Birthday Month, Day 1: Buy every magazine of interest

It's birthday month! 

One day just isn't enough. There is too much pressure on a 24-hour period to be spectacular, so I celebrate the entire month. It's what I do and I think you should too. 

For the kickoff of birthday month I'm heading to the nearest Barnes & Noble to collect every April magazine on the shelves (within reasonable interest). I've always had a thing for magazines. They're like a vacation from reality, a power nap for the soul. Not to mention the undeniable wisdom in the horoscopes, and this month, the Aries paragraph will be twice as long! It's a treat, and much less fattening than cupcakes. 

oh hey there dream world!

And this is what life is like in my dreams: Strolling the streets of New York City, newspaper in hand, with the perfect dress that both flatters and indulges my inner girly girl.

Reality:

Newspapers (in paper form) continue to dwindle.

Hats look terrible on me.

I live in Dallas and rarely stroll without George dragging me.

But I always find the perfect dress.

teach me how to snuggie

This past weekend some friends and I participated in a Snuggie Pub Crawl through Uptown Dallas. It was a bit ridiculous. Most people were trying to celebrate Super Bowl weekend, but we had bigger plans. The stares were priceless, but I promise there were a respectable number of us bar hopping snuggie-wearers. And please take note of my blue tie-dye snuggie! Who knew they were so fashionable? (They also have pockets now.)

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)

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!

distractions

I need a distraction. Some fantastic news revealed itself last week, almost dream-like. Giddy with excitement, I began making plans. But it's not yet a done deal. It's in the process and completely out of my hands. Thank goodness. If it was in my hands I would probably be making a rash fool of myself to make it happen.

So I need a distraction to help time quickly pass.

Like that turquoise charm hanging from her bracelet.

Like that blue mat.

Like that ship chandelier.

Like yellow flowers in your hair.

Expect the unexpected. But be patient.

Fashion Friday

If today was payday there are a few things I would splurge on. Well, I would splurge on the entire Alexa Chung for Madewell collection, but it's already sold out :( lame.

So here they are:

(jcrew)

Great work dresses that I wouldn't mind catching a happy hour in after a long, busy workday.

It's the weekend!! well, almost, but that's good enough for me!

Tacos and Margaritas, here I come!

on a wednesday afternoon

A few randoms: I really want some mac&cheese and I love you Wednesday because you make it almost Thursday.

(plush palate)

I need to re-create this outfit. As fall approaches in Texas it becomes nearly impossible to dress in fall fashion with the temperature still hovering around the 90s. So, layers are necessary, allowing the perfect work outfit that is both season and temperature appropriate. After work I often throw off the cardigan and open the sunroof, it's like a modern-day freedom experience. I hit the open road, or the open parking lot until I hit the inevitable rush-hour traffic, bummer.

But all this aside, dresses always work, and cardigans always work, which means I need this outfit.

Stay-tuned...

I think I'll make some homemade mac&cheese tomorrow,

as long as I go to yoga first.