See Meg Shop

2009-10-06T21:20:00.000-04:00

Hey you, you there. Yeah, you! I'm over here!

seemegshop.com

Please be sure to update your RSS feeds and blog link if you were kind enough to add me.

Very Big Super Awesome Important Annoucement

2009-09-30T21:12:00.000-04:00

That's right, lovely readers, I am moving! Come Friday See Meg Shop will be under its own domain and will have fun new features and more of what you already love (yes, this includes pictures of Chuck Bass).

Away she goes.

2009-09-28T20:05:00.000-04:00

I told Ben to make sure I got to sit at the end of the aisle.

My mom says that Emily and I shared a crib in the church nursery when we were babies, so technically I could say I've known her all of my life. But it wasn't until years later, when I moved back to Florida, that we really became friends. Her boyfriend used to pass her poetry between classes, and we'd huddle in the band room to laugh over stolen lyrics and bad, generic lines.

Emily was a procrastinator like me and we ended up going to same college orientation - the last possible orientation you could schedule - three days before school started. Which was probably how we ended up with the same class schedule that first semester, how we got to sit next to each other in each class (alphabetically, I had always been right behind her), and how I met her future husband that first week of school.

She went to Italy. I went to New York. We drank more on fake IDs than we did when we finally turned 21. We dressed up for each others' themed birthday parties. We'd meet up to gossip about old classmates. We were so glad we made it out of that town.

It wasn't hard securing an end seat, it was a small party anyway, but we left that awkward number of empty seats in the middle. I took out my camera and waited.

It felt like forever, waiting to see that first glimpse of her turn the corner. I was torn between looking at her or turning around to catch the groom's face. I decided on the groom, and knew the instant she came into view. He looked scared. I turned to look at her. She looked scared. And happy. They looked really, really happy.

I took in what I couldn't at my own wedding, during which everything was a blur except Ben's face, and the pieces came together. I watched as the groom locked his hands together and rocked on his heels. I watched her flounder once she was empty-handed of her bouquet. She fingered his jacket sleeve until finally wedging it around the crook of his elbow. I knew how he must of looked, I knew how she must of felt. I watched as their entire concept of reality changed before them. I watched them make the best decision of their life.

I snapped my camera and smiled back at my friend.

Congrats, Em & Josh.

These boots are made for wearin'.

2009-09-25T20:49:00.000-04:00

Dear Megan,
Long time reader and friend. (hee) Just to be upfront I asked this on another blog because I love you both and want opinions from two different souls.
I have avoided booties like the plague because I thought they would make me look short and stumpy. UNTIL I found these. I bought them and they are comfy but I can NOT figure out what to wear them with. Everything I try on seems wrong. I am 5'3" I have a girly 50's fitted style and I am obsessed with Zooey D. What would you wear them with?
Love and kitten,
Hillary of byhillary.com

Thank you for the email Hillary, I am SO excited to help you with this! To begin with, if you don't know Hillary, please check her out. She is a dear friend and an amazing woman/blogger/fashionista that you are sure to enjoy.

Okay, so here are the boots in question:

I love these booties and they have a cool vintage feel to them (which is right up your alley). And, well, they are pretty badass in a don't cross me, mista way. So I would pair them with some edgy tights (fishnet or something similar), full skirt, vest, and structured button up (maybe with princess sleeves?). Throw on a fitted blazer and you are set!

It would look something like this:

I love the idea of mixing masculine and feminine elements since the boots are essential the best of both of those worlds, so if you're feeling especially adventurous you could do something like this:

And to top things off and to give a big nod to my boy Chucky B, I suggest a scholarly look:

So there you go! I hope I've given you a few ideas for the boots and can't wait to see what you do with them. If YOU would like some fashion advice, feel free to send me an email at meganhallwha[at]gmail[dot]com.

Pawesome.

2009-09-22T21:13:00.000-04:00

When you thrift as much as I do, you are bound to come across some weird stuff. Most of the time I'm too afraid to touch it, sometimes I take a cellphone picture for friends, but every now and then I buy it. Because it's too weird not to.

Exhibit A:

It was pretty dirty and scuffed up - and, well, creepy as hell - but I had some extra paint from my furniture makeover that would hopefully make it awesome.

Which, ta-da, it did. I love how his paw is reaching out to you, like he's saying, Hey man, lay some skin on me, brotha.

Um, yum.

2009-09-21T20:19:00.000-04:00

No matter where we go, no matter how long we're staying, there comes a time in our vacation where Ben and I watch three hours of the Food Network. Usually it has something to do with some kind of competition and fondant, but it really doesn't matter. Even when we're home, even when we are eating a meal in front of the tv that pales in comparison to what they are making, we will watch the Food Network.

The ratio of watching someone cook a meal to actually cooking our own food is relatively small, however. I would consider myself a good cook - and after cooking for eighty people my ego has only grown - and I know Ben is a great cook, but we hardly make use of this skill. Now, I could tell you that we get home late and we're tired and cooking a meal is the last thing we'd like to do - and that's all true - but the real reason is we love when someone else cooks. We love our restaurants. We love bread baskets and frozen drinks. Okay, maybe that's just me, but I don't mind paying. You may spend money on shoes or handbags - I spend my money on good food.

And then I met Phoebe. She makes me want to cook ALL THE TIME. And I want to cook EVERYTHING SHE MAKES. Everything just looks so delicious and simple! And the girl is seventeen. Not that you can't cook at that age, but dang, I'm pretty sure at that age I thought I was a genius for slicing hotdogs and wedging a piece of cheddar cheese in the middle.

I've already made her stuffed zucchini. I'll let you head over to her blog for the recipe (click here for it), but leave you with some tempting photos from my own go at it.* Check her out!

*In my version I used spicy andouille sausage and threw in some cumin.

Just do it. No, for real.

2009-09-19T00:02:00.002-04:00

In order for you to have a great weekend you're gonna have to go here.

See you on Monday.

oh and if you didn't enjoy that....here.

Don't you feel better already?

2009-09-17T20:58:00.000-04:00

I don't know if you know this or not, but New York is having some little shindig about fashion or something.

Maybe you're like me and tired of it all. Look, it's bad enough I spend most of my workday reading blogs as it is, but it's been really draining with all of this NYFWlikeOMGtotally stuff (except for Jen Loves Kev. I happen to love her. So she's cool). And please don't misconstrue this for bitterness or jealousy, I mean I know haters are gonna hate, but this...this is the truth: I am sick, I am tired, and I have faith that you are more than just a far-reaching outfit that is supposed to show how amazing you are, or else I wouldn't read your blog the other fifty-one weeks out of the year. I really wasn't lying about the sick part, though, so let's just chalk all of this up to the meds talking.

Now let's look at some clothes, shall we?

Currently on the To-Buy list for fall: more dresses. Lots and lots of dresses.

Two down, a million to go.

2009-09-14T20:51:00.001-04:00

Two years ago today, Ben and I had our first official date.

I thought it'd be cute to go back to the restaurant - the same one we visited a year later and he told me he wanted to begin looking toward the future together - but by the time we got out of work today we were both tired and I had the beginnings of a fever. So instead he brought me miso soup and edamame (and sunflowers!) to the couch and sat through a few episodes of Californication without even mentioning the US Open he could have been watching. Now I don't know how you define it, but that's love.

Even though two years seems like a crazy short period of time to me, it feels like I've known Ben all of my life. All of his secrets are my secrets. His stories are my stories. We reference each others' childhood memories as if we were there, slightly prompting the other to finish the story for guests or friends. I tease him about haircuts and phases I never saw. He asks me about people from my past he's never met. It's beyond finishing each others' sentences; we have become a fixture in every memory of our lives.

But seriously, two years is still a crazy short time. It also feels like just yesterday I met him and we stayed up until all hours of the morning (no, seriously, until five am. My car was towed) talking about ourselves. And I still laugh about how it all came about, like two girls declaring their friendship on the first day on summer camp.

Omg, you like Arrested Development TOO?

Yes, totally! I LOVE Arrested Development.

Okay, who is your favorite character then?

Let's say it on three. Okay?

1. 2. 3

GOB!

BUST-GOB!

OMG WE ARE SO IN SYNC.

I knoooow, right?

But, like, wait a minute. I don't want a girlfriend.

Ohmygosh, me neither. I totally don't need a boyfriend in my life right now.

But I like going to movies.

ME TOO! And I like eating ice cream.

Eating ice cream is, like, THE BEST. We should totally get some ice cream.

Totally!

And, um, I like kissing.

You do?

Well, I mean, yeah, y'know, if you're into it.

Well, I mean, yeah, I like it.

Really?

Uh huh.

So, you, um...

Okay, on three.

How I spent my free day.

2009-09-07T22:47:00.000-04:00

Even though Goodwill has raised their prices and will not return my angry letters citing such, I couldn't resist thrifting there today because their clothing was 50% off for the holiday weekend.

Which means I got this baby for twenty bucks!

Which is STILL expensive for Goodwill considering THEY RECEIVED IT AS A DONATION AND ANY PRICE WILL RESULT IN A PROFIT. But why tell you that when I can continue my campaign towards them on a weekly basis?

There isn't much in the way of labels but from what I can read it's an old enlisted men's jacket. I like to think it looks a bit inglourious, if you know what I mean.

Now let's bring on the cold temps, shall we?

And scene.

2009-09-06T20:03:00.001-04:00

So, last night Ben and I - oh, and about eighty friends and family members - celebrated our marriage. And I can now say for certain that I am so glad we eloped.

That's not to say I didn't enjoy our party. Last night was SO much fun and it was wonderful to have everyone in one place to eat and dance and talk and did I mention the dancing? Because I danced and danced. Eating...not so much. I think I was just a ball of nerves and excitement to eat anything. And do you know how hard you have to work a room when you are a bride? I never realized that when you're a guest you get to sit back and eat and talk but you never see the bride. That's because she's not sitting down, she's not eating, she's not relaxing - she is talking and moving and talking and moving and, in this case, dancing. I have my priorities, you know.

And even though I didn't have to worry about bridesmaid dresses and up-dos and tux rentals, it was enough "wedding day" for me to let Ben know that I will never, EVER get married EVER. AGAIN. Which really goes without saying, of course, but still. You get a good understanding of what commitment really means when you have eight slow cookers on the floor of your office, looking like what I can only imagine a meth lab would look like, waiting for the house to go up in flames any minute.

It truly was the best of both worlds, though, and I highly recommend it. The important part was private and personal and special and Ben and I don't mind being selfish with our memories of those moments. The fun part was shared with our favorite people in the world and I was so happy that so many people were able to celebrate with us, both near and far. Also, I got to wear two dresses. That's reason enough, isn't it?

A dear friend shared some great advice based on her own wedding day, and that was to make time with Ben. I might not have tasted a single dessert, I might not have taken a single picture, but when our song came on we found each other on the dance floor and forgot anyone else was there.

A Thankful Update

2009-09-02T23:26:00.000-04:00

First off, allow me to thank everyone who commented and emailed me well wishes in regards to my shoulder. I went to an orthopedic doctor this week and I will have an MRI next Tuesday to assess the damages and decide what will happen next. Hopefully I will only have to begin muscle strength training and not surgery!

Also, thanks to everyone who helped me pick a pair of boots! But, well, let's sit down and talk about that. See, I have this problem: I'm in a restaurant, I can't decide between two dishes, and I ask the waiter what he or she prefers. And then - and this is the bad part - I choose whatever it is that they don't recommend. I don't know why I do this, dear readers, except for the suspicion that I am being sold something, and I hate that feeling. Even if it's something I would otherwise buy, if I feel like it's being pushed on me I will normally reject it.

So, about these boots. It's not that I didn't love every single pair I presented to you, and I agree that choice A was the best of the bunch. But I didn't choose any of them and went with something completely different. Don't hate the player, hate the game!

To be fair, they were cheaper than any of the pairs I was previously stalking. AND they are that buttery tan I was looking for! So, all in all, a good replacement to my old pair, may they rest in pieces.

2009-08-31T18:50:00.000-04:00

Things I could be doing:

Finalizing the music for the reception
Start on the bajillion reception favors
Buy the dress I'm gonna wear
Unpacking those last few boxes
Hanging up those dang curtain rods
Anything besides gluing stuff onto toothpicks.

They are pretty snazzy though, don't you think? Wouldn't you just love to sample my mini caprese salads when they are skewered on such darling toothpicks?

Wrong Way.

2009-08-29T20:34:00.002-04:00

There's usually only a few seconds difference, the time between what you could have done and what you did do, what you should have done and what you didn't.

I think about that stupid Gwyneth Paltrow movie normally after a fight. Hell, it's never even a real fight. It's me sitting in the passenger seat, all these years in all of these relationships, staring out the window and refusing to say what's bothering me. I think about that movie and I think about what we could be doing if I just chose a different direction. I think about the conversations we would be having, the songs we'd be singing, the way we'd say okay, I'll talk to you soon and really mean it.

It's been a month since we've had a weekend to ourselves, but it was so easy to fall back into our normal routine of snuggling and Waffle House and running errands. But I made a wrong turn on an otherwise ordinary Saturday, only to wake up with my dress around my hips.

Yeah, you read that right.

I have this shoulder that has been known to pop out, but it's so infrequent and it's been so long since it's happened that I stopped keeping up with strength training and forgot about it for the most part. Well, while innocently shopping I dislocated it, which is no big deal when you are as badass as I am and roll it back in. Only this time it was different. I felt dizzy and hot and off-balance. And apparently I fainted.

If you've never fainted before, I'll tell you it's a lot like sleeping. I was out for a little over a minute - can't remember a dang thing about it - except for the acute feeling that everyone could see my underwear. I am fairly certain that that is what brought me back to the real world. And they even matched that day, so I shouldn't have been so worried. But yeah, I basically woke up and frantically began pulling my dress down and crying, asking Ben how I got to be on the floor of Goodwill.

We spent the rest of the afternoon in the doctor's office and me in a sling. And trust me, you have plenty of time to think about what you could have been doing if you never wandered away from that cashier's line when you're lying on an examination bed in nothing but a paper dress, which includes - but not limited - to dying my hair and dating John Hannah.

These boots were made for buyin'

2009-08-27T21:44:00.004-04:00

Let's get something straight: just because it is, like, ninety bajillion degrees here I will be damned if I let everyone else go buy stuff for their fall wardrobe without me.

It was with a sad heart that I had to retire my old standby pair of fall/winter boots, but it felt nice to know that I literally wore them out last season. They were named whiskey boots for crying out loud. And I drink whiskey! It is with a not-so sad heart that I begin my search to replace such a favorite pair, though.

Maybe it's because I miss my old pair so much, or the fact that I haven't fallen in mad love with a certain pair yet, but I have been more adventurous in my boot options this year. Which means you need to save me before I make a mistake. Because that is prone to happen with or without whiskey.

So I give you choice A:

Choice B:
Choice C:
And choice D:

So what do you think?

I watched two movies over the weekend.

2009-08-25T21:22:00.000-04:00

One you should watch, too.

One you should not.

Dancing Queen

2009-08-23T16:03:00.002-04:00

So, it's almost about that time.

Y'know, that time where we sit around and you remember how you weren't invited to my wedding because I traveled thousands of miles away to do it in private. THAT time, yeah!

But everything is usually forgiven when there is eating and dancing involved. And ho-boy, will we eat. And we will dance! Dance, I say, dance!

Okay, seriously. I am in the beginning stages of creating the reception playlist and the mix cd favors Ben and I will be handing out to our lovely guests (because if you are a friend to either of us you have received at least one mix cd from us). The favors will be something we decide on together, but the dancing part is up to you! So, if you are coming, feel free to tell me what song(s) you'd like to hear at the reception. Because you are getting drunk and you are going to dance.

If you are going to be with us in spirit, please recommend a good dancing song. I will dance for the both of us. And eat for the both of us, hooray!

We've come a long way, baby.

2009-08-21T22:45:00.005-04:00

Now I may have known some people longer, but as of this week I have been best friends with my, well, best friend for ten years.

Ten years! I know some of you right now are all, "Oh whatever, I've been best friends with mine for [insert obscene amount of years that totally trumps mine]," but you go ahead and blog that on your blog, because this is my post and we're gonna be talking about me. And her. And our eternal friendship flame that still burns brightly.

To get a better understanding of the significance of this, let me take you back ten years. This week, ten years ago, I became a freshman in high school. Yeeeah, you see where this is going? Not only was it the end of those precious 90s where we were high off of Lisa Frank and an awkward phase where we thought that hippy look was coming back, we were freshmen. In a year that, beside the fact that I was like omg finally a highschooler and I had met my best friend, it was pretty effin' embarrassing year in which to be alive.

Top Songs of 1999:
"No Scrubs" - TLC
"Every Morning" - Sugar Ray

What we were actually listening to:
"One Headlight" - The Wallflowers
"Anything" - Third Eye Blind

What most were wearing:
American Eagle, Timberlane boots, and a lot of white eyeliner

What we were wearing:
Not that, thank god.

We challenged each others' smarts on a daily basis. We emailed each other every week when we lived in different cities. We watched each other go through breakups (notably, mine), we met each others' boyfriends that would eventually become our husbands. We edited term papers and short stories and resumes. We traded books and movies and music. We discussed our futures and the possibility of zombie attacks. We survived high school, college, and young adulthood together.

Tiffany has stood by my side through ill-chosen outfits, bad haircuts, and some choicey mistakes (which include - but are not limited to - taste in boyfriends). She has let me make my own decisions and has always provided reasonable advice. She always returns my call/text/email. She lets me know how much I mean to her in every birthday card. She is never boastful, hurtful, or selfish. She is the most loyal, kind, and honest person I know and I am so happy to have had her a part of my daily life for this long.

2009-08-19T22:42:00.002-04:00

Hi, yes, hello, I'm here.

As I grow older I wonder where the hell the time goes. Not like in that "just yesterday my boobs were under my chin" where-the-time-goes kind of way, but like in the daily "oh crap it's 11pm already?" way.

I get home at six, I make dinner, I make poor choices in television shows, and suddenly it is past my bedtime and I haven't touched laundry or the boxes that still are unpacked. If I add some internet time to the mix (and let's face it, now that work has blocked everyone from EVERYTHING, it's gonna happen) you may never see me again.

There once was a time where I could just sit around a read a book. Sometimes Ben and I do that on the weekend, but for the most part I have not been able to devote an entire day to reading. And I love reading. I love that I allow myself whatever I want to snack on when I read because, hello, my priority is this book and not my hips. I love snuggling up next to a window and feeling the sun on my arms. And I really, really love when a book makes me cry at the end simply because it's over and I miss the characters in it (I'm a GIRL get over it).

You may have heard of Shalom Auslander if you love Ira Glass as much as I do and tune into This American Life. He's been featured on the show a couple times and is one of those storytellers that hooks you right away.

First off, he's Jewish, and I have always had this morbid fascination with Judaism. This was only heightened when I had a summer crush on a Jewish boy when I was fifteen and I would casually try to wish him a good Shabbos every week. I think he became more religious because I was always sending him holiday cards and refused to call him on Saturdays. And did you ever read this young adults book called The Chosen One? I can't find it but man, it was awesome.

Okay, anyway, I began reading Foreskin's Lament shortly after hearing an excerpt from TAL and was thrilled to find out that each of his childhood stories are just as funny and endearing as the one I heard that Sunday afternoon. But with my crazy schedule and all, I only ended up reading a chapter a night. Which was really hard to do, even though I knew I wasn't going to cry over his cut penis in the end, but I try not to push my bedtime past midnight.

So! If you're looking for a new book then I highly recommend this one. If not for me, do it for Ira.*

*The author of this blog would do most anything for Mr. Glass even though her husband repeatedly tells her he is gay.

Under Over the Table

2009-08-15T15:05:00.005-04:00

So now that we're married and moved in and all, I guess it's time I start actually planning this reception party. Sure, I've already informed everyone of a place and time in the cutest way possible, but the actual details of said party have yet to be discussed. To those who ask I simply say, "I just want to eat and dance. So...there'll be eating. And dancing." They are my two main goals in life anyway so I don't think there could be anything better.

But people expect things, y'know? I mean, my people do, anyway. I come from a very small southern town and passing judgement is what they do best. It's like a sport, right after watermelon seed spitting and before the greased pig. If that didn't make sense to you just watch Steel Magnolias. I'd really love to be making this up but my grandmother is Clairee Belcher. My mother is M'Lynn Eatenton. And that is exactly why I love them.

The point is, I am in the beginning stages of getting stuff together and making lists and performing trial runs of dishes and decorations and dance moves (oh, we will be doing Thriller. WE WILL). Today I tried my hand at table decorations.

In lieu of a theme I decided to just go with things I liked - namely, bright kitchy things. I feel in love with these fat quarters and decided to use them on my tables.

I'm not gonna lie - I am going to steal every single good reception idea ever presented on the internet. If I can credit you I will, but I will also be honest and let you know that I read about fifteen different wedding blogs daily. You'd never believe me if I told you I eloped, would you?

In some blog or another I saw these really pretty flower arrangement with river rocks and grass strands in a mason jar. I had already collected two sets of jars (shown here), so I thought it'd work great as my own table centerpieces!

I am currently using all of my Michael's coupons towards these battery-operated votives, which look really pretty in the blue jars when it's in a darker setting.

I really didn't care about using flowers at the party, but if you ask for a florist's leftovers for the day you can walk away with some good stuff for cheap.

So there you have it! One table centerpiece down...um, well, some more to go. I should really work on that head count.

It's simple, really.

2009-08-12T22:54:00.004-04:00

Some of you already know that I love a good magazine subscription as one of those last-minute gift ideas, and while I will admit that it is an easy present, it is genuinely a good gift. Why? Because I love magazines. Even better, I love free magazines. So I naturally assume that others would like this, too.

Amazon offers great deals on magazine subscriptions and I bought a year's subscription to Real Simple during their $5 deal for myself, equally excited about its arrival and whining about how long it takes for those kind of things to begin showing up in your mailbox. 4-6 weeks? How was I going to survive? Apparently I stunned scientists because I have made it this far without an issue and only recently remembered to call up the magazine to change my address (just a little FYI: you may think it's cute and charming to live in an old office building, but where zoning issues are concerned, it's not. It's actually a huge mess that basically means that my mail arrives when it wants to).

If you read the magazine, you probably have a good idea of the Real Simple aesthetics. If not, it's, well, simple: think clean, organized, pretty pictures and articles. Think Martha Stewart without her dogs and weird voice. Think DIY projects you could actually do. In short, I love the magazine and everything it touches. So it was only natural that when I called I expected the same kind of quality.

Wrong.

I'm calling them, and the automated voice tells me that all of their representatives are currently working with other subscribers, and I'm thinking that I wouldn't be surprised if they spent a lot of time and money on this voice, this soothing adult voice that's telling you everything is alright, it's only a ten minute wait, they'll be right there. And then - and then - the hold music starts. Only it's not Real Simple music. It's...it's "My Best Friend's Girl." It's "My Best Friend's Girl" the instrumental version. They did not even have the decency to give me lyrics to sing along to. Instead, now I have an 80s song stuck in my head and I don't know all of the words and I'm sorta humming along because now I'm thinking it might be "Jessie's Girl." Or is it "Somebody's Baby?"And how long is this godforsaken song? I'm sitting there humming and wondering and humming until I finally get a real person on the line and all I really want to talk to them about it the possible lyrics to a song I think I finally figured out.

On a much lighter note, Real Simple is a great magazine and once I reached a customer service representative they not only changed my address but sent me some back issues I hadn't read. Well played, Real Simple, well played.

Latest Additions

2009-08-10T22:24:00.003-04:00

I actually remember the first time I read Winona's fashion blog, Daddy Likey, because she blogged about Goodwill and how it smelled like poop. I was shaking the edges of my laptop yelling, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THAAAAANK YOOOOOU! - okay, maybe not, but not only was I happy to find someone else who was also sketched out about shopping in the sister store...I was happy to know it wasn't stopping someone else from shopping there, either.

So it should come as no surprise that I am thrilled to be a sponsor of her blog this month! If you aren't already in love with her please check her out, even if it's only because she lets a raccoon guest blog and frequently uses the word choca. Reason enough, eh?

And in preparation for her blog traffic I added fun new things to the shop! Check them out here!

Weekend Musings

2009-08-09T23:03:00.002-04:00

I'm due for a new post, but I haven't had much of a life outside of work and unpacking in which to blog about. Well, Chuck Bass, yes, but I just did that.

So here are a few things on my mind:

I really love my in-laws. Like, really really. I fit right in the first day I met them and it might sound cheesy, but I knew I'd eventually be related to them. I had got along with boyfriends' families before, but it takes meeting the one you're going to belong to to understand why it didn't work out with anyone else.
University graduations are long. Allow me to take a minute and apologize to the family members who were in attendance to my own. But that was the reason why family was in town, so it was a good thing.
Pretzel bagels are my jam. With mustard. And cream cheese. Did I mention that I am a mere block away from a bagel place? And my favorite Italian restaurant? And Chinese buffet? And pub? Best move yet.
Megan Wants a Millionaire is a disgrace to those who share the name. I watched about three minutes of it before turning it off and going to bed. That's right, I would rather shut down my body than watch that show.
Ah fack I forgot to watch Drop Dead Diva. Do you watch that show and if so, isn't it the cutest? It reminds me of Samantha Who, well at least the first season that I watched during my lunch breaks.
I am way happy for the Kings of Leon. There was that one time in '06 when I put one of their songs on everyone's mix cds and I think only one person actually took the initiative to find out more about them. The others would just nod their head enthusiastically when I talked about them and exclaim, "Oh yeah, 'The Bucket!" A couple months ago I read an article about how they are huge in Germany and many forget they are an American band and suddenly an old single started hitting the airwaves. And now they have a platinum album! Woo!

I also swam in some natural springs, took a trip to the beach, and made an amazing succotash recipe that I must share with you guys soon. Hope you had an equally awesome weekend!

2009-08-05T13:56:00.000-04:00

Chuck Bass wishes you a happy Hump Day.

Emphasis on the humping.

Chuck It Up

2009-08-04T13:31:00.008-04:00

It is safe to say that I am not nor have I ever been a "sneakers girl". It's not that I don't like sneakers, I just never, y'know, did anything atheletic enough to warrant a pair.

To be honest, my entire school failed to jump on the Chucks bandwagon because we were too wrapped up in Weezer's Blue Album and our Airwalks. That's right, Airwalks, you remember those? I had a blue suede pair of Vans and literally wore them out, all the while lusting for a pair of tennis ball fuzz Airwalks. That is the last time I really wanted a pair of sneakers, and that was over ten years ago.

But I want a pair of Chucks now. Badly. I don't skate and I don't plan on ever liking Sonic Youth no matter how often Ben plays them, but I feel like I need to meet one of those requirements to own a pair. Because just like how I will forever associate my grubby pair of shoes on my mom's dashboard while I listened to "My Name is Jonas" on my Walkman, I will always associate Chucks to a generation of kids that listened to Nirvana before Kurt died. Can you even be called a poseur after high school?

Anyway, a new Etsy shop offers amazing pairs of revamped Chucks. Knitting! Argyle! Can it get any better?

$70 - $100 via PrettySneaky

Moving, Marriage, and Making Do.

2009-08-02T09:42:00.003-04:00

Even though I'm new at this whole "death do us part" thing, I realize that there will be certain milestones in mine and Ben's life that will test our marriage and make us stronger for having survived it.

I did not know moving was going to be one of them.

Well, I mean, I should have. Living with Ben before this was just too easy, see. Ben essentially moved into my house and all of his belongings could fit into the spare bedroom. We didn't have to talk about where to hang artwork, which wall the couch should face, or how much room I needed to make in the closet for his stuff (answer: zero). With the exception of switching to his bigger bed in the master bedroom, we just left things as they were.

But here we are, moved into a one-story house almost twice as big as the townhouse we previously occupied. Boxes are everywhere, boxes which now hold our stuff. It's not that I'm being a selfish brat about it - I am actually bursting at the seam with pride with our library collection - but I've never considered that someone else has a right to decide where chairs, paintings, and dishes should go. It's exciting, however, to talk about the pieces of furniture we should start looking out for, where they should go, and how crazy it will be to baby-proof this old house (my stance is if we survived they will, too). We see what this house will be two years from now, and it's a beautiful image.

Until then, we're still getting used to the place. As I said, it's a big place and we're not used to it. The weekend has sounded a little something like this:

Ben: Did you unpack the trashbags?

Megan: What?

Ben: DID YOU UNPACK THE TRASHBAGS?

Megan: WHAT?

Ben: Nevermind, I found them.

Megan: THEY'RE UNDER THE SINK.

Yeah. Other highlights include a broken a/c, oven, and washer & dryer. Romantic comedy where you mainly just feeling sorry for the couple happening in 3, 2,....

Slim Pickings

2009-07-29T08:50:00.002-04:00

With the exception of the Strap Perfect, I surprisingly do not own informercial products. I say surprisingly because I want them so bad. I love the novelty of them. I love that I could make a perfect pancake, grow hundreds of tomatoes from a single plant, and rub away body hair without a razor. Of course most of these products fall short of their promises, but I don't care. I won't believe you until I'm personally disappointed with it.

So over the weekend I caught this commercial for the Neckline Slimmer:

It is probably the most alluring one I've seen (and I even saw the Slap Chop during the same tv sitting)...and yet the most fradulent, of course. But who doesn't think they have a problem with that area and WHO DOESN'T WANT TO FIX IT? Well, if you don't, good for you. But this little lady really, almost, sort of wants to get it and just try it.

If not I will be able to make tuna salad in 15 seconds within the next eight to ten business days.

It's a Mad, Mad World.

2009-07-27T15:06:00.001-04:00

Technically I'm working if I am designing myself into an office.

Mmm doughnut. Go make your own here.

Ch-ch-check it out.

2009-07-27T09:15:00.004-04:00

No longer underground, I've decided to sell out and pay out for some shop advertisement. I am so happy to be a part of the lovely blog Where the Lovely Things Are.

Check it out for great features of art, books, and fashion.

Away They Go

2009-07-22T23:57:00.003-04:00

I know this looks just like a pile of envelopes to you, but if you happen to receive one in your mailbox soon I encourage you to notice the work that went into something that will undoubtedly hit the recycling bin soon after.

It seemed so exciting, the idea that I had to use old maps as envelopes for our reception party. But after tracing, cutting, scoring, gluing, and stuffing the buggers I couldn't imagine if I had a big wedding that required tons of crafty things. It's amazing how many people will ask what your theme is going to be. Do weddings really have themes? Did they mean colors? Am I even expected to have a color scheme for something that is only recognizing what's already happened and is just a vessel for my love of eating and dancing? So I tell them, "Oh, y'know...travel." That's when their eyes light up and they exclaim, "OH, because you ELOPED! That's perfect!"

Truth is, the rest of the shindig isn't very travel-centric. I knew what I wanted for our invites, but that was about it. Everything else has revolved around bright colors that will hopefully distract people when I begin dancing after eating three BBQ sandwiches. I think I will start telling people that MARRIAGE is my theme.

Anyway, if you want it to be a surprise I suggest leaving the blog now because I am totally about to pimp my hard work:

Envelope back:

RSVP Postcard:

Actual invite:

2009-07-22T10:06:00.002-04:00

Have you ever received your Netflix and you're super excited because you forgot it was coming in that day and you don't even remember what you had in your queue so it's an even BIGGER surprise?

Do you open it up and ask yourself, "When did I want to watch A Love Song for Bobby Long?" and then you remember it had something to do with the fact that Scarlet Johanson does a nude scene or something in it, you can't remember, you might have been drunk queuing or just trying to impress your Netflix friends (for the record I have Tootsie in my queue, there is no snobbery in these parts).

And then you remember she's married to Ryan Reynolds and you cry a little on the inside and you don't even care what her breasts look like anymore so you stick it right back in the envelope and put it back in the mailbox and sit around and wait for the next hopefully good movie.

Anybody?

Oh, boy. I mean...girl.

2009-07-21T12:45:00.007-04:00

This is not an inkblot test.

If you look very closely you will not see a pineapple, but my future niece, due this Christmas.

I don't know if you've ever been there for a pregnant woman - the doctor visits, the sonograms, but HOLY MOTHER OF GOD CHURCH I cry every time I see that sucker on the screen. I am going to be a mess when I have a child, people, a mess.

And, to be honest, it's tempting. I just have to recognize that I want a baby the way I wanted bangs. Everyone I knew had bangs. I thought I'd look good with bangs. So, I hacked my hair and had bangs. A baby, I realize, is not a fashion statement.

Etsy proves otherwise.

I wonder if they have a layaway program.

Back up Halloween outfit with extra hipster points awarded

2009-07-21T10:52:00.003-04:00

I don't think I could pull it off, but I am really digging this knitted skeleton vest by viceroyrose.

Kiss This.

2009-07-15T23:02:00.002-04:00

When Besame Cosmetics asked if I wanted a sample of their lipstick, I didn't hesitate. I think the pictures speak for themselves (click for large).

Big, big thanks to one of my favorite people in the world, Hillary, for opening my eyes to this brand. She is truly the makeup guru.

Suited Up

2009-07-14T21:20:00.002-04:00

So apparently a cheap piece of wood turned Anthro wannabe doesn't need an entire can of paint. Thankfully I had a pile of suitcases just waiting to be upcycled!

Check em out at the shop.

Latest Additions

2009-07-14T11:28:00.017-04:00

Tons of menswear and accessories added to the shop! Check 'em out:

We had time for Home Depot.

2009-07-12T22:09:00.006-04:00

So, do you check out Home Sweet Home? If you don't, then you do now because that place is ADDICTIVE. I have an entire folder dedicated to photos from that site which will soon be used as inspiration for the new home (which we move into in less than three weeks!).

It comes as no surprise that my favorite submissions are the before and after DIY projects. I lovelovelove finding something cheap and dirty and turning it into something beautiful and useable again - like a prostitute with a heart of gold, y'know? So when I spied this old telephone stand for a dollar I couldn't wait to bring it home and fix it up. Just like when Richard Gere went shopping with Julia Roberts!

An afternoon of sanding, priming, and taking it out for a night at the opera turned this old bird...

..into a classy lady. This is just the first of many painting projects, so stay tuned!

Razing a problem

2009-07-08T23:42:00.009-04:00

I might lose some of you on this one, so I'll just forewarn you that I am going to be talking about lady things and lady parts. If you can't handle it or think it distasteful, now's the time to leave. My parents don't read this blog and I have no shame, anyway.

Buying what I call "expensive" household items has always come about through trial and error. And for those of you who also had to learn the hard way about buying quality trashbags, toilet paper, and tampons - you know what I'm talking about. For those of you who don't, then I can only assume you don't think nine dollars for a four-pack of razors is expensive.

For starters, I haven't had to buy a bathroom product since I graduated high school and moved away for college. I have gone home for every holiday and my mom has stuffed every Christmas stocking and Easter basket since then with these - and only these - items. I can not even begin to tell you how magical and exciting it is to wake up to a basket full of Pearl tampons and shaving cream. I have a supply of shampoo and conditioner to last me until 2014.

But in those dry months between Easter and Halloween it is possible that I run out of something. Normally it's mud masks or toner, which I don't even need and therefore just wait it out. But this time it was razors.

I can't remember a time before Venus razors, but I know there had to be one. In fact, I have two one-inch scars on both shins to prove that once upon a time I used a single blade Daisy razor when I was 13 and tried to secretly shave my legs before my mom said I was old enough (tip for moms: even if your daughter has white blond body hair PEOPLE WILL NOTICE AND POINT THIS OUT IN GYM). But the fact that it's been years since I have had to pick a razor out, I assumed other brands had picked up on the comforts of this razor.

The pickings didn't look good. And in other news, Venus razors were not cheap. So I settled on a package that looked like the Venus...and by that I mean it was blue. That's right, I bought a package of blueish razors to save six bucks. Look at me, being such a recessionista!

Now, about that part I warned you about.

For about three months my girlfriends were on this waxing kick. That is, they were on a kick about talking about it, I am not sure if they do this still with any regularity. I don't know how you are with your girlfriends, but there really isn't anything we haven't seen or heard from each other. So when everyone kept talking about Brazilians I decided to blow some money and get one, too.

It's not that I don't manage the undercarriage, but there has never really been a need to bring in hot wax and linen and another person into the equation. Even when I laid down and sheepishly pulled my skirt to my shoulders the poor waxer patted my thigh and said, "Oh, you should wait longer."

"No, I did. That's it."

"That's it?"

"That's it."

Somehow this did not stop her from slapping and stripping and pulling and did I mention the slapping? By the time she was done with it - fuck, even after two days - it looked like a warzone. And if there was a list of adjectives associated with my parts, that would probably be the very last choice I'd pick for them in the history of describing them.

So needless to say, I stick to my razors. And now I had these new affordable blue razors that were supposed to carry on the torch of keeping me away from looking like I spilled acid in my lap ever again.

Um, yeah. Where was the damn moisturizing strip? What happened to the rubber grip handle? No triple-blade action? Images of one-inch scars flashed through my brain and I threw away the box mid-groom. Not only do I have a finer appreciation for my momma now, but I would rather end up in the poorhouse before I let the economy come near my vadge again.

MoneyMoneyMonday! Or something.

2009-07-06T21:16:00.003-04:00

I thought about making this post the birth of a brand new weekly addition to the blog, something I could slap a fun name on like "MoneyMoneyMonday!" and possibly give you readers a sliver of hope that you could at least expect a guaranteed post from me once a week on something that the ENTIRE BLOG is supposedly about. But, y'know, that's not going to happen.

Instead let's focus on this awesome needlepoint that's in my possession.

Summer plans now include making needlepoint portraits of animals and stitching quotes I find from shows like "Bad Girls Club" and "Charm School."

Other recent purchases include getting tricked into M&Ms new flavor of candy, "strawberry peanut butter" (which sounds pretty gross to begin with and leaves me questioning why I would ever stray from my tried and true Skor bar), the usual vintage finds that will soon be coming to an etsy store near you, and - yes - yet another winter coat that will not see the light of day for a good six months. But it just happens to match a coat that will not see the light of day for a good six years.

I also downloaded some tunes. If you are looking for new tracks might I suggest:

Funny Shadow - Age Pryor & Tessa Rain
Five Years Time - Noah and the Whale

Play on, players.

'Merica. Yeah!

2009-07-02T23:55:00.003-04:00

Spending the long weekend in West Palm Beach with Ben to see ~~his~~ our family. Everyone have a great 4th and eat a hotdog for me! Okay, fine, I'll eat a hotdog for you.

2009-06-29T14:33:00.005-04:00

Alicia, of A Alicia's Accessories, has the most adorable brooch in the history of brooches for sale. Of course, for fifty bucks a pop, it's not the most affordable. At least it looks easy to recreate, right?

And with the way she models it on a blazer, who wouldn't want to at least try?

Expect to see me in this once we get out of THE HOTTEST FRACKING SUMMER OF MY LIFE.

The phone of my future.

2009-06-24T16:01:00.004-04:00

So I'm not sure how I've been able to live my life without a Ericofon this far, but I promise you I won't be without one for much longer.

You can find a few cheap, unusable ones up for auction on Ebay, which is fine by me because I just want it for aesthetic value. But when I began to scrounge around for it a bit more, I found out that companies have revived this design and are selling it as the Scandiphone.

It's even available at Urban Outfitters! Which makes me a little sad because I think that store just rapes cool things until they are, in fact, cool no longer.

...but I'm still getting one.

Just a Reminder.

2009-06-23T23:40:00.005-04:00

Okay, I already made edits to the previous post, but just in case you were unsure, I am not pregnant.

I mean, yes, I admitted that I just bought maternity dresses. But I like to think that they work for me because I have a large chest and they accommodate the ladies. Also, did I mention I was a 1 in that department?

Anyway, some of you know that I bought my wedding dress long before I was engaged. Now, that's not some crazy girlfriend scheme I had cooked up where I mentioned that I had a wedding dress just hanging in my closet to my boyfriend all the time. Actually, it was quite the opposite. The day I got it I shoved it so far back into my closet that I was really afraid that Ben would think I was even suggesting we do that in the near future (of course the silly boy already had a ring, but I was unaware).

No, I bought it because I knew it was the one the minute I saw it. I'm not one to really shop around and compare stuff. When I like it, I like it, and that's it. I've done this with apartments, boyfriends, dresses - whatever. My wedding dress, the dress of all dresses, was no exception.

A few months later I found something else. Something else entirely. It was even the wrong season to buy it, but whatever, remember how when I like something I really really like something and there's no going back? Yeah.

Yeah. Promise NOT PREGNANT, NO MA'AM.

Weekend Cleanup

2009-06-22T12:41:00.004-04:00

Can you tell what I did this weekend?

Wait, really, no? Here, let me help you.

That little red box represents two hours of trying on clothes, sorting them into "donate" and "pimp for cash" piles, and trying not to cry. Okay, there really wasn't any chance of crying because I was just so frustrated with a closetful of clothes I either didn't or couldn't wear.

Of course it only took two minutes to fill this bag.

This all came about when I was trying to find something to wear on Saturday morning. Ben and I are always on the go on Saturdays and it's important to wear something light and comfortable. But that morning, nothing was jumping out at me. Everything pulled and pinched and was just touching me. Do you ever get that way, freaked out when you realize you can actually feel your bra? If you think this is crazy talk, that's okay, my mother has been saying that for years.

So I did a major cleanup and finally came to terms that some dresses needed to be retired because I wasn't a B-cup anymore and I probably never would be. And as you might guess, Ben and I are okay with that.

I didn't feel right going out and spending money on an entirely new wardrobe, so I decided to sell what I could to Plato's Closet and finally dump my loose change fund into one of those counter things. Eighty bucks later, and I was guilt-free shopping!

Ben and I had to stop by Target for household stuff, but he has apparently caught on to this marriage thing quickly because as we walked through the doors he said, "Want me to find you when I'm done?" Reason #29843 why I love him.

I would show you the three dresses I ended up with (yes, a trashbag full of clothes equated to three new dresses, I don't care), but I can't find them on the website. I'd like to think that they were special and I am the only one who has them, but I think I was just too lazy to do a proper search.

I doubt I will see many girls wear these dresses, however, because...well, they are maternity dresses. Allow me to address any concerns right now that I AM NOT PREGNANT. But I can't help it! The maternity section butts up to the dressing room in my Target, so I always find myself wading through the aisles before I get to my destination. And I'm not sure if you've checked it out lately, but they have really cute stuff for mommas. Maternity clothing also has this trimester sizing chart, which explains why I kept pulling "1"s off the clearance rack, holding it to my body, and shaking my head in wonder. But whatever, I am a 1, bitches! And that single digit brings happiness into my life in ways only Chuck Bass can.

Hate Mondays?

2009-06-22T08:31:00.002-04:00

So does this guy.

There, don't you feel better?

2009-06-21T17:22:00.001-04:00

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

Keeping me safe since 1984.

Bowed Over

2009-06-19T11:29:00.003-04:00

It's no secret that I love bows, right? Gay ass poses, no, but there's no denying that bows are awesome.

So America Apparel has this sash...thing. They offer a variety of ways to wear it, but if my circle scarf is any indication, I will only wear it one way. Wait, I will attempt to wear it another way, but midday I will find it uncomfortable or silly and just loosen it and wear it the wear I normally do.

What say you - is this something you'd 1) wear and 2) wear in a hundred different ways?

2009-06-18T20:31:00.003-04:00

My favorite purchase these days just happens to be Ben's, too.
Most awesome wedding gift everrr (also, I think I've outdone myself with wedding-themed blog posts for someone who didn't even have a big wedding. So I promise this will be the last. That is, until I begin the post-wedding-celebratory-reception posts).

Lions and Tigers and Cubs, Oh My.

2009-06-17T21:43:00.004-04:00

If you looked at the above photo and thought, "Ohmygod, I love that scarf and wish like hell I had one of my own," then you're in luck. Because I'm giving it away!

Ben and I had some time to kill while we waited for a pizza pickup, so since we were already on that side of town I suggested we stop by our favorite thrift store (We have time, just a quick walk-thru! I insisted). Twenty minutes laters, when I found this Cub Scouts scarf, I reasoned I couldn't very well leave it there. In two months I'd see a commercial about buying a child for forty-nine cents a day and there he'd be, hugging the legs of Jane Seymour in a Piggly Wiggly t-shirt and a Cub Scouts bandanna. My Cub Scouts bandanna. Well, yours, if you want it. Leave me a comment!

Oh, and speaking of Cubs, I found a Halloween costume for my future child.

And no, it's not weird to buy stuff for future children.

Hrm.

2009-06-17T16:30:00.004-04:00

It is really sad that when I was on Netflix I came across this:

And I immediately image searched to confirm my suspicions about this:

I won't be offended if you just want to stop reading this blog now.

Why

2009-06-16T11:40:00.013-04:00

Because you are Lincoln and I am Kennedy.
Because we always split the last bite.
Because we only listen to "Friends of P" when we go on road trips.
Because we are both scared of Diane Rehms.
Because we don't mind that we have more cameras than towels.
Because you teach me something new every day.
Because I make up a new song for you every day.
Because we save quarters for the jukebox.
Because we only watch The Food Network and Myth Busters.
Because you call me darlin' and I call you honey.
Because we love short stories.
Because your family feels like my own.
Because we will drive over a hundred miles for a beach or a country buffet.
Because you like Plath and I like Sexton.
Because we hate cigarettes but love Coca-Cola.
Because you've never said a bad word about an ex.
Because when you sleep in I stay in bed and read.
Because we never grow tired of each other's company.
Because you do the best Tom Waits.
Because I do the best Bob Dylan.
Because we enjoy grocery shopping and thrifting every weekend.
Because you take the best photos of me.
Because I make the best grilled cheese.
Because we stayed up until 5am on our first date and you didn't kiss me until our third.

Amazing photographs courtesy of Andrew Sea James.

Dream #3,256 for the new house:

2009-06-15T17:07:00.003-04:00

Can't wait to make this cool wall organizer for my craft corner!

I am also thinking of old cheese boxes, soda crates, and toolboxes in which to stack and store all of my random supplies.

Basically, when I am not dreaming about Zach Galifianakis I am thinking about this:

Wal-what?

2009-06-12T09:03:00.005-04:00

So I was in Wal-Mart the other day, picking up the usual things I can buy in Wal-Mart without feeling like I'm supporting a horrible business. Y'know, innocent things like baby powder and sunscreen. And though I personally don't have an opinion on whether or not you shop there, I usually get some kind of comment when I mention stopping by or somone sees a plastic bag from there in my kitchen. So just know that I recognize your frustration, but when I want a beach towel for five bucks I am still going to shop there.

Anyway, for some reason I ended up going down every aisle. It's been so long since I actually browsed the entire store (see: 2003 Wal-Mart adventure which consisted of attempting to stay in one for 24 hours) that everything seemed new and shiny and not so bad.

This surprisingly included the shoe aisle.

I am a big fan of cheap colorful flats because I don't feel bad if I only wear them with three outfits or they die after a summer. And these babies were ten dollars. Ten dollars! I was kind of shocked, kind of excited.

I didn't end up buying any (trying to save money LE SUCKS), but I think they'd be cute for small summer activites like picnics and beach trips. Which my husband and I plan to do all summer. :)

So I guess I should explain...

2009-06-10T22:30:00.009-04:00

Ok, remember this polaroid?

Yeah. This was shortly after Ben proposed to me...last April, in California. That's right, we've been secretly engaged all along! Muahaha!

The joke's not on you. Once upon a time, people eloped because they wanted to and not because they were pregnant, which apparently is what everyone assumes when we tell them what we did. And just because we eloped to Vegas doesn't mean we were married by Elvis.

It wasn't something that came up after three shots of tequila, either. These past months have included lots of planning and reserving - honestly, you should be happy that you were saved from hundreds of wedding posts. But you won't be safe from wedding photos! Oh nooo, I plan to advertise the crap out of mine and Ben's love.

And so, I bring you the details:

We scored a great package deal on Priceline and stayed at the Trump Tower in a swank suite, which included TWO bathrooms. It's the small things in life that make me happy.

We were married at the Wee Kirk in downtown Vegas. It's ancient, it's kitchy - it's us. If it's good enough for Paul Newman, it's good enough for me.

I found a local photographer, Andrew Sea James, who is simply amazing. He totally got us and what we wanted. Many more pics from our photoshoot with him coming soon.

I wore turquoise heels (something blue), a peacock feather hairclip (something new), and a vintage 50s prom dress that I found on Etsy (something old). I borrowed a book of poetry from a dear friend and used a line from it in my vows.

Oh, and we did end up drinking.

Ben and I are registered at Target and a third-party website that allows us to pull from any website we'd like. Links on the left under "Buy My Love."

Important Announcement.

2009-06-09T22:21:00.003-04:00

For tonight only I am going to take back what I said about Jimmy Fallon and his show.

We will go back to our regular scheduled hating tomorrow.

Weekend Update

2009-06-08T15:44:00.003-04:00

This weekend I:

Raced the sun.
Almost spent the night in Atlanta.
Lived the suite life.
Wondered how the f Jimmy Fallon has a tv show.
Couldn't sleep.
Couldn't wake up.
Put pen to paper.
Got a blister.
Surprised my dad.
Surprised myself.
Received the most gorgeous pair of earrings ever.
Got dressed up.
Smiled for the camera.
Jumped on the bed.
Ate tons of food.
Drank yards of alcohol.
Traveled to Paris, New York, Egypt, and Rome in a day.
Cried a little.
Smiled until my jaw hurt.
Said yes, yes - a thousand times, yes.

Not Working.

2009-06-04T11:08:00.009-04:00

Dreaming about filling my new house instead.

Card On.

2009-06-03T10:36:00.003-04:00

When you visit the Goodwill sister store, Good Cents, you are bound to find things one normally wouldn't expect in the Goodwill. Like a huge bag of greeting cards.

I am talking about hundreds of cards that I bought for a dollar. Most of them are ridiculous, which makes them even better. Expect one in your mailbox very soon.

Now I need to find someone who is about to graduate with a nursing degree and a couple coming up on their 25th anniversary...

Party Time, Party Time!

2009-06-02T08:05:00.002-04:00

This morning was my 50th Etsy sale and my 150th favorite! As a big "thank you" I am offering 15% off all items this week (sale ends Friday). Just use the codeword "Party Time" in the message to the seller and I will give back in honor of your support!

Thanks again to everyone who has mentioned, bought from, and supported my shop!

Weekend Update

2009-05-31T20:55:00.009-04:00

Great new finds for the shop! I have played hostess to my family for almost two weeks and while it was a great time, I really needed to decompress. That meant thrifting was in order. And Fun Dip.

Coming soon to a shop near you.

Dunna dunna dunna.

2009-05-29T16:53:00.004-04:00

Did you know that my momma beat me in Mario Brothers when I was in third grade? No? Well, she did, and she will never let me forget as long as she lives and has one of my friends around to tell the story to.

Ben and I find Nintendos and Nintendo parts when we thrift, but we have yet to find something in great working condition with which to play our games. But then Ben told me about the most awesome new gadget!

Sure, you have this huge cartridge sticking out of a handheld system, but it's worth it to play Little Nemo and Crystalis again. It'd be great for plane rides! And possibly challenging your momma to a rematch.

Only $49 via Think Geek.

Home, Sweet Home.

2009-05-28T21:18:00.009-04:00

Come August, Ben and I will have moved into a new house. Well, new for us, anyway.

It's a house turned-law office-turned-house again, so they are currently working on remodeling the bathroom and kitchen. All I asked for was wood floors and lots of natural lighting. We have found a winner!

Two bedrooms, an office, a formal dining room, a huge living room (with fireplace!), a mud room/laundry room, a breakfast nook, and a sweet ass front porch (with a porch swing!). All of this means you are welcome and I expect visits soon.

I Don't Give A Shirt.

2009-05-28T17:17:00.005-04:00

Sometimes I go on these Etsy splurges and to redeem myself I buy a stranger a cup of coffee to keep the balance of good and evil. Or whatever. But most of the time I buy Ben something.

It's the perfect plan, really, because 1) it allows me to keep shopping and 2) I get to see my purchases on the adorable man in my life. Also, vintage clothes for men can be cheap.

Unfortunately this won't fit Ben, but if you have a hip young dude in your life I advise you to bid on this gem.

I realize it looks part hired-hand, but I think that's what appeals to me. So rugged and hot and manly! Pickup truck and tomato picking basket not included.

Check it out and other vintage shirts at jj electric.

It's in the Bag

2009-05-26T10:44:00.004-04:00

So some of you may have fallen victim to and remember the great debate that was "Should I Buy a Bag Over $25 and the Likely Demise of Saving Money Ever Again." Because, well, I had never bought a bag that cost more than twenty-five bucks. And I knew that once I had, I would probably never seen an expensive bag the same way ever again.

At the urging and support of my friends (many of whom have prettier and better bags than the measely one I was offering up for their opinion), I decided that I would buy the bag in question. Furthermore, I needed the bag. It would go with everything! It would hold anything! Look - it's practically smuggling a bowling ball in the picture! Why wouldn't I want this bag? I would spend the same amount on a nice dinner. I could skip a dinner, right? For the sake of the best investment I'd ever make, right?

Well, I'd hate to disagree with myself. I really do love the bag, despite the fact that many an airline attendant have mistaken it for my carry-on.

The problem is, I don't have enough stuff to fill it, and I know that the one evil downside to this bag is that it makes me want to buy every impulse item they offer at cash registers (examples: Tide pens, glasses cleaning cloths, travel Tums, earbud holders - these all seem practical if I ACTUALLY REMEMBERED I HAD THESE ITEMS WHEN I SPILL CHILI ON MY SHIRT)...in which I do. So now beside the usual three major items I carry, I have a sea of tiny items that swim in the neverending bottom that is my purse.

Enter Etsy shopping.

I decided that small cosmetics bags are the way to go, that way when my phone falls into the dark depths of my purse I will be able to find it with relative ease. Well, just more ease than before.

I especially like the flat bottom bags so they will stand upright when you set them on counter tops.

Check out ArtbyJess and madbird for fun prints and designs.

Gratuitous Picture Friday

2009-05-22T11:58:00.001-04:00

Is that a cellphone in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?

Oh hell yes.

Love Letter

2009-05-21T21:21:00.001-04:00

Dear Person Who Bought the Wallet I Was Going to Buy,

You SUCK.

Sincerely,
Megan

A Review of Sorts.

2009-05-18T22:19:00.008-04:00

Okay, so I'm going to talk about makeup, but I am going to warn you that I am by no means someone you should trust when it comes to makeup recommendations.

If you're truly looking for guidance, I suggest you go to a makeup counter in a good department store. Those old hags will be happy to show you what products will work with your skin and how to apply them. It's good to have someone else walk you through the basics, but I find it also important to start off with good products.

Normally that means expensive products. I don't skimp on pressed powder (I don't use foundation - I told you that you shouldn't trust me!) or eyeshadow because those are two things that you want to stay on all day. And since I only apply once in the morning, well, you get the idea.

As for lipstick, mascara, and eyebrow pencils, experiment! I have found some great colors and brands at my local drugstore.

So this brings me to the point of this blog, which is that I ordered some Avon Mark products from the lovely Hillary.

I have never used Avon products, but our company bathroom is littered with their brochures and I, um, have become quite aquainted with the products they sell. Also, they are so dang affordable it's worth it to satisfy your curiosity. If you'd like to see a brochure or if you're interested in ordering some products, I recommend you email Hillary. She is a great saleslady and takes extremely good care of her customers (I would show you the samples she sent me, but I don't know if she sent them out of love or if she does that for every customer. I am telling myself it's love).

So I ended up ordering a sheer liquid eyeshadow and liquid eyeliner (grand total 12 bucks!), which look like this:

And my package came with an interesting contraption, which looks like this:
Add them together, and BAM, awesome two-in-one stick.

Reaction: I already love the eyeshadow, which is the first liquid and non major label I've used. It goes on very sheer and shiny without saying OH HELLO I'M WEARING EYESHADOW TODAY.

I need to practice more with the eyeliner, which is also the first liquid kind I've used. The applicator is verrrry small and thin, which is good because you can get really close to the lashline and it doesn't look too drastic if you cover your entire eye. I normally only cover the corner outer eyes, but after my first try I liked the look.
Um, hopefully you can tell I only did the right eye. Also, these are Ben's glasses, not mine, but I have a habit of wearing them because sometimes I like to remind myself what fifth grade felt like.

Weekend Update

2009-05-17T19:17:00.005-04:00

This weekend I:

sold some stuff, both old and new, at a local market.
had an amazing steak, which is not really my thing but apparently is when you add lemon butter.
watched a movie for the sake of watching a movie.
sought out a pancake breakfast with Benjamin.
spent quality time with the best lady friends a girl could ask for.
asked questions, got answers.
finished a book.
remembered that I hate sweating and cursed this town.
updated the shop.

Mapquesting

2009-05-14T23:22:00.004-04:00

1. Have you used Mod Podge?
2. Do you really call it Mod Podge? Because I am pretty sure I have been going around this entire week calling it Hodge Podge.

Um anyway.
So I had the greatest idea to upcycle some bracelets (see: I saw it on an Etsy shop and thought, Hey I could do that for a fraction of the cost) and this gunk was in order. Little did I know it's just a fancy version of Elmer's glue. Well, maybe it's more than that, but it certainly dried on my hands like Elmer's glue. And it peeled off in really big handprint-sized flakes like Elmer's glue (which, in my opinion, is the best thing when you're having to work with this kind of stuff). So consider me sold.

Anyway, I took a plain bangle from the jewelry box and cut up strips of a map and voila - instant cool bracelet. Now I need to scour the Goodwills around town for more bangles because this baby looks awesome. And, y'know, I need more excuses to play with Hodge Podge.

Um, about that...

2009-05-12T23:06:00.005-04:00

Okay, so I spoke too soon.

While I was in Michael's craft store for some paint supplies, I decided that I might as well attempt the ribbon headband I recently blogged.
I skipped the elastic part because, as I said, those kind of headbands never stay on my head. Which is kind of weird, considering there is SO MUCH HEAD that you'd think it would be stretched so tightly that it'd stay. Unless my head is even bigger than I imagine and said headbands have been falling off off because they can't withstand the tension.

Anyway, tying the ends into a bow seemed to work. There is an artsy flea martket this Saturday where I have signed up to be a vendor and I think I'll make a few more to sell, along with the paintings I am currently churning out (see The Man in Black and Accidental Porn Star). Is this something you guys would like to see in the shop?

I have a few other crafty projects up my sleeve, so stay tuned!

Dear Universe,

2009-05-12T16:52:00.005-04:00

Why won't my head support an elastic headband? Isn't bad enough that it's rather large size excludes me from half of the hats I wish to wear?

Thinking of making a DIY headband from ribbon and flowers ala mandizzle.

I did it.

2009-05-11T23:59:00.003-04:00

I really did it. I found the secret to THE PERFECT HAIRCUT.

You get your good friend the stylist to cut it for you.

You might remember the last haircut I had, which was way back in February. And even though I've coaxed my hair to grow for the past three months, my girlfriend still picked up random strands and said, "Wow, she jacked you up." To which I said, "well, yeah, that's why I'm here with you."

Now I don't know about you, but I was never one to talk to a hair stylist. They normally took smoke breaks while my hair was taking color or they'd talk about their boyfriends or ask if I had read the latest Nicholas Sparks book. I never clicked with a stylist, but as long as they were cutting my hair in a semi-decent way, I never really cared.

That is, until I went to my friend. She did things I had never known a stylist to do before, like sit down and talk about my hair before cutting it. She wanted to know what my ultimate hair goal was. Did I even know where I wanted my hair to go? I had never thought about it before. Giving my hair a goal meant I actually believed it had potential. And here was this professional, saying it did.

What. the. hell.

Normally the only thing I enjoy is when they scrub your scalp really hard, but I don't even remember the washing part of the appointment. It was that good. We gossiped and she snipped away and asked questions and I actually enjoyed answering them. And when I finally put my glasses on to see the finished product it was glorious.

I realize that you might be thinking, but Megan, I don't have a girlfriend who is a stylist! And to that I say, well, that sucks, but you can come visit me and I can give you a good recommendation.

MINE, ALL MINE!

2009-05-11T11:09:00.002-04:00

It's already my favorite piece of clothing I own and I haven't even received it yet.

2009-05-10T15:24:00.002-04:00

My mom never taught my how to apply makeup, nor did she tell me how to launder wool sweaters, but what she did give me was the sense to learn from the inevitable mistakes that would arise from both situations.

She taught me the importance of music and to find the value in every genre. She always paid for my insatiable hunger for books, even when she probably didn't have the money for such luxuries. She showed me that if you did a job right you'd only have to do it once. She encouraged me to think with my heart and my gut. She shared her boundless imagination and pushed us to do the same. She instilled a deep faith that there was someone much greater than ourselves out there, and that being humble was the best way to show it respect.

I am the larger, brighter part of her that goes where she has always wanted me to go. Where she has wanted to go. Every song, every book, every chore, every trip is an act of love for my momma.

Happy Mother's Day, my pretty pretty Peggy Sue.

Things I Don't Get Friday

2009-05-08T21:04:00.004-04:00

Giant Cheetos.
When you want all of the calories of a regular bag in three bites.

Obdressed.

2009-05-07T22:56:00.004-04:00

So let's talk about things I love, like lace and bows and turquoise. Now let's take a moment and look at this awesome vintage dress I found in my size for fifteen dollars. All I need now is a night on the town that includes a steak dinner and dancing. Or I could just wear it in the privacy of my bedroom and wave an imaginary cigarette and martini glass in my hand, y'know, whichever comes first.

I think I have found my new favorite online shop, net_weights on Ebay. They have a variety of sizes and the prices are very reasonable!

Also, for all of my size XS readers out there, please buy this dress so I won't be forced to begin a diet of carrot sticks and Tab in order to get it for myself.

Okthxbai.

Wait a Minute, Mr Postman

2009-05-06T23:13:00.008-04:00

Okay, so if you don't follow Caroline's blog, the pretty Bonjour Mon Coeur, then I'm not sure what you're doing all day. She always provides beautiful pictures and fun links and has a rad etsy shop that pretty much inspired me to make one, too. Oh, and she lives in Hawaii. Jealous much?

Anyway, she recently blogged about wanting to do a David Horvitz disposable camera project and I immediately jumped on that train. One, I love doing projects like this and two, it has already been noted that I am on board with anything she deems cool.

So Caroline mailed me a disposable camera in a ziplog bag with a note for the postman to take pictures along its route. I am not sure where her postman began and mine ended, but I was thrilled to find an empty roll when it arrived at my doorstep.

Here are some favorites. A cd copy of the prints is headed your way, C.

I miss my friend.

2009-05-06T13:14:00.003-04:00

So you've seen The Shawshank Redemption, right? For years it was my all-time favorite movie and it still has a very special place in my heart. But my point is, remember in one of the last scenes, when Andy directs Red to that old tree where he proposed to his wife and then they made love under it?Is it just me or did you want to go to that effingham tree and make love under it, too?

Well, anyway, you totally almost can! The town in Ohio where the movie was shot offers a Shawhank Tour and provides directions for notable scenes. Rita Hayward poster and suicidal old man not included.

Few More

2009-05-04T22:48:00.005-04:00

I must admit, I get a certain satisfaction when I find vintage clothes that are average/larger sizes. My favorite items are usually way too small for me but I try to make an effort for every body shape to be able to buy vintage!

New Additions

2009-05-03T22:07:00.006-04:00

Ben's mom, sister, and I thrifted some great finds this weekend! I feel like I haven't been able to shop for the shop - let alone myself - in ages. It feels good to be back.

Things I Don't Get Friday

2009-05-01T19:43:00.004-04:00

Steampunk stuff. I can't possibly be the only person who has noticed the overtaking of
Etsy with all of these goggles and metalwork. I mean, really? I'll stop judging when you invent a time machine.

Old ladies at Chippendale Shows. I've never attend a show, nor do I know an old lady who has actually attended, but you just know there is a certain breed of women over the age of 50 who love to go to these things. And not only do they go with glee, but they dress "sexy" and think they've reclaimed their youth while some stud is rubbing off his fake tan under their curious hands. I mean, that's the only thing that comes to my mind when I see this:

Mommy Dearest

2009-04-29T22:00:00.010-04:00

So Mother's Day is about two weeks away - are you ready? If not, I have some tips to help.

Moms Like:

1. Things only they can use. And, being a mom, the only way this can happen is if their name is on it. You can personalize a multitude of things; customize your mom's tastes!

Custom Stamp, $12 via cupcaketree

Personalized Stationary Set, $25 via SihouetteBlue

Set of 10 recipe cards, $10 via SweetGrassPrints

2. Striking up conversations with strangers. The easiest way for them to do this is discussing their children. These stackable rings are a great way for them to talk the ear off a stranger on a plane ride. 1) Because I've seen my grandmother do this and 2) because I've been that stranger.

$35 each, online at Zales.

3. Feeling like they are in a spa. Sugar scrubs, balt salts, bath icing - I don't understand half of it, but if it's smelly and comes in a jar...they will probably like it.

Mojito Sugar Scrub, $9 via moodygurl

4. Taking bites when no one is looking. Which is half the fun of cooking, anyway.

Baker's Edge Brownie Pan, $35 via Food Network Store

5. Stuff that holds stuff. Is my mom the only one who owns, like, thirty baskets for no real reason? She has baskets HOLDING BASKETS.

Zip Pouch, $19 via jonesbagco

Okay.

2009-04-27T19:16:00.003-04:00

Well, it appears that I have returned to the Land of the Living.

I don't get sick often, but apparently when I do I go for the gold. At one point over the weekend Ben commented that he'd never seen me like that, but I wasn't sure to what he was referring to - the whining, the crying, the "13 Going on 30" watching. Now that I can think in complete thoughts, I realize that getting sick was just another milestone for our relationship.

Because, let's face it, it was only a matter of time before I got Ben sick, too. That's what happens when you drink out of the same cup or use the same toothbrush or kiss despite the fact that I hadn't even brushed my teeth with his toothbrush all day. We're - how to do I say this - close.

But at some point you reach a level of closeness you otherwise hadn't experienced with each other before. Until very recently - and this is impressive since we have lived together for months now - Ben didn't even know I pooped. In fact, I told him so. I. don't. poop. I think he almost started to believe me when he only knew of the one time I visited the "internet cafe and business room" in the hotel we stayed at while in Orlando. For a week.

But when you're sick, modesty goes out the window. Actually, it goes down the toilet. I couldn't help but laugh in the middle of asking him if he had ever sharted. Not because I had - I PROMISE I DID NOT - but because if we've come to that point in our life where we know each other poops, I might as well ask.

So some of you might be very offended by what you've just read, and to that I say, Hey, look at this new swimsuit I bought:

Cute, right? under $30 at Target.

Blah.

2009-04-24T11:47:00.004-04:00

Apparently getting a really bad sunburn only set the bar this week. Forget about the red face, the weird 24hr swollen eye, and the fact that my skin is MELTING off - no, let's take it up a notch and give me a dose of the flu. BAM.

So yeah, I am sick and it isn't pretty. I spend most of the day waiting to become an episode of "I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant." Not that I have any concerns about that, no no no, but it's either a baby rumbling in my stomach or an alien is going to burst forth before I finish catching up on my Hulu shows. And right now I would prefer a baby because I have not watched "The Soup" in for-ev-er.

Okay, but really, back to that show. I live in fear that one day I will accidentally poop a baby. If I gain ten pounds, if that breakfast HotPocket doesn't sit well, if I have a craving for beef jerky...not only am I convinced that I am pregnant, but that I have been unknowingly pregnant for eight months and that I'm about to drop a baby at any given moment. That shows scares the ~~crap~~ baby out of me.

It's actually quite easy being green.

2009-04-22T22:51:00.006-04:00

Oh, hey, did you know today was Earth Day? If not, I applaud you for actually working and not being consumed with the bajillion blogs that are going green today.

The only thing I was really concerned about was that Earth came out today. If you bought a ticket Disney planted a tree in your name! That's almost as cool as getting a star named after you.

Anyway, I did my part by recycling an old sheet I thrifted a few weeks back and turned into into an embroidered piece of art! Er, pieces.
Oh, and remember that reader giveaway I posted a few months ago? Well one of you luck winners will receive this in the mail! Circle of life, bitches.

Oh, and speaking of art, look what's going into the shop this week:

Yuhuhuh.

New Additions

2009-04-21T13:56:00.004-04:00

New funky things added to the shop!

Slow Sunday

2009-04-19T14:54:00.004-04:00

Ben and I went to the beach yesterday and are currently nursing our very sore, very red bodies. Being confined to the house has forced me to get around to those crafts I've been meaning to work on.

Like this one. When I really focus I can churn out a painting in an hour. I've been thinking about making a few for the shop (similar to the Jackie and Sylvia I've done in the past). Would that be something you guys would be interested in seeing?

Operation Sigh, Part IV

2009-04-19T14:35:00.003-04:00

I'd like to thank you guys for being tolerant of my blast from the past this past week. Of course I have saved the very best for last.

September 11, 1997:

"I have noticed that I have never talked to you about the boys I like. They are listed on the back [of the diary]. Every time when have gone over a railroad I wish that I was going out with Jonathon. I did think it was Jonathon Kimbrel, but I know I don't like him as much as I did. I have now concluded it was actually (and this is just a thought) Jonathon Taylor Thomas. Every time I see a picture of him his eyes mesmerize me. I can hardly even dress in front of his posters! Maybe some day we will meet and become friends. Hopefully VERY close friends!!!"

Now if you are going to tell me you didn't have a crush on JTT I am going to call you a liar. Like anyone could resist this face:

<3 4 eva.

Heeeeeeeeeey Dude.

2009-04-16T11:33:00.001-04:00

Was that not the best show ever? Ok anyway.

I need to find someone who wears cufflinks or just get Ben to start wearing them because these are the best pair I've ever seen. Another three dollars well spent.

Operation Sigh, Part III

2009-04-15T20:08:00.002-04:00

On this installment of "Why I Should Have Kept with Painting," I bring you my first date. That is, I guess it was my first date.I have no recollection of this besides the fact that I wrote about it in detail. I wouldn't be surprised if I made the entire thing up, but I think it was just SO BAD that I blocked it from my memory.

Anyway, on with the show. This happened the summer I stayed at my Grandmother's.

July 26, 1997
"...At church we were doing the visitor greeting and I had to shake hands with a boy who kept on looking bug-eyed at me. He was a fat, pimply faced, ugly geek. When we were leaving he suggested I come over. I said 'OK,' but really didn't want to. We went to church later that night and he asked me if I would go to Faye's with him (it's a little restaurant). I really wanted to say no, but I couldn't. Grandmother kept urging me [to go]. We went to pick him up and we would be dropped off ALONE!! Not that I was nervous, but I really didn't want to stay with that dork. When he got in the car he smelt really bad of cologne. He was really nervous. Even for my first date I wasn't. The whole time there he kept making fun of everyone who walked in. When I was half-way done with my burger he was already done. And he did almost all of the talking!! The whole time I didn't even know his name. I thought it was Rob, but it was really Brett. He later called me and asked me to come over and watch a movie, but I made sure that we were busy. The whole time on the phone he sounded horny. There were a lot of silent periods. I finally said 'well ok BYE' and hung up. I guess he got the message and didn't call back."

A few things to learn from this entry:
1. We can blame my grandmother for this.
2. Being quiet on the phone means you're horny.
3. My habit of forgetting a guy's name apparently started at a very early age. I have a few, um, interesting stories surrounding that plotline.
4. I was an ice-cold playa from the beginning.

New Additions

2009-04-14T22:54:00.004-04:00

Oh, and I also updated the shop!

Oh my pie.

2009-04-14T22:26:00.003-04:00

So last night I made shepherd's pie, which is something I make at least once a month (you can guess who requests this). It's a great dish to make for friends (and hungry boyfriends) because it's quick and easy. Also, I have yet to meet someone who doesn't like meat and potatoes.

So here's what you do:

1. Set up three stations for your three layers: meat, vegetables, and potatoes. The best thing about Shepherd's Pie is that it's very versatile. Try different meats/veggies to suit your taste.

2. Drain browned meat and add a can of gravy (I have used many different kinds, but prefer a mushroom gravy. Unless you have access to a poutine gravy packet, in which case I advise you use for the rest of your life). Drain cooked vegetables and layer in a dish.

3. Drain cooked potatoes and make mashed potatoes. I make them the Paula Dean way, which means a spoonful of mayo, sour cream, and butter. If you make them a different way, well, I guess they taste okay. Layer on top of the meat and veggies and sprinkle cheese on top.

4. Place under broiler until cheese turns golden brown.

5. Eat that shiz UP.

Opertation Sigh, Part II

2009-04-14T18:15:00.002-04:00

More from the diary of yesteryear.

February 10, 1997 (12 yrs old):

"...I am going to watch a movie called Jack. It is sopose to be funny. I hope so. Lately I can be ticked off easily and I need a good laugh. Yesterday I read this magazine and it had an article on 'If a Boy Really Likes You.' I was hoping to have tips to be useful on someone (especially Jonathon). Unfortunately not. The only thing that he qualifide for was the teasing."

A few things you can learn from this entry:
1. My spelling wasn't spectacular.
2. I sound like a jaded old man with that "I need a good laugh" crap.
3. Yes, I was boy crazy at 12. Which is funny now because nothing came to fruition for six more years.

Diaries and Kitties and Zits.

2009-04-13T19:23:00.002-04:00

So while Ben and I stayed at my mom's for Easter weekend I decided to drag all of my childhood stuff out of the attic and take it home with me. I couldn't believe I forgot about these babies:
These, my friends, are my childhood diaries. Yes, that is a unicorn and a pile of kitties. CAN IT GET ANY BETTER?

Why yes, it can. This week I will be delighting you with excerpts from these amazing relics.

January 17, 1997
"...I personally think [this diary] doesn't provide enough space. Please excuse me if I write a whole two or three pages. I remember when I was younger I saw an episode on Roseanne where she finds her old diary. Hopefully I can too, and remember funny or sad times. I wonder when I will read this? When I'm through with it I will make a promise to read it when I'm at least 18 or 19 to see if I am still the same old me. Hopefully not. I would like to get rid of my zits FOREVER!!!"

I love that 18 seems so far away. Trust me, it's gonna get good.

Blargh. And Happy Easter.

2009-04-12T19:17:00.002-04:00

Okay, yes, this is a Kid rock concert. But if you slapped a button up on the dude, this is basically what my Easter Sunday church service looked like.

Not only was I brought up Southern, I was brought up Baptist. That means you buy a new dress every Easter and you don't let your peppermint wrapper make a lot of noise during the sermon.

But this Sunday? This service? I will admit that before I left for college my hometown church had begun to direct itself towards those new-fangled "electric guitars" and "projectors" and installed "surround sound." (Hand of the devil, I say.) But what I came back to was nothing short of a laser light show and a rock concert.

I guess I'm just old fashioned. I like my hymnals, I like my Sunday shoes, I like to draw cartoons on the margins of my newsletter. I do not want to clap or listen to some dude who says "check this out" every time before he quotes scripture.

/rant.

California, circa 1982.

2009-04-10T15:53:00.007-04:00

Best three dollars I've ever spent was on my Polaroid.

2009-04-10T00:13:00.000-04:00

Just because I don't watch the show anymore doesn't mean the flame has gone out.

Just in time for Spring.

2009-04-09T16:58:00.003-04:00

Yellow, check. Ruffly, check. What more do you need?

Good sample sale going on at ureshii's etsy store.

Twin Spin!

2009-04-07T22:25:00.004-04:00

Man, I love a radio station that does a twin spin (especially the local oldies station, which does a twin spin each time a Beatles song plays). Since you were such a patient group of readers, here's another post! Back-to-back action! And HOW.

Anyway, though Kimberly did not tag anyone, I am tagging myself and giving you seven random things you may not know about me. Because the only thing I love more than a twin spin is talking about myself.

I apply makeup only once. That is, on the good day that I even apply makeup. I seriously don't get girls who remember to reapply powder and check for smudging. But I should, because I have spent many a night with a shiny ass face at some bar dancing to 80s music and letting people not only see me in this state, but TAKE PICTURES OF ME. But by that time the gin is working its magic and I really don't care.
I hate paperclips. I think they are mating in my desk drawers. I am constantly throwing them away to keep down the paperclip population, but they just keep showing up all over my desk.
I am a slow drinker. Does that sentence even make sense? Anyway, yeah, I drink slowly. I can make a can of soda last through most of a work day and you will rarely ever see me ask for a refill. Of course this does not include gin.
I love expensive socks. I don't know, are $8 a pair socks expensive? My mother would think so. Anyway, once you go J Crew footwear you really don't want anything else.
I can listen to one song all day. No, really, all fracking day. I find the repetition soothing and I'll usually forget about it until I'm in the middle of something at work and go, "Oh, hey, I love this song!" It's a easy way to perk me up.
I have a weird birthmark: it's a streak of silver in my hair that refuses to take color. Yes, just like that guy from The Soup!
There is nothing I miss more than Taco Bell's chili cheese burrito. Well, maybe Wendy's veggie pita.

Alright, quit your crying, I'm back!

2009-04-07T21:56:00.005-04:00

A week-long trip requires a list, so here it is.

While in California I...

Did outdoorsy stuff. You heard right. Despite popular belief, I like the outdoors. However, if I have an option to hike or knit while watching Zack Galifinakis standup, well, I'm gonna choose that glorious beard, of course. But I can hike and climb and walk past lizards without squealing, damn it.
Ate. A lot. And just in case you don't believe me, here's a few choice meals: hot roast beef with mashed potatoes, schnitzel, big fat chicken taco, pastrami and fries, peanut butter milkshake, buffalo shrimp quesadilla, chocolate yogurt cone, strawberry rhubarb pie, curly fries and gravy, dry rub ribs, shepherd's pie - the list goes on and no, I don't have any regrets. Except maybe that I didn't get a bean and avocado burrito form Plata's.
Slept in a wigwam. This kind, to be exact.
Watched bad movies. Like, really bad, made-for-the-Sci-Fi-Channel movies. I don't think my parents understand Netflix.
Shopped. Both in thrift stores and outlets. Ben and I found so many awesome clothes!
Embroidered. I got really good at it and can't wait to show you my first project.
Made that Polaroid my bitch. Photos also coming soon.
Um, you know, hung out. Honestly, it was a pretty low-key vacation, but I couldn't have asked for a better one. I've never introduced a boyfriend to my dad (well, unless you count that time I was in the Mayo Clinic for my esophagus and my then boyfriend drove my sister up to meet us, but I was on a liquid codeine diet that time and didn't really have the capability to "introduce" them to each other), so this was an especially good trip because they really hit it off and it makes me so happy for Ben to see my dad the way I do.

The end.