Calgon, Take Me Away: The Travel Version

“Ok Melinda, what’s the secret?” I say to her, watching as her glasses fell slightly down her smooth nose, her well-made, warm eyes rising to meet mine as her hand went to cup my knee that was bouncing up and down from a bout with anxiety.

“You’ve got.to.chill.out.” she said calmly, gazing at me with certainty, grace and understanding, the result of three years working together through life and career coaching, babies being born, promotions being made and office matters bittersweet.

“So, what’s the deal? How do you be ‘on’ all day, plaster a face on and arrive with the same passion and energy, day after 18 hour day? How do you forget you’re missing a husband and child at home, that your house is a wreck, that you’re bone tired and not everyone in the room is satisfied, learning and growing? HOW?!”

Whether you’re an executive, a SAHM, a rock star or scrubbing bathrooms, her reply would be the same: you’ve gotta take care of you.

So here’s some secret tips she shared with me, that are now tried and true after round two at the Vinoy:

1. Create your space: unpack your bag, no matter how many days you’re staying, lining your clothes nicely in drawers and closets. Order fresh flowers. Bring tiny frames of your loved ones. Tote along a fabulous smelling candle and ask for matches at the bar when you arrive. Just like home.

2. Mail your love: particularly for Moms and Dads, duck into the gift shop or at your arrival at the airport and scrawl out a postcard for a loved one at home. Let them know you’re thinking of them and missing them and mail it immediately, with hopes it will arrive before your return trip.

3. Take a minute: use the fabulous amenities, including the gym, media room, spa, pool, sauna, gardens, room service or whirlpool if you can, whenever you can.

4. Load your iPod: bring along tunes that soothe your soul and bring you to your happy place.

5. Cut back on liquor: when you’re on the road, the tendency to ham it up and network generally involves alcohol. But actually, the warm stuff makes it more difficult for you to sleep and function the next day. When peer pressured, ask for soda water or water with a lime and forgetaboutit.

6. Breathe: when it doubt, step outside. Hide in the restroom. Duck into a dark corner. Take five deep breaths and try, try again.

And you know what? It worked. Bath and Body makes a fabulous, small stress relief candle that easily made it through security, while the Tampa airport had the perfect postcard with a “dofin” on it for Lawson, and his little picture was darling perched on my nightstand. Michael Jackson was my wakeup and shakeup for the morning, while the Vinoy’s whirlpool in the women’s locker room coupled with the sounds of their waterfall were the perfect end to a 16-hour day. And mornings? Way more manageable with ounces of water in the tummy versus white wine spritzers. Sure, I may not have been quite as fun…but you know what? I delivered a kick-butt meeting that achieved rockin’ results. And I saved my sanity along the way.

So thank you, Melinda, for shedding the light and creating a little Calgon that while on my travel, took me away…

Two Thousand Thanks

“I would thank you from the bottom of my heart, but for you my heart has no bottom.” ~Author Unknown

That one’s for you, dear readers.

Thank you for making what started as a meaningless outlet to something that drives passion into my soul deeper than I ever thought a keyboard, candlelight, classical music and deep thoughts by Megan could ever go. Because of your support, love and readership, I find more comfort and faith in life, its mysteries and its joys by reliving it over and over again. You know…happiness in the making.

Though it seems like peanuts to those that are big-time in the blog world, you brought me to more than 2k hits last month, leaving me speechless and more grateful than you could ever know. Thanks for following, tagging, forwarding, complimenting, reading and just being you.

I owe you a million thanks and more because in this case, 2k thanks just won’t do…

An Affair to Remember

“Yeah, that one’s perfect!” I say to a grinning Erica, watching as she tugged the peacock-feathered headband across her gorgeous auburn hair, the waves falling loosely along her olive cheeks as she assessed the look.

“Great – this is a start to the wardrobe!” she giggled as we collected our things and made our way to the growing line.

We had been talking for hours about the ensembles and accessories she was collecting to bring her vintage photo shoot to life, discussing hot topics such as hounds tooth, where to find the perfect double-breasted, 50’s-inspired jacket and what size heel would still align her with my brother. It was inspiring to hear her chat excitedly, her cheeks flushing with excitement as she described her vision of what their engagement photos would look like, complete with planes, trains, automobiles and of course, their love. Hearing her talk of this adventure was a true testament to what their marriage would soon be: classic, timeless, full of romance and complete with adventure.

And here’s how that dream turned out:

erica & ryan's save the date from courtney rosen on Vimeo.

Pretty fabulous, don’t you think?

Unique, fun, charming, cinematic, a bit sassy and full of unconditional love.

Just like they are, always will be, for better or for worse.

So count me in kids – I will save that date. Because I know with two amazing people like you, this is sure to be an affair to remember…

Top 10 Things the Little Man is Doing These Days

1. Shouting “Almost! Points!” and Slam Dunk!” when shooting hoops in the house
2. Counting to 10 and repeating his ABCs – with enthusiasm
3. Independently playing in tight little corners of the house with trucks, puzzles or intensely flipping through a book (he can “read” ‘Thomas, Peek a Who’ and ‘Baby Faces.’)
4. Passing on blessings when we sneeze: “ Bless you, Mama;” “Bless you, Daddy.”
5. Growing confidence in the water with blowing bubbles, kicking, doing “super baby” and the frog song while ducking his head under the surface
6. Announcing “MOVE PLEASE” to anyone that may be perched on his couch or in Daddy’s chair so he can take over, settle in and enjoy his snacks
7. Playing chase with anyone who wants to burn a few calories, all the while kicking his legs and whispering “shhh” as we creep around the corner
8. Running, running, running and wrestling, wrestling, wrestling…accompanied by screeching giggles
9. Bouncing on beds, couches, dogs, laps and really, any flat…or not so flat…surfaces
10. Obsessing over Yo Gabba Gabba dances and songs and re-enacting the likes of Mya, Elijah, the Roots and Jack Black
Truth be told, there aren’t just 10. Instead, there are a handful of tantrums, diaper changes, moments of defiance and bzillions of precious moments scattered in between. And we wouldn’t change any of them for anything…

LBD

A day late and a dollar short (it would’ve been ideal to sport this at Molly’s wedding), I scored this little number on Nordy’s sale rack. At half the cost, cut well with forgiving lines, comfy material and a bit of flare, it’s the perfect addition to the closet, yes?

From a wedding to a funeral to a cocktail party to a shower, it’s a pluck and pull from the ol’ closet. The little black dress (LBD). And one I’ve been searching for over a decade.

So yeah, I don’t “need” it right this second, but the LBD is classic. And it will be just the “ensem” for one of the soon-to-be sis-in-law’s fabulous wedding events, right?!

Party Like It's February 2011

“Megs, why do you still have your coat on?,”Leah asks as I worked to keep the buttons intact and my scarf wound tightly around my neck.

“Because I so did not wear a Catholic-appropriate, daytime wedding ensemble!” I said, sharing a grin and glancing around at the perfectly coifed guests, their toned down gray and black wear filling the pews with necklines and hemlines that hit in all the right places. Drat to improper planning and prioritizing the family to get that last minute shopping in, huh? Though I have known Molly and Tim were getting married on this date for nearly a year…

The bagpipes were played, the tears nudged at with small corners of tissues and bright smiles lit up the room as one of the most gorgeous brides this world has seen began her day with all of her dreams coming true. The love felt among the church’s stained-glass walls was immeasurable as stories of their love were swapped, guests sat silent with heartfelt emotion and rings of gorgeous wedding party attendants gazed on with support and admiration. The kiss was tasteful and elegant, the sermon one to always remember and filled with a few life lessons and the look on the happy couple’s face as they made their way back down the aisle as husband and wife: priceless. True to the kind of people Molly and Tim are, it was a day complete with romance, well wishes, inspiration and joy. Truly a magnificent event!

Turn to about six hours later and perhaps things are no longer being labeled as “nice,” but more like: party.like.it’s.2011! Wine is flowing, words that will always be remembered being exchanged over the loud speaker, a table full of best friends and a play list to die for, it felt like college all over again. Suddenly, what can sometimes feel like the weight of the world got a little lighter as I danced cheek to cheek (yes, both sets of cheeks…we unfortunately haven’t changed THAT much – yikes), got down to Britney with the girls, participated in dance offs and rocked out to MJ. For a split second, I was no longer a Mom, an overachieving employee, a wife, a friend, a sister a daughter…but just me. Doing the groove thing. And that’s one little piece of heaven we all have to hold on to once in awhile…to remember what’s important in life, to let it all hang out for an hour or two and just.get.down.


So thank you Molly and Tim, and to all our “family” and friends we cherish and love each and every day. For your love, our love and the love we all share.

And for letting us party like it’s 2011.

May this night and all of yours ahead be all you’ve been dreaming of and more…

C'mon, Vogue

“Let’s do it…it will be so much fun…and different!” Sarah squeals, excitedly chattering about appetizers, dates and all things girly as we sat over cool beverages discussing the potential of an upcoming birthday celebration.

The corners of my mouth widened in a grin as flashes of Madonna, “Pretty Woman” and even “13 Going on 30” danced through my head, complete with lead roles and characters that were my best friends. Makeovers, jewels, Usher on the iPod, delicious grub and all my favorite people? Count me in. Sounds like the perfect way to bring in the big 3-1.

And so it came to be the Vogue Party was in effect. Feb. 11. At Sarah’s. Be there or be square.

Now, keep in mind pouring on the glam and letting loose with your inner Heidi Klum isn’t necessarily for everyone. But the gals took one for the team and all arrived in their own version of high fashion, with big smiles, warm hugs and ready to cheer on those who were brave enough to get in front of the curtain and get their girl-on.



I was first, my face lined with professionally applied makeup, heavy but classic – made just for the camera lens. Struggling to make the transition from the application chair to center stage, I downed half of Sarah’s delicious homemade pear vodka concoction and took my time dabbling with the accessories table, working with Bliss Photography’s jewel gal to select just the right accessories for that extra Vogue touch.

Minutes later, with bangles up to my elbows, a fedora perched on my brow and enough necklaces to qualify me as Mrs. T, I was bounced into the spotlight, giggles surrounding me, the bass pumping from nearby, the encouragement and direction from the photographers comforting and laid-back. Striking pose after pose, I channeled my inner Emme (because let’s face it, I’m no Kate Moss) and did my best to relax and have fun, taking in the gals’ faces around me and delighting in the sounds of them having fun nearby. For those few minutes it felt like freedom…to be young again, ridiculous, completely outside of your comfort zone, silly, glamorous, reckless and just plain sassy. All things one should experience when digging even further into their thirties and letting loose from the everyday stresses in life…

One after one, the gals flirted in front of the background, hamming it up for the camera, smirking as the “wind” hit their face or their pupils lit up with the help of some professional lighting. Scarves, hats, gloves, jewels, lipsticks and more were thrown about and exchanged, not unlike those nights in the sorority house before the big date dash. Chocolates and wine were consumed, stories were swapped, hugs and even some tears of disbelief took place near the kitchen as catching up occurred, posing commenced and an evening of glamour took place.



Finally, after 30 minutes of photo editing on-site by the professionals, a few party fouls, a lot of girl talk and even more adult beverage consumption, the slide show began. Like eager students, we gathered on the rug with the laptop before us and oohhed and aahheed over the final product, marveling at the transformation and the power of a little editing and a lot of camera talent. Cries of “that’s my favorite!” or “you should give that to your hubby!” or “omg, that doesn’t even look like her!” bounced off the walls as the girls’ faces lit up in delight, humor and plain ol’ carefree fun. Fabulous. Finesse. Phenomenal. F.U.N.

The final production of the night was purchasing time, as girls narrowed their photo options, chose to purchase images or trinkets, gathered their thoughts and made selections:

And so commenced The Vogue Party of 2011…for these girls at least. A night to truly remember, to mark down as a milestone and to reserve in your brain when life starts to get a bit too serious.

So thank you, girls, for reminding me what your 30s and all your years are about: friends, food, fun, family and…

Vogueing.

It will remain a night I’ll never forget.

And to Sarah, the hostess with the mostest and all the besties that attended: you’re the best models any gal could ask for. Thanks for always being the tripod to my camera and being the support and friends I can always count on when I need it the most…and even when I don’t. I love you and will Vogue with you anytime. Anyday.

You just name it.