YES WE CAN....ehhhhh

So...it's been a while since my last post and I have so many fun events to share with you, dating all the way back from 4th of July to a wedding in Kentucky this weekend. However...something happened this evening that I must share. For the first time in my life, SOMEWHERE, I am a democrat. My grandfather is rolling over in his grave at this very moment.

Here is how it all went down.... I'm meeting Jeremy at Kobe steakhouse for a little hibachi date. How anyone was able to break my tunnel vision of fried rice and grilled shrimp, I have no idea. But, a couple decked out with fanny packs and clipboards approached me and asked me if I was registered to vote. (Funny--I had just said to Jer like 4 days before, that I needed to switch my registration to MO in time for the presidential election!) Perfect! Yes, I DO need to register to vote! So, they eagerly follow me up to the restaurant and finish the registration with the question...."Will you be voting for Obama???" Great...

Now...I am probably the least judgmental person when it comes to political views. You'll never really catch me in some political debate, or getting all heated over someone else's agenda...that's annoying. I feel as though my political position is exactly that.... mine. But for the record, I am republican and come from a rather large extended republican family.

So, I simply smiled and said, "Not sure yet..." and made my way into Kobe. I remember telling Jeremy that I bet I just got registered democrat without knowing (is that even allowed?) because they didn't ask me either way, but were obviously campaigning blue. Fast forward to tonight when my phone rings and it's a guy from the STL democratic something or other, thanking me for my registration! He asked me if I had any questions or needed help on my decision, to which I replied, "nope, I'm just fine." Then, he asked me if I didn't mind telling him who I was voting for. You see, I thought the whole point of this phone call was to get me to or make sure I was still voting for Obama...so I gave the answer I thought would end the phone call immediately..."definitely Obama."

Then, he goes on to tell me about all these campaigning events where I can pass out water at churches and go door to door and wants to know if I'm interested in participating! I tell him I don't have a regular 9-5 job and If I decide I wanted to, I would call him (I couldn't hurt his feelings)! Here is the kicker... he read off my address and asked me if I still lived there. I mean...  am I going to get people showing up at my door with Obama signs to put in my yard?!?! Now I'm starting to wonder if I told the couple at Kobe that I was republican, if they would have even turned my form in! Good Lord.... things are about to get crazy urban up in here!

I Might Be Single After This Post...

I have the best boyfriend and I love him so much... and he might hate me for sharing this. BUT... a moment captured in time just can't go to waste. Here he is dancing to none other than 69 Boyz, Daisy Dukes. Dis boy be so damn fineeeee <3

Road Trip and a Louisville Restaurant Review

This past weekend, my mom, Jeremy, and I took a quick overnight trip to Louisville to say bye to my brother and sister-in-law, who are moving. It was Jeremy's first time to visit Kentucky and although it was quick and we will be back in August, I think we showed him a good time. This is how the trip started. Don't worry, he was lucky enough to wake up for Natalie Cole's greatest hits!

On Sunday, we went to brunch at such a wonderful place! I promise, if you live in Louisville or are visiting soon, it's a must go! It's called Village Anchor and you can visit their website here. I can honestly say it was one of the best dining experiences I've had. Sure, we sat on the patio and the weather was AMAZING...so that helped. But, this place is just fantastic! The menu had traditional items with a unique twist, the service was great, and the decor of the place was so cool! They even bring your check to you tucked inside a romance novel. However, the portions are HUGE, so you can definitely share! Here are some drool-worthy pictures of our selections-- corn beef hash, monte cristo, red velvet pancakes, and french toast.

Thanks, Louisville, for a great 24 hours. We will be back soon! In the mean time... this is what we rode home with. Do you think he was trying to tell me he was ready to get out of the car?!

St. Louis... more like St. Foodis

It's no secret that St. Louis has this plethora of amazing food at your fingertips. I am constantly amazed by the pride this city takes in fabulous restaurants, local vendors, fresh ingredients, and overall variety. You could, without a doubt, get an amazing meal for every taste your palette desires.

There are certain things that are unique to STL, which I have embraced into my life without looking back. Hey now... I'm a girl who likes to conform to my new lifestyle, especially when good food is involved! Here are some of my favorites-- try not to drool on your keyboards.


Gooey Butter Cookies. Yup...exactly what it sounds like. Butter, sugar, yellow cake, butter, gooey-ness (that's an actual ingredient), more butter, topped with powdered sugar. The first time I had a GBC, I was at work and I promise I about fell out. The overwhelming excitement was like an episode of Maury when you find out you are NOT the father.

St. Louis style pizza. Thin, crispy crust, provel cheese, and your Italian grandmother's love hugging you with every bite. I'm having a hard time not dialing IMO's delivery as we speak....

 

Scotch Eggs. These aren't STL original, but I sure as hell haven't had them until I moved here. Let me break this shit down for you....

1. Hard boiled egg
2. Wrapped in sausage
3. Breaded
4. Deep fried
5. Dipped in honey mustard
6. ....try not to die.

So.... who wants to go to the gym???

I'm a Movie Star!

So... I have the best boyfriend ever. I know what you're thinking, "look at this girl... she is obsessed with Jeremy and every blog post will be about how in loooooove they are." Not so... not EVERY post will be about how much he means to me. But this one... yes. I'm shouting it from the rooftops: Jeremy makes me happy :)

You see... I have this wacky dance that I do. Not sure where and when I choreographed such a gem of a routine, but it happened and I've been on the up and up ever since. Jeremy loves it. No, I'm kidding. He thinks it's the craziest dance ever and acts mortified when I try to bust my moves in public. He always asks me, "where did you learn that?!?!" Anyways, he turned the tables on me when we were at Epcot and he got the grand idea of making me cut-a-rug in all the countries around the world showcase. He said he was going to turn it into a video, and he delivered. Big time.

Of course this video will always mean something different/more to me that any of you, but I have yet to be able to watch it without crying. I'm pretty sure it's the song... or the time he took to make this... or that fact that he has turned me into a blubbering mess of a girlfriend. Enjoy!!!

P.S.--I have to add this as a link because it's not able to be found on a youtube search (Jeremy wasn't sure if I wanted this "put on blast") and I don't know how to add it on here otherwise. My boyfriend is the virtuoso de la internets....not me.

My Boogy Woogy

Lazy Dog

I woke up this morning a lot earlier than I needed to. I had my alarm set for 7:45, but I was wide awake around 7:00. This may or may not be a result of falling asleep on the couch around 9:30 (due to the fried chicken coma Jeremy put me in, but I digress...). My rustling about prompted an 80 pound cuddle bug to hop in bed with me, so we laid there for a bit while I checked my email in between belly scratches. As we emerged from the bedroom, Henry's cousin Brinkley (who is a wee chocolate lab) excitedly jumped down from my sisters bed and joined us for the morning potty. Henry was for real still dragging at this point...only awake enough to go #1. On the other hand, Brinkley has taken care of all bodily business and is dropping the ball at my feet to play. Aunt Tara doesn't play fetch at 7:00am in my pajamas, sans bra....for which the neighbors are thankful. So we go back inside for breakfast, which Brinkley gobbled up quickly. Henry bypassed breakfast and has resumed this position....

DISNEY WEEK!!!!

I have completely renamed this week DISNEY WEEK. I started this Saturday at approximately 12:00 midnight, as we emerged into the longest four days of my life... I just can't wait!!!

So... to get Jeremy excited, I created a picture for him. He offered me a job as a designer, but the pay was sub par. Hellooooo...this is quality.

Dog Days of Summer...

Like I've said before, my desire to be a dog is very strong at times. Or maybe just my dog. They get "treats" that are sometimes in the form of momma's leftovers, belly scratches and kisses, and get to be lazy ALL DAY LONG. Then... it's not unusual to go for a romp in the field. This, my friends, is how I'd like to spend my entire summer....

Summa Summa Summatime!

So, we have a little over a month before our calendars tell us it's summertime, but I beg to differ. I actually got to lay out for a bit today. I could have sworn I was out there for at least two hours, and I was about to start bragging on my tan....but when I came inside, it had only been an hour. No tan lines showed up to the party. However, I will prevail and become that cinnamon goddess who lies deep inside me.

Friday night, Jeremy and I joined my parents and sister at tower grove park for "Food Truck Friday" and it was a lot of fun! There were about ten trucks there, ranging from Italian food, brats, crepes, tacos, and desserts. I got a grilled cheese and a brat for my dad, and would have gotten more, but the lines were so long. We have definitely come up with a plan for the next Food Truck Friday, which slightly resembles black Friday and may or may not involve walkie talkies.

Saturday morning, Jeremy and I had breakfast at the cafe in his building, while enjoying the BEAUTIFUL weather. It really was awesome and everyone was out and about with their dogs and children. Then, the German restaurant next to his building was having a special day where they had food specials and the first 50 people received a glass HB liter mug. Of course, we had to attend and get our mugs, so we headed over there right after. I had to go meet my family for an early mother's day lunch, so this was how I left my sweet boyfriend. Jesus take the wheel...

Later that night, we joined some of our friends for a Drive-in/Pin-up style party. Jeremy is much better at putting together costumes than I am. He even buys things for MY costumes, like cute headbands. What a catch! Here we are enjoying the 1940's style festivities...

Today I got to enjoy an overdue pedicure with my mom. I'm so lucky to have her in my life and I thank God for her daily. Happy mother's day mom...you are loved!!!

In other BIG AND EXCITING news.... we are now less than two weeks until T and J take on Disney. I'm so excited, I can barely take it. I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Weekend Fun: Beer, Horses, and 3D

This weekend was long. And tiring. Saturday was one of those day when I drug myself to my car with an achy body and a film of hairspray on my teeth and up my nose (surely that doesn't lead to early onset alzheimers, right? RIGHT?!). We have been swamped at work with bridal parties, proms, etc. Don't get me wrong, I actually love styling hair for events, but I tend to let it get to me sometimes. When doing hair for a bride, I start gearing myself up for it about 3 days before...racking my brain about the "practice" updo and making sure I remember it right, etc. I just want the whole experience to be perfect for them because it's THEIR day. After I put on their veil, shellac them with the strongest hairspray possible, and give them a squeal of "omg, you're getting MARRIED today"....I can scoot them to their next stop and...breathe. *shew* So.... aside from bridal and prom extravaganza on Saturday and Sunday, I managed to get out and have a lot of fun!

On Friday night, Jeremy and I went to forest park for Microfest. All the micro breweries were there with lots of beer to sample, which was really cool. I'm not much of a beer drinker, but I did find an apricot beer that was actually really good! Jeremy was loving life and sampling a lot more than me, but I still had a wonderful time with him. Here we are taking a pit stop in the park when we couldn't find Microfest. Let's just say that we walked off the beer before we even drank it :)

Saturday was such a long day at work, so I didn't really do much after I got home. My parents were having a Kentucky Derby party at their house, which was really well attended by the neighbors! I got home just in time for the race, and pigged out on party food. Can I please take a moment to talk about fruit pizza? The scrumptious dessert with a sugar cookie crust, and everything delightful on top? Good lord, that shit was good. Moving on... my aunt from Louisville came in town and was dying to meet Jeremy, so he came over and hung out with us. He even tried his very first mint julep!! You see, by the time he got here, my dad was on his 4th mint julep and was enjoying his job as party bartender. We all sat around and visited with each other for a while, then went outside to look at the super moon. Did you all know there was a super moon this weekend? Apparently, it's the biggest and brightest that it will be in our lifetime. I could be wrong, but whatev. Here is a picture Jeremy took with his iphone. Droid phone wouldn't have captured anything from space, fyi.

Sunday was super fun! I got off work in the afternoon, then hurried over to Jeremy's for dinner and a movie. He knows how much I love sitting on patios, so we went to Vito's near SLU campus. Although our service totes sucked, the pizza was great! I will admit that I got a little J when Jeremy told me he was eating the leftovers for dinner :) Then, we went to the Moolah to see Avengers in 3D. What a cool theatre! We got there an hour ahead of showtime (recommended), so we were able to get a couch to sit on. Fun fact, this was Jeremy's very first 3D movie in the theatre! For the first time in our relationship, I was 3008 and Jeremy was so 2000late! Kidding... but here we are in our 3D glasses, waiting for the show...

It's back to work for me tomorrow. My day off went entirely too fast, but I'm off this coming weekend. Guess what I (we, if you read my blog) have to look forward to??? Food trucks in Tower Grove this Friday!! I will have my elastic pants ready for the occasion....ha!

Just a little diddy....

Here's a few things that are on my mind right now...

• Kentucky Derby is this weekend and I'm reminded of placing my bets with my grandfathers when I was little. My parents are having a derby party and I'm bummed I will miss most of it because I have to work.
• Poor Jeremy is getting sick, so he is currently doped up on vitamin C. I went over and made him some vegetable soup and introduced him to the neti-pot. I'm quite certain he will become a believer of the wonders of nasal irrigation.

• In 23 days, Jeremy and I will be on our way to a four day weekend in FLORIDA!!!! If you need us, we will be riding rides at Disney, eating at amazing restaurants, and hanging out at the yacht and beach club!

Springtime Walks in Forest Park

Tuesday, Jeremy and I went for a stroll in Forest Park. It was so beautiful outside, we just couldn't resist taking it all in. I feel so lucky to live in a city with such a wonderful park that is home to awesome museums and festivals throughout the year. Bring it on, spring/summertime!!

Here is a glimpse of the photo shoot we had on a bench in front of the art museum. The sun was in my eyes (I'm the type that wears sunglasses until sundown...what can I say, they are sensitive!) and Jeremy thought it was funny. He makes me smile :)

Cardinals Game and Weekend Visitors

This weekend was possibly one of the busiest ones since moving to STL. And it rained. A lot. Hmmph. BUT...that's when you wear your hair curly and put on your target flats that can get a little wet!

The weekend started Thursday night when my sister and brother-in-law came in town. They stopped by the salon for a little hair TLC, which was the best way to end a long work week. I hate that I managed to go all weekend without getting one picture with them, but we had a good time nonetheless. Friday started early when I met up with Jeremy and we headed downtown to the game. This is when things got a little shady....

You see.... EVERY parking garage was full. It was raining hard. Traffic was horrendous. Even hotel valet was full....everywhere. So, I'm lucky to have such a smart, city savvy boyfriend who came up with the idea of fleeing downtown and going to Llewellyn's Soulard to get some food, alcohol, and to wait it out. Maybe he was starving from not eating breakfast... or maybe he recognized the early signs of my head spinning, while projectile vomiting split pea soup had we not promptly escaped the situation we were in. Either way, he saved the day! Our stay at Llewellyn's included, but was not limited to beer and wine, the most amazing adult grilled cheese, and making friends at the bar. Here we are at our post...

Then, we hopped on the trolley, which took us to the stadium. Little did we know, we had quite a long, wet, walk ahead of us...

We got to the stadium and began our search for my family. This search included circling the the ENTIRE stadium at least twice. We even got within ten feet of he door we were supposed to go in, but it was so cleverly tucked behind a brick wall. Why not? All secret doors are hidden behind brick walls in the rain. After walking to the other side once again, and at one point, Jeremy's umbrella was INVERTED, we finally got where we were supposed to be and got to our suite. Here we are, wet and ready for bratzels and nachos!

This might possibly be my favorite picture of Jeremy. My boo and his bratzel....yum!

Here we are watching the game...aren't we cute?!

After the game, Jeremy and I picked up one of my best friends from Memphis, Allison, and met my parents for pizza at Pi. After a brief encounter with an overzealous security guard that threatened our arrest for driving down a (possibly private) street looking at gorgeous mansions, Allison and I retired back to the hotel. What a long, glorious day!

Allison and I spent the next day exploring STL. I hate that it rained almost the entire day, but it did end up clearing up for a stroll and appetizer in central west end.

We went to dinner with Jeremy and one of his friends, then had a drink at the restaurant next to Jeremy's building. I am so lucky to have such special people in my life. From both the past, present, and hopefully, the future. I had such a good time showing Allison my new city and I very much look forward to more visitors!! Here is one last shot for ya.... just because I love it so much :)

Easter Weekend

I'm a little late with this post, but life has been busy. See, I've been in a detox program this week. Cleansing my system of hot cross buns, fun size snickers, butterfinger eggs, complex carbs, and alcohol. I hit a wall Sunday night after that fateful slice of coconut cake. I felt nauseous from all the sugar! BUT...I digress. Easter weekend was absolutely amazing and I'm lucky to have gotten to spend it with my parents and boyfriend.

The weekend started on Thursday when Jeremy came over and I cooked dinner for him and my mom. Then, Jeremy and I went to the Easter service at church Friday night, followed by pizza at one of my favorite places on the hill--Milo's. St. Louis style pizza with provel cheese has definitely been a weakness of mine since I've moved here! Here is a picture of the beautiful flowers he brought. Am I lucky, or what?!

Following a brief intermission in celebrating the resurrection of the Lord for work Saturday, we picked right back up with dinner, dying eggs, and some very special bubbly that evening. I may or may not have forgotten the "y" in Jeremy as I was writing a secret message on his egg. Whoopsie!

After breakfast Sunday morning, we went to church, took the dogs for a romp in the field, ate chips and queso, then sat on the patio at Starbucks. I couldn't think of a better day with the people I cherish the most. Although it was a little chilly, we bundled up and ate dinner on the patio. I LOVE eating outside in the spring!!

I am so thankful for what God has blessed me with so far in 2012. I am so lucky to have my family, friends, a job I love, and one VERY amazing, sweet, romantic boyfriend. And I'm sure he is thankful for a few things, like surviving a weekend in the 'burbs without getting kidnapped, forced to wear Eddie Bauer, and drive a Honda Odyssey. You're welcome!!

R.I.P....

The beasts have claimed their first bit of St. Louis blood. I found this little gem as I walked out my front door this morning....

Do these look like the faces of killers? Don't let the little one fool you...

Is it Friday yet???

As I look out the window, I'm reminded that I should be writing this blog from my back patio, because it's the epitome of gorgeous outside. However, the battery to my laptop is not only on it's last leg, it has no legs. One big torso of a battery that only runs when plugged in. So here I am, on the couch with my Starbucks and only the sound of snoring dogs in the background. I love dog snores. Not those monumental bulldog snores...the faint "I've gotten old and lazy" dog snores. They comfort me, in a way :)

I usually enjoy sleeping in on Wednesdays, but today was different. I know someone who is very busy right now and is possibly living off cheez-its and a chopped mixture of parsley and cilantro (ehhh....). Just kidding.... but the thought of walking into the apartment, which may or may not smell like my Italian grandmothers kitchen due to said chopped herbs, and finding a malnourished pile of 30 year old made my eyelids FLY open before sunrise and rush to the nearest Panera. Okay, it wasn't that dramatic...but I enjoy the slightest bit of theatrics here and there. I was prepared to bribe someone with a cookie to let me through the locked door to the lobby, but a simple knock and a smile did just fine. Ummm...scary. I wish every morning could start off by helping the hungry...ha!

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday...and remember, we're half way to the weekend! In the mean time, take a look at this little B who enjoys *only* queen sized beds....

Happy Monday

Every other week, I get to enjoy my Mondays because I'm a free woman. Getting to go only where the wind takes me. Aside from a meeting at work this afternoon, I have no plans other than waiting for the high temp to hit so I can lay out by the pool.

Anyways, after a romp with the ball in the open field in my neighborhood, Henry was overdue for a bath. He was really overdue a week ago, but we've had lots of rain. Quite frankly, this dog mom is not a glutton for punishment. He officially hated me yesterday...

Oh well, it's a new day and a new lease on life, Henry! Look at how pretty you are now...

Hello, my name is Henry...and I'm a relaxaholic. I have been one since the age of six months.

Goodbye 2011...you will not be invited back.

I have no excuse for myself. I left the blogging world and came back a year later. Well, not a whole year, but it's now a new year. Hold the phone... in two months, it will be a whole year. Oh Lord... bear with me as I ramble on about my life as of late, for I have a cute dog staring at me and a lifetime movie on in the background. I may or may not be easily distracted by furry four legged creatures and dramatic, low-budget films.

So yeah...I moved. Up and freaking moved to Nellyville! I'm now residing in the land of the arch, cardinals baseball, Anheuser Busch, amazing Italian food on the hill (hello stretchy pants!), and MUCH. BETTER. SHOPPING. For real ya'll... I have three H&M's, Nordstrom, Saks, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom Rack (for the frugal gal like moi), and tons of other awesome boutiques! Now... If I only had the money to shop. Oh well, I will continue to salivate over designer apparel as I drag my ass to Macy's clearance racks (not hating--I'm NOT above this) and Target. Also... let me just tell you about the Whole Foods up here. They are HUGE!! They also sell alcohol (along with every other establishment in STL [why, no I DON'T miss you southern Bible belt]). I often find myself going there on my day off around lunch time so I can get the hook up on the free samps (hello--girl on a budget) and wander the aisles. They are just so nice. However... I have yet to find the Whole Foods brand black bean hummus. I will persevere and continue my search and am not afraid to make a request for it if my effort comes up empty handed. I'm a woman on a mission.

I've also started a new job. Still doing hair and loving my new salon. It's an Aveda salon in Kirkwood, which is such a cute little suburb about twenty minutes from downtown STL. It's much bigger than my old salon, but still has a family feel to it. The people I work with are amazing, talented, and fun. Sure, I will miss my friends at my old salon, but we keep in touch!

I've been fortunate enough to meet a lot of people and make some great friends. Some people would say I've even gone global (only a few reading this will know the meaning behind that statement...but be assured that I'm VERY happy where I've landed)! There is soooooo much to do here in STL and I finally feel like my social life is up to par with my age. I will be sure to blog more now that I've woken up ten months later and got my act together. For now.... here are some pics of my new life in the Lou...

Don't judge the fact that there is alcohol present in every single one of these photos...OY!!