These Two Videos Made Me Cry...

And therefore finally update the blog. These are both very moving for different reasons, but made me tear up today, during a time of year all about figuring out what's really important and where to go from here.





Peace to you, Ben Breedlove.
PIa The Pig

Because People ARE Awesome

Nice little story for your Friday.

Anonymous donors pay strangers' layaway accounts

angel cat via

Love this.

Nice and simple. From this addictive eye candy palace.

Best of 2011 lists coming soon!
Pia The Pig

Awesome Christmas Video

This cracked me up. I promise to blog every day for the rest of the year. For realz.



XOXO,
Pia The Pig

I'm Liking The Juice

Yes, today I am writing about juice. (Obligatory link of one of my top ten SNL sketches.)

You Like The Juice? Juice is Good? - watch more funny videos

I love a good aquas frescas, but they are hard to find and pretty pricey. So, when I found this Dole Sensations Watermelon Juice, I was hoping it might be an easy access alternative.

Well, friends, I LOVE THIS JUICE. So good. Not too watery. Watermelon year round, without the seeds or the awkward, "I'm holding a watermelon, OMG, is this what it will feel like to be preggo" march from the grocery store to the car to the heave of watermelon onto the kitchen counter. Trust me, this shiz is great.

Enjoy!
Pia The Pig

Hello December!

Peekabo!

I have emerged, even though I am still in my Muppet coma. (Obviously that movie was AWESOME and thanks to Mr. Awesome for suggesting a midnight showing as a fantastic date.) I have missed blogging and decided to update this and my other blog each morning along with my coffee and Good Morning America.

Okay! I have been dying to tell you about my favorite shoes. Possibly one of my top five pairs of shoes ever. These are SO comfortable. Seriously, like slippers. Supportive, versatile, lightweight, and inexpensive. Say hello to the Women's Claire Scrunch Flat.

Go get these. For you, for your mom, for your sister. Say "Happy Holidays" and "thank me later." Trust me. (Or read the glowing reviews.)

XOXO,
Pia The Pig

The Heat Is On

I turned on the heat in my house for the first time this season. That means it's officially cold enough to make these.



AS IF these donuts could not possibly get any better. Boom. They just did.

Happy Friday!
Pia The Pig

Made Me Smile

In case you missed it on Facebook, I HAVE A NIECE! Putting together a tribute to Little Miss Awesome for the blog, but in the meantime, enjoy this video. I can't wait for moments like this and so much more girly goodness to come.



Pia The Pig

Well These Are Fun

I polished off this box faster than you can spell G-L-U-T-T-O-N-Y.

Fun!
Pia The Pig

Happy November!

Hey friends! Today is November first, and my new niece is ready to make her debut any moment now. So excited!

Last night was a lovely fall night. I made this GREAT Beef Pot Roast slow cooker recipe (you should totes make this) and the pumpkin chocolate chip cake I blogged about yesterday was easy and delicious, too. Mr. Awesome and I made the cake together and while it was cooking, enjoyed a photo shoot with Bert and his Halloween costumes. Yes that is plural. They are on Facebook in case you missed them.

Here's Bert.


And then Murphy The Cat, who is my new favorite "person" on Twitter. Follow him! @mrmurphycat


So excited for this month and all it brings. Should be awesome!

In case you aren't reading my other blog, check it out. Finally on a roll with lots of great posts in store.

Happy 11/1/11.
Pia The Pig

Happy Halloween!

Hey Ghouls and Boys, it's Halloween! Hope you have a day of candy, costumes, and fun. Here's a pic of Mr. Awesome and I over the weekend in our successful outfit. We even made three dollars from fans! My favorite part is the Peanut M&M nipple. <--- A sentence I never plan to use again.



Stay tuned for photos of Bert in costume or the attempt to get there.

Making this delicious looking Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake for dessert tonight. You should, too!



Have a spooky awesome day.
Pia The Pig

Truth.

I miss you all. I'm working a lot.

Pia The Pig

Pantone Christmas Balls

Okay I love Christmas. I don't technically celebrate it, but I love all things Christmas and especially, of course, the decorations. Even though I don't have a tree, I've never been closer thanks to these amazing Pantone Christmas ornaments via Design Crush.



I NEED THESE! I suppose I can always GIVE instead of receive these, right? Isn't that kinda the point?

These would be so adorable just in a row on the mantle. It's very...Live Colorfully.

Pia The Pig

Finally Fall

Thank GOD I am not sweating any more and Fall is officially here! I know this not even from the weather report, but from the pumpkin coffee, bagels, muffins and scones invading my life and stomach area. Bring it.

My pumpkin spice creamer filled my mug this morning and I could not have kicked off the work week any happier. I love all the holiday flavors!



This weekend I made my favorite pumpkin dip
after picking up a tin of THE best ginger snaps only at World Market. This is an amazing fall treat and easy to bring to a party. Definitely make this! It's even better after it's been in the fridge for an hour. You will love it!

YAY FALL!
Pia The Pig

Sesame Street is Awesome

I love the pop culture skits they create. The Mad Men and 40 Rock ones are great. But the new Glee parody, "Welcome to the G Club" is great. I don't even watch Glee but I know the characters these muppets are portraying. It's Great! Gorgeous! Glittery! Grand.



Pia The Pig

I'm Back!

Hello! Miss me? I've been on a blog break but here we are again.

I'm kicking off my return with a great recipe that would go just perfectly with fall TV. This Lemon Pasta with Roasted Shrimp is so easy and the flavors were amazing. I added grape tomatoes and roasted asparagus for more flavor and color. Here's my bad phone pic.



I am so ridiculously excited for ANTM All Stars tonight that not much sounds better than eating this on the couch and watching these fan favorites get makeovers.

I'm truly enjoying the Hot Mess that is Lisa D'Amato. Remember her? Here is one of my favorite scenes from her, "eat a cookie!"



I've missed you all!
Pia The Pig

The Most Gorgeous Menswear Ever

Lattidadada. SnoopCattyCatt on Etsy is in the houssssssse. These ties and bowties for cats = awesome. Mr. Awesome wears a lot of bow ties. And now my Mr. Furry will wear some, too. *success rate TBD







Look at all of the choices!




Bow ties. Ties. Customizing. Cats. Yes. Awesome.

Pia The Pig

New Flats

I am very loyal to my shoes. Meaning I wear them until they are worn to the sole and falling apart. When I looked online yesterday to replace my beloved Urban patent red leather flats, I was disappointed to see they were no longer available. Looking for an inexpensive replacement (I seem to be quite hard on such beloved shoes), I was thrilled to find these perfectly suitable replacements for just $14.99 at Target. They fit just fine and come in the red I wanted, plus pink, purple, black, and taupe (purchased).



This bow flat is super cute, too, and even though summer is winding down (please wind down quicker), a yellow flat will help you keep a summer swing to your step.



YAY TARGET!
Pia The Pig

Big DB's in The Big D

If you haven't watched/hated/yet loved Bravo's Most Eligible Dallas, I suggest you tune in tonight. It's not like you actually need to have seen the first two episodes because I'll sum them up for you right now. It might be editing, but these fools are fake, vile, and the worst stereotype Dallas has to offer. There are a million more eligible and normal and down to earth people in Dallas, but alas, perhaps not as vomit-inducing as Bravo likes to cast. That being said, as I told Mr. Awesome, I'm not actually rooting for any of these people (except the pets that Tara saves), but I will definitely watch every episode. Hahahaha as if I watch TV to be smarter (see: Toddlers and Tiaras and new fave: Dance Moms.)

Anyway, I thought this recap of the last episode was worth enough to be today's awesome. My friends Rachel and Greg sent me this gem. My favorite part: "Also, the spelling of Brittnye’s name is stupid." <-- Truth.

I'll be tuning in tonight with some of my friends who are actually quite eligible in Dallas.

Cheers!
Pia The Pig

Awesomely Easy Idea

I am super into Pinterest. I have found so many awesome things on there. You must get on it if you're not! This easy tutorial for colorful garland is nothing super new but the idea of using paint swatches (free!!) is brilliantly colorful and creative. I am a big fan of the Fiskars brand punches and think a little leaf garland might just help me kickstart the house into fall mode.



This was found on pinterest but from a great new blog find, ohcrafts.net. Lots of fun stuff here!



Happy Friday!
Pia The Pig

900th Post!

Wow, I can't believe this is the 900th post on AAAD! Thanks to you all for reading and occasionally commenting (wink) and sending me awesomes to feature on the blog. My BFF Katie has sent in a great submission for #900: Scented Gummi Bear Earbuds.





Did I mention they are scented? So awesome.

Thanks for reading! Here's to 900 more...
Pia The Pig

A Whale of Fun

How great is this whale tissue holder by gnomesweeeetgnome on etsy?



Spotted over on my fave, swissmiss.

I think this would be perfect for a modern nursery. Comes in lots of colors, too. Love it.

Pia The Pig

***FUN FACT! Tomorrow's post will be #900!!!!! Best idea for a post will receive an awesome gift.***

It's Time To Play The Awesome

I can barely contain myself with excitement for the new Muppet movie premiering in November. To whet our appetites, the new ">Muppet Green Album is the Muppet classics performed by indie bands. The video for OK Go'd redo of The Muppet Show Theme debuted yesterday and it's awesome. Love the Statler and Waldolf interruption...I think you'll see why.



In a Muppet throwback, here are some violent yet effective ads featuring some of the original Muppets from the late 1950's. I think some of the voices will sound familiar. Awesome.



Pia The Pig

The J in J.Crew

Enjoyed this article!

The J in J.Crew

Happy Monday

Hi everyone. I'm back from some great trips I will tell you all about asap. I have missed you!

Today is Monday and therefore a perfect day to share my friend from UT, Michael Conti's, Bachelorette audition video. Mike was super funny in college and we've kept in touch via Facebook. I think he'd be great on The Bachelorette, don't you?



Enjoy,
Pia The Pig

This is Fun.

Dreaming of being a profesh dancer...



Pia The Pig

Great British "Gymnast" Documentary

Thursday I am headed to St. Paul for the Visa Championships and I am all sorts of fired up. The drama. The pressure. The glitter.

While this is all so American, it's pretty universal in the sport of gymnastics. This new UK documentary, "Gymnast" highlights all the mental and physical toughness needed to succeed in the sport. It's legit, and definitely worth watching, psycho gym fan or not.







Watch. YOU CAN DO IT.
Pia The Pig

Dazzling Gemma

I got to take a trip to Austin last week to visit Katie and Mick and meet their adorable, perfect daughter, Gemma. She is just that, a dazzling gem, with the sweetest, most precious face. Katie was a pregnancy goddess, looking amazing the entire time, and rounding out the title with a post-preggo slamming body and motherly glow. Looking good, girls!

The best part about meeting the little GAL (her initials...awesome) was having another lady friend around us as we chatted, gossiped, and watched intellectual TV shows like Toddlers and Tiaras, Pretty Wild, and Dance Moms. Our duo became a trio.

Can't wait to dance and make all sorts of arts and crafts with my new little bestie.

Here's a pic of me and the babe. Love you, Gemma!



Aunt Pia

My Plan For Today

Pia The Pig

In Other Awesome Hummus News

One of my favorite AAAD Readers, Brad, shared his thoughts on hummus in response to this post. Must share with you all, as these sound like vegan insider awesome finds:

"I see that you like Sabra. I would like to expand your horizons. Trust me. I am a vegan. Hummus is my entertainment and religion.

These guys make a hummus called Grandma’s Hummus. I think I’ve seen it at Whole Foods. Maybe Central Market. I need to verify this before sending you off in search. They’re based in Austin, and it’s the best “straight up” version I’ve had. Their babaganoush is awesome too. (Blogger's note: special points for describing their hummus as "humus.")

This is so good if you like cilantro. I need to try their other flavors, but this one gets me every time.

The Spicy Three Pepper is my everyday go to. It’s not spicy for normal people from Texas (nothing that’s labeled “spicy” ever is). It has bell pepper in it, so if you have a friend who is allergic to bell peppers (read: Andria), then you will want to inform her before she eats half of the bowl with you.

As for awesome restaurant hummus, if you’ve never been to Fadi’s, you’re doing yourself a disservice.

TRUE DAT!

Thanks, Brad, for the hummus opinions. Now I need to go get some baby carrots and dig the eff in.



Pia The Pig

Made Me Laugh

This is totally me lately...it might be the riskiest thing I do.

Pia The Pig

In Case You Were Wondering

This is what addition looks like in snack form.



It's this summer's version of the Parmesan Goldfish for me. I have my mom and Katie hooked on these now, too. Available everywhere. Get two bags. You'll thank me later.

Also, I bought one bag of this white trash food and ate it before the sun went down.



Totes unhealthy. I mean, come on, it's laser orange. That means it's natural, right?

What are you snacking on lately?
Pia The Pig

It's Friday

In my big closet cleanout last night, I found this shirt (finally! and right on time!) (along with some other ridic shit). Makes me wanna celebrate!



TGIF! Do it up big this weekend!

(another pin)

Pia The Pig

I Mean...

These bros are trending right now. I've known they were awfully fond of each other for years. Didn't we all? What's the dill? Let 'em be.



via

Pia The Pig

Note:

another pin of mine.
I'm pretty. You are, too.

Pia The Pig

Glorious

Spent awhile on pinterest tonight. Are you in on this? Because you can wave a solid bye-bye to boredom once you get on it. If you need an invite, holla.

I'll be sharing a few prints from pinterest over the next day or two. How great is this illustration? I'm pretty impressed with the claw. Gawd those are bitches.



Pia The Pig

How Have I Not Seen This Before?

My friend George just snapped this pic from his ad agency's conference room. I mean...duh. Awesome.



Scram!
Pia The Pig

Boycrush.

My boycrush is obviiiiiiiously Mr. Awesome, who amongst other things, has hair to die for, such pretty teeth "he can be in a toothpaste commercial," and doesn't run away screaming when he sees my Jewfro. But most excitingly, he can cook! He made some ridic eggs benedict over the weekend. With pork. On an English muffin. With potatoes. All while I sat on the couch watching Toddlers and Tiaras, rocking such Jewfro. Hello keeper.




Sunday, he also made a great dinner that I had to share with y'all. We were in the mood for Greek food and decided to make some ourselves. We made this chicken shawarma recipe which was fabulous. The chicken had great flavor to it (almost Indian with the curry powder...but not spicy at all) and the sauce was restaurant-worthy. I couldn't find tahini at Target for the sauce, so Mr. A improvised by adding some chopped up cucumbers and a surprising dash of cinnamon (who knew!?) to make the sauce a little less tart.



photo from Cooking Light

We paired it with pita (quartered and toasted in the oven for about 10 minutes on 350) and my favorite hummus (eating this like it's going out of style),



and a super fresh cucumber, tomato, and dill salad. The grape tomatoes were perfection and the dill was a great compliment to the sauce. This photo is from the Everything Food blog but looked like ours if you add some dill.



This meal was easy, healthy, and super flavorful. A great end to a weekend of awesome eats. Definitely try that chicken recipe. It's great!

Bon Appetit!
Pia The Pig

Girlcrush.

I stumbled upon the Girlcrush site and it's super rad. My latest girlcrush, and the same for most of my friends, is Emma Stone. Of course, Katy Perry has had the top seat for awhile. The cats! The glitter! The rainbow hair!



Anyway, Girlcrush is a nicely-designed site (I love the logo) that spotlights an awesome chick at a time. Creator Wendy Withers on the inspiration for the site:
"the idea of girl crush came about when i was pregnant with my first son. i kept thinking about what would become of my career after having babies. i found myself constantly looking to other women for inspiration… and so, the idea was born. it wasn’t until after my second baby when i finally had the energy and focus to get to work on GC. the title, Girl Crush, refers to women who i admire and respect."

I can get behind that!

I found the site, which at the time, featured The Ice Cream Maker, while searching for something about ice cream (what's new) and have been going back ever since. Interesting interviews and gorgeous photos = perfect. The latest feature, on The Radio City Rockette, is so inspiring. I've wanted to be a Rockette for a long time. Too bad I can't dance...well at least not like that...



Enjoy the reads!
Pia The Pig

photo via GirlCrush

So Simple and True.

AAAD Reader Amelia sent me this. So great!



Enjoy,
Pia The Pig

These are Two of my Favorite Things

Friday Night Lights and Grover. Um. Enough said. Thank you, Kim!

Pia The Pig

Awesome.

This is so awesome and creepy and vintage and amazing.

Not sure what's best: the horrendo set, all of these teenage boys counting on their moms, the hair, the socks, the undeniable chemistry between Peaches and Rich. Or the name Pisces. Okay, it's Eric's mustache. And the fact Vicki is 40.



80's. Yes.
Pia The Pig

Yes, THIS.

More Awesome From Joanna Goddard

I love this post over on A Cup of Jo about how to talk to little girls. Great great advice.

Her simple etiquette tip post has really stuck with me as well.

A little reading to start the day.

Back later this afternoon with some big summer fun.

Pia The Pig

Awesome Story

AAAD Reader Sara sent me the link to this awesome story. Read it. It's awesome.

Beyoncé FTW.

Pia The Pig

Rub A Dub Dub

Thank Gawd this season of The Bachelorette is over. To celebrate Ashley's Jew snag, I had the girls over for dinner. Earlier in the day, I stopped into Williams-Sonoma to pick up this hamburger seasoning that I had the joy of being introduced to at AAAD Reader John's pool party.



John cooked up some of the best burgers I've ever had. His secret: (sorry for spoiling, John!) the amazing hamburger seasoning from W-S. So juicy. So meaty. So awesome.

I also picked up this Buttermilk Ranch rub which was on sale for just $2.99 and rubbed this goodness all over some chicken.



Added a pinch of poultry seasoning and those tenders cooked up beautifully. Go get you some rub. You won't be sorry.

Pia The Pig

I Got Some New Shoes On

While I am not preppy enough to rock the Sperrys that are the prepster version of the agency Converse, I think I've found a lovely shiny compromise to slip ons. My Metallic Leatherette (the girlier version of "pleather") Loafers from Forever 21.



These run a bit small but I had to squeeze my feet into them. Under $25 and super versatile, they are now my casual silver shoe, (they come in gold, too!) only taking second place to my $39.99 Marshalls find of these sparkly Enzo flats I can't get enough of either.



Lots of cute flats for ridic prices at Forever 21 here.

What silver shoes are you rocking? I'll wear anything these days to take the attention away from my sweaty self.

Cheers!
Pia The Pig