Sunday, May 26, 2013

Memorial Day Weekend

Well the unofficial start to summer is upon us.  Although I can honestly say it does not feel very summery here in Chi-town area.

With the weather being less than stellar it has given me time to reflect on what this holiday is truly about.  This holiday is to celebrate those that have dedicated their lives to protect our freedoms.  There is something pretty amazing about a person that can be that strong.  I know that often times individuals enter the military for all different kinds of reasons.  I don't really care their reason.  Their selflessness in putting their lives on the line for our country in whatever capacity is something to be celebrated and admired.

I would like to take a moment to thank with all my heart those who have served, are serving, and have lost their lives to protect my freedoms.  Most importantly I want to thank their families.  I can't imagine what it must be like to have someone you love so far away.  Military families sacrifice for all of us daily and I am grateful to them as well.  They provide the support to those service men and women that are out protecting our freedoms every single day.

Honoring those that protect our country isn't (or shouldn't be) about politics.  I don't care if you agree with whatever war(s) our government is engaging in.  As AMERICANS we should ALL be offering a debt of gratitude to those who fight every day to give us all the freedom to live in a democracy (as flawed as it might be).  Politics should NEVER take precedence when it comes to giving thanks and well wishes to those that fight for this country.

So please take a moment this weekend to reflect on what freedoms you have that are constantly being protected by our service men and women in all branches.  I would also like to personally thank each and every one of you for what you have given to our country.  May all those that have perished in their fight to protect America be blessed.  May their families be blessed and know that without their ultimate sacrifice America could be a far different place today.

No matter how flawed America may be and how badly our political system is at the moment.  I am proud to be able to call America home.  I hope that we can learn from our mistakes and move forward stronger and more prosperous, for me and most importantly my children.  There is no doubt that we as citizens have a lot of work to do, and many people to hold accountable for the reinvigoration of America.  We need to hold ourselves accountable so that all the sacrifices that our service men and women make are not in vain.

My pledge to myself this Memorial Day is to become more educated about what is going on in our country.  To be more vocal when I can be about things that I don't agree with.  To not allow party lines to blur what I believe is the right thing for our country.  I don't only owe it to myself and my children, but I owe it to all those that have come before me and fought to allow me the freedom to have these opportunities.  That is my pledge on this special weekend.  I encourage you all to do the same.


In the words of Lee Greenwood, "I am proud to be an American, where at least I know I am free.  And I won't forget the men (and women) who died who gave that right to me.  And I'll gladly stand up, next to you and defend her still today.  'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land.  God Bless the USA!


Monday, May 20, 2013

Wedding Vacation Weekend

Just had an amazing weekend with the family.  We went up to Lake Geneva for my Father in Law's wedding and stayed at the Timber Ridge Resort at the Grand Geneva.  It was fantastic.  The resort has an indoor water park and the girls loved it.  So did my husband.  The kids played and enjoyed every minute.  In fact J1 cried when it was time to leave.  She didn't want to leave her "vacation home".

The wedding was beautiful.  It was outdoors overlooking the golf course and a beautiful fountain.  All the kids were adorable and walked up the aisle and were very well behaved during the ceremony.  They danced and danced and had such a great time.  My new Mother in Law looked beautiful.  Both of them were so happy and I am so happy that they found each other.

Here is our family picture from the wedding.  It was an amazingly beautiful day with the sun shining and everything went perfectly.

A special Congrats to the newlyweds Mr. & Mrs John & Patty Blackburn.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

The Great Gatsby and it's fashions!


So excited to see this movie.  I loved his version of Romeo and Juliet with Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio. I can only imagine how incredible this movie will be.  Baz has such a unique way of directing and I have such a love for this book.  Here's some tips and info below to be able to get the amazing looks and style you see in the movie.


Full of glitz, glamour, ornate details, and a true style all its own - what girl wouldn't want "The Great Gatsby" look? Whether you are looking to enjoy a casual Gatsby themed garden party or don your most glamorous look at a fabulous cocktail evening, there are plenty of ways with ModCloth to add a flapper-esque flair to any look this spring/summer. 

  • Details, details, details. Epaulets, pearls, rhinestones, and sequins were highly used during this time period to add glitz to an evening outfit.
  • Slender silhouettes. While you could still see a full skirt, long hemline, and high neck, the robe de style dress featuring a drop waist and straight cut was the most popular style. 
  • Haute headpieces. To top off the entire look, add a whimsical & decadent headpiece from ModCloth. You can even DIY a fabulous headband with ribbon, feathers, and gemstones!
For more tips & tricks to achieve the perfect flapper-esque look, you can visit the ModStylists here: ModCloth ModStylists Will Style You Up!. The ModStylists can put together a look-book specifically for you! 

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Overjoyed with this week!

My "stories" are back and better than I could have ever imagined.  I wasn't sure how the half hour format would work but it's INCREDIBLE.  The ease to watch is unparalleled.  I get up in the morning, turn on the coffee.  Get the kids their breakfast and get them settled.  I pick a show and I watch with my morning coffee.  It's such an incredible way to start my day.  It has been AMAZING seeing all of my favorites back on the screen.

The story lines are intriguing.  Watching All My Children and waiting to find out what happened on that fateful night at the Chandler mansion has been amazing.  I love that they didn't just lay it out in the first episode.  Watching Jessie, Angie, Dixie, Brooke, Adam, Opal, Zach, and my personal favorite Bianca with all the younger kids has been great.  I know that there are people that are upset with the aging of the characters.  I am thrilled by it.  Honestly, I feel that it was inevitable anyway.  The kids are always aged in the Spring in order to bring in the school aged viewers with teen centric story lines.  I am loving the interaction and closeness with AJ and Miranda.  It's very sweet, but it's also very obvious that AJ is starting to see Miranda in a new light, while she still sees him as a brotherly type.  Waiting to find out who Celia's guardian is is another story that I find interesting and can't wait to see how it plays out.

Now on to my Llanview friends.  Seeing Viki and Dorian back and as volatile as ever is like putting on some comfy old slippers.  It's amazing to see that even a year plus hiatus they can walk back in and just pick up where they left off.  Viki and Clint back together again makes me smile ear to ear!!!  Blair and Todd with their amazing chemistry and on again off again tortured love story always leaves me wanting more.  David is awesome as always!!! I am also so impressed with the new writing team that they were able to integrate the GH stories.  With the character crossover to GH and events occurring in Port Charles that may not have been viewed, I think that the writers have done excellent.   Dani's storyline is pretty meaty and I can't wait to see how it plays out.  I think that Kelley Missal is doing a great job so far. Cutter is just too cute for words and I am interested to see what/if anything is going to happen with him and Natalie.

I am just so happy to have these shows back and be able to enjoy them daily.  I have loved watching the interviews, reading the articles, and seeing the cast in photos and promos.  This has been a week that I will never forget!  Thank you to Prospect Park, TOLN, HULU, iTunes and all the people that have made this possible.  To all the fans that never gave up, never walked away, never threw up their hands even when it looked bleaker and bleaker, CONGRATULATIONS! May All My Children and One Life to Live live on for another 40 years as they pioneer the return of cancelled shows to the internet.  The successes of these shows can pave the way for the return of others!