Thought of the Day

What is it about hosting company that makes me want to vacuum out my toaster cabinet?

1, 2, 3, chee...4, 5, 6, 7, CHEESE!

When Mr. C and I got married 4 years ago, one of our first purchases as newlyweds was a camera.  We hadn't quite made it to the digital age yet, and with an upcoming honeymoon, we needed to arrive in the 21st century.  We weren't very picky about our point-and-shoot purchase - I just asked for at least 5.0 megapixels (it seemed like a lot back then, okay?!) and something small enough to put in a pocket.  Off we went to a local store with our wedding gift certificate, and purchased our little Nikon CoolPix L3.  Fabulous Followers, meet the L3:

However, it's time for me and the not-so-CoolPix to bid farewell.  Her picture quality has become awful (or maybe it has been all along, and I am now just noticing), and even with a new battery, the shutter speed is too slow to photograph a statue and takes about 6 seconds to recoop after taking a photo.  I am mortified if anyone else has to use it to take a picture, as I am constantly saying, "It's super-slow.  I'm sorry.  I need a new camera."

Now, I must give credit where credit is due, since that trusty little camera has seen us through a lot - a Jamaican honeymoon, many weekend getaways, weddings galore, a growing 4-legged baby, and a home renovation.  Even so, I'm ready to drop her like a bad habit for a little something like this:

I know, I know, I have expensive taste.  But, I love photography (as much as a point-and-shoot owner can) and really want to invest in a quality DSLR that I will have for many years.  I have talked to multiple people with Rebels, and they love them.  However, I maintain that I am all about researching big purchases, so anybody that can offer any insight, help a girl out!

The Skinny on My New Favorite Marg!

When I first heard that Bethenny Frankel of the Real Housewives of New York came out with Skinny Girl Margarita, I have to admit I was skeptical.  In fact, I am pretty sure my thoughts went something like, "Why do famous people always think they need a signature something or another?" 

Weeellllll...thou shalt beg for forgivness, because it's amazing.  Seriously.  That skinny biatch from New York came up with a killer cocktail.  And at 100 calories per 4 ounce glass, I can't help but love her.  And want to remind her that no one in their right mind only has a 4 ounce margarita.

For more information on this low-cal goodness, visit
http://www.skinnygirlcocktails.com/

Wal-Mart Finally Returned the Favor

For the past few months, our local Wal-Mart has been under construction.  As if a trip to Wal-Mart isn't stressful enough, they kept rearranging things to temporary locations.  For a whole month, they were out of every Crest toothpaste known to man.  I kid you not.

I'd love to tell you this story has a fairytale ending, but no, we did not get a Target.  However, coming in closely behind was this little beauty:

That's right.  The Walton Family sent me a gift card as a token of their appreciation for my patience.  I always knew I liked them.

Baby, It's HOT Outside!

I love summer.  Like, with all my heart.  There are few things that give me greater joy than sitting poolside with good book (which serves as a disguise for what I really do...people-watch).  Well, here in the good 'ol midwest, we are suffering from a scorching heat wave.  It has been humid, with temps in the 90s for days.  And days.  And days.  This makes my usual summer activity of being a pool-chair-rat less than appealing.  Yes, I realize it's a refreshing pool, but there's just something odd about a 27-year old frolicking in the water by herself.


Therefore, I've had to get creative and find other activites to keep me occupado in the recent days.  Here's my top-ten list of things to do when it's too frickin' hot to be outside:


1.  Drive 90 miles to get to the closest (decent) mall.
2.  Organize something (closets, file cabinets, drawers, basement...the list goes on).
3.  Find new blogs.  Speaking of, has anyone (other than my darling sister) found mine?
4.  Read.  Good books, trashy magazines, The Onion.  Anything goes.
5.  Add to my list of "Mr. C, you know what we really need...?"
6.  Buy ingredients to bake.  Then decide it's too hot to bake.
7.  Scour Craigslist, just waiting to swoop in on that good deal.
8.  Netflix.  Need I say more?
9.  Water my plants that I neglected yesterday.  And the day before.  Shit.
10.  Work on my little baby larva of a blog!


What would be on YOUR hot-weather top-ten list?

The Princess & Her Lack of Motivation

I've always considered myself a fairly active person.  Hell, I've run a half-marathon, along with about a zillion 8K and 5K races.  I frequent exercise classes at the gym and even did Zumba once a week all last winter.  So, what is it lately?  Why can't I seem to get myself out the door more than 1 day in a row (does 1 day even count as being 'in a row'?)?


So, in an attempt to snap myself out of this exercise mediocrity, I did what any self-respecting athlete would do.  I indulged in The North Face's fabulous summer sale, and scored some new workout clothes at a great price!  If this this smokin' hot running skirt can't motivate me, there's little hope.

http://www.thenorthface.com/

Losing my Blogging Virginity

It's official!!  I'm a blogger.  I keep telling myself that if nobody ever reads my blog, it's okay.  Really, it is, because I am doing this to document our days that turn into months that turn into years that turn into life.  Our life, in our little corner of the world at Camp Dallas.  However...it'd be more fun to have somebody read it.  Any takers?