so long florida

I'm back from Miami already--my time there flew by! Unfortunately, I was pretty bad about documenting my trip and took hardly any pictures. My sister was in Florida for work, so she joined me and we had dinner at Gloria Estefan's restaurant in South Beach and enjoyed some salsa dancing and cuban music. All in all, it was a nice little getaway.

On another note, I am super excited to find out that singer Mat Kearney is coming out with a new album! His first album, Nothing Left To Lose, was phenomenal--it's one of my favorite albums. It's one that I can listen to all the way through without skipping a song--those are the best kind. I've been wondering when he's going to come out with a new album, and by random chance I just checked his website, and lo and behold! His new album, City of Black & White, comes out May 19th. I can't wait to hear all his new stuff!

miami

Just a few pictures from my day yesterday:

Yes, I got Blueberry gelato and scrumptious macarons. A mid-day treat!

greetings from Miami

I'm writing from beautiful Miami, where I'm here to attend a printing and graphics convention. I flew in yesterday to beautiful sunny skies and warm 70 degree weather! In between my sessions I'm hoping to enjoy the beach and the south beach restaurants and culture. I'll upload some pictures when I get a chance, but the internet in my hotel is not the most reliable.

I just heard Miami Herald humor columnist Dave Barry give the keynote address. If your not familiar with his work, you should definitely read some of his stuff. The guy is hilarious. I guarantee you'll be laughing!

More to come from Miami!

where the creative juices flow

Another colorful craft room from Better Homes & Gardens. One day I will have a room like this, with space to indulge in all my crafty endeavors.

and the oscar goes to...

Anyone watch the Oscars last night? I had it on while I was getting some stuff done, so was able to catch all the winners and fashions. Props to Hugh Jackman, who I thought made a great host and brought a breath of fresh, comedic air to the role. His musical numbers were great.

On to the fashions!

Anne Hathaway. Lovely, as always.

Amy Adams, looking ravishing in red and a to-die-for jewel collar.

Not quite sure why she was there, but she had one of the more fun, all out glamorous gowns of the night.

Taraji P. Henson's dress was beautiful and her diamond necklace was gorgeous! I love her hair too.

My favorite gown of the night was Marissa Tomei's unique silver pleated dress. That pleated train is amazing. The soft hair and accessories completed the look perfectly.

I love Kate Winslet--her hair and jewelry were fab. Not the biggest fan of the dress, but it stands out and her whole look was tres chic!


And now for the ice queen... would it kill Angelina to smile once in a while? I realized how cold she is when watching her on the red carpet. She and brad didn't give any reporters the time of day. They just kept walking and gave courtesy smiles as Tim Gunn came up to them gushing about how fabulous they were. Like they're so above everyone else. I loved her emerald drop earrings and ring, but the black dress was boring. And she looks like she's inconvenienced to be there. It's the Oscars, Angelina....smile for heaven's sake! She may be beautiful, but watching her last night made me realize how she's really rather dull...


Highlights of the show were Hugh Jackman's opening number and other musical acts. The bit with Anne Hathaway was great, and girl can sing!

This segment was so funny. Ben Stiller's impression of Joaquin Phoenix brought the laughs.

And Congratulations to Kate Winslet for winning Best Actress for her role in The Reader. She definitely deserved it. How great was it that during her acceptance speech, she asked her dad to whistle so that she could know where he was in the crowd, and then you heard this loud whistle and she got so excited and gave a big shout out. It was endearing.



All pictures from E! Online and The Oscars.

forgive me

I feel as though I have been a bad blogger lately with my short, sparse, infrequent posting. I apologize. I've had a lot on my mind lately. Transition is on the horizon.

Next week I'm headed to Miami for a Graphics of the Americas conference. I'm really looking forward to it. But I promise to get back on the blogger horse and have more frequent and interesting posts. I have big news that I can't wait to share!

Wishing everyone an enjoyable weekend!

Inn at Perry Cabin

The Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, Maryland is another one of those fabulous spots that I'd like to visit in my lifetime. Probably when I'm retired.






I heard somewhere that this is where they filmed part of the movie Wedding Crashers, but don't know if it's true or not.

tea party

I'm soooo ready for spring...


by Tom Palumbo via A Room Somewhere

for the engaged girls of charlotte

Speaking of David Yurman rings....check out this rock:


Me likes!


from David Yurman

charlotte likes david yurman

Had a nice four day weekend in Charlotte, but it's always hard to drive back (and away from Hunter) and return to the daily grind. There is some consolation in the fact that it's already Tuesday and only a four day work week. Still, it's back to traffic, metro rides, and work and I have 758 blog posts to read in my Google reader...oy!

This past weekend confirmed my observation that Charlotte is a big fan of David Yurman. Every time I go there, it seems like every girl I have met or talked to has a David Yurman ring on her finger or a bracelet on her wrist. It's uncanny. I think it may be a requirement to living in Charlotte. Professional young female = David Yurman jewelry.

I like it!







Rings that can be spotted on successful young women's fingers while in Charlotte all from David Yurman. Price is not even worth mentioning...

share the love

"Love is the irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired."
Mark Twain


"There is no remedy for love but to love more."
Henry David Thoreau


"All love is sweet, given or returned."
Percy Bysshe Shelley



Happy Valentine's Day to you all!

here's to a lovely weekend!

I used to not like Valentine's Day, mainly because it seemed I never got flowers and gifts when everyone else did. Now, not so much. I've actually been looking forward to Valentine's Day, mainly because I'll be spending it in Charlotte with my love.

I'm hittin' the road to visit Hunter. Wishing everyone a love-filled weekend!


picture and other funny sentiments from here

sweet treats

Some tempting sweet treats to make for Valentine's Day:

handwritten valentine cupcakes

heart pancakes

chocolate eclair hearts

mini heart-shaped cake

meringue heart ice-cream sandwiches

all from martha stewart...obvi

best vinaigrette ever

I discovered the best vinaigrette salad dressing when I made this cobb salad from Ellie Krieger on Food Network. It is so simple to make and yet so delicious. The taste of it has me craving salads...yes, craving salads!

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 small clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Simply whisk all these ingredients together in a small bowl and you've got yourself a tasty and healthy vinaigrette that dresses up those dull leafy greens.

Seriously, I just drizzle this over chopped romaine and baby spinach leaves and add nothing else to the salad and I'm still satisfied. It definitely makes it easier to eat healthier. Which, by the way, I've been doing really good at. I've dramatically cut out the sugar and the carbs (no cokes or Starbucks) and loaded up on healthy "anti-inflammatory" foods that are high in antioxidants (berries, salmon, greens, asparagus, macadamian nuts and almonds, green tea)....I've lost 8 pounds!!

Rodney Smith round two

I could never tire of looking at Rodney Smith's photographs.
















all images and thousands more from here