I Am Not A Spa Girl

I've recently come to the realization that I am not a spa person.  I am naturally high strung and have a difficult time giving myself over to relaxation.  I know that most people think that I'm insane - what normal human being doesn't like a massage?  I guess I'm just not the normal person.  Yesterday, I went with my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and grandmother-in-law to a Bliss Spa in South Florida.  We started out by having a great lunch at the hotel's restaurant - including some midday Prosecco beverages.  Then, we headed to the spa - got into our cotton robes and electric blue Haviana slippers and our spa day had officially begun. 

Part of the reason we went is if you purchased a spa facial or massage you received a free manicure.  Let me start by saying, the manicure was one of the best that I ever had.  I would gladly go back for the manicure anytime someone asked me!  I like getting manicures or getting my hair done because you get to sit and converse while you're getting pampered and after the pampering the end result is that you have noticeably nicer looking nails and/or hair.  After I have a facial I look like a tomato face and I get pimples that pop up for the next two weeks - and ultimately, whenever you receive a facial they hock you to China to buy a million different creams and cleansers they are peddling.  Generally, after a massage I am very sore, get bruises in random places, and feel leaving (relaxed), but greasy...I cannot wait to shower the butter cream off of me!

There is one spa treatment that I truly do enjoy (every time) and I have made up my mind that if I ever go to a spa again I will only elect to do this treatment: Reflexology.  The definition of reflexology is: "the practice of applying pressure to the feet and hands utilizing specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil, cream or lotion based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect an image of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a physical change in the body."  The reason that I enjoy reflexology, when it is done by a trained professional, is you are asked prior to the session beginning what physical issues you may be having and the technician focuses on those particular issues during the treatment.  I've never had one done and not left feeling better. 

Marriage is Out!

My daily morning perusing of Yahoo's homepage led me to the following article that sparked my interest: "Four in 10 say marriage is becoming obsolete."  Some might say that because I'm married I'd completely disagree with the 40% of Americans (up from 28% in the 70's) that feel marriage is completely unnecessary, but you'd be wrong because I'm also a firm believer in different strokes for different folks.  I believe in companionship and spending your life with a partner, but I am having a hard time buying into the notion that just because you're married to your partner that your life is going to be better or more fulfilled.  Without getting all political or religious marriage is really something that should be a right to every human being.  Heaven knows there are plenty of ignorant and moronic heterosexuals that enter into marriage blindly and end up with a divorce or annulment 30 days later.  What's more disheartening is attending a wedding for someone and knowing in the back of your head and heart, "This isn't going to work out for them," etc, etc, etc. 

Any single parent would tell you that there is nothing harder than being a single parent, but marriage does not guarantee that you won't end up a single parent.  At least once a day you will hear a story on the news about a deadbeat or abusive husband and/or father.  A piece of paper saying that you are legally bound to one another is not going to make a lazy or philandering man suddenly a good provider or a nurturing partner.  Same holds true for women, just because you're a wife doesn't mean you're going to morph into June Beaver or Carol Brady.   

Recently, I was told that every marriage needs an unbiased third party (therapist/pastor/rabbi) that both partners feel they can speak with openly to work through minor and major issues.  I'd venture to say the reason that 40% of people surveyed feel marriage is obsolete is because marriage vows are really not adhered to - people lie, they cheat, they disrespect their spouses - and unlike 50 years ago society's regulations do not force us to stick around and try to make horrible situations work - you can go out and get a divorce.  Not that going through a divorce is a walk in the park - it's listed as one of the top 5 stresses that a person will ever go through. 

Perhaps, people are beginning to feel that the negative attributes of marriage and potential divorce outweigh it's positive attributes.  I'd disagree, life is about taking chances and marriage in modern times really is a huge gamble.  Do what makes you happy!

Fashion Find of The Week

As discussed in a previous blog I love button down shirts! Therefore, I'm always on the look out for new styles and brands.  Unfortunately, my pocketbook is limited these days to purchasing Elizabeth and James and Rag & Bone button downs on final markdowns at Saks and Neimans.  However, I do not fret because I've stumbled across a cornucopia of style and value at Express. 

Available for your consideration is a new must have item of mine, which is the Oversize Dolman-Sleeve Shirt.  Available in four colors (I own all but the gray) - this 100% rayon blouse looks great with jeans, leggings, and skirts.  Don't get grossed out by the 100% rayon, it is super comfortable and classy looking.  It's a great alternative to the traditional 100% cotton button downs and a great value at $39.90. 

Using the Promo Code 8684 you can take an extra $75 off your purchase of $250 or more, $50 off your purchase of $150 or more, or $25 off your purchase of $75 or more.  Happy Shopping!

MoroccanOil Where Have You Been All My Life?

Dear Followers,

I know that it has been a very long time (6 months to be exact) since my last post, but I'm back with a short little diddy.  Recently, due to stress, I've had some horrible side effects to my hair and skin.  Mostly, my long bleach blond tresses have started to fall out...a lot.  I've started taking vitamins, switched to sulfate free shampoo, and went out and splurged on MoroccanOil.  The reason I say splurge is because at my local Gables Beauty Supply, a 3.4 Oz bottle of The Original MoroccanOil Oil Treatment is $42.  You use a dime size amount each time you are done washing your hair so it does last a long time, but $42 was more than I'd ever planned to spend on a hair treatment at home.  Things are starting to get better, but MoroccanOil has changed my life.  Not only does my hair dry quickly, it's soft and shiny and requires less brushing to get tangles out - hence, not taking out too much hair. 

I'd also like to address some great products that I've been using for skincare - one is cheap, cheap, cheap and one is not.  My husband says my skin's been looking great.  Maybe some of that is due to my daily vitamin regiment, but I think these products are helping.  I've been using Olay Foaming Face Wash - Sensitive Skin, which I buy for less than $5 at my grocery store.  My splurge in this category is from Chanel - and it's $75 for 1.7 Oz, but you use two small pumps, two times per day, and I find that it lasts a nice amount of time.  BEAUTE INITIALE - ENERGIZING MULTI-PROTECTION FLUID SPF 15 is specifically designed for women 25-35.  It goes on light and smooth and it smells fantastic.  I've noticed my skin tone, complexion, and pores are dramatically different. 

With Hanukkah and Christmas right around the corner - MoroccanOil or Chanel Beaute Initiale would make great gifts to give or to receive.  I promise not to take such a long hiatus again from my blogging duties.  See you all again soon!

Accidental Tourists

It is a beautiful Saturday morning in sunny Florida.  I'm sitting at my computer and after paying bills, doing some work from home, and searching the web for homes in South Florida I've decided to write a little blog.  My husband's at work, but I'm trying to prepare for our little mini-adventure today when he gets home.  You see, we've decided to cruise the neighborhoods of Southeast Florida in an attempt to zone in on some that we haven't considered before.  Last weekend we traveled up to Boca Raton and Delray Beach (areas foreign to both of us our entire lives), but something just didn't feel right. 

You'd think that two native Floridians would know immediately where we wanted to call home, but alas we've turned into nomads over these past couple years.  I've lived in Weston, South Beach, Aventura, Hollywood Beach, Downtown Fort Lauderdale, and Plantation.  My in-laws live in Aventura (which my mother-in-law thinks is the center of universe - it is very nice) and my parents up and decided to leave Aventura and move to a golf course community in West Palm Beach a couple years ago (much to my dismay because I do not ever want to live in West Palm Beach - although it's very nice up there too). 

I'm often jealous of people that just know where they want to live.  Wouldn't that make our lives so much easier...to just know?  I think our problem is that we've lived in so maybe different neighborhoods as renters that we know too much of the bad or too much of the good and it makes it hard to just pick a place!  So armed with various listings from Hollywood down to Miami Beach, we're taking a driving tour today of so many of the neighborhoods that we've known well our whole lives.  We are going to be "accidental" tourists and look at these places with fresh eyes in the hopes that maybe we'll find something that feels right!

Keurig You're My Crack

     Hey out there - any other coffee-holics in the blogoshpere?  I love my coffee so much that I drink it black - it's truest and purest form.  I could drink it throughout the entire day and well into the evening.  I love my coffee so much that it is probably one addiction that is preventing me from even thinking of getting pregnant.  I recently read somewhere that women trying to get pregnant should not drink more than 300 mg of coffee per day or roughly 3 cups I believe.  Coffee, not only are you my crutch to get me through the day, but you are also another form of birth control. 
     All kidding aside, my favorite way to drink coffee is a nice, robust, coarse coffee blend in a french press.  Unfortunately, I do not have 10 minutes everyday to make one of my 4-5 cups of coffee.  Up until two months ago I would generally brew a pot each morning and end up throwing half of it away before I left for work in my little Mr. Coffee.  That was until my mom bought me a beautiful Keurig Programmable Brewer.  I can make a single cup of coffee as many times a day as I want - waste not, want not, right?  I travel to Bed, Bath, and Beyond with my 20% off coupons and purchase different K Cup flavors.  I must say that all of them have been good, but some of my new favorites, in no particular order, are: Donut Shop Coffee, French Roast Coffee, and Newmans Own Organics Special Blend Extra Bold Coffee. 

     I'm not being paid by Keurig to write this although, as with all of my product endorsements on this blog, some free coffee would be nice.  I've had some of their teas (not a tea person) and they come out fantastic.  I even like my milk chocolate K Cup for dessert some nights (It's 2 Points).  This is a perfect gift for any coffee lovers out there and if you don't agree with me just contact Keurig directly, they've got an awesome customer service department.  I thought my beautiful machine had broken the first week we got it because it would shut off automatically after each cup.  The lovely people at Keurig talked me through how to turn off the automatic shut off feature and didn't treat me like an idiot for not knowing how and worrying that I broke my favorite gadget since...I don't even know since, it's changed my life - and my husband's, he's making a cup for himself right now!

Summertime is Berry Time

     Last Wednesday was my first weigh in for Weight Watchers and my first full week on the "diet."  I managed to lose 7 lbs - woo hoo.  I don't think I'll lose that much when I take my weight tomorrow, but whatever it is, it is.  The hardest thing for me is eating breakfast, but I've found something that I like - it's only 4 points - and I can actually stomach it in the morning.  I call it "Euge's Berry Breakfast," and it consists of the following:
(1) Single Service Chobani 0% Fruit - I like rasberry, strawberry, or blueberry best.  I buy a variety and try and alternate each morning.
(2) 1 cup of mixed berries - right now I'm buying blueberries, rasberries, and blackberries.
(3) Put it all into a small cereal bowl, mix it up, and voila - Euge's Berry Breakfast.
     I'd also like to bring up something else that I'm doing, which I started last Tuesday and is a 14 day commitment.  In my all things berry theme, I'm doing the Applied 14-Day Acai Berry Cleanse.  You have to take two vitamins with 8 ozs of water before breakfast and another two vitamins with 8 ozs of water before bed.  The vitamins taste like berries so they don't repulse me.  I figured that after a couple years of eating horribly what could doing this hurt?  So far, I've had no negative reactions to this, which I was worried about, but we'll see if it did anything once I've completed it (a week from today). 
     One thing that I've learned is that it takes a lot of work to be a disciplined and responsible person with food.  If you can find something that you actually enjoy eating and stick with that one thing each morning for breakfast it will make your life a lot easier.

Preppy at Bedtime

     Over the years - despite hating to iron - I have developed a love affair with button down shirts.  To me, nothing looks better than a button down shirt - it dresses up jeans & shorts and has a conservative sexiness about it that I find very appealing.  They scream Americana and summer is when I like to wear these button downs most.  For some reason, the light cotton and rolled up sleeves is surprisingly cooling in the hot summer months. 

     However, here is where I am forced to digress.  I have become obsessed with button down shirts for bedtime.  It all started about three years ago when my husband started giving me his old dress shirts that he no longer wore.  I started sleeping in them and really don't enjoy sleeping in anything else.  I was in Bloomingdales and discovered the Ralph Lauren button down shirt/dress pajamas and have started to build up quite a collection.  I'd like to encourage all of you girls out there to give these pj's a try.  Sometimes, they even pop up at Marshall's for $19.99 in the off colors, but it's such a happy day for me when I can snag one there. 

     Just like button down shirts for daytime need to be drycleaned and/or washed and ironed so do these pajamas.  I have discovered that if I air dry them out of the wash they look crisp and clean and great for sleeping in again and again.  If anyone else out there is in love with these for slumber, please let everyone out there know.  They really are wonderful!

The Un-Diet

     As most of my readers know, I've referenced the fact that I've been dieting for the better part of five years.  Maybe it was the Jennifer Hudson (she looks fantastic) commercials for Weight Watchers or the fact that I got on my scale and gained 20 pounds since I got married nine months ago, but I realized that it was time to make a change.  I've starved myself, done the cookie diet, got all hopped up on diet pills from GNC, eatten for my blood type, blah, blah, blah, but alas I always put the weight back on and then I get depressed.  So, I signed up for Weight Watchers online program on Wednesday, April 28, 2010.  I was going to weight myself today, but I got scared and decided against it.  I'm going to give myself a full week - until Wednesday, May 5, 2010. 
     I definitely feel thinner - my clothes felt a little looser today.  I've never been on a diet where I've gotten to eat so much food.  It's really unbelievable and counting the points is like playing a game. I will post my progress on Wednesday.  Wish me luck.  Maybe once I start dropping the pounds, I'll finally start running again.  FYI - what better time to start running than Florida in the summer time?

Spring Has Sprung

     Besides the April Showers and high pollen count - Spring has sprung and nothing to me says Spring better than Tulips.  I went to my local Field of Flowers this past Saturday to purchase some flowers for a bouquet on my kitchen island.  I chose redish/pink Tulips and Tiramisu and Scarlett Spray Roses.  Upon checking out, I received some interesting tips/trivia for Tulips that I did not previously know:
     (1) Tulips are one of the only cut flowers that continue to grow once they've been cut - interesting and now that I know this I've observed that over the past three days they've grown at least one inch.
     (2) Do you hate how Tulips and Gerber Daisies stop standing up straight?  I certainly do and to combat that you can place a penny in your vase.  Apparently, the copper from the penny does something and prevents the Tulips from drooping.  Three days in and my Tulips are standing tall.
     (3) Did you know that you can keep your Tulips color truer longer by placing an ice cube each morning into the vase?  I did not know this either and so far it has been working.
     I've attached a picture of my most recent bouquet.  I'd like to let everyone know that spray roses are an inexpensive way to get the beauty of a rose without the cost.  A bunch of spray roses is $3.45 (I purchased two) and a bunch of Tulips is $6.95 - I was able to make this bouquet for less than $15.00.  I also find spray roses to be a much more attractive "filler" than your traditional babies breath or greenery.  Let me know if you have any other interesting bouquet tips.

We're Staying Put

     After several months of looking for a house (unsuccessfully) we've decided to stay put in the apartment that we've rented for the past two years.  This was initially a hard pill for me to swallow.  However, after I let the idea settle in I became okay about it.  We've decided to re-decorate, which I, of course, love.  Over the years we've amassed a hodge-podge of furniture and accessories.  I'm cleaning house.  We're breaking out the wedding gifts.  Tomorrow is the big day!  Our brand new wall unit is being delivered and assembled.  I will make sure to post some pictures for all of you once it's all set up and squared away.  The living room, the largest of the three rooms in my apartment, is undergoing a major overhaul.  Aside from the wall unit we've got a new coffee table on the way.  To make Matt go for any of this he had a price, which in man-speak is our new 50" plasma TV.  Don't worry, it will fit in the wall unit.  I've double checked. 

     I've got a beautiful, antique, barrel chair that my mom gave me, which I upholstered 2 years ago and will admit that I chose the wrong fabric.  Luckily, for me, I was given another antique chair from my mom that I chose the correct fabric for and I'm on a mission to correct my mistake.  I also bought a very nice ottoman from Home Goods 4 years ago.  My mom has assured me that she has a great new fabric store.  We're going to pick out fabric and have the barrel chair and ottoman upholstered to work in a set with my other chair.  I really enjoy picking out fabric and having my furniture changed by simply changing the upholstery.  Does anyone else enjoy this too? 
     I'm on a mission to find a new throw rug for in front of my sofa.  The sofa is the big brown elephant in the living room.  We vascilated about purchasing a new sofa too, but squashed that idea because that is something that will wait until we move.  Maybe, I'll pick out fabric and have a slipcover made.  I'm still not sure about that one.  I'll keep you posted.  Pictures to follow, my friends in the blogosphere.

I'm a Road Warrior

     This past weekend, Matt and I officially leased our first car together as a married couple.  What an experience!  It's a Monday so I'm exhausted, but my quiet and soft spoken husband is truly a master negotiator.  I was so impressed and it was nice to see how pleased he was with himself.  We've had such a nice time driving around together and taking turns driving.  While we don't have a huge need for our new SUV - I wanted to be a road warrior again - Matt is scared...If you see me on the road, make some room!

Olivia Riegel...I Love You!

     No - I'm not gay, but yes, I'm in love with a picture frame designer named Olivia Riegel.  I was so happy when I got to put together my wedding registry at Bloomingdales and I selected one of her frames and got it as a bridal shower gift (see left).  It displays the one and only photo that I have out of the wedding and it's prominately displayed in my living room.  I've even turned my mom onto her and she assures me that she is going to get them for me as gifts from time to time.  I absolutely cannot wait. 
     Here is a brief description from one of her retailers:  "Olivia Riegel products are gorgeous handmade enameled and Austrian crystal jeweled frames, candlesticks, trays, bottle stoppers, and boxes. We know that you will be extremely thrilled with the quality of these items, hand enameled, and decorated with Swarovski crystals. Olivia Riegel hails from Texas and her works are collected worldwide."
     I only collect her frames (for now), but I can definitely see why people collect her work.  She creates the perfect mix of flash and understated.  I've attached some of my favorite designs below.  Let me know what you think of Olivia Riegel - if you haven't heard of her before take some time to learn about her now.  I guarantee that even if you don't become obsessed like myself, you'll certainly appreciate her creativity. 
     The frames start at $50 and go all the way up to $300+, but on average these are very reasonable and will last forever.  They also usually go on sale whenever Bloomingdales has a home sale - unlike some other high end brands that use Swarovski crystals - the ones that come to mind are Jay Strongwater and L'Objet (these never go on sale).  If you're trying to think of a nice gift for a mom, grandma, or friend don't forget about Olivia Riegel!

Shabby Chic

     Years ago I used to watch the Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic television show.  I can't even remember what station it was on, maybe Style Network, maybe not - that's neither here nor there, but something about the Shabby Chic Lifestyle really rings my bell and it sings to me.  I like that it is feminine, clean, formal and comfortable all at the same time. If I was millionares living in a beach house in Malibu, sans my husband, I would decorate my beach front cottage from top to bottom in shabby chic.  I love antique furniture, painted furniture, china, flowers, linens - I love it all - I'm an uber-girly-girl.  I grew up in a bedroom that I frequently joke looked like "Laura Ashley threw up all over it."  I've attached a picture for your viewing pleasure (please disregard the mess, I had just graduated from college and found out my parents had sold our house). 

     In a land far far away from my Malibu fantasy - a young girl (insert me) was walking through Target one day after work and somehow without fail ended up looking at the Simply Shabby Chic collection in the bedding and bath section.  This particular line, which is one of three for Rachel Ashwell, is carried exclusively at Target.  There are two reasons that I never buy anything (1) I don't think Matt would appreciate it, he's a sport, but I can't have chintz and flowers everywhere and (2) I feel like a fake because isn't the whole premise behind Rachel Ashwell's designs the antithesis of a big warehouse type store?  Isn't the premise of work to find an old chair at a salvage yard, refinish it, upholster it with antique linens, and then resale it for a lot money? 
     Lucky for Matt, I'm over my "pink phase," but I still love hints of pink and adore the beachy, french country, vibe.  Here are some things that I think every home needs:

(1) A peticoat hanging lampshade - it would be perfect for a bedroom.  I kid here, but it's pretty creative.  I love crystal chandeliers and Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic Couture has plenty of those - I don't want to even think of the price.  

(2) No dining room is complete without farmhouse table.  In my opinion the bigger a table and more rustic a table is the better.  I like when wood tells a story.  Don't you? 

     And unfortunately, for those of us that are just starting out - riddled with student loan debt (courtesy of my husband's schooling) there is always Target and the stuff is pretty nice. Maybe I'll buy something one of these days, because like Rachel says "Homestyle that fits your lifestyle and pocketbook:" Simply Shabby Chic.  Maybe one day, when I hit the lottery I'll be able to afford her higher end brands, but it's fun to look: Shabby Chic.

Does 3D Make Anyone Else Out There Nauseous?

     It only took us three months since the movie's release to see "Avatar" in 3D.  I've been to the IMAX one time, on a high school field trip, and had to leave the theater after about one hour because I got motion sickness.  I had not gone to the IMAX or to a 3D movie since that horrifying experience (almost ten years had passed before I gave that type of movie experience a chance again). 
    A couple of years ago we went to see "Journey to the Center of the Earth" in 3D and I did okay.  When I left, I realized that movie had 3D elements, but the entire film was not in 3D to the caliber of James Cameron's "Avatar."  Last night I felt dizzy, nauseous, and left the theater with a horrible headache.  I still enjoyed every moment of the film.  Visually it was beautiful and the underlying messages about how we're all connected to one another and to the planet was moving.  However, I would be lying if I didn't say that 2 hours and 40 minutes, plus 10 minutes of 3D previews didn't make me wish I'd just saved the extra $5 and gone to "Avatar" not in 3D.  Am I a wimp?  Does anyone else out there in the blogosphere suffer from 3D Movie Motion Sickness? 

Holla @ My Sister

     This is a first since my blog's inception in October 2009.  My younger sister, Liz, is blogging now too and she's a fantastic writer.  Her blog is what you would consider a "Lifestyle Blog," and all of my readers and followers should do a solid and check it out - maybe even start following her blog too.  There are four categories, (1) Fabulous Finds, (2) People's Politics - she's a Washington, DC insider, (3) Music Musts, and (4) Everything Else.  Check it out and let me know what you think!  Happy reading: holla-at-me-blog.blogspot.com

What to do with the wedding dress, shoes, and veil?

    When I first started planning my wedding - around a year ago I didn't think that I'd be one of those overly sentimental girls when it came to the dress, the veil, and the shoes.  News flash: I fell in love with my dress, I adore my veil, and my shoes are beautiful.  However, I calculated last night that Matt and I have been married for almost seven months and here's the sitch: My dress is in the hanging bag between jeans in my closet, my veil is on a hanger drapping over my closet door, and my shoes are in their box and I'm fairly certain that they are somewhere in the back of my closet, but I'm not sure.  On 8/1/10, my one year anniversary, is the deadline to decide what I'm going to do with these items.  I want to put them all on again at my one year anniversary for two reasons: (1) I want to be able to fit into the dress and (2) because it gives me 5 more months to figure it all out. 
    I WILL NOT do a trash my beautiful Jenny Packham, cut on the bias and covered in crystals in a cheesy photo shoot.  I cannot understand why anyone would want to destroy their wedding dress for the sake of good photos, but that is just me.  I WILL NOT sell or donate my dress, I love it too much, too much to part with it for money or to feel like a good person.  I've turned into one of those sappy women that actually think their daughter would wear it one day.  Maybe my daughter will, but did anyone watch Keeping Up With The Kardashians "The Wedding?"  Poor Kris and her 70's dress, they really shot that one down.  I think that the only alternative that would really work for me would be to preserve the dress, in a box, for posterity...for my imaginary future daughter...and if she isn't into it, maybe a grandaughter. 

    The veil is either going to be preserved with the dress OR that is something that I would consider lending to my friends/family should they love it as much as I do.  It is extremely long and lined in crystals around the entire border, hand sewn onto it, and the designer isn't making them anymore because it is too labor intensive, which makes me think it's a one-of-a-kind and how could I not want to keep it?  Besides, I think it's good luck to wear a veil worn by a married woman.  However, anyone who does borrow it should be forwarned, I will hunt them down in their sleep to get it back!  My shoes are Manolo Blahnik white satin closed toe slingbacks - 3 inch heel - perfect for my wedding day, but I don't think I'll ever have a need for white satin, close toe, slingback shoes ever again.  My shoe repair man suggested that I dye them black.  I've been going back and forth on this one.  What do you guys out there think that I should do?

Lindsey Yawn...I'm Sorry Vonn

    I typically do not blog two times in one day, but seeing as The Vancouver Winter Olympics is my guilty pleasure - I must address our Women's Downhill Gold Medalist, Lindsey Vonn.  Don't get me wrong, she's a champion, she's a competitor, she's a Barbie doll on men's skis.  Here comes the but...I'm sure she hurt her shin and I'm glad she told the world about it one week before the events began, but aren't Olympians supposed to be like the US Postal Service, "not rain, nor hail, nor snow" will stop them from what they need to do?  Do you think it was preemptive excuse should she fail miserably like she did in the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics?  Wouldn't it be sufficient had she not told us about the injury and just done what she's been doing for the past two days?  Are we really supposed to praise her because she skis on a bruised shin...really...isn't that what an Olympic caliber athlete does? 
     If I must watch one more Bob Costas or Matt Lauer interview with Lindsey discussing how strong she is for skiing with an injury, I might change the channel.  Pat yourself on the back Lindsey - let's cry when you win the race and sympathize mid-competition with you when you start kvetching about how your shin hurts and then praise you at the end when you get a medal again.  I like that Julia Mancuso, the unsung silver medalist from yesterday's downhill race. She is the shorter more soft spoken Lindsey Vonn. I would much rather congratulate that Anja Paerson who really and truly ate it during the downhill yesterday and I'd venture to say probably bruised a lot more than her shin and still managed to come back today and compete - she's Swedish, they are tough, they don't complain.
    As I am finishing this up the Women's Downhill/Slalom race just ended.  German Best Friend of Vonn, Gold - Mancuso, Silver - Paerson, Bronze...Lindsey Yawn disqualified.  All is right with the world.

The Laundry Blues

     I recently traveled to Buffalo, NY to meet my new nephew.  We had a wonderful weekend from Thursday to Sunday and when we got home I started my first round of laundry - all the clothes that we wore during the weekend that we pulled out of our bags.  I recalled that I had done about three loads of laundry before we left, but someone must have moved into our house over the weekend, wore all of our clothes, and then left them for me to clean this past week.  I've done at least one load each day (usually two though) since I got home on Sunday and there is still more to do.  I'm about to lose my mind!

     I always feel a great, but shortlived, sense of accomplishment when every single piece of worn clothing is clean in my house.  I feel lighter and for some reason think everything smells better when there are no dirty socks or underwear in the hampers.  With that said though, I absolutely, positively cannot stand folding and putting away clean clothes.  Folding clothes has got to be one of the worst activities around and by the time I finish the last thing I want to do is neatly put them all away. 

     Ironing is not in my job description.  If I can't hang it and let it air dry to avoid wrinkles - I either wear it with wrinkles or take it to the cleaners.  Usually I'm too cheap for the later so I wear a lot of things with wrinkles!  Sue me.  I'm not the least bit ashamed when someone points out that something I have on is wrinkled...ironing is not in my job description, remember?!?  Ironing has got to be one of the most complicated things to do, I manage to injure myself everytime I attempt to iron.  I even went out and bought an expensive steamer to avoid ironing.  That thing is such a pain in the butt to use that it is sitting in my closet collecting dust. 

     Laundry is truly a chore...a necessary evil...I think I liked it better when I was a little kid and "magically" anything that I left in my hamper or on the floor wound up clean, neatly folded, and put away in my drawer. 

Groundhog's Day

     My husband recently told me that I'm "a woman with a plan." Once I complete one task or achieve one dream, I'm onto the next thing, and so on and so forth. I would have to disagree with my husband here because while I'd like to think I've got a plan, I've really got nothing. I'm a Gemini, we're naturally focused and all over the place at the same time (All you May 22-June 21 babies should agree with that statement). And on top of that - I don't have a plan, the universe has a plan for me, and that is that my life is like Groundhog's Day. I'm the female human reincarnate of Punxsutaney Phil. On Feb 2nd 2010 he said we had six more weeks of winter...I wish I could break this pattern of mine before then.
     Each morning I wake up at 6:55am, head to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee, watch 30-45 minutes of the Today Show (America's "Most Watched Morning News Program"), get in the shower, pick out my clothes, if I'm lucky brush my hair and put on make-up (this very rarely happens lately). Then, I take a 5 minute drive to work spend the next 8-9 hours there, and head home to do it all over again the next day.
     Don't get me wrong, I'm not in a rut, I'm not depressed, I'm not unsatisfied with my life...I think I'm just one of those people that enjoys having things to look forward to, weddings, babies, birthdays. I love to buy gifts and send cards. I'm happiest when I get to wrap a present or pick out flowers. Pretty much all the day to day monotonous stuff though is not my cup of tea. I've never been good at "enjoying the moment," "seizing the day," or "living in the present." I'm ALWAYS thinking about what else I could be doing, what else I have to do, or somewhere else I'd rather be. I've tried yoga, which I liked, but I hated the mandatory meditation portion of the classes. I do not have ADD or ADHD. I'm very content sitting still, but I like constant stimulation. I read a lot, I watch a lot of TV, and when I get sick of all of those things, I blog. Can anyone identify with me?

My Fruit Basket is Famous

This post is in reference to my November 11th 2009 - "Let There Be Fruit" post, which discussed in length one of my obsessions, my Pottery Barn 3-Tier French Wire stand. If any of you watch "Modern Family," (another favorite show of mine) you'll notice that during the Dunphy's interviews set with the kitchen in the backgroud...the pottery barn stand (check out the upper right corner of the photo courtesy of ABC.com). If you didn't take my advice and buy one back in November, take my advice and buy one now. Even ABC loves it!

Starla Isn't Chad's Dog!

I found out from a friend and Hollywood insider of mine that Chad doesn't own Starla - he rents her out for the show. Normally, finding something like this out would make me extremely upset - but in this case, I'm just glad that the poor dog gets to go home to what is hopefully normal and caring owners. Starla's real owners...you should be ashamed of yourselves to let a lunatic treat your pet the way that Chad does on the BravoTV show!