Currently loving...

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Originally found by A Cup Of Jo. I really want the "Besties" version.

Who else still has an iPhone 4???

Have a great weekend!

LKF

Friday Favorite Quote

Life’s Formula

By Teri at A Foodie Stays Fit

“Here’s what I do know:

Focusing on the positive is important. 
You’re luckier than you realize. 
You’re more talented than you think. 
People love you. And believe in you.

Get them to tell you why sometimes. It helps. 
Comparing yourself to others accomplishes nothing.”

Originally found by Peanut Butter Runner.

Hope you have a great weekend!

LKF

Independence Day!

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Happy 4th of July! We are off to Michigan for a long weekend to visit family!

Hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday!

LKF

Day 30 of the Tracy Anderson Method!

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Current Stats:

Day: 30!!!!!  I did it!
Down: 8 lbs. I actually lost more but I think I have gained it back in muscle. I've noticed the biggest difference in my love handles or lack thereof. Plus all my work pants are loose. :-)


Updates on the 3 elements of the TAM:

Dance Cardio DVD: I'm still enjoying this a lot. Tracy is a big fan of the one legged hops which I'm kinda over but that's not a big deal in the scheme of things. Wearing cross trainers has made such a huge difference and I can't recommend getting a pair enough if you decide to try the Tracy Anderson Method too.

Transform DVD: Part 3 (Days 21-30) continues with a faster pace and more continuous movements. The first half is my favorite with the arms and abs work. The leg work is the toughest part IMO. She's calls it muscle exhaustion for a reason.

On a cardio related note, I went running with the Hubby on Sunday (the scheduled Rest Day). Not only was I able to keep up with him but we were able to maintain a conversation while running. My breathing during cardio has really improved. The next day my muscles were pretty sore though. I guess I was using the big muscles instead of the smaller muscles that the TAM focuses on.

Food Plan: The food is the same for the first 4 weeks - a nutrient boost week (approximately 1800 calories according to My Fitness Pal) followed by a body reset week (approximately 800 calories according to My Fitness Pal). Both week types were better than I expected. I liked the body reset weeks the best because it was less prep work but still filling because of the high protien. I am over the prep work for the Nutrient Boost weeks and all the different tupperware. Weekends were the toughest to try and stick to the food plan, especially during dinner. So I did my best to stick to it during the day and make healthy choices for dinner.

So now that I've reached my goal of 30 days on the Tracy Anderson Method, my plan is to keep going with the workout dvds. I look forward to them now and I like the results I'm seeing. I will not be continuing with the food plan. It's very time consuming and labor intensive (the Nutrient Boost weeks) and it's just not sustainable. I think I am going to continue with drinking tea instead of coffee - I haven't missed it. I'll continue to limit dairy and carbs. I'm going back to logging my food on My Fitness Pal and shooting for 1200-1300 calories a day. Wish me luck!

How is your Summer workout going?

LKF

Friday Favorite Quote

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 “Anything is possible with sunshine and a little pink.”

Lilly Pulitzer

Have a happy weekend! I'll be going to Eastport a Rockin' with my brother. What are your weekend plans?

LKF

Day 17 of TAM

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I am on Week 3 of the Tracy Anderson Method (TAM)- Metamorphosis Omnicentric. 

I'm over the halfway point of my goal of 30 days!

Here are some updates on the 3 elements of the TAM:

Dance Cardio DVD: No real updates for this. I finally ordered these shoes. Hopefully they will help with some of the knee joint pain I've been experiencing.

Transform DVD: Part 2 (Days 11-20) of the DVD is pretty fast paced. I really like the new arm and ab sequence. The plank leg sequence at the end is killer though.

Food Plan: This is another "Nutrient Boost" week. I am eating 9 mini-meals a day. I feel like I'm constantly eating. The good news is that I'm never hungry and I get to eat the Chocolate pudding again. The bad news is that the food is labor intensive. I've been cooking in bulk to help alleviate that. Our fridge looks like a tupperware and pyrex war zone. lol

The hubby said he can already see a difference - Yay! What's your Summer work out plan?

LKF

Day 11 - Tracy Anderson Method

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Current Stats:

Day: 11 (almost at the halfway mark!)
Down: 8 lbs

Week 2 of the Tracy Anderson Method - Metamorphosis Omnicentric was a lot easier than week 1. I have a lot more energy and I'm feeling very motivated. I still need to buy cross trainers. I slip too much in my running shoes and I'm getting blisters from the side to side movements. I'm thinking these from Nike. I'd prefer to get Under Armour cross trainers to support a local business and a fellow UMD alum but I don't see any on the website. I might check out their new store location in Harbor East this weekend.

Here are some updates on the 3 elements of the Tracy Anderson Method:

Transform DVD: I'm wrapping up my first "Transform 1" dvd today and will be starting "Transform 2" tomorrow. I'm curious to see what the next muscle exhaustion series will entail.

Dance Cardio DVD:  I've actually started looking forward to Dance Cardio. I really like that Tracy doesn't make you memorize a dance routine. It's a lot easier to follow for someone as uncoordinated as myself. I'm definitely getting better at all the moves and that is making it more fun. Geez- I never thought I would say any exercise routine was fun!

Food Plan: I was concerned last week about this week's "Body Reset" plan. It did not seem like enough food to me. I thought I would be starving every day. So far I have not had that problem. The only issue I found was in buying the ThinkThin Bars, Kashi Go Lean Crunchy Bar (discontinued), or the Kashi Go Lean Roll (also discontinued).  I couldn't find the ThinkThink Bars in Giant. A friend told me later in the week to check Whole Foods. I might just order them off of Amazon for week 4. Tracy states you can substitute an under 200 calorie bar with more than 15 grams of protien. That was difficult to find so I've been eating 1.5 South Beach Diet Good to Go Bars. There was minimal prep work for food this week which was a much needed break. Next week is another "Nutrient Boost" week so our fridge will be jam-packed again. I am looking forward to trying some of the other recipes. I haven't found one I haven't liked so far! Also, I've found that I don't miss coffee or diet sodas. I do miss beer though. Dinners on the weekends have been tough. I've been doing my best to stick to the plan during the day and then trying to stick to 1-3 glasses of wine and no carbs/dairy at dinner. So far I've only had three "cheat" dinners which couldn't be avoided. This weekend will be tough again with a friend's wedding shower and a Father's Day dinner. Wish me luck!

How's your work out routine?

LKF

Day 5 - Feeling Good

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A Quick Recap:

Days 2 and 3 of the Tracy Anderson Method- Omnicentric were pretty rough. The dance cardio and transform workouts are difficult. I think I'm getting better at the dance cardio and I'm starting to enjoy it more. The transform video has a lot of reps. It's a bit insane. My only complaint is that I wish Tracy voiced the change to the the next exercise. Sometimes you're paying so much attention to doing the move correctly that you aren't watching the video and you don't know when she switched. You definitely sweat a lot during these workouts.

Days 4 and 5 - I feel really good. I stepped on the scale this morning and I've already lost 5 lbs. Not sure how much of that is water weight but I'll take it. The food is super labor intensive for this "Nutrient Boost Week." I have used every kitchen appliance in my arsenal. My dishwasher runs almost every night - top rack overloaded. We did have to purchase a juicer but it's pretty awesome. The food is delicious- but slightly baby food-ish. I really haven't been missing carbs or dairy like I thought I would. This one recipe has been my savior in not making me feel deprived:

Chocolate Pudding:

Ingredients:
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
2 TB peeled and cooked chestnuts (I used Melissa's found at Wegman's)
1 TB unsweetened cocoa powder
4 whole pitted dates
2 TB unsweetened coconut flakes
1/2 cup water

Directions:
Melt the chocolate chips slowly in a double boiler. Puree the rest of the ingredients (except the water) - I used my food processer.  Add the chocolate and pulse until all the ingredients are combined. Add the water and check the consistency - it should be soupy. Divide mixture into two ramekins and put in the refrigerator for 10 minutes or longer. It thickens as it cools.

Makes two 4 oz. servings.

It's seriously good. Even the hubby liked it.

Right now I'm feeling super motivated to keep this going for the full 30 days. I'm looking forward to next week's "Body Reset Week." I'm a little concerned I might be hungry but I get a break in the kitchen. The prep work is minimal. Wish me luck! Is anyone else starting a new diet/workout plan?

LKF

Tracy Anderson Method: Day 1

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Today I started the Tracy Anderson Method: Metamorphosis for Omnicentric. So far I'm feeling really good about it. I'm going to try to stick the diet as best I can but I'm still going to have fun this Summer so there will be some off diet dinners.

Only one epic fail today - I don't own a juicer so it's pretty tough to make the Power Juice that way. I attempted to use the blender - it was laughable. So I bought a juicer online at Best Buy and will be picking it up later.

The food is pretty good so far. I haven't been super hungry. I spent all day yesterday prepping the food. I only had difficulty finding one thing on the grocery list - not sure where I'm going to find whole peeled and cooked chestnuts this time of year. Whole Foods was no dice. The Hubby is checking Wegman's for me on the way home from work today so I can make the Chocolate Pudding.

The Dance cardio video was good. Though I'm super uncoordinated. Hopefully that will be get better with time and practice.

The Transform Day 1 workout was brutal. Not sure how I'm going to do 9 more days of that. I already know I'm going to be sore tomorrow.

 My only complaint with the videos is that I wish Tracy was more vocal about the change in moves.

I really want to challenge myself to do this for 30 days straight so I can look awesome for July 4th weekend. Wish me luck!

LKF

A Legend is Lost

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Lilly Pulitzer Rousseau died on Sunday in Palm Beach, Florida. You were an inspiration to all of us.

You will be greatly missed. I'm wearing my Lilly today, are you?

Love, Lilly, and the Pursuit of Happiness,

LKF

A year older...

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Today I am celebrating my birthday. The big 2-8.  I’ve gotten some really great gifts so far, like the Lilly Bev Bucket, which is perfect for summer parties! I also got a couple bottles of wine and a Snickers Easter Bunny. My Little got me this perfect combo (I love bev napkins and anything with an anchor):

I can’t wait to see what the Hubby got me! I am not so secretly hoping for JT and Jay-Z Concert tickets or Book of Mormon tickets. That’s not a weird combo, right? We are going to my fav restaurant for dinner.  I'm meeting up with friends for lunch and I am planning to get a mani/pedi this afternoon.  The Hubby and I are celebrating with both our fams on Easter Sunday (GoT premiere!). Needless to say I'm very excited. I love birthdays. I happily drag them out for as long as possible. I know that eventually when the Hubby and I decide to have kids that will change (No, it's not bump watch 2013 unless you are counting Kate Middleton) and that our birthdays will only be important on the milestone birthdays (the big 10's) like 30, 40, 50, etc.

My next milestone is 30. So I've been thinking about goals to set for myself or a kind of bucket list before I reach 30.  I recently read a list on Restored Style, called, "19 things to stop doing in your 20's," originally found here. It's an intense list to say the least.

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1. Stop placing all the blame on other people for how they interact with you. To an extent, people treat you the way you want to be treated. A lot of social behavior is cause and effect. Take responsibility for (accept) the fact that you are the only constant variable in your equation.

2. Stop being lazy by being constantly “busy.” It’s easy to be busy. It justifies never having enough time to clean, cook for yourself, go out with friends, meet new people. Realize that every time you give in to your ‘busyness,’ it’s you who’s making the decision, not the demands of your job.

3. Stop seeking out distractions. You will always be able to find them.

4. Stop trying to get away with work that’s “good enough.” People notice when “good enough” is how you approach your job. Usually these people will be the same who have the power to promote you, offer you a health insurance plan, and give you more money. They will take your approach into consideration when thinking about you for a raise.

5. Stop allowing yourself to be so comfortable all the time. Coming up with a list of reasons to procrastinate risky, innovative decisions offers more short-term gratification than not procrastinating. But when you stop procrastinating to make a drastic change, your list of reasons to procrastinate becomes a list of ideas about how to better navigate the risk you’re taking.

6. Stop identifying yourself as a cliche and start treating yourself as an individual. Constantly checking your life against a prewritten narrative or story of how things “should” be is a bought-into way of life. It’s sort of like renting your identity. It isn’t you. You are more nuanced than the narrative you try to fit yourself into, more complex than the story that “should” be happening.

7. Stop expecting people to be better than they were in high school — learn how to deal with it instead. Just because you’re out of high school doesn’t mean you’re out of high school. There will always be people in your life who want what you have, are threatened by who you are, and will ridicule you for doing something that threatens how they see their position in the world.

8. Stop being stingy. If you really care about something, spend your money on it. There is often a notion that you are saving for something. Either clarify what that thing is or start spending your money on things that are important to you. Spend money on road trips. Spend money on healthy food. Spend money on opportunities. Spend money on things you’ll keep.

9. Stop treating errands as burdens. Instead, use them as time to focus on doing one thing, and doing it right. Errands and chores are essentially rote tasks that allow you time to think. They function to get you away from your phone, the internet, and other distractions. Focus and attention span are difficult things to maintain when you’re focused and attentive on X amount of things at any given moment.

10. Stop blaming yourself for being human. You’re fine. Having a little anxiety is fine. Being scared is fine. Your secrets are fine. You’re well-meaning. You’re intelligent. You’re blowing it out of proportion. You’re fine.

11. Stop ignoring the fact that other people have unique perspectives and positions. Start approaching people more thoughtfully. People will appreciate you for deliberately trying to conceive their own perspective and position in the world. It not only creates a basis for empathy and respect, it also primes people to be more open and generous with you.

12. Stop seeking approval so hard. Approach people with the belief that you’re a good person. It’s normal to want the people around you to like you. But it becomes a self-imposed burden when almost all your behavior toward certain people is designed to constantly reassure you of their approval.

13. Stop considering the same things you’ve always done as the only options there are. It’s unlikely that one of the things you’ll regret when you’re older is not having consumed enough beer in your 20s, or not having bought enough $5 lattes, or not having gone out to brunch enough times, or not having spent enough time on the internet. Fear of missing out is a real, toxic thing. You’ve figured out drinking and going out. You’ve experimented enough. You’ve gotten your fill of internet memes. Figure something else out.

14. Stop rejecting the potential to feel pain. Suffering is a universal constant for sentient beings. It is not unnatural to suffer. Being in a constant state of suffering is bad. But it is often hard to appreciate happiness when there’s nothing to compare it to. Rejecting the potential to suffer is unsustainable and unrealistic.

15. Stop approaching adverse situations with anger and frustration. You will always deal with people who want things that seem counter to your interests. There will always be people who threaten to prevent you from getting what you want by trying to get what they want. This is naturally frustrating. Realize that the person you’re dealing with is in the same position as you — by seeking out your own interests, you threaten to thwart theirs. It isn’t personal — you’re both just focused on getting different things that happen to seem mutually exclusive. Approach situations like these with reason. Be calm. Don’t start off mad, it’ll only make things more tense.

16. Stop meeting anger with anger. People will make you mad. Your reaction to this might be to try and make them mad. This is something of a first-order reaction. That is, it isn’t very thoughtful — it may be the first thing you’re inclined to do. Try to suppress this reaction. Be thoughtful. Imagine your response said aloud before you say it. If you don’t have to respond immediately, don’t.

17. Stop agreeing to do things that you know you’ll never actually do. It doesn’t help anyone. To a certain extent, it’s a social norm to be granted a ‘free pass’ when you don’t do something for someone that you said you were going to do. People notice when you don’t follow through, though, especially if it’s above 50% of the time.

18. Stop ‘buying’ things you know you’ll throw away. Invest in friendships that aren’t parasitic. Spend your time on things that aren’t distractions. Put your stock in fleeting opportunity. Focus on the important.

19. Stop being afraid.

The article has some good advice (Thanks Brandon, Kirsten and Oprah!). I think it is thought provoking and challenging.  In particular, #5, #6, #9, #12 really hit home for me. Although I must say I'm definitely guilty of all 19.

What list items hit home for you? Do you or did you have any goals or bucket list items before you reach or reached 30?

    

LKF

JLB's Spring 2013 Boutique Warehouse Sale

Over 25 Boutiques Selling Designer Fashions During a Stylish Two-Day Charity Weekend!The Junior League of Baltimore Boutique Warehouse Sale is back! This Spring, top local boutiques will set up shop at Hunt Valley Towne Center selling both new arrivals and offering huge deals on end-of-season merchandise.

On Friday, each boutique will operate their own mini-store, giving customers the option to shop both current and end-of-season items! Food and two complimentary cocktails are included in the ticket price.

On Saturday, the doors open to the public for customers to shop end-of-season items. All proceeds from ticket sales and booth rentals benefit the initiatives of the Junior League of Baltimore, Inc.
The sale will be held in the old Filene's Basement site, to the left of the Burlington Coat Factory store.
Friday, March 22, 2013
7:00pm - 10:00pm Tickets $30 in advance (limited quantities available at the door $40)Purchase tickets

Saturday, March 23, 2013
10:00am - 6:00pm 
Open to the public


Hunt Valley Towne Center118 Shawan Rd
Hunt Valley, MD 21030


PARTICIPATING BOUTIQUES:
Ellen Allen, Ellie, Francesca Bridal, Freesia, Fresh, Gamberdella Bridal, La Terra, Lily Pulitzer, Linens and Lingerie, Liquid Blue Denim, Liza Byrd, Magda, Morgan Truesdell, Muffy Writes a Note, Octavia II, Olde Liberty Shoppe, Red Garter, Ruth Shaw, Samuel Parker, Shop Mamie, Stella and Dot, Tickled Pink, Tiger Lily, Treasure House, Treasure Island, Wee Chic and more!

Space donated by Greenberg Gibbons.

Did you get your ticket yet? I'll be there on Friday. Hope I see you there!

LKF

Friday Five

 

Friday Five Love #H54F

 

 

Our 2012 Christmas Tree. No fancy themes. We have a tradition of buying an ornament when we go to new places together for our souvenir. Decorating our tree is always my favorite because it reminds me of all the wonderful memories we have made together so far. #ChristmasSpirit

 

 

The newest addition to our Xmas decor from our trip to Valley View Farms. Have you been? It's kinda amazing there. Now I just need a UMD one! #GoRavens

 

 

I saw this A Christmas Story theme light while driving through Hampden. I can not wait to do the Christmas Lights tour with the Hubby when he is done finals! #Wifeofa2L 

 

 

I finally used a great stocking stuffer from the Hubby last year - a Warm Cream Manicure at Red Door Spa. I chose Essie's Head Mistress and I love it! #StockingStufferIdeas

 

 

And last but certainly not least - I went to the YHL Living Social Event in DC with Sarah from Happily Ever After: The Next Chapter. I totally geeked out in front of John and Sherry talking to them about how they inspired me to buy a Karl of my own and ORB his feet. More detailed post to come! #NerdAlert #YHLFan

 

What's your Friday Five? Link up here.

 

LKF

The Hubby's Birthday Cake

We had a lovely family birthday dinner for the Hubby this year hosted by his sister and her husband.  I was asked to bring a birthday cake. Usually the entire family relies on Graul's for birthday cakes since they're always amazing but I wanted to try my hand at baking my own. I have never baked a cake before so it was definitely on my bucket list. What can I say - my our new Kitchenaid makes me want to bake - all.the.time.  So I was really excited for another excuse to use it. 

 

I asked the Hubby what kind of cake he wanted and his response was a classic yellow cake with chocolate frosting. Not too daunting, right? I searched online for a recipe and decided on this birthday cake recipe from Smitten Kitchen and it did not disappoint. I used this easy chocolate fudge for the icing and it was the perfect amount of sweet.

I had a slight mishap when I took one of the layers out of the pan to cool...it totally broke in half. But it worked out fine. I just made it the bottom layer and the icing held everything together so no one could tell. I iced this cake maybe five minutes before we left our house. Next time I would cut the top off both layers to make them lie flat. It looked a little topsy turvy but that's okay for a first attempt. #AliceInWonderland. What's important is that the Hubby loved it and said he wants it again next year! Yay!

Now I just need to invest in a large cake stand with a dome and a cake carrier (like this or this)! #ChristmasHints

LKF

 (Side Note: I've made a ridiculous amount of cookies with our Kitchenaid including these and these. I highly recommend both.)

Rock the Vote

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Hours of sleep last night: 5

Temperature outside this morning: 30

Hours to commute to/from work: 3

Having the good fortune to live in a Democratic country: Priceless

No matter what your political party is - Go to your local polling place today and Vote!

LKF

Friday Five

Things have been a little hectic lately but at least I still have time for some Friday Five Love! #H54F

 

The Hubby and I went to the MD Homecoming Game on Saturday.  We had a great time tailgating with my parents and DG sisters before the game which made up for the heartbreaking loss -Billy Cundiff style. On a somewhat related note- I really enjoyed the Mighty Sound of Maryland at half time. They were playing the theme song to Harry Potter in this pic. Can you see the "HP"? #HarryPotterFan4Life

I walked by the White House on my way to a meeting on Monday morning. Sometimes I forget and take for granted how cool it is to work in our nation's capital. #DCLove

Apparently I wear the same perfume as Lauren Conrad. I thought that was kinda cool since I'm an LC fan. Can't wait to get her new book, Beauty!  I have been getting behind on my reading list lately. I'm reading two heavy books and they are proving tough to read after a long day of work. Especially since I'm trying to actually take in and register the messages. I think I need to take a break with a fluffy book. Maybe I'll actually start my book club book, Gone Girl.

Obsessed with Taylor Swift's New CD! I even went to Target aka Tarjay (as if that's a hardship for me) to get the Deluxe Edition. #Red  

I am Charleston bound for a wedding this weekend! Congrats to the happy couple! Can't wait to celebrate with you both! #Bridesmaid

What's your Friday Five? Link up here.

LKF

Wish List

This is what I've been lusting over lately...

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I really want to get the Frye Paige Tall Riding Boots in Cognac. Then I want to save up for a pair of black ones. It's so tough to find classic leather riding boots for wide calfs that don't look weird.

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TOMS Polarized Beach Master- a Classic and a Great Cause!
I'm also liking their aviators...

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Lilly Pulitzer Murfee Scarf in "Hotty Pink Maryland". I also want the Junior League one!

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I've wanted the Burberry Mid-Length Cotton Trench ever since I entered into the professional work force. One day...

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I really want to learn how to take great pictures before we have kids. The Nikon D3200 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR would be amazing. And maybe throw in a photography class and this book too.

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I really need a new weekender bag. I'm thinking the Vera Bradley Large Duffel in Summer Cottage or Ellie Blue.  I think I'm the last preppy girl who doesn't have one...

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David Yurman Champagne Citrine Noblesse Ring. I've always wanted one.

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Dogeared "Reminder-Faith" Pendant Necklace in Gold. It's simple and delicate.

I could also really use one of these...

What's on your wish list?

LKF

Friday Five

It's another From My Grey Desk's High Five for Friday Weekly Link Party! #H54F

My first pumpkin pie of the season. I made the pie dough using this recipe and the filling using this recipe. Had to bake it for 70 minutes for it to fully set in the center (despite the directions saying 50 minutes). I also made the  Bourbon-Maple Whipped Cream from this recipe. It was crazy good.

My Fall nail color line up. I currently have Bahama Mama on my fingers and Devil's Advocate on my toes.  I'm thinking Chinchilly for next week.

I've been listening to Taylor's new singles all week at work. Can't wait for her album release Monday!

Knowledge is power and fun! #DebateDrinking #Debates #RocktheVote #Election2012BeInformed

My new glasses. #4Eyes #KateSpade
Speaking of Kate Spade - They're having their Friends & Family Sale Now until Sunday, October 21st. Enjoy 30% off using Code: F12FFUS

What's your Friday Five?

LKF

Friday Five

It's another "High Five for Friday" link up with From My Grey Desk.

My Tuesday Pumpkin Spice Latte with my (trendy?) Essie "Midnight Cami" manicure.

A little happy hour fun at Bar Louie. #OktoberfestBrews

Some Penn Station Love. Game 5 tonight! Let's Go O's! #O'sMagic

The amazing changing room at the new Lilly Pulitzer Store in the Towson Town Center. 

Isn't this a cute idea to decorate a kids room or playroom? #LillyLove

Homemade Mac and Cheese brought in by my friend at work. #Mac&Cheese4Breakfast #Yum

What's your Friday Five?

LKF

The Name Change Process

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Are you recently married? Is the prospect of changing your name too overwhelming? I have already been through the name change process and I put together a little step by step to help you figure it out. This all started because I was the first of my group of friends to get married.  I was the name change guinea pig. Soon after, a newly engaged friend asked me for help with the name change process. I wrote a very long email to her on what to do. The email has since been forwarded numerous times and sent to other friends so I thought it would be helpful if I shared it with everyone. Who knows? Maybe it'll help you on your name change journey too!

Changing your name is a big pain but it’s definitely worth it. Bear with me because this post is going to be really long (like the original email). This is not an overnight process so don’t get overwhelmed. This took me about 2 months and I still find random things I need to update. Try and keep records of everything if you can. Make sure you set aside some money in your new family budget for all the fees associated with this process.

A quick note about going on international honeymoons before you legally change your name - make sure your ticket information is in your maiden name (like your passport). It will create a huge hassle for you if it isn’t. And keep in mind you will have to fill out all the Customs documents separately from your husband because you still technically have different names.

Now let’s get started:

(1.) First things first you need to decide what your new full name will be. Your last names hyphened? Dropping your middle name and making your last name your middle name? Dropping your last name all together? To each his own! But definitely make your final decision and stick with it across the board.

(2.) Order extra certified copies of your marriage certificate for agencies that require originals before allowing you to change your name on documents, such as the department of motor vehicles. I bought 4 copies. I kept one in my purse with me for a few months after the wedding just in case and put one in our safety deposit box and used the other two for the name change process (the agencies that need originals). Some places require to keep and/or make a copy of the certified copy and some will allow you to send or give copies of the certified copy. Definitely read the requirements for each application carefully. I just went to the Annapolis Court House to get my certified copies but you can also order them online but they are more expensive then getting them in person. Here is the website.* I also made a few copies of the copies and kept them on hand.

(3.) Your next step is to request a new Social Security card. Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit their website to obtain forms and instructions. You must do this first after your get your certified copies. You can’t get a new driver’s license reflecting your new name until you have the new social security card in hand (I made that mistake and wasted my time at the MVA).

(4.) Make an appointment to visit the department of motor vehicles for a new driver's license. Here is the Maryland MVA website.* Ask in advance which documents you'll need to bring in order to certify the validity of your name change (old license, certified copy of marriage certificate, social security card, and birth certificate). Now that you have your new social security card, driver’s license and certified copies of your marriage license- the rest of the steps can be done in any order really. I did try to list them on level on importance.

(5.) Obtain and complete a Passport Amendment/Validation Application (Form DS-11). Send this along with appropriate fees, your current passport(s), and a certified documentation of your name change (such as a certified copy of a marriage certificate or court papers) to the nearest passport agency.

(6.) Update your bank account(s) and savings account(s) information. I had to go in to my bank and provide a copy of my marriage license for them to update my account. Order replacements for checks, business cards, credit cards and other documents that contain your old name. Make sure you update the companies on your new address if applicable. Make sure you have a discussion with your hubby about your banking plan, i.e. separate accounts, one joint account, or separate and joint accounts. It will make the process a lot easier. If you switch to one joint account, make sure you switch over all your automatic withdrawal accounts. Keep your separate account open with a $ buffer until you’re 110% positive everything has been transferred correctly.

(7.) Call employers and schools (if you are a student) to let them know your new name, and ask them to change it in their records. This is particularly important so that they update your federal and state tax documents. You should also update your beneficiary forms. Getting HR to change my name at my work was a huge pain and I really hope you have an easier process than I’ve had. I keep a scanned copy our marriage license in my Gmail account so it’s always accessible from a computer or my phone.

(8.) Change your name on your car registration (fee & application info on MVA website). Change your name with your health, dental, vision, car, homebuyer/renters insurance (make sure you let them know you’re married- your rates may drop!) and mortgage/leasing companies. Talk to your hubby about combining and changing your health, dental, and vision insurance to family plans. Your rates will usually drop. Most companies require a “qualifying life event” to change our insurance plan and marriage is considered one of them but again you’ll need the certified copy of your marriage license.

(9.) Contact the post office, utility companies (BGE, cable, etc.), cell phone company, and registrar of voters* (you may have the option to do this on your driver’s license application) and any companies that bill you- such as magazines about your name and address change. Combining your cell phone contracts can sometimes save you $ too.

(10.) Update any online accounts you have set up- EBay, PayPal, Amazon, etc. Some will require a phone call or even a fax of a certified copy of your marriage license. Make sure you change your mailing address! Another thing people don’t think of right away is their frequent flier programs or hotel cards. So that’s a good thing to get updated when you have free time.

Just remember this is not an overnight process. Do not get overwhelmed. It will all be worth it!

Best Wishes,
LKF

*This may vary by state.