SoCal Cheapskate gets it done for freesies, or vacation brain.

Happy Tuesday, friendies.
I'm home from the beach, BUT I'm also trying to get caught up on everything that I've missed/skipped/ignored over the passed three weeks. So, I have a super treat for you today. Melanie, the amazing, fun, weirdo behind Metropolitan Money Pit (A blog I LURVE) is here to teach you the ways of the cheapskate...

Take it, Melanie...

~*~

Hi Perched readers! How's it going? My name's Melanie and I blog over at Metropolitan Money Pit. I'm a confirmed cheapskate but love to go out and have fun. How do I combine the two? By finding the best cheap activities in Southern California. And if I think they're great, I share them with my readers.

Since I just admitted I'm a total cheapskate I thought I'd take the time today to share a little of what that means. Call it my confessions if you will. Confessions of a Confirmed Cheapskate. Has a nice ring to it, don't you think?

- I always, always try to find the cheapest parking when I go to a concert or event. You want to charge me $20 for parking after I've already paid a crazy amount for this ticket! I don't think so. I've been know to park at the movie theatre down the street when going to a hockey game and in the neighborhood down the hill when attending a concert. It saves me money and I burn calories. I call it a win win. Oh, and speaking of concerts, I will go out of my way to go to the box office if it means I don't have to pay extra fees. You want to charge me an extra $20 for your "service?" Get out of here, Ticketmaster!

- I am a regular patron of my local library. So much so that the librarians know me. Seriously, I go there about once a week. I love to read but books ain't cheap. Well, except on Amazon, but why buy it when I can get it for free? And I'm extra lucky because my library also has a huge film collection. I'm talking new releases, not just documentaries and how to videos. And they don't charge anything to rent them! Goodbye, Netflix. Oh, and when I do buy books, I resell them when I'm done on Half.com.

My trusty library card

- I religiously cut coupons. I use them everywhere - the grocery store, Target, the drugstore, restaurants, clothing stores...if they offer a coupon, I'll be sure to find it! And you want to hear something really embarrassing? I've been addicted to coupons since I was a teenager. So much so that I took over the grocery shopping for the family because I loved them so much (coupons that is. But, don't worry, I do love my family a lot, too). Yes, when I was a newly minted 16 year old driver I would borrow my parents' car so that I could go to the grocery store.

My handy dandy coupon book. I made it out of a cosmetic bag that I (shocker) got for free.

I think I'll leave you on that note. I'd better stop my confessions before I reveal anything even more embarrassing!

~*~

I have numerous follow up questions... 

How do you remember to USE the damn coupons anyway? I always clip them, and can't remember to bring them with me anywhere important.
How do you learn to match up sale ads to your coupons and get massive amounts of shit for free like Extreme Couponers on TLC?
And, in all seriousness, how do you find HEALTHY options with coupons? I feel like all coupons are for junk food and things that will make me very fat.
Think on it. We'll wait.

I'll be back with you tomorrow, darlings.
Until then...

the gift of pie.

Happy Friday Fools.

I'm still at the beach, which is DIVINE.

Today, I have a treat for you. Literally. Miss Amanda from Cupcakes and Corsets is here to share some pie with you, and since I don't do pie (I do do a mean dump cake... and my friend Sweets kills it at pastry), this is actually a real treat.

Enjoy!

~*~


Hey everyone my name is Amanda and my blog is Cupcakes and Corsets.  I am a pastry chef and I'm guest posting here today.

Thank you Jackie for letting me post! I'm glad to be here!

Today I'll be sharing a recipe for a delicious summer pie. I tweaked a recipe I found in bon appetit to make it a whole new pie. It has lots of berries so you can take advantage of all the summer fresh fruit.

Here's what you will need

1 small container of fresh blue berries

1 small container of fresh raspberries

1 small container of fresh black berries

1 small container of fresh strawberries

1 lemon you will need the juice and zest

3/4 cup of sugar

3 tbsp of cornstarch

1/4 tsp of cardamom

1 tbsp of vanilla

2 pack of ready made pie crust

1 whole egg whisked

tin foil

pie pan

1 large bowl

Preheat oven to 400

First clean all the fruit thoroughly, then cut off the tops of strawberry and slice in half then in half again.

Line the bottom of your pie dish with 1 of your pie crusts take a fork and poke holes in the bottom

Add all your fruit to your big bowl, add  1 tbsp of lemon juice 1tsp of lemon zest ,sugar,cardamom,vanilla,and cornstarch

I would use your hands to stir and be gentle this way you don't mush up all the fruit

Pour mixture into your pie dish and spread out

Now take your 2nd pie crust and cover over the top fold under any extra and you can use a fork to close and mark the ends around the pie

Make slits around the top of the pie like in the picture above

Use your egg mixture to brush atop the whole crust

Bake for 30 min then take off the foil and bake for another 10 min or until pie crust is golden brown

Take out of the oven and let sit before serving you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream as well

Just a side note you can use from scratch pie crust if you like I normally do but i made this for a dinner party so I didn't have to time to do so

Also to keep the ends from burning use the tin foil to cover just the ends of the pie crust

I hope you enjoy the recipe and have a great week!

~*~

I will absolutely never be able to make that.

But I hope that one of you tries and sends it to me as a thank you for having Amanda over today. Like a hostess gift!

glamour shots with michelle.

Kids.
WHAT A FREAKING MONTH! I can't stand how busy and crazy I've been...
Vegas for the Scentsy Family Convention.
Kicking my own ass into gear and getting excited about my business.
Quitting my freaking job.
And so so so so so much more.

But, right now, I'm on vacation in the glorious Cape May, NJ... which I wrote about in this little ditty for Michelle while she was on vacay in MY glorious city of NYC.
*cue music: it's a small world after all*

And Michelle is here with me today, picking up my slack while I get my tan pasty paleness on.

Thanks, babe. Hit it!

~*~

I'm so happy to be Jackie's guest today.  She's definitely one of my favorites and has been for a few months, even though our paths came thisclose in June when our family visited NYC and made a stop by the Life Suck but stupid Colin Powell kept us from meeting (w/ apologies sort of to Colin Powell...).

I'm Michelle and I unload my inner dialogue over at You're my favorite today, much to the relief of my 2 daughters and my long-suffering husband.  We've lived in Minnesota for 14 years (and no, we are not in the witness protection program) and it took me about 10 of those to stop crying and trying to escape.  But when I learned to accept that which I cannot change I realized that Minnesota is not, in fact, Siberia, and is actually quite a lovely place to raise a family - 8 months of the year.  

So for those of you who have never been to MN, I thought I'd give you a few reasons it's not as bad as you might think (it's really a wonder that the Minnesota Tourism Dept. hasn't contacted me about a job, isn't it?)

1.  Minnesota has the Mall of America (or as we local peeps call it - "MOA" - not "The MOA", just "MOA").

If you've ever wanted to shop at a mall with 4 Caribou Coffees, 2 American Eagles, 3 Engrave Your Memory Stores (because apparently in Minnesota we need a lot of shit engraved), a 2-story Old Navy, 2 Victoria Secrets, 4 Lids Stores (Minnesotans love them some baseball caps), a Glamour-Shots (that fact alone pretty much cancels out the cool and edgy vibe that Minneapolis has a reputation for. Good God), and it's very own Mall Gift Store (and 1 isn't enough...there's 2), then the Mall of America is the place for you!!  Oh, and did I forget to mention the full-sized amusement park and underwater aquarium?

I Like to shop as much as probably more than the next guy girl, but I only make the 30 minute trek to MOA if:

a.  I need a Nordstrom fix

b. I'm taking my kids for their annual Nickelodeon Universe trip 

c. I'm going to Glamour-Shots for my Christmas card photo

d. I feel the need to self-inflict pain

2.  Minnesota is home to arguably the best store in the history of stores (suck-it MOA) - TARGET.

I swear there is either a Target or a Super Target about every 5 sq. miles in the metro area.  And if I didn't already live here, this fact alone would get me to move here.

3.  Minnesota has kick-ass winters.

...and by 'kick-ass' I mean bitter and brutal and blizzardy beautiful snowscapes and plenty of opportunity for outdoor "fun" (if you don't mind frostbite on your extremities.  All of them).  With the exception of the gloriously mild winter of '12, we can usually count on about 10-20 days where the HIGH temp is a negative number.

I heard you....and I agree - it pretty much sucks from January through (not to) March.  2 feet of snow is beautiful until you have to shovel it and slip-n-slide around town.

But eventually, you'll reach the light at the end of the tunnel (mid-April) and you'll be looking ahead to the #1 reason I stick it out.

4.  Minnesota has Lakes...and fantastic summers to enjoy them.

If you visit my blog during the months of June, July and August, I can pretty much guarantee you will get sick of me talking about the lake.  We spend about half our summer at our little cabin on a little blue lake in north-central Minnesota, and it is seriously what fuels me the rest of the year.  

Sure you have to put up with swarms of hungry mosquitoes who magically appear at about 7 p.m. each night, severe storms and tornado warnings and a muggy day here and there, but it's worth it for sights like this.

So if I haven't sold you on a visit to Minnesota, at least stop by my blog, meet the family, and stay awhile!

I promise not to complain too much this winter (and I will try not to lie to you ever again).

You're my favorite today. 

~*~

I absolutely cackled. Mostly because there is still a Glamour Shots in the MOA.

LOVES IT.

tuesday 10: wishlist

There aren't many (material) things that I wish for. I'm generally not a girl that needs "things" to be happy. BUT, I'm going to try to scrape up a tuesday 10, because I like routine, and because I'm not sure that I'm going to be able to post much this week. I've got sooooooo many travel plans this week and next.

In fact, if anyone would like to guest post while I'm on VACATION, let me know. I'm more than happy to hook you up with some space to write.

On with the 10!

Hosted by Paige @ the eloping stethoscope

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1. Fine. I admit it. I want an iPad.

I don't need an iPad.
There is nothing that I can't do from all my current technology that I would use an iPad for.

But they're pretty.

And I want one.

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2. These beach chairs.
except in turquoise and white to match our umbrella.

I can't find beach chairs that I like ANYWHERE in nyc.
seriously. I need beach chairs.

These beach chairs.

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3. mmhmm. I want a new beach cruiser.

preferably in turquoise, or cream and pink. 

not all pink, cause that's not how I roll.

and it'll be needing a basket.

duh.

oooh.... like this:

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4. I wish, desperately, for my cats to toilet train!

(Like to the actual toilet... not just the litterbox. They're pro's at that.)
I thought about a picture here, but I figured I would spare you.

I would love to never smell cat litter again!

I'm not sure this will happen, but we'll keep practicing.

5. I wish for my Scentsy business to really take off.

I'm doing well with it, for sure, but I wish for a new party booking

or some kind of break that takes it to the next level for me.

6. Time. I wish for more time in a day.

For more days in a week, 

and for more time to do the things that are important.

Less time for all the boring stuff though.

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7. Because paying for gas in nyc is like sawing off your right arm

every single time.

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8. JG-L.

Because.... shut up, a girl can dream.

9. Central Air Conditioning.
'nuff said.

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10. And these shoes.

But I also wish them to be comfortable.

BONUS TIME

and also this...

delish.

There's nothing more to really say about that.

Usually hosted at Mom 2 Memphis and Ruby but hosted at The Eloping Stethoscope until August!

friday letters

What a day this has been, folks. Let's be real, what a freakin' week this has been.... or Month.

I am just so exhausted. There's nothing that I want to do more than lay down... all the time. I basically pass out during dinner. Or on the couch immediately after. Or while B is cooking dinner. I can't keep my eyes open. Last night, I fell asleep at 8:30pm... woke up at 10pm for a brief snack, and right back to sleep until 7:30 this morning. Seriously?

When will it end?!?!?
I hear ya, I hear ya, quit yer whining. On with the letters!!!!

Dear Lexi, I think you're sweet. I really do love you. But I don't love it when you come in from your walk in the morning and then lay directly on top of me. You're big, and you make me hot. Not necessary. I also don't love it when you punch me either, but that's been going on far too long to complain.
Dear Lifesuck, I quit you! No seriously. I put in my notice. My last day is August 11th. I have never been more excited about anything in my entire life. Now... the big question is... what's next?
Dear NYC, this is MUCH better temperature wise, however, I didn't love getting wet this morning. I know, I can't have it all. BUT I WANT IT ALL!
Dear B, I love you (for lots of reasons) but today, it's because of this text convo: me: Batman. B: Horrifying. me: Well. Yes. But I meant I wanted to see it. B: oh. me too!...  adorable.
Dear next step, What are you? I'm so excited to leave the Lifesuck and try Personal Assisting for awhile, but I feel like I'm missing something. I don't know if I'll ever have a "real career". I've never felt "called" to do anything in particular. I hope that something comes along that sparks something inside of me... it's getting exhausting just being a jobber.
Dear Douchebag that I wouldn't give a bag to the other day, Buying a book to get a bag, and then immediately returning it and keeping the bag is an asshole move. You've wasted my time and you lose at life.
Dear Creator of books that make animal sounds and/or play music, You are the worst kind of person. Especially if you thought up the jungle one.
Dear Everyone on Instagram, thanks for posting pictures of your cats. It pleases me.

everyone (or, who doesn't want to talk about me?)

Tuesday's just haven't been the same since Lena took a sabbatical from her Tuesday10. So, when I was perusing my favorite blogs last week, and I stumbled upon this linkup, and an opportunity to answer cute questions about my favorite person (me. duh.) I thought, why not?

Without further ado...

with your hosts:Kristen @ confessions of a graphic design studentBreanna @ my beautiful crazy lifeShane @ whispering sweet nothingsDanielle @ framed frostingJenna @ the life of a wifeAmanda @ for love of a cupcake
Time to get to it!
1. What is your biggest phobia?Heights. I am afraid of high anything - buildings, elevators, rooftop bars, tourist attractions. I've never seen the view of New York from the Empire State Building or The Top of the Rock. I can barely stomach standing out on the roof of my four story apartment building. I can't look out of high windows. I can't stand high ladders. I'm terrified of scaffolding. 
I also am scared of: meeting new people, germs, bugs, change, and dark basements.
This morning, the largest cockroach in the history of ever was on my living room floor. At first, I thought the cats may have killed it, because it wasn't moving, but it was very much alive. DISGUSTING. I went into full scale sweats and panic mode, too terrified to scream. I then threw the heaviest books I could find on top of it. I then left it for B to deal with later. I hope it is actually dead under there and not waiting for me to return for it's revenge.
Geez, this makes me sound like a real winner.... I am cool. I swear.
2. If you could relive any day of your life, what would it be and why?I think I would choose my wedding day, because I don't really remember it. It's all a blur, and it feels like such a shame that the most expensive day of my life be a shadow of a memory. Does anyone else feel this way? I remember it in snapshots, sort of. But mostly it's just a blur. Good thing that there's pictures to remind me. 
3. If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what would it be?I don't know. Would I want to be young and completely fit and agile forever? Or would I want to be a little older with a little more life experience under my belt. I don't know. Maybe I'll play it safe and say that I'd go with now, because I like where we are, I'm okay with how I look, and I don't especially want to be 30.... ever.
4. Which celebrity do you get mistaken for?I don't really. I don't look like anyone but my mom.If anyone has a different opinion on this, I would love to hear it.
5. What songs are included on the soundtrack of your life?This is an endless list, that I've already started in this post.But I can compound it a little:She's got a way (Billy Joel)I'm Yours (Jason Mraz)Opposites Attract (Paula Abdul)Long Live (Taylor Swift)The Luckiest (Ben Folds)If You're missing (Come on home) (Bethany Joy)Fast as you Can (Fiona Apple)We Belong Together (Gavin DeGraw)Collide (Howie Day)Samson (Regina Spector)Basket Case (Sara Bareilles)
Really, I could do this all day.
But what's important to note is that, if a song makes you feel something... anything... it's worthy. I love music so much it hurts sometimes.
Have a beautiful rest of your day, friends. I'll try not to melt in the NYC heat!

Monday Meetup: Starring Brooke!

Morning, everyone!
Today, on this Monday - start of the work week and crazy day for moi - I have the sweet and lovely Brooke from Covered in Grace, taking over and linking up with her weekly party.  Take it away, lady!

~*~

It's time for another Monday Meet Up!

Hello new friends!! I'm so happy to be blog swapping with Jackie today and to get the opportunity to meet you all.

My name is Brooke, and I blog over at Covered in Grace. There, I write about life as a mother, student, military wife, photog wannabe, writer and Jesus lover. You can find Jackie over at my blog today; be sure to head on over and check out her post! 

For those of you that don't know me yet, I thought I'd answer a few questions about myself so yall could get to know me a little better.

1. How did you come up with the title of your blog?

Covered in Grace was something that had been rolling around in my head for a while. I had been blogging at My Beautiful Brooke for a long time, and while I was ok with the title, "beautiful" because HE sees me, it still wasn't sitting well with me-not completely. Covered in Grace encompasses what I believe, how I live, and pretty sums it all up. I am Covered in Grace through faith in Jesus.

2. If there was one blog post that you'd direct your readers to, what would that be?

Oh man, I'd direct you to any of my faith posts, but right now, the one that I love so much, that really tugs on my heartstrings right now is "...all summer long."  You can also see a branch off of that post at From the Guest Room.

3. What is your go-to quick fix meal when you've spent too much time on Pinterest/Your Blog been very, very busy?

Ha! Pancakes? Biscuits with eggs? Anything breakfast!

4. What is something you're looking forward to this coming summer?

I'm finally going back home to Texas for a visit!! I have been stuck on this rock in the Pacific for two and a half years (without leaving) and I am sooo excited to finally head out for a little bit. My little brother is getting married! And I'll finally get to see my niece! Woo!

5. Do you have any goofy talents or specialties?

Why, yes. Yes I do. I can make a siren sound by throat-chopping myself. It's very, very awesome. I think I'll do a vlog to demonstrate. Stay tuned!

6. If you could be a character from any book through out the entire story, what book-what character?

Oh, that's easy. No question. I would be Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser...wife of Jamie Fraser. (oooh la la) She's the heroine in the best books ever....the Outlander series. If you haven't read these books, YOU MUST! These are the books I recommend over all others.

7. What is the best piece of blogging advice that you've ever received?

Be yourself. Write about what you want, feel, believe. And don't worry about the numbers.

8. What is your biggest dream?
To grow old with my husband. But after that...it's to become a published author...to just be a writer and have my words reach the masses.

9. What is your favorite Saturday morning like?

Waking up whenever, breakfast with the family, heading outside to be in this gorgeous Hawaiian weather...

10. Why do you blog?

I blog to practice my craft. To use my gifts. To reflect on my spirituality and faith. I blog to glorify God. To share my favorite things. To network with others. To maintain daily writing habits. I blog because it has become a fantastic hobby...and because I love it.

I would love it if you'd stop by and visit me from time to time!

You can find me here:

Covered in Grace | Twitter | HelloCotton | Bloglovin | Facebook

Alright Lovely Ladies {and Gents}...

It's your turn. 

Link up your favorite posts-all week long! 

Woo us to you blog. Let us get to know you! 

Meet other amazing bloggers and extend your blogging community!

Party Rules

1. Link up your posts, link up your page...it's up to you!

2. Grab a button to put on your blog post and/or include a link back to this post so your readers can come see what the fun is all about! You can find the code for the button on the sidebar or on the "buttons" page.

3. Make sure you visit (and comment) on other posts linked up-- what fun is a party if no one talks to each other? Make some new friends!

4. You must be a follower of Covered in Grace and Perched to link up.

~*~

That's a wrap! Can't wait to meet everyone and spend a week getting to know youuuuu!

the search was over...

So, I started this morning with my pelvis on fire. This is not as fun as it may sound.

I'm still battling my back, but I have it more under control than I did last week at this time (ie: I can actually stand and walk about like a living person). I've graduated now to my lower back pain wrapping around my pelvis and pulsating like a jellyfish sting.

I'm at the Lifesuck now though, and moving around is really helping to take my mind off of the ache. There was also another little gem that turned my mood completely around. Here's the scene...

I walked into the cafe for my morning tea (this is the one excellent thing about the Lifesuck... we have our own tea room. Sexy librarian thing to have.) and a song that I had forgotten about came through the old bose speakers, and my little heart soared with love for 80's power ballads.

Behold...

1985. Survivor. Here are some factoids.

Hearing this song totally changed my mood. I have no idea why. Sure, I probably slow danced with a cute boy to this song at a St. Benny's dance in middle school. (And by probably, I mean that his name was JH. He was silent through the dance, and I think that we probably never spoke before or after. And that I totally had a crush on his best friend DS through much of high school.) But otherwise, I have no attachment to this song whatsoever.

The power of power ballads, perhaps?
The world may never know...

friday letters

Dear Weather, screw you. Seriously. I can't move... can't THINK without sweating. This is not cool. Literally.
Dear B, Thanks for putting up with all of my whining and moaning this last week. I'm sorry. I'm miserable. Someday, I will attempt to make it up to you.
Dear L7 Vertebrae, (eventhough my doctor cousin tells me that L7 doesn't exist. Ahh well... I'm still super mad at you!) screw you. I can't remember the last time anything hurt this badly. You are complicating  my entire life. I can't stand comfortably, I can't sit comfortably, I can't sleep comfortably. The only thing I can do is whine. YOU SUCK. I HATE YOU.
Dear NYC, I love you. I really do. But you smell like armpits right now, and it's all I can do not to pass out deodorant samples on every corner.
Dear New Physical Therapist, I don't understand why, on the days that I see you, I don't feel so bad, and on my off days, I actually feel like a giant stepped directly on me and stamped me out. This is not fair. I can't liiiiiive like this! {/end dramatic music] It certainly does help that you're smokin' hot. Is the rumor true? Are you really a part time NYC Firefighter? Yum.
Dear Julie, This is hilarious. Thanks for the MUCH needed giggle this morning. Sorry about the roach.
Dear Dana, Thank you for this AMAZING review of Scentsy's products that I sent you, and thank you for the great plug :) You are a dream, girl. Adore you. Not just because you made my blog gorgeous, either.
Dear Readers, I love you girls (and guys?) with your sweet comments for my back to feel better. You're all the best. I hope that, with this post, I'm back and (still a little sore, but) better than ever. I miss sharing with you!
Dear Magic Mike, WHY HAVEN'T I SEEN YOU YET?!?!?! This must be remedied immediately.

That's all for today.
I'm going to finish work and then drown myself in ice pops and eggless cookie dough from Pinterest!
(random aside: I've been quite the pinning machine lately. It's all I can really do when I lay on my back on the couch, whining about how I can't move. Follow my pinterest page here to see what I'm seeing.)

where she went

Hey all.

I just wanted to write a little note and explain where I've been this last week. I know I've been completely absent. There's so much that I want to share with you, but I can't just yet, so I've been at a loss about what to write about.

Also, I've injured my back somehow. I've been in pain for about 6 days, and only now (with a visit to the physical therapist under my belt) am I starting to feel human again.

And we inventoried at the Lifesuck yesterday. So that was a nightmare.

So friends, I promise that I will be back to my normal posty self soon, but for now, I'm resting and trying to get back to real life too....

much love all around.

tuesday 10: oh the places you'll go.

I was so distraught by the worst morning ever that I almost forgot my favorite Linkup of the week. The tuesday 10. Obv.
This week, your host is:Paige @ The Eloping Stethoscope
And our theme:Top 10 Places You want to Travelor...Oh the places you'll go.

1. Seattle, Washington

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2. Big Sur, California

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3. La Jolla, California

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4. Paris, France

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5. Oahu, Hawaii

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6. Vancouver, BC

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7. Edinburgh, Scotland

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8. Wellington, New Zealand

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9. Westhampton, LI

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10. Palermo, Sicily

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A good spattering of domestic and international locations. I'm clearly obsessed with California, and I have to giggle because I live in NYC, but I've never been to Westhampton! This was a fun one... I kept saying to B, "I want to go to Hawaii!"

worst morning ever.

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I have had the absolute WORST morning. Seriously. Worst. Set up for the worst day. I am so tired that I can barely keep my eyes open, my lower back is on fire, and my eyes are so sore...

My cat, Sookie - my favorite cat in the entire universe, was missing.

I can't explain to you the fear that was running through me. I thought that she was gone forever. Disappeared. Hit by a car. Missing forever. Dead. The dread of finding her body. Her gorgeous green eyes frozen, wide open, and scared in her last moments. 

There is no fear like that. There is absolutely no panic like the panic that I felt this morning.

A mothers panic, I assume.

B woke me up at 6:15 by saying, "Jackie, I need you to wake up."

I thought for a second that I was in trouble for oversleeping or something. That was the voice he was using. 

He said that our downstairs neighbor had seen an orange cat last night in the hallway. And he couldn't find her anywhere. I knew, given her track record of wanting to escape, that she was outside of our apartment somewhere. She lives for trying to get out the door. She's got intense wanderlust. Just like her mama, I guess.

Armed with a bag of her favorite treats, I ran down four flights of stairs in light blue running shorts, a completely see through pink lace top (yes, I did have the sense to put on a bra. It was light blue also, and the first thing on the top of my laundry basket.), and no shoes and promptly locked myself out of the apartment. Because on the worst day ever, of course I would do something stupid. 

I was shaking the treat bag, which usually sends her running to me, and crying, barefoot on the street, shrieking her name. A woman walked by me, staring at me, the crazy barefooted woman, running up and down the block. I stopped her and asked if she'd seen an orange cat. She said no, and I proceeded to keen like a dying animal. 

B gave me his keys and I went in and got my shoes on. I thought I heard Sookie's signature jingle in the hallway, but she was no where to be seen, and there is really no where to hide in our hallways. Flying back down the stairs, I resumed the hunt for her outside, but I wasn't feeling hopeful. You see, traffic is crazy in our neighborhood, and sure, the street cats (like my friend Callie) do just fine, because they understand not to run in front of cars and where to go to keep safe, but Sookie doesn't know those tricks. Sookie, the only other time she ever got out (and by out, I mean onto the scary, dangerous street!), ran immediately into the first open door she could find - which was the house next door - and immediately took up residence on their couch and waited for me to find her. My neighbor called the number on her tag, and I came and got her immediately, hugging her hard and promising that I would never let her near an open door again. But I hadn't let her near an open door at all! And no one had called me to say that she'd run into their apartment

But I had heard that jingle...

I met back up with B, and he was empty handed. I was inconsolable. My cat - my very best friend - was missing. I was howling in the street. She was gone.

Ben told me to go inside and start typing up a flier to post around the neighborhood, that maybe someone had taken her in and not seen her tag, or that they would call us at a normal hour (it was almost 7am by this time). Then he told me that he had to go to work, and I lost it all over again. I begged him not to go. I knew that I wasn't going if my cat was still missing, that I would scour every bush in every yard on every block and knock on every single door until I found her, and I needed him to do the same thing, or else I might die.

(I am very dramatic.)

He said that he would call and see what he could do, and that I should go in and start making fliers to find her. I headed back upstairs, totally defeated. I kept repeating her name, and I heard the jingling again. She has a very distinct jingle. Her bell sounds lighter and more tinkly than Cessie's bell, and I can always tell them apart - I guess it's just from being around them for so long. I kept calling her and kept hearing the jingle. Lexi and Conrad were barking up a storm, but I didn't care, because I could hear Sookie.

Hope!

I narrowed down the jingling to the apartment right below ours, and called her again. When I heard her voice, I knew she was stuck in there. She has the tiniest voice, it doesn't match her big personality at all, I called her and called her to make sure, and then I started banging on the door like the joint was on fire. Finally, a very sleepy young lady opened the door, and Sookie rushed out! I scooped her up, and blubbered out an apology for waking her through my tears. The girl said, "Oh, I was wondering where the cat come from. It just walked into my room this morning." I was too happy that Sookie was alive and well to be annoyed. How can you wonder where a cat came from?! Seriously. Cats don't fall from the sky!!

Whatever.

I wept into her fur, and held her waaaaay too tight - think Angelica Pickles.

I brought her back upstairs and she hit the litterbox first thing. I'm sure she was grateful to be back in her bathroom. From there she made quick work of the food bowl and then lapped at her water for about 2 minutes straight. I can't imagine how hungry and scared she was. And how much she had to pee.

I called Ben to get him back inside, and I allowed him to go to work after a brief period of breathing. I went back to bed, and called Sookie up. She laid with me awhile, purring away, and then went up into her cat tree for a well deserved nap.

As for me, well, I've been a wreck of nerves all day. All that I want to do is be home, with her and the rest of the pack, being grateful that they're alive and well and home with me.

I'll leave you with a picture that my dogwalker, JK, sent while he was at my place today, after I told him about this mornings adventure.

I apologize for the length, and that this wasn't the most well written of my posts, but it was horrible and scary, and I wanted to share it with you.

Have any of you ever had a pet disappear? And come back? 

friday letters: [somewhat fake] apology edition.

Dear Readers, I'm so sorry that I've been a bit AWOL this week. The Lifesuck has totally lifesucked it right out of me. Between working late for exhibition openings to moving display furniture to getting a trillion things in (literally) 2 WEEKS BEFORE INVENTORY... I can't. I just can't. Too tired. I'm going to be better next week, I swear. I actually mean this one.

Dear Bed, Remember that love note I wrote to you a couple of days ago? I'm sorry that I haven't seen more of you since then. It must be embarrassing for someone to profess their undying love for you in such a public forum and then not hang out with you. I'm such a guy in our relationship. I will do better. I promise. Please don't kick me out. We'll work on it.

Dear two bug bites on my left ankle, I'm so sorry that I sat on that bench for 16 seconds and got you. I wish I knew how to quit [scratching] you. You hurt.

Dear KS and EC, Thank you for dinner last night, and thank you for being the kinds of friends that make me laugh until my face hurts. You're the best. I'm sorry we didn't do it sooner, but I smell a standing date after our big girl jobs! (EC just got a brand new big girl job, and we're super extra proud of her!!!)

Dear 99 Degree Heat in New York City, I'm sorry, but you have got to go. The pavement is so hot, the bottom of my shoes MELTED while I was waiting for the light to change and cross the street. Seriously. It's not even August. Go.

Dear Lexi, I'm sorry you're so hot, big girl. We leave the air conditioner on for you all day, and yet you still look so miserable! I wish we could shave you. Alas, you don't have that kind of fur.... and you'd look really stupid.

Dear coffee cart guy, I'm sorry, but I think that you gave me regular when I asked for decaf iced coffee today. My heart feels like it's going to leap out of my chest. Perhaps you didn't hear me clearly? Or maybe the heat has addled your brain. I hope I don't have a heart attack.

I hope you all have a beautiful weekend.

 

these are a few of my favorite things: brooklyn edition

I've been so swamped lately, and running around the city like a crazy person until all hours of the night, so I really haven't had quality time to spend with my blog, which makes me unhappy. 

This morning, I was looking through my back log of things to share with you, and I came across a few pictures that I'd taken that really had nothing to do with anything else, save for the fact that they were all taken in Brooklyn, and that I liked them.

All the more reason to share them with you, right? RIGHT!

I love this photo. I took it on the highway (I was clearly in the passenger seat... don't take highway pictures while driving kids!) with a super clear view of the Manhattan skyline and these ah-mazing rain clouds hovering over the sunset. I love it. 

I think my favorite thing about it is how big the clouds are, and how small it makes Manhattan look in comparison. The biggest city ever never looked so tiny. It sort of blows my mind.

Ain't no graffiti like BKLN graffiti. Taken in Williamsburg, I think around my buddy Lala's birthday.

I don't know why I like it, but I do.

But this one.... This is my favorite of them all.

First of all, I wouldn't recommend calling either of these numbers. They're likely to put you in touch with the evil ex-girlfriend of whoever put up the sign. BUT, I couldn't figure out how to blur the phone numbers without ruining the awesomeness of the rest of the picture, so... dial at your own risk.

Here's some of the things that we can infer from this sign that I found posted on the entrance to the Nostrand Ave A/C train station (on a sign for the new USA series Common Law):

"one nite stands only" - clearly he's in it for the long haul.

Two Brooklyn area codes, so he's likely local and not a transplant. 

"Females only" - This is a man that knows what he wants.

offers date ideas such as: A cigarette meet date, dutch dating, soda date, or a walk date.... I don't know what most of that means.

His ideas of fine dining: McDonalds, Wendy's, Popeyes, Subway

Dates that sound like a decent idea if they weren't on a sign: The aquarium, the zoo, cake and ice cream date.

"meaning may be romance"... I think with an advert like "one nite stands only", the chance of "romance" is probably higher than "may"

Does any of this sound like a good idea to any of you?

Until next time. Keep it Klassy, like we do in Brooklyn.

tuesday 10: what I love about...

A second post today! Seriously? Seriously.

Read on. Prepare for having your mind blown.Just kidding, probably. But you've been warned.
Linking up with one of my favorites, Lena @ Mom2MemphisAndRubyfor her final 10 for 4 whole weeks!*gasp!*
This weeks theme is
What I love about _____.Fill in the blanks! I was always so good at those.
So, I read through everyone's lists that have posted so far, and I'm so torn about what to share! Everyone is sharing why they love their family, boyfriend/husband, etc. Julie at The Funny Thing of it is... made my day with her love note for her cell phone. I actually lol'd. No joke. I almost didn't write a 10, because hers trumped my unwritten 10 in every possible way. 
It's with much consideration that I present you with...
The Top 10 Reasons Why I Love...My Bed.
1. It generally provides me at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night.
2. It is not too hard and not too soft - it really feels like a firm snuggle.
3. It is my very first big girl bed. I mean, not like I've been sleeping in a crib for 29 years. I haven't. But, I haven't had a proper bed before this one. Just a mattress and boxspring on a metal frame. Mine is a real, honest to God, beautiful black wooden sleigh bed. I've been begging B for one since we moved in together, and finally got one when we bought the nest.
4. I can do work while laying in it and my back never hurts.
5. It's accessories are the best. I have a gorgeous light blue and green paisley quilt that I LOVE, and throw blankets coming out of my eyeballs, and two throw pillows (one with roses and one made of burlap with birds on a wire in vintage-y material) that I also love.
6. Memory foam pillow. That's it.
7. It's big enough for my entire family to fit into. That's right. B and I co-sleep with our kids dogs and cats. Conrad always sleeps in my armpit or in the basket of my arm if I sleep on my side. Or with B in his basket. Or under B's butt. Actually Conrad isn't really picky about where he sleeps, as long as it's warm. Lexi generally sleeps along the bottom of the bed, or when she's feeling sassy, on my side of the bed and I have to move her to actually get in my spot. The cats come and go throughout the night. Cessie's favorite spot is somewhere that cuts off my breathing (chest/face/pinching my nostrils shut). Sookie generally stays near my feet... the better for biting them while I sleep. I know this sounds unpleasant, but for me, it's my favorite.
8. I write best in my bed. I swear, the darkness combined with the sheer comfort of the bed itself, is the very best muse I've got.
9. I can look out of my bay window and see the morning sun and super blue sky first thing in the morning. And when I'm not being a total mushroom, that makes me happy.

10. Because I get to wake up and see this...

yup, that's Conrad's foot in a sleeping B's nose. It's the cutest thing that I've ever seen.

B, don't be mad. You look adorable with min pin toes in your nose.

That's it, babes.... Have a great rest of your Tuesday!!!

father's day weekend/tuesday reviewsday

 You guys. This weekend was so jam packed. I literally didn't take a single picture.

That's a lie. I took one. This is it:

Some pretty dismissive graffiti as seen in Park Slope 

oh! And this one:

There is a coffee called Jet Fuel.
I don't think anyone should drink this.

They really have nothing to do with anything that I did this weekend at all.

My mom and dad got into town late on Friday night. We spent most of the weekend eating - which is a favorite thing in this family. Honestly, we just leave food out on the counters at all times and graze like cattle. It's totally different from what I'm used to, because I never really get to eat during the days normally - except for regular meals - because I'm all runrunrungogogo all the time. But it was nice to have the weekend to be a little lazy and spend time with my people.

My dad was definitely in "fix up the nest" mode. He installed some lights over my sink (which I had no idea that I needed until they were there), rigged up a towel bar in the guest bathroom, and hung my new jewelry case (this fancy, wall mounted, mirrored, vintage looking thing that my mom got for me. Totally amazing from Kirklands - where she works! Check it out here.) up with B. I should've taken pictures of these processes, but I was too busy eating Eat N Park Smiley cookies and laying on the couch with my mom and the cats.

Saturday, we went to Lowe's and did laps of the inside of the building until I thought I would drop of starvation (note: eating your weight in Smiley cookies and iced tea doesn't store up calories for a long trip to the hardware store. I know, I was shocked too.) Then we went home, dropped my dad off, and my mom and I went on a little excursion to Manhattan for errands like Target and Marshals. You know, really important stuff.

We were all so done when we got home that we ate chinese take out together at the kitchen table instead of going out to eat for dinner. I then proceeded to pass out on the couch, sleeping on my moms shoulder, while we watched Robert Downey Jr's Sherlock Holmes for the second time. I could not be woken up. Eventually I zombie walked back to my bed and passed out on top of the covers. I do not remember any of this. Ben also tells me that I said sleepily, "I need a cookie." before falling face first onto my pillow. Clearly Saturday wasn't my most attractive day, but luckily I was surrounded by people that would like me anyway.

Sunday, we hung around for most of the day. We went to Coney Island (I am SUCH an idiot for not taking pictures), specifically to Nathan's, and ate (some more!). My dad was happy with his hot dog and soft shell crab sandwich. Ben and I ate cheese fries and ice cream.We couldn't find a parking spot, so we ended up just hanging out in an illegal parking spot with the windows down, watching cops not ticket anyone and eating our amazing beach food.

For the finale of our weekend, we went to father's day dinner (I know, you're fully shocked that we still had room to eat more food. I am too. It's a miracle.) at a VERY sweet little Park Slope find called Scalino. It was SO GOOD. SO GOOD. I actually said, "This sauce is made from the tears of angels, it's so good." My mom proceeded to tell the owner what I said, and I couldn't tell if he was rolling his eyes or genuinely tickled by my fancy metaphor. The meal was ridiculous. I would tell you about everything I ate, but I think we tried one of everything on the menu. And, for four of us, the bill was only $150. Seriously. In New York, this is practically a miracle. If you're local, go to Scalino. And take me with you.

A brief word about my dad...
My dad is great. He's smart, fun, and affectionate. He knows SO MUCH stuff about so many things. He's warm, and funny. I've just spent an entire weekend with him, so I'm a little spoiled. Thank you for putting things up for me, showing me how to do things that I never would've thought to do. Thanks for teaching me about baseball stadiums, Sherlock Holmes stories, and how to be real person. I appreciate it more than I ever say. I love you a whole bunch. <3

A brief word about my husband...
You're a great dad. I love you. Thank you for sacrificing your time and working so hard to provide for us. We all love you. Even Sookie. No one emailed me and told me that you were the worst today. ;)

Happy Father's Day guys.

This sort of became an epic post.

The short story is, I wish they could've stayed longer.

...

Also today...

I hit 50 GFC followers. I cannot believe that 50 people care to read what I write. Thank you friends. It means a lot.

I'm participating in this little GFC bloghop sponsored by The life of a not so ordinary wife and a bunch of other fab gals.

I'm also fully planning to do a Tuesday 10 today... just dragging a bit from the wicked weekend.