Bon Iver, my love...

This interview is so amazing...I love this man...raw...



Its a little long, but so, so worth it...(PS: thanks for reminding me, Jeans...)

Trees, trees, trees...

I wanted to post the token picture of my Christmas tree, but I also noticed how gorgeous my persimmon and lemon trees were looking this December!  Yummmm...

All the leaves drop away and all that's left are the beautiful orange persimmons!!!

Lemonade anyone???

Pretty...

Men, take note...

I've been dabbling in online dating.  Its been quite the trip.  I'll just say that there are ALL KINDS out there and to each his own.  However, can I just make a few suggestions?

Men, in your online profiles:

• Don't try too hard.  
• Listing MMA as one of your interests attracts maybe .005% of women, and those women don't shave (except their facial hair)
• Posting a picture w/o your shirt on is indeed classified as douchebag worthy.
• A picture with sunglasses on doesn't do you any favors either.
• When the site asks "The most private thing you're willing to admit here", your answer of "well that won't make it private then" is just lame...better off leaving it blank...

Simple.

I'm attaching bits of one of my favorite profiles...neverthemind that this guy is hot.  His profile was equal part cheesy and charming...(I hope he doesn't mind...)

Ladies, agree...swoonworthy?  Or at least kinda cute, right?

My Self-Summary

I spend a lot of my spare time with friends and family. I have a reputation for re-telling stories to the same people, which I think will be a charming quirk when I get older. It’s nearly impossible to offend me, and I find comedy in just about everything.  I have a reputation for re-telling stories to the same people, which I think will be a charming quirk when I get older.

I’m a sucker for affection. If you like me, touch me.

What I’m doing with my life

I figured out in college that I’m a “techie”—good at math, engineering, etc.—who wishes he were a “fuzzy”—good at writing, art, and the like. I was lucky enough to get a job that straddles that line, where the techie me can create software that works, and the fuzzy me has the creative outlet of designing something worth having. Fuzzy me.

The first things people usually notice about me

I did a quick survey. I heard:
1) my eyes (blue, blueish green, or green, depending on, um, whatever you like best),
2) my blip on the gaydar screen (it’s caused trouble),
3) my ass (see #2), and
4) my sweet nature plus the fact that I am kind to animals and a true gem.


My mother was included in this survey.

My favorite books, movies, music, and food

Food deserves its own paragraph. Here you go, Food. This one’s for you. I’ve been thinking about you all day. You look really hot in that miniskirt steak, by the way. Did you change your angel hairstyle? Your scent is fantastic. I’d love to drizzle hot chocolate all over you. I’m getting carried away.

The most private thing I’m willing to admit here

I know pi to 26 places, which has proven useful -2 times. I can also recite the entire script of The Princess Bride, which has proven useful +2 times.

Welcome December...

So, over a few glasses of bourbon ('cuz we're classy like that), my friend Aaron and I were discussing the world of dating.  Aaron is recently married to this saucy, wonderful woman...the man scored.  But, he always has interesting insight into the singles scene.  As I shared with him the ridiculousness that has been my you-can't-be-serious November dating life, he came up with this theory.  November brings all the nutcases out from the woodwork.  The men can smell the desperation in the air of women who shudder to think of spending holidays single.  And in the stress of finding a date to various holiday parties and social gatherings, women drop their standards a bit...a warm body, any one really, will do.  Interesting...

Let's recap my November, shall we?

Did I tell you about Worst-First-Date-Ever guy?  Have I mentioned that since that date, he has called, text'd, and email'd me at least 20 times?  And after finally having to email him to tell him straight up I'm not interested, he still text me again a week later.  

Did I tell you about Perfectly-Happy-Being-Unemployed guy?  Have I mentioned that he's living off his unemployment checks (which he refers to as "free money...cash for doing nothing") and wants to "ride this train" until it runs out?  And I might also mention that after putting in his order, he told the lady at Starbucks that the drinks were on me.  

Did I tell you about Can-I-Ask-You-For-Career-Advice guy?  Have I mentioned that over drinks, after finding out what I do for a living, he went on to tell me how miserable he was at his career, stuck, depressed, and asked me how to make a life change?  And I did consider charging him a consult fee after the date.

Did I tell you about "You're-a-bad-bad-girl" guy?  Have I mentioned that throughout our first conversation he would randomly (and I do mean RANDOMLY) respond to things I said in a weird wanna-be-porn-star voice with "you're a bad, bad girl"?  And I swear to you I was talking about things like work or family or Thanksgiving...or the weather or sports...or healthcare...

What a month.  Needless to say, December could not have come soon enough!

Oh, and hey douchebags, deadbeats, and crazies.  I'm letting you know here and now, I'm ok with being single through the holidays.  So, please crawl back under the rocks from whence you came...

It's NOT what you think...

...I know, I know...I'm supposed to be curbing the spending.  And yes, I'm supposed to be avoiding Gilt Groupe like the plague.  BUT, I just wanted to peek.  And I actually have a nice hefty credit on file from all my invited friends buying stuff (sounds like a pyramid scheme).  SO...

Let me introduce you to my new dresses...bless you Geren Ford...  :)

Kinda loving the ruffle collar on this one...and though you can't tell, its a super cute geometric pattern...

Red silk cowl neck...pretty classic...

I have no guilt whatsoever...my conscience is clean...

I'm thankful for...

...the fact that sometimes, I am just foolish enough to say "what the heck", throw caution to the wind, and make a move that absolutely pleases me.  

Today, at 5:47am, I made such a move.  Half asleep, but filled with lustful desire, I welcomed this new edition to my family:

I don't need it.  My MacBook will probably be a bit jealous if it.  But, I wanted it.  So, I bought it.  And I'm happy.  And I'm thankful...

:)

Cheap thrills...

This past weekend, I did 2 things that were both cheap and more fun than I expected!

After having read about my wanderlust (as she puts it), Emily took hold of me and suggested we have an adventure! On Saturday, we went on the SF City Guides free walking tour of Chinatown.  What a blast.  Our tourguide, Mai, was super-knowledgeable about the history and inner-workings of this neighborhood and I found it all to be fascinating.  Plus its FREE!  I highly recommend it...especially if you live in the city.  You'll have a new appreciation for Chinatown.

Mai, our awesome tourguide!

One of the hidden alleyways in Chinatown

***A not-so-cheap end to our day included the infamous salt-n-pepper crab from R&G Lounge.  Yumm!!!

Emily and our crab! 

 

Another fun adventure came courtesy of Laura and Cameron...my favorite soon-to-be-married couple!  We did the NFL day at Golden Gate Fields.  Ok, brace yourself:  $1 parking, $1 hotdogs, $1 beers, $1 bets and screens and screens of football (plus free shuttle service from the N. Berkeley BART station!).  No joke.  It was a bit of an "interesting" crowd (to put it nicely), but it was a blast and a great way to watch the games, get some grub, and bet on some horses!

The cutest little Chargers fan!

Me and Cam after our Chargers victory dance!

See?  There's an upside to this recession...cheap fun for all!  :)

Art & Copy...

Went to the Roxie last night to check out the documentary "Art & Copy"...a series of interviews with some of advertising's founding fathers and heavy hitters.  I loved it.  I'm such an ad-groupie.  I love this industry.  I wouldn't work in any other if I can help it.  

I love creatives.  Art Directors, Copywriters, and even the Account people and Production people who work around creatives.  They're quirky and crazy and genius and fun and grouchy and sarcastic...what's not to love.  

There was one especially impactful moment in the movie that spoke to me directly.  As the head of HR at an ad agency, what's my role in all of this?  I believe it was either Jeff Goodby or Lee Clow that said it, but basically, he mentions how creatives set themselves up for failure all the time.  Ideas born with blood, sweat, and tears can be shot down in a heartbeat and it essentially can feel like a personal failure.  He goes on to say how its so important that that's not lost on anybody and the agency's responsibility is to create a culture where it understands the fragile nature of that process and a safe place where ideas can be presented and failures can be accepted.  I loved that.  Building a culture that makes it safe for people to take risks and to fail every now and again.  That's my role...

In any case, even if you're not in advertising, if you want to just be reminded of all those iconic commercials, jingles, and ads over the years...and if you just want to laugh at a bunch of brilliant curmudgeons, I highly recommend the movie.  

Smile...

I can't say enough how happy the show "Glee" makes me.  

This week's "Wheels" episode was the best yet.  

Ok, let the judgement and ridicule begin... :)

Back in black...

I SOOO want to go shopping.  I'm not allowed right now.  BUT...if I WERE allowed, here's what I'd buy...(will this be fun or torture?  oh well, I already started...)

A black sequin jacket.  Random, I know.  Its not like I'm Linda Evans in the Dynasty years.  But, I saw one in the window of H&M and it looked SUPER cute with boyfriend jeans and black booties. 

A black faux leather motorcycle jacket.  The leather ones are too heavy.  The faux ones, if you find the right one, don't look like plastic and actually move.  This one from Nordstrom is super cute and every single person I know in the world owns one.  Still, I want it.

A winter LBD.  I have a couple shifts that work well in warmer weather, but I don't have an LBD that will take me through the winter.  This Theory cashmere turtleneck dress is so deliciously simple yet elegant.  I would rock this with my Target booties or my Break-Up Boots v1.0. 

A new all-purpose purse.  Preferably something with studs or grommets.  I love this Michael Kors one.  Feminine with an edge.  

WHY OH WHY did I just go through the torture of opening myself up to unfulfilled desire?!  Bah!  I want, I want, I want!  (I need a xanax...)

*j'adore*

Lost my mojo...

Seriously.  Nothing is interesting these days.  Everything looks a shade of beige and tastes a flavor of vanilla.

I want to find something fascinating. 

I want to be awed by something. 

I want to feel pleasantly surprised.

I want to be overwhelmed with delight.

I want something to shock-the-hell-outta-me.

I want to feel moved.

Something.

Anything.

I WANT TO BE INSPIRED!

Things...

Things I'm so "over" these days:

• Facebook
• Having a broken heart
• Fantasy football (though I take it back right after I write it...)
• Being hungover
• Paying a mortgage
• Being carless, bikeless, and too lazy to walk
• NOT living in the city (I miss it)

 

Things I'm on the fence about - could go either way:

• Online dating
• Oprah
• Working out
• Gardening (if it weren't for all those damn weeds!)
• Water as my main thirst quencher
  
• Packing lunch
• The East Bay (its trending downward though...)
  

Things I am so in love with:

• Mad Men season 3
  
• Cooking w/ herbs from my garden
• My nephew Caleb (obsessively looking at pictures and watching videos of him)
• My house (even though I frown on everything else about being a homeowner, I love this darn house!)
• My floor-length mirror from Target (I seem 6" taller & 15 lbs thinner)
• Arrogant Bastard Ale
  

My, my Betty Draper.  This certainly is your year...

Its called a "budget"...

...how 'bout you learn to stick to it?

I went a little nuts at Target...but damn, I got some cute boots...(yes, cute boots at Target! If you haven't caught on yet, you can find quite the fashion finds there!) PS - my total: $110 and free shipping. Not bad, not bad at all...


I saw these black booties on Nina Garcia's "Frugalista" segments on Target's Facebook page. Love them. I think the ruching makes them look expensive. Cost: $29.99. GET OUT!


I wanted some super-casual rugged boots. I love these. Don't they look like Frye's? Seriously. And its this dark gray color, not black. Kinda loving that. Cost: $39.99. BANANAS!


Awww...these I *j'adore*. How gorgeous! You can't really see the trim up the side, but its basically grommets. And this chocolate color is beautiful. Perfect heel height too. Cost: $39.99. I DIE!

Dear finance gods, I promise that I will get such great use out of these boots this Winter and even into Spring. Please have mercy on me and let me miraculously still have money for food and shelter and maybe a happy hour or two. Much appreciated.

Time to check under the sofa cushions for loose change...

Me and Jessica Simpson...

Hey Jess,

Gosh, I need to be honest with you...I really am NOT a fan. I think you're annoying and not the brightest girl ever and you even got me to root against Tony Romo just because I didn't want anything good to happen to you. And now, I feel kinda bad.

You see, I too, just lost a boyfriend. And, I too, just lost a dog (not to a coyote, though. I just didn't get to adopt the dog I wanted. Still...) And, I too, have put on a few pounds of late. So, I guess we're not as different as I thought. (Except for the fact that you're dumb as a rock)

With that being said, my boycott of your sometimes-cute-and-tempting products may be lifted. Not just because I think these boots are amazing, but because I feel a commonality with you. So, I may just buy these boots...for you, not for me...

(PS, readers, I know, I know...I don't have the money to buy these boots...unless I go another couple weeks without fresh food and sustain on Lean Cuisine frozen dinners 5 for $10 at Safeway)...just a thought...

***For more Love Letters to Things, check out http://loveletterstothings.blogspot.com/

I've lost my mind...

...no really. I should NOT be frivolously spending money on things I don't need. And trust me, the last thing I need right now is a new spring dress...and definitely not 3 of them. But I did it. Momentary lapse of judgment. And now, I pay...well, I technically already paid...but now, I am SERIOUSLY putting myself on a budget...lest I lose my home.

But...they're so pretty...

Thanks, Lorick and Gilt Groupe...

Perfect wardrobe for when I lose my home and live on the streets... :)

Ok, enough regretting. Cereal, pb&j, or ramen anyone?

Stuart...my love...

I have a more-than-mild-obsession with the genius known as "Broke-Ass Stuart". His book, "Broke-Ass Stuart's Guide to Living Cheaply in San Francisco", not only CRACKS me up, but it really is a handy little reference to all-things frugal in SF.


Now, by happenchance, I've stumbled upon not only his twitter feed, but also his website/blog (oh, and I also follow him on Yelp as well...ok, yeah, maybe I am a stalker) and come to find, he's pretty pro when it comes to Berkeley!




I've been obsessively taking notes over his entries: "How to Make a Garden in Berkeley for Free (Parts 1 and 2)" as well as "The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse". And there are others...many, many more...!!!

Now THIS...this is the kind of guy I'm looking for...

Hey Stuart...call me...

:)

Are you a major or minor leaguer?...

I may have thrown this question out to the blogosphere before, but...

Do you believe in leagues? Meaning, men and women should fall in some kind of "unspoken but understood" level themselves and they should date within that same level? You know how people say "He's/She's out of my league"? Do you feel that one statement is just an honest assessment on one's part or is it a sign of insecurity and fear of rejection?

It feels so juvenile. Yet, I'm finding that it is actually almost too easy to fall into the practice of dismissing someone because you've determined that they are below or above your league-line...without even realizing it. Like its just been programmed into your mind for years or something.

Equal opportunity, I say! (But, can I walk the walk?)

Just wondering...

Just asking...

Fig-tastic...

My much-adored partner-in-crime at work is moving on to greener pastures. Super sad to see one of my staff go...and freaking out more-than-a-little about what to do without her. Not only was she a strong worker, the girl could down figs like no other! And since my tree was producing at a rate faster than I could give away, she would get dozens of figs a day and gobble them all up! What will I do without my little human compost bin?

In any case, I decided to treat my girl to some yummy fig delights. I made a fig-balsamic-honey tart and a fig-goat cheese-prosciutto tart. I was pretty impressed with the outcome. I have a newfound delight in figs.


In any case, BEST OF LUCK MISS BERNARD! You will be missed!

Discouraged, not defeated...

Wish the ground would stabilize so I can stop feeling so out-of-control.


Yeah, I know...its not the ground...

I'm not an alarmist, a doomist, a glass-is-half-empty'ist...

I'm an overcomer.

"Life is a challenge. Meet it." - Mother Theresa

Well said.

Building a home bar...

If anyone broke into my home, I say take the laptop, take the tv, please do not take my Louboutins and please don't touch the bar! :) My home bar is my joy. (That makes me sound a bit like a lush...its more that I like to entertain!) As a "retired" bartender, I like to have options in what I mix up for guests and even for myself depending on my mood.

My home bar in my study...

There's an appropriate cocktail for all occasions...and on the flip side, there are times when your "go to drink" is not appropriate. Think scotch neat on a 100 degree day...yuck. And since alcohol can get expensive, its important you build your bar with the right base and go from there. (PS - never ok to just have a bar stocked with hotel mini's of all kinds. Good for you, bad for your image).

So, if you had to build on a budget, here's where I'd start (in no particular order, and I do want to say that in no means do I think these are the BEST spirits out there, just a good start to a home bar, understood?):

Bacardi Light Rum ($10.99) - inevitably, your friends will want a mojito or a mai tai on a hot day. This is a go-to rum that works well in all tropical mixed drinks and allows more flexibility than if you were to get a flavored rum like, say, Malibu. If you want to spend money on a rum that is too good to be mixed with anything, try Oronoco

Maker's Mark Bourbon ($19.99) - I am fully aware that this choice will have bourbon lovers up in arms. Yes, there are much better bourbons out there. However, you'll be amazed how many of your guests will ask for a "jack and coke". And since Makers actually tastes better than Jack Daniels with mixers, I'd go with Makers. If you want to spend money on a good bourbon that is too good to be mixed with anything, try Basil Hayden

Absolut Vodka ($15.99) - You have to have a cheap vodka on hand for screwdrivers and bloody mary's. Absolut is the cheapest of the what I call "respectables" (Stoli, Skyy, Ketel) but not in the bottom-feeders (Smirnoff & other "well" brands). If you want to spend money on a good vodka that is too good to be mixed with anything, try Stoli Elit (soooo good)

Chopin Vodka ($27.99) - Chopin is my favorite vodka to go with soda, tonic, or in a martini. Its smooth and easy to drink. Don't waste your time on Grey Goose...please. Its not worth it.

Gin is a tough one for me since I really, really don't like it. But, enough of your friends will want a gin and tonic or gin martini. Don't have a lot of knowledge about the stuff, so I'd just say go with the everyday man's gin. Either Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire. And since Tanq ($18.99) is cheaper, sold.

Cazadores Reposado Tequila ($30.99) - Tequila is also a really tricky one since there is a real noticeable difference when it comes to taste and price from quality to junk. Plus, there are so many kinds (blanco, resposado, anejo) that people can become quite picky about it. I chose the Cazadores because its great in margaritas and respectable enough to take as a shot...and you won't die from it, as is the risk w/ some of your junkier tequilas out there. Though the most recognizable one is, of course, Patron Silver. Eh.

Lastly, you'll want to start your bar with a good sipping scotch. I'd like to recommend a Macallan 18, but since that's $150 a bottle, let's lower our eyes to one that's at least affordable yet drinkable. I like Oban 14 ($62.99). Smooth and buttery, it definitely makes a heart warm, without destroying the pipes along the way. If you're not a scotch drinker, you may be able to get away with a cheaper 12 yr like Glenlivet. Again, eh.

So there you have it, a perfectly respectable starter bar for $170. Of course, you'll want to stock some wines, beers, mixers, and a bottle of champagne as well...and some decent glassware...and bar tools. And as you keep building, add some seasonal "trendy" spirits like sweet tea vodka in the summer and a nice brandy in the winter. Maybe add some flavored vodkas to the collection. But, at least with these recommendations, you're on your way! Good luck!

Cheers!

Obsession...

I am uber-obsessed with these Chloe boots. The wedge is perfect...tall enough to elongate the legs, not let the jeans drag on the ground, and just comfy enough to make it from the bus terminal to work (and probably not a step more!).

Do you think Citimortgage would mind if I skipped a payment this month in order to make this $995 +tax purchase? Yeah...me neither...bummer...*le sigh*

Ending strong...

So, October 1st officially marks 7 weeks since the "gettin'-dumped-over-the-phone-by-your-serious-boyfriend" fiasco of '09. (BTW, when a guy says "this relationship isn't serving either of us", what does that actually mean? Whatevs...)

In any case, October 1st also marks the beginning of the end of 2009, and I can only hope that all the struggles both at work and at home are behind me now. Life has been throwing me some curveballs of late, and though I feel kinda beat down, I'm determined to go out on top this year! Time to make some goals for Q409 and make 'em happen! I need accomplishments under my belt. So here goes:

• Still left with ONE item on my list of '09 goals set in January: run a 10k. Ack. I know, I've said it a million times - I hate to run. Running just doesn't work with a short-legged, big-chested, lazy girl. But, I'm determined. There are quite a few races going on in CA in December, but I think I've settled on the Angels 12k run in Tiburon on December 12th. No guarantees...but I'm gonna go for it...shoot...what's 7.5 miles, right? (LORD HELP ME!!!)

• Lose 10 lbs. I think I can do this...in 3 mos...not a problem, right? Ok P90X-still-in-the-box...time to do this thing.

• Go to the doctor for a full physical. I've been meaning to do this...for like 3 years now. But, its time. I want blood work done. I want everything tested. I want a clean bill of health or I want to know what ailments I need to tackle. I'm not getting any younger.

• Adopt a dog. I wanted to this past weekend, but it didn't work out. And I'm determined...1)because I know I'd be a great dog owner and there are so many out there that need good homes, 2)because my house is too big for just me...it needs another resident, and 3)I need a companion and an excuse to get off my butt and run (er, walk) around the neighborhood.

• Date. Yuck. Yes. I must. I don't want to. I actually hate dating. But, I'm going to do it. I don't know how many or how often, but I'm gonna take down the "do not approach me" sign and try to force a welcoming smile. We'll see what happens.

Yup, looking over the list, I'm feeling confident...all of it will take some effort, be a bit of a challenge, but that's what makes the accomplishment feel that much greater and more satisfying.

As always, I'll keep you posted...

PS - There was a great piece on one of the NFL shows this past Sunday on how Mike Singletary brought in this hill to the 49'ers training camp to use to help w/ their conditioning. He used to do hill training w/ Walter Payton back in the day. Ladainian Tomlinson also is known for hill conditioning. Q409 is my hill...and I'm charging at it, conquering it, and being stronger in the end for it. Woot!

Suggestions welcome...

I'm struggling to find the perfect wall decor for my house...more specifically, my Living Room and Master Bedroom. Any favorite artists or any wall pieces you've seen that might work to complete my look(s)? I need that last little pinch-o-salt, the cherry for my sundae...the exclamation point at the end of my sentence! HELP!

Living room: Picture 1 is so that you can get a feel for what I'm going for. Picture 2 shows the empty space waiting to be adorned!

Master Bedroom: Picture 1 shows the opposite side of the room...already have a large mirror there. Picture 2 shows the void waiting to be filled.

No college-dorm-room/bachelor-pad-posters of Bob Marley or Endless Summer please. I'm a classy broad, ya know! :)

Hooray...

Not gonna lie, this week has chewed me up and spit me out, yo. So, I'm super excited for the weekend. Looking forward to celebrating Katie's birthday at Cigar Bar tonight and then spending some great outdoor time at Angel Island w/ 1-part Cogan on Saturday. I've also secured a zipcar to go and see about a dog! (Fingers-crossed and Mozart will be mine! I have to fight 2 other interested parties, but I'm scrappy...I can take 'em!) Sunday will be all about football, yard work, and hopefully getting my new dog accustomed to his home! I think its all just the remedy for getting over a rough week...

(Angel Island from Mt Livermore)

Have a great weekend everyone!

Hell yeah, I can...

The problem with buying a 100 year old home that needs work and then relying on a boyfriend who was a former carpenter to help you only to have him dump you over the phone: you now have a lot of stuff to do on your own. So, I'm super excited to be attending this tonight.


Go Home Depot - for all the pain you cause me, you still have been my "go-to" with this house and we owe you a lot. "Do-It-Herself" workshops...brilliant.

Mr's Oh-So-Wrong...

I've had a lifetime of them. But just recently seems to be taking the cake.

Dear "The Ex": you had my heart for a bit. but whoever told you breaking up from a serious relationship over the phone was ok, steered you all kinds of wrong. Not interested in "meeting for a beer to catch up". Sorry.

Dear super-cute photographer who's totally not my type: I'm certain I can't get over the fact that 1) you're leaving for Brazil in 2 weeks, 2) you might be much too young even for consideration, and 3) you don't get my humor and that's just unacceptable (and you're kinda on the short side, sorry)

Dear "you've always been the one": man, even 10 years later, I still have a crush on you. and though it was nice catching up again, finding out you're married with 2 children doesn't bode well for your chances. and shame on you for reaching out to me...douche.

Dear bartender at my new favorite neighborhood joint: I like your style. Witty. Football fan. Cute. But, I've been the bartender. And I've dated the bartender. One thing I know: bartenders can not be trusted.

Dear fellow drinker at my new favorite neighborhood joint: its great being regulars together. but the fact that you went to your first concert the same year I was born makes me see you more as an uncle-figure. And the fact that you hang out at my new favorite neighborhood joint so often that they've deemed you "the mayor" is of concern. but thanks for buying me drinks. See you next time!

Seriously, life, universe, God...where the heck are the Mr. Rights?

6 months from now...

...after I've sold all my assets, worked a 2nd and 3rd job, and picked 3 of the 6 winning lotto numbers in the Mega Millions, THIS is the closet of clothes I will own...

Introducing, Susan's hand-picked, ready-to-wear for Spring/Summer 2010, courtesy of New York Fashion Week...for work, for play, for every day!

(Clockwise from top left: Max Azria, Behnaz Sarafpour, Carlos Miele, Cesar Galindo, Christian Siriano, DKNY, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Narcisso Rodriguez, Thakoon, Donna Karen, Jason Wu)

PS - Phillip Lim and Nanette Lepore, Marchessa and Oscar all showed today so they clearly have yet to be represented! :)

Things I love about September...

1. Start of NFL...and the best 17+ weeks of the year
2. NY Fashion Week...I DIE!
3. Only month when you get the real combo of sunny days and then rainy days...
4. Kids are back in school...(how this effects me, I don't know...just like it...)
5. Last normal month before holiday craziness is upon us
6. My figs are ripening like crazy, making everyone around me happy to receive them!
7. Pumpkin spiced lattes are back! And while we're at it, pumpkin scones!
8. The network shows and the new Fall season return!
9. Oprah's on
10. Baseball is almost over...thank God.

I'll take this one...

I want this dress from Max Azria's collection that he just showed at New York Fashion Week! Can't wait to look through all the designers to see what else was to-die-for!

Giddy as a schoolgirl...

...not quite sure what that term means, exactly (its not some naughty thing is it?)...

In any case, this is quite possibly the BEST WEEK EVER for 2009! Why?

NFL AND NY Fashion Week start! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

In honor of both, I would like to present you with 1)my Fantasy Football League 2009 team (after a grueling 4 hour online draft last night) AND 2)what would be my Fantasy Fashion League 2009 team (if such a thing existed...)

Let's start with football:

Player I'm most giddy about having: Larry Fitzgerald (he's my boo)
Best looking: Matt Hasselback (Kris Brown close second)

Now on to NY Fashion Week:

I'll take a simple 6-designer team...guaranteed to show great work, get much press, have celebrities in the audience, have celebrities photog'd in their clothing, and most likely for me to blow a year's salary on for a new wardrobe. (note: not everyone shows at NY Fashion Week...clearly missing are the Alexander's (McQueen & Wang)

Designer I'm most giddy about having: Marc Jacobs (who is also my boo)
Best Looking Designer: Marc Jacobs (hands down)

Love, love, love this week!

Etsy Vintage...

When my friend Annie posted about the stunning red dress she bought from Brownbagvintage's Etsy shop, I, of course, HAD to check out what else was available. I bought this cute, freeflowing little number! Its a nice pop of color to my otherwise black-obsessed wardrobe. Now, if only I could find those booties in the picture too! Please warm-weather...hold on for just awhile longer...

Who needs a man...

...when you've got your own power tools? (ok, is an electric drill/driver considered a power tool? yes, right? Well...at least I have that!)

I'm an independent, single woman. (roar!) I've gotten by just fine on my own for a very long time. I've lived in a number of different places and taken care of myself splendidly. So, why then, when my recently departed ex-contractor ex-boyfriend was out of the picture, did I feel like I was stranded without any ability to take care of things around my house?! FORGET THAT!

This weekend, I found myself tackling all those little projects that I'd done on my own in the past, but had been leaving for "him" to do most recently...and honestly, being out-of-practice in this whole taking-care-of-yourself thing made me a little trepidatious and even a little scared! But, I'm tired of being afraid. Period. I need to snap out of it! Nothing that the whizzing burr of a drill won't solve!

Ok, so I didn't tear down a wall or build an addition...a towel bar here, a tp holder there, and even a sconce or two...but still, it felt good. And...I felt in control again. And, I felt strong. And, for the first time since the breakup...I felt ok...really, really ok...(roar!)