Just A Self Indulgent Thought

In the last few moments I've been reading some of the blogs that I follow and I have this to say:

I'm so glad I know how to give myself a break.

So many of the blogs that I read focus on weight loss - which is great! Its a way to stay motivated and accountable to yourself.

What gets me is the games that these ladies play with themselves. They want to lose 10 lbs and then they'll get into a two piece swim suit, then they'll buy a dress that the like, then they'll get together with a friend that they haven't seen since they were smaller....etc.

Rewards are good - I like rewards especially if you're working hard towards a goal.

The problem is- once those 10 lbs are gone its another 10 lbs before that swim suit, before lunch with that friend.

I don't have a perfect body.

I definitely want to shape up my arms and widdle my waist some before wedding day.

But I'll tell ya what - I'm not going to let a little extra "love" in my middle or non toned arms stand between me and my tan and I'm not EVER going to apologize to anyone if they happen to think my body isn't bikini perfect --- and ladies its not.

But the best part is? I actually love my body - when it has extra lbs and when its smaller, when its pale and when its tanned (but more when its tanned).

My body may get sick from time to time or get a broken bone every now and then. It may gain too much weight sometimes and drink too much at others but its the only one of I got.

Sometimes I treat it like a temple and sometimes I treat it like a landfill- it really depends on my mood.

Some of you out there think that skinny is the only way to go - and you project that on your selves and that's fine just like some of us prefer blonde over brunette or coke over pepsi. But stop beating yourselves up and denying yourselves the pleasures in life.

When its all said and done I promise you that no one speaking at your funeral is going to say
Here Lies X she had super tight abs or a cellulite ridden ass or just couldn't lose those last 10 lbs.

They are going to talk about how you lived, your spirit, your joy, your legacy so its my advice to get out there, make those things happen and give yourselves a break.

And 100 extra cool points if you do it in a two piece.

"Life is Happiness Indeed" - Voltaire

One Week From Today.....

I will be nursing a hangover from too much wine and too much screaming

at the ....

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK CONCERT!!!!

WOO HOO!

I bought the tickets yesterday and Megan who I had been unable to reach previously is just as excited to be going as I am!

Are seats are descent (as far as I can gather) and they're in the VIP section so they cost me a little bit more but I just couldn't stomach way back lawn seats -- which I found out that three more of our friends are going to be in on Saturday.....

So we're all going to be getting together pre- concert to get our drink on - the other girls are trying to get me to dress 80's but I'm not sure its appropriate to dress "period" if you actually were alive in that period.

Besides when I figure out a way to get backstage I don't want the guys to think I'm one of those nutso fans who are stuck in the past......

lol - I'm not really going to try to sneak backstage.....

I'm going to try to find a way to do it legitimately .....

We shall see.

In other news I'm nursing a hangover today from too many gin and tonics at our friend Meghan's birthday party. It was a blast. The night before we went and heard our friend Will'd band play. So its been a pretty eventful weekend including a day of pool lounging yesterday by moi!

I wish I had pictures to show you of any of these things but the flash on my camera is broken. I'm going to have to get a new camera before next weekend...

There must be pictures of NKOTB....

There must!

Welp today is father's day and I'm without one of those so it looks like I'm going to be spending the day solo - but I'm cool with that sometimes nothing beats alone time!

Happy Father's Day to the rest of ya's!

Miss Amber Lane

Sucks....

While peruising my calendar I realized that my three days off for fourth of july come just two work days before another day off.....

So I decide.....sweet I'll take two vacation days and score a 6 day vacation for only 2 days of vacation time.

Before submitting my vacay days to my boss I checked my Activities Calendar and just realized that, of course- on one of those two days I have planned a big dance for my residents.

Fantastic.

Vacation Dreams Obliterated.

For now anyway - its coming though - mark my words.

In other news... A local radio station is giving away front row tickets to the NKTOB concert which I had hoped to win...

That is until they released the rules of the SUPER FAN SCAVENGER HUNT

They've posted a list of 50 vintage NKTOB items that must be presented during business hours between Mon and Wed of next week. Including bed sheets, lunchbox, all five dolls, posters, buttons, stickers, jackets, video tapes, etc.

The only thing I have left of my new kids hysteria is a couple of trading cards, tapes, and a recording of me at age 7 singing their songs. I checked ebay for many of the items- and sure they're posted but I would probably end up spending twice as much as a I would on a two-pack of mediocre tickets and still wouldn't be assured that I would receive the items in time - mof I'm pretty sure I wouldn't.

Not that I can even find anyone to go with me at this juncture anyhow. How sad would it be if I went alone......

Pretty pitiful huh?

Also ---

Ohio weather is sucking right now. It has rained everyday and when its not raining the air just hangs like a wet blanket. Its going to be 93 degrees outside today.

But at least its Friday.

Amber

NKOTB and Me?

Last night I had a dream. I dreamed that I went to the NKTOB reunion concert and it was awesome.

This may seem inconsequential to most.

And lame to even more of you.

But I woke up this morning with the realization that if I don't go to their concert a week from this Saturday at Riverbend - I'm really going to regret it.

Many of you may also feel the way that I feel- if not about NKTOB then maybe about some other band - but for those who do not ... let me elaborate.

I was among the youngest age group that obsessed over the New Kids on The Block. Sure, I caught on at the tail end of their popularity- but being very young I didn't recognize the time period lapses between their tapes being released, or which tape came out when, or that the older girls were moving on to Bush and Nirvana and the boy bands of the 80s were fading into oblivion.

I did recognize that there was a group of very cute, oh-so-cool boys that were singing love songs that I dreamed were just for me --- and that was doubly true--- no triple true, when Joey sang . (He was my favorite---though now a grown woman I would much sooner go for Jon or Jordan)

My girlfriends and I used to watch VHS tapes of their concerts and pretend that we were really there. If a girl got pulled up on stage and one of our boys kissed that girls cheeks, we giggled and wondered what it would be like to be that girl.

I had t-shirts and giant buttons and water bottles and dolls - all NKOTB themed.

And I may or may not have made out with a tape cassette cover with Joey's picture on it- don't judge me.

I loved me some New Kids on the Block.

Then their No More Games CD came out and they lost their sparkle to me. Gone were the cute, clean cut, romantic boys that I fell in love with. In their place were guys, who were becoming men, and had outgrown me. All I had left was my walk-man and worn-out tapes of Hangin Tough, Step-By-Step, and their self titled debut which was my personal favorite.

Oddly enough though I didn't leave them behind when they left me behind. As I approached junior high and began dating and having my heartbroken, I would pull out my old tapes from time to time and wondered why no "real life" boy treated me like the boys treated girls in their songs. I also wondered how come there were no groups like NKTOB now that I was a teenager -- and it wasn't but two years later that N' Sync and Backstreet surfaced and as the popularity soared I realized I wasn't the only girl who must've felt that way --- but those groups never made me feel the same way NKOTB did.

They were my first loves. Their songs were the songs that made me realize as a little girl; that someday I would have a boyfriend and would be in love. But they also remind me of my sweet innocence- because at that time having a boyfriend meant cheek kisses and notes and carrying my books for me at school ( I'm not sure that ever happened irl to ANYONE) and maybe pulling me up on stage at their concert --- after all what boy worth calling my boyfriend wouldn't have concerts?

I was an NKTOB fan at my youngest and purest and the pure fan craze that I felt for them when I was under the age of 10 - is something that I've never experienced again in my life.

The fact that when I have day dreams about going to their concert and could easily see myself feeling the same way now that I did then - like I can't keep from screaming and wishing with all my heart that one of those guys will spot me from the stage and pull me up to serenade me as we step- touch dance in front of millions of other girls, before he kisses my cheek and helps me back to my seat --- (did I mention I'm still about 7 years old when I invision this?) only adds fuel to the fire --- I HAVE TO GO THIS CONCERT!

I never got to go as a little girl and if I don't go now and they split up again (which is nearly inevitible---they can't really think their new songs will sustain them- its their old songs that have fans flocking to their concerts..amirite?) I will have missed my chance all over again.

So why don't I just go buy tickets?

Dillema:

Lawn Seats are very affordable - I could buy tickets for me and my broke friends.

But I don't want lawn seats.

(They don't pull girls on stage from the lawn! j/k...or am I?)

I want to be as close as I can be. I want to feel the energy and get carried back to that time in my life gone-by. I want to actually be able to see the guys and NOT on a jumbo-tron.

Problem is one ticket will cost over $100. Not a problem for me ... but none of my friends will be able to pay that....if I bought their ticket I would have spent over $200 for NKOTB tickets and I'm not sure in even my fan-crazed state I can justify that for a group that hasn't had a hit in over a decade.

I'm thinking of offering to pay half for a friend if she buys the other half---I just called her---she's off today and still sleeping so she wasn't super receptive to my call but we shall see.

Ok...I'm done obsessing - for now- but I'm going to that concert one way or another.

I owe it to my 7 year-old self.

But I'm curious- anyone else out there have a band or celebrity that they still obsess over --- another New Kid in the Blockheads?

I promise---after this post---I can't judge you!

Looove!

Mrs. Joey Mcintyre

(What do you mean he has a wife and child?!?!??!)

( ;

Summer Time Beauty

I've started getting back to my roots lately.

No I didn't go brunette at the salon on Thursday.

I mean that I've begun to rediscover beauty on a budget. That's right gals...I've been filling my cart at Target, Wal-Mart, and CVS...and I'm not ashamed. Matter of fact, I've found some pretty awesome products lately that make me feel like a swanky, sunbathing, sweetheart for next to no cash.

The Loot:
Organix Coconut Milk Self Heating Coconut Oil: I don't usually go for the smell of coconut but this Organix line smells like heaven...it's like coconut mixed with butter rum and I love it. The product its self is pretty awesome too. It heats in your hands when applying thus opening your hair cuticles to really penetrate. My hair was so soft and shiny after my shower- I couldn't keep my hands out of it!

Speaking of Organix.....

I hear that this instant repair treatment is the Bees Knees....problem? I can't find it anywhere! I've been to two different Targets, 2 Walmarts, 2 Walgreens, a CVS and an Ulta and none of them carry it! Short of buying it online - anyone know where to find it? Is it in your stores?

Skintimate Cream Shave Extra Gentle Soothing Petals: Smells so soft and pretty and left my legs unbelievably smooth. Also works amazingly on bikini line and even better? A little goes a long way so it will last forever!

Neutrogena Clean Replinishing Shampoo: Pure and simple smells soapy and lathers wonderfully.
I have very thick and color treated hair so I only wash it about every three days- this stuff gets the job done!
Fekkai Marine Summerhair Beach Waves: Ok- so not technically a drug store find....but I stumbled across this product at Ulta today and could not resist. It smells super summery and is noted to create sexy waves while protecting your color from the sun. I haven't put it to full use yet but I'll report back. This stuff reminds me of the John Freida Beach Blonde Wave Spray that was discontinued years ago but smells a hundred times sunnier. I hope it lives up to expectations!

Hask Henna n' Placenta w/ Olive Oil: I know it sounds gross but it lives up to its claim to moisturize and Nourish dry, chemically treated hair.

I'm really into my hair right now if you can't tell. It's finally getting to the lenght I want and my stylist took me to Barbie blonde proportions this time and I don't want the sun to strip me- what can I say...I'm a Leo .... I love my mane!

Speaking of my hair.....
Phillips Teaze Brush: I'm a southern girl at heart...at least when it comes to beauty.. I like me some big hair...this brush will help me to get there!

Hawaiin Tropics After Sun Body Butter: I mentioned last post that I love lotion well this is my latest obsession. Its "after sun" lotion but I use it after every shower - it makes me feel beachy all day- even when I'm at work- I love it!

Hawaiin Tropic Sunkissed Berry Lip Gloss: I was sick of sun burned lips so I picked up this gloss. It has spf and tastes like berry gummy bears plus it leaves a slick of strawberry color on my lips and shimmers in the sun!

Caress Evenly Gorgeous Body Polish: It has scrubbies in it and smells so rich. I like to use polishers in the summer to brush off any peeling I may accumulate.

Ugh...I know I can't help it...I'm tannarexic.

Finally...this last item isn't technically a "beauty" product but I've heard a ton about it and I finally gave in....



That's right I gave in to the hype and picked up Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. I'm looking forward to giving it a go. I've decided its time to give myself over to bridal booty camp and am looking for ways to begin to widdle and tone. This is the first step.

Well that....and giving up fast food.

But hey, one step at a time.

Nighty Night!

Tag! I'm It

Kace over at Calling Him Krew tagged me so here I am!

The Rules:

* List Six Unimportant Things That Make You Happy

* Mention and link to the person who tagged you

* Tag six of your favorite bloggers to play along{and comment on their blog to let them know they’ve been tagged}

So On To My "Unimportant" happy things (though if they make me happy- they must be pretty important!)

1. Sleep Masks: I probably have about 20 of them and I just love em'. They are perfect for mid-day naps (Ha! Like I ever get those!) and hang overs. A complete neccessity on airplanes - and they make me feel just a touch glamorous - old Hollywood style!

2. Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper Potato Chips: I hate potato chips - never eat them but a friend of ours brought this chips over during a Bengals game once and I was hooked...although I must admit I try very hard not to but them --- lest I eat them!

3. Labeling Things: There is just something about well organized spaces with labels that send a little electric shiver down my spine. Last night Boo and I were watching a rerun of Wife Swap and one of the wifes was a pro- organizer her home was binned and labled to death-

Ben said, "That lady is nuts"

I said, "That must be what Heaven will be like!"

4. Lotion: I have bottle after bottle after tube after pot of lotion and I just keep getting more- they have shimmer, they have sheen, their matte, they smell like coconut, flowers, perfume, and soap and I'm incredibly generous when lotioning up- no dry skin in Amber Lane's world!

5. Cold Rooms, Warm Blankets: In the dead of summer I sleep with the air cranked up, the overhead fan on and the biggest, thickest comforter you can imagine. I sleep sweet in cold rooms with warm blankets- that's just me!

6. DVDs with commentary: I love to rewatch my fave movies/tv seasons with the commentary on - I feel like I'm being let in on exclusive secrets!

Ok I tag these fab femmes:

Rachel Ann

Nelle

Liana

Memphis Mama

Katy

Kell

Have fun!

Today

Does anyone else really (and I mean REALLY) need a nap?
I sure do.
Today has been nothing short of fanatical:
7am Rise and Shine (and hit the snooze and get back in bed)
7:45 Dress, makeup, put hair up due to third-day hair syndrome
8:15 On the road
8:20 Starbucks @ Kroger + buying more checkered table cloths for work
9:00 Arrive @ Work
9:15 Begin pre-making Pineapple Upside Down Cakes for afternoon social
9:45 Drive resident to Dr
10:45 Finish pre-making cake
11:00 Trivia Game Instruction
11:30 Clean up Activity Room
12:15 Pick up resident from Dr.
1:00 Lunch (and by lunch I mean shopping at Ny and Co ....)


Obviously these two items make up a lounge outfit....

My jacket is actually in shades of black and grey not oatmeal

Love this dress- so cute and comfy!


Great sales...if you like Ny & Co.... I recommend going - its not my fave store but I find good things there from time to time- like today.

1:30 Paperwork

2:00 Wrangle up card club for a game of Rummy

2:15 Put cakes in oven

2:20 Prep for Father's Day bbq on Sat

2:45 Ooh and Ahh over cake---yay me!

3:00 Social

4:00 Clean Up - chit chat, etc

4:45 Blog

5:00 Peace Out

6:00 Hair Appointment!!!!

Later I'm supposed to meet Emily for drinks as I am off tomorrow- but my body is so achy and tired- I'm not sure if its the muggy June weather or my coming down with something but I am out of it!

Well it is almost time to wrap up for the day so I gotta run.

Ciao!

Today I'm Feeling: Run Down, Achy, Satisified