Thursday, April 10, 2008

I'm not lion!

Grab your tissues, everyone... I've got another great animal video that will warm your heart!

This one was sent to me last week by my Mama, and it is precious. It is a video of these two British guys who had reared this lion from when he was just a wee little cub. Here's how the email sets it up:

...the authorities would not allow them to keep it once it reached maturity. So they were forced to give it up. They took it to Africa and placed it in a wildlife sanctuary. A year later they went to see it and were told it would not remember them. True love never dies, however...

Unfortunately, the video does not have any sound (I wish I could hear what they are saying!), and I couldn't find one on YouTube, but it is sweet nonetheless and definitely makes me smile.

Enjoy!







Wednesday, April 9, 2008

The Office is back... Praise the Lord!


In honor of the long awaited return of The Office (this Thursday), I decided to add a new feature to my blog. In the sidebar to the right, you will see a widget that enables you to view hilarious little clips from the hit NBC show.

As a way to REALLY celebrate, G and I are throwing an Office Party at our place on Thursday night. I can't wait! Dessert, wine, and The Office... what a fabulous combination!!! Feel free to join us, as long as you can handle the "no-talking-until-the-commercial policy" (I'm not kidding, I'll kick you out) - and don't forget to dress-up like your fave character. I haven't decided who I'm going to be yet... maybe Angela... or Jan? SO excited.

Anyway, enjoy the widget and check back here for a full recap on Friday!

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Puppy of the DAY!

Today, I would like to give a big, fat, congratulatory, virtual hug to my dear friend Kelsey who sent me a very exciting email yesterday. She is the mother of a precious little beagle, named Annie, who was recently featured as the Puppy of the Day on this website.



After clicking around on this website (for far too long) I decided I may have to submit a picture of my own puppy for consideration. Until then, I will just be very proud of my little doggie niece who is definitely deserving of this title... way to go, Annie!

Jayhawks = 2008 NCAA Champions

HOORAY!

Mario Chalmers "Miracle" 3-point shot sent the game into overtime,
and the Jayhawks seized the winning oppotunity!


Almost equally as exciting... I came in 3rd place in the bracket competition I joined over at one of my all-time-favorite reads, Scented Glossy Magazines! Thanks for the shout-out SGM!

Monday, April 7, 2008

I've Got a Crush on B. Rush

In case you have been living under a rock for the last few days and have emerged only to grab a diet coke and see if I had any new blog posts, I'll fill you in on some very exciting news.

KANSAS BEAT UNC in the FINAL FOUR!

That's right, the Jayhawks have successfully made it to the NCAA Championships, and are going to kick some Memphis booty tonight.

In Saturday's game, they creamed the Tar Heels (well, there WERE a few times when the score was close) and I just KNOW they are going to take the title tonight.

Obviously, living in KC, I am surrounded by fellow Jayhawk fans of ages, genders and races (My cousin, Macie, the KU Cheerleader, pictured right). In all honesty, the team hadn't even crossed my radar until I met my husband a few years ago. I guess you could call me a Jayhawk-by-marriage. Almost all of my in-laws are from Kansas, and most of them are KU fans. (This happens to make for a not-as-exciting bracket group, because almost everyone picked Kansas winning the tournament.)

Now, I like sports just as much as the next guy, and I definitely have "my teams." NBA - Phoenix Suns. MLB - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. NFL - Sorry, really don't like football unless my bro is playing. NCAA Basketball - Kansas. College Football - Arizona State (again, don't like Fball, but gotta back up my fam on this one). NAIA - Point Loma Sea Lions (word up, yo!).

On each of the teams that I root for, I always have to have my favorite player. As I was pondering this today, I realized that I tend to choose my faves based on what I would call their "dateability." Not for myself to date, of course, but in case I should ever need to find a match for any of my fabulous, single friendsies.

FYI, to all of you who are scoffing at me right now (i.e. Justin, Joey, etc.)... their dateability, by my standards, DOES include their athleticism - thankyouverymuch.

Now, one of my favorite KU players, as you have probably already guessed, is Brandon Rush. This 24-year-old from Kansas City, MO is one heck of a basketball player. He is a Junior and his major is Undecided, which may be an issue of concern to some. However, the fact that he pulled out of the NBA Draft in 2005 because he wanted to go to college, should be an indication of a desire for knowledge and a commitment to education. (Way to go, Brandon!) He is a charismatic player and has loads of charm, as well as a mega-watt smile. In fact, I'd be willing to allow that smile to wipe away the tarnish left on his reputation by any of the minor arrests he's had. We all make mistakes, right? Besides, a guy who looks this good can't be all bad.

Any takers, ladies? I'd be happy to give him a call and set something up if you're interested. I'm sure he'd be fine with me contacting him with your phone number... and if you're in KC or wouldn't mind coming out for a little visit, we could always do a double date!

Next up, Mario Chalmers, the 6'1", 195 pound point guard from Anchorage, Alaska. He is a junior at KU as well, and I think I'd like to set him up with one of my BFFs, Sara. That being said, I admittedly know little about his political views or his stance on impulsive shopping habits, but from what I DO know, they'd be a great match.

Sar, don't roll your eyes until you hear me out... he has a cousin who plays for the LAKERS. DO you realize that if you dated this guy, you'd finally have a shot at courtside seats and the chance to meet lots of stars?!?!? I say go for it. Not to mention the fact that you look amazing in fur-lined (faux, of course), hooded puffer vests and could TOTALLY rock the Eskimo look. Oh yeah, this is a good one.

Darnell Jackson is another one that ranks pretty high up on my list. After reading this article, I decided that he might take the cake.

Photo courtesy of Scented Glossy Magazines

He has clearly gone through some tough times over the last few years, and he still manages to stay strong and tear it up on the court. I think his sensitivity and strength would be perfect for another one of my BFFs.

Britt - seriously, I think this is the one we've been waiting for. Brittany Jackson has a nice ring to it, and just think of how much fun it would be to spend your first years of dating/marriage playing second fiddle to a basketball career. This is your dream come true, Congratulations! Just for the record, SGM would have gotten first dibs because of the compelling post she wrote about him recently, but she is married and has children so that only allows her to have D-Block on her free-pass-five. Don't cry Darnell, I know she's one of the funniest women alive, but you'll LOVE Brittany. In fact, I'd say you're pretty lucky I came along to offer my help. You just say the word, and I will hook. it. up.

Am I the only one that has crushes on professional and college athletes?! Come on, people! It's time for you to come clean and make your confessions in the comments below! I want to hear about your teams, and the player (not playa') that you'd most like to take to dinner and a movie. If you don't watch sports and haven't a clue on who you would choose... you better watch out, because I might just set you up with one of MY faves!

Oh, and don't forget to watch Kansas win the game tonight!!! RockChalkJayHawk-KU!

Friday, April 4, 2008

Treasure Hunting: Vintage Bar Cart

One of my favorite things to do is "treasure hunting" (as you probably already know), and when I can't make it to thrift stores or garage sales, Craigslist is the next best thing!!

Sometimes, it can be kind of a gamble... depending on what you are buying and whether or not there is a picture, but G and I have purchased several really great upcycled pieces that we have found posted there.

Take a peek at our latest find!


Golden Oak Vintage Bar Cart - $20 on Craigslist


I tucked this vintage bar cart into one of the corners of our dining room and grabbed a few things from around the house to try and see how it would look here. I'm not sure if this will be it's permanent spot or what it will eventually end up holding. (Looks like Zoe thinks it should be a cat cart.)


The lamp also happens to be upcycled and I found it at the City Union Mission Thrift Store (my fave). The lampshade was a bargain from Target and I luuuurve it! The little wooden bowl is full of vintage/antique keys that are waiting to be used in an upcoming project (they are from Good Ju Ju in KC), and the bronze cats are actually on sale at my Etsy store, Lucky Stone Vintage.


I think the finishing touch in this corner would be some art on the wall. I'm on a hunt, and I would love suggestions! Piece(s) should be versatile and unique, and should also be able to complement the red chandelier without looking too Matchy Matcherson. I'm also not at the point where I feel like I can spend large amounts of money on art right now, so the more cost-efficient, the better. Etsy and 20x200 are the main two sources I know about where you can find affordable art (besides shopping locally) - so if you know of any other good websites... let me know!
I can't wait to hear your ideas! You've got yourself a mission, people! Now get lookin'!

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Happy Birthday, Joey!

Another birthday this week!

My little brother, Joey (who really isn't so little anymore), turns a whopping SEVENTEEN years old today.

Kind of threw me off when I realized how many years he's got under his belt. I have always felt so much older than he is, but I can clearly remember being 17 and it seems like it wasn't that long ago at all!

Well, anyways, I couldn't write a post about my cat's birthday, and not at least give a little shout-out to my brother, so here goes...

My grad weekend in Ocean Beach, Ca

Joe Joe - you are such a blessing to me and I thank God for you everyday! You are constantly making me laugh... and it's never just the giggles. Always gut-wrenching, tear-spilling laughter. You are sensitive and so smart. Muy inteligente, no? Your smile brightens every room you enter, and you have a true gift of favor with others.

You have incredible strength and dedication, and I am constantly amazed by your athletic ability and drive in all that you do. I know we'll see you on TV and in magazines someday - either for your sporting endeavors or your design prowess (but most likely, it will be for both). I can't wait to be the very proud first-owner-ever of a pair of Artigues (way cooler than Air Jordans or LeBrons) and I expect the ones that you send me will be autographed, thankyouverymuch (size 9 - FYI).

I know you have a fabulous and blessed life ahead of you, and I am so thrilled that I get to be a part of it! Here's to many more years of family vacays, Christmas mornings, Suns games, and stand-up comedians. To your future spouse, your future children, and my future children, - you have no idea how lucky you are to have a husband, dad, and and uncle like Joey. To Mom and Dad, thanks for raising a great son (and you're welcome for the help). Joe, I am SO proud to call you my brother and I will be here for you for the rest of our lives.

Big-fat-kiss from your (always) older (but no longer bigger) sister!

P.S. Would this be an OK time for me to say I'm sorry for dressing you up like a girl when you were little? I had a great time putting you in a dress and using Mom's make-up all over your face, but I feel kind of bad for curling your bangs with a curling iron. :) **Bling**