Monday, February 9, 2009
weekend update
Saturday was my errands day. I did more of the Gilmore Girls workout, went to Target, did laundry, etc. Whenever I go to Target, I always end up finding a lot of things that I must.have.now and walking out with a lot more bags than I ever intended to. This time, I actually got less than I was anticipating since they were sold out of some of the things I needed. However, the dollar bins did have these adorable ladybug notepads, and since ladybugs are my sorority's mascot, how could I say no? I couldn't, obviously. When I got home, I had the urge to bake once again. So out of character for me. Inspired by Suki, I was going to make merengues. The separator didn't separate the whites from the yolks well and a lot of yolk got into the bowl which made the mixture runny and unusable so I had to give up on that dream once I ran out of eggs. Sunday morning I decided to wake up early to work out. I now can't move any part of my body. It was beyond gorgeous out which made me super-happy. I refuse to listen to a rodent that chooses to take up residence in middle of nowhere, PA. Spring is definitely upon us. I got to wear my new Tory Burch jacket which also brought a smile to my face. I love that jacket. It was also my best friend's birthday celebration. Her actual birthday is in November but it's at a really inconvenient time because it always ends up being either the week before or the week of Thanksgiving which almost always guarantees that we can't celebrate her birthday on her actual birthday. Then with vacations and her working on Saturdays and such, this ended up being the best weekend for us. We went to see He's Just Not That Into You and then went out to this amazing sushi place and then to a chocolate place for dessert. It was also really great to catch up since we don't get to see each other as often as we'd like.
Friday, February 6, 2009
wear RED for women
Ok ladies, I have a confession to make. I hate Valentine's Day. It's actually a childhood trauma for me and I never got the point of the holiday. However, on February 15th, I had open heart surgery that saved my life, so I always get a little sentimental when I see all the heart stuff this time of year. (There was a very high chance that I was not going to survive the surgery and everyone told my parents not to get their hopes up and my healthy heart can have its first legal drink this year!) In honor of this and the fact that today is the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Day, I've decided to make today's favorite things post dedicated to all things heart-shaped and Valentine's themed.
To start things off is this adorable and not cheesy looking heart paperweight for $28 from Kate's Paperie.
Up next is a 2 pack thong set from Hanky Panky at Nordstrom.
For anyone who wants to try their luck, the Blue-Eyed Bride, is giving away a pair on her blog!
Next we have a tin of Valentine's Day Hot Cocoa from Crate and Barrel that turns pink! On sale for $1.95 now, it is a steal. The little tin is adorable and would be a cute extra to throw in someone's gift.
While we're on the subject of edibles, let's take a look at these dessert plates for $24.95 from Red Envelope. I don't know if y'all have picked up on this, but I'm a little obsessed with baking and love cute dessert plates and serving pieces, so I am a little in love with these plates that are made to look like conversation hearts.
If you think these plates are cute now, wait until you see how darling they look when they have some pink frosted cupcakes on top of them!
For the girl who loves her accessories, here are four adorable pieces:
The Coach Scribble Heart Neckerchief Scarf ($58)
The L. Erickson Wild Hearts Ribbon Headband, $32 at Calista Cove
Since every girl loves getting something in a little blue box, here is the Elsa Peretti Open Heart Pendant, $455 at Tiffany & Co.
Now I know what you're thinking- isn't the Elsa Peretti open heart a bit redundant and doesn't everyone and their mother already have one? Absolutely. However, I love the stone collection and these three little hearts are so adorable and the colors are great.
At $795, this is the priciest item on this week's list: the Silver Leather Marc Jacobs Love Clutch from one of my favorite stores, Plaza Too.
I tend to go for more conservatice pieces and this is not my style, but if you could make it work, this would be cute with a black outfit.
Lastly, is this Clinique Love Long Last Glosswear set for $25 from Nordstrom.
For four glosses, the price is great, and as a bonus, they come packaged in an adorable pink heart box that you can reuse afterwards. How cute would it be to mail someone cookies in that box? Ok folks, I'll stop with the baking talk now.
To start things off is this adorable and not cheesy looking heart paperweight for $28 from Kate's Paperie.
Up next is a 2 pack thong set from Hanky Panky at Nordstrom.
For anyone who wants to try their luck, the Blue-Eyed Bride, is giving away a pair on her blog!
Next we have a tin of Valentine's Day Hot Cocoa from Crate and Barrel that turns pink! On sale for $1.95 now, it is a steal. The little tin is adorable and would be a cute extra to throw in someone's gift.
While we're on the subject of edibles, let's take a look at these dessert plates for $24.95 from Red Envelope. I don't know if y'all have picked up on this, but I'm a little obsessed with baking and love cute dessert plates and serving pieces, so I am a little in love with these plates that are made to look like conversation hearts.
If you think these plates are cute now, wait until you see how darling they look when they have some pink frosted cupcakes on top of them!
For the girl who loves her accessories, here are four adorable pieces:
The Coach Scribble Heart Neckerchief Scarf ($58)
The L. Erickson Wild Hearts Ribbon Headband, $32 at Calista Cove
Since every girl loves getting something in a little blue box, here is the Elsa Peretti Open Heart Pendant, $455 at Tiffany & Co.
Now I know what you're thinking- isn't the Elsa Peretti open heart a bit redundant and doesn't everyone and their mother already have one? Absolutely. However, I love the stone collection and these three little hearts are so adorable and the colors are great.
At $795, this is the priciest item on this week's list: the Silver Leather Marc Jacobs Love Clutch from one of my favorite stores, Plaza Too.
I tend to go for more conservatice pieces and this is not my style, but if you could make it work, this would be cute with a black outfit.
Lastly, is this Clinique Love Long Last Glosswear set for $25 from Nordstrom.
For four glosses, the price is great, and as a bonus, they come packaged in an adorable pink heart box that you can reuse afterwards. How cute would it be to mail someone cookies in that box? Ok folks, I'll stop with the baking talk now.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
the attention deficit workout
I am one of those women who wishes she could just will herself to be thin and suddenly lose weight. I have been on several diets successfully, but those were all short term, because let's face it- complex carbohydrates are your friend and any diet that tells me that eating cupcakes and cheese fries is bad for you, is the enemy.
One of my obsessions, among the many that I have, is tv on dvd. I buy whole series and just sit there watching them over and over again. A while ago, I saw this excercise kit at Bed, Bath, and Beyond (another one of my big obsessions) and just had to buy it.
Being that I'm basically a big five-year-old, you can see what I would find appealing about a really big, silver, bouncy ball. (That's right folks, I actually tried bouncing the ball to see if it could bounce. It can. Don't worry, no one lives underneath me.) Sitting on the ball is supposed to engage your core and engage more muscles than if you were just doing it on the floor or a bench. Lately, I've been leaving it inflated and sitting on it and watching my tv on dvd. I keep a set of weights nearby and do a couple of reps, take a break watch some tv, do some more reps, take a break watch some tv, etc. I find this works well for me because I still get the excercise, but it lets me do them without making myself hate the world or feel like I'm going to die. It works really great with my tv on dvd, because I've seen every episode multiple times and work out when there's a scene I really don't care to watch again and then take a break and watch the show when there's a scene I really want to see. I did not expect to lose a lot of weight by doing this, but after about a month, last night I tried on a pair of work pants that I just don't wear very often because they're a bit tight. Well ladies, they fit! In total, I've lost about 7-10 pounds. It may not be a lot, and had I actually worked out intensely, I could have lost more weight, but how many girls can say that they got this rear end by watching Gilmore Girls?
One of my obsessions, among the many that I have, is tv on dvd. I buy whole series and just sit there watching them over and over again. A while ago, I saw this excercise kit at Bed, Bath, and Beyond (another one of my big obsessions) and just had to buy it.
Being that I'm basically a big five-year-old, you can see what I would find appealing about a really big, silver, bouncy ball. (That's right folks, I actually tried bouncing the ball to see if it could bounce. It can. Don't worry, no one lives underneath me.) Sitting on the ball is supposed to engage your core and engage more muscles than if you were just doing it on the floor or a bench. Lately, I've been leaving it inflated and sitting on it and watching my tv on dvd. I keep a set of weights nearby and do a couple of reps, take a break watch some tv, do some more reps, take a break watch some tv, etc. I find this works well for me because I still get the excercise, but it lets me do them without making myself hate the world or feel like I'm going to die. It works really great with my tv on dvd, because I've seen every episode multiple times and work out when there's a scene I really don't care to watch again and then take a break and watch the show when there's a scene I really want to see. I did not expect to lose a lot of weight by doing this, but after about a month, last night I tried on a pair of work pants that I just don't wear very often because they're a bit tight. Well ladies, they fit! In total, I've lost about 7-10 pounds. It may not be a lot, and had I actually worked out intensely, I could have lost more weight, but how many girls can say that they got this rear end by watching Gilmore Girls?
old-fashioned customer service
About a week ago, I went to Bergdorf Goodman to buy new Bobbi Brown makeup. Last night, when I got home, there was a thank you card from the saleswoman for buying the makeup from her and saying she hopes that I enjoy wearing it and to contact her if I have any questions. I love it when stores do that and I never understood why more stores don't do that. I understand that for small items it is not necessary, but for bigger purchases it is nice and always leaves a good impression in the customer's mind. That's right Louis Vuitton, when I'm paying $800 for a bag, I'd like some recognition or a side of customer service with that. I have gotten cards like that from Coach and BCBG and it always makes me remember the salesperson's name and want to shop there again.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
SHOES!
One thing that I am known for is my obsessive love of shoes. I have tons. Literally. When I moved, more space went to my shoes than anything else. The Southern Starlet has asked for my help in finding a pair of green shoes for the NKOTB concert, and how could I say no to such a worthy cause? Here's what I've found:
Jane Suede Ballet Flats from J. Crew. Available in Kelly Green. $98
Jack Rogers Navajo sandals in Green Ostrich- $88.95 at Nordstrom
Jeffrey Campbell Posh Peep Toe Pump- on sale for $47.90 at Nordstrom
Loeffler Randall Olive Leather Peeptoe Pump- $111.99 at Plaza Too.
Jane Suede Ballet Flats from J. Crew. Available in Kelly Green. $98
Jack Rogers Navajo sandals in Green Ostrich- $88.95 at Nordstrom
Jeffrey Campbell Posh Peep Toe Pump- on sale for $47.90 at Nordstrom
Loeffler Randall Olive Leather Peeptoe Pump- $111.99 at Plaza Too.
my first tag!
My first time being tagged! Thank you Ari!
Step 1: Respond and Rework.Answer the questions on your own blog. Replace one question that you don't like with a question of your own invention. Then add one more question of your own invention.
Step 2: Tag eight other un-tagged people!
1. Make a list of things you can see without getting up.
My dresser, window, and bookshelf.
2. Favorite Football Team.
Is football that thing that goes on in between the Superbowl commercials?
3. What are you wearing now?
Gray pants and blue v neck sweater.
4. What's the last thing you read/are currently reading?
Currently reading Maybe a Miracle by Brian Krause.
5. Who was the last person you hugged?
no clue, probably my mom
6. What's you current obsession/addiction?
blogspot, lip gloss, baking
7. When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up?
An astronaut, a ballerina (very original, I know), a sea lion trainer at the zoo, a teacher, a nurse (I blame Barbie for letting girls think that they can have about 50 different careers with the matching cute clothes to match. Please note that I didn't actually have any Barbies growing up in the Soviet Union.)
8. What was the last thing you bought?
A Lilly Pulitzer polo.
9. What are you listening to right now?
Rascal Flatts- Feels Like Today
10. What is your favorite weather and why?
Late Spring/early Summer when the rain stops and it's nice and warm out but not uber humid
11. What is your most challenging goal right now?
I can't really think of one at the moment. That's not to say I don't have goals. It's to say that it's 9:35am.
12. Say something to the person who tagged you.
Ari, I don't know if you this, but I was actually born in Leningrad/St. Petersburg.
13. If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished, anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Hard to pick just one place, making decisions has never been my forte. Probably England.
14. Favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere in Europe, the Dominican Republic
15. If you could have a car totally paid for and the environment and gas wasn't an issue what would it be?
I know absolutely nothing about cars, but I would go with a cute all-American vintage car like a '57 Chevy.
16. Name one thing you just can't resist no matter how bad it is for you?
Utz Cheese Balls
17. What was the first tape or CD that you bought for yourself?
The Phantom of the Opera soundtrack. I'm a little obsessed with Phantom. When I was younger, while other girls were singing into their hairbrushes and pretending to be the Spice Girls, I pretended to be the Phantom.
18. Describe your perfect day.
Going to brunch and shopping with my friends, spending a lazy day on my couch at home, watching House on DVD and baking.
19. Who is the most famous person you know?
A scientist who helped discover the fat gene.
20. What would you do if you won the Lottery?
Invest it or put it in savings for a few years, then take a long (at least a year or more) trip around the world, like with Abercrombie and Kent.
21. Who do you admire?
My Nana
The added question:
22. What was your first concert ever?
Like Ari, I'm fairly new here and don't have 8 people to tag, but I'll tag:
The Urban Whisk
Nautical by Nature
Say Shenanigans
The Southern Starlet
Step 1: Respond and Rework.Answer the questions on your own blog. Replace one question that you don't like with a question of your own invention. Then add one more question of your own invention.
Step 2: Tag eight other un-tagged people!
1. Make a list of things you can see without getting up.
My dresser, window, and bookshelf.
2. Favorite Football Team.
Is football that thing that goes on in between the Superbowl commercials?
3. What are you wearing now?
Gray pants and blue v neck sweater.
4. What's the last thing you read/are currently reading?
Currently reading Maybe a Miracle by Brian Krause.
5. Who was the last person you hugged?
no clue, probably my mom
6. What's you current obsession/addiction?
blogspot, lip gloss, baking
7. When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up?
An astronaut, a ballerina (very original, I know), a sea lion trainer at the zoo, a teacher, a nurse (I blame Barbie for letting girls think that they can have about 50 different careers with the matching cute clothes to match. Please note that I didn't actually have any Barbies growing up in the Soviet Union.)
8. What was the last thing you bought?
A Lilly Pulitzer polo.
9. What are you listening to right now?
Rascal Flatts- Feels Like Today
10. What is your favorite weather and why?
Late Spring/early Summer when the rain stops and it's nice and warm out but not uber humid
11. What is your most challenging goal right now?
I can't really think of one at the moment. That's not to say I don't have goals. It's to say that it's 9:35am.
12. Say something to the person who tagged you.
Ari, I don't know if you this, but I was actually born in Leningrad/St. Petersburg.
13. If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished, anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Hard to pick just one place, making decisions has never been my forte. Probably England.
14. Favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere in Europe, the Dominican Republic
15. If you could have a car totally paid for and the environment and gas wasn't an issue what would it be?
I know absolutely nothing about cars, but I would go with a cute all-American vintage car like a '57 Chevy.
16. Name one thing you just can't resist no matter how bad it is for you?
Utz Cheese Balls
17. What was the first tape or CD that you bought for yourself?
The Phantom of the Opera soundtrack. I'm a little obsessed with Phantom. When I was younger, while other girls were singing into their hairbrushes and pretending to be the Spice Girls, I pretended to be the Phantom.
18. Describe your perfect day.
Going to brunch and shopping with my friends, spending a lazy day on my couch at home, watching House on DVD and baking.
19. Who is the most famous person you know?
A scientist who helped discover the fat gene.
20. What would you do if you won the Lottery?
Invest it or put it in savings for a few years, then take a long (at least a year or more) trip around the world, like with Abercrombie and Kent.
21. Who do you admire?
My Nana
The added question:
22. What was your first concert ever?
Like Ari, I'm fairly new here and don't have 8 people to tag, but I'll tag:
The Urban Whisk
Nautical by Nature
Say Shenanigans
The Southern Starlet
Monday, February 2, 2009
Martha = goddess
I have always loved cooking, but lately I have become beyond obsessed with baking. I love to try out new cookie and cupcake recipes and am always searching for more. Right now, the one thing that I want more than anything is a KitchenAid stand mixer, and I have already decided that as soon as my tax refund comes in, I'm getting one. This weekend, I went to New Jersey for the day to help out one of my sorority's chapters with some business. I always like to have a book or magazine with me for the train and planned on getting a magazine at Penn Station. I was going to go with Real Simple, but then I got to the Hudson News and saw that the cover of Martha Stewart Living had cupcakes on it and that basically sealed the deal.
I usually don't read everything in a magazine, but I read this one cover to cover. Twice. It is seriously the greatest magazine ever. I decided to subscribe to it. There is a whole cupcake section with tons of recipes and decorating ideas. Saturday night, I was in Joann Fabrics with some of the girls and I was checking out the dollar section. There was a cookbook for cupcakes and muffins, so obviously I had to take that home with me as well. There are a lot of recipes that I'm dying to try out on someone. There's a really cute one for these cupcakes that you bake in a teacup and serve just like that on a saucer. That one prompted all sorts of "awwwwwwwwwww"s from me. I will now commence scouting Target and the dollar stores to find a cheap set of teacups that can go in the oven.
I usually don't read everything in a magazine, but I read this one cover to cover. Twice. It is seriously the greatest magazine ever. I decided to subscribe to it. There is a whole cupcake section with tons of recipes and decorating ideas. Saturday night, I was in Joann Fabrics with some of the girls and I was checking out the dollar section. There was a cookbook for cupcakes and muffins, so obviously I had to take that home with me as well. There are a lot of recipes that I'm dying to try out on someone. There's a really cute one for these cupcakes that you bake in a teacup and serve just like that on a saucer. That one prompted all sorts of "awwwwwwwwwww"s from me. I will now commence scouting Target and the dollar stores to find a cheap set of teacups that can go in the oven.
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