This time last year, I was gearing up to work allllll Thanksgiving weekend at the mall. Working retail on black Friday and the proceeding Saturday and Sunday is basically hell on earth served with a side of death.
Thank the sweet baby Jesus I'm done with that job and not required to arrive at 11:45 p.m. on Thanksgiving and open the store at midnight for the bargain-loving freaks who start their Christmas shopping during the wee hours of Friday morning. No sir-ee Bob! Not me. Not this year.
Instead, I'll be doing the following:
-Eating (obvi)
-Drinking (double obvi)
-Watching football
-Reading
-Catching up on sleep
-Shopping and pitying the poor souls who are stuck working retail this year
I'm equally thankful that I do not have to drive home this year. My first year living in D.C., I made the mistake of trying to drive home at 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving Eve. A 2-hour drive turned into a 5-hour, bumper-to-bumper traffic, nightmare. I quickly learned from my negligence. This year, good ol' reliable Amtrak will be chauffeuring me to Richmond. Road rage, traffic jams and a killer migraine will be replaced with a book, cocktail and relaxation.
Just a few of the things I'm thankful for this year...
Hope y'all have a fabulous Thanksgiving holiday!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Frugal Fashion Finds
I have a slight love affair with scarves. The perfect complement to any outfit, they add color and flair to an otherwise boring outfit. And the fact that they are no longer confined to the winter months makes them even more fabulous in my book
As much as I love this must-have accessory, I refuse to spend more than $30 on one. Call me cheap, but I just can't stomach emptying my wallet for 2+ yards of fringed fabric.
As much as I love this must-have accessory, I refuse to spend more than $30 on one. Call me cheap, but I just can't stomach emptying my wallet for 2+ yards of fringed fabric.
Here are some of my favorites-all under $30, of course.
Keep these versatile staples on hand year after year. They pair well with a multitude of outfits and can double as a wrap.
Lori's Gathered Cowl-Taupe $22 (also available in grey)
Merona Solid Wrap $12.99 (Available in ivory, angus pink, black, teal, grey, tan, green, red)
Slip on one of these knock-outs and instantly spice-up any plain-white-tee-and-jeans combo.
TOPSHOP Pasiley Printed Scarf $24
Old Navy Fringed Jacquard Scarf $19.50 (Shown in pink also available in green)
Roxy Lightweight Printed Scarf $24 (Shown in black escapade, also available in sea green)
dELiA*s Tiana Scarf $14.50
G by GUESS Charmed Scarf $14.50
For nights on the town when some extra oomph is an absolute-must, try these glamorous accent pieces.
White House Black Market Velvet Textured Wrap $19.99
Ann Taylor Loft Sequin Scarf $29.50
Gena Accesories Sequin Wrap $22
And of course I can't forget the scarf's main purpose for being. With winter approaching, I've already got my eye on some comfy numbers that will keep my Southern ass from freezing.
Charlotte Russe Pom Pom Pocket Knit Scarf $9.99
TOPSHOP Superfluffy Scarf $22 (shown in grey, also availble in nude)
Merona Cashmere Scarf $24.99(shown in pink, also available in white, black, charcoal, grey)
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Turning the negative into positive
Yesterday, I was gathering some items off the copier at work, when a co-worker turned around and asked if I had gained weight. I'll refer to her as NN (for Negative Nancy) because she's seriously the most glass-half-empty-person I've ever met.
I was embarrassed, shocked, appalled, and could only muster "uhhh...I don't know" as a response. She then told me it looks good.
Backhanded comment much?
Truth be told, I've never been one to obsess over my weight-I've pretty much always eaten what I want and not worried about it.
Still, I feel like I have put on a few pounds lately. My pants are fitting more snugly-so snug that I end up unbuttoning them halfway through the workday to get comfortable. And my tight-fitting tops have relegated to the back of my closet to avoid accentuating my muffin top.
I've tried to brush the negative thoughts and self-criticisms aside. You're your own worst critic, after all. But, to have someone else confirm the insecurities I have about my body and weight makes me feel like maybe it's not all in my head.
So, I've been torturing myself with the what-ifs as to why my body is suddenly changing.
-I just turned 25, and have always heard that your body starts acting differently when you hit that milestone. Maybe my metabolism has slowed down.
-I've been watching wayyyyyy too many episodes of "I Didn't Know I was Pregnant." So even though I'm on the pill and even though I've been getting my period every month, part of my still agonizes that I could be like the freaks of nature on that show and randomly pop out a kid at a campsite or fast food restaurant. (Yes, that actually happened on the show.)
But the comment gave me motivation to do something about it. I went to the exercise room in my apartment complex for the first time since I moved, did some cardio and sit-ups, and made myself tilapia, rice and peas for dinner. (I also indulged in a glass of red wine and a piece of Ghiradelli dark chocolate, but both of those are supposed to be good for you.)
When I got to work this morning, I told another co-worker what NN said. She told me that NN said the same thing to another girl in my office - right before her wedding! And this other girl she "critiqued" is probably the most physically fit person in our office.
What woman comments on another woman's weight? AND what woman has the audacity to say something so hurtful before one of the most important days in a woman's life, when that woman has been working so hard to look perfect!
A very sad, insecure, lonely woman that's who.
I kind of want to bitch her out. But mostly, I feel sorry for her. So maybe I'll just thank her for giving me incentive and motivation to take better care of my body.
I forgot how good it feels to work out, so hopefully I can be disciplined and keep up a regular exercise routine. Take that, NN!
I was embarrassed, shocked, appalled, and could only muster "uhhh...I don't know" as a response. She then told me it looks good.
Backhanded comment much?
Truth be told, I've never been one to obsess over my weight-I've pretty much always eaten what I want and not worried about it.
Still, I feel like I have put on a few pounds lately. My pants are fitting more snugly-so snug that I end up unbuttoning them halfway through the workday to get comfortable. And my tight-fitting tops have relegated to the back of my closet to avoid accentuating my muffin top.
I've tried to brush the negative thoughts and self-criticisms aside. You're your own worst critic, after all. But, to have someone else confirm the insecurities I have about my body and weight makes me feel like maybe it's not all in my head.
So, I've been torturing myself with the what-ifs as to why my body is suddenly changing.
-I just turned 25, and have always heard that your body starts acting differently when you hit that milestone. Maybe my metabolism has slowed down.
-I've been watching wayyyyyy too many episodes of "I Didn't Know I was Pregnant." So even though I'm on the pill and even though I've been getting my period every month, part of my still agonizes that I could be like the freaks of nature on that show and randomly pop out a kid at a campsite or fast food restaurant. (Yes, that actually happened on the show.)
But the comment gave me motivation to do something about it. I went to the exercise room in my apartment complex for the first time since I moved, did some cardio and sit-ups, and made myself tilapia, rice and peas for dinner. (I also indulged in a glass of red wine and a piece of Ghiradelli dark chocolate, but both of those are supposed to be good for you.)
When I got to work this morning, I told another co-worker what NN said. She told me that NN said the same thing to another girl in my office - right before her wedding! And this other girl she "critiqued" is probably the most physically fit person in our office.
What woman comments on another woman's weight? AND what woman has the audacity to say something so hurtful before one of the most important days in a woman's life, when that woman has been working so hard to look perfect!
A very sad, insecure, lonely woman that's who.
I kind of want to bitch her out. But mostly, I feel sorry for her. So maybe I'll just thank her for giving me incentive and motivation to take better care of my body.
I forgot how good it feels to work out, so hopefully I can be disciplined and keep up a regular exercise routine. Take that, NN!
Monday, November 16, 2009
My Friends Love Me
I'm lucky I have super understanding friends who love me regardless of my habitual tendency to arrive at least 15 minutes late to EVERYTHING.
Since my nearest and dearest have learned to accept this trait about me, this also means they have an endless amount of ammunition.
Some recent zings:
I was getting ready to go out with Just Jack one Saturday night. One hour before he was supposed to come over, I still needed to clean, shower and eat dinner (at least 2 hours worth of things to accomplish). After cleaning, finding a perfect outfit for the night and grabbing some Natty Lite with JJ for pregaming, I let him know how close I was to getting ready. We were due to leave, like 10 minutes ago.
Me: So, don't hate me, but I still need to shower.
Just Jack: WHAT?! Get your ass in the shower, now. I'm giving you 20 minutes.
At my friends wedding last weekend, I was talking to my group of high school friends about when I'd be home for Thanksgiving.
Me: I'm taking the train, and I'll get into Richmond at 9 p.m. the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
Friend: So that means we can expect you out at midnight?
Same location, rehashing the ceremony/reception the night before.
Friend: Miss Procras., I was saving a seat at the ceremony for you and The Hoff, and I kept looking around for you, thinking "Leave it to Miss Procras. to be late somewhere she's already at."
Recent gchat convo
Friend: tell me something that will get me motivated to get up and go run
Me: ha! i don't think i can help you with that one. you know miss procras.=epitome of laziness
Friend: touche. but i would say miss procras.= epitome of lateness, not laziness
Me: yes, that would be more accurate
If I haven't said it to you lately, thank you for putting up with me.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Random Friday Fun
The totally awesome and rad SG tagged me to fill out this questionnaire. I'm honored - it's my first tag!
What is the thing that makes you happy?
Can't name just one. So here's a bunch: Happy hours with friends, a frosty Coors Light, Nordstrom half-yearly sales, my Pomeranian, a Steelers or JMU football victory, sleeping in, Lifetime movie marathons and whenever I hear a Britney Spears song. I'm easily pleased.
Coffee or tea?
I'm a southern girl - so I have to go with tea. Iced-cold, homemade, sweet tea. And I heart chai tea lattes.
What's for dinner?
Depends on if I've done grocery shopping that week. But I'm trying to be good and not go out as much, so probably chicken or pasta in some form.
What was the last thing you bought?
A birthday card for a friend.
What are you listening to right now?
My car has no CD player, and I have yet to download songs onto the iPod I received four Christmases ago. So whatever I can find on the radio - which tends to be Lady Gaga or the Blackeyed Peas these days. Damn you, mainstream radio and your 10 songs on repeat.
What is your favourite piece of clothing in your wardrobe?
Banana Republic t-shirts (long or short-sleeved). They are so soft and comfortable!
What is your favourite ice cream flavor?
Mint chocolate chip. I'm slightly obsessed.
What do you think of the person(s) who tagged you?
I heart SG! One of the first bloggers I started reading and who started commented on my blog. Seems like a badass chica I'd love to grab cocktails with.
If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
Disney World! Kidding. I think I'd go with Greece. I've always wanted to go there.
Which language do you want to learn?
Dutch and German. My grandmother is Dutch and my grandfather is German. I think it'd be cool to be able to speak the languages of the countries that make up my ancestry.
What is your favourite color?
Purple. Luckily, that was one of my college's colors. I own wayyyy more purple t-shirts than one person ever should.
If you had $100 now, what would you spend it on?
Wine, shoes and a pedicure. Pure bliss.
What is your favorite animal?
Cheetahs. They're so cute and cuddly...and also pretty ferocious.
Describe your personal style.
Classic. With some touches of vintage and trendy thrown into the mix.
What are you going to do after this?
Eat lunch, surf the web and pray that the next few hours of work fly by.
What are your favorite movies?
Clueless, Red Dragon, The Pelican Brief, A Time to Kill, Shawshank Redemption, Enchanted, Pretty Woman, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, 13 Going on 30, Steel Magnolias, Gone with the Wind.
What inspires you?
Authors of all kinds - song writers, bloggers, poets, novelists; my friends; my grandmother.
What is your favorite fruit?
Cantaloupe with a little bit of salt. I take all nutritional value out of fruit and vegetables by adding salt, sugar, butter, cream - you name it.
Do you collect something?
Shoes, handbags and books. I write notes in the margins of every book I read, so I find it impossible to part with any of them.
How many hours do you sleep a day?
You don't want to be around me if I've gotten less than 8. On Veteran's Day, I slept 12 hours. It was glorious.
How many times do you press the snooze button before you get up?
If the alarm means I have to get up for work, then at least five. For anything else, once or zero.
What is your favorite smell?
The Hoff's cologne, baked bread, cinnamon, my grandparent's house (it doesn't smell musty and old, I promise).
What is your biggest regret?
Not studying abroad in college, or backpacking through Europe right after graduation.
What are you most proud of?
Where I'm at right now in my life. Six months ago, I never thought it was possible to be where I am today.
Cats or dogs?
This is a hard one for me. I grew up with cats, and then we got a dog when I was 15. I love them both, but I think I'd have to go with dogs.
What is your biggest fashion mistake?
Oh dear god. In elementary school, I did some terrible things to my hair. Think body perms and super-short hair cuts. Not cute. In middle school, I'd have to say my biggest fashion faux pas were those big chunky jelly shoes. Ever notice how those things seem to resurface in some form year after year? WHY??!! I didn't fare much better in high school with my body glitter and leopard print and black pleather pants. SEXY.
What is your guilty TV pleasure?
Lifetime movies, Snapped, Bridezilla
What did you want to be when you grew up?
First it was a doctor, then an animal biologist. When I realized I suck at math and science, those dreams crashed and burned.
If you could meet one person, dead or alive, who would it be?
Emily Giffin
What is your biggest dream?
To love and be loved.
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
The Giving Tree, Polar Express, Dr. Seuss books
If today was your last day on earth, what would you be doing?
I'd be freaking out and having a major panic attack. Then, I'd summon Bruce Willis to come save the world like he did in Armageddon. I honestly hate thinking about stuff like this, which is why I refuse to see anymore end-of-the-world movies. 2012? Yeah, I'll pass. If I had to chose, I'd honestly just want to be eating my favorite foods, surrounded by my favorite people. And then lie in the arms of my soulmate. (Yeah, I'm cheesy, I know.)
If you could have any super power, what would it be?
I've always wanted to be like Samantha in "Bewitched." Does that count as one super power? I think it should. So I'll stick with that.
If you joined the circus, what act would you perform?
Animal trainer. Except I'd probably train hamsters instead of tigers to be on the safe side.
Why did you start your blog?
To do some form of creative writing on a regular basis, laugh at myself and stay connected with friends I can't see on a regular basis (Hi Lo, SayJo and 804s!)
My contribution: What thing in your room best describes you?
And I feel like a dork, but I don't know many bloggers well enough to tag them, so I'm going to tag Just Jack.
Oh, and I will be a post-writing machine this weekend so I can update you on a recent occurences. Expect mucho posts next week! :)
What is the thing that makes you happy?
Can't name just one. So here's a bunch: Happy hours with friends, a frosty Coors Light, Nordstrom half-yearly sales, my Pomeranian, a Steelers or JMU football victory, sleeping in, Lifetime movie marathons and whenever I hear a Britney Spears song. I'm easily pleased.
Coffee or tea?
I'm a southern girl - so I have to go with tea. Iced-cold, homemade, sweet tea. And I heart chai tea lattes.
What's for dinner?
Depends on if I've done grocery shopping that week. But I'm trying to be good and not go out as much, so probably chicken or pasta in some form.
What was the last thing you bought?
A birthday card for a friend.
What are you listening to right now?
My car has no CD player, and I have yet to download songs onto the iPod I received four Christmases ago. So whatever I can find on the radio - which tends to be Lady Gaga or the Blackeyed Peas these days. Damn you, mainstream radio and your 10 songs on repeat.
What is your favourite piece of clothing in your wardrobe?
Banana Republic t-shirts (long or short-sleeved). They are so soft and comfortable!
What is your favourite ice cream flavor?
Mint chocolate chip. I'm slightly obsessed.
What do you think of the person(s) who tagged you?
I heart SG! One of the first bloggers I started reading and who started commented on my blog. Seems like a badass chica I'd love to grab cocktails with.
If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
Disney World! Kidding. I think I'd go with Greece. I've always wanted to go there.
Which language do you want to learn?
Dutch and German. My grandmother is Dutch and my grandfather is German. I think it'd be cool to be able to speak the languages of the countries that make up my ancestry.
What is your favourite color?
Purple. Luckily, that was one of my college's colors. I own wayyyy more purple t-shirts than one person ever should.
If you had $100 now, what would you spend it on?
Wine, shoes and a pedicure. Pure bliss.
What is your favorite animal?
Cheetahs. They're so cute and cuddly...and also pretty ferocious.
Describe your personal style.
Classic. With some touches of vintage and trendy thrown into the mix.
What are you going to do after this?
Eat lunch, surf the web and pray that the next few hours of work fly by.
What are your favorite movies?
Clueless, Red Dragon, The Pelican Brief, A Time to Kill, Shawshank Redemption, Enchanted, Pretty Woman, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, 13 Going on 30, Steel Magnolias, Gone with the Wind.
What inspires you?
Authors of all kinds - song writers, bloggers, poets, novelists; my friends; my grandmother.
What is your favorite fruit?
Cantaloupe with a little bit of salt. I take all nutritional value out of fruit and vegetables by adding salt, sugar, butter, cream - you name it.
Do you collect something?
Shoes, handbags and books. I write notes in the margins of every book I read, so I find it impossible to part with any of them.
How many hours do you sleep a day?
You don't want to be around me if I've gotten less than 8. On Veteran's Day, I slept 12 hours. It was glorious.
How many times do you press the snooze button before you get up?
If the alarm means I have to get up for work, then at least five. For anything else, once or zero.
What is your favorite smell?
The Hoff's cologne, baked bread, cinnamon, my grandparent's house (it doesn't smell musty and old, I promise).
What is your biggest regret?
Not studying abroad in college, or backpacking through Europe right after graduation.
What are you most proud of?
Where I'm at right now in my life. Six months ago, I never thought it was possible to be where I am today.
Cats or dogs?
This is a hard one for me. I grew up with cats, and then we got a dog when I was 15. I love them both, but I think I'd have to go with dogs.
What is your biggest fashion mistake?
Oh dear god. In elementary school, I did some terrible things to my hair. Think body perms and super-short hair cuts. Not cute. In middle school, I'd have to say my biggest fashion faux pas were those big chunky jelly shoes. Ever notice how those things seem to resurface in some form year after year? WHY??!! I didn't fare much better in high school with my body glitter and leopard print and black pleather pants. SEXY.
What is your guilty TV pleasure?
Lifetime movies, Snapped, Bridezilla
What did you want to be when you grew up?
First it was a doctor, then an animal biologist. When I realized I suck at math and science, those dreams crashed and burned.
If you could meet one person, dead or alive, who would it be?
Emily Giffin
What is your biggest dream?
To love and be loved.
What was your favorite book when you were a child?
The Giving Tree, Polar Express, Dr. Seuss books
If today was your last day on earth, what would you be doing?
I'd be freaking out and having a major panic attack. Then, I'd summon Bruce Willis to come save the world like he did in Armageddon. I honestly hate thinking about stuff like this, which is why I refuse to see anymore end-of-the-world movies. 2012? Yeah, I'll pass. If I had to chose, I'd honestly just want to be eating my favorite foods, surrounded by my favorite people. And then lie in the arms of my soulmate. (Yeah, I'm cheesy, I know.)
If you could have any super power, what would it be?
I've always wanted to be like Samantha in "Bewitched." Does that count as one super power? I think it should. So I'll stick with that.
If you joined the circus, what act would you perform?
Animal trainer. Except I'd probably train hamsters instead of tigers to be on the safe side.
Why did you start your blog?
To do some form of creative writing on a regular basis, laugh at myself and stay connected with friends I can't see on a regular basis (Hi Lo, SayJo and 804s!)
My contribution: What thing in your room best describes you?
And I feel like a dork, but I don't know many bloggers well enough to tag them, so I'm going to tag Just Jack.
Oh, and I will be a post-writing machine this weekend so I can update you on a recent occurences. Expect mucho posts next week! :)
Friday, November 6, 2009
Frugal Fashion Finds
It's been a few weeks since I've done one of these, so I figured it was time for another. That, and I'm really excited about the AMAZING deal I got this past week weekend on a dress for my friends wedding.
I wanted a deep purple dress. I found one at Macy's that I LOVED, but was reluctant to buy because of the price tag. (It was orginally $124, marked down to $74, but my budget was $50.) I put the dress on hold, and spent the next two hours scouring the rack of my go-to stores: Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Nordstrom, Express, The Limited, Forever 21.
Nothing. Nada. Zilch.
Three hours at the mall and I had nothing to show for it. Most depressing feeling EVER. I went back to Macy's and tried on the dress again. I figured since it fit perfectly and was the exact color I wanted, it was worth splurging.
Upon examinig the dress for imperfections (as every fashionista should), I noticed two small, barely-noticeable snags. Bingo! My golden ticket to a 10% discount. (That's typically the most stores will offer on damaged merchandise.)
I did a little happy dance, and made my way to the cash register. I was right, the most they would offer me is 10% off and it would be a final sale. Done and done. It's not like I want to return the dress, anyway.
The cashier rang up the dress, and when I looked down at the subtotal, it said $39.00.
My mouth dropped. The Hoff elbowed me to hide my expression so the cashier wouldn't think it was a mistake.
I don't think I've ever been so estatic about a purchase. I get the dress I loved AND stayed $10 under my budget!
I couldn't find the dress online in the color I bought, but here is is in black.
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