I am still at working, trying to get everything finished up before I head out for 10 days of vacation with The Husband and our little ones - Finn and Samson! We are heading up north for the week and we are super excited!
I hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July! Enjoy the warmth, the time off work, the celebration, the fireworks, and the time with friends and family :)
Showing posts with label Favorite Things. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Favorite Things. Show all posts
Friday, July 1, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
The Husband keeps saying "Winter's almost here!" I keep wanting to smack him. In my mind, Summer just got started and already he is talking about winter. Part of me thinks he is doing it just to irritate me :)
Either way, I do feel like Summer is speeding by without taking a breather and it makes me so sad! I can't believe it's almost July. We are heading up north for our yearly get away to Grand Lake and Cross Village and we arer SUPER excited! Both of us are looking forward to long days on the water, boating, the sandbar, exploring the small towns and just relaxing. This is one of my favorite weeks out of the whole year and I'm so glad I get to spend it with The Husband. Last year, he could only take a few days off for the 4th, so I continued to Cross Village on my own. However, this year he gets to join in ALL the fun! :)
Life in our household is still chaning day by day and we are anxious to get away and just enjoy each other, away from all the hustle and bustle (and stress) of our jobs. We both work long days and are pretty much dead to the world by the time we get to spend a few hours together at night. We can't wait to just relax and enjoy...
Either way, I do feel like Summer is speeding by without taking a breather and it makes me so sad! I can't believe it's almost July. We are heading up north for our yearly get away to Grand Lake and Cross Village and we arer SUPER excited! Both of us are looking forward to long days on the water, boating, the sandbar, exploring the small towns and just relaxing. This is one of my favorite weeks out of the whole year and I'm so glad I get to spend it with The Husband. Last year, he could only take a few days off for the 4th, so I continued to Cross Village on my own. However, this year he gets to join in ALL the fun! :)
Life in our household is still chaning day by day and we are anxious to get away and just enjoy each other, away from all the hustle and bustle (and stress) of our jobs. We both work long days and are pretty much dead to the world by the time we get to spend a few hours together at night. We can't wait to just relax and enjoy...
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Northern Michigan
I have, essentially, grown up in Northern Michigan. I was lucky enough to have two sets of grandparents who lived up there, on either side of the state. When I was younger, my family spent long periods of time up north. As a youngen, I loved it. As I got a little older (a tween, basically), it became more of a punishment. I just wanted to stay home and hang out with my friends. I missed so much while away and I felt out of the loop. Granted, I also spent large chunks of my childhood summers at sleepaway camp (a post for another day, but one word: LOVED!) but it was usually only a week at a time, so I never missed out on too much while at camp. However, I spent weeks at a time up north. Once I hit the 8th grade, though, I was hooked. Line and sinker! I seriously fell in love with it up there. So much so that I spent three summers up there in high school and before college working at a pretty well-known landmark/restaurant. I lived with my grandma (my grandpa from my mom's side passed away in 1985) and spent my days working or at the beach and my nights at parties and bonfires. I even dreamed about getting married up in this small village, in front of a cross on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.
Cross Village Beach - Cross Village, MI
My other grandparents lived on a beautiful lake near Presque Isle. We always spent the 4th of July there, with all my aunts, uncles and cousins. We spent our days boating, floating and water skiing. We would take my grandparent's pontoon (affectionately named "SuJeHoMiErRoAmCo," the first two letters of their grandchildren's names from oldest to youngest) down to the sandbar. The kids would swim (under the boat!) and play while the parents tanned, talked and enjoyed adult beverages. When this grandfather passed away in 1989, my grandmother had to sell the home and move away. Not only did I lose my grandpa, but I lost this wonderful place.
On our dock, looking at Three Sisters Island in the distance (Grand Lake)
Big Island in Grand Lake - Presque Isle, Michigan
The Husband also had grandparents who lived up north. They weren't as far north as my family, but he was still able to experience this part of Michigan that no one else, except Michiganders (Michiganians?), can even begin to understand.
My grandmas are now both in their 90s (92 and 95 to be exact) and one is still living up north (during the spring/summer/early fall) in the same small town and the same house. She loves it up there as much as I do and hates it when she has to move down state for the winter. Now that I am an adult and no longer have the summers off, I realize just how lucky I am to have had these wonderful experiences and places to visit. Before, when I hated being away from my friends for such long periods of time, now I absolutely yearn for those days again. I would give anything to be able to pack up my car and head north for the summer. Sure, I get up there from time to time, usually on holiday weekends. It's a long drive (4.5 hours to each place, basically) so it's difficult to go up on a regular weekend. Even so, it's not the same.
Northern Michigan is an amazing, addicting place. The pace of life is so much different then it is down state. Up there, we can take our time and enjoy the lazy days. The Husband and I are constantly talking about our "one day," when we have our own cottage on the water and how we want our own family to continue this tradition. I am heading up there this weekend for the first time this season and I can't wait! Kid Rock sure had it right when he wrote "Summertime in Northern Michigan." There really is nothing else like it!
About five or six years ago, my aunt and uncle bought a cottage up on the beautiful lake, just down the road from my other grandparent's old house. I was so excited to be there again and I rediscovered my love for this place and for being on/in/near the water. I am again spending my 4th of July's at this same wonderous place, year after year. Except now I am the adult who is tanning, talking and enjoying adult beverages at the sandbar.
Cross Village Beach - Cross Village, MI
My other grandparents lived on a beautiful lake near Presque Isle. We always spent the 4th of July there, with all my aunts, uncles and cousins. We spent our days boating, floating and water skiing. We would take my grandparent's pontoon (affectionately named "SuJeHoMiErRoAmCo," the first two letters of their grandchildren's names from oldest to youngest) down to the sandbar. The kids would swim (under the boat!) and play while the parents tanned, talked and enjoyed adult beverages. When this grandfather passed away in 1989, my grandmother had to sell the home and move away. Not only did I lose my grandpa, but I lost this wonderful place.
On our dock, looking at Three Sisters Island in the distance (Grand Lake)
Big Island in Grand Lake - Presque Isle, Michigan
The Husband also had grandparents who lived up north. They weren't as far north as my family, but he was still able to experience this part of Michigan that no one else, except Michiganders (Michiganians?), can even begin to understand.
My grandmas are now both in their 90s (92 and 95 to be exact) and one is still living up north (during the spring/summer/early fall) in the same small town and the same house. She loves it up there as much as I do and hates it when she has to move down state for the winter. Now that I am an adult and no longer have the summers off, I realize just how lucky I am to have had these wonderful experiences and places to visit. Before, when I hated being away from my friends for such long periods of time, now I absolutely yearn for those days again. I would give anything to be able to pack up my car and head north for the summer. Sure, I get up there from time to time, usually on holiday weekends. It's a long drive (4.5 hours to each place, basically) so it's difficult to go up on a regular weekend. Even so, it's not the same.
Northern Michigan is an amazing, addicting place. The pace of life is so much different then it is down state. Up there, we can take our time and enjoy the lazy days. The Husband and I are constantly talking about our "one day," when we have our own cottage on the water and how we want our own family to continue this tradition. I am heading up there this weekend for the first time this season and I can't wait! Kid Rock sure had it right when he wrote "Summertime in Northern Michigan." There really is nothing else like it!
About five or six years ago, my aunt and uncle bought a cottage up on the beautiful lake, just down the road from my other grandparent's old house. I was so excited to be there again and I rediscovered my love for this place and for being on/in/near the water. I am again spending my 4th of July's at this same wonderous place, year after year. Except now I am the adult who is tanning, talking and enjoying adult beverages at the sandbar.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
My Favorite Things: Kate Spade Handbags
I LOVE handbags! Like shoes, they can really add to an outfit. Also like shoes, they fit everyone. I am not a size 2 girl - I'm not even a size 10 girl - but all handbags fit me. Handbags do not discriminate to the thin-challenged and that's why I love them. While I've always lusted after Prada, Chanel or Balenciaga, they are definitely way out of my price range. While I keep the hope alive that I will one day own a bag of that stature, nowadays I keep more to Coach, Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors. For the last few years, I've been really into Kate Spade. She makes Timeless, amazing bags with great patterns and bright colors. Here are some of my current favorites:
Cornelia Street Noel Stevie - I have always loved, loved, loved the Noel pattern. Have seriously lusted after it since seeing a handbag my friend carried many years ago. This gorgeous bag has the Noel pattern, but it is sparkly! The material has a gorgeous sheen to it that totally dresses up this bag. Plus, it's roomier and the handles are long enough to be either a handbag or be carried on your shoulder. Love it!
Splodge Dot Small Seraphine - Love everything about this bag! Love the pattern, love the material, love the grosgrain ribbon handles and bow. I saw this bag in Nordstrom's over the weekend and just fell in complete lust. It's a great subsitute for a basic black bag for the fall and winter. Plus, the nylon material makes it easier to take care of. Nordstrom's also had it in purple and it was just as gorgeous.
La Casita Ginnifer - This bright, over the shoulder hobo bag is to die for! Not only is it roomy enough for your day to day needs, but it also makes a great travel bag. Lots of interior and exterior pockets to store the essentials. The bag is made from a smooth leather and also comes in Kiwi, a gorgeous shade of green. One of the best parts about this bag is the brightly colored striped material used for the interior, making this bag just as fun on the inside as it is on the outside!
Foiled Again Allana - This is a brand spanking new bag and I have to say...GORGE!!! I am so taken with the shiny silver (and black and bronze)! It's got a lightweight snake-embossed metallic that injects a shot of vibrancy into an anything-but-basic tote.
Pitrizzia Dot Louis - Sporting bright polka dots on slub linen on the outside, a bright yellow inside, and bold patten leather handles, this bag really shines in the summer! It's a perfect grab and go bag, but can also be used for work or nights out. The open top closure is perfect to keep everything you need close at hand.This bag also comes with a black/mocha dot pattern, but I don't really care for those colors against the linen.
Night Sky Large Tote - While a bit large, this bag seems to be the perfect addition to any night on the town or wedding. The sequins and bow really dress it up and it would partner great with many evening outfits.
Grosgrain Plisse Priti - yes, another black bag. However, this one is just so darn cute! As the website says: this slim tote strikes a charming balance between practical and feminine, making it equally ideal for a saturday shopping or an evening when a clutch just won't do.
I actually own this bag and absolutely adore it! The grosgrain ribbon ruffles gives such an awesome twist to the basic black bag and I have received so many compliments. The light gold chain straps with cracked patten leather handles gives the bag a nice feel, without being too heavy. There is also cracked patten leather trim around the top of the bag. The inside has a creme cotton or linen material embossed with gold metallic dots. Gorgeous!
Bow Regard Maryanne - This beautiful bag is made with metallic leather and is accented with a grosgrain ribbon bow (again with the bow...I never realized I was such a fan). The longer handles allow you to either place it over the shoulder or carry it satchel style. Grosgrain ribbon is intwined throughout the light gold chain straps and the handles are also metallic leather. The inside is a congrasting light color with metallic gold dots, just like the Grosgrain Plisse Priti. It's a roomy bag, allowing you to carry all your essentials with you.
So friends, that's just a...um...few of my favorite current Kate Spade bags. I am in the process of deciding between the silver Foiled Again Allana. the La Casita Ginnifer and the black Splodge Dot Small Seraphine. Seriously, what's a girl to do?!?
Cornelia Street Noel Stevie - I have always loved, loved, loved the Noel pattern. Have seriously lusted after it since seeing a handbag my friend carried many years ago. This gorgeous bag has the Noel pattern, but it is sparkly! The material has a gorgeous sheen to it that totally dresses up this bag. Plus, it's roomier and the handles are long enough to be either a handbag or be carried on your shoulder. Love it!
Splodge Dot Small Seraphine - Love everything about this bag! Love the pattern, love the material, love the grosgrain ribbon handles and bow. I saw this bag in Nordstrom's over the weekend and just fell in complete lust. It's a great subsitute for a basic black bag for the fall and winter. Plus, the nylon material makes it easier to take care of. Nordstrom's also had it in purple and it was just as gorgeous. 
La Casita Ginnifer - This bright, over the shoulder hobo bag is to die for! Not only is it roomy enough for your day to day needs, but it also makes a great travel bag. Lots of interior and exterior pockets to store the essentials. The bag is made from a smooth leather and also comes in Kiwi, a gorgeous shade of green. One of the best parts about this bag is the brightly colored striped material used for the interior, making this bag just as fun on the inside as it is on the outside!
Foiled Again Allana - This is a brand spanking new bag and I have to say...GORGE!!! I am so taken with the shiny silver (and black and bronze)! It's got a lightweight snake-embossed metallic that injects a shot of vibrancy into an anything-but-basic tote.
Pitrizzia Dot Louis - Sporting bright polka dots on slub linen on the outside, a bright yellow inside, and bold patten leather handles, this bag really shines in the summer! It's a perfect grab and go bag, but can also be used for work or nights out. The open top closure is perfect to keep everything you need close at hand.This bag also comes with a black/mocha dot pattern, but I don't really care for those colors against the linen.
Night Sky Large Tote - While a bit large, this bag seems to be the perfect addition to any night on the town or wedding. The sequins and bow really dress it up and it would partner great with many evening outfits.
Grosgrain Plisse Priti - yes, another black bag. However, this one is just so darn cute! As the website says: this slim tote strikes a charming balance between practical and feminine, making it equally ideal for a saturday shopping or an evening when a clutch just won't do.I actually own this bag and absolutely adore it! The grosgrain ribbon ruffles gives such an awesome twist to the basic black bag and I have received so many compliments. The light gold chain straps with cracked patten leather handles gives the bag a nice feel, without being too heavy. There is also cracked patten leather trim around the top of the bag. The inside has a creme cotton or linen material embossed with gold metallic dots. Gorgeous!
Bow Regard Maryanne - This beautiful bag is made with metallic leather and is accented with a grosgrain ribbon bow (again with the bow...I never realized I was such a fan). The longer handles allow you to either place it over the shoulder or carry it satchel style. Grosgrain ribbon is intwined throughout the light gold chain straps and the handles are also metallic leather. The inside is a congrasting light color with metallic gold dots, just like the Grosgrain Plisse Priti. It's a roomy bag, allowing you to carry all your essentials with you.So friends, that's just a...um...few of my favorite current Kate Spade bags. I am in the process of deciding between the silver Foiled Again Allana. the La Casita Ginnifer and the black Splodge Dot Small Seraphine. Seriously, what's a girl to do?!?
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Some favorite things
littlemissmatched Zany Tossed White Flip Flops
The Husband and I were visiting Disney World back in April with my family and we found this store at Downtown Disney West Side. It is the CUTEST store! They have rows and rows of socks in sets of 3 and they are all mismatched, yet somehow they all go together. You might get three white socks, but one might have polka dots, one might have stripes and the other might have zig zags, but they are all in the same colors so they totally go. They also have underwear, clothing, pajamas, accessories and all sorts of bags. I found these flip flops and instantly fell in love! Visit the website and you will find even more cute stuff - boots, bedding, clothing, and furniture. While there are no Little Miss Matched stores in my area, there is one store up north that carries some of her merchandise and I can't wait to visit when The Husband and I head up that way over the Fourth of July!
Yankee Candle Pumpkin Pie
I know some people detest Yankee Candle, but I love them. Sure, they are prices, but I try to buy them with coupons at Bed Bath and Beyond or when they are on sale. I really like that they come in a glass jar with a pretty silver lid. Sure, I could do without the picture on the front, but I can always turn it around so I can't see it :) I also feel like they last longer and burn pretty even. My favorite scents are Pumpkin Pie and Pumpkin Spice. I know these are fall scents, but I burn them all year long!
Old Navy Metallic Flip Flops
I wear flip flops most of the summer and am always looking for new styles and colors. Last year, I came across Old Navy Metallic Flip Flops and now find myself owning a pair in silver, black, gold and a steel gray color. They are awesome and a nice way to dress up my cute summer outfits.
Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap
I am such a fan of the Bath & Body works soap line. My favorite is the deep cleansing soap with the little microbeads in them. I wash my hands quite often throughout the day and I don't feel that this soap dries them out as much. Plus, my hands smell great when I'm washing them and after, too! They have a ton of scents, as well as different kinds of soaps (aromatherapy, foaming, moisturinzing, etc.) and I really do like all of them. My favorite scents are Kitchen Spice and Coconut Lime Verbena.
Coppertone Oil Free Sunblock
I have fairly white skin, but I wasn't always careful when in the sun. About 10 years ago, while in Florida, I was being extra idiotic and used an oil (with very low SPF) to tan and ended up with a awful rash - red, hot and itchy bumps. It came back that summer and I went to the dermatologist to get it checked out. Turns out it wasn't sun poisoning, but something else with a name I cannot remember now. Afterward, I always tried to be careful, but the rash kept coming back. Definitely not as bad as the first time, only in a few small places, but still, it was there. While vacationing in North Carolina one year, I noticed that the rash would all but disappear once I showered after a long day of sun and lots of sunblock. I came to the conclusion that the rash was being caused by clogged pores from all the oils in the lotions I was using! I discovered this sunblock and haven't used anything else since! The lotion is light, rubs in easily, and the bumbs haven't been back once. Results! I seriously love this stuff and stock up each summer. I believe it comes in SPF 15, 30 and 45.
The Husband and I were visiting Disney World back in April with my family and we found this store at Downtown Disney West Side. It is the CUTEST store! They have rows and rows of socks in sets of 3 and they are all mismatched, yet somehow they all go together. You might get three white socks, but one might have polka dots, one might have stripes and the other might have zig zags, but they are all in the same colors so they totally go. They also have underwear, clothing, pajamas, accessories and all sorts of bags. I found these flip flops and instantly fell in love! Visit the website and you will find even more cute stuff - boots, bedding, clothing, and furniture. While there are no Little Miss Matched stores in my area, there is one store up north that carries some of her merchandise and I can't wait to visit when The Husband and I head up that way over the Fourth of July!
Yankee Candle Pumpkin Pie
I know some people detest Yankee Candle, but I love them. Sure, they are prices, but I try to buy them with coupons at Bed Bath and Beyond or when they are on sale. I really like that they come in a glass jar with a pretty silver lid. Sure, I could do without the picture on the front, but I can always turn it around so I can't see it :) I also feel like they last longer and burn pretty even. My favorite scents are Pumpkin Pie and Pumpkin Spice. I know these are fall scents, but I burn them all year long!
Old Navy Metallic Flip Flops
I wear flip flops most of the summer and am always looking for new styles and colors. Last year, I came across Old Navy Metallic Flip Flops and now find myself owning a pair in silver, black, gold and a steel gray color. They are awesome and a nice way to dress up my cute summer outfits.
Bath & Body Works Anti-Bacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap
I am such a fan of the Bath & Body works soap line. My favorite is the deep cleansing soap with the little microbeads in them. I wash my hands quite often throughout the day and I don't feel that this soap dries them out as much. Plus, my hands smell great when I'm washing them and after, too! They have a ton of scents, as well as different kinds of soaps (aromatherapy, foaming, moisturinzing, etc.) and I really do like all of them. My favorite scents are Kitchen Spice and Coconut Lime Verbena.
Coppertone Oil Free Sunblock
I have fairly white skin, but I wasn't always careful when in the sun. About 10 years ago, while in Florida, I was being extra idiotic and used an oil (with very low SPF) to tan and ended up with a awful rash - red, hot and itchy bumps. It came back that summer and I went to the dermatologist to get it checked out. Turns out it wasn't sun poisoning, but something else with a name I cannot remember now. Afterward, I always tried to be careful, but the rash kept coming back. Definitely not as bad as the first time, only in a few small places, but still, it was there. While vacationing in North Carolina one year, I noticed that the rash would all but disappear once I showered after a long day of sun and lots of sunblock. I came to the conclusion that the rash was being caused by clogged pores from all the oils in the lotions I was using! I discovered this sunblock and haven't used anything else since! The lotion is light, rubs in easily, and the bumbs haven't been back once. Results! I seriously love this stuff and stock up each summer. I believe it comes in SPF 15, 30 and 45.
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