So, I’m not much of a techie geek but I smashed my iPhone a few weeks ago (a common habit of mine) and instead of buying a new iPhone 4, I figured I’d wait for the rumored iPhone 5 to come out… Apparently, Otterbox (a basically indestructible case) is too… So much so that AT&T posted an option to purchase the Otterbox for iPhone 5. One problem, they forgot to remove the iPhone 5 BEFORE taking the picture. Oops! Looks cool, though!

And with that comes the need for formal dresses. How are you supposed to suck it all in and squeeze into these dresses with all the festive drinks and amazing food served at these parties, though? You may not need to worry about it because a new dress will have you looking 2 sizes slimmer! It features panels on each side that make you look more narrow, yet curvier in all the right areas. Actress, Kate Winslet, was seen sporting one earlier this month (see pic below). Hers sells for nearly $1,600! However, Bebe makes their version of the dress for $69! Check it out here.

I was invited to a party “in the sticks” this weekend. Turns out it was an Oktoberfest, of sorts. John and Debbie, who threw the party, dressed in German garb and asked everyone to bring a different type of beer… As a beer fan, this was one of the most fun parties I’ve ever been to and in my mind, there was a clear winner- JALAPENO BEER! Delicious! Mexican food spicy. YUM!

Sugarland’s first show after the Indianapolis tragedy.

Wow. Have you heard Martina McBride’s “I’m Gonna Love You Through It” yet? As a cancer advocate and someone who speaks to survivors, this song speaks to the core of “healing” – relying on the love and support of your friends and family to “get you through it.” Watching this video, which features some pretty kick-ass tough women, I was transported back to 18, watching my mom struggle with the daily trials of having cancer and doing my best to be the love and support she needed.

Robin Roberts from “Good Morning America” is featured in the video. She is, hands down, at the top of my “inspirational women” list! Please take a moment to watch the clips below. Also remember to love on those that you do because whether it’s cancer or another struggle, your encouragement may be just what they need to get through it!

Martina McBride’s “I’m Gonna Love You Through It”

Robin Roberts’ reaction to the video (SO ADMIRE HER!)

Robin Roberts behind the scenes on the set

My parents have been on my mind a lot lately. I actually took the time to look up this video this morning because it reminds me of dancing on my dad’s feet, listening to it on vinyl. Good memories! Enjoy!

I think it all stems back to my very first, very Polish boyfriend, who had little body hair… There’s something about a lot of chest hair that kind of skeeves me out. Well, “a lot” is the understatement of the year when it comes to the mounds Eric Petersen has (See pic below). HA! I’ve been begging him to let me wax it for years (I wanted to be a cosmetologist) and I’ve finally found the perfect excuse… to help a fellow co-worker!

As you know, Selena is competing in Dancing with the NEPA Stars on Friday. If Selena wins, Eric’s chest hair goes! That’s a win for everyone involved! The only way for Selena to take home the trophy, though, is with your vote. So, please vote here… for the sake of bare chests everywhere.

I was talking about it yesterday… How beautiful NEPA is! I’ve lived here my entire life and although I venture off the beaten path from time to time, I got lost on Saturday – really lost. I was headed out to Lake Wallenpaupack to spend some time on my friend’s boat. Who knew you can’t simply “do a lap” around the lake? As I quickly found out, though, there’s a reason for that – so you can experience great little towns like Hamlin! If you have some time to kill this weekend, go get “lost.” You never know what sorts of fun little towns you’ll find.

It’s strange to see the guys from Rascal Flatts without their costume-y getups on. They look surprisingly hot in tees and jeans, though.

So, I gave in and bought the new Sally Hansen nail stickers. I spent about minutes in my office trying to figure out why they weren’t sticking correctly. Apparently, I wasn’t taking off the top coat like I was supposed to. After 4 wasted stickers (they give you extras), I’m happy with the results!

Ladies, super easy once you get the hang of it.