The Real World - Or Lack Thereof

It is only 8.35am, and I am already lacking motivation to do any work today. Can you smell the "two week notice" senioritis?!

I know I should be more focused, but the truth is - I have checked out from this job, and I am ready for the new one. It only makes it worse that it is our month-end close, and I need full brain potential to make it through the next two days.

I guess sneaking in a quick blog post won't hurt anyone now, will it?!

Please don't make fun of me - or worse - judge me based off this post. I can't help myself.

Aside from our unconditional love to each other (and sports, blogs, girlie shows, xbox, shopping, reading, music, books, you name it) - M bug (yes, we call each other 'bug') and I share a deep passion for reality TV - especially MTV shows such as Jersey Shore, and The Real World.

I said don't judge!

Last night was the season premiere of The Real World: LAS VEGAS! Needless to say, we had dinner, and waited like two little kids until 10pm to watch the only reality show that used to be worth our time. Note the "used to be" part of this.

We don't actually enjoy the show, or the story lines. But for some reason, we cannot help ourselves - we HAVE to watch it. We watch, make fun of the new generations and their "oh so tough" lives, and laugh at ourselves for getting so invested in something so silly.

It could just be another way we like to 'bond' - hey, whatever works right?! just kidding ladies!

In all seriousness, I wanted to share with you a little video from what seems to be a very promising season. And by that I mean a lot of uncessary drama, girls and boys cheating on their bf/gf back at home (remind me why people go on the RW when they are in a relationship? don't they know they will break up!?), and of course a lot of drunk fights, crying, and scandalous situations.

  

The Real World? Not so much.

Please don't stop reading my blog because of this - you know you have your guilty pleasures too!

Wedding Updates

I've been waiting to start my "Wedding Wednesdays" posts - but I wanted to wait until I had fun things to share with you. 

We booked the big things right away (venue, DJ, photographer), and right now, we are in the process of finalizing our catering. I feel like once we are done with that, we can actually start the FUN part of planning! 

I should tell you a little bit about what else is going on in our lives, so that you understand why I have not made wedding planning a priority since we got engaged. 

It is quite the year for both Michael and I's families.

His brother David and Betsy are getting married on April 2nd, and we are both a part of their big day. 

His older brother Jeff and Allison  are expecting a baby boy at the end of April.

My older brother David and his wife are expecting their second child, a baby boy as well, mid-May. 

AND one of my good friends Amy and her fiance Kyle are getting married on May 21st.

I told you this was a big year!

On top of starting my new job in two weeks, I can assure you that I have not been a lazy bug these past couple of months. Between engagement parties, bridal showers, baby showers, and bachelorette parties; I have been having all kinds of fun with our families and friends. 

I felt like it would make sense to simply wait June to really start our wedding festivities, and get back to planning our wedding - as far as decorations, and details are concerned. 

For now, I am just enjoying the ride along everyone's big days, and definitely can't wait for Michael and I's turn to enjoy all of our wedding fun! 

Today, I am sharing with you a quick look at our wedding invitations. My amazing Maid-of-Honor Betsy actually designed them (she has some killer photo shop skills!), and I am so excited about the results! 

We are still working on the information cards, and I am planning to put everything together in a steel gray/pewter pocket fold. I am pretty much obsessed with it - and if you are curious, I got the inspiration from Oh So Beautiful Paper, after seeing this invitation set.

What do you think!?

Wedding Maps

I am dying over these Wedding Maps designed by Natalie, over at Natty Michelle . 

She designed this Wedding Map for my soon-to-be sister in law, Betsy. She is marrying Michael's brother in 3 weeks, and I am so honored to be a bridesmaid in her wedding! 

via

Check out Natalie's blog when you get a chance, as well as her Etsy shop - she designs the cutest invitations too! You will not be disappointed :) 

I am definitely thinking about asking her to design a wedding map for our wedding this October! 

Thoughts on Working Out

I'm curious to ask you ladies, what are your work out/eating secrets to stay in shape?!?
And by that, I mean "normal" ways of staying in shape - because if you are anything like me - you have tried the most ridiculous things in order to try to lose weight.
Hmmm you haven't?! Great - it's just me then!


Last year, I tried the Master Cleanse, and after one day (yes, ONE), I gave in.

First of all, who can last a whole day without eating anything, and only drink lemonade mixed with maple syrup, and a table spoon of cayenne pepper?!

not as good as it looks - believe me!

Let me tell ya, I don't recommend it at ALL. I mean, first of all, my mouth was on fire all day, so I get why you wouldn't want to eat. Oh, and once you've made it through the day, it only gets worse: the saltwater FLUSH. Enough said here. You have to drink 2 liters of water mixed with sea salt - YUCK - and 30 minutes later, here you are 'flushing'. I'm sure your imagination can help you figure this one out. 

Well, I made it through one day, and then ate a banana. Needless to say, Michael laughed at me, and I vowed to never try silly miracle ways to lose weight again. 

The sad part is that I used to be in such great shape in college. I worked out 5 days a week, ate really well (of course, not the most exciting foods), and I was so happy with my body. However, I wasn't truly happy, because I became obsessed with eating well, so I became a pain to everyone around me - and I knew it.

senior year of college

Fast forward 4 years later, and here I am: 27 years old, 13lbs heavier than when I graduated college, and what seems to be completely out of shape. Now I know that most people around me will say that I'm just fine the way I am - but the truth is - I don't feel fine. I'm only 5'3", which means you can see it immediately when I gain weight.

 this year - I made sure to find a pic where I am wearing black too!

I go back and forth, and it is just hard for me to find the energy I used to have. And come on, the age thing is just an excuse, because there are PLENTY of women older than me, and in MUCH better shape. So I won't even use that excuse. The true KILLER here is food - most importantly carbs/sweets. 

I have lost all self-control when it comes to sweets, and there are my biggest downfall. But they are so good!!! Right?! 

OK - before you go onto thinking that I am just throwing myself a little pity party here, I wanted to ask you for suggestions, advice, or for you to share your secrets to staying in shape while enjoying good foods, and mostly importantly - where do you find the ENERGY?!?

I feel like we all go through this at one point or another in our lives, and I'm always interested to hear how other people manage to work, take care of their homes, and still maintain to look great!

I know - not the most fun of posts - but hey, this girl is getting married in 7 months, and I need a rockin' body to fit in my dress - but also the honeymoon ladies!!! 

Hope you are having a GREAT week!!!!

A Quick Update & Fill in the Bank Friday

It feels good to finally have some time to sit down, and blog. The last couple of weeks have been crazy to say the least. 

We had a hectic month-end close, and I felt like it would never end. 

My beautiful sister-in-law-to-be had her bachelorette party in Savannah, GA last weekend (one of the best girls weekend I've ever had; along with a really creepy pub crawl/ghost tour - separate post to come). 

AND, yes, I did it - I got a new job.  I kept the interview process quiet, mostly because I did not want to jinx myself. I start mid-March, and I am going from a Brand accountant, to a Real Estate accountant. Definitely new, and I'm sure it will be a lot to learn at first - but I am excited nonetheless for this new experience! 

Between weddings, babies, and life changes, I honestly feel like I haven't had some time to myself.  BUT this weekend, my other-half is celebrating his brother's bachelor party in New Orleans until Sunday. Therefore, I get the apt to myself - and I am finally going to be able to catch up on things, including my blog! 

I do apologize for the lack of posts - and thank you for not giving up on me just yet :) I promise, I have a lot of good stuff coming your way! 

Until then, here are your Fill in the Blank Friday!! Courtesy of Lauren at The Little Things We Do!

1.   I am currently obsessed with   our wedding registries. I think I spend at least 2 hours each time I log in to update them. I seem to find new things, and unlike others EVERY time! 
2.  Today I am  really annoyed    because,  I wanted to take the day off , and my manager decided that he needed at least 2 people from our team - so it was a first come, first serve decision. LAME. I think it is because he knows I am leaving.  


3.  The age I am is  27   and the age I feel is  22 when I'm around my friends, and 30 when I am at home, thinking about all the chores I have to do, filing taxes, saving money, and starting to save for a house next year.  Can I just go back to college for one semester!? 


4.  My favorite place is  Paris, because it is my home, and it has all the beautiful things I had a chance to grow up around. 


5.  Something I have been procrastinating is  believe it or not, going shopping for work clothes.  Don't get me wrong, I love shopping! but I don't know...I just get kinda bored when it comes to work clothes...I enjoy every day clothes better - even though I wear professional clothes a lot more.  

6.  The last thing I purchased was   dinner from Alon's bakery by our apartment. I got off work last night, and was exhausted so I stopped by and bought a caprese sandwich, and a few honey Madeleines. That's what happens when Michael goes out of town! 


7.  The thing I love most about my home is  that I feel like it truly represents "us". I love it, and love that Michael and I can spend a whole weekend without going anywhere, and be completely satisfied to hang out around our apt. 

ENJOY, AND HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!!!!!!