What's in a name..?

One of my very good friends (hi, Juliette!) has a sister who is getting married next month, and recently posted THIS on her facebook page.  Seriously, go read it.  It's an article about taking your husband's last name when you get married vs. hyphenating or whatever else you come up with.  As many of you know I have 2 last names...no hyphen.  It took me a year into my marriage to add his name to mine as I firmly believed in keeping my name.  Not everyone agreed with that, including the hubs, but I felt and still feel strongly about maintaining that name for several reasons:

1. I am the last one with the opportunity to carry that family name on.  That's a big deal.
2. It is a unique name and has been a conversation starter on many occasions.
3. It's who I am, damnit and just because I share my life with another person doesn't mean I have to change my identity.

Unfortunately, I am in the minority on this one as most women take their husband's name and I completely understand that too.  Sharing a name with your spouse signifies that you are family, united, all that jazz--I get it, and that's lovely-really.

After a year into our marriage we had been through the ringer, and my view changed slightly.  We were starting over in a new city, a new apartment, and with a new outlook on life, and I wanted to reflect that in a tangible way.  Adding his name onto mine is symbolic and my boss (who has 2 last names too..hooray for liberal east coasters!) said it best, and I share her sentiments.  I am no longer just who I was when I met my husband, nor am I a completely different person.  I am a combination of the two--and taking just one name doesn't do the other half any justice.  I am not just Melissa "Maiden Name" or Melissa "Husband's Last Name", I'm some weird combo of the two, and I wouldn't have it any other way.  And Sean, by the way, likes my last name(s) and is always super supportive of my decisions.  (Go Marriage!)

Although I get frustrated explaining it ("Yes, two last names, no hyphen"; :Yes it's long but I like it"; "No I don't identify as a feminist or buck the idea of tradition";"I'm sorry it takes you so long to address our Christmas card"; "No, I'm not Mrs. Hislasname for God's sake!") and I know that some people will never understand, I love having two last names and have some serious choice words for those who give me the judge eyes for it.

So here we go folks, your chance to sound off:

For the women: What are your plans/What did you do about changing your last name after marriage.  Was it something you really thought about--did your significant other ask you what you'd be comfortable with?

For the men:  What do you think about a woman NOT taking your last name, and where did those ideas come from?

I'm interested to hear other perspectives--let's do this.

Check it out!

I have 2 snazzy new pages!  Up there, at the top!  By now I'm sure you're all going "oooooooooohh, snazzy!"  Check them out.  You will like them.

Also--are you a follower yet???  Have you subscribed yet???  The giveaway is coming...


and some Louie love for those of you in need of cuteness...he loves to help with laundry.

Living Green-ish in the City:CSA Week 7

Yes! Those are flowers...spring is almost here!

This weekend was great!  So many awesome posts coming up...but as always on a Monday after a farm share Saturday, you get to see the haul. 

ProduceSwiss Chard- Greensgrow Farms, Philadelphia, PA
Portabella Mushrooms - Bo-Ka Specialties, Kennett Square, PA
Red Onions - Landisdale Farm, Jonestown, PA
Brioche Rolls - D'Ambrosio Bakery, Philadelphia, PA
Strawberry Rhubarb Jam - Greensgrow Farms, Philadelphia, PA

CheeseOregano Cheddar- Goot Essa Cheese, Howard, PA

DairyYogurt - Pequea Valley Farm, Ronks, PA
Eggs - Sandy Ridge Farm, Elizabethtown, PA
         
Meat sharesGrass-Fed Ground Beef - Natural Meadows Farm, Mount Pleasant Mills, PA

I also picked up some Kale--I'm thinking of making a green smoothie with it--anyone ever tried one? 

I also picked up some seeds for planting--we'll see how that goes.

Check out what I made for lunch immediately after coming home with all the goodies:

I sauteed the mushroom just slightly in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, then slapped it on one of those fluffy, buttery, brioche buns, fried up an egg, shredded some of that Oregano Cheddar (holydeliciousnessbatman!) and it was one heck of a sammy. 

Happy Weekend!

Happy Weekend, everyone!  My weekend started early since I took my comp day today.  I'm currently blogging in my pj's with the furball curled up in my lap.  I love lazy days!

This weekend Sean is heading to his parents home in New Hampshire.  He will be spending some time with his mom before her knee replacement surgery on Tuesday (ouch!) So, I am a single lady for a few days!  As exciting as it is to have freedom to take up the whole bed and watch bad reality tv...I definitely hate when the hubs isn't around.  We were long distance for a year before we got engaged and that pretty much sucked, so when we're apart now I still get all mopey and whiny.

But--I have some fun things going on to keep me distracted:

This afternoon I am heading into the Old City neighborhood of Philadelphia to check out the brand new Jonathan Adler store...someday when I'm rich and famous he will come and decorate my house with all of the absurd animal sculptures in his collection....and it will be GLORIOUS!

Farm share pickup tomorrow! Hooray! 

A seed starting workshop at Greensgrow is in the plans as well. I think I might attempt to grow lettuce in a container on our little patio this spring--apparently this works--we'll see.

And I'm most excited to see my friend who recently found out she is PREGGO!!  I'm so excited for her and her husband, and she's already promised that I can squeeze the baby.  I'm also already planning on buying this for the peanut.  Um...prepare for cuteness overload:

This makes me even more excited to start my knitting class this Sunday!  Although, LylaKayt's hats are telling me I need to learn to crochet--anyone want to teach me??  I will trade for homemade meatballs and lovely conversation!

So I think that my weekend will be jam packed and lots of fun.  Recap to come next week!

Also---stay tuned because next week I will be hosting my VERY FIRST GIVEAWAY!!  This one is as good as cash money!  If you haven't already become a follower you should get on that since it may or may not increase your chances....just sayin'.

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

Thursday Confessions

I just found Katy's blog, and loved her Thursday Confessions over Chai.  1.) Because I LOOVE me some chai tea, and 2.) Because who doesn't love a good secret?!

So here you go folks, my confessions on this Thursday (really my Friday...YAY COMP DAYS!)

1. I am a food snob.  Seriously--Olive Garden, Cheesecake Factory...these no longer satisfy me.  I will eat at these places if I have to, but I'm probably not going to be happy about it
2. That being said I love Dairy Queen.  I will only eat one thing from there...a  turtle sundae with extra pecans.  I always get it "to go" so I can open the bag and smell the caramel, fudge, pecans, and plastic spoon smell.  It brings me back to my childhood.
3. I love when my dog licks my face--I would never let any other animal that close to me, but it makes me laugh so hard when Louie gets excited to see me.  This is him getting ready to pounce!

The furball

What are your confessions??

New York Weekend Part 2: Blast from the Past

This was definitely a blast from the past weekend!  I got to reminisce about time in college, visit my college roommate (Hi, Morgan!), and go to an AWESOME 80s PROM!

The whole reason I went up to NYC in the first place was for my good friend and mentor's bachelorette party.  Marisol is the whole reason I work in Student Affairs, and she is someone who continues to push me to be better at what I do and to seek out new opportunities for growth.  She asked me over the weekend if when I was her intern I ever thought one day I'd be at her bachelorette party.  No.  No I did not.  But I am SO glad we have such a nice friendship, and I'm so happy to be part of this new phase in her life. 

Now, onto the fun stuff.  We started the night at Vamos, and if you know me at all you know that I LOOOOVE me some margaritas.  So I was in heaven!

Blood Orange 'rita

We played some funny games at the restaurant, and Marisol received some risque items including pop rocks, and a funny shaped shot glass... (sorry kids, we're keeping this PG this morning).

And then we were off to the Awesome 80s Prom!  Legwarmers, side pony tails, and blue eyeshadow as far as the eye could see!  It was amazing, and if you're ever in NYC it is definitely a fun alternative to the usual touristy stuff. 

Student Council Pres "Melissa"! with the Football Captain, "Beef", and the girl with headgear and a Cabbage Patch Doll

Is Marisol gorgeous or what?!  Her sash says "Most Likely to get Married"

A special guest performance by Madonna Miranda

The Wanneget High Mascot: The Beaver  (maybe not so PG?)

The night was fantastic and I'm sure Marisol had a good time.  No swinging from the chandeliers, but just enough crazy fun!

And even in New York there is Philly love, I found these all over Penn station:

I headed back to New Jersey to spend the night with one of my favorite girls and probably the only person I could ever live with aside from Sean.  We had some wine, and a good long talk and then went to brunch the next day.  It was great to catch up--I love girl talk!

All in all a fabulous weekend. 

New York Weekend Part 1

This past weekend, I went up to NYC for my good friend's bachelorette party.  I did my undergrad in New Jersey, just a short train ride outside the city so visiting is always very fun and nostalgic for me.  Although I spent a lot of time in Manhattan during those 4 years, I didn't stray much from the Time Square, Rockefeller Center, Central Park loop.  So when I realized that our first stop for the party was down in the Grammercy Park area, I decided to take an early train and walk down from Penn Station.

The weather was gorgeous and I was able to stroll my way through the city.  Although, I definitely stuck out like a sore thumb since New Yorkers  A.) Don't take picture of random buildings/homes/shops   B.) They don't wear super cute yellow flowers in their hair :) black is still the new black over there, and   C.) They DEFINITELY.  DON'T.  STROLL. 

But anyway, here are some of the pics I took on my journey.  If I ever move to NYC (Sean will kill me) I would move to this area.  It actually felt like a neighborhood: cute, quaint, and only a little bit shady which for New York is a pretty big step up. 

I loved this corner building!

 These were taken inside Peoria Emporium...hot pink everywhere?? Yes Please!





A giant giraffe with a fur shrug...Why? Why Not!



Genius makeshift curtain

Super fluffy couch...it might clash with our decor though :(

Love the horse hitch decoration on this house



Gargoyles were crawling all over...creepy!



Later today I'll be sharing a fun project!  And tomorrow will be NYC Part 2!