Pre-holiday round up...

It's been a busy week and I'm exhausted...its not even Christmas yet!  Yowza!  

Last Friday, GQ and I went to see SF Ballet's  "The Nutcracker".  What a thrill!  The Opera House was spectacular and the dancers phenomenal. The entire extravaganza was brilliant and we had a blast.  We enjoyed a fabulous dinner at Absinthe before, caught the 49 bus home (yup, us all gussied up sitting next to the best that the streets of SF have to offer!), and stopped off at Antica for some dessert (they've got the BEST affogato there...) and split an entire bottle of the Cuvee Rose Brut.  SO GOOD!  The entire night was such a treat.  I feel...satisfied.

Saturday, GQ drove me through some of the more adorable neighborhoods that the East Bay (cough, cough) has to offer.  We went shopping on 4th Street and then hit up Solano.  I was really surprised that there was such character and charm in both areas.  We had dinner at a Korean restaurant on Solano (GQ's first time!) and ended the night watching "Slumdog Millionaire" (which I loved...loved...and have such a crush on the leading couple...yes, both of them!).

Sunday offered a lovely brunch at Emily and Rob's and then Christmas dinner cooked by GQ and I.  We made roasted chicken with sage butter, 5 cheese mac-n-cheese, and a mix of green veggies with shallots...accompanied by some seriously kickin' spiked spiced cider. Yummm...I ate myself silly that day...and went to bed with a full tummy and big smile on my face.

Monday, GQ and I walked down to Union Square and shopped almost the entire afternoon.  Utter exhaustion.  

I'm finally home now (San Diego).  Some delays at the airport, but nothing major.  I even upgraded to first class...what a treat.

We're all caught up now.  I'll be back for more later this week...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS ALL!  

Love and lust...

I LOVE Kate Winslet's make up in this picture! She looks SO gorgeous and her makeup is PERFECTION. (PS - she's TOTALLY wearing Spanx under this dress. You can kinda tell...yes...way to go, Kate!)

I LUST after Leo Dicaprio. I always have. I would like to have my way with him.

That's all. :)

What a way to start my day...

...I admit, I woke up a little late and was slow in gettin' started today. But, I allowed myself some time by calling work and informing them of faulty alarm clock.

So, I walked to work. It was 45 degrees outside, it had just rained, it was crisp, I walked through Union Square all decorated, I could see my breath as I walked...and...

...it was GLORIOUS!

It's gonna be a good day...

What to wear...

This past weekend, GQ announced to me that he had gotten us tickets to see the SF Ballet's "The Nutcracker" for this coming Friday! AHHHH! I'm so excited! 1) I've never seen The Nutcracker and 2) I've been wanting to see the SF Ballet! Apparently, GQ has been going to see The Nutcracker since he was a child and he's just as excited! But, now I'm stuck! WHAT does one wear to the ballet in the WINTER in San Francisco?! I have a few cute cocktail dresses that I could wear in LA. But, it's COLD up here! And how could he keep this secret from me until less than a week before the show and expect me to figure out what to wear!?! How dressy does the ballet get? Is it dressier specifically for The Nutcracker? ACK!!!

I'm stuck...ideas? I'm going shopping tonight...I'm so excited!

Failure...

Ugh...I gave in. Although I'm miraculously still on my weight-loss plan (just the eating portion (six 200 calorie meals per day, every 2 hours) not the exercise portion (haven't really gotten around to that yet!)), I'm off the wagon on the spending freeze. Ack. There are just TOO MANY good sales out there. I blame my sister. The moment she came into town, we hit up Macy's (2 blouses) and Cow Hollow/Union Street (overnighter bag, a 2nd Christmas gift for GQ)...and the virus just started to SPREAD like mad!

I bought a bunch of 2nd presents for peeps on my list on etsy (can't post those here...). And then, I began to treat myself as well. Let's talk shoes. Here's what I got:

I wanted some rugged flat boots. (I was inspired by a cute pair of Frye boots my friend Jeannie owns). So, these were on sale at Macy's:

The vintage black flat boots I bought off etsy didn't turn out to be as cute or as comfy as I had hoped. So, I found these on sale at Macy's too:

I'm committed to start running. Amber promises me its not as bad as it seems. I'm pushing towards a 5k by the end of Q109. So, I bought these:
GQ and I have been going walking/hiking a lot lately. He lives in a perfect neighborhood to do so. So, I got these cuties (they've got a great tread on the bottom...and not too "hiking boots" looking) on Piperlime (on sale):

My sister had the cutest Me Too flats on when she was visiting. I remembered how much I really loved my 1st pair that took me through my first 6 months in SF. I got these as a 2nd pair, on sale on Piperlime:

Can you believe it? Not a high heel in the bunch! And none of these pairs are typical of what I've got in my closet. Nice. Function. Variety. I'm sure 1 or 2 of these will end up being returned. Let's hope I don't love 'em all. I just bought 5 pairs of shoes in a day! Ugh...

Dilemma: fashion vs function...

Times they are a changin'. When I was a SoCal girl, I wore heels ALL the time. Why not? I'm short. I drive everywhere. And its all about the fashion, right? Well, what a difference 11 months and hills galore make! I have the hardest time wearing heels now. My back hurts. The balls of my feet get callouses. I can barely walk! What? I'm so sad. R.I.P to the days when my legs looked long and lean and I had my sexy walk! ha!

Now, my new dilemma is finding the CMCFW (Cutest Most Comfy Flats in the World). It has been such a battle. There are cute flats. Then there are comfy flats. But finding the combination...and mind you "comfortable" takes on a whole new meaning after walking to work (Russian Hill to SoMa)...seems impossible.

Alas, I found these:

I know, not quite CMCFW material. But... Ok, listen, I would NEVER have even CONSIDERED these 11 months ago...heck, not even 3 months ago. But, Clarks are quite possibly the most comfortable shoes I've ever put on my feet...better than sneakers! The pickin's are slim...most look like orthopedics...but this one's not so bad, huh? I need feedback! Am I selling out to the NoCal/Haight/Berkeley granola-eatin' hippy ways by wearing these? Or would a respectable Marc Jacobs fanatic be able to wear these while walking through the Financial District? (I'll immediately change into some cuter heels once I get to the office, I promise...)

My back and feet are screaming for these. I think I need to heed their call.

Sooo jealous...

Women's Wear Daily asked top designers what Michelle Obama should wear at the inauguration ceremony and ball. They posted some of the phenomenal sketches submitted (although many declined the offer...presumably in the race to ACTUALLY dress her, maybe?)

WHAT I wouldn't do to have all my favorites design 1-of-a-kind pieces JUST FOR ME! (I'm having heart palpatations just thinking of it!) I'd ask Marc Jacobs (natch!), Phillip Lim, Peter Som, Derek Lam, Diane von Furstenburg, Stacey Bendent (alice+olivia), Zac Posen, and Georgina & Keren (Marchesa).

Anyhoo...here are my favorites from the bunch:

Diane "You are the woman you always wanted to be" von Furstenburg.

Class. All class.

Karl Lagerfeld. EXCUSE ME, GORGEOUS?!

Monique Lhullier. Showstopper. Nuff said.

All eyes on you, Mrs. Obama. WORK IT GIRL! ...can't wait...

All shapes and sizes...

As I finish up the first week of "The Biggest Loser" competition for my office, I am reminded that everyone comes in all shapes and sizes. Some are tall, some short. Some thin, some bigger. Some lean, some poochy. I'm charging forward with my 1200 calorie/day (six 200-calorie meals every 2 hours) meal plan and I'm doing ok. I cheated a couple times this weekend with my sister in town (hello? Bix Restaurant? YUMMMMM!). But, I've lost 3 lbs this past week and feeling good! I won't be obsessive. I won't be unhealthy. I'll just be dedicated...and see how it all turns out.

In the same vain, I went to the tree lot yesterday and found my 1st San Francisco Christmas tree. So, as I looked through the selection, I realized that trees, too, come in all shapes and sizes. And, as I turned the corner down the 2nd row, there he was...mine...in my shape...and in my size. Wide. Short. Perfect. :) I paid for him, lugged him up the brutal Filbert hill, and dressed him up all pretty.

Here he is...sparkling away, spreading all kinds of Christmas cheer in my home...

This always makes me happy...

In the 4th grade, I had a first year teacher named Mr. Todd Bell. He was great. He was kind and goofy. He wore a huge "Jesus" belt buckle. He made us listen to classical music and do reports about composers. He had a piano in his room. And he put on the first ever student performance at our elementary school. Our class performed "A Charlie Brown Christmas". He hand-picked the leads...and I...well, I got to be Lucy. It was my one shining moment; my time in the spot light; and I got 7 curtain calls. That's right, I was the shizznet.

Every year since then, I always get happy when "A Charlie Brown Christmas" comes on tv for the holidays. Its just a no-brainer-make-Susan-happy program. The message is beautiful. The characters are true-to-form. And the music...ahhh...the music.

So, when GQ, my sweet, sweet fella, handed me a CD with the words "A Charlie Brown Christmas" on it, I almost cried. He didn't know about my starring moment. He didn't know how much this show makes me smile. He didn't know how this program is what really puts me in the Christmas spirit. He just likes the music. And he likes me. And he wanted to share.

And now, not only this program...not only the music...not only the holidays...but also my fella...this is what makes me happy.

It hurts, it hurts...

Ack, I foolishly decided to surf the web this morning and found myself (shocking!) on the Neiman Marcus website. The first thing I saw:

NOOOOOOOOOO! Ack! But, I'm not allowed to spend any money this month! Argh! Grrr! Ugh! I can't look...I can't. Ok, so I took one little peek and the first thing I saw on sale...

Cashmere Burberry scarf! NOOOOOOOOOO! Ack! But, I'm not allowed to spend any money this month! Argh! Grrr! Ugh!

*le sigh*...I hope someone jumps on that bargain immediately and enjoys it all winter long. Alas, that someone will NOT be me.

:(

Self-control...

Today starts my 2-fold attempt to get some self-control over the out-of-control areas of my life: weight and money.

Ok, I'll say it: I'm 5'0 tall and weigh 127 lbs. According to online sites, I am obese. I know I don't look particularly terrible. But, in all honesty, I am a sausage in Spanx...sucked in and barely breathing. I am all boobs, belly, and butt. I had to buy a minimizer bra this weekend...because my new blouse was splitting between the buttons. I was shocked that as I wore my long cardigan, my ass rivaled...Oprah's. And my belly...well, like I said, if I'm not wearing Spanx, I'm wearing an XL top to cover it all up. So, we're starting a "Biggest Loser" contest at my work today. And I'm in it...wish me luck...

Ok, I'll say it: I make a really good salary...and should have more savings to show for it. I ride taxi's entirely too much. I buy lunch every day. I like to eat out...a lot. And, shopping is my rush. It used to be Target...its now Neiman Marcus. And Christmas time is the WORST...I like to buy presents. I should own a home. Instead, I own about 25 dresses...all new within the last year.

So, today starts a new chapter...a healthier and wealthier me. Exercising will be my friend. Food will be a costar, not a leading man. Alcohol will be for toasting only. My credit card will be put in storage. My savings account, ready for the automatic transfer. I'll walk to work, pack my lunch, pay only in cash, and...I'll be fine...in fact, better than fine...

...I'll be in control...

Is Black Friday 'so last season'?...

I used to TOTALLY do the Black Friday thing. I'd wake up early, go to Best Buy, and wait in line. I'd brave the potential trampling, and I'd get some goodies that after rebate were practically free, and I'd be home by 10am. But Black Friday, in recent years, has gotten out of control! Now they have vouchers for the 1st people in line. People CAMP OUT during Thanksgiving! And the deals are fewer and not as amazing.

With the failing economy, I'm wondering if Black Friday will even be relevant this year. AND, now that you can do a lot of your Black Friday shopping online, maybe this "tradition" will fall by the wayside...at least as we've known it. Still, I'll be checking out Target's sectional on Thanksgiving day...and Best Buy's...and now even Apple has a 1-day sale.

But really, I'm just not in the mood to buy anything these days. I get more excited putting money away and watching my emergency fund grow than shopping for anything in particular.

Though, some things that have been pulling at my "need/want" heartstrings:

The Apple mighty mouse

This gorgeous Zac Posen dress

A membership to this new gym/workout in my 'hood (has anyone tried suspension training?)

And, this adorable thing...my new crush

GQ and I are off to the SF Auto Show this afternoon! I'm so excited! There's a whole Smart Car exhibit! :)

AND LASTLY...

...to all, HAPPY THANKSGIVING! May it be FULL both in your heart and in your belly!

• I am thankful for my new life in my new city and the fullness and joy its brought to me.
• I am thankful for my family and my friends and my cute-as-can-possibly-be nephew.
• I am thankful for having a job and feeling secure in these insecure times.
• I am thankful for this blog and all the insanity its allowed me to release as well as the connections I've made through it.
• I'm thankful for my health and the promise of a new start to a new body as of 12/1!!! Ha!

Gift ideas for him?...

I've started that extremely stressful thought process of trying to decide what to get your new boyfriend who you've only been dating for a couple months but really really like.  I have some ideas.  But me, being the overly generous (sometimes uncomfortably so) person that I am, am realizing that my thoughts of grandeur and excessive dollar signs need to be scaled back in order to not scare my "starving student" away.  

So, I went to my beloved Etsy for some ideas.  And they just so happen to have a "Gifts for Him" page setup. Ummmm...let's see.  I'm not quite sure words do justice to what I found here.  So, let me post some pictures and let's all ask ourselves:  are you serious?  

Every man's home should be decorated with cross-stitch...

Hand-knit koozie, anyone?

I'm excited about Obama...but really?

I'm without words...every man needs an "I'd rather be..." keychain

Bingo!  I found the perfect gift.  A lingerie lamp.  He'll love it!

"Vacation's all I ever wanted..."

Ahhh...nothing like vacationing to an old school Go-go's song!

GQ and I just got back from a weekend in Northern Sonoma. For those of you unfamiliar with this area, I really, really, strongly, profusely suggest, in fact insist, you come and visit. We stayed at the Old Crocker Inn in Cloverdale (thanks Amber for the suggestion!) and spent time at vineyards and breweries and hiking trails and restaurants and small towns between Cloverdale, Geyserville, and Healdsburg. This area is much more "untouched" than the brighter, shinier, bling-ier Napa. All in all, just lovely.

We started the weekend with a plan...but promised each other we wouldn't stick to it! That made it all the more enjoyable. Let's just say that between a hammock, a road side country market, and an all organic wineary, we pretty much had the time of our lives. We went where the wind, and our bed and breakfast owners, led us. And it ended up being the perfect cost-effective weekend for troubled economic times as well!!! If you want suggestions, let me know! I'm now a huge fan of the area! :)

Go! Get away! Enjoy!

Where to?...

I love this vintage luggage set on etsy! It's so great. Of course since I'm mandated by God to not spend any more money, I can't get it! ha! But, I like how it makes me feel...like I can pack up and leave at any moment's notice. Which reminds me:

I'm off to Healdsburg this weekend! I'm so excited! My first time in Sonoma. My first time wine tasting. My first time at a bed & breakfast. I know, I know! What kind of "chon-nom" (Korean word for simpleton, hick, village folk) am I? But, I like that I'm in my 30's and still learning, still experiencing new things, still exploring.

And again, back to the luggage set and why I love it. Completely impractical...I'd never travel w/o wheels on my bags!...but makes me excited about all the possibilities...

The 11th Commandment...

I had a dream last night in which God spoke to me.

He asked "Susan, how well do you know my commandments?".

I replied, "God, I try to keep as many of the 10 commandments as I possibly can!"

"Susan, aren't you overlooking the 11th commandment?"

"Huh?"

And as clear as the morning sky, I heard him say "Thou Shall Not Spend Any More Money"

Daggers. Pain. NO! I can keep the sabbath, God. I can avoid murder and adultery, God. But, not spend any more money? NO!

The problem with finishing Christmas shopping early is that you want to keep on buying...more and more presents. And then you come across stuff you want for yourself! Ugh. I must control my spending! I must!

With that being said, here are some things I want from etsy...but will NOT be buying:

*le sigh*...I want, I want, I want...

R.I.P...

I'm certain that my life expectancy has got to be less than the average Betty. The more I think about it, the more I feel there's no way, but by the grace of God, that I'll live to see my retirement. ha! Here's why:

• I sometimes drink sugar-free Red Bull in the morning for breakfast
• I sometimes forget to wear sunscreen
• I sometimes fall asleep w/o washing off my makeup
• I sometimes eat pizza and burgers 3-4 times a week
• I sometimes brush but don't floss
• I sometimes (oftentimes) drink too much beer
• I sometimes wear shoes that are too high, too tight, and too bad for my back
• I sometimes slouch
• I sometimes tip the scale at 10-15 lbs overweight
• I sometimes (oftentimes) spend way to much money
• I sometimes neglect to call my parents
• I sometimes don't get enough sleep
• I sometimes (allthetimes) watch too much tv
• I sometimes stress too much about fantasy football & dancing with the stars
• I sometimes shun exercising
• I sometimes think badly about other people
• I sometimes don't eat enough vegetables
• I sometimes (toomanytimes) feel grouchy and take it out on others

I should probably start scouting out locations for my burial. But who's got the time? I'm too busy enjoying life! :)

Uninspired...

...can't blog...

blah, blah, blah...

something, anything, come my way...

maybe tomorrow...

Weekend plans...

The weekend plans are finalizing quite nicely. Brunch and bottomless mimosas with some gal pals. Pizza making w/ GQ. Tea Time with some ladies from work. The lighting of the Holiday tree (already?) at Pier 39. Reggae club w/ GQ. And hopefully some football in the mix.

As for my obsession with ruffles, look at these cute Madden's my sister sent me:

And these adorable Juicy slippers another reader sent me:

Love, love, love!!!

Oh, and check out this new service they're offering in San Francisco! It's called Hitchsters. And according to Thrillist:

"Getting to the airport generally starts your journey off with a bitter dash of suck -- cabs drain your wallet, while rides from friends create a debt that when called in will leave you apoplectic with rage. For a more appealing option, try Hitchsters.

Started in NY and now serving SFO, San Jo, and Oaktown, Hitchsters is a free web service that pairs you up with another airport-bound human, then dispatches a towncar to swoop you both up; you'll have already paid, with Hitchsters splitting the fare + tip evenly. Simply enter your pertinent deets (address/phone/when & where you're going), and 48hrs before your flight, Hitchsters confirms your match based on proximity, flight-time, and whether or not you've specified your companion's gender (an option probably intended for women who feel more comfortable with other women, but why not abuse it, seeing as you're leaving town). Upon your return, Hitchsters'll go so far as to pair you with a suitable companion from your flight, so even if it's delayed you're guaranteed the company of someone at least as furious as you."

Not bad, huh? I think its a cool idea! I could've really used this the past few months and all the traveling I did. Taxis and shuttles were pissing me off!

Have a greet weekend, ya'll!!!

Ruffles...

...I love them! I don't know why! But I'm newly obsessed with ruffles...lots and lots of them.

Look at Holly Stalder's gorgeous ruffles:

I'd TOTALLY wear this dress!

And this capelet...or lord, just give me a reason...I want to wear it!

One more...this one was shown on A Cup Of Jo today:

It's so much fun being a girl! :)