Murder, Magic, and Madness

Do you love non-fiction books?

Do you heart history?

Are you looking for a new book to add to your Amazon Wish List?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, then I have the book for you! I just finished reading Devil in the White City, By Erik Larson, and I’m obsessed. This book was absolutely fascinating. It was seriously one of the best books I’ve read in a long time.


The book provides all of the history and details surrounding the legendary Chicago’s World Fair of 1893. The author intertwines the lives and stories of two men—the gifted architect behind the fair, and the menacing serial killer who used the fair to lure victims. The book is bursting with interesting and amazing historical facts. It really was America’s chance to shine, and it’s absolutely remarkable what they accomplished. Did I mention that I completely love this book?!?

Read it. I know you will love it!

Who Let the Dogs Out?

This year the girls got to pick out the Halloween costumes…much to the boys’ chagrin. Luckily, they were good sports and they agreed to be our puppy dogs. We had a great time at the church trunk or treat party. Here are a few pictures from the evening. Meow!

From Collages

All That Glitters

In college I once said, “Not all that glitters is gold…sometimes its platinum.” I’d like to add that, “Not all that glitters is gold…sometimes its fabulous!” Last weekend was Glitter Fest 2009 with my girls Vanessa and Ashley. We channeled Martha Stewart and made these to-die-for glitter pumpkins. They make the perfect centerpiece for the fall season.


Not only are these pumpkins adorable, but they are also fun and easy to make. All you need is white glue, Martha’s glitter, and a pumpkin and you are in business. Martha suggests using real pumpkins, but we picked up some decorative pumpkins at Michael’s instead. This way they will last for Thanksgiving too!


We are now all officially obsessed with this Martha Stewart glitter. As we were glittering away we kept looking around the house trying to find something else to glitter. Candles? Trash cans? Vanessa’s baby? We refrained from glittering everything in the house; however, we are already planning our attack for Christmas. Go glitter!

Start Spreading the News

Start spreading the news…I’m leaving today. Well, actually, I left last weekend for a fantastic trip to New York City. Sean and I hit the Big Apple for some great site seeing and quality time with my best friend, Holly.

It was the beginning of fall in NYC, so the weather was perfect. There is just something magical about that city. This was Sean’s first time to New York, so we saw all the good sites; Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, Top of the Rock, and Central Park. We even had time to take in a Broadway show.

The best part of the trip was spending time with Holly. It had been way too long since we had seen each other, so it was a fabulous reunion. I love Holly to death and I just can’t imagine life without her. I only wish that we didn’t live so far apart. It was so good to see you Holly. I miss you tons! Thanks for being our tour guide and showing us a great time. Hope to see you again soon!


Here are a few of my favorite pics. You can also scroll down below to check out a slide show of the rest of our pictures.

Link to Slideshow.

Jack and Squat

I'm always in need of a good laugh to help me kick start my Monday morning. Thought you might like one too...

Looks like the video is experiencing a few technical difficulties. Here is a link to it in case it's not working:

http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/clips/obama-address/1163263/

Oh Mexico!

A wise man once said…

Way down here you need a reason to move.
Feel a fool running your stateside games.
Lose your load, leave your mind behind, baby James.
Oh, Mexico! It sounds so sweet with the sun sinking low.
Moon so bright like to light up the night.
Make everything all right.

James Taylor took the words right out of my mouth. Sometimes a trip to Mexico really does make everything all right! Last weekend it did just that. We headed down south to Rocky Point with our good friends the Butlers, for some fun in the sun. We had an amazing time. Three full days of sun, sand, surf, and tacos.

We slept in, ate great food, talked, laughed, and spent all day at the beach or in the pool. It was so relaxing, and just what the doctor ordered. Here are a few pics from our weekend getaway. Como se dice…I want to go back ASAP?!?

Mona Lisa

Tomorrow is the big day. I am giddy with anticipation. Dan Brown’s new novel, The Lost Symbol, is finally being released. I’ve been waiting with bated breath for the past six years, anticipating the next adventure of Mr. Robert Langdon. Oh how I’ve missed you Robert.

My only sadness is that I can’t find a midnight release party. Don’t even get me started that Twilight and Harry Potter lovers get a thousand midnight release parties across the country and I can’t even find one midnight release for Dan Brown. If there was a release party I may or may not have totally gone to it. And I may or may not have dressed up as Mona Lisa. Oh well, I’ll just have to wait till tomorrow...and save my Mona Lisa costume for another day.

You have been sorely missed Mr. Brown. I can’t wait to see you again!

Monkey See, Monkey Do

There is a lot of monkey business going on around Phoenix. There are tons of photo radar cameras on the freeways here in the valley. Many people are outraged about the cameras, but one “primate” has started to take things into his own monkey hands.

I present to you…the Monkey-Masked Speedster!

This is just one of the photo radar shots of him in action. Apparently, this idiot has acquired over 35 speeding tickets wearing this ridiculous mask while driving on the Valley’s freeways. This guy must honestly have the brains of a monkey. Thanks for putting all of us at risk as you don your monkey mask while driving at an incredibly fast speed!

I would like Mr. Monkey to take the following quiz:

Which is more dangerous and stupid?
a. Talking on your cell phone while driving
b. Eating a banana while driving
c. Speeding
d. Wearing a monkey mask while speeding

Ding, ding, ding! If you answered D, you are correct! Do us all a favor ape-man—ditch the monkey mask and stop speeding…and don’t forget to keep your hands at ten and two.