Hello again.

Hello blogger world! It's been a long, long time... So long in fact, that I've decided to re-enter the blogosphere by starting from scratch with a new blog home. Come visit, if you like. You'll find me sharing bits + pieces over at wisp + whim. See you there!

xo,

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for having a roof over my head, food in the cupboards, a steady job and, most importantly, wonderful, loving, hilarious friends! Oh, and a new man that makes me smile :)

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Even though it is so easy to whine about the things that we want or need, or just all around take things and people for granted, let's take today to remember what we have and count our many, many blessings.

xoxo,


Image via we heart it

Just 'cause...

I'm about to go get myself another cup in fact... to help me get over this "hump" day. Hope you're having a good one!

xoxo,


Image via pinterest

Meaningful words

"I really care about you."

Funny how five little words can mean so much.

Hearing them felt like someone hugged my heart.

These were pretty nice to hear, too:

"You make me so happy."

"I want to make you feel special."

"I can't wait to see your beautiful smile."

Yep, I think he's a keeper. :)

Image via we heart it

A new set of wheels

You read that right! On Sunday, baby got herself a new set of wheels! Woo hoo! :)

Ok, here's the back story. On Friday, I was rushing out the door, running late as usual to a work meeting, and hopped in my car, a beloved black 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier that was my older brother's first (and only) car.

Beloved it may be, but when I went to start the engine, all I got was an odd vhmmm sound. Not even a hopeful click click click. Thus, I promptly went back inside and had my dad drive me to my meeting. (Only slightly embarrassing.)

I later had my dad and younger brother check out the car to see what was wrong and it turned out my battery was fine. But my starter was dead. A call to the dealer said a new starter would run me about $435 in parts and labor. This, coupled with the fact that I already needed new tires and have long been in dire need of a new car, made the decision for me: Time to go car shopping!

Fortunately, I'd been looking on and off for months, comparing different options in the "affordable small car" category. Many got vetoed on looks alone, I'll admit. Hey, if I'm spending thousands of dollars it better be pretty! Though highly rated, the Ford Fiesta felt like a tuna can. (Or sardine can? Either way, not good.) And I didn't like the handling of the Chevy Cruze. The Ford Focus was a bit out of my price range, as was the Mazda3...

Last year, when Hyundai redesigned the Sonata, I was totally smitten (as were automotive critics). But again, a bit out of budget. So when I learned that Hyundai similarly revamped their more affordable Accent, I was intrigued. On Saturday, I test drove the car at my local dealer and felt instantly comfortable behind the wheel. I liked the stylish exterior, the surprisingly roomy interior, the amazing mpg: 30 city, 40 highway! But I didn't like that the only Accent sedan on the lot was a Mocha Bronze color. Fast-forward to Sunday, the 'rents and I return to the dealer, ask if they can get the car in blue from another dealer (who we didn't want to deal with because of shady reviews), and a few hours later I am the proud owner of a new 2012 Hyundai Accent in Clearwater Blue!

I felt super nervous at the dealership-- I never bought a car before! But I have to say, the sales staff there made it a pleasant experience. They've already called me twice to see how me and my Accent are doing. And we're doing great! I love my new wheels and I think I made a good choice. Now, when it comes to donating my Chevy, I have no doubt I will shed a few tears-- I well up just thinking about it-- but that's another story for another day...

Till then, a few more photos!

What do you think? :)

Hazel feeling festive!

This past Saturday I celebrated Halloween with friends at a house party. I dressed as a sexy Coastie (aka, member of the Coast Guard!). Pictures to follow... But today, on actual Halloween, I dressed up for the office lunch party in what I'm calling a bad-ass cheetah costume (It was a last-minute get-up-- just grabbed an animal printed dress out of my closet. And then another reporter came in with the same idea. Twinsies!). I didn't feel like going home and changing before doing the blotter, which means right now I'm sitting in the police station lobby... in kitty cat makeup! Full on whiskers, baby. LOL. What can you do what duty calls?

What are you doing to celebrate Halloween? Or did you go to a spooktacular party this past weekend? And did you dress up for work today? :)


Super late update (as in two weeks after Halloween!) but here's a few photos!

Me and my bestie. Marielle was an adorable penguin (she was obsessed with all things penguin as a kid). Her "costume" is actually a dress from Hot Topic! She let me do her makeup for the night. :)

Me and "Lt. Dangle"-- you know, from Reno 911! He sure knew how to work those booty shorts and 'stache! 

This is me at my office party, with my former editor, Kyle-- who came to work dressed up as my new editor, Scott! LOL.

Work friends. Karma, on the right, always has the most kick-ass costumes!

Views of New York

Lexington and 53rd Street

Prince and Lafayette

Obsessed with these "finger-painted" views of New York by Jorge Colombo. Don't you love how the lights just glow? I almost feel like I am taking an evening cab ride through the city.



Images via 20x200