More Energy Needed, Stat!

No truer words have been stated. Man, how I wish I could bottle that energy and sip it throughout the day. 

Lord knows we'll be feeling this way Saturday evening. Miss E. turns 7 and we've agreed to host a birthday party for her and her classmates at our house. All 18 girls. We agreed to this because most of her birthday celebrations over the years have been small family get-togethers. So, this year she and her brother (in May) are having parties with their buds.

I won't complain much, because we're bringing this on ourselves; I'm aware of what we're getting into. I spent the weekend putting together gift bags and purchasing streamers and other decorations. The theme is "Almost Sleepover," since the girls are still a bit young for slumber parties. Everyone will wear their PJs. There will be a craft, a game, food and, if there's time, a movie. What do you think? Good idea for 6 and 7-year olds?

Hope everyone is having a good week so far. It's been super-busy, so I'm behind in blogging, and haven't caught up with your wonderful blogs. I need to get back to it!

Happy Tuesday, friends!
Image from someecards.com

The Manliest Town in America

It's Ash Wednesday, friends. So long chocolate, hello fish fry Fridays. And, of course, we have to pick up our daughter's Girl Scout cookies this Sunday to be delivered next week. Why, Girl Scouts of America? Why must you torture us this way??

Anyhoo, in other news, apparently my hometown of Louisville has been named by GQ Magazine the "Manliest Town in America. That's right, ladies. If you're looking for a real man, come to Derby City. Apparently, it's the bourbon and bettin' the horses, among other attributes, that make our men such studs. According to GQ:

Lou-uh-vul strikes a balance between the traditions for which it's justly famous and a right-now vibe that gives the town and its 750,000 residents a kind of courtly southern swagger. The gentlemen of Louisville know how to compliment a woman—and do so often.

Yep, that's why I married a hometown boy. There's something you gotta love about a man who can wear seersucker and a bowtie on Derby Day, yet also don jeans and T-shirt like nobody's business. He can hunt, fish and smoke a fine cigar, yet play tea party with his little girl. They're gentlemen through and through and they respect their mamas. That's a true manly-man.
Images from Graves Cox and pinmarklet

Glad to Be Back

Well, I'm back from Vegas. Learned a lot of great things at the conference and made some good contacts. But, as far as Las Vegas itself, not for me.

If you're a fan of Vegas, sorry. I just didn't like the vibe. I did make it to the casino, just to be able to say I played Black Jack there. I've never lost $20 so fast in my life. I hit the mall to buy Hubby and the kids some gifts and fended off some very aggressive sales people. (Thanks, pushy guy selling $200 face cream, for saying I need collagen for my laugh lines; why are you surprised that I walked away? Really??)

The images in Vegas run the gamut. At one point, this was following me down the street:

Elmo then started to rush up behind me and all that's going through my head is, "I'm about to throw-down with one of my son's favorite characters. Bring it, muppet!"

Alas, he was just running to cross the street before the light turned green. Did I feel stupid? Yes. But, in that town, there is the reality that you could be accosted by a Sesame Street character, so I was justified in my fright.

I did enjoy my plush hotel room and room service, which made for a nice getaway. By Friday, I was more than ready to return home. My parents brought the kids to meet me at the airport and that was a wonderful sight.

Anyhoo, back to the grind today. Hope you had a great weekend. Oh, by the way, just had to share my latest and favorite purchase, Chanel's Chance Eau Tendre perfume.

Love this scent!

Happy Monday, friends. Hope you had a great weekend.
Image from Chanel; personal photo property of JMW A Place to Dwell

Bright Lights, Big City

So, friends, I won't be posting much this week because I'm getting ready to head here for a conference:

If you've been to Sin City, any suggestions on where to go and what to do? (Keep it clean, folks.) Would love some recommendations. Aside from horse racing, I'm not a big gambler, but everyone tells me I should at least throw down one bet while I'm there.

Best of all? I'm heading there on VALENTINE'S DAY. Yeah, I get to fly out with all of the couples on the way to their quickie weddings. Can you smell the romance? I'm sure the line at the drive-thru wedding chapel will be at least 10 cars deep.

I do hope to spot an Elvis or two while I'm out there. And, if he's performing a wedding, all the better. That alone would make the trip worthwhile.

Have a great week, friends! Talk to you soon!

P.S. - Congrats to Adele for her many Grammy Awards last night.  Well deserved, girlfriend!

Image from Travel National Geographic

'Ali in Wonderland'

I like Ali Wentworth. I know some people don't, perhaps for a variety of reasons. They think her humor is too goof ball. (I, for one, think she's very funny with the right amount of wit.) Or they don't like her because she's married to George Stephanopoulos. (Yeah, I spelled it correctly. Cut & paste is a marvelous thing.) Or, they think she's had everything handed to her in life because of her sliver-spoon upbringing. (Not only are the Wentworths WASPy Mayflower descendents, Ali's mom, Muffie, was Nancy Reagan's social secretary and her dad was a political writer for the Washington Post.)

Anyhoo, Ms. Wentworth has a new book out called "Ali in Wonderland," which I may need to purchase for a good laugh and a little more insight into the life of Ali and George. She recently made an appearance on ABC's Good Morning America to discuss her book with Robin Roberts. It's so funny to watch George's reactions when the camera pans to him. You can tell he's thinking "Oh, Lord, what's she going to say next?"

Ms. Wentworth, oh, heck, let's call her Ali, also has a new webcast, "The Daily Shot with Ali Wentworth." It's filmed at her kitchen table and she talks about a variety of topics, from motherhood to current events. When she recounts her first date with George in one of the episodes, it's a bit TMI , but that's just her. She puts it all out there.

And, one more thing, I'm tired of people giving her flack over her eyes. She's often criticized for the bags under her eyes. You know what folks? Some of us have to wear more concealer than others. It's either genetic or it's because we have young kids and a good night's sleep eludes us. So, back off, will you?

It's Friday, friends. I'm so glad to have survived. This weekend is our daughter's school fundraiser. We'll be donning western boots and bling for the "Diamonds and Denim" theme. Should be fun!
Images from ABC News and womensconference.org

News of the Weird

Okay, I'm not one to poke fun at my fellow Kentuckians. I love the Big Blue Nation and all the crazy characters throughout our great commonwealth. And, I certainly don't want to contribute to any negative stereotypes about Kentucky. But, I just had share this story that appeared on the local news yesterday. There are so many aspects to this story that made me laugh out loud and shake my head.

Folks, you can't make this stuff up.

LETCHER COUNTY, KY (WAVE) - A naked man was arrested inside an eastern Kentucky supermarket after police found him covered in peanut butter and chocolate.

It happened January 31 at a Food World IGA in Letcher County, KY, which borders Virginia.

According to a court citation, 22-year-old Andrew Toothman was wearing only a pair of black boots.

Troopers said the store's front door was broken and that several fire extinguishers had been discharged.

Toothman appeared to be contrite. Investigators said he spelled the word "sorry" on the floor with Nyquil.

Toothman admitted breaking into the store. He was charged with burglary, criminal mischief and indecent exposure.
Copyright 2012 WAVE News. All rights reserved.

She Said What??

This is one of the reasons why I don't care for Tom Brady: his wife. Check out her rants after last night's game, trashing his teammates.

You just need to cool it, Yoko. Keep that up and see how well the offensive line protects your hubby next season.

Eli Manning celebrates his Super Bowl win with wife, Abby, and daughter, Ava Frances. Tom Brady was stuck with his f-bomb-dropping wife.

Cheers to the Giants and Eli Manning. You are a class act, Mr. Manning.
Photo by Marc Humphrey

Super Bowl Weekend - Giants or Patriots?

So, who are you pulling for in this year's Super Bowl? Since I'm NOT a Tom Brady fan, I'll be cheering for the Giants. I like the Mannings, so I'll cheer on Eli and team.  And, because I'm also a big Peyton Manning fan, another reason to root for little brother. This drives my husband crazy, because he says I should be supporting a team, not just an individual player. To that I say, "Get over it."

I hope that the game is at least close so it's worth watching. And, of course, the commercials are great, too. Have you seen Volkswagon's "The Bark Side?" It's the follow-up to 2011's little Darth Vader. Cute.  Could care less about Madonna at half-time. Probably won't watch much of that.

Will you be hosting a Super Bowl party or attending one? Which team will you support?

TGIF, friends. Made it through another one.
Image from sbnation.com and deutschinc.com

Crawling into Bed

So true, so very true. Every morning there's at least one munchkin in our bed, often times, two. If it happens on a Saturday, I often awake to find Hubby has gone into our daughter's room to try to catch some sleep. 

I shouldn't complain, though. All too quickly there will come a day where they won't want to cuddle with me or hold hands. Although my four-year old son pulled at my heartstrings this morning by saying, "Mommy, when I'm a daddy I will be your neighbor. Then you can hug me whenever you want."

Cue the tears. :)

Image from unknown source, via Facebook