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    

New Bags.

I bought BOTH the coral and black version of the Deena & Ozzy Tradition Tote.  What can I say?  It was my birthday and the reviews are incredible and each bag was only $50.

So, tell me, do you think I'm crazy to get the coral version?

UPDATE:  Yeah.  I definitely returned the coral version.  It was not a soft pink like pictured, but a scary flamingo.  Away it went.  

Girls!

No better birthday present than the new trailer for Season 2 of Girls.  I've watched it an embarrassing amount of times.

Also, I'm 30!

Being a Human.

"Being a human being is not easy, and it often feels so lonely, like we’re the only ones feeling the way we do. I am so grateful when I can see myself in someone else, when I am humbled by what I needed to hear, and when I am reminded that I am not alone."

Did y'all read Fiona Apple's letter regarding cancelling the South American leg of her tour due to her dying dog?  If not, you really should.

I was touched and moved by her letter, and had those unfortunate moments of wondering what it would be like when my own pet dies.  And I thought that was that.

But then I read Tracee Elliss Ross' take on the letter and felt even more grateful for truth and the power of words.  I am never more grateful for the internet than when I read something that makes me feel seen and understood.  Especially this:

"This letter is so brave, the stuff of giants. What is so extraordinary about Fiona’s words and what touched me so deeply is her courage and her willingness to own her truth. To trust her gut and choose love — that heart-wrenching mixed bag — and choose to be present in the face of heartbreak and joy, is truly amazing.  I am always in awe of people who choose to be present for the reality of a true connection. To allow a being to be as important as Janet is to Fiona is a beautiful and powerful thing."

Words could never ring more true than they did yesterday, and it's exactly what I needed.  Sometimes being a human is harder than you'd hoped and true connections are more difficult to achieve than they should be.  But acknowledging the problem is half the battle, right?

image via pinterest/tumblr   

Moving Forward.

I wasn't gonna be so political on this here blog, but then I saw this photo and I just couldn't help it.

Hot damn I love these two!

And since I"m already here I thought I'd post these words because they filled my heart with joy and hope.  Let's do this thing together, folks.

"I believe we can seize this future together because we are not as divided as our politics suggests. We’re not as cynical as the pundits believe. We are greater than the sum of our individual ambitions and we remain more than a collection of red states and blue states. We are, and forever will be, the United States of America."

image found here. quote found here.

Friday!

Thank you to all for your kind words regarding my last post.  It can be supah scary to really put yourself out there, but it's always worth it.  Authenticity > embarrassment.  Every time.  At least in my book.


I've been thinking bout all the folks on the East Coast.  Those pictures and footage are scary.  I'm keeping you all in my thoughts.  May your lives return to normal sooner rather than later. 


Happy Friday to all.  It's November! (Also now less than one month til I turn 30. Eeep!)

I only have a few links:

My friend, Julia, sent this to me and I couldn't be more grateful.  I've read it several times since.  Surprise synopsis: You Don't HAVE To Be Pretty!  Thanks, friend.

I laughed out loud seeing this photo.  This couldn't encapsulate my family more when it comes to election time. [I really try not to be political to folks because I've grown up with both sides and everyone should have a voice (even if I whole-heartedly disagree), but if I can use any of my tiny voice to do anything of good I urge you to vote.  PLEASE VOTE!  The world is not changed for the better by silence.]

Great marriage advice.  Not that I know anything about any of that, but it seems like solid advice.  And reassuring for a girl who's kinda scared of that sort of thing.

Happy post-Halloween! I was absurdly excited to hand out candy this year as opposed to dress up and drink -- does that mean I'm getting old, or just crotchety?   

image via pinterest (let me know if you know the original source)

  

The Body Love Blog.

Warning: Long Post Ahead.   No hurt feelings if you don't read. 

Have y'all seen/read Humans of New York??  If not, you really really should.  It's such a wonderful pick-me-up for me.  Whenever.  Forever.  Brandon always seems to find the most wonderful and charming and smile-enducing folks to photograph and the blurbs are the best part.  I can't tell you how many times I've teared up just flipping through.

You might've also heard about Stella and the Body Love Blog.

I heard about Stella through Humans of New York and I am grateful.  It's rare when a stranger can reach through and mean something so powerful to you via the internet.  Stella means that to me.

Long story way too short that is much better written elsewhere (PLEASE GO READ HER STORY ON HUMANS OF NEW YORK) she was excited to see Brandon taking photos and asked to take his photo.  One thing lead to another and she made her mark and ended up on the Today Show.

Below you will find the original post:
 
Today I met an NYU student named Stella. I took a photo of her. Afterwards, she told me about a self-portrait she recently posted on Tumblr. So, instead of the photo I took, here is her self-portrait:
thebodyloveblog:

WARNING: Picture might be considered obscene because subject is not thin. And we all know that only skinny people can show their stomachs and celebrate themselves. Well I’m not going to stand for that. This is my body. Not yours. MINE. Meaning the choices I make about it, are none of your fucking business. Meaning my size, IS NONE OF YOUR FUCKING BUSINESS.

If my big belly and fat arms and stretch marks and thick thighs offend you, then that’s okay. I’m not going to hide my body and my being to benefit your delicate sensitivities.

This picture is for the strange man at my nanny’s church who told me my belly was too big when I was five.

This picture is for my horseback riding trainer telling me I was too fat when I was nine.

This picture is for the girl from summer camp who told me I’d be really pretty if I just lost a few pounds

This picture is for all the fucking stupid advertising agents who are selling us cream to get rid of our stretch marks, a perfectly normal thing most people have (I got mine during puberty)

This picture is for the boy at the party who told me I looked like a beached whale.

This picture is for Emily from middle school, who bullied me incessantly, made mocking videos about me, sent me nasty emails, and called me “lard”. She made me feel like I didn’t deserve to exist. Just because I happened to be bigger than her. I was 12. And she continued to bully me via social media into high school.

MOST OF ALL, this picture is for me. For the girl who hated her body so much she took extreme measures to try to change it. Who cried for hours over the fact she would never be thin. Who was teased and tormented and hurt just for being who she was.

I’m so over that.
THIS IS MY BODY, DEAL WITH IT.

and FUCK YOU ALL who tried to degrade my being and sense of self with your hurtful comments and actions. 

GUESS WHAT IT DIDN’T WORK HAHAHAHAH

xoxoxoxoxoox

 Stella is a hero.  To me.  To many others.

I've struggled with my weight much of my adult life.  It's not something I like to openly discuss as it hits too close home to me.  It's not something I like to discuss because it's personal.  It's not something I like to discuss because I know it is self-induced.  Sure I could eat less.  Sure I could eat better.  Sure I could exercise more (at all).  If it really bothers me so much I should (and can) change it with a lot of work. 

You see I've gained weight, lost weight, and gained it back.  I loved and hated being skinny.  I loved the clothes and I loved the way I felt; I hated the attention I received.  There is so much more attention than when I'm fat.  Even from people I know.  It's almost like I mattered more because I was more conventionally attractive.  I hated it.  I'm not saying that's why I gained the weight back, but I wasn't necessarily heartbroken to not deal with that shit anymore.

Sure it might've been because it was in contrast to my previous weight.  I, too, want to congratulate people when I see they've lost weight.  But it wasn't the congratulations or conversations about it, it was the conversations people didn't have with me before but had since the weight loss.  As if I made it to the cool kids' table.  It's such a complicated issue and I'm sure my lack of objectivity only makes it worse, but I know how I felt and I didn't like it.       

I'd love to wear all the fabulous outfits I put together on this blog, but would most likely not fit into them.  To be completely honest, that's partly why I've stopped posting here.  It feels disingenuous to be shilling a life that is so far from my own.  It used to be my life and still could be, just in a different clothes section and I haven't admitted that here.  Nor have I dealt with it in my life.  I vacillate between wanting to accept my body for what it is no matter its size and losing the weight I've gained in the past two years.

Part of me knows I'd be healthier and happier if I lost the weight and that's worth it all.  Part of me worries that I'm not solving any problems by not loving who I am now, the way that I look now.  If I can't do it looking like this I never will.

If only Stella could whisper sweet nothings in my ear. 

And, honestly, that's what I'm trying here -- I'm trying to be honest and straight forward.  I'm hoping to be as honest as I can about a topic that is both utterly confusing and horrifically embarrassing for me.  I'm hoping by saying it out loud I'll take the wind out of the sails and be able to move forward.  I don't even know if that makes sense to you.  I'm not even sure if that matters. 

If anything, thank you for being part of a space that lets me make sloppy pronouncements like this.        

Hey, hey, the Emmys!

 

Surprising myself I have to say that this is my favorite dress of the evening.  I would never have expected to favor this color, but it just looked so bright and fresh and really stood out to me.  Julianne Moore also pulled off the color, but I loved the shape and ruching of this Monique Lhuillier dress more.

 

Kat Dennings looks so beautiful in this J. Mendel and the red is a perfect pairing for her milky skin and dark hair, but, and I hate to say it, her body is just not meant for this cut.  I can speak for the larger-chested ladies and I know what it feels like to lose weight and fit into dress shapes you've only looked at from afar for years, BUT that doesn't mean you should wear them.  I'll give her a pass, but I won't stop staring at her boobs.

 

Relaxed and radiant, Claire Danes can do wrong.   Even while saying "holler" and "baby daddy" in Lanvin. 

 

 What a terrible picture and I'm afraid I have to say Sarah Paulson looks better as a blonde, yet I still loved this Reem Acra gown.  It looked striking on my tv screen and like something any girl would love to wear.

And DAYUM did Tina Fey not look bangin' in this Carolina Herrera custom gown.  Girl really stepped it out. 

Here are all of the notes I took during the ceremony before giving up and living vicariously with strangers on Twitter:

• Julie Bowen - Don’t make a speech saying how ridiculously easy your job is.  It’s embarrassing.  
• Amy Poehler’s bit during Julia’s win.  So funny and great to get a real feeling that these ladies are all rooting for one another.  
• Connie Britton’s hair is a lesson in not knowing yourself.  I understand wanting to do something different.  But NO. 

If you want the rest of my own personal peanut gallery you can check it out on Twitter.

all images via Instyle

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. 

Outfit Tuesdays: Transitions.

Transitions. by justagirlandherstuff featuring body con skirts

Is it starting to get cooler everywhere else or just Chicago?  I'm really sad to see summer go this year and am going to white knuckle it straight into fall, but I figured a few transitional outfits never hurt anyone.

In random thoughts: I hate when I want to choose something white.  Can you even really see what that blouse looks like?  It's the perfect slouch juxtaposed with the bodycon skirt.  If you can't see it you'll just have to believe me.   

What I'm Reading.

Truth be told I'm not actually reading The Fault in Our Stars; I already finished it.  I was far too close to it to announce my reading mid-book.

There aren't sufficient words in my vocabulary to describe how much I loved this book.  I inhaled it as quickly as I could, crying the entire way.  Please note this book is not for the faint of heart because cancer and love are real and some real scary shit, but John Green manages to package it all in a YA novel that both inspires and destroys. 

I am not the same person I was before I read it.  I usually flippantly say that because I live in a constant state of hyperbole, but I really mean it this time.  I wanted to start rereading this book before I even finished it.

Have you read it?  If you have and hated it please don't tell me, I don't think I could handle it in my fragile state.  If not, what are you reading?   

Day Trip Dress.

What a sweet little dress.  $48, ladies!

Let's all wear dresses as much as we can before the summer is over. 

That's a pact I could get behind.  Not like that pregnancy pact.  You remember that?  I was desperate to be like and liked by my friends in high school (well, really anyone in high school), but not desperate enough to pop out a baby.  That's some level of crazy, fools.  Just think about all those high school boys shakin in their boots. 

Weird.

Let's just wear dresses, okay?   

SALE: Cole Haan.

Today is the last day for the Cole Haan sale.  Up to 60% off!  Flats and wedges and heels, oh my.  Go pick out your favorite pair before they're all gone.  Seriously, your feet will thank you!  They have concealed Nike Air Technology, so it's basically like wearing sneakers, but you actually look cute.  And at 60% off, what could be better than that?

ps There is free ground shipping on purchases $150 or more. 

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. 

Outfit Tuesdays: Neon Lights.

Neon Lights. by justagirlandherstuff featuring striped handbags 

Who has jumped on the neon train?  I haven't yet, but I might if I had enough bones for this bag.  Chevron and neon?  Well, well, well!  Color me intrigued.  

Be Brave.

I could stand to be a bit more brave in my life.  Couldn't we all? 

Who watched the HBO show Girls?  I was OBSESSED with Girls, like I'ma-gonna-stalk-Lena-Dunham obsessed with Girls.  I'ma also gonna talk about the last episode, so if you haven't seen it yet skip on ahead.  One of my favorite parts was during the fight between Adam and Hannah and she screams that she is more scared than anyone and he tells her she's not allowed to be.  I love that!  Who hasn't felt more scared than everyone else around them?  At least, I know I have.  For sure.  And I'm definitely not allowed to be more scared; life isn't harder for me than other people.  In fact, it is most decidedly easier.

Be brave, Laura.  Otherwise life is gonna pass you by.  This print is a beautiful and in your face reminder I could get behind.        

"Paul" Official Video - Baby Teeth.

Everyone must watch this video!  If you love the best of the best 80s movies then you must watch this video.  Hence, everyone must watch this video!

Let's all have a moment of silence for the now disbanded Baby Teeth.

Now, wipe away those tears and see what a beaut they left behind.  Happy Friday, all!

Ready to Stand.

I admit it: I’m late to this game and shamefully so.  Not only was I aware of Chick-fil-A’s tie to anti-gay organizations via their WinShape Foundation, but I was also willing to turn a blind eye.  My only excuse is, damn, I loved that stupid fast food!  It reminded me of home and was delicious to boot (if you’re into that whole fried in peanut oil thing, which, frankly, if you’re not I don’t think we can be friends).  But that is the worst excuse in the whole history of excuses and if Dan Cathy can come out to say he’s “guilty as charged” then so can I.  I’m guilty of being a hypocrite and not acting upon my beliefs. 

So, here I stand to say that I, too, join the Chick-fil-A boycott. 

It must be done; I cannot knowingly support an organization that does not believe in equal rights for all human beings.

 

The Muppets were definitely a kick in the gut, but truth be told, Chick-fil-A lost my patronage when I saw this:

 

Lying is not a Christian value and has repercussions unlike any breach of the “biblical definition of the family unit” ever could.  You should be ashamed. 

Art, Meet My Walls.

I bought this poster (13x19) on Amazon for THREE DOLLARS!  Okay, okay, it turned out to be $7 with shipping [don't you love when shipping is more than the item itself? (cough, cough, IKEA)], but isn't is absolutely lovely?

It's currently sitting on my floor below two books while it flattens.  I've been gone so long I haven't told you that I moved apartments!  Well, I did.  And finding new pieces to put on my wall has been super fun.  I know that this piece will be with me for a long time for I am smitten. 

Pssst... I also bought this one!

Outfit Tuesdays: Summer in the City.

Summer in the City. by justagirlandherstuff featuring strappy sandals

It's been SWELTERING in the city this summer.  If the story box (tv for those who aren't ridiculous) is to be believed it's been hot everywhere.  The world is ending and I stand by the fact that I called this beyond balmy summer way back when everyone was rejoicing over the mild winter.  Extreme weather, folks; it's real.  Al Gore ain't lying.  

I'd be way more upset if I didn't recently move into a place with a pool.  That pool is riiiillllll nice.  

While not lounging at the pool I'd be running around in a breezy dress with fabulous patterns and a pop or two of color.  Is everyone else dying over that Marc Jacobs watch??  I can't stop scrolling up and staring like it's my long-lost love.  

Rose met Jack.  

I met Marc('s watch).

Dear June Shop.

I've been obsessed with this scarf since seeing it, oh, about two-three months ago.  Do you think I should splurge and get it?  It just seems so cozy and abstract and pretty all at the same time.  Don't you think?  I feel like it would work in all seasons and would be one of those things that I'm always grabbing while running out the door.  Or I could buy it, wear it once, and stow it away in the closet.  Oh, how sad that would be, though.  So sad!

She's Back.

 image via NME

Fiona.  Fiona.  Fiona. 

I am beguiled.  I am smitten.  I am jealous.  I am in awe. 

Let’s pretend that it hasn’t been two months since I last posted because all I want to talk about is the greatest concert I went to last night.  Yes.  The greatest concert I went to last night.  I know. 

I had never seen Fiona Apple live, but always considered myself a fan.  Her new album (can we call it a comeback? what constitutes a comeback?) was just as great as I had hoped and I was beyond pumped for the concert.  Unsurprisingly, she was late to her own party.  I‘m not the most savvy of concert-goers, but almost two hours post-start time seems a bit dramatic to me.  I was annoyed; thinking of the Tuesday night and early alarm in the morning.  (Yes.  I am now THAT person.)  But then she showed up.  Levitated onto stage (not really) and all was forgiven.

Dear God.  She is the weirdest person I don’t know.  She moved in the most insane ways and I could not get enough of it.  My mouth was agape.  I couldn’t peel my eyes from the stage. 

I surprisingly sang every word, as if I had lived my life specifically for this moment.  Who knew I remembered all those lyrics?  Lord knows I barely know the last thing that came out of my own mouth much less someone else’s thoughts from years ago.  But I did.  And I made everyone else around me uncomfortable by singing along.  I couldn’t help it!  (I wasn't the only one, I promise.) Transfixed by her bizarre elbows and knees and throaty screams I moved in sequence in my seat; a drone of a bleeding heart. 

I don’t know how many times she ended up on the floor.  Straight.up.hands.and.knees.on.the.floor.  It was amazing.  Awe inspiring.  And embarrassing all at the same time.

She said only four words other than singing and I don’t even know what they were besides a shrill “GOOD NIGHT” at the end of her encore (a cover which blew everyone away).  I hate when artists don’t talk in concerts, but her performance was so raw and strange and unlike her recorded versions I didn’t care. 

I would pay to see it seven more times.

Seven. 

That’s the number I decided upon.

Fiona.  Fiona.  Fiona.

RUN.  Don’t walk if she’s coming your way.

Bully.

[Hey, remember when I had a blog and actually did something with it?  Yeah.  I'm not gonna apologize because I've been LOVING not being tied down and it's my blog, I'll do what I want.] 

What I want is to force each and every one of you to GO. SEE. THIS. MOVIE.

Have we all heard of Bully?  It is BRUTAL.  Bruuuuuuttttaaaaaalllllll.  But absolutely necessary. 

Let us please provide a voice for those who can't speak.

I'm not saying I have a solution for this problem; I don't have the first idea of what these children need other than a safe place to learn and live.  We can't expect school systems to solve the problem simply, our homes must be involved, but how do we change the way people parent?  How do we change a child's lack of empathy?  I don't know.  And it breaks my heart. 

What I do know is that we can start the conversation for these children and there is no better way than seeing this documentary. 

Zou Bisou Bisou.

You guys!  This HAPPENED.

Did you watch?  What did you think?

ps I'm scared for Lane, though his reenactment of Meghan's performance was the most delightful thing I've seen in a long time. 

Outfit Tuesdays: Spring Pop.

Spring Pop. by justagirlandherstuff featuring yellow gold jewelry

It's been SO WARM, y'all.  I'm talking consistent eighty degree weather.  It's bonkers!  We're usually wading through slush and snow at this point of the season, but I'll take it.  Especially if the weather would afford me the ability to wear this.  Not that I could actually afford it.  

See what I did there?