Updates!

Hi guys!  Happy Monday!  I hope everyone had a spectacular weekend.  Are you feeling the holiday chaos just yet???

Today's post is one in which I'd like to address some housekeeping issues and just provide you with a few updates.  Cool?

* First of all, you may have noticed some changes around here.  It's a MAKEOVER, y'all!  I've never actually hired someone to design my blog template, so since it's been almost four years, I figured I'd take the plunge and see what it's all about.  After scouring the web, I selected Melissa Rose Design, and boy, am I glad I did!  I loved her work on a few other blogs, and to be perfectly honest, I gave her NO direction.  I wanted to see what an expert would come up with, so this design was all Melissa.  I really love her color selection and clean, simple design.  I like to think it's a bit more grown up, no?

Also, I HAVE A BUTTON!  It's only been, I don't know, FOREVER.  Check out the right sidebar, and if you add buttons to your blog, feel free to grab mine.  I'm also considering doing a little advertising (on other blogs - not here).  Any blogs you love to advertise with???

* I am what some might refer to as a "ChristmasFAIL".  I just started my shopping this week - if you consider Amazon.com "shopping".  I have zero decorations in my apartment.  And I have bailed on several social events because I am feeling like this lately:

* Mike and I leave for Maui in three weeks, and I am ZERO prepared.  I mean, we have a flight.  A place to stay.  Two dinner reservations.  But that's it.  Oh, and did you know that you literally cannot rent a car three weeks in advance during the holiday season?  MAUI IS OUT OF CARS.  #failAGAIN But hey...at least we'll be in Hawaii, right???  :)  (Update:  We now have a car.)  Speaking of, if you've been to Maui, I'd love to hear your recommendations!

* I ran 8 miles yesterday.  This may not seem like a huge deal, but it's the longest I've run in over a month.  It felt good to get back out there!

* I would really love it if it snowed here in Chicago.  Once again, we seem to be experiencing a pretty mild winter.  I know, I know - once it snows, we're all going to whine and moan about it.  But still, it would be lovely.

Source: Uploaded by user via Caitlin on Pinterest

* The more I watch "Giuliana and Bill", the more I realize that I utter some of the same words as "G".  I'm not sure if I should be proud of this...

Source: stylebistro.com via Gail on Pinterest

* Speaking of G and B, I made reservations at RPM Italian (their restaurant here in Chicago) for Sunday night for myself and my husband.  I had dinner there when it opened but Mike has never been.  Problem?  He's working.  Oops.  Who wants to join me???

That's what's going on in my life, folks.  I am one hot mess these days.  How are you???