Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Happy 1st Day of School!

Wanted to wish a Happy 1st Day of school to both my niece and nephew!

My niece, Nely, is now attending 3rd grade (YIKES!!) while her little brother, Eli, is going to Pre-K. I can't believe how fast these two are growing! 

Good luck little ones! Titi LOVES you!

Nely rocking her stylish outfit for the first day. 
Titi loves those polka dot pants!! :)
{pic by Abuela}

Friday, August 26, 2011

The Earthquake felt around the...East Coast?

I'm pretty sure by now, you heard that parts of the East Coast had experienced an earthquake a couple of days ago. For some like me, this was our very 1st earthquake that we can remember. There were reports of people as far north as Toronto, Canada and as far south as North Carolina feeling this tremor. I have to say it was one weird experience for me. One thing for sure, most of us will probably remember what we were doing at the time of the earthquake.

I was at work (as most were) typing an email when all of a sudden my hands were shaking and I felt very nauseous. I really thought I was going to faint. What brought me back to reality was when my boss came out his cube asking if I felt the shaking. Whew! I was so thankful for that. Even though it might have been all of 10 seconds, it felt to be at least a minute long. The building was moving which was scaring everyone since this building is very old. In fact, many buildings in PA are very old. Other co-workers of mine thought the building was coming down before they heard it was an earthquake, so they ran out the door as fast as they could.

Who knew living in PA was so exciting :)

So the purpose of this post is to make sure you are educated on what to do in the event we were to experience another earthquake. This information was shared to me by our HR director here at work. 

Please get yourself educated! Running around screaming and crying won't protect you or your loved ones!


Earthquake Safety: 
  • Get under a sturdy table or desk and hold on to it.  
  • If you're not near a table or desk, cover your face and head with your arms; and
    stand or crouch in a strongly supported doorway OR . . .  
  • Brace yourself in an inside corner of the house or building.  
  • Stay clear of windows or glass that could shatter or objects that could fall on you.  
  • Remember  - during and immediately after an earthquake : If inside, stay inside. Many people are injured at entrances of buildings by falling debris. 
Here are internet links about earthquake safety: 

Monday, August 22, 2011

BLOOD DRIVE 8/25 - Hosted by The Coco Foundation


Please help save a life on August 25th at the SteelStacks in Bethlehem!

The Coco Foundation
is hosting our rescheduled BLOOD DRIVE from 4-8 pm at the SteelStacks outside on The Air Products Square.

Coco had a blood transfusion 2-3 times a week during her treatment, which was over a 6 month period.  Without these tranfusions, she would not have made it through her treatments.

Save a life like Coco's!

Please contact us at info@thecocofoundation.org if you would like to
schedule an appointment.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Review - El Limon, Conshohocken, PA



El Limon
Taqueria & Grocery Store
103 Fayette Street
Conshohocken, PA 19428
(610)567-0120

Grade: A+


Located on Fayette, the main street of Conshohocken (say that 5 times), this Taqueria may be small but their food is HUGE on flavor. This is real authentic Mexican food. And when I say "authentic", I mean authentic! They use only corn tortillas for their taco shells and you won't find cheese, lettuce and tomatoes on these tacos and if you want it, you can have it but you'll pay extra for it.

The portion size is perfect for the prices and the prices are very affordable especially for Conshy where prices can be jacked up a bit for the basic sandwich. El Limon is the place where my friend / co-worker and I get our Mexican "fix". We don't get to eat there often but when we do, we leave completely satisfied and can't wait for the next time. Lucky for us we are only a few blocks away!

The owners are great too! Always smiling and very welcoming even when they are busy. If you plan on going for lunch your best bet is to go around 11:30 am before the crowd starts working it's way in. They have limited seating and they fill up fast so you want to try to go outside common eating hours. They are open until 3am on Friday and Saturday nights, so stop on by after a night out on the town.

The only negative thing I personally can comment about is that the last time I checked, there was a $15 minimum for using credit cards. This probably won't mean much to most people but I am someone that doesn't ever carry cash with me for fear of losing it so I rely on the plastic.

My favorite dish(es):
Tacos (Pollo, Asada, Carnitas) -- $2.50/taco and worth every penny!
Burrito (Asada w/ Mole, Pollo with Tomatillo) -- It's HUGE, be prepared for a feast!
Torta Milanesa -- Everything is so fresh and oh so yummy!

So if you happen to visit the Ikea store in Plymouth Meeting, you're only a few streets away. Come into Conshy for a real treat for your tummy, one your wallet will be happy about too!

Friday, August 12, 2011

PROJECT 365: Technical Difficulties

Sorry folks but there will not be a Project 365 post this week due to some stupid technical difficulties with my phone which I use heavily for my photos as you have probably noticed. As soon as I work a few things out, I will get back to posting for this topic.


Thanks for sticking around!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Truth is... Married life is not a constant high!

Those words whether you like to believe it or not is the absolute truth. As in anything in life, marriage is not all lollipops and rainbows but oh I how I wish that was true :)

I want to share with you a snippet of a post from a fellow blogger, Jessica from Marriage to Motherhood. It really put things into perspective for me, especially with some of the feelings I have had lately. Now, when you read it you may say..."duh, who didn't know that?" but sometimes you need to be reminded about what is realistic in life AND love.

Hope you find it as interesting/inspiring as I have...

When you found the one who you confidently believe was purposed to be your mate for life - and then you enter into marriage and begin your life together....there is so much excitement in that, isn't there? Being married to a partner who you adore, and who adores you, is a beautiful thing. You anticipate filling your years with an abundant amount of happiness, great times, special moments, and unforgettable memories to cherish. Together you enjoy date nights, vacations, birthdays, holidays, celebrating life-changing milestones {a new home, a child, etc.} and then every year when your anniversary rolls around, you are reminded of your love for eachother, which has only continued to grow more and more as the years go on.
Sounds nice doesn't it?
But that's only a part of what married life is, and what it brings.
Married life is also a partnership in which sacrafices must be made, compromises must occur, quarrels will inevidatebly happen, and miscommunication will be had. Some days you may even feel under-appreciated, and sometimes the passion goes missing. Sometimes you will struggle, sometimes you will cry in frusteration and sometimes you will lay in bed wondering what will change or what will always stay the same.
You can still enjoy being married and still feel any of the above emotions at the same time. What that means is....
Married life is not a constant high.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Birthday and Anniversary Wishes

Wishing my Dad a Happy 52nd Birthday 
&
Wishing my parents a very Happy 31st Wedding Anniversary!

We LOVE You!

Parent's wedding - 8/9/1980



Parent's 30th Wedding Anniversary - Punta Cana 8/9/2010

Friday, August 5, 2011

PROJECT 365: 7.29.2011 - 8.4.2011

7.29.2011 - Shop card junkie!


7.30.2011 - Look! It's Elmo


7.31.2011 - No, let me change the channel!


8.1.2011 - Forget the toys, I got my toes!


 8.2.2011 - Proof FIL was feeding the pooch human food


8.3.2011 - Hate when this happens


8.4.2011 - $3.89 per gallon... Yikes! 

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Local Events in the Lehigh Valley

When I find information about events taking place in the valley, I like to spread the word. Take a moment and think about taking advantage of what the Valley has to offer!

Below are a few that I found, courtesy of Style magazine:

Das Awkscht Fescht:
48th Annual Event
When: August 5th, 6th, 7th, 2011
Where: Macungie Memorial Park - Macungie, PA

Zoo in Paradise
A fundraiser for Lehigh Valley Zoo featuring the Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band "PARROTBEACH."
When: Saturday, August 27, 2011 | 6 - 10PM
Where: LV Zoo
InfoTickets Required: $10 in advance; $15 at gate
Must be 21 to attend.
Information and directions: lvzoo.org

ETA (Thanks John Hofmann, SR!):
Run Wild at Lehigh Valley Zoo
When: Sunday, August 28, 2011
Time: 5 & 10K Race - 8AM; 1 Mile Walk - 9:50AM
Where: LV Zoo
InfoFor information and directions please visit www.runwildatlvzoo5k.com
To register online visit Run Wild at Lehigh Valley Zoo

The Literacy Center's "Literacy Changes Lives" Golf Outing
When: Monday, August 29, 2011
Where: Silver Creek Country Club | Hellertown
Time: 9AM Shotgun Start
Info: 610.435.0680 x119
ljohnson@theliteracycenter-lv.org

Lehigh Valley Health Network Marathon for Via
Relay - Full & Half - 5k Walk
When: Sunday, September 11, 2011
InfoViaNet.org

American Heart Association: 2011 Lehigh Valley Heart Walk
When: Sunday, September 18, 2011
Where: Downtown Easton
Time: Festivities begin at 8:30am / Walk starts at 10am
Info: More information or to register:
Diana Skowronski: 610.867.0583, ext. 225
diana.skowronski@heart.org
heart.org/lehighvalleywalk

Morning Star Rotary of Bethlehem's: Run With Rotary 10K Run & 5K Run/Walk - 21st Annual 
When: Saturday, September 24, 2011 8
Where: Race begins and ends in South Bethlehem, runs through Celtic Classic grounds and Historic North Bethlehem, and along side Lehigh River.
Time: 8AM
Info: Register online at MorningStar5k.com

Lehigh Valley Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk - 3rd Annual
to benefit The Lustgarten Foundation
100% of all money raised will go toward pancreatic cancer research
When: Sunday, September 25, 2011
Time: Registration: 8:30AM; Walk Begins: 10AM
InfoInformation/Registration: 866.789.1000
lustgarten.org

Women's 5K Classic19th Annual 
When: Saturday, October 15, 2011
Where: Little Lehigh Parkway - Allentown, PA 
Time: 9AM
Info: Register and learn more at www.womens5kclassic.org


If you are holding an event or know of one that you would like posted, please share this information by emailing me at theroddybride{@}gmail{dot}com!

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

2 more days till... MUSIKFEST!


That's right! Musikfest 2011 will be here starting this Friday, August 5th!

I probably write about the coming of this event yearly but it's because it really is a big thing here in the Lehigh Valley. It seems like a large part of Bethlehem shuts down for it. It is one of the most popular festivals in the area. There is always a wide variety music to listen to and the food... oh my! So many things to fill your tummy with!

Majority of the entertainment is free but some of the headliners you will have to purchase a ticket for. Click HERE to see the full list of headliners and purchase your tickets.

Some of this year's headliners include:

Stone Temple Pilots - 8.5.2011

Maroon 5 - 8.6.2011

Steely Dan - 8.10.2011

Nick Jonas - 8.13.2011

This year they are changing it up a bit. They will have 10 venue sites on the North Side of Bethlehem + 5 NEW venue sites on the South Side area around SteelStacks and Sands Casino.

Below are the 5 new venues located at SteelStacks, details below provided by Musikfest.org:

  • Sands Steel Stage at PNC Plaza 
    Capacity: 7,200
    Programming: Musikfest's main stage – featuring national touring acts
    Opens: 6 p.m. nightly; showtimes TBD
    Ticket required
  • Americaplatz at Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks 
    Capacity: 2,500
    Programming: Blues, rock, R&B, world, Americana and more!
    Open: 5-11 p.m. nightly
    Free
  • Musikfest CafĂ© presented by Yuengling at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks
    Capacity: 450-900 depending on the show
    Programming: Indie rock, rock, singer-songwriters, soul, cabaret, plus new music-themed lunches Fridays through Sundays and late-night comedy shows nightly
    Open: Daily
    Ticket required
  • Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks 
    Programming: Will offer regular cinema programming plus Musikfest events such as concerts, artist workshops, educational programs, music-focused documentary films
    Open: Daily
    Some events free; others require admission ticket
  • Air Products Town Square
    First Street and Founders Way
    Programming: Street performers, local and regional bands, acoustic singer-songwriters
    Open: 5 p.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday and 12p.m. - 1a.m. Fridays-Sundays
    Free to the public

So if you are in the area, I urge you to come out and experience it! There are things for everyone. Earlier in the day is perfect for families while the night time is an excellent time for the adults to come out and play. My family and I always hit up the night time for some Spanish music at Plaza Tropical or for funky like groups like, The Red Elvises at the Volkplatz. Daily schedule can be found HERE.

For more information on the Musikfest and what it is about, visit Musikfest.org or click here for Musikfest 101.