TUESDAY'S FIVE FAVORITES

And just like that..................... I'm back.

Mixin' Up Breakfast. The eggs in that photo look scared because they know that I'm sick of them. As much as I love waking up, making my egg white omelette, and enjoying it with a cup of coffee and a side of SportsCenter, I've been in need of a change.. a desire to scramble things up, if you will (pun intended). One of the new things I've tried (and loved) is Quaker Banana Bread Weight Control oatmeal with a scoop of JIF natural peanut butter. It is SO. DELICIOUS. Next on my list to try: Egg White Oats via Live, Love, Nutrition's Lindsay (@wholefoodjunkie).

Lift App. Lift is a simple way to achieve any goal, track your progress, and get the support of your friends. I'm a to-do list fanatic. I get intense satisfaction out of writing down tasks and crossing them off - typical type A, project manager neuroses, I suppose. I guess I like seeing accomplishments visually, so I love that Lift allows me to check things off my list on a daily basis. Lift has a ton of "goals" to choose from or you can create your own. My Lift app is devoted to health, wellness, self-improvement, and activities dedicated to "me" time. I know it sounds lame to put "read" or "blog" on a list to check off on a daily basis, but I do find that this strategy helps me to turn tasks into habits over time. Self-improvement is a huge focus for me right now, but more to come on that later (another post, another day).

Out the Door Top Coat. Thank you, thank you, thank you Boog (@meggietrox), for introducing me to this stuff! I have this predicament where I like to paint my nails frequently and I'm good at sitting still never. I was incredibly skeptical that this top coat would actually dry fast enough to meet my needs (essential 4.7 seconds flat), but I was pleasantly surprised. So, yes, I can decide to paint my nails during the last 15 minutes of The Following because I'm so scared that I need something to semi-occupy my mind.. and then go to sleep almost immediately (no smudging!). Also, I'm skimming over The Following as a favorite (the only reason to get through a Monday) because I feel like I can't even talk about it right now without obsessing or being incredibly annoying. Let's come back to this after someone finally kills off Emma so I can have some semblance of sanity when I think about the show.

This Article: 19 Things to Stop Doing in Your 20's. Wow. I repeat: WOW. This article really hit home. Is it just me or are the mid-late twenties just the weirdest, sort of uncomfortable couple of years? Some days I feel more like 21 than 28. I found this e-card a while back and - at the time - it made me laugh, but I've since come to the realization that this age does feel like a strange limbo between young/fun and real, undeniable adulthood. At what point do I start to feel my age and not some pseudo-grownup? At what point do I have that "aha moment" where I find my adult niche way of life? Or does that just never happen? Regardless, this article was incredibly eye-opening. It's like having your blunt best friend look you in the eye and call you out on all your bullshit. Because I am so guilty of so many of these things. Reading this really did bring to light the fact that it's time to take on some projects and/or routines focused on self-improvement. How can anyone be truly happy if they don't at least attempt to change some of these behaviors (no matter how natural, understandable, or human)? I honestly have trouble pinpointing which of these things I'd like to stop doing first, but these seem to ring the most true as far as a starting point:

Stop allowing yourself to be so comfortable all the time. Coming up with a list of reasons to procrastinate risky, innovative decisions offers more short-term gratification than not procrastinating. But when you stop procrastinating to make a drastic change, your list of reasons to procrastinate becomes a list of ideas about how to better navigate the risk you’re taking. 

Stop identifying yourself as a cliché and start treating yourself as an individual.Constantly checking your life against a prewritten narrative or story of how things “should” be is a bought-into way of life. It’s sort of like renting your identity. It isn’t you. You are more nuanced than the narrative you try to fit yourself into, more complex than the story that “should” be happening.

My Bridesmaids. My little Boog MOH and the rest of my 'maids recently planned an incredible, incredible bridal shower for me. I don't even have words for how perfect and special it was. I feel so lucky to have such strong, thoughtful, amazing women in my life to stand by my side every day, not just on May 25th, 2013 (#finally). Also, they are really ridiculously good looking, as evidenced by the photo below. #loveyous

My bridesmaids are really ridiculously good looking. @meggietrox @keekedee @laurbenn twitter.com/ohheyitscaitli…
— ohheyitscaitlin (@ohheyitscaitlin) March 26, 2013

Finally, introducing: the honorable mention (and another favorite thanks to Boog): Just Give Me a Reason by P!nk featuring Nate Ruess. Fair warning: you will want to head right to the gym (P!nk's body is just unbelievable) and/or marry Carey Hart.

And no, I'm not just back with no explanation for my absence. I promise to update you and give you a quick and dirty of the past few months. Yesterday, I read a blog post by someone that really resonated with me. They said that it was hard enough to keep up with just living their life, let alone chronicling it for the world to read. I feel very similar in that regard, but I'm starting to wrap my head around my new world and I'm convinced that writing and chronicling is going to be a very important part of that. So, stay tuned.

I GOT JESSED UP.

Hi, folks! This post is long overdue and I apologize, but I hope to have a good explanation for you soon enough! Blah blah blah rewind a few months and you'll find me: thinking about what to do for mine and J's engagement session. Now I've found that, if you go to any wedding-related website or blog, you are bound to find one bajillion and a half tips and tidbits of advice. Some of this advice is helpful and some of it is not. In my opinion, most articles tend to suggest watering down your typical style and going for a streamlined, cohesive (and sometimes all too formal) look. Pish posh.

You know the state of wedding planning and engagement sessions is out of control, when this article is the most helpful thing I've encountered in my time as a future bride. Seriously, read it - you won't regret it. Anyway, when it came to finally planning out my own engagement session, there are really only two pieces of wisdom I felt were worth the energy it takes to repeat them:

Your engagement session is a great way to get to know your photographer in a relaxed, two-on-one setting.
This one is so true and so very helpful. Being the frugal (read: cheap) planners that we are, J and I did a little research on photographers in the Lancaster, PA area and immediately signed a contract with the most inexpensive one. Save your shock for someone else, because it turned out to be a great choice on our parts. Dan of Simple Life Portraits turned out to be amazing and we actually had a blast in the time we spent with him for our shoot. It definitely set our minds at ease about our big day and now we can focus our energy and fears on something else entirely. Like whether or not the bridal party will be standing by the end of the night.................... *sigh*

Your engagement session should speak to your style as individuals and as a couple.
Do you hate frilly dresses and failed attempts at celebrity-esque mermaid curls? Well.. I do. I knew I didn't want J in khakis and a polo and I certainly didn't want to be prancing around the parking lot of the Cork Factory Hotel in a pencil skirt + cardigan number. We knew we wanted to be relaxed, comfortable, and able to have fun in whatever outfits we chose. We figured we will be gussied up enough for the wedding itself, so why not keep it casual? J looks great in blue and blue jeans and I love pops of color and statement pieces, so we ran with that theme. Whatever your "style" is.. run with it. The Knot be damned. Finally, see Look #3 below for something that really speaks to our shared interests as a couple.. :)

Now, I've been a supporter of Jessica Platt and Get Jessed Up from the very start and I knew this would be a great opportunity to call in the help of an expert to help me translate my vision into a reality. The pictures from our engagement session will be used on our save-the-dates, our wedding website, and any other place we feel like using them. I knew I wanted to "break some of the rules" when it comes to what to wear (and what not to wear) and I knew Jess would be the perfect lady for the job!

Jess and I went shopping at the Columbia Mall, set out to find some comfortable and laid-back pieces for my engagement session. I knew I wanted small pops of color and the perfect pair of jeans. Our final purchases were made at ALDO Accessories, Ann Taylor LOFT, and Gap. The best of these purchases was - hands down - the 1969 Real Straight Jeans from Gap. These jeans are my denim soulmate and I'm absolutely indebted to Jess for helping me find them!

All in all, we had lots of fun shopping for specific clothing items and statement pieces. Jess will also be writing a segment on this experience from her point of view. If you're interested in her services (whether it be a personal shopping trip or a wardrobe edit), I highly recommend heading over to Get Jessed Up. Below are a few snapshots of my outfits - enjoy!

Look #1
Top: LOFT // Jeans: Gap // Shoes: Piperlime // Necklace: ALDO Accessories



Look #2
Cardigan + Jeans: Gap // Sandals: ALDO Accessories // Watch: Fossil



Look #3
What? You don't chest bump in your engagement photos?!



TUESDAY'S FIVE FAVORITES

I have to be honest: I almost didn't post today. I've spent the night on the couch singing karaoke and watching Gossip Girl bloopers on YouTube. Nothing serious, but seriously distracting. BUT! Here I am, with five new favorites to share with you..

1. Neon Toe Shoes. <------- I wanted these shoes. I've PINED for these shoes. I've been absolutely, positively unable to justify spending $119 for these shoes. I don't know how many times I've said this, but: thank baby jesus for Pinterest. It was there that I found this tutorial for DIY Neon Toe Shoes. I wasn't ready to paint any of my shoes (heaven FORBID I mess them up somehow), so I ventured to Goodwill to find heels that called to me.. and, therefore, a neon toe. I found these bad boys after a bit of scouring the store.. absolute perfection:

PAINT US! 

Home Depot had the perfect key lime spray paint and, uh, don't forget the painters tape. I won't go into the whole step-by-step process (the tutorial was great), but I will recommend bagging the shoes except for the toe/taped portion. Unless you're better at wielding a can of spray paint than me, in which case.. you go, girl. Here are the final products:

Classic Black + Pointed Toe

Chic Nude + Square Toe

Ann Taylor Shoes = $119

My Shoes + Tape + Paint = $11.50

2. Impromptu Weekend Plans. I drove to Pennsylvania for a bridal shower this past weekend. I completely underestimated the proximity of the shower to some of my other friends in the area. I actually drove right past the home of two of my friends and their son, who I have yet to meet despite the fact that he was born in January (holy too busy for the good stuff, Caitlin). On a whim, I asked if they were free for dinner later that night. I am so happy I sent that text. I got to see my friends and meet their incredible (happy, giggly, bright, adorable) son and it was such a moment of calm relaxation to spend the night with them cooking out on their patio and enjoying an amazing summer night. It made me realize how little I've experienced that feeling in the past few months and how much I've missed my friends. I couldn't have been happier with the way my weekend turned out. To top it off, I left at a reasonable time and enjoyed the two and a half hour ride home with the windows down and the music (way, way) up.. and I still got to sleep in my own bed at the end of it all.

3. Oregon Ridge Hiking Trails. J and I decided to get out of the house on Sunday, so we made a trip up to Oregon Ridge to try our hand at another hike. We chose the Logger's Trail, which is about 1.6 miles of quiet and secluded hiking fun. (Click the link to see all the different trail options). You could really create your own route if you wanted to, but we decided to stick to red because we didn't have a map with us at the time. It was great to be able to do something active and outdoors, but still catch up and talk. We've both been wrapped up in the whirlwind that is our individual lives, so it's good to focus on the shared parts every now and then. We've decided that we're going to try trail running next time we go to Oregon Ridge, so that should cut down the capacity for conversation for this guy (me). BUT it is almost time to go on vacation and sit around in a bikini for an entire week.. conversation schmonversation.

Me and J at the end of Logger's Trail.

4. Recommendations. I decided to ask my two favorite professors for recommendations on "Student Caitlin" before they forgot who I was and the fact that they ever even had me in class. I was so pleasantly surprised when they both responded with glowing recommendations on the very same day that I'd sent the request. Their words really validated my grad school experience and gave me a much-needed confidence boost in this somewhat uncertain time in my life/career.

5. Crossroads. Speaking of uncertain times. (Yes, I did link to a Bone Thugs 'N Harmony song..) I am at a crossroads. Well, maybe I chose the wrong term and song.. sometimes "limbo" feels more appropriate in terms of describing how I feel at this moment in time. I just wrapped up two really huge milestones in the form of dedicating the new hospital and graduating with my Master's. In the past few weeks I've really been struggling to take pleasure in what I did before these two accomplishments. I feel like I'm standing on one stepping stone and the jump to the next feels really, really huge.. and kind of scary. Unless they can create more responsibility (particularly in the form of a management position) for me at my current company, I know it's time for me to move on. The thing is, I've been waiting for what feels like forever to get an answer or clarification on whether or not this is even a possibility. Given the amount of time spent waiting and wondering, I have finally decided that it is time to explore my options. I am keeping my eye on the job market and seeing what is out there for someone with my experience and education. I've been relatively timid in my search, but I do feel like my future is really up in the air whether I stay or go somewhere new. It's a really uncomfortable feeling, actually. As an event planner/project manager/crazy Type-A.. I really hate not knowing what's coming next. I am trying to be better about seeing where the path that I'm on will take me, but I can't shake the feeling that something big (and important) is in my future. And I have a habit of rushing toward things because patience is not my strong suit. If nothing else, it feels good to be honest and admit that I don't feel fulfilled now that I've closed the door on things that have consumed my life (personally and professionally) for the past two years. I am ready for the next adventure and trying to keep an open mind to all possibilities. If you hear of anything you think may fit this bill, you know how to reach me.

And that's that. Really.. a lot.. and maybe even a little deep for a Tuesday.

Also, I know I dangled a bit of a teaser over your head two weeks ago with the 5.5 favorites and the Get Jessed Up Personal Shopping Session. MINI UPDATE: we haven't received all the images from our engagement session yet. Our sneak peek is up, but it doesn't show a ton of variety in the outfits that Jess and I selected on our shopping trip, so I'm still holding out on you. Once I have all of the images, you'll finally get the other half of that story. Bahhhahahaha more dangling and suspense!

HE SAID, SHE SAID..

Me: "When has two weeks ever made that much of a difference in my life?"
J: "Plenty of times.."
Me: "Yeah? Like when?"
J: "Like two weeks before we got Poof.  And then we got Poof."

Touche, Mister J.  Touche.

Exhibit A: Poof.

WEIGHTWATCHERS® WEDNESDAY

Some of you may have absolutely no interest in the WeightWatchers® Wednesday segment, but I do it to keep myself honest.  So humor me...

I've been having a lot of fun in the past few weeks playing around with my program now that I'm incorporating more activity and exercise.  I've said it before, but WeightWatchers® is really flexible and allows you to try out a bunch of different options to find what works best for your optimal weight loss.  I get a certain number of points every day and then a handful of weekly points that I can use how I please.  I started out tracking my activity and having it "expire" at the end of the week in which I earned it, but I noticed that my weight was staying generally the same.  Now, I've set my program to have activity points expire the same day that they're earned and it seems to have gotten the scale moving again.  This new approach has motivated me to make sure I'm choosing foods that will be fuel before my workouts and foods that will help the post-workout recovery process.  Three words: Silk. Chocolate. Milk.  Three words, two points. 

My next step is to really start utilizing my food tracking resources to their fullest potential.  One of the functions that I've been ignoring allows you to track "Healthy Checks" each day, i.e. healthy oil, liquids, milk/milk products, etc.  It also allows you to track whether or not you've taken a multi-vitamin each day.  It may sound crazy, but I'm inherently bad at doing things that are inherently good for me.  Taking a multi-vitamin is just about the simplest thing you can do and I struggle to remember to do it.  Now that I've gotten used to a system of tracking and entering points, I'm aiming to track the healthy checks and monitor whether or not that helps in the matter of weekly weigh-ins. 

Have questions about WeightWatchers®?  Please feel free to send me an e-mail or a shout out on Twitter.  I'm not paid to endorse it or anything like that, but I have had successes with it and would be happy to share information with anybody who feels like I did when I first started the program. 



Healthy Checks!



TUESDAY'S FIVE 1/2 FAVORITES

No excuses, no apologies - I've been MIA thanks to the wrapping up of the most incredibly hectic (and rewarding) time in my life to date.  I know I've left all of you (read: @meggietrox) waiting for another post, but I promise that my absence has given me an unbelievable amount of writing material.  So, I guess that's kind of an excuse.. meh.  Let's get down to business:

1. The Orioles.  If you live in Baltimore and you're a devoted Orioles fan, it's hard to ignore the energy of this team.  It's hard to not get swept up in the excitement.  It's hard for me to not get teary-eyed when I'm watching (at this very moment) Adam Jones very gently smash a shaving cream pie into Brian Roberts' face.  The fight that these boys have shown game after game is electric and the spark is contagious.  I'm pretty sure this is what they call Orioles Magic.  Also, Chris Davis. CHRIS. DAVIS. #marrymeplease

2. The Summer of Fitness.  When my big event was over (please see more below) and I was wrapping up my two years of graduate school (again, more below).. I made a decision that it was time to start focusing on myself and my health.  Nevermind the fact that I am getting married in less than a year and I have a dress (BELOW!!) to fit into, I realized just how much I need to get my well-being in check and get centered, focused, whatever you want to call it.  I am working with an incredible personal trainer at MAC Harbor East.  Her name is Heather Hatfield and I highly (I repeat: highly) recommend her to anyone who's at all interested in personal training.  We're working together to find out the best ways - ways that I'll like - to get in shape and start engraining fitness into my lifestyle.  I'm still doing WeightWatchers and seeing a lot of success with that as well.  Finally, J bought me a bike for graduation.  One ride and two weeks of wishing I had a butt donut later, I've purchased a pair of padded bike shorts and I am (quite literally) ready to get back in the saddle.

3. The White Room Bridal Salon.  When I first saw a picture of my wedding dress online, I knew it was the one.  So it should have come as no surprise when getting the dress turned out to be a small miracle (thank you, baby Jesus).  As it turns out, the dress was discontinued by the designer, but could be made for me for an extra 20%.  Umm.. uh uh, not cool.  I Googled within an inch of my life and ended up finding the dress at The White Room Bridal Salon in Alabama.  It was a sample sale dress - listed at $2,000 less than what I would have to pay to get it otherwise.  The salon agreed to ship the dress to me and give me 48 hours to decide whether or not it was "the" dress.  I wasn't even that relieved when I finally tried it on.. deep down, I knew it was the one from the first time I laid eyes on it.  And that's how I tried on one dress and one dress alone.. and saved a boatload of money in the process.

4. The End of My Master's Adventure.  Two years ago, I decided (on a whim) to go back to school to get my Master's in Marketing.  I knew I wanted to branch out and advance my education and my career, but I don't think I had the slightest clue what I was getting myself into.  To say that I never really got into a rhythm of balancing work, school, and my personal relationships would be an enormous understatement.  I still don't know how I managed to get through the mayhem without having a nervous breakdown.  Ok, that crying fit on the couch over my Stats final does not count.  No math-related crying counts - it's to be expected.  On May 21st, I walked across a stage and accepted my diploma.  Overall, I'm so grateful for the experience.  I had some great professors and I met some incredible people.  I FOUND MY WOLFPACK, y'all.

5. The Dedication of The Charlotte R. Bloomberg Children's Center and Sheikh Zayed Tower.  I cannot tell you how many times I've typed that sentence.  I cannot explain how incredibly stressful, challenging, and hectic this experience was for me.  I also cannot explain how humbling and rewarding it feels to have been a part of this very special moment in the history of such an amazing institution.  Planning the grand opening of a new hospital - the #1 hospital in the country - is no small undertaking.  There were so many times that I truly felt as though I was in over my head.  I learned so much from the process and the people I had the honor to work with on this project.  I grew as a person, both personally and professionally.  I cried tears of exasperation and I cried tears of absolute joy.  The ceremony was unbelievably moving and I honestly believe it could not have worked out more perfectly or been more impactful.  In the weeks that followed the event, I was floored by the amount of positive comments and praise/feedback we received.  Just.. wow.  Below are some (too many - sorry!) photos capturing some of my favorite moments and/or details.  If you have any interest in seeing the full albums, I would be happy to share the links with you.

5 1/2. Get Jessed Up Personal Shopping Session.  I went shopping with Jess for outfits for mine and J's engagement photos, which are this upcoming Sunday.  I would like to save the results for next week, when I can show you the photos and actually talk about the outfits.  So it's a half-favorite.  A preview, if you will.

My Ravens purple Huffy!

Matteo and Roberto. 

My incredible family - thank you for all your support!

The Wolfpack in the flesh.

Preview Dinner.  Photo courtesy of Freed Photography.

Lighting Moment.  Photo courtesy of Freed Photography.

TEARS. Gavin is amazing.  Photo courtesy of Freed Photography.

Gavin giving Mayor Bloomberg a high five.  Photo courtesy of Freed Photography.

Program.  Photo courtesy of Freed Photography.

Ellen Cherry + others.  Finale!  Photo courtesy of Freed Photography.

Ribbon cutting!  Photo courtesy of Freed Photography.

WEIGHTWATCHERS® WEDNESDAY

Ahh, the pleasures of being an event planner. Well, last week? Not so much. Last week I had three catering tastings in two days. Three VERY LARGE (very full of so much food) catering tastings. How do you track catering tastings? Well, I just plugged in thirty points for each one and called it a day and - even then - I'm almost positive it was more than that. But I didn't get discouraged. I did everything in my power to stay within or under my points for the rest of the week (and carrying into this week) and I didn't beat myself up about it. Surprisingly, I've lost a few pounds. (Very few - not even worth mentioning an exact number at this point).

WeightWatchers® is pretty dummy-proof. The website and the iPhone app make it really simple to find foods or calculate points quickly. The whole points system in and of itself is like a challenge to me. J always tells me that I'm too stubborn to walk away from a challenge, so maybe I've finally found my diet soulmate. Find out in the next edition of WeightWatchers® Wednesday..................... *duh duh duh*

WHEN THE PAWN..

When the pawn hits the conflicts he thinks like a king
What he knows throws the blows when he goes to the fight
And he'll win the whole thing 'fore he enters the ring
There's no body to batter when your mind is your might
So when you go solo, you hold your own hand
And remember that depth is the greatest of heights
And if you know where you stand, then you know where to land
And if you fall it won't matter, cause you'll know that you're right
[Fiona Apple]

.. and that’s all I have for you today.

WEIGHTWATCHERS® WEDNESDAY

You've heard this story a million times (and that's only from me): I'm a big girl who used to be small.  I'm an inactive girl who used to juggle cheerleading (ready?! OK!), softball, chorus, theater, and many, many waitressing jobs.  I'm a self-conscious girl who used to be, well.. a little less self-conscious.  In essence, I'm a girl who's tired of the fact that there's just.. so much extra of me. 

I joined WeightWatchers® today.  I've never done it, I have no idea what to expect, but I'll be damned if I don't think Jennifer Hudson looks uhh-may-zing.  So, I'm taking this challenge head-on (finally), and I'm putting it all out there for your reading pleasure.  Every Wednesday.  Because I like alliteration. 

If you're an online member, look for me, add me, and we can motivate each other.  Do I even have to tell you my username?

TUESDAY'S FIVE FAVORITES

Happy Tuesday! This is my finals week, but I felt it necessary to still carve out time for my Five Favorites. Something about identifying five things I like/enjoy helps me to stay positive when I'm feeling otherwise stressed and exhausted. Here they are:

1. Lioness: Hidden Treasures by Amy Winehouse. Wow, just wow. Amy Winehouse has always managed to leave me absolutely breathless. In the wake of her untimely (though not entirely unexpected) death, I am even more in awe of her incredible talent and beautiful voice. Her cover of "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" has always been and will always be my favorite of her performances. If you enjoy good music at all, check out this playlist and pour one out for Amy.

2. V*Dazzled Jewelry by Victoria Ruhl. If you're struggling for gift ideas for friends/family, definitely check out Victoria's Etsy store - her earrings are gorgeous and totally inexpensive. You can order a pre-made pair or custom order your own. E-mail me if you're in the market for a really cute, simple idea. I don't want to ruin any surprises for those who are on my gift list!

3. Trusting Soul by Brian Andreas. Receiving this book was an error. Well - now that I've read it - I think of it more as an "accident" than an error. A happy accident at that. Instead of getting the book I'd ordered, I got this little diddy - a collection of quirky stories and drawings. I would share the whole book with you if I could (but you should probably just order it). Here's a sneak peek: "I used to be pretty clear on what was real and what I made up, but with everything going on in the world, none of that seems to matter, so I just decided to talk less and smile to myself more, so as not to add to the general confusion.." and.. "I've always like the time before dawn the because there's no one around to remind me who I'm supposed to be, so it's easier to remember who I am.." and, finally.. "Time stands still best in moments that look suspiciously like ordinary life.."

4. Ugly Christmas Sweaters. Break out your gaudy festive sweaters, folks.. it's about to get ugly. What's great about an ugly Christmas sweater is that (at some point in time) someone wore it because they actually liked it. I'm going to an Ugly Christmas Sweater party this Saturday and I am excited beyond words. I didn't make it to Running of the Santas in Philadelphia this past weekend due to the overwhelming amounts of work work and school work (cry at your desk much?!) so I'm going to be uber-spirited this weekend (buh bye school, helloooo holidays!). If you think I won't go out to public drinking establishments in a heinous holiday getup (including my red fleece pajama pants with big, obnoxious snowflakes).. you, my friend, are wrong. So dead wrong. Add in my new favorite hunter green matte nail polish and I'm smitten. Ooohhhhh, a favorite within a favorite!.. you see what I did there, Inception?!?!

5. Encouragement from total strangers. Ok, so he's not a total stranger to me. As someone who watches Hoarders quite frequently, I feel as though I know Matt Paxton. After watching an episode they filmed in Maryland on the day the #EarthquakeApocalypse hit, I tweeted Matt about the perspective I'd been given. While I rushed out of a conference call in a complete panic when our office building started to shake, Matt was standing on a pile of soiled [adult] human diapers. Perspective: if you're having a near-death experience and you're not standing in a pile of crap (literally).. you're doin' okay. Not to say Matt's not doing well - I have so much respect and admiration for the help he and his team offer to people who are just SO DOWN AND OUT. Blah blah blah, long story short: Matt e-mailed me to tell me that he read my blog. He said: "keep writing every day. Every single day and then keep writing more." Ok, Matt.. will do. Thanks for the vote of confidence!

I'm, like.. really pretty.

TUESDAY'S FIVE FAVORITES

I really don't want this blog to turn into a constant "five favorites" segment - my apologies that I've been unable to add anything of real substance lately. Quick life update: I am busy planning two huge, exciting events for work right now and going into the final two weeks of the Fall semester for grad school. Oh, and let's not forget the impending holidays. So, I'm buried in to-do lists, papers/case analyses, and shopping lists. Take it all in stride, I suppose. Anyways, this week's five favorites areeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee:

1. This video.. courtesy of @JessCPlatt via @qweenofdiamonds. File this under "Operation: Quit Bein' a Scrooge" because I absolutely loved it. I'm feelin' the holiday cheer, everyone, and I think it may have something to do with the spanking in this video. Could be the leotards, though. Maybe a little from column A.. a little from column B..

2. Pretending I'm Still in College. Literally. I went to a "college" party in West Chester this weekend. Everyone wore either sorority letters or a Shippensburg shirt of some sort. It was great to visit and just chill out and play some games (Shot Battleship, anyone?!). The not so favorite part? Sleeping on an air mattress and realizing that I am not, in fact, still 21. I'm 27 and I'm old and I get hangovers just looking at a beer. So, yeah.. Sunday was a little rough, but Saturday was a grand time. "God?! Is that you?!?" Nope, nope.. it's just some fat guy in a robe yelling at you to shut up..

3. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup. AKA.. what's for dinner. Maybe it's the weather and the fact that I'm feeling so terribly icky, but this is one of my favorite "comfort food" meals. I'm not even mad that I know I'm gonna end up with terrible heartburn from the soup - they make medicine for that! (Sidebar: why am I an 80-year-old woman? Seriously..)

4. Avatar. On Blu-Ray. This was my Cyber Monday splurge. Not a splurge at all really, since I used the gift card my sister's boyfriend got me for my birthday.. which makes it even more awesome. I've never seen the full movie. I kept meaning to go see it in the theaters. And then I meant to rent it. And then I meant to watch the whole thing on TV, commercials and all. Finally, last Friday.. I did manage to see the whole thing.. and love it. It's a little reminiscent of Fern Gully, which happens to be one of my favorite movies from my childhood (also: The Secret of NIMH) and the story is pretty powerful. I can't even describe how awesome it looks in blu-ray.. just, breathtaking.

5. New Chapters and Not-So-New Tattoos. My grandfather passed away nearly three years ago. He was a great man - totally rough around the edges, but an amazing musician with a fantastic sense of humor. I'll never hear "Five foot two.. eyes of blue.." without thinking of him. Don't you know there ain't no man like a banjo man? I digress. A somewhat ugly battle has ensued since his passing and some of my family members (one, in particular) showed their true (ugly) colors. I know how much my Dad misses Pap - we all do, very much. I'm so glad we can all put this chapter behind us and I'm proud of my Dad for being able to hold on to the happy memories, while letting go of unhealthy relationships. The anchor tattoo on my foot is in memory of my Pap - my reminder that family is my anchor to all that's real and good in this life. Onward and upward!



Kappa Psi and our newest member: Pete.



Me on Sunday. #holyhangover

Love you, miss you.

TUESDAY.. ER, WEDNESDAY'S FIVE FAVORITES

Ok, so it's Wednesday.. sue me. Yesterday got a bit crazy, so I didn't get around to my "five favorites" segment.. until now. Better late than never, right?!

1. Tanksgibbin'! Thanksgiving, for those of you who don't speak my language. Food, family, and football. There's nothing on Earth that could make me happier. The weather was gorgeous and the Ravens beat the 49ers, so I was a content little lady. Thanksgiving 2011 #FTW!

2. Printable Wall Calendars. Like the Printable Whimsical Mini Calendar I just ordered from The Ink Nest. There are some calendars that you can download and print out yourself (my preferred method - saves on shipping). I'm getting these frames from IKEA and making somewhat of a mural out of the calendar. It's a simple, inexpensive way to add a unique design element to your home or office. In my case, this is my treat to myself for my NEW OFFICE! Squee!

3. The Facebook "Hide" Function. Dear almost everyone: I am hiding your morbid, whiney-complainey Facebook status updates. Honestly, some guy just said "text me and, if I'm not in a ditch, I'll respond.." Please.. shut. your. face. Or go to therapy. Whiners aren't the only people in danger of being hidden, but they are the inspiration for this being one of today's five favorites, so I'll just leave it at that.

4. Babies. I am baby obsessed. I'm twenty-seven, I'm engaged to the man I want to make little babies with, and I'm not ashamed to admit any of this. Unfortunately, now is not the time for babies. Not for me. The good news is that it is the time for a lot of my friends - including my co-worker who's about to give birth (could be happening right now!) to the two most adorable little boys ever. I'm absolutely enjoying being able to hold other people's babies for the time being, but I'd be lying if I didn't say babies make the favorites list recently.. LITTLE TINY PEOPLE!!!!!! :)

5. Operation: Quit Bein' a Scrooge. Last year, I was in my first semester of grad school when the holidays hit. I was entirely overwhelmed by the new schedule and workload and I neglected taking the time to properly get into the holiday spirit. Christmas came and went like it was nothing too special.. and I've always loved the holidays and celebrating the New Year. This year, though, will be different. So far, these are some of the sub-favorites under the umbrella of my new Christmassy Mission: The Ultimate Holiday Playlist on Spotify, the Yule Log on demand, and my first-ever viewing of Scrooged. Whatever holiday you celebrate, I challenge you to really get into it this year! I'll keep you posted about my progress as we count down to the big day..

Mah fancy wall calendar!

This shit cray. But I loved it.

#YuleLog. #BOOM.

THE WARM FUZZIES

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

At some point today, I will feel full. Full of turkey, full of pumpkin-flavored anything, and full of at least a bottle of wine. Most importantly, I will feel so full of love and contentment.. a rush of gut-clenching happiness that will sort of take my breath away. I will feel the warm fuzzies.

I don't know how to put it into words, but somewhere between the deep fried turkey (what? I'm a Pennsylvanian..) and the dirt pudding.. after we sing happy birthday to November babies (me!) and between rounds of Creative Cursing (last year's favorite: twat monger).. I get hit with this sense of feeling complete; a tiny moment free from worry because I'm able to see so clearly that my life isn't something I should ever be bitching about. Because it's awesome.

So ok.. everything doesn't fit in a perfect little package right now and I seem to have lost the pretty little bow that holds it together at all times, but I'm learning to love the chaos. I'm so happy to be where I am in life and I'm learning to live in the moment, rather than looking and rushing toward the next big thing. I'm in an amazing (sometimes maddening) place right now and, this Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for all the other people here with me.. my friends, my family, and J and our furry, feline children.

A very happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. I hope you feel all the warm fuzzies in the world today (unrelated to your wine consumption).

P.S. - just wait until Christmas.. when I'll probably just upload a video of me watching the final scenes of "It's a Wonderful Life" and crying into my cleavage..

STOP DRESSING LIKE A FOOL

This is a shameless plug on behalf of my good (and very stylish) friend Jess. Jess has a fashion-forward, fashion-focused blog called "Get Jessed Up" - and she just won a Baltimore Sun Mobbie award for best new blog!

Now I don't know if you actually dress like a fool or not. I know I do, but I digress. If you think you need help in the area of a closet consultation, a wardrobe edit, or special event styling.. Jess is your girl. You know you Wanna Get Jessed Up..

The "Famous People Wear Orange Scarves" Edition #GJU

TUESDAY'S FIVE FAVORITES

My anticipation over the impending Thanksgiving holiday made it hard to not put Turkey Day on the #1 spot on today's list, but I figure I'd like something to talk about next Tuesday, so I shall refrain. Here goes nada:

1. Spotify. I realize that I'm a little late to the party here, but I guess I was waiting for the last straw to break my Pandora habit. That last straw being Taylor Swift on my Foster the People station - no, no, uh uh, no. Stop that. Now, if I'm listening to something ridiculous, it's because I CHOSE to do so. I like having a choice in that department. Spotify also presents an issue in that my ability to choose whatever I'd like sometimes leaves me frozen and unable to decide on anything at all. So suggestions are always welcome - send your favorite albums my way. Now, please! :)

2. South Beach Turkey Meatloaf. You know if I'm suggesting anything that's related to cooking, it has to be delicious. Because I hate cooking and I love food. Meatloaf is great because I almost love it more as a "leftover" than I do right out of the oven (also: pizza). I'll make this on a Sunday and then I have a real dinner to take with me to class. Because let's face it: a cheese stick and a skinny caramel latte does not constitute dinner.

3. My Ford Focus. In September, I traded in my Jeep Compass for a Ford Focus. While I loved my Jeep and I feel like I'll always be a "Jeep Girl" at heart, it was time to grow up (Peter Pan). What I got was a white, five-speed that gets up to 40 miles to the gallon on the highway. What's not to love? Also, it has the Sync system, so I essentially get to boss my car around and demand that it play my favorite songs and call my favorite people. As a bossy (annoying) person, this makes me very happy.

4. Seasonal Manicures. I've got some candy apple red going on right now and it's amazing. While I love my neons and crazy designs, I love the muted and/or deep, rich colors that fall and winter bring with them. The grays, chocolates, coppers, deep purples, and reds.. amazing. Oh, and let us please not forget the blacks. I love that black is back.

5. Smyth Jewelers. I went with J to pick up our wedding bands this past weekend. The place is an absolute madhouse on a Saturday afternoon and we were more focused on the over/under for how many times we'd be asked if we'd like an alcoholic beverage than anything else. The girl at the counter showed me my band and I was thrilled - love it. Done and done. When she pulled out J's ring, I hesitated for a moment, until we both realized that it was not the ring he'd ordered. While the design was similar, it wasn't the exact ring. We were there forever, but the staff was super nice and so willing to fix their mistake that it wasn't bad at all. Plus they serve warm Otis Spunkmeyer cookies, so we can't really complain, right? Customer service isn't dead, people.. at least not in the jewelry world.

That does it! Until next time: I hope you all have a very happy Thanksgiving.

I SHOULD HAVE LISTENED TO JULIANNE MOORE.

Really, I should have - it was ill-advised not to take her word about the atrocity that is the new Twilight movie. My apologies Julianne.

All in all, it was a very enjoyable night. My friend Allie asked if I would "teach her how to go on a date" so we decided on coffee, mani/pedi's, dinner, and going to see Breaking Dawn. First things first, I am not at all knowledgeable on dating. J and I have been together just over five years and we met in college IN A BAR. The NFL Draft qualifies as a "date" for us, so - really - I'm probably the worst person to be instructing anyone on the schematics of a first date.

The weather was gorgeous on Saturday, so we decided to walk along the Harbor from Federal Hill to Harbor East. There was some crazy holiday parade with people on stilts, so that was unexpected/interesting. I read the Twilight series years ago in a fit of temporary insanity. AW. FUL. I started and then I felt as though I had to finish the books on principle alone - I am not a quitter at reading, ok?! I haven't seen any of the movies since the first, so Allie was re-capping for me during our walk. Anytime I would say Bella, Jacob, or vampires too loudy, she would "shhhhh" me, not wanting anyone around us to hear. Some Bagby pizza and a glass of Chardonnay later, here's my review:

What. The. What. This movie was the most terrible thing I've ever seen in my life. And I've seen The Rules of Attraction TWICE. I kept expecting this to turn into a skit for SNL.. as in, "this can't be real life.." I guess I was expecting them (the actors, directors, producers.. ANYONE involved with this movie) to have gotten their sh-crap together. Nope. Nope nope nope. I was the insensitive jerk laughing at the "dramatic" parts because they were so bad. Then again, so was half of the theatre. At one point, someone even said "WOW" during the movie. Not "wow" as in "I can't believe how good this is! Yeah vampires!", but "wow" as in.. "I have no words to describe this trash.. I want my money back!" Me too, buddy. Me, too.

The only redeeming quality was the end credits and "It Will Rain" - so, thanks for that, Bruno Mars. I love you more and more every day. As for the end of my "date" with Allie, in between the fireworks (literally, not figuratively) and getting hit on by homeless men (yay us!), we just kept saying this:

TUESDAY'S FIVE FAVORITES

1. My birthday. This past Sunday was my birthday (um, hello "27 Before 27 List".. I pretty much rue the day I thought you were a good idea..) and it was absolutely fantastic. I spent the weekend in PA at my parents house with J, my sister, and her boyfriend. We've created this silly tradition of eating at the Wrightsville Inn (please look at their website and try not to laugh), followed by cake and a movie. I got a gorgeous watch from J and my family bought me a Pandora bracelet/charms. LOVE! Speaking of birthday movies and today's five favorites..

2. Crazy, Stupid, Love. I expected a lot out of this film, but it was so much more than what I could have hoped for - so good. I won't give any more details than this: want to marry Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. Together, not separately - we can be his sister wives and I don't even need a reality show or anything like that.. just this one little wish to enter into holy matrimony with two of the biggest celebs in showbiz. No biggie. Honestly, please see this.

3. Grad School. I know - this statement is shocking to pretty much anyone reading this who knows me AT ALL. Let my clarify: it's a love/hate relationship. While it's a complete and total time-suck (has anyone seen my social life?!).. I've met a lot of great people and had the opportunity to learn from a number of really knowledgeable professors. Yesterday, I scheduled classes for the last time ever. As I enter into the New Year, I'll be facing a lot of daunting things: two huge, gigantic, enormous, overwhelming (do you get the picture?) work events, my capstone, graduation, and the "one-year-to-married" mark (not to Emma and Ryan). The point is, I might as well enjoy this while it lasts. Once it's over, I'm facing wedding contracts and college loan payments.. and I'm still holding out for the possibility that I may be able to regain some semblance of a social life. That is, IF my friends remember who I am.

4. Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies and The Start of the Holiday Season. Yesterday was our holiday luncheon at work and - being the mini Martha Stew that I am (insert sarcastic font here) - I baked. Ok, so I'm not a mini Martha Stew. I've been told I look like Rachael Ray and that's about as close as I get to cooking and/or homemaking. I am attempting a foray into baking, though - I think I enjoy how precise it is. Regardless, I baked Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies - so easy, so delicious, and so very Pennsylvania Dutch of me. The luncheon was great, the whoopie pies were a hit, and I am officially ready for the holiday season to begin. Please, no Christmas music just yet (unless it's "All I Want for Christmas is You" because I'm THAT girl), but talk to me after Thanksgiving and I'll be singing a different (#justinbiebermistletoe) tune. [Don't tell anyone that I just Spotify'd it..]

5. The Hunger Games Series. I SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST! I.... I can't. I can't find the right words to tell you how amazing these books are. I love books.. I love to read.. I have many favorites. Among these: To Kill a Mockingbird, Kane and Abel, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series, Harry Potter, and anything by Jen Lancaster. The Hunger Games is currently duking it out with Harry Potter for the #1 spot on the nerdy little bookshelf in my heart. Katniss, while a bit naive and - in many ways - flawed, is one of the strongest, most realistic, and most compelling female protagonists I've ever encountered in literature. Again, I don't want to spoil anything for anyone (though I may have done so on Facebook in my excitement over the final book), so please just go read it. I'll end with this thought: Kitten #3 = Katniss. If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you should probably check out my Twitter bio: @ohheyitscaitlin.

Birthday watch and Pandora bracelet.

Wife + Husband = Wifeband. Mine.

Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pie.

TUESDAY'S FIVE FAVORITES

I'm sorry - I know I've been slacking lately. My vacation really put a kink in my normal routine and I've just been missing the sun and sand so much that I'm actually finding it impossible to focus. I digress..

THIS WEEK'S FIVE:

1. Technically Wednesday Tuesdays. That's what today is - a technically Wednesday Tuesday. Our office is closed on Friday due to the Grand Prix activities in the city, so it's really my Wednesday today. And that makes today and this week all the more bearable..

2. eMusic. If you're at all addicted to music and iTunes (like myself), then eMusic is probably a really great option for you. There's a monthly membership fee, but you can choose your package and the money goes toward the purchase of songs - like a pre-purchase type deal. The songs are less expensive and they have a really great variety. I view it as "budgeting" for my music expenditure.. which is completely out-of-control at the moment. Oh, did I mention you get $15 worth of music (about 20 songs) when you start a 14-day free trial?! Get on it, music lovers.

3. What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty. What would happen if you were visited by your younger self, and got a chance for a do-over? Alice Love is twenty-nine years old, madly in love with her husband, and pregnant with their first child. So imagine her surprise when, after a fall, she comes to on the floor of a gym (a gym! she HATES the gym!) and discovers that she's actually thirty-nine, has three children, and is in the midst of an acrimonious divorce. A knock on the head has misplaced ten years of her life, and Alice isn't sure she likes who she's become. It turns out, though, that forgetting might be the most memorable thing that has ever happened to Alice. This book had me completely terrified of love and marriage and children, but also terrified of living life without those things. It's beautifully written - I honestly lost sleep over this book. Incredible story and, if you can read it within the next few weeks, you are free to join the Twitter book club. Which leads me to my next favorite.. 

4. #Twitter. I love Twitter. I love to tweet. I love the crazy way that Twitter has enabled me to meet so many new and interesting people. I hate the way that Twitter has completely consumed my morning routine and I'm constantly leaving for work with wet hair and no makeup, but that's beside the point. Some really great friendships, happy hours, and book clubs (#nerdalert!) have come out of my having a Twitter account. Twitter > Facebook. #duh

5. My Best Friends. This is silly because, of course, my best friends are always on my list of favorites - not just on Tuesdays. But today I just feel inclined to include them because they're that good. J (#bestfiancefriend) and M (#bestsisterfriend) [why can't I stop hashtagging?!]: you guys are the best. 



whatabunchafools..



whyareyoutallerthanme?!

NO ONE LAUGHS AT GOD IN A HOSPITAL

Is it too soon in my tiny little blog life to be writing about the really serious issues? I hope not. I figure that it's time to make this blog worth reading anyway.

I really wanted to get started on this blog post the other night when it happened; when it was still fresh in my mind. But, like so many other times in my life, sleep seemed just a tiny bit more urgent. Anyways, I was driving through Mt. Vernon the other day.. past the Basilica and listening to "Laughing With" by Regina Spektor.. and I got to thinking about religion. To break it down for you, the song is essentially about the ways in which people only allow God in their lives in times of necessity; the ways in which people joke about religion and God when they don't need strength and support from a higher power. Regina Spektor (yeah this is a lot of Regina for you in one week) resorts to the oh-so-condescending phrase: "We're not laughing at you, we're laughing with you.."

Anyone who knows me is pretty well aware of the fact that I am an agnostic. (And, of course, it's always a struggle to get others to differentiate between agnosticism and atheism). Agnosticism is the philosophical view that the truth value of certain claims - particularly metaphysical claims regarding theology, afterlife or the existence of deities, spiritual beings, or even ultimate reality - is unknown or, depending on the form of agnosticism, inherently impossible to prove or disprove and hence.. unknowable. Basically: I don't know! When it comes to religion, I don't know where to look to find the answers and I'm not sure I'm at a point in my life where I'd even recognize the right answers if I did happen upon them. I truly feel as though it's a process and I've believed many things throughout the course of my lifetime. At one point, I claimed to believe in a clockwork god.. one who created the sun and the stars, set the universe in motion, and left us all to our own devices. I also used to believe that bad things would happen to me if I didn't lift my feet off the floor while driving over railroad tracks, so I wouldn't consider myself an authority on much of anything.

Devil-worship aside, I do believe that most religions are inherently good and meant to fill the voids we so often feel as human beings. To put it into perspective: someone once said to me (when I was upset about one thing or another) that they wished I believed in God so I would have someone to talk to when I needed support. Well, if that's all religion is, that person should count themselves one among many of the tiny little gods I have in my life. Maybe I'm just not ready to place my trust in something I'm not able to see, touch, or feel.. or maybe I've never had to look for support beyond the people I've been given. This is not to say there have not been voids in my life. I've had my fair share of dark days, but never ones I felt unable to endure without a higher power greater than that of my incredible family and friends.

"Laughing With" just hits so close to home for me and my criticism (if you can call it that) of religion. I know that, if and when I do find the answers I'm looking for, it's going to be an all or nothing relationship. It's too easy to only pay attention to something or someone when you need them. What heals your pain should also enhance your joy in life, if you know what I'm saying.

Before you walk away from your computer thinking that I'm nothing more than a cynical a-hole, know that I am not completely without faith. Faith is not something that necessarily comes as a result of a belief in a higher power. Faith comes as a result of a belief in something larger than myself. I have faith that life will be as rewarding as I make up my mind to allow it to be. I have faith that the good I put out into the world will find it's way back to me. I have faith that I have so much left to learn and, over time and before I leave this earth, the answers will eventually come my way. To me, that's real faith.

By the way.. do yourself a favor and download the song!

CLEANING OUT MY CLOSET

.. or my old desk drawers. Same difference - kinda. Anyways, I've been going through some of my stuff today and trying to find places for the stuff that's overflowing from the many stuffed drawers in our apartment. I came across an entire binder of my old writing.. poetry, quotes, song lyrics, diary entries, etc.

I read through everything and I am just so amazed to see the ways in which my life has come full circle so many times since I put those words on paper. Now, just over eight years after I wrote my last poem, I stand on the complete opposite side of the heartache. I've come through the unknown and landed in a place I never could have imagined myself.

I am grateful that I didn't know back then the ways in which my experiences would break me down and make me into the person I am today. Every laugh I ever shared with a friend was geniune. Every tear I cried was with heartfelt sorrow. Every mistake I made was as off-the-charts as mistakes go. I suffered through that awful feeling of being alone because I was, at that time, unable to find what I thought I needed in myself. None of what I experienced was in vain. It's such a happy surprise to stand on this end of the spectrum and say to that girl: one way or another, you will always be okay because - good and bad - you can be sure of who you are..

Besides being re-acquainted with that girl, I also found some pieces of writing that are still far too fresh to really get my head around. I found a letter I'd written five years ago and, in this instance, I am still the same person with the same feelings as those on that piece of paper. This letter (and many other pieces of writing that I've attempted to start since) are symbolic of some ghosts I'm not quite ready to face up or say goodbye to. I'm still in the process of working it all out and trying to make the pieces fit. Maybe I'm not ready to start this particular story because, no matter what words I find to use, the end is still the same.

I feel much better having read these words and writing this entry. I promise (to no one in particular besides myself) to try and put what I know - and those I love - into the right words.. someday.

TUESDAY'S FIVE FAVORITES

Let's all be honest: Tuesdays are the red-headed stepchild of the week. There's nothing special about a Tuesday. Mondays get to be the most hated day of the week, Wednesday is humpday (woo! halfway there!), and Thursday always feels pretty good because it's almost Friday. That being said, I'm going to make Tuesday special - if only for myself - by posting my five favorites of the moment. 

THIS WEEK'S FIVE:

1. The Style Network. There's Jerseylicious, Big Rich Texas, How Do I Look? - I mean.. what's not to love?! Having a three-week break from grad school has obviously freed up my evenings for incessant watching of reality television. 

2. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. This book has everything: a little bit of Baltimore, a little bit of history, a lot of science, and LOADS of family drama. I highly recommend it for anyone who doesn't mind reading that comes with a little bit of learning. (If this isn't your style, though, I'm always good for a slew of book recommendations..) 

3. Sally Hansen Crackle Overcoat. I love painting my nails and doing fun/funky designs. This one is easy and dummy-proof. Plus, it crackles right in front of your eyes.. so cool. 

4. Chiddy Bang. I was totally sold when I first heard Opposite of Adults, but their newest single, Mind Your Manners, sealed the deal for me. Their sound is based on the fusion of hip hop and alternative, they're repping my home state of P-A, and you should definitely check them out if you're into, well, good music. 

5. Get Jessed Up. My friend Jessica has the most fantastic fashion-centric blog that you need to check out. She updates daily and has really great fashion tips.. she's even inspired me to stop dressing like a bum and look at my closet and wardrobe in a completely different light. Plus, she let me do her blog design, so it's been good for my "creative energy" all around. Really, though, it's runway style for real women.. so go, go, go!