blooming in the garden state

Shutterfly Comeback Post!

2010-11-29T21:38:00.001-05:00

So I am jumping on the Shutterfly Blogger Offer Bandwagon and excited to post about my holiday cards this year! As a blogger I am getting 50 free holiday cards! wooohoo!

I am a huge fan of the photo card! My family did not always do them growing up but I think one of the best parts about them is being able to look back on past years and see how the family has changed or remember the year.

Since we were married in July 2008 we have done a photo card of our own - both from Shutterfly! This year I will be following suit and doing the same and there are some fabulous options.

Here are some great Christmas photo cards http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards.

I am deciding between a few different options:

Here is a great one:

No this is not Brian and I and we don't have a daughter.

The Flat Stationary Card below is just beautiful....

You can find more of those here: holiday cards to http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards.

Lastly, calendars are such a great gift idea, especially for Grandparents if you have children:http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars.

We will likely send out about 100 holiday cards this year. That was a point of debate at our house because Brian thinks that is too many but I think 100 is just right. Our first year we were married I think we sent over 200 because we sent to pretty much everyone we invited to our wedding. Over the years we have added people and taken off people. I no longer send cards to Brian's parents' friends as they already get a card from his parents and we are included in that picture.

I also do not have time to write personal messages to each person. Yes, it is a shame and maybe seen by others as poor manners but at least I am getting them out!

COME VISIT!!

2010-06-18T18:24:00.001-04:00

I just wrote my first post over at my new blog - http://chillinchitown.blogspot.com/

I haven't made it private yet so come visit and leave a comment if you want to be included in the blog once it goes private!

Yes I am still alive and well.....in CHICAGO!

2010-06-09T22:50:00.002-04:00

Hello friends!

This will probably be on of my last posts for the Blooming in the Garden State blog considering I no longer live in the Garden State. I am now a proud resident of Chicago! Some people might say Chicago is "filthy and therefore smells awful" but I think I will like this city pretty well.

As some of you might now, my precious husband is now a newly minted Princeton grad and I couldn't be happier that he has landed his dream job and that has brought us to Chicago.

Moving forward, I will have a new blog that will likely be private. I have read similar posts from other bloggers regarding this topic. It bothers me that people I know in real life who may not ever care to speak with me read this blog. I want to be able to be more open about my feelings and events without worrying about that people in real life think or how they might judge me! So that being said, please do leave a comment (those few loyal readers, don't all jump up at once) and let me know if you would like to be invited to my new blog once I have it up and running.

I will likely do one more post about graduation and Reunions events.

I started this blog nearly 2 years ago to record the events of my life as a newly wed to Brian and a new resident of the Garden State. Through the process of writing a blog I have met many wonderful ladies by reading and commenting on their blogs. Thank you to each of you and thank you to all those who have read this blog! I know it's not always the most exciting but it's been a fun way to keep a record of my first years of marriage and our life in New Jersey.

Onto the next adventure!

I wanna be a part it! NEW YORK NEW YORK!

2010-05-21T14:11:00.002-04:00

Precious hubs and I took one final trip to NYC, yesterday. It was a fun time we refer to as "Ally & Bri Day." That basically means that Brian gives me his FULL attention and the day is usually what I want to do.

We took the train into the city and then walked to the Noho area and at MCW's suggestion we went to B Bar and Grill. How appropriate for Brian?! It was a long walk - about 30 blocks or so and we had a nice time looking at the area.

After a delicious lunch we walked to Rockefeller Center and then walked to Penn Station to head home. We spent over 4 hours walking...I think we walked about 5.5 miles.

300th post.....SEX IN THE CITY!

2010-05-19T15:26:00.002-04:00

On May 27th the new SEX IN THE CITY movie comes out and I have planned a fabulous girls outing! Dinner before the movie and then enjoying the movie with friends.

Can I tell you, I AM SO excited!

It's a wonder, now that I am not working so many of posts revolve around TV and movies....time for me to start packing those boxes!

Biggest Loser

2010-05-18T21:49:00.001-04:00

Yes, I am writing a post about Biggest Loser. I.freaking.love.it. I am so in awe of how the contestants got in shape "the right way"...not using pills or operations but focusing on diet and exercise.

My favorite part, though, is all the cheesy, "I've come so far" stuff. I know.I know. On day 2 of not working I might have hit an all time low but I am just being honest here.

Thoughts...

2010-05-17T21:18:00.003-04:00

1. I am becoming a vegetarian. I can no longer digest meat so I am not going subject my body to it. I still eat eggs and dairy but don't drink milk in my cereal. I have started using rice milk. Now if I could only get my hubs on the veggie band wagon - cooking two dinners every night is getting old.

2. I love Gossip Girl...especially Blair Waldorf.

3. I hate mean girls (I rather not explain).

4. I'm moving to Chicago in less than 2 weeks.

5. September 20 I will officially be a full-time student.

6. I am not having any luck selling our gently used couch - any takers in New Jersey???

7. I want to see Dear John on DVD and Sex in the City 2 in the theater. I just checked the schedule to see when it was playing and the only times posted were at 12:01 am.

8. I'm back on the work out train and it feels so good!

9. I am reading "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" and it is SO good.

10. As of today my husband is finished with his Princeton degree. He graduates May 31 and June 1 (yes there are two ceremonies). I.cannot.wait. To say I am ecstatic is an understatement.

Flash Back!

2010-05-15T20:37:00.002-04:00

Five years ago I was just returning from studying abroad in Perugia, Italy. Here I am wearing a mask for the "Carnivale" celebration that happens in February in Italy. Notice anything different about me?!!?!?

Our Move!

2010-05-15T20:29:00.002-04:00

I have gotten a few questions about when we are moving so I will fill my readers in on what is going on.

We will begin the drive from Princeton to Chicago on June 2. Brian graduates June 1 so we will be hitting the road the next day. These next two weeks will be filled with packing, organizing and purging of all the STUFF we have!

We found an apartment in Lakeview/Lincoln Park area. We will be in a one bedroom for a couple more years but we will have a DISHWASHER!! :)

I will be checking with the movers tomorrow to find out what day our belongings will arrive in Chicago. That will influence how many days we stop, along the way.

Brian has relatives in Pittsburg and Cincinnati so we will get to see them on our way to Chicago! I still can't believe we are moving....my last day of work was on Friday so things are changing...I better just hold on my hat!

SO cute.

2010-05-13T23:34:00.003-04:00

Our friend's Swati and Nitin's baby!!

Chhhhhhanges!

2010-05-12T13:41:00.002-04:00

It's no surprise big changes are coming down the pike for the precious hubs and me! You see, the problem is, I don't deal well with change and well, I have a lot coming my way. Wish me luck!

Happy Mother's Day....

2010-05-10T16:19:00.002-04:00

To the best Mama in the WORLD!

Me and my mom and sister, Abby.

Wedding Memories

2010-05-04T22:40:00.005-04:00

Here are a few snapshots a friend took at my wedding. Aren't they good?!

BIG NEWS!!!

2010-04-30T22:44:00.002-04:00

I have officially resigned from my current position and will be attending graduate school at Northwestern University. I will be getting a Masters in Science in Integrated Marketing and Communication from the Medill School of Communication. Brian will be working as a trader for a large bank in downtown Chicago!

We will be moving there June 2, 2010! Everything happened very quickly and we are excited to start this new phase with ME in graduate school!

Melts my Heart

2010-04-28T15:33:00.001-04:00

Goodness knows how many pics I will take of our kids like this!

Home Stay

2010-04-22T12:59:00.008-04:00

When I studied abroad in high school for a summer in Santander, Spain, I stayed with a wonderful host family. Unfortunately, I did not keep in touch with them but that summer in 2001 was wonderful! I was treated some where between an honored guest and a daughter/sister. My "senora" or spanish mother taught me spanish, cooked amazing, lavish meals and took great care of me. At the time I was 16 and I even had a 13 year old host brother who was charged with being my protector. He walked me to school, took me the beach and escorted me out with my friends. That was interesting, let me tell you. :) I remember one time they would not let me go outside when it was drizzling. I think they thought I would melt.

So when my precious sister decided she was going to study abroad I really encouraged her to do a home stay as well. Long story short she did NOT have the same wonderful experience I had. Her "senora" did NOT cook her great meals (every single thing they she fed her was prepared in the microwave....GROSS), she did NOT teach her spanish, she did NOT take good care of her! Of course when I heard some of things she was feeding my little sister I was in ABSOLUTE HORROR! Some of the meals included: microwave pizza, microwave french fries, microwave meat patties that were marked as priced as 8 for 1 euro ( I don't even want to know what grade meat that is!)

My sister and the other 2 girls who lived with this senora tried to talk to her about more fruits and vegetables, they tried offering to cook (even though she is supposed to cook for them), they ultimately ended up speaking with the university and getting a new host family.

We got to meet her....

She is adorable

Glimpses of Madrid

2010-04-21T09:18:00.008-04:00

Me and my sister in front of the Palace

The Royal Plaza Gardens

Looking in the guide book

My mom and sister, Ari -- too cute

Plaza in Sol

View of the market

Our hotel

And we're off!

2010-04-21T09:15:00.000-04:00

Here I am with my mom at the Dulles airport waiting to go through security. I am wearing a very comfortable Lily dress I got at the sale in November. It is a children's dress. I wear it with tights and flats nearly everytime I travel.

Back from Spain~Getting there...

2010-04-20T13:31:00.003-04:00

One night during my trip I thought of a great title for my first blog post when I got back...of course I forgot it! I am back from Spain! We had decent weather and QUITE the adventure, if I do say so myself!

Our itinerary included a direct flight from Washington Dulles to Madrid on Monday night. We had a half empty plane with lots of room to stretch out! We flew Aer Lingus for the first time, which if you get the chance to fly, I would highly recommend. It was definitely one of the most enjoyable international flights I have been on. The service was excellent, the movies were great and the food was actually palatable.

We arrived in Madrid around 7:00 AM on Tuesday morning and my little pipsqueak of a sister was there waiting for us. She took the metro super early to meet us! So sweet!

Now, this trip was a special treat for Mother as a celebration for battling cancer this past year, but my sister has been studying (history) abroad since January. At 4 foot 10 and 83 lbs she couldn't be cuter!

We decided to take the metro to our hotel which was a FABULOUS location right near the Royal Palace in Madrid. Let's just say we over packed a bit and it was a little bit of a struggle lugging suitcases around the metro during rush hour (not to mention switching lines twice). We would have been better off in a cab.

We stayed at Hotel Opera if you plan to go to Madrid I would HIGHLY reccomend it also. The staff was fabulous. Our triple room was very spacious and extremely comfortable and they had a wonderful breakfast buffet that was included in the price of the room.

THE RAIN IN SPAIN.....

2010-04-11T13:44:00.003-04:00

Might ruin our trip! I just checked weather.com and of course it is a beautiful day there today but it is supposed to rain Tuesday (the day we arrive) until the following Monday (the day we leave)......

Please pray we have some sunshine as this is a special trip for Mother!

I like this...

2010-04-05T14:32:00.001-04:00

Alice came to a fork in the road.

"Which road do I take?" she asked.

"Where do you want to go?" responded the Cheshire cat.

"I don't know," Alice answered.

"Then," said the cat, "it doesn't matter."

Easter Decor

2010-04-03T18:36:00.014-04:00

Last year Mrs. F gave me some Easter decor. This year is the first holiday Brian and I will be at our own home, establishing our own traditions.

Tomorrow we will go to church and then have friends over for Brunch!

Here are a few pictures of some of the decor.

I also made Easter baskets for our friends (the Jains) and Brian. Very fun - especially since Brian's nick name is "Bunnie".

Wrinkle Prevention

2010-03-30T23:01:00.001-04:00

I just got Oil of Olay Regenerist cream for night time use and I used it tonight! You all suggested it. I already have wrinkles on my forehand from scrunching it up!

I will have to let you know how it works out for me!

Celebration Weekend~

2010-03-29T11:20:00.024-04:00

I had a wonderful weekend celebrating Mother's health!

Friday

It started with dinner with my mom, her friend friend Ruth visiting from Georgia and my dad. I got to meet up with my dear friend Carly for a glass of wine afterwards.

My mom's friend Ruth who she has known since 1969! Ruth's husband and my mom were professors at the University of Georgia together. She sent my mom many beautiful letters during this time. She is a great writer.

Saturday

I dropped off the special cake (I got it from the same place I got my wedding cake from) at Mrs. F's house.

My mom, my sister-in-law Adrienne and me!

After meeting my dear friend, Sasha for a coffee at Starbucks it was time to get ready for the Pink Party ~ Celebration Tea at Mrs. F's!

Me & Mrs. F - we look like we could be related!

Part of the spread - cucumber sandwiches and scone sandwiches. The the middle are small boxes my mom gave the ladies with notes inside.

Close up shot.

The goodie bags from Mrs. F. :)

The tea was absolute perfection - beautiful decor, delicious food, good friends and celebration!

I read the following poem which I wrote for Mother!

Jeri is her name
Great writing is her fame
She can take a literary disaster and make it right
Even if it takes working through the night

For dear mother, this year was been one of trials
Which has been bearable because your smiles
With Mrs. F the chief pink “ribboner”
The ladies brought soup, dessert, good cheer
A dinner, a hat, a letter or card
Has made this experience not as hard

From miles away, I could tell each good deed
Was helpful and encouraging, during this time of need
So today we thank you and our God above
for strength, restoration and most of all love

The party really was a wonderful time and special thanks to Mrs. F for single handedly hosting over 2 dozen women and putting together a very special afternoon.

After the party I organized a LIMO ride with some of the ladies who were in from out of town, etc. We rode around for 2 hours visiting all the monuments and then enjoyed a dinner at the Irish Inn at Glen Echo.

The group at dinner.

Ready to enjoy the limo ride with champagne!

Sunday

We attended a lovely Palm Sunday service at our church (and and then a lavish Sunday brunch at Normandie Farm. I was so full afterwards I had to rest before driving home.

Victory OVER Cancer

2010-03-28T00:48:00.004-04:00

Cancer did not win. My mom did. It was a hard fought battle but with our God on her side my mom won.

Today we celebrated her.

PINK ribbon party!

2010-03-25T21:06:00.004-04:00

I am VERY excited to attend my mom's Pink Ribbon/Victory Party/Celebration Tea this Saturday afternoon!

Here is what I will be wearing, I picked it up at the Lilly Sale it is from the Jubilee Line and will be my first time wearing it.

Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe....YUM!

2010-03-23T21:56:00.005-04:00

I am back on the meal planning wagon this week.

Sunday -
Brian: petite filet of steak, grilled asparagus in oil olive with spinach salad
Ally: butternut squash, brussel sprouts and argula salad

Monday -
Both - homemade vegetarian chili, tortilla chips
Brian - with meat

Tuesday -
Both: homemade sweet and sour chicken
Brian said it was "better than PF Changs" - he just doesn't know it's a lot healthier too!

Here is the recipe for Sweet and Sour Chicken from Real Simple Magazine

Ingredients:
1 cup long-grain white rice
18 ounces forzen chicken nuggets (I used Bell & Evans)
1/2 apricot preserves
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon canola oil
4 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1/2 pound snow peas
1 chili pepper (such as serrano or jalapeno) sliced
1/2 cup roasted cashews
2 scallions, thinly sliced

Method:
-Cook rice according to package directions. Meanwhile, cook the chicken according to the package directions.
-In a small bowl, make the sauce, whisk together the preserves, soy sauce, vinegar and ginger and set aside
-heat the oil in a large skilley over medium-high heat. Add the celery and cook, tossing, for 2 minutes. Add the snow peas and chili pepper and cook, tossing, until the veggies are just tender, about 2 minutes more.
-Add the chicken, sauce, and cashews and toss to coat. Serve over the rice and sprinkle with scallions.

-A changes I will do for next time - add red bell peppers and pineapple and cook the snow peas on the side with garlic and olive oil instead of mixing together. :)

Wednesday -
-Campbells select garden vegetable soup
-side salad

Thursday -
-organic cheese ravioli with tomato sauce

Friday - I am going to DC to see my parents! My good friend who hosted my bridal shower is throwing my mom a "victory party" for getting through cancer treatment!

Delicious Torte

2010-03-19T13:31:00.002-04:00

There was a birthday work yesterday and someone made this delicious torte...I asked for the recipe and although I have not made it myself I hope to soon!

Ingredients:
1 cup flour
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 stick butter
1 tablespoon sugar
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup confectioner's sugar
2 large "family size" Cool Whip
2 large chocolate instant pudding
1 quart milk

Method:
Combine flour, nuts, butter and 1 tablespoon sugar then mix and press into 9X13 baking dish and bake for 15 minutes at 350F and then cool throughly

Combine cream cheese, confectioners sugar and blend well until smooth.
With 1 and 1/2 containers of cool whip - gently fold the above cream cheese mizture and spread over cooled crust.

Combine chocolate pudding mix and milk - blend from box directions and pour over Cool Whip and let set in refridgator for 2 hours.

Spread the remaining 1/2 container of Cool Whip over the chocolate layer.

Bunkers at Sea

2010-03-18T11:20:00.002-04:00

2 years ago this month...

2010-03-17T10:35:00.008-04:00

......My sweet hubs got down on one knee in the Naples, FL sand and proposed. Each year we go back (around this time) and celebrate.March 14, 2010

March 1, 2008

Unfortunately, I cannot find the pic of us last year (January 2009) but when I find it I will update the post.

In case you are interested....here is our engagement story:

Brian proposed in Naples, Florida on March 1 when we were visiting his grandparents after a conference. I had no idea he was going to propose because I didn't know he had bought the ring or talked to my dad yet...! So on the last day of my conference he flew into Orlando and we drove to Naples. We had a great time visiting his grandparents and spending time with them.

Then on Saturday morning we woke up early to watch the sun rise. He said that he had something special planned for that night. We were going to watch the sun set on the beach (it's right across the street from his grandparents' condo) and then go to dinner at a great french restaurant in Naples. I didn't really think anything was up because he always plans great things (he's a huge planner like me!) Anyway, when it came time for us to walk to the beach we took a blanket to sit on and his grandparents were taking lots of picture of us but I didn't really think anything was out of the ordinary.

We love taking pictures (or at least I do!) So we walked across the street to the beach and I noticed he was a little nervous (very unlike him!) so I started to think something was up! Well he timed it perfectly so when we got there we had some time to talk and walk around the beach as the sun was setting. It was really romantic and fun. We started looking for shells (and collected a few, which I saved) and then he knelt down to pick one up and said "How about this one??" and pulled out the ring! I was so surprised and of course let him ask me and finish what he said before I said "YES!!" and people were cheering in the distance on the beach.

It was perfect! I'll remember the sunset forever! His grandparents had a little spread with champagne, crab claws, chocolates and candles and music playing when we got back! It was adorable!

For the love.....(of Lily)

2010-03-16T14:00:00.004-04:00

I love Lily Pulitzer. There I said it. Yes, the prints are bright but I.love.them. I was trying to re-vamp my style and go for clothes that were "trendier" but this past November I went to the Lily sale in Valley Forge, PA and got A LOT of beautiful things. I had a little buyers remorse because I thought "Wow, I just spent a ton of money on Lily and I was trying to re-vamp my style for a trendier look". Now, in March when I actually got a chance to wear them I have rekindled my love affair with Lily for GOOD.

I love the clothes....I love the ease of wear. The dresses are my favorite because they are so perfect. Just a cute pair of flats or heels and jewelry and you are ready to go. No fuss!

I had a fabulous time wearing my Lily in Naples, FL! What a perfect place to try it all out!

I wore this dress two different times. :)

A preppy vacation...

2010-03-15T09:19:00.002-04:00

Darling hubs and I are enjoying Paradise. Naples, FL could NOT be more perfect. We flew out on Friday AM at 8 AM. Our flight was delayed taking off about 20 minutes but we didn't call his grandparents (who generously offered to drive over an hour to pick us up at the airport) because we thought we would make up the time in the air. The flight was very very bumpy! The worst I have ever been on in the last 20-30 minutes of the flight. I had really awful motion sickness on the plane as did many many others. There was a very bad rain storm in Naples. All of this sounds less than perfect! Ha!

Brian's sweet grandparents who we have not seen in over a year picked us up and we went to Whole Foods to pick up some lunch for me and then Brian got to go to his favorite place that has moved down from Cincinnati, OH to open a shop in Naples, FL - Skyline Chili. I think it is awful but he loves it.

Then Brian's grandparents gave us one of their cars to drove to the Naples Grand Beach Resort - a Waldorf Astoria hotel. It was Fabulous! We got upgraded to a 15th floor room - so nice and enjoyed a wonderful couples massage and time at the spa. So relaxing. We then rested and got ready for a night out on the town. We enjoyed a great dinner. I had a fabulous Pina Coloda! I don't even want to KNOW how bad those are for you!

Saturday the weather was absolutely divine. But of course like a total idiot I did not bring sunscreen (bottle too large to carry on in the lugguage) and we got horribly burned. Still you might be wondering how I could see this vacation as perfect - easy - I was with Brian!

We had lunch and then we on over to Brian's grandparents' place where we stayed the remainder of the visit. They are two of the biggest characters I have ever met. So sweet and FUNNY. I love them.

Brian and I enjoyed a wonderful sunset cruise on the Gulf and then dinner on the water.....very lovely!

Sunday I was out in the sun today (covering my odd burn) and lathering on sunscreen......last night we enjoyed a great dinner at his grandparent's club and then I got home to watch Desparate Housewives and Brothers and Sisters. I have FOUND paradise! Don't make me leave. Too bad our flight is at 4 PM today! :(

Pictures to come....

Sanskripts...

2010-03-09T21:00:00.005-05:00

My dear friend, Serena's good friend Bree makes INCREDIBLE invitations and stationary! I was in "awwwwe" when Serena introduced me to her website.

Her company is called Sanskripts and the designs are beautiful and the prices are sooo reasonable.

I have already decided that my unborn children's birth annoucements will be made by her.....heheh. Can you tell I like her work?

I think it combines elegance with trendy details.

Isn't this precious?

To visit click here

Inexpensive Wrinkle Cream...Suggestions?

2010-03-09T14:40:00.000-05:00

I currently don't use wrinkle cream and I am thinking of starting...especially to help with my forehead....any suggestions?

Oh so tempting...

2010-03-09T14:24:00.001-05:00

Very tempting considering I gave up shopping for Lent!

3 Cheers for Ole Nassau!

2010-03-08T13:59:00.003-05:00

Me and my darling friend, Amy, who invited me to attend the Princeton vs. Havard men's basketball game. What fun!

Happenings

2010-03-03T23:06:00.002-05:00

This week has been a bit busy...

I have been at the gym working out Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. Hoping to make it there tomorrow for a yoga class and then again on Saturday and Sunday.

Meal planning definitely is going well this week. It's so nice to know what we are going to have and that we have all the necessary items. Takes the stress out of meals and the guess work...no additional trips to the grocery store either.

I have had major DRAMA with my blackberry. I accidentially drowned mine last Thursday (don't ask). I went to get a new one last Friday and then decided I wanted a different one with international capabilities - for my trip to Spain in April. Let's just say I made 2 trips to Best Buy today, driving 60 miles and waiting nearly 3 hours. Now, I am the owner of a blackberry TOUR.

Everything is nearly planned for our trip to Spain and oh I can not WAIT. I will post pictures of where we are staying....a very unique place in Barcelona...I am very much looking forward to it!

I am LOVING my new haircut. SO MUCH easier to care for. Makes me wonder why I didn't cut it ages ago.

NEW HAIRCUT

2010-03-02T20:49:00.003-05:00

Thank you to all who voted! I ended up going with the Lauren Conrad and got highlights....once again....not sure if I got my money's worth. Is there a noticable change in the hair COLOR?

New Photos Added

Haircut -- Advice Needed!

2010-02-28T16:49:00.010-05:00

I rarely get my haircut. I am definitely NOT one of those girls who is always at the salon every 6-8 weeks getting a trim. I am cheap and lazy when it comes to my hair.

first got highlights for my wedding in July 2008 and oh how I *loved* them. They are absolute perfection. Since then I have gone to one salon here in Princeton and back to my salon in the DC area and they did NOT look like I had had ANYTHING done to my hair. $200 later it looks exactly the same. I am trying for highlights again and going to ask my stylist to really really make them noticable -- just not platinium blonde!

On those rare occasions when I do get my hair done I like to schedule it for right before a trip or event so I have pretty hair.

So this week I have an appointment and would love to get your opinions on the cut in these couple pictures.

Option 1: "The Lauren Conrad"

Option 2: "The Jessica Simpson"

Option 3: "The Heidi Klum"
Option 4: "The Reese Witherspoon" -- this would be a BIG change with the bangs!

A week of dinners....

2010-02-28T15:51:00.003-05:00

I am trying to get more organized about meals...especially dinner. Lately we have been making too many trips to the grocery store to pick up this or that for the nightly meal.

Here is what I have thought up (you will notice Brian and I eat different things some of the nights, if you are a regular at my blog you know that food is just one thing we don't see eye to eye on...

Sunday night:
Brian - steak, pre-made Wegman's mashed potatoes
Ally - pre-made Wegman's brussel sprouts
Both - grilled asparagus, spinach salad

Monday night:
Both - chicken tacos with spinach, corn and feta cheese(recipe from real simple magazine)
flour tortillas, grilled chicken, spinach, corn, salsa, feta cheese and avocado
-heirloom greens salad with red peppers (if we need a side)

Tuesday night:
I am getting my hair done at 6 PM (will post about that on my next entry) so
Brian - grilled cheese on whole wheat with Campbell's Select Tomato Soup, orange
Ally - (if I feel like cooking, vegetable thai curry - I might make this Sunday or Monday night so I can have it ready when I arrive home)

Wednesday night:
Brian - some kind of pasta with salad
Ally - leftover vegetarian chili

Thursday night:
Both - chicken and bacon club (recipe from real simple magazine)
grilled chicken on ciabatta bread with tomato, heirloom lettuce leaves and light mayo
-heirloom greens salad with apples and blue cheese crumbles (if we need a side)

Friday night:
Order pizza or go out...

Please let me know if you are interested in the recipes for any of these or if you have good ideas for "husband friendly" meals....I am always looking for something different!

Happy Weekend!

2010-02-26T23:15:00.004-05:00

Happy Weekend, friends! Life is good over here in Princeton, NJ! Brian and I are ready for SPRING!

This evening we had good friends for dinner.

This week I have been planning my trip to Spain with my mom in April!

Brian and I are getting very excited about our trip to Naples in just a few weeks!

Recently, my mom was telling me about the benefits of pomegrante juice. She and my dad now drink a glass of pomegrante juice instead of red wine with dinner. How cute!

Pomegranate juice has excellent antioxidant properties. It has about three times more antioxidants ounce for ounce than does red wine or green tea. Many people also enjoy its rich taste, making it a welcome beverage.

Pomegranate juice has been shown to work well as a blood thinner. Some research has shown it may be an excellent agent for promoting blood flow to the heart. It also has been shown to reduce plaque in the arteries, and to raise “good” levels of cholesterol while helping lower “bad” cholesterol.

This preliminary research suggests that pomegranate juice may be helpful in preventing heart disease, heart attacks and stroke. Most physicians are quick to point out pomegranate juice should be just one aspect of a healthy diet and exercise program. Pomegranate juice alone would probably not cure or completely prevent heart disease.

Some research has also evaluated the antioxidant nature of pomegranate juice and its usefulness in fighting certain forms of cancer. Pomegranate juice has been tentatively shown to reduce incidence of breast and skin cancer. It has also been tested and shown to slow the growth of prostate cancer in mice.

Another interesting study has evaluated pomegranate juice and osteoarthritis. Pomegranate juice tends to act as an inhibitor on enzymes responsible for damaging cartilage. These studies applied extract of pomegranate directly onto damaged cartilage. More research would have to examine a cause and effect relationship between oral ingestion of pomegranate juice and reduction in cartilage deterioration.

What I've Been Eating: Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-02-21T22:30:00.001-05:00

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup rolled oats
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Stir in the peanut butter, vanilla and egg until well blended. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the batter just until moistened. Mix in the oats and chocolate chips until evenly distributed. Drop by tablespoonfuls on to lightly greased cookie sheets.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until the edges start to brown. Cool on cookie sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

LENT

2010-02-17T10:17:00.003-05:00

This year for Lent I am giving up SHOPPING for myself.

This includes:
Clothes, shoes, accessories, etc.

I am still allowed to buy birthday gifts, cards etc for others, groceries and other household/cleaning items, pay bills and buy things for hubby upon his request.

Also, I am going to try to institute only going out or buying dinner and picking it up ONCE per week the 6 weeks of Lent. This will be suspended when we are in Naples visiting Brian's grandparents.

This shopping fast will go from today, February 17-April 4. The fast will end just in time for my trip to Spain....ha!

Weekend with My MOM!!!!!!!

2010-02-15T20:31:00.013-05:00

My mom and I had the BEST weekend in NYC! I was so so so so so thankful that she was able to make it and that everything went so well. Thank you, Mom, for treating me to such a fun weekend!
Here are a few pictures!

At brunch....

With my sister, my mom and her friend Susie - a sorority sister from University of Nebraska and a fellow cancer survivor! :)

At dinner at Kellari before the theater. Pictured here with my sister, mom and cousin, Ginger!
On our way to the Lion King! It was AMAZING!
Before the show with Times Square in the background!
After the show!

We had a fabulous weekend! We also went to the Museum of Modern Art! I especially enjoyed the Van Gogh and Monet!

What do I come home to after a weekend away...?

2010-02-15T15:55:00.002-05:00

A clean apartment and these!

Celebration Weekend ON!!!

2010-02-12T13:58:00.002-05:00

36 inches of snow almost prevented my mom from getting to NYC but thanks to my best friend, Carly, who drove her to the bus station, she is on her way! My sister, Abby, is her travel companion and will be joining the fun.

We are so excited! Pictures to come on Monday! :)

Weekend Pending...

2010-02-10T18:44:00.002-05:00

No idea what is going on with our Special Celebration Weekend for my mom. I will be devastated if she is not able to make it to the city for a weekend of fun!

Thankful Tuesday

2010-02-09T17:25:00.004-05:00

I am feeling really stressed as another HUGE dump of snow is coming to DC and my parents are scheduled to take the bus to NYC on Friday morning for my mom's special birthday weekend! I looked into the train and it is $300 each way....WTF! Please pray that the roads will be clear and it will be safe for them to come to NYC. We have a bunch of wonderful things planned and the tickets, hotel room etc are non-refundable and you cannot change the date! :(

I am trying to be thankful despite feeling stressed about this.

I am thankful:

1. That is my copy of Dave Ramsey's "Total Money Makeover" is in the mail.

2. That I am becoming obsessed with working out and am turning into a little gym rat!

3. For my sweet, amazing, kind, SMART, handsome hubs and getting to spend Valentine's day with him at our FAVORITE restaurant.

4. That hopefully my tax refund is coming soon.

5. That our trip to Naples is booked.

6. For my good friends here in Princeton

7. For my dear, dear friends all over the country.

8. That my mom is doing well and her health is improving and I can't WAIT to see her and give her her beautiful birthday gift!

9. For good food.

10. For CHAI!

Work out goals:

2010-02-07T23:02:00.003-05:00

Monday: Buddy workout after work
Tuesday: Spinning class at 5:45 AM or Mat Pilates at 6:30 PM
Wednesday: Buddy workout after work
Thursday: Spinning class at 5:45 PM

Friday, Saturday and Sunday -- off! Mom and Dad visit NYC!

A good weekend

2010-02-07T22:07:00.002-05:00

We had a great weekend spending time together and I was in FULL nesting mode. Cooking, cleaning, laundry, baking and gymming. :)

Happy Hour was a delight. I went with 4 of my girlfriends who I met from the fashion show back in October. We had a great time laughing...a lot.

Saturday, Brian and I were snowed in. We didn't get NEARLY as much snow as the MD-DC area but we didn't leave the house all day! I made soup and we watched movies and I started reading a book for work.

Today, we didn't make it to church, it's just so hard when sleeping in is so fun but we MUST make it a priority and had each other accoutable to making it a key part of our lives because we definitely want to make it a priority for when we have children and DO NOT want to wait until then, of course.

We made chili, cornbread and brownies and both went to the gym. :) We had a great time with our guests and a lovely evening. I am not usually a proponent of dinner in front of the television but I guess the Superbowl is a reasonable excuse!

Now, we have 6 loads of laundry spinning downstairs.

Hope ya'll had a great weekend. xoxo

Weekend....

2010-02-05T16:23:00.002-05:00

Like much of the east coast we will be getting a lot of snow here over the next couple days. It has not started here yet so what does that mean?

HAPPY HOUR is still on!

Here is what my schedule looks like this weekend:

Friday-
Happy Hour with my girlfriends
Possibly seeing "Dear John" although it got bad review

Saturday-
Gym
Pick up my dry cleaning
Make cream of brocilli soup
Laundry
Movies
Reading

Sunday-
Church
Gym
Make chili and cornbread for company for dinner!
Cry because Desparate Housewives isn't on on Sunday...instead it's multiple episodes of Family Guy...or Modern Family or somethign...wierd.
Dream about our upcoming vacation to Naples, Florida, March 12-15....we will be staying at here

Update update...

2010-01-31T18:53:00.004-05:00

Once again, I apologize for the lack of posting! I had a very busy but wonderful week is DC. I really enjoyed my work program and catching up with co-workers from other offices. I also got to see my parents at the beginning and end of the week, which I really enjoyed.

The weather in DC was fabulous until I left on Saturday -- it was snowing. Thankfully, I was taking the train and there was little snow here in NJ. It was great to see my mom, we went on a (cold) walk on Friday (I worked from my parents' house part of the day) and had a nice dinner out with family and good friends. I love being home and about 2.5 days at a time is always perfect!

Upon returning to Princeton on Saturday my sweet hubs had the apartment spotless...although quite a bit of laundry piled up! We had a lovely dinner out at Tre Piani in Princeton as a reunion as we were apart the longest we have been since we got married! So it was great fun to see him again and spend the day at home catching up again.

I had coffee with two of my best girlfriends which is becoming a little tradition and we walked around Princeton before doing some grocery shopping for the week.

Brian and I agree on nearly everything except FOOD! I enjoy nearly all vegetarian food and Brian prefers meat and potatoes! I am trying to compromise on this. I have started making encliladas which are sooo easy and good. Probably not the healthiest but I use lean meat for him and alll veggies for me. I add some peppers and onions to the meat ones for him. He loves them. He also gets a side salad. :)

We are planning a short getaway in March! So in addition to my parents' visit in less than 2 weeks and my trip to Spain in April...we will be going some place great in March! Very excited! We are looking to go some place warm outside the country that is only a direct flight away so any suggestions are WELCOME!

Hope ya'll had a great weekend.

Friday!

2010-01-22T21:47:00.002-05:00

I apologize for the lack of posting! I have been computerless during the evenings and Brian has been using his to prep for his finals. My hubs is officially 3/4 complete with his Princeton degree. I am so proud of him and very excited to hear what his final grades are!

This week has been pretty busy at work as I prepare to go to a conference in DC for all of next week. Part of it will be training. I look forward to seeing my friends I met at previous trainings.

I will be with my parents this Saturday and Sunday and then next Friday and Saturday before I return home. They will also be visiting NYC February 12-14! We are staying at a W Hotel (The Court) and seeing the Lion King! We will also probably eat at the Blue Grill in the Union Square area. I am very excited! We will celebrate my mom's birthday and also at that point she will only have one more week of radiation left! Yay!

I guess now I have to go pack!

Thankful Thursday

2010-01-14T23:37:00.002-05:00

I am so thankful for good friends to share meals and reciepes with. For friends to go to the gym with and run errands with...because it's just more fun!

I am thankful for my husband and that his Princeton education is nearly complete.

I am thankful for today...

B12!

2010-01-13T22:24:00.003-05:00

Friday, I had a doctor's appointment and got my bloodwork results from my physical...I have successfully lowered my cholestrol, significantly, but I had very very low B12 vitamin levels - B12 is usually found in animal products like cheese, eggs and meat -- things I have been eating little of because of my cholestrol!

The doctor was so concerned I had to get a B12 shot to help raise my levels. She said just taking the vitamins would not help fast enough.

I had no idea it was important. It has been many years since I have had a physical and all my blood work done. There are many signs of low B12 vitamins:
-fatigue - check!
-numbness in fingers - oddly enough, yes!
-hair loss - I thought my hair was falling out due to the cold winter, etc.

There are others too but I was very surprised there was a cause to these symptoms.

2010....well underway....

2010-01-12T22:33:00.002-05:00

2010 is well underway, Brian is busy preparing for exams that will finally conclude on Jan 22! Jan 23, I am off to DC. I am SO excited to see my parents! :)

I have really been enjoying going to the gym, three times a week. I love the weight training and building strength. It's great to get back into the swing of things. I have already gained a teeny tiny bit of weight but in this case I do think it might be muscle.

I am still looking for a good volunteer opportunity, I have a couple things I have been working on so we will see what comes through...

Which brings me to my next bit of news....

In December, I didn't make my fundraising goal for the special surprise I had planned for my mom and other cancer survivors for June. An alternative is possible. I don't give up easily. Stay tuned....

I am DYING to do some serious shopping. There are some great end of the season sales and I have a long list of staples I want to get....they will all have to wait until February.

New Year = New Goals...

2010-01-05T22:22:00.007-05:00

Last year I didn't really set "new years resolutions"...this year I will not do them, either. But I will set some goals...

1. Maintain weight and build strength.

For the first time in a long time I am pretty comfortable with my weight. I just joined a new gym with the goal to increase health and strength. My goal is to make it to the gym three times a week.

2. Save more money, pay off Princeton loans.

I have already done a bad job with this but my goal is to pay as much of Brian's Princeton tutition as we can and be wise stewards of our funds.

3. Get organized, purge and get rid of excess.

Last year I did blog about my need to get organized and the problems I have with being able to fins things. We have a tiny apartment and it's really hard to stay organized. I keep all my summer clothes at my parents house but we still have way too much in our tiny closet. I am collecting clothes to sell at a particular consignment shop in DC.

4. Volunteer.

I have been wanting to get involved in some way in the community and did go to a soup kitchen to serve last year but I want a more regular gig. I applied to volunteer at the Princeton hospital but all the slots outside of 9am-5pm are taken! So...I am going to have to find something else.

5. Attend church.

I have always been a faithful church attender but recently we have really slacked off. I would really like this to be a priority for us, as a couple.

That's all I've got for now....

Decade in Review

2010-01-03T22:42:00.000-05:00

Many other bloggers have been doing a review of this past decade. I will do the same!

2000 - Fell in love with high school boyfriend, he graduate and went off to college. That summer I helped build houses in inner-city Baltimore with Habitat for Humanity.

2001 - Spent the summer in Santander, Spain studying Spanish and living with a host family. September 11th happens and that day I break up with high school boyfriend.

2002 - Graduated from high school and packed my bags to attend a small private college in San Antonio, Texas. Was very homesick. Cut 12 inches of my hair and donated it to Locks of Love.

2003 - My paternal grandma passes away. Spend the summer working at my church in Bethesda, MD in youth ministry with 12 good friends.

2004 - After much debate, I go back to Trinity University for another year and declare my major in Communicaton. Travel to Romania to do community service in orphanages.

2005 - My dad encourages me to study abroad in Perugia, Italy. I have the time of my life, pierce my nose, gain 20 pounds, grow my hair down to my waist, travel the world and meet my very best friends. When I return back to the Washington area I turn 21 and get back together with said high school boyfriend.

2006 - Graduate from college and land my dream job in Washington, DC. Turn down an offer to move to Japan to teach English, travel all over Europe, break up with high school boyfriend and meet great friends at work.

2007 - Meet my wonderful husband, have the best time getting to know each other and fall head over heels in love. Get a huge promotion at work....and celebrate with Brian.

2008 - Get accepted to graduate school at Johns Hopkins, I get engaged just a few days later and turn down my grad school opportunity to start life with my precious hubs. After planning a wedding in a hurry, we get married on a beautiful July afternoon, honeymoon in the Mayan Riveria. We move to Princeton, NJ on hubs' 26th birthday.

2009 - Start a new job. We travel to Paris and Dublin to celebrate our first year of marriage. My mom is diagnosed with breast cancer and starts chemo. Brian completes his first year of graduate school. I met great new friends.

WOW....what a decade! I am SO excited to see what this next decade brings.....

Not so excited for work tomorrow.

A trip to the mall...

2010-01-02T23:37:00.006-05:00

Today Serena and I went to the mall. She is a very trendy, sharp dresser so I was excited for her to give me some tips. We went to Club Monaco and I got a great top! We went to Banana Republic and started looking at the sale items and the next thing I knew my Club Monaco bag was GONE. I was obviously NOT focusing or paying attention and was rushing and some other petite woman shopping in that section swiped the bag! I kid you not! We looked high and low. I reported it to the store manager and looked ALL over the store, checked under the racks, etc and it was GONE. I left my name and phone number but I am not that hopeful. I was so upset! $63 later, I had nothing to show for my spent money!

What I want to know is WHO does that?! How awful....my warning to you all is WATCH your purse, watch your shopping bags and all your items. I was so devasated and disheartened. Is this really the world we live in?

I cannot find the item online so I cannot post a picture but it was SUCH a cute top. I got really upset and didn't want to get anything else. Serena and I had made a special trip to a mall about 40 minutes away so I decided to take advantage of being there and got some skinnie black legging/jeans and a slouchy sweater and black boots. All very cute. I am a little concerned the black boots might be a little too short in terms of size for my feet. Do your boots typically stretch out?

Here is a pic of the boots:

Here is a pic of the skinnies - I actually think they are more like heavy leggings...

Here is the sweater...I got it in black....

Catching Up...Serena

2010-01-01T13:48:00.006-05:00

I took a little bit of a bloggy break as I was prepping for my deadline earlier this month. Now that I have a couple days to catch up I will update on what I have been up to. Back in October, I participated in a charity fashion show for "Dress for Sucess" -- I met some really nice people. Among them, Serena has become a good friend of mine! She lives just down the street with her hubs. They are a precious couple! Serena's parents live in the SAME neighborhood as Brian's parents in North Carolina so we got to visit there too!

I just joined her health club in Princeton and we will start working out together a couple times a week.

We celebrated her birthday earlier in December. She and her husband hosted a very festive party in Manhattan. It was great to get to celebrate with her!

Here are a few pictures of the party....

Lovely ladies at the party!

Me and the hubs

Two of my favorite people!

Serena and her brother who SURPRISED her! He flew in from North Carolina to celebreate in NYC! Her brother and his wife have the most precious little girl who is 24 months!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T12:19:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-30T21:43:00.003-05:00

Christmas Eve

2009-12-26T16:20:00.005-05:00

My husband's family has a tradition of renting out a private room at a restaurant down the street from their house and inviting the sam 3 families everyone year to join them. They are good friends of my in-laws and were all at our wedding.

We enjoyed good food and fellowship after church. It was a great time.

Here we are on the way to church in the car with Brian's little brother.

We stopped at another house in their neighborhood to see some Christmas decorations and "Santa". With my darling hubs...

.....it was a great time until I we arrived back at Brian's parents' house and I slammed my finger in the car door. It was AWFUL. I almost went to the emergency room the next day but I didn't. Today it is much better.

Merry Christmas...

2009-12-25T23:36:00.004-05:00

Off to an annual Christmas party...

December 19th - PM

2009-12-19T23:17:00.003-05:00

No success with my endeavor. Back to work!

At least until Monday I am relaxing and enjoying brownies and chai tea. Then I will brave the roads and try to get to DC.

I am thinking of selling my wedding dress online...

2009-12-17T14:19:00.000-05:00

My daughter will never wear it. It is classic but I am sure by the time she will get married strapless will be out, also I had it altered a lot.

Thoughts?

My obsession:

2009-12-09T17:00:00.001-05:00

What time is it?

2009-12-03T22:51:00.000-05:00

I just got Brian THIS for his graduation and Christmas present!

Give away at Biscuits are Never Boring!

2009-11-30T20:39:00.002-05:00

Hi Friends!

The lovely lady over at Biscuits are NEVER Boring is hosting a give away for a Lily cuff! Head on over there to check it out!

Holiday card photo shoot!

2009-11-28T00:47:00.006-05:00

My friend Jenna in Princeton, graciously agreed to take pictures of me and Brian for our holiday card on Princeton's campus. I will post the final product for what I ended up ordering, soon. :)

Update!

2009-11-27T23:51:00.014-05:00

Sorry I have been bloggy haitus for so long! My mom wanted me to leave her entry up as the first one as long as possible so that she would get a lot of comments so THANK YOU to everyone who commented -- it means the world to her. :)

We have been pretty busy in the Bunker household. Yes, are life together will be changing in the next 6 months. (no we are not expecting a baby) Sorry for the cliff hanger but it's all good changes and I will be able to disclose in June. :)

Since it has been so long as I have blogged I will do some updates in categories.

Mom's Last Chemo

It was a blessing to be able to travel to DC to see my mom and celebrate her last chemo! We had a special time. I am so proud of her! She amazes me with her strength and good attitude, hardly getting sick from the chemo at all...until her last one. We had a great weekend though and again, I have been truly blessed by my visits to see her. It's a special time role for me to play in our relationship to be able to support and care for her during this time. I am endlessly gratful to my employer for being so flexible.

Trip to Chicago

Brian and I took a really special trip to Chicago the following weekend. We had a BLAST! We stayed here for two nights. We booked our room through priceline.com. It was my first time using the service and I was very happy with the outcome and the room was beautiful and very very inexpensive! We ate here and it was wonderful! It was extra special for me because Brian picked it out and he knows how much I love healthy, organic and local food and this was a great place with wonderful service and cuisine. We walked Michigan Ave and ate lunch in Lakeview, here which was incredible! I even got to meet one of Brian's childhood friends from when he grew up in Cincinnati, OH who has settled in Chicago. We had a wonderful time together.

The Lily Sale

Yes, I drove the 60 miles to Valley Forge to go to the Lily sale. First problem was I went alone and had no one to help me make my purchasing decisions. So I spent wayyy too much money and decided to see if some lucky lady would like to buy one of the extra pieces I got. A lovely skirt that retails for $128 that I only paid $59.99. I will sell it to you for that price plus $5 for shipping. Please email or comment and let me know if you are interested and I will set up a paypal account and the skirt is YOURS! The skirt is size 0, has never been worn (except in these photos!) and has the tags still on it! :)

Mom's Guest Post #3

2009-11-14T21:15:00.002-05:00

ANOTHER GUEST BLOG FROM ALLYSON's MOM

Allyson was here last weekend, but I didn't have time to write, so I'm doing my follow-up a little late. As you all know from the pic, I am FINALLY FINISHED w/chemo! This didn't warrant a major celebration. We just had a quick dinner at home and then went out to see #3 daughter Ari perform at the university w/her improvisational comedy group. They do such a good job--all are so quick and funny!--and it was great to just go somewhere where we could just relax and laugh all evening!

On a sad note, today we went to the funeral of a dear friend/neighbor who lost her fight w/cancer on Wed. Marita was sending ME cards of encouragement and the last time I saw her she brought me some of her hats and cancer books. She was a valiant fighter who, when told five months ago that she probably had less than a year to live, was determined to appreciate and love living every day. And she did. At the same time, she made those around her happier and even more grateful for their blessings. And I am.

I'll know Monday what comes next for me--whether my radiation starts right away or later. But being done w/chemo is BIG. Meanwhile, I'm now faced w/the challenge of starting to COOK again, now that meal service from my friends is winding down to a little more than once a week! (Foodie that I am, several times I nearly wept w/gratitude when someone brought us a meal!)

People always say having cancer changes you, but my daughter Ari (sitting w/me now) says she doesn't think I've changed, and I don't think so either. Maybe a bit more appreciative, maybe a little more grateful for my children, life and family. OK, maybe I have changed some.

AND NOW, thanks again to all of you (friends of of Ally) who posted your kind words of encouragement. It was great hearing from all of you--Andrea, Bryant, Carla, Carly, David, and Jasmine, to name a few. You made my day!

Blessings and love,
Jeri

Moma's Last Chemo!

2009-11-06T21:25:00.007-05:00

Yesterday my moma had her LAST chemo!

yeeehhawww! She got a crown when she finished but I didn't get a picture because like a bad girl I left early to get my hair done!

We brought organic chips and homemade guacamole to share!
Yay moma!

What we've been up to...

2009-11-01T20:26:00.002-05:00

On Friday, precious hubs finished his midterm exams! He is 5/8 complete with his Masters from Princeton...but who is counting, right?!

We have a GREAT weekend. Hubs is pretty laid back most the time, despite how stressful graduate school is but he is a lot more relaxed when he is on a break! So, we had a great weekend.

We...
-slept very late
-ate lots of good food
-went out to a bar for drinks (hubs does not drink when classes are in session)
-walked 5 miles today
-got new tires for miss Volvo
-hosted a Autumn dinner party
-cleaned the apt
-talked lots and lots about the future ;)
-went to the famous Hamilton Jewelers in Princeton where all things beautiful are. Bri wanted me to pick out my Christmas gift!
-ENJOYED spending time to together

An Autumn Dinner Party!

2009-11-01T09:03:00.008-05:00

Our table

Spinach and Articoke DipMe with our guests...I think I have spinach in my teeth!
The ladies!
The men!

Fun times had by all!

Weighty issues...

2009-10-28T18:06:00.003-04:00

Yes, I have them for time to time. Recently, with going to class for 6 hours per week and all the homework I have been a really bad eater as in 3 out of the last 4 meals have mainly consisted of....cookies.

Yes, you read that correctly! For dinner last night I had a bite of what I looked for hubs but decided cookies sounded much better. We are clean out of any and all breakfast food so yes, I ate cookies for breakfast. Lunch today also included a cookie.

UM....if I keep this up things will not be pretty especially since I have not set foot in a gym or even gone for a walk in......over a month!

Today after work I went to Whole Foods and got a lentil burger for dinner and a bunch of apples and bananas so I can at least have that for breakfast! I also got some granola (yum) and cliff bars to have on hand.

Also, today, I almost feel alseep at my desk....literally. I have decided I am going to have to end my love affair with fountain diet cokes. Yes, they bring me much joy but I usually get a sugar/caffeine high and then a crashing low.

So please hold me accountable for eating well!

Tag...You're It!

2009-10-27T10:00:00.004-04:00

I have NEVER been tagged on anyone else's blog until NOW! My friend Erin tagged me for this little game.

1. What were you doing 10 years ago?
Oh goodness! I was 15! Totally makes me think of that new Taylor Swift song...."15". I was in love (or so I thought!) and running cross country for my high school and obsessed with running and all things pink! My, how times have changed! I was dealing with tween angst!

2. What are 5 things on your To Do list today?
Do homework for my class, help my hubs with a job application essay, send out a proposal, make a phone call to follow up with a new business lead and do some reading for a work training I have on Friday.

3. Snacks you enjoy
COOKIES (with diet fountain soda), kettlecorn popcorn (with diet fountain soda), Cheese & crackers, organic peanut butter on graham crackers, fuji apples

4. Where are 5 places you have lived?
-San Antonio, TX
-Bethesda, MD
-Santander, Spain
-Perugia, Italy
-Princeton, NJ

5. What are 5 things you would do if you were a billionaire?
I would buy myself and my parents a new fabulous home, take my parents and siblings on a wonderful vacation, pay off my hubs' loans from Princeton, go to business school and start a charity! I love MCW's idea here - maybe we could both run it!

Fashion Forward!

2009-10-25T20:22:00.010-04:00

Here are some pics from a very fun day at the Nassau Inn in Princeton! Us ladies had a wonderful time for a good cause! Here are a few pics...I had to do my other clothing changes so quickly I didn't get a picture of each outfit but there was a photographer there who got pics of us on the run way! I am so excited to see them! I got to see old friends from last year and made lots of new wonderful friends this year who I plan to keep in touch with! :)

They put our hair in pin curls...so fun!

Glam with curls and make up and an outfit from Bucks County Dry Goods!

Lucky for me I got to wear this hat!

Picture with the beautiful Shelley who was also in the show last year!

Me with the lovely "MB" as I call her! She is also a friend from last year!

Me with all the Coach bags I got to carry -- too bad I didn't get to keep one!

A pic with Bettina!I didn't get a picture with any of my new friends! But, boy, did we have a fun time! A bunch of us went out for drinks and apps after the show!

The Bunker Breakfast Club

2009-10-24T19:40:00.004-04:00

Since I am a much earlier riser than Brian I enjoy getting up before him on Saturday mornings, snuggling on the couch and making breakfast for us. Here is what we enjoyed!

Weekend Plans

2009-10-22T22:14:00.005-04:00

I.cannot.wait.for.the.weekend. This week has been SO long...Things have been very busy at work and I am taking a class on Mondays and Wednesdays for 3 hours each evening. Tuesday I went to an information session to start volunteering at the Princeton Hospital (for 3 hours!) Tonight I was at practice for this:
http://palmersquare.com/2009FashionShow.asp

That's right folks, this Sunday, for the second year in a row, I will be modeling in a charity fashion show at the Nassau Inn for "Dress for Success". I will be modeling Talbots, Aerosoles, Coach and Bucks County Dry Goods! A good time for a good cause! :)

A mile a minute

2009-10-21T16:58:00.002-04:00

So far this week, I have been going a mile a minute! Things have been very busy!

I love your love the most...

2009-10-17T22:51:00.003-04:00

I re-wrote the lyrics to "I love your love the most" (on my playlist below) and sang it to Brian....I think it thought it was pretty funny...less funny that I interupted his studying for the CFA, but still funny...

I love sleeping in on Saturdays
And I love Tar-heelb-ball games
I love not acting my age
And good whole foods

Yeah I'm a fan of trashy books
And anything my bunnie cooks
Our green couch has got me hooked
On Sunday afternoon

Yes I love good cold wine
And mustard on my nuggets
I love a good ole' On the Border
T hat rocks on Friday night

And hell yes I love my VOLVO
But I want you to know
Honey I love your love the most

Man I love how cookies taste
And damn I loved my 1/2 marathon race
Any song sung by George Strait
Is country at it's best

Yes I love good cold wine
And mustard on my nuggets
I love a good ole' On the Border
That rocks on Friday night

And hell yes I love my VOLVO
But I want you to know
Honey I love your love the most

Yeah I love ballet flats
And skinny little jeans
A grey volvo with heated seats
And halo pub ice cream

And hell yes I love my BUN
And fountain diet cokes
But honey I love your love
Yeah I love your love
I love your love the most
I love your love the most

New J.Crew Outfit ON!

2009-10-17T21:31:00.003-04:00

A couple weeks ago I got a few items at J.Crew..here is the outfit on...sorry it is slanted...Brian took it in a hurry.

Some thoughts...and sharing wedding pics

2009-10-16T23:18:00.012-04:00

This has been a week of ups and downs for our little family. I am feeling particularly grateful and trying to be patient and trust God's plan.

Apart from that, I have been thinking and talking about babies more and more lately. A few folks from church from home just had babies and I can't help but want one! I know we aren't ready yet - there are things we still want to do, places we still want to go. But I find myself really enjoying looks at the pictures of the little babies and thinking about baby names.

On another note I wanted to share some pictures from the wedding...I have watching many episodes of "Say Yes to the Dress" and other wedding shows.

Bridal
My darling hubs
In the pew
My dad giving me away
Back of my dress
THE KISS
Isn't he sweet?
Our first dance..."It had to be you" - Frank Sinatra
The reception

THE END

We are being featured!

2009-10-14T22:05:00.001-04:00

Hi friends!

Don't forget to check http://newlyweds.wordpress.com tomorrow as we are being FEATURED! :)

Remember that trip to Spain?

2009-10-14T22:03:00.001-04:00

....Well the tickets have been purchased for April 12-19, 2010! My mom and I are visiting my sister in Madrid for a week! Best of all....my ticket was $34. I used my frequent flier miles...ya!

Madrid -- Here We Come!

2009-10-10T23:06:00.001-04:00

My little sister, Ari, is studying abroad in Spain Jan-May 2010 so I will be visiting her! I will likely be going with my parents....very exciting!

What We've Been Up To...

2009-10-10T09:37:00.002-04:00

...A whole lotta nothing! Both of us have been sick with an awful case of the stomach flu. Don't worry, you can't catch it through this post...read on...

Tuesday night Brian was feeling a little funny and then ended up getting sick alll night. He had three interviews lined up for Wednesday (which I had to call the Career Services office and get re-scheduled). Then, Thursday afternoon I came down with the exact same sickness despite my attempts to lysol and clorox everything and sleep in a different room!

So I didn't end up going to see my mom on Wednesday night because I was starting to feel sick. I didn't want to risk it and potentially bring my germs into their home.

So that's what we have been up to...a whole lotta gingerale drinkin', ritz cracker eating and sleeping.

I am going to be SO happy to eat real food today -- hopefully I won't over do it!

J.Crew purchases!

2009-10-04T16:58:00.003-04:00

I picked up a few little items at J.Crew with the hubs today...

Estate sale find

2009-10-03T22:01:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago when I was in DC, my mom and I went to an estate sale in our neighborhood. A company came into the run the sale -- the older couple was moving to Florida and was selling everything even what looked like their daughters' old wedding dresses. There was a lot of expensive furniture ($1200 for a tired looking couch?!) and art that was clowned themed (?!)

I found this tablecloth in addition to one more and some placemats (not the ones pictured here)

7 days...

2009-10-01T20:26:00.003-04:00

I am "nesting" here in Princeton! Trying to get organized for fall, making lists, baking cookies, making butternut squash recipes (yum!) and thinking about sweaters and hot apple cider.

The fall chill is in the air and it is so nice! I better mark my words because come December....and January....and February....and March I will be willing that cool chill to go away!

This week has been very busy! I was in DC on Saturday, Boston on Sunday and Monday (I got to see my dear friends Annie and Lori!) and then off to North Jersey on Tuesday and then Pennsylvannia on Wednesday! I was SO happy just to be in the office today and tomorrow.

This weekend we will just stay home and do some fall shopping (horray!) and cooking. I will also visit with my friend Swati and her little baby!

In 7 days I will be off to DC to see my mom and take her to her chemo and help around the house. Last time I was home for a chemo we made really good chicken soup so I will try to do that again this time. Other than that, we don't have much planned for the weekend. Maybe I will try to get to a yoga class or two.

Visiting with mom...

2009-09-26T22:48:00.006-04:00

I was able to sneak away on Saturday and take the train to DC to see my mom. Sunday evening I will be heading to Boston for business (I will also get to see my good friend Anne!)

My mom has moved onto the stronger chemo drugs and is still staying strong and looking beautiful. Here are a few pictures of her.

Guest Post -- MY MOM (Part 2)!

2009-09-26T16:23:00.006-04:00

Another weekend with my #1 daughter here--for less than 24 hrs! So, parasite that I am, I'm taking over her blog again to thank you all for your kind and supportive comments from last time.

As of last Thursday, I'm now more than half finished w/chemo--a major hurdle passed. As some of you know, I was worried about this second round, as I was changing to a new med and each treatment was supposed to take 5 hours. I was praying for some reassurance, some added ability to deal w/what was to come.

Then I was talking w/Georgia at work and she asked what med I'd be getting. When I told her Taxol, she said. "My husband discovered/invented that drug!" She told me about its origin (it comes from the yew tree). I then told my friend Carolyn what a coincidence that was, and she said HER husband had done the patent for it. THEN I heard from Susan that she had had Taxol and had no adverse effects. That combination of happening--all in a 2-day span, was enough to reassure me. And everything went fine. Although I was supposed to allow 5 hrs for the treatment, I was done in less than 4. I found out they tell you to expect to be there a long time at first, in case you have complications and they have to shut down for a half hour. But that didn't happen to me!

SO I am glad to be MORE THAN HALF-WAY finished! I am grateful for all the good wishes and have returned to being cautiously optimistic about things.

This has been a weekend of celebrations--a neighborhood party last night, a surprise party for one of my volunteers this morning, and a party for our daughter-in-law's birthday tonight--so there's little time to write.

But THANK YOU THANK YOU for hanging in there w/me! Life is good!

Marathon Weekend!

2009-09-22T15:18:00.011-04:00

This past weekend was my marathon weekend in Philly! It was absolutely beautiful weather and the race was great! I had had an awful knee injury so I had not been training as I should have been but I was still able to finish in a good time!

Saturday night we had a Pasta Party to recognize the top fundraisers and celebrate coming this far in the journey to running a 1/2 marathon! I raised over $2,600 to help kick cancer's butt!(Special thanks to anyone who joined me on this journey...Ashley and MCW to name a few)

A lot of people train for 1/2 marathons but this experience was particularly special to me because I got involved in something greater than myself. I don't say this to brag but just that it really added to the running to have a mission behind it!

Here are a few pictures of the weekend!

Some of the Team in Training staff decorated our hotel room doors the night before!
Brian took this picture in our hotel room around 5:45 AM when I was getting ready to head to the starting line!

There I am around mile 12 with an amazing TNT coach who helped me finish! It was HARD!After the race with my hubs! He cheered for me at various points throughout the race which really helped! It was so fun to have him there!Me looking totally ridiculous. I was very naseous after the race and felt very sick for a couple hours. I have the strangest smile on my face here. I am wearing my finishers medal and holding a pin that says "13.1".

Baby Jelsa~

2009-09-15T16:38:00.006-04:00

My good friend Carin has the most beautiful, amazing baby girl named Jelsa Joy. Carin is so special to me, she has been a good friend who I met through our church back in 2003. She actually read scripture at my wedding when she was pregnant with Jelsa.

Carin and I have built our friendship almost solely on one summer and many years of going on walks. We talk about everything on those walks: boys, dating, marriage, weddings, babies, careers, religion, politics! She is not only a Godly woman but she is also a newly minted PhD in Government from a very top university and college professor! We would go on walks when I was home on breaks from college, after work once I started my new job in DC after I graduated and now, when I am visiting my parents in DC I come over and play with her sweet girl!

Jelsa was born in January and is already WALKING with the help of a laundry basket. What an advanced little thing! She has the most beautiful blue eyes and SUCH a good personality. I have never met a happier, sweeter baby in all my days. Please enjoy these pictures of Carin's daughter!

No, she is not looking at me, she is looking at her daddy who is standing on the other side of me! ha!

Aren't they beauties?

Carin's sweet family!

Guest Post -- My MOM!

2009-09-11T13:58:00.008-04:00

I don't have a blog of my own. So today I'm guesting on Allyson's, while she's here this weekend tending to my welfare.

Yesterday marked my HALF-WAY mark of chemo--only 4 more sessions to go! The great news so far is that I haven't experienced any of the expected side-effects (aside from the dreaded hair loss, which occured right on schedule). I also learned--the hard way--that chemo dries out your eyes to the extent that a little nap w/contacts on will result in a double corneal abrasion. Very painful and inconvenient!

People see you differently when you have cancer. When I wear my wig, they treat me normally, but if I wear any kind of hat or cap that reveals or hints that I'm bald, they look at me w/total pity,even getting tears in thei r eyes. So, while the wig sometimes gives me a headache, I wear it to work, etc. most of the time.

On a good side, I've never before had literally hundreds of people praying for me. I can't help but know that prayers have helped me face chemo so well so far. Your prayers, comibined with my own faith, result in my never being alone or afraid.

Another plus is the added attention and nurturing that come from my children! They continue to interrupt their busy schedules to take me to appointments, play scrabble w/me, plant flowers in the yard everytime I complete a round of chemo, cook for me, take me for walks, and paint my nails.

People say the worst is yet to come, especially since my next 4 infusions of chemo will be so much stronger--lasting 5 hrs instead of 2.5. I continue to be grateful for the prayers and support of so many people, even those of you who don't know me!

Halfway Mark for Chemo!

2009-09-10T20:58:00.008-04:00

Isn't my mom adorable?! Here she is before her 4th out of 8 chemo treatments.

Painting her toe nails...BLUE.

Visiting with Friends

2009-09-06T17:29:00.005-04:00

Our good friends from Brian's program at Princeton, Nitin and Swati brought over their sweet baby, Arka. He is 4 months old. I think I am in love! Please excuse all the golf clubs, etc in the background.
This mom looks A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Her baby is precious!

Jeri's Pink Ribbons!

2009-09-05T09:23:00.003-04:00

I have a very special friend, Charlotte, and her mom, also named Charlotte or as I call her "Mrs. F" has also become a very special friend to me. She has offered to organize meals for my parents the day after her chemo treatments. What a nice idea!

She emailed a group of women to make the meals and called the group "Jeri's Pink Ribbons" (my mom is named Jeri). How cute?!

Update Friday~

2009-09-04T13:21:00.001-04:00

Lots of activity here in the Bunker household. Brian is busy studying for the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) exam and getting ready for a very busy fall semester. He will take the CFA exam in December prior to his academic exams for Princeton which are in January.

He SPRAINED his ankle! Oh goodness. We were leaving the gym on Wednesday evening and he took two steps at once, heard a pop/snap and had trouble walking! His mean wife made him walk home anyway! So I took him to the doctor yesterday for x-rays. He did not break anything but does have a bad sprain so he is on crutches! Like he really needs this right now.

I was thinking of going to Cape Cod with friends this weekend but worried I would not be able to leave work early today but I find out today most people are out and the rest are leaving at 3 PM. Go figure! I have already made plans with friends in town.

My mom is doing pretty well. A good friend of ours is organizing meals for her and my dad the day after chemo which will be a big help. I hope to make it to her next treatment on September 10, my work schedule permitting!

Have a great weekend!