Haim (rhymes with "time") are three sisters from the valley. I think they sound like Phoenix + Fleetwood Mac + a little bit of Destiny's Child. So... yeah, amazing.
I don't know which of these songs I like better....
August 15, 2013
New Favorite Band: Haim
Have you heard Haim's awesome songs floating around lately? I'm completely obsessed. Their singles have been out since last fall, and their debut album is coming out September 30. I can hardly wait!
Haim (rhymes with "time") are three sisters from the valley. I think they sound like Phoenix + Fleetwood Mac + a little bit of Destiny's Child. So... yeah, amazing.
I don't know which of these songs I like better....
Haim (rhymes with "time") are three sisters from the valley. I think they sound like Phoenix + Fleetwood Mac + a little bit of Destiny's Child. So... yeah, amazing.
I don't know which of these songs I like better....
August 13, 2013
Cute new line at Macy's - Maison Jules
Guys. It's been a minute. Yeesh.
A lot happened in the last 6 months. For example, my computer broke (it's fixed), we sold our condo, I ran the LA marathon (which I meant to post about because there are actually some pictures of me where I look sort of... refreshed and cute?!), went on a couple of trips, went to a few weddings, lived in a temporary house, bought a house, I made some excruciating decisions about purchasing furniture... you get it. Oh, and lately I've been in a weird phase where I just want to eat Cheez-its all the time. Whatever. A lot happened.
But I'm back, because I really want to tell you about the cutest new line at Macy's I stumbled upon.
I was up in the bay area visiting friends and family, and I was hoping to squeeze in a mother-daughter shopping trip. My mom suggested we check out Macy's because they had one of their extra 20% off coupon thing they always have going on. I'm not really into Macy's because... I just don't get it. Like, on the one hand, it's a department store, and they have all sorts of normal stuff. Sure. But on the other hand, so many Macy's I'm exposed to are just... tired. They seem ragged. Like, the tile is so... travertine gone late 80s mall and it seems like everything is a Petites department. But the Walnut Creek one is pretty nice.
Good thing we did because they have the cutest new line, guys! Maison Jules (trust me - I know the website isn't very attractive, but the clothes are) is this cutie patootie French inspired line that's at a totally moderate price point (The most expensive thing is a dress for $79. Also, 20% coupons!). It's like if Anthropologie and Comptoir des Cotonniers had a value priced child.
Here are some of their cute things*:
* The styling is a little "juniors department", but the pieces look sophisticated in person.
A lot happened in the last 6 months. For example, my computer broke (it's fixed), we sold our condo, I ran the LA marathon (which I meant to post about because there are actually some pictures of me where I look sort of... refreshed and cute?!), went on a couple of trips, went to a few weddings, lived in a temporary house, bought a house, I made some excruciating decisions about purchasing furniture... you get it. Oh, and lately I've been in a weird phase where I just want to eat Cheez-its all the time. Whatever. A lot happened.
But I'm back, because I really want to tell you about the cutest new line at Macy's I stumbled upon.
I was up in the bay area visiting friends and family, and I was hoping to squeeze in a mother-daughter shopping trip. My mom suggested we check out Macy's because they had one of their extra 20% off coupon thing they always have going on. I'm not really into Macy's because... I just don't get it. Like, on the one hand, it's a department store, and they have all sorts of normal stuff. Sure. But on the other hand, so many Macy's I'm exposed to are just... tired. They seem ragged. Like, the tile is so... travertine gone late 80s mall and it seems like everything is a Petites department. But the Walnut Creek one is pretty nice.
Good thing we did because they have the cutest new line, guys! Maison Jules (trust me - I know the website isn't very attractive, but the clothes are) is this cutie patootie French inspired line that's at a totally moderate price point (The most expensive thing is a dress for $79. Also, 20% coupons!). It's like if Anthropologie and Comptoir des Cotonniers had a value priced child.
Here are some of their cute things*:
* The styling is a little "juniors department", but the pieces look sophisticated in person.
Oh, and just so you know I'm not crazy, some "cool" outlets took notice too! (Elle, Refinery29, Teen Vogue)
March 5, 2013
Game of Thrones - coming soon!!!
I can't believe it's almost time for Game of Thrones to return. It's felt so, so long.
While we wait the final few weeks before it starts up again, can we just take a moment to acknowledge that Jamie Lannister is named... Jamie?
...Really? A sort of modern, androgynous normal average name? Jamie? Hm.
While we wait the final few weeks before it starts up again, can we just take a moment to acknowledge that Jamie Lannister is named... Jamie?
...Really? A sort of modern, androgynous normal average name? Jamie? Hm.
March 3, 2013
Cute, classic backpack
Travis and I went to Portland for President's Day weekend, and walked around seeing all the Portland-y things. All the women there had on super cute Navajo-y cardigans, which I didn't see in any shops (sad face), but, to be fair, I didn't look that hard, and I think it might be a little late to hop on that trend. (Disclaimer: I reserve the right to take this back if I buy one next fall. It took me, like, 3 years to try leggings.)
While browsing stores, I fell in love with this adorable Scandinavian backpack by Fjallraven.
This is the Kanken Classic that, according to the website, was designed for Swedish schoolchildren in 1978 (awwwwwwww...). It comes in 28 colors, but I love the rust color above (or maybe the teal green? or the sunny yellow?).
They also have a version that looks almost the same, but has a padded section for your laptop.
For a more rustic look (Fjallraven is primarily an outdoor sporting line), I think this Rucksack No. 21 is beautifully designed.
And, fun fact: Do you know what Fjallraven means?
It means Acrtic Fox. How cute are these guys???
While browsing stores, I fell in love with this adorable Scandinavian backpack by Fjallraven.
 |
| :: Kanken Classic, $75 :: |
They also have a version that looks almost the same, but has a padded section for your laptop.
For a more rustic look (Fjallraven is primarily an outdoor sporting line), I think this Rucksack No. 21 is beautifully designed.
 |
| :: Rucksack No. 21 Medium, $190 :: |
It means Acrtic Fox. How cute are these guys???
February 14, 2013
Happy Valentine's Day!
It's the big day, folks. Valentine's Day.
Let's see how I did against my "to do" list:
Do something sweet 'n crafty
Not yet, but the day is young... those paper hearts will probably come out at some point...
Send Valentines to your friends
Check
Bake some heart shaped cookies
Check
Don't make it about gifts
Yup. I already returned the stuff to Home Depot for my sweetheart.
Wear red and/or pinks and/or hearts
I wore my heart sweater already this week, so today I'm wearing my pink and red striped sweater.
Don't try to go to a restaurant
I won't.
Call your mom
I will.
My plan for tonight is to make a simple dinner and eat dinner at the table (not watching TV), but then, once dinner is done, watch TV. (Duh.)
What are your plans?
February 12, 2013
Justin Timberlake: Discuss, please
Guys. I don't get Justin Timberlake.
I'm pretty sure ladies love him. (Like, loooove him.) But I can't see it. Can someone please explain?
When I see him perform, I feel physically uncomfortable... like a friend asked me to come to their cousin's song and dance show, and this guy who I sort of know is singing and dancing his heart out and trying so hard to be sexy, but it's my friend's cousin, and he's kind of strange looking, and it's all just so uncomfortable.
Or it's like a lesser version of if a friend took me to a male strip club for my bachelorette party. Because I'm pretty sure if that had happened, my reaction would be to seriously cry.
So watch this very short clip from the Grammys and tell me: what's the appeal? Or is he truly just strange and sort of a creep who's trying too hard?
I was starting to feel badly that I can't get on board with him (I mean, I generally generic pop culture things!), and then I realized: I think I just generally feel off-put and uncomfortable when people try hard to be sexy. I think It's more off-putting when men do it because, unfortunately, we've all been conditioned to see women do it all. the. time. But... for real, peeps: try hard to be smart, try hard to be accomplished, try hard to be kind, or charming, or funny, or heck, even pretty... but to focus your energies on trying to be sexy? Ew.
On another Grammy note that sort of contradicts my earlier point, I'm becoming obsessed with this Miguel song, not because it's an "ooh-let's-get-down" song, but because I love lite rock, and this song sounds like it could be straight out of the 80s and all over a lite rock station! Is lite rock coming back in a big way??? Let's hope!
I'm pretty sure ladies love him. (Like, loooove him.) But I can't see it. Can someone please explain?
When I see him perform, I feel physically uncomfortable... like a friend asked me to come to their cousin's song and dance show, and this guy who I sort of know is singing and dancing his heart out and trying so hard to be sexy, but it's my friend's cousin, and he's kind of strange looking, and it's all just so uncomfortable.
Or it's like a lesser version of if a friend took me to a male strip club for my bachelorette party. Because I'm pretty sure if that had happened, my reaction would be to seriously cry.
So watch this very short clip from the Grammys and tell me: what's the appeal? Or is he truly just strange and sort of a creep who's trying too hard?
I was starting to feel badly that I can't get on board with him (I mean, I generally generic pop culture things!), and then I realized: I think I just generally feel off-put and uncomfortable when people try hard to be sexy. I think It's more off-putting when men do it because, unfortunately, we've all been conditioned to see women do it all. the. time. But... for real, peeps: try hard to be smart, try hard to be accomplished, try hard to be kind, or charming, or funny, or heck, even pretty... but to focus your energies on trying to be sexy? Ew.
On another Grammy note that sort of contradicts my earlier point, I'm becoming obsessed with this Miguel song, not because it's an "ooh-let's-get-down" song, but because I love lite rock, and this song sounds like it could be straight out of the 80s and all over a lite rock station! Is lite rock coming back in a big way??? Let's hope!
February 7, 2013
Valentine's Day Tip List
Valentine's Day is basically my favorite holiday. I know most people do not share that feeling, so I thought I'd share my Valentine's Day rules to live by, so maybe you'll feel some of the love, and avoid some of the annoying.
Do something sweet 'n crafty
I love the picture above of a surprise avalanche of heart balloons falling out of the closet. Here are a ton more cute ideas like that.
A bajillion years ago, I hand cut out a bunch of tiny little hearts from pink and red paper. (I have no idea why I decided to do it, but I distinctly remember that this took place at work. I can't believe I got away with that.) Every year, the confetti hearts come out to decorate the breakfast or dinner table, and they're just a silly and sweet gesture.
Send Valentines to your friends
Valentine's Day is all about saying "Hey! I totally like/love you! You're a real sweetheart! Did ya know that?"... so why not send a little love in the mail to people who deserve to hear that?
I had high hopes of making cards again this year, but it just didn't happen, so I broke down and bought some cute cards. These guys are a really cute inexpensive option that I highly recommend. (The envelopes are a pain, so I would recommend just using other envelopes.)
Bake some heart shaped cookies
It's a verified fact that hearts are the cutest shapes in the world. Give me anything heart shaped or with a heart on it, and I love it. Except for a sterling silver necklace with tiny diamonds in it that a high school guy buys for his girlfriend. That I do not want. So, cute classy hearts only, please.
I want to bake some heart shaped shortbread and top with red or pink sugar. But I only want to eat two cookies, so I'll bring the rest to work.
Don't make it about gifts
Gift exchanges make the day stressful. If you're going to do a gift, make it sweet and inexpensive. Or free and thoughtful. (I think I'm going to tell Travis that I'll run the errand of returning something to Home Depot as a gift, because I know he really, really doesn't want to. Shh... don't spoil it!)
Wear red and/or pink and/or hearts on February 14
Just do it. Because it's fun. Yes, it's a little Zooey Deschanel-y precious, but do it anyway. I'm probably going to wear this sweater so, yeah, I'm all in, guys.
Don't try to go to a restaurant
Don't even think about it. One year I thought it would be fun to do the whole Valentine's Day thing and go to a not cool steakhouse. It was a disaster. We were seated 60 minutes late and the service was terrible. Don't get cute and think low-key will be better: I've also been to In-n-Out on Valentine's Day, and it's crazy crowded. If you're ordering pizza or Thai food (THAI FOOD YUMMMMM), be prepared for it to take way longer than normal.
Call your mom
Wish Mom a happy Valentine's Day! Because as I said earlier, it's just a day to be a real sweetheart.
What do you like to do on February 14th?
 |
| :: cute closet filled with surprise balloons, via oh happy day :: |
I love the picture above of a surprise avalanche of heart balloons falling out of the closet. Here are a ton more cute ideas like that.
A bajillion years ago, I hand cut out a bunch of tiny little hearts from pink and red paper. (I have no idea why I decided to do it, but I distinctly remember that this took place at work. I can't believe I got away with that.) Every year, the confetti hearts come out to decorate the breakfast or dinner table, and they're just a silly and sweet gesture.
Send Valentines to your friends
Valentine's Day is all about saying "Hey! I totally like/love you! You're a real sweetheart! Did ya know that?"... so why not send a little love in the mail to people who deserve to hear that?
I had high hopes of making cards again this year, but it just didn't happen, so I broke down and bought some cute cards. These guys are a really cute inexpensive option that I highly recommend. (The envelopes are a pain, so I would recommend just using other envelopes.)
Bake some heart shaped cookies
It's a verified fact that hearts are the cutest shapes in the world. Give me anything heart shaped or with a heart on it, and I love it. Except for a sterling silver necklace with tiny diamonds in it that a high school guy buys for his girlfriend. That I do not want. So, cute classy hearts only, please.
I want to bake some heart shaped shortbread and top with red or pink sugar. But I only want to eat two cookies, so I'll bring the rest to work.
Don't make it about gifts
Gift exchanges make the day stressful. If you're going to do a gift, make it sweet and inexpensive. Or free and thoughtful. (I think I'm going to tell Travis that I'll run the errand of returning something to Home Depot as a gift, because I know he really, really doesn't want to. Shh... don't spoil it!)
Wear red and/or pink and/or hearts on February 14
Just do it. Because it's fun. Yes, it's a little Zooey Deschanel-y precious, but do it anyway. I'm probably going to wear this sweater so, yeah, I'm all in, guys.
Don't try to go to a restaurant
Don't even think about it. One year I thought it would be fun to do the whole Valentine's Day thing and go to a not cool steakhouse. It was a disaster. We were seated 60 minutes late and the service was terrible. Don't get cute and think low-key will be better: I've also been to In-n-Out on Valentine's Day, and it's crazy crowded. If you're ordering pizza or Thai food (THAI FOOD YUMMMMM), be prepared for it to take way longer than normal.
Call your mom
Wish Mom a happy Valentine's Day! Because as I said earlier, it's just a day to be a real sweetheart.
What do you like to do on February 14th?
February 5, 2013
Cutest Commercial
So I guess if I'm talking about commercials two days after the Super Bowl, I should be talking about Super Bowl ads. But no. I want to talk about the best commercial ever that I saw over the weekend:
(Or, go here to see it better.)
Ummmmm there's nothing I don't love about this commercial. Why is this girl so precious??? Why is her dress so cute? Her hair so cute? Her sad intense little pout? But here's what really kills me: she's this super little girl, and she knows her dad wants to hear that she's okay, so she's trying so hard to make him feel okay... but she's just a kid! AAAAAAAAAAH.
I saw this on TV, rewound it to see it again, and then looked it up online, watched it twice more, and then noticed I was crying. If you ever want to feel happy and emotive and full of love, just get a cup of coffee, and check out the whole library of Subaru commercials. You'll be glad you did.
(You can see 'em all here.)
What's your favorite Subaru commercial?
(Or, go here to see it better.)
Ummmmm there's nothing I don't love about this commercial. Why is this girl so precious??? Why is her dress so cute? Her hair so cute? Her sad intense little pout? But here's what really kills me: she's this super little girl, and she knows her dad wants to hear that she's okay, so she's trying so hard to make him feel okay... but she's just a kid! AAAAAAAAAAH.
I saw this on TV, rewound it to see it again, and then looked it up online, watched it twice more, and then noticed I was crying. If you ever want to feel happy and emotive and full of love, just get a cup of coffee, and check out the whole library of Subaru commercials. You'll be glad you did.
(You can see 'em all here.)
What's your favorite Subaru commercial?
January 31, 2013
Instagram Magnets
How cool are these Instagram magnets?
Prinstagram also has a lot of cute options of things to do with your Instagram photos. Aren't you completely obsessed with this Tiny Book (3 for $10)??? I mean!!! It's a regular book's tiny premature book baby!
These would be good to give your sister who's a really proud aunt and obsessed with your baby. That's seriously the only use I can think of for them, because, like, it's just so tiny that it's starting to be weird.
Have you ever done anything with your Instagrams? Would you?
StickyGram turns your Instagram photos into magnets - 9 for $14.99. (If this was around when I was a freshman in high school, I would have been obsessed with putting these in my locker, and I would be really embarrassed to look at those photo magnets now.)
But for now, wouldn't they make a cute Valentine's gift? I mean especially if I was buying a Valentine's gift for myself. Because basically I'd like this as a gift, but I don't know that my husband would actually like this as a gift. I mean, he might. If they were good photos that were normal things you wouldn't mind everyone who comes into your house seeing. You know, he'd probably like it. Maybe I'll do it. Who knows.
Prinstagram also has a lot of cute options of things to do with your Instagram photos. Aren't you completely obsessed with this Tiny Book (3 for $10)??? I mean!!! It's a regular book's tiny premature book baby!
These would be good to give your sister who's a really proud aunt and obsessed with your baby. That's seriously the only use I can think of for them, because, like, it's just so tiny that it's starting to be weird.
Have you ever done anything with your Instagrams? Would you?
January 23, 2013
2013 to-do: Go camping
Guys. I've never been camping.
This didn't deter some of our wedding guests from giving us a bunch of REI gift cards, though. (Maybe it's the Oregonian husband?) And we were gifted with a very nice tent and one sleeping bag.
My point is, we have some gear now, and we can get the rest for "free", and that means I have no excuse to have never been camping. (Also, Travis recently got a Subaru so this is, like, destiny. We'll drive somewhere and wear plaid and be a Subaru commercial. We just need a golden retriever.)
We talked about going last Easter weekend, but a few things came up last minute and it didn't happen then, or any other time in 2012. But, mark my words: 2013 will not escape me! (Although truthfully, I'm very scared.)
Any tips for a novice camper?
Any ideas of easy first camping trips outside of Los Angeles? Where can we go where we won't be surrounded by people? That doesn't seem like the point of camping...
P.S. I saw the premier of "The Following" on Monday, and it was so so so so so scary. I don't know if I can see a scary movie!
This didn't deter some of our wedding guests from giving us a bunch of REI gift cards, though. (Maybe it's the Oregonian husband?) And we were gifted with a very nice tent and one sleeping bag.
My point is, we have some gear now, and we can get the rest for "free", and that means I have no excuse to have never been camping. (Also, Travis recently got a Subaru so this is, like, destiny. We'll drive somewhere and wear plaid and be a Subaru commercial. We just need a golden retriever.)
 |
| :: pretty! :: |
We talked about going last Easter weekend, but a few things came up last minute and it didn't happen then, or any other time in 2012. But, mark my words: 2013 will not escape me! (Although truthfully, I'm very scared.)
Any tips for a novice camper?
Any ideas of easy first camping trips outside of Los Angeles? Where can we go where we won't be surrounded by people? That doesn't seem like the point of camping...
P.S. I saw the premier of "The Following" on Monday, and it was so so so so so scary. I don't know if I can see a scary movie!
January 17, 2013
2013 to-do: See a scary movie
I am totally scared of scary movies. I know lots of people love the horror/paranormal genre, but it just freaks me the f out, and in a traumatic way, not a fun way.
Honestly, I don't even know that I've seen any scary movies. (Does Scream count? Or was that more just a cultural phenomenon? Because I saw that one. PS - It was scary! Even with Courteney Cox.)
It seems that a lot of people like scary movies because you get all riled up, but then know that the premises are so absurd that there's nothing to worry about. I have a hard time with the second part. After seeing Rosemary's Baby in college, I remember crying from fear and genuinely asking my boyfriend: "Do you promise not to sell your soul to the devil and in exchange let the devil rape me to impregnate me with devil spawn and then let everyone trick me into letting me think that I'm nuts? Do you???"
Anyway, I want to enjoy this genre! It seems fun! But I'm... a-sceeeerrrrrrrrred! So I decided to make one of my 2013 "to-do"s be to see a scary movie (maybe, just maybe, more than one).
This new movie Mama looks pretty spook-tacular! And it stars Jessica Chastain (who I like) and Jamie Lannister (!!!! who I LOVE!), so maybe that means it's also pretty good? What do you think?
Do you like scary movies? Any ideas on how I should tackle this undertaking? Start in movie theaters or at home? Will I have nightmares?
Honestly, I don't even know that I've seen any scary movies. (Does Scream count? Or was that more just a cultural phenomenon? Because I saw that one. PS - It was scary! Even with Courteney Cox.)
It seems that a lot of people like scary movies because you get all riled up, but then know that the premises are so absurd that there's nothing to worry about. I have a hard time with the second part. After seeing Rosemary's Baby in college, I remember crying from fear and genuinely asking my boyfriend: "Do you promise not to sell your soul to the devil and in exchange let the devil rape me to impregnate me with devil spawn and then let everyone trick me into letting me think that I'm nuts? Do you???"
Anyway, I want to enjoy this genre! It seems fun! But I'm... a-sceeeerrrrrrrrred! So I decided to make one of my 2013 "to-do"s be to see a scary movie (maybe, just maybe, more than one).
This new movie Mama looks pretty spook-tacular! And it stars Jessica Chastain (who I like) and Jamie Lannister (!!!! who I LOVE!), so maybe that means it's also pretty good? What do you think?
Do you like scary movies? Any ideas on how I should tackle this undertaking? Start in movie theaters or at home? Will I have nightmares?
January 15, 2013
Some noteable articles this week, plus a tip for reading content for free
Guys.
I have some stuff you should read, for various reasons.
1. The Carefully Cultivated Soul of SoulCycle from this week's New York. This is my favorite article I've read in a while. I love the specific kind of nuts it is. I hope this quote piques your interest, but maybe it only really is entertaining in the context of the whole article:
"Favored riders may be pulled to the coveted front row or even asked to ride the instructor bike, which was “the scariest, most thrilling experience of my life,” according to one SoulCycler."
But whatever - it's a fast fun read. Please do it.
2. While you're over at New York, you might as well check out Elizabeth Wurtzel's essay, which has the internets all worked up. (Here is one notable response. You can also read the comments after the article if you want to hear people get riled up.)
3. If you like reading about naughty Hollywood (which is basically everyone), then you simply have to check out Here Is What Happens When You Cast Lindsay Lohan in Your Movie from The New York Times Magazine. I mean, pretty self explanatory from the title. (Thanks for the nudge to read this, Halie!)
4. And just because everyone's talking about it, there's this The End of Courtship article from the NYT Style section. I mean, these trend pieces are always fun to read, but really: is it a "trend" if it's just an obvious thing that everyone has already talked to death?
And, as promised, here's my tip for reading online content for free:
If you go to a source and the url looks like this:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/13/magazine/here-is-what-happens-when-you-cast-lindsay-lohan-in-your-movie.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
...and you find yourself locked out because you've already read too much free content...
Simply delete everything after the "?". You're welcome.
I have some stuff you should read, for various reasons.
 |
| :: this whole issue is really, really good :: |
1. The Carefully Cultivated Soul of SoulCycle from this week's New York. This is my favorite article I've read in a while. I love the specific kind of nuts it is. I hope this quote piques your interest, but maybe it only really is entertaining in the context of the whole article:
"Favored riders may be pulled to the coveted front row or even asked to ride the instructor bike, which was “the scariest, most thrilling experience of my life,” according to one SoulCycler."
But whatever - it's a fast fun read. Please do it.
2. While you're over at New York, you might as well check out Elizabeth Wurtzel's essay, which has the internets all worked up. (Here is one notable response. You can also read the comments after the article if you want to hear people get riled up.)
3. If you like reading about naughty Hollywood (which is basically everyone), then you simply have to check out Here Is What Happens When You Cast Lindsay Lohan in Your Movie from The New York Times Magazine. I mean, pretty self explanatory from the title. (Thanks for the nudge to read this, Halie!)
4. And just because everyone's talking about it, there's this The End of Courtship article from the NYT Style section. I mean, these trend pieces are always fun to read, but really: is it a "trend" if it's just an obvious thing that everyone has already talked to death?
And, as promised, here's my tip for reading online content for free:
If you go to a source and the url looks like this:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/13/magazine/here-is-what-happens-when-you-cast-lindsay-lohan-in-your-movie.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
...and you find yourself locked out because you've already read too much free content...
Simply delete everything after the "?". You're welcome.
January 10, 2013
Non-Toxic Adventures!: Tarte
But I have good news... I have some new things to report on!
When I started looking for non-toxic cosmetics, I was trying to be really "good" and looking for the purest of the pure. And you know what? It was kind of boring to get things at random specialty stores or websites without engaging interfaces (I mean, snooze fest!) or at Whole Foods (kale and mascara shouldn't be purchased together).
Sometimes a girl just wants to go to Sephora and be girly and play with makeup! (AAAAH! MAKEUP PARTY! PRET-TY COLORS!) And I can do just that now, because I'm officially obsessed with the Tarte line.
:: it looks like fun makeup! ::
Look, it's not perfectly "clean" stuff. Like it's not just made from things you could grow in a garden. But it's pretty natural, and it's fun, cool makeup to play with that comes in nice packaging that just makes you feel like a woman and not like a crazy hippy. Also all the stuff has normal textures, unlike a lot of the other natural stuff I've tried, and consistently works really well and looks loverly on.
My two favorite Tarte items that I use every single day are these guys:
:: tarte natural cheek stain $30 (lasts forever) ::
:: tarte lipsurgence lip tint $24 (so pretty!) ::
Go get them. You will love them. (I also like their primer, and will probably like whatever else I try.)
January 8, 2013
Book Review!: Happier at Home
This book came out in September, and I can't believe it's taken me until now to read, because I loooove it. (Santa put it in my stocking - yay!)
You know I love me some self-help books, and this one is just so sweet and fun! It's a really nice book to read right around the beginning of the year because it fills you with a sense of possibility and the desire to intention-set.
Gretchen Rubin takes a month-by-month approach to tackle different areas meant to improve her happiness as it relates to home and family. Each chapter chronicles her ideation period and records where she succeeded, stumbled and, sometimes, gave up. The format is basically the same as The Happiness Project, which I also loved.
Gretchen's (I'll call her by her first name since I feel like we're friends after reading her for so long) writing style is so, so readable. She is chatty and relateable, not in an omigod-be-my-best-friend way, but in a wow-it-would-be-cool-if-you-were-in-my-extended-family-and-we-hung-out-at-Thanksgiving way. Like, I'm not always on the same page as her, but she expresses herself so well in a way that is honest and self-aware that it feels impossible not to feel a kinship with her after reading the book.
(Critics say that she's annoying because focusing on happiness and the changes she suggests are definitely for those who are already meeting basic needs without a ton of stress (not everyone can think about visiting an art museum)... but hey, that's me. So I like it.)
If you want to test-drive the material (or are looking for more), Gretchen keeps up a Happiness Project blog, which she updates regularly. This is also where she chronicled her research in real-time as she prepped for the first book, so dig through the archives.
And I'll give you a little teaser: one of my favorite things from her first book is her realization that what makes other people happy, isn't what necessarily makes her happy, and vice versa. So... it's okay that I hate pot lucks and don't think Betty White is funny.
Did you read any good books over the holidays?
P.S. I'm going to try to stick with a regular posting schedule -- I'm giving Tuesdays and Thursdays a spin. Tuesdays may or may not be a Tip Tuesday (that'll keep you on your toes!)... depends on if I hear of any good tips.
:: Happier at Home by Gretchen Rubin ::
You know I love me some self-help books, and this one is just so sweet and fun! It's a really nice book to read right around the beginning of the year because it fills you with a sense of possibility and the desire to intention-set.
Gretchen Rubin takes a month-by-month approach to tackle different areas meant to improve her happiness as it relates to home and family. Each chapter chronicles her ideation period and records where she succeeded, stumbled and, sometimes, gave up. The format is basically the same as The Happiness Project, which I also loved.
Gretchen's (I'll call her by her first name since I feel like we're friends after reading her for so long) writing style is so, so readable. She is chatty and relateable, not in an omigod-be-my-best-friend way, but in a wow-it-would-be-cool-if-you-were-in-my-extended-family-and-we-hung-out-at-Thanksgiving way. Like, I'm not always on the same page as her, but she expresses herself so well in a way that is honest and self-aware that it feels impossible not to feel a kinship with her after reading the book.
(Critics say that she's annoying because focusing on happiness and the changes she suggests are definitely for those who are already meeting basic needs without a ton of stress (not everyone can think about visiting an art museum)... but hey, that's me. So I like it.)
If you want to test-drive the material (or are looking for more), Gretchen keeps up a Happiness Project blog, which she updates regularly. This is also where she chronicled her research in real-time as she prepped for the first book, so dig through the archives.
And I'll give you a little teaser: one of my favorite things from her first book is her realization that what makes other people happy, isn't what necessarily makes her happy, and vice versa. So... it's okay that I hate pot lucks and don't think Betty White is funny.
Did you read any good books over the holidays?
P.S. I'm going to try to stick with a regular posting schedule -- I'm giving Tuesdays and Thursdays a spin. Tuesdays may or may not be a Tip Tuesday (that'll keep you on your toes!)... depends on if I hear of any good tips.
January 2, 2013
The Seven Weirdest Plot Points in Downton Abbey Thus Far
Downton Abbey is coming back!
Downton Abbey is coming back!
Downton Abbey is coming back!
Can you believe it? Everyone's favorite feel-good drama is back again. As I reflected back on the first two seasons, I remembered that, while we've enjoyed seeing some plot lines progress over the seasons (What's to become of Bates? Will Edith ever get a man? Will someone ever give Mary some blush?), there have also been some super-weird plot points throughout.
Join me as I count down the seven weirdest (or at least really random) plot points from Downton Abbey thus far.
7. Thomas steals Lord Grantham's yellow lab.
Thomas falls out of favor with Lord Grantham, so he hides/steals his dearest yellow lab, so he can "find" him and get back in his good graces.
6. Violet gets taken down a notch at the flower show.
At the annual flower show, Isobel calls Violet out on winning every year, and instead backs Molesley's father's arrangements. Oh, snap!
5. Daisy makes the replacement cook's food taste gross.
Mrs. Patmore is temporarily replaced by Mrs. Crawley’s cook while she's dealing with her eye stuff. She's afraid the family will like her food better, so she has Daisy make the food taste nasty so they won't like it.
4. Matthew and Thomas hang out in the trenches.
Remember how some of Downton Abbey took place, like, in the middle of WWI? I just remembered that. Matthew and Thomas (ew, barf, Thomas) ran into each other in the trench and had a cup of tea. After sharing some conversation, Thomas got his hand shot so he could go home.
3. Bates gets a weird medical device.
Bates secretly buys a device to correct his limp but it hurts really bad. Mrs. Hughes discovers his secret and makes him throw it out.
2. A burned Canadian pretends to be Patrick Crawley.
A severely burned Canadian officer asks to be brought to Downton. He claims he is Patrick Crawley, the heir who died on the Titanic. Only, he says, he didn't die on the Titanic - he was taken to Canada and suffered from amnesia. Now he remembers that he is the Downton heir! No one buys it except Edith who gets super into him. He disappears, leaving her an appropriately ambiguous note.
and the weirdest, most random, moment in Downton history....
1. Carson's secret history, revealed!
Carson is getting followed by a mysterious man and gets the heebie-jeebies... because he is threatening to out Carson's dirty, nasty, scandalous past to Lord Grantham... he used to be a vaudeville performer!!
And just because I can't resist, here's a picture of some cast members out of costume:
Downton Abbey is coming back!
Downton Abbey is coming back!
Can you believe it? Everyone's favorite feel-good drama is back again. As I reflected back on the first two seasons, I remembered that, while we've enjoyed seeing some plot lines progress over the seasons (What's to become of Bates? Will Edith ever get a man? Will someone ever give Mary some blush?), there have also been some super-weird plot points throughout.
Join me as I count down the seven weirdest (or at least really random) plot points from Downton Abbey thus far.
7. Thomas steals Lord Grantham's yellow lab.
Thomas falls out of favor with Lord Grantham, so he hides/steals his dearest yellow lab, so he can "find" him and get back in his good graces.
6. Violet gets taken down a notch at the flower show.
At the annual flower show, Isobel calls Violet out on winning every year, and instead backs Molesley's father's arrangements. Oh, snap!
5. Daisy makes the replacement cook's food taste gross.
Mrs. Patmore is temporarily replaced by Mrs. Crawley’s cook while she's dealing with her eye stuff. She's afraid the family will like her food better, so she has Daisy make the food taste nasty so they won't like it.
4. Matthew and Thomas hang out in the trenches.
Remember how some of Downton Abbey took place, like, in the middle of WWI? I just remembered that. Matthew and Thomas (ew, barf, Thomas) ran into each other in the trench and had a cup of tea. After sharing some conversation, Thomas got his hand shot so he could go home.
3. Bates gets a weird medical device.
Bates secretly buys a device to correct his limp but it hurts really bad. Mrs. Hughes discovers his secret and makes him throw it out.
2. A burned Canadian pretends to be Patrick Crawley.
A severely burned Canadian officer asks to be brought to Downton. He claims he is Patrick Crawley, the heir who died on the Titanic. Only, he says, he didn't die on the Titanic - he was taken to Canada and suffered from amnesia. Now he remembers that he is the Downton heir! No one buys it except Edith who gets super into him. He disappears, leaving her an appropriately ambiguous note.
and the weirdest, most random, moment in Downton history....
1. Carson's secret history, revealed!
Carson is getting followed by a mysterious man and gets the heebie-jeebies... because he is threatening to out Carson's dirty, nasty, scandalous past to Lord Grantham... he used to be a vaudeville performer!!
And just because I can't resist, here's a picture of some cast members out of costume:
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