I am a "Rocky" Junkie and Here is Why!

As you may or may not already know, I grew up in a little town just outside the city of Philadelphia. I was in junior high when "Rocky" was being film just about 10 or so miles from where I lived. I remember the film's release and the talk that followed about what a masterpiece the picture truly was. But at that time I was a 8th grader who had absolutely no interest whatsoever in Rocky, the sport of boxing or anything else remotely tied to the picture. It was so far removed from where I was in my life and all those things I held important as a 13 year old girl, I never ever saw the picture until...oh about about 3 years ago.

It was right after Christmas and as I started taking down the tree I flipped on the TV just catching the end of some program I was interested in. So after the show ended, instead of changing the channel as I normally would do, I just let it run. All I wanted was a little background noise while taking down the decorations and returning the living room to its normal state of existence. In letting the TV run I stumbled upon something I related to so deeply that by the time it was over I was nothing less than riveted to the television screen. It was Rocky, the original one released all those years ago that I couldn't be bothered with.

I think my connection with Rocky started when I ran my first long distance race. It was in May of 2008 and I ran the Philadelphia Distance run with my best friend Donna. She had talked me into running the 10 miler which is supposedly almost all downhill. So we trained individually for the race. I went in well prepared but Donna just couldn't find enough time in her busy schedule to train more than a 4 or 5 mile run. So during the race at about mile 5 Donna told me to just go on and that she will catch up with me at the finish line and I took off. At about mile 8 the speakers along the race path started blaring the theme to Rocky. I remember thinking to myself that I was just about to accomplish something I never in my wildest of dreams thought I would ever do...run 10 miles. I remember becoming extremely emotional as I listened to the lyrics of the music to point of almost tears. Three years later after Donna and I finished the New York City marathon we met up with family and friends at a little pub in Manhattan for a celebratory drink. As we walked in with our Mylar ponchos over our shoulders and carrying our race bags the bar put on the song "Eye of the Tiger" in our honor and everyone in the place began to cheer for these two worn out and beat up marathoners. I again was almost in tears at the thought of our accomplishment.

(Donna and myself on 1st Ave during the NYC marathon 2011)

So when Rocky came on my TV I began to feel an emotional up-welling. I sat for over two hours watching Rocky. After the movie was over the next movie to be aired was Rocky II and I sat for another 2 hours glued to the TV.  I became memorized by Rocky Balboa and his never give up attitude. As Roger Ebert wrote in his 1976 review of the film...

What makes the movie extraordinary is that it doesn't try to surprise us with an original plot, with twists and complications; it wants to involve us on an elemental, a sometimes savage, level. It's about heroism and realizing your potential, about taking your best shot and sticking by your girl. It sounds not only clichéd but corny -- and yet it's not, not a bit, because it really does work on those levels. It involves us emotionally, it makes us commit ourselves: We find, maybe to our surprise after remaining detached during so many movies, that this time we care.

 I think that is what happened with me...it made me realize my physical potential. I've heard it said that just getting to the starting line of a race is half the battle, and having done that I realized how true that sentiment really is. And in each Rocky story line that entire concept is reinforced for me. 

So now I am a total Rocky Junkie. It can be on anytime of the day or night and I just can't ever seem to bring myself to turn it off. It would feel almost sacrilegious to me to not watch Rocky's journey. To date I have seen all the Rocky pictures with the exception of the latest release Creed, of witch Sylvester Stallone is up for best supporting actor.  Here is Stallone's interview with Robin Roberts as he discusses how Rocky changed his life and about his part in Creed.

"To all the Rockys in the world, I love you." - Sylvester Stallone 1977

(Donna after the 2012 Philadelphia marathon posing with Rocky)

I will be on my sofa tonight waiting to see if the academy's nomination of Creed's Sylvester Stallone for best supporting actor gets the nod and an Oscar award!

XO

The 2015 Philadelphia Home Show

Yesterday was my sister Kim's 40th something birthday plus the kids were off from school for Martin Luther King day, so we hopped the train into center city Philadelphia to attend the annual Philly Home Show in the convention center.

This year's show was packed with all kinds of cool stuff, but as usual our favorite area to check out is where the designer rooms are displayed!

 There are a total of 5 designers rooms but I am only going to share with your my 2 favorites.

First up is this beautiful dining room. The table was totally the star here. I think it is a pretty mix of both a traditional and contemporary vibe not forgetting to mention that I love the color combination!

The other room is actually an outdoor living area created by one of my very talented bloggy friends Denise Sabia from the blog The Painted Home.

 Denise's space is complete with a fireplace and flat screen TV!

Don't you just love these two fabulous faux wine barrel wall hangings?

Denise created this pretty nail art.

When we first arrived at the Home Show Denise wasn't there yet so the TV was not on. 

When we checked back later in the morning we found Denise and this is what she had on the picture screen. Ahhh doesn't that look inviting??? In front of the TV are just succulents in coffee cans...so simple but so perfect for this beautiful space Denise created.

 There's Denise now!!! Hey Denise great job!!!

Another booth which were among our favorites at the Home Show included a little beauty shop which sells this amazing flat iron. They are by a company called Profashion. Grace and my sister Kim had there tresses done.

Grace had curls put in...

...and Kim had her hair straightened. You can see the big difference below. Not only is her hair softer and smoother, the highlights are more noticeable. So yes we bought 2 of these irons!

The Ikea booth was a big hit with Michael and Grace. They loved this flip top bed. Each one asked if a person could fit under the mattress and if it had a lock. I know what they were thinking???

Another one of our favorite products at the show was this anaerobic German glue that actually can stick anything together...metal, wood, tile, leather and the list goes on! It is also environmentally friendly, non-toxic and biodegradable. The product is called Max-1.

They even fixed Kim's pocketbook which broke earlier in the day after we were already on the train.

Good as new!

There were so many really cool produts to try out and booths to visit, but alas our crew began to grow tired so it was time to go home.

If you are in the Philadelphia area this coming weekend and you're looking for something to do, head on down to the Philadelphia Convention Center and check out the home show. There really is a lot to see!!

In the meantime wishing you all a super week!

XO

The Philadelphia Home Show ~ Spotlight on "The Painted Home"

A couple years ago I had the wonderful fortune to meet Denise from the incredibly creative blog  The Painted Home, for the first time down at the Philadelphia Home Show which is held yearly at the city's convention center. Well it didn't take long after meeting Denise for me to realize that her enthusiasm for what she does is as infectious as her sparkling personality, and I have to say that being completely blown away by her ah-mazing talent is an understatement!!!

This year I met Denise again at the home show and much to my excitement, I had the chance to tour her fabulous display

"The Crafty Camper".

Take a look at what this crafty and clever gal created for this year's show!!!

Yes it is an actual camper Denise bought and gutted for her ingenious "Mom Cave". Denise is so right when she says that you just won't want to leave!!!

I can't help but to become giddy when I see all of her darling bunting and bead board!!!

The camper is painted such a cute and whimsical color, don't you think?

Even my Gracie couldn't resist relaxing in Denise's Adirondack chairs!

The Philly Home show opens again this Friday January the 24th and runs through Sunday evening January the 26th. For more information on the show and all of its guest speakers and events just follow this link.

So if you are thinking about being in the Philly area over the coming weekend, stop by the Home Show and meet Denise and check out her camper...it is definitely a Must See!!!

Oh and if you plan to visit on Sunday make sure to catch Denise guest speak on the Home Show stage at 2pm. She will be giving out some great DIY ideas along with how you can create your very own Mom Cave!

Also you can check out Denise's wonderful blog The Painted Home, by clicking here!

XO

The Philadelphia Home Show

This past weekend my sister Kim, my daughter Grace and myself took a trip down to Philadelphia for their annual Home Show. And while there were plenty of vendors peddling their goods, our favorite part of the show was in Isle 1000, the interior design and decorating isle.

This little area with the beautiful dresser with the wonderful flowers popping out is a creation by one of my favorite bloggers, Denise of The Painted Home. I have more to share with you about Denise but I am saving that for another post. She had an incredible contribution to the show.

Other designers had some great spaces too.

Dona and Anna from New 2 You Home Treasures created this darling gathering place.

Just look at all of their clever ideas.

This space has everything for everyone in the family. From games and puzzles...

...to an ingenious way of organizing a drink station! I am so loving that butterfly print on the seat cushion.

Gracie fell in love with this space...she said it was her favorite part of the entire Home Show!

How about some inventive ideas using old doors? ReStore  challenged designers to come up with new ways if using doors found in their stores.

Work and or message station.

A comfy place to sit...

...or a very cool spot to hang your coat and store your shoes!

Here is another idea Grace loved...this flat screen which rose up out of a decorative trunk.  You can place it at the foot of your bed to watch TV in bed...then when you are all done just click a button on the remote and back into the trunk it goes!!!

Would you like to maybe shed a few pounds and feel a world healthier?

This box uses infrared light to promote the oxygenation of cells, eliminate toxins and speed up your metabolism for a healthier body. And you can do all this while you work on your laptop!!!

You can also eat a lot healthier by using the Vitamix blender to create ice cream and smoothies made with carrots and spinach!

You will find very cool ways of storing your wine...

...or you can just belly up to the bar for a glass.

The Philadelphia Home Show continues this weekend from Friday January 24th through to Sunday evening January 26th.

For more information on the Philly Home Show just follow this link!

Happy Wednesday all!!

XO