Thursday, November 29, 2012

The joys of marriage

Thursday, November 29, 2012
I recently discovered the joys of marriage. I'd like to share a few.

Handyman, cook, best friend all in one: my husband.

No need to shave my legs more than once a week because he doesn't care and despite of what we may see in the movies our passionate love making doesn't include him running his hands up and down my legs.  Side note: Shave your legs at least once a week though.

Knowing that I am no longer alone and that there's someone who loves me unconditionally other than my immediate family . . . at least for the time being.

Someone to discuss bowel movements with . . . this is what my husband does and I have no choice but to listen but now he thinks I am the best listener.  Yay me!

Pillow talk . . . this is probably my favorite.

Compromise and negotiation.  Growing up my parents dictated the rules and I followed them.  I tried to negotiate once but my dad caught on that I wasn't trying to keep up my end of the bargain and all negotiations were terminated.  My hubby hasn't caught on yet . . . sneaky, sneaky me but he thinks I'm cute so I'm good . . . for now.

I make up random celebrations ie: day-versaries, monthaversaries etc. etc.

I've learned that even though I consider V a good husband for a number of reasons, he's kind, he's patient, he's loyal, he takes care of me etc. etc., he only thinks I'm a good wife because I don't bitch about him watching football Thursday- Monday ( I don't for the most part), I listen to his funny stories and I don't complain about much.  Oh, he also says I'm a good wife because I care about him and I understand him.  That came as an after thought.

I think it's good that he considers me a good wife for those reasons though because I'm obviously a good woman or else he wouldn't have married me but it's those little things that make a difference.  Who wants to be someone who complains all the time? Why am I going to pick a fight over something petty?  It doesn't make sense.  I mean, I may once in a while if I am starving for attention but that brings excitement to our day to day routine so my dramatisms* are actually a plus in this relationship.  Once you're married you have to learn to pick your battles.  Trust.

Oh, the first year of living together sucked by the way.  I think George Carlin said it best: Have you ever noticed that their stuff is shit and your shit is stuff?

It's hard being lovers and friends.  It's hard being partners.  It's mostly hard because I can be really self involved sometimes but thankfully I've found a man who thinks my random rants are cute . . . I think everything about him is cute.

By the way we've only been married three years and we don't have any kids yet.  I'll keep you posted on how I feel in a few months.

*dramatisms - dramatic antics.

And now the pics . . .

We had our weekly date night.  Guess what I wore? My onesie.  I paired it with a black boyfriend blazer and black booties . . .

Aqua blazer similar one found here.






Wednesday, November 28, 2012

My favorite season

Wednesday, November 28, 2012
My favorite season is the fall. I love the changing color of the foliage. Everything seems so fresh and new. I know most people experience this in the spring but for me it's the fall. A new school year. I loved school so the fall was always an exciting time for me. A new season of prime time. Cliffhangers are resolved and we reconnect with our favorite characters, but my favorite season of all has to be the Sale season!

It's officially here! The sale I look forward to every year. The Neiman Marcus designer sale. Every year I scoop up at least 2 pairs of shoes. I once bought a pair of Louboutins for $330!

I have developed a relationship over the last few years with R, my favorite shoe guy, at Neiman's so he usually texts me shoes I may like and put's them aside for me. I suggest you befriend someone ASAP.

Shopping the sale takes a lot of effort. If there's a hot shoe or bag that I've been eyeing that I suspect will go on sale I have to scoop it up as soon as it's marked down because chances are someone else has been eyeing it too. For everything else I usually wait until after Christmas because then they add an additional 40% off.

For the most part you can always pin-point what will go on sale. For example a very trendy shoe or handbag.

Exhibit A.

Luna Moon Face Pump



Chances of you finding a Very Prive Louboutin on sale is unlikely but you may score a studded Manolo.

BB BO Studded Snake-Insole Pump


I also know that the Balenciaga bags that go on sale are usually the suedes and the pastels.

I may make my way to Neiman's later but there's nothing I really need or want but it may be nice to get lost in a sea of shoes and handbags. Prada, Jimmy Choo, YSL . . . could this be heaven?

Good luck this sale season and may the odds be forever in your favor! Also check out the Barneys sale.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Put out the cheese . . .

Sunday, November 25, 2012
My friends ask for my opinion all the time. I guess they value what I have to say. Like the other day my friend said she was getting off birth control so I shared all my expertise on condoms. Ok, maybe she didn't ask for my opinion but I couldn't help myself.  :D Are emoticons allowed when blogging?

Today I'm giving you my opinion on onesies. I have come to the conclusion that everyone should own a onesie. They keep you warm in winter and people compliment how cute you look.

I love sweats. They are so comfy. I just wish they were more socially acceptable. A girlfriend of mine told me her boyfriend won't let her leave the house in sweats. Sometimes it's really cold and I have to run errands. I don't want to dress up to go to the dry cleaners and the bank. No señor.

I'm still in search of the perfect pair of sweats but in the meantime I've found refuge in this jumpsuit/onesie from ASOS.  My favorite thing about this jumpsuit is that you can actually dress it up or down.  It's very versatile . . . look forward to all the different ways I wear this onesie.  Just wait.

And now the pics . . . Onesie found here



At CVS with Santa


At the Target Starbucks 


Eating Pho

My impersonation of a mouse



Friday, November 23, 2012

The League

Friday, November 23, 2012
I hope everyone had a great holiday!

I have realized that I have become extremely resentful towards fantasy football.  One, I was not allowed to join V's league this year.  The guys vetoed it.  Probably because they were afraid of my skills.  Two, I've come to the realization that fantasy football promotes trash talking, discrimination and disloyalty.  Those are the makings of a great reality show not football! Three, it takes up V's entire weekend and there's no time left for me.

Disloyalty is my main problem.  If you're going to hate, you're going to hate.  It is what it is but when all of a sudden your opinions change and you're rooting for a team you previously hated because you picked up their defense . . .. ahhh! That's so annoying!  I come from an era of keeping grudges against your rival team.  I spent most of the 90s hating the Utah Jazz.  I'm from Houston.  A Rockets fan.  So now fantasy sports come along and I'm supposed to just put my hatred aside? I can't . . . I just can't.

It's changed the game. I tell ya.  I have to admit it promotes competition which is good for the game.

I really like football and sports in general. Go Texans!

Oh and that Texas win yesterday was legitimate.  The Lions had every chance in the world to redeem themselves and they didn't.  Even though I agree that the rule needs to be changed.  I still don't quite understand it.

Other things I enjoy include reading, blogging, shopping, traveling and working.  What do you like to do?

On a completely unrelated note as a black Friday special I've decided to list my listings on eBay for $10, $20 and $30 with $2 shipping! Find me! almie2282

My favorite trash talker . . . Ruxin


Riggle's change of heart . . . the first 16 seconds.









Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thursday, November 22, 2012
It's Thanksgiving!! Well, not in Canada.  Canadian Thanksgiving was in October. The pilgrims were thankful for harvest and the Canadian explorers were thankful for surviving the voyage from England to Canada.  I'm not an expert on Canadian traditions.  I read it in Wikipedia.

This year I'm grateful for a lot of things. I'm grateful for the lessons learned this year.  I'm grateful for my wonderful family and friends. I'm grateful for the very best husband. I'm grateful for having the opportunity to follow my dreams. I'm grateful for all the new people in my life that bring me happiness like my little friend N, who I met this year and bonded with in Morocco.  I'm extremely grateful for this life I'm living with all the good and the bad it's my life and I feel very blessed.

Also, I'm grateful to be one of the editor's picks of the day on bloggers.com! Thanks everyone!

If you plan on shopping tomorrow don't forget to check out the Black Friday website so you can formulate a game plan or you can wait like me and shop on Cyber Monday.   For all you fashionistas Cusp.com has an additional 20% off sale items today and if you're into fancy furniture Horchow has up to 40% off on their website.

What are you grateful for?

                         

I was watching the Thanksgiving day parade on CBS this morning and here's a super easy, last minute apple pie recipe.  In case you're in charge of dessert here goes . . .

I copied this recipe directly from the Pillsbury website . . . it's the same one CBS used.  It received great reviews!

Perfect Apple pie recipe

Crust
1
box Pillsbury® refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box
Filling*
6
cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (6 medium)
3/4
cup sugar
2
tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4
teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4
teaspoon salt
1/8
teaspoon ground nutmeg
1
tablespoon lemon juice
  1. Heat oven to 425°F. Place 1 pie crust in ungreased 9-inch glass pie plate. Press firmly against side and bottom.
  2. In large bowl, gently mix filling ingredients; spoon into crust-lined pie plate. Top with second crust. Wrap excess top crust under bottom crust edge, pressing edges together to seal; flute. Cut slits or shapes in several places in top crust.
  3. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is golden brown. Cover edge of crust with 2- to 3-inch wide strips of foil after first 15 to 20 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning. Cool on cooling rack at least 2 hours before serving.
*Two cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling can be substituted for the filling.
Caramel-Pecan Apple Pie: Immediately after removing pie from oven, drizzle with 1/3 cup caramel ice cream topping. Sprinkle with 2 to 4 tablespoons chopped pecans.Perfect Apple Pie
My co-worker raves about his leftover turkey soup. He's given me the recipe so many times but I have yet to make it and I misplaced it so here's one I found from the food network to make tomorrow.  Next day Turkey soup.  HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

DIY: headpiece

Wednesday, November 21, 2012
When I think of Nicole Richie, I automatically think: boho chic and picture her in a headpiece.  I usually just wear a headband and wear it across my forehead.  Recently I was looking online and wanted to purchase one but they can be pretty pricey.  Idea time! I decided to make my own.  These are all materials I already had.  I like to make jewelry.  I took a jewelry making class in 6th grade.  All the supplies were purchased at Michael's.  

This is a recipe for a very simple head piece.  :)

You will need:
1. Chain

Inspiration
                                 


It's quite easy. Sorry my nails are a mess! 

1. Measure the chain around your head.



2. Cut it


3. Hook it at the designated spot.






4. First hook is done around head then hook the second one going across the top.

                                         



5. Voila!


Now you can leave as is or you can spice it up.  I think I'm going to add more detail to the front but in the meantime I had a spare Swarovski earring (I lost the other) and I attached it to the front.  

                                   


                                     


What do you think?




Next time I wear it I'll post more polished pictures!!!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Chatter

Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Everyone seems to be talking about their period.  Since when? Last week New Girl devoted an entire episode to Mensies.  Mensies? Really? Is that what we are calling it these days.  Why can't we maintain our anonymity during this very annoying time.  One time I needed tampons but I was so lazy and annoyed that I literally almost drove through the CVS pharmacy drive-thru and asked for some, but then I felt guilty for being so lazy that I went inside.

It used to be that the thought of a new outfit, a new purse, a new pair of shoes, going out, a trip etc. etc. excited me but these days the thought of a baby excites me! I think I'm growing up ladies and gents.  I am excited!  I even started planning my own baby shower in my head.  I hope God blesses us with a healthy baby. I've had two dreams about us having a baby.  One last week and one last night and in both dreams we had a baby boy.  I'm not pregnant yet but we'll see what happens next year!

I've never shopped on Black Friday and I don't think I will his year either.  I however am a big fan of Cyber Monday. Here's a link to cybermonday.com.

Here are some of the things that currently excite me . . . babies too but I don't want to post random pictures of babies.

Meet Lucinda and company.  Available on Net-a-porter
Charlotte Olympia Lucinda suede and metallic leather ankle boots    Isabel Marant Berry suede and leather boots  Charlotte Olympia The Dolly suede platform pumps  Giuseppe Zanotti Cutout-wedge metallic leather sandals

Lucinda, Isabel Marant, The Dolly, Giuseppe Zanotti


Just thought I'd share some of my rambling thoughts with you guys and the universe.  What excites you?











Saturday, November 17, 2012

Caviar

Saturday, November 17, 2012
I love caviar, smoked salmon, salmon, sushi, tilapia, shrimp, all seafood except raw oysters. *shivers*

I'm not going to bore you with my love of fish. Nemo. Why don't we talk about nails instead?

The caviar manicure. I am really digging it. I've been meaning to make my way to sephora to scoop it up but no time!

I was walking through Lord and Taylor on my way to Starbucks and there it was the Ciaté Caviar Manicure. $25. Maybe a little steep but I was dying to try it. Then I saw that it only lasts up to 48 hours so I reconsidered. I went home and instead created this!

Not the same effect but almost. I used glitter that I'd purchased at Michael's for $1, essie's wicked and Sally Hansen's hard as nails clear top cot. Voila!

I'm still going to purchase the kit at some point. Maybe for NYE.

The goal is to achieve the 3D, feminine effect that the caviar mani would give you without spending a fortune. What do you think?

I used an old concealer brush to apply the glitter or you can just sprinkle the glitter on top.  I think the latter works best.

Here's a link to Ciate.

Step 1. Apply nail polish.
Step 2. Apply glitter with small brush while nail polish is still wet.
Step 3. Apply top coat
Step 4. Let air dry
Step 5. Wash excess glitter off.
Step 6. Repeat steps 1-4 to receive desired effect.

Sorry, I should have cleaned the edges and applied lotion but I got so excited.  I couldn't wait to share!!!

And now the pics . . .

What do you think?







Friday, November 16, 2012

Can men and women be friends?

Friday, November 16, 2012
I was recently watching an episode of Wendy Williams and she posed the question: can men and women be friends?  I immediately thought: yes thinking of all my male relationships. Then I realized wait, all my male friends are either married or in committed relationships. Then I realized she meant can either sex be friends if a.) one is single and the other is not or b.) if both parties are single.

Hmmm. I don't know.

Take for example exhibit A my male and former best friend, C.  He says I'm his 3rd best friend. I've been demoted because I'm married. Anyway he's had a physical relationship with each of his single girlfriends. They cuddle and exchange saliva.

Exhibit B. My friend, J. She has a slew of male friends but wait . . . they are all interested in dating her, they have dated or she considers them prospective male companions.

Exhibit C. Myself. Last year my hubby confronted me about still bring friends with a former flame. My response: sometimes I get bored and want attention. What?! I was being completely honest. This man served no other purpose in my life other than to boost my ego when V wasn't willing to put up with my shenanigans. Needless to say I deleted his number shortly after.

So, in my opinion unless human beings are completely rewired and stop feeling attraction towards the opposite sex then no, men and women cannot be friends.

Think about it.  At some point you found yourself crushing on that "friend". It's true. When you're 16 the last thing you want is a friend of the opposite sex. You want to date the opposite sex. You only want to be friends or talk to the good looking people hoping to become more than friends.

When you're between the ages of 25 and 35 you're probably looking for your soul mate so no time to just be friends.

At the age of 40 most of your relationships are established. Why would you want more friends?

At the age of 50 the only reason you'd be looking to make more friends is because you're either going through a mid life crisis or a divorce.  In the end it's not really a friend you're looking for at all.  Is it?

I think that if you happen to be friends with someone of the opposite sex it is purely coincidental or you started off dating and are now friends but that hardly ever happens.

And have we not learned anything from rom-coms? If you spend enough time with said friend chances are you'll fall for each other.

So once again. I don't think men and women can be friends if A.) one of the parties is still single and B.) if both parties are single.

You can be friends if the single friend is friend of the couple.  That works for the most part.  I don't want to get into "my best friend stole my husband" horror stories.

What do you think?  Can men and women be friends?

I now leave you with my favorite "friends".

The cast of Friends nearly all dated each other. Monica had a crush on Joey when they first met. She went on to marry Chandler. Rachelle dated both Joey and Ross.



It's only a matter of time before Nick and Jess hook up.  


It was inevitable that Penny and Leonard would get together



Robin and Ted, Robin and Barney

Voice Your Choice: People's Choice Awards 2013

Bones and Booth


Gossip Girl.  I forgot who dated who but I think they've all slept with each other



Who are your favorite prime time friends turned couple?

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Shopping and selling with apps

Thursday, November 15, 2012
I'm moving back home at the end of the month and I am determined to start fresh. It's so hard! Also,  I've decided that I only want to shop on eBay and thrift stores. There's nothing like a great find. It's a challenge really. Can I really only shop at those places? Probably not but I'm going to try. I've sold a significant amount on eBay and still no dent in my closet so I downloaded Poshmark. Poshmark is a free app. It's super easy. You take pics upload them and wait for your followers to either share or buy. It's been slow. I joined last week and so far sold one thing. When you first sign up you automatically follow people based on your interests. Pretty cool.  There's also parties you can join to either shop or list things. What I do is list my listings on both eBay and Poshmark. Then update my listings as they sell.

eBay is good but for beginners it's kind of annoying. Listing fees, reviews and pending funds. Poshmark makes it super easy. It keeps 20% and as soon as your item sells and the buyer receives it your money becomes available. You can use that money for purchases or request the funds. Poshmark also has standard shipping and they email you prepaid postage.  eBay keeps 9% of earnings and it's associated with pay pal. No pay pal with Poshmark.

There's also Hipswap and Threadflip. Both apps. Hipswap charges a 3.5 % fee. I hear threadflip charges a 20% fee but sends you shipping materials. That's cool too. Makes it easier. I have yet to try those but I think I'm going to start listing things there soon. I really want to get rid of at least 80% of my things. I'm over having so much stuff. I don't need it. I don't want it.  Keep in mind that even though Poshmark and Threadflip have higher commissions they make things a bit more convenient.

These are all top rated apps. Check out the reviews. These are all great ways of purchasing things at a fraction of the price. Be stylish but save money! Good luck selling or shopping!

Don't forget to shop my closet on Poshmark @almie and find me on eBay: almie2282.

And now the pics . . . of the apps . . . from my phone . . . screen shots.






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