WELCOME

So my friend Rebekah just joined the blogging world after swearing she never would! 

Go take a look and tell her hi! 

http://www.andrewandrebekahgilpin.blogspot.com/

WORK CAN BE AWKWARD

The girl in my building that flipped me off on the way to work one day(See post if you don't remember) tried to chat it up with my friend and I on the way into work this morning. 

Please keep in mind that I have never spoken to this girl in my life. All of my work friends know who she is because I have pointed her out to them as the girl with the road rage. But as we were are walking this morning I hear "Hello girls." I have to be honest when I say I gave her the snub. I think I might have smiled but did not say anything. Then she looks at me and is like "I love your coat." I was wearing my pink coat that is pretty cute, but it made me think that maybe this girl realized that I was the one she flipped off. But it is too late. She's on my bad list.

On a totally random note....my building is making everyone use the revolving doors when you enter the building to try and keep the heat inside the lobby. Can I just say that I HATE revolving doors. I get really anxious about them and I am kind of scared of them. I get really nervous about getting into my little section quick enough without the door hitting me. And then the same thing with getting out. And then sometimes the person who is behind you is pushing harder and faster and so you get tripped up. I really hate them. I needed to get that off my chest. I feel a little better now.

And in other awkward work moments. When you work in a large building like mine the elevators have what could be considered a rush hour. So its often that I am in an elevator that is packed to the gills. A pet peeve of mine is when the elevator stops, there is no room and the person that pushed the button pushes their way on. Making everyone even more uncomfortable than they already were. It is a personal space nightmare.

Okay, I know this was a really random post but things that I think about on a daily basis!

SNOW

Woke up this morning to find: Isn't it pretty. This is the first snowfall in our new house.

Lena was not sure what to think.....



It was not a whole lot of snow but it is still exciting. All the schools are closed but work is never cancelled. Oh well.

COOKIN OUT

So Kenny and I did a lot of cooking out with friends this weekend. On Friday our friends Lauren and Lowe invited us over. They grilled some steaks, hamburgers, and chicken, I brought a pretty tasty hash brown casserole, and our friends Danny B and Nick and Sarah covered dips and dessert.

It was all sooo good. Not to mention that we popped open a very very large bottle of Cabernet that just made it all that much better. This was the first time I was allowed to drink since I started watching what I eat so I was looking forward to unwinding and drinking some wine. Needless to say, at some point Lauren informed me that she really had not had that much of the wine. Ummm......so I think I drank a lot of it. Sorry about that Lauren.

Once we were done with dinner we all got ready for a rousing game of Battle of the Sexes. As I was sitting at the table I mentioned I was a little cold and look what Lauren pulled out to keep me warm!It was like a Super Snuggy. This thing was not playing around. You draped it over you and then zipped and snapped.

Here Lauren is trying to zip me into the fancy snuggy.This thing was warm. I eventually had to take it off. Not sure if it was from the wine or from the excitment of the game.

Okay have yall ever played Battle of the Sexes. Basically there are designated questions for girls that boys would know and vice versa. Let me just tell you. Those questions are hard! I mean really hard.
Here the boys are huddling over answering the question. If I had to guess they did not get the answer right. We all eventually gave up because none of us could get any answers right.I will say that I want to start buying more games and playing them with our friends. Does that make me officially old?

On Saturday, Kenny and I just hung out at home and that night we went over to Tracy and Joe's for dinner. Joe grilled up some steaks and shrimp along with grilled asparagus and my casserole made a second appearance for the weekend. It was all very much enjoyed. The boys grilled and Tracy and I watched the Miss America pageant. I thought it was really good this year and I love the girl who won.

CONFESSION

I think I might be kind of obsessed with Simon Cowell.

I mean of course I am OBSESSED with American Idol. But I am starting to think that if Simon ever left the show that would be the end of the road for me too. After watching religiously for 8 seasons. I have come to terms with my crush on Simon. Everything he does or says makes me laugh and I find him so endearing.

His opinion is really the only one that matters. The other judges are just there for entertainment. But I love that he is honest and does not try to sugar coat things for the singers. When they are good he offers constructive criticism, and when they are bad his little British quips are hilarious.

I love the look he gets when someone with real talent comes in and is singing. He literally freezes and sometimes he smiles. And then he will occasionally say "I like you."

In the more recent seasons Simon has offered hugs to auditioners that break down under the stress or that might have a heart felt story. I think that under that hard exterior old Simon is a softy true and true.

Plus I kind of think he is H-O-T! Does anyone else share my affections for Simon?


P.S. I just went to IMDB to see when he was born. He is 50! Geez Louise! Looking good!

DRESSED TO IMPRESS

I mean talk about one of the most stressful times to try and figure out what to wear.
While I was not crazy about this outfit. Something with the color I think.

I love love love this dress on her. The white is so pretty with her skin tone. And I love the texture of the fabric. And the one shoulder really makes her arms looks so toned. I think she looks so much more youthful than other First Ladies have looked in the past. Plus this is the type of dress that I would choose for myself.

Is it sad that I want a coat just like little Sasha's. I love the peachy colors. I heard on the news today that these cute coats are from J.Crew and so many people loved them that they crashed J.Crew's server yesterday. They are not available to the public. Boo.

YUM! YOGURT

So yesterday was an exciting day for me. It was Day 1 of Phase II of the South Beach diet. This means I get to add fruit and whole grains back into my diet. This may not sound like a big deal but its huge. This morning for breakfast I had plain low fat yogurt with two splendas and mixed in blueberries and All Bran Buds. It was soooo good. I was so sick of having scrambled eggs for breakfast.

I was off for MLK day on Monday so I had a leisurely day that involved going for a run, grocery shopping, visiting a friend, and cooking dinner. Oh the life of a housewife. I could get used to it.

Kenny and I had a pretty low key weekend. On Saturday I have to embarrassingly admit that we went and watched My Bloody Valentine in 3D. I had read that is was really fun on Pink Is the New Blog and so we threw on our 3d glasses for the show. Once Kenny and I got past the fact that over half the theatre had brought their very young children with them; (Ridiculous!) we actually enjoyed it. It was not the best scary movie we had ever seen but it did have a good storyline and wasn't just about all the blood and gore.

Saturday night, we met up with some friends at Huey's and grabbed some dinner and then ended up over at our friend's Mollie and Wilson's house just hanging out.

Sunday, Kenny and I got some stuff done around the house and that night we watched There Will Be Blood. Can someone please explain this movie to me. I understand it is supposed to be all about character development yada yada yada. But really.......the way it ended was so strange.

WHAT TO DO

(this couple is so cheesy)

So as I mentioned before I am on a pretty strict diet right now. Phase I of South Beach to be specific. This means that I cannot eat A LOT of things. No alchohol, no bread, no chips,no sugar, no nothing. Well this defintetly curtails our activities on the weekends.

Kenny and I love to go out to eat together. One of my favorite date nights is grabbing a couple of cheese dips and a pitcher of margaritas. I mean don't get me wrong we CAN go out to eat....but I personally like to look forward to eating out and eating something yummy. It is just not much fun nor is it worth the money to go eat some grilled fish and steamed vegetables and pay 30 bucks for it when I fix that at home.

So......what fun things are there to do that don't revolve around eating. Last weekend Kenny and I bowled two nights in a row. One night just by ourselves. So much fun. And another night with some friends. I bowled over 100 for the first time in my life. I was so excited.

I am all for a competitive game of putt putt but its 18 degrees here so that is not happening. We could always go to a movie. But I can't have my favorite treat sno caps. We go to see plays all the time so that is not an option. What is there to do?

It is so cold outside maybe we just stay in and watch a movie. Any ideas?

AS SEEN ON TELEVISION

I have a confession. I have fallen hook line and sinker for an infomerical. Every time the commercial comes on I am captivated and I want this product. That's right folks.

I WANT A SNUGGIE


Blankets are OK but they can slip and slide, plus your hands are trapped inside.

The Snuggie™ keeps you totally warm and gives you the freedom to use your hands. Work the remote, use your laptop or do some reading in total warmth and comfort!

Snuggie™ is made with super soft, thick, luxurious fleece with roomy, over sized sleeves that let you do what you want while still being totally wrapped in warmth.

I stay cold and as ridiculous as I would look wearing this, I still think it makes good sense. Totally functional right.......I could wear it on cold nights while I watch this for the next four months.........I was so excited about this premiering last night. I had also read somewhere that they were going to focus on the good singers during the audition process and last night I thought that they did. I liked getting to know the people who made it through to Hollywood and could possibly make it into the top 24.

Some of my faves, (can't remember the names) were the girl who started the Grandparent program, and I really loved the little smart guy that was so nervous who surprised them all with his voice. I just felt for him because he was so nervous. Also that Stevie girl was cute too. Can't wait to see more!


What did y'all think of the new judge? I liked her but thought she was trying a little too hard. Maybe once she gets more comfortable she won't seem so awkward.


PS: Did anyone else see at the end when Ryan Seacrest tried to give the vision impaired guy a high five. It was so awkward!

BURIED UNDER WORK

Sorry for lack of posting. I am currently buried under mounds and mounds of ads and invitations that need to be designed and placed in their appropriate newspapers and magazines.

Phew! Is it really only 9:00?

GOLDEN GLOBES

So I am watching the Golden Globes right now and five minutes in I am obsessed with how gorgeous Kate Winslet looks.

Her skin is glowing. I love her dress. And I love her hair.

UPDATE: What the hell is Renee Zellweger(spelling?) wearing. In my opinion she never really gets it right and always looks a bit haggard.

HEAVEN'S GROCERY STORE

Yesterday I decided I wanted a spaghetti squash for dinner. Yum right. So I knew that my normal grocery store does not always have them so I decided to venture to Whole Foods. Having lived down town for almost three years my selection of grocery stores was minimal so this was my first time to step into Whole Foods.

Angel chorus begins. This place was amazing. I felt healthier for just being there. The produce was pretty and they had things that at other times could seem hard to find. They had huge tubes of nuts and seeds and grains. Everything said Organic......

So I find the spaghetti squash and place two in my basket and head over to the dairy section to find some Shirataki Noodles that come so highly recommended by Hungry Girl. These noodles are made of tofu and are extremely low in carbs and sugar and are a great substitute for pasta. Whole Foods(Heaven's grocery store) is the only place that I have found that carries them.

Back to the point, as I peruse the dairy aisle I literally have to fight temptation to fill my basket to the brim with Tahini and hummus and all kinds of delicious organic cheeses. I mean inner conflict to the max. "No Mallory, you came here for spaghetti squash and noodles. No need to spend a fortune on a quick errand." Because if I have not mentioned the one down fall to this place is everything is a little pricier.

I make my way to the check out past the deli, and bakery, sushi, hot bar, salad bar, and into the line. I even got a waft of patchouli as I waited. This store even smelled like a hippy. How do they do that?

It is my turn to check out and the guy with lots of Whole Foods flare on his apron scans my squash, the main purpose for coming to Heaven's Grocery store when I see............

$19.97

$20 dollars for two squash!!!!!! You have got to be kidding me. $20.00 dollars. They are squash for goodness sakes! I asked him if that was correct and he said it was. So I sucked it up and I got those two organic squash from Heaven's Grocery Store. As the teller went to put them in the bag he looked at me and he goes " I will be careful with your squash." You better be bub for ten dollars a piece. Jeez!

My squash was delicious. It made a ton so I have leftovers so at least it will last for several meals.

No, it does not make me feel better.

SICK DAYS THE FIRST WEEK OF THE YEAR

Sorry for not posting in a few days. This cold is kicking my hiney. I stayed home yesterday. I hated to take a frickin sick day in the first week of the year. Luckily I had rolled over most of my sick days from last year. But still......anyway I am feeling very cloudy today so here is some random thoughts:

Last night while lying in bed I stooped to a reality television low. Did anyone else happen to watch 13: Fear is Real. I did and it was ridiculous. I had my suspicions that all the so called contestants are payed actors. This show is basically a group of people running around in the woods at night with cameras, Blair Witch style. But for some reason I watched the entire hour. I told you it was a new low. IF anyone else happened upon this show. Please make me feel better about watching this trash.

More random thoughts because it is all I can muster:
-Despite my cold I am on Day 4 of Phase I of South Beach. Only 11 more days to go until I can eat some bread and fruit and some wine. Yea! I know it sounds extreme but I am a very strong believer in the South Beach diet. If you have any questions feel free!

- On the news today I heard that the budget deficit for the country is in the trillions. Wonderful.

- The Office is new tonight.

- I am going to see Bridal Wars this weekend and I am so excited. Kate Hudson is who I would choose to play me in a movie about my life. So egotistical I know. But I love her!

I know this post is extremely random. I am sorry.

MANIC MONDAY

So my Monday morning started out with a bang. Kenny wakes me up by saying "Holy s**t Mallory it's 7:05." We leave the house at 7:30 so I ran around like a chicken with my head cut off and got out the door. I managed to make it work only a few minutes late but with wet hair. So cute. Not to mention I am feeling very under the weather today. I am hoping it will only get better.

Kenny and I had an amazingly low key weekend. Weekends like this past one are the reason that I enjoy the months of January and February so much. It is just so nice to do nothing after November and December.

On Saturday Kenny and I ran to the mall so he could go shopping at Brooks Brothers. He had a bunch of gift cards he had received for Christmas and then that night we went and ate Mexican. I am starting Phase I of South Beach today so I literally had a diet send off party for myself this weekend. I was trying to squeeze in all my favorite foods. Even if I do have to lose an additional 5 pounds from everything I ate.

Which brings me to this!
For my last meal so to speak I wanted to make something delicious and satisfying. This definitely did the trick. It is Creamy Pesto Pasta with Shrimp. It was so good. I think I it got the best reaction out of Kenny in the three years of being married. He said it tasted like it was from restaurant. And I have to agree. It was really really really good. Shamefully fattening, but so good. Any friends of mine who read this will be eating this next time I have you over for dinner.

INGREDIENTS
1 pound linguine pasta
1/2 cup butter
2 cups heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup pesto
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

DIRECTIONS
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add linguine pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in cream, and season with pepper. Cook 6 to 8 minutes, stirring constantly.
Stir Parmesan cheese into cream sauce, stirring until thoroughly mixed. Blend in the pesto, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until thickened.
Stir in the shrimp, and cook until they turn pink, about 5 minutes. Serve over the hot linguine.

Kenny will be enjoying the leftovers this week while I avoid it like the plaque. Oh well. It is worth it to get back into my jeans.

SO EMBARRASSING

New Years Eve post to come soon. My friend accidentally picked up my camera at our party so I have to get it back. So stay tuned....

In the meantime......
This morning I totally busted it coming into work. I am sooooo embarrassed. I was about 30 feet from the front door of the building when my heel caught a crack in the bricks. It was an ugly fall.

My cute polka dotted lunch box went flying. My purse and the contents were strewn across the walkway......and then to top it all of I had brought donuts for my coworkers this morning and that box went flying. I hit the ground hard.

It was bad enough that the three guys that were in front of me came running back and the one guy who was behind me looked to be in shock. I think I remember muttering how embarrassing it was to one of them as they helped me up. The other one was handing me my lunch box.

Not to mention that I felt like such a fat girl with my donuts in my hand. Don't worry they were fine. Luckily the box was closed well.

My good work friend Megan came in as I made my way into the building and once we got into the elevator I started doing that laugh/cry from embarrassment. You know what I am talking about....like you really want to bawl but you are kind of laughing at yourself to.

Now I am all wound up. Maybe a donut will make it all better. Chocolate or Glazed.......

HAPPY NEW YEAR

If you are reading this right now I am currently giving my husband his New Years Eve kiss and toasting my friends with a little bubbly. Okay, I'm done.

Happy New Year! Can you believe it is 2009. The only thing I really enjoy about the beginning of a new year is that feeling of starting fresh. Come January 1 everything that happened in 2008 is over and done with. So I thought I might give you a few ideas of things I want to do this year.

-As soon as February, I want to start running in 5ks and eventually longer races. I have made the idea of running a goal before but this year I am starting small and seeing where it gets me. I hate to run.

- Kenny and I both have decided we want to save more money this year. Its the smart thing to do.

- I want to travel to a new city. We do this every year and this year we are thinking Chicago.

- I want to find a church that Kenny and I can make ours. We just have not found one that we feel totally comfortable in.

- Get the rest of my house decorated and furnished.

- Print out the pictures in our camera and organize them in a photo album. For real, I NEED to do this.

- Stay in touch with my friends that are out of town. This is a big one. I miss my girls. Kenny wants to do this to.

Anyway, those are just a few. I am sure there are plenty more that will come up along the way. I hope everyone has a fantastic New Years Holiday.