Halloween, Shmalloween!

I'm not feeling the holiday. I know I sound like a bit of a scrooge...I apologize. It's just not really getting me this year. The husband came home for a ridiculously quick 36 hours..just enough time to carve a pumpkin, burn the seeds, and realize how much it truly sucks when he's not here. So here I am...watching Charlie Brown alone and refusing to get sucked into the plethora of horror that is polluting my tv. I am already turning all the lights on in the house because I am not used to being alone..no need for the images of Freddy and Jason haunting my sleepless nights.

I think that the changes are just getting to me. It's amazing how your life can completely flip flop..and you don't even recognize it. I was fine and then all of a sudden..I am alone in Colorado...it's almost Halloween..there is an INSANE blizzard and I have no desire to put on a costume. I feel like just yesterday I was in college, systematically designing my costume selection for weeks ( in between an array of dress up opportunities that already existed in my glutinous sorority world of theme parties and drinking festivities...) Halloween was such a fabulous excuse to party extra hard..one night of alter ego's and extreme character portrayl. But this year, it seems like it's just in my way.

I am ready to move on to Thanksgiving. Family, turkey, football and parades...a much better reason to celebrate. Sorry Halloween, but this year..I am done with you.

I apologize for the moodiness..it will pass...I think I just miss the man:(

Wa Wa Warhol!!

I stumbled upon the most interesting documentary this winters eve.."Andy Warhol's Factory People." Insane. Just insane. What an incredibly interesting man. I have always been in tune to Warhol art. The bare simplicity of his pieces have always intrigued me...Marilyn, Campbell's soup, bananas, pure genius... I mean who can seriously take a banana and put it on the living room wall of the nation's elite? His perspective and pure zaney-ness truly paved the way for not only artists, but individuals alike.But the man behind the lens, even more intriguing. The drugs..the people..the art..the drama. What a man and wow..what a groundbreaking time. Loving my education programing:)

Andy Warhol....B*A*N*A*N*A*S!

Wonderous Weather!

Well...I went bed last night after a nice long walk in the cool fall air. Jotted a quick to-do list of outdoor activities for the next day including: rake leaves, weed driveway, sweep porch, wash car.... Funny thing is, it looks like my day cleared up. I awoke this lovely October morning to a swirl of blustery snow!!

Oh Colorado...how I adore your unpredictable weather fury!!

Pride

Today is Saturday. Just a normal Saturday like any other; for me. But for my cousin Sam..today is different. Today he leaves for Afghanistan. I feel an unusual combination of emotion. This is something completely foreign to me and I can't seem to come to peace with it. This war, for the first time ( I am ashamed to say) has really hit home. What I do know is that he is the kind of man I am proud to call my family...I am proud to call my soldier. He is a good man, he is determined and he is honorable. I can only hope to be so strong. I can only hope to ever be so brave....

His amazing sister put her thoughts into words..and I think that she is so phenomenally poignant. I would like to share her words with you.

"*Obama's War*...taking my brother...and I think I'm ok with it"

"If you know me...you know there's a few things in life that I don't like...showing emotion...and writing about it. But this has to be said.I'm sitting here in my warm apartment...'studying.' Washing my sheets (only because I like to sleep on fresh clean sheets,) wishing my neighbor wasn't playing his TV so loud, and cranky because it's cloudy outside. I have warm coffee in my tummy, had cereal with strawberries for breakfast, and just realized that I need to shave my legs...I have 3 papers due next week, and I'm dreading work on Saturday...I hope it doesn't smell like poo in there all day. I'm spoiled rotten.This Saturday, while I'm sitting in my comfortable chair at work, gracefully answering patient calls...my baby brother will be on his way to work...in Helmand, Afghanistan. (Helmand just happens to be one of the places the Taliban hang out.)He won't be sleeping for prob...a few days. When he will get to sleep it wont be in a bed, or on a cot. He will only sleep for a few hours at a time. He'll get to eat MRE's for the next 7 mo. No NEX, ATM's, or Mess Halls. He'll work during the day in 120 degree heat, and freeze in the cold at night. He won't punch in at work everyday...he won't get any weekends off. There will be no thanksgiving dinner, or champagne toasts on New Years. He'll be way too busy...protecting America. I was supposed to drive down to NC after work on Saturday. He was supposed to leave on Monday. It's tradition to share tequila shots and cause mayhem with my brother before he leaves for a long departure. I think the Marine Corps found that out... because now he leaves on Saturday.It's probably best that I don't see him before he leaves. I know what he's going to see over there. I know the danger he will be in every second of every day after he leaves American soil. I know he will suffer from extreme exhaustion, heat, cold, and hunger. I know he will always have dust in his eyes, sunburn on his face, and sores on his feet. Where he is going, they walk...everywhere. The only piece of equipment keeping him from stepping on a mine is a freaking robot. I will miss his pointless phone calls. How he calls and demands you answer the phone...but then talks the whole time to someone sitting next to him. Random texts just to tell me how retarded I am. Disgusting pasta he makes with whole wheat noodles. I might even miss the rank farts that turn the walls of my apartment yellow. But - I have never been more proud of someone in my life. (Dad retiring, Rach getting married, and seeing Christopher walk are right up there too :)I know that I can sleep at night because of my brother. I know that my daughter will learn about this war in school, and know that her Uncle was right there in the middle of it. She will learn about her Uncle bravely fighting the Taliban to keep her and all her little friends safe. Not only is my brother doing this for his family, friends, and future generations...he is also doing this for the Afghan people, and their future generations.I never would have imagined that on Sept. 11th, my little brother, (in high school) would one day be within feet of the Taliban terrorists ... and kicking ass.This was a much needed purge of emotion, and I now think I'm ok with him going. If I had known what an amazing person he would have turned out to be, how he has been the best male role model / father figure to my daughter, and how he would go to war for our family and America...I might not have spray painted his hair purple while he slept...(Or smashed his alarm clock, told on him for hiding cookies under his bed, stole a few bucks from his wallet, put pics of him dressed up in a bra on the Internet, drew harts with "love, mommy" on his lunch bag in high school, or saran wrapped the toilet so he peed all over the floor.)My little bratty brother has far exceeded my expectations, and the expectations of the Marines. With him being hand picked to go to Helmand...I know he's a hero.I promise him, that...I will pray for him and all the troops every day, I will not get a dog and I will not marry Cohen (while he's gone), my daughter will know that her Uncle is a hero, and I will have mas tequila waiting....... for when he comes home."

Adios NYC

Our very best friends have decided to take the plunge and leave the big apple!!! They have been the twinkle of the city the last two years..and with the planning and arrival of their nuptials upon us..they are traveling back to the homeland, Florida!! I am truly excited for these two beach bums..turned southern-yanks..turned Floridians once again. They leave next week..and TODAY is K's last day as an assistant shoe buyer at Saks Fifth Ave. I know she is excited, yet sad to leave this challenging and thrilling time in her life. It's always hard to change, even when you are returning to what was once everyday life. No matter what she does and where she does it she will be successful, I have no doubts. Here is to a new chapter...Adios NYC!!

Daydreams of design

I have been sitting in the middle of my bare living room today. We were so lucky with furniture in the big move to CO...every room is practically filled and lush with design and memories. Well..all BUT the poor living room. It sort of has a square of stuff surrounding the lack of furniture. Some great book shelves, an awesome vintage bar from mamma-in-law, a fabulous sofa table with two gorgeous Trobridge prints, endless wedding gifts..styled up to perfection, and a great in table at the front door. It's actually a little silly..all these beautiful things surrounding this big empty space! But in reality, how often do we use the living room anyway? So its no big worry...but I am having a ball dreaming of my "to be" living area. I can wait for it to be exactly perfect.

This is my inspiration for my some day room...

A girl can fantasize..right??!!!

Some of my favorite smells...

Red Current No.96-Candlesoffmain.com




Aloha Orchid by Capri Blue Chub Candle-Highfashionhome.com








Jasmine Gardenia by Trapp-scentsandsprays.com








Japanese Quince by Seda France-scents andsprays.com

Check them out! Maybe you'll muster up and old memory:)

Scents and Sweet Sentiments

I was recently chatting with K about scents. I think that the smells of a place, person, or moment are incredibly underestimated. Sometimes I forget names and even faces..but I always remember smells. Some scents always take you away....

My grandmother has worn the same perfume for as long as I can remember. Whenever I am near her, I am enveloped in a whirl of memories.

Two darling friends from college ( who just recently moved back in together!! woo hoo) always had the most amazing scents in their apartment. There was always a Trapp candle burning..and to this day..one whiff and I think I'm back on the girls' couch, sipping a glass of red wine while chatting our college days away.

The husband wears one and one only cologne. I could bathe in the stuff. It reminds me of high school...sitting in front of him in Spanish class and literally swooning when he walked by. I used to drench his t-shirts in the stuff when I went away and bury my nose in the luxury of him. I even found a candle once that perfectly replicated the scent...oh heaven in a bottle.

Cedar reminds me of camp...lotion always takes me to my mothers bedside, kissing her goodnight...evergreen is Christmas eve and honeysuckle takes me back to the house I grew up in.

Aren't these kind of memories wonderful. To be whisked away to a person or place you love just by the twitch of your nose! Scents are so personal and so very important.

Introductions

I've had such an day of inspiration. its quite funny when you start to write everything down. Every moment becomes a bit of a "hey hey"...cooking dinner, t.v, phone convo, trip to the grocery store..so many thoughts:) i feel like i should be on Oprah's book club, ha! But I don't want this to become a glorified diary. so, believe me..I will try to edit.

I figure..I am going to talk about the people in my life. I just cant help it. They make up my days..my inspirations..my drive..my passions. So in order to clear up slight confusion..I'm going to try and describe the basics...

I have my groom. I don't want to give him a code name...we don't have "pet names" if you will..so far he has been "the husband." I enjoy the finesse of that. As of now, I like it.

Mom and Dad are ever so important...but they are so far from just a basic parental unit. They are uber fabulous..super cool...incredibly gracious...darling..adoring...beyond wonderful. So I will refer to them in 2 genres....as a couple N&G...but alone mamma dearest=FANCY and pappa dearest= Mr. S...

As for the BF...she's K. This actually makes me laugh, because I really do refer to her as K in my daily life. However, every single one of my dearest friends from college have names that begin with K ( besides one very special J.) So in truth..there in no clarity @ all? I actually think I make things more confusing. Oh well ,it is what it is...

Any way..she's pretty great; keeps me going strong in this new adventure and always the most supprotive shoulder to turn to. She likes to talk on the phone way too much for anyones own good...but she is the best listener ever! K posesses pretty much the weirdest sense of humor ever, has a phenomenal laugh, and..as you can see..a great dancer. She's a fabulous maven and has the most amazing shoe collection ever! With a tinge of fire in her, she's often known as "viper"..but really she's just a softie. Proud owner of the best bulldog ever..and about to marry an amzing man, I love this kid. Couldn't live life without her.

The rest of the K's, J's...and many other peeps that create my perfect universe..soon to come:)

Lady of the night?

Home again, home again, jiggity jig. In a very swift change of events..I am back home in Denver. Ohhhhhh the glory of my big fluffy bed. There is nothing, I mean NOTHING like the heavenly decent into the covers of your very own sleep haven. Not to mention the lack of Super 8 sheets...I don't mind it,really. I know its hard to believe, but the Casa de Colstrip was pretty darn easy to bid farewell.

However, its inhabitants..not so much. The husband had to stay behind:( He is getting ready to switch to night shifts. This meaning CRAZY hours and basically no life for either of us. He goes to work around 5pm and gets back about 4:30-5am!!!In order to get the perfect 8 hours of sleep, he makes himself stay up( ie: morning beer and video games, my personal nemesis) till around 8 before he hits the hay. So basically, where does the wife fit? I did it once, and just went looney. Its one thing to stay up all night when you are out on the town; the sun rise comes before you know it and you've just had one wild night. But watching the clock tick 2..3...4am while being ambushed by tv infomercials and bad movies is slow torture. Its just not healthy for me to become a crazy late night owl...literally never leaving the walls of Colstrips finest establishment. I mean, I am pretty adaptable to new surroundings..but all night in the middle of nowhere. Just no good.

So in reverence to both our sanity..I am back home. Hopefully just 10 days or so before my groom joins me once again.

Out of sight, but never out of mind

I just received a little care package from my parents:) You know, the essentials...face cream, birth control, mail that has yet to be re-routed to CO, and of course a snippet from the NY Times. I can always count on m&d to think of us as they go about there Sunday ritual...sprawling out in the living room with the paper spread out between them. My mother with the book list..my dad, art & leisure and always travel. Reading ravenously through each page..soaking up vast amounts of information as quickly as possible as they sip on hot coffee (that quickly turns into bloody mary's, it is Sunday afterall!) But they always think of me.

Every now and again, I can count on a couple articles torn out and sent over for my viewing. However, there is always a reason for each tear...

1. Demand- ie: Swine Flu! ( "please go get your flu shot")


2. Homage to things I love- ie: the STYLE section ( "look honey, these girls in NYC look just like you and your girlfriends!!")


3. Business-ie: article on insurance ("make sure you guys have all this taken care of...you know if somethings happens to you, you must have all your ducks in a row..."


4. Misc..these are my favorite...restaurants in Denver I should check out, a list of popular beers they think the husband would enjoy, a new book I should read, or just an interesting piece on an artist they think I would enjoy.

No matter what it is...these little snippets make my day. It reminds me that even when I am gone they are always thinking about me. Not in the obsessive, sad, hunt you down sort of way...but in the sweet, adoring, thoughtful way. It is so wonderful to me that little moments, people and things in our daily life can remind us of those we love. No matter how many thousand miles apart we may be. What an honor.

Winter Woes.

I am in need of a pick me up today. I am tired for no reason, there is snow on the ground, again. I don't like the way heaters feel in hotels...so I'm wrapped up in 5 layers of clothes (including the husbands, b/c I ran out!) I'm exhausted from my Tae Bo workout (and would like to loose 10 pounds magically without having to listen to Billy Blanks yell at me,) and my hair is officially BROWN.

I am a blonde. I have always been a blonde (well..technically I was born w/a full head of Black hair thanks to my father..but that was short lived.) I like being blonde and I miss it. I think today, my winter woes are a direct result of this boring icky shade.

In an attempt to save my new husband an extra bill, I decided to cut my long locks and add some "low lights" before moving to CO. I thought without the constant trips to the salon I would feel a relief and be happy with the low maintenance. Well, I was wrong. I hate it...and truthfully, he doesn't love it either. He continuously tells me my hair looks great and "as long as I'm happy..." But I know, inside, when I came home with short, BROWN hair..he said a silent hmph!

So..with my return to Colorado..so will the color of my mane. I shall be a blonde once again. You know what, I'm kinda high maintenance. I am, I admit it. I'm sure my parents would have no problem agreeing with this self proclamation, especially after years of salon bills and most recently a year of wedding parties and constant highlights! But is that so wrong? If we can be simply be happier, more productive, more optimistic people simply by brightening the shade of our hair..than where is the harm? Ugh, winter woes..I bid you ADIEU!

Party Shoe....Pretty Please!!!

I'm taking a break from the pile of thank you notes that I am still trying to get through from the wedding and enjoying a little online shopping.

How ridiculous are the Louboutins!!! As I proudly proclaimed I truly am attracted to ANYTHING that glitters or shimmers. I mean talk about a party shoe! These have "dancing queen" written all over them. At an stunning $2,830...I don't think the husband will be quite as thrilled. But ohhhhhhhhh how beautiful!

Moving In

Right before the trip to Montana, we finally moved into our new home in Colorado. There is nothing...absolutely NOTHING that solidifies the fabulous feeling of being a newlywed like a new home. We had been living with my mom and dad since returning from the honeymoon and I could not think of a better place to be. However..as can be expected, everyone was ready for us to move on!!

We spent about two weeks unpacking and moving into our fabulous new humble abode. I adore it. Every little last detail. It is just so incredibly comforting to be surrounded by your own stuff. His and mine. All the decisions...we make together, and the second we walk in the door, it just feels like home.

Here are some of the progression pics of the big move-in...

The Biggest Moving truck I have evvvvvver seen.

Family room with our new couch and entertainment system!!

Boxes boxes EVERYWHERE!!

A PLETHORA of wedding gifts!!

Utterly exhausted...but completely worth it.

I dont have any of the "after" shots here in Colstrip..but cant wait to post some new pics of how the house looks now when we return to CO. I can't wait to get back home!!!

Compromise

When it comes to t.v, we have come to sort of an understanding. We can watch football, food network, HGTV and humor without hesitation. It's like a "safe zone."

Obviously, he hates reality television..as I guess most guys do. When its a reality t.v night...I have prepared myself for endless jabs and jest from the peanut gallery. Romantic Comedies, well, I need not explain. Drama...I don't know, it just doesn't work for us, medical or law drama..all the same. His favorites, lets see...Myth Busters, Overhaulin, and any Darwin-Esq History channel special. I think I do pretty well...I really do like these shows, but in truth, when it comes to night time t.v, we really want to enjoy it together. I don't want him to be in pain, nor does he I. So as I said, football, food network, HGTV and humor.

Well, here in Colstrip we DO NOT have the FOOD NETWORK!!!! I know..i know. insanity. It took me a couple days to get over this. ( we also do not have FX, WE, Style, Comedy Central, CW or Oxygen....c'mon ladies!!!) So, I have really laid major pressure on humor. A fabulous common denominator.

Our favorite new "compromise" has been the ABC comedy Modern Family. If you haven't checked it out you must. SO FUNNY!! One of those laugh out loud...i feel slightly ridiculous this is so funny, OMG, that sounds like something that would happen to us, "the Office"-Esq real life humor. Great for the modern day husband and wife, husband and husband, wife and wife, mother/daughter, father/son...I think you get it. Something that we can all smile, chuckle and not have to banter over. I love that.

Shop for the Cure!!!!

My personal favorite! This gorgeous Rebecca Taylor blouse donates 100% of sales to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation. For $225 you can look fabulous and help save a life. It can be purchased @ rebeccataylor.com

How cute are these perfectly pink Keds! I am in love. 100% of the proceeds for these sweet sneaks support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and can be purchased for $40 @ keds.com

Even the chefs of the world can be in support with these nifty knives! 10% of the retail price is donated to Komen for the Cure, and can be purchased for $50 @ shopkitchenaid.com

How sensational are these stackable dishes. 10% of sales of the pink melamine floral nesting bowls benefits the Continuum Cancer Centers of New York and can be purchased for $32/4 at spoonsisters.com

I have always adored Diptyque candles. For this month only, 20% of sales from the Pink Roses candle to The Pink Agenda. They can be purchased for $68 @ beautyhabit.com

October is breast cancer awareness month!! I find it absolutely fabulous that so many companies, industries and people in all walks of life are standing up for this wonderful cause. With many members of my family as well as incredibly close friends affected with this disease..it truly hits home. My wildly eccentric wonder of a godmother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer...and is undergoing surgery as we speak. Along with lots of good karma..and special prayers..I just thought I would take a moment today to highlight some of the fabulous products that are being produced specifically for breast cancer awareness.

seriously?

It is 9:40 Montana time. We had diner @ 6. (Being that the one restaurant closes at 8, as well as the grocery store.) Slightly restless.....

How about a delicious frappuccino?? There are 11,000 Starbucks in the U.S, none here.

Maybe a yummy vanilla coffee and chocolate chip cookie? There are 6400 Dunkin Donuts in the U.S, none here.

Maybe a scrumptious ice cream concoction to cure my sweet tooth. There are 1400 Cold Stone Creameries, none here.

Or even just a gosh darn slushy. There are 32,000 7 elevens, none here.

Thank the good lord for wine.

A night out.

Saturday night was date night:) Gotta love that. It's just the two of us...pretty much all the time, but Sunday is the husbands day off. Soooooo Saturday night..we can venture out like a normal couple!

Surprisingly, one town away ( approx. a 45 min drive) is an adorable movie theatre. The Roxy. Its one of those charming theatres you see in movies; brightly lit marquis displaying the feature presentation. A sweet woman waiting behind the sliding window to sell us a ticket with a cheerful "enjoy the show!!" Buttery popcorn and a plethora of sweets to choose from, followed by a delicious "pop"(as they say in the Midwest) all for a whopping $4.75! ( I had to pick my jaw up off the floor before the man could return my quarter and send me along my way..) We padded our way through the musty hallway and up the steep stairwell to the balcony, reserved for 21 and up. Quite lovely, especially since I think every seat downstairs was spilling over with the towns' 15 and under..it was Saturday night after all. So we nestled into our rickety old fashion chairs, popped our legs up and enjoyed the show. I ingeniously tucked a nice little bottle of wine in my bag, as the sign did say "21 and up," I felt it was only appropriate. So with the quick swish of a screw top ( so fabulous, as I always seem to forget my wine opener when sneaking booze into theatres...) and my 2 handy Super 8 plastic cups, we had ourselves a fine little date night.

It was sort of a simple nod to old time tradition. Husband and wife, off to enjoy the current picture and a little vino on a Saturday night. No muss and fuss, no fancy restaurant or boisterous bar. Just he and I and a little old world charm.

Obsession

Why does my husband not like Beyonce?? How can anyone not like Beyonce? She is fabulous. Truthfully, I think I have a bit of a girl crush. Her legs are stellar, she has the vocal chords I pretend I have..and she really seems like a nice person. I just want to be her friend.

We were watching a re-run of the VMA's the other night. I couldn't handle the awesomeness of the Single Ladies performance. (PS...such a phenom video. From the unitards to the sick dance, i really want to be a backup dancer..really I do) But he on the other hand had nothing good to say. wtf.

I have no shame for my obsession...its out in the open and I embrace it.

A couple pics: The Casa de Colstrip

Family Room...if you will. Nothing like a Lazy-Boy and leather chair. Oh good heavens.

The "Master Bedroom" :)

Home Office

TV, bar, pantry, media room and home gym. I know..I know...talk about expanding the house..we just didn't know where to stop! ha.

Half of the Kitchen

Where the magic happens...that is not one but TWO hot plates. Don't be jealous!!

So you see...its not that bad. I love that I get to see John's smiling face everyday when he comes home...we go to bed together..we wake up together..we cook together..we laugh. Its worth the sacrifices don't you think?

Home is where the heart is.

We have tried to create some sort of a "cozy homey" atmosphere in our recent residency. Luckily we have been up-graded. Ahhh yes, and you thought that the Super 8 was pretty standard. No my friends..it definitely does have its perks. We are one of the 4 lucky winners of a "mini-suite."

This being that there is sort of a half wall..separating the bedroom with the living space. I immediately evoked my mother ( the interior designer) upon entry..trying to whip up some sort of livable arrangement with the standard hotel givens.

ie...

• desk and "office chair"



• awkward ( yet, incredibly comfortable...cant believe I am even admitting that!) Lazy-Boy



• bedroom table and chairs ( i think this was supposed to simulate a mini dining room..which definitely leads to my confusion as to why it was in the bedroom in the first place.)



• microwave and mini fridge



• armoire( with no hangers???)



• TV stand/ dresser



• Sort of coffee/inn table with the token decorative lamp

I mean..these are the bare essentials. I have absolutely no design elements to work with. ( except for the Elk and Antelope artwork in the "foyer"...but that is another story all together.) So first thing is 1st, discard the icky bed spread. You know what I am talking about. Usually some sort of scratchy poly bend with an obnoxiously loud floral or geometric print. I think they were hoping to take away from the drabness that these kind of rooms omit..but somehow a forest of flowers just doesn't do it for me. Anyway..this was immediately stuffed behind the hangerless armoire ( which i dragged across the room bymyself, thank you very much) With the toss of a Rebbecca Taylor cardi as a psuedo-pillow cover, I think the bedroom is livable.

Now for the living room...or the kitchen/bar/dining area/family/gym/closet/office room. This was quite the challenge. I flip flopped everything hoping that it made a little more sense. The dining room set now serves as a kitchen counter. (Its funny enough that the husband and I only have each other to dine with...we decided we will hold the romantic dinners for 2 'till we have a more appropriate venue!) The office chair swivels..an added plus. This is quite fabulous..I can now type away in my "home office" and with the quick tinker of my toes swivel around to enjoy a glass of wine and catch a little prime time TV. Hey, no effort there, huh! By laying out our he and she mags, which he never reads,( In Style for me..Men's Health for him) I have created a tranquil reading nook. It says.."someone lives here, this is home, cant you see this is where we go to catch up on the times??" Unfortunately the tops of both the microwave/fridge box and TV stand have become the bar and pantry. There is just no other storage. It's fine..I can stare at all our products and fester over the food that I am trying not to munch on all day. No biggie.

With the purchase of a Wal Mart throw and a couple of wine bottles that double as vases..its pretty darn do-able. Certainly not my entry in the next issue of Architectural Digest, but it works for now.

I am thinking about posting some of the few wedding pics I have here around the room...but something tells me that's creepy. Maybe I need to stop while I'm ahead and not a total lunatic.

Hotel Motel.....Super 8?????

I have been very spoiled when it comes to hotels. I will admit it. My dad is in the “biz” and one of the major perks throughout the years has been trying out many of the worlds finest! I love nothing more than fine sheets, fluffy duvets, plush carpets and speciality soaps. Nothing rolls off my tongue quite as easily as Ritz and Four Seasons….heaven.

You can imagine my dismay when discovering the accommodations of our indefinite (well at least a month) stay in Montana. The Super 8. Yes, you heard me right, suuuuuuper eighhhhhhht. Hm. AND it is THE ONLY hotel here. That’s it. Super 8 or die.

So, I did what any prim and polished newlywed would do. I packed my linen spray, finest toiletries, slippers and survival gear...with a smile on my face and a new "Montana approved" fleece, we checked in. Just the husband and I, braving the great INDOORS.

Stay tuned, progress reports to come….

Madeline Peyroux

In light of all the Duffy talk, I thought I could give you a taste of one of my new found favs.... with a tone that is slinky, sultry and incredibly sexy...her voice just enthrals me. I love the vintage charm that she brings to her music. Its truly like pulling a classic vinyl from Grandmas collection. AND she's from Athens, Georgia....how bout that Jen and Jules..GO DAWGS!

Pandora, my new best friend!

I have finally discovered Pandora. Obsession...is a bit of an understatement. I cannot seem to make it through my day anymore without it. I feel like I have a connection with my sweet little internet radio pal. It knows my mood...my song selection..my inner most thoughts:) Well, maybe not quite. But pretty darn close.

My fav station right now is Duffy. She is truly fab. I bought the album eons ago (an act I don't often participate in...Cd's just get lost in the depth of rubbish I travel around with..) But this CD, definitely worth it. She has a sick vintage-y tone to her voice that I adore. My fave is "Syrup and Honey"...phenom. Any way..the Pandora Duffy play list could not be better. It's sort of a hipper Lilith fair, if you will. Predominately female( Adele, Sarah, Joss Etta...you typical girl greats) But every now and again...a little Justin??!! I know, sweet. I have also come to love some great new artists....such as Yael Naim, Sia and Madeline Peyroux. All fabulous and worth a listen. Give the Duffy list a shot...I hope it takes you as seductively smooth through your day as it does mine!!

LOVE this!

I love this bag by Halsea Little Harbor! The retro print is fabulous and the great leather trim adds such a chic touch. Plus, it’s laminated, so it wont get all junked up by travel. If only I could downsize and make it work. I promise, one of these days!!

Packing Petulance

I am unpacking one of the 5 bags we checked. That thought alone is ridiculous to me. I have always had the tendency to over pack, an issue I am still trying to master. I was once told by one of my best friends that efficient packing is an art form. It should be performed in a systematic manner to create the perfect outcome. Sorry Jack, I still suck. To my husband’s 2 bags…I somehow added 3 and stuck the remainders of my “necessities” in his. But in my defence, who knows what one should bring to Montana. Yuck…this is no fun.

City Lights

For a short time….I lived in Manhattan. I think I will continue to reference the city as I progress in my writing. Although I was only a resident of Gotham City for 2 years..it had such a major impact on my life. Sometimes in big life changing ways..but often, just daily insignificant thoughts.

Today…I am thinking about the city lights. We arrived in Colstrip, Montana on Friday. If you do a quick Google, Colstrip is a giant leap from the big apple. With a population of just over 2000 and a total of 2 restaurants ( one which doubles as a bowling alley) daily life runs at a bit of a slower pace; to say the least. But I am finding a wonderful calming effect as we plug along in our daily duties. Pulling into this quite town, after the sun had set, I was floored by the city lights. Not the astonishing lights I am used to in NYC, flashing neon restaurant signs and ostentatious skyscrapers, but stars. Very simply the sky. Montana is well known as “big sky country.” They do not lie. We were floored by the bright white lights…stretching as far as the eye can see. A really wonderful Welcome banner for us east coasters. Far more humble than lady liberty’s shining torch or the majestic gleam of the empire state building, but a truly warm welcome.