Need To Want Less

(This about sums it up. Someone should tape this to my forehead.)

So, I am guilty. I am in a buying mood lately, and today I caved and bought myself an "early birthday present." It's a Kate Spade "Camelia Avenue" Posy Vase....I saw one similar to these at Macy's (in clear glass) when I was hunting for a bridal shower gift and thought they were just adorable. (I believe Sarah and Southern Charm bought one for the bride-to-be!)

So when they popped up on the Rue La La boutique for $19.00 I just HAD to have it. I got the VERY LAST ONE! I think it will be perfect on the shelves above our credenza at the apartment or in my office. (You can click on the link above if you want to join Rue La La! It's where I also first saw my Invicta watch that the beau ended up getting me for Christmas.)

Last week I may or may not have ordered a new bathing suit -- but for $20.00 I couldn't resist. Just hope it fits. And yesterday Dad mentioned going to look at new phones this weekend! Yippee!

There are also a few pairs of Ray Bans that I have had my eyes on...I'm hoping maybe one comes my way for my birthday! In the meantime, I have been stalking them on eBay.

Found here.

Found here.

Welcome to the World!

Here is the newest addition to my extended family:

Introducing Daniel Jacob...

He is a precious little one, isn't he? He's my cousin's third son. He was actually born last week but I didn't have a picture until now!

I also loved this picture that my Aunt Joan (the proud grandma) took:

That's Danny's two big brothers and their Uncle Mike (my cousin). There is just something sweet about the balloon, the blue sky, and the St. Louis landmarks. Just had to share. Hope you all had a great start to the week!

Simply,
MJ

A little advice...

...on what NOT to do once you get engaged. An ex-boyfriend of mine (if you could call it that) from high school recently got engaged. We "dated" when I was a freshman...the sweet kind of romance where you talk on the phone for like an hour every night, hold hands as you walk in laps around the stands at the Friday night football games, and pass notes in the hallway between classes -- usually as I was on my way to and from Spanish class with Ms. Spiller. In fact, he asked me out in a note that was passed on my way to Spanish. (I probably still have almost every note in a box at home.) Those were two of the best months of my life (sigh) until I broke up with him because I heard he was flirting with Nora in gym class (the PMS probably didn't help). Sure enough to get back at me he starts dating her like 2 weeks later, and they ended up dating for like 2 years. I was heart broken (I thought) for like a month.

Anyway, he is now engaged to a girl he has been dating for like 5 years. (Guess I missed my chance...haha...). And recently he keeps posting lovey-dovey song lyrics as his Facebook status. Gag me with a spoon. Really dude. We know you are in love. Give it a break.

Some samples:
"I know a girl, she puts the color inside of my world..."

"She's my world..."

{Insert quote from fiance} "Congrats on the engagement to the most awesome girl to ever walk this earth!! Hahaha and to think, u made me this way :D"

"I'm living life right now, and it's what I'm going to do until it's over..."

"Simple little thing called Love..."

"A wonderful night on the town with my fiancé!!!"

{Insert quote from fiance} "My fiance!!!! OMGGGG I love u!!!"

And to think...I used to doodle his name all over my planner. With little hearts and our initials every where. And each "milestone" in our relationship marked on the pages. Like ALL over my planner. Well...at least until I started "dating" someone else. Ooohhh to be 14 again.

So just a little advice: When any of you get engaged, please, refrain from the sickening posts. I KNOW you will feel the need, but we will already know you are in love. And I'd prefer to not have to purchase the said spoon for gagging. Plus, you don't want to end up on some ex's blog post.

Simply,
MJ

The Summer Day

I'm taking a vacation day tomorrow, and with the holiday Monday that makes for a 4 day weekend. For no reason. I have absolutely no plans. And that's just the way I like it and want it. This poem kinda reminded me of why:

The Summer Day

By: Mary Oliver

Who made the world?
Who made the swan, and the black bear?
Who made the grasshopper?
This grasshopper, I mean-
the one who has flung herself out of the grass,
the one who is eating sugar out of my hand,
who is moving her jaws back and forth instead of up and down-
who is gazing around with her enormous and complicated eyes.
Now she lifts her pale forearms and thoroughly washes her face.
Now she snaps her wings open, and floats away.
I don't know exactly what a prayer is.
I do know how to pay attention, how to fall down
into the grass, how to kneel down in the grass,
how to be idle and blessed, how to stroll through the fields,
which is what I have been doing all day.
Tell me, what else should I have done?
Doesn't everything die at last, and too soon?
Tell me, what is it you plan to do
with your one wild and precious life?

You might be able to find me by the pool sipping on a margarita...

Have a fabulous Independence Day! And God bless our troops who still fight for our rights to work, to live freely, and to pray.

Simply,
MJ