Halloween: The First Party-Holiday of The Season

September, one of my favorite months, is sadly coming to an end today. However, this means the fall/winter holiday season is nearing! The first of the party-holidays, Halloween, falls on a Monday this year, but the weekend prior will surely be full of ghosts and gouls lingering in your neighborhood.

As kids, we all loved to get dressed up and go trick-or-treating with our family and friends. But as we get older, digging your 25-year old hands into a bowl full of M&M's is unfortunately frowned upon. So instead, we have learned to celebrate Halloween with Bloody Mary's and spicy witches brew (see recipe below).

Entertain your friends with a Halloween party that will blow their mind. Tell them to be sure to find a sitter if they have kids because it might end up being like college again and lasting until 4 a.m.

DRESS TO IMPRESS

But don't spend $50 doing it. Take a look at what you have around your house. My favorite costume I ever made (and I am not a seamstress by any means) was Cleopatra. I found an old white bed sheet and made that into my dress. I had an old, long black weave from a previous costume that I cut into the short, Cleo-hair. I then found a gold belt and gold jewelry and made my way to the local Gabes (yes- I go there a lot!). I was able to find cheap and SUPER comfy gold shoes, some gold rope to spice up the dress and some fake snake tattoos for my arms. And there is Cleopatra. Images available by request! :)

EAT & DRINK THE NIGHT AWAY

Use this as an excuse to make girly drinks and creative hors d'oeuvres that the men might try! Find a simple Bloody Mary recipe here. Spicy witches brew is also a treat! There are many other drinks you can sip the night away on. You also can't go wrong with the traditional BBQ bat wings, eyeball platter and toasted pumpkin seeds. Find these and other halloween treats here.

DON'T FORGET THE CANDY

Just because we aren't 5 years old anymore doesn't mean we don't like candy! Hit up your local Sam's Club, Costco, whatever wholesale distributor that you are a member to or can convince your friend to take you, so you can get the best deal on a mixed bag of goodies.

Start planning now so your friends have enough time to find a sitter and plan ahead for the start of the party-holiday season!

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Shameless Plug

This Saturday, October 1, the girls and I will be hosting a shindig from 7-9 at Remedy in Lawrenceville to benefit the Organization for Autism Research.

O.A.R. funds many projects and grants, offers services and resources to those with autism and their families, and provides scholarships to those on the autism spectrum wishing to attend college. It is a little different from most autism charities that I have encountered in that their funding goes toward programs and initiatives that have immediate results and an instant impact. They don't fund 10-year studies, they don't invest in this, that or the other. They do what has been tried and true, and what kids with autism and their families need...now!

If you don't have plans Saturday night (or even if you do, break them), come on down to Remedy for a fun evening out with all of us gals!

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Still Daddy's Little Girl

Family relationships create an interesting dynamic, especially relationships between parents and grown children. I have a wonderful relationship with both parents. It has become something I really cherish as an adult. I have seen my relationship with my mom turn into a friendship, but I am definitely still a daddy's girl. He would give me the world if he could. I have been thinking a lot about this relationship because my dad has gone through another unexpected major surgery. He had his spleen removed on Monday and currently, is recovering in ICU. Even though his recovery is going well, the fear of something bad happening lingers in the back of my mind.

I have gone through quite a few health scares with my dad in the last decade or so. He had open heart surgery after a heart attack when I was 18. His kidney was taken out 6 years ago after cancer was found growing in it. He experienced a pulmonary embolism while recovering from that, which thankfully did not take his life. This summer he had part of his small intestine removed. He has issues with his blood cell count that could potentially affect how his body is able to fight infection. In the last couple of years, he has been in and out of the hospital so many times that it seems like it is his second home. We jokingly say that my parents have paid for their doctor's child to go through private school.

Many children see their parents go through major health crises, whether it be cancer or other serious illness, but you can never prepare for it. By the grace of God, he has always recovered. In fact, this past Saturday, he and my mom drove 8 hours round-trip to bring me a large piece of furniture that has been in their garage for over a year. And he helped drag it up 2 1/2 flights of stairs. I have been reassured that the furniture haul was not to blame for his current condition. Talk about a guilty conscience.

I have seen my dad scared and weak, as well as fearless and strong. I love my dad because he's my dad, but he is a man I admire and respect. I know I am blessed to have a special relationship with my dad...and it is something that I don't take for granted.

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My Thoughts About Home Improvements…

Nick and I are purchasing his grandfather’s house. Before we move in, we are doing some much needed updating. And although I am sure I will continue to post about my crazy busy schedule (work, planning a wedding, buying a house, horse showing), I wanted to share some thoughts about our home improvement projects…

1. I would work way better with an unlimited budget. I have expensive taste (about EVERYTHING), however, expensive taste in home improvement is not conducive to staying on a budget. Nick keeps the pressure on me to start looking at costs before I buy (not what I typically do). I’ve started to watch home improvement shows and read blogs for tips on how to cut costs. The “oops paint bin” at Lowes will be my best friend!

2. My kitchen. I’m obsessed about how I want my kitchen to look. I think a nice kitchen makes the house. Most people will never see my bedroom or our guest rooms, but everyone who walks in will see my kitchen. Kitchens are expensive to update! A simple, yet updated change we are making is to the cabinets. The wooden cabinets are in GREAT shape. Buying a can of tinted polyurethane will go a long way. And so will simply updating the cabinet hardware! I’m keeping my eye out for deals on handles and hinges

3. Back to the paint. Unbeknownst to me, painting is a ridiculously good workout. Up-and-down the ladder, rolling, brushing… it all catches up to you. You paint 4 coats on 3 rooms and tell me how you feel. Also – paint and primer in one can is a lie. It doesn’t cover like it should – hence the 4 coats. You live and learn…

4. Is it bad that although we aren’t living in there yet I want to decorate the outside for the holidays? Wreaths, pumpkins, cornstalks! Little by little, it will help to move things in, right?

5. Parents are a HUGE help! (and friends too) Don’t underestimate payment in the form of lunch and a few beers. A few extra hands can really get projects moving and cut some project times in half. Parents and friends who are capable of construction or destruction tasks will again help cut costs, and actually get things done right. I’ll be the first to admit, this is hard work!

6. Set deadlines! I’m trying really hard to set deadlines for us. The last thing I want to be doing is lugging my stuff over to the new house in the middle of winter. And I also don’t want to be paying a mortgage and rent at the same time. Timing is of the essence. We dedicate a few evening hours over at the new house every week, and a BUNCH of hours on the weekends. We WILL have new carpet in the bedrooms in a few weeks – I can feel it. Then, onto the bathroom!

So, if you are reading this, and would like to contribute you construction or destruction skills to my cause, I will gladly pay you in food and beer!

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One for the Men- Listen Up

In case you were wondering and/or hoping, men will never understand women and vice versa. I know that is upsetting to some but as much as we try to understand each other, things get more confusing and I get more frustrated. Men are more simple than women, that is the only conclusion I have come to. So to you men, I decided to let you into a women’s mind to tell you a few things that may surprise you. Ladies, send this along to the man in your life. If you are a male, listen up!

- Women are not that hard to please. Yes, I’m serious. We will tell you how to win us over; you just have to listen better. The truth is, what will win us over changes depending on our mood. There is no reason to get frustrated, bear with us. We can’t help that we are so emotional - I know you love us for it.

- Are you a commitmentphobe? We really hate when men don’t have the balls to be upfront about this. If you are afraid of hurting her feelings by being upfront about your unwillingness, fear or whatever reason that is holding you back to commit, get over it. Be straightforward, be blunt. It is the nicest thing you can do.

- Do not string us along. If there is no hope that you will change your ways be completely honest. It is up to us if we will stay in the situation or move on.

-Just as men make jokes that they don’t want an old maid, neither do we! A man who is camped out on the couch with a bowl of Doritos resting on his large beer belly is not appealing [to most of us].

Truthfully, all women are different - we are individuals. If you want to better understand us, just ask. When we answer, listen. We might teach you a thing or two.

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The Décor Opinionated Loved Ones

Have you noticed how much earlier fall and Halloween decorations have appeared on store shelves? I swear the minute the temperature drops below 80 degrees in Pittsburgh, stores are stocking shelves with variations of orange, brown, yellow and red! Not to mention the Halloween stores have already started to pop up and we are more than a month away!

I am a summer girl at heart and yes, I know I live in Pennsylvania where we have four seasons, which sometimes seem to be three- summer, chilly, winter and chilly again until we get back to summer. But I need to boost my seasonal spirit and take hold of us Pennsylvanians being lucky enough to have different seasons – which means different home décor!

I have turned to making my home feel festive when a season comes around. I am a 20-something, only been married for two years and living in our home for the same time, female so you would think that I would have already done this. Nope. I have a very décor opinionated husband who knows what HE likes. I mean, what guy comments on $1.00 curtains that you buy at Gabes just so there would be something on the window? That would be the décor opinionated husband!

If your significant other is like mine, I have learned to start small – and smelly! Candles last forever in my home but I have come to find that even when the Bath & Body Works candles aren’t lit, they still smell. Take a trip to the mall and pick a couple seasonal scents up (they are still 2 for $20!).

Work your décor to the bathroom next. Men seem to spend more time than usual in here (although they say the same about us but we aren’t stinkin’ it up!) and are more prone to notice something “decorative” unless you mask it. Try seasonal soaps, lotions and spray. There are all kinds of seasonal smelly bathroom items available. We also like bathroom sprays, so I went with an autumn scent and hid the summer time spray. He hasn’t noticed!

Other areas to consider decorating without it being crazy noticeable to him: the front door. Hang a cute seasonal welcome sign. I don’t know about you, but we don’t really use the front door and always enter through the garage. It is just for onlookers and passerbyers to enjoy! Also consider the kitchen. Seasonal hand towels are cute and useful! Finally, step outside of the home and look to decorate your front porch, side walk or yard. Just watch out for the final grass cuttings of the fall! He will notice the décor then!

-Christine

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Om

Last Friday I went to a yoga workshop. Looking for something different than my regular practice—a different space, different teacher, different approach. The seminar began with a 60-minute practice. Afterward, each student was given a notebook and asked to journal about a simple question: What is keeping you from following your passion? Wow...simple, my ass.

Dripping with sweat, not realizing we were going to delve into the who's, what's, why's and how's of my life, I was a bit taken aback.

I’m married with two kids. They are clearly my passion. So I pursue that every day, right?  So wrong....so very, very wrong.

In a brief moment of clarity, I realize my kids, my job, a lot of my existence is my scapegoat. Now please don't get me wrong. I LOVE my life. I am truly one of the most blessed and happy people that I know...and for good reason. My life rocks. But there is always room for growth, to dangle from a different branch, if even just for a few moments.

My passion in life hasn't changed much from what it was (throat clearing, not gonna reveal a real year here) a few years ago. I love to write. I love to write about what is affecting me in a manner that most can relate to. More community, less me chatter. It's cathartic and therapeutic. The problem lies in that I have zero time to do it. Or so I say. If it were truly a passion I was serious about developing, I would make time. I make oodles of time for my children and my husband. I make time for work (well, I guess you kinda have to do that to earn the almighty paycheck). And I make time for myself--yoga, running, friends. As it turns out, I've been making excuses. I have time, I just choose to fill it with other stuff. Mostly stuff that wouldn't be as difficult and, therefore, not as rewarding as writing.

After sharing my profoundness with my fellow yogis, I rolled up my mat and stepped outside. Now it is time for me to roll up my sleeves and step outside my comfort zone and pursue my passion. Here goes...

So, I pose the question to you...What is keeping you from following your passion?

~Kel

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Exploring the city

I recently moved into Pittsburgh. While I have been living in the area for a little over a year and have been traveling to this area to visit family my entire life, I have just begun to get acquainted with the city.

My mom and one of her friends recently came to visit Pittsburgh...and I got to tag along on their adventures, as well as play hostess in my still box-filled apartment. This friend of my mom's had only driven through Pittsburgh and had a list of things she wanted to do and see. One of those things was a trolley tour. It traveled through areas that are somewhat familiar to me, driving close to where I work, as well as on some of the roads I drive to get home. One of the "attractions" of the tour was an old mansion. The guide pointed out the soot covering the stone from the days when Pittsburgh was filled with steel mills. The soot isn't just a little dust covering or even slightly gray, the stone work on this mansion is black. I had never noticed it before even though I drive past this mansion everyday on the way home from work. Here is a house stained with Pittsburgh history. I like history, so I find these little tidbits interesting.

We often get bogged down with the everyday--working, family, commitments--that we forget to enjoy and learn about the places we live. I know I am guilty of that. So if you are able, become a tourist in your own city. Get a glimpse of your neighborhood through the eyes of someone who has never seen it. Or visit state parks that are close by. (I recently did that for the first time, too!) I actually learned a lot and was able to appreciate where I live.

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Embrace your breakup!

Enough about married life, what about us bachelorettes? Breakups are never fun. Becoming newly single after being in a serious relationship is a defining moment in a women’s life. Claim your single status and have no fear, you now have the opportunity to redefine who you are. You are no longer stuck in a relationship with Mr. Wrong, take a deep breath and reinvent yourself to become a new, happier you!

1.   First, realize some relationships are temporary. Not every relationship is meant to last forever. My favorite saying is that the world would be a weird place if we liked everyone we met. Do not look at your past relationships as a failure; they are the stepping stones to finding Mr. Right. Past relationships allow us to learn what we are looking for in a mate. So stop labeling past relationships as a failure and thank your ex’s for the beautiful (or not so beautiful) life lessons you have learned from them along the way.

2.   Is your glass half empty or half full? Be more positive and confident. You must learn to be happy with yourself before you bring someone new into the picture. Change your attitude and outlook on life- smile!

3.   Exercise! Find a gym or exercise at home. If you don’t like a gym setting, there are many places that offer Zumba, Yoga, etc. Or, take a group of friends and do a Flirty Girl Fitness pole dancing class. Doing things like this is a great opportunity to meet new people while trying new things.

4.   Get a makeover! Go shopping and take a trip to the salon with your friends. Getting my hair and nails done always makes me feel better. Plus, you can’t beat retail therapy. Treat yourself and buy a new outfit, you deserve it! Go through your closet and get rid of any clothes you no longer wear. Host a clothing swap party with a group of friends, just because you no longer want that shirt, doesn’t mean your friends won’t be fighting over it.

5.   Last but not least, listen to your gut. How many times have you jumped into things head first and dove past the caution tape? Ever hear of a red flag? Some of us know that we are entering dangerous waters after knowing that things would not end up well but we go for it anyway. Consider these lessons learned. After a breakup get reacquainted with your gut and promise that you will listen to it next time.

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Looking for a new dinner side-dish? Try Zucchini-Corn Fritters

A few nights ago, I was looking for an easy recipe for a side dish to go along with the steak we were having. I was over baked potatoes, RiceSides, PastaSides, etc. that we have been eating for MONTHS.

I came across this recipe for Zucchini-Corn Fritters in a Food Network magazine, and thought I would give it a try, since we had most of the ingredients.

Let me start by saying - I didn't have corn meal or buttermilk in the house (obviously), so I did have to do a quick trip to the store to grab those... I'm not even certain if I've used buttermilk or corn meal in anything before - do people actually drink buttermilk??

Anyway... here is the recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/zucchini-corn-fritters-recipe/index.html

I promise - you won't be disappointed. Nick LOVED them, and they are definately a new favorite.

-Katie

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Join Us for A Good Cause - AND WIN A DATE!

You will come to realize we may all work together but also do several different jobs when we are not at our Monday - Friday.

Tiff, owner of REMEDY Restaurant and Lounge in Pittsburgh, http://www.remedypgh.com/, has been working with Kelly to help set up a benefit for the Organization for Autism Research. So together we all came up with a great idea to help raise even more money. We are going to play The Dating Game and a lucky bachelor will win a date with a lovely lady...yes-we know her, she's hot, and super fun to be around.

If you are single bachelor (thanks for being an early trend-setter and following us!) or if you have any single male friends, bring them to REMEDY on October 1 for a fun night out. There will be drink specials and fun all around with the WWB girls.

See you there!

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WELCOME!

Welcome to our new blog. This idea came about over our lunch time discussions, which are always interesting and idea-generating!

A little about your bloggers: We all work together in the Marketing & Communications office of a security company-for now. We have many million dollars ideas that we, of course, think could make us more fortunate than we are now. More to come soon!

Christine, Colleen, Katie, Kelly, Kendal and Tiff

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