Our 2nd Anniversary!

Tom and I are celebrating our 2 year anniversary today!  We are headed to see the Broadway show How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying - we are very excited to spend a nice night in the city together!

Thank you for making the last two years so enjoyable - I continue to look forward to all that is to come :)

French Art

As a Noonan, I must admit - none of us really care for going to museums.  I don't know much about art or artists or what makes one style of art different than the other.  I appreciate a nice painting or cool sculpture but would choose just about anything else (less going to a zoo, esp in the reptile section) than go to a museum for the day. 

Nevertheless, when you speak of France (which is what we have been doing on Fridays) - art must be spoken about.

I think I will let the following paintings speak for themselves :)

A lovely French cottage

Feels very French to me for some reason...

I like how it has the reflection - very interesting!

Clearly, one of the most impressive forms of architecture is the Louve - in the heart of Paris, France and truly a must see when visiting the city!



We don't have many French Fridays left - hope you are enjoying the "series" :)

Oh, and don't forget to check out what Regina has been up to!!!

Happy Anniversary!

My brother, Patrick and sister-in-law, Karen are celebrating their 3rd anniversary today!

May you continue to have much happiness in your marriage and thank you for giving us another example of true love!  Have a wonderful day!

French Wine

France produces about 7-8 billion of bottles of wine per year!  With the world's second largest total area of vineyards, France is a "wine-os" dream spot. 

My favorite red wine is Pinot Noir and Mamma Noons loves a good Merlot- and France is the source of the grape variety that makes these wines so delicious.  The wines tend to take on a regional identity as the grape sources are indigenous to particular regions in France.  Interestingly enough, the information on the wine labels depends on the region in which the wine was made. 

A map of the principal wine regions in France

French wine has been a crowd-pleaser since the 6th century BC and we have the monks to thank in the Middle Ages for maintaining the vineyards and passing the wine-making knowledge on.  The French wine-producing practices and styles have been adopted by many other wine-producing countries.

I invite you to indulge in your favorite bottle of wine this Frenchie Friday.

Mr. President

My little brother, Sean, was elected Student Council President!  He will be in 8th grade next year and will have the responsibility of leading the student body at various school events.  

I know he will do a great job and lead by example for his fellow classmates.

I am very proud of him and this accomplishment!  Way to go, Seany!

French Food Friday

Le petit déjeuner - French bread with jelly (Pat Noonan style)
Le déjeuner - sandwich and dessert
Le dîner - soup, main course, then cheese (yuck - so not Pat Noonan) or dessert (oh, and don't forget the bread, wine and mineral water)

The French obviously have a certain flare to their cuisine.  When I visited Paris, the most French thing I ate was a crepe by the Eiffel Tower and a baguette or two - so I really didn't get a chance to have a real taste of France, if you will. 

Luckily we will get a full report on French food from Regina when she gets back!

From what I researched, though - here are a few fun facts:

-A bistro is often smaller than a restaurant and many times using chalk board or verbal menus where regional regional cuisine is served.
-A chef de cuisine is the head chef of a restaurant
-Restaurants typically open at 7:30pm for dinner and the last orders are usually taken between 10:00-11:00pm
-Eggs are eaten quite a bit in French cuisine
-Common seafood eaten in France are salmon, trout, shrimp and calamari (maybe Pat Noonan would have really loved France!)
-Hunting season begins in September and runs through February
-Much like the states, the summer menu contains lots of fresh vegetables, salads and fruit

And the Brophy goes to...

A Brophy you ask?

The award given to the "bro" who bests exemplifies what it means to be a friend, keeping the group of friends together through constant communication and many laughs.  This person is someone you can count on to be there for anything you need.

Where is this Brophy given?

The annual Broast (bro pig roast)- obviously.

Last Saturday, about 50 people arrived at the one and only, Mac Attack's house for the annual pig roast college reunion.  Activities for the day included - roasting a 100+ lb. pig, backyard games, brews, friends and fun.  We had been looking forward to the Broast for quite some time and when the day finally came, it was really fun to see people that we have not seen in quite some time!

The boys had special attire for the event.

THE Handsome Mens Club

Yes, those are Handsome Mens Club pinnies - customized with their nicknames and favorite numbers on the back.

I too came prepared with my outfit choice as well.  Given that I live in a town that obviously loves New York sports, I take full advantage of the opportunity to represent the Philadelphia teams that I love.  So, while at the shore for Memorial Day Weekend, I grabbed this perfect pinny on the Ocean City boardwalk:

Jenelle, Liz and me at the Broasty Broast

That right there is an "ill" pinny with the dot of the "i" of a shamrock (naturally) for my beloved Philadelphia Phillies.  Can't wait to wear that guy again :)

We had a great time catching up with everyone and were very thankful for Mac Attack for opening up his home to us.

My Handsome Man :)

After many games and a few brews ;), the time to announce the winner of the Brophy arrived.  After a little speech from the nominating committee (you can't make this stuff up) - the winner was announced:

Yes, there is a trophy for this...

Mr. Brett Sheppard - 2011 winner of the Brophy award!  In my opinion, couldn't have chosen a better guy, excuse me, "bro."  May his reign as Mr. Brophy be fulfilling, full of great joy and wonderful memories with friends!

Until next year, my friends...broast.

Fashion Friday

Regina is having a great time in Paris and loves most especially the fashion!  So I thought we could focus on a few fashion facts this Friday (how's that for alliteration!).

Paris is the fashion capital of the world.  With brands such as Chanel, Dior, Hermes, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent - it's pretty much a fashionista's haven! 

As Regina has explained, women in Paris have one common theme - they are never sloppy.  The women make sure to keep a presentable appearance and are never too loud or mismatched in their outfit choice. 

Men tend to be the same - very clean and well put together.  Business suits are very common, which makes sense since they are the epitome of proper fashion.

Wondering what is the best and easiest way to go from American to Parisian?  Wrap a scarf around your neck! 

Parisians do love color as much as they like the clean look of black and white. 

Hey Reg - how about this little number for a present for me?!?

This weekend - we should all work a little Parisian style into our outfit choices!

With much appreciation...

I would like to extend many thanks to our family and friends who showed support to me, my Mom and brothers and sisters on the 2 year anniversary of my Dad.  Please rest assured that your prayers and kind words helped us get through the toughest of days.

You might say it is the luck of the Irish to have such a nice support system.

I miss you

Dear Dad,

There is not a day that goes by that I don't wish I could tell you something, receive a hug from you, get your approval on a big decision, laugh at your jokes and see your Irish eyes smiling.  I cannot believe it has been 2 years and each day we all miss you more and more.

My prayer is that you are happy in Heaven and that you continue to help us to have the strength to get through days like today, the courage to move forward even when it seems scary, the smiles and the laughs that make life worth living and the unfaltering faith to remember that God will always take care of us.

I love you and I miss you, Daddy.