All Hail the King!

I'm not sure if anyone but me and the old folks have been watching The Hollow Crown on Masterpiece Theatre, but if you have I'm sure you find it fantastic as I do.  I'd read about the concept - Richard II and Henry IV & V as miniseries with big names - a few months ago when it originally aired in England and thought it sounded pretty interesting.  But I had no idea that it would be airing here.  As most cool and amazing theatre things, I assumed it would stay in UK.  But last week, I was surprised to see a write-up on it in the NY Times theatre section.  

As you may know, I am seeing Richard II in Stratford in just over 2 weeks time, so I've been attempting to at least get the general gist of what to expect.  I first tried to read the original work by Shakespeare.  But after a few hours, and my mind wandering all over the place, I gave up.  I'm not sure what it about this one, but it's super difficult for me to understand.  I think it may have something to do with the sheer number of characters; most of which are men with fairly similar names, that's perplexing my little brain.

So, since reading didn't work, it was off to the next best thing - Masterpiece Theatre.  Thank goodness MPT decided to show it just before I left!  I'm officially 1 hour 45 minutes in to the 2 hours 45 minute piece, and I must admit, (under pain of losing my English-y girl card) I haven't the foggiest idea of what's happening but, nonetheless it's pretty impossible to look away. The cast they were able to compile is a virtual who's who of great British stage actors: Ben Whishaw, Rory Kinnear, David Morrissey, David Bradley, and about a half dozen others that I know by face if not by name.  (And this is just the first series - I haven't even seen the cast lists for series 2-4 yet!)  All of which are playing their parts admirably, but it's Ben Whishaw who's been commanding my attention all evening.

I've never seen James Bond, but I've heard Whishaw played Q in the last movie, which is where most people know him from.  But up until Bond, he's been known for his Shakespearean work and after watching him, I can see why.  He mentioned in an interview that he loosely based his Richard on Michael Jackson, which I can most definitely see.  He's crazy as a hootie-owl, odd, effeminate, but also terrifying; which I'm assuming (as I'm still not so clear on plot lines) is the point.

Don't get me wrong, I've gathered a bit - Richard's a loon and banishes Bolingbrooke, then Bolingbrooke comes back and usurps the crown (why this happens, is still not clear). Fortunately, this total and utter confusion, has succeeded in making me more excited for the show in Stratford instead of less. After seeing what Whishaw did, I can't wait to see what David Tennant does.  I can only imagine it will be un-look-away-able as well.  Especially based on the new rocking style he's sporting.  Should make for an utterly enjoyable, and completely new evening.  And if for some reason, there are still cobwebs in this little brain of mine after seeing the show, there's still one last resort: Google always knows all!

Happy 30th Birthday!

Hope it was as wonderful as you are!

Wedding Wonder

Just came back from a wonderful wedding filled with friends, fun and food.  Though as a rule, I'm usually against weddings in general.  Until I have my own happily ever after, they tend only to turn me grumpy and a bit judgy.  This of course causes me to contemplate the open bar vs. the lack of extra desserts or the choice of slow vs. fast music.  It's a vicious cycle that I will spare you the intricacies of.  And for now just say: Congrats to the happy couple!

Friday Five

1. This is a little too spot on than I would usually care to admit.  It describes the everyday inner workings of my brain to a tee.

2.  Seeing as this article is all about some crazy Russian hating one of my favorite people, you'd think it would not be a favorite of mine.  But seeing as the reason for this man hating Stephen Fry is so despicable; I'm a big fan.  For this guy to have it out for him truly means Stephen's doing something right!

3. My feelings for Etsy perfectly shared with one small little hanging.  Don't get me wrong, I love receiving clothes and gift cards like most people do.  But I get super excited when I receive something homemade.  It's most often something the other person has thought a lot about and spent a great deal of time on.  Those sorts of gifts are always the most special. And the fact that Etsy has so many special little surprises at your fingertips is just icing on the cake.

4.  Fall TV is here!  As usual there are some hits and misses.  So far I'm loving The Crazy Ones, The Blacklist and I think I'm going to love Michael J. Fox's show (how can you not?  It's Michael J Fox!) and S.H.I.E.L.D (Joss!!).  And in the oldie but goodie category there's NCIS, Big Bang Theory, Elementary and Person of Interest. 

5. If my Christmas tree wasn't solely hung with Snowheads, this would certainly be at the top of my Christmas list.  How stinking cute and completely geeky can you get!?

Taking the Night Off

Icky day, not much to say...See you tomorrow!

Thoughts too Long for Twitter

~ I stole this title and topic from another blog I read because I thought it was too cute to pass up.  

~ I've gotten hooked on yet another book series.  This time the setting is Northern Ireland in the late 60s: An Irish Country Doctor series by Patrick Taylor.  I realize the stories take place over 40 years ago, but I've now added Northern Ireland to the bucket list based on the descriptions in the book.  Not to mention the village of Ballybucklebo is just too fun to say!

~ I channeled my inner Gordon Ramsay this evening and wasn't at all sorry about it for a change.  After receiving burnt chicken fingers at the Green Turtle, I sent them back.  Then received them again; burnt again.  (Though, I was given my favorite excuse ever for why they were darker than usual "Sometimes the oil just does that." I suppose I should have told her that the oil "just does that" when it's too darn hot!)  I decided to just eat them this time, but still left most of them on the plate.  After the waitress asked if I wanted a box, I let her know that, no I did not because they were still quite burnt.  Which in turn led her to take them off the bill.  Woohoo! I'm finally growing that back bone I could sorely use.

~ I truly believe this government shutdown that the news is banging on about could be solved by giving the government employees and contractors the salaries that Congress is currently not using.  If those congressmen and women aren't going to do their jobs, they shouldn't receive their paychecks and those that are actually working (contractors, military, civilian employees, etc.), shouldn't be in danger of not having a position to come back to.

Trip-y Tuesday

As I'm writing this, there are now exactly 2 weeks to go until I leave for Europe.  And I now find myself doing that totally annoying thing you do when someone mentions specific dates.  For instance, someone mentioned a meeting they would be attending on October 14.  To this I replied, oh cool, but you know what?  I'll be in Edinburgh on October 14.  Yes, it's annoying, but I just can't seem to help myself : )

It's all fairly planned with nothing more left to do than the boring stuff: call the credit card companies, call Verizon, print out the boarding passes.  I've even pretty much bypassed the packing doldrums by doing it months ago.  At this point, it's just a process of waiting, and waiting and waiting...You get the picture. 

While the plans still exist, quite extensive plans with terrifying maps and spreadsheets, it's actually seeming more do-able as the time goes on.  There'll be plenty of time to relax and enjoy and get the chance to see just about everything.  As well as fill up the carry-on with lots of fun things.  Even though, I talk about it and write about it every chance I get, I've even relaxed about it a bit.  I'm in NO way less excited about it but knowing it's so close is fairly calming.  Also knowing, somewhere in the back of my head, that this will not be the last big trip in my future.  As crazy as it sounds, I'm already mulling over a return trip sometime next year (if I don't already live there, which, let's face it, with my luck, will most likely not be the case...)

I really have to say this trip planning thing is quite the lark.  If I could do this all day, every day, I may just be a happy girl.  Of course all the perks that come with that type of work, would also be well worth it.  If only there was a job that entailed those duties.  I might just have to think about this more closely...Travel Planner has quite the nice ring to it : )

Bookworm Brit

After a busy month I've finally finished "Meet me at the Cupcake Cafe".  Please don't think because it took me a month to get through, that it was bad or uninteresting.  Quite the opposite actually.  It was fantastic!  If you're looking for a girly, breezy read and have a bit of a sweet tooth, I wholly recommend it!  But I've been a bit busy.  Girly books are a favorite of mine, add in cupcake and sweets recipes, and I'm a very happy girl.  It was the epitome of girly down to the hot pink cover, and the second I started to read, I wanted to read the rest of Jenny Coogan's (the author) stock.

However, there in lies the rub.  Because the novel is British, and was released first in the UK, then about a year later, here, it makes it quite difficult to find the other 6 books she's written. Here's where I get confused.  What would be the issue in releasing books here and there at the same time?  I know it's most likely not financially viable to stock them in the stores, but if Amazon could combine their UK and US stores, I'd be a much happier camper. I'd pay extra for shipping - I mean not much extra but I'd pay a little.  

This is about the 6th series of books I've researched in the last month that has this issue and it's downright frustrating. It's just ridiculous to me these days, that a book can't be sold in 2 different places.  And while we're on the subject, why can't the covers be the same?  My pretty hot pink cover is much prettier and squiggly in the UK.  Why did it change?  If the gosh darn publishers would save the money on the covers, they could afford to send them across the pond!

Rant over, now I'm off to finish the non-British books that are currently clogging my shelves...mostly to make room for the British ones that I'll be sure to stock up on in 16 days.

Happy Birthday Bud!

To the best mom a girl could ever ask for,  I'm not sure what I would ever do without you.

Love you bunches and I hope you have an absolutely fantastic day!

Saturday Crafty Stress

Spent a very long day taking these:

And making them into this.  Yes I apparently have crooked eyes, as they are slightly off kilter.  Yes I should have done this months ago when I first bought the frames back in April. But hopefully all the stress will be worth it when the birthday girl seems them in a few minutes : )

Update: She loved them!  Even if they are listing slightly...

Friday Five

1. Toucan Taco's Sunken Burrito and Queso: If you were to look up the word "dive" in the dictionary, there would be a little picture of this Laurel MD restaurant.  It's about as far from fine dining as you could possibly get.  You're served with plastic silverware, and styrofoam cups, and your food comes in an old fashioned tv dinner aluminum foil tray.  However, aside from being a little too spicy for my much too wimpy palette, the food is delicious!  I always get the chicken sunken burrito which is covered in red chile sauce (thus sunken) with chips and queso on the side.  Pretty much the perfect quick lunch!

2. I know his name is pretty much everywhere these days.  Aside from being in just about every movie currently in theatres, he's also been giving tons of press.  Most of which I read because hey, it's Benedict Cumberbatch.  But this particular article really grabbed my attention.  It could be that it's from the Guardian, whose reporters often ask the right questions.  But I have the suspicion that his candid responses are just him; in which case, there's a lot there to respect.

3. While I've been idly daydreaming of schemes to get me to London, Janice MacLeod has discovered an out of the box way that allowed her to move to Paris and live a lovely life, with a book deal to boot.  She decided after visiting Paris and falling in love with her now husband, she needed a way to afford to stay.  So she started sketching scenes of the City of Light and sending them to subscription holders via snail mail.  While I'm not sure how this works, and while I guarantee that my sketching abilities are nowhere near where they would need to be to make this work, it's a pretty nifty idea when you think about it.  I will most definitely be reading the book come February.

4. I made no secret of the fact that I fell in love with Broadchurch when it was showing in the UK back in April.  It was totally captivating in a way that American drama tends not to be: it was restrained and quiet but it packed a wallop.  I had high hopes when it came here that those around me would feel the same, but I was skeptical they would (I tend to like things that are slightly out there and quite different than those around me...just weird I guess : )  But this time around, they loved it too.  My mom has been consistently guessing each week as to who the murderer is just like I did and it's fun to see that it still holds up.  Though, my big complaint is our stupid commercial scheme.  BBC America has to cut so much from each episode to make room for commercials.  I'd love to watch something from beginning to end and not have to worry about those darn ads!

5. The anticipation of good things to come.  With so much going on in the next few weeks, it's exciting to be excited.

Disappointment

As I'm writing this post, you'll notice I'm not a multi-millionaire unfortunately.  If only I'd driven 9 hours to buy the darn ticket in South Carolina.  Ugh!  However, it's not all bad, there's lots to look forward to and lots to countdown.

~3 days left until the momma's birthday in which we will eat yummy pizza and prosciutto and homemade chocolate cake.  Birthdays are super exciting and Birthday treats may be even more fun.  Only to be topped of course by the perfect gift for the birthday girl.

~20 days left until the grand European adventure.  I can't believe it's this close yet still feels like ages away.  There is so much planned already but I feel that so much more needs to be organized: Money, maps and tickets, oh my!  But, (she says slightly embarrassed) I've been packed for weeks so at least that can be ticked off the list.

~3 months until Christmas, which I wasn't going to think about until after the trip but seeing as Etsy is just so darn convenient, I've been planning a few things here and there all week.  Committed to being organized this year!

Along with 30th birthday parties, a wedding, a new baby on the way, 3 grand theatre performances and another trip to NYC;  it's going to be a fun few months, but imagine all the more fun I could have with a bajillion dollars.

Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

Every time the lottery goes a little above the norm, I get millionaire fever.  My chances go way down when the money goes high, I know this.  However, that never seems to stop me. Lottery pools?  I'm in.  Grocery Store quicky purchases?  Also in.  Then there's the daydreaming.  I know I will most likely never win the $400 million, but that doesn't stop the planning.  The plan usually changes from jackpot to jackpot, but today's is quite perfect. So perfect in fact, that maybe the lottery gods will look down upon my tickets, drizzle some good joo joo on them and deem me a winner.

Now, if I win as a part of the office pool, which is more likely, I'll get about $20 million. Plenty enough to give lots to friends and family, which leaves me about $10 million, which if I've worked it out correctly, is perfect for the travel I have in mind.

Sell the house and pay off the cards.  Then of course it's off to England to rent a small flat that will act as home base.  That's when the fun begins.  12 months and 12 countries: England, Scotland & Wales, Ireland, Germany, Prague, Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Croatia, Australia/New Zealand, Austria, and Belgium.  Then of course it's back to the flat in Notting Hill to live out my days sipping tea and loving life.

PS: If by some chance there's no post here tomorrow, fear not.  I'll be off celebrating the big win.  If there is a post, please don't mention the plan.  I'll just be living in my fantasy world a bit longer...

Crafty Cooking

I've been hearing a lot about this video for the last few days.  Apparently it's causing a bit of stir in the food industry.  Now I must admit I have never liked Chipotle.  It's not my favorite quicky Mexican (that would be Qdoba in case you were wondering).  But I kind of admire what they are trying to do.  I don't really get it but I like it.  They have a great deal of stock wrapped up in the whole fresh food, never processed concept.  So it only makes sense to make a small short celebrating that, I suppose.  

Apparently, it's the kick-off to a HUGE campaign in which the centerpiece is an app. What now?  What exactly does a  game have to do with fresh fast food?  I'm all for creativity and anything to change up the endless procession of boring commercials, but I kinda think there has to be a bit of a thread to tie things together. 

Though, after seeing the video, which by the way, I learned today was created by a 26 year old that works for Chipotle's marketing firm, I'm willing to hold off judgement for just a bit longer.  I'm not sure how in 3 minutes, you can feel legitimately sad and happy for the little guy, but it's fairly impressive.

What Does This Achieve?

I've never quite figured out the point of getting angry, grabbing a gun and randomly shooting at people you've never met.  What exactly does it achieve?  The person or persons you are mad at, don't know you're mad at them.  You've just thrown away your whole life for a silly argument or grudge.  And the only people that are really being hurt are innocent bystanders who've committed the crime of coming into work or going to school.

Today's shooting at the DC Navy Yard was just a little too close to home.  Maryland and DC are quite close.  I know people who know people that work there each day.  Seeing news reports multiply shooters from 1 to 2 then possibly 3 but then downgrading back to 2; then seeing the numbers of the dead go from 4 to 11 to 13 was just heartbreaking.  But seeing all the agencies that swooped into assist and all the citizens that came to their aide really showed what America is truly about.

Focusing on the good, instead of the evil that chose to do the shooting is how we continually get through catastrophes like this.  But these catastrophes really must end.  I'm worried for the goodness in the world ultimately being beaten down by the evil.

Of This I Know...

~Manual photography is much harder than it looks and I will be sticking to the ordinary everyday, easy way of taking photos...mostly because I can't figure out what I've done to make all the manual photos I've taken look like they've been taken in a dark closet.

~This Ravens season is going to be ridiculously stressful.  We can take no game for granted and if our players keep getting injured, we won't have a team to take for granted.  Today's game should have been a cinch since it was the home opener, but after 2 quarters, we still didn't have a single point on the board.  Luckily they were able to pull out a win, but oh dear me, I don't think I can handle the rest of the season being so draining.

~The BBC series "Fortysomething" is a particular kind of crazy that only the BBC could ever pull off.

~Summer has come and gone.  Low 70s today and the wind whistling through the trees certainly had the feeling of fall.

~I am completely un-prepared for it to be Monday again.

Mac vs. PC

So I'm currently writing this blog on a Mac and I have to say I hate it!  I have an iPad and an iPhone which I love dearly.  I make daily trips to the App Store and keep up to date on all the new Apple happenings.  However, attempting to type on a MacBook is just about impossible!

First off, the gosh darn delete key is too little.  Every time I try to use it, I wind up adding a plus sign or a bracket.  Secondly, the whole scrolling thing on the mouse being backward is enough to make me pull my hair out.  Then there's the whole weird red, yellow, green thing which in theory is a good idea, but it's on the wrong side of each screen and is therefore just annoying.

Sorry Mac, you may be the cool kid in town, but PCs still have my ultimate love.

Friday Five

1. Love those O's!  Okay, I'm not nearly on the O's train as much as I'm on the Ravens train, however, when they do things like this, you just have to support the boys in orange.  Buck's basset hounds are about the cutest little dogs I've ever seen!

2. Anyone looking to purchase me an early Christmas gift can look no further.  Too, too cute!

3. A girls afternoon at the park with the niece, followed by a girls evening with the niece and her mama.  An afternoon will perfect early September weather and cutie to spend the time with: Perfect!  Today's Natalie-isms include:

N: Um, Aunt Kris, my seat's wet.
Aunt Kris: Why is your seat wet?
N: Um...I spilled...

After learning what the word rotten meant: (muttering under her breath as she's trying to unbuckle herself) This rotten car seat...

4. The new trailer for Richard II: I've been waiting for months to see it, and while it's not what I imagined (David Tennant is playing Richard, I was assuming you'd hear or even see him at least once...of course I was assuming you'd at least see someone;anyone instead of just the English countryside) it's still pretty stirring.

5. During a crap week, the fact that in LESS than four weeks there will be a light at the end of the tunnel: I'm going to England, Paris, Stratford and Scotland!  Can't believe it's so close but in weeks like this it feels so far away.  Come on October!

Up in the Air

I read an article today that quoted the "Vatican", which I'm assuming means the Pope, as saying that "you don't have to believe in God to go to heaven."  Which I suppose is quite the turn around for the Catholic Church.  However, a few weeks ago the Pope mentioned that God loves everyone "even atheists", and the Vatican came out a few days later to make sure we all knew that even though God loves atheists they're still not going to heaven.  Huh. Because that's kind of what the Pope said today.  

I'm a little confused about this guy and this flip-flopping isn't doing much to change that.  On the one hand, he seems like a perfectly sweet, humble and faithful man that is doing his part to take the church in the right direction AKA out of the dark ages.  But when I hear things that say he "reprimanded" a sect of nuns for spending too much time helping people and not enough time spreading the word of God to non-believers, I get a little upset to say the least.  

I'm not expecting the Vatican to take a full 360 and become completely liberal and accepting. That would be too much to ask.  Add that to the column of things that are never going to happen.  I only want them to stop confusing everyone and stick to one message.  Is that so much to ask for a group of faithful that includes 1.1 billion of the world population?

PS: I can hear my mother secretly whispering that I'm about to be hit by lightning as I'm writing this post, which for a change gives me a slight pause as we're having a storm right now... : )

Never Forget

I'm sure everyone remembers exactly what they were doing on that fateful morning 12 years ago; exactly what they were wearing, and exactly what the next few weeks would bring.  Those feelings come to light today immediately when I think of that ordinary Tuesday morning when all hell broke loose. As painful as those memories are, it's  good that we feel them so strongly.  These feelings will never allow us to forget those we lost that day.  

Sort of Like a Train Wreck...

I have to believe he's a very nice man, but this is the face that most often invades Kitchen Nightmares...Poor dude's going to give himself a stroke!

I make no bones about it.  I HATE reality television.  While others are content to watch endless hours of The Bachelor, or American Idol, I'd much prefer a drama or comedy with an actual plot, as opposed to contestants dying for their 15 minutes.  The only reality show I do watch; religiously mind you, is Top Chef mostly for the food: I do have a soft spot for all things food.  Of course this was all true, until a much too lazy Sunday and a marathon on BBC-America.  

You see up until this past Sunday, I was content to despise Gordon Ramsay for all that he stood for.  He's coarse, brash and much too big for his britches.  He screams randomly and crudely at chefs, managers and owners alike.  He has about a gillion restaurants, that surely must survive on his star-power alone.  Someone who's this concerned with how he looks, can't actually cook, can he?  Oh and his random fascination with changing into his chef's coat in the middle of taped interview is just odd.  

But for some reason, I had no other possible reason to turn on the television, and therefore left it on BBC America just as the Kitchen Nightmares marathon was starting.  Holy Moly!  I now understand why they call reality television a train wreck.  It's because you really can't look away.  It's impossible!  Yes most of the show is bleeped out due to his love of the F-bomb.  Yes, you really can't understand how restaurant owners can be so utterly and completely stupid, and still matter to function in everyday society.  Yes you begin to think if idiots like this can own restaurants, so can you.  And, most of all, you wonder why you're watching it in the first place, just as you're sucked into yet another nightmare.

Though the cramming seems to have been educational; I've learned a few things other than I apparently have no taste in television anymore.  He's not as daft as he seems.  Yes, he needs to have his mouth washed out with soap, but he really does seem to know what he's talking about.  His knowledge of food, recipes and how restaurants should run is off the charts.  And I could be way off, but the restaurants seem to need any help they can get, so they may as well get some help from someone as rich and experienced as he is.  So I suppose, Gordon Ramsay isn't so bad.  I wouldn't want him near any of my future children; as I wouldn't want his potty-mouth to wear off on them.  But,  I'd really like him to cook me a meal sometime.  Just please don't yell at me, Gordon, I'm a big wimp...

PS: I've also learned that the episodes taking place in Great Britain are infinitely better than those here in the States. Gee, I wonder why that is...

Are You Ready for Some Football Food?!

It would seem that the official start to football season is upon us yet again. (Go Ravens!) After such a long hot summer that seemed to drag on, it feels almost impossible that we are entering into the football days of fall already.  It’s time to turn in our baseballs for pigskin; our bats for helmets; our home runs for touchdowns and our Orioles for our Ravens (that last one may just be here in MD…) And most importantly, for those who love to eat: our cracker jacks and beer for nachos and pretzels and dips galore, and (let’s be honest here) more beer.

What used to be a simple calendar flip from one month to the next has become more intricate in the last few years.  Now, not only does autumn signify leaves changing color, and temperatures dropping, but it also means the start of fantasy drafts, football pools and the planning of football parties. The planning of game day bashes, in the eyes of someone who understands very little of a game, is the most important part.  There must be oodles of food and plenty to drink.  Who cares if your team loses (though I know this isn’t necessarily the case) if there’s something yummy to eat?

But of course, as in the game of football, there are rules to the game of football food as well.

1. To have a proper football party, there must be proper football food.  While Bouef Bourginon that you’ve spent hours roasting and perfecting, is delicious; how in the world are you going to eat it crowded around the television?  Handheld food is what you want.  Dips and accessories for dipping are perfect.  No need to take your eyes off the ball when it all comes down to a single play, which brings me to my next rule.

2. You should never serve something that will surely stain that bright white new carpet you’ve just recently installed.  Yes, while pizza dip smothered in cheese and pepperoni sounds like the perfect snack to consume while your team is making their way to the playoffs, you may think differently when your QB throws an interception and the plates go flying.

3. Now I may not hold too much stock in this, but be sure to have the alcoholic beverages of your guests’ choice, as well as some non-alcoholic options for us tea-totalers.  I've heard it’s not a football game if there isn’t at least beer there for consumption. Though, stay away from the darker brews. (See reason above.)

4. While probably not the usual requirement for most football parties, include a dessert for all your guests.  If the game ends in a win, you’ll surely need something to celebrate with and since you’ve been consuming treats of another nature for the entirety of the game, a brownie or cookie (keep in line with the handheld rule) will surely hit the spot and soak up some of the booze.  And most importantly, if your team loses, a sweet treat can be used to drown your sorrows and turn that frown upside down – Never underestimate the power of chocolate!

5. And last but not least, enjoy the game and don’t argue with your guests about players, plays and scores.  It’s just a bit rude, and if you haven’t followed the no stain rules, it could get quite messy.

Happy Football Season!

Sunday Smiles

Every once in a while a lazy but productive Sunday is exactly what you need.  Things get done but happy relaxing happens too.

~Even though the Ravens lost, everyone else in the AFC North lost too (including the Steelers!!!) so technically we're tied for first place.  Have to love when that happens!

~Laundry took all day (I really have to get that darn thing fixed!) but it's done and ready for the week.

~Finally caught up with the Bones finale (4 months late!) and somehow didn't cry which is why I was avoiding it in the first place.

~Worked in some time for scrapbooking and other crafty pursuits.

~Pinterested the perfect idea for dinner this week and some other good ideas for lunches.

~Last but not least, I'm ready for the week...well as ready as I can be for a Monday : )

Happy week ahead!

Scrap Happy Saturday

Please ignore the quality of these pictures.  After 3 straight hours of scrapbooking, I don't really have the energy to worry about taking studio quality images (ironic, I know...)  But I've realized today that in the last month or so, I've purchased at least 6 packs of photo inserts for this album.  Why do they have to make so many different kinds?  Don't they know I can't resist? : )

Friday Five

1. This number one spot was supposed to be reserved for the Super Bowl Winning, World Champion Ravens winning their season opener in Denver against Peyton Manning when everyone said they were going to lose.  However, it seems that everyone was correct, and the Ravens failed us miserably...with the most points unanswered in franchise history and the only time they've lost a season opener under Harbaugh.  So I suppose, I just have to stick with the Orioles instead who actually won their game and thank goodness for that since they were the darn reason the Ravens were stuck opening on the road in the first place!

2. Basically this is about the most creative and well-thought out travel site I've seen in a while.  Fathom includes all sorts of fun insight and articles as well as some pretty fantastic city guides and tons of travel pics.  Loving the Insta-trip feature where contributors' travels are relayed entirely in Instagram.  My new go to site each morning!

3. Another fantastic blog, only this time it's straight up photography.  As you may have realized by now, I've been attempting to figure out my camera since I got it a few months ago.  While that process hasn't been going as smoothly as I'd like, this site has all sorts of ideas to help it along.  I'm pretty partial to the alphabet photo challenge.  I'm not sure if I'd stick with it, nor do I know what I'd do with the photographs, but it's certainly a nifty idea!

4. "Meet Me at the Cupcake Cafe": I'm in love with this book, and cannot wait until the next one comes out in the spring.  It's set in London, revolves around a cupcake shop and is written by a previous writer of Doctor Who.  What's not to like?!

5. Technology that allows us here in the states to hear and see production diaries of those staging Richard II (the show I'm seeing in Stratford.)  Absolutely amazing idea!  I love how creative and interactive the theatres in the UK and here in the US are getting.  These small ideas really allow the shows and characters and casts to come alive while hopefully gaining a whole new audience for live theatre.

Go Ravens!!

Nothing can beat the excitement of last year's amazing, utterly ridiculous, completely awesome win of the Super Bowl, but that doesn't stop us here in MD from trying.  While today should be another fantastic game played in Baltimore, it unfortunately won't be.  Oh, it will be an awesome game, no doubt, but because of the darn Orioles (whom I love equally but they are on my list right now!) we're stuck opening in Denver.  Of course, we were able to smoke Peyton Manning last year in Denver so I'm not too worried (well, maybe a teensy tiny bit...)  It would just be fun to have even more electricity and excitement circling the whole game.  Of course, I have to say, Keith Urban is a pretty good consolation prize - What a cutie!  Anyway, there's not much more to say than I'll return you to your regularly scheduled girly, non-sportsy programming tomorrow, and of course:

GO RAVENS!!!!!

5 Weeks to Go

And I'm officially slightly stressed.  In 10 days we have planned, and planned and planned the trip into a whirlwind tour of 3 countries.  After many different iterations, the trip seems to be complete.  However, it's at this time, I may try a new tactic: Relax, and leave it up to chance.  Of course, I want to see everything I can, but I've realized I haven't planned for happy accidents and random wanderings, as well as getting lost (which I truly intend on happening).  So there.  I'm done color-coding, address reviewing, and Google mapping.  Though,  I still fully intend to see all of this and of course a lot of this (only the Paris parts of course...)

Is it quite possible to live without sleep for 10 days?

Fall is Coming

As much as I love summer, and as much as I can't believe September is already upon us, I think I'm a bit happy to see autumn coming.  I love the sun, sand and surf of summer in Maryland if not the crazy high humidity.  But there's something nice about the cool breezes, change in the leaves and all sorts of pumpkin, apple and cinnamon recipes invading our tables. While today was still warm and you could feel summer still in the air, it had also the whif of the fall to come.  There was a gentle breeze and blowing leaves.  It was actually quite nice.

This fall brings all sorts of happy things in its wake, which could be another reason I'm ready to wave goodbye to beachy weather.

~35 days from tomorrow is the great European adventure.
~The Ravens kick off their season on Thursday, defending their Super Bowl winning title
~700 Sundays re-opens on Broadway, and with any luck they'll be tickets to that coming down the pike.
~There are about a dozen pumpkin recipes already waiting in the wings for me to try out on Pinterest.
Sherlock, Doctor Who and all the others will be starting soon.

So you know, all sorts of exciting (if you're a nerd like me : ) things to look forward to. I do think I'm ready to: 

Happy Labor Day!

Currently...

~A little too obsessed with pinning pics of everything I want to see in Paris (everything I want to see in Paris, that is, that can fit into 12 hours...)

~A little too pre-occupied with the number of steps I've gotten in today and whether or not my number will live up to the others on my walking team.

~Watching Hamlet on YouTube to drown out the Real Housewives on the television.

~A little too excited about the day off tomorrow.

~Completely and utterly stuffed after a yummy Mexican dinner and some Chunky Monkey.

That's right, quite the exciting holiday weekend here in MD.  Happy Labor Day!