Resolute

January is almost over and I have tried in vain to give myself a list of appropriate resolutions for the upcoming year (that we are already in). Some people scoff at the idea and say that a mere 10% of individuals actually keep to them. I think the idea should be to make them reasonable and reachable. In the past I tried to give up chocolate (whaa??) or never curse, which is next to impossible if you have ever driven on any of the worlds public road systems or been in any sort of relationship. As I have stated before I like things simple in almost every area of my life. Life is short. Don't make it hard.

{Chick flick marathon with one of my very best friends}

1. I will not sleep on the couch more than one night a week. (my bed is big and cold)

2. If I ask my son "do I already have this color nail polish" and he says yes, I may not still purchase it  anyway.

3. Keep posting on my blog regardless of whether or not anyone ever reads it.

4. Actually fold all my laundry as it is done and not live out of the basket.

5. Make a concerted effort to wear the shoes nobody understands but me.

6. Get another tattoo.

7. Forgive myself completely when I have a horrible day.

8. Make more time for my girlfriends. (chicks before di....)

9. Skydive again.

10. Go on a weekend getaway somewhere new with or without someone this Spring.

{Boots by Steve Madden}

People Watching

I had a pretty event filled summer. I got a new place (we'll just call it "survivor, mover's edition"), went through a little break up? break off?, and had a second job in retail that I enjoyed very much. Getting to dress up and wear heels is what I live for. So as the summer came to a close, as did the second job, I had some free weekends. I simply got on Google and searched "free things to do in Columbus, Ohio". The first thing that caught my attention was topiarypark.org which was dedicated in 1992. After the demise and subsequent suspicious spontaneous combustion of what was then The Columbus Institution for the Deaf, the Columbus born artist James T. Mason developed the plans to recreate the famous George Seaurat's painting "A Sunday Afternoon on the Isle of La Grande Jette". The park attracts visitors from around the World. From the East side of the park you can actually pick up a copy of the painting and see the park as it was meant to be seen. My photo below is from the West. What a perfect way to watch the sunrise on a breathtakingly beautiful Summer morning.

{Photo from the Columbus Dispatch}

Copy Cat

I get inspiration from everywhere. My friends, magazines, television, movies, even other blogs. I have been known to stop someone in a grocery store and ask where they picked up a particular item whether it be a hand bag or sweater or nail color and so on. When this photo hit the media I had to have this outfit. I got online and those boots went for a cool 3000+. I can't even recall what the skirt was right now to be honest but I am sure she paid a hefty sum. I searched for days obsessed with finding these items at a price I could afford, knowing that the chance I would wear that skirt, for example, would be somewhat infrequent. That kind of thing gives me a rush...the hunt, the chase, for the perfect thing. When I found them I thought I would jump straight into outer space I was so excited. It just goes to show that good things come to those who wait. And those boots, well, I wear them all the time and they cost me under $100. I am very happy with the final result.

Mountains of Glitter

 One of the unfortunate yet great things about becoming a part of a serious, committed relationship is that over time, the two people fuse into one. You have the same friends, you have the same interests, root for the same teams, and inevitably lose your individuality to a certain extent and are now seen as a couple. "Bennifer" is my best example for those of you who follow Hollywood drama. When I stepped out on my own for the first time in my life I had to figure out who I was. What did I love doing? I had lived so long for the other person I got lost. The first thing I did was teach myself to snowboard. I had always wanted to learn. None of my girlfriends were at all interested, but were instead opting to run marathons, which is just not my thing. So for four months, I went every free evening I had during the week and fell and fell and fell. There were days at work I could't sit down. Nights on the lift I would tear trying to hold my board up. But I was addicted. The adrenaline rush of knowing I could get hurt, the speed, the snow glistening like glitter under the night lights. It was all I could do to get out of work, turn up the radio, and get on that mountain. To this day I prefer riding at night, in the quiet, alone. I would love to find someone to go with, but there is a serene calmness to it that I crave. It isn't a social thing for me, it's about the ride. Just the mere sound of the crisp, fresh powder under my board as I carve my way down, picking up speed, faster and faster, feels like a slice of heaven to me. One of my seven tattoos is my snowboard logo on my right wrist. A constant reminder of who I am and what I can accomplish all on my own.

The Eyes Have It

I have heard men joke that a girl loses points for too much makeup. It makes sense that the idea of makeup is to enhance what is already beautiful about your face and not to "recreate" your look. My eyes have always been something that I love about my face. I prefer wearing liner only on the top, and I have never worn fake lashes, but like to layer my mascara pretty thick as you see here. I wouldn't wear this look to work necessarily, but on a date or out with friends. I have found that these products work the best for me.

 

I was using Loreal, but as you can see below, I had a hard time getting a good, solid line and it took forever to dry. Now I have switched to Maybelline and have zero complaints thus far. When I do add liner on the bottom I use a pencil.

On my lids for a more day look I use either one of the shadows below ONLY ON THE LID and slightly on the inside corners of the eye with an eye shadow brush. The Cover Girl has a bit of shimmer and the matte is MaryKay. With all the 80's throwbacks in fashion and makeup, I would simply say that white shadow is one of those trends I personally cannot make work for me. I prefer a more subtle effect.

(Champagne)

(Crystalline)

The Fungus Among Us

 We all had things we hated to eat when we were younger. Somebody needed to call the paramedics if I may have accidentally ingested a tomato. Now I eat garden fresh ones like an apple (both are considered fruits by the way). Asparagus, spinach, brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes and the like would throw me into a severe state of anxiety if I had to partake in a meal that included them. I can even recall sitting at the dinner table with wilting, cold cooked carrots for over an hour after everybody else had finished because I wasn't allowed to leave until I tried them. But, as in all things, we grow up and mature and so does the palate. I found this recipe a couple weeks ago for Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Portobellos on dessertfortwo.com and couldn't wait to try it. I was intimidated at first, but it was super easy and really fun. They are fairly large so one was more than enough for me alone. Coupled with a glass of stout and I couldn't have asked for a better lunch on a very cold and wintry day.

Pretty close to perfect I think.

Solitary Confinement

{Last Summer}

I used to dread my weekends alone. The thought of waking up to a beautiful sunrise I couldn't share. The total and unforgiving quiet of my place. Eating standing up at the sink from the leftover container because the thought of going through all that trouble to dirty one single solitary plate seemed senseless. After a while I got used to it. I would know in advance what days I had free and fill them with trips to the farmer's market, movies (going alone isn't that bad because you don't talk in there anyway), getting takeout from the places only I like to eat from.. ie. Rally's. (I know. Don't judge me.), walking my puppy Norman through my favorite parks, and spending time with my friends who make me feel loved every single day. Now that's not to say it isn't still difficult and at times I feel sad, or that having someone to share this time with wouldn't be meaningful, but for me, it has become the opportunity to be myself separate from work and responsibility. I am me, in all its simplicity. Because in the end, I'm just a girl. Sing it Gwen.

(If you are unable to view video clip please use your desktop)

All Torn Up

 One of my favorite things about Winter (other than snowboarding) is sweater weather. I own sweaters that are older than my son. I consider myself very loyal, so even when it comes to clothes, I have a hard time parting with things. Especially if they are well made to stand the test of time, because very few things do these days. I picked this one up from Anthropology on black Friday and I am always looking for an opportunity to wear it. I am also partial to very high heels because I am only 5'2", and ripped denim, which I feel can give an ordinary outfit some edge. The juxtaposition of ripped denim, a sweet sweater, and sky high heels has me hooked. It's like a good girl gone bad....

On the Rocks

I like to shop for wine. There have been times I have gone to the grocery store with every intention of purchasing food items only to spend way to much time trying to decide what cute label of a particular vino I prefer that day. There has even been research that has shown that people will purchase wine purely for that reason. Price notwithstanding. If the label appeals to them, they buy it. Last spring I came across New Age. It is a sparkling Argentinian cocktail that is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Torrontes. It is very affordable and tastes great. The best part is, that when you're as busy as I am, trying to chill white wine takes too long. So pick up a bottle of this, a couple limes, (maybe a pizza) and you're off.

Dirty Laundry

 Somebody actually privately messaged me on a social media site because I was wearing one of the shirts above in a profile picture and said "you're too good for that". Too good for a little cotton with a bit of stretch and a cap sleeve??? I think not sir! Besides, I know how to keep it clean. See below.

               

Who can resist the perfect t-shirt? One that hugs the body and is so comfy soft you never want to take it off ever. I have a few of those too, the kind I wish I could wear to work every day. The one pictured above is one I purchased a few weeks back and reads "never forget your roots" in the shape of the State of Ohio. You can purchase this shirt and other really cool gear at www.freeclothingco.com. I have their blue beanie which is super soft and warm (much needed with the current weather conditions) and just ordered a zip hoodie big enough for a boyfriend, but I don't have one, so I don't have to share it.

For every dark cloud, therein lies a silver lining. Boom.

Coupe de Gras

With the recent resurgence of the champagne "coupe" on blogs all over the internet and Instagram, I wanted to know why, in fact, the switch was made to the now more common "flute". Apparently, according to Wikipedia, there are three main reasons:

1. Simply put, the flute shape allows more glasses per tray, which makes beverage service more efficient.

2. If you didn't know this (I did. Go me.) you're supposed to hold wine and champagne glasses by the stem so as to not affect the temperature of the beverage. If you held the coupe that way, and due to the larger mouth of the glass, it spills easier. Try walking in five inch stilettos with one of those full. Trust me.

3. Also, and finally, the larger mouth of the coupe allows the carbonation to dissipate at a faster rate. Boo.

So in essence, even though we love the coupe with its vintage charm and more robust shape, it simply is not as practical. Not only that, but with the craze over them I have been seeing, people are charging lots and lots of money for them. One Etsy account charged six dollars a glass and the set was mismatched. I just bought several of different shapes for no more than one dollar each at Goodwill. There, I said it.

As a final comment on stemmed glassware, I would like to add that stemless wine glasses should only be used for beverages that are served on ice. See number 2.

Guac Around the Clock

I 

I never thought I would be someone to make my own guacamole until somebody made it for me. I had a certain Chipotle I always went to because each restaurant made it a little different, and that particular one made it exactly to my specifications. Nothing compares to the homemade version....nothing. You can add as much spice as you want and omit whatever you want and it's super fresh and tastes so much better. When I make it, I use primarily just avocados, sea salt, red onion, lime juice and fresh cilantro. You can also add tomatoes, jalapeno or whatever else your heart desires. I also have gotten into making my own chips as you can see below...

I heat cooking oil in a shallow pan (be careful) and quarter the tortilla. Either flower or corn works great, but I had better luck with the corn tortillas as you see above. I drop maybe five or six pieces in at a time and let them turn a golden brown. When you take them out, lay them on a paper towel, and then immediately sprinkle sea salt on them. Let them cool and dry completely before serving. I would prepare these in advance if you can.

"The idiot's guide to making guacamole"....

4 ripe avocados
1/2 minced red (sweet) onion
sea salt to taste
1 tbsp lime juice (or to taste, whatever you feel works best)
2 Roma tomatoes, diced (optional)
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

I core the avocados with a spoon and scoop it out into a bowl. Use a fork to mash it up and then add the rest of the ingredients. Stir well. Serve immediately. Ole!

PS. If you want to add a little kick, remove the seeds from a single jalapeno pepper and dice it to add to this mixture.

Street Savvy

 I consider myself pretty athletic. I snowboard, love to work out, kayak, rock climb, skydive, and have aspirations of learning to surf one day. After seeing "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty", I wanted to learn to skateboard. I bought a short board for my son for Christmas and then thought it would be great if we could learn side by side. There are two main types of boards. The short and the long. Pictured here is the short on the left and the blue is a smaller version of a long called a "cruiser". It's one of my favorite colors and reminded me of a surf board so of course it came home with me. I don't see myself making this a way of life but a way to have fun and connect with my son. Let's ride.

Tip Toe Through The Tulips

If you're not into nail polish the way that I am (I have an inordinate amount) let me bring you into the "know" as to one of the latest and greatest ideas in beauty that I have seen come across drug store counters in the last couple years....SCENTED nail polish. Not only is the smell long lasting even after a top coat, but it goes on well and doesn't chip as easily as some of the other more expensive brands out there. Now you can not only smell good, but look good......

all with the swipe of a tiny little brush. Here are three of my fall favorites.

The Sunset Strip

 Instagram is inundated with sunset photos. They are everywhere. I remember last spring during Coachella I felt that if I had to endure one more Ferris Wheel picture I might simply delete the app forever. I mean there had to be SOMETHING else going on there right?? However bring me a beautiful sunset and it will stop me dead in my tracks. I will try and break the sound barrier to get home in time to snap a quick picture. I cannot get enough whether it be stateside, seaside, mountainside, countryside, lakeside, hillside, or roadside. I am ever enchanted by their infinite beauty. Here are my favorites from this past year. Grin and bear it.

                                     (This one was gifted to me but too gorgeous not to share here.)

Hats off to the Weekend

                                     
Here is the sweater I got at Goodwill. It definitely helps if you can try things on (I was in a rush) because it's kind of itchy. Being outside having my picture taken was a new experience with the frigid temperatures and howling wind but absolutely nothing can keep me away from a beautiful sunset. 

Habitual Drinker

I am quite sure you yourself or someone you know has had a diet soda addiction. At one point I was even diagnosed with a slight heart murmur which, after further questioning, was attributed to the fact that every single day since college all I ever drank was diet soda. About this time last year someone finally gave me the push I needed to quit. I wanted to impress him maybe or show off a bit so I just switched to coffee overnight. It was agony those first few weeks. I drink my coffee black in order to avoid the extra calories so just getting used to the taste was excruciating. A year later and I now like the darkest, deepest coffee I can buy. My little trick for the morning rush is to drop a single ice cube in it and it cools to the perfect temperature. Enjoy!!

"GOODWILL" Hunting

 It has to be like five or six years since I last was in a "resale" store. To be honest none of the denim I own except a few pairs of ripped and skinny jeans are mine originally. I bought most from consignment and resale shops within the city and LOVE that each pair is already worn in and has shrunk to the perfect length. Now I am on the hunt for things for my place to make it more me. I want it to have more personality, be more cozy, feel more like home. Here are a few of the items I picked up over the last month from several Goodwill stores here. I even scored an Ann Taylor Loft sweater for next to nothing. Worth the trip.