Get Your Dirty On.

"Me? I'm scared of everything. I'm scared of what I saw, I'm scared of what I did, of who I am, and most of all I'm scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I'm with you. "
-Baby

Ah, this movie.  Dirty Dancing is the movie that no matter the time or day, if it happens to be on I will stop everything to watch it.  By everything I mean everything.  Like, I think I would forego a night on the town to watch it play on Lifetime.  I was the proud owner of the VHS, truth.  I made my mom watch it more times than she will admit, truth.  I used to pretend I was Baby and make my mom catch me in the pool, truth.  I had the biggest crush on Johnny, truth.  I still use the line, "Nobody puts Baby in the corner", truth.  Ugh, what can I say, movies with Patrick Swayze getting his dance on make me swoon.  And, trust me, it definitely gets better after the 700th time you've seen it.  Trust.  Lifetime, you've been slacking.  I can't even remember the last time you aired a version of "Dirty Dancing".  I feel the withdrawals starting to kick in.  Grey and Swayze were the original star crossed lovers.  Rich girl meets working-class boy, they fall in love, blah, blah, blah.  Obviously they end up together.  Then again who wouldn't stand up to their daddy when you've got a Johnny waiting for you?  Exactly.  And, though I adore this movie and its original cast, I wouldn't mind a remake.  Hmm, I can already imagine who would play my 2012 Johnny.  Who do you think would fill the shoes of Grey and Swayze?  
xoxo

Yeah, like this post WASN'T going to include the above picture.  Puh-lease.  That ending is what made the movie.

'Cause I've had the time of my life...
And I owe it all to you...

This is a Special PSA.

"A person's a person, no matter how small".
-Dr.Seuss

This is an urgent PSA (public service announcement) to all the momma's of extremely chubby children.  If your child is left with me longer than five minutes I cannot guarantee the safety of his/her chunky rolls.  If your baby has chunky legs, chunky arms, chunky cheeks, chunky hands and chunky feet I will, and I repeat, I will bite them.  I mean, who can contain themselves around such chunkiness?  I most certainly cannot.  Chubby babies everywhere are in danger of my uncontrollable desire.  It's difficult to explain and even more difficult to comprehend.  However, whenever I find myself near a chunky monkey all I can think of doing is squeezing and biting (the urge is all consuming).  A whole lot of squeezing and a whole lot of biting is all my mind can compute.  I just can't help it.  It's not as bad as you think though.  I never leave any marks, ever.  And, as for the biting, no skin is left with any indentations.  Well, there you have it, mommas.  I have forewarned you.  Do not.  I will say this again, DO NOT leave your child around me if he looks anything like the baby in the picture above.  Unless of course, you don't mind a little baby squeezing here and there.  And by a little I mean a lot (I KNOW, I KNOW, so bad).  But, come on now, leaving a little chunk monster around me unsupervised is like leaving out a box of godiva truffles around a chocoholic.  You are asking for those truffles to be eaten.  Honestly, it is all out of love.  The love of chunkiness.
xoxo

Who Is Your Doppelgänger?

Doppelgänger: A ghostly double or counterpart of a living person.

Alexandra Chando, Nina Dobrev.  Nina Dobrev, Alexandra Chando?  Which is which?  Who is who?  Okay, so obviously Alexandra Chando is to the left and Nina Dobrev is to the right.  Clearly.  But darlings you have met your doppelgänger.  Separated at birth, perhaps?  The resemblance is eerily uncanny.  Just look at them.  I mean, lookat them.  Even the smirk is remarkably familiar.  Have you ever wondered whether someone out there roaming the planet looks just-like-you?  Kinda freaky, isn't it?  I mean, think about it.  Somewhere in this vast universe there may be a someone who some may say is your long lost twin.  You know, the whole, "Wow, you two look like you were separated at birth" sort of thing.  I don't know about you but I sorta think about this quite often.  What if there is a girl that looks exactly like me? Where does she live?  What is she like?  What life path has she chosen?  Or, better yet, what path has life chosen for her?  This notion of a being with the same physical traits as you walking the Earth boggles my mind.  I did always want a twin sister.  Oh, the havoc we could have wreaked.  It would have been marvelous.  However, I am still on the look-out for my double mint twin.  Personally, I don't think I resemble anyone.  I have that whole unique thing going on (at least I'd like to think so).  Do you have a celebrity look-alike? If so, please, do share!
xoxo

Louboutins, Thanks, But No Thanks.

"A good shoe is one that doesn't dress you but undresses you.  So if a woman is naked, and wearing shoes, she should still look nude."
-Christian Louboutin

The Ziggles.  Yes, the Ziggles is the one reason why I turn down the shoe with the shiny red sole.  Don't understand?  Well, the adorable ball of fluff I call Ziggy Marley has a thing for shoes (and I don't mean wearing them).  Not any kind of shoes.  Not the husband's shoes.  No, that would be too much, I dunno, luck?  Ziggy only likes my shoes (and by like I mean likes to eat).  I've lost count as to how many shoes have perished at the ferocious jaws of the Ziggle monster.  Seriously.  You'd think I would have learned my lesson after the first, second,third pair of shoes, right?  Yeah, no (bad habits die hard?).  I still continue to leave my babies lying around.  I'll come home after a long day of work take off my heels only to find that the moment I do Ziggy comes and snatches them up.  He then proceeds to run around the house shoe in mouth as his teeth sink in the outer covering.  And, honestly, do I really want to see $800 bucks be used as a chew toy? The answer would be no.  No, I would not.  Because you see, at the end of the day, a shoe is just a shoe (even if it costs about as much as what you may pay for rent).  And, shiny red sole or not, I'd probably leave them at the edge of the stairs as well.  Just waiting for Ziggy to find them.  And, considering Ziggy has a nose for the finer things in life it'd be safe to say he'd go for the Louboutins before my Havaianas.  I've taught him well.  

xoxo 

Hello there, Mr.President.

"To stand in silence when they should be protesting makes cowards out of men."
-Abraham Lincoln

Photo courtesy of my friend, Rola.  She had an awesome view.

Don't worry.  This isn't going to be a post dedicated to flaunting my political stance.  No, no, and no.  Democrat, Republican, Left, Right, Blue, Red, tonight, at this very moment it does not matter.  Lincoln said, "The time comes upon every public man when it is best for him to keep his lips closed."  Well, said Abraham, well said.  So, don't get your panties in a twist.  You can keep your opinion and I will keep mine (to myself).

But today was a day unlike any other (I just had to share).  Barack Obama had a rally in my backyard (obviously not literally).  Mr.President had a post-debate rally at the Tennis Center in Delray Beach, Florida.  I woke up at five this morning, grabbed my ticket and headed out the door.  Yeah, I waited in line for quite sometime.  Yeah, I almost had my foot run over by some careless driver.  Yeah, I still had to go to work after it was all said and done.  Yeah, I am literally a walking zombie (I am not even sure how I haven't fallen face first on my lap top).  Yet, despite all of my exhaustion, it was absolutely worth it.  The energy that surrounded us in that tennis center was undeniably the most exhilarating sensation ever.  Ever.  The momentum made the exhaustion disappear (I wish I could say the same once I sat at my desk).  And, come on.  He is the president of our country, it was an honor to witness history unfolding itself before my eyes.  Trust me when I say this, they weren't lying when they said he could, "Fire it Up".  Because, darlings, we were fired up.  True story.

Barack Obama you rock!

I've said this before and I will say this again, my opinions belong to me and me alone.  I am in no way whatsoever making an attempt to persuade you otherwise.  My father always said there were three topics never  to be discussed; religion, sports and politics (at least not in public).

Dreamland awaits me.
xoxo

A Spoonful of Vinegar.

"When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change."
-Wayne W. Dyer

Vinegar, on my face?  Come again?  It took me some time to wrap my mind around this notion that vinegar could be used as toner.  And, since I am totally for trying new things (totally) it seemed like a grand idea.  Organic apple cider vinegar, how bad could you be?  Of course I only made this decision upon reading many, many, many reviews.  And those reviews were raving.  It seemed that I was out of the loop (I could not believe it).

Apparently, apple cider vinegar has amazing health benefits.  Not only can it be used to clear skin blemishes, but, you can drink it.  Yes, drink it.  Apple cider vinegar can be used as a remedy for heartburn, to improve bowel irregularity, helping the body to breakdown fat instead of storing it and it helps to alleviate joint pain & stiffness.  Basically, this stuff is pretty amazing.

So, one afternoon I made the decision that I would incorporate apple cider vinegar as a part of my daily skincare routine.  Yup.  Yes, I did.  And, I used it for a couple of weeks (it was great).  Until one day my sweet husband told me I smelled like a salad.  Yes, a salad.  I must admit, the strong scent is a bit difficult to grow accustomed to.  I caught myself spraying a tad bit more of Coco Mademoiselle in the mornings to mask the odor (it didn't work).  So, as quick as it came, it went.  Though, I must say, it did seem to be working.  And if you can get past smelling like lunch you should definitely try it.  Give it a week, a month, two months, your skin will thank you.  I for one had to say adios.  I much prefer my husband's kisses.
xoxo

Um, how do you spell that?

"I was not particularly bright, I wasn`t very athletic, I was a little too tall, odd, funny looking, I was just really weird as a kid."
-Uma Thurman

Uma Karuna Thurman, it does not matter one bit what you looked like as a "kid".  Because, darling, look at you now.  You are beautiful.  However, this is absolutely not about your physical beauty.

Okay, so, aside from giving birth I truly believe that naming a child is the most difficult thing ever.  Ever.  Like, I am not so sure how I feel about taking on the responsibility of giving a human a name he/she must live with for the rest of his/her life.  Yeah.  Okay.  So, you can totally get a name change as an adult.  But, those formidable years, you are stuck with whatever odd/crazy/weird/plain/normal moniker your parents chose for you.

Ugh.  Such a terrible feat.  And, that is where Ms.Thurman comes in.  What is it with celebrities, actually, people and naming their children these kooky names. Have you heard what Uma named her daughter? Well Rosalind Arusha Arkadina Altalune Florence Thurman-Busson (what a mouthful), welcome to the world.  You will have some fun learning to spell your name in kindergarten.  My question is, was that necessary?  Probably not.  And my dad thought having three names was too long (thus why I do not have a middle name).  Clearly, he was not up with the times.  Man, does that make me like un-cool or something?  The more names the more personalities bestowed upon you?

Yet, Uma is not the only one.  And, it isn't just celebrities.  This year alone there have been names such as Future, Cougar, Moo and Eh given to babies around the nation.  Eh?  Like, are you for real?  I'd ask to be home schooled.  And, to think, that at one time I thought being named Renata was weird.  Is it about being eccentric?  Or is it just about wanting to one-up the crazies before you? Then again, you could have been born into the Zappa family.   Diva Thin Muffin Pigeen, where are you?

xoxo

Eureka!

"You better not mess with me because I take myself very seriously."
-Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart.  I used to think we had a love/hate relationship.  But, honestly, I think it is safe to say that we can take away the love.  I tried.  Oh, I did try.  But, I-just-can't.  Last night the husband and I watched "Snow White and the Hunstman".  Not my choice.  Clearly.  During the atrocious portrayal of Snow White given by Miss.Stewart I had a moment. A light bulb went on.  Eureka!  Finally I understood what was wrong with the emotionless Kristen.  Constipation.  That strained face, that obnoxious moaning, the ridiculous trembling.  Kristen must have problems with her bowel movement.  For sure.  Like, it explains everything.  Kristen, darling, there are remedies for that.  Take a break from being such a wet blanket and stroll down to the drugstore.  Have you heard of Metamucil?  Fiber one?  How about laxatives?  Suppositories?  Honey, they would all help to soften the load (if you know what I mean).  And, perhaps, that look you have that you haven't pooped in a week will disappear.  Because, let's face it.  The only time you actually look like the Kristen below is with the handy-dandy help of a little thing called photoshop.  It really does do miracles.  The rest of us, well, we know that "constipated" is your signature look.
xoxo

Tick-Tock! Tick-Tock!

“Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty.
-Coco Chanel

From top to bottom we have: 23rd Birthday, 24th Birthday, 25th Birthday and 26th Birthday.

Okay, so, today, October 14th marks exactly the start of the last month of my 26th birth year.  Um, where in the world has the time gone?  Like, dude, I was 15 just yesterday.  Yesterday, I tell you.  I remember listening to Blink 182s "What's My Age Again", thinking, yikes, 23, that is effin' old.  And, then Sugar Ray singing about being 25 years old.  Again, I felt like 25 was so, so, so far away.  Yet, 23 and 25 came and went.  In a blink of an eye here I stand at 26.  Only one month away from being 27.  That is like only three years away from 30.  Ugh, yeah, 30.  They say it's the new 20, right?  Absofreakinlutely (yeah, not a word, I know).  When I was 15 I had a much different notion of where I would be today.  And, though it isn't exactly what I expected.  It is in fact much more than I could have imagined.  And though I have yet to achieve world domination, there is always tomorrow.
xoxo

I-pic, You-pic, We all Scream for I-pic.

"Everything I learned I learned from the movies".
-Audrey Hepburn

Over-sensationalized-hype.  Sure, it's pretty nice to have your own reclining chair.  To have a waiter at your beck and call.  But, all the wazoo individuals made up about it?  Um, talk about overstatement.  Maybe, just maybe I am upset over the fact that my chocolate cake wasn't as good as I'd expected.  How can you possibly mess up chocolate cake?  Exactly.  Ugh.  Yeah, whatevs.  Now, when I look over the whole dessert ordeal (I should have ordered the brownie sundae) I must say that it was pretty cozy (no, I did not use the blanket, ew).  And, you can't go wrong with complimentary popcorn.  If you know anything about me, I cannot, absolutely cannot watch a movie without popcorn.  So, I-pic, you had me at the kernel.  And, though I don't see myself going to the I-pic for every movie experience (I like enjoying a film with the masses) it is most definitely a repeat.  If you haven't gone, go, kick up your feet and chill.  Just don't under any circumstance order the chocolate cake.  Let's be real, Publix does it better.  Oh, and if you were wondering what movie we chose for our first I-pic soiree, the lucky one was "Argo".  Ben Affleck, I heart you.
xoxo

Shh! She's Coming!

“Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds discuss people.”
-Socrates

I do not.  Let me repeat.  I do NOT, condone cruel and unusual punishment.  I am all for peace and love, baby.  Now, with that being said, have you heard of "Scold's Bridle"?  You haven't?  Well, I'd suggest you google it.  Apparently, it was a mechanical device much like a muzzle used during Medieval times as punishment for gossiping and other things of that nature.  Yes, gossiping. Let it simmer.  Sounds absurd, right?  Completely.  Yet, why are there individuals adamant about speaking ill of others?  Are your lives that boring?  The idle mind is as bad as the idle hand.  Do you like to talk and talk and talk some more about things you know absolutely nothing of?  Hmm, I guess you should thank your lucky stars that we are living in the 21st century.  Right?  Right.  But, then again, history tends to repeat itself.  So, put that slithering tongue back in that overused mouth and pray.  Because, for your sake, I'd hope that Barbaric times are truly over.  Make sure your posse gets the memo.  Till next time.
xoxo

She's a Keeper.

"They say nothing lasts forever; dreams change, trends come and go, but friendships never go out of style"
-Carrie Bradshaw

The adult life is unaccommodating at times.  The measly 24 hours we have in the day is unreservedly not enough.  Our lives become monopolized between the monotonous activities that drive our daily routine.  It is utterly not okay to go out for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.  It is simply not okay to come home to your significant other a drunken fool every other night.  You are a big girl now.  You have big girl responsibilities.

The house could always be cleaner.  Your closet could always use more organizing.  And, the laundry basket seems to perpetually be full.  The domestic life is legit no joke.

And, this is where you realize if that person who says is your friend truly is your friend.  Because, at this point in your life it is utterly inconceivable to bum around like you did when you were a teenager.  For real.

Then you have the friend that you've known for what seems like forever.  The friend that comprehends that life can get a little hectic.  That is the friend you keep.

So, this post is just a little thanks to you, Teressa.  There is comfort in old friendships.  A comfort indefinable.  And, that is what you bring to me.  It never matters how long we haven't seen each other.  The moment we do, we always, pick up right where we left off.  And it had been far too long since our last rendezvous.

So, this morning we went for a morning walk on the beach, followed by breakfast, followed by smoothies.  I also had the pleasure of meeting Teress' good friend Debora.  Girls, I had a blast.  The conversation and the company could not have been better.

And, ladies, aren't we always on the prowl for fashion tips?  For ways to be a healthier eater?  For different ways to keep our tush in shape?  That is what I thought.  You don't even need to answer.  Well I have just the thing for you.  Debora and Teressa have a facebook page dedicated to just that.  For the every day girl.  Check out the SO YOU LIFE page.  And, don't forget to Like.  Till next time
xoxo

Livin' La Vida Vegas.

"Take me down to the paradise city where the grass is green and the girls are pretty"
-Guns N' Roses

For the husband's 25th birthday two years ago we decided we wanted to live la vida loca.  Well, the husband decided.  It has turned into somewhat of a tradition.  Every year for his birthday we take a trip to a place we've never been.  It is HIS birthday so I just go along with it.  Except when he wants to go to an island.  I cannot take the island life.  If it were up to him we would most likely travel to a different island every year.  I on the other hand, well, I am more of a city girl.  Hold-the-phone, sure, beaches are beautiful and sunshine is great.  But, let's be real.  You've seen one, you've seen them all.  So, to sin city we flew.  And, we had a fabulous time.  We made the Bellagio our home for a week, ate wonderful food, walked up and down the strip and laughed at the drunken mess of people swarming the inside of the casinos.  It was spectacular.  Until I got sick.  And, no, it wasn't caused from an alcohol binge.  It was a mild case of dehydration.  Yeah, only I would go to Vegas and become dehydrated.  So, here is what I suggest.  If you plan on going to Vegas during the month of June (it was 109 degrees at 10 o'clock at night) drink lots of liquids.  And, I mean H2O, not a vodka tonic.  Oh, so you think I am a party pooper?  Try having a bout of cold chills, nausea, and vomiting as you try to enjoy your delicious cheese burger.  Seriously.  Fun?  I think not.  Those sweet, sweet individuals standing under the blistering Vegas sun selling bottles of water are a lifesaver.  Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!  I also don't recommend spending a week in Las Vegas.  A weekend sure.  But, five whole days, you're pushing it.  Yeah, it was great to unwind poolside.  Yeah, it was great to meet Roberto Cavalli.  But, five days is two days too much.  Oh, and you must.  Seriously, MUST watch the O' Cirque De Soleil show.  The dancers. The story.  It was all exquisite.  And you would be so lucky to witness such beauty.  The husband and I relished in all the entertainment.  And, we'd definitely go back again.  Maybe.  Just maybe, I'd do a little gambling next time, actually, who am I kidding.  I do not gamble.  I'm still working on that poker face.  Till next time!
xoxo

Tears for Forest.

"Sometimes, I guess there's just not enough rocks. "
-Forrest Gump

In the words of Forrest Gump's momma, "Life is like a box of chocolates.  You never know what you're gonna get."  Well, unless your box comes with a legend.  Which I can safely assume mine was lost in the shuffle.  Let me just say that I am beyond glad that the work day of October 2, 2012 is officially over.  Today was simply one of those days.  One-of-those-days.  The kind of day that only a little Forrest could restore.  The more times I watch this movie the more tears I shed.  It's like I know what's coming and it makes it that much worst.  I am most definitely Miss.Sensitivity these last couple of days.  Where is this all coming from?  Okay, who am I kidding.  I cried when I saw "Bruce Almighty".  True.  So, so embarrassingly true.  So, you are totally judging me.  Judge away.  Judge away.  Forrest just reminds me of all the compassion that may still exist out in the terrible universe.  Right?  There are still good people out there?  There are still those that give without any expectations?  There are truly altruistic beings?  The optimist in me would like to believe there are.  For the sake of us all.  And, that is all I have to say about that.

What movie has made you cry?
I'd love to hear it.  Or are you like a friend of mine who doesn't cry.  At all.  Ever.  Not even during "Marley and Me", yeah, true story.  Crazy, I know.
Let me know!
xoxo

I am so over, being over, you.

"Trends change people change, it's all about details. If you dont pay attention to details you're doomed. I mean look at my nails! I went through junior high wearing nothing but pink.  Now pink makes me puke so I change, rearrange, see, it's called demented.  No seriously the color is called demented."
-Marcie
"Jawbreaker"

I completely.  Completely.  Seriously, I completely understand the redundancy of what I am about to outline.  The whole girl-on-girl drama.  You've had it.  I've had it.  We have all had it.  And, quite frankly I am pretty effin' over that -ish.  For real.  Ladies, let's all take a second, or two, actually take all the seconds you need and breathe.  Really, take a breath.  Inhale.  Exhale.  Inhale.  Exhale.  Inhale.  That is much better.  Now listen the eff' up.  I can speak for us all when I say, "Get off that ridiculous high horse and come back to planet Earth".  Like the color pink your attitude makes me want to puke.  Like, I just threw up in my mouth a little thinking of how utterly repulsive you are.  Yes you.  You know who you are.  The you that walks around like you own the place.  The you that forgets there are other human beings on this planet.  The you that probably does not have one single person who truly enjoys your presence. Not one. Nope, not even your momma.  Sad, isn't it?  The you with the self-entitled, self-centered, self-absorbed, self-indulgent, self-interested, self-seeking, selfish ailment.  You pollute my living space with your diarrhea of the mouth.  I hope reality smacks the smug right out of you.  True story.  Hey, I have got to keep it real.
xoxo