The One With the Blue Tape

About to fall asleep:

Husby: Permission to cross the border?

H.I.T.: Access denied. Good night.

The Sun Is Shining...

After weeks of rain and torrential down pour, the sun finally came out of hiding this weekend.

We spent every available minute outdoors, feeling blades of grass between our toes and the warmth of sunshine on our faces.

We even managed to save a bird.

Yes, a bird. While Husby was watching television, he heard a loud thump. He looked around and didn’t see anything. He walked outside and saw a little sparrow, panting on the porch. It was injured.

Immediately, he runs upstairs to get me. because, of course, I’m well versed in saving birds. His face is pained with worry. One look at him reminds me that all men were once boys, and before me is the child my husband once was, sad and afraid for this poor bird’s life. I quickly took action.

Downstairs, I cradled the bird in my hands and gently moved it into a wooded area. The bird’s wings were moving, which I told Husby was a good sign. He asked if the bird was thirsty. I went into the kitchen and filled a small container lid with water, placing it by the bird’s beak.

Ten minutes later, Husby went outside to check on our nursed bird. To his relief, he watched as the sparrow looked at him and flew away. A huge grin spread across his face.

He told me the good news, went downstairs and turned on ESPN, leaving only a shadow of the boy he once was behind.

Hidden Treasure

***Serious Post Alert***

During my shower this morning, I thought about what I would blog about today. Normally, I don’t think about it. It just comes to me when I sit down and begin writing. I like it that way. But today was different. I thought about it.

My heart knew what the topic should be, but my head just wasn’t there yet.

I’ve been a bit bummed lately, letting the dreary, gray days get to me, so when I woke up and learned that I won a giveaway, I was ecstatic. It gave me a reason, however slight, to be happy today. That reason soon vanished, because, in the name of anonymity, I refused to provide my name. Fine. Back to bum.

I continued checking my e-mail and came across my first daily devotional. It said, “And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness – secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name.” Isaiah 45:3 (NLT). The author then interpreted the script.

But I saw it in a different light.

I’ve always believed that things happen for a reason. What that reason is, we might never know, but sometimes if we look hard enough we can find it. I think that reason is the treasure hidden among darkness. When I feel as if there is no light at the end of the tunnel, it is the secret riches, should I find them, which keep me whole. Keep me solid.

When I read that, my head caught up with my heart.

Out of respect for privacy, I didn't blog about this. Husby made a respectful request and I obliged. But now I have found the hidden treasure in my darkness and it is time to share. We might get into an argument over this. I am prepared for the repercussions, because I hold His secret riches.

On May 5th, I was diagnosed with a missed miscarriage.

I was 11 weeks pregnant. Our baby had stopped growing after the 9th week. I received a D&C that day. I will never forget the moments of that day. My only thought at the time was, “Only two more weeks. That’s all I needed before I hit my second trimester and was safe from miscarriage.” Tears wash over me still.

Knowing the chances of miscarriage are high in the first trimester, we kept our pregnancy hidden. At first only our family knew, but as the pregnancy wore on and we were into the second month, we began sharing the love with a few of our closest friends. But even knowing the chances of miscarriage were high, we still didn’t understand just how common and likely it really was until it happened to us.

Then there was a period of darkness. We cried. We yelled. We ached. And slowly, time healed our wounds. Our two week trip to Italy couldn’t have been timed better. It was the perfect anecdote and we finally became “us” again. But in the darkness, God left us with a hidden treasure.

He left us with love.

Without love I don’t think we would have made it through the night. Love surrounded every inch of our beings. It radiated from us. It supported us. It kept us whole. It kept us solid.

I never questioned my choice of husband. I whole heartedly love him. But after this event, I know, because God has given me the secret riches, that he is my love and I his. Forever.

Every once in a while, the darkness still comes to engulf me, but instead of using a trivial giveaway to make me smile, I will think of His hidden treasure – my love, my Husby – and that light will shine more brightly than anything else I could summon to replace it.

Bottled Water Chase

While I can’t stand drinking plain water, Husby loves it. He was not happy when I raided his stash to take my bottled water shower.

During the three hours that he is awake and home each night, Husby drinks about 2-3 bottles of the stuff. And every night, before he goes to sleep, he grabs a fresh bottle of water from the fridge to keep on his bedside table. No problem, right?

Wrong.

See, this is the only bottle of water that he never finishes. In the morning, I place the unfinished water in the fridge so he can finish it later. Except that he never finishes it. When he gets home from work, he grabs a new bottle, shunning the old one.

I tried cleverly combining old bottles to make them look new. He laughed at my attempts to trick him. I began grabbing his bedtime water for him, using the old bottles instead of a new one. He suavely switched them when I wasn’t looking. All attempts to stop this wasteful behavior were rebuffed, so I finally confronted him.

[Husby walks into the kitchen to grab his nightly water and sees me blocking the fridge, hands on my hips.]

H.I.T., coyly: Whatcha doing?

Husby, tries to side swipe past me: Grabbing some water for bed…

H.I.T., blocking his maneuver: I’ll grab one for you…

Husby, tries and misses again: I can get it…I know you are tired.

H.I.T., pointedly: Enough. I’m only letting you get water tonight if you drink your old bottle first.

Husby, defensively: But I already drank last night’s…

H.I.T., shaking my head: You did not. I poured two old bottles into one container just before dinner.

Husby, defiantly: Oh yeah? Check the fridge.

I open the fridge and peak inside. Husby’s old water is concealed among the new bottles in an effort to fool me. Just as I grab the old bottle to wave it in front of him, he quickly pushes me aside, grabs a new bottle and starts running.

I chase Husby around the apartment until he heads into a bathroom. He turns around, looks at me, opens the new bottle, and takes a huge gulp.

He may have won this round, but I’ll figure out a way to beat him to it yet.

Sale Shopping Trifecta

What is it about a good sale that draws us in? Is it the prospect of finding something too good to be true? Is it the limited availability of the selection? Or maybe it’s the hunt. Whatever the reason, I can’t say no to a good sale or bargain. And for good reason!

My sale skills are fully honed and perfected.

For example, take my Ferragamo purse. It’s a colorful turquoise small handbag that adds a splash of color to any night out. I had my eye on it for quite some time, but didn’t feel like spending over $300 on something so small. A month later, I was shopping in Saks (for my birthday I might add) and what do I see, but my purse. Sure enough, it is on sale for 30 percent off – just over $100 off the ticketed price. How could I refuse?

I’ve used it countless times since and the purchase per use price is probably less than $3 by now.

What a steal! So when I heard about the J. Crew sale going on right now, I had to head over and take a look at the goods. Normally, I’m too late. Everything I like is sold out. Low and behold, this time proved different. It’s as if the stars aligned and everything I loved was in the color I wanted and my size. I quickly put everything in my cart as not to lose a thing.

Then I made the mistake of looking at my cart total.

Whoa. Sale or no sale, I had to remove over half of my cart stat or Husby would end up with a hernia. Hmmm…maybe…no, not worth the trouble. In this economy, shopping during a sale is a great idea, but only if you’re buying things that you will actually wear. Did I really need 4 different types of beachwear? Probably not.

After hemming and hawing, I finally came up with a cart of items that was fashion forward, budget friendly, and would end up with low purchase per use price – the trifecta of sales shopping.



Items from left to right: Strapless Jersey Dress (Navy) $29.99, Striped Beach Hat (Bright Daffodil) $19.99, Jersey Empire Dress (Heather Ash) $39.99, Skinny Leather Belt (Sour Lemon) $19.99, Pique Pavilion Shift (Hibiscus) $39.99

The One With the Important Question

On the phone with my sister:

Sister: I have to ask you an important question.

H.I.T.: OK. What's up...

Sister: [Sighs deeply]

Edward or Jacob?

H.I.T.: You nearly gave me a heart attack!?!?!?

Edward.

Summer Book List

Husby and I are avid readers. Many a night we forgo television to sit in bed and read. Having a mother who works in a bookstore only fuels our flights of fancy.

At the beach, surrounded by ocean waves and laughter, or sitting on a porch, listening to raindrops and thunder, we use books to escape and unwind from our otherwise stressful lives. To celebrate the first day of our reading season, Husby and I headed to the bookstore to pick up and order our summer books.

I just started reading:

Catherine Delors Mistress of the Revolution
If you enjoyed Sandra Gulland’s Josephine B. series or Philippa Gregory’s Tudor series, this book will quickly captivate.

And can’t wait to begin:

WM. Paul Young The Shack

Jennifer Weiner Best Friends Forever (out July 14)

Gigi Levangie Grazer Queen Takes King

Jane Green Dune Road

Meanwhile, Husby can be found reading:

Will Adams The Alexander Cipher

While eagerly anticipating:

Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Deception

James Rollins The Last Oracle

Clive Cussler Medusa

James Rollins The Doomsday Key (out June 23)

What’s on your summer book list this year?

All images are from Borders.

I Got Five On It

Back in December, MIL told Husby and I about a guy she saw on the Today Show. Any time he received a $5 bill, whether a single bill or three bills after breaking $20, he put it aside and saved it. In one year, he saved almost $2000. We decided it was a great idea and decided to do the same.

Within 1 month, we already had $200 set aside.

The only problem? The weather turned deathly cold and it wasn't long before Husby stopped contributing his $5 bills, using them for taxi rides to the office instead. So I took the money and used it to buy some household items that we needed. It was great - I didn't have to go to the ATM and we were able to stock up using "free money."

I continued saving my $5 bills. Month after month my pile grew. Since we never figured out what we were saving for - we already had a retirement account, savings for our future home, etc. - the money went to household items.

Until I realized I was the only one putting money into the cookie jar.

Four months later, I open the jar and counted my money. On my own, I managed to save $500! I was in desperate need of a new purse and decided to broach the subject with Husby.

H.I.T.: So I was thinking...

Husby: Uh oh.

H.I.T.: No, uh oh! I really need a new purse.

Husby: H.I.T., we are going on vacation to Italy in three weeks. We really can't afford a new purse right now. Besides, your birthday present is an Italian shopping spree. Why not buy one then?

H.I.T.: Because a purse is an item that I need. My birthday present should be something I want.

Husby nods, sort of seeing the logic in what I'm saying, but still isn't convinced.

H.I.T.: So I was thinking that I could use my saved fives toward the purchase...

Husby: Hmmm....

H.I.T.: I already have $500 saved...

The wheels are turning in his head. He begins to realize that would almost cover the entire cost.

Husby: That sounds like a great idea!

And voila! The precedence was set. I can use my fives for items that I want instead of dipping into our everyday savings for the same purchase. It works out beautifully!

Since I bought my purse, I've already saved $150. Now I just have to figure out what to save them for next...

Having Your Cupcake...

Today is one of those days. You know the type – hard to wake up, dreary, raining, blah.

Yesterday brought excitement and hope for the future. Today I just want to curl up into a ball and drink some Earl Grey. I guess you can’t have your cupcake and eat it too.

Unless you’re me.

Thank goodness for leftovers. Nom. Nom. Nom.

H.I.T. Arsenal Recipe #10: Semi-Homemade Hostess Cupcakes

For the Cake/Icing
1 box Devil’s Food Cake (I used Duncan Hines)
1 tube white icing (I used Wilton’s)

For the Filling (recipe slightly altered from Bake at 350)
4 TBS unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla
3 TBS heavy cream
1-1/4 to 1-1/2 cups marshmallow crème (I used Fluff)

For the Ganache (recipe from Betty Crocker Cookbook)
2/3 cup whipping (heavy) cream
6 oz semisweet chocolate chips (I used Nestle Toll House)

Directions:

1. Bake cupcakes according to directions on Devil’s Food Cake box.*
2. Cool in pans for 15 minutes; then transfer cupcakes to rack to cool completely.
3. Begin making filling. Using a mixer, cream the butter. Add ½ cup powdered sugar. Add 1 tsp vanilla and 1-1/2 TBS heavy cream, and beat until smooth. Repeat. Beat in marshmallow crème, adding more or less for taste. Set aside.
4. Begin making ganache. In a 1-quart saucepan, heat whipping cream over low heat until hot but not boiling; remove from heat. Stir in chocolate until melted. Let stand about 5 minutes. Ganache is ready to use when it mounds slightly when dropped from a spoon. Set aside.
5. Spoon filling into a pastry bag with a filling tip (or medium tip)**. Insert the tip in the center of the cupcake top and fill until cupcake is heavy (do not overfill). A little of the filling will peek out the top – it’s ok. It will be covered by the ganache.
6. Once the cupcakes are filled, dip the top of each cupcake into the ganache, completely covering the top, but careful not to let the ganache drip down the sides.
7. Pipe icing onto cupcakes to decorate. Enjoy!

Note: Store cupcakes in refrigerator.

*Using a mini-cupcake tin, I also made minis, baking for 13-16 minutes.
**Mechanical pastry bags don’t work with this filling. Trust me. I tried it. I ended up with marshmallow filling just about everywhere.

Graduation

Gone are the days of forcing you to play hide and seek with us big kids so we wouldn’t get in trouble for playing it in the house.

Gone are the days of dressing you up in full 80s regalia for an impromptu photo shoot.

Gone are the days of fighting over Mario Paint, Sonic the Hedgehog or whatever other video games were on the menu that day.

But most importantly, gone are the days of high school because today you are a graduate.

Congrats again little brother!

The One With the Round Things

Husby and I are walking home after dinner with friends:

[In one large gesture, Husby swoops his hand up and squeezes my boob. Our friends giggle.]

H.I.T., slapping his hand away: Husby!?!

Husby: What?!

H.I.T.: Urgh…

Girl Friend: It’s OK. I like round things too.

H.I.T.: Sigh.

[more giggles]

Bathing Suit Plunge

In middle school if you developed early, girls called you names, and if you developed late or were barely developed, boys teased you. I fell in the latter category. So when our 8th grade trip came around, and required a bathing suit, I donned my usual – a sporty one-piece.

But that year, I received the best piece of advice from the most unexpected person.

She was popular. I was not. She was curvy. I was not. We were both changing into our suits and she was looking in the mirror, oozing self confidence. She looked at me and said, “You’ve got to flaunt what you’ve got.”

Most people would assume she was talking about herself. She was the type of girl 8th grade boys drooled over. But in that small exchange, I knew what she was telling me.

Who cares what other people think!

It was time I began wearing suits that flattered my figure. The following weekend, I headed to the GAP and bought my first bikini. I’ve worn them every summer since.

Now, bikinis are all the rage. Step into the bathing suit section in any department store and bikinis out number one-pieces, 5:1. Except, once again, I’m finding myself in that in-between stage. My body is changing. I’m getting older. I’ve gained weight. But most importantly, I just don’t feel my best in that teeny tiny bikini anymore.

So after much internal debate, I took the plunge.

I bought a one-piece. And I didn’t buy just one – I bought two. Because, hey, you’ve got to flaunt what you’ve got!

Cosabella

Trina Turk

Champagne Vegas Dreams

This weekend, Husby is headed to

This little jaunt out west with all his friends is just an excuse to gamble and drink. A lot.

So we made a deal.

He can spend $XX and I can buy

Anne Fontaine is hosting its semi-annual sale. I think it’s a pretty good deal, don’t you?

I also plan to drink some

While watching

After my Roman Holiday, I’ve been itching to add a little more Holly Golightly into my life.

I’ll also be having a glass in celebration of receiving

Thank you Amy, Mrs. Shu, T, and Nicole!! You’re all fairly new readers/subscribers and I can’t tell you how much it means to me to receive this from you all. Thank you! These women are fabulous writers and I quickly added them to my daily read list – you should too.

Caveat for this award? Telling you 10 things you don’t know about me. Hmm…

1. I don’t own a scale and refuse to buy one.
2. I know if I’ve gained/lost weight because my clothes stop fitting.
3. I have really bad allergies.
4. So much so, that I see my allergist every month.
5. Fortunately, I’m not allergic to food.
6. But I am allergic to cats, dogs, horses, etc.
7. Last week I painted my nails Punchy Pink (Essie color).
8. I felt like my nail polish was cooler than me.
9. I am super clumsy and always walk into things.
10. I normally find a way to blame Husby (if your arm wasn’t there, I wouldn’t have had to contort my body to get up, causing me to hit my elbow!)

And I’m passing this on to my 10 newest followers*:

Jen from a modern move
Miss Anne from Indefinitely Definite
The Eubanks from Preppy Haze
Amber from Life As We Know It
SEC from Summer Wind
Cloggsy from English Tea
Kristine from Kristine St Clair
Ariel & Karen from Beaututes
Christina from These Are A Few Of Christina’s Favorite Things
KC from The Adventures of Kelly and Jared

Enjoy your weekend!

*Some of you don't have a public profile or blog, so I passed this on to everyone who does.

Perplexing Complexion

Puberty wasn’t very hard for me. My body didn’t drastically change. Sure, I sprouted several inches taller and added a few bumps to my lady humps, but all in all, it was a breeze. Even my skin complied with all the new hormones surging through my body. Sure I had the lone pimple that would inevitably pop up once a month, but otherwise my skin was clear.

During college, a sorority sister once complimented me on my “dewy complexion.” She wondered how my skin retained its smooth, youthful vibrancy. Even the first few years of stressful employment and late nights didn’t deter my glowing appearance.

So when I stopped taking the birth control pill, I expected nothing to happen, because that is pretty much par for the course.

Boy was I wrong.

All those years of hormone regulation created what I like to call “what the f*kc” complexion syndrome. My complexion is perplexed. It doesn’t know which way is up or down.

Now before my overly dramatic self continues, I should explain. It’s not that bad. If you Google “acne” or go on any derm site, the photos are nowhere near what my skin looks like. But please understand, for someone who has never dealt with pimples, it’s hard to suddenly have them appear…in groups. I miss my lone ranger.

My self esteem is shattered.

I hate going to the gym…unless I put make-up on first, which just seems silly. I hate going to the beach or pool…unless I put make-up on first, which will just slide off. And I hate putting make-up on…because I know that ultimately I am just making my skin worse, and let’s be honest, who wants to get up close and personal with a red, inflamed face?

According to my dermatologists (I’ve seen a few), this is a rising trend among women my age. They seem to think it’s because of the new wave of birth control pills readily available to combat acne (Yasmin, Yaz, Orthro Tri-Cyclen). The main problem is that once women reach their late 20s/early 30s they begin thinking about having children, talk to their doctor and go off the birth control pill.

Herein lays the problem.

Dermatologists say that women have to be waned off the birth control pill, instead of abruptly stopping, in order to keep our hormones in check. Otherwise you end up with “what the f*kc” complexion syndrome.

Thanks for the heads up, doc!

My biggest problem, though? Not being able to use any type of OTC or aggressive creams, like Retin-A, to clear up. As a woman who is trying to conceive, my options are extremely limited in what I can put on my face - glycolic acid pads (heaven) and topical erythromycin (worthless).

We’re praying everything goes back to normal whenever we begin expecting. But until then, please excuse my battle wounds. Life is tough for a 20-something trying to conceive.

Drum Roll...

And the winner of the Birthday Giveaway is...


Suspense...


Suspense...


Suspense...

Mrs. Rotty!!

1. Lilly Pulitzer Luncheon Napkins (in Taboo) – who doesn’t love a fun napkin?
2. Lilly Pulitzer Stuck On You Sticky Notes (in Animal Crackers) – I heart the “I would just die if I forget to…” sticky notes
3. Godiva Chocolatier Limited Edition Truffles – chocolate yum.
4. Essie Nail Polish (in Boat House) – perfect tootsie color.
5. Essie Nail Polish (in Pachinko Pale) – the best nude color. ever. Ballet Slippers has nothing on this.
6. Lady Primrose Travel Candle – candles make any hotel better.
7. Swoozie Koozie (in Oh, Pool Boy I’ll Have Another) – to keep your drink cold. Duh.
8. Etsy jewelry piece of choice - because handmade is the new black.

Congrats again to Mrs. Rotty! And thank you to everyone who participated. Real post tomorrow and I promise to catch up with all you bloggies. I'm out of the city for my brother's prom *tear*.

Another Giveaway?!?!

Just as my Birthday Giveaway is ending (11:59 p.m. tonight is the deadline), the Fabulously Frugal extraordinaire is hosting her own Favorite Things Giveaway Bonanza!

In case you need motivation, here is a photo featuring the goods:


So quick, head over there, and if you really love me, you'll tell her A NYC Housewife-in-Training sent you (it gives you and me one extra entry a piece :)

Good luck bloggies!

The One With the Card

On our way home from house hunting, Husby and I stop by to see my father.

[passing my dad a card]

Dad: What’s this?

H.I.T.: Well…we felt bad that we didn’t get it in the mail in time…and um, I didn’t want you to get it on Monday…so… we decided to give you the card in person.

[Husby gives me an encouraging nod]

Dad: For what?

H.I.T.: Dad!?!?! For Father’s Day!! [I hug my dad] Happy Father’s Day!

[Husby hugs my dad]

Husby: Happy Father’s Day!

Dad: H.I.T., Father’s Day is in two weeks...

[Husby and I look at each other]

H.I.T.: I guess we know why your dad was so quiet now.

Parental Diagnosis

For the past two weeks, I’ve been a zombie.

I’m sleeping like crazy. I pass out at 10 p.m. and don’t wake up until 9 a.m. Sometimes I even fall asleep during the day. It’s like my eyes won’t stay open.

Now before you even say what you’re thinking…I’m NOT pregnant. Trust me on this one folks.

But I was beginning to get a bit worried. I mean, I’m losing 3-5 hours of every day. When’s a girl supposed to get stuff done? And caffeine? Not. helping. one. bit. So what did I do?

I complained to my parents.

H.I.T.: Dad!

Dad: Hi H.I.T., how are you?

H.I.T.: Fine. [sigh]

Dad: What’s wrong?

H.I.T.: Nothing. It’s just…I can’t stop sleeping! The minute my head hits the pillow, I’m passed out and staying that way for a good 11 hours.

Dad: Are you going to bed late?

H.I.T.: No! That’s the thing! I’m going to bed early – like 9 or 10 o’clock.

Dad: Maybe you have an iron deficiency. Are you anemic?

H.I.T.: [lightbulb] Huh?! Yes! I am!

Dad: Well there you go… Why don’t you pick up an iron supplement?

H.I.T.: Thanks Dad! I’ll let you know if it helps.

Of course it makes total sense now. I ran out of my multivitamin a few weeks ago and haven't picked it up yet. And, on our way home from Italy, I walked into an arm rest on the airplane and ended up with a massive bruise and robin’s egg. The bruise and bump are still there. Two weeks later. By the looks of it, you would think I was running through the aisles like a two year old with cabin fever.

It’s not that I’m dependent on my parents. I’m not. I haven’t been for quite some time now. But, for me, there are some things only parents can do. Like diagnose my sleeping patterns. And I will always call them during those times of need.

Don't Forget To Enter My Birthday Giveaway!

Contest ends Tuesday, June 9th at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Cheers To Christmas Gadgets

It’s no secret that we love wine.

A couple of Christmases ago, Husby received a wine-themed present from my parents – wine of the month membership, a Robert Parker book, and this:


No, it’s not what you think. Get your mind out of the gutter! It’s a combination wine and champagne saver from Presorvac.

Naturally we opened it, placed it on top of our wine fridge and plugged it in, but never used it. We finish what we open, no matter how many of us are drinking. We just never needed to.

Until this week.

See, I love champagne. Husby will enjoy one glass while celebrating, but never more. Normally we keep splits in the house, but our local wine shop recently sold out stopped selling them for some reason. So on my birthday we opened a full bottle in the morning, knowing that I would be the only one drinking.

Hmmm…

Last year, that wouldn’t have posed an issue, but this year? My tolerance is like a freshman. In high school. Yes, high school. After two drinks I’m toast.

We didn’t want to waste an entire bottle, so we decided to pull out our Presorvac instructions. One second later, we were putting on the special champagne topper and preserving the pressure of our opened bottle. It was like magic. We put the bottle away.

Three mornings later…

I opened the bottle for a teeny mimosa, expecting the worst. Low and behold, my delicious champagne was in tack and I was well on my way to tipsiness. Now that is perfection.

And the Bad Blogger Award Goes To…

Me!

I’ve had these awards for a couple of weeks now (sorry ladies!), so thank you, thank you, thank you to:

Simply Me for the Most Wonderful Favorite Award. Keeps it real, writing about her daily adventures and fashion finds (hello Mykonos dinnerware set!).


Trixie for the Adorable Blog Award. This girl oozes funny and writes about things that are relatable (UPS Spy Camera, anyone?).


Semi-Slacker Mom for the Premio MEME Award! This mom of three keeps up with the best of them (I’ll take my cue from A Thousand Word Thursday – “I love you like myself”).


List 7 Personality Traits

1. I am a classic Gemini.
2. I’m a book worm.
3. I can dance the night away.
4. I love spending time with family and friends.
5. I need alone time.
6. I laugh when people fall.
7. I do not laugh when I fall.

And pass it on to 8 people…as many bloggers as I’d like…7 people…

because it’s my birthday week, I’m giving ALL these awards to my fabulous followers. What’s the point of being a bad blogger if you don’t break the rules?!

Some last pieces of business…Life of a Busy Wife is hosting an über preppy giveaway for her 200th post. You can enter. here. If you do, please, please, please say that I sent you. I get extra entries. I'm a sucker for giveaways.

For all you mommies and aunts, Really Are You Serious is hosting a Tot Clock giveaway. I entered on behalf of my sister. You can enter by visiting here.

A Fun Do

After a day of mimosas, flowers and pampering, Husby made me dinner last night.

We had fondue.

As in, I really cooked my own dinner, but we pretended that he cooked the whole thing. I also got to pick up the groceries for said dinner and make the mashed potatoes. So what did Husby make?

The dipping sauces for our meat!

When we fondue, we have filet mignon (or strip steak), cook it in peanut oil, and serve it with three sauces. Husby made each sauce (with little or no help from me). And he cleaned everything up after dinner. A real treat indeed.

We ate way too much food and drank way too much wine – the perfect birthday. Our only problem? We were too full for birthday dessert – a freshly delivered Joe's Stone Crab Key Lime Pie (thanks Mom!)!

H.I.T. Arsenal Recipe #9: Pam’s Three Fondue Sauces

Red Sauce – Husby’s favorite

1 cup Ketchup
½ tsp Dry mustard
1 TBS Brown sugar
2 TBS Vinegar
6 TBS butter (or margarine)

Directions:

1. Combine first four ingredients in a sauce pan and cook on low heat. Once combined, add butter, stirring constantly. Serve warm.

Brown Consumé – My favorite

2 TBS Butter
2 TBS Flour
2/3 cup Beef consumé (available in canned soup aisle near broths – Campbells makes it)
1 TBS Worcestershire
½ cup Mushrooms, finely chopped
½ cup sour cream

Directions:

1. In saucepan, melt butter. Add flour and stir to create a paste.
2. Once in paste form, add consumé, stirring continuously until well combined. Add worcestershire and mushrooms, stirring to combine.
3. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, until thick.
4. Remove from heat and pour into serving bowl. Stir in sour cream. Serve immediately.

Cucumber Sauce – No one’s favorite, but still delish

6 oz Cream Cheese, at room temp
2 TBS Milk
½ cup Cucumber, finely chopped
1 TBS Onion, finely chopped
¼ tsp Cumin
½ tsp Salt

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients. Serve slightly cooler than room temp.

Reason #1,000,001 Why Google Sucks

It's not that I don't love you anymore. Google is deleting my comments (or pretending that I don't exist, but I prefer to ignore the latter) and has been since last week.

Until further notice, if your comment section is embedded beneath your post, Google will not let me (and possibly others) comment. I've tried again and again, but it's just not working. I don't even know how to complain.

I'll keep reading because I love you all and hate to miss even a day's post, and will even try to comment still, but if I'm not popping up in your comment section it's because Google hates me has some new bug that they don't know about and have yet to fix.

Edited to add:

Want to know if your blog is one of the sites I (and possibly others) can't comment on?

In your Settings tab, under Comments, look for "Comment Form Placement." If "Embedded below post" is chosen, I can't comment on your site. I am not having problems with the other two options.

Is this affecting anyone else or does Google only hate me?

Birthday Giveaway

I love birthdays. Ever since I was little I’ve loved them. I’ve even gotten jealous when it wasn’t my birthday. Surprise, surprise.

Growing up in my house, birthday’s meant the whole day was about you. You would wake up to your entire room decorated with streamers and balloons. Your birthday presents sitting in a pile on the floor beckoning you to open them. Your family would come in, singing Happy Birthday. When you walked outside of your room, there would be a HUGE birthday sign, covering the entire wall, wishing you a Happy Birthday. You could sit in the front seat with no arguments from siblings. Dinner was your choice. So was the cake, even if no one else liked the flavors you chose (chocolate cake with chocolate frosting).

Birthdays are the stuff of dreams.

As I’ve gotten older, a little has changed, but not much. Within the first hour of my day, I’ve spoken to my entire family and have had Happy Birthday sung to me numerous times. Dinner and dessert are still my choice. The only difference? Instead of waking up to decorations and a HUGE happy birthday sign, I’m waking up to this:

Because that’s just how I birthday.

Today I am 28 25. I have over 100 followers and over 100 posts. Because I know you all love presents as much as I do (hint, hint), I’m hosting a Favorite Things Giveaway!

So, what’s it to you?

1. Lilly Pulitzer Luncheon Napkins (in Taboo) – who doesn’t love a fun napkin?
2. Lilly Pulitzer Stuck On You Sticky Notes (in Animal Crackers) – I heart the “I would just die if I forget to…” sticky notes
3. Godiva Chocolatier Limited Edition Truffles – chocolate yum.
4. Essie Nail Polish (in Boat House) – perfect tootsie color.
5. Essie Nail Polish (in Pachinko Pale) – the best nude color. ever. Ballet Slippers has nothing on this.
6. Lady Primrose Travel Candle – candles make any hotel better.
7. Swoozie Koozie (in Oh, Pool Boy I’ll Have Another) – to keep your drink cold. Duh.

And finally, what’s not shown:

8. Your choice of one of the following from Etsy – because handmade is the new black.

I Want Candy - Necklace by Eclectic Orchid

OR


The Merchant of Venice - Earrings by Eclectic Orchid

OR


Creamy Summer Buttery Pearls - Bracelet by Purely Elegant

For your first entry, leave a comment and become a follower (or let me know you’re already a follower).

For additional entries (please leave an additional comment for each extra entry!!!!):

- Add my button to your blog and tell me where to find it
- Subscribe to my blog/feed
- Twitter/tweet about this giveaway and leave the link to your tweet
- For 3 extra entries post about this giveaway on your blog, linking back to this post (comment 3 times with the word "post")

The rules:
*I must have a way to reach you, by either enabling e-mail through blogger or leaving your e-mail in the comment.
*Winners are chosen by random.org, so make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!!!
*Winner has 48 hours to contact me, or another winner will be chosen.
*Contest ends Tuesday, June 9th at 11:59 p.m. EST. Winner will be posted on Wednesday, June 10th.
*Only open to U.S. residents.
*Rules for each entry must be followed to be valid.

I promise to catch up on my blog reading tomorrow lovelies. I’m out to enjoy the beautiful weather and my birthday! Good luck!

Summer Loving

As much as I love New York City, I can’t stand summer in the city. The air is stale, the weather hot and the only people left walking around are tourists.

We used to rent a house in the Hamptons with our friends, but stopped after last year. It was just too expensive to have to sit in traffic for 3 hours in order to get there. And, let’s face it, we’re not quite the helicopter set.

Instead, we decided to use the money we saved by not renting to go on small weekend trips around the area – Block Island, Nantucket, Newport, and of course, the Hamptons.

Sounds great, right? Except that is only 4 weekends worth of trips and there are a lot more than 4 weekends in the summer. More than one heat-wave infested weekend was spent wallowing away in our apartment last year. Once, we ventured out to Central Park only to stand up and leave half an hour into our experiment. We were dripping sweat.

This weekend marked our first weekend home for the summer. After spending the last three nights with the in-laws, I was ready to high-tail it out of there politely requested we spend Sunday at our apartment in the city. It was a beautifully sunny day with a high of 78 and the in-laws were taking out there boat.

Husby was NOT happy.

H.I.T., floundering to find an excuse: I just want to spend time with you...

Husby, turning redder and redder: Fine. We will spend every weekend in the city and away from my parents so you can spend time with me.

H.I.T., shocked, surprised, relieved: Really?

Husby, about to blow a casket: !?!%$%!?!

H.I.T., quick as a whistle: What I meant was, really, Husby?! You’re taking this a bit far aren’t you? I just said I wanted to spend today with you since we spent the past three days with other people.

Husby, returning to normal coloring: Oh.

H.I.T., smoothly: Yeah.

Husby, calmed down: OK. Want to go to Central Park?

H.I.T., defeated: Fine. [Mumbling: I should have let you win…]

Next year we're renting again. Three hours of traffic be damned.