If You Need a Laugh

Please stop whatever you are doing right now and watch this video.  I am certain you will be overcome with laughter and that your day will improve.  Trust me.  I've seen it four times and still can't stop laughing.  LOVE IT.

Ok, be honest, did that not just seriously make your day a whole lot better? :)

PS: little blonde girl at the 1:40 mark, you are adorable beyond words.

Fashion Roadkill

Thank yall so much for your sweet enthusiasm over last week's good news.  I am so lucky to have such a great group of blog friends to share life's little adventures with :)  I'm nervous, jittery, and excited about tomorrow's trip to New York, and for the past week, I've been having nonstop flashbacks to my all time favorite episode of Sex and the City.  I'm just praying that Tuesday I don't pull a Carrie Bradshaw in her jeweled Dolce and Gabbana panties :)  For a wonderful laugh and a peek at my favorite 1 minute and 53 seconds of TV's best girlie show, watch below.  PS: As this is Sex and the City, there is some iffy language in this video.  If you're at work or around little ones, use headphones.

It's unreal how much I love this show :)  Have a fabulous week!

Moving Day Treasures

{we heart it}

This weekend, Matt and I did the "big" move, shuffling our stuff a couple hundred feet to a different unit, downsizing from a two bed/two bath to a one bed/one bath.  In addition to pulling out our hair about how everything was going to fit in our new place, we got some great laughs over the crazy, silly, and sentimental stuff we found amidst the rubble...

My very first OU shirt (tear!)...
945 bobby pins.  You think I'm kidding...
An Anthro candle I had stashed away for a special occasion...
My muscles (which are now sore noodles)...
A large stash of Glamour, Lucky, and InStyle magazines that in are desperate need of my reading attention...
A random ankle brace.  Matt's humorous response and short lived plea to keep it: "I might hurt my ankle someday!"
Three separate stash piles of broken-but-I-swear-I'm-gonna-fix-it jewelry...
My notes from both semesters of grad school statistics.  Hello trashcan!
Four half-read and never finished books next to my bed...
Over a dozen unburned Christmas candles.  I prepare in advance for a cinnamon scented Christmas...
Matt's haven't-been-worn-since-high-school ski pants.  If you save pants for 10 years without wearing them once, you are close to being submitted for an episode of Hoarders...
My 35 page grad school meta-theory paper that I wrote in 24 hours and got a big red "100" on.  Don't judge me if I kept that for days I need a self-esteem boost...
Old love letters from Matt (swoon!)...
My P90X gear.  Good thing that kick lasted a whole three weeks...
4 unopened bottles of Windex, compliments of Matt always "swearing" we're out...
A cute Juicy blazer I'd completely forgotten about.  Hooray for "new" clothes...
Britney's fabulous 2008 Rolling Stone cover.  Oh how I love her...

But the best find of the day?

Spice World on VHS. Hell yeah.

What "treasures" have you found during a move? :)

Don't Judge Me...

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...that I ate my weight in Maggianos goodness this weekend.  Lord, I love that place.

...for not getting out of my sweats  yesterday.  The whole day.  It was incredible.

...if I squealed in delight over the rainy/snowy/slushy weather this weekend.  My new boots make that kinda weather instantly awesome.

...because I took out an entire box of Girl Scout cookies in one day.  I made the mistake of leaving the box open on the coffee table, so my "I'll just have one" approach, turned into a three hour marathon of "I'll just have one more."

...if I'm still sad about the break up of girl group, Danity Kane.  I still rock their jams and tearfully wish they'd reunite.  (Hint, hint, P. Diddy...I know you read my blog.)

...that I have the premiere date for Aubrey's new reality show on my calendar.  I can't help but root for pop-star comebacks, especially if there is any connection to the previously mentioned girl group.

...because I still say "You go girl" on a regular basis.  I know its totally 90s, but sometimes girls rock it, and I've gotta tell 'em.

...for being one of the six people on the planet that doesn't have or want an iPhone.  I swear, I sound like an 80-year-old woman texting on that thing.  "What the hell, why isn't this working, damn these new fangled fancy phone things!"

...that I know exactly how many hours till my little brother gets here on Saturday.  He and a friend are spending half of their Spring Break in Chicago and I can't wait, eek!

...that I'm so starved for a vacation I look through past vacation photos on a daily basis.  Positano, come back to me, I'm desperate.

...for listening to Brit Brit's Hold It Against Me twelve times in a row while working on this post.  She can do no wrong in my eyes.

...if the screaming child at the store this weekend set back my desire to have kids by at least 10 years.  I'm still shuddering thinking about that devil child (and the poor mannequin she broke into pieces after knocking it to the floor.)

...because I haven't done laundry in over a month...

...for wearing my bottom of the barrel clothes due to the just mentioned laundry issue.  I've been rocking some random getups lately.

...if I want you to add your own "don't judge me..." line in the comment section.  I need to know my Girl Scout cookie woofing, Danity Kane loving, random outfit wearing self isn't alone :)

Happy Monday!

My Own Elle Woods Moment and an OOTD

 {we heart it}

I am assuming most of you have seen Legally Blonde.  Yes, I know what they say “assume” makes (or were my parents the only one who said that phrase?) but if you enjoy reading this blog, you’re probably someone who has seen the movie.  Maybe that’s a stretch, maybe I’m wrong, but I’m gonna guess most of you have.  And if you haven’t seen that movie, you need to stop reading, call in sick to work, and rent the movie.  It’s a classic, it’s my favorite, and I will go on for days and days about if you let me.

So don’t let me.

BUT there is one scene from the movie, that was so relevant to my day today.  My day that started out good, then turned kinda crappy (but ended better so no worries!)  You know that scene where Elle just found out Warner is engaged, you know, to Vivian, the “stinky old Vanderbilt” (ok, see, I’m getting carried away, I love this movie.)  Anyway…you know the scene where she hears that, has an emotional breakdown and they furiously gets in her car driving like a mad woman, eyes furiously darting back and forth, then tires screeching as she pulls across three lanes of traffic into a nail salon?  Yeeeah… that scene.  Well, that was me this evening.  Yep really, it was literally just like that.  I then proceeded to sit in the spa pedicure chair with tears running down my cheeks.  No, Matt did not dump me for a “stinky old Vanderbilt.”  Today, I had my first bout of homesickness.

I can laugh about it now, really I can.  I mean it was just like the movie, which I adore and think is funny, so how can I not laugh at myself?  And really, sitting in the pedicure chair quickly wiping my tears away, praying no one would notice?  It is a little amusing now (though at the time it wasn’t.)  I just felt super far away from my friends, and to make it worse, my parents are in England and my little brother is studying abroad in Spain, so I can’t get a hold of them as easily as I usually can.  It was just one of those days where you’re far away from home, a little stressed out, and a little bit tired, which for me, makes for a tearshed moment.  Buuuuut…I took a deep breath, enjoyed my pink pedicure, and calmed down a bit, to come back home to a big hug from Matt which made everything about 90% better.  Now though, looking back, I kinda wish I would’ve been on Candid Camera because ya’ll would have died laughing at my Legally Blonde moment.  For realz.  It was a little out of control.

But besides that little, um, episode, today was a good day, and it started out deliciously to say the least!  Matt and I grabbed brunch at a little local spot this morning before I had to be at work.  I am a firm believer that a local brunch spot is one of the first things you need to find when you move to a new place.  (One of my BFFs is also coming to stay overnight next week, and I wanted to scope out a spot for his visit.)  The menu was super big and had so many cool creations.  It was one of the only times I’ve ever been to brunch and wanted everything on the menu.  Ugh, so good.

For drinks, I couldn’t decide between a cappuccino or one of their freshly squeezed juice combos.  And since I’m not one to be exclusive, I ordered both :)  The cappuccino was of course delish, and the fresh orange-pomegranate juice, heavenly.  (I really wanted to try one of their specialty mimosas, but I was going to work after and didn’t think that would be such a good idea during my first week.) 

Then, I ordered these babies.  OMG.  No picture can do them justice.  Their house crepes filled with sweet cream, warm berries, topped with whipped cream, powdered sugar, and fresh berries.  I mean, seriously?!  Who knew fat free meals were so good ;)  Matt ordered a breakfast panini with 2 eggs over hard, tomato, prosciutto, provolone, mozzarella and pesto mayo.  Hi, can you say breakfast heaven?

I had a few minutes before I had to be at work, so we walked to Barnes and Noble for some good old booking browsing.  I had Matt snag a quick OOTD picture, though the quality is pretty terrible.  Buuutt…always a faithful blogger, I am posting anyway :)

Dress: Anthropologie (also seen here in my birthday celebration)

Blazer: The Limited

Belt: Steinmart (from a bazillion years ago)

Shoes: Kenneth Cole

Earrings: Banana Republic

Bracelets: vintage; vintage; Banana Republic

Yall have probably figured out by now that I LOVE dresses.  My legs are ten miles long, and I gave up as an awkward teen trying to find pants that fit me.  Its next to impossible.  So, I embraced dresses and haven’t looked back.  But the thing about dresses is, most people buy them for “special things” you know, weddings, showers, pictures, whatever, but they often get only a few wears out of them.  For me, I force myself to pull out my dresses often and throw on a blazer, cardigan or tee to make them more wearable for day.  I’ve fallen into the “wear a dress once” syndrome, and it’s such a waste of money.  So, I force myself to try them with others things, and usually it works out.  If you have the “wear a dress once” syndrome, just try my technique, I swear it works with 90% of dresses!

We’re off to New York tomorrow (too bad its not DC or I could have my own Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, and Blonde moment!)  Hahaha, perhaps its best we’re not going to DC then.  I’ve had my fill of Elle moments for now :)  Have a fabulous Wednesday yall!

PS: If you have any last minute NYC ideas, let me know!

My Target Tag Snag

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Remember in this post when I talked about the shopping spree bonanza my mother in law took me on during Matt and I’s weekend trip to Arizona?  Yes, it was delightful, and yes, I know I promised to show off my goodies (haha, no, not those goodies)…my shopping goodies, you sickos :)  I had all these fabulous outfit of the day posts planned for this week, but with packing, moving, huffing and puffing, there is nothing OOTD worthy around here (unless you consider ratty shirts and high school Soffe shorts OOTD worthy.)

So until we settle in Chicago and I start dressing like a human being again, I thought I would tell you a little tale about one of my recent purchases…

On our third day-o-shopping we hit up Target (for the second time on our trip.)  We browsed cardigans, dresses, and swimsuits galore, and being the thrifty gal that I am, I headed straight for the clearance rack.  I was delighted and surprised to see a great pair of yoga pants hanging in the medium section.  Now, I know what you’re thinking…”Big whoop, Allison.  A yoga pant gets you excited?  Perhaps you should get out more.”  I know, I know, it sounds a little weird to get all giddy about a yoga pant, but ya’ll, I’m 5’10” and it is RARE to find any pants that come within ten inches of the floor on me.  So when I spotted these babies, gave them the once over, I was hopeful they’d fit.  Then, when I tried them (and 856 other things) on for my mother in law, I squealed over how long they were and how well they fit!  And I quote…

“Oh my gah, these are perfect!  I know they’re not anything crazy or unique, but I am always looking for lounge pants, but can’t ever find any that fit.  These are perfect.  They’re surprisingly long enough, not too tight in the legs, and they have room in all the right places for me!”

So imagine my shock when I was unpacking to read the following in the label of my “perfect-have-room-in-all-the-right-places pants…”

“Liz Lange for Target MATERNITY.”

The pants I adore so much, the pants that fit so perfectly, are actually made for someone growing a KID inside of them.  Hahahaha.  Awesome.

Sometimes, you just gotta laugh :)

What’s made you laugh lately?

Too Funny Not To Share

Do you ever have encounters or moments that are so funny you can't possibly keep them to yourself?  You know, those moments that are so unpredictable and so awkward that you can't help but die laughing every time you replay the moment in your head?  I had one of those moments this weekend, and it made me laugh so hard, I have to share it.

Every Friday morning Krystavel (one of the student mentors that I supervise) and I go to Starbucks.  It's a standing date.  No matter how busy I am, I won't miss it.  I love her, I love lattes, so clearly, it's a priority.  This past Friday was pretty busy at the Starbucks across from campus, and Krystavel and I chatted as we waited patiently to get to the front of the line.  As we got to the front of the line, Krystavel stepped up to order.  The blonde barista was slightly overtalkative, but not wanting to be a scrooge, I just went with it.  "Can I have your name?" she asked.  "Krystavel," my coffee companion replied.  "Wait, what?" the barista asked.  Used to having to repeat herself, Krystavel responded with her name again, and the barista asked her to spell it.  "K-r-y-s-t-a-v-e-l."  The barista replied, "OMG, what a cool name!  That is soooo awesome, I love it.  It's so much cooler than my boring name!"  Krystavel politely smiled, although I could kind of tell she was thinking, ok lady, chill out with the name stuff.  Then I stepped forward to give my order (I splurged on a grande peppermint mocha.)  "And what's your name?" the barista asked.  I replied, "Allison."  "OMG, that's my name!" the barista replied.  Ummm, hold on, pause.  Let the moment sink in.  Didn't she just say her name was boring?  Yes.  And did she just admit that her name is the same as mine?  Yes.  Riiiight.  I waited about three seconds, just staring at her.  About that time her eyes got big, realizing she just called my name boring.  She tried to recover, scrambling to correct herself, but there was no possible way to recover.  I just laughed and smiled and said thanks.  As Krystavel and I waited for our drinks, I tried so hard to control my laughter, but I seriously couldn't.  It was so unrehearsed, so awkward, so perfect, that I couldn't not laugh.  And since it was so unrehearsed, so awkward, and so perfect, I couldn't resist sharing it with you :)

So Long Kappa T-Shirts

When I was in high school, I remember being at the gym and seeing a woman a couple of rows in front of me working hard on the stairmaster.  Being that I was on treadmill and had nothing better to do (reason number 540 I hate treadmills), I got to reading the back of her t-shirt.  "Tri Delt Crush Party."  Oh cool, she's in a sorority, I thought to myself.  At that time I was preparing for recruitment at OU with nothing but sorority on the brain.  I took a closer look at her shirt.  Wait...does that say...it can't...it does...1994!  Tri Delt Crush Party 1994?!  Lady, it's 2002!  I shook my head, living the past lady, living.in.the.past.

Fast forward seven years to nowadays and I'm at the rec center for my 6:30 am cardio class.  I'm groggy, my eyes are half closed, but as I wait for the step instructor, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror.  I zoom in on my t-shirt.  Wait...omg...it can't be...it is.  There in pink and brown letters my t-shirt reads "Kappa Pledge Class 2002."  Omg, no, seriously, has it really been that long?  I have been out of college for three years?!  Then I freeze, remembering the lady from the gym in high school.  OMG, I am that lady, the "Tri Delt Crush Party 1994" lady!  Soon the music is pumping and the tiny blonde cardio instructor is peppily stepping.  I follow along, distracted by my has-been Kappa shirt the rest of the work out.  As I head home, it hits me.  I don't want to be that person who looks like they're living the past, embracing the glory days.  (Note: while I LOVED college, I don't consider them my "glory days."  I hope that I never consider any time in my life as such.)  While I had stopped wearing the daily uniform of a Kappa t-shirt and jeans in college, I sighed, realizing its time to pack away the Kappa shirts for good.  It is time to find a real-person, grown up version of the t-shirt.

That weekend, after sorting through my collection of date party, function, homecoming, and rush shirts, keeping, folding, and storing my favorites, while getting rid of the rest, I began my hunt for the perfect grown up version of the t-shirt.  You know, the shirt you can wear on a lazy Saturday while running errands or the shirt you can wear if you're having a movie night with friends.  The criteria for this t-shirt are harsh.  It has to be somewhat fitted, but still loose enough to feel comfy.  It has to thin, but not too thin, and without question, must have a v-neck.  I thought my search would take a few months, but after just a week, I found a winner!  So thanks to The Gap, I have now replaced my Kappa t-shirts with the perfect grown up t-shirt.  But don't be confused, my OU spirit, old Kappa pictures and obsession with fleur-de-lis aren't going anywhere.  I don't need to grow up that much :)

 

Out with the old shirt...

...and in with the new.

Coffee Shop Curiosity

Recently I've been spending most of my Saturdays and Sundays at a local coffee shop.  So today, I arrived with a bag full of work, articles, readings, and paperwork that needs to get done.  After scouring the shop for sweet spot to work, I get my coffee, set up shop, and select my Pandora station for the day.  Of course, before I can start working, I have to check my email, Facebook, and comment a few of my friends blogs.  Then, after returning a couple of texts and checking my email one more time, I'm finally ready to get to work.

But about five minutes into my incredibly not-so-stimulating reading, I find myself staring off into space, wondering about a million others things that have nothing to do with what I'm reading.  I'm distracted by the others coffee shop dwellers, curious about what they're doing there, what they're working on, and who they're with.  I find myself looking at the couple on the couch, wondering about their relationship status.  She looks giddy, he looks interested, yet they both nervously text when the conversation dies down.  Yes, definitely a new relationship.  I look at the girl reading at the table next to me.  Why are her shoes off?  While I appreciate the comfy, homey atmosphere of the coffee shop, I do not appreciate her barefeet or chipping pedicure.  The girls at the back corner table make me smile as they remind me of my friends Kristin and Anna.  Something about their conversation, they smiles, and their interest in one another make me miss my friends.  I wonder how they're doing and when we'll be able to get together again, sigh...  I glance back to my laptop.  Dang, I've been here for an hour already.  I should probably get to work.  As I start to open my book, I am distracted by the girls at the couches behind me.  They're playing Apples to Apples.  Seriously?  This is a coffee shop, not a game room!  I wonder why they aren't playing at their apartment or something.  Maybe they live in a crappy dorm, maybe they're in a fight with their roommate, or maybe they're here to make my life miserable.  Hmm, interesting.  And what is up with that girl's neon headband and side pony tail?  I get the look she was going for, but she missed.  Ohhh, good song on Pandora, I minimize my online class website to "like" the song.  I suddenly wish that Pandora has a "I really really like this song" button.  Hmm, wonder why they don't?  I look back at the clock.  Oh dear, really Allison?  You've been here this long and have read one paragraph?

I give up hope of getting any work done and pack up my things.  I know I should be more focused, but I can't help it; coffee shops are so distracting!  They're prime people watching spots, which for me, bring lots of distraction and curiosity.  As I head out of the coffee shop, I notice a cute laptop bag on the girl at the counter.  Ooooh, I wonder where she got that? :)

White Couches and Husbands Don't Mix

When I was a little girl, I couldn't wait to have a white couch. To me, women with white couches were the same women with perfect pink lips, the highest of high heels, and the sweetest of smiles. Women with white couches were women who were so well mannered and so neat, they never spilled or made messes, they just effortlessly existed. So when I moved out on my own, one of my first purchases was a crisp white couch. I'd waited years to be one of these women, and for about three years I was. (This is not to say that I existed effortlessly, lol, but I did manage to keep my red wine, MAC lipgloss, and school supplies off of the couch). My white couch was as gorgeous as I'd always dreamed of. Then I met my husband Matt, and to our delight, we were able to merge our lives and our furniture together. Soon after though, my white couch became my white couch with a spot, then two spots, then several spots. He pointed out the impracticality of a white couch, and I tried to point out what women with white couches represented. He didn't quite get it, and after several movie nights, homework all nighters, and homecooked meals together, my white couch just wasn't the same. So with some well placed subtle comments and gentle prodding, he initiated a trip to Houston to replace my Barbie dream couch with a more practical/man friendly/gray couch (see below). Sigh...it was a hard thing to give up and a hard change to make, but I did manage to get a fuchsia pillow on the practical/man friendly/gray couch. So for now, I'm adjusting to my new couch and hoping I can be the woman I've always dreamed of, even with my practical/man friendly/gray couch.