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!)



Hurricane Don't Stop Us!

We were anticipating for a huge hurricane on the East coast this weekend and I was totally bummed. Luckily, it wasn't as bad as everyone had thought and we never lost power. Woo Hoo! 

But this hurricane and the rain it brought, totally messed with my ideal weekend plans. (Laying out by the pool before Fall comes) But all wasn't a bust this weekend. I made sure that Matt and I had solid plans. (I hate being bored on the weekends). 

This weekend was/is my Dad's 61st birthday. (Today is his actual birthday). I can't believe it, 6-1. My parents are in the best shape. They're total inspirations. 

It's tradition in our family to let the birthday boy or girl pick where they want to celebrate their birthday. Dad picked Bahama Breeze. Mmm Mmm.

The restaurant that my Dad picked is in the same area as the Crate and Barrel in Baltimore. Score! Remember when I mentioned the wine bar I wanted so badly, here. So Saturday Matt and I woke to a rainy crappy day. We decided it was def. a perfect day to finally spend our Crate and Barrel gift card and purchase the wine bar we wanted. 

It worked out perfectly because Matt and I wander the mall and met up with my parents at Dr. Visionworks to help my Mom pick out new glasses. 

I thought I looked great in these...

(No?)

Dad and Matt liked these...

I really did end up finding a pair of glasses I liked and so did my Mom and my Dad. 

After the glasses search and shopping, we were all starving and in need of a cocktail. So to Bahama Breeze we went. 

 (My Mom and Dad)

 (Matty and I)

Happy 61st birthday Big Bill!!

The food there is insane. It's so friggin good. I could eat there everyday. Good choice Dad!

When we left the restaurant, it was odd. No one was on the roads and a lot of businesses were closed. Crazy. 

Matt def. wasn't bored last night. He had a project ahead of him. Building the wine bar!

 The end result, so cute! I couldn't stop staring at it. (Thank you Matt!)

 This is what we put on the shelves. I might change it. I just worked with what we had.

 (My girlfriend, Dana, made that shadow box. It was a wedding gift and has our wedding invite and bridal invite inside. It was the cutest idea ever!)

My dream came true, sipping wine at our new wine bar.

 (Note my soaked clothes and hair. I went to run Chase out and the wind was crazy. My umbrella got flipped inside out! I was laughing so hard. And to top it off, Chase didn't even pee. Thanks dog.)  

Now I can't wait to have a party! :-) 

I think the wine bar helps mend my broken heart from the never ending house search. 

I also think these helped....

I made s'mores during the hurricane! Ha! They were so good...

Earthquake, House Hunt and Wine Bar?

This week has been an odd week for me. Between work, the earthquake and the never ending fail on the house hunting, I feel as if I’m in dire need of a cigarette and a (very strong) cocktail. Parise the lord tomorrow is Friday.

Tuesday’s earthquake was so crazy. I can’t believe we had an earthquake here in Baltimore. No one knew what the hell was going on in my office. I just thought the mail lady was dragging something enormous on her cart and it was shaking the ground. But it didn’t end. Then everyone was screaming, “What’s that? What is that?” We didn’t know what to do until one of our Directors told us to run for the stairs. Us Baltimore folks ain’t never been in no earthquake! That just doesn’t happen here.

 I was more worried for Matty since he works in DC. None of the phones were working. I finally got a hold of him and he was safe. His office closed. It took Matt five hours; yes, FIVE hours to get home from DC because the MARC train was suspended. Matt had to take three different types of transportation. (Poor guy).

When I got home our dog, Chase, was a little crazy and a picture had fell and our filing cabinets were open. No harm at our apartment. I was sure the whole apartment was going to be down when I got home. That thing is so old. (Hopefully, it stays sturdy for Hurricane Irene).

How bummed am I that we are having another rainy weekend? So bummed. That makes three in a row. I was trying to soak up as much sun as I could before summer is completely gone. But have no fear! I have a plan for this weekend. Two words. Wine Bar! Matt and I have wanted this wine bar ever since we visited our friends, the Skufis’, house. They had the cutest wine bar I had ever seen. (Their house is decorated like a magazine. I envy their decorating skills). Man, Matt and I chatted and chatted about how much we loved this damn wine bar. I finally asked my girlfriend if she would be totally mad if we copied. She’s so sweet; she said they didn’t mind at all. (This was about five months ago). So long behold, another rainy weekend and a couple hundred dollars to Crate and Barrel and wine bar!  (So we hope!) I’m hoping they have some in stock and we can spend the rainy weekend building it and setting it up. (We have our “don’t know what to do with, till we get a house” pile, in the corner of our living room in our apartment. I can put most of that stuff on the wine bar. Awesome!)

Do you love? I love.

Last night we looked at another house. Really nice house. It already had two offers on it. We joined the mix of offers and deny. So Matt and I are still on the house hunt. I’m bummed but I thought getting the wine bar would cheer me up. Then I can just stand next to it all weekend and sip wine. (odd image? It will be marvelous, I promise).