While surfing through the internet I may have found out why I am always craving chips and french onion dip at 11 pm. As it turns out Sleep-Deprived People May Crave High-Calorie Foods and I would wager that this snack is pretty bad for me. Interestingly enough, I have been going to bed around 8:30 or 9 pm the last few nights in an attempt to get over a terrible sinus infection. At no point in time have I walked into my apartment, headed straight for the kitchen for the Heluva Good and Ruffles. Instead I have been going a more healthier route. So strange. In the end, I hope I can return to a lifestyle that consists of 6 hours of sleep and lots of fatty foods.
After kickball today, I decided to stop at my favorite store, Hootenanny, to look for some funky accessories for both kickball, and life. After looking at the wall of tights and socks - I chose some black and white striped knee-high tights for weekday kickball - I wandered over to the sales section. That is where I happened upon the best bag ever: How could I say no to this one. It was only $9.99 and now it is mine. The fabric feels water repellent and I decided it could be my library bag. Between the books and cds that I take out of the local public library, and movies from my college library, I need a designated bag to courier the items back and forth. I couldn't be happier with this splurge.
Club Monaco's fall collection has the dress I never knew I always wanted. For the last two summers, I have been on the look out for a whimsical white summer dress. But I never realized how delicate a dress I truly wanted/needed. I now know exactly what I am looking for:
Sadly, I have a feeling this dress will be beyond my price range. And furthermore, most of the classier events that I have in the summers are weddings. As of right now, it is still considered tacky and taboo to show up in white. Can't justify splurging a dress that is limited in functionality. Sigh.
Like many others out there, I have decided to devote a number of my Sunday nights to the major awards ceremonies. The best part of the whole pomp and circumstance is the pre-show Red Carpet coverage, obviously. Haute Couture Spring 2012 were shown a little bit ago, and I just went through and decided to pick out what I would wear, if I were invited and allowed to borrow the good stuff. :)
Versace
As this is my first awards show, I would want to make a statement. The rookie mistake is to go with the first pretty dress you see. While I adore this dress, I do understand it is probably a bit too busy for me. I just don't think I am tall enough to pull off a silhouette like this. There is a lot of design going on, very visually appealing, but I don't think I have enough practice "owning" my look to come out on the Best Dress List after getting photographed.
Valentino
The daredevil in me is drawn to this sheer number. I had no interest in Rihanna's sheer, but this, I love. I think because it is just showing the outline of the body underneath. The purple hue keeps me from wondering if the woman is wearing any underwear, and her boobs seem to be covered well enough. This photo is taken during a runway show, I do have a few concerns that it could be little bit more see through on the RC. Let's keep going
Dior
Voluminous skirts win over sheath dresses any day in my book - well maybe not on a wedding day but that is a whole other bag of chips. Dior provided me with a number of dresses to consider. I could see myself going with this if I were a pro at the RC, not for my first go.
This is getting warmer. The skirt is a little flat for me. But the colors are good for my hair/skin/eyes. Really the draw back is the sleeves. I overheat and tend to be a bit sweaty in long sleeves. No one wants pit stains ruining a good awards ni
And it is Dior for the win. Yellow is my color and tulle is my thing. The design along the neck would help give me a more womanly as it creates an illusion of a bust. I don't think I would style things the same way though. The gloves are fun but would have to go - remember I need to stay cool.
I can't wait to see the Oscar dresses, those women better bring the glam!
I used two of my gift cards this past weekend and purchased much needed snow boots. Just try to find a pair of quality size 7 snow boots right now, totally not an easy endeavor. Much to my surprise, all my stuff was waiting for me at my doorstep when I got home from class. It kind of felt like a mini Christmas. Too bad I only just took down my tree a week ago.
I happily have warm waterproof winter boots, new tasty coffee, face wash and new make-up tools. In case you have never ordered from Sephora, you should reconsider online purchases rather than store ones. You get to pick out your samples online. Yeah, most of it is perfumes, but it is still it is fun to pick things out that I really want to try out. There are also codes you can put in to get even more samples, I now have some Bare Essentials powered. Coooool. :)
Can't wait to try out my boots tomorrow. The bus stop is a good 15 minute walk away with the snow, I hope my toes stay super warm.
Ever since I moved out of my parents' house, money has been my biggest concern. I needed to be sure I was covering all my bills, have some left over to save for a rainy day, and then still even more for retirement. Bills were initially easy, as was saving. It took me until about year out before I really started with any retirement savings.
Then I got a little too ambitious. I decided to live by myself. This quickly cut down my ability to save. Once I returned to school, there were a few additional costs, but class and homework got in the way of part time work. This meant serious budgets!!! I need to reduce spending that does not fall under utilities, rent, gas, and food. After a unexpected trip to the garage, leaving me with a $139 bill, I was bummed that I wouldn't be able to pick up some items from Sephora I had meaning to get, or a new pair of winter pants. Boooo.
Just to be sure that I was up to budget for January, I went to check on my credit card. That is when I noticed I haven't cashed in my points for about a year. I use my credit cards for everything. All those charges allow for me to gain points, and I always use them to order $25, $50 or $100 gift cards. It allows for me to treat myself guilt free. :)
This time I am going with Amazon, J-Crew, and Sephora. This should allow me for a combination of things I need and want to get me through the next semester. Honestly, if I could charge my rent check I would be this much closer to a Banana Republic guilt-free splurge.
New Year's resolutions are silly, I know. People make a number declarations about how they will quit smoking, join a gym, and eat healthier. Others will read the classics, cut down on tv, or start hiking. A month later, old habits return and gyms make out by taking in new memberships but don't have to worry about dealing with an increase of visitors to the facilities. Wait, now that I think about it, many people make a resolution to join a gym, they don't often specify that they will ever step into it afterward, so I guess that means they went through with their plans. Just a thought.
Please don't read this as me saying that I am above making resolutions, I made two on my blog on January 1st and since then have added a few more as ways to improve my quality of life. I am a realist in the sense that I know putting join a gym on the list is a silly way for me to throw away money, but I will look into either another social sport to play, I'm looking your way broomball and touch football, or a dance class. Maybe if I find a really good deal I could find myself frequenting a pilates or yoga studio.
One of my new resolutions that I have found easy to implement and is already providing me with amazing results is cleaning for 15 minutes each day. I had read about a resolution like this before, in fact, I might mentioned this idea at least 2 other times in the blog - clearly it didn't stick. For the last few days I have gone home and done a 15 minute clean. I think I am able to get more done in that quarter of an hour than I do when I try cleaning for an hour because I knew that it would be over soon and I wanted to be productive.
If you tend to let your apartment/house/condo get messy and then feel overwhelmed at the idea of tidying up, this process is totally for you. :) I'll spare you the rest of my resolutions because A) that can be boring to read and B) in case they don't stick you won't know I failed.
The only plans I made going into my Christmas vacation home was to go out to Charlie O's for my birthday and see Black Swan with my sister. The first was easily accomplished. Black Swan took some extra work as the snow kept us home-bound for a bit, and then there was Miki. How do you leave a cutie like that home alone?!?!
Well, we finally felt ready to head out for an afternoon showing. Natalie Portman's character, Nina, is emotionally complex. We are quick to see her need for perfection. Nina focuses on her form and movement, leaving the emotion behind the ballet as an afterthought. It is this exact issue that leaves the director hesitant to cast her as the lead in Swan Lake. His version has the lead woman play both white and black swan (I assume this is different from the traditional piece - let's check wikipedia - nope this has been the case since the 1800s), and from a technical perspective knows Nina is the best for the role, but is unsure if she can bring the passion for the seduction needed for the Black Swan.
Obviously she gets the part. If she didn't the movie would just end. For the sake of those who have not seen the film yet, I will skip over all of the crazy things that happen up until the end (but don't worry I am still not revealing anything you don't already know). Throughout the movie, Nina is being asked to prove that she is sexual enough for the part of the Black Swan. I have to admit, I agreed with the douchey ballet director, Nina just didn't have it in her. Her body emaciated body - from what I have read, is pretty accurate for a dancer - did not give off anything close to sexy. The movements did not draw me in.
But then it happens. The final sequence includes a very powerful Black Swan performance. Her movements have so much emotion behind them, that I began to really lose myself in the energy.
Just look at this frame. There is serious power and control being forced through the movement. Once the ballet began my heart started to race. I could feel my breathing slow down. Then after the final moment was over and there is that beat before the credits roll, I slowly took myself out of the reality that was created for me. I notice I have not breathed in and force a breath.
Over the last few years, I have noticed that I can get very invested in movies, tv and literature. Occasionally a piece moves me to the point of breathlessness. Coming out of theaters after this happens is always exhilarating and I can't wait to feel the same way again - kind of junkie behavior. I try not to go into movies expecting this, as to avoid disappointment. Seeing the previews for this movie made me think I would enjoy it, I never thought I would get so enveloped in the visuals, as it is shot completely with a hand-held camera and I tend to dislike that kind of jerky framework. Here it completely complimented the emotions Nina was experiencing, drawing me further and further into the plot.
In the end, go see this movie! I won't promise you will forget to breath, but I can't imagine you will come out disappointed.
Sunbeam makes a Donut Maker! In minutes you can go from no donuts in the house to FIVE fresh and warm circles of love!
The ad doesn't indicate if a recipe book comes with the machine itself, but I am sure Sunbeam wouldn't leave me hanging. Either way, I would have no issue researching the best way to create delicious donuts.
While this phenomenal machine is being sold for the low low price of $39.99. Normally, I would have no problem pulling out the credit card for this purchase, but it is the Christmas season. Therefore, not a ton of discretionary income laying around to provide myself with silly do-dads.
Maybe there are some Christmas (and birthday) elves (there are totally birthday elves out there don't try and argue me on that one) and I, too, can be a proud owner of a donut making machine.
After chowing down Thanksgiving weekend, I thought it might be in my best interest to go on a diet until the Santa Speedo Run. The run is on December 11th and I would rather look as fit as possible when running around Boston in a bathing suit. Last night I made a declarative statement on twitter that it would be salad and pilates for the next two weeks. I find that if I don't let a large group know about my intentions, I don't go through with them.
After tweeting, I went the Exercise TV section of my On Demand and found a 21 minute pilates workout. Did the whole thing, felt good, felt positive. My plan began to form. Salads and some pasta for lunch/dinner, maybe some oatmeal for breakfast. Maybe I should do a second workout in the morning. You know, start the day off properly, helping me get some bounce in my step.
Well, all of this has gone up in smoke. Why? Because while I was shopping around the grocery today, after picking out THREE different types of lettuce, I came across this:
You're seeing this right. Cabot is making a Smoky Bacon Cheddar Cheese. And a block of it is sitting in my fridge as we speak. I haven't cut open the packaging yet, but I can't imagine I will make it through another day. Bacon and cheddar cheese can't be good for my diet. A beach body in December is pretty unrealistic, I mean, I can barely handle one during the summer.
I am not a huge breakfast person. Cereal tends to gross me out. I'm not sure why, I only assume it has something to do with the fact that I like crunch foods. In general, it takes me a while to eat breakfast and the cereal gets soggy. Uck.
Then there is the pancake, waffle, and french toast arena. Again, probably do to texture, I am not a huge fan. I rarely will use maple syrup, and if I do it is sparingly, instead I often go with jams. It might also be the sweetness. Not such a sweet person, well I'm nice and charming, but I prefer tart or salty whenever possible.
This leaves me with eggs. As much as I hate the smell of eggs, they are by far my favorite breakfast main course. All egg dishes must be accompanied by bacon (super crispy) and some sort of potato dish. Breakfast sandwiches and burritos are a personal favorite, as it allows for everything good and yummy to be within a super tasty easily portable setup. Back in college Culpeppers had the ultimate sandwiches. I miss them terribly.
Sigh.
This morning I was having a huge craving for such a sandwich. Last night I had a lot of fun with the second round of kickball playoffs. I needed that bit of grease to get the morning started off on the right foot. Realizing I had no where else to turn, I pulled up to my Dunkin Donuts and went for the Bacon/Egg/Cheese.
Scary enough, I had never purchased a breakfast sandwich from any fast food place before. Something about those premade circles of egg just freak me out. But, damn Gina, it wasn't half bad. I'm pretty sure this delicacy will become a staple in my life. Thanks Dunkins. You never fail me.
Friday night I was put up as a lot in a date auction hosted by my kickball league. This was a last minute decision and caused all sorts of anxiety. No matter how many times my teammates promised they would bid on me I was still envisioning getting on stage and there being no reaction.
As the auction began, I continued to get nervous, the crowd didn't seem that interested. But when I went up there was some serious interest. There were a number of hands in the air bidding on me that were not my teammates, which made me feel pretty awesome. My fears melted of those crickets, and I decided to be my goofy self and dance around the stage (mind you there was NO music playing).
After the event finished, I came up with the idea that I should rent myself out on dates. I mean, people were interested. Why not make dating profitable? In about 20 seconds, I realized that dates + payment for dates = escort = whore. Oooopsie. Bad plan. Scrapping that one.
Hopefully I can think of another way to make some spare cash. It's the holiday season after all and lots of fun takes lots of disposable cash.
I opened my gmail yesterday and saw this subject headlining an unopened email. A few months ago I put myself on the wait list for a few books through the Minuteman Library system. I received one of these emails a few weeks ago, and was unable to get to the library within the 2 day window because of classes other after work commitments. This time I was able to stop and pick up the book. Now I hope I can find time to read the 435 pages of "One Day". Considering I have about 3 months worth of magazines sitting in my living room begging to be read, the odds are not in my favor. Hopefully I can find the time. I think I'll start right now. Green Bay is kicking butts and taking names, so there isn't anything keeping me interested in tv tonight.
Lavin announced they are releasing a limited addition line for H&M later this month. There have been a number of designers pairing with H&M and Target. Usually, I know the fashion house, but this was the first time I was at a loss. After checking out their website, I realized that I might have found my new favorite if-I-were-fithy-rich-I-would-own-it-all designer. This stuff is fun, funky, and kind of perfect for my body shape.
As much as I think I love the clothes they have for sale, it might also be that the mannequins have some serious sass. The red lip, black cat eye, and red fingernails are a trip. Honestly, i think it gives the clothing additional appeal, as the forms make me think more of real women than a plastic mold.
On a price point perspective, purchasing from this fashion house is out of the question. The Fashion Night Out t-shirt is $450.00 and the Jersey-Silk Sequin T-Shirt Dress is $3,550.00. Which brings me back to H&M and November 23rd.
The look book for the H&M line is extremely exciting and wearable. While I would love a good party dress, the item that my eye immediately went to was a fabulous t-shirt dress/tunic piece. I would love to wear a fishnet type patterned tights and heels just because I think it would be funny. But this would be awesome paired with some regular black leggings or skinny black pants. The clothes are released on a Tuesday. It would a crying shame I got a really bad one day cold that day...
Work is slow, I don't want to do my homework, so what do I do? I surf amazon.com to figure out what I didn't know I wanted and/or needed. Every so often I will check in and see what amazon recommends for me. As I was scrolling through the page, I noticed that this website seems to think my culinary skills are limited to one particular tasty treat.
Can you pick up on the trend?
I will say, this has inspired me to create a new tasty jiggly treat, as it has been MONTHS since the last batch. First I need to find an occasion that calls for them. Hmmmmm, you know, I am pretty sure playing the wii on a Wednesday night is a pretty special event. Let's go with that!
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.
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.
Lots of work + lots of school + one hell of a cold.
I thought I was going to continue posting on fairly regularly basis even with the new time suck known as night school. What I didn't plan for was one major virus that attacked my sinuses and took no prisoners. Last week I took 2 sick days in a row. TWO IN A ROW. I think I have only ever taken 2 vacation days in a row once in the 4+ years I have been employed. I have class on Tuesday and Thursday nights, and decided to sleep the 48 hours between classes.
This week is my first quiz and I need to concentrate on the principles of economic theory. There are a few posts in the work, and maybe if all things go as planned, I can write up a few of them on Friday.
PS Emergen-c is a life saver. I totally recommend you start drinking it this winter if you never have, even if it vitamin c boosting powers aren't real, the drinks really help you get hydrated which is never a bad thing when your nose drips out of control.
It is about burping. Both my sister and I have some serious burping issues, which cause my parents to get a little upset with us. I try my best to keep them under control, but sometimes I get "the burps" and other times, one just needs to come out. Apparently I have a gas issue, it's ok. I'm cool with it.
Today I had to take the T downtown to work at an event. The car that I was in emptied out at Park Street and left maybe 10 of us to continue onto Downtown Crossing. All of a sudden, before I knew what was happening, I let out a burp. Not my biggest by any means, but it definitely had some volume and caught the attention of those around me. There was an older woman, around 60, who just lost it and started to giggle, while the girl standing across from me said "Nice one" with a huge smile on her face. There reactions made me laugh and also made me thankful I had to cross over the Orange line. At least I now know that people of all ages still think burps are funny. It's not just me. :)
Ever since I left high school my skin slowly started to go downhill. It wasn't an all over the place issue, pretty much the irritations stayed on the lower half of my face. For the last couple of years I have been avoiding the obvious choice of heading over to see a dermatologist. To some degree I was in denial, to another I was afraid there was nothing to be done, the rest was just laziness. About three months ago I bit the bullet and went.
The appoint was quick and easy. I left with a prescription and hope that my skin could be rebooted. After a few weeks, I saw drastic improvement and now there is just some redness/scarring. I went to Sephora to see if they had any products that might help with cell turnover, which should then allow for the color to fade and disappear. One of the helpful employees showed me the Clearing Mask by Kate Somerville and I found it to be a fantastic product.
The instructions state that it should be used just twice a week, so I go with Wednesday and Sunday nights. This allows for me to feel rejuvenated after three days of work (and now one day of class) and then again prepares me for the week to start all over. The mask goes on smooth. Since I use it on the lower half of my face, I am able to really enjoy the fragrance it gives off. I think it is something like simple tea. After the five minutes is up and I wash the mask off, my skin really does feel happy.
Personally, I think I see a difference and I would say the feeling of relaxation that I get from it is worth the price. If anyone has any other masks they find to be helpful, please let me know. :)
