5 on Friday

{one}
NKOTB 

My sister Laura & I are going to the New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) concert tonight and we have amazing seats, as always.  Believe me, we get made fun of so much for our devotion to all things NKOTB but we truly don't care what anyone says.  It represents more than a Girls Night Out or an homage to our childhood.  It is not a guilty pleasure by any means.  It is 2 sisters taking time out of their busy lives to drop everything & change schedules around to attend every show that comes through the Chicago area.  Note - we went to Indiana one time.  It is 2 sisters doing something they love with the one person in the world who understands it completely.  We have a couple ground rules for NKOTB shows:

1. Never have a budget or a limit on the price we will pay for good seats
2. Study up on the new music before the show. 
3. Don't drink alot of liquid before the show because bathroom breaks are not an option when NKOTB is on stage.
4. You have to buy some item of NKOTB swag.
5. Wear flats.
6. Donnie is mine; Jordan is Laura's.  No room for sharing.
7. Don't invite other people to the show because I'm sure they cannot follow the above listed rules.

{two}
RIP Cory Monteith
It broke my heart to hear the news of Cory Monteith dying this past weekend.  I immediately thought of Lea Michelle who has played his girlfriend on Glee and had that same role in real life.  I'm a huge sucker for a good love story, especially between 2 characters in real life.  I've loved Glee from the pilot episode and rooted for Finn & Rachel from the start.  The story of his death is so tragic as he was so talented. 



{three}
Infant-to-Toddler Rocker
When it comes to getting ready in the morning, it is all about containing and entertaining Eloise.  She has outgrown all "containment" items we have whether it be in size or interest.  I stumbled upon the Infant-to-Toddlet rocker when I doing some birthday present idea searching and thought it would be worth a try.  I know my older nieces still enjoy using this as Toddler so I was hopeful.  After the first try, I would say that Eloise gives it a thumbs up! 

{four}
Michael Kors bag.
I'm a sucker for monograms and initials.  When I was engaged, I was always eyeing all things Michael Kors because of the "MK" monogram that perfectly matched my initials for my perferred name - Mandy Kalins.  Much to my surprise, I got a sleek Michael Kors tote for my birthday from my mother-in-law.  I decided to deem it my at-work bag - the bag I bring to meetings, lunch, and errands around the hospital.  It's absolutely perfect!


{five}
1st Family Vacation.
We are stepping into unchartered territory tomorrow by going overnight for the first time with Eloise.  We are going to Timber Ridge Waterpark at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva.  Granted, it is only one night but it's still a big deal.  Wish us luck as we try to remember all the essentials, not bring too much, and try to have fun!