Bangin'

If you follow me on twitter you know I have zero shame in taking pictures of myself. It's more for my mom then anything, but I thought I would share my new haircut. It's of course pulled back but I added some bangs, and I'm loving it!

AND don't judge, the Christmas decor has been taken down, I mean lent is right around the corner. Speaking of, what are you giving up for lent?

Me: diet coke (slightly worried)

You're going to Hollywood

While in LA I visited the "Polo Lounge" you know the super popular bar at The Beverly Hills Hotel. I hear you can catch a celebrity now and then, but come on who really could you see at a hotel bar?

Well it just so happened that Simon Fuller (created the Idol franchise) was there with Nigel Lythgoe. I know it's no Britney but please tell me that's not a pretty sweet sighting. AND to top it off it was only days after Simon Cowell announced he was leaving Idol and the three guys below were discussing it. AND their next steps together (Fuller and Lythgoe). Will keep the details to myself, I'd hate to leak anything. HA!

Not the best picture, but I couldn't really stand up and ask for them to smile. AND I didn't want to be "that person" snapping pictures. I really just wanted to blend, which wasn't easy because the gals I was with were cracking me up and we couldn't help but be that one table that is louder then the rest. Hey we're east coast gals!

Sorry it's been so long, I've been busy busy with life, work and well pretty much just the latter. I am heading back West in a week, so pretty sure I'll find something to blog about on my 6 hour 30 minute flight.

One last thing, we finally got a house cleaner, I kind of put my foot down and said there is no reason I can't keep up the housework. But finally last week I looked around and said we need someone. We are both far to busy to keep up with the weekly (read as daily) dusting, floor washing and the other cruddy tasks. She came yesterday and I actually may work from home the next time she comes just to give her a hug. Dear goodness people, she did wonders. It looks like a brand new place. And people, I'm a damn good cleaner, so that just shows you how great she was. One other perk, she prefers to be contacted via text as she doesn't get to her email until the evenings. PERFECT!

Have a great weekend friends, and stay warm and safe my Nations Capital followers!

xoxo

Prayers are the best gift

It's been a sad few weeks in blogland. Two completely different people in PA's hearts are completely broken. For two different my two very similar reasons.

Though i've never met either in person, I could tell how deep their relationship was with the ones they lost. I'm requesting if you know what i'm talking about to please pray for these two dear ladies. I know our prayers are the best thing right now.

Love to you both, my heart is with you.

xoxo

At least I laugh at myself!

A little recap of my latest trip will come shortly, but as I sit in the LAX airport I have to tell you about two little "All Things Kimba" that happened.

I have this very bad habit of reading tweets/blogs in bed on my iPhone. I don't do it at home anymore, but It's more of bad habit of reading them all the time.
So I was at the hotel not ready to get up but was checking my phone and then set it down on my blanket. A little while later I pulled the blanket up to cover my shoulders and my phone went flying and smacked me right under the eye, I jumped up right away to double check it wasn't suddenly black. It's a little sore now, but i think I will walk away unharmed. So note to self, if you're going to read tweets in bed, set your phone back on the bed table when finished.

We grabbed a drink at The Beverly Hills Hotel and I walked into the bathroom and a lady was standing at the sink and we made eye contact, I said "Hi, how are you, crazy weather out there", she looked at me and said "are you from the Midwest"? I said, no actually I'm from Boston, she said oh, well I am from Indiana and I said I'm originally from Wisconsin, she said I knew it, no one other then people from the Midwest talk to people. Ok, well, happy to know living in Boston for 9 years hasn't changed me!

Also, super random, but I was having an impromptu dance party in the bathroom while I was getting ready yesterday morning and I realized that Carson Daly is the morning host on 97.1 AMP radio in LA, I think he may have always had this show. But this day he was making snide remarks about Ryan Seacrest and Billy Bush...Not for nothing Carson, but I would think both of those two guys have the career you wouldn't mind having right now. Just sayin'!

Ok, time to board, but not to worry, I'm hooked on the in flight wi-fi!

Marty!!!

I was pretty impressed with the Golden Globes last evening, I thought Ricky Gervais did a great job as host. He is who he is, and I can appreciate his Irish humor! When he took his beer and put it on the podium, I laughed out loud! That was sure a jab he took at Mel Gibson, but I feel he's pretty much the only one who can get away with it, because he could care less.

Moving on....

I was touched and trilled to see Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio present Martin Scorsese the Cecil B. DeMille Award for career achievement.
I think he's truly brilliant, maybe because I'm "young" (note it's in " as I'm really not that young anymore, but it's my blog so young I am!) but I think The Departed is the best movie that Scorsese has directed. It could be for multiple reasons, it's based, filmed and all about Boston, it's a great cast, from Alec Baldwin, Martin Scheen, Leo, Matt Damon, Mark Walhberg, Vera Farmiga and many more. OR because it is the movie with the most uses of the word "f*ck" and its derivatives (237) to win the Best Picture Oscar. All of the above!

There's my favorite skyline and a not so shabby Leonardo DiCaprio who I really didn't do anything for me, but he looked pretty snazzy in his tux last night...just sayin'!

I'm currently on my flight to LA, I can't get over how AWESOME it is to be online, with my laptop plugged into a power outlet under my seat. My work computer laptop has a shotty battery at best so I did a ton of work yesterday as I didn't think I could get it done on my 6 hour and 30 minute flight, but guess I was wrong. But I'm blogging, twitting, facebooking, catching up on golden globe fashion and then I'll suck it up and get some more work done.

One last thing: if anyone is paying attention to the weather, I just left Boston where we had hail and it was snowing...heading to Southern Cal where it's cold and raining. How it is possible I'm going to the only other place in the country that is having cruddy weather too?! But I'm not complaining, I'm really looking forward to it! Remind me of that when I get on the red eye on Thursday night. Oy!

I Guess I Never Got the Memo....

I'm going to be spending some time on the other coast and would love some suggestions on what's what!

I'll be staying in Beverly Hills, any thoughts on Dinner places near Rodeo? Don't be shy!

One thing that should never touch Lilly....

SNOW!

The picture did not come out as clear as I had thought. Though I was standing at the bus stop on NYE waiting to get home to start another long weekend. I didn't leave the office before the snow started so I had no choice but to put Lilly out in the snow. But a bus came shortly after so I safely got her in the warmth where all Lilly belongs!

Cheers to a WONDERFUL 2010, pinky swear! (I took that one from the fab Clemsongirl, cause that's how I roll)

Merry Merry Christmas

I thought why not a little post with a few honorable mentions I got for Christmas! The first three things I actually bought myself while vineyard vines was having 50% off all outerwear. I actually met my very fav E for shopping, latte's and a wonderful mani/pedi. We've decided this is going to occur monthly, it was a fabulous way to spend a Saturday, she is just the best! I just love love her!

1/3 Fleece vest - i like the mens ones as they're the exact kind of the ladies original fleece vest from years ago

Vineyard Vest - White

Sherpa Fleece Vest - in Navy and White

vineyard vines Patchwork Wool Cord Tote

The tote is from my boss nonetheless he clearly knows me well!

Lilly Pink Checking In - Murfee Scarf

I feel this is always say this but here it goes...if you follow me on twitter then you know I've spent most of December working. I'll have some good news on that front another day!! A resolution for 2010, be a better blogger!

Until then, ciao!

Monogram Oh MY!!!

Thanks to ClemsonGirl I found out about Monogrammed Marketplace, how adorable are these wine koozies? LOVE THEM! Only $20, or $18 if you're a blog follower. Seriously how cute are these?!

I got my new shoes on...

I'll be humming the Paolo Nutini "New Shoes" song all day well sporting my first ever pair of Tory Burch Reva's. I ended up getting the classic black with gold, but I have a feeling my next pair will be the Suede Navy. I've been been huge into shoes, also enjoy a nice looking pair but never jumped on the designer bandwagon. Well guess what, that has all changed! I also have a feeling these puppies are going to be addicting. Am I right?

It's the Patriot's fault, why you ask? I'll recap why;

This is how it all started, The Pats do not play until this evening so what else am I to do, I cleaned the house, laundry, did food shopping and went for a long run yesterday. Besides going to the gym or doing work I was out of idea's. I am trying to rest my hip as I over did it the last two days and it is killing me, I will be sidelined even longer if I push it. I promised myself I would not do ANY work this weekend even though I did bring work home with me this weekend, I truly needed the weekend off.

So I set off to Natick Collections this morning because if I'm going to be honest here, I miss Metro West A LOT. I use to live out that way before I moved to the city and I just loved it. I've even threatened to move in with E and her Ladybuys! Sorry sidetracked... Anywho, I figured I would just TRY on a pair of Reva's. I only really wanted to hit up the Apple Store for new ear buds, if you follow me on Twitter you know I have headphone problems, it's my ears...they're too small for the standard Apple ear buds. SERIOUSLY sidetracked...

This picture was taken for a little guess where Kimba is right now... and of course E guessed it correctly! Natick Collections was the right answer.

After a hard day of shopping I was ready to get back into Boston, I would miss city living way too much, I always remember that when I get out that way. Kickin' it with my new shoes and some football, blogging and tweeting. Happy Sunday indeed!

Ohhh I almost forgot, I stopped into JCrew to take a little peek at what they had, I was more or less looking for vneck t's for RJ, which do not exist ANYWHERE, unless you are looking for an mens XS then Banana has a ton of those. SIDETRACKED should really be the title of this post, gesh!

I scored this super cute jacket for $79.99, very very on sale. I knew I had a gift card in my wallet so I figured I would get it, and it's perfect for work and winter. I went and redeemed my gift card and figured i would have to pay the difference, nope I still have $125 left AFTER i got this jacket. How on earth did I have a $200 gift card in my possession without me knowing? So A successful trip if you ask me. It's tweed and has ruffles, what more could you ask for?

Oh and while driving on the Pike coming home some stooge gave me the finger. How's bout them apples.

That's all folks!

ACK Night adds a "J" and a "W"

Had a fun evening with my gals and my fave little buddy Will!

Always always a great time.

In other news, RJ is finally home after spending the entire week in NYC, not a place for a Red Sox fan this week.

Also my Menu Monday was like this:

Monday-Wed Turkey sandwich and baked lays (but on Wed. half the sandwich was veggie cream cheese and cucumber)

Thursday: Fave A made very yummy pesto turkey burgers and sweet potato fries, the burgers were frozen from Trader Joe's i'm going to go there this weekend and pick up some. They were that good! You TJ gals should check them out!

Friday: Not going to lie, pizza

Being that RJ was out of town I didn't want to post this until later as i'm a bit of a nervous freak about being home alone. Don't judge, i can't be the only one who doesn't love to be home alone for a week.

NaBloPoMo - Already?

Whoa it's National Blog Posting Month once again!

Are you playing along?

I promise I won't just have one liners, that's not fair, but it's Monday.

AND thank you all for your sweet comments, there are some wonderful bloggers out there!!!

xox

Halloween in the City

Charlestown was rated the #3 place to trick or treat in Metro Boston. It was hard to get a good picture with all the people but I snapped a couple!

How awesome was this father son costume - feel free to use this one next year if you have a pint sized tyke!

AND is this not the cutest elephant - Will the elephant and Fave A!

The rest of the evening was spent in Beacon Hill which is always a great scene. Though John Kerry and Teresa Heinz Kerry were not handing out candy like they have in previous years.

And now it's Nov. 1st, wow!!

It is what it is...

I've been wanting to do this post since the twitter/blogger uproar. Not sure why this is bothering me so much but I want to get it out there and move on.

As most of you know people were not playing nice and there were some comments left on a blog that hurt some people's feelings and since most everyone commented as anonymous people are just assuming they know who was behind the "anonymous". I for one did not leave any comments and do not share the majority of the feelings some of you out there do. Seems there was a mass email that went around with names of people to "block".

I could give a crap if someone dedicates their entire blog to JCrew, Running, their kids, the south or even their fancy clothes, houses and cars. It's their blog and if you don't like it don't read it. To tell you the truth I read about 5 comments that were posted and decided it wasn't a place for me. And I also know that the person who started wasn't intending for it to be taken to that level. Hence the comments have been turned off.

But I will say there was one comment that I wasn't particularly pleased with, no one has any place to judge if someone lives with their parents. We do not know every ones situation and if I remember correctly there was a reason for leaving the big city and moving back home. And with that we should all be so lucky to be able to have a safe place to go if something in our lives change.

The internet is big enough for everyone to play, that's enough on that...it is what it is...

On-The-Go Mix

This morning before I went to the gym I threw together a quick "On-The-Go" gym mix, it could have been a bust, but it was suprising very motivating, enough to the point I was fist pumping while on the treadmill. But i'll chalk that up to the good pace I was keeping.

As requested on twitter - here is a list of the songs, it was on shuffle so the below order was not how it played.

Boom Boom Pow - Black Eyed Peas

I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas (this one came mid run and was key)

I'm Shipping Up to Boston - Dropkick Murphys

Poker Face - Lady GaGa

Right Round - Flo Rida (this will make every mix for the foreseeable future)

Stronger - Kanye West (was ok, but I may be over it)

Who Knew - Pink (another one that always makes the cut)

Mr. Brightside - The Killers (everyone MUST try this one, it is sure to please)

Love and Memories - O.A.R. (always like to add a little O.A.R.)

Live Your Life - T.I.

As I said, before I left the house I threw these together on my iPhone. I normally only use my iPod while at the gym as it has about 4,000 more songs then my phone does. But didn't want to bring anything more to the gym then I actually needed. No I do not use or check my phone while at the gym but was going to the store after and needed my "list". haha...as if I need to explain myself, judgey judgey pants...

Happy snowy Sunday from Boston, if you're watching the Pats do you feel Christmas in the air?

All Things Crock Pot

While googling how to make Pumpkin Spiced Latte's I found this great Blog

A Year of SlowCooking - it's great for all of us who love to use the crock pot.

I've linked a few I would like to try:

Pumpkin Spied Latte

Mashed Potatoes with cream

Broccoli Casserole

Pizza Fondue

Fancy Cheese Fondue

A couple of you asked about my Chicken Catchatori from Monday here's the run down.

While a lot of you had off on Monday I had to work but was able to work from home so that made working just fine for me. Ok sorry back to the catchatori....

Because I decided to workout rather then prep dinner (and or I forgot) I had to brown the chicken on the stove before I put it in the crockpot. I then cut up one red and green pepper and an onion. I used a jar and a half of pasta sauce which was just enough. I cut up the chicken placed it with the sauce and veggies, we also added fresh basil from the garden which may be one of our last time we'll be able to use it for the year and a little parm. I let it cook for about 4 hours, it was pretty good, easy and quick. If I was to prep it in the morning I would definitely have left it on low all day, I don't have a problem letting it cook while I'm not home.

I'll keep you posted if I make any of the above recipes!

Row Bucky Row!!!

All of my 'Bama fans may know it as "ROLL TIDE ROLL" but this weekend in Boston we're hosting the Head of the Charles so say it with me... "ROW BUCKY ROW"...If you spot a "sea" of Red and White - cheesehead optional, you'll know that is UW finest coming to Beantown to Row it back to Madison!

Cheers to all of the Crew Teams coming into Boston for the weekend! But look out for the Big Ten!!!

ROW BUCKY ROW

**Photo credit from Twitter/Google

Menu Monday

Monday: Crock Pot Chicken Catchatori and salad

I haven't thought past Monday. I'm working tomorrow but will be at home so I'll figure out the weeks menu then! I told you I'd be honest about my menu's or lack there of!

Hope you're all having a great weekend.

Until next year Red Sox...until next year...

LETS GO PATS!!!! - Though I'd like a better showing then what you showed us today.

I'll check out my fridge and report back tomorrow with the rest of the weeks dinner options!

Menu Monday = weak

This week will be odd with our travel and work schedules, but I'll give it a shot.

Monday: Smart Ones - Chicken Quesadilla; one of my faves though it be because it's "ok" to smear low fat sour cream on them

Tuesday: Cereal - Raisin Bran; my single girl meal as I'm flying solo for dinner tonight

Wednesday: I won't be home until late from a work event so I may add cereal or a turkey sandwich in here depending on when I finally get home

Thursday: Chicken something or other if i remember to take the chicken out of the freezer Wed night. RJ always whips up something impressive off the cuff.

Friday: We have plans, they're TBD but chances are dinner won't be at home

Though it's an off week, I said I would post the menu so that is what I did. I can't promise it will always be top notch and sassy but I'm at least being honest! :)

GO PACK GO!!!

Tonight is a big night for us Green Bay Packer fans...My beloved Packers will be playing the Vikings and Brett Favre this evening.

This is a CLASSIC tshirt from Sconnie Nation

"We'll never forget you Brent"...

There you have it, once you leave the Packers you're dead to us.

Let's go Pack!

**When did this turn into a football blog?!