holiday

Weekly Therapy: More Thanks

- Mel

the week:
We were anticipating “Gobblegeddon” to arrive in Pittsburgh just prior to Thanksgiving, and we were thankfully spared (but definitely not from all the doomsday MAKE SURE YOU HAVE TOILET PAPER AND BREAD!!!! style weather reporting).

Hosting our first Thanksgiving dinner with mixed family was so wonderful, and we were squeezed in! I loved having people in our home and planning a meal for 12 people… and decorating the table for a REAL dinner party. I loved not having to drive somewhere (especially considering my work schedule around the holiday). My nieces were adorably high strung; the cats were beyond terrified. And besides the boyfriend chopping off a small section of his finger cutting the absolutely last item (ahem), there was no bloodshed! My dad took over turkey carving duties — his first attempt; he cut that dang bird perfectly.

weekend:
CHRISTMAS DECORATING! Our tree isn’t being delivered until the first week of December, but I’m bringing up the bins from the basement to prepare. And there WILL be glitter nutcrackers adorning my mantel.

seven things, seven days:
1. I started Thanksgiving running the PNC YMCA Turkey Trot. Not only did I run the entire 5K (my ultimate goal of the race), I freakin PR’d that thing! Did I mention it was 17 degrees?!
2. I wore my new Splendid boots the ENTIRE day of Thanksgiving. They were so comfortable, I wanted to sleep in them. Hey, I wonder if Splendid makes slippers…
3. My Black Friday treat this year was a MVP pass to Rollercon.
4. A portion of our back roof is getting replaced. Finally. The contractor is going to seal the chimney too. Praise Tiny Baby Jesus, these leaks just may stop in time for Christmas!
5. I found someone on Etsy that makes frames for those photo booth strips. We have so many of those cute pictures that I want to hang.
6. Doctor bills are SO much more manageable when your yearly deductible has been met. And I get to see hot doctor again this week.
7. If you missed it on Facebook, I shared this story from Door Sixteen about her 30-something experiences with acne and skin problems. I can’t tell you how much I can relate.

Weekly Therapy: if it ain’t broke… it’s probably ligament damage.

- Mel

the week:
How did this week go by so fast?

I had my first follow-up dermatology appointment since my MOHs surgery. Everyone keeps telling me the scar “looks really good!” or “they did a good job!” And why do I still feel, like, HAVE YOU SEEN MY FACE?! I know, I need to get that looked at… I did get a referral for another dermatologist in the area who can treat some of my other face “issues” — procedures they don’t do in my doc’s office (microderm, deep peels, laser). So, yay?

MOHs scar, circa four months ago
MOHs scar, circa four months ago

I also openly admitted that I’m all for Botox, just “not yet.” How you know you’re a 30-something.

weekend:
Date night at the Three Rivers Film Festival. We’re going to see the Lance Armstrong documentary, and then probably get some more bourbon and snacks at Butcher & the Rye. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been dreaming about that cauliflower dish since last weekend. Yes, CAULIFLOWER.

Saturday, my team is hosting a derby training camp. Which, meh, I’m off skates because my foot started bothering me again this week (I was actually starting to get excited about skating again). Scheduling an MRI as we speak.
Sigh.

seven things, seven days:
1. Took my few days off this week to binge-watch the first two seasons of Scandal. OBSESSED!
2. A day spa is opening in my neighborhood — I’m so freaking excited!
3. Also back on the Sprig box bandwagon.
4. Now that I know we’re hosting some family for Thanksgiving, I’m starting some Holiday Meal Planning Pinning. Leave me some ideas, please!
5. The coffee table I wanted from West Elm is DISCONTINUED. I’m so mad. SO MAD.
6. Running outside in the cold. Nope. Can’t get used to it.
7. We all have people like this in our lives. Energy vampires: how to avoid being drained (and a quiz!). {via Psych Central}

Weekly Therapy: another year “wiser”

- Mel

the week:
Yeah, yeah, yeah… birthday week. It’s been one of the hardest of my last few years — and has nothing to do with aging. Well, I’m sure that I’m thinking too much about it because of my age, but it’s nothing to do with NOW I’M 36. I’m equal parts just speechless about a lot of things right now and really stressed. Relationship maintenance is hard, you guys. I don’t even know where to start or finish after saying that.

But thinking about this Cooking for Two: Reconnecting with Your Loved One from A Taste of Therapy.

photo 1

weekend:
Bout Day! actually, I have TWO bouts this weekend (one of which, a hangover bout… woof) and hopefully a little bit of birthday celebration.

52 books in 52 weeks:
#12: “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell – wasn’t quite as engaging as “Blink,” but I did enjoy the personal stories of success.
True story: I was NOT posting this weekly update until I finished this damn book.

seven things, seven days:
1. Started off the week with a Cinco de Mayo stoop
2. …and a big argument. *sigh*
3. Continuing tradition with a free birthday dinner at Eleven (third year). They always have the best birthday desserts too.
4. Started my 10-day NO IBUPROFEN challenge. It’s not really a challenge so much as it is REQUIRED… but, because we took this month off from 30-day challenges, why not?!
5. Rules for Life from the lovely Bloggess. Don’t stop reading at the end of the article… the comments are just as important.
6. Want this book! It’s so pretty to look at.
7. 13 reasons why growing up is mind boggling {#12 is so hard to admit sometimes}

Weekly Therapy: grieving, traveling, remembering…

- Mel

the week:
This week started out rough, with my grandfather’s viewing and funeral. So much sadness. I’m sure you’ll pardon my absence.
I have to add though that it was wonderful seeing my sisters and family all together, considering the gloomy circumstances. I wish I could see them every weekend…

We found this letter to my grandmother on the back of a photo (a picture of my grandfather in his military uniform).
We found this letter to my grandmother on the back of a photo (a picture of my grandfather in his military uniform).

weekend:
Trying to get back to a hint of normalcy (and catching up on work). We have Book of Mormon tickets for Friday night. I’ve been anticipating this show for nearly a year. So. Exited.

Saturday, our home team had some “closure” with an end-of-season brunch, which I’m hosting. And I’m much less stressed out socializing in the morning than the evening. Weird, right? #partybrunch

Alas, on Easter I’m working (hangovers!), but the boyfriend promised to bring me home some hrutka. SOMEBODY better also bring me some Cadbury eggs.

seven things, seven days:
1. FINALLY got reservations at Cure — and wow, what a meal! (SALUMI. All Caps.)
2. Remind me to tell you about the time the gate came crashing down onto my car in the EZpass lane on the turnpike.
3. One-point loss in our Detroit game. An amazing game for us, nonetheless. Bonus: after party at Atwater Brewing!
4. Received my Spring Mystery Box from Julep. I am completely obsessed with their polish and products!
5. And then the post office lost YET ANOTHER box that I “missed” being delivered to my house. Their answer: “We don’t know where it is.” SERIOUSLY.
6. Side note: ALL OF THE DESSERTS. I cannot resist you.
7. Your psychology refresher from PsychCentral, the Five Stages of Loss and Grief (Kubler-Ross model)

Weekly Therapy: the travels and tribulations of a 30-something

- Mel

the week:
Driving. Snowstorms. Missing family plans. Paying an extra night for hotel because it was booked for December 25 and not December 26. (seriously). Hangovers.

HANGOVERS.

Just another holiday trip back to Ohio. While we were “snowed in” during our stay at the lovely Renaissance Hotel in Cleveland, we checked out the new casino, and ate and drank our way down East 4th Street (a must-visit street on any visit to the Midwestern city).

By the time we arrived back home, I was tired and cranky and… sick. Ugh. So sick. Don’t mind me, I’ll just be that Old Lady recovering in her bed on New Year’s Eve.

weekend:
Sunday, Browns vs. Steelers at Heinz Field!

52 books in 52 weeks:
6. Cleveland is Your Best Friend: 67 Things I Miss About Home (gifted from the boyfriend on Christmas). Finished it in one sitting.

seven things, seven days:
1. Hot yoga on christmas eve — what a way to start the week!
2. AND a new yoga mat and bag to continue my practice in style.
3. Yes, I got my watch. (I know!!!)
4. 30-day No Alcohol rule in effect for January (this is not a resolution, but a “cleanse” if you will).
5. Derby practices start again next week!
6. So happy to connect with TWO new clients this week for my freelance business!
7. In light of the upcoming holiday, Making Habits/Breaking Habits: How to Make Changes That Stick (adding to my read list!)

Happy New Year, 30-somethings!

Every 30-something needs… a holiday tradition.

- Mel

Do you remember banging pots n’ pans on New Year’s Eve as a kid?
And eating Strata and imbibing in early mimosas for brunch as an adult for your first visit home for Christmas?
Waiting for Mom to read The Night Before Christmas? (and that other weird story about the train and the bell that you and your siblings STILL don’t know what it’s about.)

Do you serve food to the less fortunate?
Walk dogs and petting kitties at your local shelter?
How about joining your neighbors to sing carols?
Or playing Cards Against Humanity with fellow “orphans” who have no family in town?

Or sitting in front of the wood fire stove in your first home and watching the cats go crazy with their new bouncy cardboard castle? (seriously, I’m just waiting for these felines to go nuts over this new gift.)

Or baking a special kind of cookie, that reminds you of your Hungarian grandmother.
Or eating all of the pierogies because it reminds you of your long-divorced Polish step-family.

Whether you’re on your own or partnered up, it’s important to maintain some sort of tradition that makes you smile, warms your Grinchy heart, and reminds you of what’s important. These small acts attach us to the holiday (even when you’re not feeling it), connects us to Christmas memories (present, past and future) and to one another — be that a significant other, your children or pets, or extended family.

Keep mind of the little things this holiday.
Merry Christmas, 30-somethings!

Weekend Therapy: playing The Chimney Song on repeat

- Mel

the week:
It’s state (car) inspection time in this 30-something household (and for the 2nd year in a row, it did not pass; this year, exhaust issues, which is not entirely terrible). As much as I swoon over the 2013 new Ford Escape and dream of trading in my ’05, the reality that my car is paid off in 6 months has much more clout. Whatever this type of maturity is, I can’t even.

weekend:
Is everyone relaxing before Christmas, or is it just us? I picked up an extra shift at my part-time job for Sunday, seeing as how I have both Monday and Tuesday off (hooray!).

The boyfriend and I had a date night Friday and checked out new restaurant Root 174 (at least new to us) in Pittsburgh, as well as a new chocolate shop Sinful Sweets (we ate the chocolate as our appetizer at a bar while waiting for our originally-intended restaurant to open, which wouldn’t seat walk-ins).

Then we went downtown to check out our holiday market (it was freezing & Santa wasn’t there), but I found this:

cat ornament
A Rudy Cat ornament!

We also intended to check out the new Speakeasy in town. But again, our plans were foiled, and they wouldn’t let us in. *sigh*

Sounds like the date night was full of Fail, but we actually had a fun time (we’re committed to having a date night at least once a month — and hey, look: spontaneity!). Our “replacement” restaurant ended up serving an incredible meal — I won’t stop talking about that tomato-fennel gorgonzola soup — I can’t wait to return!

52 books in 52 weeks:
Finished #5: Sex & God at Yale. While mostly an interesting (debaucherous) read, the book itself went on WAY too many long-winded personal tangents. As an adult, did I really need an entire chapter devoted to the definition of “hooking up”? No. But maybe some out there do…

seven things, seven days:
1. The psychology behind organic labeling – from Science Daily
2. We got carolers at our house! On the one night I was gone this week… whomp.
3. But yay, team bonding! (over cider and cookies)
4. Holidays are meant for spiked milkshake happy hours… err, lunch.
5. As I write this, the cats are destroying the tree and presents beneath it. Broken ornament count: 2
6. I am an avid ponytail wearer – For winter, I need this Peekaboo Ponytail Hat!
7. We all seemingly made it through the End of the World! I suppose that’s something worth mentioning.

Have a happy pre-holiday weekend! I wouldn’t wish any last-minute shopping at the mall on my worst enemy!

Holiday Wishes Come True: Hair Products from Folica

- Mel

Hair Wants & Wishes: all of us can admit to wanting hair that is longer or blonder or fuller or straighter. Why can’t we just accept our hair and ourselves, right? We 30-somethings can achieve semi-greatness with the right hair products, however; and that’s why I look to Folica.com for Great Hair.

Folica knows hair is your most important accessory. That’s why in December Folica.com is offering a special promotion where everyone wins up to $50 to spend on hair styling products. Through January 1st, 30-somethings (and beyond) can cross great hair off their wish lists when they enter to win a credit at Folica — 1 in every 100 wins a $50 credit to spend instantly. With over 60,000 great hair products, more than 300 beloved brands and over 70,000 customer ratings and reviews, Folica.com is helps you recreate today’s hottest hairstyles.

In Folica.com’s Hairspiration Giveaway, you can win up to $300 to shop namebrand hair styling products.
It’s a holiday hair wish come true!

On my Holiday Hair Wish List: MORE VOLUME. It’s true, I suffer from thin, flat baby hair… at age 35. My hair, it has the sad. And Folica carries a line of hair products that I SWEAR by to get the biggest OOMPH (emphasis on big): blowpro. Seen below: No Crunch Body Builder, Faux Dry Shampoo (on my no-style/lazy days), and Strong Hold Finishing Spray.
blowpro body builderblowpro dry shampooblowpro hold spray

That said, because of all the necessary styling and blow outs my hair requires, I need a daily treatment. For that, I use Biosilk Silk Therapy Leave-in Conditioner (when I said baby hair, it tangles like baby hair too). This hair product gives INCREDIBLE shine and doesn’t weigh down my (naturally lifeless) hair. Tell me about your favorite hair styling brands in the comments — and don’t forget to enter the Folica.com contest to win a $300 credit!

Disclosure:. As part of the Single Edition network, I was selected to review Folica.com and highlight their services. Although they are a sponsor of this post, all thoughts and opinions herein are my own. See my disclosure page for more info.

Weekly Therapy: needs more room service

- Mel

the week:
I spent most of my week in Buffalo… doing nothing but work. I forgot my book, which made me do even more work. Even online distractions didn’t sway my production. Even though I decided not to explore the city (um, it was 22 degrees, nothankyou), I had something of a writing retreat, so it’s a win in my book.

When I got back, I had an interview for a part-time boutique position. I should find out some time next week about that…

weekend:
Friday night is GIRLS NIGHT OUT (special holiday gift exchange edition). I hope you make time for your girlfriends this busy season because we all need a release from the stressors (and holiday triggers). And wine. We NEED wine. (and in our case, cheesecake.) Check out the gorgeous earrings I got from my “Secret Santa” (also, a gift card to Starbucks for eggnog lattes so she doesn’t have to bring them to me anymore. ha!):

I promise, my finger is NOT that stubby in real life.

If you’re in Pittsburgh, pick up some unique gifts at Handmade Arcade on Saturday (11am-7pm) downtown at the Convention Center. Then Sunday, come see ROLLER DERBY! It’s our annual Toys for Tots charity scrimmage, so bring a toy for a child who needs a special Christmas.

52 books update:
So, I’ve finished four books since Thanksgiving. Not a bad start!
Kelly Cutrone’s If You Have to Cry, Go Outside
Nixon’s Darkest Secrets
Stop the Wedding! (A Romantic Comedy) – a random, silly book that Kindle store recommend; super easy read

seven things, seven days:
1. Christmas shopping started! (and finishing this weekend); Boyfriend is proving to be more difficult to shop for this year. Men.
2. Also, writing out all the Christmas cards. (I’m early!)
3. I’m hosting a bridal shower for a friend; check out these cute invites from Wedding Paper Divas.
4. WINE ICE CREAM!!!
5. Holiday shopping doesn’t mean I didn’t pick up a lil’ something for myself (duh!): this sequin sweatshirt from GAP is so fun (and comfy! And was 30% off.)
6. Bloggers Elsie & Emma from A Beautiful Mess geek out about Tea. More tea-geeking, please!
7. The Psychology of everything in 48 Minutes from Paul Bloom: