Day 203: Lying on the floor to get a picture of the Christmas Tree

Day 203: Lying on the floor to get a picture of the Christmas Tree, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I hadn't taken pictures of my Christmas tree with my good camera, so the tree and I had a photo shoot last night. Someone found it amusing that I went as far as to spread out on my floor to get a good shot of the whole thing.

Day 202: My dog knows how to camouflage!

Day 202: My dog knows how to camouflage!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Do you see her? ;) She actually just wanted her ball, which I had put on top of the dresser because it was BEDTIME. (you can kind of see it...the red thing on the dresser!)

Day 201: Staying cozy and warm in my green birthday hat!

Day 201: Staying cozy and warm in my green birthday hat!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

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Got this amazing hat from JCrew for my birthday. And I am obsessed with it. Seriously. I could wear it all day every day.

Day 200: A momentous photo for a momentous day (200!) - My Most Awesome Birthday Gift

Day 200: A momentous photo for a momentous day (200!) - My Most Awesome Birthday Gift, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Thank you Mom. It is totally amazing. I feel so fancy now owning one! And thank you nice red-headed guy at the 14th Street store for helping me set it up!

Also - I feel I must mention...200 photos! 200 days! I can't believe I've managed to do this for this long. And not really forget that many times! I think 3? Maybe 4? Out of 200 days?? Only 165 more days to go and I will have an entire year of my life in photos. I'm really pleased with myself for doing this. It's fun to look back and remember those little moments. Maybe I'll even make myself a little photo book or something with all of the pictures!

Day 199: My Birthday was spent doing "Christmas in NYC" activities. Ice skating, the Rockefeller tree and the Rockettes!

Day 199: My Birthday was spent doing "Christmas in NYC" activities. Ice skating, the Rockefeller tree and the Rockettes!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
This tree is beyond magical. Huge and gorgeous and seeing everyone's reaction to it is beautiful. And the Rockettes were awesome as usual. I am determined to learn the 12 Days of Christmas tap routine at some point in my life. Does that make me such a loser?

Day 198: A Pre-Holiday Party Snack

Day 198: A Pre-Holiday Party Snack, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

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Om nom nom. S'mores for Two at Cosi. Fun and delicious!

Day 197: Post Office at 8th and 33rd....all I wanted to do was sit downand sing "Feed the Birds"

Day 197: Post Office at 8th and 33rd....all I wanted to do was sit down and sing "Feed the Birds", a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Day 196: Happy 5th Birthday Charley!

Day 196: Happy 5th Birthday Charley!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
About to open his gift. Honestly, could this guy be any happier?

Happy Birthday Charley!

It's Charley's Birthday today!!!!!! 

Rest assured he is being treated to delicious yum-yums and lots of lovies. 

Happy Birthday Charley!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
This was taken on the car ride home from picking him up! He's 5 years old today. :)

Birthday Boy, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.
Via Flickr:
My Soulmate



Please feel free to send lots and lots of Birthday wishes to my sweet puppy who, even through surgeries and losing the ability to walk, has been the most loving and wonderful friend I could ever have! 

Day 195: Blurry...I took it while walking...but this made me smiletoday.

Day 195: Blurry...I took it while walking...but this made me smile today., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
On W Houston. Warmed my heart.

Day 194: My Evening Entertainment - such a classic

Day 194: My Evening Entertainment - such a classic, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
This movie is a holiday staple. I usually watch it on TNT all night Christmas Eve and all day Christmas Day (they do 24 hours of it!) - but since my holidays are a little different this year, I thought I might as well watch it all the way through once just in case.

Favorite lines, you ask?

"Fra-gee-leh! ...must be Italian!"
"I can't put my arms down!!!!"
"Daddy's gonna kill Ralphie...."
"He's....smiling at me!"
Basically every bit of the narration.


And so many more....

Day 193: Bernie Bott's Every Flavor Beans - when they say every flavor, they MEAN every flavor.

Day 193: Bernie Bott's Every Flavor Beans - when they say every flavor, they MEAN every flavor., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

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Some of them were absolutely DISGUSTING. And some were delicious. Earwax and Vomit were particularly horrible. As was Earthworm - and Sausage.

Cherry and Sherbet Lemon were delicious.

Day 192c: Watching Julia play with the BSO! Holiday POPS!

Day 192c: Watching Julia play with the BSO! Holiday POPS!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

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It was awesome and full of Christmas Spirit!

Day 192b: Hot chocolate hot chocolate hot chocolate!

Day 192b: Hot chocolate hot chocolate hot chocolate!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
L.A. Burdick. Best hot chocolate evaaaaaaah....

Day 192: Morning with Merrimack

Day 192: Morning with Merrimack, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

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I stayed with my dear friends Kaci and Tom and their AMAZING daughter! This is the adorable face I woke up to Saturday morning. She's such a sweetheart and I'm so glad we're friends now!

Day 191b: The memories are flooding back...

Day 191b: The memories are flooding back..., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I told this line at least once a week...and it has my favorite view of the city between Kendall and Charles MGH stations. :)

Day 191: Boston, here I come!

Day 191: Boston, here I come!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
A special visit with special friends. Took a lovely train ride up to my favorite city.

Day 190: Holiday Card Night!

Day 190: Holiday Card Night!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I thought I got plenty...and now I only have one left and I KNOW I'll think of more than one person I forgot. And honestly, Charley looks so dang adorable in the picture (you apparently can't see him in my mass of cards here) that I want to share it with everyone!! Yay Holidays!

Day 189: Scout...ready to play.

Day 189: Scout...ready to play., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Yep, this dog loves fetch more than any other game ever. She'll play for hours. She's just staring and saying "gimme the ball - gimme the ball - gimme the ball!"

Day 188: Finally ate my other Chocolate Frog - I got Ravenclaw!

Day 188: Finally ate my other Chocolate Frog - I got Ravenclaw!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

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Now all I have left is my Chocolate Wand....and no that's not some sort of innuendo.

Day 187: Charley the Guard Dog watches the door at bedtime...

Day 187: Charley the Guard Dog watches the door at bedtime..., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
So handsome and so brave!



(also please ignore my bra in the background....k thanks...)

Day 186: Merry Christmas To Me! (and happy birthday too!)

Day 186: Merry Christmas To Me! (and happy birthday too!), a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I got an All-Clad 7 Piece Set and a 2 Qt Sauce Pan (cause I needed one!) for my Holiday present to myself this year. I got the set 45% off because All-Clad was on sale AND I had my Friends and Family Weekend discount. Yay Williams Sonoma! And Merry Christmas/Happy Birthday to me!

(yes, my birthday isn't for another like 2 weeks - ok 12 days, not that I'm counting, but how could I wait with such a fabulous sale going on?)

Day 185: The Holiday Stars in the Time Warner Building

Day 185: The Holiday Stars in the Time Warner Building, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
This is one of the things I HAVE to see at least once during the Holiday Season in NYC. These stars change color to the holiday music that is playing. It runs every half hour. So fun to watch.

I remember the first year I came home from tour and saw them. It was amazing! Last year I was fortunate enough to work in this building up through the middle of December - so that was awesome. I got to see it all the time! This year I made sure to make a special stop when I went shopping for my Christmas gift to myself. ;)

Day 184: Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree....

Day 184: Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
My Christmas Tree in all its splendor! Feels like Christmas now. :)




A shot from below...
Just another view for your enjoyment. :)

Day 183: Turkey Chili - a perfect "decorate the Christmas Tree" meal

Day 183: Turkey Chili - a perfect "decorate the Christmas Tree" meal, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Second shot of something in my sauce pan this week. :) Om nom nom. It was spicy chili! And I'm so excited for all the leftovers!

It was warm and cozy and the perfect thing to eat before decorating my Christmas tree.

ATTENTION FRIENDS WHO LOVE TO COOK:

I have a few extra Friends and Family coupons from Williams Sonoma.  20% off almost everything!  (10% off electrics) now through Saturday night!

They are only good in store, but my old manager said that if you just give the code on the coupon, you can get the discount. (i.e. if you aren't in NYC, you still may be able to use it!)

If you ARE in NYC, then let me know and we can coordinate a pick-up!

Day 182: Seminar with Alan Rickman - he is just awesome.

Day 182: Seminar with Alan Rickman - he is just awesome., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

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The play - eh. The man - YEAH!

Day 181: I am very proud of my homemade pasta sauce!

Day 181: I am very proud of my homemade pasta sauce!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

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It is so delicious...I swear I'm not trying to brag! And I like to make it with a little bite! Some red pepper flakes and fresh garlic really give it flavor!

Day 180: Anthropologie sent me a birthday gift! ...kind of...

Day 180: Anthropologie sent me a birthday gift! ...kind of..., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

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15% off coupon! and a "me-time" fake watch bracelet thing... Ok! I'll take it!

Day 179: Yep, I am totally taking a career test.

Day 179: Yep, I am totally taking a career test., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
So far "business" and "clerical" are my strongest areas...while I am not doing so well on the mechanical side of things.

I'm sure it's just going to tell me "stay right where you are" but hey, I'd rather know that than nothing.

Day 178: Another awesome thing when I visit Pgh: Mom does my laundry :)

Day 178: Another awesome thing when I visit Pgh: Mom does my laundry :), a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

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Best Mom Ever….Seriously.

Day 177: My Birthday Dinner (almost a month early)

Day 177: My Birthday Dinner (almost a month early), a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

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We get a picture EVERY year at the same restaurant. :)

Day 176: Happy Thanksgiving

Day 176: Happy Thanksgiving, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

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I made these pies. Because I am awesome. Seriously. …This was also basically my only contribution to our dinner. :)

Day 175: The Snoopy Balloon for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Day 175: The Snoopy Balloon for Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

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For real. He is giant. Another thing checked off my Bucket List!

Day 174: My New Blue Dress

Day 174: My New Blue Dress, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

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Blue with white polka dots! And it was only $25. :) That makes me love it.

(PS - look at Scout looking kind of scary and cat-like in the background!)

Day 173: My favorite T-Shirt

Day 173: My favorite T-Shirt, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
I got this shirt is 2001 (yes, it's 10 years old! isn't that amazing? it's been through so much with me!) at my CISV Summer Camp.

In 10th (I think?) grade Chemistry class, we did a Tie-Dye project and I took it in and tie-dyed it pink/blue. It was just plain old white before...boring right?!

And since then, it has been my favorite, most comfortable PJ shirt.

It reminds me of my sweet, wonderful friends from camp and the wonderful influence CISV has been in my life. It reminds me to reach out, make friends, love one another and that the smallest kindness can make a difference.

(Also, seriously, this shirt is so comfy I could wear it all the time.)

If you're not familiar with CISV, I suggest you read the lyrics to the CISV song below to get an idea of what an amazing organization it is:

Here in this village you may see

Children living happily

Different race and different land

Here we come to understand

One another's point of view

Learning through the things we do

How alike am I to you

Here we live and eat and sleep

Talk and laugh and sometimes weep

Here we share our hopes and fears

Build a bridge across the years

Sow a seed and plant a tree

Beneath whose branches there may be

All the nations gathered free

That our children so may grow

In a world we did not know

Sharing all they have to give

Learning how to love and live

In our hands the future lies

Seize the moment 'ere it flies

Stamp the present with an act

Dare to make our dream a fact

Day 172: My New Pillow Covers

Day 172: My New Pillow Covers, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

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Aren't they fun? Another Etsy purchase. Thank goodness I stopped after this. But how could I pass that up?!

Day 171: Macdougal Street decked out for the Holidays

Day 171: Macdougal Street decked out for the Holidays, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

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I love this neighborhood more than I can say. Anyone have an apt there you want to give me?

Again, all I want to do is sing "city sidewalks, busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style!"

Day 170: Earrings made by one of my favorite people in the whole world!

Day 170: Earrings made by one of my favorite people in the whole world!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Check out my pal's Etsy store where she makes wonderful jewelry! I'm wearing the red rose earrings today. They are incredibly adorable! And the yellow ones I am wearing next time the Steelers play! :) I LOVE LOVE LOVE both pairs. You'll love her stuff too. It's almost as awesome as she is!

Day 169: I saw this musical. It was ...unique.

Day 169: I saw this musical. It was ...unique., a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

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To say the least. Amazing performances from the 3 leads. Beautiful beautiful music. But...just...strange. I don't know what to say about it. Go read the NY Times review. I think they explained the show's issues well.

Day 168: Decorations are going up. My favorite time of year in NYC

Day 168: Decorations are going up. My favorite time of year in NYC, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

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This made me want to start singing "City sidewalks, busy sidewalks dressed in Holiday style..."

Christmas in New York City is magical. I cannot wait to go see the Tiffany Snowflake and the Rockefeller Center Tree. And my goal is to go skating at Wollman Rink in December! I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS!

Day 167: Best Dog Ever

Day 167: Best Dog Ever, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
The title says it all. How can you not love this little guy?

Hello out there.

Hi.

I just wanted to say hi because...it feels like the only things I post on my blog now are my daily photos and you don't really get to hear from ME. 

I mean, yes, there's a caption for each photo but it's never more than a paragraph.  And I think to myself, that isn't why I started a blog.  For a paragraph a day.  Or a sentence or two.  It was so I would have an outlet.  A place to open up.  A place to VENT.  A place to share.  A place for all my quirks and thoughts to come out into the open.

And yeah, sometimes my photos can do that.  But they don't really get to tell you how I'm feeling about, say, The Occupy Wall Street Movement.  Or my most recent vacation.  Or that conversation I had with that person about that thing.  I don't know.  I feel like I'm not telling you anything.

Am I telling you anything?

Whatever, I'm just saying.  I'm still here.  And I'm going to try to write more.  Like say more.  To you.  My readers.  If you're still out there.  :)

Loves.

Day 166: Charley is my #warmth :)

Day 166: Charley is my #warmth :), a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
He obviously wasn't ready for me to take his picture. But I'm sorry, that face is adorable no matter what. I love this dog.

Day 165: Family Fun watching the Steeler Game

Day 165: Family Fun watching the Steeler Game, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
At a fundraiser for ...ok, I don't remember what it was for...a Children's Hospital or something... It was a great way to watch the game though! We bid on Chinese Auction items and I won a Cake Pop themed basket! HOW APPROPRIATE IS THAT?! Seriously! It was perfection. Everyone made fun of me because when they called my number, I jumped up and down and screamed in excitement. The lady at the table next to us apparently said "Does she know what she won?" cause apparently she didn't feel it was nearly as exciting as I did. Whatevs, lady. You have no idea the joy this brings me.

Day 164: Tucked into my childhood bed

Day 164: Tucked into my childhood bed, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

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It's quite comfy. The sheets are totally the same sheets I had in High School. Don't worry - they've been washed.

Day 163: Sitting by the fire!

Day 162: Sitting by the fire! #warmth, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
One of my favorite things about Mom's house is sitting by the fireplace. It goes through from the family room to the living room. Which I think is so super cool. Either side is cozy!

Back in my homeland. The land of Heinz. Hello Pittsburgh. :)

Back in my homeland. The land of Heinz. Hello Pittsburgh. :), a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

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This isn't a photo of the day, but I can't resist sharing. :)

Day 162: My Daily #Warmth

Day 162: My Daily #Warmth, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

Via Flickr:
Ok, not really, I can't afford to go to Dunkin on a daily basis. Dunkin's a treat. But today, this was my cup of warmth!

Day 161: My hair is finally long enough to pull back into asemi-ponytail!

Day 161: My hair is finally long enough to pull back into a semi-ponytail!, a photo by lalasappy on Flickr.

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Success! Look at that! Of course my bangs were still in my face, but LOOK AT THAT!

Ok, yes, I know this is only exciting to me.