Just Dance.

Some weekends are for running errands. Some weekends are for sleeping. Some weekends are for being productive. 

This weekend was 

                     for Laughing,

                        for Loving,

                        for Eating,

 

                         for Drinking,

 

                          for Catching up,

  

                            for Celebrating, 

 and for lots and lots of Dancing.

Thank God for great Girlfriends and Thank God for great Weekends like these. 

Because sometimes every time,

            All she wants to do is Dance!

Celebrate

A little friendly reminder for Friday...

Celebrate the Moment

Celebrate Life

And

Celebrate You

(Why thank you coffee mug, I think I'll do just that!)

Happy Weekend :)

Painting-Mural #3

Last night, I finished my 3rd mural! (So great!)

I love painting! So much. And because one of my life philosophies is Go Big or Go Home, I have always tended to paint Large. (The more color, the better!)

So when I get the opportunity to paint something HUGE like a mural..it's this crazy rush of an exciting challenge that an entire wall, has now become my own blank canvas.

Oh the possibilities! 

My super great cousin Erin, introduced me to her friend/neighbor who was in need of someone willing to give a splash of color and creative flair to her front entry/main stairwell. That's right, stairwell.

Again, I'm only 5'2, so when I saw the HUGE blank canvas that extends up a large stairway...

I took a deep breath. Smiled. And thought, Game On.


Inspired by Anthropologie's unique wall paper, "Dreamscape", 5 visits and 18 hours of work later..

Painting Mural #3...

                                   A success.

Jolly's Drive In

Today is one of those days that I really wish I lived closer to Home.

Don't get me wrong, I love Chicago and everything this amazing big city has to offer. But home has my family, my life-long friends... and Jolly's.

Jolly's is a 1950's style Drive-In that was started by my grandparents, Vince and Betty Jolivette in 1938. For all of my life (and before) my Dad has since taken over the reigns of this Hamilton! Ohio, Hometown Favorite.

For as long as I can remember, Jolly's has always been my most favorite food. From a delicious mug of ice cold Root Beer, to a mouth-watering Footlong with Everything (Chili, mustard, onions and cheese); it's a comfort food that (for me) is like no other.

I can remember being little and playing on the big mounds of Sugar bags in the back room with my brothers. Wanting to "help" by "washing" the mugs for the carhop girls, and "late" night car trips in the Summer to help my Dad close for the day (really just getting my very own Brown Cow). Is there anything better than vanilla ice cream and Root beer? (doubtful)

So today, my Dad opened Jolly's for it's 73rd season.

How amazing is that? Almost three quarters of a century and it still gets me (and a few others) watering at the mouth.


So here's to that delicious fresh-popped popcorn, that glorious chili/cheese combo, and that glass of root beer that always seems to taste better in a mug.

Congrats Daddio! I'll be home soon.

Jolly Family Palooza 2011

Every first weekend in February, my Dad's side of the family comes from near and far to gather in the great city of Chicago.

A weekend among Jolly's finest includes a great amount of catching up, eating, drinking, dancing, shopping, and drinking. This year karaoke was even added to the mix. (Amazing!)


Who knew partying with your family could be this fun?

Here's to a really great Jolly Family with an even better Jolly Tradition.

                                                                     Cheers.

Snow Day

For the first time in over 10 years, I had a snow day.

Now, I am not afraid to admit that I am one of those people that are always completely jealous of my teacher friends when they get random days off or "snow days", especially when there is a meer dusting on the ground. I have honestly considered (more than once) about completely changing my career to be able to snag one of these jobs that encourages you to stay safe and home through monsoon, flooding, snowstorms, earthquake, as well as any other natural disaster.  But as my journey continues through the "real world", I have slowly accepted the fact that gone are the days of waiting up, wishing and hoping school would be closed for a day of freedom.

So on Tuesday night, the 1st of February, I can honestly say that I was pretty doubtful with all of the hype and hysteria over the brewing Blizzard that was supposed to come our way.

I. was. wrong.

Waking up and looking out the window to my car looking like this...

 Felt amazing. 

I knew that even if I wanted to go into work, there was absolutely no way I was digging out my snow covered car, anytime soon.

And then I got the email. 

The office will be closed today. 

YESSSSS!! 

I was literally 10 years old again, bouncing around in my PJs, so freaking excited that the "real world" actually granted me a Snow Day. 

Because I realize these days happen (well almost never), I made sure to spend the day doing some of my favorite things;

Napping, eating some great comfort food (pizza), enjoying some day time television, and of course..

Playing in the snow.