monday update.

Man oh man, I heart my wee little Macbook. It just hums along so happily, providing me with a connection to the outside world. Quite superb.

The truly exciting facet of my purchase was that I managed to wrangle a FREE iPod touch out of the deal. Ok ok, by "wrangle" I mean they gave it to me, no questions asked, but whatever. Yay for education discounts!

A couple of things for the day:

1. I don't think I'll ever get sick of David Gray's music. I've been listening to it since some point in high school (maybe 2001?) when my fabulous sister gave me White Ladder for Christmas. Well, it's just been love ever since. I'll take some time away from David but I always end up coming back. It's just so.... good.

2. Baskin Robbins ice cream cakes are and always will be the best cakes ever. The cold cake with the ice cream and the super sweet frosting.... heaven! I just polished off the remnants of the mint chocolate chip beauty that my coworkers got me for my birthday. Pretty spectacular, even a week and a half later.

3. I'm on Mission: Make Cubicle Attractive, and it's much more difficult than originally planned. I don't want anything cutesy but I'm in dire need of color! I purchased some awesome vintage fabric from Etsy to cover one of the walls, but I'm not sure what to do elsewhere. Any ideas?

This, my friends, is by far the best office accessory EVER:
And yes, it's already on it's way to me. How could anyone pass up a mahjong business card holder?! Pure genius.

my xmas list....

.... if I was a gazillionaire (although I guess I would already have all of these things).

1. a Macbook. My laptop met it's end over a year ago and I've realized that my new job may not come along with personal computer use.... all day. It might be helpful if I could do my yelping, blogging and chatting at home. Although we all know that wouldn't happen, it'd be good to have it as an option. This is the most realistic of my xmas list, as I really really need a computer. Any contributions to the cause would be most welcome. :)

2. Katie Holmes' Armani Prive shoes. They are just the most fantastic things ever.

3. This isn't so much an item as a service, but if I was a gazillionaire I bet I could get it anyway. Why on earth is H&M not online? It really drives me absolutely crazy. It's 2007 and most of us prefer to shop online! Grrr. Also, Zara, Club Monaco, could y'all pick up the pace as well? Thanks.

4. The Audi S5. Oh my, it's beautiful. What can I say? I am my father's daughter.

5. A little love muffin. Watch out, this post is about to get too cute for words!!

our one year anniversary.

It's Halloween 2006. I'm a little down because my party plans fell through, so I head to Goodwill because I'm broke and bored. I'm a little embarrassed to be doing "real" shopping with all of the people looking for costumes, but considering I furnished my apartment through these stores in Atlanta, I know I can always find some goodies. As I'm on my way up to the checkout counter with my vintage hammered Coke glasses, I see them: 3 and a half inch delicate heels, shimmery pewter Italian leather, sexy wrap around slingback strap at the ankle. I look closer and my dreams are confirmed as the simple white and black label runs down the sole. That's right. Manolo Blahniks. I run to them, eyes on the prize, knocking down small children and elderly women on my way. As I slip them on and realize they are exactly my size, I get goosebumps and tears begin to well in my eyes. I turn my new prize over, examine the barely worn leather sole, and shriek with utter joy. $5.99. As I run to the checkout counter in complete bliss, I can't help but hug the cashier. Vowing to return once a week, I flit out of the store and proceed to call everyone I know to tell them about this miraculous day.

eeeeeeeeeeeeek.

It's only day 3 of October, aka the month of insanity, and I'm already exhausted. I was at the office until the double-digit hours last night (yuck) and back again early this morning. I try and I try (and I screw around on the internets) and the work continues to pile up. I'm broker than broke (will be drinking water tonight) and all kinds of cranky: I'm angry at my supervisors, the weather (when will it get cold, please?!), myself, and my toe (how can you hurt and be itchy at the same time?!?! how!?). At times like these, I have to remind myself of the good things:

1. I still have one of Erin's pumpkin chocolate chip cupcakes in the fridge. I've already eaten 3. I love Erin.
2. Trivia tonight. Richard is coming all the way from Baltimore-- glorious!
3. I am so loving my latest manicure: OPI's Siberian Nights. My hands look oh-so-goth with my big black rose ring.
4. Barley the Labrador Retriever.
5. It's pumpkin season. My most favorite season of all. Pumpkins galore!

Quote of the day (actually from yesterday)
Christmas trees were not meant to be on display from Jesus' birthday to his resurrection. That's just not right. *I promise I'll have it down early this year, roomie!!*

obsession.

I have had tomato basil soup for at least one meal every day of the past 7. I think that makes me officially addicted. Is it possible to get a lycopene overdose? Someone help me. I can't stop!

the winds of change.

I love transitional seasons. Fall is starting to arrive in DC: you can feel it in the air and I it makes me so happy every time I go outside. Even though it's supposed to get back up in the 80's next week (eww) I have officially made the switch to fall. I've packed up my seersuckers and white jeans and pulled out my cotton scarves and "real" shoes. I've got my fall manicure, changed from my aquamarine ring to my favorite garnet, and put away my summer perfume in exchange for my more musky fall scent. Even though I've always lived in a pretty mild climate (forgetting those 4 years in evil, evil, cold Ohio), I relish the four seasons and their distinct qualities. I like to change things from season to season: it's like welcoming back old friends. Despite my love for all of these changes, my most favorite thing about the fall has got to be the pumpkin.

exactly 2 months from today...

... Project Runway Season 4 begins.

Thank. The. Lord.

happy september!

Now that the summer is "officially" over (although you wouldn't know it by the temperature outside) I can honestly say that it flew by. I'm not sure if that was due to the fact that I didn't ever leave DC or that there were none of the major changes that summer usually brings, but whatever it was, I'm shocked that we're already heading in to fall.

My first and last summer vacay in South Carolina this past weekend was definitely needed, and I must admit that I'm feeling pretty refreshed. Although it rained for three solid days, I still had a good time. It was a nice feeling to be bored and it was great to spend so much "QT" with the 'rents. By Sunday night I was admittedly going a little stir crazy. The island where I vacation is absolutely tiny and doesn't offer much in the way of non-outdoor entertainment. After finishing my book and watching epic movies (Gone with the Wind and Sound of Music in the same day), I was ready for some major beach action. Luckily, I woke up Monday morning and opened my shutters to see this:

Glorious. I quickly threw on a tank top and my running shorts, grabbed the parents and the dog, jumped in the golf cart, and headed to the beach. Even super early, the beach was pretty crowded (for Fripp Island standards) and Tabby was able to meet lots of other dogs... even if they didn't want to meet her. There really is nothing happier to see than a dog running at full tilt down the shoreline. I spent the rest of Monday in the sun: my pale-ass Irish skin is not too happy with me right now... but my mom kept telling me I looked like "the white meat of a chicken" so I was determined to take full advantage of those UV rays.

Despite the rain, the trip to god-awful Hilton Head, and the utterly dissapointing meal at Hominy Grill, it was still a great weekend. It's a little hard for me to not enjoy a weekend at Fripp: it's my home, but at the beach. It doesn't get much better than that.

Plus, the ultra-luxe-extra-soft pillowtop mattress that I made my parents get for my bedroom down there is just about the most incredible thing I've ever experienced.

> sliced bread.

I just love discovering new things. Especially when they actually WORK. I'm one of "those people" who is more likely to try something new, just because it's new. I know, I know, as a communication major I should be able to resist advertising and the "newness" of a product, but I just can't help myself. However, with that said, when I find something that I love, I stick to it and never, ever waver. Like, ever.

For example, I decided back in early 2005 that I was going to start wearing blush. Most of the girls my age didn't wear it for fear of looking like an old lady, but I genuinely thought it would help cut the roundness of my face. On one fateful day in Sephora, I found my NARS Orgasm and have never looked back. I've worn it every single day of my life since. If they were to ever discontinue it (fools!) I honestly don't know what I would do. I know, this is a pretty major ode to some minerals crushed together in a beautiful peachy pink sheen, but I feel strongly about this product and how it makes me look. Yay, NARS!

All of this being said, I love to spread the news and joy of finding a new favorite product. I want to shout it from the rooftops. Not gonna lie: I sometimes hang out in the NARS section of Sephora and accost passers-by into trying on the blush. Those Sephora people should start giving me commission, because I swear I've turned at least 4 or 5 unknowing women into believers.

So, without further ado, I give you the first installment of my newest blog series: "better than sliced bread." These products are Kiki-tested, Kiki-approved.

The almighty Band-Aid Blister Block Stick.

This little deodorant-like stick will save your feet, I swear. You know those fabulous 4 inch stilettos sitting in your closet, that you've worn once but promised your poor feet that it would be the last time? Never again. Through many years of research, I have found that it takes a minimum of two full days of wear for a shoe to no longer give you blisters, but once broken in, those once-painful shoes could become one of your most comfortable pairs. This magic stick will get you through those first two wears, no problem. Just apply the stick liberally along your heels and anywhere else you expect the shoe to rub, and voila! You'll be blister free all day long. Just be sure to apply BEFORE the blisters begin to form. Otherwise, might I recommend these:

makeup madness.

Call me vain, superficial, whatever you want, but one of the first things I think of when meeting a woman for the first time is what I would change about her makeup. Sure, there are some women who know what they're doing and look great, but it's a rarity in this town. I understand that a lot of people want to look "natural" or "fresh-faced," but there's a way to do that without showing ALL of your pores. Just 3 or 4 products would make a huge difference, trust me.

Makeup is all about finding colors and techniques that suit you: your complexion, face shape, best features, etc. I don't recommend all of these products for everybody, but I've been asked about my makeup routine many times, so here it is:

Step 1: Wash my face, either with my prescription stuff or once a week with this scrub:

Step 2: Moisturize. In the winter I use something more hard-core, but for the humid summer-time this works just fine (remember to find something with SPF!):

Step 3: After moisturizer sinks in, use spot concealer if needed and then apply MAC Studio Fix:

Step 4: Apply the shit, aka Nars Blush in Orgasm. I dust it along my cheekbones, all the way into my hairline, rather than rounding my face by applying on the apples of my cheeks:

Step 5: Your eyes. I normally dust a vanilla shimmery shade over the entire lid and up to the brows, like Cargo's Aspen. Then, depending on my mood/weather/what I'm wearing I'll apply a more vibrant color like MAC's Parfair Amour or Nars' Strada or Cleo either along my lash line or into my crease. If I'm feeling extra sassy (this is for daytime, people!), I'll smudge a little black liner (I use CoverGirl-- I can be cheap!) on the inside of my bottom lid. Finish off with DiorShow mascara on top lashes.

Step 6: Lips-- I usually stick to Gloss and MAC is my favorite, in Lychee Luxe, Underage, and Pink Lemonade (boo to MAC for not letting me steal their pictures!).

Voila! You're done. It's really pretty easy. Now, for nighttime makeup, that's a whole other story.....

more fall fashion.

Fall is undeniably my favorite fashion season. The colors, cuts, and rich fabrics and textures just scream luxury. I love Fall in general. October is my favorite month of the year with the temperature dropping, a crisp breeze, colors changing, Halloween, and pumpkin pancakes at Billy Martin's. It doesn't get much better.

Here are a couple more of my favorite picks for this season (and yes, there will be many, many more posts like this in the coming weeks-- I just can't get enough of online "window" shopping)

Gucci Indy Large Top Handle: $3,990 at Neiman's

Marc Jacobs Satin and Python Pumps: $845 at Saks

Rick Owens Lilies Padded Funnel Neck Jacket: $640 at net-a-porter

Lux 2-Button Swing Jacket: $68 at Urban Outfitters

Rachel Pally Sweetheart Dress: $238 at tobi.com

Mike & Chris Nigel Jacket: $187 at tobi.com

Wish Charm necklaces: $38 at redenvelope.com

monday motivation.

I'm a loyal reader of the PostSecret blog. If you haven't heard of it, people can mail in postcards anonymously and tell secrets about themselves, their lives, etc. It's a stunning idea and the cards I read every Monday morning are always really interesting and moving.

Here's a pretty cool movie about that was posted on their site yesterday. I suggest you check it out:

a girl can dream.

Now that Restaurant Week is over (for me at least!) and I am at my fattest and brokest, what's better than a little online browsing? Fall is by far my favorite fashion season and this year is looking like a great one.

Here are a couple of lust-worthy things that I've put in my shopping bag, fully knowing that I'll never be able to push that "checkout" button.

Christian Louboutin Lady Gres Platforms: $865.00

Derek Lam Asymmetrical Holster Coat: $2,890.00

Dior Tweed Kimono Dress: $3,240.00

Nanette Lepore Tantalizing Trousers: $215.00

Zac Posen Iris Blouse: $900

Ralph Lauren Black Label Casey Metallic Silk Ascot Blouse: $698.00

Le sigh.

sorry, too busy to post.

No, it's not work or a budding social life that's keeping me away from you, my loyal readers. It's a little boy named Harry Potter. I've got to re-read the 6th book before the final one comes out... which honestly shouldn't be a problem. I read 300 pages yesterday.

Which Hogwarts house will you be sorted into?

My coworker husband is also in Ravenclaw...we'll call him Write. We had this exchange about our Hogwarts status:

Me: Apparently we wouldn't have made it in to the books, unless we were really good at Quidditch.

Write: well, we could die awful deaths without compromising any important characters...that's something, right? I bet you ravenclaw's common room is sweet.

I believe this is precisely why we didn't make it into Gryffindor or Slytherin. Damn.

al's my man.

I sincerely hope you all watched Live Earth on Saturday. I got up at about 9:30 with plans to head down to the show at the Mall, but considering it was a bajillion degrees outside and it wasn't supposed to be much of a show, I decided against it. Instead, I stayed in and watched the performances from other countries... for about 6 hours. No joke.

Most of the performances were incredible, but further research this morning proved that Bravo didn't show some of the best ones. I mean, Damien Rice and David Gray performing Que Sera Sera TOGETHER?! Very very cool. Bravo also failed to show Bloc Party, Toni Colette and the Finish, Jack Johnson, or UB40. No fun. Luckily I can watch everything on MSN. Sting and the Police were incredible (not surprising) as were the Smashing Pumpkins, Beastie Boys, and Madonna with Gogol Bordeloo doing "La Isla Bonita"... sooo good. Even James Blunt impressed with his rendition of Cat Stevens' "Wild World." Jane Goodall was there, which is pretty incredible. She was even more impressive with her chimpanzee impression.

I thought the Live Earth program did a great job of focusing on the idea that I was taught as the "Tragedy of the Commons," which, in sum, recognizes the importance of the individual as part of the larger group. If we each take a small step, the impact will be massive. While big changes get a lot of press and make an impact on our surroundings, they certainly are much more difficult to orchestrate, take time to get passed through legislation, and put the work in someone else's hands. If we each become responsible for ourselves and our actions, things can change very quickly and very drastically.

I'll get off my soapbox, but I just wanted to highlight this incredibly important event and its possible impacts around the world. I hope it works... we've started on this way too late.

steel magnolias.

Apparently I'm in some kind of romantic/manhungry mood (never thought you'd see those two adjectives slashed, did you?). Today's post is completely due to the fact that we have just hired an endangered species: a true-blooded Southern Gentleman. It really is amazing, he's 22 and acts just like my grandfather and uncles. I just love it.

I've been asked what qualifies a man as a Southern Gentleman. After thinking about it for a bit, this is what I came up with:

1. They are chivalrous to a fault. Opening car doors is just the beginning for these guys. You know in Say Anything, when Lloyd kicks the glass out of Diane's way? $100 says he learned that from a Southerner.

2. They're friendly. He'll shake your hand, smile when he meets you and he makes a point to repeat your name back. He always introduces people formally, includes others in conversation, and will compliment women genuinely. They will never let you stand, always give up their seat. They always have a great smile and a kiss on the cheek for the ladies and a strong handshake for men.

3. They drink scotch or whiskey on the rocks. A double. During the summer they usually turn to beer, but never light and always in a coozie. They play Hank Williams on the jukebox and will pull you to your feet and dance with you in the middle of a crowded bar. They'll swing you around and dip you and you'll squeal like a little girl and blush and turn red.

4. They're immaculately dressed in seersucker, linen, pastels, and sunglasses. They actually take the time to press their clothes (or take them to a dry cleaner). Shirts are always tucked in with a belt (no frat tuck) and sunglasses are secured with croakies. In the winter they wear Carhartt's and button-downs.

5. They've got the accent. A sweet tone to their voice, a slow drawl that makes the words sound dramatic. "Well, don't you look nice tonight," will make you weak in the knees. They always say "ma'am" and "sir" regardless of how much older the person is.

6. When they fall for a girl, they're smitten. Southern women may act fragile, but we're steel magnolias and the only men who can deal with us are the true Southern Gentlemen.

ps. THIS was the first image when I googled "southern gentleman." WTF, Google?

belated.

My parents' 30th anniversary was on Monday. Apart from the fact that I completely forgot about it, this is a pretty huge milestone. I mean, really. 30 years. They've spent more of their lives together than they have apart. I honestly have no idea how they've done it, or how I'm expected to do the same.

I constantly tell them that they have ruined any shot for me to have a good relationship, or any relationship for that matter. They are just far too perfect together. And not in that annoyingly fake perfect way. Sure, they fight and bicker on occassion, but that's what love is. I mean, they've lived together for 30 YEARS. I have never once doubted their love for each other and its apparent that they honestly enjoy each other's company. I have no idea how I'm expected to find someone that will complement me so well, who I'll never get sick of eating dinner with, who I'll want to father my children.

Last Christmas my mom told me that she undoubtedly loved my dad more than she loved any of her children. After the initial shock of this statement wore off (the horror!), I began to understand her point. She chose him, out of the millions of men in the world, and he chose her. We were a result of that choice and their love (a wonderful, obscenely perfect result). He's got the added bonus of creating us, so that warrants more love, I suppose. Plus, as she said, she only has to live with us for 18 years, she's stuck with him for the rest of her life.

So, I'm screwed. My parents' relationship is 1 in a million and I'm not going to settle for anything less. When perfection is your example, I can imagine it will be hard to find that kind of perfect myself. They say that women often look for men that remind them of their fathers. As I realize that I am turning more and more into my mother every day (evidenced by my control freak-ness and progressively earlier bedtime), I think that's a solid theory. If there is a man out there who was raised by a single mom, has an insatiable work ethic, baby blue eyes, horrendous fashion sense, gives money to Republicans but (I think) is a closeted liberal, only eats Rold Gold thin pretzels, stays up till 4am to discuss world issues with his kids, and will be bald by the time he's 28, give me a ring (no, not that kind of ring... a ring on the phone). We're probably perfect for one another.


*it's a random pic, but i love it. they're drunk, sitting on the floor at fripp and my mom is checking to see if my dad is bleeding after an particularly violent play session with the dog. and no, the dog is not dead.*

i heart southerners.

Yesterday, in addition to being the summer solstice and the day of the best concert of all time (Wilco!), was Annual Seersucker Day up on the Hill. Trent Lott started the whole thing about 10 years ago and it has caught on with many of the Southern Senators and staffers. Even Hillary Clinton's Executive Intern was caught in the faboo fabric! :)

And yes, the guy in the black shoes is Ted Stevens, from ALASKA. White Bucks, Ted, white Bucks...