he does look like a model

Today, I received an e-mail from George's DayCamp, informing me that a photographer would be taking pictures of the furry campers in a couple weeks. It is $25, but really can you put a price on that face? No.

George is one spoiled dog. When he has an upset tummy I cook him white rice and chicken, if he wants to sit on the couch, I move over, and nearly anything will be cleared off the schedule if a doggie playdate comes up (he's a popular pup).

But, this is new territory. Professional Photos. A one-on-one session with a professional photographer. Initially, I thought it would be comical watching a photographer try to keep George calm and collected, much less in a pose. This is the same dog who jumped on one girl and wrapped his leash around another within 30 seconds during our walk last night.

What do you think? 

Would you invest in professional pics of your pup?

Morning Playlist

Sweet Disposition- The Temper Trap

beautiful song, soft start for the am

Walking Far from Home- Iron & Wine

Brand spanking new album! This is perfect morning music.

Love Language- Hi-Tek, Les Nubians & Talib Kweli

A rare love rap song.

9 A.M. in Dallas- Drake

Could a title be more perfect?

Hot Thing (feat. will.i.am.)- Talib Kweli

A chorus that just says you're a "hot thing" over and over? anthem.

I'm in Love With the City- God Help the Girl

slow and thoughtful.

Dog Days Are Over- Florence + The Machine

running music staple.

GATman and Robbin- 50 Cent & Eminem 

oldie but goodie. obsessed with this song.

Superstar (feat. Matthew Santos)- Lupe Fiasco

Makes me feel like a superstar. really.

Fader- The Temper Trap

Perfect ending.

Morning Motivation

As I sit here eating Chess Pie for breakfast, the thought of working out in the morning crosses my mind yet again. Waking up when my alarm goes off 30 minutes early and ignoring the snooze button is not an easy feat. So, here are some ideas to get the morning workout going until it becomes a habit and I look like Jessica Biel.

Set the Coffee Pot Timer.

There is little that wakes me with the exciting jolt of fresh coffee brewing (extra joy if it's some flavored delight)

Create a Playlist

Music is a fantastic motivator. It brings joy to my life and allows me to zone out to the tune words by someone else. What if I create a playlist the night before and don't allow myself to listen to it until the morning?! Tricky tricky.

Assemble Outfit the Night Before

This is key. My mind is not functioning before several cups of coffee and I can't workout in my pajamas (well, I could, but not without embarrassing myself).

Alright great idea, easy as pie. Speaking of pie...

Do you have any morning workout motivators?

Goodbye dull skin, hello gorgeous!

My god this weather. Cold. Windy. Dark. And now my skin is starting to rebel against this winter forecast with a consistently dry and dull appearance. There is a desperate need for a wake-up call, particularly because my face and I have at least three more months of these fun (read: not fun.) surroundings.

In efforts to transform my boring complexion into a sparkling day-in-the-sun, I came across the following remedies that I will begin immediately.

1. Exfoliate

The most common suggestion is to exfoliate twice a week to get rid of those dead skin cells. done and done.

2. Exercise.

This is suppose to get the blood flowing and help you look and feel radiant. (I would like to argue that Real Housewives of Beverly Hills may have a similar effect.) guilty pleasures. guilty.

3. Drink Water.

This sounds simple enough. And walking to the bathroom a million times a day can be my exercise! Two birds. one stone.

4. Moisturize.

Moisturizing has always been a key component to my skin care regimen, but at least one article suggested continually applying it throughout the day. (Just what I need-something else to add to my purse.)

(a really good moisturizer)

time fleeting

Passing Time

Your skin like dawn

Mine like musk

One paints the beginning 

of a certain end.

To the other, the end of a 

sure beginning.

-Maya Angelou

This poem is better every time you read it.

baby steps

Greatest Accomplishment of 2011 (so far):

A morning workout!

Hopefully this becomes a habit, as that is the plan.

It wasn't an especially strenuous workout, but it was just enough to get the heart rate going and feel a bit better about wearing tights. The benefits of exercising in the morning are numerous, but the main obstacle of overcoming the snooze button continues to haunt my dreams.  Hopefully, the extra time this morning, allowing me to brew some coffee and sip it while getting ready for the day, and a bit longer walk for the pup pup, will motivate me enough to make this a routine.

Also on the agenda:

Read more.

Healthier eating habits.

Best moment: Bachelor watch party with a great friend + wine +snacks+magazines.

mlk day

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” –Strength to Love

“Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.” –Strength to Love

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” –Letter from Birmingham Jail

“I submit to you that if a man hasn't discovered something he will die for, he isn't fit to live.” 

-Martin Luther King Jr.

Inspiring words from an inspiring life, that tends to put a lot of little trials in perspective. 

happy friday!

Good times ahead this weekend!

girltalk concert

date night

warmer weather

two discs of Mad Men to catch up on

golden globe red carpet

sleeping in

brunch with bottomless mimosas

park time with george

Oh my goodness, I'm so excited about that list.

Hopefully it'll be a smooth transition into Pisces, but I think I'll miss being an Aries (so fierce).

Small dream~

a library, resembling the one above, and as an added bonus, make it my office. small dream.

Quinoa Salad

Quinoa has recently become my magical side dish. It is healthy (gluten-free) and could not be more versatile. My brother, who is as unhealthy as it gets and celebrates when he can order a McRib at McDonalds, enjoyed this ultra-healthy little edible seed, surprising everyone.

1 cup quinoa

2 cups chicken broth

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tbl thyme

1 tbl red pepper flakes

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

5 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped

kosher salt and pepper

Prepare the quinoa according to package (bring to boil, cover and simmer until water is absorbed) with the chicken broth. 

Transfer to serving bowl and mix with remaining ingredients.

A Winter Wardrobe in a Lunch Break

Today, I went shopping on my lunch break. It makes perfect sense: the crowds are smaller, lines are non-existent and the store is neatly organized for hassle-free browsing. Observing the 1-hour limit, I stopped at the nearest strip center and wandered in Old Navy. 

 Between the mannequin commercials and poor-quality, Old Navy hasn't seen much of me in quite a while. But today was a bit different. 

Wow, I was a little overwhelmed at finding anything, particularly at such great prices.

Basic Cable-Knit V-Neck Sweater, $20. 

Knit Cardigan, similar to this, is available in stores for $19.50. ridiculous. and soft.

Jersey Boat-Neck Dress, $20

I love this dress! It fits well and is a great casual dress to run errands in.

After perusing the website, it's probably better to go in-store. The prices are lower in-store and there seems to be a better selection than on the website. 

Happy Shopping and Stay Warm Friends!

Scarves

 Is there a more perfect winter accessory? 

The winter weather is dreary to say the least and this vibrant Madewell scarf just brightens my day. Pair it casually with jeans and a white blouse or any outfit that needs a little brightening.
 Any suggestions out there?  

You can never have too many scarves!

1/11/11

This date is almost as good as the upcoming 11/11/11...I've been excited about this since 8/8/8, when I caught on to what this new millennium really meant- a fabulous number game.

So, in light of this fabulous little gimmick, here's everything that is coming together to make this day perfect.

• Next day chili! I made this recipe last night, and while the chili was delicious (especially with the cold weather), it's suppose to get better with time. I do love leftovers.
• Hair day! There is little that brings me as much satisfaction as getting my hair did. And, as much fun as blond was, I'm going back to brunette. exhibit Olivia...
• Listening to music all day. (optional dancing)

• Cinnamon Puffins and Peanut Butter-my new favorite (gluten-free!) snack.
• Millionaire Matchmaker Season Finale! Because someone has to watch and see what Patti says.
• And I leave you with a butterfly wall in the latest issue of Lonny!

Well isn't that meaningful...

The million dollar question strikes again. What makes a relationship work? 

"The things that make a marriage last have more to do with communication skills, mental health, social support, stress-those are things that allow it to last or not. But those things don't necessarily make it meaningful or enjoyable or sustaining to the individual," says Arthur Aron, a psychology professor who directs the Interpersonal Relationships Laboratory at the State University of New York at Stony Brook.

First off, there's an Interpersonal Relationships Laboratory?! How do I get there and where can I fill out an application for employment?

There must be both meaning and enjoyment by each individual that is experienced within the relationship for sustainment. A common word of advice is to put the other person before yourself. I can't remember where I first heard the idea, but it was often reiterated that if you love and look out for the other person whole-heartedly, they will do the same for you and then you will always look out for them, and they you. This quickly falls apart. Society is too selfish for this to fully come to fruition. I quickly learned that I must look out for myself, and if I am able to do that then I am both easier to love and more accepting of the love I receive. (I don't desperately need someone to "look out" for me.)

The article, originally published in the New York Times last week, can be found here. It's quick, interesting and I recommend you read it, if you want. Let me know what you think!

sweaters and earrings and coffee

All I want is to wear this cozy sweater with glamorous earrings and sip cappuccino while the winter storm continues. But alas, I'm at work, on the phone with a computer programmer who is trying to teach me how to code. As you can tell, he has my full attention.

moscow mules are delicious

Winter days got you down? Missing that old kick in your step? Well, have I got the drink for you. Last night a friend of mine was in from out of town and we contemplated going to a hip little bar for drinks, but quickly remembered there was a new Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Problem solved, TV night in. 

We walked over to the liquor store, settling on ginger liqueur, but one does not elegantly sip a spicy ginger liqueur, so we turned the bottle around and discovered The Moscow Mule! yum. I highly recommend this for any winter girl's night.

Moscow Mule

1 oz vodka

1 1/4 oz ginger liqueur

splash of lime juice (Rose's)

 Top with club soda and serve over ice

After looking into the cocktail a little more, it is often served in a copper mug. Must locate some copper mugs.

Best moments~Sushi Happy Hour with girlfriends, checking things off my to-do list, rescuing my eyeball from a loose contact, George bouncing around on his walks, Chipotle for lunch, lobster rangoons

Ruby Red Slippers

It's ok, 

...to wear black nail polish with red sparkles, to work.

...to not answer a text/phone call.

...to try gluten-free just because gwyneth did.

...to hate waiting.

...to step away from your desk and daydream out a window.

...to spend way too much time in the grocery store.

...to love your dog more than a significant number of people.

...to have groceries delivered.

...to eat a healthy dinner instead of working out.

...to be excited about RHOBV tonight.

...to wait four weeks to fix your headlight.

...to buy yourself flowers.

...

...to be awesome.

let's fish together

What frustrates me the most about sitting inside an office building all day, is the limitless world out there that I feel I'm missing. It's this fear of missing something that often leaves me restless and anxious. There are so many people I want to meet, places I want to go, and projects I want to accomplish that some days feel like a complete waste, with nothing to show. Look at this beautiful family, fishing together and making the most of very little. There's comfort in appreciation and contentment in togetherness.

These are the days of our lives (thanks NBC). If moments of my life are not appreciated by me, then who's to appreciate them? There's a trick in loving every moment, and maybe I have to become a magician.

Beautiful notes~ Dinner with my best friend, unexpected visits from family, writing something I enjoy, peppermint tea, peanut butter chocolate bar for breakfast, new musical discoveries- alpha rev while writing and fefe dobson while running, health in my friends and family.

dreamer's disease

Don't ever let your dreams get you down. It's about the journey, overcoming the obstacles and creating a story. Your dreams are there to guide, not daunt, and life is to be lived, not watched.

Don't let me down.

Don't let me let you let me down.

2011 is off, and I love it. The biggest goal I have is finding beauty in the little things. This is so important to me, to love each and everyday. The news is constantly negative, that the beauty is all to often lost in the mix.

Beautiful notes~ the possibilities in interviews. unexpected and long phone conversations. cuddles from george. the crisp air. masters class on own (yes, it's awesome). the perfect outfit. lovely comments. 

A Resolution

"Did you ask any great questions today?"

Questions have never been my thing. It always made more sense to listen, take everything in and then ask questions later, usually in the comfort of my own home or in the company of my good friends. This is something I not necessarily regret, but want to begin reversing. Productive confrontation is important, and it is most beneficial if your thoughts are acknowledged before they fade. So, in the new year, I hope to ask more questions and get to the bottom of fleeting thoughts. 

Hello 2011!