The best part of summer so far has been hanging out on our back porch. We all fell in love with this house once we saw the porch. Now a year later we are adding our own touches to it and making it our own oasis. New addition is party lights....Katelyn's idea and at first I wasn't a fan.....but now I really like it.

We have the ipod speaker ready to go and now we just need to party to start.....oh and the bugs to stop biting!

Happy Thursday! What's the best part of summer for you so far?

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What makes you stand to your feet and cheer?


Finding shoes on sale.....okay no not that...but I do love that!
I'd say sports.....I was up and down, hooting and hollering at the Pittsburgh Pirates came last weekend having a blast. 

2. What's your favorite patriotic song?

Star Spangled Banner is a favorite plus God Bless America!

3. Do you believe that opposites attract? If you have a significant other are you opposites?

I do believe opposites attract...I think my hubby and I are opposites in many ways but we like a lot of the same things and believe in the same things. 

4. You're going to get a behind the scenes look someplace...where would you like that someplace to be?

I have been watching a lot of HGTV so I would have to say inside some amazing homes...like Oprah's or other famous people or Mansions you see beach front....I just want to see the decorations and different styles. 

5. How far would you have to travel to ride a carousel (merry-go-round)?

Probably a half hour, there is an amusement park here called Darian Lake I'm sure they have one....I think it's a amusement park rule! 

6. When was the last time you saw fireworks? What was the occasion? Do you enjoy fireworks?

On Saturday night at the Pittsburgh Pirates game. It was an amazing show, probably the best I've seen in years!
I love watching fireworks and can't wait for the 4th! 

7. Of all the 'beauty products' you own, what item do you consider to be the most overpriced?

My anti aging lotion....not sure if it's working! I'm pretty low maintenance I don't buy a lot of products an occasional hair product is the most recent. I have really thin hair and it's so humid here. I have been trying all sorts of products but nothing really helps. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.


Speaking of products....the mosquitos have been horrible here this summer! Has anyone found a product that actually works! I really would love to enjoy more of the outdoors without being feasted on. 




Stop by Joyce at From This Side of The Pond and join the Wednesday Hodgepodge

It's a nice day to start again.....

It's a nice day to start again

It's a nice day for a white wedding

It's a nice day to start again.

There is nothin' fair in this world

There is nothin' safe in this world

And there's nothin' sure in this world

And there's nothin' pure in this world

Look for something left in this world

Start again

Come on

It's a nice day for a white wedding

It's a nice day to start again.

It's a nice day to start again.

It's a nice day to start again 

I heard this song this morning driving to my boot camp class...I thought it was really fitting hearing this 1980's classic. Mainly because of how I was feeling..getting on my workout clothes....tired, sore and really not in the mood. I was feeling defeated,frustrated,unmotivated and wondering if it's worth it. I keep trying to eat better sticking to a diet of sorts and fall off the wagon....the viscous cycle continues. So today when Billy Idol sung to me I didn't hear a song about a white wedding and a little sister only the words "It's a nice day to start again"

It's the words I needed to hear...no matter what your goals are, today is a new day to start again.....! Thanks Billy you rock! 

Weekend in Pittsburgh

We had a great weekend in Pittsburgh, I really like that city. I figured out why we couldn't find a hotel room anywhere in the city. I think every Boston Red Sox fan were staying in Pittsburgh this last weekend.

We didn't have time to tour the city much, but got last minute tickets to the Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Red Sox game. We have never lived anywhere that had a major league team so poor Katelyn has never been to a game. Now we are not big baseball people but I think it's something to experience once in your lifetime.

Nothing better than cold beer and hot dog at a baseball game, followed by peanuts, cotton candy and a foam finger....! I loved the energy and excitement of the crowd. Like I said all of Boston was there, it was a sea of Red and enough fans to get a "Lets go Red Sox's" chant going!

Pittsburgh ended up winning, which is rare I guess and a great game to witness. The fans were pretty happy and afterwards was the most spectacular fire works display I have ever seen.

Next morning we had college fest...they put on quite an affair and wowed us all. I really like the University, I think it's program has a lot to offer and of course the 3.5 hour away is huge to me.

It was a great weekend...hard to believe we are in the last week of June already!!

Happy Monday all!

Friday Fragments...

Happy Friday! 

Yesterday was really the official first day of summer vacation in our house. Katelyn's first day she planned our whole day...we did everything on her list. Started with working out somewhere in the middle of the day was a nap for me and reading for her, ended with a movie on demand....it was a great first day. 

Today she is ditching me, taking my car and heading to the mall....what to look for a job you ask? hahahaha funny no shop with a friend! Starting next week it's business all business....job hunting, getting volunteering lined up and shadowing lined up...I'll be cracking the whip!

The start to summer here has been the pits, we've had rain off and on all week, muggy humid out and grey. Not my idea of summer....thanks Mother Nature! 

We're heading to Pittsburgh for a college tour, I'm excited it's the closest one she is looking at 3.5 hours away and the largest 10,000 students. Last time we drove to Pittsburgh we didn't spend a lot of time in the city. This time we are going early and doing some exploring. There must be something special to this city every freaking hotel was booked. We have to stay a half hour outside the city, so I'm curious about the draw. 

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Stop by Mrs. 4444 at Half Past Kissin time! 

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Summer's here-whoohoo! What's your favorite sight, sound, AND smell associated with summer?


Sight that most reminds me of summer would be the American Flag flying  people decorating for July 4th. The sounds kids splashing in the pool next door. I miss having a pool. The smell that makes me think of summer sun tan lotion.

2. Fireflies or lightning bugs...what are they called in your neck of the woods?

Lightening bugs...I have fond childhood memories in NJ catching them in a jar! 

3. What is something from the past week that reminded you of your childhood?

Seeing the little kids waiting for the bus in shorts and all full of energy. I remember the feeling that school is almost over and hardly containing myself with excitement of lazy summer days! 

4. Define 'the good life'.

A healthy , happy family together sharing laughter,stories good times....that's my idea of the good life!

5. Tell us what we'd see if you took a snapshot of your desk/work space?

Piles of things to be filed, piles of pictures to be hung, a room that needs painting! 

6. Peaches or watermelon...yes, you have to choose.

Peaches (great now I'm thinking of cobblers! Yum)

7. Ever been skinny dippin'? Is that too much for the Wednesday Hodgepodge? Rest assured we won't need details...unless of course you feel you must but remember, this is a family friendly blog so keep it G rated.

A guy at my gym had a t-shirt on last week a laughed and laughed when I saw it. It read-
I don't skinny dip 
I chunky dunk!!


Pretty funny! Lets just leave it at that!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

A year ago this weekend we moved back to States....one hand it seems so long ago that we lived in Germany and on another hand it's hard to believe we have been here a year. We are still trying to make this place feel more like ours and less like the previous owners, there is still so much I want to do and really thought by now it would be done. I still feel like I'm getting adjusted to here and discovering new things and places around here!  




Stop by Joyce's at From This Side of the Pond and join today's Hodgepodge! 

Big day is here....

Today my 17 year old girl...my baby....my one and only is getting her drivers license! The long awaited day is here...I'm terrified...nervous and a little excited and some what sad! It's a new independence but also a fear as a parent....!!

She's ready....I'm NOT! Please God keep my baby safe!
She passed!! Woot Woot!! Congrats  Katelyn!

Sunday in My City-Father's Day!!

Happy Father's Day!

Today is a day where we celebrate the men in our lives. The Father's....I'm lucky to have such a wonderful husband, the father of my daughter ....the two peas in a pod! Happy Father's Day sweetie...thank you for being the most wonderful man, the kindest, sweetest most loving and caring man. The best daddy to our girl...her role model, her protector, her clown, her partner in crime. I love you and hope your day is as special as you are.

Happy Father's Day Dad...I love you! Thanks for being the best dad a girl could have. Thank you for making us always feel loved, cherished and important. Thank you for being not only a wonderful father but a wonderful Pop Pop to Katelyn. We love you and miss you! 

Happy Father's Day all! 

Stop by Unknown Mami for Sundays in My City today! 

Summer can officially start....

Why? Because my feet and toes are ready!!! Yesterday my sweet daughter treated me to a Spa Pedicure!

Aren't they pretty....or as my girl Tammy says...so sexy!

Yesterday having my toes done and chatting with Tammy it reminded me of this skit...

I had to chuckle! I really wish I knew what they say to each other and smile at us about!

Happy Saturday!!

Happy Graduation Girls ♥

Today my sister Karen's twins are graduating from High School...this picture is from their Prom Night. Aren't they beautiful...
Happy Graduation Jessica and Kimberly- We are so proud of you and love you tons....we are excited for the next chapter in your young lives.  Congrats Class of 2011!! Woot Woot!

Grey or is it Gray?

Either way I'm sporting one too many gray hairs...but here's my question today....why when men have grey hair does it make them look sexy, distinguish but for most women we just look OLD? Doesn't seem fair does it!

 Both handsome and sexy, not old looking at all.....

I think these two look beautiful with their silver locks.....

I'm getting my locks taken care of on Friday, but I wish I had the right look and jaw line to pull off the above pictures....it would be so much easier! Maybe it's more acceptable after 50 so I need to wait a while. What do you think grey hair ages women? So unless I want to be mistaken for my hubby's older sister keep my appointment?? Boy do I hate double standards!! 

Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. What is one thing on your bucket list? If you don't have a bucket list let's pretend you do.


Visit San Francisco and Napa Valley

2. What makes a good dad?


I think a good Dad is one that listens and talks to their children, plays with them, teaches them, guides them and is there for them. He needs to be a good role model, talk the talk and walk the walk.


3. Are you afraid of insects? Which ones?


Heck ya...spiders and bees top the list!

4. We're barbecuing...what's on the grill at your house?


Chicken Kabob's was the last we BBQ....they were yum delicious!

5. Do you believe that playing is more important than winning?


I think being a part of team is more important than being the Champs! But lets face it, it feels good winning too!

6. Do you tan? Use self tanners? Visit tanning salons? See your dermatologist at least once a year?


If I'm pool side or at beach I tan pretty quickly. Used self tanners once didn't like it. Back in the 80's along with my bad perm I was a tanning salon junkie! I have been known in the past before a vacation to pop in and get a head start. I haven't been to a dermatologist in years.....I should go uh?

7. Five years ago I would never imagine that today I would_______________.


Live in rural Western New York!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Sophie does not like being outside alone. Last year she loved lounging on the porch, this year she waits by the door to come inside! Crazy dog....go be a dog!


Stop by Joyce at From this side of the Pond for more Hodgepodges today!

Today.....

I hope your TODAY is rosy!

 Katelyn's last day of being a Junior was yesterday! She just has to go in for finals so what does that mean...it was day one of sleeping in for moi! Hubby decided to start working out in the morning instead of after work.....today was the first day! The alarm went off at 5am you know that's the time bakers get up!

Our workout room is below our bedroom....I could hear the TV, the grunts of exertion, I'm pretty sure I felt the sweat. Uhg!!! Then there was the shower....nose blowing, blow dryer omg....! Out of the bathroom greeting me with a cheerful HI Honey!! Uhg.....!

So today I might be a little grumpy or jacked up on too much coffee or taking a nap during Dr. Phil
But lets hope it turns out to be a rosy of a day! (FYI it's 8:45 and Katelyn is still asleep!! Not fair!)

Stop by Communal Global and travel the world TODAY! 

I promise they aren't grumpy at all! 

Sunday in My City

My sister Preppy Player was just here visiting and we went to Niagara on the Lake in Ontario, Canada. It's just over the boarder about an hour from my house. It's a quaint little town with Wineries and a Main Street with shops, restaurants and B&B's.

First place we hit was Europa Antiques it's one of my favorite stops. Located in 125 year old church loaded with European finds. We looked around and left empty handed this time. After that we headed to Main Street and walk and walked. It was a gorgeous but hot day.  Cooled off by checking out different shops and chocolate stores before heading to lunch.

 We ate at the Angel Inn....had delicious Fish and Chips and yummy Canadian beer! If you ever go to Niagara on the Lake I think it's a great Pub to stop and have a drink or meal at. I best part was before leaving we used the little girls room and inside was this nice looking Angel or Greek God. Along side of him was a sign asking to respect his privacy and not lift his fig leaf...Hello that was invitation we needed...after three or four peaks, we could hear a bell ring each time we lifted but that didn't stop us. A few giggles and pictures later we headed upstairs only to be greeted with a waitress wearing a big smirk on her face. All I said was WHAT we didn't do it! She said, yup sure you didn't !!

What was under that leaf.....GRAPES! 

Niagara on the lake is a great day trip. Next time I go I hope to check out some Wineries...might have to stay in one of the many B&B!

Hosted by Unknown Mami Sunday in my city...stop by and travel to fun places.

Blog Love

My expat friend passed this ONE Lovely Blog Award on to me yesterday....Thanks Lisa! When I met Lisa in blogland she lived in Canada and then part time in Ireland now she is in Dubai. She has an exciting life  and her blog reflects that stop by and give her a peak at  a designer obsessed with pretty things, beautiful spaces, interesting places......and Handbags! 

I'm following her lead and passing this award on to other expat bloggers!

Sonya in The Netherlands, at Home cooking with Sonya some of my favorite and best recipes come for this amazing girl.

Lisa in Norway at Little to Big She is living an adventure we would all dream about and having huge successes along the way!

Expats Again for Munich, Germany....so is everywhere and I love traveling with her.

Congrats ladies and thanks Lisa!
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Friday Fragments...

Yesterday seemed like Friday to me....so ready for the weekend! 

Katelyn has 2 official classroom days left...

Last two weeks of school are finals...she has 3. 

So one final next week, two the last week with a few study sessions in between..

Lets pull the bandaid already and be done with it!!

Feels like summer out...too hot in the schools!

Do you know they can't have water bottles in the classroom..isn't that crazy!

I can hardly watch the news any more. I'm so sick of hearing about Weiner's wiener....seriously he needs to go!

I had a great visit with my sister when she was here this week. One thing we both enjoy is Antique/Flea Market shopping. We went to several and had some luck. I have been looking for an old kitchen scale forever. I have found a bunch but never the right price or look. My sister found this one and I snatched it up...it was exactly what I was looking for and perfectly priced. 

Isn't she pretty!!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend....my garden and house need my attention....the weeds and dust bunnies are taking over! Stop by Mrs. 4444s at Half Past Kissin Time for more Friday Fragments!

Feathers....

Not in a hat but in your hair....My teenager daughter  bought this cute feather for her hair! I'm behind the times....Who knew feather earrings, necklaces and now clips ons for hair are the rage. Or all the rage in our house that is...but I have to say I think it looks really cute on her.

 You can straighten them

 Or curl them

She bought them at Sephora, she bought the natural color but they have a pink and blue also.

I feel like it's the 70/80's all over again....not sure why I'm thinking Stevie Nicks! 

So I leave you with this

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Do you and your family enjoy camping? What do you enjoy most/like the least when it comes to family camping? When was the last time you camped?


We are not campers!

2. Did you attend a summer camp when you were a kid? Is that a happy or not so happy memory?

No only sleep away camp I ever went to was Girl Scout Camp. I have really fond memories of  going there. 

3. Over the course of your life, what have you probably spent more time pondering than anything else?

Probably the future and what it holds. 

4. Which of the seven natural wonders of the world would you most like to see? There are many lists of 'wonders' but this is the standard naturalwonder list-Mount Everest, The Great Barrier Reef, The Grand Canyon, Victoria Falls, The Harbor of Rio de Janerio, Paricutan Volcano and The Northern Lights.

I would love to see the Great Barrier Reef....I've been to Grand Canyon and its amazing. My bucket list of must see's is long now I have a few more to add. 

5. What was your first real job?

"real" as in not during High School?? I would have to say Territory Manager for a Food Broker. 

6. Lemonade or Sweet tea...which do you prefer on a hot summer day?

Sweet Tea

7. What is something that always brings a smile to your face?

My daughter 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

How do you say Peonies?

I say it like....Pee o knees 

But I also hear people say  Pee a knees 

 I've been known to say many things wrong....or my own way! Is this another word I need to add to my list?

Join Joyce at From This Side Of The Pond for Wednesday Hodgepodge

TODAY.....

My Peonies have bloomed 

Aren't they gorgeous!!

Stop by and see the world at

Communal global

Tuesdays Around the World

TODAY

Weekend finds....

I love garage sales, flea markets, estate sales....on Friday I hit an Estate Sale it was the first I had to put my name on a list and wait in line to even enter the house. Waiting outside for half an hour chomping a the bit to get in was killing me. But I found some good finds.

 I bought this perfect condition Gnome coffee table book....why I don't know, other than I remember it from when I was a child and it was in perfect condition.

Stain Glass Tulip

 German Christmas Pyramid

Delft plant holder

Not sure why I needed this other than I love the colors!

Have a wonderful MONDAY!!

Katelyn ♥

I really love this girl

She is the best daughter

She is a hard worker

She makes us really proud

Yesterday was Katelyn's Junior Academic Award Ceremony. She told us not to come, little did she know her School Counselor called us weeks ago and told us to come and keep quiet that Katelyn was nominated for an award. I'm usually not the best secret keeper....but I did it...woot woot!

She was totally shocked when they called her name and even more surprised to see us in the auditorium.

I loved the look on her face....it was priceless!

She won the Student Sage Award for academic achievement, it's a scholarship to Sage Collage in Albany for $60,000 over four years. Wow we are excited, the only kicker is Katelyn knows what she wants to do and this school doesn't have her program. But we will still tour the school and keep this in the back pocket. Her Physician Assistant program is highly competitive so you never know it's nice to have options. 

It was a proud day to be her parents. Her AP History teacher stopped us and complimented her hard work this year and praised her. All her efforts and sacrifices have really paid off and she sees that. 

I'm happy summer is almost here my girl needs some rest....like all the kids out there! 

Happy Saturday and Have a wonderful weekend!