Ten Things: Summer To-Dos

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I love my picturesque hometown! 

Spring is currently in the air but for me, it's a season that usually comes and goes without much fanfare. That was certainly not the case this year. But my mind, ever focused on the past or the future, is anticipating all that Summer 2019 has in store. I'm working on being more present but for now, in no particular order, here are ten things that I am looking forward to the most...

1. The new season of The Bachelorette! What can I say, I'm a sucker for love stories.
2. And speaking of the show..."hometown dates". I am so eager to show my handsome boyfriend around my beautiful city for the first time in June!
3. Summer Concerts, The Three Rivers Arts Festival, Fairs...nothing beats live music on a beautiful Summer night.
4. Kennywood Amusement Park. I can't even recall the last time I went but I am excited to see the new attractions and make more memories. The Potato Patch has also been calling my name. Mmmm.
5. The 4th of July in New York! I have only been to The Finger Lakes once before (a few Summers ago for the MacKenzie-Childs Barn Sale and wine tasting). I am so excited to have a fun-filled, romantic weekend in the country.
6. Flea Markets. I am currently trying to get rid of a million extra things but I have been wanting to take a drive to one of the better flea markets in the area and spend a day exploring.
7. Miniature Golf and Ice Cream. A Summer tradition.
8. Catch a Drive-In Movie. I don't think I've ever gone but need to check this off my list.
9. Virginia! Looking forward to spending time with my friend with a road trip to Charlottesville. Wine trails, historic architecture, spa days and more.
10. Summer reading! I have so many books that I want to get through this season! Leisurely days by the pool with a a cold drink and a quality page-turner...








 Now Playing: "Call Yourself a Lover" by Pr0files

The Christmas Decor Tag!

I started collecting Nutcrackers last year. I have two of these beauties which were my first and still are my favorite. 

Some of the ladies I follow on YouTube were doing this tag, so I thought I'd join in on the festivities. One of these days I will get around to going full-speed with my own YouTube channel but until then, I'll settle for right here on my blog.


1. When do you start decorating for Christmas?

After Thanksgiving. Black Friday weekend. But I keep an eye out for pieces all year long.

2. What style do you decorate your home for the holidays?

I'm very traditional when it comes to holiday decor. I will throw in a trend here or there but I prefer classic color schemes and themes. I enjoy vintage items mixed with newer finds that will still hold its charm for decades to come.

3. Favorite family Christmas tradition?

We always had a big party on Christmas Eve when I was growing up. Friends, family, and lots of laughter that always went very late.

4. Favorite place to buy Christmas decor?

Thrift shops/estate sales. I love the thrill of the hunt and finding high-quality pieces for pennies on the dollar. We have a lot of elderly people in Pittsburgh, so the secondary market is full of wonderful vintage and antique selections. As for traditional places, MacKenzie-Childs is my favorite brand to invest into collecting and I always have fun at Home Goods.

5. Favorite Christmas movie?

A Christmas Story and The Family Stone are my absolute favorites but every year I also have to watch Home Alone (love the soundtrack), Christmas Vacation and The Year Without a Santa Claus.

6. Egg Nog, Hot Coco or Apple Cider?

None of the above! I don't like warm beverages. If the cider was chilled, I might give it a try.

7. Do you leave chocolate chip cookies or sugar cookies for Santa?

Whatever I have on hand.

8. Artificial tree or real tree?

Artificial for several reasons (mainly I like to leave it up for a couple months) but I'm starting to love the imperfection of a real tree.

9. Favorite holiday dessert to make?

Gingerbread!

10. Favorite type of Christmas cookie?

Gingerbread Men

11. Do you/family open any presents on Christmas Eve?

When we were growing up, we usually were given one from our parents and our extended family also exchanged gifts.

12. Do you decorate your tree yourself?

I have more than one. Yes.

13. Where do you spend Christmas Day?

For many years it was my Aunt Dolly's beautiful house but it varies.

14. Favorite Christmas smell?

A crackling fire.






Now Playing: "Everyday Will Be Like a Holiday" by William Bell

If I Were a ______, I'd Be ________.

It's been a long time since I've done any of my usual Q&A style posts. But I was out with my friends and our conversation led me into the mood to answer a few fill in the blanks. There might be a few repeat questions from several years ago but it could be interesting to see if any of my answers have changed. Here we go...

If I was a ______, I'd be _______.


1. Board Game: Scrabble

2. Musical Instrument: Piano

3. Flower: Hydrangea

4. Time of Day: Midnight into the early hours of the morning

5. Alcoholic Drink: Champagne or a Dry, Red Wine

6. Country: Ireland

7. Weather: Thunderstorm

8. Era/Decade: Renaissance or the Roaring 20s...hard to believe it's nearly here again

9. Genre of Music: Alternative Rock or Ambient/Downtempo

10. Room in the House: Bedroom or Library

11. Book: Anne of Green Gables

12. Holiday: Halloween

13. Day of the Week: Saturday

14. Sport: Football

15. Song: Truth by Alex Ebert

16. Article of Clothing: Oversized Turtleneck

17. Movie: Hocus Pocus or Clueless

18. Car: '69 Chevelle SS. Black on ecru

19. Planet: I only want the Moon...at least in this solar system

20.  Accessory: Hat

21. Animal: Himalayan Cat

22. Food: Pepper Jack Cheese

23. Art: Midsummer Eve by Edward Robert Hughes or Fetal Trapping in Northern California by Mark Ryden

24. Corner of the Internet: Conspiracy Boards

25. Quote: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." -Eleanor Roosevelt












Now Playing: "Summer in November" by SiR

Ten Things: Fall To-Dos

1. Celebrate Halloween! Parties, movies, decor and more!
2. Have a weekend getaway with one of my best girlfriends
3. Listen to as much of my Fall Feels Spotify playlist as possible
4. Check out some stand-up comedy
5. See the leaves...take more walks in the park
6. Add a few fall home decor pieces to my collection
7. Take our annual Steelers away trip
8. Get a hair cut...it's way too long
9. Fall cleaning...declutter, sell and donate
10. Get a few work projects kicked off








Now Playing: "Sweet Thing" by Van Morrison
*One of my all-time favorites.

Ten Things: Summer To-Dos

My friend's cabin is actually located in the mountain town of Normalville, PA; the things that happen there are anything but ordinary (very Twin Peaks). Many of us have seen UFOs among other anomalies. It's a beautifully odd place. 

1. Have a bit of boozy fun (beer/wine festivals, pub trivia, etc.)
2. Night swim
3. Take a road trip to do something I haven't done before
4. Visit an amusement park (Kennywood, Cedar Point, etc.)
5. Read something extraordinary (and try to write something at least mediocre)
6. Go to the mountains (cabin camping, golf, bonfire under the stars)
7. Catch a Bucco game at PNC Park
8. See as many concerts as possible
9. Have a funnel cake (and play carnival games) at a local festival or fair
10. Take kickboxing classes












Now Playing: "Hey Lover" by LL Cool J