Done and Done

That's right I am done x-mas shopping AND wrapping....SHAZAM!!! I also got a couple extra little stocking stuffery things to use as hostess gifts. And on the off chance I don't need them they are yummy little treats I wouldn't mind keeping for myself.

Point one for this organized elf. Now I can coast into holiday season and enjoy all the parties with no stress about getting last minute gifts. Bring in the parties, I am ready for the yuletide. And fingers crossed I will get a little lucky under some mistletoe. *Wink* *Wink*

Reasons to be Thankful

I got an e-mail on Friday morning that made my stomach drop. One of my good friends father had passed away that morning. I know the feeling as my own father passed away on a major Holiday. My friends e-mails was beautiful, and sad, and thanked all of those included on it for being there for her the last several weeks while her father had been sick. She ended the e-mails by being thankful for such good friends. I am truly humbled and in awe of her thinking to thank us on that day. I don't remember being able to think outside of myself and my immediate family for at least a week, and probably much much longer than that. It took me a good 45 minutes to be able to compose myself and call her. I left a message but I was trying so hard not to cry that I don't think I really conveyed how sorry I am for her, and how here I am for her if she needs anything. It really made me think what I am thankful for which are:

My health

My families health

My family support

My friends, I still have a handful of really good ones from growing up, and a dozen who have been with me for close to 15 years. We have created a connection that I know in a heartbeat these people will be there no questions asked.

My job -It's not perfect but I was unemployed for 3 months earlier this year, and I know people who have been out of work much longer.

My family and friends ability to make me laugh, and smile.

My Grandpa who is still alive at 96

My connection to my extended family. There are 21 in my generation and I see them most around this time of year, it's great. Don't even get me started on the size of the next generation.

My six nieces and nephews. I saw them all in the last 2 days, and they are good, and funny, and sassy, and over-excitable, and they love their parents, each other, and everyone around them.

I am who I am because my sister's made me that way. . .

 Aren't we just too cute?

I mean really - a farah fawcett t-shirt and coordinating green jackets.

I love having sisters.

They are everything to me.

They give me more than I deserve.

They have taught me so much.

They are hilarious and kind.

They are so cool and wickedly naughty too.

They build me up while keeping me grounded.

I am lost without them.

I am grateful that when I look at these pictures

all I feel is love and humility.

How did I get so blessed?

And not to leave my brother out.

He has the best laugh in the world.

Really - you can't not laugh if he is.

And it is incredible to watch him as a father.

Never have I seen someone so enamored with their kids.

I love you golden boy, dreamy and lish.

Happy Happy Thanksgiving.

(gobble gobble gobble gobble)

 

 

 

 

 

In my defense, Lish had not posted that previous post when I sent mine last night.

I do feel like a crumb though.

Such loving words were met with pics of my dog.

But I am glad that I did not read it till right this second.

It had me choking with big crocodile tears.

That was the second time today.

Some very exciting things are happening for me.

Please send happy and loving thoughts and prayers my way.

Back to Lish -

I am forever planning Lish's wedding.

Trully.

I all ready have locations in mind in Chicago, Lake Geneva and Positano.

I imagine myself as the maid of honor and I know exactly how my speech will end.

I don't know that I will be able to say it though, 

so instead I'm sharing it here.

"My parents gave me the greatest gift when I was just a baby.

They knew I would need someone special

and so 15 months after I was born they gave me Lish.

I'm lucky that I can't remember those first fifteen months.

For me there is not a memory or time when Lish was not in my life.

You (insert husbnad name) are lucky too.

From this moment on you will never have to live without her as well."

 

Sometimes I forget to wash behind my ears.

I know this because everytime I pick up my dog she inevitably gives me a lick right there.

She also specializes in licking your teeth or right up your nose.

She helps to make sure that 'we' don't sleep in past 7:00am.

She stops as soon as we get off the elevator, waits for the line up,

than sprints to our door and sits down.

Very reminsicent of her earlier White Lightning days.

(Side note this is what my husband wanted to name her).

When we go on walks and one of us lags behind -

she keeps looking back to make sure that we are coming.

She runs and barks in her sleep and it's my hope that she is dreaming of big, open fields.

She allows us to carry her around like a baby.

She likse to always be near us -

but she in not a snuggler.

I could keep writing this post for hours.

Chloe is a true and constant friend.

I'm grateful to have her.

I always need you

Tizzy has been super super busy lately. I am not used to her not being there whenever I call. I mean obviously she has her own life to live and she should and I understand that. It's just that the last couple of years I have gotten used to having her there supporting me, listening to me, cheering me on, and putting me in my place. I told her earlier that I don't like her being this busy. She asked what I needed her for, and I replied I always need you. Below are a list of some of the super great things she has done for me in the last couple of years.

1) Buying me school supplies, for my first semester back at school including an envelope with $50 in beer money.

2) Planning my super fabulous 30th Birthday party in Vegas

3)Buying me a plane ticket to Colorado so I could spend x-mas with her and our super stylish older sister, as a pick me up when school, work, and life was really overwhelming.

4) Coming home for my graduation, picture documenting the whole thing, and planning a great graduation party.

5) Numerous long written, loving, birthday cards.

New Season, New Header . . .

Just thought I would save this one here.

I do love it so.
And I love that I now have two pics up of Lish popping out her hip.
Lish has a signature dance move but it doesn't involve the hip pop.
Maybe she needs to reincorporate it.

Dream a little dream . . .

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

No need to worry about presents (Christmas)

or theme dressing (St Pat's & 4th of July)

and it's all ready cold so a sweater is wise

to stay warm and hide your big belly.

I also love reflection and the practice of giving thanks.

I've lived a very charmed life so the list I make for this holiday

far exceeds and is much more special than any christmas list.

So this week I'll be giving thanks.

Here goes . . .

 

(photo by Anna Wolf)

When I was a little girl I wanted to be a dancer.

For my friend Seelye's 4th grade birthday party we dressed up

as what we wanted to be when we were older.

I put on Lish's red satin skirted leotard with the gold sequins and tap shoes.

I had free reign of my mom's dressing table and her make up.

I can clearly remember sitting there and drawing a very dramatic spiderweb coming out of my right eye.

My dreams were to be looking and living like the picture above.

That summer I won our church's talent show.

I did a show-stopping (in my mind at least) baton, gymnastics jazz number to Caribbean Queen.

It was my proudest dance moment ever.
My grandma and parents and siblings were all there cheering me on.
  It felt as if I was living that dream.

I won $50 that I spent at a toy store buying a microphone

that would allow you to sing through the radio and never worked.  Not once.

Today I am thankful that I am still a dreamer.

I no longer aspire to be a rockette but I do dream

on different days to be any or all of the following: 

a mother, a writer, a shop owner, an entrepreneur, a singer, a child life specialist, a teacher, an artist.

Despite my original certainty in a career path

I still struggle with what I want to be when I grow up.

Maybe I'll become all of the above.

Maybe none.

Maybe tomorrow I'll have another dream.

Today I'm grateful that I get to dream.

My latest Lusting

Is for snakeskin heels. Either peeptoe, gladiator, or platform styles will do. Small problem, we are heading into winter and these just won't do in the snow. I love love love them lately though, with black leggings, purple dresses, heck any dress. I think they are fabooooosh, and wish I had bought a pair in August. Oh well.

PS: Inaugural run of the thigh-high boots went well on Saturday. And I did some discount shopping last week to get fun tunics to wear with leggings and the boots, so they get more miles.

Jingle What?

Like Tizzy I can not believe we are less than a week till Thanksgiving. This summer and fall has gone by like a blink. We are officially in the Holiday season and I can not believe it. Truly can not. But even more unbelievably there is a radio station in Chicago that started last weekend playing Christmas songs exclusively. I love a good jingle bell rock like the next girl. But two weeks before thanksgiving really?

Okay I need to go now, and start making lists of potential x-mas gifts for people. Yes I am a list makes. I also really enjoy x-mas shopping for people. My lists usually consist of the people I have to buy for, and theirs likes. From there I narrow it down to ideas, then stores where these ideas can come to fruition. Alright clearly I have to get started on this, I am running behind. One week from today I plan to have 90% of my shopping done.

Jingle this . . .

Can you believe that it's almost Thanksgiving?

Yikes, what happened?

I was driving home last night and one of my favorite

Christmas songs came on my ipod.

I thought for a second and decided  -

yes, it is christmas music time!

(Isn't it so weird when a christmas song makes it way

into your shuffle during the summer?)

Since Thanksgiving is next week I have busted out some of my favorite Christmas songs.

These aren't the normal carols - more alternative christmas and winter songs.
And this time of year isn't always the happiest for me so some are a little moody.

But I love them.

Get ready for the holidays!!!

Happy Weekend!

Wow

This video makes me want to sign up for some grad school or something.

With this ring . . .

I have been married for 7 years.

But I still have an obsession (shhhh don't tell my husband)

I guess you could call this DDST.

I'm obsessed with wedding blogs.

Literally can't get enough.

Check them daily, keep abreast of current trends -

for what I don't know.

When I look back on my wedding

there is not one thing I would change.

It turned out 100 times better than any of my dreams or expectations.

But I still can't get enough of all the deliciousness out there.

For those of you who want a little wedding fix every now and again

check out Style Me Pretty.

You will swoon, you will sigh, you will be delighted.

Recessionista tips

I am a total frugalista/recessionista/whatever you want to call it. I love a good deal. Below are a couple of my tried and true tips for saving money

1) If your winter coat still fits bring it to your dry-cleaners. New buttons, and a good cleaning does wonders. And you just saved hundreds of dollars.

2) Always take your leftovers. Two meals for the price of one! Even if you have plans or don't think there is enough for another dinner still take it. You can have it for lunch the next day, with the addition of fruit/string cheese/etc. If you live in a big city like I do, buying your lunch everyday can be super expensive.

3) Give yourself a"fun" allowance and keep it in cash. This would be not the money for your bills, not the money for groceries, but the amount you can use for fun....movies, dinners, shopping, brunches, anything that is not a necessity. But keep this in cash. That way when the cash runs out, so does your fun. It helps keeps you from impulse spending, or over spending.

4) Coffee drinkers - make your coffee at home and save the trips to Starbucks for the weekend or when you need a treat.

5) Comparison shop when shopping online. It is so easy to google an item and see where else it is offered, and who has the best price. It literally takes only seconds.

6) Don't be suckered by a deal. Marketers are really good at their job. So make sure that if you are buying a "deal" it really is one, and not just a promotion.

7) Have a friend come over and go through your closet. I guarantee they will find something you forgot about, or put things together to make new outfits you have not thought of.

8) Go to the grocery store more often. This way you always have fresh food. I used to try and go as little as possible. But inevitably I ended up ordering out more because there would always be something I was missing so I couldn't cook.

9) Contact your service providers to see what new promotions are running. This would be phone, Internet, cable. The competition between companies are fierce so there are always specials, and bundles, and ways to save. I have noticed that if you call at night for some reason the people are nicer, and more willing to help.

10) Go to the library. I read a lot and it can be an expensive habit. A library card is $1, and you can now renew books on-line. Plus the overdue charge is $0.10 a day. So even if you forget to return the book for a month it's still only 1/4 of the price of buying the book.

Call me . . .

I am strictly a cell phone user as we gave up our land line years ago.

Sole cell phone use doesn't bother me.

Except when I'm having a conversation longer than 5 minutes

or trying to do something and need both hands.

Craddling my cell to my ear with my shoulder is impossible.

And I can never find my handsfree gizmo when I need it.

I think I've found the answer to my problem.

You plug this into your cell phone and

Shazam!!

You are handsfree and fabulous too!

Comes in many colors

I'm really drawn to the red - kind of batphone-esque, no?
I found it on Amazon but I also saw it at a local boutique as well as Neiman's.

And although I'm not a cell-phone belt clipper - 
I thought it was ingenious that they didn't leave you out.

I would give anything to see this bad boy in action.

Respect thy elders . . .

I can not get enough of this blog:

My Parents Were Awesome

Love the premise, love the pics, love the funky fresh fashions.

Share the love and glam photos of your parents

before they got bogged down being your parents.

Best line from a Gossip Girl Episode EVA!!!

"Two girls, four boobs, one Dan Humphrey"

Said the Dan Humphrey character with the biggest grin on his face. I was literally rolling around laughing when it was said. Not 100% sure why I think it is so funny but just even recalling it now makes me makes me smile and chuckle.

Sleep

Apparently I was sleep deprived because I slept like a maniac this weekend. 10 hours both Friday and Saturday night. Plus a 45 minute nap when I got home from work Friday.

This was a rejuvenating weekend after last weekends 4 day bender. I got many things accomplished, and just chilled watching movies, shopping, working out, cooking. Couldn't have ask for more, it was just what I was in the mood for. Sorry to my friend who wanted me to meet them out a mere 3 blocks from my house, but I fell asleep. Hope you guys had fun.

Cover this . . .

Last week I was watching a tv show and a song was playing in background.

I knew every word to the song but couldn't place it.

It was an awesome cover - totally redone not just resung.

So it got me thinking about a couple of my other favorite covers.

I compiled the ones that I could below.

You probably know all the words -

but these put a new spin on some favorites.

I'm happy anytime there's an acoustic guitar and a moody ballad.
But if it was once a hip hop top 40?!?!  True nirvana.

Enjoy!

Blame It On The Rain . . .

Blame It on the Rain by TizzyNYC 

There is a Nor 'Easter heading for NYC this weekend.
I love saying that.

Don't worry I'm not going to let it get me down.
I've put together these two ensembles.
Equal parts chic and practical.

I imagine they can take me from Brunch to a night out dancing. Cute, right?
If by chance you find yourself out dancing this weekend - 
you would be wise to heed my Dad's advice. 

"No dancing on tables.
But if you do dance on tables - 
Stand up straight!"

Happy Weekend! 

God Bless the Veterans . . .

Lish and I are totally on the same page today.

In fact, I think she was trying to include the film clip below in her previous post.

I will do it for her here.

The Way We Get By - Trailer from The Way We Get By on Vimeo.

I am humbled by the service and call of our brave soldiers and veterans.

Not many can do you what you do

but we all sit in the safety of your protection.

God bless you and your families

and Thank You.

Thank you Vets

Thank you to all the men and women who are currently or have in the past served in one of the armed forces to protect our country. You are appreciated!

Little bit of a bender this weekend

Yeah while Tizzy was seeing NY through the eyes of our niece with Stylish older sister in tow. I was on a bit of a bender. And Chicago couldn't have had better weather for it. It started on Thursday when I went on a first date. It was good, and included multiple cocktails. Then got an e-mail for an impromptu game night at one of my friends on Friday. Which was hilarious thanks in equal part to the wine, and my best friends fiance, who is from Denmark and had no idea of at least half the things he was guess and giving the clues to. I honestly don't remember the last time I have laughed that hard. Saturday night had a second date with the guy from Thursday, enter more wine. Then Sunday up early for the Bears game, more beer beer and beer. Like I said the weather was beautiful and even though they lost I had a great time. I was just glad that I had the forethought to take yesterday off. It was just one of those weekends. Last Monday the only thing I had on the books was the Bears game. Everything seemed to just fall into place and was super fun!

Mutton busting?!?

My more-stylish sister and I were talking about Colorado this weekend.

I don't believe that I'm speaking out of turn when I say that one of her favorite things

to do in Colorado in the summer is go to the rodeo.

Part of the rodeo includes Mutton busting.

The picture below pretty much speaks for itself.

Imagine my surprise while perusing The Sartorialist

this afternoon and finding Mutton Busting.

I love it as much if not more than the skinny, chic, mismatched models

on the streets of NYC/Paris/Rome that usually grace his pages.

Some how I see more style and swagger in this picture than all his others.

What do you think?

Things I've Never Done in NYC Before . . .

 Living it through the eyes of my Goddaughter.

The first time I came to NYC I was in high school.

I can only imagine seeing

this strange, large, fascinating, frightening, moody and magnificent city

as a 10-year old.

This weekend I got to experience a smidge of it with her.

Let me tell you - it was fantastic.

We conquered the city by carriage ride, boat tour and pedicab.

We had caricatures made, clapped along to break dancers

and watched all of mankind walk right past us.

We walked the Brooklyn Bridge, waved at Lady Liberty,

basked in the glow of Times Square,

stood in awe of the ESB on the Top of the Rock,

 and watched Central Park gently shed her colors.

We were victorious over chocolate cake sundaes, street vendor pretzels,

foot long hotdogs,  and 10:00pm runs to Burger Joint and Magnolia Bakery.

And although I've lived in NYC for 5 years now.

I've never lived it this way before.

I am so grateful for the time spent with my more-stylish sister and goddaughter.

Thank you for sharing NYC in a whole new way with me.

I love you tons and miss you all ready.

 

First stop.

Not bad for being in NYC for all of 30 minutes. 

An excellent depiction of the way our Guest-of-Honor ruled this town this weekend.

 

Standing on top of the city/world.

"We were obsessed with each other"

This is one of the quotes by Rhianna referring to her relationship with Chris Brown. Her abusive relationship with Chris Brown. I unfortunately have two friends who have found themselves in abusive relationships. Luckily both found their way out, but it is never easy. When I heard Rhianna say that their relationship was more than love, they were obsessed with each other, it clicked with me. This was also the common link I can draw between my two friends relationships. Obsession, it is the perfect word to describe it. Someone who is so into you they want to be near you, with you, talking to you, part of your world, they want ALL of you. Then overtime this obsession starts turning towards jealousy, where they love you so much they don't want to share you. Whenever you are with other people a verbal fight ensues, because of course you have done something that has wounded/humiliated/insulted your loved one, because don't you know how it makes him feels when you x,y,z because he loves you so much, but you just insist on hurting him like this. Then you expect the level of dedication/sacrifice from them. So now you become jealous when they are out with other people/ talking to other people also. The verbal fights continue to the point where it is just easier to not interact with other people. You have now isolated yourself from your friends and family to be with this person you love. But for some reason you are still fighting. Then the fights escalate, sometimes over time, sometimes the escalation starts quickly, but they become violent.

Obsession is a dangerous thing.

It's beginning to look a lot like . . .

My friends are having an Ugly Holiday Sweater party.

I couldn't be more excited.

Ohh, the possibilities.

I've been trolling ebay for  some finds - here are a couple options.

 Kittens love Christmas.

 

 Holiday tic tac toe, anyone?

 

Nothing wrong with a polar bear cardigan.  Nothing at all.

 

 Vintage Mickey.  Maybe for my husband.

 

 Nothing's more cozy than a Santa sweatshirt.

It's really the fine art on the sleeves.  The SLEEVES!

That has this one in the running.

 

 You won't be catching a chill thanks to the coordinating turtleneck.

On second thought, my husband might have to wear this.

It would be worth it just to see him in a turtleneck.

 

Carolers, snowmen and a fashionable sweater vest.

We might have a winner.

Although I would prefer that my ensemble have at least a light or sound feature.

Yup, I want to be wearing something that requires a battery pack.

The search shall continue.  I'll keep you posted.

Things I do starting NOW to combat Holiday weight gain

The Holidays are rapidly approaching (or have already arrived if you buried your face in the Halloween candy bowl). Let's face it I/we (yes that's you readers who equal the "we") are going to drink more wine than normal, eat more mayonnaise based foods, have more desserts. I have no will power there is no way I am not partaking in Holiday eating. Here is what I do am doing starting NOW to enjoy the holiday season but not gain weight.

1) Portion Control- I cut down on my portion. For breakfast I eat only half an english muffin in stead of a full one for example.

2) Take the bulk or filler foods out of meals- For lunch I switch to soup or salads instead of 6inch from Subway with chips.

3) Adds fruits and Veggies- I feel hungrier because I am eating less, so I add fruits and veggies in place of more chips/bread/food. My soup lunch includes an apple. My half an english muffin includes a banana. My dinner includes a veggie salad instead of rice or a roll.

4) Work it out- Yes, I am working out more often.

Riddle me this . . .

Dreaming of this peacock blue wall.

 

It's Wednesday but seems like Friday. 

My to-do list seems a mile long.

What better way to waste time then to take a quiz?

Mais, oui.

It's by Homegoods and Deborah Needleman (former editor of Domino).

Ten questions and shazam - they diagnose your design aesthetic.

I was Elegant Classic.

No argument here.

Here's the quiz.

Homegoods Stylescope

Try it out. Perfect way to put off that to-do list.

Let me know what you ended up with.

Maybe we're compatible.

Thwarted

My attempts at coolness and chicness has been temporarily thwarted. Those oh so cool for fall/winter thigh high boots I ordered a week or so ago never came. Instead a package with a turtleneck sweater arrived in its place. Not exactly the look I was going for. Is the universe trying to tell me something? Am I not that cool? Nah, that can't be the case. I will totally rock thigh high boots, and look awesome doing it! I will not be dissuaded.

Friendship

I have a really GREAT set of friends. The BEST! They are unbelievable. Some I have known since childhood, some I met when we were in our late teens/early adulthood, and some I have met as an adult. They are all fantastic. I treasure them all. I try to be there for them, as they always are for me. That is why these people have continued to be my friends.

Some people are not as lucky. Some people have toxic friends. I choose to not keep people like this in my life. I personally can not deal with the heartache, the backstabbing, the negativity, and the drama these people create. I know bonds are strong but I will truly never understand why people chose to keep this kind of relationship in their life.

DDST . . .

 My girlfriends know that stands for "Deep Dark Secret Time"
It's what we use as a prelude to any really big news.
No, I don't have any to share.
But we are always trying to coax some out of each other.

I was talking to a friend this weekend and she was totally jamming
out to Jason Mraz, I'm Yours, in her car.
She loves the song. Loves it.

Just puts her in a great mood.

Unfortunately, it's also a deep dark secret for her.

She's really more of a rocker and hip hop chic.

Thinks her street cred would be ruined if people knew.

Got me thinking - we all have deep, dark secrets.

Whether it's music, food, activities, dreams, nightmares, regrets, actions.
We all carry something that we never reveal.
Or only reveal to our most trusted.

Sometimes they are heavy and burdensome
and some are very innocent.
Some we carry to protect ourselves.
Some to protect others.
Some people lend their secrets to their friends or family.
So the burden is not theirs alone.
Imagine all the secrets floating around out there.

What are yours?

Hey Parents Listen UP

Something you should try to avoid on a Sunday is bringing your toddlers to the ridiculously crowded Trader Joe's on Lincoln in Chicago. But once you have made the ill-fated decision, because let's face it we all get in a jam and need to go, it would be great if you could decide to NOT let them drive their own child size basket that they continually run into all other shoppers. Or walk on the wrong side of the aisle creating a complete standstill for all other shoppers. Also if you could maybe NOT have them run around in the traffic jammed parking lot, it would great! Mom's I would like to give you mostly a break here because I would have to say that is it more often than not Dad's who have children exhibiting said behavior with them.