Flob Friday {The Disney Tag}

Thank you to Dan Buono for editing this for me!!!!

Facebook Playhouse

When there are true thespians in the WWHL Clubhouse, Andy makes them play this "game" called Housewives Playhouse. What this game consists of is said thespians "acting out" notorious scenes from The Real Housewives of {insert city here}. It is freaking hysterical and there are almost always wigs involved.

So, after watching a few of these, I came up with a genius new party game called "Facebook Playhouse." FBPH consists of taking those status updates that seem to infect everyone's news feeds and acting them out...after a few dirty martinis, of course.

Examples of status updates to act out -

- Any complaints about husbands/wives/partners/boyfriends/girlfriends/fiances
- Long, drawn out status' about something...but you never know what that something is
- StAtUs' ThAt ArE TyPeD LiKe DiS
- Any status that starts a fight between two Facebook friends and the proceeding comments

I am sure you all get the picture. This game would be set up like charades where everyone brings three status' from their news feeds (on separate pieces of paper) and puts them in a glass bowl. Then, you pick as you go.

Who's with me?!

Musings {Reality TV Edition}

16 and Pregnant/Teen Mom Season One Catch Ups - MTV did 4, hour long specials on each of the ladies that starred in the first season of 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom - Maci, Farrah, Amber and Catelynn. The first season was the only one that I was ever interested in so I was looking forward to seeing all of their episodes. I have yet to watch Catelynn's but I did watch the other three and here's what I thought-

    - Maci - Maci is the most normal one out of all four of them. She actually has her ish together, her son seems to be adjusting well and she also has supportive grandparents on both her side and her baby daddy, Ryan's side. With all of the being said, her episode was rather boring to me! Haha I know that is awful but really, I stopped her show in order to watch some of the juicier ones (read: Farrah the one time porn star and Amber who just got out of jail)

   - Farrah -  Where do I start with this hot mess? Okay, so I do have to admit that her home life is a bit more mellow than I would have expected. AND she seems to have a really nice house/life in Austin, TX with her daughter, Sophia, and her dad, Michael. Apparently when you do a sex tape called "Back Door Teen Mom" you can afford an amazing house and a luxury car...as well as a private preschool for your daughter...not to mention the trips to the cosmetic esthetician once a week to give you that "busy mom" look. Not kidding, she really does do fillers and botox at 21 to look like a "busy mom." The Mister and I watched this together and we both agreed that apparently blogging is the wrong business to be in...Totally kidding..

   - Amber - I am actually really rooting for Amber. Her episode starts with the day she got out of jail. She was suppose to be in jail for close to 5 years but ended up only spending 18 months in the clink because she participated in a rehab program. The episode follows her getting acclimated with life out of jail and back with her daughter. Gary has custody of their daughter Leah but seems to be open to Leah spending time with her mom. Like I said, I am really rooting for Amber. I am hoping she stays off the drugs and keeps her anger under control in order to have a great life for her and her daughter. She also mentioned getting her "story" out there aka seeing who will give her an advance on a book deal. So stay tuned for that gem!

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills - For all you watchers out there, you know that it's just more of the same in Bev Hills Land. Except they are currently in Puerto Rico so all of their fighting has a gorgeous beach background. FTR - I believe Brandi over Lisa that Lisa wanted to bring the tabloid to Palm Springs but I don't believe that Lisa knew Scheana was Eddie's mistress. But, who knows, maybe Lisa is playing us all. After all, she did end up getting a show (Vanderpump Rules) mostly due to that one night of drama... Also, watching these episodes makes me want to go back to Puerto Rico...I mentioned in one of my flobs that The Mister and I stayed in the same resort as the 'Wives are in now - The El Conquistador - for our honeymoon. I was in culture shock when we were there and didn't enjoy it fully (#firstworldproblems). So I definitely want to go back because it's a gorgeous resort.

Other reality show notes - I am so excited for the new season of RHONY, I keep watching the teaser over and over; I still feel really bad for Khloe Kardashian, it can not be easy going through what she is going through, next episode we will see her make the decision to file for divorce; Rich Kids of Beverly Hills - Dorothy gets into real estate in the last episode...And, in LA "getting into real estate" means being rich and well connected and deciding to get your real estate licence #jealous. Also, I heart Anderson Cooper - 

xoxo

Eating Clean

As I mentioned in my first flob, I am not a clean eater. I carry no guilt towards food so eating a cupcake or three doesn't really affect me...Until my face is breaking out or I am bathing suit shopping...is it me or are the lights in the dressing room so unforgiving?!

Anywho, now that spring/summer is on it's way I am feeling like I need to detox and clean up my eating. So, with a plethora of Pinterest researching and weighing my clean eating options I have decided that I want to start juicing more and (try) to follow a Paleo "diet." I put diet in quotes because I hate that word and what I am doing is more of a lifestyle change to feel better as opposed to a diet to lose weight. I am hoping to gain many more benefits than just weight loss. I also like the Paleo way of eating because I can and have gone without dairy but I don't think I would be able to go without meat.

A lot of the reason why I don't eat clean is because I am such a convenience eater and I am obsessed with eating out. Since I am not willing to part with eating out, I am definitely going to try to get better at cooking at home and use eating out as my "cheat" meals. A few days ago, a Facebook friend posted this link on her page about making "smoothie packs" ahead of time so you aren't cutting up fruits and veggies every morning. It was super helpful and not intimidating so I think I am going to try it out.

Although I don't cook, I do love a crock pot meal. The Mister cooks most of the time but when he is traveling for work, I pretty much use the crock pot for every dinner. So, I was happy to stumble upon this blog post with lots of recipes for Paleo slow cooker freezer meals.

So, we shall see how this all pans out. I am hoping I don't end up in a corner rocking back and fourth eating a bag of Doritos. And I am hoping that putting this all out there will hold me accountable. Stay tuned!

xoxo

House Tour {Craft Room}

In our apartment, we have a sun room with french doors off of our dining room. When we first moved in I knew it would be the perfect space for a craft room/shoe storage area. Since I have been taking pictures of the apartment for my small space decorating portfolio, I thought I would also do a few house tour blog posts as well.

In my creative space, I like to surround myself with special things I have collected throughout my life, pictures, other little knick knacks and shoes that are meaningful.

I made the headpiece pictured above for an Alice In Wonderland inspired bridal shower..

This whole area is my "project" area. All of my supplies are in one place on the shelves. (#organization). Those green pillows will eventually be turned into pillows for my couch once I cover them in a more acceptable fabric...And we will also be getting a new desk as soon as I can talk The Mister into going to Ikea for our once a year trip. 

Left - Right | Amazon | MissKL.com | Charlotte Russe | JustFab.com | Cohoes | Forever21

Like I said, my shoes are housed in there as well. It's so nice to be surrounded by these beauties when I am trying to get the creative juices flowing.

#CraftRoomTrash

The two pictures above contain three of the best craft room purchases ever. The easel (Ikea | $14.99), my drafting table (Craigslist | $30) and a wrapper paper holder (Target | $15).

xoxo

#OOTD

I filmed yesterday therefore I was camera ready and in a cute outfit. So of course, I HAD to do an #OOTD blog post. This is actually the second time I have worn this dress (the horror!). Usually I don't like to be photographed in the same thing twice. But I have this rule that if I wear it for a different season, then it's okay. Basically meaning that I have to drastically change the look. PS - Fleece lined tights changed my life and my winter wardrobe. If you don't have a pair please run (don't walk) to your nearest Target and pick some up.

Dress | AliExpress.com | Fleece Lined Tights | Target | Shoes | Cohoes
Blazer | Forever 21

The last time I wore this dress was in Disney World. I paired it with some Minnie ears and my one of a kind hand painted TOMS. I should do a blog post on those one of these days. I have two pairs and they got me through my whole Disney vacation and are now lovingly displayed in my craft room. They were one of the best purchases EVER.

xoxo

Musings

I apologize for the lack of blogging for a few days. The Mister and I had some family in town so we were busy little bees over the last 48 hours.

I was able to film a vlog today, so stay tuned for that! And, if you can believe it...it's Disney related!

I have been really into the Ying Yang Twins Pandora station lately...I can literally listen to booty shaking music 24/7. 

#questionabletasteinmusic

We went to the Roger Williams Park Botanical Gardens today. I got this great picture and I am thinking about putting it in Cy's Dr. Seuss room as there is an empty wall above his radiator that is begging for some sort of amazing picture. Now I am on the hunt for a really cool frame..

xoxo

Get Excited...

I saw this today and it made me excited for some of our future DIY projects...hear that Mister?! I haven't really crafted lately and I have been itching for a good project.. Stay tuned!!!

Musings

I am committing the biggest sin of holiday decorating right now. My Valentine's Day decorations are still up. (#cringe) Yes, you read that correctly...my entertainment center still looks like this and we have family coming on Friday for a visit. So, it looks like a trip down to the basement for some Easter decor is in order. I am like corporate America...I bring out my holiday decorations way too early. Says the girl that takes her Halloween decorations out on Labor Day.

I follow a page on Facebook that is called "Offbeat Bride" they are a sister site of "Offbeat Home." And today they posted this amazing DIY project (non wedding related) that I (& The Mister) are totally doing. I love simple and cheap DIY projects like this. And I love me some bookends.

Off Beat Home

I mentioned this very briefly in my flob - I can not wait for Bravo's new show #SouthernCharm to premiere. I am kind of fascinated with the whole "old money" culture. And Southern Charm is going to showcase just that...Bravo Style.

#RichByBravo

On the topic of Bravo...There is also another new show premiering called "The People's Couch." It had a limited run a few months back. I hoped it would get picked up and it did! It is based on the UK show, Googlebox. It's considered a "social series" and it turns the camera around on the viewer. So basically you are watching people watch TV. The Mister and I always have a running commentary of every thing we watch on TV which makes this show very relate able. And if they ever do castings in anywhere outside the greater LA area, I am their girl! 

Living Room Conversations...

Me: "Can you take a video of me twerking?"

The Mister: "No."

Me: "Why? Do you think I am going to post it on Facebook?"

The Mister: "Yes."

FTR - I  probably would have only put it on Instagram and Twitter. #shamelesstwerker

Shirt from cover photo here.

Disney Eats {Food and Wine Festival}

My entire day is usually dictated around what I am going to eat next. I am constantly thinking about my next meal and what it is going to be. Since I don't really excel at cooking, eating out is one of my favorite hobbies. What's that Patti Stanger? (#BravoReference) You don't think eating out IS a hobby? Well, I beg to differ.

Now, as someone who likes to eat and who LOVES anything Disney, finding out about Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival was a big deal. The first time I visited, was for our honeymoon, and let me tell you...drinking and eating as much as you can while being at Disney is probably the coolest thing ever. Okay..this may not sound cool to some of you...but in my opinion, if you call yourself a foodie, but think Disney World is for kids, then you aren't really a foodie... #sorrynotsorry

WDW has some of the best cuisine in the world in general (which would be an entirely different blog post) but adding in The Food and Wine Festival makes it ten times better.

The way Disney describes Epcot's Food and Wine Festival --

Each fall, as the seasons transform, so too does Epcot—where dozens of unique flavors and fun experiences unfold across the park. Some favorite festival highlights include:

• Nearly 30 international food and beverage marketplaces
• Signature dining experiences with world-renown chefs
• Exciting culinary demonstrations and beverage seminars
• The Eat to the Beat concert series, with nightly performances from popular hit-makers

The Festival is the same idea as eating around the world in Epcot...but on steroids. There are 11 permanent countries represented in The World Showcase in Epcot. During The Food and Wine Festival there are close to 30 countries represented. They also have dessert booths, beer booths, and a vegetarian booth. 

When we went to Disney in October, The Mister and I were ecstatic to get to spend two full days at The Festival (which is included in your ticket to Epcot, you just have to pay for you tasting dishes, a la cart). Boyz II Men were also performing during the time we were there. It was a great show and all for "free" aka the price of your park ticket. The Mister and my dad also attended a culinary seminar that was hosted by the head chef at Chez Pascal in Providence, Matthew Gennuso.

Disney is known for "the vacation experience" so The Food and Wine Festival is presented meticulously and the menu's for each booth are divine. For example here is the menu for the Argentina  - 

• Beef Empanada - $4.25 
• Grilled Beef Skewer with Chimichurri Sauce and Boniato Purée - $5.25
• Pascual Toso Sparkling Brut – $2.50
• Terrazas Reserva Malbec – $3.75
• Terrazas Reserva Torrontes – $3.75
• Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon – $3.00

Every country has a few meal choices and a few drink choices. And each one is better than the last! 

To find out more info about Epcot's International Food and Wine Festival go here.

The Festival has different starting and ending dates every year. Generally, it starts the last weekend in September and goes until the first/second weekend of November.

xoxo

I Love {Bravo Sneak Peeks}

On Saturday nights, Bravo does three 11 minute sneak peeks of Real Housewives of Atlanta, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Vanderpump Rules. They are just enough to give me a good taste of what's to come from Bravo for the week.

Tonight, Vanderpump Rules is last out of the three and that's the one I want to watch the most...I know Bravo and I know that they leave the juiciest reunion drama for the last show in the reunion series. And since Part One was full of bombshells, I know Part Two is going to be just as drama filled!

Flob Friday

Enjoy!

Editing by - Dan Buono

A.C. Moore Haul

My favorite time to visit a craft store is right before a holiday ends. They still have a good amount of {insert holiday here} merch and they sell it at 60-70% off. So, today I took my holiday visit to AC Moore and stocked up on some fun Valentine's stuff (as well as some canvases that were 50% off) for a wonderfully themed day tomorrow and my ever expanding holiday decor collection...If I ever had a museum with all of my "chachskis" as The Mister calls them, my holiday decor would be the main exhibit. But, I digress...

The tentative agenda for tomorrow will consist of heart shaped pancakes, cupcakes, card making, more cupcakes, canvas painting and a lovely dinner at home for three..and more cupcakes. 

#OhNoIDidnt

Minnie Mouse likes to help with photo shoots. 

xoxo

#OOTD

For those that don't know, #ootd means - Outfit of the Day. I filmed yesterday and I mentioned a little bit about what I was wearing but I thought I would also include all the deets here. 

Outfit Details - Blazer|Anne Klein (consignment shop), Turtleneck|Target, 
Pants|Love Culture, Boots|Love Culture #ootd

In January, I went with some friends to a "private shopping" experience (dahhling) at a consignment store in Providence called Into the Wardrobe. In the throes of Prosecco and trying on clothes, I spotted this truly UH-may-zing Anne Klein blazer that literally fits me like a glove. And, I love me a good blazer. During the fall/winter I am ALWAYS in a blazer. I think it's all the years of watching Keeping Up With the Kardashians and idolizing Kris Jenner (don't hate) and her menswear style. I mean, I wore a bedazzled bow tie to my rehearsal dinner...

#bedazzled

Pinterest Dreaming

Am I the only one that frequently goes through the Pins I have pinned swooning over all of my good choices and being impressed for what great taste I have? #notvainatall

I was doing that today and here are some little gems I have found that I have pinned in the past...

In honor of #NYFW

#TulleMadness

An ode to the upcoming holiday of love.

#WordsToLiveBy

 And last but certainly not least, some closet porn!

Musings

You'll have to forgive me for my lack of a blog post yesterday. I am finally settling down for the weekend as it was very busy with friends!

Yesterday my bffl Dawn and I day drank in the city. We hadn't seen each other in close to a year and a half and we had so much fun taking selfies and cocktailing! PS - Is there anything better than day drinking Grey Goose dirty martinis with blue cheese and bacon stuffed olives, with your best friend? No, there isn't. 

#daydrankswag

And today The Mister, Cy and I attended a first birthday party of our good friend's son, P. It was a hoot, and all the littles had a blast! Thanks to L and D for having us and congrats on making it to a year with your little Valentine's Day bundle of love! We can't wait for brother to make his appearance to add to our growing football team!

I was also thinking that I haven't done any Disney posts lately. So, this coming week I will be working on some of those...In the mean time, here's this...

Antique Store Finds

I have mentioned this before - For our wedding centerpieces, The Mister and I scoured antique stores. Each table was a different vignette. Antique kitchen ware, antique cameras, coffee table books, antique bottles with flowers in them. We had our reception at The Roger Williams Park Casino. It is a two floor venue and the bottom floor is very dark wood, fireplace-y and masculine (cocktail hour). While the top floor (dinner and dancing) is very vibrant, colorful and Renaissance-y. I could not see doing the typical floral centerpieces as they would have fought too much with the natural decor. So, the way I looked at it was very much the way I look at decorating my floor to ceiling shelves and I very much stayed true to my style of mixing the old with the new.

The great thing about doing centerpieces that were actual objects and not flowers is that people couldn't take them home! Trust me though, people tried. Instead, we had a "bloom bar" where people could get as many beautiful blooms as they wanted to. It played into the whole "being green" thing and it was a unique idea (from my own brain, not Pinterest) that I have yet to see at another wedding. 

LeFebvre Photo

LeFebvre Photo

The other great thing about the antique centerpieces is that I got to keep everything and decorate our (then) new apartment with all of my wares! Here are a few pieces that I love...

I have about 5 or 6 of these cameras (all different kinds) and they look amazing any where I put them in my house. 

This piece is actually cast iron and something I was so excited to find when I did. It was a "toy kitchen" back in the day. Just goes to show you how well toys were made and how crappy they are made now.

For me, the rustier, the better! I am like an American Picker!

This is an old school ice cream maker. I love that it's from MA..it just has so much charm!

Big Thanks

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their positive feed back about my vlog. Putting myself out there like this made me really nervous, but one of my New Years resolutions for 2014 was to take more risks. So, I am glad to see that people actually think I am funny and personable enough to do something like this! 

Thanks again, I love you all. 

Stay tuned for more vlogs!

Special thanks to my brother Dan for editing the vlog for me! 

First Vlog!

Drinking Game - Every time I say "um" or yeah" take a drink! 

Enjoy!

Product Junkie {Skin Care Edition}

I am much more of a skin care product junkie than I am a make-up junkie. When I get a make up product I usually have it and use it for a while. Whereas I usually go through a new cleanser every 2 months or so.

As far as cleaners, exfoliants, toners and moisturizers go, I am not really brand loyal and have used a lot over the years. Currently, I am using a line from Whole Foods called EO-Everyone Face For Every Day -

I really love this line and plan on continuing to use it. The cleanser does not leave that dry feeling and the exfoliant is gentle enough for every other day use. The toner does have alcohol in it (which is a no no in the skin care industry) but, I don't use it every day. The moisturizer is my all time favorite moisturizer I have ever used. It is so light and smells great. It does not have an SPF in it though. 

Now, although I cycle through brands with all the products mentioned above, there are products that I always find myself going back to. I am prone to breakouts, so these next three products are three that I have used to get my skin (quickly) looking back to normal.

This is one of the best products I have EVER used. If you have a breakout and/or acne scarring put this on the night before and the blemish will be almost gone by the next day. It is AMAZING. Beware though, make sure you wear sun screen when you are using this as it makes your skin very sensitive to sun exposure.

I was pleasantly surprised my this mask. Whenever I use it it tends to clear up my skin within minutes of using it. Not kidding, it works that quickly.

This is one of my other favorite masks. This also works very quickly and leaves your skin feeling tightened and glowy. Not to mention this smells divine! Beware though because it is made from all fresh ingredients (like all things from Lush) it expires rather quickly and you need to store it in the fridge. 

What are some of your favorite skin care products?