but for some reason I did.  It was the FedEx man!  He called to make sure I was home before he stopped by.  How nice of him!!

FINALLY!  I have my new MacBook!  Now I just have to find time to get everything transferred over from the old one to the new one.

Pardon the dust

Let me set the stage.... 

Last Thursday evening I cleaned our apartment from top to bottom.  Kitchen, bathroom, dusted everything, swiffered and vacuumed the floors.  I was quite happy when it was done!  Last Friday morning I had a not so nice guest (if you will) in the apartment. 

I was typing away on the computer doing work when all of a sudden I realized it looked like a cloud of smoke was in the family room.  I walked to the front window that I had partially open and put my hands on our chest to help balance so I could peak outside.  This is what I felt!!

Yup, that's my finger prints in a massive amount of dust!  Mind you, I did hear power tools being used outside, but I didn't see anything so I figured they were down the street.  So, I put on my shoes to go outside and see what the heck was going on.  This is what I saw!

What the heck was going on?  No, they were not down the street...they were working on the building next door...sand blasting the outside bricks!  That's where the dust was coming from. 

Front steps down to our apartment.  Covered in dust!  Look at those hand rails!

Here's the sidewalk.  See how thick the dust is?



So, I finally got the attention of the man working.  He didn't understand me (he called someone on his cell phone and started yelling in a different language) so his boss came around from the back of the building.  I showed him what happened and ask him why they couldn't have knocked on my door to tell to me close my window?  He was ticked about the mess (translate- he was swearing).  He told me he would get a hose and wash the sidewalk and steps off.  That's great and all, but I asked him what he was going to do about the inside of the apartment.

He was very apologetic and said he would come back and have someone clean the floor at 5pm.  Well, ok then.  About 30 minutes later he knocked on the door and said, "How much would it cost you to have your place cleaned?  Could I give you $50 and you get it cleaned yourself?"  I said, "Sure!"  But, I wasn't going to pay someone to clean; I could do it myself.  Did I want to clean everything again?  Absolutely not.  But, for $50 I'll do it!  :)

After scrubbing the floors and dusting on Friday, I'm happy to say the apartment is back to tip-top shape! 

Mac & Cheese!!!!

Happy 2nd Birthday to my niece, Lauren!!

Here is a clip from her birthday party this past weekend.

Keep Calm!

Have you guys seen the ever popular Keep Calm and Carry On prints?  I think they are so cute.  Simple, yet fun.  Here's a little history on them!

From In this wonderful life!

Sweet Megan over at In this wonderful life! is offering a special giveaway this week.  Head on over to her blog to enter to win a free 8x10 print of your choice from the Keep Calm Etsy Shop! 

I'm loving these two!  Not sure which color I'd get them in yet.

Catching up

We had a busy, but fun weekend!  Here's a recap.

1.  Friday night I met Jon at the train station and we walked over to Bucktown Pub for a drink.  We sat out in the beer garden and enjoyed a beer and popcorn.

2.  We decided to walk to Division Ave and see what was going on and have dinner down there.  We had dinner at Crust (which was delicious), but before we made it there we found ourselves at our neighborhood fire station.  Jon saw an old fire engine in the garage and asked the fire fighters sitting outside about it.  Of course they loved this and invited us in to get a close up.  I couldn't resist taking a picture of Jon in the driver's seat! 

3.  Saturday we had Lauren's 2nd birthday party.  It was an Elmo theme and Lauren's favorite foods were served...one of which is mac and cheese (we made Gram's Baked Mac & Cheese..yum).

Check out Lauren's super cute "2" shirt and matching skirt.

Lauren's Elmo cupcake cake.



4. After church on Sunday we went to Floriole Cafe & Bakery for a light breakfast.  We sat outside and enjoyed a treat and coffee. 

It was a pretty darn weekend if I do say so myself!  What did you guys do this weekend? 

Happy Birthday!

Happy 1 Month Birthday to The Rest is Still Unwritten...!!!! 

Photo from askville.amazon.com

It's been a great first month.  I am so thankful for all of my readers and the comments you leave me!  They brighten my day and let me know people are reading!

Anniversary trip

I am so so so excited for our first anniversary!  I happen to think it's a wonderful milestone.  Is it 10 years?  No.  Is it 35 years?  No.  Is it 60 years?  No, but you have to start somewhere and we started in 2009!  To celebrate we are going to Savannah, Georgia for a long weekend in October.

I can't tell you how long I've wanted to go to the South!  Jon and my family know of my slight obsession with the South.  It's almost like a magical place to me.  Something about the plantations, the southern drawl, the food, the sweet tea, the rocking chair on the front porch...mmmmm I can just picture it all now!  I am truly delighted to be going!!

Photo from savannahvisit.com

Here's where you guys come in.  I'd love your advice and suggestions on things to do in Savannah!  Erin over at Blue-Eyed Bride was kind enough to share her thoughts with me earlier and I really appreciate it.  Who's been there before and what would you guys recommend?

DIY Project

Last month I mentioned a DIY upholstered headboard project I wanted to try, but I had bad luck finding the materials so I thought it wasn't meant to be.

Well, the very next week I noticed the foam (in my previous post I said the batting was too expensive, but I meant the foam) I would need was 50% off at Jo-Ann's Friday - Monday for Labor Day.  I told myself I would go buy it Friday before we headed up north and I would just keep checking for fabric I liked every now and then.  In short, I'd be patient with the project, but take advantage of the sale on the foam right now!  And, to top it off, that same week I was reading In This Instance and learned of a fabric store right in my neighborhood!  I had to go check it out!  The Needle Shop is a super cute shop!  Awesome fabrics at awesome prices- the one I picked was only $9/yard!  I was able to find a fabric that matched our duvet cover and white, blue, and chocolate brown sheet sets. 

Last Thursday afternoon I set out to make the headboard and had a great time with it (I had also purchased the plywood, spray adhesive, and batting the week before).  I cut the foam to fit the plywood and attached it with the spray adhesive.  Then I attached the batting using a staple gun from my dad- thanks dad!  Then it was time for the fabric.  I stapled away and finished up my project!  It only took me about 45 minutes.  It took me longer to go to all of the stores and purchase the materials than it did to make the headboard!

Jon's dad was here this past weekend and he and Jon hung the headboard Sunday afternoon.  They did a great job with it!  I am so happy with the headboard.  And, what's awesome is I have the template done so if I ever want to change the fabric out I only have to take some staples out, replace the fabric, and staple it in!

Sorry about the lighting of the pictures below.  Our bedroom is small and only has one window that doesn't get much light.

Yes, I know the "S" isn't straight.  :)



Here is a close up of the fabric.



Lincoln Park Zoo!

Last Thursday I went to the Lincoln Park Zoo with Kate and Lauren.  It was a beautiful day!  The temperature was perfect for the animals to be outside and we saw everything from bears, to camels, to kangaroos.  Lauren was all about being a big girl and helping me push her wagon; not riding in it.  :)

I LOVED Lauren's outfit.  I really think the purple Converse shoes were the perfect accessory!

Thanks to Kate at Nautical by Nature for helping me figure out the picture collage function from Picasa!!

On to a new adventure!

I am so excited to share the good news with you guys!!  After writing my pro and con list last week, I have finally made a decision about which career opportunity to accept! 

Let me start by saying I feel so lucky to have been considered for both opportunities.  They are both fabulous companies to work for and it's so flattering to be offered both positions.  They actually have quite a few similarities: they are both small companies, they are both located in the same neighborhood and I couldn't ask for a better commute (unless I was working from home!), and they are both in the culinary industry which is great because I love to bake and cook!

After reviewing my pro and con list, praying, and looking for signs (which I did get in an email!) I knew I had my answer.  The best place for me right now is Pasta Puttana!  I am so darn excited to meet with my boss this week and figure out our schedule and learn more about what I will be doing.  She is a wonderful person and has huge goals for her company.  I can't wait to be a part of it!

Also, this opportunity will allow me to keep doing side work for Syd Design.  I am so thankful for that.  Stationery has long been a love of mine and being able to continue working for Syd Design is perfect!

Have I always thought that leaving my old job a couple of months ago was best for me?  Yes, I have (there is zero doubt in my mind).  But, I will tell you I did have moments of guilt (even though Jon and I had talked this into the ground and properly saved money for me to quit).  Sometimes I felt bad because Jon has been working horribly long hours, but I did everything I could to pick up any slack around home so he didn't have to.  It also wasn't like I was sitting around watching tv all day long.  I was always busy with something- networking, Junior League, etc.  I can only thank Jon for being 100% supportive and loving.

This whole situation has taught my to listen to my gut.  If something doesn't feel right then change it.  And, you are the only person who has the power to do that.  Life is too short!  Go for it.  Go after your dreams!  And, BE HAPPY!     

Blogger Book Club Week 5

Here are my answers for the questions for chapters 50-71. 

1. At the end we find out Tim was sending Cory money because he thought she could be his daughter since he was having an affair with Genevieve. Did you see this coming?
I definitely did not see this coming!  This was a twist for me.  It made my opinion of Genevieve change (even though she was already dead).

2. By the end of the story, what were your feelings about Eve? How had they changed since the beginning?
I think Eve ended up becoming a strong woman.  She went through a lot in life: losing her mom, getting caught up with Tim, Cory, Jack, and her illness.  I still don't agree with her choice to help Tim and to keep Cory, but she redeemed herself a bit by the end of the book.

3. Were you happy with the way President Russel treated Cory?
It was kind of weird to me.  He was all about giving her money and things that were her birth mom's.  It seemed like it was all too fast.  And, strange that he just loved her SO much right away (again, I don't have kids so I'm not sure how my answer might change if I did).  They didn't really give Cory a chance to digest everything and get to know them before going in head over heels.

4. If you were in Cory's shoes and had just found out all of this about the woman who raised you and who you believed to be your mother, how would you react? Would you forgive?
Ok, wow.  I wouldn't know what to do or think.  Everything I had known was a lie.  I think I'd go through times where I'd think that Eve stole so much from my life, times where I'd question my whole life, and times where I'd be really mad at her.  I'm honestly not sure if I could forgive her.  Eve totally made Cory's life take a completely different path from what it was supposed to.  It would be so, so hard.  But, I'd also hope that I could realize the love Eve has for me and try and see her side of it.

5. In your mind, how does this story end? Do they all live happily ever after? Does Cory go on having relationships with her old family and her new family?
I think they live as best as they can.  I don't know that there can be a happily ever after given everything that's happened.  Thank goodness Cory is done with Ken.  I was so annoyed with him!  I do think Cory has a relationship with both families, but I'm not sure how strong they are.

6. How do you think Cory has changed throughout the story? Have your feelings about her changed?
I think she has grown up.  I'm not sure that I ever really liked her though.  It's hard to explain.  She realized Ken wasn't any good for her and got rid of him which was a big step for her.  I just wish she would have been a more loving daughter.

So, overall I thought it was a pretty good book.  I felt like the middle read faster than the end (that's why I finished reading it weeks ago).  Would I recommend it?  Yes, I have already passed it on to my mom!

Decision Time!

What do you when you are presented with a choice...a decision of what house to buy, where to go on vacation, where to go to college, or what job to take?

I, myself, use a good old pro and con list!  It really helps me to put everything down on paper.  That way I can add to it as I think of more pros or cons.  I can also tuck it in my pocket or purse and refer to it as much as I want.  Because I'm able to write my points down, I don't forget any of them. 

I used a pro and con list when I was working through my decision of whether or not to quit my job this summer.  It helps me to make an educated decision and the confidence I need to pursue it.  I am currently using one to help me make the best decision of which job I should accept.  I'm deciding between two right now.  They both have pluses and minuses, but it helps to see it down on paper.  I'm excited about both of them so it makes the decision that much harder, but I'm in a good place and so thankful for the opportunities.  These fabulous opportunities have proved that I did, in fact, do the right thing by quitting my corporate job a couple of months ago.

My history of using a pro and con list along with looking for any "signs" and a great deal of prayer has always yielded positive results so that's what I'll keep doing! 

Labor Day Weekend

Sorry this post is so late.  I needed to use my sister's MacBook to upload my pictures (you'll see why in a minute).


My 2010 Labor Day weekend was starting off on a great foot.  Friday I made coffee cake and cranberry white chocolate chip cookies to take up north.  I also ran errands and scored a few items on "Labor Day" sale.  And, I had a very fun appointment Friday morning (more on that later).  So, I was packed and set to head up north!

I had about an hour before Jon got home so what was I going to do?  Read blogs of course!  As I was unplugging my MacBook to bring it from the kitchen to the living room, I accidentally spilled about 1/5 of my 16oz. water bottle on it.  It went black and turned off immediately.  Immediately I started using bad words that my mom taught me never to use (sorry mom...sometimes certain situations call for them) and then I started to cry.  I quickly grabbed a towel and dried it up as best as I could.  I wanted to call Apple, but I didn't have a computer to look up the phone number.  I tried Kate, my sister, but she wasn't near a computer.  I tried Jon, but he was at the train station for his commute home.  So, I booted up Jon's old laptop and found the number after about 15 minutes (it's SO slow).

I was pretty much in tears on the phone with the girl and she said there was nothing I could do, but to take the battery out and let it dry out for a few days.  I made a Genius appointment for Tuesday morning (when we'd be back from the cabin).  I prayed so hard that my computer would be ok.

So, on with the weekend...

Of course traffic getting out of Chicago was much to be desired!  We figured we had to be close to my sister's family because of the time that we both left.  Low and behold they ended up right behind us in Manistee!  We all pulled into the cabin together and bombarded my parents!

Saturday it was raining so the guys watched football (after sleeping in quite a bit, I might add) and the ladies went to Frankfort.  Saturday evening we got this treat!  A double rainbow!  It was BEA-U-TI-FUL (as my mom would say)!

Sunday the guys golfed and we hung out and played with Lauren.  Sunday night we made campfire pizzas for dinner!  They are so good!

See the cookers in there?

After dinner we went to Frankfort to watch the sun set.  Wow was it chilly!  It reminded me of our wedding day up there!

Monday we packed up and made the trek back home.  Another successful weekend at the cabin!

Fast forward to Tuesday at the Apple store on Michigan Ave.  The diagnosis: my logic board is dead.  So, my computer acts like it will turn on, but then it doesn't boot up and the screen doesn't come on.  So, I can either get it fixed or buy a new one (to get it fixed costs almost as much as a new one).  I started looking into refurbished MacBooks on Apple's website.  Has anyone purchased a refurb one?  Any suggestions?

I have apologized profusely to Jon about the computer and he is as calm as can be and keeps telling me I didn't do it on purpose, which I didn't.  However, if the situation was reversed I'm not so sure how I would have reacted.  :)  I'm so lucky to have a patient, wonderful husband!

Kirk Herbstreit

Why do I love ESPN's College GameDay so much?  

Is it because that means the temperatures are turning cooler and I can curl up with a blanket?

Is it because that means Thanksgiving and Christmas are on their way?

Is it because that means tailgating and fun Saturdays with friends?

Is it because that means there will always be something on TV Saturday mornings?

Is it because that means I have an excuse to cook fun appetizers?

Is it because that means if it's rainy I don't mind sitting inside?

Is it because that means Jon will be occupied and I can do whatever I want?

Hmmmmm.....

Nope!  It's because of this guy!

Photo compliments of http://www.insidesocal.com

Kirk Herbstreit...oh how I love you!  You were the reason I started watching ESPN's College GameDay.  You allow me to not feel guilty about relaxing on a Saturday morning.  And, I get to spend time with my husband...but look at you as well!  :)  Thank you!

Eight Questions!

Who's ready to play a game?  Katie over at Oui, Bien Sur! tagged me to answer a few questions about myself after being tagged by someone who was tagged by someone....you get the point!  Here we go!

1.What is your least favorite food?
Mushrooms for sure!  Jon loves them, but I definitely do not.  I can't get over the fact that they are a fungus and how slimy they are.

2.As a past wedding guest, what is one thing that annoys you? How did you (or plan to) avoid it at your own wedding?
Catholic weddings tend to be in the mid afternoon and that leaves a gap in between the ceremony and reception.  We got married in a Catholic church, but didn't have a mass as Jon wasn't Catholic at the time.  Our ceremony was at 2:00pm so that meant there would be a gap for our guests (we would be off taking pictures and having a great time!) and I personally hate that.  So, we decided to host a cocktail hour in combination with the favor we were giving our guests which was a chair lift ride to the top of Crystal Mountain.  We were married in October so the trees would be changing colors and it would be a spectacular view.  We thought we had a great time to help pass the time for our guests.  Well, the weather ended up doing a little bit of everything that day: snow, rain, hail, wind, and sun and of course during the chair lift time the weather was nasty so the resort has to shut it down.  It was out of my hands and I was very upset, but our guests were still able to enjoy the cocktail hour.

3.What movie can you quote along with the best?
Zoolander.  I'm almost embarrassed to answer to this question!

4.What’s one thing that will be on your Christmas list this year?
A gift certificate to Jimmy Johns.  I LOVE (have a slight obsession) JJ!!!!  That is one place I could eat daily.

5.What is your favorite thing about blogging?
Meeting new people!  It's been so much fun to meet and learn about people that live anywhere from Virginia to Portland! 

6.If you could live in any other decade which one would you pick?
The 1960s!!!  Hello Mad Men style!!  I'd love to be a stay at home wife and greet my husband at the door every night!  There is a certain simplicity to live, yet it's still so taboo and exciting. 

Sorry this picture isn't the best (I'm working our old computer as I spilled water on my mac on Friday and it still isn't working...)

7.Where has the best meal of your life been and what did you eat?

Mama's Fish House on Maui.  We were on our honeymoon and it also happened to be my birthday!  :)  I had Ono served upcountry style with onions, avacado, and jasmin rice.  The atmosphere and view were amazing!

8.What is your guilty pleasure TV show?
Ah!  There are so many to choose from. I would have to say the Real Housewives of New Jersey.  It's so trashy!

Now I get to tag eight people to answer my eight questions (if you don't have time or don't feel comfortable, I completely understand)!  This might be a bit difficult because I'm a newer blogger, but here we go!

1. Rachel at In No Simple Language

2. Erin at Blue-Eyed Bride

3. Tara at In This Instance

4. Vee at Gorgeously Stupid

5. Lindsay at Lindz-Says

6. Irish Ruby at Irish Ruby

7. Liz at Mabel's House

8. Rocky Mountain Wife at Rocky Mountain Wife

Here are my questions!

1. What is your favorite day of the week?

2. If you could move to another state where would you go?

3. What was your favorite childhood movie?

4. What is your least favorite season?

5. What is your favorite car out there right now?

6. Dog or cat?

7. What store do you shop at that you don't generally tell people?

8. When was the last time you washed your car?

Blogger Book Club Week 4

Here is my response for Chapters 36-50.

1. Have your feelings about Tim changed through out this last section of chapters?

Well, I always thought Tim was shady.  He was too good to be true at first and then I really didn't like him when he asked CeeCee to be involved in the kidnapping.  But, he choose not to mention anything about Eve being involved and that scored a few points with me.

2. Do you agree with Cory and her behavior as an adult and her life with Ken? Is she justified in cutting her mother and father out of her life?
Absolutely not.  There are plenty of people who have over bearing parents and they do not treat their mom or dad this way.  I think it's hard to understand until you are a parent, but in a way that's a parent's job.  Yes, you have to learn when you let go, but kids know that most of the time their parents do these things out of love.  I'm not a fan of Ken.  He's trying to control her and isn't helping the situation with her parents.

3. At what point do you think Cory decided to spend less time with her mother?
When she was a teenager.  She didn't like that Eve wouldn't tell her anymore about her father and that was Cory's way of getting back at her mom.

4. What do you think is Eve's biggest fear?
Having Cory completely out of her life.  She treats Cory differently than Dru (I assume it's because of the situation she went through with her) and always seems more concerned about her.

5. When the story about Genevieve's body came out, what would you have done if you were Eve? Just sat back and watched things unfold? Come forward? Would you tell Jack?
I can't live with guilt like that.  First of all, I would have come forward much earlier- when it all happened.  But, I for sure would have now.  I wouldn't have been able to sleep, eat, or drink.  I would have worried they would find me.  And, I would have known that the right thing to do is to tell someone.

6. Do you think Eve should tell Jack and confess? Why?
Yes, I do.  Obviously she should have told Jack a long time ago, but now is better than never.  Unfortunately for Jack that means he married a woman he end up hardly knowing.  I think that would be so tough on him.  This was something she knowingly kept from him and I don't know if I could forgive her if I was Jack.

Goin' North!

This weekend we are headed up to the cabin with the rest of my family.  I'm very excited!  The cabin is one of my favorite places.  It's a great get away in Northern Michigan.  In the summer we do everything from bike rides, golf, tennis, campfires, sunsets at Lake Michigan, kayak, grill, and well, you get the point!

This happened to be the kayak trip
where Jon asked my dad if he could marry me.
 I had no clue when I took this picture, but I'm sure happy I did!

What are you guys doing for Labor Day?  Staying home?  Going on a mini vacation?  Spending time with family?  Having a BBQ with friends?  Whatever you do, ENJOY IT!  

Happy Labor Day!

Soft and beautiful

Check out this lovely tablescape for the 2010/2011 edition of InFrame Bride Magazine from Pearls Events.  It's so soft and romantic.  And, it has gorgeous stationery from one of my favorites, Syd Design!

I love the colors and variety of the flowers.

Check out the full post here.