Standing on Baker Beach in San Francisco, California. Counting down the days till the move!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Just Hear Those Sleigh Bells Jingling
Don't forget to enter my giveaway !
It's only 117 days until Christmas. Nope... not kidding.
Wow! Where has this year gone? I love Christmas just as much as anyone, Ok I take that back, I'm obsessed with Christmas. Infact, I've had a Christmas tree up permanently since September of 2009. Granted it's only 4 feet tall, but still... obviously I'm dedicated.
Pipe Dream #1- If you've been reading this blog for awhile or know me in real life, then you know that I have a deep love and history of traveling to Pigeon Forge/Gaitlinburg, TN. I've been going there since I was a little girl and I'd estimate that I've been there over 50 times. I'm actually low balling the number, it's probably more. Anyways, I love the holiday season there. The area has Christmas lights up all over town. The theaters do special Christmas theme shows, the best Christmas decorations store, The Christmas Shoppe is there and there's just so much to do there.
Well the one thing I've never done while in PF/Gaitlinburg is rent a cabin. Shocking, I know. This holiday season I'd love to be able to rent a great cabin, gather up some family or friends and just head there for a couple of days.
Pipe Dream #2- The Big Apple. I've traveled all over the United States and been overseas but I have yet to visit New York City. I think it would be amazing to see the city at Christmas time.
It's only 117 days until Christmas. Nope... not kidding.
Wow! Where has this year gone? I love Christmas just as much as anyone, Ok I take that back, I'm obsessed with Christmas. Infact, I've had a Christmas tree up permanently since September of 2009. Granted it's only 4 feet tall, but still... obviously I'm dedicated.
picking out a tree, 2010
With the Christmas season getting closer and closer (I mean hello, Hobby Lobby has had their Christmas decorations in stores for at least a month now), I've come up with a pipe dream for this years holiday season. Actually... I've been dreaming big. I've got two pipe dreams. Pipe Dream #1- If you've been reading this blog for awhile or know me in real life, then you know that I have a deep love and history of traveling to Pigeon Forge/Gaitlinburg, TN. I've been going there since I was a little girl and I'd estimate that I've been there over 50 times. I'm actually low balling the number, it's probably more. Anyways, I love the holiday season there. The area has Christmas lights up all over town. The theaters do special Christmas theme shows, the best Christmas decorations store, The Christmas Shoppe is there and there's just so much to do there.
Well the one thing I've never done while in PF/Gaitlinburg is rent a cabin. Shocking, I know. This holiday season I'd love to be able to rent a great cabin, gather up some family or friends and just head there for a couple of days.
It would be so much fun to hit the town with a group of friends or family. We could see the sights, do some Christmas shopping and enjoy the cabin and do old, fun things like play board games. Maybe I'm lame but I think it would be a blast!
Pipe Dream #2- The Big Apple. I've traveled all over the United States and been overseas but I have yet to visit New York City. I think it would be amazing to see the city at Christmas time.
There's so much to see and do in the city. There's ice skating in central park, there the tree in Rockefeller Center. There's Radio City Music Hall with the Rockettes and so much more! The Statue of Liberty is there for goodness sakes! Plus there's all the shopping and home girl, loves to vintage shop and it's the mecca!
I would love to be able to do either of these trips this holiday season. Sadly, their both pipe dreams for a reason. I've been saving all of my leave time so I can have enough time to move cross country plus... I doubt I could get off work anyways. Why does life have to get in the way of having fun and traveling? I need to win the lottery.... NOW!
So if you had one pipe dream for the upcoming holiday season what would yours be?
Friday, August 26, 2011
It's Giveaway Time!!!
I've been wanting to do a giveaway all summer long but somehow time just got away from me! Let's rectify that now! It's giveaway time!
You can win the following...
You can win the following...
Three decorative jewelry/accessories boxes from Pier 1 Imports
&
A Peacock bangle from Charming Charlies
How to win:
Be a follower of this blog.
Follow me on twitter .
"Like" me on facebook.
Pretty simple right?! This giveaway will end on Friday, September 2, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. EST. Good luck!!!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Theater Thursday
Theater Thursday is here and this week's featured movie is the newly released on dvd, Something Borrowed. Based on the hit book by Emily Grifin.
Darcy (Kate Hudson) and Dex (Colin Egglesfield) are getting married. Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) who's Darcy's best friend since childhood just turned 30 and isn't getting married. However, she's maid of honor to Darcy and trying to be supportive to her ever whim.
When Darcy throws a surprise birthday party for Rachel, she gets a little too tipsy and Dex suggest that she goes home early. Forgetting her purse she sends Dex back to the bar to retrieve it. Rachel is just getting ready to leave the bar when he shows back up. They decide to have a drink together and reminisce over old times when they were in law school together and how she introduced him to Darcy.
That night something happens between them that they can't explain and from then on out they must decide what's right and wrong for each one of them. Rachel is confused about her friendship with Darcy and thanks to their mutual friend Ethan (John Krasinski) is starting to see her for what kind of friend she really has been through the years. While Dex has to figure out where he wants to end up....
If you have the dvd watch through the credits because it shows the beginning of what book 2 is all about!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Elvis Week 2011 Recap Finale
Incase you missed the previous two recaps they can be found here and here .
On my last day in Memphis, I started the day out right with breakfast. I had been wanting to try a place called the Blue Plate Cafe, so I made my way over there. I ended up getting their Blue Plate Buttermilk Pancakes and bacon.
After breakfast, I set out to do something I've been trying to do the last two times I was in town which was visiting Humes High School.
Humes High School was where Elvis attended high school. It's also been featured in a few movies such as Great Balls of Fire and Elvis & Me. Now the school is a middle school. Be warned, it's in a bad part of town and I do not suggest going there at night.
Straight from there I headed to my river boat day cruise, Rollin' On the River! This was an all Elvis Insiders cruise so it was a few hundred EP fans cruising down the mighty Mississippi. The views were amazing and I was so glad that it didn't rain!
I'm not going to lie, the Memphis heat was awful. I thought it had been a hot summer in WV... well, I was wrong. I don't know how people living in Memphis are doing it. I literally would sweat through my clothing within minutes of being outside. So when I got off the boat, I changed clothing and headed to the big event of the day.
Elvis: Live In Concert was a great event where they featured Elvis performing but with a live, modern band on stage. They had this amazing see thru screen that had Elvis projected on it performing his Vegas show but you could still see the live band behind him with the lights. It was so cool. I don't know how to explain it properly but it was almost as if he was there!
On my last day in Memphis, I started the day out right with breakfast. I had been wanting to try a place called the Blue Plate Cafe, so I made my way over there. I ended up getting their Blue Plate Buttermilk Pancakes and bacon.
Honestly, it may look really good but the pancakes were so dry. I was actually disappointed in the restaurant because I had been hearing really good things about it. Maybe it was just an off day for them.
After breakfast, I set out to do something I've been trying to do the last two times I was in town which was visiting Humes High School.
Humes High School was where Elvis attended high school. It's also been featured in a few movies such as Great Balls of Fire and Elvis & Me. Now the school is a middle school. Be warned, it's in a bad part of town and I do not suggest going there at night.
Straight from there I headed to my river boat day cruise, Rollin' On the River! This was an all Elvis Insiders cruise so it was a few hundred EP fans cruising down the mighty Mississippi. The views were amazing and I was so glad that it didn't rain!
I'm not going to lie, the Memphis heat was awful. I thought it had been a hot summer in WV... well, I was wrong. I don't know how people living in Memphis are doing it. I literally would sweat through my clothing within minutes of being outside. So when I got off the boat, I changed clothing and headed to the big event of the day.
Elvis: Live In Concert was a great event where they featured Elvis performing but with a live, modern band on stage. They had this amazing see thru screen that had Elvis projected on it performing his Vegas show but you could still see the live band behind him with the lights. It was so cool. I don't know how to explain it properly but it was almost as if he was there!
You can kind of get an idea of what it was like from the photo. The band is behind the screen. It was very cool... trust me! So there you have it, besides a few other events that was my Elvis Week!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Elvis Week 2011 Recap 2
Wednesday & Thursday Recap can be found here .
On Friday morning, I set out to tour Graceland. I've been inside a few times before but I really wanted to go through the house again during Elvis Week. I always love getting to see the funky and unique decor that Elvis surrounded himself in. I love all of the mansion but my favorite rooms are these two...
On Friday morning, I set out to tour Graceland. I've been inside a few times before but I really wanted to go through the house again during Elvis Week. I always love getting to see the funky and unique decor that Elvis surrounded himself in. I love all of the mansion but my favorite rooms are these two...
The Living Room
and the
Jungle Room
I don't know why, but those have always been my favorite rooms to see in Graceland. I also love the outside of the house. The lions and the steps are my favorite.
After I got done touring Graceland, I finished touring the remaining and surrounding museums that are attached to the Graceland complex. They have a lot of his cars, personal clothing and accessories on display. They also have his two planes and many of his jumpsuits. My favorite jumpsuit is still on display in the VIP room...
Once I was done touring Graceland, I headed down to Beale Street for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist finals. They started round one with 26 guys and went into round two with 15 and the final round went from 10, then 5 and the winner announced! Here's a few photos from the first two rounds then the final.
waiting for the results of round 1
Ben Portsmouth Round 2
Ben Klein & David Allen Round 2
Kevin Mills & Cody Slaugher Round 3
The Top 5 ETA's waiting for the results
The 2011 Ultimate ETA Champion: Cody Slaughter!
I know a lot of people personally do not like the ETA competitions but I love them. In fact besides one other event, I thought it was one of the best parts of Elvis Week. I just hope I can score front row seats again next year!
Monday, August 22, 2011
It's Official
I did absolutely nothing this weekend. Apart from working on a craft project that I was inspired by seeing on Pinterest. It's for Christmas and I figured with my time and lack of crafting skills that I should start this weekend on it. Since my Hobby Lobby already has Christmas decorations, I got started.
Pork Chops.
Gathering up all the supplies. Foam wreath, diamond tree picks, ornaments, ornament picks
The finished product!
Apart from the craft project, I realized that I'm addicted to a few things besides Pinterest. Allow me share them with you....
She's the Man.
For real. I watch this movie at least 3 times a week. Sadly, I'm low balling that estimate. I also send texts quoting it to my one of my bff's. She loves it just as much as I do so that helps. Watch it! Pork Chops.
I eat a boneless pork chop at least 4 times a week. It's my favorite! Hello, its the other white meat! My favorites are from Cracker Barrel though. Theirs with a side of the hashbrown casserole... mmm, now that's a slice of heaven.
Travel.
I just got back from my trip in Memphis (more recaps coming soon) and I can't wait to go on my next trip!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Elvis Week 2011 Part 1
Look who's back from Elvis Week and being in Memphis! First of all, I had a wonderful time! I'm glad to be back though and blogging again. Let's recap the trip shall we? We shall! I was there for so many events and I did so many things, I'm going to have to break this into a few posts. So be warned!!
I pulled into Memphis last Wednesday and hit the ground running. My first stop after checking into my hotel was to hit up my favorite vintage store in Memphis: Flashback Inc. I've shopped there before and this time was another great trip because I found the matching butter dish to the canister set I got there last time.
Once I got done shopping, I headed over to Graceland to pick up my event tickets and do the evening walk up to the Meditation Gardens. It's something really nice to do because normally you can't walk up the drive at Graceland. They have free morning and evening hours that you can walk up to the Meditation Gardens and visit the grave of Elvis. Since it was his favorite place on the grounds, it's a peaceful area for thought as well.
Thursday is when the real events really began to start. I'm a big fan of Elvis and I originally got interested in Elvis, his life and his music because when I was younger I saw an Elvis Tribute Artist. From there my love blossomed. One of the main ticketed events of Elvis Week is the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest.
Since I was a VIP, I got to attend the Meet & Greet held at the Hard Rock before Round 1 began. It was really nice getting to meet and chat with everyone who would be competing for the Ultimate title. These guys are the best of the best. They have to enter a sanctioned EPE (elvis presley enterprises) contest during the year and win that to be able to compete in the Ultimate at Elvis Week.
After the tour at Gibson I headed down to the Orphium Theater for Round 1 and 2 of the competition (which I'll post pics of tomorrow with the final round). Once those were over and we were down to 10 guys, it was dinner time! Since I had spent all day on and near Beale Street, I figured I'd hit up the famous Dyers.
That was my first 2 days in Memphis! Don't worry Theater Thursday will be back next week.
I pulled into Memphis last Wednesday and hit the ground running. My first stop after checking into my hotel was to hit up my favorite vintage store in Memphis: Flashback Inc. I've shopped there before and this time was another great trip because I found the matching butter dish to the canister set I got there last time.
(walking up to the gardens)
(inside the Hard Rock Cafe Meet & Greet)
Remember me mentioning seeing an ETA when I was younger? This is him! I was in shock when I saw him there. I hadn't see him perform since I was in grade school! Mr. Eddie Miles!
Ben Klein & I. He ended up taking 2nd in the competition!
Ben Portsmouth and I. He is gorgeous and from England so he's got that great accent.
The guys were extremely nice, not to mention easy on the eyes. Once the Meet & Greet was over, I had a little bit of time to kill, so I walked down the street and toured the Gibson Guitar Factory. I don't know that much about Gibson or Guitars but the factory tour was really cool. You actually walk through the factory and get to see them making guitars. It was very neat getting to see them cutting wood, painting, sanding, etc. I really recommend it.
And of course it was yummy! Best burger in town! It was a great way to end the day. I also popped into one of the most eclectic shops on Beale Street.... Tater Reds!
That was my first 2 days in Memphis! Don't worry Theater Thursday will be back next week.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
The King Is Gone
Today in 1977, Elvis Presley was found laying lifeless inside his Graceland mansion in Memphis, Tennessee. Shortly after he was pronounced dead and as the word spread throughout the nation people began flocking to the gates of Graceland.
People were in shock that someone so full of life could be taken from the world. His fans, friends, family and staff didn't know what to do with themselves. They stood in shock and awe as the funeral captivated the world. His songs and albums flooded the airways and his record sales skyrocketed once again.
But when the last of the limo's were gone and the fans had paid their respects at Graceland, the city, the fans and family still had that empty feeling. Knowing that the King of Rock n' Roll was gone forever. Someone who would give the shirt of their back to a complete stranger. Someone who loved to goof around and have fun. Someone who loved life.
Elvis you are still missed. January 8, 1935- August 16, 1977.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Tales From the Road
You know how when you're in the car on a long trip and you start to notice things you don't normally notice? Well... with going to Memphis for Elvis Week and making the 8 hour car trip, I started to notice a few things about being on the road.
1) There is a huge amount of rubber shreds on the road. I mean how many semi's have blown a tire? I never see that many sitting on the side of the roads. I swear if you would have collected all the rubber laying on the road and on the sides you could have made at like 12 semi truck tires.
2) If the speed limit is 70mph and you're dead set on going 65mph, do not, I repeat DO NOT get in the left lane and then get pissed when someone comes up behind you and wants you to get over.
4) Always get gas before the warning light comes on.
5) If you want to put your feet on the dash then fine. But if you've got some ugly T-Rex looking feet, remember that other people will see them as they drive by you.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Theater Thursday
Since I'm actually in Memphis, TN this week for Elvis Week, I thought of doing an Elvis movie but I'll explain it all.... This week's featured Theater Thursday movie is based on a true story, The Blind Side.
Can you believe I had not seen this movie till last week? Well believe it because it's true. I saw it and instantly loved it. I want to watch it again!
The Blind Side is based on the true events of Michael Oher. As a boy Michael grew up in a rough environment. Never knowing his father, his mother addicted to drugs and his brother being separated from him and eventually becoming homeless.
When Leigh Ann Tuohy and her family came into Michael's life she completely changed it for the better. Giving him shelter for the night she saw the great spirit in Michael and knew that he was a kind, young man. The feeling was mutual and Michael loved the Tuohy family.
Michael improved his grades, learned how to play the game of football and begins to be courted by tons of colleges to play football. Michael later went on to play professional football and it all began in high school after meeting the Tuohy family.
It's an amazing story and if you haven't seen it, go get it! Sandra Bullock completely deserved the Oscar she won for this performance.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Elvis Week 2011
Today I am headed to Memphis, Tennessee for vacation. Tomorrow is the official start to Elvis Week 2011 and I've had my tickets for months.
I've got things planned out non stop, daily for every day that I'm there. I have the feeling that I'll be needing a vacation to recover from my vacation.
I'll be Rollin' On the River, riding on a ferry boat down the mighty Mississippi. I'll be watching performances by tribute artists and I'll even be seeing the King in Concert. They've got a great event where a live band will perform the concert while footage of Elvis is on screen. It should be interesting.
I've got things planned out non stop, daily for every day that I'm there. I have the feeling that I'll be needing a vacation to recover from my vacation.
I'll be Rollin' On the River, riding on a ferry boat down the mighty Mississippi. I'll be watching performances by tribute artists and I'll even be seeing the King in Concert. They've got a great event where a live band will perform the concert while footage of Elvis is on screen. It should be interesting.
I'm also going to try to get to Tunica, Mississippi to see what all the talk is about with the casinos! Hopefully, I'll make it down there but since I've got a tight schedule the 45 minute drive might not happen.
I'm sure I'll be getting some pork chops (if you know me, you know I love pork chops) from one of the best BBQ places in all the land, Marlowes. For real, if you go to Memphis, hit up Marlowes. They have some of the best bbq and food. Plus, if you need a ride there, they'll come pick you up in their giant pink Cadillac for free!
One of the meals, I've ate at Marlowes
I'm sure it's going to be an amazing week! Hopefully, the weather won't be too rough but since it's the summer and in the south, I think I'll just be trying to keep hydrated and cool. Have a great week everyone, I'll catch you on the flip side!
Monday, August 8, 2011
This Is Me In General
I am a travel loving, movie obsessed, crazy shenanigans blogger!
For those of you who may not know me, may be new to my blog or have even been around for awhile, here's a few things about me...
I'm 27 years old and work for the government (one thing I never blog about). I live on the east coast but I'm in the process of moving 2,500 miles away to California. I often post a weekly blog including the week's Top 5 things about California. I'm also big on traveling and anytime I can go on a vacation I'm there. I'm also movie obsessed and host a weekly Theater Thursday. I also have about 3,000 dvds in my collection.
- I love pork chops, beef jerky, dry cereal and all things breakfast.
- I am obsessed with movies.
- My favorite place is London, England.
- I'm attempting to read 50 books this year.
- I believe life is full of Crazy Shenanigans.
- I keep it real. If I don't like it/you then there's no faking it.
- Everything Happens for a Reason.
- Haters are my motivators.
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