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!!