YOGA!

I just want to start this post off by saying how much I love the blogging community. In the past month I've really been pushed out of my comfort zone by first doing Zumba and this morning doing Yoga!

Let me just say that I am not a morning person and  for me to get up at 5:15 in the morning is a great fete but it was totally worth it. It definitely helped that I packed my bag and laid out my clothes the night before. I actually woke up feeling refreshed...without an alarm because the application on my blackberry failed and needed to be reset. Go figure...but thank goodness for that automatic clock in my head that said GET UP! I know the pup was thinking why the heck are we up so early. She def likes her sleep. I trained her well.

I went to Y2 Yoga (for anyone in the Charlotte area, I recommend this place. It has a great facility and everyone was really kind) with Emily who is on a 30 Day Yoga challenge. I was so glad she offered to go along on my first yoga trip, it made me feel a lot more comfortable. So, thanks to Emily! I am not going to lie and say that yoga was a breeze. It definitely pushed me to the limit. I am not centered or balanced but another thanks to the instructor at Y2 Yoga for being so patient with me. I felt like a goof the first time he had to correct what I was doing, but didn't feel so bad when I saw he was also doing that for other people. I have to admit I was really intimidated because I didn't know any of the poses..and was looking around at all the other yogis. All I have to say is some of those people are EXTREMELY talented and flexible. During rest time some here standing on their head while I was gasping for breath and drinking a gallon of water. It got so hot that I had to step out for a breather. Don't laugh it is hard work especially a hot yoga class. For all of you at there thinking you are experiencing yoga on your Wii (like I was) its nothing like the real thing. And there is something to be said about being in the room with other people with music.

I also want to give a shout out to Jessie because she warned me about everything I needed to bring and why. I knew she would give it to me straight. And though I knew she wasn't lying about how much she sweat and that I would need two hand towels...um, I had no idea how true that statement was until today. When I arrived at work to shower and get ready...my ponytail was soaked. Gross, I know. But I was prepared ahead of time. So thanks, Jessie! 

I have the itch. Once I try something I have the urge to get better and push myself more. I think next time I am going to do a basic class that way I am not the only person in the class tangled into a pretzel....or toppling over like a jenga tower built too tall. If you are interested in yoga but don't know what to expect, Emily just posted a yoga for beginners entry! Check it out.

I am looking forward to my next class experience. I've decided that I like both Zumba and Yoga that I am going to have to switch off between the too.

30 Days of Truth - Day 1

There is a trend going on in the blogging world called Thirty Days of Thurth (I found out about it through Skirt! on Twitter) in which you follow a master list of questions about yourself and to obviously answer them honestly. I found the idea intriguing and I could always use another inspiration to get my fingers typing and creative juices flowing for the blog. So here it goes.

The Truth: Something You Hate About Yourself

Wow, where do I begin. I think finding one thing I truly hate about myself is just as hard as finding something I truly love about myself. I know there is a list long of things I dislike but most of those things I have the control to change (ie my weight). And though I wish I was taller, I have to admit that being short does have its advantages...even if I can't always participate in some of the fashion trends like long dresses or rock the gladiator sandals. 

I think the thing I've struggled with is that I know that I am loud but its built into my personality and who I am its something I just can't change. I've wished many of times that I was the meek quiet girl that then I would be better...but that is just not who I am and I can't continue to hate that part of who I am.

As long as I am on a roll, I might as well say this too. I hate that I have to feel the need to get the approval for other people, and maybe that is root reason that I dislike that part of me that is loud and boisterous because so many times I've been told to "shhh".

Charlotte Restaurant List ::Revised::

Last week I tweeted that I was looking for some new restaurants to try. I got some really great responses and a suggestion I should tweet the recommended list. I thought that was a fab idea, and I should also give a list of places I have been and love in the area.

So this is part 2 of the Charlotte Restaurant List, either places I left off or the new recommendations I've received since posting the first list. New restaurants will be represented by an asterisk. 

I would really love for this to be an ongoing post as well as interactive,
so all you Charlotteans jump in a give your suggestions.

My Faves

A list of places I have been and will return to

 131 Main*I've been a 131 Main fan for years, now I will admit I've only been to the Lake Norman location...but it is definitely one of my favorite places to hit. I have never been disappointed with any of their dishes. My two favorites: Thai Steak Salad & Ahi Tuna Salad both dishes have an incredible blend of flavors. It is like a party in my mouth.

Amelie's  What is better than a French bakery? A French bakery that is open 24/7. I just recently discovery Amelie's earlier this year..and feel in love at first bite! I have loved everything I have had there. Just delicious and delightful. Amelie's also has this eclectic decor, everywhere you look it is another beautiful and appealing piece. If you ever get the chance to just sit and enjoy your pastry just breath and look around. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. 

Big Daddy's Burger Bar:  I've blogged about this place numerous times...because it is a darn good burger. When I want a real good burger, that is what I begin to crave. I love the variety of thier burger types and that you can build your own. Sweet Tater has been trying all the black bean burgers in Charlotte and the last I heard Big Daddy's was still at the top of the list.

Blue The first time I went to Blue was after seeing Peter Pan at the Blumenthal Theater, and we went strictly for dessert. The dessert alone was delicious and amazing enough to strike a chord with me and have the desire to go back. And I have having yet another meal that went far beyond my expectations.

Cajun Queen*If you want authentic really good cajun food, then you will definitely find it at the Cajun Queen. I love food with a bit of spark and spice, that is how authentic cajun food should taste. Everything is amazing about this restaurant down to the decor of the house it is in. High on my list!

Catina 1511

Crepe Cellar:  This cozy little restaurant is a definite gem to the NoDa area. My personal fave item from here is the pesto fries. Yum! I have had a variety of their crepes and I have never been disappointed. I've heard that their brunch is fabulous. I definitely need to make a stop there one morning. 

Dandelion Market*

Mert's Heart & Soul
The Penguin

Pewter Rose
Price's Chicken Coop

Toast

Zada Janes

Suggestions
A list of places I have never been, but have been told to visit.
 

Aria (suggested by McCoy 365)
Basil (suggested by Foodie Fresh)
Cabo Fish Taco* (suggested by Meredith P)
Carpe Diem* (suggested by Life in a Holding Pattern)

Copper (suggested by Mark K)

Customshop (suggested by Don't Forget Dessert)
Dim Sum* (suggested by Russel P & Laura Y)
Dolce Vita* (suggested by Laura J)

Fiamma (suggested by CaseyLBrewton)

Fran's Filling Station (suggested by Don't Forget Dessert)
Intermezzo* (suggested by Willow Bird Baking)
Morton's Steakhouse (suggested by Laura T)

Roasting Company (suggested by JJ Horton Photography)
Spice 9* (suggested by Willow Bird Baking)

Whiskey Warehouse (suggested by All in a Huff)

Final Contribution

Alexander McQueen's final contribution to the fashion world was a jaw dropping gown for socialite and close friend, Annabelle Neilson that she wore to Elton John's White Tie & Tiara Ball. This silk charmeuse gown with a collar of silvered feather-dress is absolutely incredible, like all that McQueen touch turned into pure fashion gold.

Oh No You Didn't Round 2

Emma Roberts is such a beautiful girl. See for yourself. But she is definitely looking ill in the Red Carpet photo. Yikes. Don't get me wrong, the dress and shoes are rockin', it is just the color she chose and the eye make up makes her look sick.
Thankfully Emma is young and has plenty of time to learn what works and doesn't work on her. It is all about the color wheel and skin tone.

{photo credit}

Puparazzi

The bestie took this picture of the pup and I.
She is usually very cooperative when I ask her to do the prairie dog.
Isn't she just adorable?


Today is my year anniversary with the pup! 
I love her so.

Judge A Book

I don't know if any of you were Sex & The City fans when the show was on; but Sarah Jessica Parker carried a magazine clutch and I fell in love. It seems like the only place I've been able to find one is on ebay and that can get a little pricey. I need to go back to stalking ebay and see if I can finally find one. 

Well, Kate Spade has a new collection that will make every book lover swoon. These clutches are inspired by great literary classics. I know that this bookworm is in love...The Great Gatsby is one of my favorite classics.

Movie Affair #7

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus So this movie is weird, and it was a little hard to watch because it was Heath Ledgers last film. What was harder to watch was interviews of him. I want to rewatch this movie, because there is a lot to see when you do watch it. Its a good movie and I am trying to find the right words to explain it.

Bounty Hunter Finally a Jennifer Aniston movie that I like. All the critics were kind of hard on this movie so I didn't have high expectations. I thought it was really cute, and it kind of reminded me of I Love Trouble.

Away We Go The first time I watched this movie, I didn't finish it. I was with my parents and the opening scene just made it awkward and kind of set the tone of the movie. It is a little off beat, but thats what I like about it. You have to get passed the first weird encounters, but overall the movie is quite touching and quirky.

Love & Other Disasters This movie had great potential...except I could not get passed the fact that Britney Murphy was talking like or trying to sound like Edie Sedgewick. The concept of the movie was good and different. It was funny seeing Orlando Bloom make a cameo. The accent just really bugged me.

Breakfast at Tiffany's Don't judge me. I had never watched this movie until the other night. And to be even more honest, I didn't really know the foundation of the movie...all that I knew is how fabulous Audrey Hepburn is. But that movie just turned around my night. It really did. I was having a bit of a crummy day and watching that movie made me happy.

Everything is Illuminated  This movie is really good. At first you are kind of staring at the screen while Elijah Wood's character has yet to say a word...wondering where is this going. But it turns out to be quite endearing and shows that the lines we create to separate ourselves from others can be broken down.

A Star is Reborn

Have you seen the photo shoot of Jennifer Aniston as Barbara Streisand for Hapers Bazaar? She looks glamorous. Hello! If you haven't seen them yet stop what ever is distracting you and appreciate the beauty of these photographs.

It is a Feather Fiesta

I saw this dress on Saks Fifth and automatically I began to drool...scratch that...I said, oooo. Yes, that is better and much more lady like. It was paired with a pair of Jimmy Choo's - and normally I begin doing a hunt for a better pair of shoes, but this pair is simple and understated but worthy of your attention. Perfect match for this Leifsdottir dress. Which it's pattern is like wearing a party.

Food Crawl...

The week of my vacation was like a feast. We were eating out at every meal and loving it as well. I was such a little piggy last week. I like to think that Wednesday was our real food crawl day. And after I tell you the places we went, I think you will agree.

We started out the morning...well it was more like brunch by going to Amelie's Bakery in Noda. We both had a chocolate croissant while I opted for a hot chocolate...crazy to order in this heat, but it was delicious. Best hot chocolate ever. We also ordered their famous salted caramel brownie, which let me say IS divine. If you have yet to try this brownie, stop what you are doing and go. Because Amelie's is opened 24 hours a day. I am just trying to figure out a way I can ship a brownie to Sarah.

 doesn't that look just yummy?

For lunch we meet Sarah's dad and brothers, I suggested some good ole' Big Daddy Burger Bar...hey we were in the neighborhood and how can you resist such a tasty delight? Sarah and I ordered the same thing again...go figure we are besties! Which is the Frenchie, my fave! Both of her brother's ordered some burger on steriods, while Jordan's girlfriend (from Japan) ordered the Mama Ricotta. I was so glad they were all pleased with the place...because I love it there...and have blogged about it here, here, and here! 

 It is okay to be drooling at this moment. It is worthy of your drool. 

After our visit to Big Daddy's we headed to Southpark Mall, I really wish we were able to stop at Pinkberry because I have yet to go since it made it's arrival here in Charlotte. We just seem to run out of time. We parted ways with Sarah's family and headed home...where we just rested for a bit before heading out to dinner. I was planning on taking her to Cafe' 100, however it was not opened for dinner...so we made the drive into Davidson to have the real Toast. I have to admit that I am still sad that it is not going to be in the little yellow house anymore. I do like the dinner atmosphere of the Davidson location, I did my best to not order my staple dish from there...so Sarah did, which is the ricotta cheese ravioli. It is so good that you can't tell there is no meat in the dish. Which is a biggie for me. So I ordered the sesame seared ahi tuna it came with wasabi mash-potatoes...that dish was so good. Though I still was desiring the ravioli dish.

Unfortunately I forgot to get a picture of the ravioli.

After dinner we saw my brother briefly at Starbucks and joined his friends at Brixx...but thankfully we did not do any eating while we were there. As you can see we really ate our way through the day. Really the entire vacation.

Charlotte Restaurant List

I tweeted that I was looking for some new restaurants to try. I always try and visit new places, especially when it is a planned dinner out with my girls. I got some really great responses and a suggestion I should tweet the recommended list. I thought that was a fab idea, and I should also give a list of places I have been and love in the area. 

I would really love for this to be an ongoing post as well as interactive, so all you Charlotteans jump in a give your suggestions.

My Faves

A list of places I have been and will return to

Amelie's  What is better than a French bakery? A French bakery that is open 24/7. I just recently discovery Amelie's earlier this year..and feel in love at first bite! I have loved everything I have had there. Just delicious and delightful. Amelie's also has this eclectic decor, everywhere you look it is another beautiful and appealing piece. If you ever get the chance to just sit and enjoy your pastry just breath and look around. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. 

Big Daddy's Burger Bar:  I've blogged about this place numerous times...because it is a darn good burger. When I want a real good burger, that is what I begin to crave. I love the variety of thier burger types and that you can build your own. Sweet Tater has been trying all the black bean burgers in Charlotte and the last I heard Big Daddy's was still at the top of the list.

Blue

Catina 1511

Crepe Cellar:  This cozy little restaurant is a definite gem to the NoDa area. My personal fave item from here is the pesto fries. Yum! I have had a variety of their crepes and I have never been disappointed. I've heard that their brunch is fabulous. I definitely need to make a stop there one morning. 

Mert's Heart & Soul
The Penguin

Pewter Rose
Price's Chicken Coop

Toast

Zada Janes

Suggestions
A list of places I have never been, but have been told to visit.
 

Basil (suggested by Foodie Fresh)

Copper (suggested by Mark K)

Customshop (suggested by Don't Forget Dessert)

Fiamma (suggested by CaseyLBrewton)

Fran's Filling Station (suggested by Don't Forget Dessert)
Morton's Steakhouse (suggested by Laura T)

Roasting Company (suggested by JJ Horton Photography)

Whiskey Warehouse (suggested by All in a Huff)

correspondence from j. #9

dear vacation: i am sad that you are over...though i think i gained weight from all the yummy foods that i ate.

dear sarah: i miss you and wish that you didn't live in japan. you are my bestie. i am so glad you were here to enjoy my vacation.

dear irene: i am so glad i have you as my bestie...i don't know what i would do without you. my puerto rican lover.

dear waist-line and hips: i am going to be working on you...so prepare to shrink.

dear living room: you are a disaster at the moment...prepare for a hardcore cleaning.

dear summer: i can't believe you are almost over...for the first time i am looking forward to the fall, the heat has been unbearable.

dear eat pray love: i cannot wait to watch the movie.  also, i cannot wait to see inception. too many movies. 

dear japan: i hope to see you again. march of 2'11 is the plan. 

dear weekend: are you here yet? i know i just returned from vacation...but i am dragging.

I Would Like to Wear My Tea

Welcome to another addition of Fab Finds! Today, is yet another Etsy find...go figure that website is all about some fabulous-ness. After opening today's Etsy Finds email, I just had to share with you all. It is that adorable that it could not wait.

Look at these bangle bracelets...made from tea cups! Tea cups! You cannot get more downright adorable than wearing a wear cup around your arm. And I must say it is much better than actually wear tea in your lap. That is never good. And this is much more vintage chic.

For The Love of Shoes #10

I think ever shoe collection needs a bit of color! I really challenge all of you ladies to mix it up when it comes to shoes. Don't be scared of a little pop! Black. Brown. Grey. They are all great to have as staple pieces, but we all need a little fun. Such as this gem by Carlos Santana, my bestie is in love with pink so since my guest bedroom was splashed with pink everywhere, I figured what a better way to celebrate For the Love of Shoes than with a pink pump.

Will You? ::Etsy Find::

I was on Etsy Saturday night just searching away at cards and such when I came across the most amazing Will You Be My Bridesmaid? card. Now, I know that I am no where near getting married...seeing that I am not dating anyone at the moment. But this card is just too cute to pass up! I know it may sound a little crazy, but I want to order a few of them to make sure I have them. Until then I am just going to keep this little gem in my favorites! 

Oh, and this one is pretty darn cute too!

This one has a little bit of humor without so many words. So adorable...

And this one...I would reword and give it at the bridesmaids luncheon as a emergency kit!

Weekend Update ::Monday Edition::

Well it is back to work for me after being on vacation for a week + a few days. This weekend however was not very exciting...not as exciting as my vacation, which I will be posting about.

Friday was a pretty hard day on me. My bestie which was in-town for the duration of my vacation, was leaving that afternoon to head to Chicago and then back to Japan. Even though we still had quite a bit of packing to do (she had gotten boxes out of storage) I knew we needed a little bit of fun before her heading out on a jet plane. She had waited to see Eclipse till she got in the states, but with all the craziness of her cousins wedding (while she was staying in Indiana) it didn't happen. So I figured we could go and see it...and I wasn't going to protest seeing a 2nd time. We grabbed a crepe from the little place in the mall, which is delish. If you live in Charlotte area and are ever visiting Concord Mills, you should really try the crepe place by the movie theater. It isn't as good as the Crepe Cellar, but it is pretty yum! Afterward, we headed back to my house and finished up what was left of her things. I told her not to worry about the mess of my stuff, because I just wanted to spend time with my bestie before she headed back home. At about 4pm we started playing Fuzion Frenzy, which is the best game on the good ole' X-box. Now most people thing it is udder ridiculousness, which means the only person that will play with me is Sarah! Irene arrived a little shy of 5pm and let us play for a little longer, but by 5:15 we knew we needed to head to the airport. And by the time we got onto the interstate I was already in tears. I hate Japan...not literally, I just hate that it is so far and that is where my bestie is living. Thank goodness, I still have Irene who is my other half as well. We are the three amigos or something along those lines. After a tearful goodbye, Irene and I had dinner at Fatz. The food was just eh, nothing on the menu really appealed to me but I was thankful for Irene and her company. I have to say though their staff is super happy and helpful. After dinner, I went to my parents house just to decompress and I really didn't want to be alone in the house. It was so quiet. We watched the movie Beyond a Reasonable Doubt, it was good and not sappy...just what I needed. I headed home and stayed up just a bit too late watching mindless tv.

Saturday, I got up that morning and headed to Latta Plantation to take the pup for a much needed long walk. Despite the fact that I was on vacation, the pup did not get as much one-on-one time as I know she would have liked. Later that day my sweet brother went to see the movie Salt with me, he knew I was missing the bestie and was nice enough to take me to a movie. After the movie, I picked up the pup and went to my parents house for dinner and a little chill time. Once again I got home and stayed up too late watching mindless TV. 

Sunday, I was super lazy and by the time I was up and ready it was just a little too warm to take the pup to the park. So I opted for PetCo, she was overdue for a visit and definitely deserved some pig ears. Once I got home and had a little bit of lunch...it was more like munching on whatever I could find in the house, I headed to the pool for some sun time. I figured since it was last day of my vacation I should enjoy it. It amazes me how empty my neighborhood pool is. By the time I left I was the only one there. I will not complain though, considering some pools are so crowded you don't even want to venture to it. After spending a good hour soaking up some vitamin D, I grabbed my book and curled up with the pup...which ended up being more of a nap than a reading session. I finally headed to the store to pick up my missing ingredient to try Foodie Fresh's recipe for brussel sprouts. Let me just say one word: YUM!!!! I cant wait to go home for lunch and eat the rest of them. 

Like I said, my weekend was all crazy fun, but it worked for me. It was probably just what I needed to stop being so bummed about my bestie leaving the country.