JT

Just when I thought I couldn't love Justin Timberlake any more, he does this:



How amazing is that?  So many great jams.  The only thing that could have made it better is a little Sexyback.  Justin's new movie, The Social Network, opens tomorrow and is already getting great reviews.  It's based on the creation of Facebook.  I def plan to see this one.

Rain on the Big Day

Is it lucky?  I've always thought this was just something everyone said to the bride who wakes up to less-than-desirable wedding day weather to make her feel better.  Which is the same thought that crossed my mind this morning when they announced on The Today Show that the Today wedding, taking place September 30th, would "unfortunately" be under tents due to rain and the always optimistic Al chimed in, " It's lucky!"  I'm sure there are countless stories of both happy and unhappy marriages between couples who tied the knot in the extreme of each condition, but I think a lot of brides would prefer the sunshine and maybe not so much "luck." 

While doing a little background research on the myths of wedding day rain, I saw that those who say it is lucky believe that the rain represents fertility, as it does for farmer's crops, therefore the couple will be blessed with children.  On the contrary, those who say it is bad luck believe that the rain symbolizes all of the tears the bride will cry during her marriage.  What kind of bia would ever say this?!   Please don't let this Debbie Downer come to my wedding!

I, for one, happen to know of a very blessed and happy marriage that all started on cold, rainy day in August.  My parents!  With strong, gusty winds, torrential rain and a temperature that our SC August's have probably never seen, my parents were married in North Providence, RI on August 12th, 1979.  In their case, the rain happened to be nothing short of good luck!  My parents just celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary last month.  I may have to be reminded of this on my actual wedding day, but if it means I could have the love and commitment they have for each other after all these years, I wouldn't mind a rainy wedding day at all!

Wedding Day

Before the kids

At a family wedding

One of my fave more recent pics :)

Oh My Claw!

Whoever looked Hil in the eye and assured her that her hair looked cute like this should be ashamed of themselves!!  It's one thing to rock the claw while washing your face or styling your hair, but at the UN of all places?  No ma'am.

That Was Fast

Update:  Hmm...not that we should be surprised but that DEF wasn't 30 days.  Lilo was released later on Friday night and is still scheduled to appear in court Oct 22.  Until then, she's been ordered to slap the fashionable anklet back on and stay clear of establishments that primarily sell alchy.  Sounds relatively easy, right?  We shall see...

Think you're having a bad day?

Top this.  After failing a court-ordered drug test, Lindsay Lohan appeared in court today.  The hearing was reportedly less than 10 minutes long and the judge didn't allow any arguments from Lindsay's attorney before ordering she remain in custody, without bail, until her next hearing on October 22.  I wonder if we'll even recognize her then?  Surely they don't allow spray tans in the Big House.

Nobody

So glad I was able to catch The Office last night, the opening skit was absolutely hysterical.  Pam and Jim looked so cute as usual and I can't decide what I laughed harder at; Michael's magic tricks, Dwight with his knife or Phyllis dancing!  If you missed it, you have to see this:

The Office - Sneak Peek: The Office Cold Open - Video - NBC.com

Happy Premier Week!

Time to dust off the DVR and delete your old recordings, it's premier week!  Even though it's halfway over, I wanted to blog about how excited I am that all of the shows have started back.  Unfortunately, I don't have DVR which presents a real problem and some tough decision making this time of year.  Our landlord pays the cable bill and we figure it's probably best not to push him for the bells and whistles. 

Monday - I was able to catch a few of the performances on DWTS (I missed the first hour and had to focus mostly on GG for the second).  I did get to see Jennifer Grey which I LOVED. 

Tuesday - I completely missed Tuesday night shows due to going to see The Town (which was great, I highly recommend it).  From the clip I saw on Chelsea Lately of the Hoff's DWTS performance, I'm confident the right decision was made to give him the boot Tues night.  I also love to watch Biggest Loser.  I'll have to tune in next week.

Wednesday - Carlie and I decided to try Crave for dinner.  After arriving we decided to partake in the two for $52 special.  This includes an appetizer, two entrees, dessert and a bottle of wine.  Needless to say, we got wrapped up in our three course meal and I completely missed Modern Family and Cougar Town.  Next week.

Thursday - Tonight is the night.  30 Rock and The Office.  As much as I hate it, because I really really loved this show at one time, I have fallen off the Grey's bandwagon.  And never really got on the Private Practice one.  But to each their own.

Sunday - Now that Entourage is over, I'm excited to have something to watch again.  Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters, while flipping back and forth between the Kardashians of course, is just what the doctor ordered for a Sunday.

YouTube Fairy Tale

These days, fame and fortune is not only achieved by those with passion, focus and dedication, it can happen overnight and sometimes by complete accident.  A simple video upload to YouTube, with the help of other online social networks like Facebook and Twitter, can result in TV appearances, record deals and acting roles.

That is exactly what happened in Antoine Dodson's case.  A serious news story was posted on YouTube reporting a strange man who climbed through the window and attempted to rape Dodson's sister.  He heard her scream and managed to scare the intruder away. 



The situation was unfortunate, but Dodson's delivery was undeniably comical.  It didn't take long for the Gregory Brothers to get ahold of this clip and mix it into an amazingly catchy tune that has been viewed over 20 million times.



I cannot get the song out of my head, not to mention it is hilarious!  I read in US Weekly that the song has quickly become one of the top downloaded songs on iTunes (Antoine even has it set as his ring tone) and the Dodson's are splitting the profit 50/50 with the Gregory Brothers.  With that money, Dodson plans to move his family to a safer home outside of the projects.  How's that for a happy ending?? 

...hide your kids, hide your wife...

$5 Tuesday

One of my favorite things to do is go to the movies.  While renting a movie is fun, there's something about going to the actual theatre that I love.  The price of movie tickets have hit an all-time high and it's become much more appealing (to our wallets) to wait on a particular movie to hit RedBox or Netflix and pop our own popcorn.  A local theatre in Mt Pleasant, Cinebarre, offers a more affordable alternative by hosting $5 Tuesdays.  All movies, including new releases, are only $5 every Tuesday.  How awesome is that?  Another thing that sets Cinebarre apart from other theatres is their menu.  They have a full dinner menu including burgers, pizzas and app's and a drink menu from wine and beer to root beer floats and milkshakes that will bring all the boys to the yard. 
Last time La and I were at Cinebarre, Darius Rucker was there with his kids!  So cute.  This was a couple of days after seeing him in concert and we briefly considered checking out "Despicable Me" in 3D but decided against it.  Reluctantly. 
My friends and I are going to see "The Town" tonight.  Ben Affleck and Jon Hamm (La thinks he's a dilf)?  Yes please.  This is the second film Affleck has directed, his first was "Gone Baby Gone," and it's gotten great reviews so I'm pretty pumped!

xoxo

I'm so looking forward to the second episode of this season's Gossip Girl tonight.  Although the other story lines are entertaining (Dan and Georgina?!), I'm most interested in what's happening in Paris at this time.  I'm a little confused about what is going on with Chuck-Whose body washed up bearing his ID?  And who is behind it?  For what purpose has he taken on a new identity as Henry Prince?  And who is his new girlfriend?  I'm sure in true GG fashion, this will all unfold throughout the rest of the season.  While doing a little research, I've noticed fans of Chuck and Blair have named the couple "Chair".  Even after everything they have put each other through, I remain a huge Chair fan and cannot wait for their Paris encounter!

Pigskin

I heard about this book over the weekend and I think I may try it out.  I wouldn't say I'm a total "dummy" when it comes to football, although my phrasing may be a little off I know to cheer when we've gained a lot of yards, completed a pass, made an interception or scored a touchdown or field goal.  I also know not to say much, especially to the guys in the room, when we've been sacked, intercepted, or fail to complete an important pass.  But when it comes to the flags, penalties, downs and whatever else exists that I don't know about, I'd like to know more. 
Speaking of football, how about that Clemson game?  Molly and I met our newly engaged friends, Caroline and Nick, and some other friends at Home Team on Sullivan's to watch the game Saturday night.  We had a lot of fun and Caro even asked Molls and I to be honorary bridesmaids in their wedding!!  I'm very excited.  Anyway, back to the game.  I don't know if it's Dabo's cute face, the fact that I lived in Clem for 18 years or that I knew several people who made the trip, but I wanted Clemson to win.  Close games like that are the worst to lose and the best to win, in my opinion.  Now I'm really looking forward to seeing how the Gamecocks measure up at Jordan-Hare this weekend.

Flashback

Speaking of sixth grade graduation, my mom dug these up and sent them to me.  Too cute not to share!

If I remember correctly, we were singing a beautiful rendition of Celine Dion's "Because You Loved Me" to our parents.  Thanks Kitty.

Twists of Life

When I was in the sixth grade, all of the classes were asked to write a paragraph about where we saw our lives in ten years.  These were compiled into a book that we received at our sixth grade graduation, "Stepping into the Future."  Most of us wrote about what college we would be graduating from, the dream career we would have, some mentioned the cars they would drive and even the names of the children they would have with their spouse (guilty).  Some of the girls saw themselves married to doctors and lawyers while the boys were married to supermodels and living in mansions in Florida.  We were twelve and our dreams were big.  Plus, 22 seemed so old, how could all of our dreams not have come true by then? 
I often read this book when I go home and, thirteen years later, it is quite entertaining.  While some people actually had an idea of how their life would be at 22, most of us weren't even close to being accurate.  Fortunately I was one of those, otherwise, for the past three years I would have been juggling my marine biology career(??) with not one, not two, but three babies at home.  Not to mention, they would be named after my sixth grade crushes and friends; Ryan, Drew and Emily (talk about a tribute!).
Is there such a thing as a life plan?  I've realized things rarely go as planned...and that's a good thing.  Life is funny like that.


Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans -John Lennon

Contagious Pep

There's something to be said about people who make the best of things.  It may sound silly, but I am inspired every time I go through the Dunkin' drive thru on my way to work.  That cannot be the most glamorous job in the world, but the same guy is always there with curly hair, thick rimmed glasses and a big, genuine smile.  He has so much energy that he practically bounds through the driver's side window of each car as they roll through getting their morning coffee.  I have worked in the same office for three years, which means a lot of trips to the nearby DD, and I have never once, literally not ONCE, driven away without a complement.  In his chipper tone it usually goes something like this, "I must say you look just lovely this morning!"  If that doesn't make your morning, I don't know what will!  I watched this morning as he had the lady in the car in front of me smiling and laughing and in a few minutes I was doing the same.  You can't help but let his positive attitude rub off on you.  If everyone had his compassionate enthusiasm, this world would be one happy place.

Now that's service!

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.  ~Winston Churchill




VMA Partay

Sunday morning my bestie Whitney and I decided we felt like making some app's and really putting some effort into our little shindig that night.  After a fab lunch at Mozzo, we hit the grocery with a few ideas and recipes.  Things really started to come together at the ole Bi-Lo and that's when we got weirdly excited about everything.  After prepping and baking for several hours while simultaneously tuning into the Jersey Shore marathon and clocking around 36 hours in our Gamecock T's (How about that game?!) this was the final product: 

Biebs in a Blanket

will.i.am won ton "raps"

Red Carpet Cupcakes

Chelsea & Chuy's Pimento Cheese Dip-Thanks Cars!

Thanks La!

Did we have a little too much time on our hands? Maybe. Did we have so much fun and continuously laugh all day? Sure did!

Big Weekend

South Carolina (#24) plays Georgia (#22) at noon tomorrow and I am so anxious to see how we play. I read on ESPN's website that "of the past nine meetings between Georgia and South Carolina, seven have been decided by a touchdown or less. And in five of those games, the winning team didn’t score more than 17 points."  Should be a great football game! 

And what better way to wrap up a weekend than the VMA's?!  My best bud La and I are abnormally excited and in the works of planning a party, even if it's just the two of us.  I wonder what could possibly top the VMA's of years past?  I've come up with a few superlatives:

Most Shocking- The Kiss

Most Awkward - The Diss

Most Graceful-The Save

Most Painful- Bass to the Face

Most Embarrassing - The Comeback

Biggest WTF Moment- ???

Boldest Wardrobe Choice - The Nest

Obsessed

Rihanna rocks and so does her newest single, 'Only Girl (In The World)'.  I'm not much of a morning person but I belted this jam out on my way to work and would like to recognize it for my pleasant mood so far today.  If you haven't heard it yet, you must.  And if it's old, I apologize, sometimes I fall a little behind.  Rihanna is not currently listed as a performer for the VMA's this weekend but one can hope...

Celebrations!

Last night Molly's grandfather, Sol, took us to dinner to celebrate Molly graduating from the Citadel with her MBA!  We also surprised Sol and celebrated his recent 89th birthday!  We had the best time.  We went to O-ku for sushi, because Sol's hip like that, and then to Hall's for an after dinner drink and dancing.  Sol burnt up the dance floor, which may or may not have had something to do with the fact that he mistakenly, although impressively, ate his entire serving of wasabi in one bite at dinner!  Over the years, Sol has become a grandfather/friend to all of us.  His young spirit is something admired by all who know him, and apparent to those who have only briefly met him.  Congrats to Molls and Sol!

Forgiveness

One of my friends recently sent me a daily devotional she received about forgiveness.  I really liked it and printed it out and put it up on my cube wall.  I wouldn't say I'm one to hold a grudge but I definitely let things get to me more than I wish I did.  Wouldn't it be nice if we took things as lightly as the person who has caused us to feel a certain way seems to?  The gist of it was you must learn to forgive others in order for God to forgive you for your sins.  Forgive and be forgiven.  As The Lord's Prayer says, "...forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us..."  These things we hold on to are out of our control and allowing them to stick around only affects us and our lives. Release the resentment you carry.  It will help you to feel a little lighter! 

 "For your own health and happiness, you must learn to forgive."

You can find the daily devotionals here.

Easy, Healthy and GOOD

I love Fiber One bars so when I saw Betty Crocker makes Fiber One muffins I thought I'd give them a shot.  I picked up the banana nut last night and whipped up a batch for my crib to have this week for breakfast.  They turned out really good and two small muffins kept me full until lunch.  Not to mention, each muffin contains 20% of your daily value of fiber.  The other flavors are apple cinnamon and blueberry.  Try them!

While I'm on this kick, I thought I'd mention one of my favorite things.  I'm in love with these Yoplait smoothies.  Just throw the frozen fruit and yogurt mix into a blender with 1/2 cup of skim milk and blend...heaven!  I've tried every flavor (strawberry banana, strawberry mango pineapple and triple berry) and haven't been disappointed.  Each package makes two 8 oz servings at 110 calories each.  Great for breakfast, a healthy snack or dessert!

Congrats Nick and Caroline!

My good college friend, Caroline, got engaged over the weekend!  She and Nick make such a great couple.  I'm so happy for them and excited for all of the festivities to begin!

The High of a Good Buy

Who doesn't love getting a great deal or finding a sale when out shopping?  I know I do.  Unless I feel the sticker price is fair or I've put a lot of thought into a purchase, I typically only buy things when they are on sale.  I get this from my mom who is a total pro.  I've found that when I rashly splurge on something I have buyer's remorse.  I am that girl that will dig through the racks at TJ Maxx (a lot of people can't do this and I totally get that) and walk away with a pair of Michael Kors skinny jeans.  Speaking of skinny jeans, the first time I went into a store called Oops near my house (which is not a maternity store as one of my friends once thought), I scored a pair of J. Crew skinnys.  These are my favorite jeans that I own.  I reach for these over the $200 pair that sits right next to them in my closet and can't imagine my wardrobe without them!  I have a legit adrenaline rush when leaving a store with, what feels like, stolen merchandise in my bags.  Kind of like I feel right now.  I ran into Dillard's on my lunch break and left with a BCBG top for a STEAL.  Happy Friday to me!

Good People

I've always had it in my head that the bar is no place to meet a decent man.  You only find those at the gym, Junior League or Bible study, right?  I say wrong.  While I do agree that those are definitely great places to meet people, men included, why do we sell the bar short?  As a best friend of mine said today, "I mean shit, we go out on the town and we're good people, ya know?"  She's right.  Why would you discount someone that clearly enjoys doing the same thing as you on a given night of the week?  I'm not suggesting putting on your shortest dress and going out on a mission, but have an open mind and don't blow off anyone who is otherwise intriguing for the mere fact of where you happened to cross paths!          

Chelsea Love

My favorite awards show of the year is quickly approaching.  Just when I thought the MTV Video Music Awards couldn't get any better, Chelsea Handler is asked to host.  I've read her books, went to see her on tour and I try to catch Chels on E! every week night at 11 to get my laugh on before bed.  Something about her raunchy, sarcastic humor gets me every time!  The best portion of her show is the round table where she and 3 guest comedians discuss the current celebrity juice.

“Miley, I am officially a fan. But I can’t say the same about Hannah Montana. Now that, is a dirty little slut.”

She also has a thing for rappers and loves to have them on as guests.

"Do you want to slap my ass?...I'll take another."-Chelsea to Akon

With Chelsea there are no boundaries.  Ultimately, she will be standing in front of a room of people she publicly discusses on a daily basis.  This will be nothing short of pure entertainment!