Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Brain Dump

I have a lot of thoughts running through my head, and so I have a teeny tiny fear that this is going to be a brain dump post.

#1: I got a pedicure tonight - and I have a few comments about the experience.

a.) If I tell you that I just want the "regular" pedicure and not the "pay $10 more for each add-on service like paraffin, hot towels or sugar scrub" pedicure, please continue to treat me like a paying customer because... well... I am still a paying customer.

b.) When you get to the "scrub my feet" portion of the service, and you ask me if I want you to use the razor, do you really think I'm going to say "yes" after the attitude you gave me for the "regular" pedicure choice? Heck no lady! I want to keep some of the skin on the bottom of my feet.

c.) Woman - my cuticles do not need to be jack-hammered - a gentle push will do just fine. OUCH!

d.) Even with all of this mess, the massage chair was wonderful and my gray toe nails look FAB!


#2: Pinterest is one of my favorite sites. It never fails that I will learn something, be inspired or let out a loud (some might say obnoxious) burst of laughter.

Today's laughter pin was courtesy of this little guy - I couldn't contain the laugh - and I couldn't stop laughing.



I am a big fan of quotes - it's a little bit ridiculous. And this one caught my attention today. I really struggle with fear and it was a good reminder that I have faith in the One that can conquer all fears.




#3 I have a real problem with "tearing myself down." I have driven my momma CRAZY with all the times I have said the following - or a derivation of it - "I hate that picture of me" or "You can totally tell that I have one cheek chubbier than the other." I swear people, it's true. I do.

I come across as a confident person, and I really am, but I do have the tendency to say negative things about myself. I don't know if it's one of those things where I think that if I say it, others can't hurt me if they think it?

Another example is, any time I am in a situation where I don't know 110% I will succeed, or I think I might not be the best, I immediately start saying "It's going to be horrible" or "It's not going to work." I think it's an instance where if I prepare myself for "failure," then it won't be such a disappointment if it happens - and it'll be a great surprise if I do indeed succeed.

Ok, Debbie Downer portion concluded - it's just something that's been on my mind.

Thursday is my "Friday" this week - and the weekend ahead is going to be GREAT! I'm going to Dallas with le boy and his parentals. I'll go to my first Razorback game... and my first Dallas Cowboys game!! I'm really excited for the Cowboy Stadium experience :)

Do you have fun weekend plans??

Live life glamorously,
Elizabeth

p.s. I totally fell in love with this hat at Gap tonight. But I exercised willpower and walked away!


Monday, September 26, 2011

Monday, Monday

I am not a fan of Mondays. At all. They are a constant reminder that my weekend is over.

This weekend was a pretty wonderful one.

During lunch on Friday, I drove around with the sunroof wide open in Mommacita's car. I've had Miss Daisy while my sweet Betty has been home in NC on medical leave. But, I should get her back at Thanksgiving. I tweeted this photo on Friday and told Mommacita she might have to fight me to get her car back - the sunroof is HUGE!



After work on Saturday, I took a super quick shower and dashed off to meet the newest "littles" in our Gamma Phi Beta family. My GL helped me surprise everyone. For a few moments I felt like I was back in college. Oh, nostalgia.



On Sunday, le boy and I took it easy and played pretend - like we used to do a lot. We walked around the furniture store and dreamed of the future. And then we went to the new grocery store and geeked out over all of the specialty foods and cheeses.

Later on, I convinced him to go to the mall - oh let's be honest, it doesn't take much convincing. We went into J.Crew and tried on fall clothes. Our favorite season of all! We both fell in love with these ensembles.

I talked about this sweater and vest in my Dear Santa post. I decided to try them on, "hoping" maybe I wouldn't love them as much as I did when I just browsed online. Well - that plan failed. I have gone from "love" to "obsessed!"



Isn't he just the cutest?!



It's about time to run back to work, but I just have to throw out one more tid bit of info... One month from today is le boy's birthday!!!

I get so so excited when this time of year rolls around! Since I am 18 months older, from April to October we appear to be 2 years apart - I'm 23, he's 21. But as of October 26th he will be 22 and I'm 23 - until April rolls around at least. HOORAY!!!

I've already got his present wrapped and ready! Plus a few Christmas presents for family and friends in the pile.



Live life - even Mondays - glamorously,
Elizabeth

Friday, September 23, 2011

Moves like Jagger

I'm a little bit sleepy this morning as I type, so I apologize if there are any typos in this post. Usually I am meticulous in looking for them, but I might miss some in my current state of "I want to get back in bed and sleep some more."

Last night, M and I went to see Train and Maroon 5 in concert.



We had SO much fun and the music was great. I think we moved and grooved for three hours straight. The concert was outside at the Zoo Amphitheatre, and the weather could not have been better. It was really cold and rainy yesterday morning, but at about lunch time, the sky opened up and it was perfect.

Even though we arrived at about 7:15 - after the opening act (we had to grab dinner after I got off work) - we still were able to get pretty close to the stage. I should have taken a picture of the massive crowd behind us to give you perspective. Oh well.


Train put on a great performance, and they did my two favorite songs, so I was a happy girl. Marcus was really excited that they did an Aerosmith cover - and I learned something new about le boy :) Who knew he was a Steven Tyler fan?!


While waiting for Train to break down and Maroon 5 to set up, we took some pictures to document the evening...

I liked this one best.


But M preferred this one, it was pre-concert.



I think it's only fair that a pic I thought was good of me (top one) and one that he thinks is good of him (bottom one) are shared. Even though we both swear both pictures are good of the other. Why are we so critical of ourselves? Hmm, leave that for another post, another time.

I squealed when Maroon 5 opened with "Moves like Jagger" - and Adam sang "Misery" early on in the set as well. I turned around and looked at M and said, "I'm a happy girl! I've heard all the songs I wanted to hear." But then, as they kept singing I realized there were more I was excited to hear too.



My favorite part of the night, I must admit, was probably doing the Maroon 5 performance. M stood behind me, and he sang the words to almost every song. I love listening to that boy sing, and he won't do it by himself very often. But apparently, in a crowd of 7,000+, he thinks he is safe from being heard - but I got to have my own Marcus concert last night :)

I am so thankful for the kind gift of the tickets from a friend. We had a great night - and the week keeps getting better... it's FRIDAY!!

Live life glamorously,
Elizabeth

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Tapping Toes

I dare you not to tap your toes or do a little dance in your chair while you watch this. A co-worker sent me the link today, and I definitely did a little shimmy. I love this!

Live life glamorously - while grooving to a MJ cover,
Elizabeth

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

The Comfort of Community

Com-mu-ni-ty (noun) A group of people living together in one place.

There's the literal translation: Charlotte, NC or Oklahoma City, OK

You can also define "community" as your profession: Marketer, Teacher or Athlete

Then, of course, there are more unconventional and complex communities.

The college community: Friends and classmates. Fellow slaves to the library - okay, in my case it was "slave to the late night Diet Dr. Pepper."

The dance community: Dancers will always have something in common to talk about and experiences to share.

The proud parent community: They beam when they talk about their children, but no one thinks they are bragging.

The runner community: Both the formal and informal. I don't care if it's your usual running route or if you're running in a city while on vacation, there is a runner's code. There's a nod that says, "I know what you're going through, but somehow I keep putting one foot in front of the other too."

There's the work community: Everyone is striving towards the same end result. The goal could be profit, philanthropy, creation, expression or basic necessity, but they're all working for something.

My favorite community of all is the community you forget about until you need it.

It's the compassionate community: The friend who waits, without being asked, for you to be ready to talk. The parent that wishes they could take on all of the hurt their child faces. It's the co-worker that sits at your desk and doodles your name... without acknowledging that they are there as silent support.

It's the community that lets you know you are not alone... and isn't that what life is all about?

Live life glamorously,
Elizabeth

Monday, September 19, 2011

It's so much more...

Currently on my kitchen counter, I have the October issues of Vanity Fair and Vogue, and my time at the gym was spent watching Project Runway. All this fashion got me thinking... Shopping and fashion are about so much more than purchasing.

It's storytelling. When I browse through stores or try on my selections, I think, "Where am I going? Who am I with? What will people think when they see me wearing this?"

Fashion affects the way you walk, your swagger and your stance. I might sluff around when I'm in sandals, but I don't slouch when I'm in heels. Heels give a girl confidence.

Shopping is an emotional experience. Clothes have value beyond the monetary cost - "How many manicures did I forgo so that I could buy this skirt? How many times did I walk by the window just to catch a glimpse of that sweater?"

Sometimes cost doesn't equate to value. I have a dress from H&M that was under $30, but I act like it's gold. Why? Because not only do I get compliments on it, but it transforms the way I feel about myself, and that is priceless.

Live life glamorously,
Elizabeth


Sunday, September 18, 2011

Weekend Wrap Up

It's been a wonderful - and productive - weekend!

One of my favorite things about my Saturday job is that I love the products we sell. My new stationery and return address stamp came in!



And I picked up two new rings to coordinate with my ring that I always wear, which used to be Mommacita's.



Also, a few new Fall and Halloween items were added to my apartment. Oh, I just love the holiday seasons!







Mommacita sent me this towel - and a boy pumpkin towel for M.



My mini-gallery is looking pretty great as well!



To round out the weekend, we went to the Oklahoma State Fair!!



We split a cinnamon roll - and took a brief break from the diet, lol



YAY State Fair!!



We had a really great weekend together, but it's time for the work week again. How do the weekends fly by so fast?

Live life glamorously,
Elizabeth

As always, here's a silly pic to leave you with. We found these treasures at Michael's today.


Friday, September 16, 2011

Is it too early?

Is it too early to start my letter to Santa?

Most girls love summer time. This girl is not one of them. Now don't get me wrong, I love a cute skirt or Lily print, however, my heart pitter patters a little bit faster when the temperature heads south of 65 degrees... which it did this week in OKC.

Sweaters, scarfs, tights, boots, vests and coats - oh the coats. I'm ashamed to admit - or even count - the number of coats I have. Mommacita has pretty much banned me from purchasing anymore "outstanding outerwear." I can't help myself, I have a love affair with Fall and Winter clothes.

It's the layers - oh how I love the layers.

Well, as usual (I kid, I kid), I have been a VERY good girl this year. Christmas came early for me - in July - with the gift of my beauty of a living room rug. I still smile so big every time I see it - walk on it - photograph it - anything concerning it.



But in case Santa is a blog reader, I thought it couldn't hurt to share some of my favorite, "I wish I had," items.

These J.Crew skirts are perfect for the fall/holiday seasons - it's a good thing I don't still work there!


I love me a puffer vest - well, J.Crew has switched it up a bit this year with the quilted vest. I am a sucker for navy, but I swoon for this olive green color.



And is it excessive to say I want this sweater... in both colors?
Obviously, the orange is perfect for OSU games - but the other color would be très cute under the green vest above, no?



Do you hear me Santa? I promise to make you extra yummy chocolate chip cookies this year... and leave plenty of carrots for the reindeer!!

How early do you start your Christmas wish list?

I've also started my lists for my friends and family - the season of giving is my favorite!! And this chilly weather is getting me in the holiday mood.

Live life glamorously,
Elizabeth

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Missoni Mayhem

Well, it is no secret that the Missoni for Target line caused mass chaos across the country. Rumor has it (and by "rumor," I mean Twitter, Facebook, blogs, etc.) that all stores were sold out in a matter of 10 minutes.

It is amazing to me the crazy behavior that surrounded this designer line. I have read/heard many stories about women grabbing as much product as they could and loading up their carts... all to turn around and sell it on ebay for double and triple the price.

While M and I walked around Target last night, we saw all of the shelves stripped bare of Missoni products. It is so disheartening to me to think of the pure greed that surrounded the actions of the shoppers described above.

It is so sad to me that the shoppers that made the effort to go to Target missed out on the opportunity to purchase the product they so desired... at the price Target intended.

All that being said, I have a wonderful boy in my life who wanted to spoil me with Missoni - even though I wasn't TOTALLY sold on the idea of the bold zig zag print.

As I said before, almost everything was sold out. I am the proud owner of the following Missoni for Target items:

I love, love, love these silk PJ pants




And I got 2 of these storage boxes - This pattern and color combination is my favorite of the lot.




M also got me a pair of brown textured/patterned tights.
I might even wear them today with the 60 degree weather that we're supposed to get!



I am so lucky to have a man in my life that appreciates fashion and wants to spoil me too :)

Live life glamorously - and think of others more than yourself,
Elizabeth

p.s. I have to share a pic of this too, too cute zig zag jumper dress hanging on the left- it took all my willpower not to buy for a future daughter - I kid! Kind of...


Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Moderation? It's not for me.

I had another Fashion Week post prepared for today, but I couldn't get the topic of "moderation" off my mind.

I hesitated prior to writing this post, but I decided to go through with it because this blog is about me. It's honest.

I have never been a master of moderation. Ever.

I love big and hurt deep. I have a loud laugh, and when I cry, I cry hard - no single glistening tear for this girl. I don't play games that I'm not good at - ask anyone I work with - you'll never see me at the foosball table. When I danced, I did it 15 hours a week. And when I stopped in 2009, I stopped. When there is conflict in my life, "everything is fine!" or "it's the end of the world." When I am seeking someone's approval, I will ask... and ask... and ask until I'm certain I have it. I am an independent girl through and through. I try to be less of one, especially now that I'm in a relationship, but it's really hard for me.

I don't really know what it says about my personality that I don't have a happy medium in many areas of my life, but I like to just think that I am a passionate person.

I have a very clear picture of what I want my life to be:
I want glitz and glam - I want fashion and luxury - I want to be wildly successful - and I want a wall of shoes

But at the same time, and possibly on the other end of the "glam" spectrum:
I want to be happy - I want to have lazy days - I want to be a good cook - I want to be the kind of Mom mine was to me (well, this is glam, but it's a real fear that I won't be as good as she was/is) - I want to be crafty - I want to laugh and have fun - I want to always be best friends with M - and I want days where I don't wear makeup

Maybe one day I'll find balance, but for now, I'm happy living this wild crazy (no moderation) life!

Live life glamorously,
Elizabeth

p.s. I think my love of fashion and glamor started at a young age. Thanks Mommacita!!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Now taking comments!

Thanks to CB's "comment post," I thought that I should check my blog settings. Turns out that my blog only allowed registered users to post comments. Well, no more!! Feel free to comment away - I sure do love it!

Live life glamorously,
Elizabeth

More Fall Decor

Making the glam wreath sparked an idea for Le Boy and myself. We wanted to continue the weekend of crafts - briefly interrupted by 24 hours of me being terribly sick - by transforming the garland at his parents' home.

We removed all of the spring/summer flowers and brought fall to the front door.





In addition to the "poof," we included 2 metal pumpkins and some fall leaves.





I am amazed at how beautiful it turned out - and how much M and I enjoyed working together. We talked about how great it would be to do more wreaths and garlands as a little side business - so fun!

Live life glamorously,
Elizabeth

p.s. M snapped this pic of me at Hobby Lobby. I like to pretend that I am a domestic diva.


Monday, September 12, 2011

New York Fashion Week

One day I will sit alongside the runways of New York Fashion Week - but until then, I live for the Style.com iPhone app.

While browsing today, I swooned for Christian Siriano's collection.











And my favorite part about getting The Wall Street Journal is the Fashion Week coverage - do I have my priorities straight or what?




Do you share my dream of sitting along the Great White (run)Way?

Live life glamorously,
Elizabeth