I took a bite...out of Apple

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I've been using an iPod for about 6 1/2 years (yes I was a bit late to the game), I started using an iPhone about two years ago, and now I'm using a MacBookPro at work. I have to say I'm an Apple girl and I like it. I wasn't so sure about the MacBookPro because I've used a PC for years but I've become very accustomed to the Mac quite quickly.

Then there is the iPad. I'd like to say I fought the good fight and resisted temptation. I'd like to say it but I can't the truth of the matter is plain old envy kicked in and I couldn't resist. So J got me one for my birthday/Christmas present per my request. However, the joy of being a deployment spouse is sometimes you get to shop for yourself. So on Black Friday I went to the Apple Store and bought myself an iPad 2. I promised J I would wait until at least my birthday (Dec. 16th) to play with it. Well being the sweet husband that he is he said I could go ahead and open it and play with it. So of course I did. I love it!

I confess the two apps I use the most are my kindle app and the dropbox. Oh and of course Angry Birds lol.

So what are some of your favorite apps?

Sweatin' Like It's 1980...

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I'm not an exercise person. Ok I've said it. But I know that exercise is important for your health and to lose weight. So I've been in search of something that would get me motivated to go. I am still working on the walking/jogging for 5ks, etc. but I wanted something else to give me some exercise. So when a Groupon popped up for our local jazzercise classes I decided to give it a try.

I went to my first class last week. I love it! It is so much fun. I felt like a goof because I didn't know all the moves but I liked it. It included stretching, aerobics, and some strength training. I'm looking forward to using the rest of my Groupon then I'll decide what to do from there.  

I am also wanting to try some of the aqua aerobics at the Y too just to see how those are. I know they say variety is the spice of life and I think for me that is so true with exercise. 

What is your favorite exercise?

Kindle Fire

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I did it. I finally broke down and bought an e-reader. After much deliberation I decided on the Kindle Fire. I read many reviews, talked to many friends, and overall the Kindle seemed like the best fit for me. And I love it!! It works great for me. I have read books 2 and 3 of the Shades of Grey series. And I've downloaded some other books to it as well. Two observations...I have a Barnes and Noble membership card to get the discount which I can't use to by ebooks for the Kindle and it didn't work so well in the bright sun but I think that is a setting adjustment that I need to figure out. If you're considering getting an eReader but have been debating I highly recommend getting one. I look forward to traveling with it because then I just take one thing instead of multiple books and magazines.

Feeling an Itch

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So I'm not sure what it is about February/March in my life but I tend to feel an itch to do something. In past years this has been a tattoo. I got my first tattoo February 28th, 2007 and I got my most recent one on March 25th, 2011. Most of the times I've cut my long hair super short have been in February/March. Now October of 2008 I flipped from my spring craziness to fall and dyed my hair black and pierced my nose.

I'm feeling an itch to do something again it is that time of year for me after all. I thought about another tattoo but I don't have anything in mind and since it is permanent I don't want to pick some random thing. I thought about cutting my hair but every time I do that I regret it a week later and then have to go through the annoying grow out process. I thought about coloring my hair a radical color but frankly I like the dark auburn I dye it now. So now I'm leaning toward a Monroe piercing like the one below. I haven't decided for sure so we'll see. I'm going to think it over for a few days to see if it is just a thing or if I really want it. (that's what I do) The thing I like about piercings is you can always take them out.

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Let's All Go to the Movies

From a young age I loved going to the movies. I remember when theaters still had a curtain that opened to expose the screen. Now as an adult although I'm floored at the prices I still love to go to the movies. I'm looking forward to some coming this Spring.

The Vow

I know this movie will make me cry but I love these two actors so I'll go see it anyway. I'm hoping it lives up to the previews.

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengence

I am a bit of a Comic Book geek. I'm ok with this. I loved the Ghost Rider comic book so I'm excited that there is another Ghost Rider movie.

Journey 2: The Mysterious  Island

I know this will be slightly cheesy but it has The Rock and it just looks like it will be a fun movie. So I'll take a look at this one.

This Means War

I think this movie looks hilarious. And I adore the actors in this movie too. I like it because it doesn't look like it will require much thought and it will have a decent story.

Act of Valor

Come on the preview leaves me a mess but I'm still going to see it. I mean it's about Navy Seals and I'm a sucker for military movies. I know it will be a tear jerker for me though.

Tyler Perry's Good Deeds

At first I wasn't so sure because I'm not a fan of all of Tyler Perry's movies but this looks like one of his good ones. I think it will be a movie that makes you think about where you are in life and how you got there.

The Lorax

This is just a win-win! I love the Lorax book from childhood and the people who did Despicable Me are doing this movie and I loved that movie so I think this will be great!!

Mirror Mirror

Julia Roberts as the Evil Queen how can I resist. I admit Once Upon a Time and Grimm have renewed my love of Fairy Tales so this is right up my ally. Plus two of the people from Pit Boss are in it. Does it get better?

The Avengers

The ultimate in Comic Book geekiness. A collaboration of comic book characters in one movie. Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, etc all in one movie. This should be great!

What are you looking forward to movie wise?

Care Packages

So I'm currently working on a care package for the hubby. I'll admit sometimes its tough to come up with ideas. I know what he likes but I have to be aware of what will travel well, what fits in the box, what will fit on the ship, and it can't be anything too crazy. I admit I shop at perpetualkid.com a lot for his care packages. That along with Sour Patch Kids, Starbucks Via, and shower stuff are popular fillers for his box. Here are some of my recent items...

The Hulk

It's a little cheezy but it's cute. As a child he LOVED the Hulk. One Halloween when he was 5 or 6 he had his Mom cover him in green body paint and cut off his shorts so he could go as Hulk. It took forever to scrub off the green paint and he nearly froze (Michigan in October) but he loved it.

Grenade Stress Ball

He talks about stress a lot so this seemed appropriate. My only concern was would it be bad because of its shape. I think he'll be fine because it looks so incredibly fake.

Doomed Crystal Shot Glass

He loves skulls and he loves shots this just seemed perfect. It's really quite cool looking. I'm sure it will look great with Jager in it.

And of course I couldn't just shop for him so I got myself something too...a new door stop for work.

Foot in the Door

So what are some things you put in their care packages?

Top 10 Celebrity Crushes

My husband and I joke about celebrity crushes all the time. He and I both agree they are harmless and fun. We haven't done like Ross and Rachel and made a laminated list or anything. Basically we acknowledge they exist and move on. So here are my top 10...(in no particular order)

Joe Manganiello

Joe Manganiello - When I first saw him on True Blood I didn't think much of it. Then I got a closer look...yeah umm be honest ladies how could you not have a crush. Plus in interviews he always seems so nice.

John Corbett

John Corbett - I first saw him in Northern Exposure and fell in love with his goofy and hippy-type character. When he appeared on Sex in the City I adored him. I never understood how she could cheat on him with Big.

Tom Selleck

Tom Selleck - I admit this is an old school crush. I've adored Tom Selleck since I first saw him on Magnum P.I., I thought the show was great, the fact that it took place in Hawaii didn't hurt, and he was adorable. And he has truly gotten better with age...I love him on Blue Bloods.

Shemar Moore

Shemar Moore - Seriously there's not much to say here...I'm a sucker for strong arms (reason # 476 why I married my husband) and Shemar's are stunning. I love his character on Criminal Minds. He was good in Diary of a Mad Black Woman too.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer - aka Neil Caffrey on White Collar. There is something about a well dressed man that just makes them sexier. And I realize it's just a character but he is so charming on that show. 

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. - the bad boy himself...well he's cleaned up his act as far as I know and I love him as Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes. His smirks and quirks make him charming and handsome.

Terrance Howard

Terrance Howard - Those eyes...they get me every time. He is such a great actor! I saw him recently in Red Tales and he was wonderful! Another role I loved him in was Iron Man...the humdrum v line makes me laugh every time.

Alex O'Loughlin

Alex O'Loughlin - When he first appeared in Moonlight I thought that was the perfect role for him. Then he appeared in Hawaii 5-0 and that is the perfect role for him. He is a great actor and I love the personality he projects in his characters.

John Cusack

John Cusack - He is the awkwardly lovable underdog. I first saw him in Say Anything and that was the guy I wanted...the guy who wanted to spend time with me and would do grand romantic gestures. I have enjoyed almost all of his movies. To me I think he falls more into the cute side than the hot side but he's a crush none the less.

Kate Beckinsale

Kate Beckinsale - I admit she is my girl crush. I think she is an amazing actress and absolutely adorable. My favorite movie of hers in Van Helsing she was such a bad*#* chick in that movie. And I think she has a great range as an actress.

The First Step is Admitting You Have a Problem

Hi! My name is Megan and I'm addicted to...

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Fruit Ninjas - I have my friend T to blame for this she showed it to me the other night when we were at a friend's birthday party. It is a highly addictive game. So be warned but go check it out.

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Once Upon a Time - So the writers of LOST have sucked me in again. I love this show it has great characters, a great story, and a great concept. If you haven't started watching I encourage you to go check it out.

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Teavana - I have always loved tea. I in particular love loose tea. And I have discovered Teavana I love the fact that you can mix teas or just drink them on their own. One of my favorites is the White Ayurvedic Chai and Samurai Chai Mate blend. The nice part is it is nice and light so you can drink it straight, with a bit of sugar, or with cream and sugar. If you are a tea person I highly recommend you check them out.

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Blue Bloods - Tom Selleck and Donnie Wahlberg...give me a moment...ok I'm back. Seriously though this is a well written cop show that includes a multi-generational Sunday dinner. I really like this show and how the family story runs behind the cop story. Apparently Donnie Wahlberg is a clown on set. Check it out.

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Pole Dancing - If ever there was an exercise that didn't feel like an exercise this is it. But it is a great workout! It is also sexy, fun, empowering, therapeutic, and it gives you girl power. I encourage you to take a class near you!

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Yoga - My mom did yoga for years when I was growing up and she's offered to teach me. But I admit as much as I love my mom there are some things that it is better if someone else teaches you. So in November I tried Hot Yoga and needless to say that didn't go so well. But I love yoga so I'm continuing to take classes with the goal of increasing my hold in Downward Dog.

So what are some of your addictions?

A Christmas Recap...

Ok ok so I'm doing this week in a weird order. I should have done this post before the New Year's post. These things happen. So a Christmas recap...

Mom and I decided to keep it simple on Christmas Eve and go to IHOP for dinner before heading to our church service. I admit it was good and not too crazy. Then we headed to church for a Service of Lessons and Carols which is my favorite. The sermon was really good...the pastor related current events to scripture and the story of Jesus. The catch phrase of the evening was...what the world needs now is a stable influence. Very enjoyable! Then on to a friend's Christmas Eve party. Much fun was had by all!!

Christmas morning Mom went to church and I had intentions of going to my church but there is a quote about good intentions and a road. I ended up falling back asleep and not waking up until 1:00 PM. We had a reservation at 3:00 PM and I still had to pick up Mom so I flew through the shower and went to get her. Dinner was at a Colonial Tavern and it was heavenly! After dinner we came back to Mom's house to open gifts. (I admit this is still my favorite part.) A few of my favorites...

A lovely locket from my hubby (he sent Mom money to go shopping for me)

From The Enchanted Locket

A cool purse from my Mom

Harley Davidson

 

And my absolute favorite a Black Onyx Rose Ring from Pandora also from my hubby

Santa (and Mom and my hubby) were good to me this year. What were your favorites?

New Year's Eve (the movie)

I went to see this movie this past weekend. It is by the same director who did Valentine's Day and Pretty Woman. I liked those movies and I admit I like ensemble cast romantic comedies. I loved it! Yes you have to suspend reality about some of the story lines but you're ok with it. (or at least I was because it's a movie) I don't want to give any spoilers but there are story lines that can touch anyone and everyone can relate to. I recommend it if you are looking for a fun, good hearted, romantic comedy.

What movies have you seen lately? Did you like them?

Leg Warmers

I LOVED leg warmers in the 80s! I had them in different colors and loved them. In all fairness I lived in cold climates and liked to wear skirts as a child. It is a battle that my mother and I fought often so the compromise was leg warmers. I was in a photo shoot on Saturday and the photographer had me put on leg warmers for one of the pictures. It turned out so good. I loved it! So I went on Etsy and looked for patterns and I found some cute ones. But there is a catch...they are knitting patterns and I don't really knit. I know how to in theory but I've only knit small beaded purses I've never knit clothing. So I'll have to go to Mom and have her show me how again. But I bought these three patterns. I'm thinking of starting with the first one and we'll go from there. So wish me luck! So do you have any fashion items of the past that you wish would come back or are happy that they have come back?

Patterns by Faima

RedLipstickNY

Natalya's Studio

Surf & Santa 10 Miler & Frosty 5K

Right Before We Started

I woke up very early Saturday morning after being out til midnight the night before bright eyed and bushy tailed. The dogs and I got up at 5:15 AM. They went outside and had their breakfast while I got myself ready to go. I took a quick shower because I remembered my hubby's advice that a clean body regulates it's heat better and since it was supposed to be cold I thought that sounded good. And it might or might not have woken me up.

6:00 AM I headed over to Virginia Beach to pick up my packet and get ready. The nice part about this race is it starts and ends at the Virginia Beach Convention Center so I got to stay nice and warm until the start of the race. I picked up my packet and went to the lady's room. Then I discovered they had been given the 10 Miler shirt not the 5K shirt so I went to switch that out.

At about 7:30-7:45 I headed over to the start. They had four corrals as a walker and slow one at that I was in the 4th corral. So they had a moment of silence for those military men and women who were deployed this holiday season and for their families who support them at home. (I admit I got teary eyed) Then they had a chorus sing the National Anthem. Then they waved for the start of corral #1, and after each corral we moved forward until it was our turn to go. We started around 8:08 AM according to my watch. It took me an hour to complete the 5K which wasn't my best time but I think the cold, the wind, and my lack of sleep hindered me some. They called out my name when I crossed the finish line which I wasn't prepared for but it was kinda cool.

I forgot to take pictures of our bag of loot...I will have to add those later. It was a reusable bag with my shirt and a Santa hat. Then at the end of the race we got a medal, a hat, and lots of food. I bought a Christmas ornament and another long sleeve t-shirt. I admit the t-shirts and the medals are a good incentive!

A few observations:

• Runners get priority. Which I appreciate because they are trying to set records and they are moving fast but a couple times it felt like we walkers were in the way. That and the runners got applauded we just got waved at.
• Races will have miscommunication. On of the race volunteers told me to get to the left so the runners could be on the right. Then I was told to go to the right so the runners could be on the left. One lady got a bit snippy that I was on the left side but when I explained I was told to be there she softened some.
• Holiday races bring out all kinds of clothing. Imagine Whoville, Santa Baby, Little St. Nick, etc all blended together. For next year I plan on decking myself out a bit more.
• Big races are fun and I look forward to doing more of them including the Shamrock 8K in March.

So that makes 3 5Ks this year!! I may possibly do the Hair of the Dog 5K on January 1st I haven't decided yet. But technically that would count for next year. So now I want to work on improving my time for future races.  

Nook vs Kindle

So I'm a reader...I have a ton of books. My husband hates my book collection because they take up space. I've cleaned out the one time reading books but still I have a collection. So my husband is encouraging me to get a digital reader. But now I'm confused. I don't know if I want to go with the nook or the kindle. I've heard good things about both. I liked the color aspect of the nook but now the kindle has color too. I've been told for straight reading that the kindle is really better. I'm thinking of adding this to my Christmas list.

For those of you who have them what are your likes and dislikes?

Product Love

A friend of mine turned me on to this product and I love it! It is fun! It adds a bit of glitter liner to any eye look without looking over the top. It is especially fun around black lights. If you're looking for a little sparkle I suggest you check it out. Next time I wear it I'll make sure to take a picture.

Wordless Wednesday - Erin Condren Life Planner

I went home at lunch to take out the dogs and there it was...

Just opening the box brought a smile...

Enjoy!!

Presentation is everything

Pretty Notepads

My Planner!!

 I love it!!