Happy Happy Birthday!!!

to my butt face brother !!

it's okay we call each other names as our terms of endearment

turd and boop face are in constant rotation too

hope you have the happiest of birthdays

thinking of you and wishing i was there to help you celebrate

love you turd

Seriously?

Have you ever seen a prettier sunset?

Thanksgiving & What's In My Head

Is it strange that this is what's playing in my head today?




I had to show you the correct version so you didn't get it confused with Jessie Spano's mental breakdown after taking too many caffeine pills while staying up to study for her geometry test AND rehearsing for her singing group. I mean how much can one girl take?! (If you don't know this reference please move on as I'm sorry but we can't be friends)

I'm going home for Thanksgiving this afternoon and I'm pretty jazzed.

Things I am thankful for this year:

My Sweet Hubs

My Fantastic Family

My Amazing Friends

All of whom got me through a bit of a rough time this year.

Oh yes, and my Dad's new hips.

He's going to be dancing around to this song in no time.

iPhone Lovers Unite

If you have an iPhone you need to download instagram.

Did you know you can follow people and see their pics?

Well I didn't and it's my new favorite.

Just like facebook but with out all the chatter.

(Serious, do you really need to know if your friend's friend from junior high's kid is crying?)

If you were following me, here are a few you would see.





You can even like and comment on other people's pics.

Time to let your inner photog come out.

A picture is worth a thousand.....you get the idea.

Fringe

Mildy obsessed with all things fringe lately......Particularly on my feet.

And by mildly I mean over the top insanely completely out of my mind. Obsessed.

Ombre

The next time you see me, don't tell me I need to get my roots done.





Jessica, Lily and Drew all told me it was okay.

The ombre train has left the building, and I am on board.

Woot Woot.

ipod song of the day

Florence + The Machine - Dog Days Are Over

Pro: Scream-singing "The Dog Days Are Over"

Con: Thigh slapping during the chorus while driving may result in red and throbbing legs.

Or is that just me?

Bringin Back a Little Old School

Technology. A double edge sword in my book. I love me some iphone, mac books, ipods, apps, emails, blogs, and facebook but it's really kind of sad the good ol' fashion letter is now out of date.

What da ya say we bring it back?

I know, I'm not normally inspired to hand write, address, and stamp things either....until I saw these gems from Colette Paperie.

Who knew one day it would be so easy to show someone you really care by just sending a letter instead of shooting off an email?

Check your mailbox. I'm going old school on ya.

Perfection

Hello Friends!

It's November. Can you believe?

I'm starting to get inspired again to post on this little blog and I think it's because the holidays are just around the corner. I love the holidays, in particular picking out gifts. It gets my juices flowin. So I was prepared when one of my friends asked for ideas for her Hubs for his November birthday.

I pulled this one from my own Etsy 'hearts'. I was saving it for a gift for my own Hubs one day but since I love her so much, I decided to share.

(via Nativevermont)
See, you customize this canvas with whatever you want. Places you have been, your dog's name, inside jokes, your anniversary date.... you get the idea. Her list includes '6 Martini's' which is how many drinks he fed her on her 21st birthday.

Hate to toot my own horn here, but since they are moving into a new home soon, the gift really is perfection.

Don't you agree?

Side note: Who are we kidding, I LOVE to toot my horn.

Happy Happy

Happy Birthday to My Favorite Sister.

Some things you should know.

I love her.

We share the same laugh and nothing makes me happier than when I laugh out loud and the hubs says, "you sound just like your sister!"

She gives THE best hugs. Like she is just taking you in and doesn't want to let go.

When she makes a joke, she cracks herself up. Like she laughs so hard, she starts to tear up, and that just makes you start laughing and tear up. It's a domino effect and it's fantastic.

She makes really delicious tortellini soup.

She's an awesome Mom. We always knew she would be, but she far exceeds what a good Mom is. Those are some lucky kids.

She loves 'I Love Lucy' reruns.

She's the best person to have in your corner for whatever life throws your way.

She is pretty much the best gal around. If you don't know her, ya should. And I feel damn lucky to call her my best friend. We just happen to be sisters too.

Add. To. Cart.

My girlfriend showed up in this killer suede jacket last night....



And as she told me it was from Forever21, I braced myself for my vision to go red and spotty because in my experience, whenever someone has something great on, and they say it's from Forever21 they follow up with..."I got it two years ago" and it KILLS me. But to my delight, she just got it last weekend AND it's available online.

Add. To. Cart.

Love Them

Have I ever told you that?

Wet Willy

My Dad does this thing where he will put your ear in his mouth, sometimes he does it with your nose too. It's just one of his 'dad idiosyncrasies' along with squeezing the top of your knee when you are sitting down which makes you jump up from your seat so you look like a spaz and squeezing your side when you are walking, again getting the same spaz effect. Seeing your reaction gives him great pleasure and you can't help but smile when he cracks up laughing (even if it is a little annoying). Now that he has two grandkids they too are susceptible to all of 'pops' antics. Lucky kids. This photo I believe captures the feeling of having your ear in Dad's mouth quite perfectly and that is exactly what was happening when I took it. Just wait J boy, it's only just begun.

Fall Fashion (For Lee Lee)

Fall is here and it's my most favorite season. Windows are left open to feel the cool breeze, I'm on my way to get my first Pumpkin Spice Latte (one of many) and I'm anxiously awaiting the opening of the apple fritter stand right up the road. But, I'm most excited about the clothes. One of my favorites said she needed some fall fashion help and I am never one to shy away from talking about clothes. I'm no expert but I love me some boots, scarves and a nice little leather jacket. After thinking about it, I pretty much have a fall uniform. Here is my list of basics.

1. Skinny jeans. You don't have to be a stick to wear these, I think the main point is they conform to your body and have a tapered ankle so you can tuck them into boots or wear with flats.

2. Layer, even if it's just a shirt and jacket. Make sure one is longer than the other. Shorter shirt, wear a longer jacket and longer shirt wear a shorter jacket.

3. Scarves. You can find scarves cheap, which means you can buy a lot of them and they can completely switch up your outfit. Get different colors and patterns. Scarves make you look effortlessly cool and keep your neck warm. Bonus!

4. Jewelry. Doesn't have to be expensive. Some of my favorites are from Forever21. My go-to's are a long necklace, hoop earrings, and an oversized watch.

5. Shoes. You need a great pair of boots, flats, and nude heels.

6. Jackets. You need a dark blazer, you can scrunch up the sleeves for a more casual look and a leather jacket. Your leather can even be faux, my favorite that I own is from H&M.

Here are some examples below.

Voila, you're all set for fall!

The Cuteness

Can you handle it?

My Favsie

Mumford and Sons are becoming big, but this video from 2009 in a small York bar that looks about the size of my living room is by far my fav. The real title of the song is Winter Winds, and it's currently on repeat on the ipod.

I also have a small crush on the singer, don't tell the hubs.

An Easter PSA for Cameron

Dear Cameron,

As your favorite Auntie and Godmother, there are a couple things I think you may need to know about your 2nd Easter and your First Official Egg Hunt.

Number 1 (and most important): Your Uncle Kevin CHEATS. Even though there is a 20 year age gap, I have no doubt in my mind, he will still cheat. When it comes to a possible prize or the much coveted 'money eggs', he has no shame. Just because he is bigger and much older than you, keep in mind, he is still a college student and now more than ever he needs those money eggs. You see college brings on many expenses, fraternity dues, taking girls on dates, and money for beer (or in your case Milky). My advice, sleep with one eye open on Saturday night. He is known for waking up super early and scouting out the eggs.

"I swear I didn't wake up at 6am to find the hidden money eggs"

Don't believe him for one second Cam

Number 2: Don't get too excited for the prizes. Your Poppi has an affinity for anything and everything from the Dollar Store. The most sought after prize from our last Easter Egg Hunt was a Corona Bottle opener and you have many Easter Egg Hunts ahead of you until you can even think about using one of those.

Number 3: I don't believe you are allowed to eat chocolate yet, therefore, any and all chocolate covered candies should go directly to your favorite Aunt and Godmother. She gave up Chocolate for Lent and it will be in everyone's best interest to just hand it over as soon as you get it. Chocolate is your Auntie's milky and if she can't have it everyday, let alone 40 OF THEM, she can get a bit edgy. Surely, you can understand. All Peeps can be directed to your Mom or Uncle Kev.

Number 4: If your Mom takes you to get a picture with the Easter Bunny, you have my permission to scream and cry. Make sure you really give it your all when the flash goes off on the camera. Sometimes it's okay to mess with your Mom. We have many fun years ahead of us with this one.

I will see you in a week to answer any questions.

Love,

Your Auntie B.

Show me Some Shoulder

LOVING

Spring's Shoulder Bearing Tops

singer 22

forever21

singer 22

CoutureCandy

Right?

Because I Love It

The Hubs and I think this picture of my Pops looks like it's straight out of a 70's sitcom. Like when you look at it, you automatically say to yourself, "Hey, Hey, Mr. KottAIR".

Plus, he is so cute, isn't he?

Chevron Curtains

Oh hello there...sorry I have been MIA but after popular demand (Kristi, Lisa, and Mom), I'm back. That's right, 3 people!

Booya.

So I should fill you in on my current obsession. They change frequently, I know.

I'm in love with all things Chevron and specifically want, love, NEED, some Chevron curtains for my living room. Currently, my living room is all blah, brown everywhere and needs some serious 'oomph' in it's life, and mine if you ask me.

So, feast your eyes on these beauties.

'AAAHHHHHH'

That's supposed to be sung like angels in your head as you gaze longingly at their loveliness.

Are ya with me yet?

How about now?

The only problem with this situation is these babies are not cheap, and not easily attainable. Interior designer say what? That is not in the cards for me lads, so here are my options.

Chevron on a much smaller scale.

I'm loving the blue, but don't worry about the bunched up hideousness at the top. I would have mine hanging off of curtain rings. Much more pleasing to the eye. Let those babies breathe.

So my delema is this, is the smaller scale to0 dizzying? Let's put aside that I just made that word up. Am I going to be stumbling around when I walk through my living room because I can't focus on anything else except the damn drape pattern? Should I cut my losses and save the Chevron for when I'm extremely overly wealthy one day? (What? It could happen)

Thoughts?

Yes, I'm talking to you, readers.

(Kristi, Lisa, and Mom)

Ingredients for a Perfect 30th/Girls Weekend

Watching my sister try and walk in heels. (She didn't make it past the hotel door)

A night out with my bestie.

The most delicious dinner at 'Two - Urban Licks'

Spending time with my Momma

Friends from NYC just happening to be in town and coming to buy me a birthday shot.

The best pedicure we have ever had.

Except for Mom, they tried to steal her wallet.

I may have fallen asleep.

Loving on my cute sister,

and her even cuter belly.

Finding a cupcake company named after our little Cameron.

And if that wasn't enough, all of this followed up with lots of shopping, a makeover, massages, and lots of laughing.

Thank you Mom and Kristi for the best girls weekend ever.

(Thanks Mark and Daddy too)

It won't be our last.