Announcement! Christine Cackles is Moving

to... http://www.christinerochelle.com

PS- Christine recently completed her first half marathon (13.1 miles), so cheers to Christine!  

Below is one of my favorite pictures ever, standing so proud, I love it!

Royal Wedding Recap

Sarah Burton was the designer of choice for Kate Middleton's wedding dress this morning.  Although there were mixed reviews of the gown, "feeling more like a Kate Middleton design then a Sarah Burton design," I think we can all agree that it was beautiful.  I think we should also keep in mind, that Kate is in fact the one wearing the dress, not Sarah, therefore I think it is totally appropriate that it has more of Kate's traditional flare.

Here are a few moments that I will remember as I sat on my couch at 5:30am watching the event take place:

1) Kate's confidence and grace was extraordinary and not one tear was shed (visible to the audience), by her or her family.

2) Pippa Middleton looked stunning as Maid of Honor.

3) Broadcasters covering the wedding stated "the second Kate leaves the hotel to head to Westminster Abbey is the moment she will leave her old life behind."

4) Will and Kate's first kiss on the balcony was a little short.  I know Will doesn't like PBA (public display of affection), but this is your wedding day Will, it's ok to kiss!

5) The color of Camilla's pleated suit dress was described as "duck egg blue." I have no idea why that detail stuck in my head but it did.

6) The hats that Princess Eugenie of York and Princess Beatrice of York wore were hideous and screamed for attention.

7) Kate's wedding band was a little tight going on the finger

8) The tiara worn by Kate belonged to the Queen's mother, who also wore it on her wedding day.

9) I loved the ceremonial tradition of Kate's father handing over his daughter by passing her hand first to the priest, then to Prince William.

There isn't a 10th moment that comes to mind as of now, but I will be sure to update you if one more comes up.

St. John U.S.V.I.

I wanted to share a little slice of heaven (my recent vacation to the 9 mile long and 3 mile wide island of St. John), so here are a few pictures that I think are "screen saver" worthy.

Hanging with Jimmy Vee and Travis Miller (Author's of Gravitational Marketing) at the Automotive Marketing Boot Camp!

My Mom On Her 60th

Idea copied from Christine Cackles....

A: If you were an Animal, which would you be?  Elephant. They are smart, nice, live long lives, fat and generally happy. What could be better?
B: Books, what's on your reading list? Currently reading Jane Eyre.  I was never required to read it for school (hmm, interesting reflection on the level of my English/Lit. courses), so I have been diving into it to see what this autobiography is all about.
C: Compulsive about anything? Must agree with Christine on this one...clean bathrooms but I HATE cleaning them.  Hair in the bathroom makes me cringe. 
D: Dreams - Do you dream in color? Do you remember them? I don't remember all of them, but when I do they are pretty standard (i.e. being chased or raped).
E: Eating - What's your favorite unusual snack? Right now, Combos. However, my food obsessions change on a monthly basis.
F: Favorite Things - Name a few: Top 5 are as follows: 
(1) Foot Massages.  I will walk into a nail salon and request this along with pay extra for it. 
(2) Handbags. I am a handbag designer so that one is obvious. 
(3) Shoes. The best compliment to a great bag is a great pair of shoes, right?! 
(4) Lip Gloss. Whenever I feel the need for a little change I always buy a new lip gloss.  Funny how I continuously buy the same shade. Refer to picture on the right, and yes, those all just came out of my bag.
(5) Dunkin Donuts. I cant start by day without iced coffee (winter or summer, always iced).
G: Giggles - What/Who makes you laugh? Lot's of people! If you are not laughing then you are not living life!
H: Hot - What/Who is 'hot' to you? Beyonce and Pierce Brosnan 
I: Fill in the blank: I am = feeling good!
J: Jealous of anything? Hmm...not of anything or anyone in particular but can't deny the feeling at some points
K: Also Known As: Carebear or Carr
L: (I think L got lost in the copy/paste.) 
M: Meeting People - How does it make you feel? I am a people person and love meeting new people. I get my energy from being around others.
N: Name - I was named after my great grandma Carrie Valentine.
O: Observant - What's around you right now? Some awesome people (have to agree with Christine on that one)

P: People - Who's special in your life? My fiance, my family and my precious, adorable, best niece/god-daughter Lucy Violet! Never knew you could be so proud of a 2 year old until she was born! See picture to the right.
Q: Any Quirks about yourself? I am corny and tend to bring out the quirkiness in others.
R: What do you do for Recreation? Run, Yoga, Read. My friend (@LindsayCHerman) actually made a tee-shirt that says "Runner, Reader, Yogi" pretty much sums it up. Love it.
S: Sing - Where do you do it? Have a favorite tune? Car. Beyonce (aka "B," we are tight)
T: What's at the Top of your To-Do List? Be a part of the rapidly growing company, PCG!
U: Any Unusual experiences? Several unusual eating experiences- Tricked into eating lamb nuts.  I was told they were like potato chips.  When I was in China we ordered chicken and shrimp, so out came a boiling pot and the chef dumped in the live, swimming shrimp, then out came the cooked chicken... with the beak, skin and feathers attached. I know it is custom to show how fresh the food is, but my appetite was not ready for that.
V: Vegas, Vienna, Venice...How far have you traveled? Favorite City? Italy, Spain and Hong Kong/China. Florence is an amazing city and I want to go back.
W: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall...Favorite Season? Fall.
X: Ex's, things you don't do anymore and won't do again: Have to think, I'll get back to you on that one. 
Y: You - Name 5 things most people don't know about you: I love reading about the asian culture (I like to secretly believe that I have a little in my blood), I was an Asian Art minor and graduated a semester early from Gettysburg College, I am TERRIBLE at history and geography and not afraid to admit it, easily turn different shades of purple/red if I am embarrassed or trying to lie (if you know me then you know that fact), I am very blunt (once again, if you know me you know that fact as well) but I think that explains that I don't really hide anything from people. If you know me then you know what I am about. No secrets or surprises :)
Z: Zero to Zenith - Where are you in life? Happy place.

Change Your Smartphone Settings!

You must watch this video. It will change the way you post pictures on the internet including Twitter, Facebook etc.

Puppy Love

Stacey has been my life long friend and is my maid of honor in my wedding.  She has always made me laugh and we always have so much fun together.  Recently (past 6 months), Stacey has been sending me emails at work which make me laugh, but have also made me realize that she has a deep passion for something other then her current career.

While many of us roll into work and start in on our normal routine; checking email, listening to voice mails, grabbing coffee etc.  I believe that part of Stacey's daily routine includes checking the various "Puppie's For Sale" websites.  I know that this is something that gives her great happiness and joy.  For practically every holiday and birthday, Stacey asks for a new dog (she doesn't always get one) but she asks.

Stacey has always had dogs growing up, but recently she has become more and more obsessed with puppies, and in love with her own two dogs (Riley and Boz, both of which are Morkies which is half Yorkie and half Maltese).  An example of a text message that Stacey sent me a few weeks ago read
"Hi from Boz!" with the below picture tagged along.

I had to smile, didn't you?!

Since Stacey cant have all the dogs in the world, she came up with an idea that she shared with me prior to my engagement.  One night when Stacey and I went out to dinner, she said "I have the best idea for and engagement gift! When you and Ben get engaged I am buying you a puppy!"  Once again, I had to laugh.  Well, I have now been engaged for 3 months and I told Stacey that I am just not ready for a dog yet, but I will be sure to let her know when I am.

As a result, she sends me links to adorable puppies in order to get me ready and see which one I like.

Today's pick was a Havanese/Dachshund Mix from Kalamazoo MI:

I can't help but think, is this the one???

Stu

Stu Mittleman is here this weekend for some interactive training for the upcoming half marathon.

In case you have never heard of Stu, here are some fun facts:

1)  Stu has set five National Records, most notably the American record for the 100 mile run (which he accomplished in 12 hours and 56 minutes), and the Six Day Race (578 miles).

2) Stu came in second place in the UltraMan (Double IronMan) in 1983

3) Stu is the author of the book Slow Burn.  The book elaborates on topics such as specific training tips,  food choices and mind set strategies.

I am excited that Stu is here and I will do my best to keep up....wish me luck!

Oh How I Love The Live Music (a.k.a Bagpipers) Outside My Office Window

......Happy St. Patty's Day!

Addiction

Completely addicted to Rue La La.  They have the best sales on designer brands, and checking their site has been a part of my daily routine for quite some time now. If you are not a member then sign up ASAP! http://www.ruelala.com

Motivational Comment From Co-Worker

I just had to share the below conversation with one of my co-workers (Rich)

Rich: So you and Christine are running 26 miles

Carrie: Correction, 13.1 miles.  We are only doing the half.

Rich: Thats good.  Did you know that the first marathon runner in history died after finishing the 26 mile run.

Carrie: No Rich, I didn't know that.

...The conversation continued with Rich explaining when the first marathon was and the history behind it.  Apparently it was during ancient Grecian times.

Half Marathon Update

Christine and I have been running religiously for over two weeks now, and have even recruited more members from the PCG team to run with us.

After registering for the NJ Half Marathon I received the below email, followed by Christine's response to the group email:

       From:     njmarathon.org

   Subject:    NJM Festival-Race Director Update #2

Update #2 ? Mar. 7 (8 weeks to the NJM Festival Weekend)

Timing & Scoring:

You must start in the correct time slot: Wheelchair = 7:55AM; Full = 8:00AM; Half & Relay = 8:30AM. If you line-up and start in the wrong time slot, you will be Disqualified (DQ?d).

On the Course:

I am pleased to report that we will again be using Gatorade-Endurance Formula (lemon lime) at each of our Fluid Stations with Gatorade served first and water second.

Fluid Stations: Most Fluid Stations are less than 2 miles apart and will be staffed by many service organizations and NJM charity volunteers.

Energy Gels: GU, energy gel (vanilla and chocolate) will be at multiple locations from miles 14 thru miles 21. Please be prepared to carry your own favorite gel packs that you have been training with and only take a GU if necessary. We will have 6,000 gels on the course to service our Full marathon participants.

Bananas: Located on the course between miles 13 and 22.

We will be again increasing our numbers of portable toilets at the Start/Finish area as well as along the course. On the course they will be located at or very near each and every Fluid Station. Please do not relieve yourself on private property!

I know many of you train with iPods or headphones. The NJM Festival organizers strongly recommend that you leave your headphones at home for safety reasons. You need to be aware of your surroundings w/r to fellow runners passing and the possibility of errant traffic on the course. Besides, there are so many distractions along the course the need for your favorite music really becomes secondary!

Christine's Response:

In summary, we are doing great!

Twitter Birds, Watch Out For This Twitter Bug!

                                              

Kim Kardashian's Music Premiere

Listen to Kim Kardashian's new hit single "Jam/Turn It Up."  I am undecided if I like the song, but I do like how all iTune proceeds for this song go to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.


Click Here to Listen

Born This Way Premiere

Academy Awards Recap

So, here is what you need to know from the 83rd Annual Academy Awards:

1) One of the most boring Award Shows yet

2) I think that Today.com said it right "James Franko and Anne Hathaway may be brilliant actors, but Oscar hosts? Perhaps not quite as fantastic."

3) My eyes began to shut at 10:30pm which resulted in me "Googling" the final winners that were announced at the end of the night.  The were as follows:
                
           Best Actress in a Leading Role went to Natalie Portman for "Black Swan"

           Best Actor in a Leading Role went to Colin Firth for "The King's Speech"


           Best Picture went to "The King's Speech" 

....both of those movie's I have yet to see.

4) I think the best presenter of the evening was Oprah Winfrey.  Very poised and captured the audience from the moment she began speaking.  I know she has a lot of practice, but at an award show like this you want the best of the best.

5) Upon accepting her award for Best Supporting Actress in "The Fighter,"Melissa Leo dropped the F-bomb.  You know it was a slow night when that was one of the high lights.

6) Best Dressed (based on my personal opinion) goes to Gwyneth Paltrow who wore Calvin Klein with simple accents of Louis Vuitton jewelry, and Award Show host Anne Hathaway.  Even though her performance during the night was not the best, I think she looked stunning on the red carpet in her red Valentino gown.

       

7) Worst dressed (based on my personal opinion) goes to Amy Adams.  Amy chose to wear a midnight blue, sequence  L'Wren Scott gown, and on top of all the glitz, she accessorized with a heavy combination of emerald and diamond jewelry.  I believe the gown stands out on it's own in a very dominant way, so adding big bling was not appealing to me. I was also not a fan of her hair style, as it only added confusion to the over all look.

Hmm, what else...I think that sums the evening up.  Hope next year is better.

Hat or Hair Pin?

Kate Middleton was recently spotted with Prince William as they made their first public appearance as a royal couple, and was sporting this new hat by designer Philip Treacy.

It slightly bothered me that this accessory is considered a hat.  What portion of her head is it covering, or better yet protecting?

With that said, I did a little research to determine the exact specs of a "hat," and who exactly this milliner is behind the work of art that is perched on Ms. Middleton's head.  However, I must warn you that the below information is so general and really didn't help me win my case for this example not being considered a true "hat." I guess that's fashion for you, anything goes, right?

1) Initially hat's were created to offer protection from falling rocks, weapons or masonry. 

2) Hat's are a symbol of status of authority

3) An onlooker’s attention is first drawn to a person's face, therefore, a hat is the most noticeable   

    fashion item anyone can wear.

4) Hat's come in a plethora of shapes and sizes 

5) Philip Treacy, is an Irish designer who has designed hats for celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Alexander McQueen and Sarah Jessica Parker. It has also been speculated that he may design Kate's hat for the upcoming royal wedding in April 2011. 

In closing, I would like to post a personal message to Kate:

Hat's off to you Kate! You are rapidly becoming a fashion icon for your generation and I must say that you wear it well. 

Follow @LindsaycHerman

My new Twitter friend is showing up in my Google real time results :)
Love this feature!

Highlight Of My Day...

Regarding the upcoming Half Marathon that I committed to run with my boss-

Me: Christine, will you please run the half marathon with me? We will go at a good pace, train together and work with Stu Mittleman who is a fantastic inspiration and part of the American UltraRunning Hall of Fame!

Christine: How far is that?

Me: 13.1 miles

Christine: Carrie! I can't run 1 mile without having a seizure!

...I would like you all to know that the end result of this conversation was a full commitment from Christine Rochelle to run the New Jersey Half Marathon- many more posts to come!

"19" Going on "21"

British singer and Grammy Winner for Best New Artist (for her hit song "Chasing Pavements" off her first album "19"), Adele, releases her second album "21" with a second home-run.  Her new album is now available to "pre-order" on iTunes, and her hit single "Rolling In the Deep" can be downloaded separately from the album.  I suggest you do it asap because this song rocks and is a great addition to your work out mix!

The 21 year old singer performed "Rolling In The Deep" this morning on the Today Show and blew the audience away. Make sure you check it out!

My Fiance's Dinner Request Last Night...via text

Me: What time do you plan on being home tonight? Heading to dinner with my parents -would u like me to bring u home something?

Fiance: The 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition, pls.

Gaga's Latest

I know this song sounds like Madonna's "Express Yourself" (like I mentioned in my previous post), but it is growing on me. What I can't seem to figure out is what exactly is growing on Gaga's shoulders and forehead? Was she born that way? If not, it is definitely an interesting costume choice, not sure I could ever adopt that style.

Grammy Highlights

First of all, I am completely appalled that Arcade Fire took home the biggest award of the evening for Album of the Year.  They beat out artists such as Lady Gaga, Eminem, Lady Antebellum and Katie Perry and as a result I was totally shocked. I haven't even heard of them before (not that that means much), but even their performance right before receiving the award gave me a head ache. Terrible.

Moving on.  Some of the better performances of the evening have to be handed to artists like Eminem and Rhianna, Justin Beiber and Usher, Lady Antebellum and Mick Jagger.  All of these artist's put on a great show and captured the audience's attention (at least I wasn't changing the channel during their stage time).  As for Lady Gaga's performance, it was her typical "Little Monster" number with her new song "Born This Way" added to the mix. I like the new song, but I think it has a little too much of Madonna's "Express Yourself" intertwined, but that is a separate conversation.

As for the worst performances, I think we have to hand it to Bob Dylan, Cee Lo Green and of course Grammy Winner Arcade Fire.  I thought the sound crew was having issues during Bob Dylan's performance, but after I heard his voice for a few seconds, I quickly determined that they most likely turned down the microphone while he was singing. Cee Lo Green equals muppet land. That's all you need to know about that.  Arcade Fire we already discussed and I refuse to waste more words on that group.

Finally, how could we have a full recap without highlighting the best and worst dressed.  I have to applaud Jewel and Miranda Lambert for their classy and appropriate attire for the award show.  There were many wardrobe shockers throughout the night (including Nicki Minaj as shown below), but I think Cee Lo Green should take home the Grammy for worst dressed/costume or whatever you want to call it.

I Have Watched This Too Many Times & HaveTo Share It...Hysterical

Monday Fun Day

In case you didn't know, I design a line of handbags called "Carrie Valentine Handbags" (Valentine is my middle name).  As a child, and still to this day, my parent's always made Valentine's day all about me-who wouldn't right?  I know we all tend to dread the end of a weekend and Monday's in general (especially since Football season is now over), but I think this Monday will be refreshing and a great way to kick off the week.  
The below conversation took place after I recently shared these thoughts with my fiance:

Me: Don't you agree? I think it's kind of nice that Valentine's Day is not on a weekend.

Fiance: Sure. Oh, and instead of going out to dinner like we always do, I decided that I would like to cook for you.

Me: Oh, that's so nice.  What do you plan on cooking?

Fiance: Not sure yet. Do you have any suggestions?

.....I will let you know who ends up cooking Monday's meal.

First Post

                                                 
















After struggling to find a Blog Name that hasn't already been taken by Blogger, and satisfies my desire to be something cool, new and different, I have landed on the title "Keep It Creative."  I think this Blog Name accurately reflects my "creative" streak as an Art History Major in College, Handbag Designer and Social Media advocate.
There will be many more posts to come and I hope you enjoy my daily "feed for thought!"