Princess Bride

I'm apparently not cultured like many of my friends because I thought the Princess Bride was the stupidest movie I ever saw.  I clearly am in the minority, because everyone else in the world seems to think it is the greatest movie ever!? So in an effort to not be a total social outcast, I'm joining some friends who love this movie so much, they are going to a full screening at NJPAC hosted by the heroic Westly (actor Cary Elwes). I will say that Robin Wright (princess Buttercup) rocks Clare Underwood!

WaWa food- favorite

 

WaWa has great, ready to go food! They have a big variety of salads, wraps, sandwiches, and snacks fresh and quick.  You can also order a custom-made sandwich or hot soup at their counter.  Their coffee is also great!

Fios (Not so favorite thing)

Since I moved, I switched from Comcast to Fios.  BIG MISTAKE! I have yet to speak to someone who can help me.  Instead, I get passed from department to department.  I was not given the services (HBO, DVR) that I originally ordered, and when I called about it, they charged me more.  Very frustrating! Can't get out of 2 year contract without a heafty fine, but as soon as the 2 years are up, I'm back to Comcast.

Alex and Ani bracelets

Just started with two, but I hope to get more soon! My new favorite jewerly since Pandora! These are great to get as gifts, and I love the symbolism of each one!

Houzz- favorite

You can go to http://www.houzz.com/, but the app (I have it on my phone and iPad) is really cool! There are thousands of decorating ideas, room by room.  You can filter in a bunch of ways.  There are also price tags on some things, you can click on, get the price and where to buy.  Addicting!

Nike Fuel Band- favorite

I got this for Christmas, and wear it every day! I compared it with the Jawbone UP, and for me, the Nike Fuel Band has better features.  It has a digital readout that tracks your fuel points (currency based on movement), calories burned, and steps taken.  It bluetooths to an app on your phone. You set daily goals and the app keeps track of daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly progress.  The clasp is a USB plug that you use to charge it by plugging it into your computer.  I started with the white one, but didn't like it.  You could see the electronics inside, and it discolored over time.  I now have the black one which I like a lot better.  The biggest disadvantage is it is not waterproof. 

Ipad and Ipad mini- Favorite!

I got an iPad in September and never knew how much I wanted one!  I also got a pretty pink case from amazon.com.  It is awesome and I love it! I saw the new iPad mini and it is great for commuters and whoever wants to carry a smaller version with them.

LED CHRISTMAS LIGHTS- favorite

I got all new Christmas lights this year.  They are white LED.

 

They are beautiful, last long, and don't use as much electricity as traditional lights! 

HO! HO! HO!

CAKE POPS- NOT SO FAVORITE THING

CAKE POPS- NOT SO FAVORITE THING

I made these cake pops for my son's birthday (he turned 23 on Thanksgiving). It took over 3 hours and cost about $30. By the time I was done, I re-named them "Cake Balls from Hell"!

Ceramic travel mug- new favorite!

A student gave me this beautiful travel mug.  It came in a decorative box that can be used again.  It has a lid which allows me to walk with it and not spill! The company is Cypress and I found some  on http://www.jlhufford.com/cypress.asp. I've seen similar mugs at Starbucks.

      

Heath Bar Minis- new favorite

I go through phases with chocolate. I recently have been buying Hershey Nuggets with toffee and almonds, yum! But for the past week, I've been really enjoying Heath Bar Minis! I think toffee and chocolate is a better combo then peanut butter and chocolate! I try to limit myself to 3 after dinner, that is only 115 calories, but it is hard to stop at 3!

Gray roots, not so favorite

Women who are gray and color your hair- don't walk around like a skunk with a white streak down the middle of your head! If you are going to color your hair, make your next appointment when you leave the previous one, so you can avoid that "I don't have time or care about my appearance" look.  If you're not going to maintain it, go all gray.  It is a great look for some women.

My New Favorite Store

I went to White House Black Market yesterday and bought 2 new dresses.  I love this store! The sales people are so nice and so helpful.  They kept bringing me things they thought I'd like.  Most of the things I tried on fit well and looked good, that never happens!  They gave me a coupon to use, and more for the next time I go, which will be soon.  So many great clothes for going out, or going to work.  Their shoe selection is also awesome!

Orbit Sweet Mint Gum- favorite

I love this gum! I always have it with me.  It tastes like the mint in mint chocolate chip ice cream.  It also has the perfect texture, not too soft, not too rubbery. 

Pocketbook (purse) hanger- favorite

 

 My daughter told me I'm the only one she knows that calls a purse a pocketbook, whatever....

My hairdresser, Sandy has one of these for her customers to hang their pocketbooks on, instead of putting it on the hairy floor.  Genus! I bought one in JCPenny's in the jewelry section (of all places).  By the way, I love JCP! I use it at my desk at work and when I go for manicures.  They come in all kind of different designs and styles and fold up to fit in what else, your purse!

Adidas Chilwyanda FitFoam Flip Flops

Just got these at Belk's in N.C. They are heavenly! So comfy and cushy on my feet! Will wear with workout gear and for my pedicures!

Pandora bracelets- favorite

 

My sisters and I all have one. I love Pandora bracelets because different people can buy you charms that are special to them or you. Everyone's bracelet is unique to them. You can also get charms from other less-expensive companies like Brighton and Kay (although the quality is not as good). The cool, modern version of the charm bracelet.

Printed socks and theme ties- not so favorite

PRINTED SOCKS.  Are you five? They don't match anything and you look like a dork when you sit down and everyone can see the pattern on your socks.  Make a statement with some cool, colorful jewelry instead!

THEME TIES.  Right up there with printed socks.  If you aren't an elementary school teacher, don't wear a holiday or theme tie.  They are tacky! Dress like a grown up professional and wear a tasteful tie.  The only thing worse than a theme tie is a bow tie- YUCK!  And do I even have to mention holiday sweaters?

Skins- favorite

I cover all my electronics (laptop, Kindle, iPhone) with decorative skins from http://www.skinit.com. They have thousands of choices and you can even customize your own! Its a cool way to personalize your stuff and make it different from the rest of the world.

Guys with ponytails- not so favorite

I don't care if you're 7 or 70, no guy looks good with a ponytail!

The Honda Ridgeline- favorite

 

My dad got a Honda Ridgeline in 2007. I always knew that if I bought a truck, it would be a Ridgeline. I bought mine in December, 2010. I LOVE MY TRUCK! It isn't too big, it has a variable speed engine (gets 20 mpg hw), the 2nd row folds up, so the dogs hang on the floor, and I can haul any thing I need to.

Family stick figure car decals- not so favorite

While we are on the subject of putting ridiculous things on your car, lets be like every other minivan family in America and put stick figures of your family on the back window. This picture says it all:

Standard poodles- favorite

 

I always feel like I have to make a disclaimer about my dogs.  My daughter has bad allergies, so I wanted to get a big dog, but one that is hypoallergenic, that doesn't leave a lot of options.  So I got Coal 5 years ago, and Diamond 2 years ago.  They are so smart and sweet and I have grown to love the way they look. The fact that they don't shed is awesome! Now, I can't imagine ever having any other kind of dog! 

Charity bracelets- not so favorite

These things are downright ugly.  They don't match anything and are almost as bad as AWARENESS RIBBONS. I've seen cars with 10 of these stupid ribbons on them.  Why do people have to advertise that they support a charity? Make a donation, participate in a walk, feel good about what you are doing, you don't have to broadcast it.

Well placed, classy tattoos- favorite

 

Okay, you may think that is an oxymoron, but I respectfully disagree. I have three very pretty tattoos, the picture is the one on my left wrist. I also have one on my right ankle with roses and the name of my three children, and pink roses on the back of my neck. I do think that people should not get tattoos when they are young (teens and twenties) because they very well may regret their choice later. My advice- think about your tattoo for a long time before you get it and don't worry about what anyone else thinks, it is your body and your choice!