Condo Update: White Out

Friends tell me that my whole place is going to be white. As I looked at all my samples last night, I realized they might be right. I've got white tile for my backsplash and bathroom floors, white cabinets, white walls, white doors, white shower walls, white tubs, white-ish countertops, white lights, white sinks, and white trim.

I can't help it. When we walk into a showroom, I'm like a moth to the flame.

White is fresh. White is clean. White is classic.

And it goes with anything.

Max Time

I'm headed back east to Boston for the weekend, to spend some time with this guy. I like to get maximum Max time, so I won't be around 'til next week.

Have a great weekend!

Genius Hard At Work

These little lovelies

plus this wonderful contraption

equal heaven:

This is not an April Fools joke. I'm dead serious.

Condo Update: Rubbish

I've realized a few things in the past week:

1. Reuniting with old friends from a joyous period in your life involves lots of good times, lots of good food, lots of laughter and smiles, and very very little sleep.

2. I'm sick of being sick. Over the last week I've experienced nausea, night sweats, arthritic achiness, mind-numbing headaches, stuffy nose, fever, sore throat, cough, and now I have no voice. Calgon take me away.

3. You reach a certain point in some life situations where you just say, "I don't care how much it costs or what my other options are, I just want to pay for it and get it done." I've reached that point with the plumbing fixtures and hardware decisions on my condo.

4. Heaven bless the men who have turned my house from this:



and this:




into this:

and this:

Because I really really don't like doing this kind of stuff, not to mention it would take me at least 3 months to do what my contractor and his crew can do in roughly 3 hours.

Let's Clear the Air, Shall We?

It has been suggested in a comment on this post that I plagiarized/copied the idea for my bad news letter to Old Man Winter from a Canadian journalist who wrote a letter to Mother Nature. If I may, let me take a few moments to state the facts.

Fact: I've never seen or heard of this Canadian publication/website/article/journalist until today.

Fact: As one who takes pride in her own creativity, I am a little hurt at the mere suggestion that I would take the ideas of another.

Fact: If I stole any hint of an idea whatsoever in this post, then I stole it from my brother-in-law, C2000. He regularly gives verbal bad news letters to people, that go a little something like this: "Dear Soandso, BAD NEWS: you ___________. Sincerely, C2000." So let me give credit where credit is due---C2000, thank you for introducing me to bad news letters. But really, didn't you learn that in your business writing class at the university? So maybe I should find your professor and ask him/her if it's ok for me to write bad news letters to people.

Fact: I would never call Mother Nature a b****, slut, or make other degrading remarks (as the article does). It's common knowledge that is no way to treat a lady.


Whew, I feel better now. With that said, I wish you all a lovely weekend. I'm taking a break and heading to southern California for a few days to reunite with old friends. Happy Easter!

Dear Winter (aka, A Bad News Letter)

Old Man Winter,

Bad news: You've grown old.

Your cold and gray skies springing a sneak attack and pushing out the last ray of sunshine on an otherwise pleasant day are so tiresome. They don't even surprise me anymore.

Your weekly dusting of snow on the mountaintops is no longer beautiful, nor easy on the eyes. It's just annoying and quite frankly, a bit rude.

The rain mixed with sleet mixed with snow is so last year.

Sub-zero temperatures for the better part of 6 months?!? Puh-leeze. Surely you can do better than that.

And the torrential winds that precede your storms are soooo played out. Can't you come up with a new gig?

Maybe you need to take some time for yourself. Just pack up, think through some things, regroup, formulate a new plan of attack, and come back better than ever...say next winter.

xoxo,

J

P.S. More Bad News: I heard that Spring is on it's way. We all know how tempermental she is, what with her April showers and May flowers. She is not to be toyed with. I'd hurry on up and get outta here if I were you.

Obsessed/Addicted/Consumed

Three weeks ago, my sister finally got me to sit down and watch one episode with her. Since then, I've spent roughly 13 hours watching every single episode. And that doesn't even include the time I spent finding and downloading them. So I've probably spent more like 1500 minutes (about 25 hours) in total. Well worth every single second (about 90,000).

Now I'm counting down the days (33), hours (10), minutes (26) until a new episode.

Just When I Felt Recharged, They Had To Yank The Plug

Last week, I:

*watched my sheet of notepad paper skip across the sand.

*enjoyed the company of myself so much, I didn't care that no one else was around.

*made computer friends. who speak my acronymic language. that made me happy. and slightly more geeky.

*walked barefoot in the ocean at midnite, with my trousers rolled up.

*let my skin soak in the humidity (and not the sun). oh, humidity, how I love thee.

*sat in classes all day. and learned. and kind of wished I were a student again.

*sat in a cabana. closed my eyes. listened to the waves crashing on the shore

*let the Florida sunshine recharge my soul.

*came home to 6 inches of snow and a blustery gray wind.

A Few Thoughts Until I Catch Up...Then I'll Share How Awesome Florida Was And How Crappy It Is Being Back

Ok, a few things. First, I lalalalove this picture. Second, I totally wanna be this girl. Third, it's almost enough to make me wanna grow my hair out (again). Fourth, or purchase a suh-weet wig (and hat). Fifth, I loved catching up on The Shiny Squirrel last week, where I found the photo. Sixth, I'd like to be her too.

Over + Out

I've shaped up and shipped out to sunny Florida for the week. The only drawback is that it's for business, not pleasure. Time permitting, I'll be around.

xoxo.

In + Out

This door mat is just the perfect thing for indecisive/commitment-phobic people like me. Place it one way and it says "Go Away", turn that frown upside down and it displays an inviting "Come In." Simple, expressive, and versatile. Depending on how your day goes you could pull a switcharoo.

It kind of reminds me of our family cabin. Where most would post a wrought iron "welcome" sign, my dad proudly hung a barbed wire "go away" sign.

Cousin Lit

Been looking at lots of lighting solutions for the condo. This one makes me confused. I'm not sure if this light makes me want to invite it in for dinner and a movie, or slap it and tell it go run home to its mother.

The Answer Is...

Lalalalove this fashionable statement from Viktor & Rolf for their fall 2008 show in Paris.

I can think of at least a few days when I wouldn't mind wearing this, just so people got the message loud and clear: don't even bother asking.

Lalalalove: Rrribit

In honor of leap year, I thought I'd post something about a frog.

I lalalalove this little frog prince. So much that I gave it to my husband for part of his wedding gift. I thought I was so clever, giving him a spot to hang his ring every night, before falling asleep with visions of me in his head. Problem is, he hasn't worn a wedding ring since our wedding day.

But that's another story for another time. To answer your immediate questions though...No, it does not bother me. Yes, it is a long story. Yes, we are still truly madly deeply. Yes, it is partially my fault.

Dot Dot Dot

This cute little cosmetic pouch is on sooper dooper sale right now. And it matches the inner lining of the radical badical coat I recently purchased for more than I should have. If it were a clutch, I'd buy it in a NY minute.

Chick It Out

With Easter less than a month away (which, BTW, I find to be totally unfair---who wants to hunt for eggs outside in mushy grass March??? Or wear a cute pastel dress, for that matter???) I figured I may as well start poking my nose around for decorations and brunch and whatnot.

These chick feet wire egg cups have been giving me the giggles all week long. I don't even necessarily love eggs prepared in this fashion, but I'm half tempted to make them for displaying purposes.

Condo Phase I: Demolition

We bought a cute little condo nestled on the hillside with expansive views, HOA's, and friendly neighbors. It's brand new 1985. Literally. It's got bright white carpet that has never seen the sole of a shoe in its 25 year lifetime. And a dishwasher that's never seen a dish.

We'll be making some minor modifications before we move in. I'm thinking about buying this pink ladies tool kit to make it official. And to match my tiara and heels.

Seeing Red

Some thoughts on the Oscars.

First, red. Red here, red, there, red red red everywhere. 2 straps, one-strapped, no straps, feathered, fluttery, fitted, simply stunning scarlet. Red was the color of the night. I wonder if those who didn't wear red felt left out. Like they didn't get the memo.

Second, movies. I liked the bit of all the past winners throughout the show. Especially the past winners for Best Picture. I'd like to make it a goal to watch all 80 by next years show. I'll keep you updated.

Third, lalalalove. Sososo in lalalalove with Marketa Irglova and Glen Hansard. Plus their smiling song, second speech and little movie---scratch that, little art, Once.

8 Is Great

Nicole tagged me a bit ago. I've been trying to conjure up 8 really radical splendiferous things about myself that would wow and bowl people over from sheer shock and awe. Turns out, I'm not that exciting. So here are 8 tried and true things about me right now.

1. One of my all time favorite movies lines is Cher from Clueless: "...and in closing, may I remind you that it does NOT say RSVP on the Statue of Liberty."

2. Next to my dog, my big sunglasses and lipgloss are my best friends.

3. I'm growing increasingly frustrated that I can't get my hair to blow out the same way my hair stylist does. I'm contemplating having him do it for me once a week. If he wasn't an hour away, I'd for sure do it. Hey, old ladies do it...why can't I?

4. I'm desperately seeking denim. Denim like the jean. I just don't know what designer to try this time. I feel like everything is so played out. Any suggestions? Nothing too wild and crazy, something more classic (yet still stylish) that fits petite peeps like me.

5. I want the new Blackberry Curve so bad it hurts. I may give up my baby toe for it.

6. I'm scared to death of skin cancer. Now I instant/spray tan and wear 70 SPF every day.

7. It's been such a cold winter, I've started wearing my Uggs outside. I can tell they're now showing signs of wear. I'm really worried about it.

8. Sometimes I clean the house in a tiara and heels. While I'm wearing a wifebeater and short shorts. It helps me feel less gross about the yuck-yuck-yuckity-mcyuckerness of cleaning.

Holiday Hangover

I'm punch drunk on love, chocolate, and flowers.

But Laura Crow's essay on Valentine's Day gave me a whole new perspective.
I'm not gonna enjoy my 2 dozen roses any less, but it sure did make me think.

*image via laura crow too (the story totally made sense of why she has so many amazing images of flowers)*

Loveseat

The name says it all. You know what to do with it. Today is your day. Cuddle up, curl up, snuggle up with a good movie, a good book, or a good looker.

xoxo.

Red Velvet

If ever there was an appropriate time to make red velvet cake. Theme-colored and sinfully delicious, this cake is seductively screaming (not sure how that happens) to be the sweets for your sweet this Valentines Day.

*Just make sure you use a recipe with the right frosting. None of this buttercream or cream cheese frosting nonsense.*

3 Easy Steps To Get On My Good Side

Step 1: Leave on a jet plane, late at night from Manhattan, bound for SLC. Tuck a 25 lb. bag of the best cookies ever 'neath your arm:

Step 2: Arrive to SLC in the wee hours of the morn. Leave this on my bathroom counter:

Step 3: Share them with me for breakfast every day for a week, until they're gone. When all hope is lost and the last nibble enjoyed, find the last precious one, and surprise me all over again:

Special thanks to my bro-in-law, B., who shares my eating habits and is therefore officially on my good side.

Resolved

It's already February. I haven't even thought about making my own New Years Resolutions. Naturally, I looked to my trusty blogroll for a little inspiration. Found some great motivators/ideas to bag, borrow, and steal:

• Ali's create more and try new things
• Marta's creatively penned ideas (an oldy, but a goody)
• Lane's new direction
• Lori's mid-year reminder to listen, learn, labor, and love
• Angies desire to stand a little taller
• YHO's higher education
• 100 Percent Cottam's well-rounded resolutions
• Would Be Writers Guild's bravery/occasional wussiness
• Caroline's organization
• Unruly Thing's deadline, among other things
• Favourito's golden ticket
• Olivia's autographed photo of Scott Baio
• A Little Sussy's great find to get you thinking, an inspirational one upper

For now, the one thing I can add to this list is that I'd like to start dressing a little more my age. With the hope that it will eventually encourage me to start acting more my age too. Right now, it's a longshot.

Warm Thoughts

It's only the end of January. Yesterday, my friend said "Don't you wish it was summer right now...like the middle of June?" The weather is so miserably cold and smug, that in my extreme desperation I replied, "Right now, I'd settle for April." You know it's bad when you'll settle for moderate average temps instead of warm fuzzy ones.

If it can't be April, I might as well pretend. To get in the spirit of April-ness, I purchased 2 springtime jackets this week. At a discount no less. What the? Who the? How the? Apparently online retailers are as desperate for sunnier days as I am.

Dumped (aka, Last Week We Got 24" of Snow in 24 Hours)

I spy with my little eye,

A Mini so very buried--poor little guy.

My husband saw his lil' car and he almost started to cry.

The weatherman says more is on the way--sigh.

With a winter like this, we're just hoping to get by.

*according to the weather report, we've only just begun*

xoxo

I'll miss this man, his contagious smile, witty humor, wisdom beyond years, and the cane he waved about.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could all leave this world knowing we made it a better place.

Well done Gordon B.

Experiment

I'm a pretty petite person. By that, I mean sometimes I purchase childrens clothing from retailers simply because it is the exact same as the adult line and it costs less. I decided to try out Crewcuts by J.Crew. I could only find it online in my neck of the woods, so I purchased a zebra-stripe cardigan. In size XXL, which JCrew says is supposed to fit a 10-year old.

Result: It totally fits me.
Which can only mean one of three things: 1) I am incredibly small, or 2) JCrew's sizes are incredibly large, or 3) 10-year olds just ain't what they used to be.

This Is Why I Can Never Be BFF With Apple (Yet Continue To Buy Their Products)

Those folks over there at Apple just don't get it. And even if they do, I still think they're jerks. I've had the old school iPod Mini since its inception. A cute little pastel pink one that has been hanging on for dear life for the last 9 months. It works some of the time, but not most of the time, and I just can't bear to let it go. Why, you ask? Because the Nano doesn't come in pink. So I've been holding out.

Until Christmas, when G. bought me a new one. Being the loving and wise husband he is, he bought me the next best thing to pink, which is, naturally, red.

But, looksey whoosey popped into my inbox this morning. Just in time for Valentines Day. Blast it all to the moon! I swear this love/hate relationship I have with Apple will be the death of me.

Breakfast At My Place...Or Yours

Does this bathtub sofa look familiar? It's said to be a modern twist on the pink and purple one Audrey made famous in Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Now, all you need is that sweet eyeshade, a guitar, a tiara, and a silly cat to re-enact the whole shabang! Killer looks wouldn't hurt either.