I've Moved!

Apparently people are still reading this blog? That was news to me. Sorry, y'all but I've moved - both blogs and cities! Come with me! Please join me on my new blog, "NC Meets DC."

Inspired Ideas...And By, "Inspired" I Mean, "Stolen."

I often talk about how much I admire other blogs and, of course, there's my addiction to magazines, design sites, and cookbooks. Occasionally, I actually act on the inspiring ideas I tell you about. Here are a few examples.

**Keep in mind, if you can't tell with your own eyes, my photography skills are not up to the level I wish they were. It's a basic camera with a flash and a bunch of settings I don't understand. One day, I strive to have beautiful photos that engage the imagination and are the envy of every young rando blog on the block. 'Til then, this is what you get. ** 

1. Nice Rack

This idea was stolen directly from the uber-chic Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere. She uses a clothing rack to help inspire her wardrobe and bring attention to at-the-moment favorites. That all sounds great but, for me, it also serves a highly functional  purpose for my so-small-you-could-miss-it closet.

Once Upon A Time There Was a Magical Wedding....And Beatrice's Hat.

It's been a while since I've blogged but I had to come back to write about something I think is quite important but is failing receive the recognition it deserves. I mean, doesn't anyone want to discuss the Royal Wedding?? The lack of attention for this event is just horrible and I won't stand for it.

I lead with sarcasm because I feel like a cliche and it's a defense mechanism. I'm missing-in-action in the blogosphere and come back to write about the very topic you can read about on 15 million other sites. Wow, Lindsay, how original of you.

I'm a little slow. Sure, I've been following all the news and anxiously awaited this morning's event, but I think I entered full obssession after the wedding, when others' interests climaxed and naturally started to wane. For them, it was the perfect conclusion to months of anticipation.


(AP PHOTO/DOMINIC LIPINSKI)


Not for me.

I can't stop reading fashion blogs. I can't stop looking at event timelines that recap the very order of events that I already watched 13 hours ago. And, I want a fancy hat on my head, like, now.

Forget the happy couple, here's how it all went down for me.

I Hear Ya, Man...

A lot of people are posting this video right now but, guess what, so am I.

Not only is this cute, but it is also the perfect example of what it was like living with my host family when I studied abroad in Italy. We were always in the kitchen, they were loud, I couldn't understand any of it, and there were a ton of hand gestures and body movements. I wish I could say that, unlike in the video, they were always fully clothed, but some of my host mom's low-cut tops could perhaps prove me to be a liar. Also, like in the video, just when I would think they were about to blow up with anger, one of them would laugh. It turns out angry-sounding-hand-gesturing-Italian is just the same as joke-telling-friendly-hand-gesturing-Italian. Thank you, twin babies, for the bizzarro nostalgia. I really wish I know what you were saying because it sounds like it was hilarious. And, I miss you Carla, mia mama italiana.

It Just Ain't Right

So here's a list of pet peeves that you may think (ok, I may think) but you can't really complain about them because they are small fish in a big pond of problems that includes homelessness, the education system, etc. you feel petty. (ok, I feel petty)

But, sometimes you have to air your grievances before they build up because, "it just ain't right."

It just ain't right...

• that people will take the time to back into a parking spot in a parking deck when there is clearly a line of cars waiting to also score the opportunity to find a parking spot. It's like rubbing it in the waiting drivers' faces. "Hey, look at me. I found a spot. And, I know you need to find a spot and get going too but I'm going to stop, go in reverse, maneuver unnecessarily and back into this spot because, well, I can."

Royal Refrigerators and Baby Catapults...You Heard Me.

Today, my friend Ana Cris alerted me to an amazing find on everyone's favorite, http://www.someecards.com/. Well, they aren't actually responsible for the actual product, but they did bring it to my attention "across the pond."

Renovating your kitchen? Why not try the commemorative Prince William and Kate Middleton GE Refrigerator. Because, there's nothing you want more than to go for a midnight snack and have these royal mugs staring back at you. Unless your name is Prince William or Kate Middleton, you should NOT have this in your home. Even then, it is totally not acceptable. (Although, I do think this opens the door - pun intended - to an intriguing market of custom-photography large appliances...)

This royal refrigerator made me wonder what other kinds of crazy crap I could find out there...that's what the Internet is for, right? If you're looking for a good time, Google "bizzare gift ideas." (Do not Google "for a good time"). You can kill a solid 20 minutes (or in my case, an episode of The Middle....middle.*) looking at this crazyass stuff.

*That was a The Middle joke. If you don't watch The Middle, then it is just tiny repetition.

Exhibit A - Baby Catapults.

So, I actually could see this being totally amusing. It looks way more fun than typical baby shower games. But still, who initially came up with this concept and who purchases it? Even more amusing than the actual product is the description. Thank you Far Fetched Gifts for the entertainment.

I'd Like to Thank The Academy....and Double-Stick Tape

Unfortunately, I don't have the time this evening to give an editorial recap of last night's Oscar festivities...I know, you're crushed. That'll come tomorrow. But the highlight of a otherwise fairly uneventful evening was, as usual, the fashion. Here are some of the gowns that caught my eye. Even I was surprised by some of my selections. I mean, Mandy Moore and Celine Dion? What is this, 1998?

 Well done, Ladies.Well done.                                            


Cate Blanchett in Givenchy Couture
(Photo Credit: AP Photo/Matt Sayles)

 


Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa

(Photo Credit: Kirk McKoy/Los Angeles Times/MCT)

 


Sandra Bullock in Vera Wang
(Photo Credit: AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)




Celine Dion in Giorgio Armani Prive
(Photo Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)



Worst Business Model Ever

It's Girl Scout Cookies season. Those vest-wearing saleswomen are everywhere...door-to-door, outside Walmart, inside the mall. As a good citizen who wishes to encourage the successful ventures of our community's youth, I've already had my fair share of Thin Mints with a side of Samoas. It's so hard to say no to Girl Scout Cookies when you know that they won't be around forever. You always want what you can't have. Seeing Tagalongs, Thin Mints, Samoas, Do-si-dos (Really? Those continue to make the cut?), and the newly introduced (to me) Dulce De Leche cookies in the break room at work reminded me of a segment from SNL Weekend Update analyzing the Girl Scout Cookies model.

Enjoy.

 

Five Things I'm Loving Right Now

1. Tea and Travel: Mutually Exclusive No More

My love of tea is no secret. But, as I was in a tea store (which should be a more commonly found establishment), I thought, "I wish someone would create a travel mug with a built-in tea infuser so you could have the deliciousness of loose tea on the go. I've never seen such a thing. I will invent it!" Well, guess what??? I didn't. Because someone else did. While I was perusing the aisles of my local Crate and Barrel, I spotted it. The coveted (by me) tea infuser travel mug. The one pictured at the right is the same one I bought! Well, not literally the exact same one, obviously. This one is by Aladdin. I can now enjoy my delicious coconut ginger tea on the way to work. Speaking of Coconut....

2. The Other White Meat

(Get it? Because the edible part of a coconut is called the meat? And, it's white? I was pretty proud of that.)

I used to hate coconut. Or, at least I thought I did. Sort of how I thought I hated guacamole...boy, was I taking crazy pills. That mess is delicious.

Great Music Makes Me Weak in the Knees...and Sore in the Abs

I love to exercise.

No, that's not right.

I love to listen to music. I'm pretty sure I could be convinced to try any kind of workout as long as the tunes are good.

However the problem is that music doesn't just "inspire" me to "go that extra mile." It is my complete power source. If I'm running/jogging/walking my normal "neighborhood loop" and halfway through my ipod dies, then suddenly 2 more miles feel like 20. I become hyper-aware of the pain in my body and my wheezing. Music does a good job of drowning out the wheezing...although I'm sure the people sprinting past me would disagree. They're probably thinking "Aw crap, am I going to have to stop my run to help this loser? And why is she humming Bruno Mars songs in between wheezes?" If the ipod dies, then I can't think of anything else other than how much further I have to go and how bored and miserable I am. Then, I try to be more positive but all I can think about is how I can't think of anything else.

Pathetic. Women's Health is not banging down the door to interview me on my workout habits.

Although, I've learned the degree of awesomeness of the music must be greater than the difficulty/tediousness of the exercise.

Case Study: Spin Class.

I was excited to try Spin Class because I'd heard what an incredible workout it provides. I was even going with friends. I imagined myself really getting into cycling and becoming one of those fit people who takes her bike everywhere, even on vacation, perhaps even planning vacations around beautiful scenery with bike paths.
Here's the problem.

5 Things I'm Loving Right Now

Since my last "5 things" was a holiday edition, it appears it's time for an update. Let's do this.

1. Milkandhoneyshoes.com

When I was little I liked to draw pretty clothes and shoes like I was a fashion designer. Then I grew up and I kept doing it. Although, my drawings are more doodles and they include less rainbows, hearts, and "Lindsay + Jordan Knight" images. But, that's why I LOVE http://www.milkandhoneyshoes.com/. You get to be a shoe designer! While I can't actually afford to buy most of the shoes I craft, I adore the fact that you can customize your own shoes. It's genius. And, for you sporty types, try designing your own shoes at www.nike.com/nikeid 

2. The Return of Parks & Recreation

You know when you run into an old friend and think, "We used to have so much fun, why did we stop hanging out?" Oh right, I remember. The season ended and Thursday nights were filled with inadequate reruns. I'd forgotten how AWESOME Parks & Recreation truly is. Welcome back, Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson's 'stache.

3. Aquiesse Candles in Luxe Linen

I have allergic reactions to strong smells. I know, I thought it was a made up thing too. But then my allergist gave me a pamphlet and a drug so it must be legit. However, I live in an old building and want my apartment to still smell, in the words of Outkast, "so fresh and so clean, clean." Solution? These fantastic candles by Aquiesse. The Luxe Linen scent smells clean without being overpowering. It also does not smell fruity, floraly, tasty, outdoorsy, or holiday-y. I can't vouch for any of the other scents because I found Luxe Linen and it was love at first sniff. I never  

                                                       looked back.

4. The King's Speech

Not to be all predictable and "following the trends," but here's how it is: this movie rocks. Nothing blows up, there's no nudity, and you don't have to wear 3-D glasses. It's just a good old fashion movie. Well acted, well edited, well written etc. Worth seeing and not just because of all the hype. Well, no actually that's exactly why you should see it. The hype is true. A great movie. Colin Firth can do no wrong.

5. Jillian Michaels: Yoga Meltdown

I'm not a huge fan of Jillian Michaels on Biggest Loser. I'm definitely Team Bob Harper. However, my preference over Jillian is because I don't like all the "let's get inside your head and make you cry until you realize why you're fat" stuff and has nothing to do with her training abilities. That said, I really love this workout DVD. I have a lifelong goal to want to love yoga. The problem is, I don't. Yet, this DVD is challenging and fast-moving enough to keep my interest. I also felt really sore the next day, the bittersweet sign of a good workout.

Does That Come in My Size?

Due to a computer glitch I wasn't able to post pics from Golden Globes fashions yesterday as I'd planned. But now I'm back up and running. Ok, I won't bore you with rhetoric. I'm going to jump right into some of the looks I loved.

(Disclaimer: I'm not showing any of the men because unless they did something totally bizarre, they all looked fantastic in a tux. Even you , Christian Bale, with your long hair and beard.)

I don't have a comprehensive inventory of the fashions from last night, but here are a few that caught my eye:

Amy Adams in Marchesa. I adore this
color and think it was a perfect choice for her. 

Ever since the Emmy's Claire Danes has
been making awesome fashion choices: clean, simple, complementing to her features. This pink beauty
from Calvin Klein Collection is stunning. 

I'm also slightly obsessed with this
Fred Leighton cuff that accented Claire's
pink, simple-cut dress.

Kyra Sedgwick in Emilio Pucci. While I'm still on the
fence as to whether this is the perfect color for her,
I LOVE this color and everything about this gown.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend, right? Well, I'm
too poor for diamonds so I'm a huge fan of sparkles
in general - sequins, glitter, rhinestones included. Olivia Wilde
looked gorgeous in a Marchesa gown and the fullness of the skirt is
fun, eye-catching, and fairy-tale-esque.

Did I mention that I like sparkles? Amber Riley's Oliver Tolentino
gown was so fun! She went all out and this
glamorous number looks fantastic.

Booze, Sequins, and Lifetime Achievements: Award Season Begins!

It's my favorite season of the whole year. Award Show Season, you guys!!

Golden Globes tonight!  I'll have a full recap of my favorite looks later. Oh, and some comments about those award things too.

(Side note: I'm writing this as I watch the "Arrivals Special" on NBC. Worst questions ever. Why is Carson Daly hosting the red carpet? Carson, I loved you....in 1999. TRL was your forte. Please, stop asking red carpet guests, "What are you wearing?" It's a dress. It's a tux.)

I love the Golden Globes because everyone is a little bit tipsy. It's sort of like the first hour of a college formal, everyone is dressed in fancy clothes but, you know in a few hours, all hell is going to break loose. I also love seeing my favorite TV actors mingling with the favorite movie actors. I get excited like I had something to do with them being together - that satisfaction you feel when you introduce your "friend groups" and they hit it off. "Matthew Morrison, meet Jake Gyllenhaal. Jake, meet Matt. Matthew is on a show called Glee. Matthew, Jake is gorgeous, er I mean, a very talent film actor."

(Side note #2: I love that Tina Fey just said, on the red carpet, that she is excited about being at the Golden Globes because "There are, like, real movie stars here." And, I have to give him credit. Carson Daly is getting a little bit better, perhaps I was too harsh.)

T minus 20 minutes until the start of the show.

Who will win?
Who will trip up the stairs?
How many people will Ricky Gervais offend?
Will there be an acceptance speech that brings me to tears?
How many winners will tell their children at home that it's "time to go to bed" in their speech?

Bring it, Golden Globes. I'm ready to take in all the glamour from my couch while I wear my incredibly un-glamorous sweatpants.

Who am I wearing? C9 by Champion, for Target.

2011 And A List Of Things I Might Think About Doing

So, here we are, the day before a new year. Less than 7 hours before a new decade. You're probably getting ready to eat some dinner, put on your sparkly clothes, your big-girl heels, and head out on the town to sip champagne and eat tiny foods.

Here's where I'm sitting. I"m eating chicken soup, in my pajamas, in my slippers, on my couch, drinking TheraFlu and sucking on Ricola cough drops.

That's right, 2010, decided to wait until the very last minute to really give it to me good with a nasty cold. Instead of celebrating in DC with my sister, laughing it up at a NYE comedy show, I'm here at my apartment, next to an accumulating pile of tissues, watching a Seinfeld rerun.

Lindsay, pity party for one? Your table is ready.

But, I can't complain. 2010 was a pretty decent year. It got me thinking about 2011. I'm not one to usually make resolutions, but what the hell? What else am I going to do? I am certainly not going to be able to sleep any time soon for my neighbors are all being very (loudly) festive. Good for them. As it should be.

2011 (A Working List)

• Find some new hobbies and/or take some fun classes
• Finally take the coffee table and busted TV in my bedroom to Goodwill (we're going on 2 years of procrastination here.)
• Learn how to eat/cook some new veggies (ex: raddishes. I don't eat them. But, why not?)
• Save some money. (Not sure how I'm going to do this one. But it desperately needs to happen)
• Try a new work out
• Read 1 book/month (Current avg: 1 book/3months)
• Run a 5K (eh...)
• BLOG MORE (Seriously, you guys.)
• Transition to a more relevant/thematic blog (see above) (any ideas for a more consistent topic?)
• Be more social and attempt to meet new people
• Pick back up on learning Spanish and/or Italian
• Vacuum once a week
• Try answering my cell phone more often (or ever)

That's all I got so far. I hope everyone has a VERY HAPPY AND EXCITING NEW YEAR! May 2011 by your best year yet!

5 Things I'm Loving Right Now - Holiday Edition

It's been a while since I done a "5 Things" post, so I think a holiday edition is appropriate. I love all things about the holiday season, but here are a few favorites!

1. Christmas Lists

If you haven't guessed from this ongoing blog post theme, I like lists. A lot. So Christmas Lists are the BEST. I love when Amazon picks out 10 things they think I would like to own. I couldn't stop smiling on the day of Oprah's favorite things. The "Gift Issue" of InStyle magazine? Heaven.
I love investigating, discovering, and prioritizing the items that belong on a Christmas list. (Thanks to Anne, for helping me discover these gems of a gift. Gloves that are compatible with touch screens and are adorable? A perfect find.)
To make sure I don't sound totally selfish, I must clarify that I don't mean I like lists simply for people to buy me things. I've made lists of possibly perfect gifts for each of my family members. And, some may call them "spam" but I actually read each of the "Great Gift Ideas!" emails that arrive in my inbox from my favorite retailers. You brides and your registries...JEALOUS.

2. Mulling Spices

On a recent visit to the Biltmore Estate, I purchased a bag of Wassail after my mom informed me wassail is the same as mulling spices. And, after 1, maybe 3, samples of it in cider. Whether you call them wassail (is that singular or plural?) or "mulling spices" (like Williams-Sonoma and I do), they are delicious. In wine, in tea, in cider, in wine again. Nothing makes you feel more festive than filling your home with the smell of these spices and drinking hot apple cider while you watch the classic "White Christmas." Ok, fine, I was actually drinking mulled wine and watching Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Nonetheless, still wonderful.




3. Christmas Lights

I'm talking Griswald Christmas lights.

Do You Want Some Cheese With That Wine?

Quick follow up. For those of you who were keeping score...my spicy squash goat cheese thing (I don't even remember what it was called. I spent 30 minutes making it and 4 minutes eating it) turned out well! Here's proof:




Ok, so it doesn't photograph well.

I think I just don't have the patience to ever be a super stellar cook. Famous chefs like Rachael Ray promote the convenience of "30 Minute Meals." But, to me, 30 minutes seems like a long time. I'm still not giving up but I think I need to learn how to relish (food pun intended) the process of cooking. Because, right now I spend the time cooking, eat it quickly, and then think "that was it?" Perhaps I just need to eat more slowly. My mom always warned me about that.

I fear for my own future children. I'm not a fan of overly processed food (Minus candy. Candy doesn't count. Duh.), fast food, yada yada yada. So, it looks like my future family and I will be part of that crazy raw food diet. Or, we'll just be visiting grandma a lot. Like, 3 times a day. No, that would be drastic. The solution is obvious. I need a husband who can cook. Is there some sort of Match.com for people looking specifically for Chefs?  Let's call that Plan B. Plan A? Learn some patience, turn off the TV, and get cooking. Stay tuned.

Thankfulness

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I wish you a day full of family, friends, and turkey.

Move Over, Julia Child...You're Blocking My Microwave.

I said I would get back to you on my recent cooking endeavors. So here it is. I decided that I would try to "cook" at least one recipe a week. It's not that I'm stuck in a rut of take-out and frozen dinners, but I never really "make" anything that requires trying new things, mixing ingredients, or following instructions. Ex: If I have green beans then I make green beans. If I have pasta, then I make pasta...maybe I'll add a little olive oil and spinach. I would never take those green beans and mix them with other ingredients to create a "dish."

An Electronic Evolution

Not to be Captain Obvious here because you've probably already noticed but, I'm writing to you from my new laptop. You can totally tell, right? I'll let you in on a little secret - I just wrote those sentences without my computer freezing, spazzing, or blowing up. Luckily, the latter never actually happened with the old laptop, but I think it could have at any moment.

I don't have a very good track record with laptops. They don't last very long. In my defense, it's rarely my fault.

My first laptop, the one I got for college, was awesome. Well, actually, maybe awesome isn't the word.

These Blogs are the Cool Kids and I Want to Sit at their Table.

So here's my excuse for not blogging this time....I was reading other blogs. I was also cooking! (More on that later).

I've gone crazy reading other blogs and wishing they were mine. At some point in the future this blog will take more direction, serve purpose, and appeal to people outside of my immediate family. But I need a totally awesome theme. Until that revelation, it will be what it is. TV, YouTube, Shopping, Food, and Random Goodness with infrequent unapologetic irregularity. (Not as redundant as it sounds. I thought it through.)

Also, please read past the jump. I will stop writing blog posts about my blog posts. (Now that is redundant).