That's What She Said

A recent exchange between Kate and her Grandma Pam:

Grandma: You are the cutest little girl in the whole wide world!
Kate: Amen.

My Bags Are Packed!

Less than 24 hours from now, some of my favorite women in the world will board planes and hop in cars to come together for the kind of rejuvenating, joyful, laugh your ass off weekend that can only be experienced among the company of overworked, overtired, and overwhelmed wives and mothers who decide—for one weekend a year—to press the pause button on life and simply celebrate our friendships.

I cannot wait.

Our 2010 getaway in Ft. Myers, FL.
Front Row: Me and Allison. Back Row: Steph, Kelly, Natalie, Kent, Aly, Marcia, Beth, and Lisa.

Just Call Me a Sailor...

I already swear like one--may as well look like one, too!

The Occasion:  Work
Top: Gap
Pants: Gap
Belt: Target
Handbag: Kate Spade
Shoes: Calvin Klein

Kate's First Haircut

Earlier this summer--after weeks of peeling Kate's sweaty hair off the back of her neck, and a lunch featuring tequila--I decided to give Kate her first haircut. My friend Allison was in town and helped document this little milestone.

We sat Kate in her booster seat, but she wasn't sure why she was suddenly facing the TV versus the dinner table.

Cue the apprehension.

Kate: 18 months

The first cut:

She was NOT a fan!

After a disastrously short first snip, what was supposed to be a simple bob turned into a layered up the back pixie cut.

Kate hated when I was cutting, but she loved having me blow the hair off the back of her neck.

I only cut the back of Kate's hair (I left the front and sides alone), but seeing her without that baby mullet was quite a shock at first! Even though it wasn't what I initially had in mind, after a couple of days (and strapping her back into the chair one more time so I could fix some of the layers) I decided I really liked it!

Before:

Rocking the baby mullet.

After:

She's asking me to "barrette hair" in this picture.

With the help of Bunny, Cheerios, Elmo on TV, and Allison's distractions we finally made it through Kate's first haircut. The mullet was gone.  No blood was shed. I called it a win.

A great big thanks to Allison for capturing it all in pictures!

White on Labor Day

Yes, yes, I know--traditional fashion rules say no white after Labor Day...which is why I finally got off my ass and downloaded these pictures of an outfit I've worn a few times this summer to post today.

Today, as in on Labor Day.

On.

Not after.

Which means no points deducted for those of you keeping score.

The Occasion: Work
Top: Banana Republic
Cardigan: Target
Capris: Banana Republic
Handbag: Kate Spade
Shoes: Calvin Klein

The cardi is necessary while I work in "The Freezer" (what I lovingly call my overly air conditioned office), but when I step outside that bad boy comes off:



I told you about my beloved new CK wedges back in June, and here they are in action.  I've worn them nearly every day this summer and the truth is...it's true love.  I'll continue wearing them all fall until the snow hits the ground...and then maybe I'll throw some wool socks under them and keep on stepping.

I'll hang up the white capris after today,  but I'll be damned if I let a little thing like a change in seasons come between me and my shoes.

Things Loved in August

1. Racerback bras.

Yes, this is me.  I moonlight as a VS underwear model in my free time.

I can't believe it's taken me this long to discover racerback bras!  I don't know what my hold-up was.  I guess I just thought they were meant for racerback tops.  So not the case!  I picked this one up at Victoria's Secret earlier this month, and it's the perfect solution for keeping my bra straps from peeking out of my sleeveless summer tops.  I'm kicking myself for not realizing this in May...of 1998.

2.  A day at the lake!  We kicked off August with a fun-filled family day at G's parent's house on the lake with our friends Todd, Robin, their daughter Marit, and Andy, Deb, and their sons Anthony and Carter.  We had a blast!

G and Andy tossing Carter (age 6) up out of the lake.

Marit (age 4) and Carter (age 6) taking a turn in the tube.

Anthony (age 7) tubing.

G and Kate (18 months).

3. Misto Sprayer.

This thing is great.  It's a non-aerosol way to spray oils for cooking and baking.  You simply remove the top, fill it with olive oil (or whatever your preference), replace the top (which includes a little spray nozzle), pump the lid up and down about 10 times to build pressure in the canister--and then spray!  If you're looking for an all-natural alternative to aerosol cooking sprays, this little gadget does the trick! 

4.  Lady GaGa.  Yes, we all know that this chick is absolutely f-ing crazy...but I love her.  Hell, maybe that's why I love her!  Her songs are instant favorites of mine and no matter how many times I hear them I still want more.  I've been meaning to throw GaGa on a "Things Loved" list for a while now, and after her opening performance for the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards last week, now's the time.  Her little opening monologue cracked me up, and I crazy-love this song!

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music, Lady Gaga

5.  My finisher's medal from my half marathon!

(Raise your hand if you didn't see that one coming.)

(Now smack yourself with it.)

Think this is the last shirtless picture you've seen of me?  Please.  You know I'm going to get more mileage out of this half marathon thing!  (Get it?  Mileage.  Hahaha.)
Seriously.  This isn't the last you've seen of my belly button.  Get acquainted.

The best thing about my finisher's medal?  It doubles as a beer bottle opener.

Yeah, that's right.

I swear I'm not making this up.

I've tested it.  It's legit.