Happy Halloween - From SNL and The Duchess

I love celebrating Halloween! This weekend, Dashing and I went to a Halloween party for his Emergency Department group. We dressed as the SNL skit "The Barry Gibb Talk Show" with Jimmy Fallon as Barry Gibb and Justin Timberlake as Robin Gibb (these are the brothers from the Bee Gees). If you haven't had the pleasure of experiencing this skit, you absolutely must!!! We went all out with the white suits, "chest hair" and "crazy, cool medallions" (all skit references).

Check out the nifty chest hair and long wig on this Dashing 70s icon!

My next Halloween challenge was to find a work appropriate outfit that I could attend all kinds of professional meetings in (how did I end up with 5 important work meetings on Halloween!). I really just wanted to wear jeans and go as a cowgirl, yet something told me this outfit at a department meeting with The Boss (another SNL video reference). So, I came up with a way to express Halloween in the classiest of ways.....no other than Kate Middleton, excuse me, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.

Tonight, I'm making dinner for Dashing and me - I'm thinking Chicken with Pesto, wild rice, and a salad with a pumpkin mousse pockets to finish it off. We're hoping we get lots of trick-or-treat-ers too as this is our first time living in a neighborhood for Halloween!

Happy Halloween!!!

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

It's the small things in life

After posting about our trip, I got to thinking...what was my most favorite part of the vacation?

I can tell you it definitely was not the emotional breakdown I had over Dashing's lack of free time during his Emergency Medicine residency and his stand off reaction (we're not perfect. we just continue to communicate to work it out - and that's just what we did). That was an important piece to share to segue to my favorite part. After a long, positive, encouraging, and heartfelt conversation that night on the beach and a good night's sleep, we went on a walk the next morning, hand in hand, laughing about past memories and what we were excited about for our future. We then got silly and started walking around Coronado with funny gallops, skips, and strides without a care in the world - like children frolicking in the backyard as the parents secretly giggle at the shenanigans happening in front of them. We didn't care if we looked funny - we were enjoying each others company and laughter. So even the fun moments of whooshing down a roller-coaster slope or eating the most delicious of Disneyland treats (Yum Dole Pineapple Whip!), the best moment was simply gallivanting hand in hand, laughing and smiling, with my Dashing.

To Infinity and Beyond....and then back to reality

A vacation was a much needed and welcomed event this past week. This was Dashing's first time since the beginning of June having more than 36 continuous hours off from his Emergency Medicine residency schedule - he had two whole weeks actually! It was great to get to see him relax - let alone see him at all!

During the first part of our trip, I read blogs during downtime with the sounds of the Coronado, California ocean waves crashing in the background and rays of a cool sun blanketing my SPF covered skin. I took brisk walks with the family on the beloved Coronado island (technically a peninsula). We ate at some of my favorite restaurants - if you're ever there, try Bali Hai in San Diego, the Village Pizzaria on Coronado, and The Fisherman's Restaurant in San Clemente. We played cards in the evenings while sipping on smooth Coco Loco pina coladas and relaxed the days away.

The second part of the trip was high energy as we all (that's 6 adults and my 5 month old niece) ventured north to Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. This is part of our yearly trip, and we embrace it every year. Disneyland is definitely not just for kids as this was the first time (out of the 6 years I've been going with Dashing's family) that we have even had a child with us adults!

The jolly  music, the smells of cinnamon and sugar, the lights of fantasy, and the feel of being transported into a whole new world (Aladdin pun intended) draws a smile to your face without you even realizing it.

Dashing and my self-photo shoot in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle. It was very overcast. There was a lot of squinting involved. You do not want to see what my photos sans sunglasses looked like...ok they were funny.

My niece (and as of last Saturday, goddaughter!) was enthralled with all of the action and hardly slept a wink! I guess the lack of sleep could have also been from us continuously sticking Minnie Mouse ears on her - it was cute though! Dashing and I were also wide-eyed indulging in our favorite old and new rides.

Favorite new ride:At the new Star Tours 3d Ride.

One of our favorite old rides: Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters. YUP that 228,300 is my score - beating Dashing by almost 100,000. I rock at zapping aliens.

Our favorite Disney's California Adventure ride California Screamin' roller coaster. From top left to bottom right, Sara Cate, Dashing, MIL, SIL Miss E.

Miss E (SIL), Dashing, Miss E's Hubs, Sara Cate

I hope you all had a wonderful week. After buzzing off to infinity and beyond, I am now back to reality.

Sincerely,
Sara Cate

Winner winner winner

I am currently at the happiest place on earth...Disneyland! So I am announcing the winner from a bench just around the corner from Sleeping Beauty's Castle. I want to thank Sandy from ForYoo for offering this giveaway. Her products are amazing and she is offering a deal to all readers! Visit her store ForYoo on Etsy and use the code SWEETDEAL2011 for 10% off!!! And her Facebook page. And drumroll please....... The randomly selected winner is .... Miss Southern Prep Please send me your email address to claim your prize! Thank you to all who entered! And to new followers, I am so looking forward to getting to know you through your blogs! Sincerely, Sara Cate

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

Well, I am currently vacationing in Coronado, California. I'm enjoying the sun, the fog, the beach, and of course, the view of the beautiful and historic Hotel del Coronado.

So for Words of Wisdom Wednesday today, I'll give you a little piece of history.

The 1959 movie "Some Like it Hot" with Marilyn Monroe was filmed here at the Hotel Del. The epic last line of the movie gives some great words of wisom.

"Well, nobody's perfect!"

Giveaway Reminder:

Remember today is the final day to enter my Etsy Giveaway by For Yoo! All you have to do is comment! Giveaway entries will close today (Wednesday 19th) at 5pm EST, and the winner will be announced Thursday morning.

For Yoo Offers traditional wood mounted and self inking stamps. All For Yoo stamps are individually made one by one with much care and attention. Custom and made to order, For Yoo stamps are individualized for a unique touch to your paper goods for home, office, or personal occasion.

Visit For Yoo on Facebook 

Sincerely,

Sara Cate

Giveaway reminder!!!

Remember to check out my First Giveaway posted yesterday from Etsy shop For Yoo! Sincerely, Sara Cate

GIVEAWAY!!!

I am so excited to announce to you my very first giveaway!!! I have two of these myself, and I love to gift them as housewarming presents.

What is it you ask??

 A self inking return address stamp from For Yoo on Etsy! These stamps not only look lovely and exude style, they actually work so well! One lucky random winner will win one self inking return address stamp in the design of their choice courtesy of Sandy at For Yoo! Visit Sandy's For Yoo Etsy page http://www.etsy.com/shop/foryoo and check out all of her beautiful things! Southern ladies... This is another way to monogram your things too! Gotta love it!

 How to enter: get up to two entries for the random drawing! It is easy! Contest will end Wednesday, October 19 at 5pm EST. Winner will be drawn at random and announced on Thursday morning.

 1) one entry for posting  a comment on my blog

 2) a second entry available for posting about this giveaway on your blog OR Facebook status. Just leave a comment of where you shared it!

 I guarantee you'll love these stamps as much as I do!

 Sincerely,
Sara Cate

Big Things to Come

1. FRIDAY: Appointment with my Radiation Oncologist for a 1 1/2 year check up! Everything is looking good and hoping for another clear report.
2. FRIDAY: Cousin is getting married in my Dashing in-laws backyard. Photos next week!
3. SATURDAY: Niece's baptism  - Dashing and I are going to be her godparents! Photos next week!
4. SUNDAY: California....Here we come!
AND......
5. MONDAY: My FIRST giveaway will be ANNOUNCED ON MONDAY! I am so excited! You'll love it.

Until Monday.....Have a glamorous weekend !

Source: weheartit.com via Mallory on Pinterest

Sincerely,
Sara Cate

Words of Wisdom Wednesday - What a day!

What a day! This day has started off beautifully, thanks to all my bloggy followers and friends.

First, I logged on to my google reader to find that I won Hannah from The New Black's Postcard giveaway from UPrinting! Thanks to Hannah and UPrinting for the postcards! Be sure to visit her blog too!

 

Then, I logged onto my blog and discovered I hit 100 followers!!! I think that is cause for a little celebration! Stay tuned for a giveaway announcement soon to celebrate 100! A big thank you to all!

AND it's Words of Wisdom Wednesday! YAY

"Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day." H.Jackson Brown, Jr.

It's beginning to look a lot like....FALL

Arizona had its first stint of cold weather this last week. And by cold, I mean in the low 70s. That means it's frigid to an Arizonan! This got me really feeling like fall.

I wore a sweater....and drooled over a fall outfits that I want to buy...like these.....

Source: kendieveryday.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: shop.nordstrom.com via Sara on Pinterest

Source: None via Sara on Pinterest

Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

I made a few dozen some Pumpkin Scones adapted from a Brown Eyed Baker Recipe. (I added 1 more tablespoons of pumpkin, extra nutmeg, 1/4 tsp. allspice, 1/4 c. more flour - I used oat flour for the whole thing - , and topped it a homemade caramel drizzle in addition to the glaze). I did share them - and they were a big hit!

Source: browneyedbaker.com via Sara on Pinterest

I also went and purchased a few pumpkins to decorate the front porch AND stuffed a black cauldron with fabric batting as a bubbling dining room table centerpiece with some candle sticks.

What's next on my fall agenda?
1. Go to an apple orchard or pumpkin patch.
2. Head to Coronado, CA for a fall break vacation (Week of Oct 16)
3. Bake these Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes from the Not So Simple Housewife:

Source: notsosimplehousewife.blogspot.com via Sara on Pinterest

Happy Fall!

Sincerely,
Sara Cate

In Rememberance

My purse, pocket, car, and home are filled with Apple products. My Dashing converted us a few years ago. The visionary behind how we now live our everyday lives revolutionized the way we use our technology - but did you know he could also tug on your heart strings and challenge your being? I was sent this video only a few months ago from my brother-in-law, and I really appreciated Steve Job's words. If you haven't watched the entire Stanford commencement address, I suggest you do.

Words of Wisdom Wednesdays

made on Wondersay - Animate text with style

The Dash - It's all about how you got there

The title of this post is The Dash - which actually comes from a poem a close friend shared many years ago [watch The Dash Poem Movie here]. It's not as much about where you began or where you end, but it IS about what you do in the meantime.

 

So, I’ve been actively working on myself the past month – doing things I enjoy doing, making tweeks in my temperament, and pardoning my flaws. I am ready  to start sharing some things I’ve done [and love to do] to help me become closer to the woman I want to be. This will be a continuous thing I'll post about!

Arts and crafts of all kinds. I’ll share my bookcase re-do soon, and next up I’ll be working on painting a canvas.

Spending time with family and friends.  I flew out to Indiana to see my dad, and have spent time with my in-laws and niece. I also went dress shopping with a best friend – so special.

rocker niece

Reading not just girlie magazines, but books too – yes, those ones with lots of non-glossy pages.  I read The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion and am finishing up Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project (I like the Rubin’s book a lot. On the other hand, Didion somewhat comes across as un-emotional and pompous - but that is just my opinion.)

Volunteering as an alumna advisor for my sorority.

Watching football. Dashing and I looked into playing a little fantasy football. After two weeks of us forgetting to make team line-ups for that week's game, we gave up. But we still love watching!

Working out regularly. I'm loving Jamie Eason's bodybuilding.com program - It's FREE TOO! Anytime Dashing is working late and won't be home, I just got to the gym. Although in the last 4 weeks I've not been near as much as I would like to have been, I'm not punishing myself for it because I've been doing other important things too (see above).

Watching my favorite TV shows and not feeling guilty that I was a couch potato. Hey, if I enjoy watching Project Runway, Glee, Dexter (I know, 180 degrees from Glee!), How I Met Your Mother, and all things Food Network, then it's worth spending my time doing!

Tell me....what do you love doing?!