There's An App For That

For some reason, people find pleasure in making me look like an idiot.  That's ok though, I would rather people laugh at me than cry for me.  Today the office got a good laugh.  Every morning on Live With Regis and Kelly, the two hosts call one lucky viewer, and if the viewer answers a question correctly in 20 seconds, you win a trip to a randomly selected resort.  I love trivia, I love traveling and I LOVE Kelly Ripa.  Naturally, I entered the Viewer Getaway.

Every morning, I sit at my desk in the hopes that my phone will light up with a 212 number.  At 9:14, my wish was granted when my phone's Caller ID flashed "ABC Network".  I was so excited that I forgot how to answer my phone. I started jumping up and down, pressing every button on the dial pad and screaming "Reg and Kel! They're calling ME!"  (Side Note: for a laugh click below):

Back to the call, I nervously remained on hold, but when I looked up, I saw my coworkers in fits of laughter.  They got me again.  My iPhone-atic peers made good use of their SpoofCard app by cleverly disguising their name and number.  That's ok.  When Reg and Kel do call me, I know who will not be joining me on my all-inclusive trip to Antigua.  Then, we'll see who's laughing!

.....Must Have.....

This weekend I am flying to Nashville to visit Will and his family.  Nashville has great shopping, and although we have lots planned for the short visit, I hope I can pop into a few of the city's consignment shops and boutiques.  Nothing says summer like short shorts and wedge sandals.  I would love to find a pair of printed shorts like the DVF ones below.  I am a huge fan of silk bow blouses because they are chic and versatile, great for work and play.  I am sure I will find some great bangles, preferably in coral!

Nashville by Concetta429 

.....Must Hear.....

"The General Specific" Band of Horses

A Little Gandy, How Dandy!

It was almost 2 months ago when one of my closest friends, Tippins, told me she and her husband Wilson were expecting their first child.  Being the sensitive friend I am, I burst into tears and screamed "What? Are you crazy!?!?"  After a few minutes, my tears of horror turned into tears of joy as Tippins gushed about how happy she and Wilson were for this blessing and how much they were looking forward to starting a family.

I made Tippins promise that she would keep me informed over the next few months and she has kept her word.  I recently got a call from Tip as she was leaving her doctor's appointment and...

This is especially good news considering I bought a teeny tiny pink butterfly tutu for the little bean sprout a month ago! Phew, I don't think it would look as cute on a little boy....


So, although I still think she is crazy...I am thrilled for Tippins and Wilson.  I have no doubt they will be phenomenal parents and I am excited to meet the little pollywog in 5 months!

Hanna and Nelson's Wedding

I spent a wonderful weekend in Flat Rock, North Carolina celebrating the wedding of my friends Hanna and Nelson.  Dozens of my college friends made the trip to the mountains to witness our two classmates tie the knot.  My friend Mary was kind enough to host 8 of us at her lake house.  We spent Friday night catching up and playing a rousing game of Fish Bowl.  Saturday we hung out by the lake, listened to music and had a golf ladder tournament (P.S. Lash and I won).

 

 

After a relaxing day by the water, we got all gussied up for the big event.  At six o'clock we were picked up and we headed to Flat Rock for the wedding festivities.

 

I was worried about the July weather but, the mountain air made for the perfect outdoor evening reception.  Of course, the bride and groom looked amazing and completely elated.

  

 

 

I love any and every wedding but there is something extra special about seeing those close to you become man and wife.  Now the new Mr. and Mrs. are off to Paris for their Honeymoon.  I am so happy for them and wish them  a life filled with happiness and, as my friend Patterson put it, aimless pleasure seeking.  Congrats Hanna and Nelson!

.....Must Have.....

While browsing my collection of sample sale sites yesterday, I came across Bormiolo Rocco dishware on Swirl.  Bormiolo offers your basic water pitchers, plates, and drinking glasses.  However, their Giara Bottles are my favorite because the vibrant colors add an eccentric touch to an otherwise basic item.  I also love that there are so many uses for these bottles: storing olive oil, wine, or even bubble bath!

.....Must Hear.....

"D.A.N.C.E." Justice

Celebrate x3!

This weekend there was cause for celebration! I had my yearly evaluation at work and got a raise! Woohoo! My managers were so sweet that they got me:

This!

And...

These!

But the party didn't stop there! Two of my Wofford friends are deserving of their own pats on the back.  Abby moved to Raleigh after being offered an amazing job opportunity, and Bethany accepted a teaching position at a wonderful prep school in Columbia!  Way to go girls!!! It just so happened that timing was on our side, and we were all together in Raleigh to honor our accomplishments.  We got dressed up and headed downtown!

Rooftop at The Hive

We had an awesome night, and, to my surprise, the best was yet to come.  Mini flashback: I lived in Charleston for a summer in college where I was introduced (at the ripe age of 20) to "The Rickshaw".  I had never seen such splendor gracing the pavement, and I would secretly hope I was running late to work so I could find any excuse to hitch a ride on a rickshaw.  Well, you guessed it...

Raleigh has Rickshaws!

So it may have been more pricey than a cab, it may have started raining on the way back to my apartment, and it may have taken us 20 minutes to go one mile across town...But who's counting!  I was happy to take the scenic route home shoulder to shoulder with two of my favorite people!

.....Must Have.....

In the spirit of celebration, let's ditch the traditional champagne and crack open a bottle of Medea Vodka.  You've heard of a message in a bottle, but what about a message ON a bottle.  This tech friendly spirit has a built-in LED screen on the bottle that can be programmed to display whatever is on your mind.  How does it taste? I don't know, and I don't I care.  With a gadget like this, I think we all can agree, it's what's on the outside that really counts.

P.S. Is that really his accent or is it just the Medea talking?  

.....Must Hear.....

"Baby I'm Yours" Breakbot feat. Irfane

Multi-tasking

My  first week of July has been productive to say the least.  The Good News: My "To Do List" has been cut in half.  The Bad News: My bank account has been cut in half as a result.  My car took a much needed trip to the dealership over the weekend, and its "rear control arm and alternator belt" were replaced (whatever that means).  A costly tune-up indeed but, on the upside, I enjoyed driving a fancy loaner car for the weekend, and hopefully, my financial hit now will keep me from meeting with AAA later.  


With my car doctored up, I took care of the other priorities on my checklist.  I paid my car tax, mailed a birthday card and a thank you letter, fixed a clog in my bathroom sink, brought my withering plants back to life and purchased a wedding gift for my engaged friends.  I also paid my energy bill, which, I am proud to say, was $9.00 less than last month's bill (thank you energy efficient lightbulbs).

Tomorrow afternoon, I have my one year evaluation at work.  Can you believe it?!  Fingers crossed, it goes well. Needless to say, I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend in Raleigh with friends.  Happy almost-Friday, y'all!

.....Must-Have.....

I'm a sucker for sparkles and subdued shades so it's no surprise that I was blown away when I saw photos of Elie Saab's Fall 2011 Couture line.  Since I am neither a celebrity nor a socialite, I rarely get the chance to wear gowns.  However, if I were a frequent red-carpet walker, my fashion loyalties would lie with Saab.  Throughout the seasons, Saab has continued to wow us with his choice of light-weight silks and chiffons and remarkably detailed beading.  His Fall line combines muted metallic tones, basic silhouettes and glitzy glamour.  In essence, I think his work is "Simply Extravagant".

.....Must Hear.....

"Ok It's Alright With Me" Eric Hutchinson

July 4th

I hope everyone had a safe and sunny Independence Day.  I spent the weekend in Tennessee with Will and his family at their lake house.  More to come later.  Happy July!

July 4th by Concetta429

.....Must Hear.....

"Summertime in New Orleans" Anders Osborne