Getting Festive - Halloween Style

Last weekend, in the rain, Gavin and I decided continue our tradition (this only marked Year 2) of going deep into eastern CT, to see a house with a mass of carved pumpkins a lit up outside. There was at least 100 if not more and I'm sure people will continue to drop them off as the week progresses. It looks so great all lit up and there were quite a few of us braving the inclement weather to get a close look at all of the carvings. Below are a few of my favorites.

Horoscope today . . .

Now, I am not one who really believes in horoscopes. However, I will admit, I am quite the virgo (except I do let my condo get a bit messy at times but otherwise, I am type-a at it's best, etc). I was a little alarmed this afternoon when I quickly read my horoscope for today (source: astrocenter.com):


"You're not exactly someone who follows all the latest fads, NICOLE, but you may realize that recently you let yourself get taken for a ride. In fact, even though you're not necessarily an impulsive person, that doesn't stop you from buying things on the spur of the moment that just sit there in your closet or somewhere else in your house. What do you do with all those clothes anyway? Be more careful with your money!"


It's a little scary when it is sooo right. I have a closet full of things that I have purchased on a whim and have never used/worn/hung up in my condo. V. dangerous.

Maybe tomorrow it will say "you will win powerball" and it will also be right!

Take my breath away . . .

This lamp from anthropologie. I must find a place in my condo for it. I will repaint a room just to make it work.

Mission Rubber Duckies

While on beachbungalow8 a few weeks ago, I saw a post about doing things anonymously. Gavin and I decided we'd do the same while in Mystic on Monday. We were total nerds about it and had such a good time secretly leaving our package. Hopefully whoever got the duckies enjoys them! If anyone actually reads this blog and is looking for a good deed to do themselves, go to the site . . . http://secretagentlinpgh.blogspot.com/ and get a mission of your own. Gavin and I are already plotting our next one.

Our ducks ready to be packaged.

One of the duck packages just waiting to be placed in the spot.

Location #1.

Location #2.

This Weekend = Baby Shower

Ahhh . . . the fun of being a female, getting to attend a baby shower! (Note sarcasm in my voice.) It is not that I'm not extremely happy for whatever friend/relative is having a baby, or that I don't love babies. I just plain old do not enjoy baby showers. The games give me hives, I'm not kidding.

One of my oldest friends, Kendra, and her husband, Darren are having a baby. Kendra grew up next door to me. Her mom is like an aunt to me. I was in the wedding. So, I thought it was only appropriate to crochet a baby blanket for them. I rather like crocheting and am often looking for a reason to do it. What better than the new arrival of a baby to one of my oldest friends. I know, I know - mad camera skills from my blackberry. I apologize. I'm not good at blanket draping.

Movie Review - Julie & Julia

My big weekend outing = going to see "Julie & Julia." It was about all we could handle after me being sick most of the week and Gavin spending the entire day in the extreme hot sun doing his good deed for the month and running the "Fill-A-Mini" food drive at Highland Park Market (side note, I am so proud of him!). Back on point, the only thing I can say is that the movie was ENCHANTING!!! Why didn't the reviewers describe it as such? Actually maybe they did and I didn't read them. It was delightful. I was so sad when it ended because I wanted it to keep going on and on. I loved every single character to bits. There were scenes of Paris. The entire audience couldn't stop laughing. And Gavin probably didn't notice this, but I actually got a little teary-eyed at times because the characters were just so lovable and relatable (I have no idea how to spell that). I am super psyched to have an evening with my mom to see it again. Such fun!!! I wish I could master the art of French cooking! Maybe I will have to make a pilgrimage to see Julia Child's kitchen at the Smithsonian too.

Bon Appetit!

Note: Above picture is from Smithsonian website and is the badge that Julia Child wore every episode of The French Chef and is for her cooking school for Americans that she had with 2 of her friends while living in Paris.

I wish I was There!

I don’t want to be at work so badly I’m actually giving myself a headache. I didn’t even know that was possible to do. Being bored, and the fact that I have to go home and clean isn’t helping. Ugh – the life of a homeowner! I have been reminiscing today about how in past years, on this date, I was in Barcelona (at the end of a fabulous trans-European tour, or Ireland, or at least on a RI beach. This year – CT, hard hittin’ to be exact. So depressing!

Bon Semaine!