Dare You To...

Work started up again for me today, after a relaxing and productive two-week holiday.  As much as I love my job, I get so much out of the time off to recharge my batteries.

Some of my favorite memories from this break are the times spent playing games!Games are a great way to de-stress, have fun, and connect with others. A good game will get you totally immersed in the moment, and that's where the magic happens.


One snowy/rainy night, we broke out a classic Monopoly board at my parents' house and got to competing.


It's been so long since we've played Monopoly--well over a decade, for sure!  I barely remembered the rules, but I may have been alone in that.  When Eric asked how much play-money we were each to start with, my father amazingly recited from memory exactly how many of each bill we should receive.  When we finally found the instructions, it was confirmed that my dad's memory was impeccable!


The night was spent in laughter, a fun time had by all!

PS: If you…

Pictures.  I've always been a picture person.  Come to think of it, it's a wonder I didn't invent Instagram, myself!  I was the friend who used to always bring along a disposable camera (remember those?), and then a digital camera (my Canon is my favorite), and now still often insists on bringing a real camera even though our phones take fantastic photos.

I'm the one who shouts "Smile!!" to capture a fun moment.  I snap candids, too.  I photograph, share, scrapbook, and reminisce.   I believe photos are an important tool to hold on to and re-live happy memories.


So why am I daring you to put the camera down?  

Truthfully, I could just as easily tell you to TAKE PICTURES, and maybe someday I will. But for now, this is a dare I have personally been working on this past year.

Last summer, one of my best friends got married.  It was the most beautiful ceremony, followed by the most fun reception.  As a bridesmaid, I was occupied throughout the day and, of course, …

{Last week's Neon Dash Giveaway winner is... Leigh!  Congratulations!} 
On my birthday bucket list is the dare to PAINT, and that's just what I did last night!


You see, I always loved art when I was younger, and I would draw and paint right through my senior year in high school.  Then... nothin'.  Somehow life took over, and my sketchbook ended up in a cabinet in my bedroom in my parents' house.  Nowadays, whenever I do find myself doing something artsy or involving paint of some kind (like a paint-your-own pottery type place), I get such a creativity high that I'm sad when it ends and yearn for more!

Art is an enjoyable form of PLAY for me,  and play is good for us!
So that's how "paint" ended up on my list, and a no-hassle way to dip my toe back in was by taking a class.

My friend Becky and I went to Painting Lounge in Brooklyn (there's also a Manhattan lounge--which is BYOB), where we were set up with easels, canvases, paint, brushes, and a mo…

Ah, as I forewarned at New Year's, this would be a stressful, BUSY spring for me!  Still popping in to share some things that have caught my attention, and I dare you to read:

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This break-up letter to Trader Joe'sexpresses exactly the same reasons
I stopped shopping there.  I used to love the adventure, but really can't
justify eating most of their products anymore.

Laura Schoenfeld brings us Three Ways to Manage Anxiety Without Drugs.   
The MS Society broadens its scope by investing $29 million
in new research regarding nutrition and lifestyle factors
in MS development.  Learn more [here].

Carla Birnberg asks, "When is okay to lie to your child?" As always, Carla's parenting inspires me. [Read here]
Are YOU a healthy woman?
Stefani Ruper offers "10 Signs You're a Healthy Woman".
Dare you to see if you pass the test - and consider what to
improve if something seems off!

I've been eyeing this "100 Happy Days" website and chal…

FIRST UP!  The winner of a 30-day gym pass to New York Sports Club is Evann!! Congratulations, Evann; enjoy your BODYPUMP makeover!

Now - recap time!  Just a weekend in pictures, today:

Recently, I spent a marvelous weekend with two of my best friends, not only reuniting and having the best time ever giggling about nothing and having serious heart-to-hearts, but also celebrating D's passing of her boards AND her upcoming wedding!  The bridal shower was a ball and I am so so happy that SHE is so happy.

Here are a few scenes from the weekend in Columbus, Ohio. Although a good amount of the time was spent in PJs at D's house (good catch-up sessions, adorable kitten, and excellent home cooking!), we also ventured out into Columbus.  We brunched at Tasi Cafe and dined at Level, shopped around the boutiques in Short North, and scoured the shelves at my new favorite place in the country: The Book Loft.  The weekend concluded with the bridal shower: The sweetest tea party I've ever…

Happy Friday, and Happy SPRING! Spring is here, and I hope that Mother Nature catches up soon, because I'm over this bitter winter.

Hey, you know what "winter" sounds like?  Winner!

The WINNER of last week's Eat The Yolksgiveaway is Betty Jo!  She commented and tweeted about the giveaway.  Betty Jo, email me to claim your prize!   For the rest of you, don't worry!  If you didn't win this time, you can find Eat The Yolks by Liz Wolfe on Amazon.  Dare you to check it out.

I also dare you to check out some of my favorite reads lately.  Today, it's a mixture of health, happiness, and just plain fun.


Just For Fun

As my sister tweeted, "Stop what you are doing and read Buzzfeed's 77 Facts That Sound Like Huge Lies But Are Actually Completely True."

"If Google Were A Guy..." Part 1 and Part 2.

Watch Ellen Take a Buzzfeed Quiz to test the accuracy of the results determining which queen of comedyshe is...

Did you know how dogs really drink wa…