My mother Is Catholic and my father is Jewish - which means that I was one lucky kid who got to celebrate double the holidays while growing up!
So I hope those who celebrated Hanukkah earlier this month had a wonderful “eight crazy nights” (thanks Adam Sandler)!
And for those celebrating Christmas today – Feliz Navidad!
I hope everyone has a wonderful and happy holiday season surrounded by many family and friends.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Life is Precious
Why is it that we only reflect on how precious life is when we are reminded that it is fleeting?
Instead of relishing every day that we are given, too often we are instead consumed with the mundane and stresses of daily life.
This year has been all about self-discovery and pushing myself to Live Love Life Now™ but I still have a difficult time not obsessing over the things that I have no control over.
Today I was reminded that those worrisome things aren’t nearly as important as the health and love of my family and friends.
So tonight I set forth my goal to one day count my blessings more than what I wish were different in my life and to always live in the present and not in the future.
Instead of relishing every day that we are given, too often we are instead consumed with the mundane and stresses of daily life.
This year has been all about self-discovery and pushing myself to Live Love Life Now™ but I still have a difficult time not obsessing over the things that I have no control over.
Today I was reminded that those worrisome things aren’t nearly as important as the health and love of my family and friends.
So tonight I set forth my goal to one day count my blessings more than what I wish were different in my life and to always live in the present and not in the future.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Petition for Cats in the Workplace
For a Monday, today wasn’t so bad. In fact, I was kind of excited to get the day going.
Why you ask?
Because I remembered that I don’t have to work the next two Mondays! I start my holiday vacation on Wednesday so it’s a short two-day workweek for me and I am so excited!
And during my time off, I plan to take a cue from Wylie and Sami and get in a lot of catnaps.
I gotta rest up for 2011 after all – it’s going to be a BIG year, I can feel it!
Why you ask?
Because I remembered that I don’t have to work the next two Mondays! I start my holiday vacation on Wednesday so it’s a short two-day workweek for me and I am so excited!
And during my time off, I plan to take a cue from Wylie and Sami and get in a lot of catnaps.
I gotta rest up for 2011 after all – it’s going to be a BIG year, I can feel it!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Holiday Dresses, Christmas Trees & Gingerbread Houses: Part 3
After tree hunting, my boyfriend and I hosted our first Annual Gingerbread House Extravaganza.
And even though I didn’t know what to expect because I’d never made a gingerbread house before, I was still psyched to get started!
And yes, I can see where some might think this is a lame way to spend a Saturday night – but I swear it was so much fun! I mean the toppings alone were enough to convince me that this needed to become an annual tradition!
And our little gingerbread village turned out awesome – even though my boyfriend turned his into a XXX shop and my sister incorporated a decapitated gingerbread man in hers.
But I’m attributing these poor decisions – and the ridiculousness that ensued afterwards – to the massive sugar high we were on from the start!
And even though I didn’t know what to expect because I’d never made a gingerbread house before, I was still psyched to get started!
And yes, I can see where some might think this is a lame way to spend a Saturday night – but I swear it was so much fun! I mean the toppings alone were enough to convince me that this needed to become an annual tradition!
And our little gingerbread village turned out awesome – even though my boyfriend turned his into a XXX shop and my sister incorporated a decapitated gingerbread man in hers.
But I’m attributing these poor decisions – and the ridiculousness that ensued afterwards – to the massive sugar high we were on from the start!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Holiday Dresses, Christmas Trees & Gingerbread Houses: Part 2
On Saturday, I went hunting for the perfect Christmas tree.
What constitutes perfect you may ask? Well that’s actually a short list:
1) The perfect tree must be real
2) The perfect tree must be taller than me
3) The perfect tree can’t take up too much room
That last one is always hard for me to abide by though since I love nothing better than a big, rotund Christmas tree!
But this year, I tried my best to go for a skinnier tree that would allow us to move around our apartment with ease. Of course when we got it home and in the tree stand, I started bemoaning the fact that it wasn’t large enough.
But over the past week, it has grown on me and I’ve come to realize that it’s actually the perfect size for our petite home. Now we just need to finish decorating it!
What constitutes perfect you may ask? Well that’s actually a short list:
1) The perfect tree must be real
2) The perfect tree must be taller than me
3) The perfect tree can’t take up too much room
That last one is always hard for me to abide by though since I love nothing better than a big, rotund Christmas tree!
But this year, I tried my best to go for a skinnier tree that would allow us to move around our apartment with ease. Of course when we got it home and in the tree stand, I started bemoaning the fact that it wasn’t large enough.
But over the past week, it has grown on me and I’ve come to realize that it’s actually the perfect size for our petite home. Now we just need to finish decorating it!
Every outing turns into an impromptu photo shoot with my boyfriend
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Holiday Dresses, Christmas Trees & Gingerbread Houses: Part 1
This past weekend was so chock full of holiday festivities that it put me right in the Christmas spirit! And it all started off with my company’s holiday party on Friday night.
As usual, I headed to the mall the day before to find something to wear. Normally this stresses me out to no end, but I remained calm this year because I knew I had a few extra things in my closet that I could pull together in a pinch.
But truly I wanted to find something festive to wear, so I decided to try my luck at the mall during lunch.
And can you believe I actually found the perfect little black dress by Rachel Roy? I know, I was pretty shocked myself when I found it!
I felt so fancy the following night when I got all dressed up with my boyfriend. Which made me wonder, why don’t we do this more often?
Oh yeah, I only have the one dress.
As usual, I headed to the mall the day before to find something to wear. Normally this stresses me out to no end, but I remained calm this year because I knew I had a few extra things in my closet that I could pull together in a pinch.
But truly I wanted to find something festive to wear, so I decided to try my luck at the mall during lunch.
And can you believe I actually found the perfect little black dress by Rachel Roy? I know, I was pretty shocked myself when I found it!
I felt so fancy the following night when I got all dressed up with my boyfriend. Which made me wonder, why don’t we do this more often?
Oh yeah, I only have the one dress.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Procrastinating Christmas
With only ten days until Christmas, my intentions for this evening mainly consisted of working on my gift list and doing some online shopping.
Alas, I can barely keep my eyes open after a couple short nights and a busy day at work so the shopping will have to wait yet another day.
I guess there’s always room for improvement on the procrastination front!
Alas, I can barely keep my eyes open after a couple short nights and a busy day at work so the shopping will have to wait yet another day.
I guess there’s always room for improvement on the procrastination front!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Petition for Cats in the Workplace
Sami seeks retaliation In the second episode of “The Sami & Wylie Show”:
The Sami & Wylie Show: episode 2 from Jenn on Vimeo.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
It’s Not Old - It’s Vintage!
Over the past few years, my design style has slowly started to veer towards the vintage and eclectic.
And sourcing the perfect vintage find is akin to a treasure hunt for me and I’ve started to become a bit obsessed.
Unfortunately, there is a lack of vintage stores in my area so when the craving can’t be ignored I like to take a short road trip to Chartreuse & Co. in Frederick, MD for one of their monthly tag sales.
They have a great mix of old and new and I always go through their store twice in case I’ve missed anything on the first time through.
Below are some of the incredible finds I discovered a few weeks ago when I made the trek to their barn o’ treasures. While I didn’t have the money or space for most of these items, I couldn’t resist taking pictures to save for inspiration at a later date.
Chartreuse & Co.
4007A Buckeystown Pike
Frederick, MD 21704
(301) 874-1882
www.chartreuseandco.com
And sourcing the perfect vintage find is akin to a treasure hunt for me and I’ve started to become a bit obsessed.
Unfortunately, there is a lack of vintage stores in my area so when the craving can’t be ignored I like to take a short road trip to Chartreuse & Co. in Frederick, MD for one of their monthly tag sales.
They have a great mix of old and new and I always go through their store twice in case I’ve missed anything on the first time through.
Below are some of the incredible finds I discovered a few weeks ago when I made the trek to their barn o’ treasures. While I didn’t have the money or space for most of these items, I couldn’t resist taking pictures to save for inspiration at a later date.
This gorgeous metal console would make an amazing media cabinet. If only I’d had a grand burning a whole in my pocket…
If I could have found a spot in my apartment for this chair/stool, I would have bought it on the spot. Alas, I couldn’t...
SOLD! I have an obsession with vintage clocks and scales (basically anything with cool looking numbers) and this fit perfectly into my stovetop collection once I got home!
Chartreuse & Co.
4007A Buckeystown Pike
Frederick, MD 21704
(301) 874-1882
www.chartreuseandco.com
Monday, December 6, 2010
Petition for Cats in the Workplace
Do you ever wish that you could just call it a day when you’ve hit a wall at work?
Well I have and today was definitely one of those days.
It had me dreaming of telecommuting from my warm bed while wearing sweatpants and eating Cheetos.
And on these days, I like to think that Wylie and Sami are wishing I was on my way home early too…and that they are watching for me out the kitchen window.
Of course, in reality, they are simply slumbering the day away.
Just one more reason why sometimes I wish I were a cat.
Well I have and today was definitely one of those days.
It had me dreaming of telecommuting from my warm bed while wearing sweatpants and eating Cheetos.
And on these days, I like to think that Wylie and Sami are wishing I was on my way home early too…and that they are watching for me out the kitchen window.
Of course, in reality, they are simply slumbering the day away.
Just one more reason why sometimes I wish I were a cat.
Friday, December 3, 2010
I’ll Never Underestimate the Power of Heated Seats Again
This past week and a half has been bittersweet.
On one hand, I spent part of my Thanksgiving break going car shopping. On the other hand, I knew that it was because I had to get rid of my beloved car of ten years and embrace change.
Normally I would have procrastinated and drawn out the inevitable decision as long as possible, but the process was sped up by the fact that I no longer had a car to drive.
Fortunately, the process was made a lot easier by the fact that I went through it with my twin sister. Yup, somehow the universe necessitated that we needed to find new cars at the same exact time.
Sometimes it’s creepy being twins.
Long story short, we didn’t start out looking at the exact same car but that’s what we ended up with – matching 2011 VW Tiguan’s. We draw the line at matching colors though so she got black again and I got the ‘alpine’ gray.
Aside from the similarity in color, they are nothing like our old cars – I mean, technology has really changed in the last thirteen years! Two days in and I can already tell that I’m getting spoiled by:
• the seat warmers – ahhhh, how have I lived without you?!
• the hands free Bluetooth system – look mom, no hands!
• the iPod adaptor – see ya crappy iTrip!
• the remote entry – yes, no more fumbling in the dark for the keyhole!
I still can’t believe the car is mine to drive for the next three years! I almost feel unworthy to have such a cool car.
Of course, the only downside is that I have monthly payments again. But I’m not even obsessing over that anymore because the Tiguan is so fun to drive that I actually look forward to going to work in the morning…and that is priceless!
Here are a few snapshots of the new ride. It’s a good thing I like the VW logo because they put it everywhere!
On one hand, I spent part of my Thanksgiving break going car shopping. On the other hand, I knew that it was because I had to get rid of my beloved car of ten years and embrace change.
Normally I would have procrastinated and drawn out the inevitable decision as long as possible, but the process was sped up by the fact that I no longer had a car to drive.
Fortunately, the process was made a lot easier by the fact that I went through it with my twin sister. Yup, somehow the universe necessitated that we needed to find new cars at the same exact time.
Sometimes it’s creepy being twins.
Long story short, we didn’t start out looking at the exact same car but that’s what we ended up with – matching 2011 VW Tiguan’s. We draw the line at matching colors though so she got black again and I got the ‘alpine’ gray.
Aside from the similarity in color, they are nothing like our old cars – I mean, technology has really changed in the last thirteen years! Two days in and I can already tell that I’m getting spoiled by:
• the seat warmers – ahhhh, how have I lived without you?!
• the hands free Bluetooth system – look mom, no hands!
• the iPod adaptor – see ya crappy iTrip!
• the remote entry – yes, no more fumbling in the dark for the keyhole!
I still can’t believe the car is mine to drive for the next three years! I almost feel unworthy to have such a cool car.
Of course, the only downside is that I have monthly payments again. But I’m not even obsessing over that anymore because the Tiguan is so fun to drive that I actually look forward to going to work in the morning…and that is priceless!
Here are a few snapshots of the new ride. It’s a good thing I like the VW logo because they put it everywhere!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Inanimate Objects Are My Friends: Homage to My First Car
Ever since I was a little girl, I‘ve always had a strong connection with my belongings.
Case in point: while I innately knew that my stuffed animals weren’t real, I still believed that they had feelings. Therefore I was always careful not to pile them on top of each other (because that was disrespectful…and they couldn’t breathe) and I would rotate them often so none of them felt left out.
As I grew up and slowly moved the stuffed animals from my bed, I simply transferred my bond with inanimate objects to more grown up things…like my first car.
I can still remember the day I picked it up like it was yesterday because it was such a momentous event. See up until that point I had always fought for the use of the family car with my twin sister and the ‘sharing’ went on for four long years until we each bought our first cars.
And just like us they were also identical!
The cars were 1997 Nissan Altima’s that we bought used in 2000 and the only real difference was their color. Hers was black with a light fabric interior and mine was silver with a gray faux leather interior and a kick ass spoiler.
Over the years that car became a member of my family. It was with me when I graduated college. It helped me move home and then four more times since. It drove me on my first day to my first real job and hauled me back and forth long distance to see my boyfriend when we were living two hours apart for many years.
So I felt like a traitor when I recently had to say good-bye to my car after ten years of love and loyalty. But I couldn’t justify spending any more money to keep it safe when its value didn’t warrant the expensive repairs.
If only I lived in a house with a yard. I would have put that baby up on blocks and gazed on it adoringly forever!
Case in point: while I innately knew that my stuffed animals weren’t real, I still believed that they had feelings. Therefore I was always careful not to pile them on top of each other (because that was disrespectful…and they couldn’t breathe) and I would rotate them often so none of them felt left out.
As I grew up and slowly moved the stuffed animals from my bed, I simply transferred my bond with inanimate objects to more grown up things…like my first car.
I can still remember the day I picked it up like it was yesterday because it was such a momentous event. See up until that point I had always fought for the use of the family car with my twin sister and the ‘sharing’ went on for four long years until we each bought our first cars.
And just like us they were also identical!
The cars were 1997 Nissan Altima’s that we bought used in 2000 and the only real difference was their color. Hers was black with a light fabric interior and mine was silver with a gray faux leather interior and a kick ass spoiler.
Over the years that car became a member of my family. It was with me when I graduated college. It helped me move home and then four more times since. It drove me on my first day to my first real job and hauled me back and forth long distance to see my boyfriend when we were living two hours apart for many years.
So I felt like a traitor when I recently had to say good-bye to my car after ten years of love and loyalty. But I couldn’t justify spending any more money to keep it safe when its value didn’t warrant the expensive repairs.
If only I lived in a house with a yard. I would have put that baby up on blocks and gazed on it adoringly forever!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Do Fan Clubs Exist for Blogs?
While I make attempts to come up with witty post headers and whatnot, I have just met my comedic match – and then SOME!
If you have not already discovered Hyperbole and a Half (seriously the funniest blog on the internet) then I am happy to be the one to share it with you!
The blog is the brainchild of Allie Brosh and each post is funnier than the last. I have no idea how she does it…but it kind of makes me want to hate her for it. I mean it’s just not fair that she’s that funny and clever ALL the time. Even when she’s trying to lower the bar she’s more hilarious than I am on my best day.
So hats off to you Allie! Even though I’m super jealous of your amazing, mad writing skills, I’m just happy that your blog exists to brighten my day!
If you have not already discovered Hyperbole and a Half (seriously the funniest blog on the internet) then I am happy to be the one to share it with you!
The blog is the brainchild of Allie Brosh and each post is funnier than the last. I have no idea how she does it…but it kind of makes me want to hate her for it. I mean it’s just not fair that she’s that funny and clever ALL the time. Even when she’s trying to lower the bar she’s more hilarious than I am on my best day.
So hats off to you Allie! Even though I’m super jealous of your amazing, mad writing skills, I’m just happy that your blog exists to brighten my day!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Petition for Cats in the Workplace
Today was the first day back to work after a weeklong vacation and while I thought I was ‘ready’ to return to reality and a routine…I felt differently once I got to the office!
Fortunately, the day turned out better than expected (more on that later) but I still couldn’t wait to get home to my fuzzy monsters and their crazy antics!
Fortunately, the day turned out better than expected (more on that later) but I still couldn’t wait to get home to my fuzzy monsters and their crazy antics!
Friday, November 26, 2010
Gingerbread Men = Winter
I know winter doesn’t officially start for another twenty-five days, but it doesn’t feel like fall anymore. Here’s the facts:
1) Thanksgiving is over
2) Christmas shopping is in full swing
3) It’s starting to get *bleeping* cold
4) My neighbors are already sporting holiday lights
5) And the gingerbread men are on sale!
1) Thanksgiving is over
2) Christmas shopping is in full swing
3) It’s starting to get *bleeping* cold
4) My neighbors are already sporting holiday lights
5) And the gingerbread men are on sale!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
This Thanksgiving I’m Thankful For Second Chances!
Last year my boyfriend and I hosted Thanksgiving for the first time at our home.
We had a small group of family and friends over but I was still plenty nervous trying to make everything perfect.
Turns out that I should have focused more energy on ‘cooking’ the turkey and less on vacuuming.
Fortunately, our family and friends were very gracious about the fact that the turkey came out slightly undercooked and have granted us a second chance to play host!
We had a small group of family and friends over but I was still plenty nervous trying to make everything perfect.
Turns out that I should have focused more energy on ‘cooking’ the turkey and less on vacuuming.
Fortunately, our family and friends were very gracious about the fact that the turkey came out slightly undercooked and have granted us a second chance to play host!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Is Dusting Bad for my Health?
Today was the day that I finally got into the office and dealt with ‘the disaster’ otherwise known as my desk – or landing pad for all the crap I don’t want lying around the rest of my home.
After a few dusty hours, things are looking much better and I am actually writing this post from my dust free desk!
Now if only I could figure out what to do with all the miscellaneous papers that are left over.
What do you do with all the random tear sheets and paperwork that doesn’t otherwise have a home??
After a few dusty hours, things are looking much better and I am actually writing this post from my dust free desk!
Now if only I could figure out what to do with all the miscellaneous papers that are left over.
What do you do with all the random tear sheets and paperwork that doesn’t otherwise have a home??
The glass top allows me to display my favorite art cards
Monday, November 22, 2010
Petition for Cats in the Workplace
"The Sami & Wylie Show" launched today on Vimeo!
Please enjoy their first episode, directed by yours truly.
Please enjoy their first episode, directed by yours truly.
Friday, November 19, 2010
I Give Thanks for Vacations!
Tonight I start my weeklong Thanksgiving break and I couldn’t be more excited!
I’ll be home the entire week so I look forward to relaxing, finally tackling the office overhaul and getting some projects underway for Live Love Life Now™.
And to start my vacation off on the right foot, I plan to sleep in tomorrow morning till I feel like getting up. I’m excited just thinking about it!
What do you have in store for your holiday break?
I’ll be home the entire week so I look forward to relaxing, finally tackling the office overhaul and getting some projects underway for Live Love Life Now™.
And to start my vacation off on the right foot, I plan to sleep in tomorrow morning till I feel like getting up. I’m excited just thinking about it!
What do you have in store for your holiday break?
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Climbing Beats Cleaning
I love to clean, but when it comes down to it there are a lot of things that I’d rather be doing.
Which is why going climbing with my sister and a friend this past Saturday beat out cleaning the office.
That sort of procrastination used to make me feel guilty, but now I’ve come to realize that it’s more important to me to take advantage of the opportunities at hand. I mean, I’ll be cleaning and organizing for the rest of my life but I doubt I’ll be rock climbing as long.
So off we went to Sport Rock to ‘monkey’ around for a few hours and try out some of their new routes:
Which is why going climbing with my sister and a friend this past Saturday beat out cleaning the office.
That sort of procrastination used to make me feel guilty, but now I’ve come to realize that it’s more important to me to take advantage of the opportunities at hand. I mean, I’ll be cleaning and organizing for the rest of my life but I doubt I’ll be rock climbing as long.
So off we went to Sport Rock to ‘monkey’ around for a few hours and try out some of their new routes:
See below
I loved the “Bull Dog” hold!
Going retro – nice!
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