….I wanted to cross off Chelsea Brewery from my bucket list, got there, realized it was worse than a Ruby Tuesday (pre-remodeling), and then went golfing instead? Truly did cross it off.

Yep, I'm as good as I look at golf. Mini golf is another story.

…..I let Danny trim my bangs? Back in the day, I allowed Jamie to cut my bangs and vowed never to allow such a tragedy again, however this girl couldn’t see and a straight across trim sounds much easier than brand spankin’ new side bangs.

Nope, Danny doesn't smile.

…..Jamie and I had a full out icon sing along to Dog Days are Over via text?

…..I came across a “Santa’s Snack Shop” on the way home from happy hour and couldn’t stop laughing at how hilarious it was that you just run into a random Santa Snack Shop like it’s no big deal in this city? There were mini cinnabon bites and Hot Dark Chocolate Almond Cocoa. Unreal.

……I thought about how in school the week of holidays used to be all about coloring, Jamie quoted me in a FB status with a grammatically awful sentence, and then I colored my to-do list to look like Turkeys?

Thank God it is now almost Wednesday.

Phew! You probably never knew how many forms of contact I could mention Jamie & I have in one post. (Trust me, there’s more.) Anyway, happy short week and Turkey Day, ya’ll!

1. I inadvertently crossed off some NYC Bucket list things – one of which I didn’t even know should be ON the list.

Top of the Rock is beautiful. The absolute best views. Hands down. I highly recommend it to everyone, even if you’ve lived here for 10 years.

(Although, I am a little biased because I didn’t have to pay. My momma and Uncle came to visit on Saturday, which means I got the mom-star-treatment.)

We accidentally walked through the Central Park Zoo. And I did see a seal. Does this count?

2. I ate a delicious pumpkin cookie today that my co-worker made. She got the recipe from here (she skipped the toffee chips, still so good!) The recipe looks soo simple, so definitely something to keep in mind.

3. My sister is pregnant and it takes all of my will-power not to buy her shirts like this. I also sent her the link to Gina’s cupcake gender reveal and told her I’d bake the cupcakes. Too much…?! I might be worse than my mother…

Three things from Jamie because I wanted to play the game too:

1. When I get married, I want to wear a dress like this. Or maybe just wear this dress- you think she’ll let me borrow it? That’s not tacky, right? Danny pretends he is not amused by the “when I get married” game. It’s okay D$, I know the truth, you sappy son of a gun.

perfection... and such a beautiful wedding

2. I love lifting ridiculously heavy weights. It makes me feel really cool and tough. The callouses on my hands remind me of my old days as a competitive gymnast. Sure, I didn’t stay on the team long enough to compete because four nights a week interfered with my eighth grade social life- but the pride in having a strong tough body is still one in the same.

baby biceps

3. After a conversation with Alyssa on how I’ve felt so BLAH with my appearance over the past couple months, she suggested I get some cute side bangs. I decided to listen to her advice and go for it- adding a nice trim too.

if the bathroom is a mess it's not my fault..

Only problem is- I somehow walked out of the salon with a strange feather floating underneath my pound of hair. Let’s play a game called “how long will it take Danny to notice?”

oops

Stay classy, kids.

Things you might have missed:

1. Courtney got bangs! Huge step in life.

2. Jamie lost half her shirt for Halloween.

3. We’ve been drinking way too much wine. (Is that anything new?!)

4. Entire bags of mini Reese’s should not be given to anyone except maybe Cely because she is awesome.  Unfortunately, Courtney was the victim of this crime and will have to strictly follow the serving size of 5.

what's a girl to do?

5. It’s hard to be nice sometimes. Why are we so mean lately? Is because our rent has increased… our old age is catching up to us… too much separation…the grind got us down..?

you mean we can't dance every day?!

6. Jamie did 36 pull ups.

It's totally the new Lululemon. Photo Cred: Alyssa

7. Treat Yo Self. Take a page out of Tom Haveford’s book (Parks & Recreation) and treat. yo. self. You’ll feel better in the morning.

8. Last, but certainly not least: The icons on iPhone are the only way to have conversations.

xoxo, Courtney

if only we were co-workers...

And partying or gyming even harder.

In between all that – somehow getting in some serious resting in, too.

this is a rest day... right?

Add in respective sicknesses, second jobs, natural disasters, apartment hunting, football season, lost phones, and things have been straight up cray cray. (<— btw, this is my new favorite phrase. I promise the phase will end soon. Maybe.)

(side note: read our rules if you’re confused on the bunny ears.)

I think we’ve all been there! Some days you get home from a long day (or your long day WAS at home if you are J) and the last thing you want to do is look at a computer. We appreciate your understanding while we gather our marbles. I think the last few might be hiding from us.. (Read as: #1 on this Seven Things A Twentysomething Can Do article. It’s hilarious.)

In other news, I was ecstatic to finally get to enjoy Fashion’s Night Out actually in New York City this year! It was a dream come true. (Even though I didn’t see a single celebrity, not even Pauly D. Sigh.)

my favorite city

free patron popsicles @ lacoste

fashion installation

I’ll take free alcohol and goodie bags every day, please. I think that might help my marble count. What do you think?!

1. Jamie’s Dance Moves > Courtney’s Dance Moves.

Jamie could probably be a back-up dancer for Lil Wayne, and I on the other hand am very “white girl can’t dance.” My body sometimes feels like a Barbie when it tries to bend.. it just doesn’t move that way. Jamie tries to coach me along, but in her absence my skills are seriously lacking.

2. Jamie is a super romantic mushy-gushy Charlotte type. I am a practical, show less-feelings kind of gal. (Maybe more of a mix of Carrie and Samantha - without the raunchiness, and definitely skipping the lesbian episodes. )

mush

This is a good balance to have in friendship. I can bring Jamie back to reality, and Jamie can tell me when I’m not being mushy enough. Trust me, there’s times.

all about balance

3. In the theme of #2, this stems many (sometimes wine induced) proclamations of love on Facebook.

I, on the other hand, don’t think I have ever made one of these mushy statuses. I like to keep things more serious.

(A reference to my apartment woes..)

4. The herbivore (Courtney) and the carnivore (Jamie)

Anyone who lets eating habits get in the way of friendship is silly. We both respect each other’s choices and would never try to persuade the other to the dark side, or the light side.. Jamie actually willingly decided to try out vegetarianism a couple years ago and it just didn’t work out for her. Only we know what’s right for our bodies and as Gina says, “different strokes for different folks.”

5. I need hugging lessons. I dance like a barbie and hug like one too. Jamie will pull anyone into a giant embrace and usually has her arm around Danny at all times. I am more about personal space over here… I’m working on it.

hurri-what?!

I live minutes (like walking minutes) from the beach in VA and Courtney lives in some dangerous zone in NYC. (I’ve only been paying attention to the local news, shame shame.) We’re gonna do our best to kick Irene’s tush (good thing I’ve been lifting heavy…)

SEE YA MONDAY, if we have power. Stay safe friends! Here’s to hoping this is some big media hype. I’m off to drink wine with Danny’s mom all weekend. xo

DYNAMITE RULES

1. Wine goes well with dinner. It also goes well with late night TV watching, hair braiding, and facebook stalking. Drink it if you agree. Do not be ashamed by the accidental “likes” and overzealous comments you leave on blogs and status updates. “I LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE THAT PROTEIN POWDER!!!!! It’s SOOOO GOOOOOOOOOOD!” If you’ve found comments like this from us (mostly Jamie) anywhere in your life, be aware that we normally do not shout out our love for protein in real life. Pinot sets typing skills on fire.

cheers!

2. Try hard not to spend money. Talk constantly about how your mint.com account hates you, complain about paying rent every month, and insist that you are not allowed to spend on wants- NEEDS ONLY. Then rationalize. “What is the difference between a want and a need anyway? Clothes are wants, but if if I don’t have a new dress for [insert meaningless fun event here] then I will look horrible therefore I will have a terrible time and it will be bad for my metal health.” Move clothes from want to need. Buy just one outfit. Cheap. Kiss the gods of Forever 21.

we can't even wear these. these are MENS SHIRTS. i don't remember what we were doing here.

3. On Wednesdays, we wear pink. When we realize we own nothing pink- we improvise.

is beer a carb?

4. Complain to your best friend. Best friends are there for that sole purpose, to listen to you ramble on about something absolutely ridiculous while you simultaneously ramble on about how ridiculous your rambles are. A true best friend will let you go on and on, and save your boyfriend/mom/roommate/coworkers from finding out just how nuts you actually are.

the joke is on you dmoney!

5. Change your hair, and change it often. If you have had the same part, color, cut, or style for over one month be sure to make a switch up soon. You should be completely unrecognizable to your family when you make it back to Jersey for a visit. After you change your hair- complain (to your best friend- see rule #4) about how you should have never changed your style in the first place, now it’s too short, too dark, too not-the-way-it-was-before.

6. Only fall in love with men named Danny. We’d map it out for you, but we’ve done that before.

7. Keep in contact with your best friend daily. There are about 239084 thousand means of communication these days, use them all. Text her while she tweets you. Leave her 230 comments on her facebook telling her how pretty and perfect she is. It’s kind of like getting a compliment from your mom, but it’s nice and you’ve gotta have each others backs.

i got you!

8. Be silly and have fun. Don’t take anything too seriously, don’t take yourself too seriously. Work hard, play hard. It’s all in good fun. Don’t sweat the small stuff- only sweat in the gym. Or on the beach. Or when Justin Timberlake is three feet away from you. (Okay. Last time on the JT reference. Solemnly swear.)

never too serious for bathroom pics.

9. We’re done, but aren’t rules always better in tens?

10. Follow our rules with caution. We aren’t experts on the matter, these just work for us.

Before I showcase my eats- I feel the need to brag. For the past two days in a row Alyssa and I have worked out right next to (I mean sharing weights from the same rack/sitting on side by side benches) THIS FACE. Photo:

is this real life?

Apparently sexiest man in the universe JT records here in VA Beach and has chosen our amazing gym as his place to get fit. Basically- holy shit. I haven’t said one word to him and I’ve barely stared because I have a huge fear that if he is too bothered he will change gyms and leave my life forever. Hunk of the world, you are JT. I will admire you from three feet away.

This morning I woke up after dreaming about Justin Timberlake’s sweaty abs to a rumbling stomach!

Breakfast was a bowl of plain cheerios with almond milk, peanuts, and chocolate chips. If I said “Nom”, I’d say it now.

i spy chocolate

Also served with coffee+almond milk/my first jug of water for the day!

hey to court and a pre-romance d$

Lunch time! Hearty whole-wheat with turkey, cheese, and Smart Beat mayo. If you like mayo…try this. I think it’s amazing.

scarfed down in 8 seconds flat

Also with lunch I got a little wild and heated up the end of a bag of frozen spinach mixed with some peanuts.

odd? yes. delicious? yes.

My not yet consumed snack will be a Think Thin bar..Told ya I’ve been loving lately!
And for dinner! D$ and I will be eating leftover lasagna. I made it last night and definitely impressed myself, not to mention my man! Girlfriend points, that’s what it’s all about here. It’s also all about ridiculous wall paper. We’re renting. Have no fear.

ta-da!

Don’t mind the top.. cooking in clothes you’d wear to the club provides bonus girlfriend points, and those count the most.

Off to spend the rest of my day with these suckers! I’m working on a book launch for my job and it’s getting pretty exciting up in here.

i'm no dummy!

I’m anxiously awaiting my afternoon gym date with Alyss and JT. He better be there today! And he should be- my mom texted me last night and said, “Are you going to be in his next video? Maybe he likes your butt.”

I like his too. And YES JT- I can dance.

On this rather sunny Monday I decided I’d provide y’all with a nice list of what I’ve been seriously loving lately. Happy thoughts to cheer you up and push you through the work day! PMA people..positive, mental, attitude! Have I mentioned I used to be a cheerleader? Let’s go!

here to pep you up

1. Think Thin bars. No- no one is paying me to say this, but I wouldn’t mind if someone would. I’ve been obsessing over these babies. With the decision to quit counting calories I’ve been paying way more attention to what is actually IN my meals and snacks. What I’m aiming for? High protein, LOW sugar. One of these bars keeps me full for about three hours- RARE. I am a hungry animal of a girl. Photo:

2. Emily Griffin. After reading Something Blue and Love the One You’re With I finally got my hands on Baby Proof! These books are perfect reads to be paired with a sandy beach or a glass of wine. Extra bonus points because I purchased this one 40% off at Borders! Yeah! The look on Danny’s face provided sheer terror when he noticed I was buying a book with the word “baby” on the front.

3. Hot UPS men. Well- one in particular. On Saturday D$ and I celebrated our anni (okay.. do anniversaries count when ya aren’t married?) with a couples massage and a fancy dinner. Totally perfect, totally disgustingly mushy and romantic. Sorry, I’ll now move on to something that doesn’t involve feelings.

4. WEIGHTS. Lifting, grunting, and sweating. I accidentally typed “swearing” for sweating but I guess that fits too. After a month long strength training hiatus, it feels GOOD to feel the burn again. I will not fear bulk. I will not fear bulk.

I am already anxiously awaiting my gym date with Alyssa! It’s almost time to lay on mats and giggle and talk about men get our sweat on!

and eating lunch across from this face

or, our family dinners

lil j made me dinner after my plane drama

jamie's roommate and boyfran

along with one of the many photo shoots..

oh… and of course the beach.

…it was still lovely to finally come home to a few of my favorite things about New York City.. like random free things on the street and hilarious Starbucks trips.

free hummus, free pita chips (!!!)

everything I could ever need seconds away at Duane Reade

gigantic

and what I’ve been looking forward to all day:

it's been a long few days on the couch