Happy Holidays!

Katie and I are going to The Nutcracker again today.  It's the third year of our little tradition and I'm so excited! [Editor's Note:  Thank GOD I wrote this blog post otherwise I would've completely forgotten the tickets.  We bought them in July (half off!) and they've been collecting dust since then.]

Do you have any holiday traditions? 

I'm trying to start my own tradition and am about to go on a baking frenzy this weekend.  Four recipes!  Wish me luck.  I'll probably need it.

Special K Bars.
Chewy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies.
Oreo Balls.
Cinnamon Roll Sugar Cookies.

I'm really excited to listen to Christmas music and bake.  You won't scold me if I drink champagne at the same time, right?

image via timeoutchicago    

Non-Friday Links. Again.

{via pinterest/tailwaggingtime}

This photo makes me grin like an idiot each time I see it, so I thought I'd share it all with you.  I don't have much today, but thought I should pop in.  Wanted to pop in.

This review/recap is oh so old now, but it encapsulates my thoughts on The Newsroom so well I just had to bring it to the party. [If you haven't seen the show and don't want spoilers you can read until it says "The Final Rundown."]

I am borderline crazy about these Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters (phew! what a ridic name).  I know everyone and their mom has blogged about them, but they're so great!  I've already purchased four colors (returning two) and am beginning to wonder what other colors I should get.  It's a sickness.

Did everyone read this?  If not, YOU SHOULD!

PLEASE HELP ME:  Should I buy this bag?  And if I should: Red or Ivory???

Now that summer will inevitably be coming to a close -- haven't you always wanted to know what each Song of the Summer was going back to 1962?  Well, I did.

Everyone's favorite term: slut shaming! What I think is an important point in this national "trampire" debate.

That is all. 

Non-Friday Links.

(via teabythesea)

Fair warning: this post is a hodge podge of thoughts.  A hodge podge.  How are you supposed to spell that because the red squiggly lines tell me I am very, very wrong.  Whatever, I am dancing in the wind, folks.

Anyway.

*  I'm gonna be in and out of here for the foreseeable future.  Because that is what I am wont to do.  If you want someone more stable and FANTASTIC to read in the meantime go read Girls of a Certain Age!!  Go.  NOW.  Stop looking at me.  Go.

Okay.  See?  Kim France is not only the former Editor-in-Chief and founder of the lovely and adored Lucky Magazine,  but the curator (too much?) of my new favorite blog.  It's super nice to get a different (and knowledgeable) point of view and who doesn't love watching a fresh start at the age of 48!  A certain age exactly.  She's funny, you see? 

*  My dear friend Moni sent me this link and I don't care what Gawker thinks, I'm obsessed with it!! [And not just because she paid Catherine Keener $10 to slap her.]  Gawker just hates life.  And love. 

*  I haven't been blogging because I am now OBSESSED with this television show.  Instant Netflix is my kryptonite.  I just can't say no!  But seriously, it's sooooooo good. I love Sid!  And Cassie!  And Jal!  And, wow, even Chris!

* I bookmarked this article around three months ago and still read it from time to time.  It makes me feel recognized and hopeful and sad all at the same time.

* Just read Gone Girl. Anyone else??  What did you think??  I'm a bit meh on the matter; at least the second half.  

So, there it is.  My Friday Links... not on a Friday.

What Are Your Colors?

Do you have go-to nail colors?  I usually just peruse the options at the nail salon and choose my fancy of the moment, but I've moved into a building where I can get my nails done downstairs (I know!) and don't have as many options, so I've taken to impulse purchasing at the local Walgreens.  [Longest sentence ever.]  However, I think I've found two colors that I can use over and over again and not get sick of them.

A pale pink, almost milky-white called Adore-a-Ball.
And, a creamy coral called Tarte Deco.

I love them and feel much like a posh princess in my own personal nail salon. 

They Could Be Sisters.

You see what I'm saying??

Shady Lady.

Hey, shady lady, you so pretty.  I already have two pairs of sunglasses all ready to go for Puerto Rico (I apologize, I will be talking about it endlessly), but if I didn't -- these pretties would be mine!  Aren't they killer?

What do you think about the shades I actually purchased?

I'm currently sitting here with kleenex shoved up my nostrils because I have to stop wiping my noise before I rub the skin raw.  [Nice visual, huh?]  But I keep sneezing and ruining the whole set-up.  I so rarely get sick and I managed to come down with a wicked cold six days before I leave for vacation.  Awesome!

You know what?  Ain't nothin gonna hold me down. 

________________________________

In other news, it's my oldest friend's 30th birthday today!!  Everyone, all together now, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANDREA!"

I met Andrea when I was a wee little fifteen year old while we were both in our high school's drama class.  We became fast friends and fourteen years later I can't imagine my life without her.  She's such a constant source of strength in my life and one of those friends that I know I will have forever. 

Remember that time you rolled out of the car YOU WERE DRIVING because a spider fell in front of your face??  Remember when we broke back into Best Buy to give that cute guy both of our phone numbers?  Remember when we basically watched some dude rob your neighbors and didn't do anything about it because we thought it'd be racist?  Or that night we painted that apartment?  Or that guy that kept talking about DaNILE not just being a river in Egypt?  New Year's Eve in New York City?  Driving down 141 to go to Fellini's and thinking that was a major get-away?  I.C.E?  The Hardee's parking lot in Charleston?  A cold library of ice?   T.G.I.Fridays and that very first night at the movie theatre?  Rewinding that She's So High cassette tape countless times and dancing?  Seeing Ms. Reeves on the side of the rode... and simply waving?  Smith, Smith, Smith, Smith?  Drew Barrymore?  Too many road trips they all blend together?  Boomboxes and hanging speakers around your neck?  That pretty blue Volvo?  And, best of all, all the tears and stories and laughter?

Thank you so much for being such a great friend; I'm very lucky and blessed to have you in my life.  You're more than a friend, you're family.   

Puerto Rico!!

Soooo, I told you I'm going to Puerto Rico, yes?  My girlfriends and I are taking a winter get-away to warm and sandy Isla Verde and I COULD NOT be more excited.  I'm ridiculously giddy.  Ridiculously.  Giddy.

We have a lot of fun things planned: laying on the beach, going to Old San Juan, laying on the beach, blending some drinks, laying on the beach, dancing the night away, laying on the beach, a trip to the rainforest and quite possibly the bioluminescent bays.  Eeeeeeeee!!

I've purchased sandals and sunglasses and hats, oh my.  A beach towel, cover-ups, a bathing suit, and tote.  I seriously might need a Puerto Rico intervention.

I've even started tanning (yikes!).  Now, hear me out, I'm the fairest lady of them all and I burn at the drop of a hat.  Five full days in a sunny locale could be my worst nightmare, so I'm trying to be proactive by getting some sort of base started to prevent scorching my skin on the first day and being miserable the rest of the trip.  Yes, I wear sunscreen.  And yes, I feel super ridiculous walking into a tanning salon.

Have any of you ever been to Puerto Rico??  Do you have fun suggestions/recommendations?  I'd love some first-hand accounts!

ps I purchased the new(!) Sweet Valley High book (Sweet Valley Confidential) to read on the beach.  They're now 27 and no longer speaking... of course.  I think Jessica slept with Todd or something.  Of course!  Do you have other beach read recommendations?

This Happened.

And put a smile on my face. 

(click to enlarge picture)

Friday!

The Nutcracker was fabulous, definitely better than last year.  And The Snow Queen DID NOT disappoint; in fact, neither did the Waltz of the Flowers.  I am now officially in the Christmas frame of mind, which I guess is good because it's a little over a week away.

I have some last minute gift stuffs to wrap up this weekend, a birthday party, and somes brunch.  Gotsa get those mimosas in -- I have a monthly quota, you know.  What are your plans for the weekend?  I hope it's filled with stars. 

Aaaaaaannnnnnddd I actually have links this week!  It's a Christmas miracle!

Without further ado, Friday Links, m'friends:

• A super great gift for Chicagoans.
• A reminder to live life at it's best: the top five regrets of the dying. 
• My friend, Gabe, fighting the good fight (and it looks like NPR wants to fight, too!).
• Speaking of NPR: 50 favorite albums of 2011. 
• And The New Yorker's 26 best films of 2011.  (I like me some retrospective lists.) 
• Since we're talking about movies... yo, yo, yo -- awards season is upon us! The Golden Globes nominees are out and I have A LOT of movies to see.
• Pumpkin Nutella Fudge Puddles.  'Nuff said. 
• A super purty holiday dress to wear before you eat all those pumpkin nutella fudge puddles.
• I'm sure you all already know, but Louis CK REALLY MAKES ME LAUGH and this video is so worth the $5.   
• Back off it, ladies.  Flowers in the Attic was my Twilight.  
• One last list: the best movies based on plays. 
  

image via pinterest

The Nutcracker!

Nothing gives me more holiday cheer than seeing The Nutcracker and I couldn't be happier that someone is willing to see it with me every year. [Hi, Katie!]  Tonight's the night and I couldn't be more excited. 

The Snow Queen has always been my favorite and I can't wait to see what the Joffrey does with it this year.  Who wants to bet I'll be teary-eyed? 

I'm a bit nervous because I've heard Waltz of the Flowers is a series of duets and trios as opposed to a large number, and I don't like when they do that.  Probably because I was always in the Waltz of the Flowers and the large number felt so pivotal to me.  There is so much build up in the music before that number and it only feels appropriate to see something grand parallel to the music. 

Whatever happens I'm sure I'll be filled with glee.  And more than happy to be that much closer to Christmas.  

images via time out chicago

A Gift Idea.

What a wonderful Christmas gift!  You can make your own personal and custom view master for $25.

[Were they always called view masters??  I don't really remember that.] 

I'm not a gift guide girl (re: lazy), but I thought this would be such a great idea for a fun kid in your life, or just someone who appreciates nostalgia. 

My Brownie Disaster.

I attempted to make these ridiculously decadent brownies this weekend for my birthday party.  Yes, attempted.  Let's just say that chocolate goo tastes just as good.

In classic procrastinator-mode I didn't enter the grocery store until three hours before the party started.  I'm not sure what kind of goods Dominicks was handing out, but it seemed like the fire sale of the century.  I've never waited in line so long. 

Made it home.  Whipped them up and tossed them in the oven.  40 - 50 minutes I was told they'd be done.  Perfect.  One shower and a blowdry later we'd be good to go.  (I don't take fifty minute showers.)

Fast forward ninety minutes and I still had uncooked brownies.  HOT uncooked brownies.  I had ten minutes to deal with this catastrophe and get all the way across town for the party.  After screaming obscenities at my failed creation I decided to scoop it into my newly purchased glaadware to prove I had a reason to be late to my own birthday party.  A disappointing show-and-tell. 

When in doubt, throw on some sequins to distract everyone because no one really cared about the brownies, and had enough wine to dig at the goo. 

Friends: they're good for something. 

Holiday! Celebrate!

I think Buster needs a Christmas present.  It's a Buddy the Elf hat!

Happy Friday, friends!  I'm very excited this week is over becausszzzzzzzz I am TAKING THE ENTIRE WEEK OFF next week!!  EEEEeeeee.  Think of me fondly while I'm basking in the warmth of Florida next week.  I'm so supah excited. 

What are your Thanksgiving plans?  We'll be making Thanksgiving dinner in a rental house, so send us good vibes for decent utensils and pots/pans.  Thankfully my parents will be able to drive there, so most important goods can come with them.  Like nine bottles of wine. 

Please excuse my absence next week while I take it easy.  Oh so easy. 

In the meantime, Friday Links:

• The weather forecast for my trip next week (simply because I want to brag).
• This creamy avocado pasta is quite possibly the easiest/fastest dinner I've ever made. 
• These boots are so casually rocker awesome and I want, want, want them. 
• Want some Christmas inspiration?  Next week IS the official start of the season.
• A hilarious yet spot-on description of the constant prejudices that still show up ALL THE TIME in our movies. 
• Oh my god!  This is my life, but only in better words. 
• A jaw-dropping article regarding animals and suicide.  (Also: Have I told you I'm terrified of whales?)
• A classy leather alternative to the ubiquitous Longchamp bag. 

Pure Magic.

A copy of this photo was given to me by my first acting professor on the first day of college.  Hilariously enough I can't remember what he had written on it (stupid memory ruining my anecdote).  Perhaps imagination is real?  Or something like that.  Blerg.  [Anyone reading have Ric Murphy and know what I'm talking about??]

ANYWAY.

It always manages to make me smile when I run across it. 

The pinner says it's "the moment the dragon is slain, Guignol puppet show, Paris, 1963 photographer: Alfred Eisenstaed."  Whatever it is, it is pure magic.  

via pinterest

Help me choose.

Which one would you choose??

Way back in the day (for real, it's my eighth post) I remember posting about an iPhone skin and how it was so difficult to find any that were cute or had style.  Well, fast forward a year and a half and there are too many to choose from!  Seriously.  This is only one designer from the site and I'm having trouble deciding on just one; I can't even imagine what would happen if I attempted to look elsewhere. 

Out of these three, which one would you choose?  (I'm pretty sure I've already decided my favorite, but could easily be persuaded.)  And, if you like, go to the website to all the other pretties that are offered.  Enter at your own risk!

found via Design Crush

Apologies.

Y'all.  This is the first Tuesday since I started Outfit Tuesdays in which I don't have an outfit.  Ouch!!  Sorry, y'all! 

Here's the deal: My BFF is coming to visit this weekend (yiiii!!) and I'm preparing as if we're heading to Noah's Ark.  I mean, I gotsa clean, make plans, make playlists, buy groceries, brush the cat* and in the meantime have my own normal life which consists of fun things like B Town's birthday.

So, yeah.  I'm a bit blogless this week. 

I don't know what to promise you other than I promise I'm gonna be flaky.  And hopefully more inspired than ever upon my return because I would have gotten some Good, Ol' Fashioned Girl Time.  Ya know what I meang?

SOOOOOOO... in my so super rude absence I leave you with the NEW Florence and the Machine video.  I know, I know.  I AM too kind.  Oooohhh, stop. 

*Andrea reads this here blog and I don't want her to worry that I'm going too out of my way, so let's reassure her that I'm not.  Ready, everyone?  Let's say it together... "I promise, Andrea, anything I do, I do because I want to." 

But I won't do that.  

Sorry.  Meatloaf got in my head. 

Weekend!

 

Happy Friday, friends!  Can you believe it's October??  I always remember when they'd say that time moves faster the older you get.  Well, Jesus: time is flying.  And I'm not even old.

That scares me. 

But what doesn't scare me is that my best gal pal is turning three zero this weekend and we are GOING DANCING!  I can't wait to sip champagne and celebrate Bridg the best way I know how (she always wants to go dancing and I always poo poo it).  

I feel very lucky that I have friends in my life that keep me grounded, keep me laughing, and always make me feel loved.  Bridgid, I found you a bit late in the game, but I couldn't be happier having you in my life; simply knowing you're there makes things better.  Thank you for being an incredible friend!

Have a great weekend, ladies!  Drink wine and dance and tell your friends you love them!

Otherwise, read Friday Links:

• A sad account of admission from the LOST writer Damon Lindelof.  Nothing is surprising and, in fact, it's kind of refreshing to hear him actually say it.  But still...
• Not the same genre of show AT ALL, but I LOVE this second season show and it seems I'm not alone!
• I heart Mindy Kaling.  
• This is a bit old, but I didn't post last Friday when I meant to post this: I also heart Miranda July. 
• The most thoroughly sweet proposal.  (Thanks, Melissa!)
• An unsolved mystery I am STILL thinking about. 
• Perhaps a bit late in the season, but doesn't this sound delicious?
• And a playlist right up my alley.  Please send some love to Kate, she has a big hurdle ahead. 

image via pinterest

The Holy Grail.

YOU GUYS.  There will be an auction for a pair of THE ruby slippers*.  As in, Dorothy's actual ruby slippers. 

If any of you really, truly love me you'd throw in a couple mil to get the job done.  Could you imagine owning these?  The little girl inside me squeals every time I think about it. 

The Wizard of Oz is one of my Absolute Most Favorite Movies Ever.  It never fails to entertain and always reminds me of my fabulous childhood.  I have so many memories attached to this movie: my first professional show (I was a poppy and Oz resident at Atlanta's Fox Theatre, thankyouverymuch), my college essay (before Joey Potter wrote hers, thankyouverymuch), not to mention the delicious caramel popcorn my mom would make whenever we watched it (gooey, not crunchy caramel popcorn, thankyouverymuch). 

I hope whoever ends up with these pretties appreciates them greatly.

Otherwise I will drop a house on them.



*please know more than one pair of shoes were used in the film, so the Smithsonian does have a pair that is on display** for everyone else in the world who doesn't have three million dollars to throw at a pair of shoes 

**on display at the Smithsonian unless they are out on tour, which OF COURSE they were the one time I found myself in DC

via refinery 29

Let's Talk Emmys.

Did you guys watch??  I did!  Were you as underwhelmed by the dresses as I was?  I mean, come on, ladies!  It's shocking how many bad dresses there are out there, especially when people are paying big bucks for stylists to put them in said bad dresses.  Watching the pre-show coverage was like watching a train wreck for me.  Sooooo, no pretty pictures of pretty ladies in pretty dresses.  Instead I plan on spewing a diatribe of my opinions of the show.  Let's roll...

THE GOOD:

The best part of the entire show, and really of any awards show I've seen in the recent past, was the nominated ladies of Best Actress in a Comedy!  HOW GREAT WAS THAT?!  When Amy Poehler ran up to the stage I just about died and thought it was the greatest thing ever.  But then it got better!  They all ran up to the stage to hold hands in support of one another.  [Well, they were actually parodying beauty pageant contestants, but I won't hold it against them.]  And when Melissa McCarthy won, I was one happy girl.  What a great speech that was and a deserved win for an incredibly funny woman.  I love it!

My second favorite part: COACH TAYLOR WON!!  Yayay!  I was so super excited that Kyle Chandler finally got a shout-out for his wonderful work on Friday Night Lights.  I won't hold it against him that he didn't have a Coach Taylor-esqe speech prepared.  I, too, was shocked that he actually won the award.  [Not that he doesn't completely deserve it -- he does.]

Also great: Chivalry is not dead!  When Margo Martindale won Supporting Actress in a Drama Series and tried to use her hands to crawl up the stairs to accept her award (yikes!) Ed O'Neill rushed from his seat to help her (among other gentleman I couldn't identify immediately), but Ashton Kutcher reached her first.  Thank you, gentleman!  Stay classy.  Seriously.

I'm also a big fan of the first win in a long career.  Margo Martindale, congratulations!

All the Downton Abbey wins!  

THE BAD:

Let's stop highlighting the living performers during the In Memorium piece, mmkay?  I realize they messed up by not introducing them in the first place, which made for a bizarre confusion while they sang.  But I don't care about these people and I'm sure the loved ones of those who have passed this year don't either.

Also: Hallelujah is a difficult song to cover.

It pains me to say this, but I so wasn't into what they prepared for Jane Lynch.  I heart that lady and hope she gets some new material soon.

THE UGLY:

Julianna Marguilies' dress.

Enough said. 

A Blue Birthday (not a sad one).

If you are a size 10 with $134 to spend jump on over to The Outnet because this Halston Heritage dress is on sale and it's gorgeous.  Almost as gorgeous as you would be in it. 

I was trying to come up with something a bit more masculine because TODAY is my BROTHER'S BIRTHDAY!!  Sorry, bro.  I'm obviously not very good at the masculine, but I hope you have a fantastic day!

UPDATE:  It's sold out now.  Did one of you guys get it??????  Andrew??