New Year's Resolutions... 2008 Edition.

I have less than an hour till 2008 arrives... So, in 2008, I resolve to do the following...

Tone up! I have started toning up, with all my training. But I am a person of realistic expectations. I didn't start training with a personal trainer and expect to see immediate results. Hell, I didn't expect to see any changes. I just want to know how to work out properly, and how to make it more creative. I get so easily bored going to a gym and trying to figure out ways to tone my body. Over the past six months though, since I began using a personal trainer, I have begun to tone and learn new ways to do it... But also, I have learned to like running. Or, really, interval training and jogging. So in the new year, I resolve to take my personal training/Pilates/Bikram to a new level... To actually change my body shape... (2007 was all about developing the habit.)

Eat better. One of the things the metaphysician I spoke to a few weeks back mentioned was that I should be a vegetarian. He himself eats meat (I believe), but this was something he picked up in my Chakras. And he's not the first person to make this same observation in 2007. I've had quite a few signs that I should not be eating as much meat as I have been. I should be consuming more plant proteins. But I'm not ready to give up meat altogether... So I have phased out red meat and pork on a regular basis... And am alternating between poultry/fish and plant proteins. I have also begun to circulate more fruit into my eating habits. And I never used to eat fruit. So, I'm done with processed foods.

Drink a LOT less coffee. Like the meat, I'm not giving it up... I'm just not going to have the two to three cups a day I was used to getting. Instead, I'm switching to teas. Black, green and herbal. Coffee should be a treat, not a daily expectation.

Drink more wine. I don't dabble much with the hard liquor or beer. (Like once every few months, as a social event.) But I could stand to take in more wine. They say a glass a day is good for you. It helps you relax. I am aiming for having a glass every other day.

Buy no new clothes/shoes/bags in January. January is a MAH-JOR sale season in retail. But often I find myself buying crap I don't need and won't wear very much, just because it was on sale. So in January, I will not buy any of this stuff.

Ask Mr. Sports (my boss) if I can "work from home" a lot less. Right now, I average asking him this once a day. Now that I have worked for him for damn near a year, I feel he has been properly "hazed" and now "non-phased" by this attempt for liveliness. So, with that, I also resolve to...

Find new ways to keep the workplace lively. Because really, my "bits" are getting old there. Time for fresh material. And they can't fire me for bringing poor material to the table... I've now made myself indispensable. (At least in my brain I am "indispensable.")

Return my Netflix DVDs in a timely fashion, so that I can avoid going through only 10 DVDs in the span of four months. Seriously, I am so bad about watching DVDs and returning them right away. I've had "Reign Over Me" since BEFORE I went to the Turks and Caicos.

Develop a schedule for my daily activities, and stick to it. This is another thing the metaphysician asked me to work on in the near term. He said I tend to better when I have set rituals ad schedules. So, Sunday mornings (for example) will be "cleaning time" in my household. And Sunday afternoons will be "gym and yoga time at Equinox." Saturdays at 9am will be for Bikram class. Friday nights are for friends or relaxing. (Or both.)

Blog 1,000 times in 366 days. That's right, 2008 is a Leap Year. So I get 366 days to put out 1,000 blog postings. The Husband and I developed a strategy on how to get this done... And I am ready to roll.

Awkward Couples...

The Husband and I just got back from dinner at Sibling Rivalry. (It was quite tasty!) We had a good table to sit at... But we were sat next to a very awkward and boring couple.

At first, I thought they were probably a fairly new couple. They kept having awkward conversations... As though they didn't really now each other yet. Their cadence had a unfamiliar movement to it. It seemed like they didn't quite know each other well.

The guy, although somewhat geeky, was quite cute. The girl though, she was very snobby. Both The Husband and I later commented on this view. She was a very prissy girl. And (I think) obsessed with working off her entire caloric intake... She kept making comments on the "fattening food" and how she "ran six miles" just for tonight.

I could be wrong though. But I want to stick to my "she's a prissy whack-job who will become frigid after she bullies the guy into an engagement and marriage" idea.

Yet, as we eavesdropped further on the couple's conversation throughout dinner, we realized that they had likely been together for quite a while. Their conversation was peppered with references to friends of theirs... And they even made reference to their parents having had lunch together.

What an odd couple. But then, I really shouldn't talk... I kept referring to The Husband's "hot wife" and how he should make sure "he gets home to her so she doesn't suspect some thing's up."

Things I Loved In 2007...

Before the year ends officially, I wanted to put up a post on the things I loved in 2007. Hopefully you'll agree with me on this list... And if you don't, well, you can "go blow." (That's the holiday spirit!)

The T3 Featherweight Hair Dryer - I know. I know. It seems like I write about this magical product every other week. But it's for good reason! I have owned this hair dryer for over two months now. And it has truly changed the texture of my hair. And it dries my hair so quickly... Here's a picture of me after drying it for 10 minutes...



It's shaped and ready to go for my night out!

Raven Stella Wide-leg Jeans - These are, hands down, my absolute favorite jeans. I wear them at least twice a week. I am seriously considering going to Jean Therapy in February (when I can buy new clothes) and seeing if they have another pair to spare. The dark color and the fit are amazing.

Blueprint Magazine - Rumor has it that this magazine has been kinda folded. It is produced by Martha Stewart Living Omimedia, and I find it to be a great read... And I hate that it only comes out every two months. I hope it hasn't been folded. The fashion, craft and other decoration tips are so cool. And useful.

Eat, Pray, Love - If you have not read this book yet, what the hell is wrong with you? Seriously... It's like $10 on the discount table at Borders! And it is an inspiring read! Elizabeth Gilbert is one of my idols.

Equinox Fitness - I could spend an entire afternoon just lounging around and working out at this gym. This past Sunday, I nearly did that. I went in for a workout, and ended up staying an additional hour and a half to catch the PranaVayu yoga class. I LOVE that PranaVayu is taught at Equinox. (Now I don't have to pay extra to take it at Exhale!) And my Pilates classes and training sessions are doing great things for me. (Even though I find the Pilates instructor to be a little sadistic... I mean, how many ab exercises do I have to do? I am in so much ab pain the day after a session! He's pure evil! But good at what he does.)

Acupuncture With Emily - I started the year off with some aggressive acupuncture, and it started opening me up right away. (Hello crazy dreams!) It's a wonderful treatment. And no, it does not hurt. I have slowed down my acupuncture treatment for now though. I'm no longer pursuing my initial reason for going to acupuncture... So probably once every five or six weeks is when I will get in... IF I can get in... Emily books up so quickly.

Bikram Yoga - I did TWO 30-day challenges (on my own) in 2007. I took a good portion of October, November and December off from Bikram because of some treatments I was having... And the doctor forbade hot yoga. But I am raring to go now in 2008. And I am going to become the chick in class who takes no water! Ever! (Well, hardly ever.)

My Job And My Co-Workers - I won't tell you where I work. (I like to keep things anonymous, a little.) But I have to say my job really kicks ass. Last year, 2006, was a stressful job year. I worked in a horrible environment (even worse than when I worked at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia!) So to have finally found a job where the company not only says it appreciates your hard work, but they act like they appreciate it too... This is a wonderful thing. GOOD COMPANIES DO EXIST! And I couldn't be more grateful to have found one.

Blogging - January will mark two full years that I have been blogging. Writing on this blog has been very therapeutic. And I don't intend to stop anytime soon. I blogged just over 900 times in 2007. I intend to reach 1000 postings in 2008. (It's important to have goals.)

I'll Need Skinny Arms To Wear It...

If there was ever a reason to work really hard this year and tone my arms, it is so that I could wear a dress like this...



It's the Lovesome Dress from Anthropologie.

I noticed it when I was in the store this morning (between my Pilates and Birkam classes.) It's a very sweet dress in person. But in order to wear something like this, you need slender arms. Very slender and toned. Otherwise, you will look like an assclown wearing it.

I will not be buying this dress though. I have made myself promise/resolve to not buy any new clothes in January. Besides, I currently don't have the arms to wear it anyway.

Let's Get Ready to Exercise!

The weekly poll just closed a little while ago. (Thank you to all 47 of you who voted!)

As for new year's resolutions... The majority of you are looking to lose weight. Though, "getting out of debt" wasn't that far behind in terms of votes.

Hopefully each of you will find the tools and willpower you need to accomplish your main new year's resolution. I'll be typing up my resolutions for you all a little later tonight.

A new poll is up for this week. Winter just started a little over a week ago, and we (in Boston) have already had a bit of snow. If this is a sign of what's to come this season, it is going to feel like one long winter. So, for this week's poll, I want to know from you is...

"With the long winter ahead, I am keeping myself busy (and not depressed) by..."

Thanks! And don't forget to vote!

Wusthof Japanese Chef's Knife.

Now that I have made a few dishes with my new Wusthof Japanese Chef's Knife (which I picked up at Crate and Barrel on Friday), I can give you my review of it...

I LOVE it!!!!



This knife is so safe to use. And it's easy to use. And it cuts through all my veggies. I don't have to use a separate one for tomatoes... This thing cuts through them perfectly.

If you are thinking of getting a kitchen knife, I recommend getting this one.

Mrs. Strong Calendar.

I love stationary. However, as much as I love stationary, I can't bring myself to fork out cash for the one kind I would LOVE to get... Personalized stationary from Mrs. John L. Strong.

I simply do not send out enough personal handwritten notes to warrant forking out cash for the gorgeous pieces.

However, because it is the new year, I did treat myself to something from the Mrs. Strong line... I picked up this calendar and mini-easel from Louis Boston a few weeks ago.



It's a desk calendar!

And sure, it may seem a bit extravagant for a desk calendar... But I see it as a nice treat for myself in the new year. And it gives me a legitimate excuse to buy something from the Mrs. Strong line.

Black Ruffled Juicy Couture Top.

A few weeks back I was out shopping. I found myself in the Juicy Couture section at Neiman Marcus.

Normally, I shun Juicy Couture. I always found the pieces to be trashy. But I was impressed by what I saw on display in the section. There were some really cute things! One thing I could not resist touching...

A black ruffled short-sleeve top!



Super cute, huh? I decided to go ahead and try it on... Even though I swore to myself I would never wear nor carry anything by JC. But this piece I couldn't resist. And once I had it on, I fell in love with how slender it made my arms look. Not only that, it slenderized my waist-line as well.

It's the perfect top to dress up a pair of wide-leg trouser jeans.

"Today I Recommend..."

You gotta love it when the baristas at Starbucks have a sense of humor...

Before catching an early afternoon showing of Sweeney Todd, I stopped in at the Starbucks near the theater. After I ordered my lovely espresso drink, I noticed the sign that displays the barista's recommended drink for the day. But instead of a drink, today the barista (Paulo) was recommending...



Paulo's got an apartment to sublet!

I wanted to call for him and get the details on the apartment... But it was nearly time for my film to start. Plus, I'm not currently looking for an apartment.

Ugliest Bag Ever: Buxton Bag.

I've seen some ugly bags in my time... Prior to today, the worst one I had seen (in my opinion) was the Fendi "B" bag. But while flipping through TV channels a few moments ago, I came across a bag that I find even more offensive than the "B" bag.

May I introduce you to the Buxton Bag?



Talk about atrocious! Have you seen anything uglier in your time?

I mean, sure, it holds a lot of stuff... But this bag is not flattering in any way, shape or form against your way, shape or form.

First off, the shoulder strap... It's too wide. But I guess that's because the bag is meant to be worn across your body, like a messenger bag.

Then, the "genuine" leather looks creepy. It has a feel of "plastic," by the looks of the picture above.

Then, what's up with all the zippers and pockets? Well, actually, I get why there are so many of those. It's a bag for those that want to be "super organized." But this is just ridiculous.

They shouldn't bother trying to pitch this bag as a way to "organize in fashion." Because it is NOT a fashionable bag. It's an ergonomic (and ugly) nightmare.

UPDATE:
Since so many people have left comments asking what I think would be a more ideal bag solution for those wanting to stay organized and fahsionable... I have a bag that I would recommend, and you can read about it here: The Butler Bag.

At Least U Of A Was In The Top 100...

My husband just sent me a link to this article in US News on college rankings for 2008.

Now, I went (quite proudly) to the University of Arizona. I chose to go to the U of A (despite my WHOLE family's objections - as they are devout Arizona State University fans) because it was far enough from my parents and extended family. Also, all the smart kids from my high school who didn't go out of state went to the U of A. And the journalism program was quite respected at Arizona.

So I was happy with my choice of university. And I accepted that I would be ridiculed by family (and some friends) for the rest of my life. (Though, the only thing they can nag me on is how bad the University of Arizona football team is. There really isn't anything else they have. Arizona State's football program has always been good. And will likely stay that way.)

But now, I am having a bit of a laugh to myself. The US News college rankings show the University of Arizona at 96 out of 124 positions for the US colleges.

And where does Arizona State rank, you ask? (I know you may not have... But I'll pretend you did.)

Arizona State University ranked DEAD LAST. At 124.



To be fair though, they were joined in last position with seven other schools... But Arizona State was listed last.

I guess Arizona State is a social (read: party) and sports school. The University of Arizona is, I guess, for the egg-heads in the state.

I'm quite happy being a geek. (They did, after all, film The Revenge of the Nerds on the University of Arizona campus. So I guess it all fits.)

Sibling Rivalry Dinner.

After going "gourmet" with my dinner tonight, I decided to check out the current menu for Sibling Rivalry... Seeing as I will be dining there in less than 48 hours. I want to have a decent idea of what I will be feasting on for New Year's Eve dinner.

After scoping the menu out, I think I have it narrowed down to...

Appetizer
Pumpkin "Love Letters" with Brown Butter-Pancetta Sauce, Pumpkin Oil, Fried Sage, and Parmesan…

Entree
Barbequed Lamb Chop Lollipops with Roast Acorn Squash and Creamy Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Gratin...

Pineapple Tart Tatin
With Tres Leches Ice Cream and Macadamia Nut Praline…


I'm so looking forward to the meal!

Poached Halibut With Lemon & Fennel.

Believe it or not, I don't actually read Martha Stewart Living every month. In fact, I rarely pick up a copy to reference. Since I left that joint many, many years ago, I stopped having a desire to pick it up.

This month, however, I made an exception.

While traveling back to Boston on Thursday, I found myself with very few options for magazine-reading on the plane. No new glossies were out. So I picked up the January issue of MS Living to browse through. And I am glad I did. Because I found a really kick-ass recipe for poached halibut.

Poaching is probably one of the easiest ways to cook something. For me, I find poaching is easier to be successful at than grilling. With grilling, I often cook the outside too fast and the center ends up being slightly raw. But with poaching, you're cooking the entire ingredient submerged in simmering liquid... So it' hard to over-cook or under-cook it.

The recipe from MS Living was Halibut Poached in Lemon-Fennel Court-Bouillon. Sounds fancy... But really, it was just halibut with potatoes, fennel, leeks, lemon, water and half a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.



Hmm... It turned out beautifully. And it only took about 35 minutes to come together. So simple! And healthy!

"...Free From Infection..."

Boo-yah, betches! I just scored a 94% on the Coming to America quiz on Facebook Flixster.



Now, you may not think this a huge accomplishment... But I do. Coming to America is one of my favorite movies from childhood. And I wasn't even allowed to see it. I had to sneak and watch it at a friend's slumber party when I was 12.

The only answer I missed on the entire quiz was "How many characters did Eddie Murphy play in the film?" I guessed "3." I was wrong.

Because I love the film so much, here is a clip of Siskel (remember him?) and Ebert's review of the film back in July of 1988.

I Can't Go Back To Coach.

Uh-oh...

When The Husband and I checked in for the first leg of our trip home (Tucson to Chicago), we were offered a good price to upgrade to first class. So we took it.

Now, I've only flown "premium class" once before in my life. And it was on a very short flight. And I was only offered complimentary alcohol. But on yesterday's flight... It was magical!

Did you know the people in first class get WARMED NUTS????? And they were so good! THEN, they gave us a really good enchilada with wine for lunch. (I didn't know people still got fed on domestic flights!)

Then, about 20 minutes after lunch ended, I kept smelling cookies baking. But I thought to myself, "That can be so... Must be some one's vanilla lotion or something that I am smelling."

But I was wrong... It WAS cookies. Cookies being warmed up to be served to us in first class!

It was sooooooooooooo awesooooooooome.

And did you know the people in first class have their own separate bathroom? I seriously had no freaking idea!

This was just a one-time treat though. And on our flight from Chicago to Boston, we kicked it back in coach. People who only ever fly first class (and I know a few of these) have no freaking idea how hard life is for the rest of us back in coach.

Home Goods.

I got a few Crate and Barrel gifts cards for Christmas (yay!)... But now I need to figure out what I want to get with them. Dilemma!

I headed over to C&B earlier this afternoon. There were two things I spotted and decided to pick up...

A Set of Glass Storage Containers




A Pasta Measure




It was high time I picked up some legitimate storage containers. The ones I have now are ghetto. And the pasta measure will be extremely useful... I don't know about you, but I have a wicked hard time trying to figure out what exactly a portion of linguine looks like. Turns out, I am going slightly under the portion size.

I am also thinking of adding this Wusthof Japanese Chef's Knife to my collection. Haven't made the final decision yet though.

The Daring Book For Girls.

About two weeks ago, as I made my weekly pilgrimage to Barnes and Noble, I picked a book I had seen displayed for quite some time. It was called, "The Daring Book For Girls."



The "Girls" book was based on another book aimed towards boys (quite blatantly) with the title, "The Dangerous Book For Boys."

I never picked up the "Boys" book... But in the "Girls" book are all kinds of useful things for females (of ALL ages) to know. These useful things include:

• How to negotiate a salary.
• How to change a tire.
• Japanese T-shirt folding. (I guess it's better than American folding.)
• Math tricks. (Tips for easily solving certain types of math problems. Can't always rely on the calculator.)
• Info on the Periodic Table of Elements.

It's an eclectic mix of information. And even though you may think (by looking at the cover) that it's aimed for girls of a young age, it's totally not. This info is useful for women of all ages.

I will have to pick up and at least look at the "Boys" book though. I'd like to know what makes it so "Dangerous."

So Sleepy...

But must press on!

Got into Boston LAAATE last night. Immediately did some laundry. Went to bed late. Up early (all things considered) to get to back-to-back training sessions. Have Pilates at 9am with Shawn, and then training with Devon at 10am.

Considering going to the noon Bikram class, because it has been so long. Will see how I hold up after the training sessions.

Must find motivation first.

Good to be back in Boston. It was nearly as cold in Arizona as it is here.

Christmas Presents!

So many presents!

After everyone finally got up this morning, we got to open presents. I got my cutting board, bread box, some new bowls and gift certificates to Crate and Barrel. At home in Boston, I have a few presents from The Husband as well... Shoes, some home stuff, even more training sessions (I am set till March on training sessions now) and gift cards to Starbucks and Barnes and Noble.

And since it's Christmas morning, I can finally reveal what I told my family to get my husband for Christmas...

His own George Foreman Grill!!!



The Husband was really upset when I threw our old one out a few years ago. It was his kitchen cooking staple. Now though, he has a really "pimped out" one. And it even has a waffle plate to go in it.

I predict there will be many grilled chicken and turkey burger dinners in my future.

Happy Christmas!

I know it's after 9am in Boston... But it's only after 7am here in Arizona. And I just got up with my sister, Red, and we are now doing what we do every year at this time...

We are watching A Christmas Story on TBS. We tune into it throughout the day. It's one of my family's traditions. You get up, watch A Christmas Story, open presents... Then Mum makes eggs and chorizo for breakfast.

I hope all of you out there (even those that don't celebrate it) are having a solid Christmas holiday.

By the way... It's sunny in Arizona and on the warm side. This is really the only way I know Christmas weather. I don't equate snow with Christmas.

They're NOT The Same!

Whew!!! I lucked out!

Every Christmas (and on his birthday) I get my husband a new dress shirt from Thomas Pink.

There's a catch when shopping for The Husband though. He will only wear light blue-ish dress shirts. And I often worry that Thomas Pink won't come out with new light blue-patterned shirts in time. Or I will confuse which patterns I have already bought for him, and I will buy him a second of one he already has.

In fact... I was worried for a few weeks there that I had in fact done that! And the box was nicely wrapped, so I didn't want to pry it open just to check.

But, as The Husband and I opened gifts on Saturday night in Boston, I learned that I was in the clear.



The new shirt (on the right) was in fact different from the old one (on the left).

Now I just have to hope they make a new print before the end of March.

Picture Of The Missus.

When I got home last night, my Mum had put pictures of my husband and I in the guest room we were staying in for the week.

Our wedding picture was up. And so was this one...



It's of me, when I was eight years old (circa October 1985). I'm in my first cheerleading uniform ever. I was a scrawny kid.

My hair is still as thick as it was then. It's pretty much the same color, though not as long. And I am definitely as pale as I was then. I'm certainly not scrawny anymore though. But I do wish I still had the light blue Nike Velcro sneakers I am sporting in the photo.

I should try and dig up some more childhood photos. I actually don't have any at my home in Boston.

"It's The Smallest Vehicle We Have."

After a nice delay in Dallas, as we made our way home to Arizona, we got into Tucson International Airport quite late. Therefore, we got stuck with whatever vehicle they had left.

I had requested an economy car... On the small side. The rental agent assured me that this was the smallest vehicle they had...



A big ass red truck is what I got.

Before we left the rental car lot, I asked the agent to please turn the lights on for me. Since I don't drive often, and this was an unfamiliar vehicle, I didn't want to be left wondering where the lights were on the dash board. So he showed me where they were and turned them on for me.

"All American cars have the lights on the dashboard," he informed me.

Thing is though, this is a Japanese make. So I should have picked up then that maybe he wasn't all that informed on the vehicle.

So we get into our truck (The Husband and I), and we start down I-10 towards the town I grew up in and my family still lives (Sierra Vista). As we drove though, I felt like the lights weren't working well... Or that maybe I was too tired to drive.

"Do these lights even look like they're on?" I asked The Husband.

"I don't know," he said, "I guess."

(Neither of us drive... Ever. Well, me more than he.)

About 10 minutes down I-10 I see the dreaded blue and red lights flashing behind me.

"Eff!" I scream. "I know I wasn't speeding. It's 75... I was going 70."

We pull over. The officer gets out and comes up to the passenger side window.

"Ma'am," he began, "Do you know why I pulled you over."

I am a pretty honest person.

"I wasn't speeding officer, "I told him. "So I'm not sure why. Sorry."

He agreed I wasn't speeding.

"You're driving with your fog lights on," he informed me.

"Ahh!" I screech. "I even asked our rental agent to turn them on for me, and he said they were on."

The officer kindly spent the next few minutes with me working out the lighting system. He actually had a hard time trying to figure out with me which were my brights and which were my low beams. Eventually, we went with one look of the lights. He then let me off with a warning.

So I drove the hour home to my parents with my lights the way the officer showed me to drive with them. Turns out, though, I was using my brights. The whole way home. Even as I passed cars on the freeway and highway.

I do like driving in the truck though. But I still have no desire to own a car. (And Sierra Vista is probably the easiest place to drive in the world.)

Owning a car and having to drive every day would just be annoying. For me.

Fancy Dinner & Home.

The Weekly Poll closed a little while ago... Thanks to all 51 of you who voted! (That was the largest number I've seen so far!)

The winning choice for New Year's plans...



Fancy dinner followed by evening at home! This is what The Husband and I will be doing for New Year's next week. We're going to do our usual "dinner at Sibling Rivalry" and then come home and watch a movie.

We live an exciting life!

A new poll is up... "What will be your main New Year's resolution?"

Get voting!

Have Cold. Will (Have To) Travel.

Last month, when I went to the Turks and Caicos, I got stuck with a cold a few days before I had to hop on the plane to go down there. The flights were miserable, with my ears popping and not adjusting right away. It took a few days for them to come around.

Now, a month later, I find myself in the same predicament... In 14 hours I have to get on a plane, and I have a cold that I have not been able to shake.

This is bull-shiz. And just my luck.

Chanel Blue Satin.

Still rolling with the Pantone color of the year, I just discovered the newest shade of Chanel nail lacquer... Blue Satin!



Hmm... I must think about picking some up. Still not sure. Pretty though, yes?

This Is Why I Only "Carry-On."

Woah!



I have never (knock on wood) lost luggage during travel. I have traveled with checked luggage at Christmastime in the past, and had my luggage get a direct flight to my final destination and arrive way early, while I had a connection... But I never have lost any luggage.

And I am taking every precaution I can to never lose luggage.

This year, I am taking a carry-on only to Arizona. And I shipped all my gifts to Arizona earlier this week.

No checked luggage. Not now. Hopefully not ever.

New Year's Celebration: What To Wear.

Not that I am going anywhere fancy for New Year's Eve... But if I was, I think I would wear something to coordinate with the Pantone Color for 2008.

I mean, what better way to start the new year than to wear the color that will be all the rage?

So, for the dress, I would slip on this chiffon number from Lela Rose.

I would also pair it with it these satin opaque tights from Wolford.


I would carry this metallic clutch by VBH.


And I would throw on these darling anthracite peep toe pumps by Christian Louboutin.


Man... I need to find more exciting things to do... Even if only for the clothing potential!

Equinox Fitness Discount.

If one of your New Year's resolutions is to get in shape in 2008, I have something that may help you...


Equinox is offering a "Friends & Family" discount for anyone who wants to join.



If you sign up by December 31st, you can join with out having to pay an initiation fee. That's $500 bucks you save.


I can't tell you how much I love my gym. It's so convenient to my neighborhood. It's in immaculate condition. The equipment is top-notch. The fitness classes are amazing. And the locker room is spectacular.


If you're interested in more information, let me know. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this gym.

Snowy Back Deck.

I snapped this picture of my back deck this morning.





Snow is so pretty. But it's such a betch deal with! My kind husband was downstairs shoveling again last night. He tried to shovel a path to the street for people who catch the bus in front of our house... But at a certain point he hit a huge pile of icy snow under the softer snow.

"I give up," he said.

I didn't blame him. He did a damn good job shoveling. He's not a machine. He's only "Human."

Pantone Color For 2008: No. 18-3943...

Or as you might know it better... Blue Iris.



Didn't know Pantone selected a color before the start of each year? Me neither! But I read all about it in this article in the NY Times Style section today.

I have to say, I do like the color very much. I would love to re-do my bathroom in this color.

Interested in knowing the color what was the "Color of the Year" for 2007?


And for 2006?


And for 2005?


There are so many colors I have missed out on! I predict the color for 2009 will be something in the "green" family.

Therapy For Work!

FINALLY!

I've been holding on to this info for what seems like AGES!!!!

Jean Therapy (the best place to buy proper jeans in the world) has officially opened a sister store... And its focus isn't jeans...

The new store, called "Therapy," focuses on "fun work wear." Those who want to be professionally dressed and stylish while at the office will want to hit this place up pronto. I have not yet made it over to the Trilogy Boston building near Fenway (where the store is located), but I intend to get there next Friday, the 28th.

Therapy

Trilogy Boston

184 Brookline Ave.

Ashley's New Nose.

I've never seen High School Musical. Until a few months ago, I had never even heard of it... But, even though I've never heard of it, I do know of Ashley Tisdale, one of it's stars.

I know who Ashley is because of her recent nose job. What do you think of it?

Here's old Ashley...


And here's new Ashley...


Personally, I prefer the old nose. I'm not a fan of the new one. They took too much off. What do you think?

BIKRAM!

It's been a few weeks since I was last in class... So I am TOTALLY getting in to the 5:30pm class this evening.

I need to sweat out these cold germs! I think sitting, and doing yoga, in a hot room will help me get better before I get on the plane on Sunday.

I am craving the heat. I can't wait!

UPDATE:
Didn't go. Got caught up at work with some thing. Dang! Well, the new year is just around the corner... Time to re-up my resolutions!

WTF??? No Project Runway Tonight???

Actually, Project Runway is on right now... But it's a collection of repeat episodes!!!

This eats.

Closet Essentials.

Every style book I pick up (and I am addicted to them, so I have MANY) lists the top items women need to have in their wardrobes... You know, the "essentials."

Most all include the Little Black dress. Also a white shirt. And a suit. And I absolutely agree with those. So, here is my full list of the top 12 items that I think a woman needs to have in her closet...

Little Black Dress

I have about five. And I wear them RARELY. This is because I work in a casual-dress office. I may bust them out more in 2008. My favorite LBD is y black wrap dress by Diane vonFurstenburg. That's a classic LBD.

Crispy White Button-Down Blouse
Whether you prefer it long-sleeved or short-sleeved, it goes with everything. It can be "dressed up" or "dressed down." If you're like me, once you find one you absolutely love, you pick it up in bulk. I have three of the same white blouse because I love it so much.

Black Suit

To be honest (and I will probably offend many of you with this statement) I think there is nothing more atrocious than a suit NOT in black, navy or dark grey. Any other color is simply NOT professional. And more importantly, a suit in any other color isn't versatile. I knew someone who once interviewed with me in a light pink suit. It was appropriate for a wedding, not a job interview. There were many reasons the gal wasn't right for the job... The suit was simply the "icing on the cake."

Black Knee-High Boots
The heel on these can be flat, stiletto, chunky, platform... Whatever you like. But knee-high boots are chic. And they are sexy. And they can make and outfit look even better... Especially if you go with a high-heeled version, because then you get extra height.

Cardigan

Preferably in cashmere, because it's good for all seasons. But, if cashmere isn't really in your budget, go for a cozy and soft wool blend. The best colors to pick up (for their flexibility) are black, cream, navy, red and petal pink.

Wool Trousers
MAKE SURE THEY ARE LINED. Nothing irks me more than picking up a pair of expensive but cool trousers, and then realizing they are not lined. The lining helps them weather the wear. Also, keep in mind when purchasing these how you intend to wear them... With flats or heels. You will need to have them tailored to fit your shoe style preference. No one wants to look like an "ass clown" wearing trousers that are too short for their heels or that droop around their ankles.

Stylish Flats

I LOVE flats. Pointed-toe, rounded-toe, moccasin-style... Doesn't matter. They are comfy and cute. And they can be made dressy or casual more easily than heels can. My current favorites are still my Jimmy Choo Ruby ones. Love at first site.

Nude & Black Bras
I don't wear bras in any other color. No white. No pink. No red. I just don't think they're grown-up. And nude and black bras are basic foundations. (And I only wear black and nude underwear, in case you were wondering.) I like good quality pieces, but I don't need a rainbow of colors on my foundation.

Clutch

I have a black one by Hobo International that I have used for years. It was my fancy dinner bag staple. But I also have an olive-green one I picked up this fall (also by Hobo International) that I tend to use for daytime. My dream clutch is still a Balenciaga (pictured above)... But that is just too out of my purchasing power.

Large & Stylish Work Bag
I prefer leather materials for my work bags. And they have to be large enough to carry my daily needs... And if they can fit my laptop, even better. Also, the strap should be able to fit over my shoulder.

Long-Sleeved Tees

I wear these every damn day. Under sweaters, to bed, at the gym. As soon as I get home each evening, I change into one. The best ones are by J. Crew. In my opinion.

JEANS
I saved my favorite item for last! Dark jeans (in particular) really can be dressed up or down. They can be very safe to wear to work, and then out to cocktails at a sexy lounge.

Now, I realize there are SO MANY things I could have/should have included on this list. But these are the ones that are probably the most notable to me. And, these are the ones that I truly have built my wardrobe around.

Herbal Douche? Anyone? Anyone?

My friend Bon-Fier sent me a link to a spa in NYC that I must go check out the next time I am there... Juvenex.



They have the coolest igloo sauna thing there. And me loving spas as much I do, I must check this out.

I don't know if I will have any treatments while I am there though... One of the treatments there scares me...

The Gyno Spa Cure.

Really, all this happens to be is a douche done with herbs. Eww!!!!! No thanks!

At Home Sick.

I started getting sick yesterday. But I couldn't justify staying home because I had a training session and a Pilates session that I couldn't cancel. So if I was well enough to go to those, I was well enough to go to work.

Today though, I am at home. The coughing and congestion of my evil cold really got bad last night. And then this morning my head felt heavy. So I decided to not go in to work. I NEED to get better before I get on a plane to Arizona. I was sick while in the Turks and Caicos last month. I do NOT want to be sick on this vacation too.

On a plus note... Since I am at home, I am able to watch Gabi Wilson, the child music prodigy, perform o the Today Show again. She is so bad ass!

Are They Writing It Into The Storyline?

In case you haven't heard (which I am sure you have by now), Jamielynn Spears (sister to Britney) is "in the family way."

Yes... The 16 year old got knocked up by her 19 year old boyfriend, and she's made up her mind... She's keeping her bay-bay.

Jamielynn has her own show on Nickelodeon's "Zoey 101." Just wondering if they're planning on writing this into the script for the show? I mean, obviously kids need to learn about pregnancy and how to avoid it when their still teenagers...

It's all about educating the kids people. Teach them how to go to Planned Parenthood and get on the pill... And also teach them how to go and buy condoms at the grocery store.

Twice The Content. Twice The Fun?

Wow! I have been a blogging machine this year!

With my last post, I officially doubled the number of blog posts I wrote this year from last year.

In all of 2006, I put up 431 posts. That was a pretty big accomplishment, and meant that I was blogging every day. Well, 2007 isn't even over yet (I still have two weeks!), and I have already done double the writing I did last year.

"Well done" to me!

Now I will have to come up with a goal for next year... Perhaps "1,000 Posts in 365 Days"?

Chanel Ankle Purse Bag.

It's the fanny pack for your ankles!!!!

Kidding.

I don't know if any of you have seen this, but I caught my first glimpse of the Chanel Ankle Purse Bags in the January issue of Elle magazine.

I think they are cute... But I would never wear one in lieu of a purse. I mean, I have a hard enough time getting all I need for an outing into a clutch! Imagine if I had to down-size my necessities even more to a little bag the size of my palm!

No way I could do it. No way I could wear it.

Is this the movement against the super-sized bags out there?

What about you? Could you wear it?

12-Bird Feast - For Serious Meat-Eaters Only.

Holy cow!

Er... I mean, "Holy Birds!"

Was just reading online about this new creation for your holiday feast.... A Multi-Bird Roast that is made with 12 different pieces of game meat/poultry.



In it is:

1. Turkey
2. Goose
3. Barbary duck
4. Guinea fowl
5. Mallard
6. Poussin
7. Quail
8. Partridge
9. Pigeon squab
10. Pheasant
11. Chicken
12. Aylesbury duck

It packs in 50,000 calories, and feeds about 125. So, if you ever find yourself having a Christmas wedding, maybe you should consider serving this at your reception... It would certainly feed everyone. And you will have provided way more protein options than most couples do at their receptions.

Five Hour Soul Session.

I had my soul life reading yesterday. The metaphysician had told me it would be two to three hours long. He was wrong though. It ended up going for 4 hours and 40 minutes.

Yes, I was on the phone for nearly five hours straight!

It was a really cool session though. I can't go into all the details, as there was a lot of ground covered. But basically, he goes though each of your chakras and reads them. I wasn't looking to have my "future" read necessarily. I was looking more for guidance and answers to questions about myself.... "Why am I dreaming about X?" "Am I on the path I am supposed to be on?" "Am I being too aggressive with X? And should I back off of it?"

Stuff like that.

Overall, he said I am in very good condition. I am on exactly the right path I am supposed to be on. He found absolutely no "dark" areas in my soul. My soul is very "light, bright and airy." But it did take some extra effort on his part to get in and be able to read it.

My soul, which is true of my conscious self, did not want to let him get too close.

"You're a very private person," he observed. "But you have no dark areas to hide. You just don't let people in. It takes a lot of effort to get in here."

When he looks at your soul, he sees a house. And with my house, which he described as very "Southern" in style, was difficult to get into. There were four steps up to it, which were difficult to climb.

"You have to be careful on these steps," he said. "One could easily get tripped going up them."

Then, once he got up the stairs, there was a porch. Then, at first, my soul wasn't allowing him in to the house. It took a few minutes for him to get in.

He made some very eerily correct observations about me while in the house. Stuff that doesn't need to be gone into here. (Or maybe I will at some point.) But it was really cool.

When he looked at my higher chakras, where you house your spirituality, he saw lots of stuff going on.

"You talk to angels," he said. I confirmed. I do talk to angels. I can't hear them answer back. But I look for signs from them.

"You spend a LOT of time up here in your subconscious," he said. He was referring to my spiritual realm. That's where all the dreams I've been having come from. Those are messages from the angels, as well as other spirit beings.

"You have great energy," he said. "You will have a being (a child) join you some day who has very high energy too. Not right now though."

"You're not selfish," he said. "You say what you are thinking. You are right where you should be. Just ease up on being aggressive with this one thing though. Relax for now. Just keep walking down your path otherwise."

There was some past-life stuff, which was cool to learn as well. Overall, the reading was really cool. I learned I need to start harvesting and trusting in my own spiritual visions. And I need to work harder on listening for the answers that are given to me.

He also told me who the person is I have been seeing out of the corner of my right eye. The guy's name is "Paul." He (the metaphysician) asked if I had known a Paul who died. Because this energy was very close to me. I said, "no."

"Well," he said, "his name is Paul. Feel free to talk to him. He can't read your mind. Most spiritual beings actually can't. You have to be verbal with them. Paul watches over you."

That's all I can recall without looking at my notes. May not sound really glamorous or Earth-shattering.. But it was very cool. And the five hours flew by.

Turkey Twice A Year!

The weekly poll just closed. thanks to all 33 of you who voted. (It's near the holidays... I understand the low number for this week.)



Most of you not only do the "turkey" thing on Thanksgiving, you do it for Christmas as well. A few of you claimed to be vegetarians... But I'm not sure if you voted for that because you are, in fact, a vegetarian, or because of how I worded the poll voting selections. (I mean, I do like being called a "betch" from time to time.)

My mum makes turkey for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. And, at Christmas, she also makes a small ham. I'm not much of a fan of turkey. And I hate ham. So this year, for Christmas Eve dinner, I am making Beef Bourguignon.

It's a French dish that is absolutely delicious!

A new poll is up this week... "Your Ideal New Year's Plan Would Be..." (This week's poll idea was created by the Portuguese-Irish E.)

So get voting people!

Tale Of Two Presents.

I grew up with a mother who knew how to seriously wrap some gifts.

The corners were perfect. The bows were properly placed, and often color-coordinated to the wrapping. And the gift tags were usually inventive... At Christmastime, you never got just gifts from "Santa." You also got them from "Mrs. Claus," "The Reindeer" and "The Elves."

I think a few times, we got gifts from select reindeer... Like "Rudolph." And then there was the year when Santa and his team weren't able to get done making my brother J.'s Miami Dolphins football uniform (for children), and Santa left J. a nice note under the tree, promising that it was certainly on it's way. But the "elves got behind on the toy making."

J. was cool with that. (I wonder if he still has the outfit? It even had the helmet!)

Well, my mother's wrapping ability has rubbed off on me. I'm not quite as "Type A" as my mother is, but I do have elements of it. I do wrap gifts nicely.

The Husband, however, does not.

Here's is a side-by-side view of our two gifts for each other.



The top one (in red) was wrapped by me. The blue one was wrapped by The Husband.

Here is another shot of my wrapped gift for The Husband.



See the beautiful "flatness" of the wrapping? And the sharp corners?

Here is a closer look at The Husband's wrapping job on my gift.



This is shameful. Actually, this present is one of the better-wrapped ones he has done. They're normally not this wrapped this well.

His gift wrapping ability, however, does it make it very easy to unwrap his gift to me, see what it is, and then re-wrap it (crappy style) without him ever knowing.

Why bother wrapping the gift at all if you're going to make it too easy for me to sneak a peek man?

Best Sweater Ever.

A few weeks ago I was in J. Crew trying to find a sweater.

I've had the same sweaters for a few years and am not a fan of them anymore. It's tough for me to find a sweater I really like. As much as I loved turtlenecks, I can't really wear them. They make me look like I have no neck. So I need a sweater that goes in a "V" to elongate my neck.

Luck was on my side that afternoon, I found the perfect sweater. And it was on sale!



It was $60. And I liked the grey one I bought so much that the following week I went back and got the black one.

Then, this morning, I got a "sale" email from J. Crew saying that if I bought anything it would be shipped to me for free. Since they are still available and on sale, I may go back and pick up the cream one and the red one.

They really are the perfect sweaters.

Dream Symbols.

I don't recall what exactly happened in my dream last night... I only recall the following...

• I saw a big basket filled with perfect eggs.
• A co-worker and I were each trying to buy a toaster.
• I saw a man and a little girl sitting in a cafe. The man and I began talking about adoption of the little girl. He was the little girl's foster father.

According to my dream dictionary, each of these elements means:

Eggs - To see or eat eggs in your dream, symbolizes fertility, birth and your creative potential. It indicates that something new is about to happen.

Toaster - To see a toaster in your dream, suggests that you are quick witted and quick-thinking. It may also refer to your continuous flow of ideas.

Adoption - To dream that you or others are adopting a child, indicates that you are taking on something new and different. Ask yourself what is missing in your life that would make you happy.

Hmm...

I already knew I was "quick-witted." But it's nice to know that my subconsciousness feels this way too. The other two elements though, looks like some new ideas are brewing in my head. There must be a new project coming my way. And it must involve my quick-witted-ness.

Busy Days!

I know I haven't written much over the past two days. I've been so busy though!

Friday afternoon, I had my company's office party. It started with cocktails at about noon on Friday, and didn't end till about 9pm that night for me. (Cocktails and lunch at Les Zygomates, followed by cocktails and impromptu dinner at No. 9 Park.)

When I got home that night, still a little drunk, I had to get baking. I had a few dozen cookies to make for a holiday cookie exchange party I needed to attend at Soxy Lady's place in Waltham. So I made Thin Mint cookies. And they were do easy to make... Even a drunk person could do them!

By the time I got home last night, and headed out to dinner with The Husband, I was so tired. I just crashed into bed, attempting to watch a DVD with my husband. I kept falling in and out of sleep during it though.

This is why I try to keep it fairly low-key during the holidays. I get tired so easily. My energy just gets zapped. Time to recharge (today) with some apartment cleaning (which is perfect to do during a snow storm) and some writing.

Today's Horoscope.

This is a funny...

I have my soul life reading scheduled for late this afternoon... And now, check out my horoscope for today:

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Take a serious look at where you come from and what you have before you throw it all away. Travel back in time and reevaluate past relationships. You may want hold onto what you've got.

Hmm... Coincidence? Or a sign?

Tis The Season To GIve Back Betches.

A co-worker of mine sent me a link to a really thoughtful and cool site she found online.

I had been telling her how one of my search vendors sent me an AWESOME gift this year... It was a gift card to DonorsChoose.org. That's a site where you donate money to a specific classroom project in America. You can search their bank of proposals by region or by project. I chose to donate the $100 the vendor gifted me to a kindergarten classroom here in Boston that wanted to use the money to buy more books to teach kids to read. (I tried finding a preschool classroom in my sister's district in West Phoenix... No such luck though.)

But after telling my co-worker about DonorsChoose, she sent me a link to Kiva.org.

Kiva is a website that follows the same idea as DonorsChoose. Only with Kiva, you loan out money to entrepreneurs in developing countries. The idea is to help get them out of poverty, and able to support themselves. Once they are able, they pay you back. And most people tend to put the money they get paid back right back into another project through Kiva.

For both DonorsChoose and Kiva,you can donate any amount that you want. You can help fund a project with a small donation, or you can choose to fund an entire project yourself.

Both are great ways to give back. And, you get to choose which project your money goes toward.

Bit Of A Bone To Pick.

Now, I live in a cute brownstone on Tremont Street. Every apartment in the building is owned by its occupants, except for mine. My landlords (who are really cool) live in NYC.

Now, for the past three winter seasons (including this one), the only people who I see shoveling snow after a snowfall are my incredibly kind neighbor upstairs and my husband. No one else in the building helps them out, or takes it upon themselves to shovel... AND THEY ALL OWN PIECES OF THE BUILDING!!!!

Now, I think it's incredibly unfair to both my upstairs neighbor and my husband. All owners in the building are responsible for the sidewalk and steps outside, and SHOULD be helping shovel.

Where is the neighborly-ness in my building!?!?!?

People, get off your asses and help out!!!! There's no reason my husband should be the only one at 9pm at night shoveling. And there's no reason why my upstairs neighbor should be the only one who gets up at 5:30am and shovels!

And, I have to give huge props to my upstairs neighbor... Not only does he remove the snow, he also removes any layer of packed snow or ice. AND he shovels a pathway to the street so that commuters can hop on the 43 bus more easily.

He rocks. A little more than my husband, who also rocks a whole lot. Everyone else in the building has the potential to rock... But not today.

Bah-humbug!

Google Street View: Tremont Street.

I was just messing around on Google Street View... And I noticed they have a pretty good shot of this brownstone on Tremont Street.



I wonder how old the picture is though. I don't recognize anyone in the shot.

Snowy Downtown Crossing.

Just snapped this picture moments ago of the view from my office...



It's of the courtyard in front of the Borders Bookstore. It looks very pretty right now. It'll probably be pretty nasty tomorrow.

Yes, I am a pessimist.