Halloween is a coming...

Yesterday when I walked out of work it had legitimately dropped about ten degrees. I actually put the heat on my feet on the way home. I love living in Baltimore because of the change of seasons.

I’m looking forward to fall. I like what fall has to offer. Ravens games every Sunday, colorful leaves, hikes with Chase, cute jackets, fall boots and Halloween. Matt and I have had a Halloween party for the last two years. (Since we’ve moved into our apartment). I just love Halloween.; probably my favorite holiday to celebrate.

With Halloween comes the pressure of thinking of a costume. Matt and I usually just go up the Goodwill to find our costumes. Face it, you only wear it once, maybe twice, and who feels like putting out $60 for a costume from Party City anymore? Not me. Goodwill always has such a random selection. OMG, I love it. I mean some people (who donate) must keep everything they’ve ever worn. Last year I got the best dress ever. I remember trying it on and asking Matt to zipper me up. It fit like a glove. I was all, “OMG I love this!” Matt was all, “Really?” Really, I totally bought it for a whopping $7 and the cashier didn’t even have a bag to put it in for me. I had to carry my dress out of the store in my hands. Classy, I loved every second of it.

Since I’m getting really excited for Halloween, I figured I’d share some Halloween photos from the years past with you.

Halloween 2010

(I thought I looked like I was from that show Dynasty and Matt looked like my nerdy professor husband. Chase, was a hot dog. Chase hated his costume.)

Matt's 2009 costume. Pappa Smurf. Matt made this. He looked a little scary but how creative of him? Nuts.

Can't wait for this years Halloween party!

Matt's 28th Birthday

Saturday was Matt’s official birthday. The big 2-8. He had made prior plans to play at Carson’s Creekside the night of his birthday with his band. Which kind of worked out for me because then I didn’t have the stress of planning a birthday party. It also worked out because all Matt had to do was make a Facebook invite to get everyone to come out to celebrate.

Saturday morning Matt woke up and made himself a big birthday breakfast. Does that make me a bad wife? For some reason, I couldn’t get up. I ended up waking up after the breakfast was finished. (How
convenient, ha!) 

Matt and I decided to spend the day together. We ended up over The Avenue at Pier One. So much cute stuff at that store. Mostly everything was 20% off in there. I didn’t see anything I really needed (I’m waiting on the house because then I’ll be able to really decorate and get an idea of how I want it to look). I felt really bad a Pier One because Matt wanted this star lantern and I told him not to get it. I should have just told him to buy it. He got his feelings hurt and told me I was being rude because I always buy stuff. (So true). But the star lantern wasn’t on sale, why? Everything else in the store was. Honestly, if this is the biggest thing Matt and I argue over (a star lantern) I think we have a pretty decent relationship- Ha! I need to get myself back there this weekend and buy Matt the lantern. Poor guy. I didn’t mean to be bitchy. It was his birthday for god sake, what is my deal.

Anyway, Saturday night we met all our friends at Carson’s for Matt’s show. Wow, I was so excited that so many people came out to celebrate. Even my sister came out! And she drank herself a few glasses of wine,score! She was hilarious. Mind you, she has a two-year-old so she’s not the going out type anymore.It was a real treat to be able to party with her and all the girls. We really did enjoy ourselves. 

I wish I would have taken more pictures.But I got some of us girls! (Face it, that's all that really matters. Birthday boy, who? Jk it's hard to get pictures of Matt because he's playing the whole time. Plus we spent a lot of time out on the floating pier). 

 Bottles of wine, Moscato, are only $10! We drank that all night long. My bill for the entire night, including my dinner, only came to $20! Sweeeet!

 I don't know how this got started but someone dared Calvin to try and tight-rope. Of course, he couldn't do it. And he finally gave up.

Sunday was the Raven’s game so my sister and brother in-law invited all our friends over their house.
Everyone just brought a dish. It was really nice and there was a ton of food. Plus my Mom had gotten
Matt a birthday cake. My friend Chris also brought his TV over and we watched the game outside on the porch. Sounds kind of crazy, but their porch is huge and covered. So it was nice to be able to sit outside and enjoy the great weather and also watch the game. It was a great, great game!

 Last cake of the weekend. My mom put toy cars on it, ha!!

 After the Raven's game the boys totally WT (white trashed) it up! They went outside and played football in the street. Shirts even came off towards the end! Woo woo. It was a sexy sight, haha.

Overall, I think Matt had a good 28th birthday. This Friday we are going over my in-laws to celebrate with crabs. OMG! They steam and season the crabs themselves and they are A-MAZ-ING!! I can't wait!

This weekend was Matt’s 28^th birthday. Wow, 2-8. Seems old. I guess it’s old to me because when I met Matt he was only 21 and I was 18. (Give me a moment; reality is setting in…we’re getting old. Sounds terrible. Ha!) But 28 isn’t bad, I think Matt has a lot going for him at 28. I’m proud of my Matty.

So this weekend we celebrated, a lot. All weekend long, which is fine with me because I have the biggest sweet tooth and a weekend long celebration meant a lot of cake!  

Friday after work I called my sister and asked if she wanted to get Matt a cake and sing happy birthday to him at her house. (Don’t you love that we have that kind of relationship that I just invite myself over. Not that she has a two-year-old to care for or anything. Ha!) Matt had mentioned last weekend, with his parents, that the cakes at By the Scoop looked amazing. Lucky him, we had a 20% off coupon so I figured I would treat us. Matt and Steve, my brother in-law, were playing video games when we went to get the cake so it was a total surprise.  

Let me tell you, this cake was in-sane. OMG! Oreo cheesecake ice cream cake. Eat your heart out Carvel, you ain’t got nothing on By the Scoop’s ice cream cakes. Seriously, crazy good. To the point that while we were eating it we were all saying “Oh my god” “Oh my god this is so good.” “Holy $hit this is some good cake”

Wow amazing.

 (Oreo Cheesecake Ice Cream Cake)

 Trav was ready for his piece of cake. Note: We each ate two pieces, I kid you not. Our stomachs hurt so bad but it was worth it. Best ice cream cake, ever!

My sister got Matt this crazy card. (From Dollar tree; of course, where else would you find a card like this?)

 

I think Matt was surprised and really enjoyed the cake. (He ate three pieces, no joke. It was that good).

Saturday Matt had a show at Carson's. So fun! I'll post about it later!

"Only in Essex..."

My girlfriend, Jess and I have this ongoing joke about living in Essex. The joke always starts with “Only in Essex…” then we share something totally random that happened to us or something totally odd that we witnessed in Essex.  I wanted Jess’ blog to be called “only in Essex” and for her to only tell crazy stories that have happened to her while living in Essex (that’s how many weird things go on).

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love living in Essex. I love that I’m so close to my sister and nephew and also my bf, Jess. I also love that you can literally wear whatever you want to the grocery store and pretty much guarantee you’ll still be the best dressed person there. I also love the fact that your neighbor would give you the shirt off his/hers back if you needed it. Essex gets a bad reputation but honestly it “ain’t” that bad. (I also love the small seafood restaurants on the water. They’re the best).

Anyway, Jess and I didn’t grow up in Essex; so sometimes the things we encounter seem just straight odd and very stereotypical of the “Essex” reputation. The $hit we’ve seen varies and always makes you giggle and say, “Only in Essex.”

Only in Essex, do babies not wear shirts and eat their feet. (My adorbale nephew, Trav.) I love this picture, makes me laugh).  



“Only in Essex…”

-           Only in Essex, would your neighbor ask you (very casually); “Is that one of them sniffin dogs?”

Me, “Huh?”

Neighbor, “You know one of them sniffin dogs.”

Me, blank stare.

Neighbor, “Because I got me some illegal %hit growing in my backyard and I don’t want that dog of yours finding it.”

Me, (awkward laugh) “Oh no.”

-          Only in Essex, you call Royal Farms “The Farm Store” and Walmart “The Walmart.”

-          Only in Essex, would your (very sweet) neighbor get free (expired) food from the church and leave it on your door step. Ranging from Italian Ice to Potatoes. (Let me tell you, rotten potatoes SMELL like a$$!)

-          Only in Essex, do you know exactly who I’m talking about, when I mention the woman in the wheelchair who pushes herself with her legs all up and down the streets of Essex. (Kind of confusing, how does she push herself with her legs?)

-          Only in Essex, would you have a neighbor named Ms. Billie and her dog named, Archie.  Ms. Billie loved telling me, “I’m sorry, Mandy. I ain’t wearin no bra. You know in the 60’s none of us did.” (I loved her, her and the dog moved a couple months back).

-          Only in Essex, someone would have a mean pit-bull dog named Princess. 

-          Only in Essex, does everyone justify their WT (white trash) behavior by saying, “It’s fine, I’m from Essex.”(I’m guilty, as charged).

So is my sister for letting my nephew rock just his diaper- Ha!

Total Essex Baby.

During the bad rain storm the other day, I had to walk Chase. It was pouring. Chase wouldn’t go to the bathroom. I was soaked. So I took off my flip flops and rolled up my pants and walked barefoot around the neighborhood. I thought to myself, “It’s fine, I’m Essex”  

The list goes on and on. I love these random things. This is what keeps life interesting. (When Matt and I do move I’m going to be so sad).  So many great funny memories from our three years living down in Essex.

Sidenote: I told my sister and Jess that they will have to guest post on here and tell their Essex stories! You can also read both their blogs here and here.



Labor Day Weekend: In Review

Since I took off Friday I had a four day weekend. Man, it was nice. Friday was our DC trip so by the time we got home we were so tired and hungry, we went to bed early.

Saturday we looked at two houses in the morning. I don’t know what to think. The one house was ok. There are pros and cons to the house, like all the houses. Matt seems interested and thinks it would be a good investment. The house is in a great location and is a good price. We’d just have to finish the basement. Ain’t nothin crazy special about the house but we would have the extra money to make it our own. I trust Matt, so honestly, it’s his call on all this house buying stuff. I’m drained. Ha!

We had a party to go too Saturday during the day. It was nice and I made the best thing ever, “White Trash mix” Omg. It was yummy. It’s so easy to make and you won’t be able to put it down once you start eating it.

(White Trash Mix, so good)

Here’s the recipe, in case you need a new dessert to bring to a party. (You know how you always bring the same thing to a party and you always get asked to bring it. “Peanut Butter Tasty Cake” is always what everyone wants me to bring. Although, it is bangin).

Ingredients for White Trash Mix

• 1 pound white chocolate
• 3 cups crispy rice cereal squares
• 3 cups crispy corn cereal squares
• 3 cups toasted oat cereal
• 2 cups thin pretzel sticks
• 2 cups peanuts
• 1 (12 ounce) package of M&M's

I just combined all the dry food together in a big bowl. Then I melted the white chocolate in the mircowave (50 seconds/ until melted) and mixed the melted white chocolate with the dry food. Put the sticky combo on a cookie sheet and put it in the freezer for 10 mins (until it hardened). Break up into small pieces and serve.

(Myself, Em, and Jess at our friend, Chuck's 30th birthday party)

Sunday was nice and relaxing and Matt and I went up to the pool with our friends Josh and Emily. I wanted to soak in the sun one more time before the pool closed. It was the perfect day, not too hot. We decided to do dinner with Matt’s parents Sunday night. We went to Bacoli Delight by our house, half price sangria on Sunday’s. Awesome! We were also total chubs chubs and took Matt’s parents to By the Scoop by our apartment. Homemade ice cream, holy amazing! They have Kandy Cakes, Berger Cookie, Oreo cheese cake, and pretty much any other flavor your heart desires. It’s really worth going too, so good.

 (Matt and I on Sunday night- waiting for his parents to pick us up)

(Matt, "Get a pic of Chase and I!")

Monday was nice because my BF, Emily, and I took ourselves on a shopping trip! Although, I didn’t find as much as I wanted too; I did find a totally cute 60’s dress for the fall. (I will probably wear it out to Em’s bday in November). Our day got even better when my sister called and said that her, Trav and my Mom would meet us for lunch at Panera Bread. After lunch we all headed to Target together. We all ended up getting some great stuff. My sister even got a ton of stuff on sale to decorate Trav’s new toy room. I was so excited about everything that I kept gasping, ha! I was excited for her J

And now, it’s back to work. But before I know it, it will be Friday again. Time really does fly.



DC Trip

Friday, I took off work for a DC trip with Matt! Matt has been asking me to go to DC since he started working there, eight months ago. It's kind of crazy that we live so close to DC and never really go or think to go. (I haven't been to DC since my 3rd grade field trip, no joke). We really wanted to do all the touristy stuff (washington monument, white house, MLK memorial, and museums). We took the MARC train down (like Matt does everyday to work). It was cool for me to see Matt's daily work routine and see his office building. He's the best husband. I couldn't imagine taking that train ride four days a week. I feel so lucky that he's doing that to better our future. :-)

 The Capital

Matt and I (Happy to be in DC)

 National Museum of Natural History.

 National Museum of American History. (This museum was ok, not as interesting as we thought it was going to be. We also ate lunch there. Terrible. And terribly expensive. Matt was right, pack a lunch next time).

 Washington Monument

 I had to put this up to note my outfit. Matt said I had to wear tennis shoes and shorts. I fought him about this but listened. Best advice ever. We walked for six hours straight. And we were sweaty hot. Plus our legs hurt so bad at the end of the day. OMG. Most exercise this girl has had in a long time. Wow.

 WWII Monument. Army band was playing there too. Cool stuff.

 Our favorite, Martin Luther King Memorial. So detailed, awesome. I don't know how the artist even created this. Def. worth going to see.

 Front entrance to the MLK Memorial.

 Korean War Memorial

 Abraham Lincoln Memorial

 The White House. Yay! We walked long and far to see the White House. We were excited! Something cool about the White House. The secret service men that walk back on froth on top of the roof. So cool.

And Union Station. Where Matt gets off at the train everyday to walk two blocks to work. I'm so proud of Matt, he's so brave. I don't think I could take a train everyday, I was so confused. lol Interesting, on the way home when it was our stop everyone ran off the train and ran to their cars. So crazy. Matt said it's because it's rush hour and they want to get out of parking lot fast. 

We def. had a great time in DC. We felt like we saw a lot of great tourist attractions. It was a nice adventure for us. We want to go back and do the stuff we didn't get to see. DC zoo comes to mind! :-)
Plus coolest thing about DC, everything is FREE!! 

"Funniest Wednesday Night Ever"

Wednesday, my girlfriend, Jess emailed me and asked me if I wanted to walk the dogs after work. I agreed, as long as she agreed to walk to the snowball stand.

So after work Jess and I walked up to our local snowball stand. Remember, when I talked about my favorite things here. (One being a chocolate chip cookie snowball). Sadly, Matt and I had got snowballs the night before too. Omg. Total chub chub girl over here. But I justified the situation by telling myself, “They close soon. Who knows if we’ll be living down here next year? Only one more.” It didn’t take that much convincing.

So after Jess and I enjoyed our divine snowballs we headed back home. Now, next to the snowball stand is a little bar/restaurant called Harvey’s. (Which we’ve only been too once, oddly). And as myself, Jess and the dogs were walking by an old couple was walking out of the bar to cross the street. I’m assuming to walk home. No big deal. So I was looking the complete opposite way until I heard Jess (in what seemed like slow motion) yell, “Chhhaaase Noooo”

So I look over and long behold. Chase is up on his hind legs with his front paws on the back of this woman’s back thighs and his head straight up her ass. I kid you not! OMG! I screamed “Noooo” and tugged him away. The woman said “Well that’s one way to say hello.” As her husband yelled, “get out of there!” Jess and I died. I couldn’t even look at her. I knew I would completely lose it. We were laughing so hard we couldn’t even breathe. We laughed so hard that I passed gas. (Sorry for the TMI) But once that happened we laughed even harder. Jess thought she might pee her pants. We laughed the whole way home.  (I’m still laughing about it as I type!)

Wow, only my dog.

(But look at that face! Omg! Cutie!)