Palm Springs Before the Rings: Part 2

Welcome to the Palm Springs Yacht Club at the Parker Hotel. Designed by Jonathan Adler, it is no doubt a style so stunning it can make even the laziest of guests (ahem, me) sign up for a yoga class. And when that yoga class is under a stunning chandeliered tent, it’s amazing enough to make the above-mentioned guest want to exercise more often. Photos don’t do it justice, but here we go:

Posted on October 11, 2012 at 6:00 am | 3 Comments

Palm Springs Before The Rings

I LOVE to travel and I love traveling with my hubby. But, girls weekends now have a new special place in my heart. I had a fabulous getaway to the Parker in Palm Springs, California to celebrate my friend’s impending November nuptials. I learned several things:

1. Palm Springs has a deep appreciation for navajo-patterned sequins skirts and let’s be real, random compliments make a girls night.

2. There are few better things than s’mores over a fire pit in the middle of the desert. And then the sprinklers going off on a bunch of screeching girls.

3. Dining at night poolside is heavenly.

4. Yoga in a moroccan tent makes me want to exercise (more on this tomorrow!).

5. The three girls I was with are the nicest group of friends I know. They are supportive, loving, generous, intelligent, and the type of new friends that feel like old friends.

Posted on October 10, 2012 at 6:00 am | 10 Comments

Surprise Girls Weekend & a Very Funny Movie Clip

I’m off today on a girls trip as a surprise for my friend, Beth, who is getting married next month. She knows nothing except that we are taking her away and only one of our friends have been “there.”

Her two best friends have prepped her luggage and told her little, if nothing else. I, on the other hand, who finds the pressure of blowing the surprise so overwhelming, have been forced to avoid her like nobody’s business. She texted me this week that she is so excited and can’t wait (with a lot of exclamation points!!!). I just flat out ignored her. No punctuation needed. She emailed me her honeymoon itinerary with some questions and I so carefully read and reread my response email to make sure I didn’t reveal anything for this weekend. I have told co-workers, who don’t know her and will not meet her, “make sure you don’t tell Beth anything!”

So this goes out to my blogging friends… don’t ruin the surprise… just expect photos from a fabulous girls weekend coming soon. And here’s a little clip from my favorite scene in the movie Bridesmaids. They’re en route to Las Vegas… (hint: we are not!)

Posted on October 5, 2012 at 6:00 am | 7 Comments

My Sunday, According to my Camera

I was psyched when Glam invited me to get the American Express Fan Experience at the US Open and attend the Women’s Final. I happily attended a nail-biting match where Serena Williams (and her biceps) beat Victoria Azarenka in three sets. I made a lucky fashion choice to wear a neon pink skirt which matched Serena and Victoria’s neon outfits. Ok, fine, they both called me and we planned it that way…

And before the Open I went to the Taste of Williamsburg, a celebration of North Brooklyn’s local flavor, with great friends (yes below you will find a bacon-wrapped hot dog).

Detox starts today. Stay tuned tomorrow for a healthy recipe!

Posted on September 10, 2012 at 6:00 am | 3 Comments

Next Week is Love U Madly’s 1st Birthday!

I can’t believe I’ve survived a year. With the exception of holidays and two technical/motivational issue days, regular posts every day at 6am Monday through Friday. I’m patting myself on the back, yes. But, I’m also patting the back of my very lovely readers. New and old. Fleeting and loyal. Friends I haven’t spoken to in 20 years or in 20 minutes. Mom and Mom-In-Law. Sisters. Uncle. Grandma. Even my dad, who finally learned to make comments on the site after eight months, then left comments so quirky and misunderstood that one reader just had to ask “What’s Up with John?”I’ve learned about styling food and crafts, and I have a long way to go. I’ve learned about time management and how little sleep I barely function on. I’ve learned many, many lessons in bravery and kindness.

I can now say one year later I love many things madly besides the five categories of this blog. Blogging with my sister. Pinterest. Sugar. Facebook. Foodgawker. Sur la Table. My camera. Fairway market. Home Depot. Online shopping. But one thing that I still love madly above all else: my usually patient, very handsome, always supportive hubby.

Top Ten of Love U Madly’s First Year (based on traffic alone and I’ve included the other social media details from each post):
1. Fruit Roll-Ups… Pinned: 185,000 times; Facebook Liked: 1,717 times