A Big Thanks and Oh How Pinteresting Wednesdays!

Good morning, friends! There are snow flurries flying in Boston today! We are expected to get a couple inches of snow tonight into tomorrow. I'm not complaining though! This winter has been FANTASTIC. I don't think I've ever seen less snow in a New England winter before!! I'm loving it - I can feel it in the air...spring is on it's way!
(I better knock on wood)

First things first...I want to thank you all for your amazing tips and advice yesterday for our honeymoon! You guys all had such great ideas and you got me Googling all afternoon into the night! I'm excited to visit all of these places and even more excited to visit some of the restaurants you all suggested.
THANK YOU!:)

Moving on to today's Link Up!

Are you beauties ready to see my pins??? Head on over to the Vintage Apple to link up with the beautiful Michelle and show yours off (pins that is....)!

Source: someecards.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: fromkristenwithlove.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: inspiredbycharm.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: lostbirdfound.typepad.com via Shannon on Pinterest

I really could have used that anti-theft lunch bag at my old job!! You have no IDEA how many times my lunch was stolen there! Too bad Pinterest didn't exist back then:( Would have saved me many trips to Wendy's.

What are YOU pinning this week?

A Wacky Dream and Honeymoon Plans!

Monday is behind us, ladies! It's Tuesday and the sun is shining! 

I'm still battling this terrible cold and had a rough night's sleep last night:( I've been having the most bizarre dreams lately too. I had one the other night that involved a nude beach and Joe Pesci....bizarre right? I told M about it when I woke up and he just shook his head at me like I was whacked. 

This nude beach dream got me thinking about my honeymoon (not because I'm going to any nude beaches, ladies....get your minds out of the gutter) but because I can't wait to frolick ON THE BEACH and I'm excited to share my plans with you guys! Maybe some of you have traveled to these places before and can offer M and I some advice? Maybe not? Let's see....

First things first - it's official....M got a HUGE promotion at work....HUGE! He is now the GM at his company and I am SOOO proud of him:) He's just too smart for his own good:)

Anyway, back to the honeymoon! M and I will be flying to San Francisco the week after our wedding and seeing the sights! He's been to San Fran before but I never have....have at it ladies...tell me...what do I HAVE to do while I'm there and what do I HAVE to see? We only have 1 full day there but I want to pack in all the excitement that we can!

Source: sunsurfer.tumblr.com via Uncle on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Taylor on Pinterest

Following our stay in San Fran...we are renting a car and driving up to Napa to visit some wineries. I love me some wine but I don't know much about it. M is way more educated in the wine department than I am and I love it. There's something unique and sexy about a guy who can drink a beer on Friday night and can sip on a glass of red Saturday night all while teaching me about the different flavors....its awesome!

My question for you ladies....what wineries do we HAVE to visit?

Source: google.com via Mandy on Pinterest

From Napa we are hopping on a plane and heading to HAWAII! We are doing a 7 day cruise throughout the Hawaiian islands. I CANNOT WAIT! Besides hitting the buffet and getting my tan on, I ask you....What should I do in Hawaii? Are there some sites WE HAVE to see? 

Source: google.com via Carrie on Pinterest

Source: pfephoto.blogspot.com via Jelena on Pinterest

Following our Hawaiian getaway we will be stopping in San Diego for a night (or 2!) before we head back to good ole Boston. Assuming we are not completely exhausted at this point....While in San Diego - what should we see and what should we do??

Source: google.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

Okay ladies... I need your help! I'd love to hear some advice for those of you who have been to these places! Have at it:)

My Weekend Via Medicine Head

Happy Monday, friends! If today's post is a little random or if there are lots of spelling errors please bear with me. I have a terrible cold and am doped up on Dayquil! I have a serious case of "medicine head." Unfortunately being sick didn't help this weekend live up to its true potential but I still had fun....

Friday night when I left work I met up with my girls at a local Spanish restaurant for happy hour! We laughed, talked and sipped on red wine and sangria - it was a great time! Afterwards I met up with M and he and I went out for pizza. We had plans to go out and run some errands but there were torrential downpours and high winds in MA so we decided to stay in and watch the Jersey Shore/HGTV instead.

Saturday brought day 2 of my 6 week kettlebell challenge! Michele was over bright and early on Saturday morning and we got our sweat on - it felt great! Afterwards mom and I went for a mani and pedi. This week I chose "Pool Party" by China Glaze. This color makes me want summer OH SO BAD...

After that M and I went to the mall to pick up our wedding bands! WOO! They finally came in:) I am so pleased with the way mine looks. I didn't want to take it off! I went with an enhancer because the band on my engagement ring is so thick - this one matched up PERFECTLY! BLING BLING:)

According to my wedding day countdown app there are only 116 days left until I marry this stud muffin....

Saturday night we met up with M's brother and our future sister in law for some scorpian bowls adult beverages at a Japanese steak house! We watched the NBA all star festivities and caught up with them. On the ride home the scratchy throat and nasal congestion started to hit me:( I downed some Nyquil and hit the sheets immediately after walking in the door.

Sunday the fam and I celebrated sissy's birthday with a big turkey dinner and some jello cake. Have you ever tried jello cake? Its amazing. I need to get my mom's recipe and share it with you guys one of these days!

In other news.... my latest shipment from e.l.f came in! I just love everything about this makeup line (especially the prices). I'm sure Miss Lindsey at the Bargain Blonde is smiling right now (if she's reading this) since she might be their absolute #1 fan - but I'm coming in a close 2nd these days! 

I've been using these products for a couple months and like it or not I'm going to share my favorite pieces with you. In my opinion you need to stop what you're doing and order the following IMMEDIATELY....

Mineral Face Primer

High Definition Powder

Luscious Liquid Lipstick (I like Pink Lemonade the best!)

Here's to hoping your work week goes swimingly and here's to hoping my Rudolph cold nose goes away before the weekend...Cheers!

Fun Photo Fridays!

Happy Friday, Friends!!! 


I'm happy to report that I did NOT knock myself out with my kettlebell last night! Day 1 of my 6 week challenge was certainly tougher than I thought but I'm ready to keep on keeping on!


Let's link up for...

<center><a href="http://www.pagetwenty-two.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Page: Twenty-Two" src="http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l308/shannflann/FunPhotoFridays.gif"/></a></center>
{GRAB THE BUTTON!}

Photos are memories for us to keep and share...so let's start sharing them!! Whether you are sitting in your cubicle until 5:00 today or dozing off in a boring class there is probably some other place you wish you could be right now, right?? So let's have at it.... if you could transport yourself back to a moment in one of your favorite photographs which one would you choose today?? Link up Below!!

Today I would jump back into this photo...

Since all my mind can seem to think about these days is our honeymoon, I'm jumping back into our last vacation today:) This was taken at one of the restaurants on our Norwegian Cruise last May.

I can tell this was the end of the trip because M ran out of clothes and had to wear shorts to a fancy restaurant. SHAME ON HIM! It clearly didn't bother me too much because I had a great time slugging back some cabernet and finishing BOTH desserts that evening. If you have never been on a cruise before....the myths are true....you will gain at least 5 lbs (or in my case possibly more). That's what happens when you're other half doesn't eat dessert foods. Someone has to step up and clean his plate! I will gladly fill that role any day of the week:)

Kettlebell Fear and Its Ok Thursdays!

YAY! It's Thursday! 

I love Thursdays! Thursday means only 1 more "wake up" until the weekend. It means Jersey Shore, Project Runway All Stars and making plans for Saturday and Sunday - I love it!

Tonight my sister and I are starting our 6 week Kettleworx program. We chose Thursday as our cardio nights......After watching this video I'm curious to see if I still love Thursdays come this time next week....

Has anyone ever tried Kettlebell work outs before? Do you get results? We are starting with 5 pounders so I'm sure I will be able to handle it - but I'm still scared. If you don't see a post from me tomorrow you can send for help. I've probably definitely somehow knocked myself out with my kettlebell. 
I don't think I have enough coordination for this! (insert scared face)
Moving on to one of my FAVORITE link ups...Its Ok Thursdays!

So Its Ok...
That I am terrified of knocking myself out with a 5 lb kettlebell
That the tank top I'm wearing underneath my shirt is the same tank I wore yesterday....and to bed last night
That I'm wearing open-toed shoes with a disgusting, chipped pedicure
That I loved the foundation from my bridal makeup trial so much that I ordered it for everyday wear and its $40 (I hope M isn't reading this)
That I used a new hydrating shampoo/conditioner this morning and I can't stop petting my head to feel how soft it made my hair
That I realized I was giving up weekday drinking for Lent AFTER I finished 2 glasses of Moscato last night (don't worry - I switched to giving up chips and salsa....this will be MUCH more challenging)
That I am addicted to Craisins (I don't remember which of you suggested I eat them as a healthy snack - but congratulations....you got me hooked!)
That my Uncle and I exchanged e-mails about how we are planning to paint ourselves to look like "Capitol People" when we go to see the Hunger Games in the theaters
That I'm seriously hoping my Uncle is joking (please see previous line)
That the last 4 charges on my credit card statement are from bars in Boston
What's OK with YOU today??

Happy Birthday Sissy & Oh How Pinteresting Wednesday!

We've made it to Hump Day! I love short work weeks. Just when you think its only Tuesday....BAM you're already half way through your work week! 

Today I am wishing a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my big sis, Michele!!! Happy 3rd anniversary of your 29th birthday, sissy!!!

We will be celebrating together by starting a 6 week kettlebell training program tomorrow...wish us luck! We are going to need it!

Time to link up with a different Michelle for Oh How Pinteresting Wednesdays!

Source: Uploaded by user via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: iwastesomuchtime.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: 24.media.tumblr.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Shannon on Pinterest

My LONG Weekend

Happy Monday Tuesday, friends!! Did we all have a nice long weekend??

Mine seemed just long enough. Sometimes long weekends FLY by and they feel just as short as a regular weekend, but this one was great! I got a lot accomplished and had some fun too:)

Friday was a night of Chipotle, food shopping and Lifetime movies....not a whole lot to report there:)

Saturday was filled with my bridal makeup trial (which came out AMAZING), celebrating my Grammy's 80th birthday and a pub crawl for my besties 26th birthday! I was on the go all day long and it was SOO much fun! 

Over the course of Sunday and Monday I picked out our wedding invitations with mom, went out to breakfast with my sisters/bro in laws and the little ones, M and I cleaned our ENTIRE condo and I became OBSESSED with the show House Hunters!! How is it possible I had never loved this show before?? And House Hunters International?? EVEN BETTER!!

This long weekend I also mastered 2 things I found via my blog buddies and good old Pinterest....

The 1-2-3 Mug Cake 

(via Miss Valerie from Along the Way with V & J)

Mine looks much messier than Valerie's version but it is DELICIOUS! A quick and easy dessert that requires minimal effort and doesn't make me feel seriously guilty after....perfect!!! You can see Valerie's original post with the recipe HERE!

I also mastered...

The Green Smoothie

1 cup Vanilla Almond Milk

A handful of frozen pineapple

1 ripe banana

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

1 handful fresh spinach

4-5 ice cubes

Blend it up and serve with a straw! This bad boy is full of Vitaman A, C and protein! YUM!

How did you spend YOUR long weekend??

Fun Photo Fridays!

TGIF!!! Let's link up for...

<center><a href="http://www.pagetwenty-two.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Page: Twenty-Two" src="http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l308/shannflann/FunPhotoFridays.gif"/></a></center>
{GRAB THE BUTTON!}

Photos are memories for us to keep and share...so let's start sharing them!! Whether you are sitting in your cubicle until 5:00 today or dozing off in a boring class there is probably some other place you wish you could be right now, right?? So let's have at it.... if you could transport yourself back to a moment in one of your favorite photographs which one would you choose today?? Link up Below!!

Today I would jump back into this photo...

This is Mike and I at a hotel in Portland, ME back in 2008. 

This little Labor Day weekend trip we took started out as a nightmare and ended AMAZING!! 

First, we originally were going to stay in Old Orchard Beach in Maine. We got to our hotel (which was a glorified MOtel) and were disgusted. There were stains on the sheets, the TV was broken, the ceiling tiles were missing in the bathroom and the smoke detector was ripped out and dangling from the ceiling!

I cannot make this shit up. This is serious! By the time we realized ALL of these problems it was pretty late at night. We walked down to the office (in our pajamas) and demanded a refund. The girls who worked the front desk were underage and pretty tipsy! They were drinking (what I'm guessing was Captain Morgan from the smell) out of plastic Coke bottles. Sweet employees!

This worked to our favor cuz the tweens gave us a full refund...IN CASH (we paid by credit card).

So we jumped in the car, drove for an hour and after seeing about 15 "NO VACANCY" signs we found a BRAND NEW hotel in Portland, ME and set up camp there! It was amazing! We had never vacationed in Portland before. Over that weekend we found amazing restaurants and a swanky wine bar that we loved!! We enjoyed this trip so much that we now go back to the same spot every year and hit up the wine bar!

Looking at this picture takes me back.....

The warm sand, hot sun, drinking Mountain Dew out of an aluminum bottle and listening to Jane's Addiction on my ipod....Take me back there now!

Rotten Cats & Its Ok Thursdays!

Good morning, friends! We are one "wake up" away from the weekend! Isn't that exciting? Saturday is so close I can smell it! 

So I don't know if I've mentioned it before but M and I adopted 2 shelter cats a couple years back. One is the sweetest cat you will ever meet and the other one is completely rotten. 

Garfield pretty much terrorizes us and destroys our house every single day. When he was a kitten I was actually terrified of him. He would take these running leaps at my head and if I made eye contact with him at the wrong time in the morning he'd charge at me and send my cereal bowl flying in the air (picture this happening because this is a true story). 

Where am I going with this you ask?? Well yesterday something really exciting happened for M! He won't let me announce it to the world yet, but I decided to get him something nice as a "congrats" gift! 

So at lunch I drove to the packie, got him a nice bottle of gin, then went to the party store and got some sweet balloons and a card. I tied everything up and left it on the counter so he'd see it when he got home last night...

Well I was all excited to go home and surprise him when 5:00 rolled around. I unlocked my front door, stepped inside and wanted to cry:( Rotten Garfield chewed through each ribbon, separated each balloon from the bunch AND he put a hole in the blue balloon somehow. 

I walked in to find the bottle of gin on its side and the balloons scattered around the ceiling with short, chewed ribbons! I wanted to start sobbing right then and there:( Garfield ruined my beautiful presentation!

How do I know it was him, you ask?? There was orange fur on the counter as evidence!!!

My question for you ladies is this....

What can I do to keep this rugrat off of my counters??

ANY advice you can offer me would be appreciated. Please keep in mind he ENJOYS being sprayed in the face with a water bottle!

Moving right along....

So Its Ok...
That I am the adopted mother to what could be the world's worst-behaved cat.
That sometimes when I'm running late (like today) I use my flat iron to iron my clothes instead of a real iron.
That I've been out to eat the last THREE nights in a row (don't worry I skipped dessert every time!)
That M and I were in bed at 8:17 last night after having a couple Italian margaritas to celebrate his exciting news!
That I'm wearing a watch that has a dead battery in it today just because I think it looks pretty
That I am nervous for my makeup wedding trial this weekend! 
That I had a dream last night I was on my honeymoon in Napa and was actually angry when I woke up and realized where I really was.
That my federal and state tax returns have both already come and gone out of my bank account!
What's OK with you today??

A Fun Surprise and Oh How Pinteresting Wednesday!

Good morning, friends and Happy Hump Day!

Did everyone have a great Valentine's Day?? I sure did! 

So M and I never give presents for Valentine's Day anymore. We decided about 4 years ago that cards were sufficient. So obviously I thought this year was no different. I even MADE my card this year since that would be the only gift I'd be giving to him. I cleverly cut out little pictures of our heads and pasted them on a picture of a train to make it look like we were riding a "love train." 

I know I know - I am SO funny and creative:)

Well anyway, we get to the steak house last night, order our wine and our entrees and I present M with his silly card. He laughs and I laugh...it was a great time. 

Next thing I know he hands me a card AND a little box wrapped up in sparkly red paper with a red bow. I immediately assume it is chocolates and tell him that he should know better since I'm trying to cut down my sugar intake! I rip open the box and this is what I find...

A gorgeous diamond "S" necklace from Barmakian Jewelers! Is he not the best?? Just when I think I know him so well...BAM!! He surprises me with diamonds! That's the kind of surprise I like!

We ended our night by crossing something off of our wedding "to do list"

We officially booked our flights and hotel for one half of our honeymoon! San Francisco, Napa and Hawaii...here we come!!!

Moving on to Oh How Pinteresting Wednesday with Michelle from The Vintage Apple! 

Source: weddings.theknot.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: someecards.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: iwastesomuchtime.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: saboskirt.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: southernpiphi.tumblr.com via Shannon on Pinterest

Source: whippedstyle.com via Shannon on Pinterest