Oh the Weather Outside is... Weather

What is it about a sunny, hot day that puts everyone in such a good mood? Today was the first taste of summer 2011 with temperatures in the low 80s and bright blue skies and I did as much as I could to take advantage of it. Laid out with some light reading, did a deep-clean of the inside of the car, vacuum, wipe down of the interior, windows, the whole nine, then took Charley for a brisk walk. I love watching him move along the sidewalk, stopping at each bush or telephone pole to decide whether or not to pee on it. What a life.

My original goal was to take him down to the park but on the way the there I found a hidden trail that led into the woods and figured, what the heck, let's check it out. Trying to calm all the Law and Order SVU scenarios that were running through my head of creeps jumping out of the bushes, we trekked on... Sure enough, there is a great hiking trail that runs along this little stream and it made for a nice little afternoon hike.

Charley was tired afterwards, I got a tan (or should I say a slight forehead burn), everyone's happy. While we did spot a deer in the distance (which, I'm not gonna lie, I jumped when it moved towards us) there were no creepers waiting for me in the bushes. I guess my life is just not as exciting as a TV show. But for a day like today, I'll take what I've got.

Words with Friends

Since my boyfriend works on the Mobile Team for ESPN, he is always bringing home cool gadgets to try out and play around with. This past weekend, I saw him enthralled in some game on his Samsung Droid phone so I asked him what he was playing. "Words with Friends," he says. "You haven't played this?" Sure enough, I download the app and my life has never been the same. It's basically Battle Scrabble and you can find your friends based on their User Name and play against them interactively. I am not usually a gamer or an App freak, but this one has changed it all for me. I currently have 5 open games and am always looking for new friends to connect with. Do you play "Words with Friends?"

Products I am Currently Living By

Do you ever think to yourself, "man, what would I do without this shampoo or this pair of sneakers?" Well, in honor of this question, here is a list to pay tribute to the products that I just can't live without these days:

Avon Glimmersticks Eyeliners - in Regular, Waterproof and Diamonds

Bare Minerals Foundation

Reebok RunTone Sneakers

ProActiv

BioSilk Hair Serum

Jergens Body Lotion

Confetti Nail Polish Colors

Glamour Magazine

Jansport Backpacks

Dell Laptop

Bic Mechanical Pencils in .9 mm lead

IPod Nano - Gen 2

Blistex Chapstick

Advair

Claritan-D

DSW

Planet Fitness Gym

Starbucks Coffee (I know what you're thinking, how they don't support Fair Trade and blah blah, if you research Starbucks they spend more time and money supporting the Coffee Farmers through the Chiapas project and other programs...)

Capri Sun

Fiber One Bars

FaveRed Starbursts

NCAA Basketball Finals Tonight

Tonight is the end of this years March Madness tournament for Mens NCAA Basketball with Butler taking on UConn in the Finals. And like most of those bracketmasters out there, I did not have this predicted as the final game. Well, let's be serious, I was no bracketmaster and didn't even come close to the Final Four! This years NCAA Basketball Tournament was one of the hardest to predict - in fact, according to the ESPN Brackets, only two people out of 5.9 million had all final four teams correct! Two people! One of these 2 people was a local East Brunswick, New Jersey man and I am tempted to look him up and ask him whether he picked the Final Four based on some shred of intellectual knowledge or did he lose a bet to his friends over a round of beers?

Either way, should make for a great Final game. I am picking UConn to top Butler, but as my bracket suggests, that is clearly just a guess. Who is your pick for the Champ? And what will the final combined score be?

BodyCandy.com for all of your piercing needs

I know, belly button rings are so 1990s. But I never took mine out and occasionally I get inspired to switch it up and get some new rings. The ring I had in for over a year finally gave up on life last week so I decided it was time to put in an order. If you go to the mall or any jewelry store they will charge you $10-$20 for a ring and it's a rip off! I've been using BodyCandy.com for 6 years and I have to tell you, I have never been disappointed; this shipment was no different.

I got 10 rings shipped to my door for $25! All orders over $20 get free shipping and if you get on their email list they will always send you a 15% off coupon code. I did the free shipping offer, placed my order on Wednesday and had the package on Saturday, so they are quick to get the orders out the door.

I wanted to get a variety so I got:

5 dangling rings and 1 large stud (the pink butterfly, I am currently wearing this one and it's fantastic). The first one on the left with the crystal icicle is actual crystal, that was my one splurge for the purchase, coming in at $11.

And 4 standard bent bars in colors to match my bathing suits (I'm thinking ahead to beach time!)

So if anyone is still like me and rocking their belly button ring, or any other piercings (they have everything from tongue rings, nose rings, eyebrows, etc.) check out BodyCandy.com.

Cable Knit Canine

Cable knit sweaters: A must have piece for any complete wardrobe. A chunky cable knit is great for winter and colder seasons, while a lightweight cable knit is perfect for spring time and transitional seasons. Well, how could I leave my fashionable (pup) friend out of the stylish loop? Charley currently rocks a Cerulean cable knit but he also has a bright green version that he was seen wearing last week in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Here are some pictures of Chic Charley to show you how he rocks them, what's your preferred cable knit style?

My New Favorite Nail Polish

The latest trend for nail color ranges from wild neon colors to muted nudes and anywhere in between. Personally, I love the muted tones, like taupes and tans. I find them to be chic and classic. Unfortunately, after 5 months of winter and genetically pale skin, I have a hard time pulling off these shades because they just blend into my skin tone.

Yesterday, I found my new favorite color that blends muted chic with creative color and I am simply loving it. It's called Fine Pruned in the Ulta Nail Polish Line, and on top of being inexpensive, (I paid $2 for the bottle, they are having a sale right now 2 for $4) the color pops and the polish is great. It dried quickly and evenly and has already conquered 2 sink-fulls of dishes and some yard work.

It's a keeper!