Hot Off the Press, in low viscosity rayon

(viThis morning the Today Show was on in the background as I chose an outfit in which I would attack the day. Then, following a brief update on New Zealand, a story began on the Lilo saga. Apparently she’s going back to jail for stealing a necklace and you’d think the story would end there and preferably on E! News. 

Lohan is either in jail, rehab or the club, not a huge surprise these days. But, for the Today Show, this is a breaking story that deserves our undivided attention. I listened as the report recounted every detail of her outfit, compared the ensemble t to her previous courtroom outfits, and then surveyed her jailhouse possibilities. Why? 

I don’t know and was immediately offended that this was the story that made the air. Out of 7 continents and 192 countries filled with possible stories from the previous day, we are discussing Lilo’s v-neck and pant option for her court appearance, which will likely result in jail.

It’s probably a matter of ratings. The American public wants to watch that, like a train wreck. Maybe it’s because the news is softer, fluffier and everyone is familiar with the main character (albeit tired of her). There’s little, if any, controversy and the opinions are linear. I don’t know, but I think it’s unfortunate.

Obviously I enjoy fluff and subscribe to a fair amount of fashion/celebrity magazines, but in the appropriate format and prefer fluff topics that are not yet exhausted. Grain of salt.

pay it forward

A stranger paid for my coffee this morning. Have you ever had a morning that just set a magical tone for the rest of the day? This was one of those mornings. Every moment aligned into a picture.  I woke up, fully rested before my alarm went off, and left early for work with George, who was all set for a day at Doggie Day Camp.

The employees at PetSmart all greeted George by name and he wagged his little body into the play area. I love him. Ok, no more George tangents.

As I take my exit for work, the split decision is made to pick up a misto and muffin at Starbucks.  Roughly 500 cars were in the drive-thru, but I had my satellite radio readily entertaining me so I joined the masses in line. Then, the most magical thing of all happened. I pull up to the window to pay for my goodies and the driver in front of me had already paid my bill! A stranger had picked up the tab, without even a honk.
“What?” I questioned as the barista explained the good deed once more.

I was stunned and pleasantly surprised by the kindness of a stranger. It’s as if Dallas were trying to prove me wrong, claiming, “See how great we are? You just need to be open to it.”

Then the Barista asked if I wanted to pay for the person behind me, and so I did. Pay it forward was happening in real time, and who knows how long the good deeds went on. I like to think it lasted all morning.

Recipe for a Perfect Night

Yoga on Netflix

+

Glass of Wine

+

Face Mask

(Amazing at home recipe: Mix 1 tbl sugar with 3 tbl honey and apply to face, 10-15 minutes, miracle!)

+ 

Salad (which justifies chocolate chip cookies for dessert)

+ new episode of Glee

=

Perfect, Relaxing Night

Tuesday Tunes, hollaback

~This week is a little more indie. 

Enjoy and if you have an addition, 

I'd love to hear it~

Rolling in the Deep- Adele 

 Beautiful, powerful, I love her.

Time to Pretend- MGMT

Take me back to college, please.

Gimme Shelter- Rolling Stones

Classic Rock always gives the day a little more edge.

E.T.- Katy Perry (feat. Kanye West)

Love this before it's overplayed on the radio.

Your Song- Elton John

Warm and Fuzzy.

We Used to Wait- Arcade Fire

They won a Grammy for a reason, and it's about time.

Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien- Edith Piaf

Pretend you're French and belt it out with no regrets, ehem.

World At Large- Modest Mouse

They are so quirky and great.

I'm in Here- Sia

A bit haunting,but wonderful.

Forget You- Cee Lo Green

Anything that's good enough for Gwyneth is good enough for me. 

(Although the unedited version is a bit more empowering.)

15 step- Radiohead

Refresh your Radiohead love. Namaste

Good Morning, Monday.

I will tell you something about stories. They aren't just entertainment. They are all we have to fight off illness and death. You don't have anything if you don't have stories.
-Leslie Marmon Silko

drink wine day

 Today is...

National Drink Wine Day

My recommendation: 

Cupcake Red Velvet

I sampled it at a wine tasting for Valentine's day, it's delish.

Last night I had the strangest and most vivid dream. The people, conversations and situations were so real that I sat in bed thinking about everything that had just transpired for part of the night. Does it mean something? Dreams are never fully understood, but their mysterious messages always leave me contemplating the possibilities. The decisions are mine and the ideas are mine, but where did that combination come from? Either way, I love the rare occasions when I remember my dreams.

Happy Friday!

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.

inspiration

I am only one,

But still I am one.

I cannot do everything,

But still I can do something;

And because I cannot do everything

I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.

       - Edward Everett Hale

Tuesday Tunes

This week is dragging on a bit. Here's some music to either jump-start your day or keep you going.

Fancy- Drake, T.I. & Swizz Beatz
Because we're fancy. (And I love Drake)
The Show Goes On- Lupe Fiasco
Perfect drive to work/school/errands beat. Just get it done.
Dancing With Myself-Glee Cast
This song puts a smile on my face instantly. Every time.
Revofev- Kid Cudi
"No need to stress."
Dirt off Your Shoulder- Jay-Z
Classic.
Rhiannon- Fleetwood Mac
Will you ever win?
Show Me Love- Robyn
Please take me back to 6th Grade.
Firework- Katy Perry
A song for the Happy Dance.
Silly Love Songs- Glee Cast
Bringing back memories of the Moulin Rouge Soundtrack.
Here Comes the Sun- The Beatles
Because every playlist needs a little Beatles.

product, product, product (valentine's day edition)

Happy Valentine's Day! Hopefully you've found something fabulous for tonight, like manicures and cocktails at the W Hotel or a night in with a special valentine. Jeff and I are cooking some fancy schmancy dinner at home which should be delicious.

Product, Product, Product will be my first weekly installment on this ol' blog and hopefully there will be more to come, organize the madness a bit. So without further ado...

The Good News:

Chanel 

Rogue Coco Lipstick in Rivoli

Simply put, this is a tube of statement.  After realizing no amount of bronzer was going to conceal my paleness without leaving a Jersey Shore impression, I turned to lipstick. The right color dresses up the whole face and this packs a punch.  While the price tag is a bit hefty, it's worth it. While I've always been a lipgloss girl, which is pretty basic and fool-proof, lipstick is a bit more technical. I quickly realized the quality difference in drugstore and department store lip color. This is moisturizing, doesn't smear all over my face and withstands a night on the town.

The Bad News:

Revlon 

Matte Lipstick in Strawberry Suede

As my initial lipstick adventure, this led me astray. Maybe I was too inexperienced for such a bright statement, but it was not user-friendly. The Strawberry Suede is no longer available on the website, and so perhaps the bright coral pink I encountered is being reconfigured. The color is fun, fabulous and girly, but the results were embarrassing. It did last for a good part of the day, but the color was easily transferred to the rest of my face. Many reviews have been written highly recommending this lipstick shade specifically, but I was disappointed.  

sweet valentines

This morning I received this sweet little notice from Kate Spade. The rest of my day has been spent sending each of my favorite people valentines (without hunting down stamps!).

Don't you just love Thursday?

age ain't nothin' but a number

Flipping through a fluff piece on celebrities turning 25 this year, I feel vaguely unaccomplished. In April, I will be 25. That’s hard to type. It seems so old and established. Meghan Fox is turning 25. Meanwhile, I look 12.

And while sometimes I wish there was a little more sophistication to my baby face, there’s more to it than that. There are so many things that I anticipated for 25 when planning out each breath of my life. But, here I am, holding on through a recession that is readily compared to history’s Great Depression. Who would have imagined that?

 Last night, I had dinner with a few dear friends. We are all in similar positions, wanting a more fulfilling career, but subjected to the economy’s harsh realities. We daydreamed about what type of business we would start before our thoughts faded as we slowly rendered the ideas useless. As I drove home, my dismal attitude struck me. This is it. There’s no use constantly shooting down daydreams. Daydreams are important, if only for the dream.

I realized how much there is to be thankful for and how important it is to not get bogged down with life’s obstacles, because that’s all this is: a little obstacle of life. Maybe 25 is that final hurdle, and once I reach it, all of these windows will begin to open up, big bay windows with window seats and bookshelves! There was a fire in the fireplace this morning as I got ready for work. And that was beautiful.

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.)

product, product, product

One of my lifelong obsessions is products. I love them. The beauty aisles call to me. Even when I was younger my mom would have to tear me away from the makeup/skincare/haircare aisles every time she took me grocery shopping.

All this to say, I have acquired an embarrassing amount of personal knowledge when it comes to any type of beauty products. In attempts to justify my purchases and countless hours reading reviews, I will begin showcasing the biggest hits and the most disappointing misses.

Bad News:

Clinique 

Self Sun Face Tinted Lotion

My paleness is leaving me desperate for color, and while I would like to be tan, I would like for it to come without skin cancer. Enter a sunless tanner specifically designed for the face. Clinique maintains a solid reputation for quality. The brand has an extensive skincare line and I've always been completely satisfied with any Clinique foundation. So when shopping for a good, non-orange self-tanner to brighten up my ghost-face, this seemed like an obvious choice. The instant bronzer leaves a fool-proof, even application and the color is natural and glowy. But, the magic ends there. Every time I use this, my face breaks out. Every. time. My skin is not problem-skin, but this definitely irritates something in my pores. Use sparingly. We are in the dead of winter and desperate times call for desperate measures.

 

Good News:

M.D. Forte 

Facial Cleanser II

After over a month of consistent use, my (pale) skin is able to go out in public without foundation. When my dermatologist recommended it to me I was skeptical, mostly because it was available for purchase in his office. However, the results left me pleasantly surprised. The soap- and fragrance-free cleanser is extremely gentle, removes makeup, and, thanks to the glycolic acid, it has evened out my skin tone.

What are your favorite beauty products?

lost

"Adopt the pace of nature: 

her secret is patience."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sometimes a conflict erupts and leaves me feeling lost. Lost in what it all means. Lost in where the fight leaves us. We didn't say terrible things, or utter a mention of any permanent consequences, but the feeling is hard to shake. It's a process of patience, and probably maturity, simultaneously. But those moments of patience, where I wait for things to make sense again, are confusing. What does it mean? What is right? Where is my guidebook to life? Then, as I think of what can be done, the answer comes to me. There is nothing I can say/do/think that would be right. It just takes patience. And the patience brings peace, and in the moment a hot bath and Vogue will do the same.




Because when real people fall down in life, they get right back up and keep walking. -Sex and the City

Snowcation 2011

The past two days have brought quite an unexpected interruption to the regular schedule and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. It was nice to wake up early and not have anywhere to be, to relax and let the day happen.  My daily routine has become increasingly mundane, which makes me uncomfortably restless. I always felt this way in college, when I thought that school was keeping me away from the “real world.” Surprise, the real world is rather boring.

But is it my fault for making it boring? So much of life seems to entail patience, which I’ve never been good at. There are little moments that make up a life and each opportunity has the possiblity to breed more opportunity. And maybe it’s about not losing hope in the possibilities, not giving up by accepting the routine. Maybe the search is what keeps life interesting. To keep searching is to keep living. 

"It will normally happen over time. And it's the getting there which has been the most fun. You've got to be patient and enjoy, as I said before, the process of getting there. Because I promise you, it's a lot more fun than being there." -Simon Cowell, on Master Class

My little moments of escape:

Enjoyed migas for breakfast, both mornings.

Drank french press coffee.

Read.

Listened to Enya and Iron and Wine.

Made Ina's Mexican Chicken Soup.

Baked Brownies (without eggs, because they were used in the migas), with chocolate icing.

Watched Master Class on OWN, which I thoroughly recommend.

Worked out.

Wrote a couple articles (worked from home).

Spent both days with my loves, Jeff and George.

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!

Cream of the Crop 2010

Now is the most appropriate time for a commemorative list for 2010. It would be much more challenging and thought-provoking to list obstacles I've overcome, or highlights of my life, but not nearly as fun as products. So here I present to you my top Products of 2010, because sometimes I just want to hang out at the makeup counters.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Mosturizer

This moisturizer has quickly become a sidekick of sorts. This is always the go-to if my skin is dry or acting up, it handles both situations profoundly. It battles the cold weather that dries out my skin and never clogs any pores (because that's disgusting). 

30 Day Beauty Secret 

 

When my hair, skin, and nails need a little boost, this is where I turn. Two or three times a year I will indulge in this little miracle. Inside this purple tub, you will find sets of three vitamins individually packaged, you take one set everyday for 30 days, and then walk on water.

Lancome Effacernes 

Waterproof Undereye Concealer

This was a college discovery. It at least made me look alive during finals and lasted through rather late nights socializing, but I didn't fully appreciate it until this year. I tried a few others and caught myself slowly turning back to what remained in this original concealer love. The coverage is flawless, because that's possible.

Bobbi Brown Long-wear Gel Eyeliner

Enter the dramatic eye. Bobbi Brown has been an obsession since high school, but this is a recent 2010 discovery. Love this little pot of sophistication.

Well that's a good dose of beauty for now, thanks for reading my rambling and let me know what products I should check out in the big 2011!

I recommend this book

The holidays always provide ample time for me to catch up on the stacks of books laying around my apartment. Last week, I was finally able to start (and finish) The Help. It seems to be on everyone's reading list and now I can see why. The story was fantastic, down to the last page and the characters truly came to life. The novel takes you into the lives of women living in Jackson Mississippi and the dichotomy of black and white women during the 1960s. There was also an interesting underlying struggle with one of the main characters, a recent college graduate, under pressure to have her life figured out and meet social expectations (marriage) at 24, which is still a rather prevalent attitude in the the Big D.

I highly recommend this book.

1099 May Take Down the Health Care Overhaul

Disclaimer: In an effort to garner some personal excitement in my day job at a political organization, I will be discussing politics today. This may or may not be a trend. 

But here's some flowers I painted that are much more blog-worthy:

The 1099 Tax Reporting Requirement. Unless you own a small business, it is unlikely this keeps you up at night. This unpopular provision would reportedly raise $19.1 billion to fund the Health Care Law passed earlier this year. (Yes, this post will be about a tax law, beyond interesting.) The 1099 requirement is set to go into effect in 2012. Under this reporting requirement, businesses must file a 1099 form with the Internal Revenue Service identifying any expenses of $600 or more with a vendor, supplier or contractor.

"We have a year and a half to fix 1099. We have no more time to fix small businesses," said Senate Small Business Chairwoman Mary Landrieu (D-LA).

Democrats and Republicans identify the burden this provision places on businesses, particularly small business, but little can compete with the $19.1 billion generated by added tax payments to help pay for the new health care coverage. Many Republicans, and possibly Democrats, identify that a fight over the 1099 tax requirement will ignite efforts to slowly unravel the health care law.

"We are going to do it a little bit at a time until we can repeal the whole thing and start all over," said Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX).

This elusive provision may be the stilt bracing the health care overhaul, and it may also be the first attack of the Republicans in the new Congress. Repealing the health care overhaul was a Republican rallying cry during the mid-term elections, but with Obama's veto power and the Democrat-controlled Senate, the goal faces many hurdles. The administration is moving quickly to implement the law, which makes a repeal increasingly difficult and expensive. But, without the 1099 tax reporting requirement, the health care law becomes difficult to justify in the budget.

Where's your Christmas Spirit?

The article, Atheists Bus Ads Rattle Fort Worth, was featured in a newspaper last week. When I saw the accompanying picture, I could not help but laugh. There is a truck that was hired to follow around the city bus provoking thoughts of the "I think I Can" Thomas the Tank Engine. The tenacity is impressive and lovable. An Atheist organization in Ft. Worth raised money specifically for advertising on city buses. The ads were suppose to appear over 4th of July, but they had trouble raising money. This leads me to believe that they are putting all of their funds into some passive-aggressive fight, which is not productive. 

After religious organization fought the atheist advertisements, the city ruled that religious advertisements were no longer allowed to appear on city buses. This makes sense in the same way that religion is kept out of public schools. 

But, here's my issue with the whole matter: why promote a message meant to dispel a person's belief? "Millions of people are good without God," the ad states. Then, why the need to proclaim it? If you are fully satisfied in your rationale and reasoning, there should not be a lingering desire to now "convert", for lack of a better term, those who still have faith in a God. Religion is an important aspect of our culture and to many it is an indispensable part of their lives. Energy spent trying to take that away from someone who is not physically or emotionally harming you is an utter waste, and does much more harm than good. Let them believe, let them be, and stop acting jealous.

Texas Chowder

This week the weather really threw Texas for a loop, by being normal. The temperature dropped to the 30s, a common winter degree, but my body/immune system was not quite prepared. Luckily, I made a ginormous pot of Texas Chowder. This soup has soothed my sore throat and warmed my soul for the last few days and I will now share the secret. It's modified from a recipe I got out of the newspaper, because I still read them and pretend technology is a passing fad.

Texas Chowder, yum.

1 onion, chopped

4 Tbl. butter

1 green bell pepper, chopped

2 jalapenos, chopped

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 can Cream of Potato condensed soup (and 1 can full of water)

3 cups milk (2%)

3 Tbl. Worcestershire sauce

1 Tbl. Paprika

1 Tbl. dried thyme, basil, oregano (Italian seasoning)

1/2 cup green onions

2 (16oz) cans of Cream-style Corn

1 lb. sausage

3 cups Cheddar Cheese

Saute onion, bell pepper, jalapeno and garlic in butter for 5 minutes. Add Cream of Potato Soup (with one can full of water), milk, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, and Italian seasoning.Simmer for 15 minutes. In the meantime, brown sausage. Add sausage to soup along with the corn, green onions and salt/pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes and then add 2 cups Cheddar Cheese. Serve warm and top with Cheddar cheese and green onions!

book note

Dear One Day, a novel by David Nicholls,

You are being abandoned. Many books go down the road that leads to my forgotten books pile, with the whimpering hope of a bookmark somewhere near the middle. 

I tried, really I did, but you are boring, predictable, and unimaginative. Dexter and Emma do not warrant empathy and while random cultural touchstones are interesting, it's not enough to carry a book. Why you are on the 100 Notable Books of 2010 in the New York Times is simply beyond me. I don't get it. Unless taking you to the beach dulls my mind enough to enjoy the lacking storyline. 

Frankly, I have better things to do (like watch Real Housewives of Beverly Hills). This was affirmed last night when I started reading The Help and couldn't put it down. So, One Day, I bid you adieu, now find a place to be forgotten. Thanks.

Best,

Amy

warm the soul, cure the cold, eat something delicious!

Homemade Chicken Soup

This started out as one recipe, but then I modified it with another recipe, and then I didn't want to follow directions anymore, so it became my very own recipe! (and could have easily been a complete disaster, but I recommend it-the recipe and experimenting)

Ingredients:

1 roasting chicken

12 cups of water

2 tbl. salt

pepper to taste

1 bay leaf

2 carrots

1 stalk celery

3 green onions

1 cup white wine

1/4 cup flat parsely

4 sprigs of thyme

1 tsp. garlic pepper

1 tsp. onion powder

 Directions:

Bring 12 cups of water to a boil and then add whole chicken, salt, pepper and bay leaf. Simmer for 30 minutes and then add wine, vegetables and remaining spices. Simmer for another 45 minutes. Remove chicken with tongs (heavy-duty, the chicken is heavy and the soup is rather hot), turn heat off of soup, and place chicken on a plate to cool. Once the chicken is cool, pull into large strips and discard the bones (and give the skin to George because he's the cutest dog there is). Add the chicken back to the soup and simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Serve! Perhaps with a side of saltines.

holiday gifts for everyone!

1. 10 West, my favorite Etsay shop, gorgeous, unique, affordable and local.

2. Warby Parker, the company donates a pair of glasses for every pair sold.

3. I-phone case, wish I had this before I cracked the screen on my i-phone.
4.Tiffany Notes, Dream a little dream bangle, beautiful words always make great gifts.

5. Emile Henry Flame Pizza Stone, perfect crust for the homemade pizza lover in you.

6.Cannabis Santal Eau de Parfum, love this scent, even though it's meant for him.

7. Halston Heritage 'Victoria' Pleated Leather Hobo, I love hobos.

8. Bobbi Brown 'Sparkle Glamour' Eye Quad, gorgeous holiday sparkle.

9. Loeffler Randall Classic Flat Boots, the search for the perfect boots ends here.

10. Deborah Lippmann 'Layer Cake' Nail Color Trio, because who finishes a bottle of nail polish?

When I was little, my mom would always ask what I wanted and then tell me that's what I should get for my friends. So here are my wishes everyone, and they should please just about anyone, or, more specifically, any girl.

And soup update coming soon!

Soup weather!

I am craving soup. Thank you cold weather. (And by cold I mean 50 degrees, Texas cold.) There is something rather cathartic about cooking up a pot of soup, allowing the smells to infiltrate every room, and then settling in to share and enjoy the delicious warmth with friends and family.

This desperate need has left me scouring every soup recipe available on the internet. I'm now starving, and probably stopping by Central Market on the way home. And it will be a wonderful evening!

Here are the results:
Ginger-Pumpkin Soup

Chicken Tomatillo Chili

Roasted Tomato-Harissa Soup (with Olive toasts!)



Chicken Stew with Kale
And then, two recipes from my latest Food Network obsession, Barefoot Contessa! The pictures did not do the recipes justice, so they were left out.
Roasted Potato Leek Soup
And, in the event that I feel overly ambitious about my Soup adventures:
Lobster Corn Chowder

endearing misspellings

I don't know how I got home. Bruno must have heard me unlock the door, because a minutes later he came downstairs and knocked. I didn't answer. I was sitting in the dark in the chair by the window. He kept knocking. Finally I heard him go back upstairs. An hour or more passed and then I heard him on the stairs again. He slid a piece of paper under the door.

It said: LIFE IS BUTIFUL.

-excerpt from The History of Love by Nicole Krauss

How sweet is that? These two old men live next to each other, essentially encouraging the other to keep on living even though their both on their last leg. It's pretty adorable.

I cannot get enough of this book.

My indecisiveness is in full force. I'm on my third essay regarding this book, each time tackling my topic from a different angle hoping it clicks the way I want it to. I'm crossing my fingers that this one pans out, but am really enjoying little excerpts like the above. In the spirit of the recent holiday, I'm thankful that The History of Love lends itself nicely to multiple reads and that I'm not tired of ol' Krauss just yet.

LIFE IS BUTIFUL!

Book fad

Yesterday I spent a good portion of the day avoiding reality and reading in bed while George curled up next to me. It was heaven. My book of choice was The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson. The beginning was dull and drawn out, so my advice is to go ahead and skip to page 32. Seeing that I hardly retained any information from the first 30 pages because my mind kept wandering off to more interesting things, you won't miss anything. But, after crossing that hurdle, the novel propels forward with a unique story and fantastic characters. This murder mystery is not predictable and the last half of the book is near impossible to set aside. It is easy to see why this book has become so popular and is worth reading, particularly on a trip where you can finish it quickly. I plan on watching the movie soon, which is always a nice bonus after reading a great book.

Side-note:
The last 100 pages annoy me. The mystery is solved and the story keeps developing as if there is going to be one last twist, but, alas, the plot has no more twists or even turns, just subtly ends with vague disappointment.

just another day in the life of awesome

yes! If you have not checked out Taylor Swift's new CD, you really should. Kid Cudi's is good too and gives me street cred proceeding that middle school selection.

In other news, I will be at the dentist today, which will not be great. But I will recover on my comfy sofa watching RH-Beverly Hills with cocktails and a good friend, which will be great!

madam mix-a-lot

There are three happiness killers:

doing work you do not love and are not passionate about,

surrounding yourself with people who you do not really like

(someone who just fills time),

and living somewhere that does not let you be you.

Just stop it.

Life is far too short.

- Richard Florida

I'm having a hard time with this right now.

So, I need to mix it up, like Sir Mix-a-lot, but without the Sir, maybe Madam, yes

Madam Mix-A-Lot

I need to...

do something I love, with lots of enthusiasm,

surround myself with good people, preferably hilarious,

and move out of Dallas.

Wine for Thanksgiving

The wine choices for my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving! I don't remember having wine or any other type of alcohol at Thanksgiving growing up, but the past few years have been nicely complemented by a few glasses of red wine. My aunt started bringing a seasonal bottle the past couple of years, that is at it's peak during the week of Thanksgiving. I love this idea and think it's a great tradition that our family continues to embrace. Here are some selections for this holiday season!

Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio 2008 or 2009

White Wine tends to be more of a crowd pleaser and Pinot Grigio is one of my (and Ramona's!) favorites. A light and refreshing white wine is a definite favorite for the Thanksgiving holiday. Santa Margherita has a good reputation and Mariah Carey reportedly requested it for one of her photo shoots, so it was a natural choice.

Ravenswood 2008 Petite Sirah

This spicy wine would go well with Turkey and all the other savories of Thanksgiving dinner. It was recommended in multiple articles and I always like to add something new to the mix.

Dona Paula Los Cardos Malbec 2008

Argentinian wine will always hold a special place in my heart. Malbec has a bold taste, but is so perfect with red meat that it leaves you wondering why you would drink anything else. Before I went to Argentina, I discovered this Dona Paula Los Cardos wine and fell in love. It's readily available and very reasonably priced, a great option if you plan on entertaining many red wine lovers.

Last night was lovely. No, I'm not stuck in a Victorian-era romance novel, but it was indeed a lovely night. When my original plans of dinner with the girls fell through, I enjoyed a quite dinner with candles lit and a good book. George was fast asleep on the couch (snoring like a train), the windows were open and letting in a cool breeze; everything was simple, peaceful and calm. I love nights like that. This morning was a continuation of this, while I took George on an early morning walk and sipped some freshly brewed coffee as I got ready for the day. Usually I sleep as long as possible and rush George outside, with barely a moment for mascara, much less coffee.
While these moments are nice, it's hard not to miss Jeff who has been traveling the last three weeks, Sunday-Friday. It's a much different routine when he's gone and there are many things I miss.

I miss cooking dinner and trying out new recipes.
Hugs in the morning and kisses at night.
I miss when he walks in from work and George shakes uncontrollably with excitement.
Laughing for hours and then reminiscing only to laugh again.
I just miss my Principe.

But I'm enjoying these quiet nights and anticipating every weekend!

fall turns to winter

It's time for fire in the fireplace,

Pumpkin spice lattes,

Peppermint hot chocolate,

And lipstick to complement this pale skin-tone I've gradually acquired.

A Running Song

A huge motivation for me to work out is a new playlist. I'm able to focus on the lyrics and really enjoy a new song in its entirety. Often car tunes (cartoons!) quickly succumb to road rage and I don't enjoy the music, so I usually defer to the radio for traffic updates. But that's neither here nor there. One of the most motivating running songs is Dog Days Are Over by Florence and The Machine. When I looked up the lyrics, my love multiplied:

Happiness hit her like a train on a track

Coming towards her stuck still no turning back

She hid around corners and she hid under beds

She killed it with kisses and from it she fled

With every bubble she sank with her drink

And washed it away down the kitchen sink

The dog days are over

The dog days are done

The horses are coming

So you better run

Run fast for your mother, run fast for your father

Run for your children, for your sisters and brothers

Leave all your love and your longing behind

You cant carry it with you if you want to survive

The dog days are over

The dog days are done

Can you hear the horses?

Because here they come

And I never wanted anything from you

Except everything you had and what was left after that too, oh

Happiness hit her like a bullet in the head

Struck from a great height by someone who should know better than that

The dog days are over

The dog days are done

Can you hear the horses?

Because here they come

Run fast for your mother, run fast for your father

Run for your children, for your sisters and brothers

Leave all your loving, your loving behind

You cant carry it with you if you want to survive

The dog days are over

The dog days are done

Can you hear the horses?

Because here they come

The dog days are over

The dog days are done

The horses are coming

So you better run