Christmas time is here :)

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Random Holiday Facts

image by Amy Moss

This holiday season if you find yourself at an office party and the conversation is at a lull, bust out these random holiday facts :)

Did you know...

- The song Jingle Bells was originially titled "One-Horse Open Sleigh"!

- According to Hallmark, 2 Billion Christmas cards are sent out nationally!

- According to Consumer Reports, it takes on average, 10 hours to shop for gifts and 3 hours to wrap gifts!

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Detroit Roller Derby

Photo Props

I went to the Detroit Roller Derby this weekend with some friends and it was everything I could've hoped for and more. Ever seen the movie Whip It? Quite similar in concept, minus Ellen Page and Drew Barrymore. I totally want to join the team, but pretty much all I have going for me is the name--"Momma said knock you out". HAHA. Other than that, I got nothing. However, I do foresee a trip to the skating rink this winter to brush up on my skills...

And besides the jabbing and thrashing, we also got a surprise visit from the Detroit Party Marching Band! The band came out of now where and did a few numbers during half time. They were a hooting good time.

Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

Awesome.

"Big Bay? What are you guys doing going to Big Bay? Even us yoopers don't go to Big Bay" -- Guy at Da Yooper Tourist Trap store

Don't worry sir, we asked ourselves the same question :)

Trolls

Learned lots of things from the 'yoopers' in the upper peninsula last weekend. Mainly that everyone from 'under the bridge' (Mackinaw) are TROLLS. And that they hate us. Ok, that's a bit dramatic, they may not hate us, but they certainly have some UP pride up there.

Also that the delish 'pasty', rhymes with nasty, although it is NOT nasty by any means.

Here are just a few pics from the 9 hour drive up to Ishpeming / Big Bay, Mich.








Lots of memories made up in the UP: My sister almost bought a lighthouse overlooking Lake Superior; Jenny's appointment with the ditch; Fooooseballll Puleriiiiiii; and witnessing the nuptials of Tim & Sarah!

Here's a blurry one of the bride and groom but I like it. I think it's fitting. The whole weekend and wedding was a blur. A wonderful blur! But it went so fast. Congrats again and again Tim & Sarah. xoxo.

Big Bay or Bust

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I'm heading up to Big Bay, MI tomorrow for my friends, Tim & Sarah's wedding! I've never traveled way up to the UP, so I'm pretty pumped. Should be an interesting 8+ hour car ride up there! They're calling for snow, so I'm not sure if I'm quite ready to see that, but I'm sure it'll be great.

Congrats and many blessings to Tim & Sarah! xoxo.

The holidays are near!

Starbucks changed over to their holiday edition cups! There's something about getting my delish over-priced drink in a holiday cup that gets me in the holiday mood! Well that and the anxiety of Christmas shopping. Oh well, I'm determined to be done by Thanksgiving. We'll see how that goes.

Happy Halloween!

Naturally the kiddies wouldn't pose for me in their princess and 'dark' vader costumes, but they would gladly pose with their vampire teeth in!

Ingrid Michaelson

Vicki and I saw Ingrid Michaelson ft. Guggenheim Grotto last night at The Crofoot. She was so so so fantastic. She did a great mix of her new and old stuff, including a remix of 'The Way I Am'(her most well known song from the Old Navy commercial!), a Britney Spears 'Toxic' cover which was hilarious; and a tribute to REM 'Nightswimming' where she used a loop pedal -- simply amazing.

The opening band, Guggenheim Grotto was a nice little surprise too. It didn't hurt that they were Irish, had wonderful accents, could sing / play a flurry of instruments and were very nice to look at. Vicki and I decided we're going to become Guggenheim Groupies. Don't judge.

Happy Tuesday, all!

Chi Chi Chi Le Le Le! Los Mineros de Chile!

There are very few times that I will leave CNN running on in the background, but yesterday was one of them. I was glued to the television watching the miners in Chile being rescued one by one. It just never got old to me. And every time a miner emerged, everyone on the surface cheered Chi Chi Chi Le Le Le, Los Mineros de Chile! It was a chilean soccer chant that was revised for the miners triumph!

There are so many reasons as to why this was a miracle -- too many to name. I'm just in awe of the faith and hope these miners kept with them throughout this whole ordeal.


God Bless the miners, their families and all of the men and women involved in the rescue efforts.



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Fall into the Gap

Photo Credit

Hmm can't decide whether or not I like the new Gap logo. Gap announced the new logo on their facebook page and it has changed on the website, but it's not exactly a done deal. They're inviting consumers to make up their own logo if they don't like the current version. What they do with the submissions is yet to be determined, but they're open to the idea of other logos.

I understand the appeal for company's to change their logo. It creates conversation around the brand, nice coverage in the news, brings traffic to their site, etc. And even if it does get people all up in a tizzy! Well played Gap, well played.

Because Wet Umbrellas Are Annoying

From Kohler

I need an umbrella case to prevent my purse from getting all wet!

This little piggy...

Was delicious! If you're a vegetarian, you should probably stop reading now! But seriously, a group of us went to Roast (Iron Chef, Michael Symon's restaurant) on Saturday during Detroit Restaurant Week and it was mmmmm good. I thoroughly enjoy restaurant week. Various cities host restaurant week where select restaurants offer a three course meal for a set price. I had mushroom soup, beast of the day (suckling pig pictured above--and on a pig plate no less!) and a chocolate trifle. Alli and I also split the fried brussels sprouts which were surprisingly mouth wateringly delicious. Thanks to the rest of the group I was able to sample the rosemary fries, mac & cheese and the spinach & feta au gratin.

I know that some folks were a little turned off by the pig that was seen roasting on the spit in the kitchen, but I guess its just a matter of what you grew up with. I'm use to walking in to a party with a roasted pig sitting on the table, with an apple it in its mouth. A bit graphic I know, but it's a traditional filipino dish -- lechon!

Needless to say, I was a piggy myself this weekend. I need to eat lettuce for a week to try and balance things out!!

Super Cute!

These photos of wedding photographer Jason Lee's kids are soo cute! Check out his interview chock full with more fun and creative photos.

Cotton and China

Happy Anniversary to Bolivia!!



According to Wikipedia, the traditional 2nd year anniversary gift is cotton and modern day gift is china. Unfortunately I got them neither. Instead, I sent a pretty sweet e-card, haha! It's the thought right? Happy Anniversary!

Moth-Tastic

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Last night a group of us went to the Moth Grand SLAM Championship at the Gem Theater. And let me tell you, good times had by all! Prior to last night I had never heard of The Moth, but my friend Alli had recommended the show and she never steers us wrong!

The Moth is a storytelling organization founded in '97 by poet and novelist, George Dawes Green. He wanted to recreate an atmosphere similar to the one in Georgia where a group of friends would gather together and tell stories on their friend Wanda's porch. The Moth started small (in his living room) and grew to bigger venues in New York, Chicago and Detroit!

It was named 'The Moth' because Green and his friends had said that "the characters in their best stories would often find themselves drawn to some bright light—of adventure, ambition, knowledge—but then find themselves burned or trapped, leaving them with some essential conflict to face before the story could reach its conclusion." The name stuck and has grown to more than 3,000 live shows and 100,000 audience members. To listen: http://www.themoth.org/radio

The Moth hosts story slams every first Thursday of the month at Cliff Bell's to a sold out crowd. Every story slam has a different theme, 'Near Death, Secrets, Love Hurts', etc. Every storyteller has five minutes and the story doesn't have to be funny, or even real! But it does have to be believable and captivate the audience. Last night was a gathering of champions from the last 10 story slams. The winner from last night (Courtney Bellanti) goes on to represent Detroit at the Moth Ball in New York City!

I think I'm full hooked now and can't wait to listen to more stories from The Moth...

Happy Friday all!

B.O.B aka Bobby Ray - tastic

On Friday night, we celebrated Vanessa's birthday at Amnesia, inside MotorCity Casino. And to our happiness slash dismay (i'll explain), B.O.B aka Bobby Ray was set to perform.

So, in order to get in to Amnesia, we were put on a list. On Thursday we found out that Ambassador Magazine and Grey Goose were sponsoring an event with B.O.B., that had a guest list of 350 people. When we arrived, we found out that their event guest list superceded the list that we were on. We arrived at Amnesia at 9, got bumped, had to wait and eventually got in around 11:30 p.m. just in time to see him perform. Even though it was annoying having to wait, we were lucky enough to hang out at the Iridescence restaurant bar, while majority of our party had to wait downstairs in line in the main lobby.

B.O.B's performance ended up being pretty sweet, so it all turned out in the end! Happy Birthday Ness!

This one time, when I lived in France...

Liv and I always tease our friend Alli about how she lived in France when she was little, because she NEVER mentions it. Seriously, if it were us...we would never let people forget it!

Borrowed from

Thx

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More weekend shenanigans...

Luda and I took part in some major gluttony this weekend. We stuffed our faces at the Fuji Buffet. If you haven't been to the Fuji Buffet, you're missing out. Yes, it does cost a bit more than your average buffet, but it is totally worth it. They have a wide selection of your standard buffet staples--dumplings, crab legs, fried rice and a frozen yogurt machine. But they also have a fantastic sushi bar and fresh vegetable and shrimp tempura. I know what you're thinking...fantastic, fresh, sushi and buffet do not all fit in the same sentence. But I also was a skeptic and have become a Fuji fan. Don't knock it until you try it. It's the ultimate buffet.



On Sunday, me, bolivia and the kiddies went to the Arts and Apples Festival in Rochester. It was a great day for supporting the arts, I must say. Below are some snap shots of the kiddies and their crafts!

Tan Tan and her bunny hat (the back had a cute cottontail!)





Kieran and his spaceship hat!

Wedding Tastic!

My friends Sarah and Tim got engaged this weekend! Congratulations to you both :)

Here's Sarah donning Kim Kim's purple flowers in her hair...and of course, the ring! Beautious, just beautious.

First Day of School!

Today was Kieran's first day of Kindergarten (and Tanith's first day of Pre-K) :) And it was totally bittersweet. I'm super excited for him to go to school. I think he'll like it and he'll get to meet new friends, but I can't believe he's already 5 years old!

Liv and I went to have a 'first day of school' breakfast with the kiddies. After that, we met them up at school and got to walk in to his classroom. It was kid-tastic!

I know one thing for sure, no matter how old he gets, he will always be boopie bear to me :)


Kieran and Tanith show off their new lunch boxes!

For cuteness sake

My dad is having surgery on his back tomorrow, so Liv had Kieran and Tanith draw up some artwork for his stay. Super cute :)

Ocean City or Bust!

I just got back from Ocean City, MD where we celebrated Trish's 25th birthday!! I got beat up by the ocean, ate too much and soaked up the East Coast sun. I'll post more pics later, but here's a taste...

Pictured here, "F'Real" smoothie, milkshakes and frozen cappuccinos. Bought at the WaWa gas station, sounds weird, but seriously one of the most convenient and delish concoctions created. You choose your frozen selection (Yay picked the chocolate milkshake, Trish selected the strawberry banana smoothie and I picked the frozen cap) out of the freezer; put your selection in the blender, choose your thickness and ta da -- tasty frozen treat in mere seconds. Mmmm I want Speedway or Mobil to purchase one of this amazing contraptions.


Photo Credit

We didn't start the fire!

Here's a Craigslist Ad my sister sent me...hilarious!!

"Here's a free couch perfect for all those returning Michigan State students. This prime example of Ethan Allen craftsmanship from the late Nixon Administration has been lingering in my basement for the last 5 years after picking them up from a friend's garage sale.

This couch is HEAVY for what it is and was difficult to maneuver around my small house until I got it stuck on the landing where it wouldn't go up or go down. I sawed the legs off to get it out. It'll sit evenly with a couple of custom made 4x4 legs.

Or you can just burn it in the alley behind your frat house. It's all up to you. Pick up only. 1st Come 1st Serve."


(Photo Credit)

Sparty On and happy friday :)

Flat Ray

Ray (My bro-in-law's, bro-in-law) just celebrated his 40th birthday. His wifey, Mia, threw him a surprise party and decided to make him a nice slideshow. With the invitation she included a picture of him (flat ray) for us to take around town and get creative. The purpose was to send him 'well wishes'.

Well we took it to another level, of course.

Happy Birthday Ray Ray :)

Wednesday Confessions

**They look innocent, but that's what they want you to think ;)**


I have a little bit of my dad in me -- I always double check to see if I unplugged my curling iron, hair straightener and whether or not I locked the doors and closed my garage.

I resemble my mom when I re-clean, what I just cleaned; use my bare hands to wash dishes; or think that I can handle hot pots and pans with no oven mitt.

I’m a mirror image of my sisters when I laugh so hard, I cry.

I search for something sweet after every meal.

I love chewing gum.

I have a habit of buying books at a faster rate than reading them.

I’m a sucker for free shipping (see confession above).

In addition to free shipping, I love sales. Buy one get one free, 40% off, 75% off…really any percentage off, I’m totally in.

I think I have a shoe addiction.

I love the moment, right before I fall asleep. I get the feeling for a brief moment that everything is going to be ok that isn’t.

I hate when in dreams you’re crying and it feels 150% real. I confess sometimes I’ve even woken myself up from literally crying.

I love my niece and nephew more than life itself. But when they’re crank-tastic, they instill a fear in me like no other, of having children in the future.

happy wednesday, all :)

Mmm snacks

Seriously, what I would do to have this in our breakroom at work...or in my condo...or anywhere near me really. I'd be happy with any of these really.

Liv said she likes the rice one...natch.

This beautiful contraption stores frozen potatoes; fries them in less than two minutes, salts them and then proceeds to dispense them with sauce and a napkin. **love**



Photo Credit

Easy, Breezy, Summertime Fun

I've known these beautiful ladies since middle school! A lot has changed since then, but every time we get together it feels like nothing has changed at all.

Love you ladies! xoxo.

The smell of victory

(Team Volt)

On Monday, Liv and I went to BB's softball game at Liberty Park. That place brings back so many memories!! I spent a good portion of my high school days at that crazy place. It was BB's last game of the season (not to mention it was Liv's first time to cheer her hub on ;)) and they won the game! Woo hoo, let's go Volt!!! But what kind of adult softball game would it be without a scuffle? And I know what you're thinking--did Liv and I have to throw down?! Close! But it was actually between the opposing team and the umpire. I'm not quite sure what the whole thing was about, but all I know is that there was some four letter words exchanged and some of the players got kicked out near the end of the game. Cheap entertainment, let me tell you! It's funny the kind of things that get us riled up. Competition at it's finest really.

Congrats to the Volt team for a good game and season. Will we see a repeat victory next season? Or perhaps some kickball action?

Tastic sightings...

Bun-tastic
(Photo Credit: From my friend, Erin! She saw this at a store over the weekend and thought of me :)



Heel-tastic (Photo Credit)
I saw this on an infomercial a long time ago and just remembered it today. When I first saw it I immediately texted my friend Kim, because they stole my word!!!

Hospitality

Linda, our Korean marketing rep at work, came in to town this week as part of her annual trip to the U.S. She is originally from Michigan, but has been in Korea for 15 years on assignment. Linda came bearing gifts for our department, as many of our visiting guests do.

Below are the gifts she brought: Korea's version of Starburst candy, a beautious business card holder and rice crackers! So asian-tastic, I love it all!!!



Can I tell you what we gave her? Company wearables. Or as we call it, 'trinkets and trash'. Not exactly our best gift, or gesture of being hospitable. Now, we did bring in breakfast for our morning staff meeting...and we did bring her out to lunch. Does that count? Usually we like to get gifts that are true to Michigan -- Pewabic pottery, Michigan wine, Sanders chocolate, etc. But since Linda is originally from Michigan we didn't think our gift would fit. I'm thinking we're regretting our decision. Because let's be clear, we totally got the better end of the bargain with the gifts she brought us!

I don't know what it is about our global counterparts, but they bring the best gifts. I just hope that we don't totally offend them with our 'hospitality'!

I'm lobbying for a trip to visit her in Seoul. My guess is not so much. But here's to hoping!

Bundt-tastic

In honor of Hatton's birthday, Bolivia is hosting a dessert party tonight. I made these deeelish mini lemon bundt cakes, recipe courtesy of Nigella Lawson! Here's the recipe doubled. The bundt itself isn't too lemony and I would even add another zest of lemon to make it tart-tastic! Even so, I had to stop myself from eating them all, but they're just so mini and easy to consume! I'm sure we'll see lots o sweet treats tonight.

Happy Friday!