Adventures in Newlywed

Moving Day!

2009-08-23T18:53:00.002-05:00

This will be my last post on Adventures in Newlywed.

Because I've moved to a fabulous new site!

Please visit me HERE from this moment forward.

Work Trip!

2009-08-18T08:56:00.001-05:00

Hello my lovelies! I'm off to sunny...warm...breezy... well, I'm off to Minnesota :) Not sure what the weather is like, but I'm guessing cooler than Dallas.

Here's what I packed - think I guessed right?

Nanette Lepore.

2009-08-16T12:28:00.002-05:00

Nanette.

I just love your clothes, but they are so freakin' expensive that I typically cannot afford to adorn myself in your floral-y, bow-bedecked gorgeousness.

But thanks to Anthropologie, this $375 dress now hangs in my closet, and it only cost my poor little wallet $89. Can you try harder to make this <$100 pricing standard for more of your delicious creations?

Thanks, love you, kisses.

OMG.

2009-08-14T19:39:00.001-05:00

LOVE this show. Fran Drescher is my style icon, for reals. Love those outfits!!! Animal prints, bright colors, sequins, high hemlines... I love it all :)

My Favorite Actress. (After Meryl Streep, of Course)

2009-08-14T09:46:00.002-05:00

The girls and I are going to see this movie tomorrow:

Which excites me, because I absolutely ADORE Rachel McAdams... but also worries me a bit, because I think this may be a crying movie. I hate crying in movies, but always get suckered into going to them, and end up bawling my eyes out for 124 minutes of sadness. (Hello, P.S. I Love You!)

But again, I'm going because I love Rachel McAdams, and would go see a movie about a hand puppet and a WalMart bag if she was in it. (That, and I don't want to miss Saturday morning matinee with the girls! Love ya'll!)

Regina - the meanest Mean Girl ever. LOVED this movie. For real.

The blonde period. I personally think she looks almost as good as a blonde as she does with her natural brown hair. That, my friends, is a hard trick to pull off. (Is it just me, or does she look like a prettier Sienna Miller here?)

I can't pull off red lipstick - but she kind of makes me want to try it?

And for the love of Pete - would ya'll just get back together, get married, and have a genetically perfect child (or three)?

Anyone else going to see the Time Traveler's Wife this weekend?

Wow.

2009-08-13T15:28:00.001-05:00

You know those days where you just feel so blessed and happy?
I'm having one of those days.
Hope you are too.

Mad Mad Men.

2009-08-13T07:47:00.002-05:00

Several people have told me how wonderful "Mad Men" is, and that I would simply love it if I would just give it a try...

But truth be told, I'm scared to start watching it. Because I'm frightened that I'll want every. single. outfit. that the girls wear. I've already got the 50's body type, I refuse to leave the house without a full face of makeup, and I have ALWAYS been a strong believer in a good floral print dress with some heels.

Oh dear. I think I'll have to start watching it anyway.

The Reason Why.

2009-08-12T14:13:00.006-05:00

Dear Newlywed Husband,

In exactly one month from today we will have been married for a whole year! It doesn't seem like it's been that long, does it?

Probably because I love you so much...

~I love you because you never forget to kiss me goodbye in the morning, or hello at night.

~I love you for trying to always make me laugh when I am having a bad day.

~I love that you are so totally and completely silly around babies - you instantly start making funny faces and tickling them...and it makes me want to see you with our future babies.

~I love your work ethic, and how you treat everyone fairly and with patience and compassion.

~I love how you look when you first wake up - bright-eyed and messy hair.

~I love that you never, ever make me drive when we are in the car together, because you know how much I hate driving.

~I love that you are manly enough to adore Nascar, yet metro enough to know what Valentino is.

~I love that you have the same stupid sense of humor as I do - and will laugh when I ask if you are 'happy like a clam' or 'crabby like a crab'.

~I love your smile, because you smile with your eyes, and not just your mouth.

~I love the way you hold the door for me, and everyone within a 15 foot radius.

~I love that you treat a waiter, valet, or anyone in the service industry with the same level of respect that you would give the president of the biggest company in the country.

~I love the fact that you not only refused to be intimidated by my loud, overwhelming family, but that you actually thought they were awesome. (which they are :)

~I love you for planning huge, elaborate vacations to Europe or South America with me... and then agreeing that we should just go to the beach and drink pina coladas.

~I love you for never making me worry about who will provide for our family.

~I love that you tell me that I remind you of Catherine Zeta Jones, when in reality I resemble Karen Walker from Will & Grace.

~I love that you have never complained about my cooking, and have eaten everything I have ever served you with a smile and a 'Wow honey, this is delicious'!

~I love that you let me watch Will & Grace re-runs in bed, even though I fall asleep within the first 5 minutes.

~I love that we have been married almost a year, and it seems as though it has been forever, but at the same time just an instant ago that we said 'I do'.

Happy almost anniversary honey.

Love,

Your Wife.

Anthro at Home.

2009-08-11T09:03:00.003-05:00

Oh Anthropologie. I love you so. If only Newlywed Husband would let me have more of your fabulous home products in our house... but he has deemed most of your beautiful furnishings as being too 'girly'.

Sigh. A girl can dream, though.

{What Newlywed Husband doesn't know is that when the babies come... and our first girl is born...then all bets are off. He won't be able to see through all of the antiqued white furniture, ruffles, and floral prints... }

Now I'm On My Soap Box, and I'm Not Getting Off.

2009-08-10T10:37:00.013-05:00

Remember this little post I wrote last week? About the offensive bumper sticker?

Well, I struck a chord with someone, and it's caused me to do a lot of deep thinking regarding that post... with my conclusion being that I not only stand behind the opinions expressed, but feel even more strongly about them now than I did last week.

Here is a [paraphrased] look at one of the comments from a reader (please go to the original post to read the full comment):

"I think a church has no business in the political arena. As I said before they can influence the hearts and minds of their congregation but shouldn't go beyond that. "

This statement frightens me to my very core, because it represents how we, as a country have become so focused on being politically correct. We are constantly worrying about not offending anyone by saying the word "God", or "religion", that we have lost sight of the very values upon which our founding fathers built this nation!

Some are so concerned with keeping religion and politics separate that attempts have been made to remove the words "Under God" from the Pledge of Allegiance, and "In God We Trust" from our currency. Words that make a statement about the beliefs that this nation was founded upon, and what has held us together through wars, natural disasters, and financial crisis.

Please do not assume that I believe that everyone should be a Christian, or that everyone should even be religious!

But by saying that in America, land of free speech and democracy, a church should not have a political voice simply because it is a tax exempt organization is discrimination at the most basic level there is.

There are countless non-profits out there that speak to political issues such as these:

stem cell research
abortion
abuse/domestic violence
animal rights

All of these organizations exist because the people who support them feel strongly about HELPING SOMEONE OR SOMETHING. This is why they qualify for non-profit status, because their programs and efforts go towards bettering our nation/world.

Now, if I'm not mistaken, one of the most important things you learn in church is this: "Love your neighbor as yourself". Sounds like helping someone, right? Every church you can think of has outreach programs, medical assistance programs, abuse counselors... etc - right?

I fully support each and every one of these organizations in having the right to speak freely and openly in both political and non-political arenas. Why should a church not have the same right? They are not trying to convert or 'force Jesus' on anyone, but simply fighting to preserve the values and belief system that our country was founded upon.

Just because a church does not pay taxes does not mean that it is not contributing to the good of society through outreach programs and countless ministries that help those in need. They SHOULD have a political voice - based on the Constitutional right to free speech.

What do you think?

P.S. I promise this will be the last political-ish blog, I truly hate talking about politics, and try to avoid the topic at all costs. But, I also feel strongly about the right to free speech for EVERYONE, tax-exempt organization or not.... :)

What if...

2009-08-10T07:52:00.001-05:00

Madonna, Courtney Love, and Fran Drescher were all genetically combined to make one person?

Would she look like this?

Discuss.

Bon Appetit!

2009-08-08T14:32:00.001-05:00

Just saw Julie/Julia...and it reaffirms my belief that Meryl Streep is the most amazing actress on Planet Earth.

Happy Saturday!

Friday Savings!

2009-08-07T10:44:00.001-05:00

White House Black Market has sooooooooooooo much cute stuff on sale right now... and if you enter the code "8889" when you check out it will take 20% off your entire order!

Don't tell Newlywed Husband I know this.

I Fought the Law...And I Won.

2009-08-07T09:40:00.002-05:00

On my way to work yesterday, I got pulled over for running a red light - stink!

I was turning left, and got stuck behind a semi, so I couldn't see the light when I entered the intersection...and it just happened to be red (which, in case you are wondering, is the wrong color for a traffic signal light to be when you are in the intersection).

Mr. Nice Police Officer runs my plates, and walks up to have me sign the ticket, OBLIVIOUS to the fact that I'm conjuring up my best, "Please don't give me a ticket, because I'm just a cute little innocent girl" face. He has one of those new-fangled evil little ticket machines that looks like the little electronic device that UPS men carry to deliver packages.

I sign the electronic signature pad, and he pushes the 'Print' button to print my copy of the ticket.

...aannnnddddd nothing happens.

He tries again. Still nothing.

Mr. Nice Police Officer decides that letting me off with a warning is easier than trying to diagnose the printer malfunction on his evil little machine, so he voids the ticket in the system and lets me go on my (now) merry way.

Newlywed Wife - 1

evil little machine - 0

Jeans Thursday!

2009-08-06T14:59:00.002-05:00

It's Jeans Thursday! (Why? Because I said so.)

Tweet...Not So Much.

2009-08-06T11:07:00.000-05:00

DUDE! What is wrong with Twitter today?

Am I the only one who can't get it to work?

The Offensive Bumper.

2009-08-06T08:56:00.013-05:00

*Disclaimer: I try to keep my political/religious/fact that I think all khaki pants should be burned views to myself. But occasionally there arises an issue upon which I simply cannot keep quiet. (If you know me in real life, you know that I censor myself on the blog tremendously, I typically am the first to open my mouth, and have never shied away from debate. But, I try to keep the blog more of a fun, lighthearted endeavor - instead of a soap box for my personal views.)*

So I'm driving to work this morning (and yes, the traffic was horrible, thankssomuchforasking), and I happen to veer into a lane directly behind a car that had this bumper sticker on its back bumper:

{Let's just take a moment to remember that I did spend a large part of my career thus far in the retail side of the auto industry. Therefore, the sight of any bumper sticker makes me cringe, just for purely aesthetic reasons. But I digress.}

The big reason this bumper sticker makes me cringe? The blatant, blanket stereotype represented on a 4"x4" piece of adhesive paper.

There are several things you should know right now:

I am a card-carrying true Southern Baptist girl
I reside in Texas
I fully support the NRA (sorry, just threw that one in to stir up trouble :)

Several more things you should know about me:

I fully support the gay community, and one's right to choose who they love
I do NOT support Perez Hilton (please don't confuse the above statement)
I think women should have the right to choose - particularly in extenuating circumstances

And I would openly share all of this information with the gentleman who found it so necessary to share his clearly skewed views on his bumper for all the world to see. Because although I would consider myself fairly conservative, I do see the other side of many issues. But in addition to sharing my personal views, I'd like to share with him the following:

YES, churches do not pay taxes.
NEITHER does the Red Cross.
YES, christian camps do not pay taxes.
NEITHER does the Boys & Girls Club.
YES, many churches, especially here in the Bible Belt have endowments in the millions of $$$.
SO do many others, including the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation, endowment of $38 billion.
YES, most churches have some type of political voice. (I should know, my pastor was the president of the Southern Baptist convention for several years).
SO does every other non-profit organization, from ~~FEMA~~, Amnesty International (if conducting research and generating action about human rights issues isn't typically political, I don't know what is), to PETA (HELLO - does anyone think throwing paint on someone's personal property is ok just because you don't agree with it?)

So, Mr. I-Feel-The-Need-To-Spout-Off-My-Opinions-Without-Doing-My-Research, next time you want to slap another unsightly and untrue bumper sticker on your car, maybe think with your head instead of your.... :)

Thoughts? Opinions? This is a rare occasion that you will hear me speak on such a weighty topic, so if you have something to say, speak now or forever hold your peace!

EDITED TO ADD: Someone made the comment that FEMA is a government agency not a non-profit, I apologize for the error, and have replaced it in my argument with a true non-profit agency, Amnesty International.

Please also note that I am not trying to say that one non-profit is better, or more helpful to the general population, but just that all non-profits exist (in theory) to better mankind. Whether they have a religious view or not.

For example, many churches have after school programs and summer programs for children in underprivileged areas. So do many non-profit organizations. It is up to each family to participate in whatever organization they choose, and just like we have the choice of where to shop for groceries or where to send our children to school, it is up to each person or family to choose what works best for them. If you have a problem with a religious message, then choose the secular non-profit for the assistance you need. If you are religious, and feel as though you would be more comfortable in that environment, then choose that path.

For the record, Red Cross Workers, FEMA workers, and deacons/volunteers from religious groups all across the nation have responded to every national disaster across the nation. Not one is better than the other, but saying that religious groups do not have a right to take a political stand, while supporting the rights of other secular non-profits and government agencies to take the same stands is definitely discrimination.

EDITED ONCE AGAIN TO ADD: Just in case you were wondering, Planned Parenthood is a non-profit organization, and one of their primary donors happens to be the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. (Refer to the comments if you are wondering why I bring this up.) Abortion is a major political and religious issue, and I believe that if I did not before, then I have now made my point.

Silly Questions...

2009-08-05T13:20:00.001-05:00

Someone sent this to me...and I thought I'd post it just for fun :)

~What is your salad dressing of choice?~
Bleu Cheese - Newlywed Husband thinks this is disgusting...

~What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?~
Oh, Mi Cocina WITHOUT QUESTION! {Or The Palm. Or Javier's}.

~What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of it?~
Chips & Salsa from Chili's or Mi Cocina

~What are your pizza toppings of choice?~
I'm not a huge fan of pizza (gasp! I know!), but will occasionally partake in a spicy sausage/basil/goat cheese pie - that''s the North Beach at Fireside Pies for all you Dallas-ites.

~What do you like to put on your toast?~
I'll be honest, I really don't remember the last time I ate toast...

~How many televisions are in your house?~
2 - and I'm lobbying for one in the master bedroom so I can watch my Will & Grace re-runs in bed...

~What color cell phone do you have?~
Pink. Of Course.

~Are you right-handed or left-handed?~
right

~Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
Ew, this is a nasty question! But, in case you are curious, nothing.

~What is the last heavy item you lifted?~
a 24 pack of bottled water. is it sad that I consider that heavy?

~Have you ever been knocked unconscious?~
Not to my knowledge?

~If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?~
Absolutely not! I'm already paranoid enough as it is!

~If you could change your name, what would you change it to?~
I wouldn't, my name is super cute as it is...I think anyway...

~Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?~
Can I chase it with an entire bottle of Tums?

~Last run-in with a cop?~
I have lots of respect for the law, except those idiots on traffic patrol that get some kind of pleasure out of pulling over a nice, sweet little girl who is only exceeding the speed limit by a few mph instead of pulling over the van with no license plates filled with drug-dealer-looking men. {I'm not annoyed at all, can you tell?}

~Last person you talked to?~
My office-mate - and I wasn't very polite. But he wasn't very helpful. So there.

~Last person you hugged?~
Newlywed Husband this morning on my way out the door for work. (Winston got a kiss on the snout :)

~Favorite Season?~
I love them all, except spring - no holidays + horrible allergies make me want to just sleep until Summer!

~Holiday?~
Christmas, of course!

~Day of the week?~
Sunday - because it's the only day Newlywed Husband and I are both off work!

~Month?~
September - it's just starting to consistently be below 90 degrees here and it's also our wedding anniversary month.

~First place you went this morning?~
Starbucks for a venti skinny vanilla latte

~What's the last movie you saw?~
The Ugly Truth with FFW...we both drooled over Gerard Butler the entire flick!

~Do you smile often?~
Of course!

~Do you always answer your phone?~
Oh no - I'm definitely a screener!

~It's four in the morning and you get a text message who is it?~
Doesn't happen anymore... thank goodness!

~If you could change your eye color what would it be?~
Blue! I've ALWAYS wanted to have dark hair and blue eyes - a la' Megan Fox.

~What flavor drink do you get at Sonic?~
Diet Cherry Coke - the Route 44 size (oops:)

~Do you own a digital camera?~
Of course! And it's pink.

~Have you ever had a pet fish?~
yes, 2 of them. Bubbles and Miss Kitty.

~Favorite Christmas song?~
White Christmas, of course!

~What's on your wish list for your birthday?~
Wow, that's a long way away...but I'll take anything from Valentino or Lilly!

~Can you do push ups?~
Yes, but why on earth would I?

~Can you do a chin up?~
No, and why on earth would I?

~Does the future make you more nervous or excited?~
Excited!

~Do you have any saved texts?~
Nope, I get new phones too often.

~Ever been in a car wreck?~
Yep, a couple of them (Don't worry, I've only been the driver of the car once)

~Do you have an accent?~
I've been told, yes.

~What is the last song to make you cry?~
Sara Beth by Rascal Flatts. Makes me bawl every time!

~Plans tonight?~
Work out (ha!), and lots of household chores because the Husband is working late.

~Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?~
Yes, but only in retrospect.

~Name 3 things you bought yesterday?~
Diet coke (x2), Snackwells cookies, and a pack of trident white gum (the blue flavor)

~Have you ever been given roses?~
yes, by my sweet husband on our 1st Valentine's Day together!

~Current worry?~
That I will never get to have babies and not have to work. (Newlywed Husband promises yes, but I still worry...)

~Current hate right now?~
The fact that I have not yet started working from home full time (supposedly coming soon), and have to share an office.

~Met someone who changed your life?~
Yes, more than one person!

~How did you bring in the New Year?~
At the Gaylord Hotel bash - super fun and I fully recommend it!

~What were you doing 12 AM last night?~
sleeping

~What was the first thing you thought when you woke up?~
This whole working from home thing needs to happen sooner rather than later!

I tag ANYONE who wants to play!

Fall Must-Have's - Volume 2.

2009-08-05T10:57:00.003-05:00

Blech. We are set to have 3 straight days of 100+ degree weather here in Dallas...

...and yet I soldier on with my fall must-have's. {Miss yesterday's? Catch up here.}

Can someone bring me an iced skinny vanilla latte from Starbucks? Or a grape sno-cone? That'd be great, thanks.

Thoughts?

Hmmm.

2009-08-05T09:06:00.002-05:00

Am I the only one who thinks that Lindsay Lohan looks more like a 50 year old woman than a young 20-something?

Fall Must-Have's - Volume 1.

2009-08-04T09:13:00.003-05:00

It's August. I live in TX. This is typically by far the hottest month of the entire year - and by hot I mean 100+ degrees almost every day with a humidity level that makes you want to slap somebody.

So what am I doing to distract myself from the everlasting, disgusting, gag-inducing heat?

Drinking 3,746 Diet Cokes.
Eating TCBY for at least 1 meal/day.
Driving Newlywed Husband crazy by insisting on sleeping with a GIANT fan blowing directly on the bed).

Oh...and thinking about all of the fabulous fall clothes I can wear when the weather finally (will it ever?) turns cool again!

Here are some of my must-buys for fall:

What clothes are you coveting for fall?

Weekend Recap. 5 Words or Less.

2009-08-03T08:09:00.004-05:00

1. Chips + queso - ate too much.

2. Lake Athens, have mild sunburn.

3. Lake Athens. so. much. fun.

4. Bought 4 pairs of jeans!

5. The Gap + discount rocks!

6. Houston's and a great martini...

7. Met Mrs. Preppy!

8. So in love with Husband.

9. Need more sleep.

10. Stay tuned for big changes!

30% Off Sale! (do you really even care where it is? a discount is a discount!)

2009-07-31T07:48:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Caitlin for the heads up on this fabulous deal - this weekend {July 30-August 2} present this coupon at any Gap, Old Navy, or Banana Republic store for 30% off your purchase + an additional 5% goes to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!

Who said shopping was a selfish activity?

Go here to get the coupon

And Now For Something Completely Different...

2009-07-30T16:18:00.002-05:00

Chihuahuas in wigs.

Why?

Because it's funny.

So there.

{Desperate Housedog}

{Is it just me, or does this one bear a striking resemblance to Tara Reid?}

{Hmmm}

{Perhaps the most spectacular comb-over I've ever witnessed.}

{Dog Marley}

Rain Rain, Go Away...

2009-07-30T08:16:00.000-05:00

Ahem. If it continues to rain every freakin' day here in Dallas, I will be forced to purchase a pair of these pink Hunter wellies...

I might just buy them anyway, just to spite the weather.

Thoughts?

Wish You Were at the Beach? Yeah, Me Too.

2009-07-29T08:59:00.001-05:00

{images by Clark Little}

You Know It's Going to Be One of Those Days...

2009-07-28T08:22:00.001-05:00

When you accidentally type booger.com instead of blogger.com.

Sigh.

Perfection.

2009-07-27T08:32:00.002-05:00

After randomly discovering this Vogue cover, I have now decided that in my next life, I want to be Penelope Cruz.

And I want to wear that dress every day.

It's Friday!!!

2009-07-24T08:50:00.002-05:00

Don't know what to do this weekend??? Rest assured, I've got plenty of ideas...

Spend some time with a friend...

Take a nap.

Go for a swim.

Or just relax and be happy it's the weekend!

Whatever you do, enjoy your weekend!

So EXCITED!!!

2009-07-23T14:40:00.004-05:00

So as most of ya'll know, my bestest buddy moved back to Missouri at the beginning of June *sob*.

And since I miss her so much, I'm going to see her this weekend for the first time since she moved - yay!

Above: a montage of what our weekend is certain to entail....

Grandma Said...

2009-07-23T08:11:00.002-05:00

My grandmother, smartest woman alive, always told us, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all".

That is the one piece of advice (out of many she has given me over the years), that I have steadfastly ignored since childhood...

But you know what? I'm going to cut Tori some slack today and remain silent, because... well, just look at the picture below.

*Ok, I can't resist. Pocahontas called. She wants her boots back.

(Don't tell Grandma I said that).

I Love the 80's...

2009-07-22T08:58:00.003-05:00

Gosh, Joan Collins is fabulous. Just look at that ruff collar! And the big hair! And the bright lipstick!

.

Leopard print. Love it. Le sigh.

Would you wear a bright, 80's-inspired outfit like Joan?

Yeah, Really.

2009-07-21T16:05:00.002-05:00

These birds, found in the Galapagos Islands are really called Blue Footed Boobies.

Am I the only one who finds this hysterically funny?

Oh Dear.

2009-07-21T08:00:00.002-05:00

Newlywed Husband bought me a wii Sunday - such a sweet husband!!!

The only problem?

I'm never going to get anything else done.

I'm ashamed to say that I spent almost 4 hours last night (while waiting for Newlywed Husband to get home from work at 9:45pm) playing this:

...and this.

Hello, my name is Newlywed Wife, and I'm addicted to wii.

P.S. Please pass the tylenol, my forearms feel like they got run over by a bus.

Ahem.

2009-07-20T07:40:00.002-05:00

Winston and I just ran (sprinted) a mile this morning.

Nope, you didn't mis-read that, yours truly ran. And there wasn't even a shoe sale.

Pardon me while I go die now.

Cool + Casual

2009-07-17T08:32:00.003-05:00

It's too hot to wear jeans... and too FRIDAY to wear an office dress...

Here's what I came up with this morning (in all of 2 1/2 minutes, thankyouverymuch) as a casual Friday compromise :)

Almost.

2009-07-17T06:41:00.002-05:00

This pic of Zooey Deschanel from the new Instyle almost makes me want to get bangs again.

ALMOST.

You're so Punny.

2009-07-16T08:21:00.002-05:00

I followed this big guy for about 20 minutes on my commute this morning.

As this was pre-coffee, it took me about 19 out of the 20 minutes to figure out why this truck is funny...

Get it?

Have You Tried This???

2009-07-15T21:02:00.001-05:00

It's horrible! Horrible, I tell you!

*please ignore any slurping sounds you hear in the background...

Winston, Male Model.

2009-07-15T08:39:00.002-05:00

Why are you taking a picture of those stinky flowers? Can't you see how handsome I am???

Camera ~~Hog~~ Dog.

BONE. BONE. BONE.

Winston says, "Have a great morning, and please get me a Milk Bone".

Does This Make Anyone Else Slightly Nauseous?

2009-07-14T08:00:00.002-05:00

46 years old, obscenely hot (although dumb-as-a-post) younger husband, looks like this in a minidress:

Does this make anyone else feel queasy? Pass the Emetrol.

I Don't, but If I Did...

2009-07-13T15:58:00.003-05:00

I don't wear flat shoes - this is a commonly known fact. With the exception of flip-flops, there are zero flats in my closet.

Not because I don't like them, Au contraire, I think they are a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e... they just don't work on me! I've worn heels for so long, that when I attempt to wear flats they make my back and knees hurt terriblyIt's kind of like Diet Coke - I can't drink regular soda even if I wanted to, because I've drank diet for so long that real sugar tastes funny. (Strange, huh?)

But if I did wear flats... this is how I would wear them!

Or like this...

Do you wear flats?

Hush Money.

2009-07-13T08:20:00.003-05:00

Newlywed Husband informed me Friday that he had purchased one of these:

{For those of you who don't know, this is a Vespa. The dealership Newlywed Husband runs also owns a Vespa store}.

He seems to think it will be fun to ride around the neighborhood, take to dinner, etc.

Let's review:

You have to wear a helmet that smashes your hair.
There is no air conditioning, and it's 114 degrees here 9 months out of the year.
I am so paranoid about getting carjacked/attacked/kidnapped that I refuse to even drive in my car without locking the doors...
Oh, and my attempts to take up cycling and dirtbike riding both ended in tears, so my track record with two wheeled vehicles isn't exactly stellar.

Needless to say, the Vespa purchase caused the biggest argument Newlywed Husband and I have had - ever. I don't think he should have to ask me for permission to buy things - he works hard to earn money and provide for our family, and if he wants to buy a toy, I have never had a problem with it in the past. (Remember the dirtbike purchase? He talked about buying it for months, and I never complained for one second).

The source of the argument was not that he bought the Vespa, but that he didn't involve me in the decision to spend a fairly significant amount of $$.

Strangely enough, the 1-year anniversary of when he proposed was yesterday... and this little number ended up in my closet:

He says it's an anniversary present.

I think it's hush money to get me to stop b*tching about the ~~2 wheeled deathtrap~~ Vespa.

What was your biggest argument about with your significant other? Trust? $$$? Respect?

FYI.

2009-07-12T15:17:00.003-05:00

We just saw 'The Hangover'. It might be the funniest movie I've ever seen.

And this might be the hottest guy (except Newlywed Husband OF COURSE), on the planet.

Happy Friday - and My Outfit Feels A Bit Over the Top.

2009-07-10T08:31:00.001-05:00

I kind of feel like an american flag that was designed by Betsey Johnson... this is one of those outfits that turned out a little too colorful. But, happy Friday, nonetheless.

It's a More-Than-One Diet Coke Kind of Morning...

2009-07-09T09:28:00.001-05:00

{image from here}

I Don't Have Any $$$...

2009-07-08T13:49:00.002-05:00

...but if you do, then by all means go HERE!!!

You're welcome.

Wanted. Gory Movie With Bada** Female Lead.

2009-07-08T08:01:00.004-05:00

We all know I have a girl-crush on Angelina Jolie... (see here, here, and here).

Newlywed Husband and I watched 'Wanted' Sunday afternoon - I wouldn't really recommend the movie to anyone who has an aversion to violence, as the gore and blood is gratuitous (sp?)...

But Angie rocked it. The girl-crush lives on.

Hurry Up Already!

2009-07-07T13:08:00.002-05:00

FFW, would you PUHLEASE post some pictures of the new apartment?

I'm about as bored as this little cutie-poo:

Thanksloveyousayhitotheboycallmelaterbye.

I Should Change the Name of This Blog to "Adventures in Polyvore".

2009-07-07T08:55:00.002-05:00

But aren't those shoes just fab? And the t-shirt is from Delias! (can you say bargain?)

It's taken me forever to get into the leggings trend, but they're so versatile that I just can't help but love them...

What trend has taken a while for you to warm up to, but now you can't get enough of?

*click on the picture to see item details...

Summer Wishes...

2009-07-06T13:53:00.000-05:00

What are you wishing for???

Stay Tuned...

2009-07-05T16:28:00.000-05:00

Miami vacation recap...coming soon :)

Sad.

2009-06-25T19:09:00.002-05:00

FFW I miss you. You are the only person who gets why this picture is so funny... :)

Does anyone else have a best friend who lives far away? How do you cope with missing them?

Question?

2009-06-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

Is anyone else as excited as I am about the Nanette Lepore sale on Rue La La this morning?

Bag-It.

2009-06-24T08:49:00.003-05:00

Looking for:
Stylish tote that is tougher than it looks. Must be uber-girly, with thoughtful detailing and reinforced handles. Bows, ruffles, interesting colors welcome. Canvas, mustard yellow, and vinyl need not apply.

Must be able to carry:
A planner, shop drawings, a notebook, blackberry, pens, business cards, possibly a laptop, an emergency can of Diet Coke my camera (to take pics of jobsites), and of course the obligatory 18 lipgloss tubes that always seem to end up in every bag I carry.

Inspiration:

Oh, and does anyone have the number of a good chiropracter? I'm going to need it after schlepping around all that stuff.

Because It Feels Like A Monday...

2009-06-23T13:46:00.000-05:00

see more Fail Blog

Sleep Blogging.

2009-06-23T08:19:00.003-05:00

If any of you had strange comments from me on your page this morning, I have a good excuse...

After dinner and 2 (or 3 :) glasses of wine last night, I decided to catch up on blogs while Newlywed Husband went to sleep. Apparently I was sleepy too, because Newlywed Husband woke up in the middle of the night because the light was still on and had to rescue the laptop from its precarious perch on my leg (Yes, I slept sitting up in bed for 1/2 the night - don't judge me).

Sigh. I'm ready to have my house back.

Happy Monday!

2009-06-22T09:22:00.004-05:00

Wow, it’s been a long time! Lots of things have been happening lately (re: impeding my ability to blog), so I figured it’s about time to catch ya’ll up on the events here at Adventures in Newlywed!

1. The new bloggy design/updates are still in process, due to the craziness of my life at the present time. If anyone knows of a great web designer who is VERY inexpensive, please let me know :)

2. Newlywed Husband’s sister, her two kids, and her boyfriend have been here for a week, and will be staying with us for another week. She and I have bonded over a shared obsession with Valentino and expensive perfume.

3. I started my new job and discovered that no one will ever be as cool as my last boss. He and I will work together again in the future, ya’ll can bet on that my friends!

4. Newlywed Husband worked an obscene amount of hours Monday – Saturday last week, and is possibly the most tired I have ever seen him. He turned down dinner in favor of going to bed Saturday night… and considering he has the metabolism of Speedy Gonzalez this is a little more than shocking!

5. FFW moved back to Missouri - sad:( , and since then, our three conversations have consisted of livestock updates (her) and biotching about being stressed out and needing to go shopping (me). Gosh, I miss her.

6. Newlywed Husband’s sister and I went out dancing the other night and although we were hit on multiple times, we discovered that apparently no one in Dallas has any game. (“Hello, my name is Ricardo, I am from Spain. Would you like the Spanish experience?” For real, someone said that to me.)

7. The new car has been christened Valentina, and I love her! (Thanks Jen, for the name suggestion, it’s perfect! I love you too, btw).

8. I need a vacation. How do I know this? Because the only music I’ve been listening to in the past 2 weeks is Kenny Chesney and Jimmy Buffett. (Jamaica, anyone?)

9. That dude from Lady Antebellum is hot. Oh, and he sings pretty too. (This isn’t really an update, more of an observation).

10. I miss blogging! So I’m determined to fit it in, no matter how late I have to stay up!

Have a fab Monday and a super week!

Still Here!!!

2009-06-17T06:46:00.000-05:00

Hi kids! I'm still alive... just super-duper busy! Be back soon (maybe this weekend?) with lots and lots of updates for you :)

Pardon Our Mess... :)

2009-06-09T09:01:00.001-05:00

I have this week off work before starting my new job (see here for details!), so I'm taking the time to do some MAJAH (thank you V. Becks for that fabulous word:) renovations to the blog.

I'll still be adding random posts throughout the week, but hope to have the whole thing done by Friday!

Tres Chic!

2009-06-07T20:22:00.002-05:00

Successful Career? Check!
Fabulously talented (and HOT) husband? Check!
Perfect figure + hair? Check!
Managing to look chicer than than any french woman WHILE in Paris? Check!

Just Because It's The Weekend...

2009-06-07T11:43:00.002-05:00

...and who doesn't like something to giggle about on a lazy Sunday afternoon?

Check ya'll later... I'm off to take a snooze :)

{images via flickr}

Happy Saturday!

2009-06-06T06:43:00.004-05:00

Hooray, it's the weekend! Do you have special plans? I'm going to try to get some errands done, and spend lots of time with Newlywed Husband... :)

{image via here}

Memo.

2009-06-05T17:27:00.003-05:00

Dear Newlywed Wife,

Please do not think that shopping marathons at Northpark Mall {the mothership} qualify as true workouts that will keep you in shape.

I believed that you learned this today, when you attempted to rollerblade 5 miles.

Sincerely,

Your legs & cardiovascular system.

Wow. I'm a Total Mess.

2009-06-04T19:58:00.003-05:00

I arrived home from work this afternoon with the best of intentions... to work out, to clean, to go to the grocery store...

But Forrest Gump was on HBO. And I've never seen it.

And I just spent the last 2 1/2 hours bawling my eyes out.

Today is the Day!!!

2009-06-04T09:20:00.001-05:00

It's baaaaaaaaaaaccccccccckkkkk!

Newlywed Husband has already been informed that we will be sitting in front of the t.v. promptly at 7:58pm this evening...and if he wants anything else from the kitchen he will have to get it himself :)

Is anyone else as excited about this as I am?

I'm Pretty Much Convinced...

2009-06-03T18:18:00.002-05:00

That Newlywed Husband and I need to move to Miami. I love hot weather, cuban food, bright colors, the beach, and getting a tan.

The airport kinda sucks, but hey - who cares when you're drinking a great mojito?

Maybe Not.

2009-06-03T11:02:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, Newlywed Husband decided to tell me that me and my friends are like the Golden Girls.... I think he meant Sex and the City, but whatever.

As I'm recounting this story to Future Farm Wife later, I remarked,"So if we're the Golden Girls, that means I'm probably the old mother (Sophie?), since she's a little loony. At least we have that in common. "

She lovingly replied without hesitation, "Nope, you'd for sure be Blanche.".

Ladies and gentlemen, there you have it. I have, for the first time in my life, been compared to an octogenarian ~~gold digger~~ serial dater.

Hmmm.

Epic Food Fail.

2009-06-03T09:32:00.003-05:00

First things first: My father-in-law went through his surgery with flying colors, he is now safely home recuperating :) Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers, I am sure they made a huge difference in the ease and quickness of his surgery!

Now, back to business. Because of the craziness of the day, the food I consumed yesterday was rather *ahem* devoid of any nutritional value, I think.

Breakfast: The evil French Vanilla ~~liquid chalk~~ Slim Fast. Sadly, this was probably the healthiest thing I had all day. Although washing it down with a cup of coffee and 2 cans of Diet Coke may not have been uber-great.

Lunch: Eaten mid-afternoon at the hospital cafeteria (ew) 2 bites of a caesar salad that I swear had moldy croutons, and a few bites of lentil/veggie soup... until I found a piece of plastic floating in it. Chased down by a small bite of Newlywed Husband's red velvet cake and a diet Orange Crush (definitely the best part of the meal).

Snack: Glass of chardonnay upon arrival back to the house. Yes, wine counts as a snack.

Dinner: Was with my favorite girls ever :) Chips, salsa, queso, and ranch dressing. Oh, and later chased down by a malibu/diet coke.

Wonder why my stomach hurt this morning? Any thoughts?

Really, Who Wouldn't Want a Pink Pencil Skirt?

2009-06-02T09:54:00.003-05:00

I've been coveting this pink linen pencil skirt from J. Crew for weeks... and since I already own everything else in the set, maybe the first day at my new job is occasion enough to buy the skirt? Thoughts?

Slim-Fast is Not a Meal. And Please Send Good Thoughts Our Way.

2009-06-02T08:16:00.003-05:00

I'm typing this as I sit at my desk drinking a can of ~~liquid chalk~~ French Vanilla Slim Fast. As I have ranted before to long-suffering Newlywed Husband, drinking does not constitute a meal (unless it's wine, that has subbed for many a meal in the case of yours truly).

So why am I voluntarily drinking ~~liquid chalk~~ Slim Fast? Because Newlywed Husband dropped me off at work today, so I didn't stop to get anything for breakfast (and I'm not one of those 'skip breakfast kind of girls').

Why did he drop me off at work, you ask? Because Newlywed Husband's father is having some emergency (but fairly minor) surgery this afternoon, so we are both working until about 11:00, then NH will pick me up and we will go straight to the hospital.

Please be thinking about Newlywed Husband's dad this afternoon, and keep our family in your prayers!

If this post made no sense, I truly apologize, it's just that my body doesn't function as well when it is fueled by ~~liquid chalk~~ Slim Fast.

Funny Business...

2009-06-01T15:51:00.000-05:00

Click here. I dare you.

Don't say I never made you laugh.

A Question.

2009-06-01T15:17:00.001-05:00

How did this poor girl get ALL of Bruce Willis' ugly genes and none of Demi Moore's (copious) pretty genes?

And will someone please call her a stylist, asap?!

HELP!

2009-06-01T09:54:00.002-05:00

Any Picasa experts out there?

I've got some (a lot) of pics saved on my work laptop, and have synced all the albums to my Picasa account.

Will I lose the pictures once they are deleted off the work laptop, or will they stay in Picasa?

Thanks :)

Don't Mind Me...

2009-06-01T09:31:00.000-05:00

I'm just daydreaming about how I can come up with the funds to afford this outfit for my first day at the new job...

Stay Tuned...

2009-05-31T13:14:00.001-05:00

Sorry for my absence this weekend...but the bathrooms are about 90% finished with the remodel, so we are busy cleaning dust off EVERY surface in our house and moving my stuff back into my closet from the 18 different places it was in the house :)

Before and after pictures coming soon...promise!

Friday FAIL.

2009-05-29T09:49:00.002-05:00

I just went to 7-11 to grab a Diet Coke (sweet nectar of life), and decided on my way to the checkout counter to grab a roll of Mentos (recent obsession).

If you don't know why this is a giant FAIL, watch the following video:

Thankfully, I remembered just in time.

Cars: A Brief Family History.

2009-05-29T07:05:00.003-05:00

I've loved cars ever since I was a little girl...probably why I eventually ended up working in the car business (much to my parent's horror :)

I always named my cars, and considered them part of the family...kind of like a motorized pet or something.

With that, I present a brief family history:

Snowball / Bessie ~ 1999 - 2002

This was such a cool car to have as a teenager - I loved it like a precious little baby... until it died a horrible death by throwing a rod through it's own engine (no one told me I had to get the oil changed on a regular basis???)

Zippy ~ 2002 - 2005

Zippy was sweet little car... but I had a bit more need for speed :) At one point, Jen, Steph, Tshirts & Tiara's and I all had the same car - just in different colors!

Zippy is now living a gentle life of retirement with my Dad, who washes her regularly and never exceeds 40 mph :)

late 2005 - 2006 ~ Brief Interlude in Vehicle Ownership
I sold cars for Infiniti for about a year, and drove a company demo...the red sedan had a permanent rattle, the white sedan that I hated, the silver coupe that was super-dangerous because I exceeded the speed limit on a regular basis... you get the point :)

The Silver Bullet / Speedy ~ 2006 - 2009

Leased when I left Infiniti, this was definitely the nicest car I'd ever owned... and I loved the heck out of it!

However... SB/Speedy is being turned in this morning to make room for the newest member of our family...

Introducing..... the car that doesn't have a name yet :)
Yay, thanks Newlywed Husband, for getting me a car with navigation (for the new j-o-b)!!! And in black - so chic!

I need your help in deciding a name - and keep in mind that all my cars are girls - I've never had a boy car and don't intend to :)

Current Time...

2009-05-28T14:19:00.004-05:00

2:19.

T-minus 2 hours and 41 minutes until I get to go home and start putting all of my clothes back into my closet (I just have to find them in the 18 different places they've been languishing during this nightmare bathroom remodeling business).

Yay.

Update: Just got home and only 1/2 of what was supposed to be done today was actually completed on the BFH {bathrooms from hell}. Forget original plan of working out followed by exciting move back into closets/normalcy. New plan: watch Real Housewives re-runs and drink wine.

The Completely Out-Of-Place Outfit Post.

2009-05-28T10:16:00.002-05:00

Yes, I do realize that it is summer.
Yes, I do realize that 98% of you would never be caught dead in all-over sequins.
Yes, I realize that I have absolutely no upcoming events that merit the purchase of this dress.

But I like it. So there.

Thoughts?

Big Surprise Coming...

2009-05-27T13:28:00.000-05:00

perhaps an addition to our family???

Breakfast of Champions.

2009-05-27T08:20:00.000-05:00

Could it be worse? Not by much.

Newlywed Husband - Notsomuch...

2009-05-26T17:30:00.002-05:00

Newlywed Husband seems to be under the impression that this monstrosity will be my next car:

(Note: It is important to understand that he runs a dealership, so this CAN happen. He is, in fact, driving this exact vehicle as a demo at this very moment, only in black, and with some super-classy lights across the top of the roof.)

Someone please pass me the chardonnay. As I sit in my house that has one functioning bathroom, and 2 out-of-commission closets (both of which are mine).

The Saga Continues.

2009-05-26T13:29:00.002-05:00

Ahhh yes. The nightmare continues for an extra 4 days.

I'm going to need a valium, 2 bottles of chardonnay, some back issues of Vogue, and season 5 of Will and Grace to get myself through this week.

Kisses :)

A Few of My Favorite Things...

2009-05-26T10:56:00.001-05:00

The way to this girl's heart?

Through floaty summer dresses, wedge sandals, pretty pink polish, a patent tote, and delicate jewelry...

What's the way to your heart? (fashion-wise, of course :)

Don't Say I Didn't Warn You...

2009-05-26T08:35:00.002-05:00

Remember this post?

Well, I made my decision... and I start a new job on June 15th!

This was a big choice for me, my current boss is fabulous, and is such a joy to work for. But, the owner of our company is not a joy to work for in ANY way, and between his rudeness, and the massive paycuts we've gone through recently, it was time for me to move on.

My new job is basically business development/outside sales, so I will work primarily from home with only 1 day a week in the office. (yay!) Also, the $$ is super-great, and the company is small but has been around for a long time (which I like, large company's don't work for me)...

It was hard telling my boss this morning (I cried just a little), but he understood, and we'll still be friends... he introduced me to my husband, you know :)

Have a fabulous ~~Monday~~ Tuesday!

Yum.

2009-05-24T20:54:00.002-05:00

Many thanks to my sweet cousin for sending me this picture...and reminding me that I've had a massive crush on Christian Bale since he was in 'Newsies'. (if you haven't seen it, pullleeeaaassseee rent it:)

Some Advice.

2009-05-24T12:27:00.002-05:00

My aunt (who has been married for 30+ years) told me last week:

"Marriage isn't just saying 'I do' once and then never having to do anything else. You have to wake up every day and decide to love the other person."

Newlywed Husband, I love you today.

And The Prize Goes To....

2009-05-22T07:27:00.003-05:00

ME! For predicting that the remodeling would not, in fact, be finished on schedule. (In case you're just joining us, Newlywed Husband decided that we should get all of our bathrooms remodeled...not my idea).

Ladies and gentlemen, we're currently a week behind (we were supposed to be finished yesterday), and it's looking like we're probably going to finish up in June.

The guest bed is too small for two people, so I haven't slept in the same bed as my husband for almost a month.
Our entire house is coated in a thin, white film of dust.
My clothes are in 18 different places in the house, and doing laundry is pointless, because I have nowhere to put it.
Newlywed Husband's sister AND her two kids will be here right after the remodeling is finished, and are staying for TWO WEEKS.

I'm moving back into an apartment, this is crap.

Three Pretty Dresses...

2009-05-21T13:45:00.006-05:00

Can you guess which dress is my favorite? Which do you like best?

How to Make a Headache.

2009-05-21T08:00:00.001-05:00

3 glasses of chardonnay

1 sweet tea vodka & lemonade

not very much to eat

a raging headache.

{can someone please pass the tylenol?}

Angie and Brad do Cannes.

2009-05-20T13:56:00.001-05:00

Seriously, this woman is flawless. And the guy ain't bad either.

{picture from here}

A Casual Letter.

2009-05-20T08:33:00.002-05:00

Dear Mr. Person In Front of Me In Traffic Today,

Repeatedly slamming on your brakes while going uphill is unnecessary. If you simply cease and desist from pressing that pedal on the right (that would be the gas pedal), then gravity will take care of the rest.

Great, super, thanks.

Newlywed Wife.

Michelle O - In or Out?

2009-05-19T13:50:00.002-05:00

The lovely Mrs. Obama* in Isaac Mizrahi.

I love the bow, love the color, love the shoes.

It needs to be tailored a bit more, it's kind of sagging around her chest, and the sleeves are all wrong.

Otherwise I'm totally in.

What do you think?

* the 'lovely Mrs. Obama' is in reference to her physical appearance, clothing selection, gracious demeanor, etc. No political opinions on this blog, please.

Besides, I'm from Texas, you already know who I voted for. Duh.

{images from here}

It's Baaaaaaaaaaack!

2009-05-19T12:47:00.001-05:00

June 4. 8:00 PM (central time).

Get ready for awesome.

Just Because...

2009-05-19T08:53:00.001-05:00

I'm dreaming of being on a boat, somewhere in the Bahamas...

What Are You Cooking This Week?

2009-05-18T10:40:00.006-05:00

We haven't eaten at home together in a while, partly due to Newlywed Husband's work schedule, and partly because we just tend to go out to eat on the weekends. As a result, I haven't cooked dinner since last Wednesday night (it may have actually been longer than that...), and I'm dying to get back in my kitchen tonight!

That being said, here's what we're going to have for dinner this week - subject to change, as we typically have one or two nights a week that either Newlywed Husband or myself have a massive craving for Mi Cocina or La Duni and we just go out to dinner instead of cooking :)

Monday - ~~Tacos (for Newlywed Husband), taco salad (for me) with spanish rice and maybe some corn~~ Hamburgers and a side salad...

Tuesday - Chicken Parmesan with a caesar salad

Wednesday - Club salad with chicken tenders, cheese, bacon, tomatoes, corn, and carrots

Thursday - Shrimp & spinach pasta with fettuccine sauce

What are you making for dinner this week?

Change Is Coming!

2009-05-18T09:48:00.001-05:00

Stay tuned dear friends...I am fast approaching one of these...

Proof Newlywed Husband is the Bestest!

2009-05-17T20:52:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the HotSpot.

2009-05-13T19:20:00.005-05:00

So we're halfway through this hellacious remodeling project (Recap: all three of our bathrooms are being redone, Newlywed Husband's idea, not mine). I made the mistake of not wanting anything to do with it in the hopes that he would just wait a little while until I had lived in our house for - oh, like a full year.

Instead, he went ahead with the project, and his contractor (who was also his realtor when he bought the house) obviously has POLAR OPPOSITE taste to mine.

Um, the tile she picked for the guest bedroom looks like something you would see in a truckstop bathroom.

The mirror over the master bathroom sink is about 20 inches wide. My hair is 20 inches wide, this is Texas, ya'll!

And he doesn't understand why I'm so mad that I can't do anything but swill chardonnay directly out of the bottle.