Happy Halloween

This year I decided to do Lady Gaga. It might have been done to death, but whatever, how often do you get the opportunity to go out in public without pants. While I realize that the lack of pants should put in the trampy category of costumes, but I would like believe that I still haven't gone the way of "sexy _____". After careful consideration, I decided to go with Poker Face Lady Gaga:


Per usual, I did keep with my personal life view of "go big or go home" and committed to leotard and hood only. Let me tell you, walking down the street to the house party I went to was a bit chilly to say the least. The costume was well received, and I even won "best celebrity look-a-like". Here are two pictures I took on my computer before I headed out, I figured I would spare the internet a picture that would include my bum.

Sad way to wake up

My midterm was last night. I have been somewhat dreading this particular exam for about a week. This dread upped dramatically after I attended the review session, that lasted 3 hours, on a Sunday morning. The one silver lining about it, was that I knew after it was over, I would head home and watch the season finale of Project Runway. I wanted to see Mondo win. During NY fashion week, I had seen some images of the runway shows via @tomandlorenzo who the authors of one of my favorite blogs. From what I saw, I was banking on the win going to the little guy, and this was when there was still 10 contestants competing on the show.

As soon as I got home, I settled down on the couch and pulled up the tapping on the DVR. As the show progressed, I began checking twitter, and all of a sudden my stomach dropped. The worst feeling came over me, and that was the idea that Gretchen pulled off the win. After the runway shows, I just had to fast forward to the end, because I just couldn't believe it, and didn't want to hear any of the judging blather. I was speechless. The judges were clearly on crack. They gave the win to Gretchen's ugly unfashionable dresses. Many out there in the internets have stated that she belongs as a designer for Urban Outfitters. Maybe I have just grown up in my taste, or maybe U.O. has changed its direction, but I used to shop often at those stores, and never once would I have considered these garments.

I think Jessica Simpson made the best point. If you were in a department store and there was a rack full of Gretchen's garments, you would walk right by, but if there was another rack full of Mondo's you would totally stop, pause, and consider. The line was described by the judges as too youthful. I was unaware that now that I am a grown woman, I should hate bright prints, fun fabric pairings, and general bounce. It was a real downer for me to climb into bed after I processed what I just witnessed. I had opted to stay up, not catch up on sleep, just to see what I would consider extremely boring clothes win a design competition.

When I woke up this morning, I was convinced it was all a dream, I didn't actually see the show and instead had some weird economics inspired nightmare. Nope. Sadly Gretchen still has the win. All I can say, is that 6 months from now, I will still remember the polka dot dress that finished Mondo's show which Nina and Michael hated for God knows what reason. My only complaint about the garment is that I would have a hard time adjusting my long gait to wear it. But I would totally get over that little problem, as the thing is absolutely gorgeous.

In the background I also loved the square dress. I think playing with dress shapes like that is brilliant and totally "in"

I think the other favorite, for me, was the plaid dress with bubblish skirt. This is something I would 100% kill to own and totally find any and every excuse to wear.

Yes, the head pieces were a little silly, but hey, even they were more memorable than anything Gretchen produced. The judges loved the jewelry she had FORGED but I thought it was heavy looking, awkward, and too big. I can say that I do remember those weird pendant things, but couldn't even tell about a single outfit they were paired with.

I send out my love of Mondo with this post, and hope to find his website online soon. For the last week or so, I have been googling him, but cannot seem to find his site. I would buy his stuff, I would even consider giving up booze and shoes for 6 months to save up for it. Just saying.

1, 2, 3 and to the 4... wives

On Sunday, TLC put on a Sisterwives marathon. Over the course of the last few weeks I have read a number of blog posts about this show and vowed never to watch it. But, like my Jersey Shore vow, I completely crumbled and gave the show about 3 hours of my tv's life. My only defense is that I was doing homework and so it was just on in the background. At the same time, I cannot deny the fact there were times I paused my work so I could rewind a bit to make sure what I thought I heard was accurate.

There are a number of reasons I would not want to be any of those women.Well there is the obvious, the 16 children - oh did you think I was going to say 3 other wives? - imagine being in a house where there is always at least one toddler!

After the kids, would be the wives. I mean, the kids come first, because I imagine the other wives wouldn't like it if I said, nope, not touching those brats, you deal with them. Because of this attitude, I think I would make a terrible candidate as a sisterwife. Dang.

The third would be Kody himself. What do these women see in him? He is pretty creepy. From what I've read he converted to a religion that allows for polygamy. I know people convert religions all the time, but my gut tells me this guy did it for the extra wives. There is no mention of attending services ever.

I know I have no interest in living this lifestyle. Additionally, I hate the number of people who are getting famous for no reason except they are happy to be a fame whore. I think I could have stepped away after the first episode or two. I had a small interest in the first three wives, but not enough to want to continue watching this feathered hair man court a fourth. No, what kept me watching and invest all this time to the show was a clip that TLC kept showing.

It centered around Kody with all his wives letting out a secret that the newbie wife was appalled and embarrassed about. My money was premarital sex, there was a lot of talk about how wrong it was for her to even kiss him when he proposed, and since she isn't allowed even in the big house until the wedding ceremony, I just felt it had to be something physical. Boy was I wrong. He picked out her stupid wedding dress. Ugh. What a waste of my Sunday. And now it has wasted a post. Shaky fist TLC, shaky fist!

Animal Prints Go!

Just got two new pairs of shoes. One pair is for work, the other for fun. Of course I would rather blog about the fun pair. As you can see I now own some zebra printed heels, and not only do they have an awesome animal print, but there is some awesome lace-up detailing on the back. They aren't as tall as I prefer, however, they aren't too bad. I can't wait to sport them out and about the city. If only I had a night that wasn't devoted to school, work, homework, or kickball.

Girls Night Revamped

I love having Girl Nights. As much as I love going out with a group of guys and girls, there is something about Girl Night Out (or In) that I just love. These nights are always full of lots and lotsof giggling.

Last night I went to a friend's house were we made dinner and watched a movie. The five of us helped to make mac and cheese, scallops, asparagus and apple crisp. Once everything was ready to be plated we snuggled into various couches and chairs to watch Iron Man 2.

The time before, was the BBQ feast and viewing The Town. If I think back one more Girl Night, it consisted of buffalo chicken dip, pizza and chick flicks.

I should hope by now, you have identified a pattern. Each of these nights, consists of food and movies. Alcohol also tends to make an appearance. As much as I enjoy a good dinner and movie, there are times I want a little more. Sometimes a theme is thrown into the mix, like, oh say, Twilight. But that doesn't change the fact that the night falls into the same pattern of food and film.

Fortunately, two girls from Indiana University have created a website devoted to girl night themes. Their nights tend to focus on home made meals (just like us) and crafts! I love the idea of this website and plan to frequent it before the next Girls Night In. I always complain about not having a belt to belt a dress, so maybe I will take a page out of Lazy Thursdays and have everyone make a Fantastic Fabric Belt.

Blogger Fail

Today after work I am scheduled to retake a Economics exam. Have I mentioned I am in grad school before? I'm too lazy to check, but if we are friends in real life, you definitely know this for the following reasons:

1. I haven't been going to Redline on Thursdays on a regular basis
2. I am severely behind in reading my magazines
3. Additionally, my dvr is filling up
4. Finally, I complain about having to do homework/study/attend class
   

Anyway, I can't bring myself to pay attention to supply, demand, or elasticity. I checked out a friend's blog. At this point I need to point out that she also uses google blogger. After catching up her musings, I considered my options; study economics or play blogger roulette by clicking on "next blog".

Of course I went for the next blog. I quickly went through about eight blogs in about 15 seconds. Why? Because it turns out if you decide to be a stay at home mom these days, you are required to create a blog around your child. Eight(!) blogs that center around the daily lives of someone under 2. These blogs were not about parenting, but about daily happenings in the life of a being that cannot speak. I get scrapbooks, photo albums, and home movies. But not these websites. Save the play-by-play crawl across the room to gnaw on some plastic object for your partner. The rest of us just don't care. I know that sentence sounds cruel, but let's face it, none of those women would be reading my blog anyway.

New Robot in the Nursery School

Do you remember Alfie the Playskool robot? I do. He was awesome and soooo hi-tech back in the 80s. There was no reason for me to reminisce about this lovable robot if it weren't for a commercial that I almost fast forwarded through. Turns out that Hasbro has decided to revamp him. I'm not sure how I feel about this new look. In the end, I think I still prefer the old look. But if I had never seen the original, this new round guy is pretty adorable.

Should be called "Overwhelming"

I got a new phone this weekend, since I was due for an upgrade on my verizon plan. This time, I decided to go big and get a smartphone. Before heading to the store, I thought I had prepared myself enough to feel secure in phone shopping, but like always, picking out a phone is more work than you ever expect. In the end I went with the Driod X. The phone is amazing, and very smart, I am not even sure I have begun to understand all that it can do. What I do know, is that these phones shouldn't be called smartphones, but overwhelmingphones.

During the first day, I had fun finding a Lady Gaga ringtone app and checking my email while on the drive to JC Penny's with my mom. But later on messages started coming in, and I wasn't always sure if I was reading an email, text, or direct message from twitter. I just rolled with it all and figured it doesn't matter how I am getting back to everyone, the important thing is replying.

I am still working on figuring out some of the basics, e.g. getting my daily alarm to actually ring. But, overall I am very excited for this new phone and am happy to know I won't have to worry about getting lost while driving in the future, so long as the 3G network is available to connect to.

PS I did get the bundle of accessories that goes with the new phone. My Droid X currently lives happily inside a hot pink skin and matching skullcandy earbuds (with mic) for hands free chit-chatting

Old Spice has nothing on Grover

Sesame Street is really pulling out the big guns lately. The skits have been referencing all sorts of great pop culture videos/movies/shows. It looks like this might be a new parody, and I think the parents will approve of this one a bit more than the Katy Perry sing-a-long with Elmo.



I read in online that there might be an adult Sesame Street in the works. Fingers crossed! I do love me some muppets.

Never underestimate the Tortoise

Today is the Friday before Columbus Day weekend. Did I expect any extra traffic on my drive home from work today? Heck no. Was I concerned that my car barely had any gas left when I left the parking garage? Nope. Should I have been? Pretty much.

The traffic was bad. In fact, it might have been some of the worst I have ever traveled in since I started commuting 10 months ago. Am I exaggerating? Don't think so. Here's why:

Things were moving fairly well until I had to turn onto North Harvard. There was nothing to clue me into the monster grid lock I was about to drive into. But I got about halfway to the next light and had to come to a complete stop. This never happens. I am usually pretty good until I get onto the bridge. At first, I thought no big deal, we will move. Oh man, how wrong was I. Below is a map of the area. From where North Harvard hits Western to where it crosses Memorial is .6 of a mile.

Do you know what went faster than me? For .6 miles -- which is just over a mile remember.

Nope, not a bike.

OR a runner

Or a vespa

Or a something else you think of when you think fast.

I was beaten by a DACHSHUND. The only thing worse would have been a chihuahua.


I saw the little guy just as I went through the intersection. He was frolicking in some grass. I thought to myself - cuuuuuuuute. Seeing him made me think that it was a good sign for a great weekend. Then I hit traffic and started to stress about the lack of gas in my car. That stress only rose when, still only about halfway over the bridge, I see this same dog pass by me on the sidewalk. Oye.

Don't worry friends, I managed to cut around the worst of the traffic and coasted into the gas station on fumes.

SO FUZZY...I could die

Today I decided I wanted a pet bunny. But not a big rabbit. I want a dwarf bunny. I would prefer if he were really really really teeny. I don't have a lot of space a regular sized bunnies need really big cages. I just want a small bunny so he can have a smaller cage. Also, he would be easier to pick up. My only fear with having a small bunny is that he could be easily misplaced.

To my parents, who may or may not be reading this, you can feel reassured I will most likely give up on this plan by the time I get to my econ class. Something else will become more pressing in my mind, like a new pair of boots, leaving me with less disposable income and therefore keeping me bunnyless.

Girl Date!

My professor let us know a few weeks ago that our class this week would be canceled. She had suggested that everyone work on their group projects as everyone should now have 7-9:30 free. Well, two of the members of my group saw the free night as a way to earn more money and agreed to work late, which meant free night for me! I mean, it would have been rude to work on the project myself, I wouldn't want anyone to feel bad about not pulling their own weight.

So instead, I thought why not have a girl date with one of my best friends. We agreed to enjoy a feast at Redbones. Thanks to a groupon that I had burning in my pocket, we were able to enjoy three different types of meat (sausage, ribs, pulled pork), sweet potato fries, cold slaw, beans, and of course some pie. Once we got to the point that another bite could not even be considered, let alone executed, we saw that it was almost 9 pm and time to head over to the movie theater to see The Town.

Let me tell you, this movie was amazing. As you may know, many scenes we re shot here in the Boston area. My friend and I had a great time picking out areas that we frequent.

Early on, Ben Affleck's character eats lunch with Rebecca Hall's. They are sitting on the patio of Grendal's Den. How do I know that? Well, first if you have ever walked in the area, you can tell based on the surroundings. But the main reason is that I stood in the park area for my entire lunch hour the day it was filmed hoping to see someone famous. Sadly, no one came out and I had to return to my office sad.

Later on there is a large sequence that was shot in the northend right by Bacca's. We had eaten there during restaurant week together, so of course we made a little girly shrill of excitement when the location was on the screen. I won't spoil the ending, but I will say, it was disappointing after about 2 hours of awesome.

Even taking into account the ending, this movie gets my stamp of approval, and I urge you all to go out and see it. I mean, come on, it's a Ben Affleck movie.

Diet Salt?

To help prevent stress in my life, I want to start getting up at 6 am, rather than 7:15, so I can get a small workout done in my living room before work. To get to this point, I am slowly getting myself accumulated to waking up earlier. Right now my alarm goes off at 6:30. Since this doesn't give me enough time to wake up enough to function and follow direction, I am just enjoying the morning at a slower pace.

Part of my morning now allows for me to eat breakfast at home, rather than at my desk, while watching some early morning tv. Occasionally when I turn on the set an infomercial is playing. I love these ads as the host is always so over the top. Recently, I saw a new one for a product that I can only describe as "diet salt".

Sensa is a weight loss product that you simply shake onto your meal and then you are done. The ad says no drugs or pills, but I have to think that Sensa falls under one of those two categories. Just because it is a powder doesn't prevent it from being a drug. I mean, if this powder rule is true, Lindsay Lohan should be allowed out of rehab!

I am an addict

As of Wednesday morning, I decided I would admit to myself, and my friends, that I am a potato and french onion dip addict and I need to stop. It was a hard for me to put this embarrassing fact out there to the world and stop cold turkey. I mean I have had chips and dip in my apartment for almost a year straight. As soon as the bag of chips or dip container emptied, I would be sure to buy more supplies. And yes, sometimes, I would eat the combination for dinner. Not my most proudest moment, by as a recovering addict, I know that part of the process is acknowledging the bad behaviors.

Now, I would appreciate it if you kept your chuckles to yourself, many people suffer from French Onion Dip Addictions. I was talking with a group of people at a bar just the other day and some how we got on this topic. One of the girls yelled out that her friend was currently trying to quit it. I felt for that girl, and hope she is still going strong.

With two days in, I am already feeling the urges surfacing to throw my hands up and then into a bowl of ruffles. This afternoon, I made the executive decision that Doritos are made of corn, and therefore, it is ok for me to splurge on those. They are the methadone to my heroin. I never said this battle would be easy, but eventually I hope to be able to attend a party and not hover over the snack table at all.