Blog Challenge Day 6: Pictures That Make You Happy

There are a lot of things that make me happy, but I thought that I would share narrow it down to two.

(Really? I could go on and on about things that make me happy, but to narrow my focus and provide pictures, I had to hone in.)

Harry rocking the 'hawk.

When my Grandpa was still alive, he liked to take rides on his walker.

Hiking with Harry

Little pooper at 4 months old

When I come home to this sleepy puppy, all I want to do is cuddle.

This is his business face.

Every time I see the picture, I laugh and tear up at the same time. I miss you, Grandpa.

Happy Halloween!!

Don't let the moon scare you...

...from having a SPOOK-tacular day!!

RAWR!!

Going Artsy with the iPhone

A post on the go, my little chickadees!

I was trying to capture a shot of Harry's faded blue 'hawk, but I got this little piece instead. We were in the living room on the floor and I don't know how I got the picture without any color in the background.

In short, I love my pup and my iPhone 4!!

Happy Halloween Eve!!

(Side note: got my hair done today and booked my next appointment...for CHRISTMAS EVE!! That means that Christmas is EIGHT weeks away!!)

Halloween Playlist

I'm trying to get myself into Halloween this year. I didn't decorate. I'm recycling a costume from high school. (Score one for living at home and going through the storage room, minus a million for my pride.) I am not going out to get wasted. I am going to a party on Sunday, but that's more hanging out than anything else....in a Grecian Goddess costume. To get myself more in the spirit (and prevent me from changing my blog design to Thanksgiving) I thought that I would throwout some songs quintessential for a Halloween party.

Perhaps you'll use the songs to get read to, perhaps you'll add them to your own playlist. Perhaps you'll just say, "Check, check, check".

1. Thriller by the one and only MJ. File this under "Duh".
2. Monster by Mother Monster, Lady Gaga. That boy is a monster.
3. Monster Mash by some dude named Boris Pickett. It's always a graveyard smash.
4. Toccata & Fugue by Bach. His organ work is haunting. Get it?
5. Addams Family by Vic Mizzy. It's an moldy oldie.
6. Addams Groove by MC Hammer. Do what want to do, say what you want to say.
7. Little Red Riding Hood by Sam the Sham and the Pharoahs. It's creepy how his voice makes you sexy/dirty/scared all at once.
8. I Put A Spell On You by Jay Hawkins.Two words: Hocus Pocus. Done and done.
9. Zombie by The Cranberries. The song says Zombie over and over.

OK, so in making that list, I thought about movies that I like to watch this time of year. And, I'm going with what I watch, not some of the obvious ones *cough* ABC Family *cough*.

1. Hocus Pocus. File this under "Duh" while you're filing Thriller.
2. Practical Magic. It has witches and people coming back from the dead. And tequila.
3. Beetlejuice. Pure Burton brilliance.
4. Sleepy Hollow. I can really picture New England as spooky.
5. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
6. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
7. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (I stop here because after this installment, HP is less halloweenie and more serious.)
8. Teen Witch. I'm going to be the most popular guurrrllll.
9. The Worst Witch. It was made for TV, but made of brilliance.
10. The Craft. It's the second movie where Fairuza Balk is a witch.(Fun fact: Fairuza is the witch in The Worst Witch.)

 Happy Halloween!!

Blog Challenge Day 5: The Sibs

To my mother and father, I am their only child. I mean, I don't have siblings, so I'm an only child. Not that I have siblings and I'm their favorite, but then again, even as the only child, I'm not the favorite. I lose to a dead dog and cousins sometimes. (Not kidding.)

Anyway, when my dad married Sharon, I got two step brothers and a step sister. Since we all live in different places, we don't really see too much of each other and are still getting to know each other.

Sarah is the oldest and has an 18 year old son...which means I have a quasi-nephew, but not really. Although, I do point out to my dad that he's a grandpa. HA! She lives in Michigan with her hubby.

Bill is the middle child and lives in Orlando. His girlfriend/fiancee and her kids are altogether as one happy family in the middle of the world's biggest tourist trap.

[Sandwich me in here in age]

Aaron is the youngest. He's a punk rock guitar player. He's tatted up and pierced, and I think that he's working on dreads right now. He used to have a mohawk. Fun fact: One of his tattoos is on the INSIDE of his bottom lip.

Bill, Aaron, Sharon, Dad, Sarah, and Me

Things I'm Loving Right Now

To spare some of my gentlemen readers, I won't be spouting on about more beauty products.

(Although I am thinking that I may have a Brant Redux slash BP inspired post for oil slick cleanup ideas for the face and hair.)

Sunrises
Sunsets are gorgeous and look somewhat the same (Well, not in Colorado where sunrise over the prairie, sunset is behind 14ers), but there's something about the sunrise that means that you are going to attack the day.

I took this on the way to work this morning.

Gluten-Free Pasta
This may seem random, but I really like gluten-free pasta more than "normal" pasta right now. Why? Because I can cook the whole thing and reheating a portion actually tastes better than reheating regular pasta. Gluten-free pasta can be a little bard to cook, but I have found a great brand called Tinkyada. It even says that the pasta can withstand "quite a bit overcooking". Also, reheat tip, Fill up the container containing the pasta with water. Microwave for a couple of minutes, then drain the water. Voila! Pasta that tastes fresh made!

They have everything from macaroni, to lasagna, to spaghetti, to fucilli.

Applesauce
Seriously? What is it about applesauce that makes me happy? If you've ever had to be on the BRAT diet, then you know that the "A" is for applesauce. So, how is it that no matter how I may feel, I love applesauce? It's a fruity treat that doesn't need to be sweetened, can be warmed or chilled, sprinkled with cinnamon, ahhh...so yummy!!

YUM!

Ants on a Log
I may have been channelling my inner preschooler lately. I'm digging applesauce. I want Ants on a Log. I've always wanted naps. Man, preschoolers have the sweet life. Aside from timeouts. Totally not cool. Anyway, I have sophisticated my tastes, though, Instead of the usual peanut butter, I use almond butter. I get the fresh made stuff from Whole Foods. Although, I have been dying to try their peanut & chocolate butter making machine....chocolate...peanut butter....I digress. And drool. Anyway, for those of you not in the know, Ants on a Log is simply celery filled with nut butter of some sort topped with raisins. It's a great blend of textures and tastes. It's crunchy, creamy, and chewy, all the while decadent and sweet. I think I want this for lunch!

So simple, yet so delicious.

Next up? I think I'll make Dirt. (Cool Whip, chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos, and gummi worms.) Or Sand. (Cool Whip, vanilla pudding, crushed vanilla wafers, and maltballs - for coconuts)

New On Ramps
They completed the new on ramp to the interstate last night and opened it this morning. It allows for more time to accelerate and an extended merge/acceleration lane to make it easier for me to pass the semi trucks and merge with traffic going 65 mph. I think that they are still going to add the traffic flow stop lights because there's an HOV lane on the on ramp, but I don't care. I'm weirdly excited!

What are you loving this morning?

Blog Challenge Day 4: Meet the 'Rents

Let's start off with some history on these two. They met in high school on a ski trip between their two schools.

Time out.
They lived in the same neighborhood about a half mile apart. Even in the same floor plan. But, my dad went to one high school, my mom went to another one on the other side of the neighborhood in another district. Really? Weird. I know.
Time in.

 The irony about them meeting on a ski trip? I've never been skiing.

These two crazy kids decided to get married when my dad was 19 and my mom was three weeks shy of 19. They were babies! But they had already been together for over a year. They then kicked it as newlyweds and old married people for six years before I was born. Of course, I was the light of their life. I mean, who could resist, right?

When I was 12, they got divorced. Blessing, really. I have gotten to know my parents as individuals. Not to mention survive middle school living between two houses. I think that set me up to get along with a lot of people in the long run.

When I was 14, my dad got the wild hair up his ass to marry someone who I despised. I couldn't put too fine a point on it at the time, but I just did not like the woman. No one liked her. Except herself, her mom, and my dad. Her daughter even had a tough time with liking her.

What's awesome is that my dad saw the error of his ways and left her. That's when he met Sharon. She's awesome. She fits into our family, makes my dad happy, and makes him live life. In short, I dig her. Sharon's originally from Michigan, where they live now. Although the Great White (Frozen) North is not my ideal vacation spot, I like to visit when I can.

Now that we're done with the history lesson, let's move onto statistics.

Mom's Tale of the Tape
Name: Sandra (a/k/a Sandy, MOM!, Mama, Mother)
Birthday: October 31
Sign: Scorpio
Occupation: Compliance & Control
Favorite Things: Naps. Diet soda. Naps. Denver Bronco football. Naps.

Mom taught me how to make napping an Olympic sport. We're really good at it. Power naps or something all afternoon. She's worked for Pepsi for over 30 years. Seriously. Started as a cashier and now she does something with cash. She's an awesome mom and someone that I know I can always depend on. We obviously get along really well because I still live at home. I have become accustomed to a lifestyle and I would rather live at home than be poor and further in debt.

Dad's Tale of the Tape
Name: Phillip (a/k/a Phil, Dad, Daddio, Father.)
Birthday: February 12
Sign: Aquarius
Occupation: Something with sales or consulting or something....not too sure.
Favorite Things: Yard work. House projects. Cafe World. Electronics and gadgets.

My dad is a techno-weenie. He loves to find the latest and greatest in gadgetry. He will research and then find the best deal possible. He also has the best looking yard on the block. Regardless of watering restrictions. He makes it work. He's also very handy. He's not the "I'll get a drywall screw to fix the dining room table" type, but the let's make this nice and functional. I have many memories of hanging out in his shop on the weekends as his helper. Some days that was a little begrudged, but whatever. I know how to use tools. And construct things. Boo yeah. I don't get his obsession with Cafe World just like I don't get people and Farmville. To each their own.

Sharon's Tale of the Tape 
Name: Sharon (a/k/a Step Mom)
Birthday: August 5
Sign: Leo
Occupation: Radio Management...I think...she just started back up.
Favorite Things: Beaches. Golf. A great sale. Decorating.

Not that Sharon had a whole lot to live up to after my dad's second wife, but she blasts my best expectations out of the water. She is easy going, can make a home look like Better Homes without the price tag, she's funny, dedicated, loyal, awesome mom (She's got three kids and a grandson...but that's a post for Day 5). Basically, she's my dad's lobster.

The 'rents and me in December 2004...somehow my mom can escape my camera lense. This is the most recent pic and doesn't look that much like her now...but then neither do I or my dad.

Me with my dad back in 1983

Sharon, me, and my dad at their wedding in June 2009

My three dads...my Uncle Brian (Dad's lifetime BFF - seriously, for over 45 years), my dad (I didn't fall far from that tree), and my Uncle Larry (He's my godfather and my dad's friend from high school...although then, Larry was more Chong than a jock like my dad.)

Me and Sharon at Christmas 2009

Can a Prep Break This Down for Me?

As you've read, ad nauseum, I'm from Colorado. I am a preppy kid with my pearls and my polos, wearing loafers and khakis, cable knits in the winter, etc. etc. I have been to the east coast and I think that I blend into the New England fashion quite well, thankyouverymuch, but what I cannot understand is Vera Bradley.

Call it blasphemy to my monogrammed preppy ways, but outside of cosmetic cases or umbrellas, I just don't see the attraction.

Why all of the wonderment and questioning the taste of fellow prepsters? I got my mom a purse for her birthday from Vera. My mom has specific tastes in that she wants something that it light empty, zips shut, has some pockets inside and out, and a strap so that she has hands free. We couldn't be farther from each other in tastes.

I love a purse with durability, hardware, supple leather, design features, and can be flopped closed or sets open (zippers are OK), but won't spill all the contents out if I have to brake a little harder.

This is what I am toting about town right now. It's a L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani from 2005. (The CSU pride was just a bonus. In fact, it was one of the reasons it took me so long to buy it.)

This is my current lust for the fall. Coach's Madison Sophia Satchel in black leather. Although I will accept it in the bone color, too.

 So now you see what I am coming in with. I went to the local Vera Bradley pusher and started to look through everything to see what they had. My initial reaction was sensory overload. The patterns are so busy that I had a tough time focusing on one item to figure out what I was actually looking at. Whether it had zippers in the right places, whether I would use it (Nope), and whether I would be OK being in public with it. (Vain? Don't judge.) Had my mom not specifically asked for the queen of quilting and patterns, I wouldn't even entertain the idea. However, we're talking about The Moms. I had to put aside my overstimulated brain and preconceptions and find something.

Here's what I ended up with:

Hipster in Java Blue - 11" x 11" x 1¾" with 52" adjustable strap

My brain can't even get a rest because the inside is even patterned!

 So this had two outside zipper pockets, one deep drop pocket on the outside, a zipper closure, a long strap to go between shoulder bag and across the body, and three drop pockets on the inside.

Thinking I wouldn't have hit a home run on my first go with her birthday present (and that I can't wait to give people gifts!) I gave it to her last night so that if she wanted something different, I had time to get her something by her actual birthday on Sunday. (Yep, she's a Halloweenie Baby) Well, guess what? I did good! Even though I had a tough time residing myself to buying one of these bags, My mom loved it. To quote her, "It's tall enough for a sudoku book and a pencil...and a Diet Pepsi..." She's in lurve with it.

I am still having a tough time with it though. I need a prepster to break it down for me so I understand your inclination, nay, OBSESSION with Ms. Vera.

Drop some knowledge. I'm ready.

Blog Challenge Day 3: My First Love

"There's a difference between 'like' and 'love'. Like, I like my Skechers, but I love my Prada backpack."


[Bonus points for naming the movie.]

Being a self-professed novice at relationships and love, my first love was not a romantic love. Rather it was my dog Elliott. He was a buff cocker spaniel and lived for a long time...I think something like 10 years. He was so precious. By the end, he responded to Elliott, Buddy, and Dancing Bear. Don't ask how "Dancing Bear" got in there....

Lazy day in the grass back in '89

Classic Olan Mills shot. I'm one awkward pose away from making awkwardfamilyphotos.com. Seriously? What's with the crotch block with one hand and an obscene gesture with the other?

Back to Basics

First, I am experimenting with my signature, in case you didn't pick that up. I know that you are avid readers, so you would have already noticed it. I'm just addressing the 300 lbs. gorilla in the room. Good? I'm glad we got that out of the way. Also? I don't get paid to promote or review anything. Just so we're clear. I talk about what I want and how much I like/dislike it. So, it's my opinion without payment, take it or leave a comment. Now, on with the show!

I have recently gotten into a kick of having the minimum make up, hair, and nails done. All. The. Time. This may have to do with meeting a boy, but I would never admit to that. Although, it doesn't hurt if I see a boy and I look naturally and effortlessly beautiful. Usually, I go into work with my hair thrown back somehow and no make up with perhaps unpolished or chips nails.

For now, here's what I have on as a minimum when I step out the door:

Bare Escentals "Prime Time for Eyes"

 I think we've established that I have oily skin. Sometimes, I like to keep a matte look on my eyelids. This is where Prime Time comes in. This is also great under shadow and liner since it will keep it in place. No joke. I have had many a wild and crazy night where I've woken up with near perfect shadow on my eyelids.

Bare Escentuals blush in "Premiere"

To be fair, this isn't a picture of Premiere, but you get the idea. I little pink on the apple of my cheeks just brightens it enough.

Laura Mercier Eyebrow Brush and Powder Duo

 This? Is my secret weapon since high school. I have a haufbrau - get it? Haufbrau = half brow? - so when I have a photo taken of me without any powder in my brows, it looks like I have just half a brow. I add definition to my eye without looking like someone took a brown sharpie to my face. It just fills in the little hairs and make me look a little more polished.

Cover Girl's "Lash Blast Fusion" in Very Black

I was in the market for a new mascara since mine had dried up. I was looking at reviews from magazines, other bloggers, friends, Sephora, etc. before deciding to give this a try. Am I glad that I did! I washed cleanly off, doesn't crumble or smear, and makes my lashes long and lush! It's got an awkward container, but whatever I can deal.
 

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure

I have blogged about this before, but I love the Plum Luck shade. It's a deep purple that's great for fall. I top each coat (only 2 needed!) with a quick dry top coat so that it stays shiny AND dried. I can't tell you how many times I will patiently wait with my hands outstretched not touching anything still just to wake up to fabric or hair imprints in the polish! So frustrating until I had the brilliance to try a quick dry top coat. And guess what? It worked!

With my eyes naturally highlighted with a soft glow to my cheeks and non-chipped, painted nails on my fingertips, I can step out the door a little more confident than before!

Blog Challenge Day 2: The Meaning Behind the Name

Thinking back to when I created this blog, I wanted it to be cute, but also explain a little bit about me and my life as a twenty-something single in the city. A Colorado Cupcake was my inspiration, so I chose something that I always seem to have in my life: Caffeine and Cocktails.

I live life assuming that everything is a photo op. Some days? It's more like that section where they blot out the eyes with a black rectangle to protect the identity of the offender of fashion, but that's another post. Back to the point. Most of my social outings will have at least one of the two - Caffeine in the form of Starbucks, red bull, or perhaps soda and/or cocktails in the form of beer, wine, or spirits. This may make me sound like an amped up lush, but as of late, I'm caffeine free (outside of a cup of green tea) and I only have maybe 3 cocktails. That's a whole post in itself as to me complete 180 degrees in my habits.

Basically, I like the occasional cocktail and mild caffeine, but not too often...talk about age getting the better of me!

30 Day Blog Challenge

 I found this little challenge by several means...first through B at I.M.T.L.Y. and then from The Life of Delta Daisies who got hers from Along the Way with V & J, who got her inspiration from so-and-so who got hers from whatshername. Basically, it's like a chain letter without the nasty ill wishes on someone who doesn't participate.

Anyway, here's what the challenge entails: blog once a day about different pre-determined subjects. Here's the list as we know it:

Day 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts

Day 2-Meaning behind your blog name

Day 3-Your first love

Day 4-Your parents

Day 5-Your siblings

Day 6-A picture of something that makes you happy

Day 7-Favorite movies

Day 8-A place you've traveled to

Day 9-A picture of your friends

Day 10-Something you're afraid of

Day 11-Favorite tv shows

Day 12-What you believe

Day 13-Goals

Day 14-A picture you love

Day 15-Bible verse

Day 16-Dream house

Day 17-Something you're looking forward to

Day 18-Something you regret

Day 19-Something you miss

Day 20-Nicknames

Day 21-Picture of yourself

Day 22-Favorite city

Day 23-Favorite vacation

Day 24-Something you've learned

Day 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs

Day 26-Picture of your family

Day 27-Pets

Day 28-Something that stresses you out

Day 29-3 Wishes

Day 30-a picture





Without further adieu...
____________________
 Day 1: Me, myself and I - plus 15 random facts


Allow to introduce myself. My name is Humpty, pronounced with an Umpty. Jokes.

Welcome to my life as I know it! I started blogging here last year, but I have really gotten into it this year. Hopefully you enjoy my random thoughts!

From my Connecticut Wedding Weekend October 2010

1. I am a (late) twenty-something living in Denver where I was born and raised. 
2. I went to undergrad at Colorado State in Fort Collins, CO and earned my Masters from the University of Denver College of Law. 
3. I am a Delta Delta Delta alumnae.
4. I frequently change my hair color, although for the last year, I'm holding down the blonde quite well.
5. I've always had a spaniel as a family pet. Elliott was my blondie from childhood, Harry's the poopy puppy now.
6. Even though I am a Colorado native, I have never been skiing.
7. I am certified to teach archery and windsurfing.
8. I am OB. SESSED. with reality TV, especially of the Bravo incarnations.
9. I am a self-professed nerd - from Harry Potter, to technology, to fashion.
10. I love to travel and wish that I had the means to travel more.
11. I'm a fan of the Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalance, and Colorado Rockies.
12. I have one blessed life with family, friends, and adventures.
13. I day dream. A lot.
14. My favorite authors are Jen Lancaster and J.K. Rowling.
15. My real name is Anastasia, but since everyone seems to mispronounce it when I was growing up, I go by Ana...although the animated movie helped, it was too late.

Things I'm Loving Right Now

I'm having a little writers block, so I thought that I would share things that I am loving right now in picture form and then write a little description of how the love affair began. Enjoy!

Zac Brown Band's new album "You Get What You Give"

There's a couple of repeat tracks from their first album, but I'll forgive them. From their guitar picks and melodic tunes to their lyrics that make you giggle, this album puts me in a good, calm mood.

Boscia's "Luminizing Black Mask"

My fellow blogger and friend, A Colorado Cupcake turned me onto Sephora (BIG mistake) and to this little gem of a mask. It's a peel off mask that you can visibly see the nasty dead skin and pore clogging crap that it takes out. Tip: apply in downward strokes because it will take some hair with it...it's kind of like a band-aid. Also, avoid your hairline, brows, and follow the directions when it says apply below your ocular bone. This stuff can make you tear up if it's too close to your eyes.

Boscia's "Willow Bark Breakout Treatment"

Lately, my chin has been rebelling against me. From touching my face, to resting my work phone on my chin, to pressing my cell against my face (sometimes in the process putting people on hold accidentally), and hormones, my skin is truly winning the war on zits. At the recommendation of Sephora's helpers, I tried this lightweight, non-drying gem.

Boscia's "Clear Complexion Cleanser"

Continuing my love affair with Boscia and Sephora, I went back to try to find a skin care system because my oily face and dry, flaky-ness was not cool. Based on some recommendations, I settled on this cleanser. It feels silky while I'm lathering and rinses off my make up, too! A little trick I learned about face wash and wash clothes is that the weave of the cloth can spread those zit making bacteria, so it's best to just use your hands on your face.

Boscia's Vital Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15

Part of the skin care regimen that is necessary for the dry flaking to cease is this moisturizer. It has that SPF that we need here in Colorado. Also, I like the light feeling and texture it gives my face. I use it in the morning and at night and have noticed a lot of reduced flakey-ness.

Philosophy's "The Microdelivery Peel"

Part of the whole kit and kaboodle from Spehora that I took hook, line, and sinker is this microderm kit from Philosophy. OK, well, I didn't buy it, but she gave me a ton of samples to make sure that I like it before I commit. It's like dating before moving in together. I use this every 3 days. (One day on, one day just cleanse, one day mask, one day cleanse, then one day on again.) The combination of the exfoliation that this provides is tough enough, but mild enough to be paired with a mask that sucks out all the yucky stuff. I feel that this will be a staple as the Colorado winter really kicks in and my skin dries up.

Burt's Bees "Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream"

Speaking of dry Colorado winters and cracking skin, I love this cuticle cream from Burt's Bees. It's lemony fresh and really take care of my cuticles. This year, I am hoping to get a head start so that I don't have hang nails or cracking.

A&E TV's "Paranormal State"

Perhaps it's because it's Halloween time and ghost stories give you the heebee jeebees. Maybe it's because I think that ghosts are real. Whatever it is, I can't help but watch this show. It creeps me out and makes me think every bump in the night is a signal of something from beyond. And yes, I watch this right before I go to sleep. I'm a genius.

Bravo's "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills"

This incarnation of the addictive franchise takes us to the land of swimming pools and movie stars. These housewives have some major coin compared to previous cities and some major drama. If it's not the former child star that is obsessed with her kids, it's her sister telling her to cut the umbilical cord and be her own person. Then there's the pending divorce of Camille with her hubby...this season is gonna be good!

Baby Seamus

Last, but definitely NOT least, is little baby Seamus. Seamus is a little blessing for my friend Mandy and her husband Shane. His older brother Brendhan was lost to a full abruption that also came close to claiming Mandy's life, too. He was born October 14 ans is soooo freaking precious. I can't wait to get to know this little guy!