A Wonderwoman 30th Birthday. {Part 1}

If you follow me on Twitter and Instagram you know that I was in a frenzy to create the ultimate Wonderwoman themed 30th birthday party for my sister.  And most importantly keep it secret from the little sis until the big day!  Well, I must say that I nailed it.  Kudos to me!  My sister loved it.  All of it!  My brother-in-law loved everything too.  Yippee!  Well, the day has come and passed and the party "weekend" was spectucular!  And then some.

My sister's actually birthday was on Thursday and that night we had the "official" celebratory family dinner, friends included.  Friday was a low-key pool day and so much fun drinking Mango Madres in 115 degree weather.  Now, Saturday was the real party day!  All in all, it was an absolute blast! 

We couldn't have the party without shortbread WW cookies!

It's me at the dinner!

The birthday girl's all important present fro me: Lasso of Truth and the magic bracelets.

The birthday girl asked for strawberry cake pops and I "opted" for themed ones -
in none other than red, blue and gold glitter!!!

It was a tad bit hot in the room while my cousin and I were setting up for dinner and I just happened to stand right over a fan and my cousin "snapped" the picure!  Sorry but, I couldn't resist sharing...

My cousin, Amy, was an absolute godsend and helped me "make" all of the decorations and decorate for the party!  Don't worry I will do an entire post alone on that.  Thank you Amy!

Can you tell my sis didn't like her Lasso of Truth?

You can't see but my brother-in-law is to the right of my sister and
he gave me a great BIG smile as she "reacted" to my gift!!!  It was an a-ha moment for me!  I nailed it. :)

The present table.

Alrighty, here's a taste of the dinner and decorations.  More to come in the second post! 

Motivation Monday: A-hem.

I thought this was very fitting for today's yesterday's post.

And yes, I do realize this is a day late - I forgot to hit "publish".

Better late than never, right?  Right. Precisely.

{via here}

Wednesday Wanderlust: Cafe in Paris.

{via here}

Sadly, we aren't off to the French countryside today.  I couldn't get away from work.  It's sad I know, but, we can dream for next week, right?  I guess it just isn't possible to "escape" every week.  However, it would be nice.

I had quite the response from last week's post, White Sandy Beaches.  The girls and I, had quite a good time hopping on my Gulfstream G5 and heading to Turks and Caicos.  I even received responses on Twitter from resorts and restaurants with recommendations!  I must tell you that I am very excited for future Wednesday Wanderlust posts and already have a few ideas "in the works".  So, definitely keep the suggestions coming!

Without further ado...  It's time.  Time to escape!

It's about midday.  You are waiting for someone in Paris, France.  You are sipping a chilled glass of _______. (me: Pinot Grigio)

As you sit and wait I want you to ponder where you'd like to go...?  This past Monday I asked the following To Travel is to ________. 

And who are you waiting for _________? (me: my bestie, Brenna)

{via here}

Motivation Monday: To Travel is to ________.

If you've followed my blog for any amount of time now - you know that I love to travel.  A few months ago that I was on an airplane roughly every 3 weeks, give or take a few.  I was traveling to and from, my favorite city in the USA, Chicago.  My other favorite city has to be Rome, Italy. 

I came across this sign and traced it back to it's original site to AFAR Magazine. 

So, let me ask you... to travel is to ___________?





Movie Review Monday & Weekend Recap.

A low-key weekend at it's finest. 

I stayed in Friday night.  Slept in Saturday morning.  Headed to a baby shower Saturday mid-day.  I rounded out Saturday evening with my sister, her hubby, a few friends with The Dark Night Rises and it was absolutely fabluous!  And another movie after the movie!  And rounded out Sunday with a morning session of hot yoga and several episodes of Season 6 of 24 - with my Jack Bauer. 

Let me be honest and say that I did not see the other Batman's on the big screen.  No, I really didn't!  And I honestly, cannot, give a reason right now.  It is a definite must see on the big screen.  I might even see it a second time.  Side note: it was slighly eerie waiting for the movie and seating, etc.  You could tell that everyone was thinking a teeny tiny bit about what happened in Colorado.

{via here}

First, let me say that I really enjoy Christian Bale (and who wouldn't) as Batman and Christopher Nolan as director.  It's a different depiction than I'm used to.  This series is darker and more sinister.  Love it!  Oh, I was really surprised to learn that Bane was played by Tom Hardy.  Actually, my sister whispered in my ear during the movie that little tidbit.  And yes, I'm a Tom Hardy fan if you couldn't tell - I loved him in This Means War.  In my opinion, Anne Hathaway, nailed it as Cat Woman.  She fit well with "this" series.  I liked Halle Berry as well but, Anne definitely nailed it.  This is the "supposed" last installment of the Batman series with Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale but, I do hope that in a few years they do another...same cast, etc.  Oh, and how did everyone like the introduction of Robin?!  A little segway if you will, tease if you will.  I'm not going to comment to much on the details because I don't to ruin it if you haven't gone to the movies yet.

A little trivia if you will...after the movie as we were heading to the car my brother-in-law told us all "how" Batman ends in the comic book series...anyone know this as well?

After the movie we headed back to my sister's for food, wine and more movies.  After a little debate of sorts and research we decided on watching Salmon Fishing in the Yemen.  It's a comedy, drama, romance all in one movie!  I must say that we were all pleasantly surprised with the movie and really enjoyed it.  And what's not to like about Emily Blunt and Ewan McGregor?  Plus, it was fun to "watch" the development of their friendship and the chemistry as the movie progressed.  It was a great way to the end the evening.

What about you?  Did you head out to the movies this weekend?

Fashion Friday & Friday's Fancies: Join the Adventure!

Today's the day!  It's Friday, Fashion Friday and Friday's Fancies, that is.  I'm a bit taken aback by the news this morning of the shooting in Colorado - it's horrible.  And I have plans to see the Dark Night Rises tomorrow evening with a group of friends.  My thoughts and prayers today are with those in Colorado.

Well, today, I'm joining the European adventure over at {long distance loving}.  Whenever I travel I like to look chic yet be comfortable.  I typically layer up and wear versatile items that I can repeat throughout my trip.  And I'm a neutral gal as well, hence, my choices for today's outfit.  Also, I have to include my "must-have" jewelry items - and my watch too (that isn't pictured).

What's your must-have items when you travel?  For me it's my jewelry essentials, items I can layer and re-wear, and comfortable, chic shoes.

It's a linky party today so don't forget to stop over at Blonde Episodes and say hello to Kori!

Join the Adventure... by heatherpranitis featuring a taupe eyeshadow

Wanderlust Wednesday: White Sandy Beaches.

Lately, I've been dreaming about a little serenity.  The kind of serenity that involves a white sandy beach, a frosty cocktail or two or three, a big floppy hat, and minimal clothing (aka a bikini).  How about you?  It would be nice to hop on a jet plane and forget about things for about 24-36 hours wouldn't it?  Hmmm, it would be...  You're thinking about it aren't you?  It's ok...we all are!

Well...that got me to thinking.  So, yesterday, I spread the word and asked "Anyone want to join...?! I'd like to be enjoying a cocktail on a white sandy beach, minimal clothing & a big floppy hat... Who is with me?"  And needless to say, I got a few responses.

So...I told the gals to pack light and grab their floppy beach hat and I'd see them soon - for a quick trip to the beach!  And without further ado the girls would be:  Erin, Morgan, Heather, Lauren, Adrienne, Bobbi, Amber, and Maria.  And I can't forget my bestie, Brenna (she replied too)!  Let me just say that this are some pretty fabulous ladies!!!

I decided it would be convenient for all of us to meet in Miami, Florida and then hop on a Gulfstream V courtesy of Luxury Air Jets, Inc.  Note to self: next time we might need the Boeing Business Jet.  And we are staying in this oceanfront villa courtesy of Roomorama.  It sleeps 10 and perfect for the size of our group!

Ahhh, the benefits of blogging! :) 

As you are reading this post we are well on our way to Turks and Caicos and probably just about to land.  We will be back in ahhh roughly 36 hours.  A little fun in the sun with the girls...cocktails, conversation, and fun!

{all images courtesy of Sand, Surf, Sun}

Don't worry you can come along too!  Just pick your floppy hat and let me know your cocktail of choice and we will have it waiting for your arrive at the villa! 

Have an absolute wonderful day!  And it's Wanderlust Wednesday so, anything's possible. 

Wanderlust Wednesday: Pick your hat! by heatherpranitis featuring a floppy sun hat