Incidental Texan

Current Covets

2010-04-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't one of these antique signs just make the best 2nd anniversary gift? I can't decide which is my favorite, what do you think?

(all are sugarboo designs)

(image via housetohome)

Cliche

2010-03-21T18:24:00.000-07:00

First, I forgot about The Situation and was just reminded of him. This pleased me.

Second, and completely unrelated, I'm wondering if DiorShow is going to live up to the hype! I'm finally trying it...on it's way from Sephora. Will it join these other favorite cliche makeup products of mine?

NARS Orgasm Blush (and bronzer combo) $39 (so cliche...but I'm trying Super-Orgasm (gold flecks instead of silver - fab!) as soon as it comes in the mail)

SMASHBOX Photo Finish primer ($36)

Or, some of my other favorites?

Origins Underwear for Lids ($14.50)
Physician's Formula Eyelighter ($7.99)

What other cliches do I need to try that I'm missing?

Random Act of Kindness - Baked Ziti

2010-03-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

A meal for someone going through a hard time. More like a good deed than a random act but I heard that a coworker was going to have to have surgery and although her mom was taking care of her, she had recently had surgery herself. So, we whipped up this delicious baked ziti.

We want to do a random act (or a good deed) once a week but life has been a bit crazy since I've gone back to work. So we need new ideas!

What She DID NOT Wear

2010-02-26T10:15:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure this is the uniform at the leprechaun prison. It's also what V almost wore one day last week. I walked in just in time to cry out, "Noooooooo!" I mean, Tim had it off the hanger and was about to dress her in THIS! Out of all the cute clothes in her closet! Plus, I now understand why baby clothes are generally fabricated in "gender-specific" colors. At this age, we get an awful lot of..."Oh, it's so cute." or "Is it a he....or a she?"

However, she did also wear some pretty cute stuff. Although I don't remember all the "wheres" we can pretty much assume it was for a walk around the lake and some yellow cake batter frozen yogurt (I'm pretty sure the employees at Westlake Yogurt are staging an intervention for me). The days of stay-at-home-mom life are in the single digits - have to get as much yogurt in as possible before next week!

Valentine's Day (celebrated with frozen yogurt of course).

Gap - velour dress with heart pockets

Old Navy - pink cardigan, navy dress, striped leggings (with ruffle bum!)

Old Navy - one-piece

Baby Birgitte Bird on a Wire Dress and cardi

Janie & Jack dress, tights, boots

On the hunt for...the perfect waist belt

2010-02-25T11:34:00.000-08:00

I head back to work to work on Monday and have two major fashion dilemmas 1) I still have a lot of weight to lose to be "pre-baby" fightin' weight (especially in my stomach!) and 2) I'll be pumping at work and possibly nursing lil V at lunchtime at the daycare. I've realized that I'm probably going to need to keep wearing some of my maternity clothes (especially dresses) because they are forgiving in the waist, and often stretchy enough to nurse in without having to pull my dress up around my neck. But, to take maternity wear to I'm not pregnant no more, some of these dresses and skirts could really use a waist belt. So, this week I'm on the hunt for the perfect belt. The early contenders...

Basketweave belt, $69, Banana Republic

Linea Pelle (via Bluefly), $105

Black Knot, $14.50, Windsor
Interlocking Belt, Anthropologie, $48

Ticker Tape Belt, Anthropologie, $58

Quite frankly, the search could most definitely stop at anthro...so many options I'm overwhelmed!

p.s. I'll also take one of these little pretties in each color (anthro, $58) - I need great accessories since I'm in a "transitional" clothes stage, yes? Je t'aime!!

FOUND - new nursery decor

2010-02-24T09:57:00.000-08:00

After finally feeling the inspiration, we've finally finished up Lil V's room. Final touches will be to move her table and upholstered glider back in (they're currently in our room since she's still sleeping with us) and figure out what I want to do with that empty frame (not feelin' it). But major progress! I love the embroidery hoops -- what an easy, cheap way to add fun to a room. And, they can easily be changed out with new fabrics to change the entire feel of a space. May end up putting more modern fabrics into ours but for now I'm kinda feeling the vintage-y vibe.

Random Act of Kindness - leave a note

2010-02-23T09:48:00.000-08:00

Lil V and I are continuing our mission of spreading a bit more kindness through the world (care to join us?). This week's random act...we left a note inside a library book before we returned it - wishing whoever found it a wonderful day. And, we also had a random act given to us this week. I was shopping at Randall's holding V in the wrap on my chest. As I was leaving the store, a very elderly woman asked if she could carry one of my bags to my car for me! She made me smile, and our goal with our random acts is to pass that smile on. Have any ideas for random acts? Send them our way!

Have you been kind today?

2010-02-16T11:39:00.000-08:00

My, oh my, is it easy to be so self-absorbed and I'm horribly guilty. I love the idea of a "random act of kindness." We tithe regularly from our paychecks to a couple organizations and regularly donate to other causes as well when there's a need. But, we rarely "randomly act." Something tiny can bring a smile to someone's face and inspire them to pay it forward. This blog post is so great - she decided for her birthday to commit one random act of kindness for each year of her life. I love this idea. Wouldn't it be great if each one of us committed one random act of kindness every day (and what a great lesson for our children)! My, what a friendlier world we might live in.

Today, V and I emailed Wingstop to compliment one of their employees for her great, friendly service. Tim and I, even though we don't go there often, have always noticed just how sweet this girl is. She takes our order and our money and fills our drinks, but still manages to make the experience "above and beyond" what you would expect at a wing place. Hopefully the compliment gets passed on to her!

On the hunt for...new nursery decor

2010-02-14T21:00:00.000-08:00

This week, we're on the hunt for some new "decor" for Violet's room. We're also on the hunt for a nursing cover for pumping in my office but that's going a little too far for sharing on the blog.

One of last week's hunt items were these tissue poms for her nursery. Found (of course) on etsy.

This spurred some new inspiration in finishing up the nursery (it's been "done" but I really wasn't happy with the walls). I found some absolutely dreamy inspiration on ohdeedoh, like this:

and this (which forced me to suggest to Tim that we repaint the room this color (denied))...
and these...
Love the vintage, eclectic, yet romantic feel of these rooms. So, we're working on a few new projects. Definitely in the shopping cart...

P.S. Last week, I was on the hunt for a coupon organizer - here's the one I went with, from here:

What She Wore...Two Months!

2010-02-12T16:59:00.000-08:00

Violet turned two months old last Sunday! I can't believe how fast the time has flown - but even more -- how much she's changed and grown. And how much more we love her - who knew there was any more room!

When: Sunday, February 7th
What: KnottyLegs argyle legwarmers; onesie; Picky Sticky 2-months sticker (these make an AWESOME baby shower gift)
Why: Two-month birthday outfit. How fabulous are these legwarmers!

Unfortunately, the two-month birthday also comes with two-month shots and while daddy wanted to dress her in jammies to go the doctor, I'm teaching her early that looking good when you're not feeling good will always make you feel better!

Gap flowered top, ? pink gathered cuff coduroys. And she still screamed bloody murder when that mean nurse stuck her three times.

Is Skpe just hype?

2010-02-08T12:07:00.000-08:00

No way! On a day when your kiddo just got her first round of shots and is feeling a little fussified, your mom, your dad, and your best friend (and neighbor)'s mom can sing her a little song, like "Happy Trails" or "The Bear Went Over the Mountain." Or, a whole medley of songs, harmonized straight into your living room. Even Opie the dog sticks his head in and barks a lyric or two every once in a while. Ah, modern technology...connecting the world one serenade at a time.

P.S. CL - Mike is feeling a lot like George Michael on these rainy days. And curse your blog for making me sing the song every.single.time.

What She Wore...Polo Preppy

2010-02-04T17:55:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately for Lil V, she may have inherited my husband's freakishly long torso. Which means this is probably the first and last time she wears this cute little outfit.

When: Wednesday, February 4th

What: Polo one-piece with ruffle detail, Punk Princess paci

Where: NOWHERE! It's still raining!

Why: Both grandpas love polo, so I'm rocking this today in honor of them (although perhaps I should have popped my collar?)

A walking mommy contradiction

2010-02-04T17:37:00.000-08:00

Apologies for the re-post...somehow this got posted for January 17th originally.

You know when you see those episodes of What Not to Wear with the moms that just "never have time to put themselves first" and you think to yourself -- that is NO excuse for pleated khakis*? Well...I have a bit more perspective these days. Although do not get your hopes up that you'll see me on the last page of Glamour in tapered jeans with a wide hip, there are a few things though that I'm shocked to admit about myself these days...

1) I've been wearing nothing but sweatpants for weeks. Well, at least they're wide-legged black yoga pants but who am I kidding - they really don't transition from walks around the lake to dinner. But, I have transitional body, people. I feel silly wearing maternity clothes but still have a lot of weight to lose before I can fit in my pre-pregnancy clothes. And, since I am losing weight, it doesn't seem like a good idea to invest in any clothes that fit now.

2) I recently found myself shopping for Vera Bradley diaper bags rather than Chloe satchels (okay...more drooling than shopping). Vera Bradley is widely considered fashion's nemesis. And quite frankly, I'm not really a girl who shops for accessories at the Hallmark store. But, they make a kickass diaper bag (seriously, who am i?).

3) I've been trolling around town not only in my sweatpants but in (gasp) wireless bras that make my boobs less than perfect. Turns out wire is not good for the boobs when you're nursing. I am actually one of that small percentage that wears a bra in the right size (confirmed by petticoat fair) and I have a lot to work with so it's important that they're "high and tight." I am so ashamed at the state of my current boobage. Have no fear, by the time I go back to work, I'll be back in wire...mastitis be damned.

4) I've considered a "baby on board" sign for the car. Next thing you know, I'll be slapping that puppy on with my Pooh window shade in my minivan. But seriously, would you drive like such an ass if you saw that I was next to you with my newborn? Well, considering you're a big enough d-bag to have a Jet Li vanity plate (dude, you're not even Asian), you probably would. I'll hold off on the sign.

5) And the most shocking of all, I currently own a shoe wardrobe that consists of nothing but sensible shoes...all flat. How sad is this? I am a girl who wears HEELS! I could climb a mountain in heels. I can walk across a wet field without sinking in every step in heels (if you're a real heel-wearer, you know what I mean). I jog in heels. I had every intention of wearing heels throughout my entire pregnancy but then my feet swelled to ham feet. And not only were they ham feet but they also grew. No one tells you this pre-pregnancy. I'm breaking the silence. And, although they're no longer swollen, they are also now too big to fit into most of my beautiful shoes.

What's next...a wash and go haircut and pert plus shampoo? Never say never.

* There is no excuse for pleated khakis.

Adventures in Mommy-land

2010-02-03T06:54:00.001-08:00

As soon as the dryer dings, today is day 1 of our cloth diaper trial. But these aren't your mom's cloth diapers. These things are high-tech and cute, to boot! We're very much on a trial basis, and daddy has asked about a zillion times..."So, what do you do with the poop (except he doesn't say poop)." For those who've heard that the water to wash them cancels out the benefit of not throwing a million diapers in the landfills - we do have a high efficiency washer. I know those without kids are on the edge of their seats for the full report!

What we're trying:

Bum Genius 3.0 - a one-size (for diapering life) pocket diaper (which means it has an insert that comes out and gets washed separately)

FuzzinBunz - another one-size pocket diaper, just with a different fit and snaps instead of velcro

Bum Genius All-in-One -- like a disposable diaper but you put the whole thing in the wash instead of in the trash

Flip - A diaper-cover like thing with inserts; including a disposable option

What She Wore: Polka Dancing

2010-02-02T16:46:00.001-08:00

Oh yes, this blog is going purple...i.e. all about Violet. I thought maybe I should start a spin off baby blog but, for now, since I haven't been much of a blogger on "regular" things lately, it all stays here.

Polka Dancing

When: Wednesday, February 3rd

What: Gap Polka Dot Shirt, Bum Genius v3.0 Butternut Squash cloth diaper

Where: Hanging around the house on a rainy day.

Why: Being green in orangey-yellow is cool!

On the hunt for this week...

2010-02-01T11:30:00.000-08:00

Coupon Organizer!

With the arrival of Lil V, I feel as though we should start paying a bit more attention to the money going out the door. And while I'm certainly not a "clipper," and would rather spend the extra 10 cents then have to try to perforate a coupon from a page of a magazine (fold, lick, rip, no thank you), I have gotten some really great coupons lately that feel like throwing money away not to use (hello, whole free bag of potatoes at HEB!, $5 Babies R Us e-gift certifcate!, entire free pizza!) Throwing them into a pile of "coupons we should use" doesn't seem to be an effective strategy, they usually stay there until expired.

So, this week, the hunt is on for a cute, chic coupon organizer. While I love etsy dearly, searching for things on the site can be quite cumbersome considering the guy who makes the tree bark pens lists everything from "wood" to "your mom" as search key words. Ha, ha..."your mom." Anyhoo, here are some initial finds...but the search is only skin deep so far.

Etsy
Etsy

Lil V and I are also going on a mission to learn more about cloth diapers. Daddy's not too excited about this endeavor!

What She Wore...the Baby Edition

2010-01-31T08:51:00.000-08:00

Although Lil V does not yet look like me, she is most certainly my child. The first word out of her mouth is officially MALL! Okay, so maybe it wasn't entirely intentional, but I'm counting it. Here's the evidence...

By the way, we did go to the mall, and we did buy some clothes and Lil V, would like to show them off to you.

When: Saturday night

What: Hooded Gap bubble dress, grey skinny leggings (Marshall's find), pink (fake) allstars (not shown)

Where: Dinner and games at Kathy & Ron's

Why: A stylish knit bubble dress is an easy go-to piece for dinner with friends. Tossed on the leggings for a bit of extra warmth.

(also helped Daddy strategize and win the game (and sat like this all by herself)!)

When: Friday

What: Carter's white onesie and Baby Birgitte legwarmers

Where: A trip to Michaels (for an iron-on rhinestone skull to add to this onesie) and HEB with mommy

Why: There's nothing cuter than a baby in legwarmers - what a chic and easy way to dress up a plain ol' onesie!

Anyone want to be on House Hunters?

2010-01-28T08:05:00.001-08:00

If you're looking to buy in Austin and might be interested, let me know! Over and out...

Best.Damn.Tacos.Eveeeeerrr!

2010-01-26T11:37:00.000-08:00

So, I frequent a mommy message board to ask questions, read people's advice, etc. Although there are often NBR (non-baby-related) conversations going on, I'm generally there for baby stuff and ignore all the extraneous. But these tacos could not be ignored. At least once a day, there's a post about "KA's Tacos" and how damn good they are. I finally broke down and bought a crockpot because I just had to see what the fuss was all about. They deserve all the hype. So delicious, I had to run to my lonely blog and share with the world (or with the 2 people who read my blog :-))! We had it in crispy taco shells, which is unlike us, but it was soooo good. I'm sure it's great in tortillas as well. Enjoy!

p.s. picture below is NOT our tacos as I would never ever allow a black olive to touch my plate or that of those I care about.

KA's Chicken Tacos in the Crockpot
Take 1 chicken taco seasoning packet (you can use a reg. taco seasoning packet, but it really doesn't taste nearly as good), and cover the bottom of the crockpot.

Lay 6 frozen tenderloins or 3 frozen breasts on top of the seasoning.

Take one container of fresh pico (I use H.E.B.'s hot variety, we like the kick) and cover the chicken. You can use a can of rotel, but the fresh tastes better.

Pour 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1/4 cup water over the top of everything. Do not stir.

Simmer in crockpot for 4 to 6 hours on low. If you're home, flip it halfway through, but not necessary. Remove chicken and shred with a fork. Stir back in, mixing everything up, and let cook/simmer for at least 30 more minutes.

We throw it on tortillas with a shredded mexican cheese blend. Great for leftovers, too.

Who's Your Sexy Ugly Crush?

2010-01-22T18:12:00.000-08:00

I'm working on a much more substantive post (in my head of course) about all the things I swore I'd never do and have since broken my own rules with the onset of mommyhood. But for now, something much more lighthearted...

You know you have a sexy-ugly crush...someone who is totally not attractive but for some reason you find them dead sexy. An ex of mine's was Sandra Bernhardt -- appalling, he's my ex for a reason, we nearly came to blows over this appalling revelation. Mine is Kid Rock. He's so nasty and dirty and probably has all kinds of creepy crawlies. That stringy hair, that propensity to go open shirt (despite the lack of a...ahem...Situation (bwa, ha ha), the bowler hat, the taste in skanky women, the molester scruff, the odds of a serious drinking problem -- somehow when you put all those things together I'm in the crowd throwing...errr...roses...on the stage. I am ashamed, but I confess, this pillar of ick is my sexy-ugly crush....

Mmmm, mmm,mmm
On a side note, I'm watching the Haiti telethon and I'm pretty sure Stevie Wonder has had a lot of work -- he's 70 with flawless skin - does that make any sense at all? And Madonna is pulled tighter than Joan Rivers. I can talk shit because I've already donated (twice) and you should too. www.redcross.org In all seriousness, it is quite a moment to take stock of your life and all you have. And as I sit here typing this, watching tv, with a sleeping baby Violet on my chest...I am certainly blessed and my thoughts and prayers go out to Haiti. (how's that for a script flip).

Bumbleride giveway

2010-01-10T18:20:00.000-08:00

for the mamas

Violet Evelyn has arrived!

2009-12-12T10:04:00.000-08:00

Violet Evelyn M. (aka, Lil V)

December 7, 2009; 5:09 pm
8 lbs, 15 oz
22 inches

At about 6:15 am on December 7th, I woke up to go to the bathroom. When I did, I realized my water had broken. I woke Tim up, told him I thought it was time, and we decided we needed to head to the hospital. Tim took a shower and we packed up the rest of the things we needed. By the time we were headed out of the house, about an hour later, I'd had a few contractions. They continued in the car but seemed to be pretty inconsistent time-wise and it was hard to time them with Tim driving (hindsight says I could have timed them myself!)

We got checked in to Seton Southwest easily. The nurse first checked to be sure the fluid was indeed amniotic, and it was. I got hooked up to all the monitors, completed all the questionnaires, etc. and they found that my cervix was 5 cm and I was 100% effaced (which I had been for a couple weeks). Apparently, now my contractions were pretty strong on the monitor but they still didn't feel too horrible to me. We decided to walk for a while.

At about 10:30, at 8 cm, I decided to get the epidural. Ugh...I did fine, but it was super stressful to try to stay still while your back gets poked. I started getting numb, which actually was a horrible feeling. I hated it. My legs were numb all the way to my feet and I couldn't move at all on my own. I felt paralyzed and really hated the feeling. At this point, I was wondering if perhaps I should not have gotten it (but in hindsight, I am glad that I did -- and so in awe of all who do it med-free!). I did my best to sleep and just rest for a while.

1:30, Dr. Landwermeyer came in to check me. At that point, I was at 10cm but she decided to let me labor down for another hour before pushing. 2:30 came around and it was time to push. At first, pushing wasn't so bad. I didn't realize I'd get a good break in-between contractions, so even though the pushes were tiring, I had plenty of time to catch my breath. Not too far in, the pushing started to become a lot more painful. I was still focused but it was a vast difference from the early pushing. Tim and the nurse were both really encouraging but after a while I started to feel extremely anxious. I was desparate for Dr. Landwermeyer to show up because that was my signal that I really was close. When she finally got there, the pain was pretty bad. They asked me if it was pressure pain, and I said, no, it was pain-pain. But, I had nothing to compare it to, so I didn't know that it wasn't normal to feel even with an epidural. We then realized that the epidural tube had come undone - no wonder I was feeling so much pain! Looking back, I think it had come undone when Tim and the nurse had been "flipping me" earlier on when we were "waiting."

They called the anesthesiologist back and she gave me an epidural boost. It helped a bit. But Violet was stuck behind my pubic bone and pushing was getting more and more frustrating and I was started to panic a bit. By this time, I was probably 2 hours and 15 minutes in to pushing. Dr. Landwermeyer let me know that she wanted to use the vacuum to help Violet get around and out. She warned me that the pain was about to get really, really intense...and it did. Then, all of a sudden, it got really dramatic in the room. All the nurses jumped into action, pushed Tim out of the way, pushed my legs way back and told me to push with everything I had. I think what had happened was her head was out but now her shoulders were stuck. With one huge burst of pain and pressure, she was out.

They were concerned about Violet's health so they took her right away (but she's great now!). Tim took pictures and videos of her and brought them over to show me while I got stitched up, etc. I didn't get to hold her until 2 hours later, but it was worth the wait! She is absolutely perfect and we couldn't be more in love!

Rollin' in style

2009-11-30T15:16:00.000-08:00

As if I didn't already suffer enough from the pregnancy side effect of excessive baking, Anthro has rolled out (teehee) this beauty that I'm sure make whatever you bake taste like rainbows. And at $24, it would also make a great gift!

Also drooling over this today. Forget George and his velvet, I want to drape myself in cable knit this season (or drape myself on, as it were in this case).

P.S. What's up with Tiger, yo?

Baby News

2009-11-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

Yeah, there isn't any. If my belly button is any indication, it's long since signaled that baby is done. The doctor predicted we'd meet her last weekend but it looks like she's decided to hang out a while longer! She's actually full-term now but not overdue, so I really can't complain. However, in crafting news, there's much to report.

In between me ogling all the beautiful holiday clothes out this season I still can't fit in to, Tim and I had a quiet Thanksgiving and I finished this fantastic craft project - baby closet size dividers. I haven't quite figured out how to incorporate these into an adult closet (maybe color themed?) but they are fantastic for baby (and would make a GREAT baby shower gift). Sadly, the pictures don't do them justice!

Directions (and other cool crafts) here.

Kathy also hosted a fantastic shower for me and she knows me well enough to plan crafts in (adorable baby onesies)! It was such a wonderful, wonderful day!

Next time I check in, will hopefully be of a cute little baby girl in ridiculously cute little girl clothes!

It's a Pants-Off, Dance-Off

2009-11-23T15:07:00.000-08:00

No, it's actually not. In fact, it's definitely a PANTS ON affair...but fun nonetheless, I promise!

For the third year in a row, my department is hosting a dinner, dancing and live music event to benefit the girls of the Settlement Home. The Settlement Home is a local orphanage and our goal is to give 17 of those girls a holiday. Right now, we've raised enough to support only three. They ask for the simplest things... even at 16 and 17, a lot of them would like tweety bird sheet sets or twilight posters. They do not have much to call their own and the joy we can bring to them at this particularly tough time to be without family, is immense.

Yes, we have a crappy date this year. It's a Monday, and it's the Monday after Thanksgiving. But if you can attend, we'd love to see you there. Amazing local band Del Castillo will be playing and they rocked the house last year! El Sol y La Luna will be serving delicious food.

If you can't make it, you can make a donation OR it would even be a huge gift to pass on this message to your networks. We do not want to disappoint these girls this year!

Details below:

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Join hosts Keller Williams University and KWCares for the 3rd annual benefit concert supporting Austin’s own The Settlement Home for Children.

This year’s holiday event will be held on November 30th at El Sol y La Luna (600 E. 6th. St.) and will feature a concert by Latin rockers Del Castillo and a scrumptious Tex-Mex appetizer buffet.

Tickets are just $25 each for an amazing show. Purchase for your tickets today at www.kwutunesin.com. If you can’t make it, you can still bring holiday cheer to the Settlement Home girls when you make a donation.

Also, there are all kinds of raffle items to be won:

6 One World Theatre tickets for Manhattan Transfer 12-13-2009;

6 One World Theatre tickets for Jane Monheit 12-06-2009;

6 gift certificates to Cannoli Joe’s;

5 month season pass to Austin Symphony;

5-piece ceramic serving set;

1 $25 gift card to Maudie’s;

1 $45 gift card for Dawn Erwin massage service;

1 Gift card for Craig Richardson chiropractic service;

2 One World Theatre tickets for Take Six performance;

2 One World Theatre tickets for Big Bad Voodoo Daddy performance;

2 One World Theatre tickets for Travelin McCourys performance;

2 One World Theatre tickets for Jerry Jeff Walker performance;

4 passes to Alamo Draft House;

1 $75 gift certificate to Moonshine Grill;

1 Gift pack of 12 jars of assorted Arriba Salsas;

Last year, Del Castillo joined us at the Gibson Guitar Center on Veteran’s Day to raise more than $5,000 for a great cause. We hope to make more great memories in 2009.

We hope to see you there!

68 days...

2009-09-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

I'm so sad that we're not eligible for the 8k tax credit. Sorry, not the most glamorous of posts but I know a lot of people who are still hoping to take advantage -- it expires 11/30! Feel free to share these resources around, and let me know if I can help at all!

Free e-book on 8k credit (explains everything super-simply)
Article on ensuring speedy close (by my super-cool boss).

This Month in Real Estate September...good overview of what's going on today!

Nursery Progress!

2009-09-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

I'd call myself a "fly by the seat of my (ever growing larger) pants" kinda pregnant lady. I've been thinking about the nursery forever but having the hardest time making decisions! I've bitten the bullet, convinced I absolutely LOVE what I picked out, only to spit it back out and start over again. BUT - I think we're finally making progress.

I had the hardest time finding inspiration pictures. I didn't want her room to look like she threw up butterflies, or flowers, or winnie the pooh (which still makes me giggle even with a child of my own on the way). Here are just a few that I found slightly inspirational...

I (errr...we) finally decided to paint her room silver sage -- the most beautiful color on earth. Restoration Hardware stores are always painted this color -- it's the most relaxing, complex yet neutral color there is and I've been obsessed for years. There is no imitation, you have to suck it up and pay the ridiculous paint per gallon at RH.

From there, I tried some 3-d "inspiration boards"

I love the chocolate/silver sage/white cream combination. Now that the walls are actually painted though, the silver sage reads with a good amount of gray in it in the light of her room - and a hint of pink looks gorgeous. (Mike actually looks quite handsome in the room as well). Unfortunately, the color doesn't read that well in the pictures!

And, since I just got a new flip camera - I had to try it out - so here's the video version (starring Michael).

Still on the way...
crib (no pics)
glider
This bedskirt and sheet (along with a plain silver sage sheet)
These blankets (silver sage)

This gorgeous roman shade (so simple, but i love it) in warm white.

This adorable nightlight

Maybe this (in more rose shades)? Funny, added this to my etsy favorites the other day and didn't even realize I had saved the inspiration picture above with poms!

More to come!

And, upon request...here's 27 week belly (the butt and, by god, the boobs, match the growth well).

Drool

2009-09-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

As much as I love my current job (and Austin SO much more than Dallas (Northpark aside, of course)) there are certainly the days when I miss being around the creative energy of Fossil. Not to mention the "employee store" where you could purchase Michele watches for $200 and sample 54 handbags in never made colors for $50. Check out Kate, Jill and Shay's super-cool places featured on Design Sponge (also an amazing blog!)

Jill

Kate

Shay (my very favorite!)

COUGARS!

2009-09-09T08:49:00.000-07:00

No, not the kind you find on 4th ready to roar. The kind on wheels. We're selling one that's a really great deal ($5900 with less than 20K miles). Info here: http://2000cougarforsale.blogspot.com/

Pass it on if you know anyone looking for a car for themselves or their kid!

Thinking of buying?

2009-09-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

I interrupt my non-blogging about my favorite hair products to bring you a serious message. I have the amazing opportunity to work at one of the fantastic companies ever - Keller Williams. Although before I moved back to Austin I was working in retail in Dallas and having so much fun interacting with all the creative fashion and environment designers and artists, it's been so wonderful to be back at KW - a company with so much heart, conscience, vision and true leadership.

But enough sap. If you're thinking of buying this year (and if you're thinking about it, no doubt now is the time), you might find this short little video a helpful overview of all that's going on. And let me know if I can ever help you find an agent. Buyer's agents cost the buyers nothing and we at the head office really do have access to the very best agents across the country - and trust me, you want a good agent because there are a lot of mediocres out there!

Bananas for balloons...

2009-09-05T08:16:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get out of touch with a friend for a while and it's been so long that you then don't call them because there seems to be so much you'd have to talk about that you'd have to schedule in a three hour time block? I haven't updated this blog in a million months and there is so much to share...new place, new baby stuff, getting ready for a baby girl, navigating maternity fashion and adjusting to life as a shoe size 9 (my feet grew A SIZE, people) in flats (so sad for a girl with a serious aversion to sensible shoes?).

But instead, i give you pretty things. Like pretty ladies with balloons in a pretty field followed by a pretty wedding. Full pictures on thenicholsblog and featured on style me pretty. The cork wedge pink payless shoes shown in the full pics almost ruined it for me (sorry, just not a fan) but other than that...completely gorge. Oh, and check out the nichols most recent pics from the white dunes of nm, like nothing i've ever seen!

Hmmm...what to spend my birthday money on?

2009-07-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Since I can't buy shoes and clothes...

This gorgeous ring (found at Eliza Page)? Too expensive ($538.50)

Khiel's unisex cologne? Love this scent. ($38.50)
Adorable Apple & Bee tote? ($48)
Gorgeous gold eroded drop bottom earrings ($160) or pendant ($120) (Eliza Page)

Owl pitcher? So vintage modern ($12) From Madison Belle.

No...in writing this post I've realized I've got to run, not walk down to eliza page and blow it on some gorg jewelry.

17 weeks!

2009-07-03T08:27:00.000-07:00

I can barely believe it! The week after next we should (fingers crossed) find out the sex of the baby. We really don't have a preference on whether it's a boy or a girl - right now, I'd kinda in love with our girl name - is it wrong that that may have be rooting for a girl? Soon after we have got to go madly register -- this is such an overwhelming thought, but my first shower in Boston is at the very beginning of August! The baby is now the size of my open palm (surreal).

In other news I had a winning week! First, I won 20 Tszuji shoe storage boxes from Stacey at A Girl's Guide to Shoes. Thank you Stacey -- I never win anything! How perfect to have some super-cool boxes to store my super-cute shoes that I won't be able to shove my swollen feet into until 2010. Thankfully, they'll be so happy and cozy in their beautiful boxes that they won't miss walking the streets.

Today's post of her's features these beauties - Jeffrey Campbell Unicorn. Love this unicorn shoe and it's affordable!
I also won two free days off in a raffle for work. My work is really amazing, and seriously dedicated to raising money for charity. Two weeks ago, we raised over 3300 for cancer treatments for one of our co-workers grandchildren. We did it again yesterday with our fourth of July picnic. These are MUCH needed days since I'm saying all my PTO days for maternity leave.

Happy 4th of July!

Renting our Duplex in Westlake

2009-06-29T10:33:00.001-07:00

Hello Austin friends,

If you know anyone looking to live in Westlake, let me know! We're renting our 2 bedroom duplex. It has a huge, HUGE, yard, so it's a great place for people with pets. And it's seriously the best deal in Westlake! Details here.

We're on to bigger spaces with the baby on the way!

"Goodbye Bag" said the cat

2009-06-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

We've got news!

I've been missing in action from my blog lately. Mostly because I am exhausted 24-7! I bring you...the story of B-Mac (Baby-Mac)...so far.

It was a stormy night and Tim was feeling romantic....errrrrtttt.....just kidding, we'll leave that part of the story out and pick it up again a few weeks later.

My body knew before I did. Although only a day late, I knew, so I went to buy a test from Walgreens. Three minutes later...
My immediate response was to breathlessly repeat....okay....okay...okay...okay....over and over while searching for some tissue paper to wrap up the test for Tim - because for some reason that was my immediate response. Not finding any, I went BACK to walgreens

Tim came home, opened his "present" and had no words besides.... SHUT UP...which he repeated over and over (funnily enough - my father-in-law had the same response). We processed the news over Austin's pizza. That's class, my friends.

A few weeks of nausea later (during which, Tim assumed his role of pregnant-lady-slave quite well), we had our first doctor's appointment and saw B-Mac for the first time - and MAN was it dancing all around - flexing its little stiff arms and legs. Now, it was real....eeeeeeeeee! Who knew you could be so terrified and excited at the same time!
We called the fams - who promptly started sorting out who would be called what grandma/grandpa name.

And started learning about all the magic of pregnancy...increased bra sizes (seriously, two sizes within weeks!!), excess saliva, dizziness, breathlessness, acne, etc.etc. No seriously, where is the magic.

We're now 16 weeks in, planning a move (anyone want to live in Westlake, we're subleasing!), and looking forward to finding out if we're having a boy or a girl (hopefully at the next appointment). Oh god...and aside...the fashion challenges! I wish i had all the dallas options to shop from. How many jersey dresses can one pregnant lady own? (thank god they make pregnancy spanx)

Who knew that cute little boy with the mullet who asked me out in 7th grade would end up being my wonderful husband and a wonderful daddy-to-be! I LOVE YOU T-MAC!

Michael goes to the beach

2009-05-26T19:14:00.000-07:00

Well, really, the whole family went but the best time of all was definitely had by Mike (and he also takes the best pictures).

Quintana Beach, TX may not be the most beautiful beach on earth but with our rental looking straight out over the ocean (and with just a bit of a squint to block out that oil rig out there) we could just pretend that if we turned around we didn't see a sci-fi-esque city of oil refinery pipes. And so what if the Stop and Shop we headed to for groceries was actually a run down, take your money behind the plexiglass type of convenience store or the only place to eat breakfast was Shipley Donuts (we're still bloated) or that the nicest restaurant within a 20 mile radius was Johnny Carino's (where we went for anniversary dinner). We slept to the sound of the waves crashing on the beach and spent a couple lazy days eating late lunches over the ocean, with eachother, and two four-legged friends. We're one year in and I couldn't love my husband more - mwah, mwah baby! We've had lotsa changes as of late (more on that later) but for now...it's Michael's moment.

Contemplating life...

Free Kerastase!

2009-05-15T16:58:00.000-07:00

Kerastase makes the most wonderful hair products (albeit not budget conscious but well worth the investment). I swear by their green leave-in conditioner - my hair revolts awkwardly if I'm too foggy in the morning and forget to use it.

Well, May 20th is free treatment day. You can get one of a number of treatments and a blow dry for free! I recommend the oleo-fusion, it will make your hair feel like silk! And there's plenty of Austin salons participating.

So, if you're lucky enough to be able to visit the salon on a Wednesday (and if so, I hate you), you should definitely take advantage!

Visit kerastase for details.

Ugly Molly Monday

2009-05-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

How can you not love this face?

Let's talk.....cupcakes.

2009-04-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

So.... I made this little recipe I found on Not Just Another Jennifer's blog for a charity bake sale this week. This, my friends, is heaven in your mouth...as I like to say, it tasted like rainbows and unicorns. But also heard in the hallways of my office...

"Holy Sh!t - what is this wonderfulness?"
"I like you so much better now."
"Thank you, thank you so much, this changed my life."

Needless to say, they sold out. Also sold a red velvet cake for $50! One of our work family members recently lost his 41-year sold unexpectedly. He had six children. In a week, we were able to raise 9K for their education fund. I'm so proud to be a part of the office i work at!

Here's all i did: Made yellow cake batter from a box. Filled cupcake pans about 2/3 full. Dropped in a ball of cookie dough (pre-made roll of dough). Cooked and frosted (with a tub of whipped frosting) and sprinkled on some chocolate chunks. A true working girl's recipe.

(I forgot to take a picture, so this actually comes from here, love the cookie dough frosting idea...mmm).

The wallet clutch

2009-04-18T16:48:00.000-07:00

In case you've been waiting on the edge of your seat for this one... I picked the red! As if whipping out the credit card wasn't fun enough as it is. I puffy-heart it! Find your own here: KailoChic on Etsy

Violence and Abuse

2009-04-16T16:27:00.000-07:00

Interrupt my usual triviality for a seroius message. This Saturday, Tim and I are participating in SafePlace field day. SafePlace takes care of women and children who are raped and/or abused. Sadly, in these economic times, they are serving even more families. But of course, it's harder to raise money. They are currently in danger of losing their pre-school (for children who may not be safe attending an outside school). This saddens my heart.

The SafePlace services are amazing - they have a hotline, counseling, legal support, hospital support, a shelter, community outreach...the list goes on.

If you can spare even five dollars, it would really make a difference to these women and children. Your donation is tax-deductible and can be made here: Safeplace. Donations are being gathered until noon CST tomorrow.

Thank you!

Ugly Molly Monday

2009-04-13T18:40:00.000-07:00

Argh...having trouble with this post. Anyway...hopefully this works so I don't have to retype again!

I think I could start a regular feature called Ugly Molly Monday. I love Molly (not as Michael, but I do love her) but she cannot take a cute picture to save her life. Promise she really is cute in real life. But in pictures...not so much.

Fly by night update...

2009-04-12T18:33:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy weekend and we're exhausted, so this will be a lame post! Actually, I'm having trouble even remembering what we did. Let's see...

Friday - day off...what! We saw I Love You, Man (cute but not in puffy-heart love) and then pillaged the Gap. Yes, the gap - are they possibly turning things around (finally)? Maybe...or maybe i just needed basics (more likely). My favorite find was this dress (much longer on me and with a wide woven belt).

Saturday, a bbq in Canada (aka Round Rock), Sunday, food shopping, errands, laundry, cleaning, etc. etc. I admit, we celebrated Easter over breakfast tacos from Torchy's (B+ definitely prefer Taco Deli) at the Trailer Park Eatery (love Austin and this counts towards #50).

Oh, and also had Zuzu (C+) on Friday, so tick off two more restaurants on the 101 list. And finished the Undercover Economist (so two business books down).

I'll add to this random post by saying, this week, I'm most thankful for the beautiful wildflowers found all along Austin's highways this time of year. They make me smile!

Spring Look 5 - First Thursday in Austin

2009-04-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

Every first Thursday, South Congress in Austin, a funky little neighborhood with cute boutiques and vintage stores, opens all their doors late and serves beer, offers music, booths, etc. I've been meaning to go since we got back to Austin but haven't made it yet. But when I do...this is what i want to wear! I'm not really feeling the cutesy summer dresses this year - this one has a more vintage-y grown up feel while still being airy and comfortable.

Dress - Fossil
Boots - Frye (I couldn't decide between the two - each makes it's own look!)
Wood cuff - Burberry

**Apologies these pictures are always either blurry or small - can't seem to work this one out!

Beautiful new find for my office!

2009-04-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

Can't remember whose blog originally pointed me this direction, but thank you! I'm adding these beautiful photos to my bland office walls.

Tricia McKellar, Etsy

Slowly

Wanderlust

Many and One

Karma is awesome!

2009-04-06T15:59:00.000-07:00

Every day, I am so grateful. I mean, I'm one lucky girl. And just one of the ways includes never having to be subject to any abuse in my life. Others are not so lucky. That is why I'm participating in the event below. I would love to have your support if you are in the position to give it. (and feel free to spread the word!)

On April 18, I am participating in the 2009 SafePlace Field Day & Festival and I need your help. I have set a fundraising goal for myself--help me reach it!

By donating in my name, you can help SafePlace change lives by providing vital programs & services to those in our community who have been hurt by rape, sexual abuse and domestic violence. Your contribution is invaluable. SafePlace could not do the important work of ending this type of violence without our help.

To make a tax-deductible donation, click on the link at the bottom of this message. If you would prefer to sponsor me through cash or check rather than online I am glad to collect your donation myself so I can keep track of my fundraising goal.

I appreciate your support.

Click here to visit my personal page.

SafePlace
We envision a community free of rape, sexual abuse and domestic violence.

24 Hour Hotline: 267-SAFE
927-9616 TTY for the Deaf community

Recipe Monday

2009-04-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

I don't have enough recipes in my repertoire to make a feature of it...but it's Monday and I made one of my favorite recipes this weeekend - Black Eyed Pea dip. I don't really do main dishes but I'm great at desserts and appetizers! This recipe comes from friend Kristin. So easy and ALWAYS a hit!

3 cans black-eyed peas
2 serrano peppers (more if you want spicier)
Handful of cilantro chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
A few squirts of Robusto Italian dressing

Tastes great with Frito's scoops and blue corn chips too. Tastes best with a scoop frito, i scoop of dip and a drizzle of queso (discovered after a few drinks at a bbq one night).

Everytime I make it, it tastes different because i play around with the proportions, but it's always good!

101 Sunday

2009-04-05T17:57:00.000-07:00

Great week and weekend! Too tired to write a diatribe...so here's the update in bullets.

- Have lost 5.8 lbs (slower than i thought, but i'll take it)
- Completed week 2 of the couch to 5k plan
- Had a great bbq with work friends
- Finished 80 pages of my work book-club book - The Undercover Economist
- Got new haircut and color

And, have updated a few things on my 101 list
- went to the ballet (okay, I added this after I went, but I should have had it on there to begin with because i've been wanting to go for a while)
- went bowling
- took a picture of us (been slacking on this)
- Tried a new restaurant - Finn and Porter at Hilton
- Grow basil (although I probably shouldn't hold my breath, i just got it!)
- Prettied my blog
- Take a yoga class. Have been going to yoga yoga regularly and love it!
- Set up a regular tithe. I now have a bit of money coming out of my check automatically each week to a fund we have set up through our office

Iowa gay-marriage ban ruled unconstitutional

2009-04-03T16:56:00.000-07:00

This is great news. But Iowa? I'm shocked! I thought all the farmers were straight.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30027685/

You should be ashamed of yourself California!

Increase the culture points...an evening at the ballet

2009-04-01T19:25:00.000-07:00

Since I'm a girl whose best dance moves include smacking my own bum and the running man, I don't know all that much about "real dance." But intrigued by the current show at the Austin Ballet, a few friends and I headed downtown to see it tonight. The studio is intimate and gorgeous and the dancing was really so beautiful. Their bodies are just insane! There were two pieces - Left Unsaid, which was intense and deep, and Songs of Innuendo (why I wanted to go) which was so much fun - featured music from James Brown, Nina Simone, Etta James. So, being a dance ignoramus, let me not even try to comment on that and focus on...the styling. I'll leave the first piece alone since it was kinda ballet-wear(although I still hold that the french twist is out). But, the second piece, which I loved regardless, was disconnected in the styling! The music was sexy - I mean Nina Simone and Etta singing "songs of innuendo?" The styling was a gum-popping, 50's diner worker who's headed to the sock-hop after her dinner shift. It contradicted so starkly with the beautiful music and movements. But that, and the lack of leg room in the seats, were the only disappointing things, otherwise I highly recommend! I believe it goes through this weekend.

Pic from Austin Ballet

Side note: I parallel-parked my car into the TINIEST spot ever. I'M THE BEST PARALLEL PARKER EVER!

Spring Look 4 - Wine with girlfriends at the Grove

2009-03-31T12:00:00.000-07:00

The Grove in Austin is one of my favorite newly discovered places. Wine on the patio is so relaxing (and the grove isn't uptight for a wine bar at all). I'm a sucker for a wide-leg pant and the colorful scarf offsets the neutrality beautifully. Go jewelry-free but add a wedge and a gorgeous handbag -- I love this casual but "still-special" look! But where are the skirts and dresses for spring? I'll have to go back a-digging.

Old Navy tank, Anthro pants and scarf, Kooba handbag and I forget the shoes (sorry!)

Thinking about joining a bowling league

2009-03-30T19:47:00.001-07:00

So I may or may not have thrown a bowling ball BEHIND me when bowling at my lovely friend and co-worker Dawn's birthday party. Highly recommend 300 Lanes on I-35 - it was a great bowling alley. But I don't think I'll invest in my own bowling ball just yet. I blame my ineptitude on the fact that us Massachusetts yankees didn't have (what we call) Big Ball Bowling. All we had was candlepin, which has more pins and small balls. Yes, apparently we did grow up in a bubble.

Other weekend highlights...extra-delicious Pizza Sunday at Homeslice (maybe we were just extra-hungry but whatever, it was like eating angels), a finally clean house, a possible new-old couch and a lot of relaxing. And maybe some real world brooklyn.

AMEN!

2009-03-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

Help me choose!

2009-03-29T16:17:00.001-07:00

Ok, this is one etsy find that I just must have! But which one?

Frame clutch wallets from kailochic here and on etsy.

Want this!

2009-03-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

The weather is getting warmer but for some reason I'm dreaming of scarves. Like these from necklush on etsy.

Ooooh, ahhh!!

2009-03-24T10:11:00.001-07:00

This is so beautiful (from etsy seller Fray via Another Shade of Gray's blog (who brings beautiful things to my reader all day long).I was pretty sure I would be introducing it to my closet until I saw that the yarn is wool. Booo...my skin is way too sensitive for wool. But I post it so that you can wear it and I can be jealous of you. You should.

A schlong is not a nose...

2009-03-23T10:59:00.000-07:00

Heard from one of our presenters on the audio recording of a recent conference session:
"You've got to have a really unique selling proposition. But you can have fun with it. I mean, I know this guy from California that has a really great big schlong. He uses it to his advantage. Puts it on his business card and says, "Knows how to sniff out a great deal." And it works for him. I mean, who wouldn't want to go to the appointment and see the guy with the really big schlong?."

Yes. The man said "schlong" in a room of hundreds. I found it quite amusing until I realized that I really needed to have a conversation with him about it. I mean, he could tell this story every time he teaches. I then agonized over how to explain to one of our top instructors that it does not, in fact, mean nose (he was going for schnoz). Surprisingly, my phone rang Friday and it was him saying, "Hi there, it's been a really schlong time since we last spoke." Someone had come up to him after the class and said "Did you mean schnoz?" I can't stop laughing about it....if I'd been in the room I would've been wondering if I was the only one for whom schlong most certainly does not mean nose. He is NEVER going to live that one down.

Whirl of a weekend!

2009-03-22T18:39:00.001-07:00

Twas a wonderful whirl of a weekend. It's officially spring and the Austin weather did not disappoint. Have I mentioned lately how utterly thrilled I am to be back in Austin?

Saturday, Tim and I started the "couch to 5k" plan. In reality, Tim could run it now, but I can't and he's sweet enough to patiently run/walk with me. Too bad we live in hilly Westlake making it a bit more challenging than it should have been for the average bear. Saturday afternoon we had the brilliant idea to go to HomeSlice for lunch. During SXSW. A bright shiny moment. Needless to say, we ended up at Saccones way up in Round Rock. Num, num, num! We then actually went back downtown and braved the crowds. We sat in the sun and watched Fastball at Auditorium Shores then took a long walk around town and people-watched.

And we learned that mustaches are back in. Is it meant as irony? I'm pretty sure I'm too old to understand.

Sunday we went for a long walk in the Greenbelt (when does the water come?). Then it was RODEO TIME! I love the rodeo much more than a girl from Boston should. And not so much in a novelty "yankee goes to the rodeo" way either. I love it in an "I'm seriously considering getting cable again just so i can watch it on tv again" kinda way. Although Tim is not a fan, I'm pretty sure he's certain if he doesn't go with me I'll run off with a cowboy aaaannnnddd I can't say I'd call him paranoid. He is also, however, a fan of hot dogs. You can pretty much get him to go anywhere if you can tempt a hotdog. Have I ever mentioned how before I moved to Texas I, in all seriousness, thought everyone in Texas wore a cowboy hat and boots at all times? It's so utterly ignorant but I was highly disappointed.

I must say I was extremely disappointed by the bull-riding. They cut it short to start the Randy Travis show (why is he famous?). Apparently the rodeo continued after the concert, but we had to leave. Boo. I was like a little kid who licked her ice cream off the cone into the dirt.

Sprinkle in some couch shopping, some Target trips and a bit of kitchen cleaning, and you've got a weekend!

Spring Look 3...Getaway

2009-03-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking top down of some kind of vintage beaut with a floppy straw hat for drama, headed to the coast without a care in the world.

Anthro shorts & tote
Old Navy sheer camp shirt
Pucci shades
Nine West Shoes

Spring Look 2

2009-03-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

I'm just loving grey lately - it's my favorite neutral by a mile! Popped with yellow,
it's perfection. Perfect for weekend.

Club Monaco silk tank
AG Boyfriend Jean
Martin + Osa hammered disc necklace
Cejon (Nordstrom) scarf
Old Navy flip flops

Bring it, Spring!

2009-03-18T19:04:00.000-07:00

When I lived in Boston, fall was my favorite season...breaking out the tall boots, the brown and burnt orange sweaters (where burnt orange is just a color, not a statement), the cable knit tights. Here in Texas, there's only about a two-week period during which you can wear these things - so now I choose spring! And spring has definitely sprung in Austin - days in the low 80's and sunny have me feeling shopping spring fever! So, upcoming, some of my favorite looks that I hope to incorporate into my spring wardrobe (somewhat limited by the good images i could find - i couldn't stand for the images not to "match").

Look 1...Easy-Breezy Office!

Anthropologie necklace, top and wide-leg pants.
Banana Republic chocolate brown handbag
Forever 21 cardigans
Frye sandals (red shoes would be fantastic with this outfit too)

Beautiful botanicals

2009-03-18T12:14:00.000-07:00

inleaf has such beautiful stuff!

She hand prints pillows, totes, towels, gift tags (and the list goes on) with real leaves. Her colors and textures are just so natural and gorgeous. As soon as she puts more frame clutches in her etsy shop (in about a week), I'll be introducing one to my collection!

Images from her blog.

SHUT UP!

2009-03-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

Not only does Sea of Shoes' Jane have an A-MAZING shoe closet and vintage clothing collection, but she also (of course) has a ridiculous house. The white fur on the lucite chairs -- come on! Die, die, die!

And a bonus gorgeous shoe pic...

I lost my shit at yoga...

2009-03-11T18:59:00.000-07:00

It was bound to happen sooner or later. It started with the guy who snores...every time...during resting pose. Who falls asleep that quickly? And why doesn't his wife wake him up? Dear god, be embarrassed! So, I'm in resting pose, not resting because I'm so distracted by the snoring. Then, our teacher decides to teach us this special breathing where you stick your tongue out and sip in loudly, then use your hand, in this special, odd position, to close off one nostril at a time and exhale. As I'm breathing out in this ridiculous way, I lose my shit. This in turn causes Kathy to lose her shit, which in turn causes the woman next to her to lose her shit. It's over. Except it's not over - she continues to lead us in that breathing for what feels like a half an hour. I'm sitting indian (native american?) style with my head in my hands shaking uncontrollably just praying for the end. P.S. When i came home and told Tim I lost my shit at yoga, he said (with hope in his voice), "YOU FARTED?!"

Alexis' Favorite Things

2009-03-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

Some more favorites of mine...

CO Bigelow mint mentha lip shine
This is no joke, the.best.lip balm EVER! It is so moisturizing, but also gives your breath a shot of freshness. I have them stashed in my car, office, and all over my house - I can't stand to be without it.

Anthropologie aprons

Anthro has the most amazingly cute aprons in the world! They inspire me to cook.

Niven Morgan Gold Scent
This is the most unique, beautiful scent, without being overpowering. I love it in all its many forms. http://www.nivenmorgan.com

Until next time...

Julia Child is my hero...

2009-03-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

I had a mad weekend of baking! I had a lot of thank yous to give/write and what better way than through baked goods! Tim did a great job as the official taster.

Emeril's key lime pie

A delicious double-chocolate bundt cake with chocolate glaze.

Chocolate bundt cake
1 (18.25 ounce) package devil's food cake mix
1 (5.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1/2 cup warm water
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

In a large bowl, mix together the cake and pudding mixes, sour cream, oil, beaten eggs and water. Stir in the chocolate chips and pour batter into a well greased 12 cup bundt pan.

Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until top is springy to the touch and a wooden toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool cake thoroughly in pan at least an hour and a half before inverting onto a plate If desired, dust the cake with powdered sugar.

Chocolate glaze

3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a double boiler over hot, but not boiling water, combine chocolate chips, butter and corn syrup. Stir until chips are melted and mixture is smooth, then add vanilla.

Spread warm glaze over top of cake, letting it drizzle down the sides.

Mocha Toffee Bars
This recipe is the favorite cookie recipe from Gourmet in 1987 and it didn't disappoint.

And finally, chocolate and almond covered pretzels.

Phew!

Here, there and everywhere.

2009-03-03T18:30:00.001-08:00

I'm well overdue, as usual. Life really gets in the way of updates! And it's been a crazy couple weeks, a few days in Boston, a few days with mom (and friends) in Austin, and a loooong week back at work. So, I can only muster the energy for a collection of random thoughts, updates, musings, etc...

- Went to gospel brunch last sunday at stubbs. so much fun! (#63, #50)

This, I believe, is one of the original members of A.C. Littlefield and the Original Bells of Joy. He was so cool!

- Started the "beginner yoga series" with Kathy and I think I'm going to really like it. I had this major paranoia about yoga that there would be a lot of farting (by the others of course) but thankfully I didn't hear any or...err...smell any. (#29) Highly recommend Yoga Yoga - they have studios all over town and all kinds of classes, with lots of options for beginners.

- Riverview pizza in Ipswich, MA is the BEST.PIZZA.EVER. Tim says "Amen."
It just looks like this:

But it tastes like rainbows and unicorns.

- I am so lucky to have such fantastic in-laws! We spent a few sad days together in Boston, but it just reiterated to me what a wonderful family I have!

- Tried two new restaurants - Stubbs (brunch)and Woodland (salmon). Both get a B. (#44)

- I like the cupcake lady (and her cupcakes) on South Congress. Although, I like them even more in theory than in my mouth. Even more so because it epitomizes why I'm so glad to be back in Austin as opposed to Dallas (Sprinkles).

- Becker Vineyards is so nice, especially the Syrah. Fan. (#57) Also, need to plan a trip to Fredericksburg that's longer than a 1/2 hour (we seem to always spend all the time at the vineyards on the way!)

- Mom got a super-cute haircut at Hairy Situations (I forget her name though, but I recommend her (helpful, huh?)

- Had dinner at the Oasis - same verdict as the last time we went a few years ago - gorgeous views, sub-par food.

Mom may be the next Jennifer Nichols :-)

A very nice couple weeks!

Return from the land of fleece...

2009-02-27T12:42:00.000-08:00

It's been a crazy week! I was supposed to be in Orlando wearing Mickey ears but due to an unexpected death in the Mr's family, we headed up to Mass instead. Me: spotted wearing white athletic socks with black flats. A la Michael Jackson. The horror. This is what the freezing cold does to you people - it strips you of any fashion sensibility because you are in strict survival mode. And while I almost prefer frostbitten toes to the look I rocked, the possibility of never wearing beautiful shoes again due to having no toes won out for the night. Glad to be back in sunny Texas where my mom (in town visiting) and I, ate breakfast on an outdoor patio and look a long walk around Town (ahem...Lady Bird)Lake, in t-shirts.

Whitney Caroline Designs...the giveaway

2009-02-19T14:12:00.000-08:00

How cute are these?

Whitney Caroline - maker and seller of super-cute stuff is giving one of these away on her blog!

WHAT? The Cole Haan's at rue la la?

2009-02-18T18:37:00.000-08:00

Yes, that's right. I get the email that Rue La La opened the Cole Haan boutique. About six minutes later I go online. And the fantastic, slingback, peep-toe, Nike Air patent pumps are on there! For $128! And....SH(&(&(T, DAJFDSEEN...they are already sold out! For some reason, I keep checking even though I know they won't go "un-sold out." But I just clicked on them and it looks like they never had an eight anyway, which somehow makes me feel better. Oh..wait a minute, those aren't the fantastic slingbacks....but they're still cute!

Barf...sensible shoes

2009-02-15T18:47:00.000-08:00

I had to shop for "sensible shoes" today because I'll be at a conference for six days and on my feet for like 16 hour days. I despise sensible shoes. It's possible that I could never be a nurse or a kindergarten teacher strictly because I abhor them so much. Glory be to Cole Haan, maker of beautiful patent peep-toes (and many other options)with Nike Air technology. They feel greeeaattt!

from Nordstrom.

Sadly, since I generally sit on my tuckus in front of a computer day in and day out I have no need for beautiful heels with Nike air...so instead I picked out some not as gorgeous Sofft shoes that at least don't look like birkenstocks. Yes, I recognize the humor in the fact that my version of the sensible shoes still has a 3 and a half inch heel.

Would you rather...

2009-02-11T19:03:00.000-08:00

Stolen from a message board post...what is the lesser of two evils? This was REALLY hard for me, especially without adding a caveat to my answer. My choice in pictures (of course the ugliest one i could find)...

Fringed sandals or gladiator sandals?
Fringed, at least they're a bit more current. Although honestly I'd have to choose an average gladiator sandal over these "chewbacca feet".

stirrups or legwarmers?
Legwarmers! Confession: I have to admit in looking for pics, i don't hate legwarmers as much as maybe i should.

Crocs (classic) or uggs?
Uggs (barf)

Guy in a wife-beater, or guy with overalls
Beater (picture altered to protect the innocent)

Mom jeans or a poncho?
Poncho....ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!

booty shorts or koolots (sp??)
Sadly, culottes (you're welcome world)

pleated jeans or pleated slacks?
jeans

Scrunchi or banana clip?
Scrunchi.

Zima or Boone's Farm?
BOOONES STRAWBERRY HILL! (although, frankly, mad dog over both!)

Dreads or She-mullet?
i thought dreads until i saw these pictures. now i say she-mullet. cleanliness is too important to me

I'm going to have nightmares tonight.

Alexis' Favorite Things

2009-02-09T18:54:00.000-08:00

So we've been married for about eight months now and using all our grown up dishes, pots and pans, etc. I thought I'd share what ended up being some of my favorite picks -- especially some that were kinda random scans in the store but is actually so useful! A lot of my favorite things were actually seasonal at Crate and Barrel, so I'm skipping those -- as well as the dishes and glasses and stuff, since that's all about personal taste.

From Crate and Barrel

Parker Bowls $36.95
These bowls are the best. In the fall they offer the Addison bowls which are in richer autumnal colors. They make great mixing bowls but also great serving bowls (they look great on a table) and there's five of them, so a size for everything. The price is also great - a fantastic gift to give too!

Footed Colander $19.95
Straining vegetables never looked so good!

Footed Cake Platter $54.95
Not the easiest piece to store, but cakes look so beautiful on this tall stand!

Water Lily Bowl $24.95
This is a simple bowl with clean lines but so versatile. You can put rocks, fruit, floating flowers, candles in it and continuously switch up your centerpieces.

Easy Roll Garlic Peeler $3.95
Who knew? I use this all the time and LOVE it. Easy to use, easy to wash and it really takes the garlic skin(?) off in two secs.

Acacia Wood Platter $14.95
This platter is so beautiful it looks like art. Great for decoration or for serving cheese and fruit. The acacia salad bowl is also gorgeous.

Ona Pitcher $26.95
This unique picture also makes a beautiful vase. I haven't made sangria in it yet, but it would look so pretty with the floating fruit (also in lemon or lime-ade).

Polycarbonate Pizza Wheel

Vino Wine Glass $2.95
A few of these at home are great for easy glass of wine. Also great for outdoors!

From Bed, Bath and Beyond

Micro-Cotton by Suite Collection Bath Towel
These are the SOFTEST towels ever! It's like drying off in a cloud.

Flexible Cutting Boards $3.99
These take up no counter space and are easy to pull out, wipe clean, etc.

One Touch Can Opener $19.99
This thing is AMAZING. Who knew we needed it, but it is fan-freakin-tastic.

Metrokane® Rabbit Wine 6-Piece Corkscrew Tool Kit
Wine is sooooo much easier to open with this guy. I keep recommending engaged ladies get the rabbit - for those that watch Sex and the City, you get the joke.

Good luck with your own picks!

Cool giveway from Bama Belle.

2009-02-09T18:53:00.000-08:00

Bama Belle has a really cool giveway of Bliss products. Check it out and then don't enter so you don't hurt my chances. :-)

Long overdue update!

2009-02-08T19:28:00.000-08:00

Long overdue update! It's been crazy busy week sandwiched between two really busy weekends.

Two Thursdays ago, Tim and I took our last trip up to Dallas (for a while, at least). WE RENTED OUR HOUSE! Went up to get the furniture that was still there for the staging. We rented a 12 foot truck thinking it was more than enough space (every single time we've moved we rent a truck twice bigger than we need). This time, not so much. We had some friends not make it -- both our couches, two washing machines, a dryer, my bike and a few other items that were quickly snatched up by the neighbors. This means we need a new couch and we sat in THE.MOST.COMFORTABLE couch ever today at Crate and Barrel...it may need to become ours soon. Although, the couch I really love is this one (Pottery Barn), Tim says, "absoluuuuutely not!"

Also, in celebration of renting the house (goal #2), we (and by we, I mean, me) broke out the debit card a bit. Very excited to introduce my new mushroom-colored shoes (as well as another cute purple and brown pair) to my closet, my new Clarisonic to my bathroom counter, my new pink blackberry to my handbag and a new haircolor and haircut to my...err...head.

Last weekend, Linds and Laura were in town and it was great to see them. The weather was sooo much nicer here than Chicago. We has yummy dinner at III Forks (my first time there, so check one off for goal #45) and delicious wine. Followed by more delicious wine at David's loft (the long-awaited wine cellar is amazing). Outside lunch at Shady Grove where Stephan and I narrowly avoided getting shat on by a bird and a quasi-walk around town lake. All in all, a very enjoyable time. Oh, and Tim and I had Home Slice on Sunday too -- SPOILED!

This weekend, had some very nice Timmy-time. Made delicious tortilla soup (well, kinda made it), delicious chicken biryani (a very complicated recipe but so good and I PROMISE it tasted better than it looks!) and delicious pear muffins (found here) -- who am I?

(check off goals 22 & 25) I might finally have a reason to buy a super-cute anthro apron. Actually, in all seriousness I think I don't own one just because they are all so darn cute I can't ever choose!

Also had yummy TacoDeli breakfast today and a long walk in the greenbelt, which was sooooo needed.

Oh, and I also discovered a new veggie meal inspired by Magnolia Cafe(#28) -- black beans, avocado, cheese and tomatoes. Yummy and super-easy.

And finally finished the Forgotten Man, a history of the great depression. I feel way smarter (and republican). $72

Oh, and of course tried Fireman's Four (and clearly enjoyed it) -- #56.

Chiggety-check. Over and out.

fireman's four

2009-02-07T18:36:00.000-08:00

is good. even when you're drinking it alone waiting for you husband to come home from work while you're doing laundry on a saturday night after spending hours at the office. actually, especially then.

why is grant show on private practice. melrose place called, grant, and they want you to go back there.

it looks like this...if you haven't tried it, go find it. well, if you're in austin. it makes me think of magic hat #9, which i miss, cause you can't find it here.

Ok, I don't need it, but I want it!

2009-02-07T05:29:00.000-08:00

The purchase of our espresso machine has resulted in two weeks of hunting for a super-cute travel mug. Silly, I know, but i consider it an accessory. And it's actually been super-hard to find one! Then I get this idea that I absolutely must have a monogrammed mug -- it's so fabulously obnoxious. Most that I've found are actually super-ugly, but these are my two faves:

From Etsy

From Monogram Chick

And yes, I've been up since 6:30 searching for monogram travel mugs...funny since an earthquake couldn't wake me up at 6:30 on a weekday.

Yeah, I'm a suckah for free stuff....SUCKAH

2009-02-01T20:12:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I like free stuff and I recently discovered this free stuff giveaway and recently discovered these three from Not Another Jennifer. Some great little things here to win!

Gwen at Confessions of a Control Freak is doing a giveaway to celebrate her four-month mark of quitting smoking. She is giving away great OPI, Bath & Body Works, and PartyLite goodies. Enter here!

Mandy at House of Rose has beautiful monogrammed notecards!

Magnolias, Marriage and Manhattan is offering beautiful notecards.

And finally, Mrs. Newlywed at Misadventures of a Newlywed is doing a fabulous giveaway for beautiful Lilly Pulitzer stationery!

And then it hits you...like a sack of potatoes to the face

2009-01-30T10:39:00.000-08:00

Do you ever wake up in the morning, get dressed and feel like this (with clothes):

only to get to work, wipe the sleep out of your eyes and realize you actually look like this?

Well, let me tell ya, it's even worse when you get to work and realize you look like this:

Although I was feeling good about my outfit initially, when I got to work it dawned on me that I looked an awful lot like a circus ringmaster. Testament to the fact that a couple great pieces do not a great outfit make. A whole is not always better than the sum of its parts, if you will. Look for me in glamour with my eyes blacked out.

101 in 1001 Update

2009-01-25T18:13:00.000-08:00

Ok, ok. Two weeks overdue on this.

Let's see here...

2. Sell or rent our house in Richardson.
Looks like this is in progress! Our property manager is approving a couple tomorrow. Not having to pay a mortgage and rent payment is going to be good on my closet.

6. Paint our house.
Tim has painted the bathroom and living/dining room. Little less than 1/2 way there!

21. Cook one new meal a month for a year.
24. Cook a real meal at least once a week.
Mmm...healthified tortilla casserole. It was yum.

26. Get a massage.
Kinda weird goal, I know, but it's always kind of freaked me out. Well, CHECK and now that I've checked I believe I'll be checking weekly! We have a masseuse come to our office a couple days a week and a co-worker had bought me a massage. So glad she did, it was fantastic..

43. Call a far-away friend at least once a month
Finally talked to Lindsay today - it was short, but she'll be here this weekend, so that's ok. I'm determined to stop this vicious game of phone tag with Julie before the month is through. It would be a heck of a lot easier if my cell phone had service in our house!

68. Blog the “best thing this week” weekly.
Two shallow best things. Last week, I got my own reserved parking spot. Big time!

This week, inspired by Christy's Tassimo, and with a couple Crate and Barrel gift cards still burning a hole in my wallet, we invested in this beaut:

Add some Starbucks espresso pods and sugar-free hazelnut and vanilla syrups and I can make my very own Grande Decaf Skinny French Vanilla Latte, extra hot. And save the embarrassment of saying all that in Starbucks.

71. Read at least one business book every two months.
Finished Forgotten Men, thank goodness, it was a beast. About a 1/3 of the way through A Whole New Mind - which is about why right-brainers will rule our future - REALLY interesting. I highly recommend it.

73. Maintain my blog (at least 1 post a week) for three months.
Check.

Ketchup

2009-01-25T17:42:00.001-08:00

aka - Catch-Up

First, Enginerd Jill tagged me with the honest scrap. Despite my usual evasion of anything foward-esque, I'm humoring it for fun.

The rules:
1. Chose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content or design.
2. Show the 7 winners names and links on your blog, and leave them a comment informing them they were prized with "Honest Scrap." Well, there's no prize, but they can keep the nifty icon.
3. List at least 10 honest things about yourself

10 Honest Things...

1) If I could choose any toilet paper in the world, I’d still choose Scott. In white. I hate soft toilet paper. I don't care what that cute little bear says about no-lint. BS, bear. And colored toilet paper. It’s wrong.

2) I believe you can tell A LOT about someone by their shoes.

3) You know those signs that, at a traffic light, say “Left Turn Signal?” It’s telling you that you’ll have a left arrow to turn? I thought they meant you had to put on your left turn signal. One day, I was just sitting at the light and thought... ohhhh…ding! Not a bright moment, I was embarrassed for myself.

4) I have one similar confession to Jill’s. I judge people by their spelling. If one person writes “bare with me” to me in an email again… “Umm…no thank you? That may be awkward.”

5) I fear I may be becoming a Republican. I’ve been researching the Great Depression lately and learning more about the economy – on big govt types of issues I find myself agreeing with the Red a bit and shocking myself. What?

6) I like dolphins more than a grown woman of 31 should. Please note, my love of dolphins is not reflected in my décor or manner of dress. Animals do not belong on your clothes, people. Seeing Shamu (I know not dolphin but sea mammal just the same) swim to You Raise Me Up (by Josh Groban) brought me to tears -- the marriage of beast and man moved me (although to be fair, i wasn't the only one).

7) I got my degrees in Sociology and Criminal Justice because the Hotel & Restaurant Management classes were all at 8 a.m. my freshman and sophomore year of college. It was for the best though.

8) I love to watch bullriding on t.v. Odd for a girl from the northeast, but i love it. I can't wait for the rodeo in March!

9) My dream job would be to be Stacy from What Not to Wear. Not that I'm the best dresser in the whole wide world but it just frustrates me SO MUCH when people consistently wear clothes that are unflattering (ESPECIALLY people with decent bodies). There's a running Stacy-esque commentary in my head all day - it's a curse, really.

10)I've never seen Rocky. And never will.

I tag K-K-K Kathy...you're it.
And Jen.
And Christy.

Knee-slappin' for real

2009-01-24T12:16:00.001-08:00

Oh gosh...i had to repost this. I've been thinking about and laughing at this intermittently through the whole morning. It's like Tim with a chocolate chip cookie.

Cooler than the other side of the pillow...

2009-01-21T17:46:00.000-08:00

Love these.

Life is all about perspective...

2009-01-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

Perspective is the difference between a good day vs. and a bad day, a horrible event vs. a dark quarter hour. I’m a huge believer in perspective. Everything in life is relative and when you lose your perspective it’s easy to feel sorry for yourself. Whenever I have a “bad day,” I say (often aloud), “If this is the worst thing that happens to me today, this is a pretty good day.” I was not diagnosed with cancer today, I did not lose a family member, I did not declare bankruptcy, I did not fear for my life, I was not raped or kidnapped, I got to choose what I wanted to wear, I was not called by a slur, I was not forced into slavery, I did not sleep on the street, I did not worry where my next meal would come from, I did not wake up in pain.

This is my life philosophy: live righteously, and never be ignorant of my relative place in this world.

Sometimes I just have to repeat that mantra to myself as I bang my head against the wall.

Thank you.

2009-01-20T21:40:00.000-08:00

Thank you, Barack Obama, for moving the world today. It was amazing to watch. There is a renewed belief in the people today. I am proud to be an American.

Ummm...hello Jill Biden!

2009-01-20T18:49:00.000-08:00

I had no idea! Fire-engine red Reem Acra? Fabulous. Argh, can't find a picture yet! She also wore a Milly grey dress to the inaugurationo (with knee high boots). How cute is she!

Aretha Franklin's "bow-hat?" Not so much.

Shoe envy.

2009-01-14T18:21:00.000-08:00

cannot get over this girl's shoe closet. If I still lived in Dallas I might stalk her and try to be her friend (we're the same shoe size). But since she's only 16 that might not fly...I resolve to hate her. Prada, Dries Van Noten (I die), Bruno Frisoni...on and on! Maybe her parents would adopt me? Her website is www.seaofshoes.com. Here are some of my faves (so many to choose from):

101 in 1001 Update

2009-01-12T18:31:00.000-08:00

Alrighty...overdue from yesterday, but here it is!

2. Sell or rent our house in Richardson.
I'm going for positivity and saying this is "in progress." Showing activity has been good. Hopefully something happens soon!

6. Paint our house.
This goal is actually for Tim. He's currently working on the living room and has two walls finished (before we ran out of paint).

11. Get the dogs nice beds.
Got them these cute little doggie baskets. It "should" be too little for Mike but he likes to curl up. Once they got used to the funny creaky noises, they loved them!

42. Take a photo of us at least once a week for three months.
Post meat-feast at Salt Lick.

44. Try 15 new restaurants.
In Progress
1. Taco Deli is our new favorite Sunday morning spot. Yesterday, I tried a papas(mashed taters), bacon and cheese taco and it was DEEE-LISH. Followed by a brief walk down the greenbelt (it was chilly).

2. I'm counting Hyde Park Grill as a new restaurant. I had been there a million years ago when we first moved to Austin, but apparently it's been so long that I forgot that it sucked. I got this pimento cheese & cuke sandwich and tim an eggplant sandwich. Both were nasty. And the fries weren't that great either.

68. Blog the “best thing this week” weekly.
In-Progress
The best thing about last week was our jaunt to Salt Lick for Tim's birthday. We went with some old and new friends and it was even better than we remembered! Yummy, yummy, yummy in my tummy!

71. Read at least one business book every two months.
On-track
My goal last week was to get to page 300 in Forgotten Men - and I made it. But still so much further to go.

73. Maintain my blog (at least 1 post a week) for three months.
On-track

75. Make my blog pretty.
Complete
Like the new photo at the top? That's our feets.

Golden Globe Fashion Review

2009-01-11T17:14:00.000-08:00

The fashion is the only reason to watch this. Why do the tables at the Golden Globes make it feel so awkward. Are they actually eating? Anyway... I'm going to try to sum up what I've seen so far in five words or less (and before the fashion reviews taint any of my opinions). Unfortunately, I missed all but 10 minutes of the pre-show so I missed most of these walking. Not sure how successful I'll be. I just changed the rules and decided a follow-up explanation is allowed.

Soccer mom goes golden globes.
I know it's to be expected from Maggie, but still appalling. This print is kindergarten teacher. But even worse is the shoes - they look like sensible sandals peeking out - like those made with straps made out of wide elastic? The horror.

Cheap whore and skeletor (that rhymes).
It really amuses me that the tabloids call him Skeletor. Low-cut, backless and shiny gold = cheap. Nuff said.

Blah.
This reminds me of the dresses we wore in high school with a white tee underneath. Soooo boring.

I die (but not in the good way).
As far as I'm concerned Rachel Zoe can do no wrong...unless she style Anne for the Golden Globes. Not feeling it.

So close.
Why have we not yet learned that giant, random appendages ruin a dress (did you forget about Charlize's bow?) It might have been a gorgeous look and a standout in white without the gobs of extra material.

WRONG.
Oh come on. If you want people talking, you'll have it. Floaty, ethereal BABY BLUE in an 80s pattern with the "expected-unexpected" blood-red clutch? No words for the hair. No words. I am shaking my head sadly for her.

Missing the glamour.
There just isn't any to this look. Too casual print, too casual pose. Meh. And look at the dude in the background. He apparently isn't feeling it either.

Not memorable, but beautiful.
She's just gorgeous and this dress fits her body just perfectly. Five days from now I'll have forgotten this dress, but I thought she looked beautiful.

Channeling Mimi!
A bit too Mariah Carey/Little Mermaid for me.

Shut the Front Door
I am SHOCKED to be saying this myself, but my best-dressed of the photos I've seen is hands-down Rumer "tater-head" Willis! Her of desperate celebrity clinging, PLEASE LOOK AT ME, I'm a CELEBrity (please, please take my picture I want it so bad!) I have always been amazed at how two very good looking people could produce children who were so...not...but I think Rumer looked GORGEOUS! Beautiful color, beautiful gown, beautiful styling. For this, I die (and about did when I realized it was her in it).

Also loved Amy Adams, Eva Longoria Parker loved the color, not the dress (though loved the fit), did NOT like the Slumdog millionaire's curry dress (which somehow felt contrived and was such a shame because she's SO gorgeous), thought Angie's dress was unflattering (though didn't see it move), hated Debra Messing's 90s halter.

Ah...how nice to just be able to sit on the couch and judge!

Offer on the house today!

2009-01-09T16:31:00.000-08:00

And we'd only lose 20 grand! Yeah...um...no. Thanks but no thanks. And thanks for making me run around my office all afternoon trying to find a friggin' fax that works (is the fax the WORST technology or what - why haven't we identified something better?!?) to counter your offer that was a joke to begin with. To our counter, they did not counter... sad face.

Oooh, pretty!

2009-01-07T18:22:00.000-08:00

I would like this, please.

\
(thedesignblog)

And I've had some embarassing moments...

2009-01-06T20:40:00.001-08:00

If you ski, you know it's embarrassing enough to have a "lift incident" - you wipe out getting on, you wipe out getting off (i could NEVER master the t-bar), you jump OFF the lift when your son doesn't get on (MOM!). They stop the lift for you, everyone riding is pissed and those in line are giving you dirty looks. Snow and two sticks also makes for some funny wipeouts on the slopes. Nothing like watching somebody take out a ski school or leave a yard sale down the mountain. But this? And if falling off the chairlift wasn't embarrassing enough, considering the weather...well...uh...I'll just leave it at that. The horror. Horror, I say.

(smokinggun.com)

101 in 1001 Update

2009-01-04T08:14:00.000-08:00

It's only been a couple days but I thought I should start an update (start building a habit and all).

#2 Sell or rent our house in Richardson.
Nowhere near complete but our showings have been increasing and we just lowered the price yesterday (which hurts but hopefully inspires an OFFER!!!!)

#4 Get a subscription to Martha Stewart Living.
Also not complete, but I did get a subscription to Body + Soul, her new magazine. It looks beautiful, focused on whole living.

#25 Create a habit of taking vitamins (take one a day for at least 30 days).
(1/30)

#39 Go on one special date night a month with Tim.
Tim and I had a delicious Chinese dinner last night and got the best seat in the house. Is it gross to eat Chinese food for breakfast?

#42. Take a photo of us at least once a week for three months.
(1/12)

Unfortunately, my fab cheetah shoes got cut off.

#68 Blog the "best thing this week" weekly.
It was a great week...ringing in 2009, yummy dinner with Tim, closet organization (and fantastic new huggable hangers). But I think the highlight was Slumdog Millionaire. Two thumbs up, a much happier movie than I expected, great music, beautifully shot.

#71 Read at least one business book every two months.
In progress - I'm reading Forgotten Men by Amity Shlaes. It's a history of the Great Depression - not a traditional business book, but I'm reading it for a work bookclub, so I'm counting it. It is HEAVY (let me know if you're a Great Depression...ha, ha, typo I caught when I went back to read -- let me know if you KNOW about Great Depression).

#73 Maintain my blog (at least 1 post a week) for three months.
Complete!

Hello there bandwagon

2009-01-03T07:49:00.001-08:00

Hello there, bandwagon. Mind if I ride on ya?

No, I am not finally going to try to shove my behind in skinny jeans or rock a pair of orange crocs. (oooo...I feel a post coming on about sensible shoes). I created a 101 in 1001 list. On the one hand it seems kind of silly because it's anti any real effective goal setting "principles." But it's fun so I've filled it with mostly frivolous things. So far, I only have 75 things on my list, but I figure it's better to it over a few weeks rather than a day or two, so for now, they'll stay blank. I'm leaving work goals off this list. So here it is (so far):

Domestic
1. Invest in matching hangers.
2. Sell or rent our house in Richardson.
3. Print our wedding pictures, frame and display.
4. Get a subscription to Martha Stewart Living.
5. Decorate my office.
6. Paint our house.
7. Grow basil
8. Decide where we want to live in Austin (for the long-haul)
9. Buy a new house in Austin.
10. Organize jewelry in some kind of “not a complete mess” manner.
11. Get the dogs nice beds.
12. (Private) Have XXX in savings
13. (Private) Get debt to under XXX
14. Buy a fireproof box

Fashion & Beauty
15. Find a great pair of jeans
16. Get a real make-up routine
17. Get an anti-aging skin care regimen (and use it).
18. Buy a fabulous pair of sunglasses
19. Buy cowboy boots

Health/Wellness/Food
20. Run a 5k
21. Cook one new meal a month for a year.
22. Lose at least 10 lbs.
23. No take-out fast food for a month.
24. Cook a real meal at least once a week.
25. Create a habit of taking vitamins (take one a day for at least 30 days).
26. Get a massage.
27. Find three veggie recipes to be part of “the repertoire”
28. Get a fantastic sports bra
29. Take a yoga class.
30. Take a pilates class.
31. Take a dance class. (and maybe like one of the above and stick with it!)
32. Eat something I generally find “icky”
33. PRIVATE – Work on xxx
34. Learn how to make paella.
35. Learn to meditate and meditate at least once a week for a month.

Relationships
36. Get another set of “married” pictures taken.
37. Make a new friend.
38. Take a girls trip.
39. Go on one special date night a month with Tim.
40. (PRIVATE) xxx
41. (Private) – xxx
42. Take a photo of us at least once a week for three months.
43. Call a far-away friend at least once a month

Weekend Fun
44. Try 15 new restaurants.
45. Go to the rollerderby.
46. Go to a concert
47. Go to the comedy club
48. Go to Ester’s Follies
49. Visit a new state.
50. Do 10 Austin-y things (1/10 Alamo Drafthouse)
51. Kayak on Town Lake.
52. Go to Umlauf.
53. Go to Arboretum.
54. See a play.
55. Try 10 new beers
56. Host, or organize, a game night
57. Go to a winery
58. Go to a brewery
59. Go on a picnic.
60. Go bowling.
61. See Bob Schneider
62. Design set of monogrammed notecards with Gocco.
63. Go to gospel brunch at Stubb’s.
64. Go to first Thursday.
65. Go to San Francisco

Goodwill
66. Join a volunteer organization.
67. Stop using plastic bags at the grocery store.
68. Blog the “best thing this week” weekly.
69. Perform 10 random acts of kindness.
70. Set up regular tithe

Mind
71. Read at least one business book every two months.
72. Read at least six novels a year (I usually read more but feel I need to focus a bit more on the business books for a while)

Misc
73. Maintain my blog (at least 1 post a week) for three months.
74. Finish the 101 in 1001 list.
75. Make my blog pretty.]

Date: Saturday, October 1, 2011

2009...seriously?

2009-01-01T16:56:00.000-08:00

I CANNOT believe it's 2009. The new millennium does not feel like it was almost a decade ago (shout out to Pablo..."back it up Pablo, back it up").

2008 was a good year, and I'm a bit sad to see it go. So, here's a "new year survey" that helps to sum it up...

What was the best part of last year?
Tim and I had the perfect wedding at Star Hill Ranch. It was exactly what we envisioned, relaxed, fun, comfortable and all about us (okay, so it could have been a week bit cooler). The best part was having all of our bestest family and friends fly to Austin to celebrate with us. And it was even in a magazine!

What was the biggest surprise of last year?
We ended up moving back to Austin. Although I knew maybe it could happen at some point, we completely weren’t expecting it. But an opportunity came and we had to take it!

What are you most looking forward to next year?
Selling our house in Dallas!
Being able to SHOP again (this is contingent on selling our house in Dallas).
Seeing where my new role in my new/old company goes.
And one secret “looking forward to” (No, I’m not pregnant).

Is there anything you are not looking forward to next year?
2008 was the last solid year of people asking me “How is married life?” This is soon to be replaced in 2009 with, “When are you having kids?”
The continuation of the boy skinny trend jean and the continuation of short skirts, bare legs and Uggs.

What will be your new years resolutions next year?
More balance in my life – taking more time to enjoy friends, relax, take hikes – getting myself more “holistically well.”

What was the best song of last year?
It’s not a 2008 song, but my favorite that was new to me was Stars Go Blue, Ryan Adams. It was Tim and I’s last dance song at our wedding – at the moment we were dancing to it I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy in my life.
Other than that…I really like Mraz’s I’m Yours. I keep expecting to get sick of it since it’s every third song on the radio, but I’m still diggin’ it. Duffy's "Syrup and Honey."

I'm bored with this survey, so call me a quitter. I think I covered the important stuff. Other highlights of the year were a fun bachelorette weekend in Seattle and Julie's gorgeous October wedding. Ok, so I looked like Wonder Woman…whatev, my dance moves distracted from it. And playing flip-cup for five hours in the basement of a comfort inn? Totally priceless.

Oh an also...

2008-12-29T19:51:00.001-08:00

I wish to wear a feather headband like this one (on etsy) but I'm not sure I'm cool and/or young enough to pull it off

Things on my mind today...

2008-12-29T19:25:00.000-08:00

1) A few years ago my friend CL admitted to not liking Johnny Depp because she was "sick of all the costumes." At the time I was appalled. I mean, we're talking about MR. 21 JUMPSTREET (not to be confused with Greico).

(mmmmm hmmmmm)
But Pirates of the Caribbean was just on and I have to say...I kind of agree. Captain Jack, Mad hatter, Sweeny Todd, Willy Wonka, Ed Scissorhands. Does he ever just play a PERSON? And does he always have to insist on looking so damn ugly (it doesn't work anyway!)

They should totally have a re-make of 21 Jump Street (with Johnny Depp making a triumpant return a la Kelly in 90210 (which p.s. I don't watch).
=================
2) Had a funny conversation in the grocery store the other day.
Dude by the produce: Can I ask you a random question?
Me: Sure
Dude: What does a rutabaga look like?
Me: Uhh...I'm better with fruit questions.
He wanders off and asks another woman (who looks MUCH more domestic than me). And, if you're concerned, we saw him on the way out and he had in fact found a rutabaga. And if you don't know either, it looks like so (whoever had given him said rutabaga mission had told him it looked like celery...not so much):

==================
3) I shouldn't have given the dog that bone. She stanks.

I'll miss you December!

2008-12-26T13:04:00.000-08:00

December, you were a great, albeit odd, month. Not only did you have Christmas this year (and every year) but you also marked our official move to Austin. So what if it meant we lived for weeks with nothing but a bed (and even now have the majority of our furniture still in our "staged" house in Dallas) - at least we're in AUUUUSSSTTTIIIN! If only you'd sold our house too, you would have been perfect. Here's hoping January can swing that last bit. We'll miss ya December, thanks for all you do...

A fantastic new work team! (this photo was taken after lunch at Hai Ky in Westlake - highly recommend!)

A fun party with good friends (and more than one Cosby show reference)!

Yummy Home Slice (although certainly not particular to December)! Timmy = itty-bitty; Pizza = HUUUUGGGEEE

Dogs singing Christmas carols! (whoops, you're going to have to turn your head - apparently there's a learning curve on my new camera).

New work friends with funny accents!

Miller Lite! (claaassssy!)

New backyard for doggies!

Gourmet Christmas Breakfast! (IHOP)

And yummy Christmas dinner (jalapeno pork tenderloin, taters, green beans & brownie sundaes...mmm!)

BRING IT JANUARY!

Random catch me up...

2008-12-22T08:28:00.000-08:00

Well, Tim and I are in Dallas getting ready to pack up some more stuff and bring it down to Austin. We're bringing a little bit of furniture (THANK GOD) so we'll actually be able to sit in our living room. Still leaving a lot of stuff here though since the house is still for rent/sale indefinitely and we want it to stay staged. Thankfully, we scored ourselves a cheap deal on a little truck.

I scrambled this weekend to finish up my holiday goodies before leaving so I could drop them off at the office. I rotate between toffee and peppermint marshmallows, and it was a marshmallow year. Mmmm...they're actually really easy and fun to make! Recipe is here if you're interested: Recipe Wrap two of 'em up with a packet of hot cocoa and a sprinkle of snowflake confetti and you have a sweet treat for co-workers and the like!

So, changing subjects, this makes me laugh...hard (goooooo Noodles!)

Also in "things that make me laugh"... Tim and I don't have cable in our new place in Austin. However, MTV Trece (Latin MTV) comes in. And on MTV3 is this show called Bust a Ritmo. The theme of this show is that you have a secret you need to confess or apologize for. So, in order to do that, you learn a dance in 24 hours, perform it for the person you need to confess to, and then have your confession. Um...what? Is this not the strangest premise for a show ever? So if you spent all the money your mom loaned you for school on acting lessons, or you cheated on your man - all you have to do is learn some sexy latin dance moves and perform them and then all is...better? less awkward? i'm still not sure i get it.

Will this save me from divorce?

2008-12-16T17:54:00.000-08:00

There are a couple stupid things in Tim and I's relationship that could take us down - his directional retard-ness, my inability to get up in the morning without at LEAST 20 minutes of snoozing. I'm pretty sure I may see this under my tree this year.

Clocky
Introducing the alarm clock that runs away and hides when you don't wake up! Clocky gives you one chance to get up like a normal person. But if you try to cheat and stay in bed (you know who you are!), Clocky will jump off of your nightstand, alarm sounding, and wheel around your room looking for a place to hide. Fully adjustable: set it to snooze once before running away, or even not to run away at all. Clocky is genius!