Remembering the King of Pop

I am saddened by the news that Michael Jackson has died at the age of 50. While I have to agree with my sister when she said, "He lived a weird life", I still have respect for his artistry, dance moves, and white socks whether he's Black or White.



Among my MJ favorites: Man in the Mirror, Thriller, The Way You Make Me Feel, Bad and so many more. His music will live on forever. RIP MJ.

While the untimely death of Michael has flooded media outlets, let us not forget the deaths of Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon. May both of them rest in peace.

Cotton Dresses and Sunshine

Here are just a few things that come to mind with I think of Summer 2009: cotton dresses. lots of them. bikinis. pony tails. gladiator sandals. cookouts. girl time. flip flops. long walks at sunset. a good book. sunshine. the smell of sunscreen. bars with patios. Put-in-Bay. Oh and did I mention OUR WEDDING?!

Here's a look at my summer line up (we'll start with June even though it's nearly over):

June 7 - Bridal Shower #2 (#1 was on May 16)
June 20 - Bachelorette Party
June 26 - Spa Night with K Ruff
June 27 - Comfest
June 28 - Bridal Shower #3
July 3-5 - July 4th celebration TBD
July 11 - Bridesmaid/Sister Day?
July 17-19 - Put-in-Bay Girls' Getaway Weekend
July 25 - Shawn's 26th birthday celebration
August 7 - Rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
August 8 - Da dum-da-dum!
August 16-23 - Honeymoon in St. Maarten

And I'll throw in September just for fun: September 4-7 - Nashville Girls' Getaway Labor Day Weekend.



"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman

I Wrote This For You

We've been gone a long time. You don't call me your best friend and I don't call you mine. Once my decision was made, you drove further and further away. It wasn't easy or done maliciously, but you have to understand that wearing a pretty dress won't make you and I "us" again. I know that I have hurt you, but you have hurt me too. I have come to accept this and also forgive you. We can still pick up the pieces, even one by one, because I miss my friend and I won't let a dress stand in our way. And I just want you to know that I still care and I'll still be here when "we" come back someday.


"...the first and most difficult risk we can take is to be honest with ourselves." - Walter Anderson

Something Blue

Thank you to all my girls who came out to celebrate my bachelorette-ness this weekend. It meant so much to have you all there for my last fling!

Here's a review of the night's activities: Beer pong domination. Food. Chocolate penis cakes. Colorful penis straws. Primping. Blue veil. Group pics. Bus speakers. 18 inch dildo. Something blue. Champagne toast. Power hour on the bus. Pussy Control. Winning a dance off. Free shots. Marriage advice. Two proposals. Window dancing. The stripper from Iowa who couldn't keep his shirt on at Patio. Kate's broken dress strap. Sore feet. High fives. Late night/early morning hamburgers, hotdogs, and pasta salad. Great friends. Good night.

Makeover Mayhem

Dear Sephora, I now understand you and my friends' obsession with you. You are a delightful dealership for makeup, offering "test drives" without the pressure of purchase. I'm sorry I waited so long to indulge in your free makeovers and Try Me's. Forgive me. Your new Beauty Insider, Holly

Yesterday was only my second trip into Sephora at Polaris. This time for my free, wedding makeup consultation; the first to actually set the appointment by referral from Audra. The experience was magical. Thank you, Ashleigh, for taking the time to tutor me and give me a beautiful wedding face! And for recommending the Korres powder foundation, which I shall use today.

When I looked at myself in the hand-held mirror, I thought I looked fab. It wasn't until I was in the Victoria's Secret dressing room trying on this:
that I realized I didn't look like me. I actually didn't recognize myself in the mirror and let me tell you, that is a strange feeling. Somewhere during the consultation I had switched nationalities. The eye makeup made my eyes look extremely almond shaped. I didn't realize how eye makeup can really change the entire look of a person. Now, I'm up for trying new makeup styles and I truly am appreciative of Ashleigh's consultation and hard work, but when I came home and Shawn said it didn't look like me, I knew that wasn't the wedding look I wanted.

I think I'll do some experimenting at home using some of the tips and tricks Ashleigh shared with me and see if I can concoct a wedding look that's me only better.

And if you're wondering, I did purchase the above swimsuit plus a sexy, sassy red one using my new VS Angels card. And now I'm officially done shopping for summer, seriously. I mean it. No more.

Life Lessons

Regina Brett, a columnist with the Cleveland Plain Dealer wrote this article a few years ago about the life lessons she's learned and it was forwarded to me. I think these are lessons we can all relate to, so I wanted to share.

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.

17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.

18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

45. The best is yet to come.

46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

48. If you don't ask, you don't get.

49. Yield.

50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Meet the Girls

Grady: Rescued in July 2006, she is our oldest fur-kid with the biggest attitude.

Likes: Friskies Turkey and Cheese dinner, catnip, sleeping in the chair, sitting in front of the TV while humans are watching it, and catnapping.

Dislikes: Moxyn, being held/cuddled against her will, dirty litter boxes, and waiting too long to eat.

Kilah: Adopted in March 2007. She is our shiest fur-kid.

Likes: Laying under the bed, chewing socks and other non-edible human items, playing with Moxyn, eating her food off the floor, cheese, her cage, barking at strange humans and dogs, and being scratched behind the ears.

Dislikes: Company, loud noises, being attacked by Moxyn, and stale kibble.


Moxyn: Adopted in February 2008. She is our most rambunctious, selfish, and dominating fur-kid.

Likes: Attention, cheese, eating things out of the bathroom trash can, laying under the bed with Kilah, walks, Kong balls, rawhide bones, barking randomly, running through screen doors, sleeping on the bed, having the area above her tail scratched, stealing toys from Kilah, annoying Grady, and playing with other dogs.

Dislikes: Not being the center of attention, baths, and rules.

Bra Power

Never underestimate the power of a great bra. My personal favorite: Ipex wireless (seen above) from Victoria's Secret. Now some of you may scoff at a wireless bra, but it's the most comfortable and wonderful feminine undergarment invention EVER! The support is undeniable and it amps my cleavage to perfection despite the lack of push up capability. Now that's talent!

Yesterday, I purchased a new one of these brilliant bras (for 40% off!) and I forgot how great the feel of a brand new bra really is. The girls are in heaven.

Now, I hate to say this but I am Vicki's snob when it comes to my undergarments, but it's totally justifiable to pay a little more for a super bra that is going to last and be comfortable. I mean, when you find a great pair of jeans (you know that kind that makes your ass look fab?), what do you do? If you're smart, you buy multiple pairs. The same is even more true for good bras because they are even harder to find.

Now, while I'm talking bras, the one thing I really don't understand is why females waste money on impractical bras. I mean where is the comfort in lace and a cup that only covers half your breast? I understand the use of these bras as lingerie, but even then, is it really worth the money to suffer through wearing it for only a few minutes before you get down to business? I guess I'm just a practical girl living in my practical world (plus I don't have the cash flow to waste on frilly underwears).

Moral of the story: Find a good bra that you and your girls love and buy it in as many colors as you can (or in just the essential colors anyway).

Oh, and for the record, I hate the word panties. It's called underwear because I wear it under my clothes!

Love the Book You're With

Last night after my alumni club meeting, I came home to a relatively quiet house - Shawn at work until 11 p.m., the TV off, the clicking of dog toenails across the kitchen linoleum and the occasional thump/thwack of Moxyn's infamous and rambunctious tail beating against a wall, chair, TV stand, etc. It was the perfect night to spend being a book worm (or book nerd as Shawn so lovingly calls me).

After this year's fall/winter line up of prime time reality shows, sitcoms, and drama series, I haven't been able to get into much television lately besides baseball and the NBA finals (much to Shawn's liking). So I opted for a night of silent refuge with a good, no...great, book. Pounding the Pavement by Jennifer van der Kwast is a relatable story of a young, recently unemployed woman living in NYC and her bumpy search for a satisfying job and her unexpected love life. The writing style is amusing and real and the book has certainly peaked my interest.

I vowed to finish the remaining 200 pages, but between dogs wanting to play and begging to go outside, and the sleep fog decending on me, I have about 20 pages remaining. Still, it was a relaxing evening and the only thing that would have made it better is if I would have remembered I had that half bottle of Rosa di Rosa chilling in the fridge.

Fashion Obsessions

1. Men's v-neck tees: This Hanes staple is one of the newest additions to my wardrobe. They're cheap, comfy and can be trendy with the right accessories. I personally just enjoy throwing on one of these bad boys with a pair of boot cut jeans and flip flops. It's an easy look that says comfy chic without being overdone. Another thing I like is that they aren't skin tight, but they're not too big. A girl has got to breathe in her clothes while still wearing an appropriate size!
2. Oversized earrings: I don't always have a necklace to work with every outfit, but it's easy to dress up my lobes with noteworthy earrings (and typically the same pair with multiple outfits!). And I don't know if it's just me, but I just can't bring myself to pair oversized earrings with an oversized necklace. I can't decide if it's just too much, so I've avoided the duo and just pick one or the other. Suggestions?
3. Cuff and bangle bracelets: I've recently invested in both and love both equally. Bangles add more of a dynamic to an outfit, while a cuff makes more a statement, in my opinion. My favorite cuff bracelet is silver with a teal and red (among other colors) peacock feather. I also own the above cuff bracelet which has more of an antiquey, Eastern-influence feel.
4. Gold jewelry: While I still enjoy silver accessories, I've been dressing up my duds lately with gold accents. Perhaps this has something to do with No. 5 and how I enjoy that color combo.
5. Teal/aqua: Lately I have been draw to the color teal and all blue and green hues in between. I stinkin' love it and I'm going to wear it all summer long!

New Moon

I'm so excited to see this movie!