Adventures in Voting

Dear Freakishly And Unnaturally Dark Brunette Standing in front of me in the line to vote,

1. Mike stole, really? It's 80 degrees out.
2. If you have a mink stole, then I find the fact that you are complaining about your "7 hour work day" very odd. Methinks you don't really need to work.
3. That haircolor isn't the most flattering. Maybe try some high lights next time. Yeah?
4. It's a bad spray tan if I can spot it from 30 yards away--without my glasses.

It was just a little surprising. I didn't expect to see mink stoles and spray tans--that's all. I guess there's a first time for everythig, right?

I'm just sayin'.

Hair It Is

Yes, I am a professional self portrait taker, in case you were wondering.

Pre-hair coloring experience. Self portrait a la Westminster Abbey ("Hands down, best Abbey I've ever seen") (please ignore the squinty eyes and wind blown hair. You'd think someone would offer to take my picture, but, you'd be wrong)

Backyard photo shoot a la Sunday afternoon.

Yesterday, my boss told me I reminded her of Isla Fisher.....

Maybe The Plan has worked, after all?

Thoughts?

PS. Aunt Suzi, is it just me, or have I turned into a carbon copy of my mom?

Musings & Monday

Greetings! I hope you're still as hopped up on sugar as I am--we didn't have nearly the amount of trick or treaters we had planned on, so, naturally, I am making up for that my breakfast, lunch, and dinner-ing on the candy. Yum. Is it bad if I'm hearing buzzing sounds? (anyone else picturing the Friends episode where Ross eats all the maple candy?)

1. So glad to be back in the States. England was a blast, but, there's only so much bad British TV one can handle.
2. Not so much with the censoring of the TVs over there--holy moly!
3. Thanks heaven's for that lovely "fall back"--of course, the dogs were unaware that they did not need to be up at 6 AM, but, whatever.
4. So, I'm a redhead.... Yeah, apparently when I said "like Jenna Fischer, you know 'Pam', on The Office" and brought in 5 pictures, that translated to "like Debra Messing, from Will & Grace, or, Kate Walsh". I washed it this morning and it has faded a bit... so, we'll see... I'll post a picture tomorrow (which was taken yesterday, so, it's not quite as purple-red now)--it's very different for me.
5. Make my eyes look fan-freaking-tastic though, I won't lie.
6. Haven't been to the gym in almost 2 weeks. I'm hoping that the lovely dental work I have this Friday and the subsequent pudding cups, Frostys and yogurt will result in the 5 lb weight loss I'm lookin' for by my birthday.
7. We're having a family debate about the holidays. We are finally putting our money where are mouths are and for once, are not spending Christmas in the h-e-double hockey sticks that is, home (long story). I'm pushing for Florida. My dad and stepmom are not beach people. I should also mention that I have a half sister--who I'm 15 years older than. Who I will be babysitting over the holidays. Florida = tons of crap for us to all do and make me not want to kill self because I'm stuck babysitting. Any ideas here kids?? (PS. Dad already vetoed Hawaii... And, we'd like to stay in the States, please)
8. Did you know that Glade has Gingerbread Cookie scented candles? They sell them at that magical store I go to (Target) and I now have an even bigger stash of smelly good-ness for when the family comes.
9. I am a genius, I know.
10. It's strange to be back at work after last week--I think I could get used to this whole not working every day thing... Sigh...
11. Kinda sorta freaking out about my teeth this Friday! Yikes! What if I'm not under the whole time? What if it goes wrong? what if??? Ahh!! Oh, and, I'm a pain wuss. I don't do pain.
12. Lovely and darling C and her sweet family came a trick or treatin' to our house--which was the highlight of my dogs lives, I think. We also learned that lovely and darling S's daughter K talks about "my friend Hanna", which has been translated to HRH Princess Puffy Cheeks Hanna Banana. How stinkin' cute is that? (sidenote: being around darling little girls who love on my doggies and call my doggies their friends, just makes me want little daughter that much more--oh the humanity!)
13. Where oh where has the year gone? I swear just yesterday I was in court! Just yesterday BFF L and I decided to start kickboxing. Just yesterday the verdict was read. Just yesterday....(only, that was really months ago)
14. OK, now I'm starting to freak out that I washed my hair too soon and all the $$$$$$$ that I spent will be washed down the drain--literally. (I am obsessive about hair color, can you tell?)
15. Any advice??

Well, I suppose I have traumatized you all enough with my hair drama.... I hope that everyone had a fantastic Halloween and a lovely November weekend. And, of course, have a fabulous Monday! (crap, I forgot, I have l'italiano tonight).

xoxox

SP

In Case You Were Wondering

Halloween candy calories don't count either. It's actually negative calories if consumed at work--while thinking about going to yoga at lunch (key word here "thinking).

I should know.

I killed 3 (or was it 5? Where are those wrappers?!) mini Tootsie Rolls and a mini box of Dots.

Don't judge me. I've been in England. They don't have Dots there.

PS. Who loved The Office last night (um, that'd be me. "Bernard Farms". tee hee hee).

Annnnnnnnnd.... getting my hair done tomorrow!! Holy guacamole, tomorrow is Nov. 1, which means it's almost my birthday (theme party perhaps? James Bond? Mama Mia? Chocolate? Ah!), which means I'm screwed because I haven't lost the 5 lbs I wanted to by my birthday, which also means I have failed The Plan.... Boo... but, in any event, tomorrow, I will have shiny, swingy, possibly red-ish hair. And that will have at least accomplished Hair Sector of said Plan. Yup.

OK, I'm done now.

Happy Halloween!!

xoxo

SP

Dear Mom (London Edition),

So I just got back from my first business trip (of course, I remember that for you, any trip we went on was, of course, for business--being a photog and all)--I was in London. One of your favorite places. It was fantastic.

I wandered around St. James park and shoved my camera lens through the fence at Buckingham Palace to get better shots (what, was I not supposed to do that?). I mastered the self portrait, so I could prove that yes, I was there--these weren't just pictures I found on Google.

I also somehow managed to get from Heathrow to my hotel--which was really impressive in my humble opinion. It was a feat, let me tell you.

I explored my way through St. James park, trying to find my way to Big Ben--I could hear the blasted clock, but, I couldn't see it. And to avoid a Joey from Friends moment, I resisted opening my map. I decided that it was better to just go back to the hotel. But I did go through a roll of film my first afternoon in London (it was rainy anyway).

We went to dinner in Notting Hill and I was sorely disappointed to not find Hugh Grant anywhere. Are you kidding?!

I woke up early the next day, had myself a pain au chocolate (what, that's breakfast!), and hopped on the tube to Westminster where I emerged from the station to Big Ben on my right (which scared the bajeezus out of me). I walked along Westminster bridge and took as many pictures as I could without getting too nauseous on the shaky bridge while aiming my camera up up up.

Westminster Abbey was gorgeous, just as it always is. The crowds were huge and I didn't have the time to stand in line, but, I enjoyed being there again. I took pictures, don't worry.

I also didn't go into The Tower (I know! The shame!), tickets were like a bagillion dollars and it was already 3:30 by the time I got there (they close at 5). It was fantastic to be there. To wander around and take pictures. The bridge was under "refurbishment", so, those pictures kinda suck, but, whatever.

I watched Mama Mia! on the plane ride to London and cried my eyes out--there was a scene that reminded me of us. How I miss you.... How I would have loved for you to have joined me on this trip... But, I know you were there.

I didn't see a show while I was there (sorry!)--tickets were again, a bagillion dollars and I didn't really want to go by myself. I did get teary every time I passed a Les Mis poster (they were everywhere on the tube). Dad reminded me that going alone would not have stopped you--which is so true. You would have said "Ok! I want to go! I'm going!"--you would have also spent the bagillion dollars because all that was left was orchestra seats (it's evident that my cheapness did not come from you).

I'm hoping that maybe next summer Justin and I can spend a some time in Scotland with a brief "stop over" in London. Lara wants to go to Bath--I of course want to go to the Lake District. We'll see.

Anyways, I just was thinking about you and how much you loved England. I certainly am your daughter.

Love you Mom.

Miss you more.

xoxox

London, baby!

thanks YouTube

I love this episode of Friends. I might need a map like Joey's--because, after all, getting in the map did help him find Fergie.

I leave tomorrow afternoon (eeee!) Thanks for all your travel tips--hopefully I can manage some fun time while there.

So, cheerio dahhhhlings--I'll see you all next week!

9:00 AM and a headache--really?

True story my friends, true story. But, it's OK because I've got my own personal pharmacy here: bottle of water, can of cold Diet Coke that I must have left in the office fridge last night (yay!!), and my industrial sized bottle of Advil that sits on my desk and makes me look like the office pill popper. Good times.

Anyways.... the fabulous Mrs. Forever tagged me for the Bookworm Award (fitting, don't you think?), in which I am to turn to page 56 of the nearest book, and write out the fifth sentence. Now, please, remain calm, the book I am about to read from will just blow your mind..... Ya ready? Really?? OK... The AP Stylebook--from 2002! Because apparently, we're classy like that around here. Of course, I have 2005-2007 at home and refuse to bring them because they will go missing. Anyways, get excited:

"But: 'Die Walkuere' and 'Gotterdammerung' from Wagner's 'The Ring of the Nibelungen.'" I know! How freaking exciting was that?

Annnddd, the lovely Kate, tagged me to share 6 random facts/quirks about myself. You've seen this before, but, I promise, I got waaay more than 6 quirks.

Uno: I have a tendency to forget that I'm not supposed to eat dairy in excess. Seriously, I just forget. (usually, it's the ice cream that makes me forget)

Due: I own a bagillion curling irons, flat irons and anything else irons you can imagine. 8 out of 10 times--my hair is in a clip or ponytail.

Tre: I was a very daring little child but developed an all consuming fear of heights at age 15. It's seriously out of control.

Quattro: I do sit ups or squats while microwaving/toasting my breakfast. The dogs think this is play time. It's really not. (and this is really embarrassing to share!)

Cinque: I absolutely cannot stand the cold, but, I adore snow. Weird.

Sei: I am constantly working on too many things at once--whether it is planning multiple books (in my head of course), decorating the house, or working my fingers raw with jewelry, there are always ten thousand things going on--which is probably why I'm constantly stressed and why oh why aren't there 26 hours in the day?!

Now, my apologies that I have surely traumatized you with fun (or, not so fun) facts about SP--but, I hope to make it up to you with the fact that I just taught you how to count to 6 in l'italiano, or, that if there is ever a Final Jeopardy question regarding yours truly, that you'll get in right and win a bagillion dollars. See? It all works out!

PS. Mrs Forever, the award is brilliant bribery, I'd love to be your workout partner!! Send me an e-mail and we'll plan somethin'!

Happy Thoughts

I was tagged by the lovely Milltini for 6 things that make me happy... And on a semi rainy day, what could be better than that?

1. Snuggling in a cozy bed with my puppies and my hunny. Although, the puppies are kind of over it these days--they are like angry little rebellious teenagers.
2. Long lunches and shopping trips with my other half/birthday twin/were really supposed to be real sisters/best friend and her sweet daughters. It's a birthday tradition that I won't have this year and it's the first time this has ever not happened.
3. Old family heirlooms. I love anything that relates to my family--especially my mom's side and I am kind of obsessive about old pictures, journals--anything. It's a way for me to be close to my mommy.
4. A really cold Diet Coke. I am not kidding.
5. Babies. Children. Especially really cute little girls who love my puppies (and, it should be mentioned, my puppies think that little kids are just the greatest thing ever)
6. White sand beaches. Because honestly, is there anything better?

What makes you happy?

Calories Consumed Before 9 A.M Don't Count

Which is really good because I may have found myself with a bag of cinnamon bears in my hand. And I have no idea how they got here.

Or how a good portion of the bag is gone.

Total mystery.

**Update** The entire bag is now gone, and I am left here scratching my head. Hm. Defiantly a puzzler. Also, there is a wasp/yellow jacket thing evilness in my office and my office mate is not here to kill it. Help!

Musings & Monday

Good morning! I am not quite myself yet, as I have not had any caffeinated beverages this AM and Sweet Large Sized Puppy Dog decided it would be nice to awaken SP at 4:30 AM with hacking sounds that continued until 'round about 5:45 AM. To be followed by sleeping directly on top of her legs. It's been a rough morning y'all.... Stay with me here...

1. I got a whole lotta nothin' done this weekend. Seriously, where did the time go? Actually, that's a lie: Saturday involved somehow managing to get my poor little two flat tired car repaired. It was an ordeal. How I managed to get not one, but TWO flat tires, remains a mystery.
2. I bought every adapter/converter/transformer nonsense they sold at BestBuy. Please Lord let me have bought the correct devices. Because I will just die if I get to London without a camera, curling iron, phone or computer access--just die! Can you even imagine?? ...And, $80 later, the husband isn't so sure this was my wisest decision. I can always return them, hello.
3. I did not complete my 6 mile run ::hangs head in shame:: I was too exhausted and stressed to drag myself into my running shoes... Let's hope I can run my little heart out on my lunchtime date with le treadmill.
4. I'm still freakin out a wee bit about this weekends overseas adventure, but, just think, in one week, I'll actually be there. I can do this, I can do this, I can do this..... I think.
5. Last week, l'italiano was cancelled, the week before that, I didn't go. I will be gone next week. I am just a star student. I did make flashcards though. Maybe I'll meet an l'italiano speaker on the flight or something.
6. I am exhausted. I need a Diet Coke. And now, please, thanks.
7. I started a little blog for my jewelry, please check it out: Shabby Gem Designs. I will eventually have an Etsy store, but, for now, this is the best I could do on Sunday night.
8. I made some really fun pink-ish jewelry this weekend, so, look for that to be up in the next day or so.
9. There was another student with a Masterati here on Friday. For the love of Pete!
10. Guess who went hog wild at Target buying up every combination of fall scented plug ins, candles and reed difusers? Yep, that's right. Me. I love those dang Fabreeze plug ins and their candles, when I saw that they had "Autumn Harvest" and "Pumpkin Spice" you bet I bought them all. Plus, it'll make the house smell nice for Thanksgiving and I can be all "Ohhh, the house always smells lovely because I am always baking... Isn't it divine?"... And they will all be fooled... Fantastic!
11. But seriously, I need some caffeine.

OK my lovelies, my apologies that this post was not in true SP form. I am just not myself yet. I must now hurry off and find myself a cold and caffeinated beverage, hopefully, of the Diet persuasion. Have a fabulous day!

xoxo

SP

Etsy worthy?

I thought I would post some pictures of the jewelry that I started working on last week. Clearly, I am not a big fancy pants professional or anything, but, I think they look pretty good..... What do you think? (apologies that I took the pictures on the floor!)

This necklace is black glass beads with three large clear glass beads--the focal point is a little off center, which is what I was going for.

Fun bracelet with glass leopard print beads, Czech crystals and little black glass beads with a pretty toggle clasp. I think it's really cute and fun.

Another bracelet with baby turquoise beads within off-white glass rounds.

Lavender all over the place! This is a lavender necklace, bracelet and earrings--made up of lavender colored glass beads, simulated pearls and Czech crystal beads. I don't know if you can see, but, there are also some white earrings made up of distressed glass and simulated pearls.

I love this bracelet! The focal point is zebra print glass beads--which I think are so fun! It also has glass rounds, Czech crystal, silver spacers and a silver toggle clasp.

This is a twist on the original leopard print. I think this would go great with a black dress and maybe a blue belt or something--I think it's really fun. You can see the black glass spacers, the turquoise Czech crystals and silver spacers with a silver toggle.

I wore this necklace last weekend! It has off white glass spacers, distressed glass beads, and lovely shell like glass rounds.

This one reminds me of the beach. It has glass beads that resemble sea shells (to me) and distressed glass beads. It's very earthy and pretty.

So, what do ya think? Should I start an Etsy store? I figure it's just in time for the holidays and I always love getting handmade things....

Also, who didn't love the end of The Office last night?! My little heart was filled with warm fuzzies.

Baby it's (kinda sorta) cold outside

Mama mia, it's finally sorta chilly. I had to scamper to my car this morning on my way to the gym. Yes, you read that right, I went to the gym this AM. Pre work.

Now, I hate to break it to all you work-out enthusiasts who believe that pre dawn runs are just heavenly and you're just all ready to go and kick butt all day. Yeah, I have a newflash for you: you are all liars! Currently, all I want to do is go home, curl up with my puppies and drink some hot chocolate (because, after all, it is chilly).

But no. Instead, I am at work, in my cold office, with sore legs, drinking a smoothie. For breakfast. And I still feel fat.

But, on the upside, I can now go home after a quick trip to the tailors. And a ton of money later. Oh, and a trip to le Target for adapter/converter/transformer nonsense. Then I'll go home.

Random Wednesday weirdness:

1. I wore new twill khaki pants, pink ruffle tee shirt, gray fitted jacket, and nar a compliment. I was saddened. I thought I looked fabulous. Maybe it was the hair. It was a bit disheveled.

2. When I called my hairstylist yesterday to book an appointment for the hair sector of The Plan, and I told her that "I want to go a darker strawberry blonde-brown, kind of like Jenna Fischer's color". To which there was a loooong pause... followed by "Ok... Well...Um, why don't you bring in some pictures so that I can get an idea of what you're thinking."

It is evident that my hairstylist is unaware of who Jenna Fischer is, and therefor is not a watcher of The Office. I may have to reconsider who my hair goes to.

Even in my pre-The Office watching days (I know! ::hangs head in shame::--it was only for a short while, don't judge me!), I thought Jenna was a-dore-able. So, I'm a little traumatized by that. Let's hope the pictures will get it right! Yikes!

OK, I'm going to go scour my office for some hot chocolate and a blankie. It's nap time as far as I'm concerned.

Have a lovely day!

xoxo

SP