Boo.

Looks like tomorrow is turning out to be a Creepcakes, Cocktails and Pizza party at my apartment!

Anyone is welcome to join! Costume required.

Stay tuned for a picture update with my workday costume. Still not sure if I'll use the same one for tomorrow!

And who doesn't like a little Monster Mash?

TGIF

Yet another laughing photo.

This one is of my wonderful and beautiful friend, Susannah.

She lives in the big city of Los Angeles.

{who would have ever thought that hippy of our group of friends would be living in the biggest city?}

She works here which suits her well-- she's always been an advocate for good things.

Her adorable boyfriend is pretty cool too. He's a screenwriter. Have you ever heard of an uncool screenwriter? Didn't think so.

I can't wait until she moves back to Washington, so I can play with her everyday... I love that girl.

Thinking out loud

A couple things that are making me smile today:

1. The leaves outside are very pretty these days.

I got a free cookie last night at Duke's with Stephanie and Holden and it was amazing.

Tomorrow I have convinced the parents in my office to bring in their little goblins and ghouls. They're adorable.

I was directed to this awesome new Etsy shop and have already added 2 things to my shopping cart. Who knows if I'll actually buy.

I'm going to an event at the Seattle PI tonight and I'm pretty stoked about it.

I got a good parking spot this morning. Yesterday, I parked all the way up by the Dexter and Hayes. A 10-minute walk. Yeah, not cool.

I could watch this clip on repeat and never get sick of it. Man, I need a Zeke of my own!

Tomorrow is Friday.

Pug-O-Ween.

I'm likely going to another pumpkin patch this weekend.

Ok, that's it for now.

Crandallicious

I just got a lovely text message with this picture.

It read: "Ugly Betty just stopped by my place."

Josh, errr, Betty, you'll always be pretty to me!

(If you remember, Joshie likes to send me

awesome text messages at times.

I can't get enough of them.)

It got me thinking about his costume last year...

I can't decide which one I like better.

What do you think?

(I must say, teenage mutant ninja turtles would be really fun!)

THEN, I started looking through his facebook pics and realized that Josh is the man when it comes to costumes!

We have a little Scooby Doo action...
Throw in some Oompa Loompa...

Mix in a little rhinestone cowboy and mob man...

Then there's... Well, wait, this isn't a costume. This is just a normal Friday night in the life of Josh.


Soooo pretty.

Costume Craze

It's not even Halloween and there are a few costumes that I've seen that are topping the charts.

(p.s. i'm still not set on a costume - still have some ideas floating around, but would take suggestions!)

So this one is from last year, but I think it was super creative.

Autumn and Ryan went as Facebook profiles:

Autumn: Emo Girl who was interested in expressing her feelings and freeing Tibet.

Ryan: Drunk Sorority Girl from WSU - playing on every stereotype possible.

(ironically, someone spilled on this lovely profile and caused some smearage, but it kind of made it authentic.

I read this blog sometimes and I think this is so cute! Such a great family costume idea. Check it out - there are even more pictures on the blog.

(p.s. the baby's name is actually Oscar! and he's super cute...)

Jessie's dog, Birdie, is going as a banana!

I got a sneak peak and had to snap a pic with my cell phone.

(I think my mom's puppies have their own little costumes as well...My mom loves Halloween. Like loves, loves.)

I snagged this one off of Facebook.

As you can see, Kenny is very comfortable with his sexuality.

If you're not familiar, it's based on Beyonce's Single Ladies music video,

but the more entertaining Justin Timberlake spoof can be watched here.

(watch it. it's a must.)

Still Proud

To be a Husky, even if we got our butts kicked last Saturday. It was not pretty. Not pretty at all. (I will admit I did like the throwback Duck Hunt imagery on the HuskyTron - they probably didn't expect this though.)

Overall, the experience was a lot of fun, involving:

• Tailgating starting at 10am, complete with mimosas.
• A fun visit from Miss Karen. She made the trek up from Corvalis again.
• As Lianna said, "watching a man ruin his life in front of everyone" - some drunk guy tried to hit a couple police and even spit on them. They didn't take to it kindly and the female cop gave him a wedgie as she pulled him away from the the bleachers. Then they threw him on the ground and pulled out the taser because he kept acting up. One too many mimosas for Mr. Drunky. (At that point, it was more entertaining then the game.)
• A post-game dinner at Varlamos where we were a table away from Governor Gregoire. It took everything in me to not bug her and request a picture. I like good ol' Chris.
• A post-dinner outing to the one and only, Earl's on the Ave. It was Hi-I'm-crazy-so-I'm-going-to-hit-on-you-even-if-you're-taken night. Seriously. Even Ry Ry was asked while sitting by Autumn, "So where do you see her in your future?" Really.I forgot how sketchy some of the ave bars are, but they still can be entertaining!

tailgating

husky stadium

Pumpkins and cider and hay rides, oh my!

Yesterday, a group of us went to a Pumpkin Patch. It was by far my favorite fall outing this year. Rather than recreate the wheel, you can learn about the whole fun and crazy experience as told by Maddie here.

I'll focus on the highlights and then share like a dozen pictures because I'm obsessed with all of them. And don't worry, there will be more as soon as I scan them.

Highlights:

• Getting lost in Duvall, trying to find a ficticious pumpkin patch. Who knew that Duvall was so pretty? And has a cute, little downtown area with a fantastic country-esque BBQ restaurant.
• Finally finding a pumpkin patch, but not actually going in the pumpkin patch. It was a lake out there. But you should go to Remlinger Farms. (Especially if you have little ones because they have a mini-Disneyland there. But we were judged when we showed interest without these said little ones. Come on, mister, everyone likes a fun park, right?)
• Taking beautiful pictures. Like these...

theme of the day: pumpkins and boots.

mud. mud. and more mud.

cider time.

kimbie's prized possessions.

maddie petting the horsey.

erika, steph, pumpkin #1, pumpkin #2

jcrew model.

finally got to wear my new headband.

maddie captured its' prettiness.

as you know, i love laughing photos

so i'm obviously going to love this one.

beeeessssssttttt friends.

BFF for life.

don't you just love fall?

The next time you browse through a fashion magazine...

Think of this...

I have a crush on Jake Locker

There. I said it.

I hope he sees my "I heart Jake" sign

that I'm bringing to the game today.

Little Red Hen

I'm going to the LRH tonight for happy hour with Mads, JJ, Holden and McB.

You really can't go wrong with the LRH, especially with my country roots. This is the only country bar that I know of in Seattle, so I better throw on my boots, chaps and cowboy hat!

Here are some of my favorite memories at the LRH:

• Spending my 22nd birthday, scream singing into the microphone on karaoke night. It was priceless. I wish there wasn't photographic evidence though. Eek.
• A bachelorette party of one of my friends started at the GBAG and ended at LRH. Entertaining.
• Dancing with a 90-year-old man when Josh was visiting - his wife was unusually threatened. Did she really think she had anything to worry about? Seriously. I mean, I guess he was pretty adorable, but he might be a little out of my age range. Just barely though...
• Several stops with co-workers. One random Tuesday night that may have involved more drinks than we ever expected (thank you Kathryn and Nick), but it made for good conversation the next day. And a unanimous decision to get Thai for lunch to soak it all up.

That's just a small sampling. I know that many more are sure to come!

Hope you have plans to boot, scoot and boogie this weekend. I know I will be!

Tights, tights, tights

I like tights.

They keep me warm in the winter months,

so I can still wear my dresses and skirts.

So many fun colors and patterns!

I especially like this look: light-colored outfit

with dark, contrasting black tights.

jcrew

Here's a great way to store tights.

I think these tights might be crossing the line,

but maybe work for Halloween?

top and middle pics

My horoscope

I admit it. I like to check my horoscope every so often. I browse the headlines on the PI and then figure while I'm there, I'll check out what the stars are saying. I'm not really a believer, but sometimes it's eerie how spot on they are. Then there are other times when they completely miss the mark.

Today's was rather interesting:

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Getting paid or not getting paid -- it makes no difference. You know how to get happy. This is a good time to develop a natural, if unprofitable*, skill. It all comes out in the balance, and in the meantime you'll have a ball.

It got me thinking. What skill should I start to develop?

• Playing the guitar? It's always been a goal of mine.
• Making beer? I have a basement with a storage unit that has some room. Could be an interesting project. I would even throw a party when it's finished.
• Bee bopping? That would be funny.
• Surfing? Yes, please. This would require me to move to Hawaii. Any takers?

Have any other ideas for me?

*I'd rather this say profitable. That would be handy.

youaremyfave flickr

Singer Spotlight: Kate Nash

she has a great voice and entertaining lyrics.

(and as you can see, she's absolutely adorable)

i've been listening to her "Made of Bricks" album lately.

(thank you, stephanie)

i particularly like the songs "Foundations" and "Mouthwash",

but have found that "Dickhead" is pretty funny

and appropriate at times.

i'm sure that i'll like the songs at the end of the album

once I get to them,

but right now i keep listening to the first half.

in order to learn the lyrics, i have to focus my attention.

you can listen and learn the lyrics with this fancy clip...

(i think it was made for me. music + lyrics = great.)

update: i recently reviewed all of these lyrics

and she has some issues. but you can't deny how great the tune is.)

kate's pic

happy

another little list of 10 things that make me terribly happy.

1. the smell and taste of hot apple cider on a crisp, fall day


2. wearing tights in the winter (note to self: buy more tights)
   
3. pictures of people laughing... like above :)


4. spending time with family during the holidays


5. that feeling of excitement that forms in your chest before a big, fun event


6. surprises


7. happy hours that last until 7pm


8. my mom's creative talents


9. back massages and goosebumps


10. funny text messages

{send me a list of what makes you happy and I'll post them!}

just plain awesome

merith, are you taking rap lessons?
i think you should. seriously.

Drop it like it's hot.

I did yesterday.

I went to a couple of the evening hip hop classes (since it was Dance Day 09 and only $2 each!!) and nearly dropped to the floor from being so hot. I honestly think I was more sweaty from the 2 classes I took than I was after I ran my half marathon. Crazy.

I took classes with Yoshi Wright and Niecey Chong. I liked them. Super fun. But I still really like our normal dance instructor, Marc. He's rad.

Here's a cool clip I found on their website (as well as the pic above). This is the studio that we usually dance in.

Happy 28th Anniversary!

Mom & Dad,

You are a shining example of what a

good marriage is.

{lymoa}

TGIF

I've come to enjoy my TGIF posts, so expect to see them on occasion.

Inspired by Maddie's blog today, this is going to be more of a random post because my brain isn't functioning normally. I don't know if it's the hazy rain and fog outside or the looooong week behind me. Or maybe the hefty glass of red wine from the fundraiser last night?

Some ramblings...

1. Halloween is right around the corner. I don't know exactly what I'm going to be, but I have to decide soon before all of the good stuff is taken at Goodwill. I have an idea, but don't know if I can execute it...
2. SB4Pv7! For those of you who don't know, that is Sweet Beats for Petes, vol. 7, an ongoing compilation of the best current and really random songs, lovingly put together by Maddie. It's amazing. I promise another post to explain the amazingness.
3. I'm wearing my new skinny jeans today and I love them!
4. I hope the Huskies win tomorrow. Pretty please?
5. I'm watching the Yankees/Angels game tonight and I can't decide what to wear. This or this? No, I will not be going like this, Kathryn.
6. A pumpkin patch and corn maze sounds like fun. Ooh, I also need to carve a pumpkin for my front porch. And figure out how I'm going to scare all of my trick-or-treaters. And I guess make some Halloween plans.
7. I tried a Thomas Kemper Peach Ginger soda and it was delicious. It's new. Try one. You'll love it.
8. I have taco soup for 6 meals this week. Six meals! (I've also had caprese for three meals. Mozzarella, tomato and basil can't be beat.)

And I will leave you with this. I don't know why really. I just think it's a funny picture. I think my Dad would like it. Dad, what do you think??

Happy Friday!

Vote!

Going to a fundraiser tonight for Ref 71 - should be fun!

I bet you want to go...

Just Dance

It's no secret: I like to dance.

In recent years, I've really enjoyed hip hop. Even though I am as white as you can get, I still like to "break it down" with my homies at Westlake Dance Studio. And while I come donning yoga pants, a t-shirt and my running shoes, I'd say I keep up with the best of them.

Since my exercise routine has been strictly running and more running for months on end, I'm ready to mix if up and go back for a few dance classes. To my surprise, I noticed on their website that this Sunday is "Dance Day 09" and classes are only $2 a piece! (Class list below or on their website) Considering it's usually $11 for drop-ins, this is a slamming deal! Sign me up.

So I think I know what my plans are for this Sunday. Let me know if you'd like to join!

beep. beep. beep.

No, not my alarm clock.

Not the microwave.

Not a passing car horn.

My smoke alarm.

For the past week, it has decided to beep at random. An hour increment here and there, but when it does, it beeps every minute on the minute. However, I feel like it might have a little sense of humor of its' own because it tends to beep most often an hour before I should/want to get up.

Beep. beep. beep.

I had tried to take it off the wall and press the reset button, but I never had enough time to actually solve the problem. Just a quick fix here and there. Finally, last night I was fed up. I managed to take it off the wall and did a little inspecting. It's not your typical alarm, it's a little updated/newish and I was afraid I was going to break it. But, I found the battery compartment and took it out. Ahhhh, silence.

Beep. WHAT??

Yes, even without a battery it still managed to beep one more time. I would imagine it was some sort of beeping obscenity.

Don't worry, I gave it the stink eye and it stopped. Now, it's still chillin' on my counter top. Who actually has 9V batteries on hand? Not me. Better get on that... But almost out of spite, I'm waiting.

The whole situation reminded me a lot of Phoebe's experience. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Beer

Last weekend, Stephers and I went to Elysian's Pumpkin Beer Festival in Capitol Hill. (If you recall, I'm a big fan of pumpkin beer, so this was a perfect Sunday afternoon outing.) It was so much fun!

They had so many great beers - some that were super pumpkin-y and others that just had hints of the flavor. A couple even had a sour pumpkin taste which was quite unusal, but really tasty!

I'm thinking this is going to be an annual tradition from this year on. You in?

P.S. Doesn't my hair look super red in this picture?

My Toms are no longer

Remember when I told you about these awesome Toms? Well, I've been periodically checking to see if they have brought them back - all attempts have been met with disappointment. No navy glitter Toms yet.

Today I decided to take it a step further. On their website, they have a feature on the left-hand side for "Questions? - Live Chat with a Toms Expert!" Well shoot, why not give it a try? I love these extra customer service perks! Oh, the glory of online shopping in the 21st century.

So, a pop-up chat window came up and I chatted with an expert we will refer to as TOMS2. (Man, second in command, makes me feel kind of important!) This is how it went down:

Please wait for a site operator to respond.

You are now chatting with 'TOMS2'

TOMS2: hi, how can i help you?

Erika : I was wondering if you were going to bring back the navy glitter toms.

Erika : I really liked them :) And didn't buy them when I had the chance...

TOMS2: we will not be

TOMS2: they were apart of the holiday line last year

TOMS2: and have sold out

Erika : Never?!

TOMS2: i'm sorry

TOMS2: we come out with new styles each season, to replace the previous seasons

Erika : Darn. Well if you have any say in the matter, vote navy glitter toms!

TOMS2: will do, sorry about that

Erika : No worries! Thanks!


So the sad story is that my precious navy glitter Toms will not be coming back. BUT, now I can just go ahead and buy my second favorite pair and support a little kiddo in need.

Meet silver glitter Toms.

You are who you are when no one is looking

I must just be plain weird.

Throw in a little quirky and maybe some

dancing and singing, then you've got me.

So what do you do when no one is looking?

{via}

Snickerdoodle Cupcakes

After browsing my new cupcake cookbook for longer than I care to admit, I finally decided on my first recipe: Snickerdoodle Cupcakes.

Sooo good! Steph came over and we had a little baking/cooking party. (We also put together some tasty bruschetta and a veggie concoction.) The frosting was the most fun to make because it had almost a meringue texture and well, we made a complete mess with the piping bags. In the end, our final product still looked so much like the actual recipe picture - see!

I sent some home with Steph, gave some to my neighbors, brought some to work and kept a couple at home for dessert!

Watch out, Eminem!

Crazy Rapper #1

Crazy Rapper #2

You've got some stiff competition in the hip hop world out in Seattle.

Last Thursday, Steph, Holden, JJ, Stacey and I hit up a concert at the Crocodile - a hip hop concert. It was hilarious. Between the eclectic, crazy audience and super-serious rappers, we felt like we were in a completely different world.

Yes, we were the dorks that just went with it and were in the front, yelling and screaming as if we were their biggest fans. It made the experience that much better...



Before the concert, we checked out Shorty's, a circus bar complete with pin ball, clowns and hot dogs done in every way.

TGIF

Don't you just want to be their friend?

And I hate the fact that this song is so catchy. It just screams Friday afternoon to me. This song and anything by Shaggy. (Yes, Maddie, it's Shaggy Friday!) Guess it's another addition to the Miley Cyrus posts...

Here's to eating healthy!

I'm on a really bad eating kick this week. It was launched with my "I can eat whatever I want because I just ran 13 miles" attitude last Saturday. Now, my friends, I'm no longer playing with house money - I'm far beyond that really. AND, I'm not balancing out my eating with physical activity. Translation: Oops.

Since then I have enjoyed a wide array of good eats and drinks, including brats, German beer, Croque Monsieur, Belgian beer, offices treats like donuts and cupcakes, a fabulous lemon torte from Dahlia Bakery (my Tuesday night dinner), a Trophy cupcake (my Wednesday night dinner) and now a little blue-plate special action from McCormick's - blackened chicken tacos.

Tonight I'll stray from my dessert-as-a-meal pattern, but I'm still going out to eat with Steph, Holden, Stacey and JJ, so I'm not going to make any promises.

Oh well, we all have our weeks when you know you're not eating the best, but just can't seem to make it to the grocery store to pick up some healthy options. That'll be a goal of this weekend: Buy and eat healthy food. Nothing like this or this or this...

Puppy Party

When water mysteriously appears on your pool deck, don't automatically assume it's the neighbor kids.

(for those of you at the office, you don't even need your speakers for this gem.)

Rock Climbing Adventure

After the half last weekend, I decided to go rock climbing. Ok, that's a little bit of an exaggeration, but I represented the ladies and climbed a rock wall with James, Matt and Wade.

It was actually really fun! I'm thinking a little trip to the REI climbing wall might be in my near future. Anyone game?

Here I am, ready to climb!

{note: in my radical oktoberfest t-shirt!}

Climbing up, up, and UP!

Best part: Repelling down the wall. I apparently didn't want to stop and repelled all the way into the ground.

But so did Matt, so I wasn't alone :)