Happy September!
Monday, August 31, 2009
The District of Columbia
As September begins tomorrow, I cannot help but long for Fall in Washington. Below is a little collage that I put together using Picasa with some of my favorite pictures from my time in our nation's capital. (Side note, Picasa is awesome!)
Happy September!
Happy September!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Hurricane Katrina
On August 29, 2005, the City of New Orleans and Mississippi Gulf Coast were forever changed. Hurricane Katrina came upon land the lives of those who called these places home. I have never lived in New Orleans but several of my very best friends grew up there and shared their love for the culturally energized city with me during our days at LSU.
As I look back on that terrible time in the lives of so many of those that I loved, I remember watching closely as my dear friend Meg's world was turned upside down. Her home was destroyed, her sisters winter wedding was postponed because her church had flooded, her family whom had always lived in the same neighborhood in New Orleans were relocating to new cities. Inspite all of those horrible things, there was a strong bond of strength from Meg and her family. They WOULD get through it together, they would get through it with prayer, and in the words of John Lennon, "they would get by with a little help from their friends." Watching them reminded me of the importance families and friends, and taught me how little important material possessions really were.
Four years later, the city is still rebuilding, but memories of Katrina will always remain. It was a storm that forever changed a way of life, but the people of the Gulf Coast have been resilient. As I reflect upon Katrina, it makes me so thankful for my own family and friends and proud, yet again, for the strength, courage, laughter, and grace my friends from New Orleans showed during those darkest days.
As I look back on that terrible time in the lives of so many of those that I loved, I remember watching closely as my dear friend Meg's world was turned upside down. Her home was destroyed, her sisters winter wedding was postponed because her church had flooded, her family whom had always lived in the same neighborhood in New Orleans were relocating to new cities. Inspite all of those horrible things, there was a strong bond of strength from Meg and her family. They WOULD get through it together, they would get through it with prayer, and in the words of John Lennon, "they would get by with a little help from their friends." Watching them reminded me of the importance families and friends, and taught me how little important material possessions really were.
Four years later, the city is still rebuilding, but memories of Katrina will always remain. It was a storm that forever changed a way of life, but the people of the Gulf Coast have been resilient. As I reflect upon Katrina, it makes me so thankful for my own family and friends and proud, yet again, for the strength, courage, laughter, and grace my friends from New Orleans showed during those darkest days.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Ted Kennedy
I know that all in Washington are saddened at the passing of Ted Kennedy. I decided when I started this blog that I would leave my political beliefs out of it, so I will hold true to that, but I do have to say that like many, many Americans I find the Kennedy's fascinating and intriguing (I also find the Bush family fascinating and intriguing, as to keep my blog "bipartisan".)
Greg and I saw Ted Kennedy at the Centennial Gala of the National Cathedral in 2007, and I must admit, I was politico-struck (DC's version of starstruck). I found it very cool to say I had seen one of THE Kennedy's. He was also married to a South Louisiana girl, who happened to be first cousins with my childhood pediatrician. Small world.
My sympathies go out to the Kennedy family as they mourn the loss of their father, husband, and uncle.
Greg and I saw Ted Kennedy at the Centennial Gala of the National Cathedral in 2007, and I must admit, I was politico-struck (DC's version of starstruck). I found it very cool to say I had seen one of THE Kennedy's. He was also married to a South Louisiana girl, who happened to be first cousins with my childhood pediatrician. Small world.
My sympathies go out to the Kennedy family as they mourn the loss of their father, husband, and uncle.
Friday, August 21, 2009
TGIF
It's Friday afternoon. Hallelujah! It's been SUCH a busy week!
Lets just talk for a minute about a blast from Friday's past. TGIF. As in Friday nights on ABC. I'm talking about Full House, Family Matters, The Dinosaurs. Aka, TV's finest. (Side note: do you guys remember the baby on Dinosaurs "I'm the baby got to love me." Yep, that was my sister KK in dinosaur form.) And who can forget Boy Meets World (aka, BMW) or Step by Step. Followed by 20/20. (Side note 2: I have a weakness for 20/20. Like I love it. Greg finds this funny as most times that we watch it I have fallen asleep on the couch by 9:20.)
Anyways, I am in strong support of ABC bringing TGIF back. Can you imagine? Michelle Tanner is 22. Steve Urkel is 40. DJ Tanner has 3 kids. Comet Tanner is...well, dead, unfortunately. (Shed a tear, I loved that dog...) Cory and Tapanga are married. Who is with me? A relaxing Friday night at home with the company of the Tanners and the Winslows. A girl can dream...
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Thursday, August 13, 2009
Roller Shoes
I hate them. You know which ones I am talking about...the shoes that kids can morph from a "walker" to a "skater" with a little click of the heel. It drives me crazy when kids are skating on their heels throughout the grocery store. Come on parents, there is a time and a place. And in my day, it was at The Skate Zone in Lafayette while I jammed to hits by "New Kids on the Block" or when Leanne and I "bladed" around the old hood. How does Central Market compare to these places? It doesn't...trust me, I love Central Market, but it is HARDLY The Skate Zone.
So long story short, I think these shoes should be banned. Kids look as they they are about to crack their head open as they zip through grocery shopping with their Mom. And they just irk me to no end. Maybe I am jealous that these kids get to mvoe faster down the aisle than I can. Maybe it makes me long for 1991 and my awesome Barbie Skates. Whatever the reason, I hate these things.
But thats just my opinion....
So long story short, I think these shoes should be banned. Kids look as they they are about to crack their head open as they zip through grocery shopping with their Mom. And they just irk me to no end. Maybe I am jealous that these kids get to mvoe faster down the aisle than I can. Maybe it makes me long for 1991 and my awesome Barbie Skates. Whatever the reason, I hate these things.
But thats just my opinion....
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
One Fine Day
On my drive to work "One Fine Day" by the Chiffons came on my favorite Sirius station...60s on 6. (Yes, I am 25 and love the 60s station. Some of the best music EVER came from those years!)
There is something about this song that makes me feel HAPPY!! Great melody, cute lyrics...I adore it. It was a great way to start my morning.
Hope you all have an EXCELLENT day. Almost half way through the week, so keep on truckin'.....
There is something about this song that makes me feel HAPPY!! Great melody, cute lyrics...I adore it. It was a great way to start my morning.
Hope you all have an EXCELLENT day. Almost half way through the week, so keep on truckin'.....
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Coffee please
My favorite coffee of the moment...Starbucks Caffe Verona. Its stronger than the Community Coffee we normally drink and tastes so yummy. You can buy it at Kroger and most grocery stores.
Its funny how a basic cup of coffee can be so indivualized. I like skim milk and 2 splendas. My mom says that the thought of having 2 splendas in her coffee makes her jaw want to lock. I think its perfect!!! How do you take YOUR coffee??
Its funny how a basic cup of coffee can be so indivualized. I like skim milk and 2 splendas. My mom says that the thought of having 2 splendas in her coffee makes her jaw want to lock. I think its perfect!!! How do you take YOUR coffee??
Sunday, August 9, 2009
My beauty essentials (aka, I'm high maintenance and I know it)
I was reading my sister's Lucky Magazine this weekend and several editors had put together their beauty product must-have list. These are my essentials (and I literally mean essentials, for those who know me well, you know I travel with pretty much my whole apartment, so everything ALWAYS comes with me.)
1. Dove soap. It's what my 87 year old grandmother Meme has used forever. And you should see her skin....she has no wrinkles! From face soap to body soap you cannot go wrong.
2. Bobbi Brown Moisturizer. My glutonness beauty pleasure. I swear its going to prevent my aging. And it smells lovely. Greg just hates the price...
3. Vera Wang Perfume. I've been wearing it for 4 years, and while I sometimes think about switching to a new scent, I just can't get away from it. It smells so fresh and pretty.
4. Johnson and Johnson Moisturizing Body Wash. It smells so sweet and makes your skin so soft.
5. Big Girl Lash Mascara. While this mascara isn't cheap, it takes your lashes to new lengths!
6. Facade Eyeliner. Local Houston make-up hot spot, Facade, has their own line of makeup, and I highly recommend their WATERPROOF (even resitant to Houston summer humidity!) eyeliner pencil. They also have a great spray on foundation that I wore for the day of my wedding...it stayed on for hours!
7. Smashbox Photofinish Foundation Primer and Eyeshadows. This foundation primer is perfect for making your makeup stay put, and I love the Sienna and Cinnamon Toast eyeshadows. Browns and neutrals work best for me, but they have lots of great colors.
8. Clinique Gel Bronzer. I cannot even begin to talk about how sad I am that this product has been discontinued. I would mix a little bit with my foundation for a more natural glow. My sister, KK, has suggested that Bobbi Brown has a similar product. We'll see....for now, I just need to make my last little bit last for a while!
9. Bobbi Brown Foundation and Lipsticks. Their oil free foundation is pricey, but perfect for my skin type all-year long. My all time favorite lipstick is Rasberry Shimmer, but I also mix it up sometimes with their pretty light pink color, Ruffle.
10. Nars "Orgasm" Blush. (I am glad I typed that, because I get so embarrassed saying it when I buy it!) My friend Gina recommended this blush to me. Its a great color and last forever! It just needs a new name...
11. Lubriderm or Curel Lotion. I come from a family of dry skin, so these are essentials!
12. L'occitaine Handcream. Butter for your hands. This stuff rocks.
13. ISO Bouncy Creme. I have used this hair product since 8th grade, so its tried and true on this crazy mane. Its my most favorite product ever! Its light, and controls frizz. I also use it when I wear my hair curly. Hard to find, but WELL worth it!
14. My shampoo and conditioner collections. Constantly evolving, I really should have gone to beauty school. I know shampoo like the back of my hand.
15. My roundbrush. 'Nuff said....
The list could go on, but I'll stop while I am ahead. Some might say I'm high maintenance..and I cannot disagree:)
1. Dove soap. It's what my 87 year old grandmother Meme has used forever. And you should see her skin....she has no wrinkles! From face soap to body soap you cannot go wrong.
2. Bobbi Brown Moisturizer. My glutonness beauty pleasure. I swear its going to prevent my aging. And it smells lovely. Greg just hates the price...
3. Vera Wang Perfume. I've been wearing it for 4 years, and while I sometimes think about switching to a new scent, I just can't get away from it. It smells so fresh and pretty.
4. Johnson and Johnson Moisturizing Body Wash. It smells so sweet and makes your skin so soft.
5. Big Girl Lash Mascara. While this mascara isn't cheap, it takes your lashes to new lengths!
6. Facade Eyeliner. Local Houston make-up hot spot, Facade, has their own line of makeup, and I highly recommend their WATERPROOF (even resitant to Houston summer humidity!) eyeliner pencil. They also have a great spray on foundation that I wore for the day of my wedding...it stayed on for hours!
7. Smashbox Photofinish Foundation Primer and Eyeshadows. This foundation primer is perfect for making your makeup stay put, and I love the Sienna and Cinnamon Toast eyeshadows. Browns and neutrals work best for me, but they have lots of great colors.
8. Clinique Gel Bronzer. I cannot even begin to talk about how sad I am that this product has been discontinued. I would mix a little bit with my foundation for a more natural glow. My sister, KK, has suggested that Bobbi Brown has a similar product. We'll see....for now, I just need to make my last little bit last for a while!
9. Bobbi Brown Foundation and Lipsticks. Their oil free foundation is pricey, but perfect for my skin type all-year long. My all time favorite lipstick is Rasberry Shimmer, but I also mix it up sometimes with their pretty light pink color, Ruffle.
10. Nars "Orgasm" Blush. (I am glad I typed that, because I get so embarrassed saying it when I buy it!) My friend Gina recommended this blush to me. Its a great color and last forever! It just needs a new name...
11. Lubriderm or Curel Lotion. I come from a family of dry skin, so these are essentials!
12. L'occitaine Handcream. Butter for your hands. This stuff rocks.
13. ISO Bouncy Creme. I have used this hair product since 8th grade, so its tried and true on this crazy mane. Its my most favorite product ever! Its light, and controls frizz. I also use it when I wear my hair curly. Hard to find, but WELL worth it!
14. My shampoo and conditioner collections. Constantly evolving, I really should have gone to beauty school. I know shampoo like the back of my hand.
15. My roundbrush. 'Nuff said....
The list could go on, but I'll stop while I am ahead. Some might say I'm high maintenance..and I cannot disagree:)
Friday, August 7, 2009
I'm in a Courtney state of mind
From no posts in weeks to 2 posts in 1 day. Go me.
Everybody has to be somewhere, and right now, this is my state of mind:
- Rearranging mode...from rearranging my space at work, to rearranging the furniture layout in my guest bedroom, I've made a few changes. For some reason, shifting furniture around makes me feel like I am in a new space, and I like that.
- Niven Morgan Gold Candles. I have bought one for pratically every room (okay, I know thats not many in our apartment, but still!) They are heavenly.
- Old family photos. Last weekend I spent a very special few days with my grandparents. I have the worlds GREATEST grandparents (who I call Baba and Gaga...aren't those names great?) It was just me, them, and my favorite little dachshund Charlie for 3 days of lots of cooking, catching up, and looking at great old pictures. We really did have the most wonderful time. I scanned TONS of photos and am going to put together a wall of old family photos in our apartment. See the bottom of this post for a few of my awesome finds.
- Cooking for my husband. I have actually learned that I LOVE to cook. WHO KNEW! It is so much fun. I love putting on my apron and some music and whipping up something for dinner. Greg is a big fan of my new obsession as well. It makes me smile knowing how much he enjoys dinner at home with just the 2 of us.
- Old Swing Music on comcast. After spending a few days at Baba and Gaga's house I have been loving listening to the swing music station on cable while cooking, doing, laundry, cleaning, you name it. It reminds me of them and makes me smile. It plays everything from Frank Sinatra to Michael Buble. I would highly recommend, something about that type of music just makes you feel GOOD!!!
- Vacuuming (sorry, thats a lame one, but its true, I am like a compulsive vacuumer)
- This puppy dog Mason, I really want him...how sweet is he!!! I am seriously contemplating convincing Greg to let us adopt him. He needs a home, and I think ours is just the one!! (And he HATES cats, just like me, I think its a match made in heaven!)http://www.dachshundrescueofhouston.org/viewdog.php?DogID=526
- Snicker doodle cookies....yummm. I made my Baba's recipe or Greg and some friends this week. They rock. Recipe to follow
- Counting weight watchers points, groan...after eating our weigh (no pun intended) through the Pacific Northwest, we are in Weight Watchers mode at Casa de Schilling. Doing it together though makes it a little more fun, and I forget how good I feel when I do it. I am a tried and true Weight Watchers veteran these days after 7 years of making their program fit my lifestyle.
http://www.weightwatchers.com/
- Container Store August-to-August calendars. YAY! I got to start my new calendar! Its the little things that make me happy.
- LSU Football Season....I'm ready for tailgates with Mrs. Smashley and Bogies Old School Night. Let the countdown begin!
- Halloween and Christmas decorations. I bought a precious Halloween frame and plate this week and I cannot wait to decorate our apartment for all of the upcoming Holidays. My boss gave me the greatest idea to start a photo album of all of our pictures from Christmases throughout the years to pull out during the holidays. Its my new project!
- Baby Billie Jean...I am so excited for January and my new little friend to come into the world. His mom is feeling great and we are all thankful for that. Now hurry up Billie Jean! I cannot wait to know if you are a boy or a girl!!!
Here are a few of the great old family pictures I talked about before...a few of them are from the 1800s! Baba is the stunning blonde and my mom is the PRECIOUS brunette little girl. Enjoy!
Everybody has to be somewhere, and right now, this is my state of mind:
- Rearranging mode...from rearranging my space at work, to rearranging the furniture layout in my guest bedroom, I've made a few changes. For some reason, shifting furniture around makes me feel like I am in a new space, and I like that.
- Niven Morgan Gold Candles. I have bought one for pratically every room (okay, I know thats not many in our apartment, but still!) They are heavenly.
- Old family photos. Last weekend I spent a very special few days with my grandparents. I have the worlds GREATEST grandparents (who I call Baba and Gaga...aren't those names great?) It was just me, them, and my favorite little dachshund Charlie for 3 days of lots of cooking, catching up, and looking at great old pictures. We really did have the most wonderful time. I scanned TONS of photos and am going to put together a wall of old family photos in our apartment. See the bottom of this post for a few of my awesome finds.
- Cooking for my husband. I have actually learned that I LOVE to cook. WHO KNEW! It is so much fun. I love putting on my apron and some music and whipping up something for dinner. Greg is a big fan of my new obsession as well. It makes me smile knowing how much he enjoys dinner at home with just the 2 of us.
- Old Swing Music on comcast. After spending a few days at Baba and Gaga's house I have been loving listening to the swing music station on cable while cooking, doing, laundry, cleaning, you name it. It reminds me of them and makes me smile. It plays everything from Frank Sinatra to Michael Buble. I would highly recommend, something about that type of music just makes you feel GOOD!!!
- Vacuuming (sorry, thats a lame one, but its true, I am like a compulsive vacuumer)
- This puppy dog Mason, I really want him...how sweet is he!!! I am seriously contemplating convincing Greg to let us adopt him. He needs a home, and I think ours is just the one!! (And he HATES cats, just like me, I think its a match made in heaven!)http://www.dachshundrescueofhouston.org/viewdog.php?DogID=526
- Snicker doodle cookies....yummm. I made my Baba's recipe or Greg and some friends this week. They rock. Recipe to follow
- Counting weight watchers points, groan...after eating our weigh (no pun intended) through the Pacific Northwest, we are in Weight Watchers mode at Casa de Schilling. Doing it together though makes it a little more fun, and I forget how good I feel when I do it. I am a tried and true Weight Watchers veteran these days after 7 years of making their program fit my lifestyle.
http://www.weightwatchers.com/
- Container Store August-to-August calendars. YAY! I got to start my new calendar! Its the little things that make me happy.
- LSU Football Season....I'm ready for tailgates with Mrs. Smashley and Bogies Old School Night. Let the countdown begin!
- Halloween and Christmas decorations. I bought a precious Halloween frame and plate this week and I cannot wait to decorate our apartment for all of the upcoming Holidays. My boss gave me the greatest idea to start a photo album of all of our pictures from Christmases throughout the years to pull out during the holidays. Its my new project!
- Baby Billie Jean...I am so excited for January and my new little friend to come into the world. His mom is feeling great and we are all thankful for that. Now hurry up Billie Jean! I cannot wait to know if you are a boy or a girl!!!
Here are a few of the great old family pictures I talked about before...a few of them are from the 1800s! Baba is the stunning blonde and my mom is the PRECIOUS brunette little girl. Enjoy!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
I'm baaaaaaaack!
Howdy amigos! After Lizzie accused me of being the "worst blogger ever" I decided to FINALLY write a post...
So much for my online trip journal, eh? Thought that counts I guess. We had an AMAZING time on our trip...it was so nice just to be just the 2 of us for a few days (I even went without my cell phone for 4 days!! And didn't complain too much about it!!!)
I highly recommend Vancouver, it is a FABULOUS city. And I even more highly recommend Bin941...this trendy wine bar with a great wine list and an even better menu. We ate there 2 out of 3 nights in Vancouver!
Whistler was such a neat ski town and will be a great location for the Olympics. I actually did a little "sporty activity" during our day there....well, kind of...
We adored Victoria, its a precious town that looks like it is straight out of Europe. It was a quick night, with not a great meal, but great weather!
Seattle was HOT HOT HOT while we were there...102 degrees (hottest day on record in Seattle HISTORY...go freaking figure) Seattle was probably my least favorite out of all 3 cities, but I did get to go onboard Kennedy and Eisenhower's Air Force One which was SO cool.
Below are a few fun pics from our Northwest Adventure, enjoy!!! (And they are in NO particular order, which drives me crazy...so sorry!)
So much for my online trip journal, eh? Thought that counts I guess. We had an AMAZING time on our trip...it was so nice just to be just the 2 of us for a few days (I even went without my cell phone for 4 days!! And didn't complain too much about it!!!)
I highly recommend Vancouver, it is a FABULOUS city. And I even more highly recommend Bin941...this trendy wine bar with a great wine list and an even better menu. We ate there 2 out of 3 nights in Vancouver!
Whistler was such a neat ski town and will be a great location for the Olympics. I actually did a little "sporty activity" during our day there....well, kind of...
We adored Victoria, its a precious town that looks like it is straight out of Europe. It was a quick night, with not a great meal, but great weather!
Seattle was HOT HOT HOT while we were there...102 degrees (hottest day on record in Seattle HISTORY...go freaking figure) Seattle was probably my least favorite out of all 3 cities, but I did get to go onboard Kennedy and Eisenhower's Air Force One which was SO cool.
Below are a few fun pics from our Northwest Adventure, enjoy!!! (And they are in NO particular order, which drives me crazy...so sorry!)
Oh look! Its Michelle and Barack! I mean Courtney and Greg....Schilling 2036.
Greg in the Seattle Fish Market
Vancouver Fireworks
Hiiiii Canada!
Sunset on last night in Seattle
Yummy sushi in Vancouver
Greg at Butchart Gardens (Victoria, BC)
Empress Hotel in Victoria
Gorgeous Sunflowers at Butchart Gardens (okay, so I am still a 5th grade lover of sunflowers, sue me...)
Hanging with the Hydrangeas
Ferry ride to Victoria
Most gorgeous drive in the world: Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver to Whistler
Whistler, Canada
Peak to Peak Gondola between the mountains in Whistler
Peace!
Greg at the top of Whistler Mountain
Granville Island, Vancouver
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