Final Rose Ceremony??

 

GIRLS!!! Oh my goodness, it has been too long since I posted. I haven't had a free moment with school, friends, boys...the whole nine! I was originally going to post a hilarious slash RANDOM story about this Marine I met, but I've decided to hold off. Not because I like torturing you all (NEVER!) but because I actually met a different boy and I don't want to jinx THAT. Does that make sense? You know when you get butterflies and you think to yourself "this is too good to be true!!!"?? That's where I'm at right now. Eeek!!! I'm really really into this new guy (he actually isn't THAT new, I've had a crush on him since seventh grade)!! But it's one of those things where I'm afraid if I talk about it too much something bad will happen, you know? I'm a total weirdo like that. All of the sudden its raining men and this NEVER happens. Lulu says it's like I'm on an impromptu episode of The Bachelorette!! Anyway, I've spent everyday of my Thanksgiving Break hanging out and going out with J (as we will call him) and I'm so so excited!!!! Be patient with me and I'll keep you updated on who will get The Final Rose! Ha!!

I've been in lala land but I promise I'll start posting regularly again!!!!!!

xoxo,

Charlie

I'm sorry if this post is so random and spazy :) :) :)

charlie's angels

Baahahahah....that is a funny title if I do say so myself. I think this lovely little sister of mine needs to share her fabulous story. A thanksgiving tale if you will....

Apple Pie!!

My husband drove back from Bryn Mawr with this amazing pie completely intact! My motherinlaw sent him home with it...I wish I could take credit because it's perfect!!

Meanwhile, I will be gathering ingredients for the famous Lulu's Pumpkin Cheesecake today!! Yipee!!! I have to find the springform pan...not seen since the move but I am sure will locate it.

xo,

Lulu

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

sunday NATALIEDEE

[courtesy of toothpastefordinner]

wahoo-wah!

Yay!! I am off to UVA for the weekend! The Cavaliers will be playing Clemson on Saturday, in their last home game of the season! I've only gone to a few games, so I thought it'd be fun to get in one more game before I graduate in May. Two of my very best girlfriends go to UVA so I will have fun catching up and seeing those beautiful blondes!

I'm totally not used to the tailgating scene, so it's always like 50x more fun for me to go because I just like taking it all in, you know? It's fun to see grandparents, parents and their kids all hanging out and having Mimosas and Chick-fil-a biscuits! The game starts at 12 pm, so I'm sure we will take it pretty easy tonight and hit the ground running tomorrow. I'll be taking tons of pics, and reporting back to you all on Sunday :) :) :)

Have a really relaxed, awesome, wonderful, exciting weekend!!!! 

xo,

Charlie

p.s. I have THE BEST STORY to tell you all. I've been dying to post about it, but I want the post to be perfect so look for that sometime next week. I'm serious, you're going to freak. In a good way!!!!

i love technology, volume 279

OK--do all my blogging friends have TiVo or a DVR? Absolutely essential. I mean, there is no way that you can see all the amazing things that are happening on tv without it. Again..the threshold of what I can't live without has been raised. Just like my blackberry, OnStar, my iPod ADT and the list goes on....

Anywho, I was at a sales/marketing training this past week and the very, very famous man speaking to us said a lot of powerful things in the 8+ hours I was there...but one particular thing stood out and I'll paraphrase that "self-made millionaires all worked very hard when they were new....and poor people watch TV all the time".

Such a good point. The competition isn't sitting around watching a lot of TV. Hmmmm...

So I sat their and smugly thought that I had the TV situation on lock down...all my shows are recorded..(sometimes two at a time!) and then I can watch them after hours..between 9p and midnight. And truly...there are only a few to record. Gossip Girl, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Dr 90210, Lipstick Jungle, Law and Order:SVU, Dirty Sexy Money, The Office and Entourage of course..

Oh snap.

That is more than I thought. And I am dangerously close to the edge of being a "TV person". (umm, over the edge already?)

And they are all like completely silly shows too. Hmmm...I think that relaxing and putting the brain in neutral is a good thing for stress relief every so often, but perhaps this is too much?

Is 'TV person' only a bunny hop away from 'couch potato'...

Oh lordy...too heavy to contemplate this late at night. I will take a stab at the DVR list in the morning...

Night night sweet people!

xo,
Lulu

You're being all selective because you got a ponytail...right??

To combat "The Mondays", I have posted THE most hilarious video below. I just discovered it after someone showed it in my Gender and Society class. I could not stop laughing, have emailed it to everyone I know, and forced Lulu to quote it with me on a regular basis. I hope you laugh, and at the very least I hope it makes 5 minutes of your Monday a bit more bearable!!

p.s. it's reallyyyy sillyyyy and all in good fun :)

Can I have your number??

GG tonight! So excited!!

xo,

Charlie

Sunday NATALIEDEE

[courtesy of toothpastefordinner]

Happy Sunday! I hate to say it but...GO SKINS!!

xo,

Charlie

this is a real tomboy-ish post

And I generally do not have any tomboy in me at all. hahahahahaha

#1. Anyone else's man out yesterday? It was the "first day"in Virginia or "opening day" as I think the hunters call it...and actually my sweet love is really a bow and arrow kinda guy but he was out yesterday too for the opening day.

Ughhhhh.

Lord, help me because I think deer are the most gentle and beautiful creatures ever! I truly just block the whole thing outta my mind but the saving grace is that he donated the deer to Hunters for the Hungry. Saves me from learning how to cook venison. So there's a silver lining.

Happy Sunday all.

#2. Eeeeppp!!! Watch out--I think the Redskins are gonna beat the Cowboys today--Sorry to my Dallas friends!!!! ;)

xoxo,
Lulu

PS--does anyone else love this picture? I just think she looks so adorable here and really Jessica Simpson has nothing to do with how Tony Romo will play but still this pink number 9 is like the cutest thing

small victories in cyberspace

I cracked the code. Quite literally.


I now have an adorable signature block on my gmail account. Oh yeah.
It even has my business headshot and website logo and everything...and I did it all by myself! This was something that I wanted for a while and I finally took the time to figure it out.
Success is a few glorious emails away, for sure.

xoxo,
Lulu

**UPDATE**
I wish that I could type out step-by-step instructions ladies...but that is what the excitement was all about...I just super-sluethed out the instructions from multiple sources. I googled "html in gmail signature block" and a bunch of instructions came up on other people's blogs. (yay for the bloggers!) and then since I use Firefox as a browser it was easier I guess, I had to download a plugin and then I copied someone else's html example and cut his personal stuff out and put mine in. Searched for the pink html codes and fonts and it worked.

country music!!!!

The CMAs are on and I'm loving every minute!!!!

Carrie Underwood is hosting with Brad Paisley anddddd......she is looking so pretty!

The CMAs always makes for a GREAT concert--way better than any other award show in my opinion. Love these people!!!

xo,
Lulu

39. This Quiz? Addicting

I got this little quiz from Pink Cupcake after she posted it on her blog last night. Geeze...it has really kicked my procrastination into high gear this afternoon!! I mean I would MUCH rather talk about myself then write stupid labs :) You're supposed to answer with ONE word, but of course this is really challenging for me, so I cheated a little! AHHH! 

1. Where is your cell phone? Purse

2. Your significant other? [Said in tune with the Fievel Goes West song] Somewhere....

3. Your hair? Blondeeee

4. Your mother? Idol

5. Your father? Hero

6. Your favorite thing? Laughter

7. Your dream last night? Peaceful

8. Your favorite drink? Water

9. Your dream/goal? [Perpetual] Happiness

10. The room you're in? Library

11. Your fear? Snakes

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Content

13. Where were you last night? Mall

14. What you're not? Serious

15. Muffins/donuts? Both.

16. One of your wish list items? [First Real] Job

17. Where you grew up? Virginia

18. The last thing you did? Eat

19. What are you wearing? Uggs

20. Your TV? Infallible

21. Your pet? Spotted

22. Your computer? Mac

23. Your life? Transitional 

24. Your mood? Relieved

25. Missing someone? Momo

26. Favorite pastime? Lounging

27. Something you're not wearing? Necklace

28. Favorite Store? TARGET!!!

29. Your summer? Educational

30. Your favorite color? Pink

31. When is the last time you laughed? Today

32. Last time you cried? Yesterday

33. Who will/would re-post this? Lulu? :)

34. Four places I go over: School, Home, Lulu's, Starbucks

35. Four people who e-mail me? Bridget, Trish, Marjorie, Lulu

36. Four of my favorite foods? Biscuits, Corn, Pringles, [Subway] Cookies-----> Color me HEALTHY!!

37. Four places I would like to be right now: Car, House, Couch, Bed (In that order)

38. Four people I tag? Anyone who enjoys procrastinating

I was going to sign something witty but I think I'll do it later,

Charlie

A salute to all my fellow veterans

Happy Veteran's Day indeed! I feel as though Veteran's Day is getting more publicity this year...and that is an amazing thing. Perhaps it's the aftermath of the election and the love and pride so many Americans are feeling or it's a result of the hyper-media state we live in but either way I am proud! Here's a little trivia for you all that you'd probably never guess...alongside my husband, father, brother, father-in-law, sister&brother-in-law...........I'm a veteran too!! For 4 years I was stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here in Washington, DC.
Will always have a special place in my heart for Army Nurses!!

That's me...second from the left. It's the only pic I have online of me with some of my ROTC classmates from Villanova. When I was in college...in the late 90s....we didn't have digital cameras, cell phones, text messges, facebook, blogs, etc etc etc. We simply attached two empty cans together with string...and talked to eachother that way. Things were so much more simple then.

But anyway, it's a bond that I have with these sweet people that will never go away--no matter what or how ever long it is in between seeing each other. Here's a quote that I received this AM from the girl standing next to me in the picture. It got me real good!!!

Definition of a Veteran:

"A Veteran-whether active duty, honorably discharged, retired, national guard or reserve is someone who, at one point in life, wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for an amount up to an including my life."

So--make surrrrrrrre you thank a veteran today!! Not me, but someone who you know. Because it actually makes a difference!

xoxo,
Lulu

Because you all are extremely deserving people

From my personal collection of nixonsleeve photos...

Madame Tussauds Washington, DC 2008

There's more where that came from, my pretties :)

Hope you all are watching GG, and having a fabulous Monday eve!!!

xo,

Charlie

Sunday NATALIEDEE

[courtesy of toothpastefordinner]

I heart Ingrid

Eeek! Sorry I have been kind of MIA this week. I've had so much to do for classes, and I stayed down at school for few nights making it hard to blog. ["I thought you were someone who wanted to blog about their ideals...." if you know what that is from, we are meant to be best friends for life] I also made a ride down to Christopher Newport University, in Newport News VA, yesterday with one my girlfriends. We had a really fun time visiting friends and hanging out! It was their homecoming so everyone was in fine form [read: my friend spray painted a sign and put it on his lawn reading 'you honk, we drink.' and he lives on a major road... You can imagine.] ANYWAY, the point of this silly story is I'm sorry I haven't been around, but things are calm now! Yay! 

----

One of my favorite things in the world is music. I love everything about what I call, "The Music Process" (Don't be jealous of my super creative title. It's a gift really.) I love finding artists, interpreting lyrics, and internalizing the fabulousness of songs. Who doesn't? 

A few summers ago, my friend I went to see Ingrid Michaelson. At the time she was playing in a coffee shop type venue. I found her completely randomly on myspace, when she was trying to find a record deal. Her concert honestly changed my world. She has the most beautiful, soulful voice that sounds just as amazing in concert as it does on her CD. Her style is folky pop, and her lyrics are heartfelt, quirky and FUNNY! I was able to go up to her after the concert, and tell her how awesome she was. She was so gracious, during the concert she even said, "I can't believe you all came to see ME!!" If you don't know about Ingrid, you are surely missing out. Her song, "the way I am" made that Old Navy commercial about sweaters seem cool. When I saw the commercial last Christmas, I FREAKED out because I didn't know anyone knew about her. She is fairly well known now because of that commercial, which makes me so happy for her :) Just in case you aren't familiar, her new record, BE OK, just came out!! GO to iTunes and listen to it! She is coming here to D.C. at the end of November. I AM SO SO SO EXCITED!!!! 

Here is a really cool video someone put together to her song "breakable", off her album Girls And Boys Watch and listen to her BEAUTIFUL voice!

xo,

Charlie

dining room walls

Hello beautiful people, late breaking newsflash here. I painted my dining room walls a dark espresso brown this past weekend. Here was my inspiration:

I ended up going with a shade closest to the last picture you see here. It was called Pebble Mosaic because its so dark it almost is a dark brown/grey. Hard to describe but it's fabulous.

OK--here comes the hgtv moment of inspiration. We (Mr Lulu) painted the walls above the chair rail in flat pebble mosaic paint and below with simple bright white paint. THEN my dear MIL came for the weekend and helped me measured and tape vertical stripes of high gloss paint...oh snap. You know it is so high style and looking like the park avenue chic I see myself as...

My actual pictures to follow.

havetolearnthefastwaytodownloadthecamera.......

night night,
Lulu

I get one morning to feel like this...

It's times like this that I wish I had the luxury of caring a little less...of having a little less at stake.

I know what I'll be clinging to over these next few years.



A little Naval shout-out to John McCain;) My husband has this flag on the wall of the garage..over his work bench!! Very cool.

I had been meaning to order this poster....how CUTE is this vintage print in pink?? I need it in my office now---and the message is a soothing affirmation;) When I figure out where to buy it in pink, I will share with you all!

xo,
Lulu

PS--today's the day to start the glad game again

Reason #709 to VOTE

[courtesy of someecards]

Awards season (part deux)!!

Just a quick post of appreciation!! Lulu and I have been given a couple of great awards in the past few days!

Clarabelle over at Pink Cupcake AND ;) Miss Mojito at Make Mine a Mojito gave us this little guy. How cute is he? Thanks girls!! We love how original and creative your blogs are. They always make us happy :)

The only rule is we have to pass it on to five other bloggers:

1. Jill at Peeptoe Pumps and Pearls

2. Ann at Bountiful Business

3. Melissa at New Girl on Post

4. Casey at The Ever-Changing Life of a Military Wife

5. Amy at Chapters

Hope you enjoy this cute award!

Ann at Bountiful Business gave us the smile award! Yes! This award makes me particularly happy, since the last few days have been kinda blah for me. Thank you, thank you :) :)

The qualifications to receive are:

A. Display a cheerful attitude

B. Love one another

C. Make mistakes

D. Learn from others

E. Be a positive contributor to the blog world

F. Love life

G. Love kids

The [intense] rules:

1. must link it back to the creator

2. post the rules

3. choose 5 people to give it to

4. recipients must fill the characteristics above

5. create a post to share this

6. you must thank the winner

phew! that was a mouth full!

1. Mel at I Pick Pretty

2. Milltini

3. Darci at Life @ the White House

4. Ms. Mindless

5. Hollie at All Things in Moddy

Are the ladies we choose for this award! All of your blogs are a complete joy to read :)

xo,

Charlie

p.s. 

Question: How amazing was GG tonight? 

Answer: Extraordinarily amazing. Amen.

"A woman who doesn't wear perfume has no future."-Coco Chanel

[perfumes! by hOshi metamorphosis ]

I really really love that quote. Coco Chanel is the kind of icon that can get away with saying anything. I love how straight forward it is- honestly I don't disagree!!

Anyhoo...for various reasons, it's time for me to choose a new scent! Any suggestions? Since we are heading into the winter months, I am leaning toward something less floral, and more rich smelling. I need help, and I thought who better to ask then my lovely blogging beauties! I'm sure you all smell fantastic! Ha! Let me know what you think :)

xo,

Charlie

Sunday NATALIEDEE

[courtesy of toothpastefordinner]

The first of an ongoing series

xo,

charlie

You want some fries with that shakeeeee?

I seriously, seriously love the Sonic commercials. They always provide 30 seconds of joy to my world!! I recently read an article that said all of these mini skits use improvisation. An improv commercial? That is unheard of!!! They have a couple different themes, "the couple", "two guys" and "two girls"....I don't see the two girls commercials very often but they are SO funny. The two girls one below might be my favorite of all of them. 

Anyway if you haven't had the thrill of seeing these mini glorious wonders, here are a few of my favorites:

File Under: the simple pleasures in life

 Hope you all are having a happy Saturday!

xo,

Charlie

Springfield, VA Nov 1st

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

-----Original Message-----

McCain rally!!!