The Gathering . . .

 

Has BEGUN!!

Hooray!

Tizzy and Lish are vacation bound tomorrow!

The gathering of books, electronics and clothes has begun.

Can't wait to be laying in the sun with a margarita.

I'm not going to think for one second about the big storm heading towards NYC.

(please please travel gods - let my flight depart as scheduled).

Enjoy your weekend!

xoxo

Tizzy

If You Loved Pink's Grammy Performance and Have a Sense of Humor....

You are going to LOVE this, The Dan Band, paying tribute.

So what Tizzy is talking about....

Is that I found a new job. That's right no more dealing with the emotionally imbalanced woman, who hangs up the phone at me, stomps out of my office and down the hall talking about me. Doesn't answer a single question I ask. I am moving onward and upward. It wouldn't be fair to blame it all on her. I mean this office has several different flavors of disfunction, she is not the only one. And I am not busy, like ever. I have enough work to do 5 days out of the whole month. And while to some that would seem great, to me it's not. I am much more of a do-er than a be-er. So not having things to do is hard, and boring. It makes me feel dumb and boring.

So anyone else out there who is not in a great work enviornment, go for it, make the change. It's not as bad as everyone says. Look at me I have found 2 jobs in less than a year.

Hooray for Lish . . .

This one's for you, girl!

Way to take the initiative!

So proud.

Onwards and upwards!

xoxo

Your Biggest Fan

Tizzy

(image via Andrea Beretta)

Work it out . . .

I was walking my dog before leaving for work yesterday and I was struck by something.

I spotted 2 very chic girls on their way to work.

And I almost fell over - because they were doing so in heels!

Reminded me of a conversation I had the week before at work.

I've always been the girl that wears the flip flops/flats/hunters on the way to work.

At work I usually change into a cuter shoe.

One that would be torture to actually hoof it to work in.

My friend agreed she did the same but said her friends were polar opposite.

Cute shoes to work and then change to more comfortable when there.

I'm so baffled by this.

But those girls did look really great in their coats and hells, woops I mean heals.

What are your thoughts?

Chic and Fabulous?

 

Or practical and comfortable?

 

 

I don't know that I can be converted.

(images via The Sartorialist and Garance Dore)

The weight of our own expectations

Below is an excert from the posting on todays Elements of Style blog.

We bought this condo on impulse, which of course was hard for me. But I fell in love with it and the life that could fill it’s walls, and as we all know real estate needs to be a mix of emotion and smarts, not 110% heart. I tend to be the type who falls in love every day, full of emotion and passion but sometimes a bit lacking in balance. So we signed away on this home with a future life full of babies and wild financial success in mind. How things have changed. While financially we are pretty stable and my business has had unexpected and wild success, the baby question remains exactly that- a question. Empty guest bedrooms that echo of “you’re 30, you should have a baby” leave me rattled because frankly, I don’t want one right now. I want one, someday in the not too distant future, but right now I’m not ready. And selling this condo and moving into a smaller rental makes that decision audible to the whole world, which feels a bit like raising a white flag and surrendering my perfectly timed plan of “married by 26 (check), baby by 30 (…)” I know, I have time, I’m only 30, but I can’t help but feel I’m letting people down by not feeling the hormonal frenzy of motherhood pulsing through my veins. Instead I feel the burning wish to travel, write, explore, work hard and take the time to straighten out exactly what it is I want and need, as selfish as that may be. I like to think by turning keen focus inward on myself it will make me a better mother someday down the road.

But it does feel a bit like taking two steps backward. Surrendering the baby plan and going from owning to renting- even though I know it’s only temporary until we find a house to renovate and live in for a very long time (no more of this buy and sell in under three years business we’ve been doing)- feels a bit like trying to switch from drive to reverse while still moving. Of course after wanting nothing more than to sell, now that it might have happened, I walk around these rooms thinking about how lovely it is, how the light filters through the windows just right and how much I’ll miss it instead of recalling that burning need to move on I felt so keenly not two weeks ago. Classic “me”. I need to instead focus on this as an adventure, something I have not had enough of in my thirty years. The ability to move into the city and experience life full of convenience and bustling energy. A chance to breathe, think and be without the weight of a mortgage. Freedom, in a way, to know that I can do whatever I want next without being tied down. There is so much fullness to my life right now- opening an office, exciting business ventures developing , wonderful new friends to enjoy, trips to plan, moving…. possibilities seem to crowd each morning I wake up and it’s both terrifying and delightful at the same time. It’s not a time to make concrete decisions, it’s a time to explore, investigate and touch, taste and feel everything I can so that when I am ready to settle down a bit more and dig in with solid roots I will be comforted and content with the experiences I have had. But that doesn’t mean that in this moment, as my life begins to change dramatically, I am not sitting here scared as hell. It doesn’t mean that I don’t get totally frustrated with my inner monologue and would kindly tell it to shut up if I could. It also doesn’t mean that sometimes I wish I wanted something simpler, easier and typical. But I don’t.

This struck me so much because even though she is planning what sounds like a great near future traveling, writing, exploring. She is still feeling the dreaded weight of her own expectations for herself. Marriage by 26, baby by 30. I think we all go through this, wether it be baby, career, relationship, money, stability. I know I have. When I was in my early 20's I definitely thought that was my timeline too. But as it turns out, it's not. I have followed a completely separate path for myself and never looked back. I think it is such a shame that we all think we have to have our lives completely figured out, and if our passions, or intentions change we give ourselves such a hard time. Let's just all take a minute to breathe, reflect, and be happy for who we are, what we have, and what we have accomplished. There is no way it's not fantastic even if it's not exactly what we thought it would be.

This is NOT good

This is a picture of one of the models at Victoria Beckhams fashion show this week for New York Fashion Week. It totally grosses me out. This person is WAY to skinny. I say person and not woman because most of models start their careers in the teens, and it's very likely she is under 18. Look at her legs, that does not look natural, or healthy, or pretty to me. I know the fashion industry skews towards SUPER skinny, but people need to know when to say when skinny, and when to say sickly. This is not glamourous Vicky B. I know Tizzy loves you, but for this model choice I have to tsk tsk you.

Black, White, Grey, Black, White, Grey, blahhh

I can't help, and I can't stop myself, I wear/buy black, white, grey pretty much exclusively in the winter. It bugs even me, that's how extreme it is. I remember being 19 and coming home from a shopping excursion to have my mom say, you bought ANOTHER white shirt...how is this different from the other 20 in your closet. And she was right. I love color. I don't know why I am so drawn to black, white, grey. Yes they are staples, neutrals, etc, etc. But its not like a green sweater would look weird with black, white, or grey pants?

Day dreaming . . .

Of being anywhere warm.

I'm cold.

All the time.

Next weekend can't come soon enough.

I will be vacation bound.

These will have to suffice till then.

Someday soon I'll be the girl on the beach/in the ocean/on the sailboat.

 

  

  

  

  

How great if this was your departure and luggage tag?

Looks so much more charming than a stinky cab.

 (Pictures from Yay!Everday)

Where I am right now

I am 32 and (gasp) SINGLE. Lately I have been feeling some pressure, well not really pressure, but feeling a lot of noise surrounding my single status. There is an exciting change on the horizon for me, while discussing it with friends last week, one said THREE times, no this is where you will meet your husband, you are totally going to meet your husband there. I had to finally say we don't need to worry about me finding a husband, not a big concern over here (while motioning in my direction).

I came across an article about Lauren Graham (also known as Lorelei Gillmore to all those Gilmore Girl fans), that had some quotes that I really feel capture how I feel about my realtionship status.

"What is so funny to me is I'm in a profession where two percent of people are working, yet there's still this implication that you're not completely successful if you're single and in your 40s,"

"I want to continue to celebrate where I am and not be apologetic. Whether I'm 43 or 60, I want to say, this is where I want to be in my life"

Granted I am not in a profession where two percent of people are working, and I am not in my 40's.....yet. But I feel the exact same way. I am really happy with where my life is right now, and hopefully headed in the future. It may be head scratching to some, but I am not super concerned about getting married. Would I like a partner to share my life with, yes. Will it make or break my life if I don't, no. Is that the "wrong" attitude? Not to me.

They really turned it out....

Those male figure skaters and their outfits, I mean costumes. I tuned into the Olympics last night to see a fashion frenzy, or a Halloween display! There was one dressed as skeleton, one dressed as a sailor complete with faux jeans, one (not two) chiffon sleeves, and one who was a black crow. I knew he was a crow because he had feathered gloves on! On one hand it makes me think is this REALLY necessary. Can't I think you are talented, artistic, and athletic without such literal creepy costumes. You very rarely see women figure skaters be this literal with their costumes. Then on the other hand I think Bravo, way to step it up.

Really??? You are aware Cinderella is a fairtale.

"One of the reasons it was OK for me to leave in the first place was because I thought if this is love and he really cares about me, then he is going to come and find me," she says. "He's a pilot, like fly to get me that would be amazing"

This is a quote from Ali the contestant who chose to leave the Bachelor last week. I mean this makes me roll my eyes. Granted this girl young (I think 24), but sweety you willingly walked away from your relationship with this guy, knowing he had 3 other girls/women he was in relationships too. Were you really this naive to think you could put something else as a priority in front of him and think he would just follow you on bended knee. I love a good daydream like the next person but you really didn't think you could walk away from someone and they would follow.

It's still snowing . . .

 

here in NYC.

Actually it just started again.

But the old snow from the previous storm is still around.

So it feels like it never stopped.

I wish I felt this way about the winter.

Or had a cute petticoat like this.

 

And my yellow tights and pants have helped brighten my mood.

(not me - but I do have these tights)

but I hate the winter.

it's true.

I try and pretend that it will get better.

but it's only gotten worse.

So raise your mittened hands if you're ready for it be over.

(images from yay!everyday)

What's a girl to do . . . .

 

Aren't these fabulous?

They make my heart go all pitter patter, pitter patter.

At my current job there comes opportunities where I can get 

ridiculous discounts on some really beautiful stuff.

This week is one of those times.

I'm coveting these lovelies but if not these than another pair that are just as glam

maybe not so rock n' roll.

The only problem - they are 4 inch heels.

I'm a tall girl to begin with.

When I put these on I'm pushing 6 feet.

Closer to Jolly Green Giant stature.

I mentioned in passing yesterday to Husband 

how I was going to get this crazy, sexy pair of heels.

He turned right away and asked how tall they were.

He's onto me.

So what's a girl to do?

Buy the ones that she loves -

Or get a more reasonable pair that I will certainly  wear more often.

This is a real dilemma.

(In a vain, vapid and fun sort or way - but you knew that, right?)

Cast your votes in the comments.

Love, love , love

Big Hugs and Smooches to ALL of you!

Know that you are loved and treasured!

Now go out there and do something nice for yourself!

Happy Weekend!

A love letter for Eleanore Mulholland Huck . . .

Growing up my maternal Grandmother spent every Friday with my mother.

Meaning she also spent it with us.

They would spend the days scouring the racks at TJ Maxx, Marshall's and Spiegels.

Coming home from school we would always ask as we walked in,

"What did you get?"

Meaning really - 

"What did you get me."

My Grandpa would come and pick her up after work.

There was always a mission to slip a bag in the car without him knowing.

She would shake her head and roll her eyes when she was found out.

Somehow those packages never went back.

My Grandma Huck was beautiful.

She was sweet and kind and also had a temper and was not above holding a grudge.

She was fiercely protective of her family.

Although tiny in stature - she was a force.

A trip to her house was not complete without a handful of gumdrops or marshmallows

 from the large canisters on her kitchen counter.

I spent hours twirling on the stool in  her kitchen 

waiting for the homemade donuts, or cheese roll-ups
or pretzel dip to be finished.

She never had a driving license but was always giving directions.

Both on the road and in our lives.

She taught us all to be kind.

She adored us and we knew it.

We loved her fiercely back.

She celebrated us - and all our success.

I can also hear the click of her tongue in disapproval.

She was not a fool.

I can remember her exquisite little hands.

Her skin as delicate as tissue paper.

My mom has the same hands.

So do I.

She had incredible style and taste

Her treasured jewelry was forever hidden in the drapes.

Every time I wear her watch - someone asks me about it.

I love telling them it was my Grandma's.

  

This is my valentine for her.

I love and miss you, Grandma.

What was she thinking?

Rachel Zoe Stylist to the stars (don't you love when people title includes the phrase "to the stars"). A super star stylist in her own right, with a reality show to boot. I am usually right there with you. But come on you dressed all four of these women, and you RUINED each one of those gorgeous dresses with those shoes. Those big, bulky, clodhopper shoes. Those kind of shoes are for pants, or full-length dress MAYBE. They most certainly are not for mini-dresses in the middle of winter when peoples gams are not even tan. Why would you take the focus off the pretty dresses, faces, and bodies of the gorgeous women and place squarely on their large feet?

XOXO

It's back Bitches!

A little verse . . .

Finally, whatever is true,

what ever is honorable,

what ever is just,

what ever is pure,

what ever is lovely,

what ever is gracious

if there is any excellence

and if there is anything worthy of praise

think about these things.

- Philippians 4:8

I'm not well-versed enough to quote the bible.

But I came across this passage today when I was in anything but a clear state of mind.

I think it's beautiful.

And a great reminder too.

Who do you think you are?

Or better yet, who do you think your co-workers are. About 4 months ago we stopped having our mail carrier climb the 3 flights of stairs to our office to deliver and pick up the mail. So now everyday someone (usually me because no one else does) has to take our mail and physically put it in a mailbox about a block away. It's really not that big of a deal. I mean it's a block. Today however something happened that just makes me shake my head at my co-workers......Someone put their Netflix to be returned in the spot where we used to leave the mail that was being picked up. The NERVE. I am not taking peoples personal mail to the mailbox. I mean I still don't understand why the person who is in charge of invoicing, stuffing, and stamping, isn't also in charge of making sure they get mailed. But like I said earlier, it's a block and I am trying to be a team player. Also EVERYONE is well aware that there is no mail pickup anymore. People were legitimately up in arms for at least a month when the pick up stopped. Angry phone calls and e-mailes were made to the USPS. So for someone to put their personal mail up front is the equivalent of asking me to pick up their dry cleaning. I would also like to point out that I am part of the senior management at this company. Not to toot my own horn but there really are people below me that should be more worried about the mail than I am.

I'm in a panic

I go to Mexico in less than three weeks and I don't have a bathing suit that fits me. I know I know three weeks seems like a long time to get oneself a suit. But I'm freaking out because I have filled up my social calendar for the next two weeks, and I am trying to stick to working out 4 times a week, (hello in anticipation of being in a swimsuit) and because in general I like to have things done early okay. So I caved I purchased these three suits online at Victoria's Secret. I know I have talked before about my ample rump, and Vs's non-ample coverage, but like I said I am FREAKING OUT. I needed a backup just in case.

Posh, can you hear me . . . .

As my closest friends know.

I have a total celebrity crush on Posh.

Love her, love the outfits, love the fierce posing and constant heal wearing.

Not only is she a singer, a mother, married to a yummy soccer star

but she also has an incredible clothing line.

It's the dresses that make me swoon.

And lots of hollywood too.

Her dresses have been all over the red carpets lately.

Here are a few of my favs.

 

  

  

  

 

 

 

Can't imagine where I'd be going in any of these.

But in my daydreams I'm tooling around NYC on my bike in look 31.

And I look that fantastic in it - if not more.

Warm and Fuzzies . . .

 

Oh My God!

I could not love Lish's last post more.

I'm a sucker for any song and dance number that breaks out in a movie - 

but in real life!

That's bananas!

What made me happiest though is the teacher in front helping lead the choreography.

I believe it was a teacher  that More Stylish Sister, Lish and I all had.

I'm so happy right now to think that he is still at LT.

Clearly leaving the same impact on current students that he did with us - over 15 years ago.

I knew him as the cheerleading coach but also the dance teacher.

(you could choose to take a dance class as gym)

He was the best kind of teacher.

He trusted you and listened to you.

He was creative and pushed you.

He let you know when you weren't living up to your end of the bargain.

Many, many, many of my friends have new babies and or toddlers.

Husband and I also have 19 nieces and nephews.

I hope that when all these crazy kids reach high school - they find a teacher like this.

We all need them - still do.