Rizzle Dizzle

Having a Baby?

2009-07-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

I have a friend. I know, hard to believe. This friend of mine is actually very talented and even has her very own Etsy shop! Not only is she a stationary designing genius, she can sew!
I highly recommend her work to anyone looking for a baby announcment, throwing a baby shower, or even a child's birthday party!

I'm in the process of designing a baby shower invitation for a shower I'm throwing in September. I can't wait to share the finished product with you. Without a doubt, it's going to be great!

To shop Brady Boo Baby on Etsy, click here.

I told you she can sew. Check out these deliciously, adorable burp cloths. What mom wouldn't want a set of these??

Just like all of Brady Boo Baby's designs, this announcment is totally customizable. You could get it in cherry red if you wanted.

Look at this little cutey. I bet if you didn't want a bear, Brady Boo Baby could use a chick or a rattle or even a goat. Okay, maybe nobody would want a goat on their baby shower invite, but maybe. And really, my point is you could make this your very own unique invitation. What's not to love about that?

Brady Boo Baby

Out of Breath

2009-07-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago I heaved by purse on the floor next to my desk and sat down in my chair as I do every Monday through Friday. Only, this day was different. I looked at my docking station and noticed my laptop wasn't there. To my dismay I had completely forgotten my laptop at home. To make matters worse, I was dropped off at work so I had no way of driving the 30 mile commute back home to get my job, my life, my oxygen. I panicked and called Kat Daddy. He didn't pick up. I called him again. He didn't pick up. I called him again. Still no answer. I fumbled through my phone for his work number. I called his desk. Again, no answer. I was nearly at the point of tears. I thought to go to IT for a loaner computer, but realized I had a report saved to my hard drive that I needed that day. I remembered I had a roommate (my sister) who might possibly be home. So I took my chances at 8:30 AM and gave her a ring. The angels sang, my sister picked up. And she had no where to be. So I pleaded and begged for her to pleaaassssseee bring me my laptop. Without hesitation, she jumped in the car and brought it to me. Oh, what a nice sister she is.

I was able breathe once again.

Amen.

Dudes

2009-07-01T16:33:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! I bought myself a new camera. Now I'm going to pretend I'm a professional photographer and post my works of art.

But first I need to wait for the camera to arrive from the man in brown (UPS).

Then I need to charge the battery.

While I'm waiting for it to charge, I need to read the manual.

So it's going to be a while before I produce and of this so called art.

-Rizzle the Pho-tog-izzle

It Seats 7 Part Duex

2009-06-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

It Seats 7

2009-06-13T16:46:00.000-07:00

Today I had the distinct pleasure of driving the in-laws mini van across town. As I fired up the Dodge Caravan the distinct sound of the motor buzzing gave me a sudden, not so pleasant flashback.

You see, in High School I had to drive my parents mini van. Actually, even harder to admit is that it was kinda my mini van because my parents had purchased a newer one that my mom drove around leaving the older mini van as my primary vehicle. Not cool, right? It was hard enough being in High School trying to wear the right clothes, have the right friends, say the right things, make it to every home football game, camouflage the teenage acne which still seems to be a problem despite that high school has come and go. But I digress.

I recall being especially embarrassed when James from 6 period English class would write Dodge mini van on a piece of paper next to the Mercedes logo he'd so carefully sketched. Only to show me the paper, draw a large X over the "Dodge mini van" and point and tell me how cool his Mercedes was. In retrospect, his Mercedes wasn't so cool. It was very old and probably didn't make it many months after graduation. I wonder what James drives now?

In conclusion, never make your teenage child(ren) drive the family mini van, unless they want to of course. Leave the mini vans to soccer moms. Hey, maybe someday I'll be driving one again. On second thought, probably not.

Where Did May Go?

2009-06-01T17:09:00.000-07:00

Each year, as the weather gets warmer, my days and nights get busier.

Here's a recap of the last few weeks.

Kat Daddy took his first international business trip to London, England. He was not a very good tourist there as he only went to the Natural History Museum and forgot to take pictures of Big Ben and Windsor Castle. That's okay though. I'm making him take me back there for our honeymoon. Oh, and he did win major brownie points when he brought me back English biscuits and Belgium chocolates from the renowned department store, Harrods.

While he was gone I had terrible carpal tunnel like symptoms. The pain began in my right elbow and feels like I've just hit my funny bone. Then over the next several days the pain traveled down to my wrist. I put in a request for an ergonomic evaluation at work, but it's been two weeks and nobody has scheduled a time to meet with me. I suppose my company prefers to pay out Worker's Compensation.

Just when I thought the old lady, pain problems were bad, I developed a weird patchy, rash on my thumbs. It's been nearly two weeks and it hasn't cleared up. I called a dermatologist this morning, but they haven't called me back. I might just have to stop by the clinic where people go without insurance because I can't seem to get anyone to help me out.

Kat Daddy arrived home a week ago Sunday. I had a fantastic time people watching at the San Francisco Airport while I waited for him to arrive. I felt like I was in Europe, then I'd turn my head and I was in India. Then all of the sudden I was in Vietnam. Very exciting!

Just as I unpacked Kat Daddy, I filled up another suitcase because we were off to Indiana two days later to see Kat Daddy's oldest nephew graduate from High School. It was a very nice graduation ceremony. The best part is that all 198 graduates are going to 4-year colleges. It's hard for me to think about my crappy High School had a 26% rate in which graduating seniors went to a 4 year college straight out of High School. I'm already thinking about which private schools I'll send my future children to given that the California public school system pretty much sucks.

After three days in Indiana of visiting with fun family, braving my first terrible mid-west thunderstorm, and eating some darn good biscuits 'n gravy, it was time to get home for our good friend's wedding on Saturday.

Saturday afternoon, I picked up my favorite friend, Aleisha from the airport. Then I dragged her to Super Taquiera, a tasty burrito joint in my little town. Luckily she did not protest. Next, I made her accompany me to a manicure and pedicure.

Then we went home, took a quick nap which actually wasn't quick enough because I made us late to the wedding. The ceremony took place outside and just as we pulled up to the wedding we could see our friend walking down the isle with her dad. I felt awful because I was more than sure weddings did not start on time. It was all my fault. We had to stand in the back because there were no empty seats.

Sunday, Aleisha, Brooke (my sister) and I went to lunch and shopping. Later, I took Aleisha by my other sister's house to meet my niece, Sophia. Sophia was showing off for her company by driving her bike into thorny bushes and the side of the house. She's a silly two-year old.

On the way to work today, I dropped off my favorite friend at the airport. I feel so special to have seen her twice over the course of 3 months. We're already planning our next play date together.

Rizzle

Diary #1: December 5, 1995

2009-05-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

A while back I made my way to my old bedroom closet at my parent's house to retrieve a box of letters and diaries I'd saved from middle and high school. I found a chunk of diary entries from an English assignment in middle school. I was pretty amused and I think they may make you chuckle too. Or not. Let's start with Diary #1. I'm assuming I had to name my diary as part of the assignment because the name of mine was Kate. In this entry I describe how I had a series of basketball games. Then I talk about building a gingerbread house and having a friend over for new year's eve. Then my thoughts shifted to what Christmas gifts I was buying for my family. I also noted what gift I would be giving my mom for her birthday - the Phantom of the Opera CD. Oh yeah, and can you believe how pricey I thought the school Christmas dance was!!!? Where was I going to find a dress for $30? Maybe the clearance rack at Ross?

Dear Kate,

Today I have a game and tomorrow, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It's kind of a bummer because I'm missing the dance. I don't really mind because I don't have to spend $30 on a dress, $3 on a ticket and $20 on shoes. I also may have a chance to play more. Yes!

On Saturday after or before my game, we are going to make gingerbread houses. I can't wait. Maybe during Christmas vacation I will invite Vanessa over. I was thinking maybe for New Year's. It was so fun. The first time she spent the night was on New Year's. We had a blast.

I think I will buy Dana Rollerblades and Monica an art easel. I still have to buy the Phantom of the Opera. So as soon as I go shopping again, I will give that to her for her birthday. Good luck to us on our game today!

Sincerely,

Keywords

2009-05-14T04:53:00.000-07:00

I've been dying to share this with you all for a long time. I use Google Analytics for no reason really, but I do get a kick out of seeing how people get to my blog. Here are some of the bizarre words and phrases people have typed into a search engine that ultimately brought them to my blog.

episode he smells his armpits - perhaps this is referring to a Seinfeld or Friends episode?

sissy bra padded - Is this a new Victoria's Secret bra I haven't heard of?

deodorant bandit - OMG!? You mean I'm not the only one who was a victim of the Deodorant Bandit???

roommate "wet the bed" - Gross. Get a new roommate FAST!

pecan pie diarrhea - Oh my! Take some Pepto Bismol.

I'll share more as they roll in.

Rizzle

The Business of Blogging

2009-05-13T12:43:00.000-07:00

I've been emailed by a few companies asking me to host contests using their products as the contest award. Thrilling, right? So I've replied to these people's emails right away with interest and here's the thing, they never respond.
One company was for a children's computer game. I'd tell you the name, but then I'd be advertising for the company. I don't want to advertise for a company that can't even follow up on a request they sent! Another email I received was from a company that sells pots and pans. Not Pampered Chef or any other known brand. What do you know, they really weren't that interested in being part of a contest on my blog anyway. Too weird.
Have you had any similar experiences?

Cutest Grill EVER

2009-05-09T04:00:00.000-07:00

This long overdue sunnier weather definitely makes me think of BBQ chicken and hamburgers. While "window" shopping online, I found the cutest grill ever. Now I need one. But I also need a second job to pay for it.

Kenmore

Because I'm Not a Mother

2009-05-08T10:30:00.000-07:00

I have to steal a cute Mother's Day story from my friend because obviously I don't have any children.

My friend was explaining to her three year old son that Mother's Day is on Sunday and he needs to make her breakfast. She specified that she would like french toast. He then told her, "I can't reach the toaster".

How cute is that?

What are you doing for Mother's Day?

D is For More Dresses

2009-04-25T04:30:00.000-07:00

Since I've been on the wedding dress topic, let me show you some dresses that have caught my eye online over the past few months.

Dress by La Sposa

Dress by Jenny Packman

Dress by Kenneth Pool

Dress by Peter Langer

Part Duex: White, Ivory, Lace, Satin, Chiffon, Ruffles...

2009-04-24T04:31:00.000-07:00

Standing in the dressing room feeling very awkward, wearing ivory, 2 inch heels, black and white polka dot underwear, and a tiny white strapless bra, the kind, young sales woman pulled a dress of the hanger, cinched it up in her hands asked me to raise my hands above my head and began stuffing me in the dress. She zipped me up and pulled two clamps out of a little wooden dresser. I was a little concerned about what the home depot purchased clamps were all about. I already felt tortured, then to see some clamps, I was sure I was going home with some bruises. Thankfully they were only used to pull the dress back so it wouldn't hang on my large bosom.

6 dresses later, I was done. Between the hassle of getting there to the orange clamps, I was so ready for some lunch in the city.

I won't leave you all hanging like a limp, white wedding dress on a padded satin hanger. Below are some of the dresses I wore whild I climbing up on a carpeted circle to spin around for my mom and sister.

This dress was really cute. It reminded me of a country or beach side wedding type of dress.

This dress was ugly. The kind sales woman brought this one for me to try on.

This dress still catches my eye. It screams classy, but didn't look so cute on me. It was a little much.

This dress was my second favorite. I wish you could all see the detailed embellishments of tiny wooden beads and hand stitched flowers. This gown is truly a piece of art.

Last, but not least. This dress won my heart. I'm not sure it's THE ONE, but it's ranked the highest so far.

{All pictures from Priscilla of Boston}

White, Ivory, Lace, Satin, Chiffon, Ruffles...

2009-04-23T16:10:00.000-07:00

The wedding bug bit me, but only for a second. A few weeks back I received an email from a Bridal Salon in San Fransisco stating for ONE DAY ONLY they were offering 15% off all their wedding gowns. So I quickly forwarded the email to my mom and sister and asked if they were free that day. Then I forgot about it until the day before when my mom asked me what time we were going. So I quickly picked up the phone and called the bridal salon. I was in luck! They had an opening for me.

The next day we rode up to San Francisco. High blood pressure pangs me every time I go to that blasted city. The traffic getting there is a nightmare and finding a parking spot is another issue. After being nearly 30 minutes late and kissing their feet for still accommodating me, I began the task of trying on dresses.
The kind, young sales woman wearing a cute dress and a sparkly headband asked me a few questions.

"Are you getting married indoors or outdoors?"
"What is your wedding date"?
"What is your budget"?

To which I answered, "I don't know" to all questions, but the last one. I pulled out a random number from my head for the last question. Because I don't believe in wedding budgets. Or any budget at that. Budgeting is for sissy's or people who like to save their money for things like college educations and retirement. Kat Daddy is shaking his head right...about...now.

She gently followed up with, what's your bra size and shoe size. To which I answered ~~34 full C cup~~ 34 double A, shoe size 9.

Then I was off on the floor pulling four gowns to start with. You know when you are traumatized and then you look back and can't remember anything that happened? Well that's how I felt during this phase of the dress trying on process. I somehow ended up with four gowns hanging in the dressing room, a dainty little pair of size 9 heels, and a tiny white bra. I told her I had big boobs. Obviously she saw right through my padded, water bra with chicken cutlet inserts.

More tomorrow...

Wedding Jewelry

2009-04-01T04:35:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about looking for a wedding dress soon, but I think I want to wait for the 2010 bridal lines to come out. Although, in comparing 2008 collections with 2009, their aren't many differences. Bridal fashion seems slow to evolve.

In the meantime, I'm looking at jewelry. I like simple and feel that less is best. I'd rather my dress be the focal point and perhaps my hair to be the next statement. So in an effort to keep it simple, what do you think about the below cocktail ring and earrings? I like the bracelets below too, but am not sure if that would be too much. We're talking an up do, veil or hairpiece, earrings, dress, bouquet, wedding ring and a cocktail ring. Whew! That's a whole lot of bridal stuff going on!

All images and jewelry are from J.Crew.

Post a comment, let me know what you think.

Then and NOW

2009-03-24T13:40:00.000-07:00

Aleisha arrived last Friday and we made our way to the local bowling alley to take an updated bowling picture and to say hello to my parents who happened to be at their bowling league night. We've grown up a bit and bought new pants!

We look better now, right? Right?

She is gonna kill me when she sees this picture!

2009-03-19T04:41:00.000-07:00

Guess who I'm picking up from the airport today? My Best Friend Forever, Aleisha! We have an adventure packed weekend planned in Santa Barbara, California. I can't wait to tell you all about it next week. In the meantime, you can enjoy a picture of us from a long time ago. I promise we've gotten cuter over the years.

Rizzle

Eclectic

2009-03-18T04:31:00.000-07:00

Remember this picture from Sunday's post? After looking at it further, I noticed sweet Lester had four different chairs surrounding his ~~card table~~ dining room table.

I wonder if he had a favorite?

Rizzle

St. Paddy's Day

2009-03-17T05:29:00.000-07:00

Back in elementary school I'm sure I learned what St. Patrick's Day is all about. I have somehow forgotten though. I mean assuming it's not just a day you have to wear green in order to avoid getting pinched by that annoying friend or co-worker who runs around with the soul purpose of giving people a bruise that aren't wearing green on March 17.
So I went ~~to the library and looked at dozens of books~~ online and did a search. St. Patrick's Day originated from Ireland (duh). This day celebrates Saint Patrick (I guess we could have also figured that one out). Anywho, the Patrick guy was a Patron Saint. I'm not sure what that is and I don't have the patience to further my research. So there ends my quest to learn more on the topic. I hope you're wearing green and enjoying corned beef cabbage today.

Source:Google Images

I have to find me a pair of those glasses!

Rizzle

Hotel de Yellow

2009-03-16T04:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of Lester's 3rd bedroom or our now, guest bedroom.

I invited my dad and sister along to make sure they approved. They did and were also able to see beyond the maroon carpet at what could be.

Here is a shot of the room today. When the room is not housing a guest, we like to iron in here. You're probably wondering where our guests sleep. We have a trusty air mattress we blow up. Perhaps that is why we don't have too many guests around here?

If you look close, you'll see that Kat Daddy needs to replace the switch covers and outlets. Maybe he'll do that today like the handy Fiance he is.

This little window seat can be used for reading.

Or for looking out at the neigbors backyard and counting how many dog poos they need to clean up. Gross, eh?

While the room could probably use some furniture and a new bed, it will do for now. Go book your flight and come stay with us!

Rizzle

A Vision

2009-03-15T14:46:00.001-07:00

It's been 4 years since Kat Daddy bought his first little home. Looking back at the pictures from before he even put an offer on his house, it's clear he had a vision as to what the place could look like.

Here's a before picture of the dining room.

A nice man named Lester was the previous owner. It's obvious he had a deep love for maroon, mauve and floral prints. Poor, Lester. I think those tones and feminine prints were remnants of when his ex-wife lived in the home. I hope Lester would be proud to know that his ex-wife's style no longer resides here!

Within hours of getting the keys, Kat Daddy's super handy and hardworking sister in law (soon to be mine too!), took the liberty of pulling down the awful wallpaper and border. Someone was kind enough to pull down the drapes too. Those quickly said hello to the dumpster.

Below are pictures of what it looks like now. Slightly more modern without any dusty rose hues. THANK GOODNESS!

So come on over and bring some food. I bet you'll enjoy eating in here as much as I do.

Rizzle

Lazy Sunday

2009-03-01T13:07:00.001-08:00

Today is one of those lazy Sunday’s: stay in bed until 10 AM, make hot chocolate and an English muffin for breakfast. Eat another English muffin while perusing the Internet for interesting Hollywood gossip. Open the door to the garage and admire the neatly organized garage that required a trip to the dump, the Goodwill and to family members returning their borrowed tennis balls, table saws and lawn chairs. Go back to the Internet and skip from blog to blog because nobody has updated since last week. Open the door to the garage again and notice that it even smells fresh in there. Look down at my shabby slippers and decide it’s time to shower now that it is 1:05 PM.

…Going to shower and put on a fresh pair of pajamas.

Happy Lazy Sunday!

Rizzle

Fourteen

2009-02-19T11:24:00.000-08:00

Because while there are probably 100 random things about myself, I can only think up 14.

1. I tried on the actual pair of Prada pumps Anne Hathaway wore in The Devil Wears Prada. Anne has smaller feet than me.

2. I called into a radio show when the topic was “Pet Peeves” and discussed a few of my many pet peeves on national radio.

3. I had perfect attendance from third through ninth grade.

4. I told a vice principal on a teacher who threw a kid out of his seat onto the floor for not turning in his homework. We never saw that teacher again.

5. I fainted in one of my college classes and was taken away by an ambulance. I later heard from classmates that the teacher was so sad when I left he gave something that sounded like a eulogy for me. Turns out I was one of his favorites.

6. By now you realize I was a kiss ass and was a very good student.

7. I worked at a bank for three years and was never robbed. That same bank has been robbed twice in the last year. I’m glad I switched professions.

8. Traveling always depletes my savings. Like many corporations, I am banning travel for the foreseeable future.

9. In elementary school I wanted to be a pediatrician. In high school I wanted to be an English teacher. In college I majored in business and now work in High Tech.

10. I enjoy working out, but hate eating right.

11. My guilty pleasure is Starbucks and reading blogs.

12. Fashion magazines make my heart sing.

13. When I have kids, I’m going to train them to take out the garbage and do dishes so I don’t have to. Age two isn’t too young, right?

14. After studying the Food Network, the Martha Stewart Show and cookbooks, I consider myself a well versed home cook.

-Rizzle

Ideas and Inspiration

2009-02-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a little story board of pretty things and colors I would like for my wedding. However, I change my mind a million times, so don't expect this to be the first story board from me.

Enjoy!

Rizzle

Remember Me?

2009-02-08T11:38:00.000-08:00

Hi! It's been a while since I've posted. So I thought I'd stop by and tell ya what's on my mind.

I had expressed to you all that wedding planning is a real thorn in my side. There are the politics and opinions they make me want to scream. Here are just a few.

"You don't need a photographer. I can take pictures for you."
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! This was my favorite. Given that pictures are the only memory I'll have following my big day, why would I want some janky photos from a self proclaimed phographer? If you know the answer to that one, let me know.

"Make sure your wedding is in 2009".
Or what? What happens after 2009? Are people not allowed to get married in 2010?

"No! Don't have your wedding in Vegas. It's dirty there".
I guess they don't have brooms and mops in Vegas. Hmmm.

I'm curious...If you're married, what outrageous things did you have to deal with?

Rizzle