Pink + Green Thursday.

I'm inspired!

 Every Thursday Pink Preppy Lilly Lover's host's a wonderful blog hop Pink & Green Thursday.

And in honor of all lover's of pink and green I've created a card set at BlondiesShop just for you. 

Here's my first set {I'll be creating more}:

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous day!  Until next time.

Wednesday Wanderlust.

Let's do something different today.  I am going to put this outfit on. 

And I'm loving the aviator sunglasses.  Loving them!



{polyvore.com}



Head to Starbucks an pick up my usual.
Iced Treinta Green Tea with 3 pumps of classic syrup.
{via weheartit}



A little relaxation is in order.  So, I'm heading to the beach.  The surf has quite a calming effect.
And of course I'll be working on research for future "trips".
{via weheartit}

A great outfit, my tea, the beach, and trip research -- all while listening to the surf. 

Sounds like a great day to me.

...Tuesday Tidbits...

Before I get to the ...Tidbits... I need to share an experience with you today...

I had a great day today.  Ran a few errands after work and headed to the gym.  The usual cardio ritual.  As I am walking up to the front door of the gym I always pass by the daycare that is a wall of windows.  And what do I see?  Let me paint a picture for you.  The "caregiver" had her head buried in the computer.  And there were several children she was to be looking after!  I almost knocked on the glass window to get her attention.  I couldn't believe she wasn't paying attention.  I still can't.  The reason I noticed her "lack" of attention was this adorable little girl.  A very sassy little girl standing on her tip toes, stretching her arms to reach the top of the counter to get attention of you-know-who...the caregiver.  Mind you the little girl still had about 1-1/2 feet to go to reach the top of the counter.  And at this point I pause, stop walking and watch for about 5 minutes.  The caregiver didn't move.  Glued to the computer screen.  I almost knocked on the glass.  I'm thinking the following thoughts: oh my goodness - are you kidding me?, glad my kid isn't being watched by this girl (and I don't have any kids), and (I wanted to scream this at her) pay attention girlie.  And yes, I did what I hope anyone else would do: I told the person at the counter.  Yes, I did.  And when I left (after cardio) she was standing and interacting with the kids and there was absolutely no computer in sight.  Seriously, I couldn't believe it.  I still can't.

I must share that I'm bratwurst and spinach for dinner.  Yummy!  I was suppose to have french fries as well - I'm not now.  You see they've been in my freezer for way to long and I through them out.  Anyhow, I'm looking forward to a delicious dinner.  Yes, I know the bratwurst is so fattening but that's why I'm eating steamed spinach - its counter acting the fat.  Oh, yes it is.  Not really, I know but it sounds good doesn' it? 

On to my favorite thing today ...Tuesday Tidbits...  today is going to be completely random.

I think it's time to do my very first BlondiesShop giveaway on ...this & that...  I've already done a few giveaways at other blogs.  Let me clarify note card giveaways.  I think I'm ready to do a scarf giveaway.  Now, the only question is which one?  Seriously, which one.  I have quite a few to choose from and one that I am still trying to complete.  Any suggestions?  Visit the shop and let me know which one you'd like.

I'm going to be switching things up on the blog during the month of April.  I'm not sure exactly what all of the changes will be but, be on the look out. 

I'm taking a trip in a few weekends.  Heading to southern California for a little fun in the sun and girlfriend time!  My girlfriend, Kirsten.  My step-sister Kat.  A few other girlfriends (more to come later on this).  And hopefully I'll get to see my Uncle as well.

I've made a new goal.  I read a lot.  A LOT.  Instead of just reading "fun" stuff -- books that I love, love, love by one of my favorite authors - I'm going to branch out.  The goal is to read 1 business related book per month and 1 fashion or beauty book.  More to come on these later.

Research.  Research.  Research.  I'm pulling together a lot of research for the new series:  The New Adventure - on a budget: A Trip To Paris! {Post #1}.  Post #2 here.  It's amazing what twitter can for you when your researching a trip or just have a question in general.   

Today as of 8:44 p.m. I "officially" have 310 emails in my in-box.  I seriously need to read, delete, and organize my email.  Or I simply need more time in the day.  Gosh, that would be so nice.

Have a great rest of the evening.  Until next time.

Enthusiasm.

Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success.  When you do a thing, do it with all your might.  Put your whole soul into it.  Stamp it with your own personality.  Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful, and you will accomplish your objective.  Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

A little inspiration for your day.

The Workout {Series} - Post #1

Several years ago as an attempt to workout by myself I purchased The Body Sculpting Bible for Women.  My sole intention was to "teach" myself what to do by following the exercises (and thus learning myself) and most importantly understand the how and why of putting together a workout regime together.  And on a side note, I have since bought a few other books, but we won't discuss those now in this post.  I don't mine learning how to do the exercises myself however, I don't like "putting together" my own workouts.  Candidly, I rather have someone tell me and "show" me how to do it.  Hence, the reason I like working with a personal trainer.  Also, when you are obligated to show up at the gym, at a specific time, and write a check YOU have accountability folks!  As a result of this dilemma I narrowed it down to the real problem: I need help with my accountability.  Problem solved.  Hmmm...not quite.  But, its a start.

Over the last few years I have belonged to a gym (LA Fitness) and had a personal trainer (at a separate training studio).  The original concept behind joining a separate gym in addition to the training studio was to get rid of the trainer.  My other half continues to tell me "honey, you've worked out with trainers for several years and YOU know what to do and you can do it!"  And Bern is correct - I do know how to do it!  I just need to DO IT.  JUST DO IT (as Nike once said).  Anyhow, I bet you see what needs to happen here, can you guess?  Yes, I need accountability.  And I cannot think of a better way to do it than on my blog. 

I'll be honest I really like working out with a trainer.  And I have had some really great ones too!  January 2011 was my last month with the awesome, fabulous Pam!  She is by far one of the best trainers I have worked with.  She knows my limits and when to push me.  And Pam was extremely series about helping me reach my goals.  The obvious reason that I discontinued going to the training studio is due to personal finances.  Training is and can be expensive.  It's a definite extra expense and one that I decided is one that I can do with out because I do know what to do - I just have to do it.

So, I decided to write this series called {The Workout}, aka the Accountability Program.  In essence, I will be accountable to ...this & that... and all of you my fabulous followers.  A great idea don't you think?  I'll be sharing my progress, goals, and workout routines.

I will be using the "Body Sculpting" book as my point of reference, my guide, my outline, my bible and of course it will "double" as my virtual (in book format) personal trainer.  I am going to follow the layout in the book and begin with The Break-In Program as a pre-cursor to the 14-Day Body Sculpting Workout.

Anyhow, it is the introduction of my a new series.  I'm looking forward to making my workout goals concrete (in writing) and being accountable to them.  I am determined to reach my goal and I WILL reach it.  All I need is determination, dedication, commitment, and accountability.

Check back soon for Post #2: my current stats, my goals, and my schedule.

Blondie'sShop.

To all of my fabulous readers.  For 1-day only I am offering a 30% discount to you at my shop. 

Enter "...this & that... follower" in the comment section when you place your order

and I will adjust the total sale after purchase.

And please feel free to share this blog post via any social media platform. 

One key to receiving the discount the buyer must be a follower of ...this & that...

Have a fabulous Monday!

The New Adventure - on a Budget: A Trip to Paris! {Post #2}

First, if you need to play catch-up visit {Post #1} here.

Wow, wow and wow some more!  I have some absolutely e-x-c-i-t-i-n-g news!  Oh, yes I do. 

On the way home from the Suns game tonight...

I, of course, was in the process of updating my twitter account and saw this tweet: 

@FrommersTravel Frommer's

Deals & News: Four Nights in Paris, from $1,097 with Air http://bit.ly/fkXzIc  #traveldeals

I screamed in the car "oh my gosh!" and Bern rolls his eyes and was like "what's the problem?".  I of course read the tweet and he immediately asks "what airline and what are the dates of availability?"  The airfare is round trip from NYC it's not PHX (Phoenix) but, that's ok...  I can buy a ticket from PHX to NYC or convince Bern to use miles. *hint, hint*  What a killer deal?  Seriously.  Oh, and I did apologize to Bern for screaming in the car.  It was a momentary lapse in good judgment - screaming while in a moving car on the highway is not a good idea.  Sorry Bern.

So, I went to the www.tourcrafters.it and can you say WWWWOOOOWWW!  I searched for 5-minutes and immediately added it to my favorite bar.  Holy-moly, how can I not have known about this site.  I solemnly swear to "check" on a regular basis all travel sites for "killer deals".  And yes, I will share them on my blog.  Ok, wow.  I need to move on from this.  It's really a shame that my travel savings account hasn't reached it goal number as of yet.  A major bummer.  But, anyhow check out the site and I highly recommend bookmarking it for future use.

Anyhow I did a little research last week after I posted {Post #1}

On Wednesday, March 23rd I tweeted this: 

_thisandthat_ Heather Pranitis

Any suggestions for a chic, inexpensive place to say in #Paris? I'm planning a short & sweet trip on a budget. :)

And I received these fabulous responses, with a lot of good information.  Alot.

MyMelange Robin Locker Lacey

@

@_thisandthat_ Chic and inexpensive are a tough combo :) What is your budget?

24 Mar

_thisandthat_ Heather Pranitis

@

@MyMelange The budget is $1000-$1500. Using frequent flyer miles unless I find a killer fare. Its looking like 3 nites in paris w/budget

24 Mar

MyMelange Robin Locker Lacey

@

@_thisandthat_ I'm off to bed now, but just chat me back your nightly budget and I'll see what I can reco tomorrow for you! :)

24 Mar

MyMelange Robin Locker Lacey

@

@_thisandthat_ So, is that your entire budget for the trip? What is your budget per night for a hotel?

24 Mar

_thisandthat_ Heather Pranitis

Can anyone suggest a #chic inexpensive place #b&b #hotel #apartment to stay in #paris on a #budget? Clean warm & comfy very important.

26 Mar

_thisandthat_ Heather Pranitis

@

@ohmygola no dates yet. Research 1st. solo or +1. I wnt clean warm comfy place2sleep (chic=bonus). Budget 4 entire $1000-$1500 Using miles.

26 Mar

Twitter is irritating me tonight.  I need to point out that I cannot locate @ohmygola's great response and another hotel listing, ugh!

And my Dad responded as well with a "tweet" and told me to talk to my Uncle Lee.  He goes to Paris a lot and really enjoys going there!  I really love all these suggestions and the assistance.  And to top it off it's all free!

I spent some time researching the trip over the past week in addition to the tweets and I'm still compiling the info for {Post #3}.  I still don't have "set" dates as of yet.  But, I will say that we won't be going in May - it will be hot there and the airfare prices are out of control.  I am thinking over Labor Day weekend in September.  Maybe... 

Until next time.

A Blondie's Shop update.

I've been a busy little bee.  And when I'm busy I don't have a lot of time to blog.  However, I thought I'd share with you what has kept me away - a few of my latest creations at BlondiesShop. 

Let me know know which one is your favorite...?  And don't forget to check out the rest of my creations here.

So...which set is your favorite?  Please stop by BlondiesShop for any upcoming gifts you may need or a treat for yourself.

Sassy Stylin' Sunday.

The little black dress and coordinating accessories.

awesome victoria by allanasol featuring a zimmermann swimwear

Preen pleated skirt
$1,365 - net-a-porter.com

Zimmermann swimwear
$245 - net-a-porter.com

Brian atwood pumps
tooklookbook.com

Handbag
her-retro-lifestyle.blogspot.com

...this & that...Thursday.

[weheartit}

Today's the day.  I love ...this & that...Thursday because I can be absolutely, positively, random and it's ok!  And it is the purpose of the post, to be random.



{weheartit}

 The little black dress.

I want to say that I think each and every one of us needs a sassy little black dress.  Oh yes, I really do!  And why not?  And a matching pair of black stilettos.  Oh-la-la.  Need I forget, matching accessories.  You have to add some pizazz.  Everyone needs a smashing little black number.  Absolutely everyone, period.

{My favorite black shoes, favorite}

I'm really excited about about the up and coming designs for BlondiesShop.  It's a surprise...so stay tuned.  Also, I've decided that I am going to do a weekly post for the shop.  It's important that I keep everyone updated about my work-in-progress and final creations.  Plus, it will be fun for me to share my design process.

My all time favorite movie was released this week on DVD.  The Tourist.  This past Tuesday, March 22, 2011 during my lunch I headed over to Best Buy to pick my very own copy.   And yes, I watched it Tuesday night, well, actually I started to but, I didn't finish it.  Kind of weird don't you think?  I do.  It might just be because my 32" screen just doesn't compare to the movie screen at the theatre?  Actually, I think it really has to do with being tired.  I'll finish it this weekend or maybe I'll start it over from the beginning. 

I've got a few weekend trips in the works.  April - Los Angeles, California.  July - Chicago, Illinois.  August - Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.  TBD - Paris, France.  So, I'll have some fun posts to write about: before (the planning), during, and after.  Fun!

It's time for bed.  Have a fabulous Friday and a great weekend!  Until next time.

  

The New Adventure - on a Budget: A Trip to Paris! {Post #1}

Here it is!  A new series.  The very first post. 

Last Saturday I had a brilliant idea...here goes:

As you know I love going on vacation.  Love it.  Really, seriously I do.  Who doesn't, right?  Anyhow, I would love to go back to Europe.  Rome, Barcelona, and Marseilles.  Wait, how about Paris...  Yes!  I haven't been there yet! And the best part Bernie agreed that he would love to go as well.  However, ...  Yes, "however..."  We have a teeny, tiny, itty, bitty, small problem:  money.  Yes, money.  Going on vacation by any means is not cheap.  Especially, going to Europe.  Ah-hem.  However, I am determined to say that it can AND will be done on a budget!  Oh yes it will.  I'll show you how.

You see, that is the whole purpose of this series.  To kick-it off I'm planning a trip to Paris.  Yes, truly a real, honest-to-goodness trip.  But, at this point it is "hypothetical" because it doesn't simple fit in the budget.  The budget for this trip is $1,000-$1,500, period.  I also have it on good authority that if I stay within the budget I'll be going to Paris!  YES!

I think you have a pretty good idea of what to expect from this series.  I'm looking forward to the adventure on a budget, aren't you?

Have a great day!  Until next time.

I'm off.

Hi All!  Today and tomorrow ...this & that... will be dark.  This is a short and sweet note to let each of you know that I am taking a few days off from the blog. 

Be on the lookout for the new "post" series.  You can read about them here.  I hope to unveil the new serie(s) this weekend.  Oh, and before I forget be ready for "The New Adventure - on a Budget:  A Trip to Paris".

I hope your week is going great, make it fabulous!

Sassy Stylin' Sunday.

I browsed polyvore for quite some today and I have to say there are a lot of talented "creators" out there.  I would love to have any one of them as my personal stylist.  And ReginaKos is one of those wondeful creators and you will be seeing more of her creations!  Enjoy.

live, laugh, love by ReginaKos featuring freshwater pearl earrings

Velvet sparkle tank top, $55
Short short, 50 AUD
Nine West leather sandal, $60
Hobo shoulder bag, $165
Monsoon pearl bracelet, 7 GBP
Forever21 beaded jewelry, $7.80
Freshwater pearl earring, $200
Fedora hat, $29
Tom Ford round sunglass, 410 EUR
purminerals Mineral Shea Butter Lipstick purminerals, $16
"Live Laugh Love" Wooden Sign :: Inspirational :: Signs :: For the..., $26

...this & that... Thursday.

I love Thursday because of today's post.  Here goes...

Most importantly, I forgot to post this picture on ...Tuesday Tidbits...  the sign in my kitchen - it would have helped if I showed "how" it looks on my kitchen wall.  I love it!

...a little of this

One of my virtual blogging buddies, OceansDreams has a great post on The Bachelor and relationships.  Very heartfelt and truthful.  I really enjoyed reading it and all of the comments that followed.  I must say that I didn't watch this season of The Bachelor but, I will be watching Ashley Hebert on The Bachelorette this summer.  {Stay tuned for May 23 at 9 p.m. on ABC. "The Bachelorette" will shift to its normal 8 p.m. time slot on May 30.}

I found a new fun read over at The New Diplomat's Wife.

Each of us needs to try a Frozen Grasshopper this weekend.  Jami over at i m a g i n e posted a very yummy treat {drink} in honor of St. Patrick's Day.  Yum!  I think Bern and I need to try it.  Don't worry Bern we will use low-calorie ice cream.

& a little of that...

Over the weekend I just happened upon a phenomenal post on a tutorial of painted wallpaper over at Jones Design Company.  Please take a few minutes to check this out, very cool.  I would love to try it.  And I'm sorry but, I dont' recall whose blog I was at when I found the link to Jones Design Company.  Please let me know if it was your blog and I'll link you up.  Awesome, right?  I thought you'd think so.

Stop by Style Attic and say "hi" to Kelly.  I enjoy reading her blog and it adds a smile to my day.  I love her style.  

Don't forget to vote for Fine Man Friday over at Blonde Episodes.  Scroll down, look on the right hand side and vote!

And before I forget to ask - has everyone had a chance to stop over at Blondie'sShop and check out the newest creations?  I opted to not do a post on everything this time...but, here goes.  I'd love the feedback.

Thanks for stopping by ...this & that... until next time.

I'm just not feeling it.

Sometimes, this happens.  And today was one of those days.  I just wasn't feeling it.  The gym that is.

I went anyway.  I always feel good while I'm doing and most definitely afterwards.  I wonder could it have anything to do with the endorphins that are released?  Ahh, yes!  And it always works.  I always feel better after cardio, period.  Always.

However, this "endorphin" release didn't stop me from tweeting this: "I'm 9 minutes 18 seconds into my cardio fix and I'm ready to head home for that glass of vino...".  And at this point I'm already on glass two.  I'm having leftovers.  Vodka Sauce, tomatoes, olive oil with medium size shells.  And need I forget my garlic rolls.  Yum!

I'll tell you this what I am feeling...! 

I'm feeling Judith McNaught (the author).  I am on a Judith McNaught "kick" right now.  Last night, I finished Paradise and tonight I'm beginning Every Breath You Take.  Yes, I read the book in 3-days, 709-pages, and I do work full-time.  Cardio goes by quicker if I read.  Typically, I catch up on my favorite blogs via the trusty BB (BlackBerry) but, a book makes it go so much faster.

     

{via Wonderwall}

Oh, and I'm feeling this look {see photo}.  Aside all of the "gossip" about Leann Rimes and how thin she is - this photo of her epitomizes what I used to look like and my goal.  Oh, yes it really does!  And when having workout goals, a picture is "key".  And this picture definitely is it!  About 3 years ago I was this cut and I want to get THAT back.  I'll be 35 this year and the body isn't reacting like it used to, to my cardio and weight program.  So, we are going to switch things up.  Oh, and I'll need lose 20 pounds.  Nice, huh.  Don't worry, all of this, will be included in the new series.  All of it.  Part of the inspiration is accountability (to myself).

Oh, this is something really exciting!  I am really feeling the 2 new weekly series that I am almost ready to unveil on ...this & that...  All About Me. and My Workout Routine.

I am really excited about the 2 new series.  I am debating on whether or not All About Me. will be a blog hop.  I'm thinking it will be.  It would be fun to find out all about you.  And there will be guest posts for this as well.  Yes, my first guest has already agreed.  More to come about these series and the inspiration behind them. Note:  I already spilled a "hint" of the inspiration above.

Thanks for stopping by ...this & that... until next time.