Bring on the 30's!!!

My 30th Birthday was good to me this past weekend. 
It was filled with great friends and family and lots and lots of fun and laughs!
We did some shopping, lots of eating and even  played in NYC for a day. 
I haven't had time to upload the few pictures I took, but some of the highlights involved:

Mom's homemade baked ziti

Lots of birthday cake

A new pair of fall boots!

A new fall coat!!!

A trip to the museum

A stroll through central park!

And some much needed relaxing time! 

It was a great way to spend my birthday, and I'm so glad we were able to make the trip. 
But, now it's Monday and back to reality!  Booo.

9/11

This Sunday my heart will be back home in New Jersey. 

There are no words, just prayers. 

I pray for all of those who were lost and for everyone who is still remembering. 

May we never forget.

Goodbye, farewell...go away

Dearest Summer,
 There is no easy way to say this so I'm just going to be blunt...I'm over you.  While a few months ago I so yearned for your long days and warm buggy nights, I now hanker for a cooler breeze and less creepy crawlies.  Yes, we did have lots of fun.  I enjoyed the pool days and beach days and bar-b-ques with friends.  I love the carefree feeling you bring back that is reminiscent of childhood.  You inspire me to read more and watch less TV, but I'm going to be honest...I miss my DVR being filled with hours of mindless sitcoms and reality shows that only my new love can bring.  Fall. 
Cute sundresses and flip flops no longer ring my bell.  I want jeans and flats and scarves and boots!!!  I want football and the leaves changing color.  I want chili on cool nights and fires in the fireplace!!  I wish I could say I want a pumpkin spice latte but in reality they disgust me, I do however take pleasure in my friends excitement over the ever coveted Starbucks treat!  I'll satisfy my fall taste buds with cider and peppermint lattes! 
It seems inevitable that I will come crawling back to you, but I need a break.  Just give me a few months and I'm sure by April I'll be ready to see you again.  Thank you for a wonderful 2011, but you need to leave now.  I'll see you in 2012. 
All my love,
Kelly

Camera Lens Update

Just in case anybody was wondering, I am LOVING my new 50mm lens for my Nikon camera.

I was able to test it out while on vacation last week and I'm really excited with the results. 

Of course a little more practice always helps, but I think it was well worth the purchase!

Here are some  pictures

Precious "Turtle"

Party!

Jenn looking demure...and naked...sorry :)

Handsome Grey Dog

Handsome Hubby

Papa Murph

I realize I'm no professional, however it's amazing the difference in clarity one lens can make!  I'm excited to use it more!

By the way I have been back from vacation for almost a week now and I'm still struggling to come out of my Ocracoma.  For those of you unfamiliar with the term, it's the state of mind you slip into when you visit Ocracoke Island...my favorite place in the world. 

Ahhhhh, thank god for Friday.  Enjoy your weekend!



Hair today, gone tomorrow...

My hair is was long.

Like really long.

Longer then it's been in a really long time, and that's long!

(Past Boob Length)

I have been toying with the idea of cutting it for awhile but could never bring myself to do so. 
However, lately I've been hearing about a lot of bad things happening to good people.  People that I love and care about.  I guess the old saying "when it rains, it pours" has some truth to it.
I've struggled to try and figure out what I could do to offer comfort or give back, and while I know it's not much, hopefully it will bring a little happiness to somebody who needs it.

SO, I decided to bite the bullet and chop all my hair off for Locks of Love.  In case you have been living under a rock and are unfamiliar with this organization, they create hair pieces from donated hair for children suffering from long term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. 
If I was going to chop my hair, this was a great reason to do it!

Here's what I'm left with today

A little shorter than I had planned, but it will grow back and well worth the cause!



Help

I need gift ideas for a boy man turning 30

Here's an idea of his likes/hobbies

- golfing

- hunting

- fly fishing

- golfing

- guns

- making money

- Grey dog

- golfing

- yard work (sort of)

- running
- me ;-)

He's a very complex creature can't you tell. 

Any suggestions are warmly welcome!!!!



New Toy

The house projects haven't exactly been abundant lately,

so I bought myself a new toy!

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm 1.8G

So while my tools are resting (hopefully not for long)

 I'll be trying to learn how to use this fun thing!

I still have my long list of things I want to get done in the house:

- redecorate guest room

- clean out "office" room

- clean out closets (UGH)

- move my closet to different closet

- rearrange some stuff in the living room (shhhhh, don't tell Bryan)

 But, let's be honest, my motivation in the summer is close to zero!  Who wants to be in doors when it's SO HOT BEAUTIFUL outside!

Hopefully I'll be back soon with something checked off my list!  And if not I hope I'll at least have some pretty pictures to share!!