Archive for June, 2009

I didn’t mind living in an apartment when I lived in Indianapolis. I was right downtown, I walked to work, dining and shopping were right outside my front door, parades went past, and I listened to concerts just by opening the windows. Living in an apartment in the city was a choice – a way of life.

Now that we live in a small town, being an apartment dweller is just an every day reminder that we don’t own a home. There’s no advantage to living in an apartment – there are no shops or restaurants within walking distance, there’s no concerts or festivals, and the neighbors…lets just say they aren’t young working professionals.

I can’t wait to move somewhere like here (Some of you know where “here” is. I can’t tell the rest of you just yet. Sorry. Proprietary information.)….

house


filed under Buy Buy Buy, Gr

Mike’s been bugging me to watch The Curse of Cheddar Bay for over a week – mainly because my client makes cheddar garlic biscuits that are to die for (droll over my recent batch of cheddar garlic biscuits) and my secret love for the crimson crustacean – and it definitely brings the laughs.

Enjoy! And try not to crave a cheddar garlic biscuit the rest of the day.


filed under Boob Tube, Yum Yum

I think I’m running out of options. I’ve tried Lexapro (didn’t notice much of a change in my mood), Effexor (made me clench my jaw), Cymbalta (headaches that  may have been migraines – but I don’t want to be too dramatic) and now Pristiq (makes me sweat like a whore in church). Xanax has been my only constant – and I take that on an as needed basis (which, surprisingly, isn’t as regularly as you may think). I realize that whatever antidepressant I settle on, I’m probably going to have to deal with some mild side effects, but sweating is not one of the side effects I’m willing to embrace in exchange for being perkier.

I know some of you have your hand in the crazy, just like I do – so, tell me what you’re on. What have you tried? What have you had good luck with? What kind of side effects have you endured to get back to your sunshiny self?


filed under Oldie Moldies

My sister used to work at a medical spa, and I got used to having fabulous facials, massages, and other spa services on a regular basis. I also may have snuck in some Boxtox and had my eyeliner tattooed – which is just divine. Since both my sister and I have moved, I haven’t found a good place to get  Facials in Chicago, but I just heard about the Tiffani Kim Institute downtown and I’m dying to give it a try.

They offer medical and spa treatments from certified practitioners in a relaxing environment. The Tiffani  Kim Institute is located right inside the Park Hyatt on Michigan Avenue, so it’s a real treat to visit and relax for the day, and you come out looking and feeling refreshed – don’t forget you and can hit the Magnification Mile for some shopping, too.

I say we schedule some facials and massages while we’re all in town for Blogher – what do you say, ladies?


filed under Oldie Moldies

Congratulations to EMMA – she’ll be receiving a fabulous party package from Party Designers!

My mom always says that more than two people is a party, and that’s exactly what we had for Father’s Day dinner – me, Mom, and Dad. My husband was supposed to join us, but he got called into work. Too bad, because he missed a serious spread! Luckily, there are lots of leftovers…

Spicy Cilantro Hummus
Deluxe Garlic Ribs
Asian Super Slaw
Steamed Potatoes with Thyme
Fabulous Fruit Flan

As much as I’d love to pass everything off as my own – my mom even said that the ribs were better than her recipe – Andrea at Party Designers is the real Hostess With The Mostess behind my Father’s Day dinner. After completing a short survey at Party Designers, including questions about my cooking ability, the type of gathering, how many people will be attending, any special dietary needs, and any foods I’d like to feature and/or exclude from the menu, Andrea put together the amazing menu that you see above. Andrea also supplies detailed recipes, a grocery list, party planning and organizational tips, and a planning schedule, which really help everything go smoothly, even for our little gathering. Take a look at her sample menu and grocery list to see what I mean. I didn’t forget a single ingredient thanks to the grocery list.

Andrea’s love of entertaining and planning is apparent in her attention to detail and personalized party plans, and she can totally help you plan the perfect graduation party, summer BBQ, cocktail party, or any other soiree you have planned this summer. If you’d like Andrea to help with one of your upcoming parties, she’s graciously offered to plan a menu for one lucky winner! You’ll receive a mouth-watering menu with recipes, grocery list and planning schedule, as well as planning and party tips that you can use for any gathering.

Here’s how to enter:

  • Leave a comment and let Andrea know what upcoming event you need help planning.
  • Follow @CorrinRenee and @PartyDesigner on Twitter
  • Twitter the following:

@CorrinRenee @PartyDesigner please help me plan my next party! http://tinyurl.com/ndvuts

Please leave a separate comment for each entry! And consider subscribing to my feed because I have a few other awesome giveaways up my sleeve this summer!

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The fine print…Entries will be accepted until midnight, Friday, June 26th. Winners will be chosen at random and announced on Saturday, June 27th. Winners will be contacted by email and/or Twitter and will have 48 hours to respond. Please use your real first name and a valid email address when entering. I am not responsible for incorrect contact information. Winner will receive a gift card directly from Party Designers.


filed under This and That, Yum Yum