timeless.

a true princess.

Admittedly I slept through most of the ceremony this morning, but I was confident the media would help me to relive it over ... and over... and over again.  As one friend's status simply puts it, "Royal Wedding Hangover".


-HMOH

SIDENOTE: it's a good friday folks

Well TGIGF! In just five days, I've been sitting on a plane for 19 total hours.  While I appreciated quality time spent with best friends and a little sun, I also appreciate being grounded for the weekend.  I'm not going to appreciate it if I start to get "flat mom butt" for sitting for massive amounts of time.  Not to mention, I haven't had a minute to stock up the apartment  - so I've been using a travel size deodorant for a week and in pure desperation had to wash a dish with handsoap.


No meat today, cheese on Sunday and then celebrating Passover a week late with a "no carbs crash diet" before Puerto Rico.  And in honor of Mother Earth and my man JC, here's to a Good Friday:

• I'm rocking a cute, very-NYC maxi dress today.  Clearly it got stuck in the escalator at the local Duane Reade and I now look very-NYC bum with some solid grease stains and tire marks down the back.  But what turned this Good Friday into an Awesome Friday was my coworker's Facebook status posted shortly after his trip to the men's room:
• To my co-worker who celebrated Earth Day by not flushing the ridiculous devastation I just encountered in the Men's Bathroom, it wasn't appreciated. And if said co-worker was also celebrating Good Friday, then I'm gonna go ahead and say that wasn't very Christian of him either.
• My plane back from Houston (the last one out) ... got hit by a truck.  Like what? Best part - putting that into an email to your coworkers.  The ol "my plane got hit by a car so I won't be in the office until noon" excuse?
• On my way back out west for a 24-hour biz trip to San Fran, I sat next to a delightful couple.  Scojoe (as they refer to themselves) were on their way to Bali for two weeks.  They go yearly and help out in the orphanages, and after looking at some of their photos it's now on my  bucket list.  We shmoozed and shared stories (Scott mentioned he was a hippie in LA that hung with this guy - might know him - Jim Morrison) ... then Joe paused and in all seriousness said, "You know what, you're such a modern day woman" - he continued to site the reasons why my life was great.  It was something I needed to hear from a perfect stranger, putting a smile on my face as I plugged into sappy love songs and rode out the rest of the way.
• It's not at all concerning when you and your coworkers get kicked out of a cab because the driver was pissed you asked him to push his seat up, roll-up to your hotel in San Fran, check in, check on your conference room and then wait while one has to change rooms three times.  Then overhear the concierge whisper, "They're from New York. .." 

Well that's right, I'm from and back in New York.  Tomorrow I'll be attending quite possibly the best idea of a bridal shower EVER at Citifield.  What better to be watching America's favorite pastime, while also partaking in my apparent pastime.  Stay tuned for a recap and pics.


And whether you're at the end of a no bread week or just gearing up with me to eat some damn cheese (whoop, whoop) ... wishing everyone a great weekend.




-HMOH

HMOH tip #414: there's a difference between like and love

There's a difference between like and love.  Because, I like my Sketchers, but I love my Prada bag. 

But I love my Sketchers.

That's because you don't have a Prada bag.

Well spring is in the air today - a nice change for the tornado that blew through NYC the other day.  Puts a little pep in your step and is a perfect send off to the 83 degree Houston heat awaiting my arrival this evening.


If you're one of the millions like me, your Filofax is jam packed the next few weekends with bridal showers, bachelorette parties and weddings. I'm hoping you've penciled in an outdoor concert, veg-out sesh, etc. as well.  As Cher best defines the difference between like and love above, see some of my recent wedding LIKES and LOVES that follow.

• LIKE seeing reality TV turn into a reality.  For my fellow Bachelorette fans out there, check out this sweet engagement story and photos from our friend Deanna and her fiance Stephen (you'll remember his twin brother Michael was on Jillian's season).  Proof that sometimes you life brings you one place so you find your way to another.
• LOVE being a "wedding expert". That I'm still tapped for wedding speech advice, how best to respond "no" to a wedding invitation that you're lying about the reason you can't come, and whether or not favors or a candy bar are more appreciated by guests.
• LIKE the return of the Gilt Groupe Wedding Shop.  Get fun runway styles whether you're the bride-to-be, a guest or the unofficial planner. Check it out before it's too late (Apr 14 - 20). 
• LOVE "The Story of Us" table seating chart.  I saw this a while back and creepily kept the idea in my pocket.  I've always loved the fact that couples who have been together for years before getting married could resurface "blast from the past" photos that document how they've grown up together before they've grown old together.  Check out Katie Fischer designs and  - a clever way to seat your guests at the pivotal (read: first awkward kiss) milestones in your relationship.  

HMOH DIY Tip: for "The Story of Us" 

Clearly I've signed myself up to help out Ari and Brad with a DIY translation of the table seating board.  The two have known one another since elementary school.  It wasn't until college when they made the transition from friends to more ... but this is the perfect way for them to seat their guests for the upcoming reception on July 23, 2011.

Here's how to get it done:

1. Based on your number of expected guests, confirm how many tables you'll have and how many "moments" you'll have to agree to.
2. Meet as a couple and start to plot out your faves.  Where you first met, your first kiss, when he first knew, when she first knew, when you met the parents or big brother  (NOTE: some firsts are better left unmentioned). Put it all together and match the table numbers up to the story of you.
3. Assign guests that may have had a part in that special moment to be seated at that table (i.e., If you met in High School - it's your "High School Friends" table).
4. Create (or employ your very own HMOH), find or purchase photos that represent that special moment.
5. Name the moment, define the moment.
6. Work with a Kinkos or framing shop to mount your photos in a large and matted frame.
7. Check back in with me in a few weeks when I embark on this special project with Ari :)

Anddd - yee haw, I'm out for the South.  Have a great weekend y'all!

-HMOH

HAPPY BDAY HMOH!

Look who turns 1 today!!

It's funny because I vowed this past weekend to be 25 again.  That was a great year.  Lucky for me I'll take any opportunity to celebrate my own birthday, and just realized it's been a year since I've embarked on the HMOH journey (160 posts, countless bridesmaids obligations and various laughs later).  Another opportunity to thank everyone for stroking my ego, contributing content and just reading along. 

So, here is it - Happy BDAY Blog ... to many more.

-HMOH

p.s. Happy Birthday to Kelsey too.  She graciously shared her bday with my baby ... and will continue to have to fight me for the spotlight

SIDENOTE: hear no evil, see no evil, text no evil

Seen in NYC:  Took in the gorgeous day yesterday ... in a 4 second walk around the block ... and indulged in (then regretted) the start of Mr. Softee season. Later in the evening I spotted one of soft-serve's finests in Union Square serving up his swirls and rocking a shirt that said "Masturbation is not a crime." Seriously only in NYC is that not a crime. You know what is a crime, Mr. Softee and masturbation in the same sentence.


Seen at a recent bridal shower: These two items are so cute/unique and I thought I'd share for the millions like me with various (read: one every weekend) upcoming bridal showers and weddings.

Personalized Alphabet Photo Art - Insert Couples New Last Name

Just Married Flip Flops  - Leave a "Just Married" trail on your walk down the beach

Ridiculous Text Message: "... Are we too old for this? My Husband: Did you forget anything at home you need for your trip before I come get you? Me: Yes, My Little Pony. Please grab that for me.  Husband: Your what?"


Out of Control Text Message:  "I owe you an explanation for not calling since we met on the train.  I'm kinda stuck in this gray area with a girl I've been dating for a while and haven't really wanted to get involved anywhere else until it all is figured out.  I think you're cute, seem really funny and I'm crazy impressed with your China trip.  If you're wondering why I haven't followed up, just pls don't second guess yourself. Maybe when things settle down again we could get together." No second guessing here buddy, promise. 


Looking forward to riding out the week and neglecting my duties at the gym ... then packing up for a much-needed besties trip down in H-town this weekend. Have to make sure I don't forget my My Little Pony.  My husband isn't going to be available to bring it to me prior to my flight ... 


-HMOH

SIDENOTE: excuse me

I could sit here and give you a million excuses (slash real reasons) for having taken a break for the past weeks.  It comes down to long hours at the office, and quite frankly, not being in the mood.  Sue me, or just accept my apology (which I realize I didn't really give). The excuses, however, are quite the segue into the theme of today's post and all the amazing ways I've seen things justified (NOTE: from myself and others) recently.

• An HMOH is allowed to throw herself a bridal party pity party. It's ok to sulk in the countless hours planning other people's happiness.  I would at least be considerate and invite everyone with a + 1 to this soiree.

•  Laundry = exercise. You know the classic Wonder Years song  "I Get By with a Little Help From my Friends" (yes, my love of all things Kevin Arnold trumps The Beatles). Well, I also get fat with a little help from my friends. Skipping the elliptical is fine. Bending down to put clothes in the washer equals crunches and folding laundry is a sick arm workout.  Why not have clean underwear and buns of steal? 

• Serves Him Right.  
• "I've decided that since NAME is unavailable to date, I'm going to sleep with OTHER NAME this weekend."
• "Well, serves NAME right."

• Match.com is to find my "Mr. Right". Match.com is actually to find "Mr. Yea Right" and pass along ridiculous messages to brighten your friend's day.  Like this one introductory email in response to "How was your weekend?"  ... 

• "Had to go to Patient First for a blood pressure check (getting older sucks) that ended up taking 3.5 hours so I didn't get any work done so now instead of watching basketball I have to throw in a little tax work." Seriously player? That's what you've got?

Alright folks, no more excuses.  I'm down to apply myself to the blog.  This little bad boy's first birthday is coming up soon and I'm thinking about doing something special.

-HMOH