Welcome Home Fall Out Boy!

Yesterday I got to regress back to my high school days and rocked out to some good ol' Fall Out Boy. Their new album rocks my socks off and hearing it live definitely did not disappoint. The venue was small and intimate and the show sold out seconds after tickets went on sale for their Chicago date. Nothing like a sweet homecoming for this Chicago band! They mixed it up quite nicely with their old and new hits. Fall Out Boy isn't really Josh's music scene but he tagged along since he knew I loved them. We met up with my friend Laura who is another FOB fan.

We opted to stay out of the pit and still had a decent view, although if you are vertically challenged, it wasn't a good option. The opening act, Hollywood Hilt or whatever...yikes...not a fan. He was a good rapper if you're into that kind of music but ummm yeah everyone wanted him to gtfo the stage. If didn't even make sense for him to open for Fall Out Boy either. It's not a crowd you ask to "twerk dat ass".... When he announced his last song, everyone was basically cheering since the end was near. FOB had amazing energy and loved hearing them live. I never got to back in high school. Total win.

Laura and I saw Blink 182 last summer together, so seeing FOB together this year I think is a great start to this trend. I surprisingly still have a voice today and adequate hearing. It was quite a bit of work elbowing some bitches out of the way who tried to finagle their way through to get closer. Not happening. Pet peeve to the max when it comes to shows...if you want a closer spot, get there earlier because you are NOT going to shove your way past me. You will get an elbow....in the face as I daaaance, daaaance away.

Needless to say, just like any other time post-concert, I will binge on FOB's albums for the next couple of weeks. Also, leave it to my future hubs to be rocking a Hawaiian shirt to a show like this. Goodness I love that man to pieces.

They came back doing one encore starting out with "Save Rock and Roll" one of my fav songs on their new album. After the show ended, all of the hot, sweaty and sticky bodies ventured outside to face the clusterfuck of traffic. Josh was worried his car would get towed, but thankfully it was right where we left it! Phew. One of the battles always to be fought here is parking which is why I ALWAYS favor public transportation. Great music, great company...an amazing night to a summer that is only beginning.

Minnesota Nice

So on Friday my mom, grandmother and myself all piled into the car to road trip it to Minnesota to see my lovely cousin Anna graduate from Minnesota State University Mankato. I can't believe she's graduating COLLEGE. It definitely makes me feel old even though we're only a few years or so apart. She's so beautiful and intelligent, I can't wait for her to find out what life has in store for her. But lets back track a bit to the trip up here...what was supposed to be a six-hour trip, ended up being 12 hours of powerhouse personalities clashing, bad weather and feeling nauseous from eating out and being in the car for so long.

I had all of my essentials (i.e. book, iPod, phone, laptop, Starbucks)...thank goodness or else I would have gone bat-shit crazy.

Once we rolled on into the Best Western Premier hotel at midnight, I was overjoyed to see that it met my first priority since I have  a HUGE phobia regarding hotels...it was exceptionally clean and had great amenities including a fitness center that I vowed to hit up after all of the snacking that was done during the trip. Although the room appears clean, I MUST bring my own pillow and blanket (yeah sure call me weird) but I've heard enough horror stories and just thinking about how many people slept or engaged in other activities in that bed before me...yeah...I'll opt out of getting all snuggley between the sheets no matter WHAT hotel I'm at. It was a great, comfy bed though and I slept like a rock.

The following day, I met up with my cousin Anna while my grandmother and mom met up with some of my mom's cousins and other family. We saw The Great Gatsby and since I went into it completely expecting it to bomb since I'm a literary snob and a half, I must say that I liked it particularly because I like Baz Luhrmann's directing style. If you don't, you'll hate it. Just like Romeo & Juliet, the film is very outlandish and may distort the themes and your own personal vision you had in your mind as to how certain scenes played out in your head, but I think he was (for the most part) spot on with the main characters with the exception of Nick Carraway. I can't tell you how effing much I dislike Tobey Maguire and to see him playing this role almost ruined the movie for me. Since he's the narrator he's in every fucking scene. EVERY SINGLE ONE. The man cannot act, he's unattractive and aggravating. His presence in the movie was like the annoying third wheel on a date. You just wanted him to get off the screen so you could witness REAL acting from the rest of the cast. I really liked how Luhrmann really stayed faithful to a lot of the symbolism in the book such as the green light and really portrayed that quite well. Leonardo DiCaprio was quite brilliant as well playing Jay Gatsby and Carey Mulligan as Daisy. One thing that really did piss me off was the soundtrack in some parts of the movie. I'm sorry, but Jay-Z has absolutely no place in this movie. None. It was awkward and just did not work. I absolutely LOVE Lana Del Rey's "Young and Beautiful" though. Overall, I think I'll have to see it again, and although it's been quite awhile since I've read the book, I'd say Luhrmann's interpretation was pretty accurate although his focus was more so on the cinematics than the storytelling. 

But again, my harshest criticism is casting Tobey Maguire. They even had to reboot the whole Spider Man series and here he is appearing in a movie adaptation from one of the greatest literary works of all time? Fail.

 As my cousin and I voiced our own critiques of the movie, we headed on toward Mall of America and I can't believe I'm about to say this but...I didn't break the bank. I found the perfect Mother's Day gift at my mom's favorite store, got some cute journals and a huge coffee mug sporting Minnesota pride on it. Love it. Some people might think visiting Minnesota is boring but I have amazing memories visiting family here and where my family is...it's never boring. I still hate the fact that Mall of America removed Camp Snoopy though and replaced it with lame Nickelodeon crap. After we finished getting our moms their gifts, we headed on back to my aunt and uncle's place for some AMAZING ribs and dined on their back porch while celebrating with the soon-to-be-grad.

Now today was the day my cousin graduated from Mankato and wow was it quite the adventure getting there. Not only did my mom write down HALF of the directions to the place, but she ended up getting pulled over by a state trooper for speeding. I then got to hear about her conspiracy theories regarding the cop and her getting a ticket for the rest of the way there (almost 1.5 hours). Apparently the cop was out to get her because we're from out-of-state and she has a Chicago Bears license plate. Yes mom, I'm sure it had nothing to do with the fact that you were definitely going 10 over the speed limit...*eyeroll. Granted the guy was ridiculously rude and should have probably just let her off with a warning since she has a completely clean record...but life goes on...well apparently not for the next eight hours. My patience was wearing thin by the time we finally got to the place.

I was ecstatic once we got there with primo seats to see my cousin walk across that stage. I'm soooo proud of her.

Once the ceremony was over, we gathered outside for pics, giving our congrats and many hugs of course. She did it and is now embarking on this huge adventure.

 

My aunt and uncle have been amazing hosts as well opening up their home to us. I love them so much and I really don't visit them enough!

 

 Afterward, we went to Bonfire, a great restaurant where I indulged in a couple of VERY necessary pomegranate martinis. Shake that baby up.

Although we had to celebrate sans my sister and my other cousin Kelly, it was a great crowd where we toasted to Anna's bright future and chowed down on amazing food.

 Tomorrow is Mother's Day and our final day in Minnesota. I hate saying good-bye to my fam but it's only until next time!!

The "C" Word

So ever since last Friday I've tried to absorb all of the heavy news that has come my way. My sister is sick again and has to go back to the Mayo Clinic (we're thinking she has a cortisol deficiency disorder) and I also found out that my cousin (someone I see as the brother I never had) has a tumor in his eye that is malignant. Cancer. The big "C" word is not something that is welcome into any family, yet it is very prevalent in mine unfortunately. This type of cancer that my cousin has is apparently very rare, it's called Choroidal Melanoma. There are very few machines in the world apparently that can treat this type of cancer and one of them just so happens to be in Boston so he's headed there next week as far as I understand. I'm not taking this lightly and it's the worst feeling so helpless when the people you love are going through so much. So I'll take this time out to say, EFF YOU CANCER! The good thing is that this treatment process has a 98% chance of annihilating the tumor, however there is a 50% chance he could lose his eyesight in his right eye.

No one deserves to go through something like this, but especially not my cousin. He just started a family nine months ago. He is the youngest at heart and can make anyone laugh themselves to tears.

He has a long journey ahead of him but he's one strong cookie and he'll get through this. One day (hopefully sooner rather than later) it'll all just be a distant memory. While I'm not all too religious, he is definitely a man of faith so right now...I'm going to try and keep calm and say my prayers for him.

When bad medical news hits the family, it hits me hard. I'm VERY close to my family and I have zero tolerance for diseases/ailments that try to mess with my fam's happiness and well-being. ZERO. I can only hope that the Mayo Clinic can help my sister manage her symptoms she's been suffering from at least so she can feel normal again. She was fine for the past five months and BAM she gets really sick again. It's the worst feeling not knowing what you're suffering from exactly in addition to having a bad reaction to most of the medications doctors try to put you on to treat whatever it may be. If I could take her place, I would...just to relieve her suffering. She's my big sis, my other half, my best friend....ILLNESS GET THE EFF OUTTA HERE. She was doing so well and now she's back to square one. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. I love her so much and I need to hear the laughs and see the smiles again. She's the best sister a girl could ever have.

Due to my sister being sick, she can't join me on this Minnesota adventure that will ensue later today. I'm hoping this little mini vacation and spending time with my Minnesota fam will lift my spirits. My cousin is graduating college on Saturday (omg I feel so old) and I can't wait to see everyone there. At this point, I can't handle anymore bad medical news so it can just stop it already. I don't know how I'll keep my mind occupied enough so I'm not worrying about my sister or cousin, BUT the best thing I can do for them is to give them my support, prayers and keep a positive mindset. Ready, set  and go!

Are We There Yet?

SO one year from today, I will be getting married to my binks, my honey bear, my sweety, my honey bunches, (how's that gag reflex going so far?) I'm beyond excited and now we've FINALLY agreed upon a honeymoon destination. I swear my in-laws are THE BEST ever. They pretty much gave us the option to go ANYWHERE we wanted. My brain went into overdrive as I mentally took note of every amazing place I've ever heard of on the Travel channel. Josh's one requirement was that it had to have a beach where he could sit back and lounge....but then that one requirement morphed into other excuses to opt out of my ideas such as "no that place is TOO far away, look...it's just a dot on Google" to "ummm no, you'll get kidnapped and then I'll have to save you and then they'll kill me." (He's watched Taken too many times). Just when I thought it would be next to impossible to settle on a place we'd BOTH like, we found a resort in the Canary Islands that looked like Paradise.

However....I looked up reviews to the place and what did I find? Reviews filled with lovely comments stating cockroach sitings and rude staff. NO THANKS. I then continued my search and found a couple of resorts in the Virgin Islands. It looked promising. The resorts even had those huts that stretched out into the ocean where you can get massages. Count me in! I notified Josh asap and he AGREED. Looks like this pair of soon-to-be newlyweds will be hitting up the Virgin Islands folks. May turns out to be a great month to go there too since we'll be missing their hurricane season.

I'll also have to make sure to tan before too so I don't spend my honeymoon looking like a fried lobster. This fair complexion is nothing but trouble in the hot sun. But seriously...is it next year yet? I need to squish my feet into that white sand and splash into the ocean asap. I'm hoping there won't be too many kids there since afterall it WILL be our honeymoon...the last thing I want is to have a romantic moment ruined by some asshole kid who decides to splash us with water or screaming in the next umbrella site over. Am I jerk for saying that? No I don't think so. I want the honeymoon to be peaceful and romantic...not inundated with mini floaty devices and cannon balls. Trip Advisor is great though and while it seems to be a family-friendly place, it is also great for young couples such as us. Win. I can handle a kid or two as long as we can get away from the Brady Bunch crowd.

I feel like the most important wedding plans are pretty much set....the venue, dress and the honeymoon destination haha. In a few weeks we will have our engagement photo session which I'm really excited about.I feel like I'm missing something...I'm not totally tearing my hair out about this whole wedding planning thing...or should I say...yet? Being a journalist I'm used to making appointments, keeping multiple schedules and adhering to crazy deadlines so maybe that's it...that and my unlimited access to coffee. Who am I kidding? It's only a matter of time until my head explodes.

Bikini Body

So today was a pivotal moment for me. For the first time in years, I tried on bikinis. I've usually rocked a one-piece or a tankini recently in the past but this summer...it was time to actually purchase my first bikini. I called today B-DAY. While I still have some to lose, I'm pretty confident that I can finally wear one. I brought one of my best support buddies who tells me how it is (the only way to go in situations such as this one) and knew that I would get an honest opinion when I dared to step out of the dressing room in a bikini since I've lost so much weight. Although I was dreading the moment, we had a blast picking out an insane amount of suits to try on and when I tried the first one on...I didn't want curl up into the fetal position and have a mental breakdown. I actually felt comfortable walking out in the first one. Victory. Sure I'm no Victoria's Secret model, but who is really? I was ecstatic that my initial reaction was "hmmm I could work with this" and not, "omg I'm going to the beach in a parka."

Once I found one that locked the girls in to avoid embarrassing nip-slips and side boobage I was jumping for joy. When Josh found out that I settled for yet another tankini prior to this B-day trip, he asked why since I had a "bikini body." I contemplated maybe demanding he pee in a cup and have him tested for drugs but while undergoing further consideration...turns out he may have been right. I mean we are our own worst enemy and our harshest critic. I always think I can do better and my bod is no exception. He said I needed to be more confident in myself and I thought to myself how dare he say that to me! I am confident! Well then I just had to prove it and look here, I bought a damn bikini. Well-played sir, your tactic worked.

My bikini bud was a great sport about the whole thing and it meant the world to me that she came with. But dear lord, I need to tan asap. Like right now. I have a raft calling out my name and it needs to be 80 degrees and sunny so I can stop channeling Casper the ghost.

This is the bikini I decided on. It's got some sass to it with the gold studs and mesh on the front and the strap is removable to avoid awful tan lines. Bring it on summer, shit just got real. Also, now that this baby is hanging in front of my dresser, there is no damn way I'm missing a day at the gym or a scheduled run. Talk about motivation.

After conquering my bikini fear, Cortney and I headed out into the other stores to add to our summer wardrobe. We also engaged in some serious people watching. It's amazing what some people will wear out in public. We saw everything from pink hair to yoga pants with camel toes. Unfortunately, I failed to capture photos of some REAL winners. Overall, today was a perfect close to the weekend on so many levels. Nothing feels better than ending the day with more confidence than you've ever had.

Saying Yes To The Dress

So after watching so many other brides-to-be say yes to the dress on TLC's famed wedding show, I said yes to MY dress!! After trying on several potential dresses from mermaids to foofy cake topper dresses, I knew that I found THE one the moment the consultant helped me hop into the dress. Months earlier I thought I found the one but I was starting to question my decision and wanted to try on more gowns. My sister said that this was a clue that I didn't find the one yet. With this other appointment, I knew that THIS was the one. I didn't want to try on any other dress. This one was mine. Not to mention that there was a cry-fest when the consultant topped it off with a gorgeous veil. It was the one. I thought I would be able to hold it together while I was out showing my mom and sister for the first time but one look at my sister with her tear-filled eyes and it was all over.

The following week I brought my posse along so they could see me in it and so I could finally sign the contract and officially say yes to the dress. I couldn't get my bod into that dress fast enough. It felt like finally being reunited after enduring a long distance relationship. I of course can't divulge any specifics but the dress is just beyond gorgeous and is everything I wanted in a gown. It has the wow factor. The consultant pretty much had to drag me out of that dress when it was time to get out of it and get my measurements. By the time I got out of the dressing room, I was shocked to find that my grandmother stealthily helped pay for my dream dress along with my mom. I couldn't have asked for more....especially since only one accessory to the dress was more than a car payment. I was speechless and I was so happy that the ladies that will be standing beside me as I say my vows were there to witness it all (sans my cousin who couldn't make it.)

After everything was in place and I ordered the dress in my size, we were all ready to head out to celebrate with some yummy food at Mimi's Cafe (thank God because this one right here was fasting prior to the dress appointment). My bff in pink there even surprised me with this gorgeous scrapbook with empty pages to fill with my pre-wedding events such as this one and photos from my future bridal parties. Speaking of which, I also found a beautiful bridal party dress from Gilt.com. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of hearing about this amazing website, they host events for designer apparel, accessories, shoes, travel, home goods, etc. for a fraction of the price!

I got this beautiful Alio Ro sparkle crossover knit dress. You have to be quick about it though, some items sell out faster than you can take out your credit card!

It's a constant battle finding dresses that are long enough and don't make me look like I belong on a street corner because of my long legs. I can't wait to rock this dress! I'm also thinking about these other dresses featured on Gilt.com...

 

 

 

 

 

My inner shopaholic is screaming....with joy. :)

Spring Has Sprung

Alright folks, I live in the Midwest and that means if I see another snowman or any threat of a snow flurry any time in the near future...shit is going down. I will flip my lid, lose my marbles and pack up to sunny Florida. BUT so far the sun has been shining this week and it looks like the spring season is finally here to kick off its shoes and stay awhile. THANK GOD. I didn't buy way too many things for my spring wardrobe just to have them hang in my fricken closet for a few more months. Time to pack away the bulky sweaters and breakout my skirts sans tights and ditch the winter jacket. It feels even better to realize that I can also go for morning runs without the cold gear. Tank and some shorts! Lets do this! I also got my free Chicago Women Rock top in the mail to start running in the warmer weather. Gangster style. I'm really excited to run the Chicago Women Rock 10k in September since my mom and my sister will be participating as well. I'm so proud of them!

With spring finally arriving more than fashionably late, that means shorts, sleeveless tops and drum roll please....SWIMSUITS. Bring it on! I'm totally ready especially after 900-1,000 cals burned for each of my workouts. Hard work pays off!!

 After these workouts I'm really not one to be too hungry afterward. However, if I do eat, I tend to lean toward things that are very heavy in protein but I really just gulp down glass after glass of water. One key thing that I have learned is to definitely eat not right before a workout but a good hour or so beforehand so I have some extra energy. There's nothing worse than feeling sluggish and running on low when you're just getting started! I have a few fitness apps on my phone to also help keep me on track throughout the day to make sure I'll make the most out of my workouts. For running I use RunKeeper. There are SO many running apps out there but for me, this is definitely my fav. You can pick what activity you're doing, it'll tell you what pace you're currently running at, keeps track of how many calories you're burning and you can set fitness goals for yourself (oh and it's free!). Another amazing fitness app that I use to mainly keep track of my food is MyFitnessPal (also free). Instead of having to search an endless database of food and beverage items, you can use the barcode scanner and BOOM the food will automatically log into your food diary. It also has a lot of searchable items from restaurants in the database and you can also log your workouts from yoga to boxing in your daily diary. 

I also love the Spartan Race's update for Illinois (sarcasm)...they initially said that the course would be about 7 miles and 20 obstacles...now that has somehow increased to 9-10 miles and 20 obstacles....ummm excuse me but that's not cool...very not cool. I'll be covered in mud, sweat and bruises most likely and they want to add on a couple more miles like it's no big deal? Oh it's on.