happy birthday, kell!

Happy birthday to my sweet husband!

This year marks our 9th birthday together, and I wouldn’t want it any other way. If you know Kell, you probably know that this post will probably be his worst nightmare – he hates being the center of attention, which frankly, is inevitable on your birthday. Still, I went on with my A to Z list in hopes he’ll forgive me later.

Kell A to Z

All Star athlete – tennis, football, golf, you name it…
Blizzards at Dairy Queen – no chocolate sauce
Country-fried steak
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
ESPN
Fierce Mississippi State fan
“Gifts of safety”
History buff
Impeccable driver
June birthdays (both of us!)
Karate Kid (“Sweep the leg!”)
Loyal friend
Married me!
Navy New Balance shoes
Orange Gatorade
Pet parent
Quiet… sometimes
Round-Up
Strings his own tennis racquets
“Tell Olive she’s pretty”
Undefeated at Brickbreaker on his Blackberry
Vacuums the house without being asked
Watched every episode of 90210 in chronological order…twice
eXcellent son-in-law
Yard pro
Zzzz… and snores.

Happy Birthday, Kell! I love you!

i heart ny

Fresh back from my trip to the Big Apple, I’ve had an epiphany: traveling for fun is so much better than traveling for work.

Seriously, I didn’t know what to do with myself when I got back to work on Monday morning and didn’t have an expense report to complete. I didn’t have to keep up with a single receipt, and my only carry-on bag was my purse. Granted, if someone at work approached me and gave me a check to cover everything, I wouldn’t turn it down. But still, it was a nice change considering I haven’t gone anywhere not work related since my honeymoon.

Anywho, it was my first trip to NYC, and it certainly did not disappoint. We did everything I wanted to do – cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery, a hot dog from a street vendor and dinner in Little Italy. Not surprisingly, every one of my requests revolved around food. Thanks to MK who let me bunk with her – I owe you a big one!

Here are some pictures from my fun trip:

Cool John Lennon signs in Soho.

One of our magnificent desserts from Serendipity (Kim K was here on Valentine's Day!).

The girls at Serendipity. Kim was most definitely there in spirit.

Cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery (just around the corner from Sarah Jessica Parker's house. Yes, we stalked.). Readers, I'd like for you to meet Yellow Cupcake with Chocolate Icing and Red Velvet Cupcake.

My dear friend Martha was there! (PS - buy her cookbook; it is wonderful.)

And the Guv!

And Super Chikan!

FDNY - so hunky!

Jealous much? I’m already ready to go back. I’ll leave you with a final photo with a sweet little quote.

(From Dylan's Candy Bar)

new york state of mind

I'm leaving on a jet plane bright and early tomorrow morning for NYC! I've never been before, so I can't wait to see a new place. I'll be back in a few days to report on my trip.

Have a great weekend.

the ology of me

FOOD-OLOGY
What is your salad dressing of choice? Greek
What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? I am LOVING Ely’s in Ridgeland. If you’re in the Jackson area, you should give it a try. Great food and great people. The tabouli salad is perfect.
What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of it? I don’t know of anything I could eat that long and not get tired of.
What are your pizza toppings of choice? Pepperoni, onion, mushroom, bell pepper OR tomato, mozzarella and fresh basil
What do you like to put on your toast? The other day I had a piece of toast with a little peanut butter, marshmallows and chocolate chips. I zapped it in the microwave for a few seconds, and it was amazing. Don’t judge.

TECHNOLOGY
How many televisions are in your house? Embarrassingly enough, 4. Yes, there are only 2 humans living in my house and we have twice the TVs.
What color cell phone do you have? black. And it is falling apart before my very eyes.
What does the first text message in your inbox say and who sent it? traffic alert from MDOT
Who was the last person to call you? Kell

BIOLOGY
Are you right-handed or left-handed? right
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? wisdom teeth and some weird cysts that had hair and teeth inside. Really. I am a Discovery Health special waiting to happen.
What is the last heavy item you lifted? Curtain rods

DUMB-OLOGY
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? No way Jose.
If you could change your name, what would you change it to? I like my name.
Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? Absolutely. Bring it.
How many pairs of flip flops do you own? 2 – black and brown
Last time you had a run-in with the cops? Never. knock on wood.
Last person you talked to in person ? Whitney
Favorite Month? November

CURRENT-OLOGY
Missing someone? Yes
Mood? content
What are you listening to? people around me talking on the phone.
Watching? Nothing – I am in a cubicle with no windows. Like a lab rat.
Worrying about? Hanging my new curtains straight

RANDOM-OLOGY
What’s the last movie you watched? The Hangover. HYSTERICAL.
Do you smile often? I think so.
Do you always answer your phone? I HATE talking on the phone.
It’s four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it? MDOT.
If you could change your eye color what would it be? green
What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? Diet cherry
Do you own a digital camera? I do.
Have you ever had a pet fish? Yes, Ringo, named for my favorite Beatle. He died on my birthday.
Favorite Christmas song? “Carol of the Bells,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
What’s on your wish list for your birthday? whatever.
Can you do push-ups? Probably the girly kind
Can you do a chin up? Doubt it.
Does the future make you more nervous or excited? Both I suppose
Do you have any saved texts? nope
Ever been in a car wreck? no--THANK GOODNESS. knock on wood.
Do you have an accent? Southern
What is the last song to make you cry? Don’t recall.
Plans tonight? Work out, make fruit dip and a fruit tray
Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? yes
Name 2 things you bought yesterday. Movie tickets and popcorn
You ever been given roses? yes
Current hate right now? childish behavior from adults
Met someone who changed your life? yes
What song represents you? no idea.
What were you doing 12 AM last night? Snoozing. And a.m. by definition is not “night.”
What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? I have a dog paw in my face.

federer express

Tennis superstar (and super hunk) Roger Federer got his French Open title today, tying him with fellow great (and fellow hunk) Pete Sampras for most career grand slams - 14. Rodge defeated Robin Soderling in straight sets today to clench the one slam that has eluded him for years.

Congratulations, Roger! You did it!

oh happy day!

It’s National Donut Day! And I cannot think of anything more deserving of such a distinct honor.

Thought to have been invented by the Dutch and called “oily cakes”, the donut gained popularity in the US in the 1900s. During World War I, young American men fighting overseas were even served donuts by grateful Frenchmen as reminder of food back home. My personal favorite: chocolate-covered with sprinkles.

Celebrate with your favorite fried treat!

Have a great weekend.

common denominator

What do...

banana chips...

grandpa's dentures...

and chocolate glazed mini donuts have in common?

They're all cute soaps from soapopotamus's etsy shop! How great would these be in your guest bath or as a sweet and silly housewarming gift?