Shhhhh!

I don't know who created this, but it's been making the rounds on Facebook and I love it. Applicable in so many situations.

I like to people watch

Check out this blog I just ran across, People of Walmart. As a former Wal-Mart employee I can tell you that some of these images are oh so familiar. The commentary along with each photo is pretty funny too.

From my home state. Makes a Texan proud, ya'll. It disturbs me that so many of the photos are from Texas.



From my adopted home state.

Hold please

It's true, I watch too much television. So with that in mind, and the fact that I need to spend less lazy time on the sofa, I have suspended my Netflix account until further notice. Plus, fall tv is gearing up and there are some new shows I'm digging (Glee, anyone?) not to mention my favs are will soon be back (three weeks until Grey's Anatomy! Did Izzy die? I don't care but Denny's ghost needs more screen time).

This is why I can't have nice things

I have a problem....I can't make a decision when it comes to interior design for my own personal space. There are just too many options! Recently, I've been loving the mid-century modern look and have been wanting to go that route. But the relaxed, overstuffed casual Pottery Barn look pulls me back. Then I find things like this steamer trunk (from Restoration Hardware) and I just give up. Which is why my place currently looks, well, kind of like a slightly more expensive version of my college apartment. At least I have a sofa now.

My, what big feet you have!

Look at Buuuuuford's feet! He's going to be a big 'un. I love how Gus keeps trying to get in the chair.

If I didn't know better....

I would have thought this was my sister's dog, Gus.

Treating myself

From joey & rocky


From jmundodesigns

I decided to do something about it

After months, and I do mean months, of watching The Biggest Loser reruns just about every day, I finally got off my ass and worked out. What brought this on? You mean besides the huge feeling of fatness that surrounds me? I discovered that I have Fit Tv on Demand and it has Biggest Loser workouts! Now I can personally get yelled at by Bob and Jillian. AWESOME.

So tonight, I put on my tennis shoes and took Lulu for a long walk. Really. Actually, there was some running too. Lulu did really well for the first 15 minutes but not so good on the way back. Once I got home I started one of the workouts on the tv.

Let's just say thank goodness for the fast forward button. You can skip all those pesky lunges! But hey, it's a start and I'm all sweaty.

The new season of The Biggest Loser starts September 15th. Guess whose butt will be firmly planted on the sofa that night?!

Stupid

Don't get me wrong...I love tattoos. But a finger mustache tattoo? Seriously. That is such a retarded hipster kid thing. And to quote my mother "how's that going to look when you're 80 years old?!"


Find more videos like this on fingerstache


This is a much better tattoo:












photo by Happy Lobster

Even better is Picasso's Dachshund sketch. Hmmm, I have been wanting another tattoo for some time now. Have I found what I've been looking for?

Dachshund Portrait Dishcloth

Dachshund Portrait Dishcloth
Originally uploaded by evelyndesigns

I need to knit this....right after I finish the 2 other projects I've got going.

There was a storm

This afternoon a thunder storm rolled in.
Don't worry, I had my eyes on the road the entire time.

Little luxuries

This morning I realized that nearly all my bath towels were high school graduation gifts (and I graduated from high school 18 years ago) or hand-me-downs from my parents'. So while I was out and about I stopped into HomeGoods. First of all, I have never been there on a Saturday and it was a zoo! Secondly, wow did they have a lot of great stuff that I did not need (but wanted). I bought myself 2 new, very white, very fluffy, very soft towels (and for only $6/ea). In fact, I spent the next 30 minutes just walking around the store hugging them. Yes, I was that crazy lady.

HotternHell

For all my Texas peeps


#543; In which it’s Hot
(click on photo to enlarge)

Botox on a budget

otherwise known as bangs!



It's not quite what I had in mind, thank goodness my hair grows fast, but it will do. At least now I have a good reason to buy more earrings.

Next up....DIY hair coloring. Won't THAT be an adventure!

Must see for me

Maybe one day they will have a Senior Citizens Solid Gold dance show and I'll finally be able to fulfill my childhood dream.

It's over now

This weekend my sister and her husband picked up their new puppy, Buford T. Justice. It's official....Lulu is no longer going to have favored granddog status. How could she? Once my parents see Buford's adorable, squishy little face it's all over for Lulu.

Laundry Dog

Earlier in the week I was doing laundry but left a pile of clothes still needing to be washed on the floor of the closet. Last night when I was going to bed I could not find Lulu anywhere. Keep in mind that this is an 800 square foot apartment. There are only so many places she can be...and she wasn't in any of the normal spots. Finally I found her sleeping on the pile of clothes. She's funny like that. When Kristin was here visiting Lulu slept on her pile of clothes too.

Dogs is weird.

Lulu was not pleased that I turned the closet light on and took photos of her.


And no, I still have not done the laundry. Lulu is snoozing there again tonight.

p.s....please ignore my underwear...nothing exciting to see there.

Weekend getaway

I have to take some unpaid days off over the next few months and I've got vacation to use up before the end of the year so I decided I should take a quick weekend getaway but I can't decide where to go!

Chicago (love it, one of my favorite cities)
Seattle
Atlanta (bonus, I can drive there)
Asheville, NC (home of the Biltmore)
Boone, NC (the mountains)
Toronto

Where should I go?

Ikea-run

My manager is making a trip to Ikea this weekend (the closest one is a couple of hours away, in Charlotte) and said she'd pick something up for me as long as it would fit in her car.

I'm in desperate need of a coffee table. There are bigger things I need too but a truck is required for those (also, money I have but don't want to spend right now).

What I'm considering, in order of price:

The Lack table, for a whopping $19.99 (this is the table you get when you can't decide what you want but really want a table to put your feet/magazines/knitting on)

The Expedit table is $69.99 and comes with a tempered glass top. It seems a bit low though.

The Vejmon table, which is $149.99 and looks similar to my previous table, is sort of my favorite right now.

I have interior design ADD and can never make up my mind. Sure I can make a decision for other people...but for myself is near impossible. I have a ticket to go to Market in High Point in October so maybe that will help me make a decision about what kind of bedroom furniture to eventually buy.

Just what Lulu needs!

You think I'm kidding, but I'm not.

Terror!

It's a good thing I don't alarm easily. Because earlier today a terrorist cell was uncovered and arrested in the Raleigh area. But don't worry, that's way on the opposite side of town from me.

Play Ball!

Back in April, when my parents were here for Easter, we were supposed to go to a Durham Bulls baseball game. But it got rained out. Today I finally used those tickets. Now why I decided to go to a 1:05pm game in the middle of July is beyond me, but there you have it. It wasn't quite as hot as hell but it was kind of close, at least until the 7th inning when we finally were in the shade.

The stadium and field were much smaller than I was expecting. I've never been to a major league game but I've been to plenty of college games and a few games of the Round Rock Express (also a Triple A team) and I guess it is true what they say...everything IS bigger in Texas!



There was plenty of entertainment between innings for big and little kids alike and being in a smaller stadium really helped with that. I definitely want to go back. Maybe just not when it's so hot!




Oh yeah, when a home run is hit (by the Bulls of course, who cares about the other team) the bull's eyes light up, his tail goes up and down and smoke comes out of his nose. It's pretty funny.

You know this wasn't a Baptist church

I love it.

Why do wedding dance videos make me get all verklempt? Like I could cry right now if I let myself. It's ridiculous.

When a plan comes together

This is a project that I recently completed at work. Previously, the walls were stark white and there was a hideous floral camel back sofa and a beat up desk that had seen better days. Now it is a modern updated space.

Chairs: Krug Carlyle with Arc-Com Shimmer in Cornflower
Rug: Surya Roommates

Mash Up

Munchies

This is how I feel when I get the munchies. Except I prefer chips or cookies over broccoli.

It's about damn time

You have no idea how long I have been waiting for this movie to come out. The first time I saw this trailer....I have to admit I got choked up. Also, I put the date the movie comes out on my Google calendar.

Dorkiness

I haz it.

After my own heart

Saw this in a parking lot and of course I had to stop and take a photo.

They don't make them like this anymore

The other day, Kristin and I were meandering around Raleigh and stumbled upon this house. It is beautiful. Unfortunately, it's a wreck inside (yes, we did press our faces to the windows). Maybe some day someone will restore it to its former glory

Cute or creepy?

Time to celebrate!

It's official. I'm no longer a home owner.

When I got the news, at work today, I did a little dance right there in my chair. There may have been some waving of the arms in the air and stomping of the feet. The money is even in my account already. God bless wire transfers.

Joy

Now that I will no longer be using one entire paycheck to pay for a mortgage/HOA fees/utilities on a home in a state I don't even live in, I can start shopping again. For months I have only been buying only the most necessary things (okay, maybe there might have been one new pair of shoes).

A while back I saw these earrings on a blog. I loved them but, of course, didn't make note of where to buy them or even which blog I saw them on. So last week, during some down time at work, I went on a Google search. Do you know how many pages you have to sift through when you Google "silver bird earrings"? I found many cute ones before finding Figs & Ginger. Tonight I completed my purchase and I can't wait to put these little chickies in my ears.

Below is another pair I ran across and also loved. But they were twice as much and I'm still in budget mode so I went with the originals. She's got lots of cute things so I will definitely be checking back when I've got more funds.

Almost there

Today I signed the papers for the sale of my condo and put in the mail back to Austin. The closing is on Wednesday and after that (*touch wood* that nothing goes wrong) I will be FREE! Finally.

mmmmcake

This is a cake, ya'll.
So it'd be like eating cake and biscuits at the same time.
Awesome





www.cupcakeenvy.com
Originally uploaded by cupcakeenvy

What a blonde

In the mood

I'm in the mood...to sew.

The problem?

1. Not enough fabric for the pattern

2. No sewing table.

I guess I could clear off the desk and use that. Or stand up at the kitchen bar. But really, that's just too much effort. Instead I'll just go catch up on my DVR and do some knitting.

This Blows

The photo does not even do my bruise justice. This is what happens when you have veins that are notoriously difficult to get blood from combined with a blown vein. Whenever I have to have blood drawn they get one chance in each arm and then I make them take it from the hand. This past Saturday, I don't know what happened, but when I saw my skin actually bubble up I knew that it wasn't going to be pretty. Then when the nurse brought an ice pack out to put on my hand I knew for sure.

I like to win stuff...

so click on this link and help me win a bike.

The Holy Grail

I am addicted to these tangerine whole fruit bars from Edy's (or Dryer's, depending which part of the country you're in). But apparently, this flavor is harder to find than ice in the desert. Sure, I can buy all the lime, grape or coconut flavor I want but it has become a quest to find the tangerine. Imagine how excited I was to buy the very last box at Super Target this past weekend?

Edy's website has a handy thing that will tell you which stores in your area have the tangerine flavor. Even better, I was able to sign up to get an email alert when the next shipment arrives at my store. How awesome is that?

Summertime Blues

I have them. Now that our big project has been turned in it's a waiting game to see if we get shortlisted and then awarded the job. In the meantime, all I want to do is veg out.

I don't feel like blogging, or reading blogs, or really anything that has to do with sitting in front of a computer.

Yet another reason

So this morning I had an appointment with a new dermatologist. Time for my annual skin check, dontcha know. Reason #4598 it sucks to be single and be new in town: who do I put down for my emergency contact? Now really, how many emergencies can there really be at the dermatologist's office, but still. I used to always put my dad down but if there is an emergency in North Carolina it won't do a lot of good for them to call Texas, will it?

Reason #9593 it sucks to be single: no one to check your moles in areas of your body that you can't see. So in addition to getting some moles on my face and leg sliced and diced the doctor suggests that the one one my ass get removed too, since I can't very well check it myself. Let me just say, it's kinda in a place where the sun don't shine. Good thing I checked that I need to be medicated before procedures. I hope they know I was serious because I only have half a Xanax left. I knew there was a good reason I've been hoarding it like it was a precious diamond.

In good news...I got to leave work at a normal hour today. Yay!

see more dog and puppy pictures

Bodies

Bodies were not meant to work 70 hours a week sitting in front a computer. Yesterday (that would be Saturday), I worked 8 hours straight, staring intensely at numbers and letters on the screen. The only movement, besides the scroll of the mouse wheel or the click of a button, was to reach for my Diet Coke or more chocolate. Repeat again today. Guess what happens tomorrow? Same thing. So, barring some fabulous news that we get the day off after our bid is turned in I will have worked 12 days straight. This does not amuse me.

Thankfully all my coworkers are cool or we would have all killed each other by now.

You know you're tired when...

you nearly take the dog out for her morning walk in just your bra, underwear and Crocs.

I was not meant to function on 4 hours sleep.

Facebook lies

This morning I took one of those silly quizzes on Facebook. "What Big 12 school are you?" Do you know what it told me? The University of Texas! That is just wrong on so so many levels. I suppose it could be worse....it could have said Oklahoma University. Maybe living in Austin for 10 years influenced my answers but if that were the case wouldn't growing up in Aggieland have done the same thing? Obviously, I am way over thinking this stupid Facebook quiz. Also, when I started college it was still the Southwest Conference and I've got a sweatshirt to prove it, so whatever.

One of my friends from college posted this awesome video the other day. Since there is a Chick-Fil-A on every corner here I thought it was extra funny.

Dreams

Do you dream about work? We're working on a massive bid, under a tight deadline, and I've been dreaming about work. Let me tell you, cubicles....not so pleasant to dream about. My youngest coworker says she sleeps just fine and has no dreams. The rest of us, those of us that have been doing this for years, we know better. I told her just wait, her time will come. I'm not sure what is worse...nightmares about work and things that can actually go wrong or dreaming that I've forgotten the combination to my high school locker and my class schedule.


**Not a photo of the bid, but a past project in Austin that was much more fun to work on.

Party time! Excellent.

Yeah, that's right. I just dated myself. I wonder if my coworker, born in 1986, has even heard of Bill & Ted and their excellent adventure? Anyway....

My sister is coming to visit me! Yay!

Crossing my fingers

Finally, an offer has been made on my condo. It happened late Saturday night. I signed everything Monday morning and now it's just a matter of waiting. Please o please let selling the place go better than buying it did.

Now, to buy or not to buy in North Carolina...that is the question.

Say what?!

I really miss....

having summers off. As much as I love my job and the people I work with, all I want to do tomorrow is be at the pool soaking up some sun (wearing my SPF 85, of course). Then I want to come home, put on my pjs, watch some tv, and then stay up into the wee hours reading. That's basically how I spent most of my teenage summers.

Sometimes, being a grown up sucks.

Gotta go. 7:30 meeting in the morning.

Super Lemon NOM NOM Cake

So I made this cake today. It was super easy. Just make sure to grease your pan adequately or it will stick. That is why my cake is not pretty. But it still tastes great.



Super Lemon NOM NOM Cake

• 1 package cake mix (use the kind that says it is moist. try not to laugh at the word moist)

• 1 package (4 serving size) lemon instant pudding and pie filling mix

• 4 eggs

• 1 cup water

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil

• zest of one lemon

Preheat oven to 35o. Grease bundt pan. Combine all ingredients and beat with mixer. Pour into pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean. Cool for 25 minutes in pan, invert onto heat resistant serving platter.

While your cake is cooling you can make the glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• zest of one lemon
• 1 1/2 tablespoons water
• 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Beat until smooth. Pour over cake.

NOM NOM NOM until your eyes roll back in your head. Or you go into a diabetic coma. Whichever comes first.

My cousin is a rock star

Okay, not a rock star.....a design star! Last summer Hanna opened her store, Sanctuary, and since then it's been article after article in the paper, blogs (Ikea, Apartment Therapy,decor8) and now a magazine. I have to admit, I'm a teeny bit jealous of her style and also her drive & determination. That woman is certainly not lazy, unlike me.

She started out wanting to be a doctor when she was in college. Quite a different path, don't you think?

I love this cat

*boing*

Invisible

It's true, I have invisible friends. These are people that I've known, some for more than 10 years, from various online forums. Today, just a couple of hours ago, one of the nicest ladies I never met passed away. She was grace personified during her difficult battle with cancer. She leaves behind many friends and family, but most significant is her young son, Liam. So if you are the praying sort, please keep him in your prayers. I can only imagine how difficult this must be for him.


Rest in peace, Terri-Lynn. You will be greatly missed.

Ice cream

I don't know how all those food bloggers do it, taking their fancy pictures. Today I am making Oreo Mint ice cream, from my Ben & Jerry's ice cream recipe book, and I was going to document my process for all ya'll. Do you know how hard it is to photography white?

But check out my oreos. Don't they look delicious?



I will let you know how the final product turns out.


edit: here's what I've learned...patience is important when making ice cream! I was over eager and put the oreos in too soon. That made the machine work too hard so I had to pull the soft serve style ice cream out. At the bottom of the container it was starting to turn into actual ice cream so if I had waited a bit longer...oh well it still tastes good and is in my freezer now. I think it could use more oreos. Good thing there are still some in the package.

I needed a laugh

see more dog and puppy pictures

All together now

It's the middle of May

and it's cold outside! Seriously cold. Check out the forecast for tomorrow morning:

Monday will get the work week off to a chilly, wet start. A chance of showers lingers through the morning, and the day will start off in the 40s.

FOR-TIES

People.

That is winter.

Live long and prosper

Who knew Star Trek could be so hot?










What?

Sorry, I got lost in a fantasy.
I need to get out more don't I?


But seriously, awesome movie (and I'm not a science fiction nerd or anything).