Killing with the one-liners.

I love my husband. He really knows what to appreciate about my personality.

I sent him a link that my friend Dave sent me about the moody real estate market. Yesterday, we read the market was hot, hot, hot. Today we read that the Boston real estate market is slowing down.

I'm confused as to how it is possible things changed so quickly?

I told my husband that the real estate market was more moody than a pregnant woman with surging hormones.

He wrote me back to tell me that I was "really killing with the one-liners today." (I've sent him a few since I got in this morning.)

This is good love.

Eternal Spring (Accessories).

I was out walking to my yoga class this afternoon (which is 1.4 miles away from my home) when I realized how beautiful it was outside; but so very blistering at the same time. Ugh.

After 20 minutes outside, I couldn't feel my ears and nose; and my left ring finger tip was numb. I thought to myself "How the hell much longer till spring?"

Boston in winter is no pretty picture. And to be honest, this winter has been very weak. We've been spoiled with fairly warm days. Today's weather is pretty typical of most winter days here. But it still makes me anxious for spring. Spring showers. Lots of flowers. And best of all, spring accessories in bright colors!

Even though I am in the process of putting together my spring list of "must buys," I can't wait to pull out some of my old pieces. The one piece I am dying to pull out is this blue and aqua striped straw tote bag.















I love this tote. It's vibrant. It is both a spring and summer piece. And best of all, it only cost me $2. That's right, just two bucks! I bought it in 2002 when I went home to visit my family in Arizona. I found it on a clearance rack at a Walmart. I know, it's probably politically incorrect to like Walmart, but they have really cool accessories that are wicked cheap! It's my small town's answer to H&M. (Which is another fantastic place to shop on the very, very cheap.)


Ah... Just holding the bag in my hands warms me. And realistically, it's only about 4 weeks till spring weather is here. So it won't be long till my "vintage" piece can be pulled out and used.

Dunkin' Donuts Coffee Sucks Black.

So... Since the Starbucks episode earlier in the week, I have refrained from going back there to get coffee during the work day. Instead, I have opted to go across the street and get coffee from the New England favorite, Dunkin' Donuts.

Coffee from Dunkin' Donuts is fantastic, if you like drinking a little coffee and a bunch of cream and sugar. Because that's pretty much what you're getting. But I'm trying to be good and not drink unneccessary calories where I can. So I order my coffee black. And you know what? Coffee ordered black from Dunkin' Donuts sucks. It tastes weak. Like Keystone Beer. Or PBR.

It's all wrong. And I am a big believer in drinking coffee black. Maybe pour a packet of raw sugar or Splenda in it... But no cream.

I don't know what I'm going to do next week. I'll have to find another Starbucks to hit. Or head over to Espresso Royale on Newbury Street for a Cubano. But that would be one hell of a trek.

I may have to learn to suck it up and kick the coffee habit.

Jeans. Jeans. And more jeans.

A friend of mine asked me earlier this week about where he should take his wife to buy jeans. The problem is she can't ever seem to find a pair that fits her well.

Welcome to my world!

I have the hardest time finding a decent pair of jeans. I have hips. A small waist (in comparison to the hips.) And, I am the average height of most women in America (5'4"). So any jeans I buy have to be tailored. And depending on the fit, some are always too large in the waist. (Unless I buy low-rise, than they fit, but I risk showing my ass to the world whenever I sit.) So I have spent many Saturday afternoons pounding the pavement in Beantown sipping an Americano and trekking from shop to shop in search of jeans I can wear. So below is a list of places I recommend hitting when shopping for various types of jeans.

Neiman Marcus , Copley - Page Denim, Rock and Republic, Seven Jeans and Citizens for humanity are the best brands available here.

Jean Therapy, Kenmore Square - Paige Denim available here. Service is outstanding.

Anthropologie, Boylston Street - You might not think of this place as having jeans... But they do have some great brands; including Paper Denim & Cloth and Joe's Jeans.

In Jean Ius, North End - What a GREAT way to spend a Saturday afternoon. First, hit one of many cafes in the neighborhood for a capuccinno then head over to this hidden gem for such fantastic jean shopping. Brands available include Citizens, Rock and Republic and Joe's.

Jasmine Sola, Prudential Center - If you need to just get in and get out with a pair of jeans, this place is great for a one-stop-shopping experience. They stock a ton of varieties and styles; including Paige, Rock and Republic, Citizens, Seven, James Jeans and Miss Sixty. (They also carry Juicy Couture, which is a strike against them but I can overlook it because of their large variety of good stuff.)

Dukes of Hazzard, the Movie.

I never saw this in theaters, but decided to Netflix it. Of course I was a fan of the show as a child. But the movie isn't all that great. But still, I did enjoy this DVD rental.

"Why?" you may be asking?

Because of the extras. In particular, there is a special feature on the DVD called "Daisy Dukes: Short Shorts Shorts." It's a short documentary about the teeny-tiny cut-offs Jessica Simpson wears in the film. They talk to her about her work-out regime to get into shape for to wear the shorts in the film. They even show you how to make a pair of your own "Daisy Dukes." And it's not that easy. There's a science to getting the cut just right. You have to angle around the thighs so that they make you look curvy instead of boxy. If you keep them too long, the don't look right. But if you cut them to short you'll be showing everything you have (or don't have, but wish you did.)

I highly recommend Netflix-ing this DVD. Only because of the fashion documentary though.

Read My Lips.

Brevitt finds the freaking coolest stuff online for me.

The cool find dujour? Grills By Paul Wall!

Holy crap. This is awesome! My favorites are the "Read My Lips" variety.

Omelet Guy, Part Two

After my long day yesterday hanging around in airports and eating nothing but carbs, I needed to start today with some protein. So of course I went straight to the Omelet Guy in the work cafeteria.

I ordered my omelet (egg whites with mushrooms and bacon) and sat back to enjoy the conversation.

I never realized what sophisticated and expensive taste Omelet Guy has... Today's topic was about Hennessy Cognac.

Omelet Guy: "I'm gonna buy me one of them bottles of that cognac."

New French Toast Guy (I think this one's a sub, not a permanent replacement for original French Toast Guy): "One of them Hennessy bottles? You know that bottle is made of crystal. You could probably sell it for like $50 afterwards."

Omelet Guy: "$50? Try $1500. The bottle is priceless."

New French Toast Guy: "Man, you ain't gonna get that much for it. You'll be lucky if you get $10 for it."

Omelet Guy: "You wait and see, alright? Here you go Miss." (He hands me my omelet. Yummy!)

I was intrigued that a bottle of cognac could be so expensive. So I did what I do best, and Googled "Hennessy Cognac Crystal Bottle" when I got back to my desk. And sho 'nuff, I found the expensive crystal bottle.

It's the Richard Hennessy Cognac Gift Set.

The bottle is made by Baccarat, a very well know manufacturer of crystal (think Park Avenue homes with elegant modern-designed stemware in the dining room and chunky modern barware in the library).

Holy craptastic. I guess I know what to get Omelet Guy for the holiday season later this year. I won't buy him the Richard Hennessy Gift Set. But I could get him a small bottle of Hennessy.

Live from Logan.

Hanging out at Logan Airport waiting for my flight to begin boarding. I have to go visit a client today to give a presentation on search engine optimization to about 40 people. Good times.

I forgot to bring a magazine or book to read though. So I decided to bust out my laptop and chat on IM with people.

But it's too early in the day for anything exciting too have happened. The only exciting thing that has happened is the security guy at the ex-ray machine doing a double take at the pad lock on my Chloe Paddington Hobo bag.



He laughed and said he thought it was cute. I knew it was a smart purchase!

Flip out like a ninja.

My friend Brevitt posted a blog on this today... And I forgot that we had watched this together like 10 months ago at work. It's a video by 7 Seconds of Love called "I'm gonna flop out like a ninja."

Good times. One of the funniest things on the Internet. (Next to Robert Hamburger and his Real Ultimate Power.)

Unemployed?

No, I still have a job. But I had a rough and busy day at work today. I was so TO'd by the end of the day that I decided to cut my 9-hour day short by one hour and get the hell out of there at 4pm.

I dashed home. Dropped off my laptop and changed into my yoga gear. I needed to get out and focus on myself for a few hours. And bikram was the perfect way to do it. I was expecting to have a bad class, because I hadn't been in three weeks. But surprisingly, I had a great class. And it got me thinking about what I would do with my days if I decided to quit my job.

Here is a summary of how I think I would spend my days...

• 6:45am - Get up. Watch last 15 minutes of local AM news.
• 7:00am - Wake husband up. Watch the Today Show. Make coffee.
• 7:30am - Wake husband up again. Continue watching the Today Show.
• 7:35am - Stand over husband in bed asking "Are you going to get up now? Are you going to get up now? Are you going to get up now? Are you going to get up now? Are you going to get up now? Are you going to get up now? Are you going to get up now? Are you going to get up now? Are you going to get up now? Are you going to get up now? Are you going to get up now? Are you going to get up now? Are you going to get up now? Are you going to get up now? Are you going to get up now? Are you going to get up now? Are you going to get up now? Are you going to get up now?" Do this until he gets up.

So, basically, the first part of my day wouldn't change from the way it is now.

But with the rest of my day I would:

• Go to yoga. Every day. In the afternoon.
• Go for a walk along the river and in the park.
• Hit the gym or core fusion every day.
• Tidy my apartment.
• Read news online.
• Blog.
• Make dinner.

Those all seem like nice things to do everyday. I wish I could get to them every day. And if I decided not to work, I could get my wish.

I have to give this some thought. Would I really miss the interaction I get from my work day? Yes, I would. But it is possible that the trade-off would be good for me. Healthy even.

There's a big fat jerk who works at Starbucks next to the Hancock Tower.

Yeah... No surprise there. In any fast-paced coffee stop in any metropolitan area, there's always (at least) one person who works there who has no idea what good "customer service" is.

So, this morning I am on my usual 10 minute walk to work. And instead of stopping at the Starbucks across the street from my apartment, I decide to hit the one right next to my office building. I go in to the shop and there isn't a line. Two employees are standing at the registers chatting. There's a girl who is perusing the juices stacked in front. And there are people waiting in line who have ordered their drinks already. So I walk up to one of the two available employees and place my order. The guy just glared at me and took my order. I smiled at him, because I am notoriously friendly and perky. I pay him. He gives me my change. I drop a dollar into the tip bin.... (You know. For good karma.) And I go to wait for my drink to be prepared. After I place my order, two more guys place their orders. Finally, the girl who was perusing the juice section finally brings her stuff up to the counter. The guy who took my order says to her, "Thank you so much for waiting, despite three RUDE customers cutting in front of you."

I knew exactly who he was referring to in his jackass tone. Mostly because he kind of glared at me and the two other guys when he said it, as we were still waiting for our drinks.

Now normally, I am a big bitch when it comes to people being rude and snide to me. Especially when it's people who work in a customer service type of job... Because, I've been there. I've waited tables, tended bar, worked retail, etc. for many years through college and even afterwards as a second job. I know how to deal with bad customers. I know how to deal with good customers. But I would never EVER say something like that to a customer.

Normally I would go up to the offending person and confront them, then I would ask for an apology. And if I didn't get it, I would then ask for the manager. I mean, all I did was walk in and utilize one of the two available employees to place my order for my $2.15 Americano, plus the $.85 tip I left in the bin. I didn't come in there to be insulted.

But today, I'm trying to be a better person and not be a bitch when provoked (which, like I wrote before, is so my "MO.") So I decided to just ignore it. The next time I go in there and have this gentleman wait on me, the only tip I'll leave is a handwritten note with good customer service suggestions for him.

The jackass.

"CoreFusing" for bikini season.

The other day, I went to my favorite day spa for my very first massage. I had never had one before, and thought it was high time I had one. (It was fantastic! Gotta do it more often!) Anyway, while I was there, I remembered that I had bought a package of CoreFusion classes last summer. And I figured, I should go ahead and use the remaining classes I bought.

CoreFusion is a 60 minute class that combines pilates, yoga core exercises with the hopes of producing long and lean limbs. I haven't been for about four months, however, I do recall that I was quite sore the next day after the class. You really work your thighs, upper arms, abs and ass in the class. I'm going to a class tonight.

I highly recommend this class to start getting toned for bikini season.

Required reading.

One of the things that my husband found most attractive about me when we met was the fact that I was always reading. On the subway. Before bed. During meals at home. In Central Park on Sunday afternoons. In the bubble bath. (I go through books and magazines pretty quickly.)

Now, because I read quite the variety of things (books that are social commentary, popular fiction, 1960s chick-lit, modern day chick-lit, biographies, non-fiction, every monthly fashion magazine in available in french and english, etc..) I have put together a list of what I consider to be fascinating pieces to have on hand to read and re-read in your home.

Fashion Books:


Blahnik by Boman
I was walking past a shop called Motley on Tremont Street last fall and saw this book standing in the window. I didn't even have to go in and peek at it... I knew I had to have it. So I marched straight to Barnes and Noble at the Pru and went directly to the "Art and Fashion" section. Of course the book was there. And I grabbed it, walked to the cashier and plunked down my BN member card.

The book features photographs of Manolo Blahnik shoes styled in various colorful scene. The pictures are crisp and clean. And they would make great framed photos for a dressing room or bathroom.


Chanel - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
About a year ago, the MET (in New York City) had an exhibit on the Chanel fashion house through the ages. I was dying to get down there and go see it, but never got around to it. I was bummed, but felt redeemed when I saw this book on display at Barnes and Noble. It features pictures of everything that was displayed. The pictures have a soft focus to them, but you can still see the details and the fit of the pieces.


Chick-Lit (Past and Present)


Valley of the Dolls
A classic. There aren't many women my mother's age who haven't read this book. But I don't think a lot of women my age and younger have read it. It should be required reading for all women when they're in college. It's the story of three young women living their lives in NYC and Hollywood in the 1940s and follows them into the 1960s. The drama.. The tragedy... The addiction to sex and sleeping pills (i.e. "dolls")... It's a captivating book.


Shopaholic
This series by Sophie Kinsella was one of the first true pieces of chick-lit I read while living in NYC. And it follows the modern-day chick-lit formula perfectly. You know, "Bubble-headed young woman who likes shopping and dating... Not really too focused on career... Becomes un-lucky with money and men... Overcomes dramatic situation that allows her find both money and man in the end of the book." Despite the description, it's a really lovely read.


Bridget Jones' Diary
This one became an instant classic. However, I have to wonder that if it had been written just a few years later, Helen Fielding might have made the character share all her thoughts on a blog, rather than hand-written in a journal.

Fashion Magazines


Vogue
Some people call it the "fashion bible." I don't. It's a fantastic magazine. And yes, we've all heard about the legendary "Vogue Accessories Closet" where goodies sent by fashion house publicisists. So Vogue is the leader when it comes to writing about high fashion. And the editorials on non-fashion stuff is always an excellent read.


InStyle
InStyle is a fun magazine. You know when you pick up an InStyle you will get to see a variety of fashion pieces in a variety of price ranges. Also, there's a more "flakey" quality to the magazine. And I don't mean that in a bad way. For example, I would classify Vogue as "severe" fashion editorial, where as I would classify InStyle as "easy going" and "carefree." Plus, they're Fashion Flashback and Beauty sections totally rock.


Elle
The "Elle Shops" section. Enough said about what makes this magazine so great.


Harpers Bazaar
I've never liked the name of this magazine. It seems outdated. But the content insude it is always enjoyable. Especially the "Fabulous at Every Age" section.


Allure
Allure is really more of a beauty magazine than a fashion magazine. But when it comes to fashion, I have always loved their "splurge" and "steal" sections. You will want to read Allure when you want diet, haircare, spa and tanning tips.


Vanity Fair
Okay. So not technically a fashion magazine. But, the magazine is so chic and the commentary of Graydon Garter is always in style. Also, the March issue includes fashion pictorials styled by Tom Ford. So, by default, it gets added into this category.


There are so many more books I could list here. I will try to put together a full list eventually. There are other magazines to add to. The above are what I subscribe to, but I buy many more from the newsstand.

Seeking spousal support.

I think when you choose to become a celebrity, you should pretty much bank on the fact that if you decide to get married... Chances are it won't last.

I know. I know. That's very cynical of me. But that's how I "roll" in life. Forever the pessimist.

Seriously though. When you decide to get married to someone, you need to realize that you are entering into a business contract of sorts. Sure, there's loads of love and passion there (I hope. Otherwise, why get married?!?) but you need accept that the union may not work out. And what is your Plan B?

I think one of the most stupid celebrities out there (after Britney Spears) has to be Jessica Simpson. Now, I don't like her music. But I do like her. She's bubbly. She's pretty. After working with a stylist, she now has good taste in clothes. She just seems like the girl in school everyone would like. She's nice to everyone.

However, even though she's a sweetheart, she is an idiot when it comes to the whole marriage thing. And her parents really steered her wrong in that department. They were so hell-bent on helping her become a celebrity, they failed to look into the future and consider the possibility that they might actually succeed. If they had stopped to consider that she would be rich and famous and pulling in an estimated $30 million for last year, they would have made her sign a pre-nupt.

Now, it's three years after she walked down the aisle with Nick Lachey. And the marriage is over. They are going in different directions personally and professionally. The relationship couldn't be maintained. So the option is divorce. But, because there's no pre-nupt, any money made during the marriage is up for grabs. And guess what? In this Hollywood divorce, it's the husband who wants a piece of the pie!

That's right, Nick Lachey wants alimony.

And good for him! I think, if you fail to consider that divorce may be down the road in your marriage (before you get married) and you don't take sensible business precautions, you are kind of asking for this type of financial loss.

Let this a lesson to most men and women out there (especially celebrities) who are considering marriage. Marriage is a time of coming together and intending to be together for the rest of your lives. But realize what you make during that marriage is claimable by both people.

Now, how long do you think it will be till Britney and the "carny" she married walk down the divorce path?

It brought a tear to my eye.

But only a tear. I didn't get too "watery-eyed." But, it is still probably one of the most beautiful things I have seen in Boston.

About a week ago, I was in the Copley Mall shopping. (I go there at least once a week to "peek" if there's anything new in th shops.) I noticed on this visit that the Greta Luxe shop that was in between Hugo Boss and the new Ellie Tahari boutiques was boarded up and closed. This is no loss in my opinion. That store was a waste in the Copley Mall. The sales staff were snotty and anything they had in there, you can easily get elsewhere in the area. You want Marc Jacobs Bags? Go to Marc Jacobs on Newbury Street. You want Chloe bags or tops? Head to Neiman Marcus. Going into that store was intimidating. It was small. And there was never anyone in there... Which made it impossible to just browse and price stuff out. The sales staff would act like you were a waste if you didn't give off the vibe that you were going to buy something. And seriously, before I plink down a huge chunk of change on a piece of clothing or an accessory, I like to research it. I like to find a sample and actually touch it. Feel the weight of it. But you could never do that there without getting the "evil eye."

So Gretta Luxe leaving that space in the Copley is no loss. Especially when you consider what we're getting in return. The thing that brought a tear to my eye is what is coming in its place...



That's right. We're getting a Jimmy Choo boutique. Or, as I like to call it... A "Choo-tique!"

The only thing could have made me actually cry would be to see a Manolo Blahnik shop going in.

Oh happy day.

Fendi Whore.

So, I finally get my March issue of Harper's Bazaar in the mail today. (The one with Madonna on the cover... Looking passionate in the current "it color -- cobalt blue.)

Anyhow... I open the magazine and begin scanning through the pages briefly (as I always do when I first get it) and notice something that horrifies me.

Umm... When did a respectable magazine like HB become a "whore" to the Fendi "buckle bag?"



Don't get me wrong. I'm not completely opposed to Fendi. But this bag is atrocious! It's beyond "beyond ugly." And I keep seeing it plastered on the designated editorial pages of this issue. Not only that, but this piece was also in last month's issue.

Come on editors! I know you get paid a measly salary and enjoy the perks of freebies from publicists (this I know because I use to be a publicist that gave said "freebies") but don't be a whore to Fendi. Atleast not this particular bag. It's such a waste.

Vacation lessons needed.

Growing up, my family never really took vacations. There were two or three trips as a child to Disneyland/Disney World. But most of the time, our "vacations" were spent at my grandparents' house in West Phoenix. So it makes sense that as an adult, I'm slow at grasping the concept of "the vacation."

Throughout high school and college, whenever my friends took off for Mexico to hang on the beaches during spring breaks, I would stay back. I always reasoned that with everyone else leaving I would be able to pick up extra hours at whatever parttime job I was working.

The first vacation I took as an adult was for my 23rd b-day. I decided to visit a friend from college who had moved to NYC at the time. I went out there for five days with the intention of touring the city by myself. Within the first two days of being there though, I had gone on one job interview and ended up getting an offer. So I spent the rest of my week there looking for a place to live. Three weeks after getting the job offer, I moved to NYC with a suitcase and a trunk. So my vacation had ended up not being a vacation at all.

So the first "legitimate" vacation I took was to Rome for my husband and mine's first perpetual honeymoon. (I call it "perpetual" because every year over American Thanksgiving we take a trip... Just the two of us.) Last Thanksgiving, we went to Paris. This Thanksgiving (hopefully I'll be pregnant then) we are thinking Greece or maybe Milan.

But, this won't be the only vacation we take this year. As a surprise for his 30th b-day, I am surprising my husband with a trip to the Turks and Caicos.



This will be my first beach vacation ever. (Although, I lived on the beach in Tampa as a child... But that doesn't count. I'm not a fan of Florida.) And I'm not sure what one does while on a beach vacation. Isn't it required that you lay about getting sun and reading? I don't swim, so I probably won't be going into the water too much.

Whatever I end up doing, it's going to be tons of fun. I think I am getting the hang of this whole vacation thing.

Hmm... Granola.

Typically, it's one of the most expensive things you can buy at a health food store. But it's really one of the easiest things to bake yourself in no time.

My favorite recipe is a variation of The Barefoot Contessa and Martha Stewart's Everyday Food versions:

4 cups of oatmeal
half a cup of honey
half a cup of vegetable oil
one cup of dried cherries or cranberries
2 cups of coconut
one cup of slivered almonds

First, you whisk the oil and the honey together. Combine all the oatmeal and coconut in a large bowl. Next, fold the wet ingredients. Spread onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes. Stir the mixture every 10 minutes or so to make sure you get everything toasted.

Once the baked mixture is golden, take out of the oven and let it cool for about 30 minutes. Add in the dried fruit and almonds.

Voila! You now have a ton of granola that will last quite a while. Please note, this makes about 12 servings. You're not meant to eat all of this in one serving. (A little granola goes a long way.)

Happy Valentine's Day.

Most husbands get their wives flowers for Valentine's Day. But my husband knows how picky I am when it comes to flowers. I like only certain varieties, and I massively particular about the color of the flowers.

For example, my husband knows to never, ever send me a bouquet of mixed flowers. Most floral houses do not know how to style an arrangement appropriately. So I inevitably end taking the bouquet apart and re-styling it myself.

Also, my husband knows that if he sends me one type of flower in a number of colors, I will take apart the bouquet and separate it by color. I can't mix colors. It's wrong.

My favorite variety of flowers include:

Daisies
Carnations
Peonies (my absolute favorite)
Hydrangea
Tulips
Calla Lilies
Hyacinth
Various types of orchids

I detest roses and most other kinds of lilies.

So, for Valentine's Day, my husband took me to a tasty dinner at Sibling Rivalry on Saturday night. Then, at work on Valentine's Day, he sent me a bouquet of mixed-colored daisies. (Which I separated out into vessels according to color.)

To be honest, I was expecting him to do both of these things. It's typical thoughtfulness from my husband. But, what I wasn't expecting was te surprise I got today. :)

I was up to my ass in work projects today when I get a voicemail from the front desk that an envelope had arrived for me. When I collected and opened it, inside was a gift certificate to my favorite spa in town, Exhale. So thoughtful! Just when I had expected the traditional from my husband, he surprises me.

I got on the phone and thanked him immediately. The I dialed the spa and booked a "fusion massage" for Sunday night at 5:30pm.

Ahh! I can't wait!

The motivation to work out.

I live in Boston's beautiful and charming Southend. But the closest branch of the gym I belong to was over by my work building. Which meant hauling my gym clothes to work every day to hit the gym after putting in my 9 or so hours. Most of the time, I am too exhausted to make my way across the street to the gym because I knowit will be crowded and that I will be spending most of my time waiting around for a free treadmill or elliptical machine.

But, a few weeks ago they opened a Southend branch of the gym... and it is awesome! I love going there. Sure, the hours aren't quite as good as other branches. But the location to my apartment can't be beat. And, going there has other benefits. ;)

So, the Southend in Boston is kind of like the West Village or Chelsea of Manhattan. The area is filled with great restaurants, cute shops and sweet little cafes. There are beautiful brownstone buildings lining the streets. And many, many people have dogs. Cute and friendly dogs. Also, there is a higher population of gay men in the area. This is what makes this branch of the gym so wonderful!

The three or four times I have been in the gym in the past week, the majority of the people in the gym were gay couples and women in worse shape than me. I felt so comfortable there! No creepy guys checking me out; and no super athletic women to compare myself too. It was all about getting in, working out for my 90 minutes and leaving. It was fantastic!

I'm so motivated to hit the gym now. Why have I never discovered working out in an gym in a gay-centric neighborhood before? It's awesome!

Ha-ha Walmart.

Love it! Happy Valentine's Day to thousands of women in the Bay State!

The state has ordered Walmart to begin providing Plan B emergeny contraception . (Also known as "the morning after pill.)

Now, if we could only get them to pay women as much as men and get them to give their employees better health coverage .

Spring Trending.

When I talk about "trending" with most people in my day-to-day activities, it's usually in reference to search marketing projections for traffic and visibility. (Sounds frightfully dull, yeah? It's not though.)

But, secretly, whenever I even mention some variation on the word "trend" I really thinking about fashion, fashion, fashion!

So, as I do every month, I read a zillion fashion magazines and am constantly searching online for information on fashion and beauty. Over the past few weeks, every March issue of a womens magazine undoubtedly has a section devoted to the top trends for spring 2006. So far, most of these list have come to the same consensus on what is in for this upcoming cherry-blossom and forsythia season.
This spring's top trends include:

Wide Belts

"Argh!!!" I love this pirate belt from Anthroplogie. So cute!

Gladiator Sandals

I don't know if I will be buying into this trend this spring. Sure they're cute... But I am very self-conscious about my ankles. And I fear wearing shoes that cut off my legs at the ankles with straps. Makes my legs look even shorter.

Wood Platforms

Love, love, love this one! Although, I already own a pair of vintage wood platforms that my mum wore when I was a little girl. So probably won't be buying. But definitely wearing.

Wedge Heels

Very cute. Can picture myself wearing these with capris or shorts as I vacation on the beach this spring.

White Button-Down Shirt

I actually own this very blouse from Anthropologie . And I love it. The fit is sexy. But not too tight. And the puffed sleeves make my arms look leaner than they are. (So important!) this very shirt I recommend you buy a few of... Because once you wear out the first one, you will want another.

Eyelet or Lace Anything

So sweet and springy! Anything in this cotton summery fabric is sure to be a winner.

Slouchy Big Bag

It's so nice to be able to carry a bag that can hold all the crap I like to carry around on a regular basis, which can include fashion magazines, large bottle of Penta water , flintstone vitamins, filofax, cell phone, laptop, iPod nano, Weight Watchers Smart Ones , etc...

Red Tankie Top

Again, another from Anthropologie . But it is very sexy and vibrant. I like that this spring isn't all about pink and yellow and neutrals. Red is a color of passion... Which I think speaks totally of spring time.

Black and Ivory Dress

Anthropologie is really a great place to shop. This dress is perfect for a date, a wedding or even a work spring outing. The bows on the shoulder are removable. I would remove them, because I think leaving them on would draw too much attention to my arms.

Wide-Leg Trousers

I actually own these very pants too. They were so comfortable when I tried them on. The hem at the bottom measures about 6 inches... Which makes it perfect for hemming off the three inches I needed to. that left me with a 3-inch hem, which looks quite nice. (Not to big.) These pants are really good for women (like myself) who have hips. The wide legs balance out the curvy hips. And the dark wash is also quite flattering for girls who want to minimize the hips and thighs area.

Shorts

I may buy into this trend closer to summer. Depends on how thin I can get my thighs, because these things are fairly short! But very cute. Especially if you pair them with the wood platform sandals or the wedge heels!

Another guilty pleasure.

Every few days I like to check out the site Awful Plastic Surgery.

Sometimes they're bang on about celebrity/public figure plastic surgery habits. Sometimes, I think they're a bit off. Either way though, the side-by-side comparisons are always fun to look at!

Grunge grows up.

Ah... Fall 1992. I was a sophomore in high school. And my favorite things to wear included:

• Reasonably baggy jeans. (Not too baggy, mind you. I wasn't a gangsta wanna-be!)
• Solid color tight shirts. (No prints for me, thankyouverymuch!)
• Flannel shirts, worn tied around my waist.
• Doc Marten shoes. (Not boots. Just laced-up, black shoes.)
  
  

These were easy-to-wear and comfortable clothes. And it was "preppy" back then to wear "grungy" clothes. Two years later, at the beginning of my senior year, we began wearing the baby-doll dresses. So the "grunge" phase really was only limited to my senior year in high school; and really only limited to the two or three days a week that I didn't have to wear my cheerleading uniform to school.

Well, the godfather of grunge appears to be touching back on his roots. In the early 90s, legend has it that Marc Jacobs (the favorite designer of yours truly) thrusted his "grunge" style on America while designing at Perry Ellis. Nearly 14 years later, the man releases his Fall 2006 collection with a very grown-up "grunge" feel to it.

In this fashion week video shot by Style.com, Monsieur Jacobs' fall collection is rich in the same wooly-textures from long ago, but is paired with much more sophisticated cuts and yummy accessories; including hats and gloves for evening wear!

I can imagine myself walking the gray streets of Boston next winter wearing some of these pieces. Especially the creamy wool gloves and the grey beany.

The gloves are very lady-like an proper. But look so comfortable and milky-warm. And the beany is just very sexy. I would wear jeans, a dark-grey cowl-neck sweater, knee-high field boots, the gloves and the hat. My bag of choice for this ensemble would be some soft and slouchy clutch bag.

So divine!