Headbandwagon

I've jumped on the "headbandwagon", which means I bought myself one of those sickenly trendy, yet oh so cute, feathered headbands. I was in Urban Outfitters yesterday, and I just couldn't help myself. I blame Kenley from Project Runway. Despite being a massive beyotch, she was freakin' adorable. I don't know how I feel about it. Something in me tells me that I can't pull it off. I don't have that "retro" look going on, no matter how much eyeliner and red lipstick I slap on. But hey, it's worth a shot.

I'm going to Making Time tonight. (Making Time = sweaty, crazy, indie rock, dj, live band, dance party) I'm pretty stoked. And then we have two parties to attend tomorrow night. Busy weekend!

Today is the Phillies celebration parade. Depending on whether or not I feel like walking in that direction to get lunch, I may pop over to see it. But it's not a priority for me like it is for the other 1.5 million people here. So many of my coworkers have ditched out today, which means it's extra quiet for me. Just how I like it!

Ooh, a tag!

I feel so special! Annie of imogene tagged me!

favorite artist/designer: I've always loved Keith Haring
I love to create using: paper
what inspires me: music, really creative advertising, my insanely talented friends
favorite medium besides my own: letterpress, I wish I could do it!
most inspirational city: NYC
ideal weekend off: wandering around a busy city on a beautiful day and sitting on a park bench reading a great book with a cup of coffee in my hand
favorite color: lately it's been plum
favorite musician: (of all time)- tough call, i love stuart murdoch of belle & sebastian, or elliott smith, or thom yorke
favorite movie: I have to steal Annie's answer and say Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
favorite song: "pyramid song" by radiohead or "don't leave the light on, baby" by B&S
favorite song lyric: "Give me my money back. Give me my money back, you bitch. I want my money back. And don't forget. And don't forget to give me back my black t-shirt." Ben Folds Five
If I could have any other job it would be: Does "singer in a crazy punk rock band" count as a job?
I wish: I had more free time to do all of the things that I want to. Take classes, go on vacation, craft, write, draw, hang out with my family, volunteer, read, cook, clean, decorate, organize, sleep, shop, sew, etc.

Okay peeps, here's who I'm tagging: Maria, Devon, and Jules.

Slack-a-dack-a-ding-dong

Yeah, I'm slacking, I know. Blogging is hard!!

I took off work today so I could work on a project, but I haven't even started and it's 2:15 pm. That's bad. And it's all your fault! I could have started, but nooooo. I had to post for you! You'd better feel special.

Anyway, I wanted to get some work done today because I'm not going to be around this weekend. We're headed up to my parents' house tonight, since they are closer to NYC. Tomorrow we're going on a walking food tour in Greenwich Village with my in-laws. Unfortunately, the weather couldn't be crappier. "Windy with morning showers evolving to a steady, soaking rain in the afternoon." Awesome. That's kind of putting a damper on the fun of the whole thing.

In other news, I wanted to share this with you. Suzie, who is an absolute sweetheart and writes the blog Button & Squiggle sent me a package of goodies! Blog readers, meet Gelb (left). Gelb, meet my blog readers. She was holding a little blog contest for Gelb and she ended up making a bunch of Gelb friends so that she could send one to everyone who had entered! He's so lovely! She also sent me an assortment of paper goodies too, which you know always wins my heart.

But in addition to all that, I got a special treat. Suzie creates these beautiful illustrations, and she drew a picture of me and Gelb! I think it's the best drawing of me that exists! I was so excited about it that I ran out to Target to buy a frame, and I hung it in my office. Isn't it great?!



Other than that, I have no news. I'm working on this project, sort of having to do with Operation NICE. If all works out, it could be really amazing, but I don't want to get my hopes up just yet. I'm not going to share in fear of jinxing anything, but I'll let you all in on it when the timing is right.

Rob called me when I was in the middle of this post. After our conversation, he said, "I love you, now go right." I replied, "What?" And he kept saying, "go right, now, go right." So I look right, and there's my window. I'm thinking, is he outside and he's trying to tell me he came home early? "Huh??" Then he says, "Write, like type. Go write!" Ohhhhh. Those dang homonyms. They get me every time.

Sleep-talking Nonsense: Part 2

I have mentioned before, sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and just start talking nonsense. I'm half awake, but I really believe that what I'm saying makes perfect sense.

The other night I woke up, turned to Rob, and said, "The ducks can't pronounce the g's." He thinks this is the most hilarious thing. So he tries to convince me that I'm babbling about ducks, but in my head, I feel like I really need to explain what I mean. I'm not insane! So I go off about how the ducks are on a game show, but they just can't pronounce their g's. Finally, when I feel like he just doesn't "get it", I frustratedly roll over and go back to sleep. But I'm awake through this event. When Rob brings it up the next day, I remember the whole thing! It's then, and only then, that I realize I was talking like a crazy person.

Pick a Flick

Once again, I've resorted to posting videos so that I don't have to write much on here. But this is for good reason. There are so many good movies out right now, and I've been trying to get out to see them. But between Rob's soccer practice and the baseball playoffs, he hasn't had much time to see a movie, let alone four or five!

I'd like to see Religulous. Rob, surprisingly, isn't as interested. Mainly because he thinks Bill Maher is a "dick". But I think this will be a nice companion to The Year of Living Biblically, which I'm currently reading and loving. It's making me think about religion differently.

And then there's Towelhead, a movie by the same writer of American Beauty and creator of Six Feet Under. Part humorous, part disturbing.

Trouble the Water is only in the theater here for a few more days, so if I want to see it, I should go on Wednesday. I have a feeling this one will make me feel like crap, and I'll probably cry my eyes out.

And lastly, I kind of sort of want to see Choke and Burn After Reading. I won't post those trailers because they are mainstream. So, have you seen any of these?? What do you think?

I love scarf weather!

I love wearing my plaid tweed blazer, complete with elbow patches along with a wooly scarf. That always seems to be my uniform for attending the Collingswood Book Festival, which happens to be tomorrow. The weather should be perfect. By the time we start (10am), it will be just chilly enough to justify a cup of hot chocolate.

I always leave Rob alone to do his nerd thing while I wander the farmer's market, stuffing my face with cheese samples. Then I'll probably pull up a bench and start reading. Rob thinks it's funny that I'll bring a book to a book festival, but I can't even keep up with the ones I currently have, so I'll take that time to relax, read, and people watch. I might even bring my moleskine to jot down some notes.

Either way, I'm really looking forward to it! I won't even be sad if the Stewart's Root Beer truck isn't there. Okay, maybe a little.

Keeping Busy

Hi everyone! I've been around, I swear. I know you've noticed that my posting has not only diminished in quantity, but also quality. Sorry for the lame video posts, life has been a tiny bit overwhelming lately. Work is...well, work. It's busy season for us. And unfortunately our busy season is much like the baseball season. Excruciatingly long. (Um, I mean, go Sox!)

Aside from work, Operation NICE has been quite the time-sucker lately. I mean that in the best way possible! I love this project, I do. But sometimes it's tough sitting in front of a computer for 9 hours straight and then eating a quick meal only to sit in front of a different computer for a few more hours. Do you know how behind I am in Top Model, Project Runway, and Gossip Girl?! Egads! But in the end, it's all worth it. (Oh, side note. There's a giveaway going on over there now, so you may want to stop by.)

My Roberto has been coaching soccer, which means he isn't around to do his wifely duties like dishes, vacuuming, and laundry. And lord knows I'm not pickin' up those tasks! Therefore, you can imagine the state of our home. I could probably write "WASH ME" in the layer of dust on our hardwood floor.

In hilarious news, my mother called me today to tell me that they had a sewage blockage which resulted in the explosion of their bathroom. An explosion of poop! My clean freak mother bleached the entire area approximately 40 times, but she claims she can still smell poop in the house.

Excuse me for a minute.


HAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHA!

Okay, I'm back. I tried to show her how funny this situation is, but she doesn't see it that way. One day she will.

No other news to report, as of yet. I hope you all are doing super duper!

Don't Vote

Seen on Jenn Ski Studio Blog:

I'm not Jewish...

...but I'd be willing to make The Great Schlep.

You know, if I had grandparents in Florida. But I don't. So I'll stay put.

Either way, this video cracks me up! Oh Sarah Silverman, please tell me, how can I be as delightfully funny as you are?

Warning: This video has hilarious NSFW language.

The Great Schlep from The Great Schlep on Vimeo.

Mosaic of Mel

Found this on Danielle's blog, Midwest Modern Girl, and I couldn't help myself. There's nothing like a flickr distraction on a rainy Friday.


1. Melissa Vogue, 2. Flickr Loves Sushi. Mmm., 3. Toms River High School North Marching Band, 4. Lime Green Window Shutter, Red Flowers and a Rail, 5. Nick Zinner, Yeah Yeah Yeah's, 6. Fitz's Root Beer, 7. Greece, 8. Chocolate Mint Brownie Sundae , 9. Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, 10. 3 / 52: creativity, 11. Le Carnaval de Nice - 1 : flying papers, 12. melissahead buttons!!!

My answers:
1. What is your first name? (melissa)
2. What is your favorite food? (sushi)
3. What high school did you attend? (toms river high school north)
4. What is your favorite color? (lime green)
5. Who is your celebrity crush? (nick zinner)
6. Favorite drink? (root beer)
7. Dream vacation? (greece)
8. Favorite desert? (brownie sundae)
9. What do you want to be when you grow up? (rich and famous)
10. What do you love most in life? (creativity)
11. One word to descibe you? (nice, duh)
12. Your flickr name? (mel829)

So here's the deal...you answer the following 12 questions about yourself (my answers are in parentheses):

Wanna play? It's addicting! Type your answer to each of the above questions into Flickr's search. Using only the images that appear on the FIRST page, choose your favorite and copy and paste each of the URL's nto the Mosaic Maker (or make it yourself in photoshop). Have fun (and post a comment here if you do it)!

{photo credits are listed above}

Now what?

Things are going super, thanks for asking! Yesterday, my virtual baby Operation NICE was featured in the Daily Candy weekend guide, which was pretty freakin' awesome. My total hit count for yesterday was 8,345. Just to give you a basis of comparison, I normally average around 400. Insane right?

So, now what? I sort of feel like I just reached a goal, and now I need a new goal. Do I make Operation NICE a non-profit?? I'd love to, but that businessy stuff, well to be honest, it frightens me. But I have thoughts about things I'd like to sell. And you know what else I'd love to do? I'd love to do workshops or give talks about the importance of niceness. Kind of funny to hear coming from a self-proclaimed introvert. But I actually love public speaking. I know, I'm weird. Also, I was talking with some friends of mine about the idea of a book...maybe. I don't know.

I feel like I'm at a crossroads, but instead of two roads in front of me, I have twenty. My dad always said that there is no "wrong" path. Each path will lead you in a different direction, but none of them are "wrong". That's comforting. But I also don't want to take the really windy, treacherous, never-ending path. The short, flower-lined, well-paved path is good for me!

Melissa: The Last 10 Years

Yesterday was my 10 year high school reunion. I debated whether or not I wanted to go for over a month. I was one of those people that graduated and promised myself I'd never go back. But you know what? I'm glad I did. It was an enjoyable experience. I reconnected with some people who I wish I would have known better when I actually was in high school. And I also discovered that things haven't changed much, even though I have.

While watching everyone drink their $50 worth, I realized WHY I was an outcast in high school. It wasn't because I was a geek or a loser. It was because I shared nothing in common with nearly everyone else. I really believe that my high school was filled to the brim with one-dimensional, superficial people. Many of them came from wealthy families. And that just wasn't me. And it isn't me. So going last night was sort of an epiphany. Closure. I was truly happy that I wasn't "accepted" by the "in crowd" back then. As cliché as it sounds, it made me who I am today. And the folks who I enjoy spending time with usually had a similar experience in high school. So there must be something to it!

Also, I was talking with someone about the experience, and they stated that the majority of people peaked in high school. Not me. I'm peaking now. Late bloomer, I suppose!

But I will say this. I looked fabulous! Haha! Thanks to the voters, I went with the shirt dress and ended up getting a FANTASTIC pair of brown and purple snakeskin heels. So, here's me!



And just for fun, I scanned my senior portrait in and did a little comparison. My hair got shorter yet bigger. I'm much paler. But all in all, I think the years have treated me well!

News and Outfit Help

I haven't been around much, I know. But I've been waiting for this for a week or so. Awesome, right?!

Anyway, I'm really posting for a reason. I need help. My 10 year high school reunion is on Saturday, tomorrow. And I don't know what to wear! First of all, I wasn't going to go. But after a month of going back and forth, I'm just going to see what's up. But, since I was a huge dork in high school, I have to do the stereotypical thing and show everyone how FABULOUS I am now. Heh heh.

Do you like any of these outfits???



I don't know if I do. I couldn't find anything with enough WOW factor. I may have to go shopping after my hair appointment. But I thought I'd get some opinions. Let me know!! THANKS!

BarackRoll'd??

Okay, this had me nearly in tears!

Alphabeautiful!

I received my gorgeous wall decal from TastySuite the other day so I attempted to put it up last night. I wasn't quite sure where to put it. I knew it had to be in my office. And there's this huge empty spot above my computer, but nothing seems right there. I was thinking maybe a picture rail with a collection of framed artwork. Who knows.

Anyway, I decided to put the decal above my Expedit bookcase. Seemed like just the right amount of space. I love it!


So I haven't been blogging as much lately. I think it's because most of my blog time has been taken up by Operation NICE. Speaking of that, some pretty awesome news to come regarding that next week!

Let's see if I have any updates worth mentioning. Well, I went out to see my friend's cover band in New Hope last Friday and the old DJ dude called me Sarah Palin. Yes, because all women with glasses look alike. I was a tad bit offended, but I suppose that's better than saying that I look like Janet Reno.

The Red Bull Soap Box Derby was not a ball of fun. I was pretty miserable actually. Soaked. Irritated. Sweaty. Squished. All around uncomfortable. But the Ben Folds show was the redeeming event of the day! Dang he's good. And with an orchestra?! Unbelievable. I nearly cried like five times because the music was so moving.

I actually don't even have any purchases to speak of because I've been good! That is most likely because I STILL haven't worn all the new clothes I bought. Once I get through them all, I'll go back to shopping like a maniac. In the meantime, I should put some money into my savings account quickly, before I know any better!

Rain Rain Go Away

Rob and I really try to hit every fun Philadelphia event that we can. Which is why we were super excited to hear a few months ago that the Red Bull Soapbox Race was coming here, on the Manayunk Wall no less! Race day is tomorrow, and it was bound to be a great party with awesome photo potential. "Was" is the operative word here.

But it looks like Mother Nature hates soapbox races because she sure is trying to ruin this one.


They claim that they are racing rain or shine, but heavy rain and wind is definitely going to put a damper on this event. I know there will be a few hardcore partiers out there no matter what the weather, but I'm sure there will be few parties, fewer people, and much soggy discomfort for the folks that stick it out.

Knowing Rob, we're going to try to go no matter what. Unless there's lightning. He hates lightning. So maybe I'll put those rain boots and new trench coat to good use. Either way, I get to end the night with one of my loves, Ben Folds! Plus a full orchestra! And considering the forecast, I'm glad I sprung for regular seats instead of the lawn!

Here's what tomorrow could have been like:

Dumb Luck?

You can see on the left hand side of my blog that I'm currently reading this book called, The Power of Kindness: The Unexpected Benefits of Leading a Compassionate Life. I love it. I'm about halfway through, and last night I read the chapter on Mindfulness. I need some help in this area because I always tend to worry about the past or the future, without focusing on the present. So that's something that I'll work on.

But one part was talking about how lucky people really aren't lucky. They are just more mindful. They notice things around them. They are aware of the good and therefore stumble upon what folks would consider lucky. Sure, makes sense. But for a self-proclaimed mindfully-challenged individual, I've had a lot of luck lately!

I noticed it this morning when I received an email from Rachel over at Red Prairie Press saying that I had won the scarf contest on her blog! Yay! My fingers were crossed for that Pink with Poppies scarf that she had.


Amazing! I was so happy to find out that I won! Then I thought about it and realized that it was the THIRD blog contest that I had won in a matter of a week and a half. Earlier last week I received an email from Justina of perch saying that I won the TastySuite wall decal contest on HER blog! I narrowed it down to two and asked her to choose her favorite, so it would be a surprise.


And then also last week, Niki from Niki's DesignO'Blog let me know that I won her UPrinting.com business card giveaway! She said they would contact me and I haven't heard from them yet, so we'll see what happens. But isn't that kind of crazy?? It's not like I'm the only person entering these contest. I'm feeling pretty lucky! Maybe it's good karma. Maybe it's the creative vizualization. I mean, I totally visualized myself wearing that pink scarf, handing out Operation NICE business cards, and applying my wall decals. Maybe it works.

Whatever it is, perhaps I should buy a lottery ticket.

I need help!

I've always joked that I have a shopping problem. But I think it's becoming serious. I honestly can't walk into a store without buying something. Lately, dressing nicely has been very important to me. Not sure why. But while I've always loved clothes, in the last year, I find myself wanting more and more. I need pants in every style and color. I need more skirts and dresses. I need accessories that match every outfit I own.

Luckily, I don't have any credit card debt. I'm fairly responsible when it comes to my finances. The only thing is that I could be saving A LOT more than I am. I'm hoping that once it gets cooler outside, I won't be going out to shop as much. As long as I can cut out the online shopping, I'll be all good.

Just to give you an idea of what I do, this is a list of all of the clothing items I purchased LAST WEEK. Now, just so you know, it's not like I haven't shopped in months or even weeks. I buy clothes every week. The previous week I most likely bought half as many items, but still. I'm going to need a second closet soon.

pink short sleeve button down
gray short sleeve button down
cream lace cami
black lace cami
light brown long sleeve wrap
black long sleeve wrap
yellow ballet flats
tiffany blue ballet flats
yellow corduroy blazer
purple scoop neck tee
purple scarf
white scarf
silver necklace
purple shirt dress
teal short sleeve scoop neck sweater
brown pin striped dress pants
gray dress pants
black pin stripe dress pants
black pin stripe vest
5 pairs of tights (2 black, 2 yellow, 1 burgundy)
black trench coat
gray long sleeve cardigan
pink long sleeve button down shirt
red skinny belt
black skinny belt

This is the only reason I'm happy to go back to work...so I can wear my new clothes. It's excessive, right? I wish I had photos of all these items so I could make a ridiculous mosaic. But check out these two pairs of shoes I bought! Aren't they the cutest?? I blame that purchase on Danielle.


I'm stopping now. I swear. If I post about anything else that I bought, please reprimand me.

28 years young!

Last Friday was my 28th birthday. One year closer to 30, as my grandchildless mother likes to remind me. It was a fun day, particularly since I didn't have to work. I took this photo in the morning, so I have one to document my 28th year. People still think I look like a kid. I suppose that's a good thing.



We started our day with breakfast as a nearby café. I heart breakfast foods. Pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, toast. Mmm. Artery-clogging goodness! Then we went to see the Real Pirates exhibition at the Franklin Institute because I had received free tickets via Starbucks. (Thanks Starbucks!) It was really neat. I was blown away when I saw the real pirate's treasure spilling out of the cliché treasure chest. We were even able to touch some of the "pieces of eight", but Rob refused because "do you know how many people have TOUCHED that????"

Afterwards we headed to Marathon Grill for a burger and then I had a delicious milk shake on the way home. I was able to rest for a few hours before we headed back to the city for bowling with our friends.


The best part of the night was the end of our final game. The boys side finished early because they had one less player. Rob had the lead with a 149. When it came to my 10th frame, I had a 130. I told everyone that I needed either a strike then a spare or a spare then a strike, which was highly unlikely, to beat Rob. But everyone was rooting me on because apparently no one ever wants Rob to lose. Plus it was MY birthday! My first ball ended up being a strike. The crowd cheered! My next ball was a 6. Not great. The pressure was on. I threw that final ball and we all watched intently. It felt like slow motion. SPARE!!! I won with a 150, highest game of the night! Haha! It was glorious!

After bowling we went to the 700 Club and boogied down to some old school hip hop. There's nothing like a little Skee-lo on your birthday. All in all , a way fun night!

I was teasing Rob because he kind of blew it a bit. The bowling party wasn't a surprise, since he had to ask me for my friends' phone numbers. And he didn't buy me a birthday present. No card. No cake. Nothing. And his reasoning? "You don't need anything." Well duh. He said that my present was breakfast, lunch, and bowling. He's right, I don't need anything. But I admit it was a little sad not having any gift to open. And no surprises. Even if he would have picked up some grocery store flowers of something, it would have been a surprise. But Rob has never been the greatest with surprises, so I kind of expect it now. That's why I spoiled the heck out of myself that whole week. Someone's gotta, right? Luckily I take good care of myself since my hubby isn't the "spoiling" type.

But I loved my birthday! And I have a feeling my 28th year is going to be a really great one!

I'm always late.

I know most of you are probably familiar with what has happened to fellow blogger Stephanie and her husband Christian. If you aren't, please visit this site. For those that are aware, you know that today (Thursday) was declared Nie Nie Day by Design Mom.



Being the procrastinator that I am, I missed the deadline to submit my blog to Design Mom, but I felt I should do my part anyway. Technically it wasn't procrastination. I was away in NYC all day with no laptop. So anyway, I'm holding a silent auction of my own over at Operation NICE. Even if you aren't interested in my things, I'd love it if you could check out the Design Mom blog because she has over 275 listings of silent auctions, so there might be something out there for you! All proceeds go directly to Stephanie and Christian's recovery.

Thanks for reading!