Pinning 228.365

 These days, if you are around me and you hear me talking about pinning you would assume I am talking about my favorite hobby use/waste of perfectly good time... Pinterest. But today, I am actually physically pinning with pins... to sew something.

I'm working on a whole lot of projects while Mono is away and I am pretty excited about this one. I am not sure exactly what I am doing. I don't have any sort of pattern or real plan in my mind. I'm winging it!

Counting 225.365

I am counting down the days until my Mon comes home. He is having a really great time! I have this paper chain for how many days he will be away. Each day I cut one off and it gets shorter. :) It's good to see that shrink! And I made myself a time difference chart. SO much easier. My phone travels with me everywhere. haha- I'm pathetic. I can't wait to hear his voice since it is short and few and far between. I love my guy. :)

For The Birds

This whole Mono being 7 hours ahead of me, an ocean away, just measly seconds worth of a phone call... it's all for the birds! I heard from him early this morning. They made it over there safely... without their luggage (poor Purple Monster is lost somewhere!). It was wonderful to hear his voice, but to only get to speak with him for a minute or less is terribly hard. I miss him quite badly and just knowing how far away he is and that I can't just pick up my phone to say hello or good night before bed is really hard for me. Earlier this morning he was having a harder time adjusting, a lack of sleep and food, lost luggage etc, but now he is really enjoying himself. He's out on the town, eating, enjoying being in a country he loves with people he works with. Today is only day two of this. Eight more to go. I'm hoping I can make it. I carry the house phone with me wherever I go. It has become like a shadow on a sunny day. Never leaves my side. Neither does my cell phone. I know he can't call me on it, but you just never know. I don't want to miss any chance of talking to him. Plus, his Mom and I are always in touch on the phone updating each other what we've heard. I think she and I are so happy he is enjoying himself, but will be much happier when he is back home, here in the States. I couldn't sleep last night because I always wanted to check if he had landed yet and I wasn't sure if there was a way he'd try to contact us early in the morning. I pretty much knew he wouldn't until later in the morning when things were more settled, but I still had that anxious feeling of is the phone going to ring? Tomorrow I won't be home at all during the day so I probably won't get any phone calls from him, but I am hoping that some way, some how he can get wi-fi and we can talk via Skype. He was able to Skype with his Mom today, but as soon as I was able to get on, he wasn't there anymore. Did I say I miss him? Because if not, I really, really do. I will be one very happy girl one week from today. I will know in my mind that he will be coming home the very next day. Well, you'll probably hear more about Mono being gone over the next 8 days, so I won't bore you with my tears all at once. I'll try to post a more upbeat blog later!

"Mon Hugs" 224.365

Like I have said in a few previous posts, I don't do well with good byes, especially today's. I cry, I hug, I cry some more. I am doing my best to talk about his trip, be all excited and all (because I really am), but the tears still come. I felt quite bad that I cried so much when he is getting to go on an amazingly fun trip, but since he's the great guy that he is, he understood and even appreciated how much I will miss him. 

I pray his trip is successful (the work side of it) and filled with fun and adventures (the leisure part). I told him that I won't wish his trip away for him, but I will hope on my end, the days go by fast. I have a lot of plans while he is gone; getting our house in order. Hopefully that will keep me busy (I know it will) and help pass the time. 

It was so hard to say good bye, and I hugged him real tight. I even ran back after saying good bye, just for one more Mon hug. Let me tell you, Mon hugs are the greatest in the world. There is nothing like it and that is one of the biggest parts of him being away that I will miss. All could be sour, and that Mon hug, well it's all sweet. :)
Do you know the type of hug I am talking about? Do you have a special name for it? :)  

Mono, I will miss you while you are away, but you are going to have a fantastic time. I can't wait to hear all about it, and I can't wait for you to come home and see the little touches I've done to our house.
Funny story, but poor guy. A few years back, Mono and his good friend took a trip to Europe together. His luggage got lost and ended up a few countries away. Not fun for him. 

So this time, he asked what luggage he could borrow (a larger one than he had) and I thought I had the perfect one that wouldn't get lost. It'd stand out. I brought it to his place last night for him to pack and I told him, "It's okay Mono; it's plum, not purple." Well he wasn't too sure of traveling with a purple or plum, luggage, but I assured him it'd be fine and it'd be less likely to get lost. 

Well, I dropped him off at the airport, and sure enough, he was right… it is purple. 

Purple, through and through. 

I told him that he will always think of me this way. 

He wore my favorite color shirt, and is carrying my second favorite color luggage. :)

P.S. Mon is pronounced like "moan" And, the purple luggage was dubbed THE PURPLE MONSTER.

Like Father, Like Daughter... And Son-in-Law too! 222.365

 Dad took Mono and I to the range today... the shooting range!

Growing up, I enjoyed all the fun that went along with Dad's job, but I was too long to go along with him to the shooting range. Today was my very first time going, and my first time ever shooting a gun. You think as a cop's daughter I may have done that before turning 25. Nope! Today was my first time!

 Dad and I picked Mono up after work and headed over. I was pretty excited until we pulled up and I heard all the gun shots. haha. You would have thought I'd have prepared myself for that... psyched myself up for it even. Nope. And when I went in, it was even louder... naturally. Flinch, flinch, flinch. haha- That was me.

 Eventually I got used to the noise just like the guys. I was the only girl in there and that felt kinda cool. I didn't fit in though. I had on my sparkly beaded shirt, black patent leather flip flops, jewelry... you catch my drift. So me, dressed pretty nice (at least for a gun range) and being the only girl, it was a fun sight.

 Upon signing in, we had to fill out sheets. It had asked what level of experience we were. Obviously Mono and I put Novice, but Dad, he put a few notches higher. I told him he should check expert because well, he is. He told me he hadn't shot in 11 years - since he retired so he would check one under. I said okay and we went in. Well, Dad's first shot was just off the "x" in the very center, like a hair off. His second shot... right on. Come on Dad, you are still an expert!

It came time for Mono and I to take our shots (my first shot) and I was pretty surprised how well I handled the gun. To be honest, I was a little scared. Dad wanted me to lose that fear, and I certainly did. Mono shot really well. I was so proud of him, and so was my Dad. And I did well myself. I was quite proud of myself too! I guess the good shooting is in the genes... like my Dad. It was funny because Mono and my first shots were literally, right next to each other. They couldn't have been shot any closer. Dad said that even the bullet holes were kissing. Or something like that. Meaning even we shoot together. :) Dad was in his glory, being back at the range, teaching the two of us and watching how well we did. 

 Our targets! :)

These were shot at 7 yards. Next time we'll go further! 

Thanks for such a fun day, Dad!!!
And next time, I'll wear a better shirt so I don't get burns on my chest from the shells like today!! haha

I Accept! 221.365

Apparently some cute couple is getting married and I'm invited!

So is Mono.

I have a feeling it is going to be a lot of fun!

I accept and October 1st can't get here soon enough!

I already have my dress and I think it is the perfect one for this wedding. ;)

Mono laughed and said, "Only you would send an invitation to yourself... to your own wedding!"

Keepsakes. That's why. :) 

And I love getting mail.

They're Up! The Pictures are on the Blog!

I mentioned a few days ago that we had our engagement pictures taken.

They weren't expected to be up for approximately three weeks.

I was driving home from Church today and I got a text from Mono, "the pics are up!"

I had no idea what pics he could be talking about.

He then said "Megan's."

As soon as I got home, I raced into the house to see the pictures!

Of course our internet was too slow so a piece loaded here and there, but I let it load and after a while, I came back to check! I was so happy! Apparently the rest of the images are in the mail. I have no idea how many images she took, but there has to be close to a thousand! :) I don't think we get them all, but we'll see a bunch of the good ones. :) I am super-de-duper excited for that package to arrive with my name on it!

Thank you Megan, for capturing such a special time in our lives, but mostly for capturing my handsome guy! I don't think he came out bad in a single one! I could look at his face forever. Perfect timing for his time away coming up! These pictures will have to hold me over. 

If you have a chance, please go to her blog and take a look at our pictures and post a comment. The more comments we get, the better chances of getting a really nice print... or even a cool stretched canvas! Come on 75 comments! Plus, I want her to get a lot of traffic. Her work is ah-maz-ing! Definitely take time to look at her work! Very talented lady!

Good Byes and I Do Not Mix

This coming Saturday will bring a temporary change to life. Mono is headed away on a trip for work… overseas.

That means ten days with not much contact, major time differences and an entire ocean between us. Ever since Mono and I have started dating, neither of us have traveled much apart from going places with our families together. We've never been more than an hour time difference away and we certainly have not had an entire ocean in between us. We do not live together, but we live close enough to see each other every day, and I like that. Nothing beats getting to see my guy every single day! 

 

I am NOT good with goodbyes and I know for sure, that it will be no different this time around. In fact, I am sure it will be a bit harder knowing I won't be able to call him whenever I want or just send a little text to share something about my day. I found out about this trip a while back, and have tried to put it off in my mind until now. I don't want to put a damper on his trip because after all, he is getting to travel to another country! And in all honesty, I am a tad bit jealous that he is getting to go on this incredible trip. I would seriously love to hop in his luggage and travel with him. He is going to be really busy working, but even with that, he will be able to enjoy this country that he loves.

 

Saturday is soon creeping upon us and my mind is slowing down a bit. This happens when I think about saying goodbye. When family is visiting, or I am visiting them, at least a day or two prior to the goodbye, I start to get sad and think of life without them. If it were up to me, we'd all be together, all the time! With Mono's upcoming trip, along with being excited for him, the sadness is still visible. I'm looking forward to his arrival back home to see pictures, to hear about his time there, and just have him back nearby and have life be back to normal. 

 

I like normal. 

 

I like my comfort zone and only stepping out of that a step or two here or there.
 

I had thought about taking a quick trip myself while he was gone to visit my best friend in Chicago or to spend a few days with Mono's family up north, but unfortunately, both ideas had to be nixed. I'll be here at home, preparing our house and crossing things off my mile long to-do list. No complaints though. Really and truly. I'm looking forward to that time.

 

So, Mono, while I will miss you terribly, I hope you have the absolute best time on your trip! Don't forget about me and definitely don't forget to send me a post card! ;)
 

Just A Kiss 219.365

I've been listening to a lot of new music thanks to Mono! I really like Just a Kiss by Lady Antebellum. I love country music. Not like super country, back woods kind. Newer stuff. Speaking of music, I better get on finding a good wedding song!

When Stress Comes Knocking at the Door

It seems as though there are a thousand thoughts swirling through my mind right now. This happens frequently, but not quite like they are right now. Since the end of May of this year we have either had people (at times up to 20 people) staying with us at our home or we have been traveling. We arrived home from our last trip last Tuesday. Every single day except for yesterday (Sunday), was spent down at our new home and running errands that were house or wedding related. Yesterday was filled with Sunday Mass and more wedding related projects. Between today and tomorrow I have a boat load of things to get done. They MUST get done! At times it is stressful planning a wedding, especially from so far away, but thank goodness all is going well. We're being kept on our toes, but thank God for my Mom. She is happy to make phone calls and talk with people to help finalize plans. She's been real helpful with the projects as well too. Sometimes we like to do things differently, at different paces, and that can be a tad aggravating, but all in all, it's a big help to be able to work together. I have many projects still needing to be done and I had hoped to be finished with everything by the last day of this month. I know that won't be the case, but I'd like to aim for as close to that goal as possible. I also want to have our house painted (at least the three main rooms) so when our furniture is moved in, we can place it and keep it where it all belongs. Along with the many thoughts filling my mind about the wedding, I'm also pondering the changes that will occur over the next month-month and a half.

Once all of the hoopla ends and October 1st arrives, our wedding day will be cherished and then will have passed and our new life together will begin. I am looking forward to days, married to Mono, living in our new home. Along with that comes some slight fears or apprehensions, but nothing out of the norm. I think I've mentioned before, I have never lived away from home for more than about a 3 week period so this will be a major adjustment. It will be a good and needed adjustment, but it will still be one. Life will be different. My days will be different. Schedules will be new.

I hope to see my new day go something like this: coffee/breakfast together, errands or housework, noon Mass and lunch with Mono, more errands and housework, prepare and eat dinner and then enjoy the evenings together.

Where we will be living is close to Mono's work so we will be able to enjoy a lot of quality time together and I am greatly looking forward to that. Of course there will certainly be days that we won't see each other until he gets home at night, but our overall lifestyle will be very welcoming to time together and with any future family we are blessed with.

I have so much wonderful anticipation for this new time in my life. I am really looking forward to having friends and family over and welcoming them into our home. I already dream of visits with family for a stay at our home. :)

Do you have any special little welcoming traditions when friends and family come to stay? Do you make certain meals, prepare their rooms in certain ways…?

So, along with ALL these thoughts, I have my day-to-day duties that must get done. Like I mentioned earlier, I have been away from the house all but one day since we have been home. I have yet to unpack my luggage, which is irking me to no end. I am not the tidiest person there is, but ever since I have had my own house (even though I am not living in it yet), I am a neat freak… in that house. Not to the same extent here, but definitely more than before we had a place of our own. When I am there, everything has to be just so and kept tidy. If it's not, I get agita. The link to the definition is for all you non-New Yorkers that may not know what the heck I am saying... Yeah, you know who you are!

Between today and tomorrow, my list is quite full. I have paint to pick out, bank and post office runs, laundry, unpacking, stores to pop into, e-mails and letters to respond to… and the list goes on.
I don't expect any little adventures for picture taking, or much blogging, but I will try to stay on top of things and blog when I can.

When The Day Comes Crashing Down! 215.365

Have you ever had a really good day and in the blink of an eye, it feels as if the entire day turned bad? 

Well, today was a great day. I spent the day at our new house, working inside, getting things in order. 

I bought this shelving unit (that had to be put together) and needed to put it together.

Remember, the day is good, no stress, all happy...

First of all, I am pretty good at building things and putting them together.

So... being that I'm stress-free and know what I am doing, I thought this would be no biggie.

I opened the box, took all the pieces out along with the directions paper with mumbo jumbo on it, and got to work.

The directions were on the pathetic side (but that is to be expected), but I put the entire shelving unit together.

They had me build it upside down.

I stood it up and now needed to turn it right side up.

Big mistake.

I went to turn this to it's proper position when it tilted the wrong way and just split and collapsed the entire thing.

That's what happens when you buy a cheap shelving unit and don't think ahead about how to turn it right side up.

I was pretty upset. I spent a good while setting it up and was really looking forward to having this all together with everyone on it for when Mono met me at the house later in the day. He came in and I explained what happened and he said not to worry and we'd build a new one when we come back to the house (Saturday). I felt a bit better, but I was still really bummed. I thought my whole day crashed along with the shelves, but once I cooled down, I realized that it's just shelves and off Mono and I went to a nice dinner!

Our First Dinner 214.365

 Tonight was our first dinner at our new house (except for the bbq we had with our family when they were visiting). We haven't moved in yet... or I should say, we aren't living/sleeping there yet (that's not until October)... but we spend a lot of time there working, organizing, etc.

I made a quick dinner, but it was so nice and a little taste of what life will be like come October.

We had a rotisserie chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans and lemonade! Simple and tasty!

I look forward to many more meals at this table with my guy... and our family and friends!

Lights, Camera, Action! 212.365

Our morning started early this morning. Mono and I were up and out on our way by 7:15. I had an appointment at 8:30, but with traffic, the approximately 10 mile drive, would take about an hour - if we were lucky. 

So off we went, sitting through bumper-to-bumper traffic (something us Northerners turned kinda Alabamians aren't so used to anymore). We actually made it to my appointment 5 minutes early!

When we were done, Mono and I headed on our way to D.C/Georgetown to meet with Megan for our engagement pictures. Today marks 2 months (yes only two months!!) until our wedding, but we still wanted to have this e-session.... and I am sooooo glad we did. Megan was amazing. She is crazy talented, and made us feel like the three of us have been the best of friends for years. 

It was super hot and we had done both sets of shooting, fancy and casual... but I had one more shoot up my sleeve. We needed an energy booster and all three of us love cupcakes so much and we were too close to pass it up, so in we went!

 For some reason, I look HUGE in this picture. Look at my head compared to hers! haha-

After all the pictures were taken and goodbyes were said, Mono and I met up with his Mom for a bite to eat. I must admit, I am not very adventurous when it comes to food. Mono is the complete opposite and so is his Mom. They decided on Lebanese cuisine for lunch.... ummmmm.... okay, I guess? ....

 

Turns out, I loved my meal. Don't ask me what it was called... That I can't remember, but it was so, so good! I guess this should teach me to branch out a bit more and be more adventurous.

Mono's Dad was on his way, but unfortunately didn't get there in time for lunch. When he did arrive, we hung out a little and then met up with Mono's aunt and uncle for dinner. That was quite yummy too! I had a safe meal - a burger - but it was super tasty. I really enjoy time with all of Mono's family so spending a nice evening, taking a stroll to a local restaurant and sharing conversation over dinner was very enjoyable. 

Once dinner was over, before Mono's Dad had to head home (he couldn't stay over with Mono's Mom because he had work the next day), Mono and I took a ride through town in his Dad's new car!

 My cutie!

 Top down, music turned up loud!

 Hair blowing in the wind...taking this eveing all in.

 

Today was a wonderful day - from start to finish!

Here's a sneak peek from Megan's website of our engagement session.

Thank you again Megan, for your talent and kindness to the both of us. I look forward to seeing the rest of our pictures and to seeing you again on October 1st!!

Poor Boy 206.365

My poor baby has an ear infection and the medicine makes the hair on his ear all oily. I have a feeling he looks sadder than he is... but it is making me sad. :( He is still the sweetest thing ever, but my heart breaks for the little guy. I can't wait until he is back to normal... with two furry ears.

Oh and you can't see it in these pictures, but he is sporting a new collar that Mono bought for him. He is now drum roll please ... a Washington Redskin's fan. I will get some pictures soon. :) My best friend's dog has a N.Y. Jets collar and when Mono saw that, he knew Jimmy would soon be a Redskins fan. And Mono also ordered him a new name tag that will go on when he moves into his new house.

The Adventures of a Not So Adventurous Girl

There are three adventurous things I'd like to attempt… and have been wanting to for a while! Kayaking, Yolo Boarding and Zip-Lining. If you know me well, you know I am really not adventurous. I like to play things on the safe side pretty much all the time. It is good for me to step out of the box and out of my comfort zone sometimes. I don't think zip-lining would be out of my comfort zone, but it's included with my list of adventures I want to go on. It may not seem adventurous to you, but this is where I want to start. Yolo boarding is something I've really been wanting to try, but I don't know of any place locally that I can attempt it. I am not strong or athletic (If you know me well, you know that too!) so it would be out of my comfort zone because I'm afraid I'd be too weak and make a fool of myself doing it. Kayaking is only considered something I'd step out of the box to do because I am a bit of a fear of lakes. I love them, but I am afraid of the fish and the possibility of snakes. I am not afraid in ocean water, just lakes. And I want to kayak in a lake… Going down a river would terrify me for the first try. Maybe once I get the hang of it I will advance to better waters. ;) But the unknown under the water and the possibility of tipping over into that unknown water just freaks me out. It would be worth bringing a video camera just in case I did in fact fall in. It'd be a show.

I think I really started to want to go zip lining when I saw Megan go here.

My already crazy desire to yolo board was intensified recently by Paige on her post from her vacation.

And kayaking... well, I've just always wanted to do that.

We have a really nice like within a short drive of our house (45 minutes or so) and I want to pack a picnic and go kayaking for the day. Maybe Mono would be up for that! That would make for a fun post, though I probably couldn't take many good pictures because unfortunately there is a chance of falling in and that is a big no-no when you have a camera in the kayak.

A Visit to the Court House 205.365

 

This is me... tired...un-showered...somewhat frazzled from all the goings on... but also so excited!

I picked up our marriage certificate today at the court house.

I had to raise my right hand and swear... to something... I don't remember to what though.

I thought it was so funny that I had to raise my hand and swear and couldn't just answer honestly. 

I giggled.

The lady just stared.

Oh well.

I could never work in the court house I guess.

No one smiles.

Though one sweet girl did look up and say "God bless you" when I sneezed.

I was going to pick up my certificate so I was ready for the big awaited day, while the lady in line behind me was there in a black jersey knit dress to get married right then and there. Today.

I felt so sad.

Here we are, Mono and I planning a big day, a holy and meaningful day, and these people just randomly took off work and came to the court house on a Monday morning.

Sad for them, they had to wait for the certificate to go into effect two days later!

No wedding day for them today!

I guess they'll take off work on Wednesday or Thursday and come back.

There is so much more meaning to a wedding and starting off a marriage then just going to a court house.

Weddings on the beach are beautiful. 

Destination weddings are exciting.

But there is one place I feel all ceremonies should be held.

At your Church.

It's a special place and a special moment, to share with each other, your friends and family and most of all, God.

I pray for those two people who tried to get married today. Maybe this will help them re-think? You never know. 

I'm meeting with a lady for linens later today! Should be exciting!

Pardon my look again. It's been a hectic few days and you can tell! ;)

(note: Today's picture is obviously not taken by me, but it is a day I really want to remember so this is the picture for the day. I did take others, but they were on my phone. My camera wasn't with me all day long - weird huh?)

This Is The Place 204.365

We will be back here in 69 days!

Do you know what is in 69 days?

Our wedding!

I enjoyed this walk-through/meeting very much.

We were there for a few hours going over every last thing since we won't be back before our big day!

It's getting me terribly antsy with excitement for my next visit here... on October 1st.

His Movie...It's Coming! 202.365

July 20, 2012

I think I know what I will be doing on this hot, summery day in July next year.

Mono loves Batman so he is eagerly anticipating this new movie.

The girls and I went to see Monte Carlo today and we saw this poster hanging in the theater.

I'm excited for him!

I bet we will even see it at Midnight!

Peach Fuzz 200.365

I've never been one good at goodbyes. Or tight budgets. Or perfect tidiness. Or handling stress well. Or getting enough sleep. Or not worrying.

A few months back there were some people brought into our lives only to now be taken away. Goodbyes are not my thing at all… to any degree. It doesn't matter if it is for a day, for a short period of time or forever, we do not mix. Tonight I had to say goodbye to now dear friends. When they arrived I had not realized how much their known departure would sadden me. Though they won't be local, God surely knows what He is doing. My best friend is moving out of her family's home for the first time… right down the street from these new dear friends. I will always be able to keep this friendship and pay visits to now many dear friends.

I have had a very full and hectic couple of months, not even including all that is necessary to be done for the wedding. This pace is not only going to continue, but it is going to pick up speed in the next month or two. Married life, owning a home and all that comes with both won't be perfectly easy, but I am surely looking forward to a little down time comes this fall. I have so much to do, big projects, and many small ones too, that I don't always know how to get it done. I become overwhelmed and lose my tidiness (any that I have).

I think I've cleaned up my closet 4 times over the past month. Horrible. It should have been done once and that is it. I need to learn how to get on top of that. My entire room can be neat, but my closet, for some reason, it can get out of hand faster than I realize. Right now I have luggage all over the floor, boxes, clean laundry that is screaming at me to be put away, and a few random things that made their way into the mini room. I am behind on important wedding details that have to be caught up on tomorrow; errands have to be run; wash and packing need to be done and appointments have to be completed. One tomorrow and two Friday. I head out of town again this weekend. The trip comes with many meetings for the wedding as well as some really fun festivities… some of which I don't know the details to! Bring a dress and a bathing suit? Hmmmmm…. :)

So with all of this, stress added on. I don't deal with being overly tired (I don't sleep), worried and stressed and know I am behind on wedding details as well as cleaning up. I am hoping I can be overly productive tomorrow and catch up on everything that is needed to be done. If only I can get a good, uninterrupted night's rest and wake up without this headache, maybe it will actually happen!

Today I had to bring my Jimmy to the vet. He was groomed yesterday and they detected an ear infection. We immediately made an appointment for this morning so it was taken care of before I left this weekend. On the way home from the groomer though, he had a mini seizure on my lap. Needless to say, I think ten years came off my life and freshly covered grays re-appeared. Apparently this is nothing too abnormal and I shouldn't be all that worried, but between him being somewhat traumatized (which is normal) from the grooming, then the whole ear scenario, having a seizure on my lap and finding out he may have Epilepsy, I am an overly-protective/worried mother now. All day today I monitored him to be sure he was okay and am making sure everyone treats him even better than they already do. I have a hard time putting his ear drops in and I can't imagine what it will be like without Mono's calming help. As Mono says, "Mare, this is worse on you than on him. He is okay." Mono took J to his house tonight to love on him and tomorrow, it will be my turn. :) This certainly added on to my stress and worrying! Thank God...really... for Mono. I don't know what I'd do without his calm hand in things with Jimmy. What will I be like with children if I am like this with my dog!? haha

And the budgeting part… well, Mono and I are going over our future budget and it is strange to see these new numbers of now two members in a household! All is well and I am adjusting to the future of being a real housewife… Not one of those ones from New Jersey or wherever else they may be from. Side note. Why are reality shows the furthest thing from reality?!

To end this post, I'll give you a juicy picture and a random fact about myself… I despise peach fuzz. Peaches are very possibly a close favorite fruit of mine, but that soft skin of theirs… it makes me gag. Sad, isn't it? How could someone be so opposed to something so soft?!

Girls Just Want To Have Fun 198.365

SoHo and not the one in New York. It's a great place for shopping and unique finds. I have a few favorite stores in this area that I wanted to bring the girls to. Some are just for fun (and not to buy - either because of style or price) and some are places I truly love! One store is all white (okay, except for the red nose on the little cat and the gray writing on the t-shirt!! The girls pointed it all out to me after I told them the store was only white. They took me incredibly literally I see). A few are for the home with dishes and such and then there is a linen shop that sells other things as well, like lotions, candles etc. It's wonderful! When I have more time and I am alone, I would like to go back to a couple of the home stores to look more closely at a few things.
 

Irm loved my favorite lotion brand too! They all smell soooo good!

 

This candle smelled so nice. One day I'd like to buy it to light in our house when we move in. :)

 

I love all the lotions they have in this store. They sell my two favorite brands! :)

 Love all the table settings set out in this store!!

After our shopping venture in SoHo, Mono met us for dinner at a little place we like to go to to eat and then he headed home and we headed out to run a few more errands… including some shoe shopping. ;)

Irma is already tall and gorgeous, but apparently she felt like she was not tall enough when she tried these babies on! She towers over me and looks like she is ready for a game of basketball!

I was the only one that ended up with a pair of shoes. I own 2 pairs of heels. I wear them on rare occasions only, and with an upcoming bridal shower, these were a nice purchase. They were on sale and there was a slight bit of damage (not noticeable unless you are as picky as I can be) so I got an extra 20% off! Nothing like a great sale and a good deal!

 I love days like today with my sisters and Mono. Mom and Nahida came too and that is always fun, but nothing like being with my sisters. :) I wish we could have days like this more often.