Being Ladies Who Lunch

One of my favorite things to be is a lady who lunches. Today another Philly-area blogger, Nicole from Nicole Marica, is joining me for a virtual lunch and we want to hear what you have to say. Please do butt in on the conversation with your opinions and answers by commenting below! And enter to win a $50 Target gift card while you're at it. What better way to spend a Friday?

If we were having lunch at my house, I'd probably serve us... 

Nicole: Realistically? You'd get boxed mac and cheese. Unless I had a heads up then I'd serve something based on your favorite foods or a theme. The way to a person's heart is their stomach!

Steph: It totally is. I think I'd serve spinach mac & cheese cups, a big ass salad, and ice cream sundaes. 

The most recent beauty aid I started using and can already recommend is...

Nicole: Yes to Tomatoes moisturizer. I love the way this stuff smells. I just started using it so I don't know how its going to fare acne clearing wise but it does moisturize very well!

Steph: I use Yes to Cucumbers moisturizer! For years moisturizer was my biggest cause of face rage. I could never find one that works. I've been using this one for over a year and it's great. So I guess I recommend that. Wouldn't it be great if absolutely everything came in trial size so you could test before you buy? I got some trial size Tarte stuff from the Sephora VIB Sale and I'm looking forward to testing it out. I'm not far along to recommend yet. 

However, I'm always in search of the perfect...

Nicole: Face wash that will get rid of all my pimples and even out my skin tone. 

Steph: Aren't we all! I've been using L'Oreal Million Lashes for a year and I think my eyelashes are tired of it. Can that happen? I'm looking for a cheap replacement. 

TV! Right now I'm loving...

Nicole: There are so many...Lip Sync Battle, Sherlock, Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones. We'll be here all day if I keep going on. 

Steph: Breaking Bad is on my list. One day I'll get to it. I've not watched much TV recently except for Bloodline on Netflix. And Criminal Minds. I can't quit that even though it's way played out. 

If there was a TV show about my life, I think my role should be played by...

Nicole: I would like to say Emma Stone or Anna Kendrick but I'm pretty sure both girls are way funnier than me. Probably more like someone like Reese Witherspoon without the star power. Any idea who that might be? 

Steph: Hmm...I think Emma or Anna would be good as you! Hell maybe Reese herself is free. We can ask. I'm actually really bad at this question. Is it cheating if I say I want Shannon Doherty to play me as Brenda Walsh? Probably. I'm going to go with Tina Fey because, well, she's Tina Fey.

And my husband's would be...

Nicole: This is a really tough question. He'd have to be really kind, very likable, funny, handsome, and also play off exasperated husband well. Maybe someone like Ryan Reynolds? 

Steph: Ryan Reynolds sounds like a perfect fit. I'm going with Michael Rappaport. He's funny and weird just like MFD. Also I haven't seen him around lately so he's probably not too busy and maybe we could get him for a steal.

But never mind the TV...I'm reading...

Nicole: Right now I'm reading Hausfrau by Jill Alexander Essbaum. I only just started it so I'm holding out judgment but it does jump around a good bit and the beginning is slow. A few friends have raved about it though so I'm going to keep trudging through it. 

Steph: I'm still pissed that there's a book called Hausfrau that was not written by me. Rude! I hate when books are slow and I start to feel like I need to hang in there. That's one of the kisses of death for me. I'm reading The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin, recommended by a few people on the Show Us Your Books linkups.

Something I always see people doing but have no desire to do is...

Nicole: Skydive. No thanks, I prefer not plummeting to my death. 

Steph: Hahaha. You sound like my Mom. Whenever it appears on one of my lists she's like please don't do that. Sorry Nicole and Mom. I'm doing it. I have no desire to ever climb mountains and see photos of myself hanging off the face of a rock cliff.

Via / Via 

But then I think I might like to try...

Nicole: I'm willing to try almost anything once, but if I had to narrow it down, I think hiking up some volcanoes in Hawaii, or diving down a waterfall (safely) would be fun to try.

Steph: Is it possible to dive down a waterfall safely? I'm being serious. That could be my thing for what skydiving is to you! Hiking up a volcano in Hawaii is a good one though. 

I love long vacations, but I'm a big fan of weekend trips too. Some things I have coming up are...

Nicole: I'm trying to convince my husband to do a quick weekend trip to Ohio, I think he's avoiding answering me since we just got back from a weekend trip to Chicago, haha. Also, for my 30th in September, I want to take a day trip to Baltimore. 

Steph: It's nice to live so close to so many things, isn't it? East Coast rules. I'm heading up to NYC for a quick in and out dinner and a show in May, so great to be able to do that. I'm going to go to my aunt's lake house Memorial Day weekend and I think the weekend after because MFD can't go Memorial Day. I also have two girls' weekends in July! 

My packing philosophy for weekend trips is...

Nicole: It starts out with pack smart and small but eventually I end up packing everything. The best laid plans....

Steph: I hear you. For me it depends. If I'm driving I have no problem throwing everything I own in my car and taking off la di dah as I please. When I'm flying, I'm more focused on wearing pants more than once and limiting shoes. 

If I was President, I'd immediately...

Nicole: Hire some really intelligent, experienced people to fix our health care, student loans, the budget, the war, and everything else. No one person can do everything!

Steph: Just co-sign my name to your answer, okay? Oh but first I think I'd institute a better vacation policy and maternity policies so we can really BE a nation that believes in family-first and not just say we are. I'll wait for all the free-enterprise capitalism rules down with government people to come and tell me why I can't do these things. Sue me! This is pretend. I'm making my first move for the people.

Not like we have to pay you to have lunch with us, but a $50 Target gift card is up for grabs. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TWTW - spring things

Friday night I was a whirling hausfrau. Nothing in my path was safe. Laundry, dishes, purging, putting out fans, setting out hats and sunblock by the back door...I did it all. Then I painted my nails (karmish sutra by Sally H from The Sisters Wexler).

I also made 25 turkey burgers with goat cheese and spinach in a cast iron skillet. Do you know how long that takes? A long time. Do you know how smoky your house gets? Pretty smoky. Thankfully MFD was out for the night so I didn't have to hear complaints. While doing that, I did some weights, made egg muffins, breakfast muffins to freeze, and cucumber salsa.

Saturday I hosted Ladies who Lunch at my house. On the menu: cucumber salsa, turkey burgers topped with shredded lettuce and tomato, pasta salad with pesto/mozzarella/tomatoes, salad from Jenn, fruit from Melissa, wine from Debbie, and cookies from my mom and Sam's Club. Lori was also there but missed the photo op! We chit chatted the afternoon away and it was lovely.

Melissa brought me these awesome Buddhas for my birthday...it continues! I know, you're like STFU about your birthday already. Sorry, I can't. I love them and can't stop staring at the little Buddha statue.

Saturday evening we jackassed around outside and with the dogs.

Saturday night Lori held down the fort with the dogs while MFD and I went to see Mark's bands Gringo Motel and Mercury Radio Theater at Bourbon & Branch in Northern Liberties. We have many talented musician friends but Mark is the one who plays in the most bands by far. We were lucky to see two of the bands on one stage on Saturday night for The Bourbon Experiments. It was a fun night. It's been a while since I've been down in Northern Liberties. It's crazy how much that area has changed.

Sunday I was out and about with my fairy godmother Lori all day and we had a great time as always. We hit HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, Target, and Red Robin for lunch.

It would be nice for you if you read a blogger who staged photos nice nice against whiteboards but alas, today I am not that blogger. My haul included my favorite face wipes, a mug (duh), e.l.f. mascara, a journal with one of my favorite quotes on the front, leopard cupcake liners, a super true print, Nordic wear cupcake pans, quinoa, a faded print dress like I wore in the 90s, and a pajama tank and capris. I didn't get anything Lilly Pullitzer at Target. On purpose.

Weekly food prep: egg/cheese/ham muffins and grape tomatoes for breakfasts; turkey burgers on sandwich thins, cucumbers, and snap peas for lunches; carrots, grapes, and bananas for snacks; dinners - pasta with broccoli, shrimp, garlic, and EVOO; roasted potatoes, onions, and pork tenderloin with steamed veggies; and salmon, rice, veggies.

Sunday I was in pajamas by 4 and did nothing else productive all day. I was in bed by 5:15 screwing around online and reading. Then I didn't go to bed until midnight. Fool.

Other weekend things:
- Super deluxe weather Saturday. Spring!
- MFD's cousin and my good friend Gail celebrated another year of fabulousness on Sunday. Happy happy!

Another great and busy weekend. I was very pleased to see my girls, to finally see a few of Mark's bands, and for Lori's impromptu trip down.

However, my early to bed laziness last night, no exercise on Saturday or Sunday and the everything I ate this weekend makes me happy to get back to a routine today. My house and fat ass are glad too.

What were your top three things about the weekend?

Good luck Boston Marathoners & supporters today!

Linking up with Biana at B Loved Boston for Weekending

Let's do Lunch

When you meet up with friends new or old for lunch, conversation is usually free flowing from one thing to the next. Sit down with me and Jenn from Hello Rigby and chat for a while. Do you have something to add, or something you agree or disagree with? Chime in in the comments! p.s. - if the text is colored, it's clickable!

A fashion trend I wish would die...
Jenn: Culottes. I'm really not sure who these work on, but it's definitely not me.
Steph: Male celebrities in hammer pants. It's ridiculous. Or men wearing their pants hanging off of their ass in general. 

Via pinterest & teen.com 

If I could only wear one brand of jeans forever, it would be...
Jenn: Madewell. Their skinny skinny and legging styles are my favorite. 
Steph: I hate jeans. I know this is universally considered the wrong opinion to have.

I always tell people to buy...
Jenn: Closet staples. A comfortable pair of black pumps, a classic little black dress, and a fitted black blazer. Apparently I like black.
Steph: I basically wear cardigans and pants. Not a fashionista here. I think Jenn has this one down.

My daily uniform clothes-wise is...
Jenn: Some variation of this outfit. Mostly the slip ons... I wear those with almost everything.
Steph: Oh, those are cute. For me, it's basically a cardigan. I am the cardigan queen. If the day ends in y, I'm probably wearing a cardigan.

We're here for lunch, right? My go to lunch order is...
Jenn: A sandwich of some kind. My favorites are a few blocks from my office, a tuna melt and something called the Pavo Diablo (Turkey, Avocado, Spinach, Poblano Peppers, Havarti, and Chipotle Aioli).
Steph: I am a huge fan of the BLT or turkey club. When I don't want to pick something up, I like a good salad as long as it has no fruit in it.

I take my coffee...
Jenn: Black.
Steph: With just a little bit of cream.

Wait, before I forget - three books I recommend...
Jenn: 1. The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes, 2. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, and 3. Necessary Lies by Diane Chamberlain
Steph: 1. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver, 2. Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler, and 3. Beach Music by Pat Conroy

What I like most about reading is...
Jenn: Being able to escape into a different world. I listen to a lot of audiobooks while doing mundane chores around the house and while driving, so it makes these activities a little more fun. :)
Steph: My response to this question can best be expressed in a montage.

Sourced on Pinterest

Oh, this nail polish color I'm wearing? It's...
Jenn: Margit from Julep!
Steph: Aphrodite's Pink Nightie by OPI.

These are not our nails. Images via Julep & OPI websites

My favorite mascara is...
Jenn: Oh that's tough! I'm always trying new ones. I've always been a fan of Covergirl's Lash Blast line as a budget-friendly but still great option. I also like Clinique's High Impact line.
Steph: I know, I feel like I have tried every mascara out there. Honestly my favorite is under $10 - L'Oreal Million Lashes. I like Clinique too.

When my lips are chapped I use...
Jenn: Malin & Goetz Mojito Lip Balm in the day and Julep Lip Luxe Lip Treatment at night. I have dry lips almost always. 
Steph: Rosebud Salve lip balm or Fresh Sugar lip stuff.

On my next vacation, I'm going to...
Jenn: Paris in June! I'm so excited.
Steph: I can't wait to read about that, we're heading there next year for a few days so I'm anxious to see where you stay, etc. Up next for us is a week at the beach with my parents, Stephen & Aubrey in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. I've never been there. I love going places I've never been.

One of the best trips I've ever taken was to...
Jenn: Disneyland! I loved it because...we went with 26 other members of my boyfriend's family, and we all stayed in one house. It was insane but also a ton of fun. I mean, how can you not have fun at Disneyland?
Steph: My Disneyworld trips always rank high too because seriously, Disney. Chicago always sticks out in my mind because I loved the city and the food and I feel like we got a lot in on that trip.

Thanks to Jenn for joining me for a virtual ladies lunch. Please visit Jenn on her blog Hello Rigby, and follow along with her on Twitter and Instagram too.

What about you? Please weigh in on some of these scintillating topics in the comments. Or the fact that it's already the last Friday in March. Birthday month, stay longer.

TWTW - the first one of spring

Well, Friday sucked the wang. I was at the emergency vet with Gus on Thursday night and only got two hours of sleep so I was snarky to begin with. When I got off the train, heavy snow waited to be cleaned off the car. I was wearing boots but my wool coat was soaked and I was full of raaage. Way to suck, first day of spring. I was in bed by 7 p.m. and everyone was safer for it.

Saturday morning I did my weekly food prep - savory oatmeal for breakfast; hard boiled eggs, apples, and snow peas for snacks; a whole roasted chicken; butternut squash mac and cheese-ish (recipe coming tomorrow); and I began the long process of making bone broth for the dogs using the bones from the whole chicken. Lunches are soup from the freezer and butternut squash mac and cheese-ish.

Forces conspired against me on Friday so I missed my first 40 minutes of exercise in 31 days. Rage! So Saturday I went to the gym and made that up, then splurged on $7 worth of flowers in honor of spring. I usually make a game of seeing what I can get for $3, LOL. I also got my refillable coffee mug so I get 99 cent iced coffee until June. Boom. Thanks DD Perks!

Saturday night we went to MFD's work bowling thing to benefit a local homeless organization. Realtors + homeless charity = good fit.

Then we headed over to listen to Frank play at Dolan's in Burlington, NJ, for a few hours, and in honor of my birthday he sang one of my favorites - Soon Forget by Pearl Jam. I loved it. Thanks Fronk!

Sunday morning I was up and out of the house by 7:20 to get my 40 in for the day.

I met up with my lovely friends AEB and Alicia for breakfast at the Vintage Grille in Doylestown and had eggs benedict over a crab cake along with excellent conversation as always.

I laid around on my ass with the dogs for a while before unloading the dishwasher, cleaning up the kitchen, laying out my clothes for the week, and changing sheets. I planned on being more productive but sometimes you just have to say fuck it, you know? The dogs love when I say fuck it and lay around.

Sunday night we were off to Tacconelli's in Maple Shade, NJ, to have dinner with Michelle & Bob and Amanda & Frank. Holy shit, that was awesome pizza. That white pizza with roasted red peppers? Whoa nelly. I wanted to lick the pan it was served on. Of course dinner was punctuated with lots of laughs. I love my framily. I also had cannoli cake which you can see on Instagram.

And in more birthday news, I got superb smelling lotion from Alicia - local yogis, check out The Prancing Peacock Yoga Studio with gorgeous locations in Langhorne and Yardley - they also offer spa treatments and have a really cool shop. This lotion is from there and I can't get enough of it. I got an awesome sign and blinged out new bookmark and a bottle of wine from Amanda & Frank too. Birthday celebrations continue!

Other weekend things:
-I went out with chipped nails two days in a row and my life did not come crashing down around me.

It's Monday, mon frer. Tell me something good.

Linking up with Biana at B Loved Boston for Weekending