New Idea & Post Card Swap!

Hi Everyone! So I totally planned on doing this post Wednesday however after I had lunch I did not feel good so I had a date with my bed and bathroom. I still felt not a 100% on Thursday but I am finally on the mend so I thought I need to get my butt in front of the computer and get my post ready. 

Where to begin?? First off last week I announced a giveaway here and the giveaway ended yesterday and I have a winner to announce! The winner is Deanne at Crafter Meets Craftsman. So excited (and a little jealous) but I can't wait to see what buttons she selects. Congrats again Deanne! 

In other news I have another what I think is exciting news to share and also a risk that I am taking. I still consider myself pretty new to the blogging world and it amazes me everyday the number of followers I reach and the comments I receive. In the past few months I have joined in many link ups and some I do every week and have become a fixture on my blog. One day I got the idea that 'why don't I host my own link-up?' This was a very scary idea because what if no one linked up? How embarrassing! But I thought who cares I decided to blog not for a popularity contest but for me so I went ahead and ran with the idea. I got a fabulous button made and so now drum roll please I am officially announcing my weekly Wednesday link-up called 'The Pit & Peak of your week'

Like I said it will be every Wednesday and you will just say what the Pit & Peak of your week. You can include pictures, obsessions, confessions, anything you want. I ask that you please grab a button that is now on the side of my blog (check it out) when you link up so we can get the word out there. 

What are your guys thoughts or feedback?? Would love to hear! 

I also had signed up for a Post Card Swap a few weeks ago and I was so excited to have received it. 

I found out my lovely Post Card Pen Pal was Brittany and after we sent a few e-mails back and forth we got a little more familiar with each other and then off we went to get our post cards. I have to admit writing a postcard to someone that you don't know was a lot harder than I would have every imagined. So I got her a fun postcard with the Chicago skyline on it and I wrote about the things you must do if you visit the windy city. Then a few days ago her postcard came in the mail! Check it out:

I had so much fun doing this linkup! 

Thursday Crush

Hello Thursday! Wow time is still flying by! I know for most of you Friday can't come soon enough because I'm sure you have a 3 day weekend! I work all weekend but I did get lucky and snag Monday & Tuesday off! Woo-hoo! I'll take it. However because it's Thursday it means I am linking up with none other than Ms. Danielle for

I need to face the facts and get with it that summer is over- well almost because here in Chicago we are still rocking out the 90+ degree weather (I'm hanging on to every last day!) however Fall is just around the corner. And besides Summer Fall is my next favorite season because it allows me to rock out in my leggings, motocycle boots, and of course a favorite sweater. So I am currently crushing on all things Cashmere Sweaters!

Fall for Cashmere by jessie-ingoglia featuring embellished tops

Who doesn't love a great sweater?? I know I do! What are you must have's for this Fall season??

I double dipping again this week and also linking up with Carolyn for


This week I'm lusting over this beauty

It's the Rebecca Minkoff M.A.C. Clutch and I think I'm seriously in love. It may end up in my handbag collection sooner than later. haha. 

If you really knew me . . .

I noticed quite a few bloggers have done a post like this over the last few weeks and I really liked the idea so I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon and give it a go. So let's get started! 

If you really knew me . . . .

You would know that I'm the pickiest order at a restaurant. Like no joke people at work make fun of me. I will tell the person that is taking my order that they need to chop my chicken vs. cutting it in strips. 

I was obsessed with playing the game MASH when I was in JR. High. Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. Remember you pick 4 guys, 4 kinds of cars, and 4 different numbers of children you want to have. Then MASH stands for Mansion, Apartment, Shack, and House. 

I have an obsession with office supplies- I could spend hours in a Office Max

Babies freak me out- they make a sound and I jump

I'm a liberal thinker on many issues 

I love a good challenge 

Have always been an avid reader

Love going to open houses- even though I'm not in the market to buy house, love being noisy 

Horror movies are my favorite! Even though I get scared easy 

I'm a collector of Essie nail polish 

I have to handle the finances, I'm OCD on where every penny is going 

Love a good reality show- which basically means I'm all things obsessed with Bravo

Can identify with Real Housewives of New Jersey- my husband's family resembles so many people on that show and sadly very much like Teresa 

I can pull off almost any hair color- been rocking the black for almost 2 years but I think I'm getting ready to make a big change. . dun dun dun

I would much rather text than talk on the phone- I also think that is because I talk to people all day at work

I hate winter 

Well I hope that you learned a little bit more about me. Thanks for stopping by!! 

P.S. Don't forget to enter my giveaway!!! 

Manni Monday

Oh it's Monday . . . I def have a case of the Monday's today because I had the weekend off and I am dragging my feet to get back to work. Anyways on a happier note because it's Monday that means I'm once again linking up with Glitter & Gloss for



So this week I was so excited to go to the nail salon and get my no chip back on. As I mentioned last week I was taking a couple of weeks off the no chip to let my nails breathe and I have to be honest I don't know how we've all dealt with no chip for so long. I have to be honest my nail salon needs to get on the band wagon and get more colors for no chip. Since in my new 'dress code' our nails can only be natural (ugh) I decided to do OPI Bubble Bath and I am so glad I did. The only thing I changed was I did three coats so it wouldn't be so transparent. Check it out how it looks.

Don't forget to check out my giveaway!! 

Sunday Social

Happy Sunday! I had such a fabulous weekend because I was actually off and it was my Birthday (yesterday) and got to spend it with the wonderful hubby :) Stay tuned for my post about my Birthday and lots of pictures to follow. So once again I am linking up with A Complete Waste of Makeup for

Here are this weeks questions: 

1. What is the first website you log on to each day? 
My homepage is AOL because it gives me the top news stories in different catergories as well as other news from around the world. I love my news.

2. Give us some funny webistes you visit that we need to know about. . .
I wouldn't say that I ever really visit any funny websites but I am such a celebrity gossip whore that I do have my go to websites like US Magazine, TMZ, and a new favorite Realitytea.

3. Pintrest or Facebook? Why?
This was hard for me- I would have to say Facebook, only reason is because I remember when Facebook started and you could only join if you were in college (yeah that was the old days). I have to say I am so glad I'm married and don't have to deal with dating while Facebook is so accesible. How you can so easily become a stalker without even realizing it. Plus I just started getting into Pintrest but I'm loving it so far.

4. Twitter or Instagram? Why?
Hands down Instagram, I love that you can change your photos, follow celebs, and share you pics with ease. I do need to take more pics though. That needs to be my 2013 NY's Resolution.

5. Favorite youtube video. . . post it! 




I LOVE this video! I always laugh my butt off when I watch it. 

6. Biggest online pet peeve? 
When people are on Facebook Messanger and they don't ever respond back to you. Isn't the whole point of having the app so it acts like a text message? You message back! 

Friday Letters

Good Morning Friday! Gosh only one more day until the B-I-G 26! Ahh!! But I will chat more about that during my letters. I am once again I am linking up with the lovely Ms. Ashley for

Dear Birthday: Wow I can't believe that I'm going to be 26! It was just a year ago that I was in Vegas celebrating my golden birthday. Why does that seem so long ago?? I cannot wait to spend the day in the city with the lovely hubby and just walk around and enjoy the fabulous Chicago weather. 

Here are some pics from my 25th Birthday

Dear Leg: Okay I'm sorry I know I was pushing myself with the stupid box jumps (it was seriously like 3 weeks ago) and I haven't rested and keep pushing myself but can't you heal already?? My foot swelled up so bad that I had to leave work early on Sunday to go to Urgent Care to make sure I didn't have to get my leg cut off because of some skin eating parasite I now had. If you think I'm being dramatic here are pics to show you I'm really not. 

Right after my injury- and of course after I finished my work out

3 weeks later! This is after I went to Urgent Care

I know you are all concerned but good news I don't have a flesh eating parasite but instead a skin infection so I have to put on some heavy duty steroid cream twice a day. 

Dear Weekend Off: Even though it's my birthday weekend I am also excited to just be off this weekend! I feel like it's been a long while since I had a weekend off. 

Dear Crossfit: We have a love/hate relationship, most of the time it is love :) however Thursday & Friday's work out are Brutal. What am I talking about?? Here let me share.

Thursday: 

"Fran"

21-15-9

Thruster 65lbs

Pullups

-- Anyone who is serious in Crossfit measures your level by asking what your Fran time is-- 

Friday:

Deadlift 

7x2 80-89% of your 1 rep max (so for me that means 236-263lbs)

Then. . . 

25 Front Squats @ 75lbs

40 Squats

25 STOH (shoulder to overhead) 75lbs

40 Pushups

Can you understand for my love/hate relationship after these two work outs?? Thank goodness I'll have something to celebrate with. . . Sprinkle cupcakes on Saturday :)

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY

Thursday Crush

Happy Thursday! I hope everyone is having a good week so far, I'm excited the weekend is nearing because I have the weekend off and it's my birthday. Woo hoo!! But the weekend isn't here yet and it's Thursday so that means it's time to link up with Danielle for 

It's bittersweet because Danielle announced that this will be her last week hosting Thursday Crush but she's allowing us to host every week and will announce details to come. 

On to my current crush for this week, I am such a sucker for a great handbag and anyone who knows me knows this isn't a surprise. So I have put together some of my favorite handbags that I lust over. 

Over Size Obsession by jessie-ingoglia featuring prada tote

If I had to choose only one it would be hands down the Hermes Birkin. You can see how obsessed I am about this handbag here. What is your favorite handbag for the Fall?? 

Don't forget to check out my Giveaway- I think it's a pretty good one! 

Once again I'm double dipping and linking up with Caroline for her 

So this week I have to say I'm loving my no chip manicure. I went a couple weeks doing a classic manicure and I don't know how we handled the whole nail polish chipping the second you left the salon. So I couldn't wait soon enough to get my no chip manicure! Here is a pic of my nails that I got done today- 

It's OPI Bubble Bath. 
What are you loving this week??

Someone you should know

Happy Wednesday! I am so excited that today is Wednesday because that marks the end of my 6 day work stretch and a fun filled day of working out, getting in one of my last pool days, and getting my nails done. Can we say Perfect Day?? Anyways. . . I'm really excited about doing today's blog post because I have someone who I would like to introduce you guys too.

Her name is Chelsea and I actually stumbled upon her at Danielle's Blog when Chelsea was doing a guest post (check it out here) about 'How to create your OWN blog buttons'. I found her post to be so informative and super easy to use that after I got done reading the post I opened a new window and was on PicMonkey creating my own button. I was having so much fun and had left a comment for Chelsea letting her know that I loved the post and thanks for sharing. That one comment turned into a e-mail exchange which then turned into her fixing up my button and adding a copy & paste box below! Here is the finished product:



copy & paste code
<center><a href="http://www.glasshalfemptyorfulldepends.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/5394/profilepic3w.jpg" /></a></center>
How adorable??? What I loved is that she did this out of the goodness of her heart and without me asking but her just being nice and wanting to help me out. We have exchanged several e-mails since then and I told Chelsea I wanted to feature her on my blog because WOW what a talent she has in graphic design. Check out some of her amazing work here and also what services she offers here. 
Amazeballs right?! I would love to have that talent to spruce up my blog. But instead I'll have to resort to paying people because my talents run slim when it comes to artistic stuff. Since Chelsea is so sweet and fabulous she is offering my readers a fantastic GIVEAWAY, she is offering 6 customizable social buttons.

All you have to do is enter below and complete the following tasks:- Follow myself of GFC- Follow Yours Truly on GFC- Leave me a comment- Leave Chelsea a comment
The giveaway will be open for one week and I will announce the winner Wednesday August 29th. Best of luck! 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Me, Myself & I

Hi Everyone! I am so excited that it's that time of the month to be linking up for the

I linked up for the first time last month and had such a great response and enjoyed reading everyone's answers I couldn't wait for this months questions. In case you don't know what this link up is all about there is how it works: 

Here's how it works:

-Link-up goes live the 3rd Tuesday every month and stays open for one week.

-There will be 5 questions to answer each month, posted in advance so that you have plenty of time to write a post.
-If you'd like them emailed to you, we'll put you down on the monthly mailing list.

-Add pictures to your post to spice it up a bit if desired :)

Rules:

1. We ask that you follow each of the co hosts,
2. Pretty please grab the button and place it in your posts & perhaps put it into your side bar to help spread the word :) Don't worry, we won't kick ya out if you don't...we're not Blog Snobs ;)
3. Click on a few other bloggers and make new friends!

1) What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?
I would go to law school to become a divorce attorney

2) If you had only six months left to live, what would you do with the time?
I would travel all around the world with my husband. With the traveling I've done thus far in my life I have enjoyed all the different cultures and seeing the beauty of the world. I would want to continue that and if I passed before then I would at least be out seeing the world. 

3) If a front page news article was written on you, what would the headline be?
Compassionate, driven, fitness obsessed, woman who always has a smile on her face but don't let smile fool you she means business and can hold her own in any situation. 

4) What is your biggest pet peeve?
So it took me awhile to think about this one, however it totally annoys me when I take time to enagage in conversation with someone and ask open ended questions to get to know them and they answer them but don't recepriocate and ask me questions. It probably doesn't help that I'm sales and have to engage people all day long so it's a breath of fresh air when someone actaully asks you a question. 

5) What is your favorite chick flick movie?
Again this took me a couple days to think about however once I thought of it I started laughing right away. My favorite Chick Flick is The Sweetest Thing with Cameron Diaz and Christina Applegate. My best friend and I would watch this movie over and over. It's still funny to this day 

Here is the trailer of the movie


Thanks for stopping by!! 

Manni Monday

Wow it's Monday already?? This weekend flew by even though I worked all weekend it still flew by (thank goodness because I am off on Wednesday). Anyways let's get to what we really came here for which is all things nail polish. I am once again linking up with Glitter & Gloss for



So the last two weeks I've been going old school and getting a classic manicure so my nails could get a breather from the no chip. However let me tell ya I don't know how we all dealt with classic manicures because seriously it chipped 2 hours after I got it done!! So annoyed. However here is a pic of my nails before they chipped. 

It's the new color from Essie called Miss Fancy Pants and let me tell ya it's a LOVE LOVE LOVE! A staple in my Fall nail collection.  However I have another nail appointment on Wednesday and while it was suppose to be a for another classic manicure I just can't deal anymore so I'm going back to no chip.