I like charts.
I particularly find the first one interesting... in my need for definition. I guess I could fall into several categories: the Art & Design Blogger, the Fashion Blogger and (yikes!) the Emo Blogger.
facebook: approximately 85% evil
More times than not because you tend to live by comparison, but also there's that ex... the one (or ones) that are so beneath you, but whom you can't help but peep-in on from time to time. The sight of him all snuggly and toothy with someone else throws you into an instant sour mood. EVEN THO you'd much rather scrub the scum off your bathroom tub than watch an episode of Friends with him.
And don't even get me started on Status'.
And don't even get me started on Status'.
Still, I can't help but participate.
The gifts that keep on giving
Don't get me wrong, receiving bling as a gift is Grrreeat (like Tony would say), but almost as good is when a dude buys a gift because he's really paying attention to what you say or how your living your life. Example: I once got a humidifier from a boyfriend who noticed how congested I would wake up each morning... Not so sexy but sweet. Another Example: Another boyfriend, after noticing that I had no way to view guests or people knocking at my door (no good-in the hood) bought me a peep hole. He came over with his drill and automatically got to work ;) In other words-he didn't even ask my permission, just drilled a hole in my door and installed a peep hole. Now that was VERY sexy! Another Example: The dude that bought me a new set of wine glasses after seeing I had broken all but one. Another Example: The dude that bought me a set of Shamwow towels after seeing how water splashes all over my counter when washing dishes. Ironically, I use them now for anything but that purpose... Another Example: My recent honey who bought me a remote for my Mac, since I use it regularly as a stereo and TV.
Sure these gifts are predominantly practical, but they are a sign that you are staying on their mind (in a good way). I think often we assume that what we say to our dudes goes in one ear and out the other, which in general-is the case. That's why it's extra special when they randomly go out of their way to give us a gift that we may not have even thought of for ourselves. These are the gifts that I remember.
My 5 Days of Christmas
Tuesday, December 21st
I can't think of a better way to begin my holiday festivities... A charcuterie n' cheese platter, multiple pitchers of sangria and some great girlies.
Wednesday, December 22nd
A Very Merry Onesie Party for Adults or Adult-like folk!
Thursday, December 23rd
My annual cookie-making/cookie-decorating with the kiddies.
Friday, December 24th
Christmas Eve at Mom's... when and where the majority of eating and cheersing takes place.
Saturday, December 25th (Christmas!)
Christmas Day is usually spent in comfy clothing eating leftover sweets and juicy pork from the night before... and of course some gift giving and games.
When I grow up...
Someday... I will throw parties to end all parties.
Parties with the methodology of Martha (Stewart) and the quirkiness of Kelly (Wearstler).
Bet.
Natalie vs. Mila
So...... Randomly the subject in the office centers around Natalie Portman. I mention that she's in this movie I really want to see Black Swan, I say Mila Kunis is also in that movie. Coming from a majority female office and trying to take advantage of my dude time... I say, "Who do you think is hotter? Mila or Natalie?" Hmm.... some deliberation ensues... "Well, see Natalie is actually a 'good' actresss and we've seen her in roles where she hasn't looked so hot, but Mila... she always looks hot. So... Mila!"
Take note ladies... Talent can backfire on ya! Especially "real" talent.
Well, I say BS! Natalie Portman is my homegirl and freakin' stunning and classic, anyway you cut her.
Oh yeah, hi and there's this.
Take note ladies... Talent can backfire on ya! Especially "real" talent.
Well, I say BS! Natalie Portman is my homegirl and freakin' stunning and classic, anyway you cut her.
Oh yeah, hi and there's this.
Thinkin' of a Master Plan
Saw this at swissmiss, they are highlighting their tree but I'm more interested in the poster in the background. In honor of Eric B. & Rakim's Paid in Full... I need it. Would be nice to have a letterpress copy, but not finding it through google :/
May have to recreate.
Cold Weather Sassiness
I'll settle for sass.
Gimme Gold!
Currently obsessing over gold polish... Like a party for your nails. Ohh, so festive!
And then...... there's this!
A "Date Night" that blows in a good way
Friday night Lil Miss Taco Tuesday and I went to "Date Night" at McFadden Glassblowing Studio. The studio is located on Eastern Ave in Bmore on the outskirts of the city. A place you probably pass and dismiss all the time. I had my reservations based on the title of the night alone, but it ended up being a really nice surprise. Glassblowing demos were given in the beginning of the night, while we sipped on wine purchased from the adjoining bar/restaraunt. We then were given the opportunity to feel the heat up close and make our own glass ornaments... super friendly staff, great out-of-the-norm activity to do with a group of friends or yeah, I guess a date ;)
Sorry bout the lo-res images... all I had was my phone to capture the moment.
My Olsen Fix
If these 5'ish chics can rock floor-length skirts, why can't I? (Things that make me go hmmmm....)
Clips from Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Day was spent with family. On the menu: Grilled Turkey, Ribs, Macaroni & Cheese, Sweet Potato Casserole, Mofongo Fritters, Puerto Rican style Rice & Beans, Corn Muffins, Veggies, Avocado. Also, on the agenda: Just Dance on the Wii, Ping Pong and Quelf. Was a great day!
Black Friday started with Coffee and Baileys and hitting up some local shops. It ended with a Black Friday Feast at Lil Miss Honsauce's house. She made a "Black Turkey" using a recipe from the 1900's which required her to drink in-between directions. Needless to say she answered the door pretty toasty :)
Online Dating vs. The Job Hunt
"I get so tired of working so hard for A couple similarities between online dating and applying for jobs:
- Online profiles are just more casual/witty resumes (or cover letters). Sure when applying for jobs you should be fairly direct, but since I'm in the design field it's appropriate and expected to insert some of my "character" into my marketing materials. Writing my fair amount of profiles has helped me analyze and highlight my strong assests.
- In both instances, I create lil online glimpses of me (my stellar work, my exceptional experience, my fun friends, my cultured and inquisitive self, blah/blah, etc.).
- I look for keywords in both opportunities that would lead me to believe that they are not worth my time (Printing companies that state they "are willing to train" = they want you to do manual labor or they are trying to be cheap and combine 2 positions in 1 (sales/design) ummmm, no. Dudes that state, "I'm a student of the world" = broke bums that live in mom's basement).
- There is a fair amount of deception and let-down involved in the interview process and the 1st meet-up. What comes to mind the most... he's most-likely shorter, heavier, balder or has worse teeth than I expected. In interviews I often find out that they are paying yellow cheddar cheese kinda cash or their work is crap and I'm embarrassed for them when I have to bring out my portfolio. All this leads to a very irritated me. I'm irritated in both cases that I had to waste prep time, drive time and my witty "pitch" for NOTHING.
- The Pitch. I hate to call it this in dating, but I think it's accurate. I've been on so many interviews and so many 1st and never dates, the things that come out of my mouth are so damn automatic. Sometimes I actually scare myself with the shizz I say... because after so many 1st time meetings I become more bold (is it more bold or bolder?). Hey, what do I have to lose? I would go as far as saying that I entertain people on both ends of the spectrum that I have no intention of every speaking to again, just to perfect my pitch.
- The Follow-up. Not receiving one, even when you could care less about the job or date can make you second guess your greatness. Like... Damn, I thought I was pretty charismatic... I thought they were wow'd with my work. Were they not impressed? Maybe they were intimidated. Maybe they knew they couldn't provide me the challenge I needed. Yeah, that's it... because clearly, I am freakin' rad... duhhh.
Weekend in Texts (11.19.10-11.21.10)
Text Messages INCOMING
-Burp. New yeezy album is good
-Nope, can't say it makes me want to shake it a bit
-That would be a little gay. But the music is good.
-Hi face sucker!
-So do you want to just head up to my house at 5 or so?
-Hey! What ya feel like doing later? I could grab a bottle and head over... maybe go out late for a little bit...or we can head to Annapolis, but the idea of driving is sounding worse and worse.
-Never been there, but what my Annapolis friends tell me it's very ghetto. Not near downtown either, so it's not like we could just walk to a diff place.
-Sounds good. I'll be over 9-9:15?
-Yup, see you later!
-Hey sis! Are you going to be home tonight? Alexis and I will be in your neck of the woods. Love to see ya if possible.
-Whatcha doing?
-Were@ blue hill...ps I'm pregnant
-Glad u care!
-Walking to the get down
-Stacie has a table so say your'e with Stacie Ta....... and there is no cover.
-Do u think you're coming
-Hi usury
-Hey r u having fun without me?
-Am I killing u?
-I'll grab your car and be over shortly.
-Yes. I guess I gave you your house key and kept the rest. Who knows.
-I know. I was locked out last night for an hour or so. Didn't realize I lef mine at yr house.
Text Messages OUTGOING
-Most def, makes ya want to shake it a bit, no?
-Hmmmmmm :/
-Sounding gay is nothing new for you ;)
-Smooches Smoochface!
-Sure, that should be fine.
-Yeah, I'm leaning towards Bmore... Where and what is Wild Willies?
-Screw that, lets stay in the city. I'll make chicken quesadillas and we can go out later for a bit.
-Sure, can you bring my iPod chica?
-Nice :)
-I heard... Would love to see ya too! Going to try and meet up with you guys a The Get Down.
-Heidis coming over at 9. Making quesadillas and then going out for a drink. Want to join?
-Ok :)
-Yup!
-I just woke up...
-Ok, you have my keys?
-Oh effing geez
-Burp. New yeezy album is good
-Nope, can't say it makes me want to shake it a bit
-That would be a little gay. But the music is good.
-Hi face sucker!
-So do you want to just head up to my house at 5 or so?
-Hey! What ya feel like doing later? I could grab a bottle and head over... maybe go out late for a little bit...or we can head to Annapolis, but the idea of driving is sounding worse and worse.
-Never been there, but what my Annapolis friends tell me it's very ghetto. Not near downtown either, so it's not like we could just walk to a diff place.
-Sounds good. I'll be over 9-9:15?
-Yup, see you later!
-Hey sis! Are you going to be home tonight? Alexis and I will be in your neck of the woods. Love to see ya if possible.
-Whatcha doing?
-Were@ blue hill...ps I'm pregnant
-Glad u care!
-Walking to the get down
-Stacie has a table so say your'e with Stacie Ta....... and there is no cover.
-Do u think you're coming
-Hi usury
-Hey r u having fun without me?
-Am I killing u?
-I'll grab your car and be over shortly.
-Yes. I guess I gave you your house key and kept the rest. Who knows.
-I know. I was locked out last night for an hour or so. Didn't realize I lef mine at yr house.
Text Messages OUTGOING
-Most def, makes ya want to shake it a bit, no?
-Hmmmmmm :/
-Sounding gay is nothing new for you ;)
-Smooches Smoochface!
-Sure, that should be fine.
-Yeah, I'm leaning towards Bmore... Where and what is Wild Willies?
-Screw that, lets stay in the city. I'll make chicken quesadillas and we can go out later for a bit.
-Sure, can you bring my iPod chica?
-Nice :)
-I heard... Would love to see ya too! Going to try and meet up with you guys a The Get Down.
-Heidis coming over at 9. Making quesadillas and then going out for a drink. Want to join?
-Ok :)
-Yup!
-I just woke up...
-Ok, you have my keys?
-Oh effing geez
a Hearty Happy Hour
It's Friday, have a cocktail!
The following is a cocktail I had at Vino Rosina a while back...
Enjoy it there or be adventurous and recreate at home.
Confidence in the kitchen and out.
Over at the kitchn, Dana meditates on Confidence..."Confidence is a funny thing. A hairsbreadth too much and it tumbles into arrogance and posturing. A touch too little and it's impossible to reach for the magic. In the kitchen, as with most of life, confidence is a very helpful, and also potentially dangerous, ingredient. When we're confident, we trust in our abilities and decisions. We don't hesitate, we act and, often, we act boldly. This can lead to some very delicious and interesting results. A dash of brandy in the soup, a nail-biting extra 10 seconds to sear the tuna, the pairing of sweet melon, chili and fish sauce for an impromptu appetizer are a few acts of culinary confidence I've been lucky to observe lately. It can be very energizing and inspiring and even beautiful to watch a confident cook at work.
I've also seen confidence ruin an entire meal. As mentioned, it just takes a little too much and suddenly we're choking on the cook's ego rather than being nourished by their generosity. The difference between the aforementioned boldness and this bravado is a subtle and difficult line to navigate (see photo above.) It takes a fair amount of mettle to be a brilliant cook (or anything for that matter) but it also takes a few drops of humility, too." More here.
This crapass economy is chipping away at my arrogance. I need to remind myself that I am the shit and take pointers from Mr. Badass himself, my honey Anthony Bourdain.
As I sit in the carwash jotting down some numbers at the wheel, I feel a sudden cold splash of water down my back... I had left the back windows down! Good thing I had a change of clothes in the car and... Shamwow to the rescue!
My non-committal vocab
Please let this be a trend.
If this (hair) is the case... I can just get up, brush my teeth and go.
All I need is this vibrant violet lipstick and last night's eye makeup to complete my moody look.
All I need is this vibrant violet lipstick and last night's eye makeup to complete my moody look.
Weekend in Texts (11.5.10-11.7.10)
Text Messages INCOMING
-Headed to Bmore tonight... Pazo for dinner at 8, then Angel's Rock Bar(?). You?
-12 dudes! Leaving Pazo soon. Not sure how long we'll be at this Angel place. Does it suck?
-This place is awful.
-Yup, gettin drunk!
-Yeah... after all, your bed IS the VIP spot of the city! (will that make your blog?)
-Not a thing...been out late every night this week. Can't wait to get in bed!
-Ahhhh! There's a gorilla walking around boston
-We were just walking around the city for a while. Now watching the Penn state game
-You?
-Yea? Lots of arts and crafts
-On my way home girl. Wanna swing thru?
-Absolutely!
-Why aren't you here?
-Hey!! I apologize for the weird invite. I'm weird what can I say.
-I'm at home. :/
-Really? :) with your family?
-I think I broke my toe last night. :(
-Then my effin car over heated on the bw pkwy on the way home. Horrible.
-Oh lord, I drank WAY to much last night, I'm still on the sofa.
-Hey
-Bored
-Do I know them? What time?
-Ohhhhok. Let me know when ur headed over
-It's soooo cold here
-Actually I miss you cause I think youre amazing and I love spending time with you!
-Good seeing you, its always a pleasure
Text Messages OUTGOING
-Angel Rock? Hmm... Not really my scene. Who you with? Staying there all night?
-You guys might have fun, I find the place obnoxious. I'll be getting back into the city round midnight... I'm up for meeting for a drink or two. I'll send you a message.
-Yup, it's whack.
-You staying there?
-Nice have fun! I'm going to bed :)
-Ha, maybe.
-What you up to tonight?
-That's random... What you up to today?
-Takin it easy, late night.
-That then hanging with a friend in town from DC.
-Hey lady, what's happenin'?
-Sure, like 8 good for you?
-Nice freakin invite!
-Where ru weirdo?
-Going to church with the fam, then we are setting up a taco bar for lunch. You are more than welcome to join
-Sure
-:/ what kind of dance moves were you trying to pull?
-Geez...............................................................
-Where you at lady?
-Ok, chica. Ttyl
-Thinking of heading to canton... want to come? Meeting Jamie maybe Nikki
-Yes, we went to a party in canton once, Jamie used to date Bummy and Nikki used to organize Brew at the Zoo.
-That's why you miss me?
-Those are good reasons. I REALLY miss ur lips and ur company.
-Likewise sweetheart.
-Headed to Bmore tonight... Pazo for dinner at 8, then Angel's Rock Bar(?). You?
-12 dudes! Leaving Pazo soon. Not sure how long we'll be at this Angel place. Does it suck?
-This place is awful.
-Yup, gettin drunk!
-Yeah... after all, your bed IS the VIP spot of the city! (will that make your blog?)
-Not a thing...been out late every night this week. Can't wait to get in bed!
-Ahhhh! There's a gorilla walking around boston
-We were just walking around the city for a while. Now watching the Penn state game
-You?
-Yea? Lots of arts and crafts
-On my way home girl. Wanna swing thru?
-Absolutely!
-Why aren't you here?
-Hey!! I apologize for the weird invite. I'm weird what can I say.
-I'm at home. :/
-Really? :) with your family?
-I think I broke my toe last night. :(
-Then my effin car over heated on the bw pkwy on the way home. Horrible.
-Oh lord, I drank WAY to much last night, I'm still on the sofa.
-Hey
-Bored
-Do I know them? What time?
-Ohhhhok. Let me know when ur headed over
-It's soooo cold here
-Actually I miss you cause I think youre amazing and I love spending time with you!
-Good seeing you, its always a pleasure
Text Messages OUTGOING
-Angel Rock? Hmm... Not really my scene. Who you with? Staying there all night?
-You guys might have fun, I find the place obnoxious. I'll be getting back into the city round midnight... I'm up for meeting for a drink or two. I'll send you a message.
-Yup, it's whack.
-You staying there?
-Nice have fun! I'm going to bed :)
-Ha, maybe.
-What you up to tonight?
-That's random... What you up to today?
-Takin it easy, late night.
-That then hanging with a friend in town from DC.
-Hey lady, what's happenin'?
-Sure, like 8 good for you?
-Nice freakin invite!
-Where ru weirdo?
-Going to church with the fam, then we are setting up a taco bar for lunch. You are more than welcome to join
-Sure
-:/ what kind of dance moves were you trying to pull?
-Geez...............................................................
-Where you at lady?
-Ok, chica. Ttyl
-Thinking of heading to canton... want to come? Meeting Jamie maybe Nikki
-Yes, we went to a party in canton once, Jamie used to date Bummy and Nikki used to organize Brew at the Zoo.
-That's why you miss me?
-Those are good reasons. I REALLY miss ur lips and ur company.
-Likewise sweetheart.
!!!NEWS FLASH!!!
Dudes over-analyze messages just like we do!!!
Well, I'm currently contracting at another agency and have developed a somewhat similar relationship with one of my office mates... although he is a dude (let's call him Woody). Our office conversations have circled around my current dating situations, his fiancé (wedding plans), hip hop (which is why I'm finding myself cursing more lately), wildly inappropriate Jew and Hispanic comments, food and trashy reality TV. I think he enjoys vicariously living through my missteps, even encouraging staying in the single life. Recently, he's developed some of his own relationship drama with the misses, so the tables have turned a bit and I've been giving him advice.
Yesterday, he needed some texting advice and I was all over it! I totally loved playing the part of the adviser rather than the advisee. I mean we got down to the "Hey" or the "Hi" of the matter. He was planning to take her out. I said whatever you say to her, don't say "Date Night". Date Night is for slackers that don't usually treat their lady to nice dinners or nights out. So dudes use the words Date Night and we are supposed to get all giddy with anticipation? Bullshit. Anyways, I digress... He was trying to select the appropriate words and I adviced him to be as direct (and short-maybe a lil mysterious) as possible. Not, "Are you available?" but, "Be ready and look pretty." She kept pushing him for the what and the where of the situation... like, "Well, what should I wear? Dress? Jeans? Heels?" This I understand... a girl has to plan her outfit, but I asked him, "What do you like to see her in?" He said dress, so I said tell her you're leaning towards dress. This went back and forth several times. Woody was all like, "This is fun, I feel like I'm dating again (even making the reeling in fish motion)," and I say, "Now you know what my life is like... full of carefully selected words."
NOW, I really want to be a relationship advice columnist (says the single girl)! So much easier to dish it than to take it and fun to see others squirm over silly messages.
Totally Stoinked!
That plastic thing in our hands in a stoinker. Lil Miss Taco Tuesday and I are stoinking our very own batch of Syrah. We joined her aunt's wine club last Sunday to begin the process of becoming amateur winemakers. It was a beautiful fall day (Halloween!) in Clarksville and our freshly-shipped Napa grapes were ripe for crushin'.
99 Problems But a Dude Ain't One.
Do you think she's pushing him in or trying to pull him out???
I'd like to think push... she appears to be having too much fun.
Jessica Szohr
Why I love this picture: sequins and denim–yes, sequins in the daytime–yes, gold and silver combo–yes, masculine plus feminine–yes, hot brunette in NYC–yes.
photo via Garance Doré
Happy Halloween!
I say, "So I have an idea... I can make a circular saw blade stick out of your chest and have blood drip from the edge. What do you think?" You say, "Yeah, well I was thinking about bloody bullet holes." I say, "Bloody bullet holes? You think bullet holes beats a saw blade sticking out of your chest? Boogiemen don't use guns!!! Haven't you seen any horror movies?"
It took all my strength and the rest of my Tempranillo blend not to leave the table at that moment.
Shots from Runaway
These were taken from the full length ("film") version of Runaway by Kanye. Though I also watched the video version–where the most beautiful parts featured here are also shown. If I were you (unless you have time to kill), just watch the video version. The film version has some other visually stunning shots, but is kinda overkill. The "phoenix" is beautiful, but I don't buy her acting. These ballerina shots were the highlight... so breathtaking and I'm very much in love with the color scheme.
I Heart Kim (and Matt)
Last weekend I jumped up and down for my fave lil indie duo... Matt & Kim. Always a lively show. So much freakin' good/positive energy. They love to pay tribute to Bmore club music, so every now and then they'll drop it in... Bonus!
Watch how they switch it up. It's quite lovely.
Taco Tuesday Bitches!
*I hate when people say shit like that ("It's Friday Bitches!" "I'm back Bitches!"). I promise to never do it again.
But it is TACO TUESDAY!!! AND in these uncertain times... I find comfort in Tacos and comfort in having them on Tuesdays (preferably with a friend of mine appropriately nicknamed Lil Miss Taco Tuesday).
The origins of Taco Tuesday begin waaaaaaaaay back... like 3 years and 3 months ago. Now those were for sure–uncertain times. I had just moved into my current apartment–living solo for the 1st time in my life, finally taking an ax to my most recent relationship disaster. I was single and full of angst/energy. Lil Miss Taco Tuesday just happened to be my neighbor and up for Tuesday night mischief AND mischief we made. So much mischief Wednesday mornings were a waste. Those Taco Tuesdays usually involved... Fed Hill Bar Hopping, Pitchers of Sangria, Hubcap Margarita's, Some Solo Dancing, Countless Inappropriate Text Messages, Possibly Some Tears (from the breakup with the dog) AND of course... TACOS!
These days (when we have an opportunity to uphold the tradition), Taco Tuesdays are way more tame. Sometimes they even involve some physical activity (other than dancing), like tennis. Basically it's a moment to regroup and bitch over tacos.
The origins of Taco Tuesday begin waaaaaaaaay back... like 3 years and 3 months ago. Now those were for sure–uncertain times. I had just moved into my current apartment–living solo for the 1st time in my life, finally taking an ax to my most recent relationship disaster. I was single and full of angst/energy. Lil Miss Taco Tuesday just happened to be my neighbor and up for Tuesday night mischief AND mischief we made. So much mischief Wednesday mornings were a waste. Those Taco Tuesdays usually involved... Fed Hill Bar Hopping, Pitchers of Sangria, Hubcap Margarita's, Some Solo Dancing, Countless Inappropriate Text Messages, Possibly Some Tears (from the breakup with the dog) AND of course... TACOS!
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