Gym Woes

Well, well. Look who's on the cover of this month's Shape magazine.

I thought I'd read the article as I pedaled away and see if she had anything new and interesting to say. Nope. Same old, "I'm too nice", "No, I'm not crazy. It's everyone else", "Bethenny is so mean." Blah, blah, blah.

My workouts vary from morning to evening time depending on my schedule for the week. I went to the gym on Monday evening and did 45 minutes on the elliptical and 20 minutes on the treadmill with no problem! When I hopped on this morning I thought I was going to pass out. Literally, I did 20 minutes and had to move on to the bike instead and then the treadmill.

I totally look like this every morning

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Also, is that not the craziest elliptical contraption ever?

Have you all found that the time of day affects your performance at the gym? Any tips for how to get energized in the morning?

I love getting my workout finished before I even start my day! It just feels so good to know I can come home after work and just veg. 

Monday Night Highlights

I have to say that my week has not started off well. However, Bravo's Monday night line-up turned it all around (I hope?).

RHOBH newest additions:



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Brandi Glanville = media whore. No doubt she will stir it up with the other ladies.

I have to admit that I've never heard of Dana Wilkey prior to the show. It seems like they were brought on for no other reason than to bring the drama. Fine with me.....

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I love everything about Courtney Kerr. Her hair, wardrobe, and accessories are ridiculous.

Weekend Recap

What a great weekend! We had such a fun time celebrating Tory's birthday and showing Katherine the sights here in Charleston.

Please notice 2 things in the above photos:

1. My ghostly pale-ness (note to self: reinstate spray-tanning routine immediately)

2. My disheveled mane due to the OOC humidity/rain.

In the recent weeks/months my hair has developed this hideous wave right in the front that refuses to be tamed. I've literally given up on styling it before work in the morning and just throw it in a ponytail.

Does anyone have a straightening product they recommend? Help!

All Over The Place

So, after work last night, I decided to brave the crowds and check out the new Off 5th at Tanger Outlets in N. Charleston. I have to say, it wasn't too bad! I am a HUGE fan of this store (especially since Saks closed) and was really excited for it to open here. They always have great deals on designer duds and who doesn't love that?!

My purchase from yesterday

I love how the dress looks on- super flattering! For anyone who's interested, they had several different jewel tone colors and all sizes.

I'm really looking forward to this lady's visit:



She's on her way, as we speak :) We'll be celebrating her 28th in style this weekend. Happy Birthday Tor!

Now, everyone knows I love Giuliana Rancic. As I was watching ENews last night, I heard her talking about her wardrobe on the show. So, I scoped out the website and guess what I found?


via EOnline

You can see what she's wearing each episode at G's Look of the Day. This outfit- under $100 for everything. This is great find and I have a feeling I'll be checking back often.

Happy Weekend!

What Brad Pitt and Traffic Have In Common

They both get on my nerves.

I'm sure everyone has read/heard the things Brad Pitt said about Jennifer Aniston in his latest interview.

via People

This morning I watched a segment with Matt Lauer on Today and he pretty much shut it down. Brad wouldn't even let Matt read the quotes from the article and get a response. Do not mess with my boy, Lauer.

How ever many years later, I still disagree with the whole Angelina situation. And frankly, I think he's an a-hole.

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Although we live in downtown Charleston, we frequently make trips over the bridge to Mt. Pleasant. There is A LOT of construction going on right now and the constant traffic is driving me c-r-a-z-y!

Any locals know how long it's supposed to last?

Too Far?

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Since Russell Armstrong's death, more and more details have become public about his and Taylor's relationship. Unfortunately, none of them are good. On top of a 'leaked' photo of Taylor's battered face allegedly at the hands of Russell, we've learned of several occasions where he threatened to kill her- once over not having veggies on a pizza? Just crazy. People (I'm assuming Russell's family) are accusing her of exploiting the situation for money.

Obviously, I've been following along on the new season of RHOBH and her behavior is increasingly erratic. While I certainly sympathize with the situation as a whole, I think Taylor has some pretty major issues of her own to work out. I'm interested to see their journey through counseling and trying to repair their marriage, which ultimately didn't work out.

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What did you all think about the Emmy's? I was under-whelmed by the fashion, generally speaking. I thought Jane Lynch was pretty hilarious and did a great job. I don't watch a lot of the shows that won. (Hello, where were all the Bravo nominations?!). Perhaps, I need to expand my TV horizons?

Some People...



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The Salahi's have done it again. Created a huge media stir- this time Michaele decided to run off with Journey's guitarist and failed to inform Tareq. What's a concerned husband to do? Claim she was kidnapped, of course.

RHODC is by far the worst of the reality franchise. So glad they won't be taking up precious air time on my beloved Bravo this coming season.

In related news, they've renewed RHOM (Miami)? What? It was a snoozefest. Perhaps they'll bring in some heavy hitters for the new season.

I want more of this:

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And less of this:

via Daily Mail

Please and thank you.

Happy Friday!

Domestic Me- 2.0

Whenever I have a week day off, I find that I get the most things accomplished around the house.

Take today for example: I woke up at 7 this morning (?), made my coffee, ate breakfast, and started cleaning the house/porches/yard. I'll be the first to admit that I am extremely particular about cleanliness. I blame my parents. Growing up, our house was always immaculate. Still is! Having things neat and orderly makes my house feel like 'home'. Moving on...

Afterwards, I decided that I was going to force the Fall issue once again. This time, by burning one of my new candles and whipping up my all-time favorite (and easy) recipe:

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip (Cake) Cookies

Finished product

Like I said, these could not be simpler to make. All you need are 3 ingredients:

Boxed Spice Cake mix, canned pumpkin, and chocolate chips (optional).

• Pre-heat overn to 350
• Combine all 3 ingredients in a large bowl
• Spray cookie sheets with cooking spray (Crisco, Pam, etc.)
• Place in oven for approx. 15 minutes

.....and voila!

I've seen this recipe in several places and adapted it to my own tastes. On Peanut Butter Fingers, she excludes the chocolate chips and tops them with cream cheese icing instead. Yum!

*Allegedly, it's going to be in the 70's this weekend. If this happens, I will definitely be swinging by Starbucks for a pumpkin spice latte on my way to the office!

Hold The Phone!

As I was on a search for the perfect cape for fall, I "stumbled" upon Anthropologie's website.

And what do you know? 25% off all sweaters!



$66

$103.50

And, obviously not a sweater:

$88

This totally counts as Bengals spirit wear. Right?

Manners

In the words of Michelle Tanner, "How rude!"



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I'm sure you all have seen the video of Madonna saying how much she loathes hydrangeas, after receiving a bouquet from a fan. What ever happened to be gracious and just saying thank you?

I've never liked her much and this furthers my distaste for her. 

Conversely, hydrangeas happen to be my favorite flower!

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Restaurant Week

Friday night Mark and I decided to take advantage of Charleston Restaurant Week. This was the first visit for both of us to 82 Queen.

We sat outside in their courtyard area which is absolutely adorable. It was the perfect weather for outdoor dining. Finally some slightly cooler temps! I had their famous She Crab Soup, Chicken and Waffles, and Key Lime Pie. Mark had Calamari, Jambalaya, and a Pecan Mocha Torte. Every single thing we ordered was  delicious! We'll definitely be making more trips here.

So, I attempted to capture my outfit for the evening. But Cooper insisted on being part of the photo shoot, as well.

I wore my new J Brand skinnies and Francesca's top with a Banana clutch that I've had for years. The outfit worked out perfectly, as there was no hint of my bulging belly after eating that HUGE meal.

Devil dog.

Then yesterday, we traveled to Charlotte for a wedding.

Me, the Groom, and Jill

After getting stuck in traffic on the way there and on the way back, we are exhausted. The weekends always go by so quickly. I'll be on the couch for the rest of the afternoon/evening. Tonight is the season finale of True Blood and the series finale of Entourage. Eeeeek!

(Last) Weekend Jaunt

Obviously, I've been a bad, lazzzzzzy blogger this week.

Do these pics make up for my absence?

Mark in Asheville with the pups

Mark's parents just got two white lab puppies, who tagged along on out trip to Seabrook...

Couldn't leave Coop at home!

Mark's Grandma

Mexican night

Magazine, puppies, and the beach.

AND I have even more pictures to come from Charleston Restaurant Week! I also attempted to capture my ensemb for the evening. The resulting images are pretty hilar.



RHOBH Premiere & Most Eligible Dallas

Did everyone watch the RHOBH premiere last night?

via Bravo TV

Of course, I tuned in and was interested to see how they would address the recent suicide of Taylor's soon-to-be ex-husband, Russell. Overall, I'd say that I wasn't impressed nor disappointed with the way they incorporated it. It seems that critics' opinions land on both sides of the fence; some praising the show for the way they addressed it and some panning it. I still plan on watching the show because I enjoy it and for me, it's entertaining.

After the premiere, my new fave, Most Eligible Dallas!

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The love triangle between Matt, Courtney and Neill continues to evolve and it looks like next episode we will see things between the two BFF's heat up.

Can I just say how I am baffled that Matt continues to find women who put up with his antics? If I showed up to a date and there were two other women there I would be G.O.N.E.! Common sense, right?

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Apparently, he dated Audrina Patridge and Vienna Girardi for a hot minute....

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Someone loves him a reality TV "starlet".

Finally Friday

This Labor Day weekend I am looking forward to spending some time here



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Seabrook Island

Located right next to Kiawah! I've only been to Seabrook a few times, the most notable being:

I can't believe it's been almost 1 year!