Christmas Lights on crack?

I don't care if these videos are "old news." I love Christmas lights, and I love the music. It's a win win, in my book!

Zoo Lights - Holiday Spirit!

I've gotten distracted from blogging lately; getting home late due to metro delays, and migraines will do that to you. But, as I sit on my couch listening to my Glee Christmas music playlist on Grooveshark, thinking about how four days from now I'll be back in the Midwest and with  my family for Christmas Eve, I'm finally in the Christmas spirit. Lots of Christmas posts in the next few days :)

This past weekend, I really wanted to do something festive - I haven't seen any Christmas decorations (I'm missing my parents house right now!). So, I grabbed my good friend from college, and we headed off to ZooLights at the National Zoo after work this past Friday. It was free, and the weather wasn't too cold (I did layer up though). We had so much fun! The lights were gorgeous, and all of the indoor exhibits were open, which was nice. A lot of the lights went on and off with music. If you're in DC this week, I recommend you go, it was definitely worth the hike out there.

A few of my favorite pictures, below.

I need to try to make a trip out to the National Christmas Tree in the next few days! I miss my holiday traditions of drive through Christmas lights, decorating  my tree with my Mom, and Christmas cookies. It's time to make some new "pre-holiday" traditions.

What are some of your favorite things to do during the holidays?

DC Metro.. An ode to my hatred

I try to stay away from complaining on my blog. Why would I want to look back on my complaints and negativity later on? However, after legitimately experiencing what very well was my worst metro commute to work EVER, I've lost my patience and must let it all out. I have a bone to pick with the DC metro. Actually, I HATE the DC metro.

Let us begin with this morning. Usually takes me 30ish minutes to get to work via metro/my walk to the station. Not a huge deal. Got to metro early, to work early. Train is waiting at platform, overly crowded, per usual. I jump on. Aaannnd we wait. And wait. Train becomes more crowded. Fortunately a co-worker has joined me randomly and we chat. We're alerted that there's a fire at a station (like 10 stations up). By this point a good ten minutes have passed. Doors close, we move to next station. Where MORE people their way in and a woman tramples all over my feet and bag. We can barely move. So we wait, and WAIT SOME MORE. Another 10-15 minutes pass. Make it to the next stop. Where we wait for approx. THIRTY MINUTES. I understand there's a fire, but we're trying to get to a station before the fire. Now a switch malfunctions. Now no trains can go between the busiest stops in the city, including our stop.Shuttles hopefully (not yet) should function. By this point, we are late for work.. It's been almost an hour to go three stops. We get off, and it's chaos. People everywhere, bus lines like crazy. Everyone trying to hail cabs- we're still in Virginia and not even close to work yet. After walking in the frigid cold and finally catching a cab. We make it work an hour late, and two hours after I left my apartment.

Now you may respond to my rant with an, oh well, it's a fire, they can't control that. BUT my friend, this is the third time in 1 week that I've experience train malfunctions and horrible delays. LAST MONDAY it took me an hour to get to work when the train broke and they single tracked at my metro, leading again to people shoving into the train like sausages. Last THURSDAY people overcrowded the train and it offloaded at my stop, again forcing the train to be stuffed. 

I wish I could say these three incidents are the only thing. But nope, it's not. Its not the people who work the metro's fault- everyone I've met who works for transit has been extremely nice, helpful and sympathetic. Its the ACTUAL system I hate. I know every system has its problems... the DC metro is clean and relatively modern. I just wish it actually functioned! Some of these problems are caused by just plain people who aren't smart.. so I dont blame the metro for everything. But ugh. I wish I could walk or drive to work.

Reasons why I hate the DC Metro

• Constant delays, and train malfunctions during rush hour. Even when I double my travel time, I'm late for work!
• Closing stations on a work day (not everyone is a federal employee with holidays off!), and then your train going in the WRONG direction without them telling you until you're already at the wrong place.
• Blank screens that don't tell you when your train will come, sometimes making you wait 20-30 minutes with no idea when it will come.
• Single track "maintence" on weekends, so it takes triple the time to get where you need go to.
• Dumb people who jump on trains while doors are closing, and force us to offload because the "doors wouldn't close."
• Not preparing for major events: aka Rally for Sanity chaos, Cherry Blossom festival, tourist season, again causing MASSIVE crowds and chaos.
• Tourists who don't heed to our rule, stand on the right, walk on the left, and clog the escalators.
• People who bring giant backpacks and hit you in the face or pin you against pole.
• Last but not least, increasing fares for all of this "excellent" service.

Williams-Sonoma lust

Williams-Sonoma is an amazing store. I dream about the day when I am getting married and can create a bridal registry, and shoot my scan gun at half the store. I'd buy everything, if I could. My parents share their love of this store with me, because they are the best cooks I know; and love to cook. My parents used their credit card reward points once for a significant amount of W-S giftcards and I went with them to the store. We went to town, and it was the most fun ever! Every gadget and gizmo you could want for cooking, baking, hosting.

Just this weekend, my guy friend called me while I was Christmas shopping online. He didn't believe me that Williams-Sonoma sold food as well; and thought I was crazy when I told him I wished I could buy all my gifts from this store. I don't think my friends have reached that age, yet. Maybe in a few years when more of my friends are getting married/having kids/hosting parties, then I can order my heart out! And, when I have more money, of course :)

Until then, I just lust over the items, that could make my cooking dreams come true.

Interior Design Envy

(via)

Missing Madrid

Back in college, I spent a semester studying in Madrid. I was a political science and Spanish major, and able to take politics classes in Spanish, so it made sense for me. It was my first time leaving the country (not counting Mexico/Canada) and leaving my family for 5 months. I was nervous and excited, but looking back, I am so glad I took the opportunity. I was able to explore a significant chunk of Spain, experience new cultures, and travel to other countries as well. I met one of my best friends in Madrid. I tried new foods, practiced my Spanish and went outside of my comfort zone; I knew not one person when I got there. I saw flamenco dancing, ate paella, witnessed a bull fight, and came home never wanting to see ham ever again. I explored, churches, castles, and hundreds of museums. I could talk about my time abroad for hours. In the spirit of my reminiscing, here are a few things I'm missing about Madrid.

I miss the delicious paella (my roomies and I made this one!)… and the gorgeous Retiro park.... 

 The crazy festivals they had for Holy Week (Yes, this woman is strumming a ham!).... 

The amazing architecture and the beautiful flowers and nature...

 The incredible museums and the fun night life in Sol… 

and the beautiful architecture/sculptures/fountains everywhere (Madrid parties in this fountain if their football team wins!)

There are hundreds of other things I miss about Madrid; these are just a few (I have misplaced my pictures of Plaza Mayor my most favorite spot in Madrid). I'd love to go back someday, and take my parents or someone special, and show them the places I loved during my six months there. One of the best decisions I've ever made was to study abroad. I'm so glad I did it!

More travel posts to come; looking at my photos from my time abroad in all the different cities is one of my favorite things to do.

Christmas Wish list

"Make my wish come true, Baby all I want for Christmas is... You"

I love the holidays, and shopping for others. But, I'd be lying if I didn't fess up to making my own "wishlist" of things I'd love to get/buy myself. Some are more realistic than others, but thats why it's a wish list! What are you wishing for this year?

I really want a crockpot, but I'm just not sure I'd use it too much. I would get scared to leave it on all day.

Love the Tory Burch shoes, but can't justify the price!

I always try to steal my Mom's, but she catches me!

I've used my longchamp back to the extreme- its starting to tear in the corners. I would love one in purple or red.

I know, I'm pathetic, but I really want to read this. So much, that for the family secret Santa's, I'm asking my cousin to buy me this. Go ahead, make fun of me!

I know that this would make me laugh. Lots. 

My ultimate Christmas wish? An iPad- this thing is amazing!

Michigan's Bowling for Gators!

I couldn't resist a celebratory post; The Wolverine's are going bowling on January 1st! I'm still in shock that after a pretty dismal season, we made it for a New Years Day game. But, I'm ready to see Denard Robinson and the rest of the team take on Mississippi State.  Until then, I'm counting the days until Christmas, and then ready for watching my team in action (for what is hopefully Rich Rodriguez's last game, but that it is an entirely different story.). GO BLUE!

Book #20 - The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

"Friendship is probably the most common form of love." — Stieg Larsson (The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest)

What: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest
By: Steig Larson
My thoughts: I started this immediately after finishing The Girl who Played with Fire (my thoughts), and this one was by FAR my favorite out of the series. It picked up right where The Girl who Played with Fire left off, wasting no time getting into the thick of the plot. It was fascinating to have this struggle between the government and the legal system, and the consistent theme of how far someone will go to protect themselves, even if it means breaking the law. It made me think of the power of a government, and what they truly are capable of doing, without anyone ever knowing they're doing it. 


Again, this book was violent and dark at times, so if that's not your thing, you may  not want to read. The book was unpredictable, in that you never knew what would happen next, and if Lisbeth, Blomkvist, or any of the other characters were going to find themselves in danger yet again. The character of Lisbeth is so well-done, she has so many layers to her and she's definitely not a cookie-cutter character. Even when the book ends, you still don't know how to feel about her. You feel bad for her for all she's been through, but she can hold her own. She's tough, unique, insanely smart but socially awkward, hard to understand and to love, but you love her all the same- which is exactly how Blomkvist and others feel.

My rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Perhaps its the political science major dork in me, but I was extremely interested in the book and highly recommend it. I'm starting to want to read more books in the mystery genre; I've never liked them before but these books are making me question that!

I wont be seeing the movies, however. They're bound to be violent and dark, and thats definitely not my type of movie!

What's next: Currently reading (dont judge) Decision Points by George Bush.. I kind of want to start reading a book about every President.. stay tuned!

December Tunes

"So don't go higher for desire, Put it in your head, Baby Hollywood is dead you can find it in yourself."  - Michael Buble

I've been listening to Pandora  lot lately (leaving your iPod back at your parents home will do that to you and make you very sad). I still love my own personal tunes, because I (usually) never have to give anything a thumbs down or "ban" it. Above's my current set of favorite songs to listen to- I know that it's a bit hard to see. A mixture of old and new (Also, a LOT of my songs in rotation right now come from my friend over at The Cheetah Chronicles - she has awesome taste in music and makes awesome playlists). 

A few highlights from this playlist

• Michael Buble's Hollywood
• anything from Carrie Underwood's Play On album
• Tim McGraw's Felt Good on my Lips
• Joshua Radin's Sky
• lots of Taylor Swift's Speak Now album
• and Bruno Mar's Grenade

Of course, none of my playlists would be complete without some Glee thrown in. Sometimes I think I'm a 12-year-old pretending to be in her twenties.

What are you listening to?

Quotation Station

I always have one eye peeled for inspirational quotes. When I was going through a rough patch my senior year of college, my roommate suggested I keep a quote book. I spent hours those first few weeks, pouring my heart into this book. It was cathartic, because it made me realize I wasn't alone in the world. There is someone out there who can relate to how you feel in a specific moment time, and has been there. It's comforting.  I wrote quotes from famous people, authors, TV shows, movies, or even something a friend said. I still write in it from time to time, when something hits me a certain way. Whats amazing, is to read those quotes from 2 years ago, and have the emotions I felt when I wrote it down just resurface. I was recently looking through my "book," and wanted to share just a few of my favorites.

"We don't wish for the easy stuff. We wish for big things, out of reach. We wish because we need help and we're scared and we know we may be asking too much. We still wish though, because sometimes they come true." - Grey's Anatomy


"When people walk away from you, let them walk. Don't try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring for you, coming to see you, or staying attached to you. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left. What is hardest to accept about the passage of time is that the people who once mattered the  most to us are wrapped in parentheses."


"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple" -Dr. Seuss


"When a really great dreams shows up, grab it!" - Larry Page (He spoke at my UMich graduation, and this is one of things he said).

"We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere." - Tim McGraw


What are some of your favorite quotes? Do they have any special meanings for you?

12 days of Christmas

The month of December is one of my favorite months, and I have a feeling the posts on the holidays will be a major trend here in La Caffeinista. I loved a post over at the fabulous Polished Chaos discussing 25 Christmas to-dos. It made me excited for the holiday season and gave me inspiration to write this post; my top holiday to-dos; the 12 days of Christmas, to give it a name.

1. Donate to a food bank - I love working for a company that takes community service/giving back to others seriously, so I plan on donating food to a local food bank. We've having an inter-office competition and its so much fun, but all for a good cause!
2. Play in the snow - I'm hoping by the time I'm back at my parent's house for Christmas there will be snow; there's nothing better than a white Christmas.
3. Find my parent's the ultimate Christmas gift - My brother and I are working hard to find our parents something amazing to show them just how much we appreciate all they've done for us. They're hard to buy for, so I've been scouring the internet. No luck yet!
4. Bake holiday cookies
5. Watch Elf, Love Actually, the Santa Clause and Home Alone. Also, watch A Christmas Story on Christmas Eve- it's a family tradition!
6. Decorate your tree; reminisce about the ornament/where they came from.
7. Drive around and look at Christmas lights. Back at my parents home, there's an amazing drive through Christmas light show. It's beautiful. 
8. Go look at the White House Christmas tree - I think when my brother visits in a few weeks, we'll go check it out!
9. Make a Gingerbread House - I'm thinking of inviting some friends over to make them. It's so much fun.
10. Be thankful for what you have, and spend time with family  and friends- I have close to 50 family members who will be at my house on Christmas eve. Its the best day the year, and it's not about the presents. Its about all of us being together (and of course the delicious food!)
11. Listen to Christmas music until you can't take it anymore - I've been jamming to my Glee Holiday music Pandora playlist at work; it really cheers me up!
12. Get at least one drink in Starbuck's holiday cup- already achieved this a long time ago, but it equals the holidays are here!

Okay, so technically this makes it 13, but I feel like this is a separate one all on its own.

1. Remember what the holidays are about - family, friends, and giving back to others. Such a special time of the year to be thankful for everything you have.

Happy Thanksgiving!

First and foremost, Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who celebrates. I hope you spend your day with friends and family, eating delicious food, and being grateful for everything you have in life. I know that's what I'll be doing! I feel so blessed to have such amazing people in my life who've supported me along the way to help me get to where I am today - working at an fabulous PR firm in one of my favorite cities. It's wonderful to finally be content with the path life is taking.

I'm thankful for...

1. After over year of searching for jobs, and countless times being told no or "we'd love to have you.. as an intern!" finally having a job, and loving what I'm doing, working with such intelligent, creative people at a place that really allows their employees to think outside the box and try new things. I am SO grateful to be there and count my blessings every day.
2. For my parents putting up with my low-paying internships and allowing me to take risks, helping me stay afloat when I first moved to DC. Without their help and support there would have been absolutely no way I'd be here right now.
3. New friends and old ones. Its tough being away from my friends from home/college, its exciting that I have friends all over the country to visit now. Without their support and listening to me when I first moved and was alone/knew no one, I wouldn't have survived!
4. Things that make me appreciate life, and laugh- this is an assortment of things; from being in awe that I live near all the monuments and can see them every day; being able to watch  my favorite TV shows or go to sporting events; traveling; exploring the city with my friends; going to fancy brunches; appreciating that I can call up my brother and have a conversation with him (never would have happened a few years ago). It's little things that add up in life. I need to step back and appreciate the little things in life.
5. finally accepting my life and being content with it. Aside from graduating college, 2009 wasn't very kind to me; 2010 has been about starting afresh, accepting who I am, and being more independent and confident with myself. I'm happy with the people in my life, and accepted the fact that some people once were a very important part of life are no longer in it- I've let go, and it feels wonderful. I've put the past in the past, and only look to the present!

So, as I sit at my parent's house, listening to Glee music, and my Dad downloading a crazy amount of YouTube videos on his iPad (which my Dad just "discovered" today after I showed him the bird dancing to "Whip my Hair."), about to get ready for my Aunt's house, I am happy. I wouldn't have my life any other way.

Happy Thanksgiving to all. 

Readings: The Girl Who Played With Fire

One thing I love about vacation time, is that I get time to finally read books again! I'm raiding my Mom's bookshelf and Kindle and it's fabulous. Between my plane ride home and some pre-dinner reading, I was able to finally finish the 2nd book to Steig Larson's series. I found the first one a bit hard to get through, but his second book left me pleasantly surprised.

What: The Girl Who Played With Fire
By: Steig Larson
My thoughts: I'm not normally one for mystery (or violent) books, but with everyone talking about this series, I've been giving it a try. The first book didnt live up to the hype; I read it months ago. With all the excitement over both the books and the upcoming movies (and the fact that I had already paid for the book!) I started The Girl Who Played With Fire last week. First thought: Wow. What an intense, violent, fast paced book.

There were so many twists and turns throughout the novel that left me second guessing what would happen next, trying to solve the murder mystery and figuring out all the characters connected to one another. The character Lisabeth Salander is so fascinating, Larson gave her so much depth and mysteriousness that you never quite have her figured out but you're invested in her character still. I loved that. The book ended at such a suspenseful moment that I immediately picked up my Mom's Kindle to start reading the third!

I will forewarn, the book is extremely violent; and at times graphic. I for one will NOT be seeing the movies, because I don't think I can handle that.

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. If you didnt like the first one, I'd give the 2nd a shot. I'm already eager to read what happens to Lisabeth and Blomkvist.
What's next: The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest - Stieg Larson and Decision Points - George Bush (I love political books regardless of political parties involved).

What are you reading? Have you read the Stieg Larson books? Did they live up to your expectations?

Why I love Thanksgiving..

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays; I think it's pretty close to Christmas. Especially now that I have to fly home for it and don't see my family as often, it's more important to me. By the time this posts, I will have already left DC and arrived back home with my family and friends. Cannot wait!

I love...

• the amazing food. This year my Mom's not cooking and I'm kind of sad because my parents are the most amazing cooks I've ever met (for real). But... it's nice because we are...
• spending time with family. My family is large and we see each other often; but Thanksgiving everyone does their own thing and Christmas is where we ALL (over 50 of us) come together (at my parents house). This year we are going to my Aunt's for Turkey Day; and spending it with my aunt/uncle and at least two of my cousins, and my grandma. I'm excited to spend time with a few of my cousins and my family. I appreciate my family so much more now that I'm not living at home.
• colder weather - It's pretty warm in the District- this past weekend it was in the 60s! At home, its in the 30s, and I'm looking to a few days of cold.

I'm pretty sure this is the most awesome picture - EVER

!

• the Michigan/Ohio State weekend! Yes, Michigan sucks and will probably lose, but this is the biggest game of the year, still, and I am SO excited to get to watch it with my Dad/maybe other family members! Miracles can happen, right? My Dad isn't too optimistic, but I still have hope!
• that Christmas is almost here! Thanksgiving marks the start of Christmas lights, my Mom putting up decorations, and Christmas music. It makes me excited.
• thinking about present shopping - my brother and I will HOPEFULLY get our shopping done for our parents this week, but knowing us, that's not a guarantee. I love present shopping for others, but Black Friday kind of intimidates me.
• Christmas/Holiday cards - My Mom always does our cards... do I send out my own now that I no longer live with them? It's not like I have a significant other or a pet to take a photo with.. and my favorite part about cards is the photo. Maybe I'll send out some personal/handwritten cards to just my family and a few close friends. I should get on that!
• new traditions. I'm hoping to meet one of my "little" (she's 16, I can't believe it!) cousins for coffee and breakfast, something we've been trying to do every time I come home now. I miss my sports buddy! (we go to a lot of games together.) I also want to see my god daughter and basically cram as much family time as I can into the 4.5 days I'm home!
  

Weekend Restaurant - French style

One of my favorite things to do is to try new restaurants; and I frequently go to places with my fellow (vegetarian) foodie friend. This weekend we tried a place new to both of us, Bistrot Du Coin, a quaint French bistro near DuPont Circle. She had read about it somewhere and was dying to try it, so she made us a reservation. Sidenote: DuPont has SO many amazing restaurants and fun bars, I recommend taking a stroll through that area!

I've never had much experience with French food, but I was excited. When I went to Paris, I unfortunately went with girls who would only eat McDonalds or Italian food (NO JOKE, I was so mad), so even in France I didn't get that experience, which clearly I am still bitter about 2 1/2 years later.


Okay, back to Bistrot Du Coin- the atmosphere in there reminded me of the cafeteria's in Spain. Old feeling, quaint, loud, music, but delicious food. And, our food was DELICIOUS. I want to go back and try more food. My friend and I split a warm goat cheese & walnut salad, which, while small was yummy. We both wished that it was a bigger portion- it would have been perfect for one person.

Not a photo by me, but you get my point!

We then had mussels, also tasty. The pot was large and filling, which led to us reminiscing about our trip together to Belgium, where we had HUGE pots of mussels that cost us only $10 in a small restaurant, sitting by a fireplace. The mussels came with some really yummy (but salty) french fries, too.


We finished off our dinner with a French cheese plate. I love cheese, but I wasn't so fond of the stronger ones. I tried a bit of each, but stuck with the amazingly yummy brie cheese, and my friend ate the rest.

We were stuffed to the brim by the time we were done; I wish we had gotten dessert. I will be back to Bistrot Du Coin; perhaps with my parents when they visit or with other friends. Highly recommend this restaurant!

And, now I'm wanting to go back to Paris and eat real French Food and not cheeseburgers and spaghetti.

Apartment organization

My new apartment already feels 10 times more like "home" than my last apartment did- I'm not sure if it's because I knew my last one was "temporary" and this one is a at least a year, or if it's because I now have a roommate. Either way, I'm loving this new apartment. Can I mention how jealous I am that one of Oprah's Favorite Things this year was $1000 custom made closet by the Container Store?? I almost fell off my couch when she said that!

Just wanted to share a few things we recently purchased for our apartment that we are eagerly awaiting- I think they'll make a huge difference in our kitchen and living room!

One thing we both do not enjoy about our apartment, is the fact that our kitchen is TINY. So, we purchased this to put our microwave/toaster oven on top of, and then it has the extra storage for additional pots and pans, silverware, etc. I will make our kitchen so.much.better. I cannot wait to be organized!

This is actually a storage Ottoman, which we will be using for extra seating and as table of sorts  as well. I'm really excited about it for some weird reason. I'm mad, because we bought this from Target.com, yesterday. TODAY, it went on sale, $20 off, which we don't get. Slightly disappointed!


What were your recent purchases for your homes?

Moving and the "Change Your Life Challenge"

What a crazy, busy week! For one, I've moved apartments, my Mom came and surprised me to help me move, and work is absolutely crazy with long days, moving offices, and computer problems. Add that to I'm heading home for Thanksgiving in a few days and it makes for a busy weekend coming up.


Moving takes a lot out of you; and I'm definitely exhausted after moving lots of boxes, multiple Target trips, and just figuring out where to fit everything; especially since I went from a one bedroom apartment to a 2 bedroom with a roommate who has stuff too. It's still not 100% done, but I'm getting there. I'm loving my bedroom and my huge bathroom. Not loving the small tiny kitchen - I have way too many gadgets and gizmos that just have no place to fit! I'm loving decorating, putting up pictures.

Once I'm fully unpacked and relaxed a real post awaits!

BUT I wanted to share a project I've become involved in, with  a group of fabulous girls, the Challenge Your Life Challenge. I encourage others to join; I'm pretty excited to try new things and learn more about myself along the way- I'm a little nervous to go vegetarian for a week but also excited! Looking forward to it! Thanks to some, awesome girls for fabulous idea and inspiration!

Every month we'll feature a new, week-long challenge. I'm inviting (and encouraging) you all to participate and take to your blogs to write about your experience! The good, the bad, and the ugly. Well, hopefully it's mostly good and less bad and/or ugly! It's my pleasure to reveal the first challenge:

Who: YOU (and anyone else you want to encourage to participate!)

What: Eat vegan or vegetarian (your choice), every meal for a full week (ahem...that's seven days, not five!)

When: November 29th, 2010 through December 6, 2010

Why: I understand that the holidays are coming up, which is why this challenge starts after Thanksgiving. The idea is not only to challenge yourself to eat differently for a week, but also to use this time as a mini-detox from the Thanksgiving festivities.

Where: Anywhere and everywhere you eat!

How: I will be posting ideas and recipes (feel free to comment with your own ideas, as well) and tips on how to make this as easy as possible. It's all about incorporating the changes into your life, instead of trying to change your life to suit these changes. Don't try to go too over-the-top. Make it feasible and, more importantly, make it enjoyable!

If you are ready to participate in this challenge, then comment on this entry with your email address OR send an email and expect a challenge email update soon. Emails will be sent out within 24 hours of you leaving your comment to give you details about the challenge, and you will have ample time to ask questions, share inspiration, anything and everything.


If you accept the challenge, post the challenge logo on your blog and encourage more people to scurry over here and sign up for the challenge, too!

Can't wait to see how this first challenge goes! Sign up and let's do this


Hope you'll all join!

The Container Store = Love.

As previously mentioned, I'm moving into a new apartment, very soon. In fact I probably should be packing rather than writing this! I already know I'll be losing quite a bit of storage/closet space; although my new bathroom is much bigger than mine now. I'll have to share my kitchen/living room space with my new roommate as well.  Therefore, creative storage options will be a must.

I've been spending the past hour scouring the Container Store Web site, and have decided that... well, I could easily spend oh, the next 4 pay checks there and still have things I'd want to buy. The Container Store is my new store to obsessive over. The thought of having a place to store literally every.possible.item.I.own is thrilling! I think the OCD side of me is coming out in full force tonight, particularly as I stare around my incredibly messy apartment with boxes and piles of things EVERYWHERE. I cannot wait to move and be organized again. Cant beat my new location or the price!


A few of my favorite things I'm seriously considering buying. Anyone shopped there before? What do you recommend? I'm super excited to go to the store this weekend!