Tripping Through the Fields

Yesterday I got all dressed up, played makeup with a friend and went to the park where I froze for fashion. Not the Park Hyatt, not The Park at 14th, not even Park City, Utah. Just the dog park.

I just turned 12 again

Staying in Italy

Biscuits and Tea decided to stay in Italy. So read her cute little DC cousin, Dekan.

Why I Haven't Been Blogging

too busy cuddling with Charlie. I'll be back one day...

Our Last Night

And if the sun comes up, if the sun comes up, if the sun comes up and I still don't wanna stagger home
Then it's the memory of our betters
that are keeping us on our feet.

graduation day

It's official, I am Master... of fashion that is!

A Simple Question

My hair... blond or brown?

I can't decide, but come Friday something is happening to it.

Behold the Power of the Bra

I just read online that according to a poll conducted by the British dept. store Debenhams, the Wonderbra, and all push-up bras, are the greatest fashion invention ever.

It actually beat out the mini skirt and bootcut jeans! And better yet, the Debenhams' spokesperson called the push-up bra a "weapon for millions of women across the world."

Hahaha, more like a weapon of mass disappointment when the guy realizes it was all just smoke and mirrors!

I Really Did Miss Starbucks

crowls: think this is 98% cause you moved to Italy: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88650776&ft=1&f=1003

me: yes it is! they should be thrilled to know i arrive in a week

crowls: We shall have your welcome home party in starbucks.

me: how fun would that be! with little midgets passing around fraps

crowls: ha! love it.

Seeing Green

Outrageous
When I move my body Outrageous
When I'm at a party
Outrageous
In my sexy jeans
Outrageous
When I'm on the scene
Outrageous

Saying Bye to Grandpa

When Grandpa’s cancer starting to get worse, everyone knew that he didn’t have a lot of time, including him. Usually the only time I talked to him on the phone was when he called my Dad’s house, or on holidays when I couldn’t be there. But it was around this time that I started calling him once or twice a week. He was always so cute, so honest, telling me if it is was a good day or a bad day.

On Monday, after one of our calls, I immediately phoned my dad. “I want to come home this weekend to see Grandpa.” And four days later I boarded a plane. I have a hard enough time saying goodbye to someone I won’t see for a few months. But saying goodbye to someone, I mean really saying goodbye, that is an even harder concept to grasp.

Saturday night my Dad, Linda and I met up with my aunt, uncle and three cousins for martinis. We laughed a lot, drank more and told silly stories. The next morning my cousin picked me up and we headed to see Grandpa. Groggy from the previous night, we stopped for Starbucks and in a way to kill just a little more time.

We went to his house and despite him being there and awake, we never got to see him. Two rooms away had never felt like such a distance. After an hour of sitting in the kitchen, waiting, we left. I got back to my Dad’s, took one look at him, and burst into tears, explaining that I never got to see Grandpa. That I never got to say goodbye. I had told him two days earlier on the phone that I as coming. I didn’t want him to think I lied.

Getting on a plane back to DC that afternoon, I had never felt such a heavy heart. It was saying goodbye to someone before they were gone. Being forced to let go when you didn’t have to. Being cheated out of hugging someone for the last time. Driving back to my apartment from the airport I let out a scream that came from a depth in my heart that I didn’t even know existed. I had never been that angry before and have never been that angry since.

Grandpa died about three weeks later, a few days after my sister’s wedding. That was his goal -- to make it to her wedding. And even though he wasn’t there in being, he was there in every other way.

I am not sure what made me remember this, the time of year maybe. But I do know what makes me remember Grandpa… the smell of cigars, Klondike ice cream bars, scratchy wool, and anything golf related. If I had one wish in life I would be to go back to that afternoon, march into Grandpa’s room and give him that hug goodbye that I never got to give.

What I've Been Bopping To

Saturday Night Dinners

Stay out super late tonightpicking apples, making pies
put a little something in our lemonade and take it with us
we’re half-awake in a fake empire

hahahaha...

it would be even more funny if I was married.

Decisions, Decisions

Some things never change. Like the feeling of sleeping in your old bed. Or the taste of nutter-butter sandwiches. Or, you know, my love of the blackberry.

But I am stumped. Do I want shiney silver or red? I am serious, I can't decide.

How I Know You Are Old

You know you are getting old when instead of sneaking a bottle of wine into the movies in your purse, it's a thermos of tea. Camomile... because if you drink caffeine past 3pm you won't sleep.

I Miss You THIS Much

Last night I decided to organize all of the pictures on my computer. Which led to looking through all of the pictures on my computer. Which led to remembering last spring. Which was WAY too much fun! As was winter, fall and summer... Today I am missing my friends terribley... it is cold and windy outside, I am over doing work and wish I could wrap myself up in hugs from all of you!

See you in a few weeks.

kisses,
me

Where is the Fashion?

Two reasons why DC isn't ready for its own fashion week:

Scene 6. Act 5: The Theater

Apparently nowhere in the city is safe. Including the theater, where last night the American girl had to swiftly duck down in an aisle to avoid yet another run-in with The Norwegian. But a girl can only pretend to rummage through her purse for so long and eventually she had to come up for air. Luckily he was seated off-center a few rows ahead, where she was out of sight and he was in perfect sight.

In the middle of the movie her friend leaned over and whispered in her ear, "He IS cute, especially in those glasses." The American girl just smiled and turned her attention to the action on the screen. Later, after the movie ended and the coast was clear, she turned to that same friend and said, "He IS cute. Too bad his personality doesn't match."

End scene.

Taking it Old School

(that was for you Homefry!)

Scene 6. Act 4: The Dive

Strolling through the sunday market in the park, the American girl suddenly dives behind a rack of clothes to avoid walking face-first into The Norwegian. As she peeks out through polyester and cheap denim to make sure he has passed, her friend stands and laughs. Sure they just saw each other on friday night, but a sunday encounter would be breaking all no-contact-during-daytime rules. Plus how would she introduce him when she still isn't sure of his actual name (she has taken to simply calling him Heathcliff, after the character from Wuthering Heights).

Bag Addictions

I was never crazy for Coach, really went ga-ga for Gucci or pleaded for Prada. But for some reason I am in a frenzy over Furla. Though there is no denying that the 50% off price tag doesn't hurt the cause!

Rules for March

1. champagne is a breakfast drink when mixed with orange juice
2. putting cheese on bread removes all of the carbohydrates
3. it is not considered being late if you left on time but decided to walk the long way
4. saying no just because you simply don't feel like it is totally acceptable
5. any unreturned emails that have been sitting in your in-box for longer than a week no longer exist.
6. no more cover up on pimples. you know it isn't working anyway.
7. no money will be spent on other people's weddings until you have bought yourself something very fabulous, and very unnecessary.

kisses.. spring is almost here!
me

The Satorialist Comes to DC

The Sartorialist takes the most amazing photos on earth. And now his exhibit is moving from NYC to DC.

Here's the scoop:
The Satorialist
March 15th - April 26th, 2008
Adamson Gallery
1515 14th Street

See you there... actually something tells me I will be there a few times.

If You Don't Like It, Don't Do It

Surrounding myself by fashion, you would think that I'd be used to bitchy people by now. But what I have actually noticed is that the people that claim to hate everything fashion stands for, even though they chose to be here, are actually the worst. What, with their anti-this and anti-that. Ugh, enough already. At least the divas in their Gucci's and Prada prance around with pride.

Just saying...

(was that bitchy? I totally didn't mean to be.)

Diamonds and Cardio

I love a good accessory. Usually several good accessories all thrown together. EXCEPT when I am working out. This evening at the tail-end of my run I looked down at my hand and realized that I was still wearing the ruby and diamond ring that I had inherited from my grandma. Considering that we weren't allowed in the house if we even referred to her basement as anything other than the "great room", I don't think she would have been pleased at me sweating all over her jewels. What's next... yoga in my mom's wedding dress?

Florence in Black and White

So I walk right up to you
And you walk right up to me
And I ask you what you want
And you tell me what you need

Desperately Seeking Kira

I have been obsessing over this red Pinko dress for the past two weeks. So much, in fact, that I'm having the Florence store call all over Italy trying to find my size. It isn't cheap, but it fits perfectly, shows the right amount of skin and masks that alcohol bloat you get after drinking your way through a wedding reception.

You can imagine my surprise when today I discovered that new design phenom Kira Plastinina has almost the exact same one in her collection. The only difference is that hers costs about a quarter of the price... and that is before you convert euros to dollars! The only question is where do I find her and how do I get one, STAT!

Science for Big Kids

Last night I decided to test the theory and see if vodka does in fact kill a cold. And while I still woke up with the sniffles and sneezing, I wasn't the least bit headachy or groggy. So now I am thinking that maybe a cold kills the hangover. Which I totally buy, but where does the olive tie into all of this?

What a Million is Worth

I saw this on SFist.com and thought it was worth stealing. Pretty interesting, huh?

Converstions Part 5: Me and My Tea

I rolled over, lifted my head from my pillow and groaned as my aching head reminded me why that last bottle of wine was in fact a bad idea. For the past few days I had been fighting back little whisps of wanting to cry, and so I got over it the only way I knew how... filling up the hours of my day. A picnic, errands, dinner, drinks.

Part of me just wanted to stay in bed all day. Hide from the sunshine and cold that was calling from outside. Instead I did some yoga and went to meet friends. Coffee turned into sitting in the sunshine along the Arno. Sitting turned into window shopping. And window shopping turned into gelato and hot chocolate. Walking home, I looked around and got a wave of sadness, because I knew something really great was about to end. Something I would never get back. I remember feeling that way right before I left DC. Then I remembered why it was my least favorite feeling.

After dinner I crawled into bed and started watching TV. With my tea in one hand and remote in the other I felt the tears creep up. And so this time I let them come. Not because I was sad. Not because I was lonely. Just, because...

Saturdays in the Sun

Come on let's go to where it's fun
I want a slice of L.A. sun
So come along and pay the price
This ain't New York this tasty slice

You are Such a Lush

If there is one product line I can't say enough about it is Lush. You literally haven't taken a bath until you have tried one of their bubble bars or bath bombs (today I used the Sex Bomb!). My hairdresser for me hooked a few years ago and today my roommate surprised me with a Lush goody bag (yes, they have a Lush in Florence!) The best part is that their products are all handmade and smell super yummy.
Trust me, this is one case where it is good to be a lush!

Buon San Valentino

Late Night Texting

11:43 pm
To: SaucySister
From: me
Yesterday I was in Rome, tonight I am watching a Danish band play. Can I not keep this up a little longer?

12:07 am
To: SaucySister
From: me
Shaking my booty to the Ravonettes. I had forgotten how happy live music makes me.

12:16am
To:SaucySister
From: me
It is v day here. Eat chocolate for me.

Typical Everyday Conversation

me: how did your date go last week?

littleboyblue: really well. she was engaged to a woman at one point which I found fascinating

me: omg! are you serious?

littleboyblue: yeah

littleboyblue: BTW you cannot appreciate what a miserable day it is outside

me: oh it is freezing here! and I am fat. stt

littleboyblue: well put on a sweater and lose weight

Who's That Girl?

It literally took me a few moments to figure out who the two girls on this cover were.Then I read the big orange letters and it clicked!

The Mystery (shopping) Continues

Today I went to Rome to do the last of my mystery shopping for school. I got sad when we were leaving because I realized that I wouldn't be back for a long time.

Covered in Hearts

Today I went mystery shopping for my project and ended up coming home with a bag full of pretty little underthings for myself. I mean, I may not have anyone to dress up cute for this Valentine's Day, but that doesn't mean I can't still look cute.

Soup for Dinner

It's cold and I am hungry, so I decided to try out a new soup recipe today. Aside from my entire apt. smelling like curry, it turned out great. I think foodnetwork.com is my new best friend.

Curried Carrot Soup
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped
1 1/2 pounds packaged baby carrots, from produce section
6 cups chicken stock, available on soup aisle
1 tablespoon mild curry paste or 1 1/2 tablespoons curry powder
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Coarse salt
1 cup sour cream
Preheat medium pot over medium high heat. Add olive oil, butter, onions and carrots and saute 5 minutes. Add 4 cups chicken stock, curry and cayenne, and about 1 teaspoon salt to the pot. Bring to a boil, cover and cook until carrots are very tender, about 15 minutes. Place pot on a trivet next to food processor. Process soup in 2 or 3 small batches until soup is smooth and carrots are fully pureed. Transfer processed soup into a large bowl as you work to make room for more soup in the food processor. Return completed soup to the soup pot and place back over low heat. If the soup is too thick, add remaining stock, up to 2 cups, to achieve desired consistency. Adjust seasonings.

But be careful... it comes out VERY spicy! I actually added some plain yogurt to cut it down a bit.

mmmmmmmmmm, enjoy!

3 Things I Realized on My Way to School:

1. I was the one who put that box of cereal in my bed last night
2. it is ok to rock out to Good Charlotte and not be ashamed
3. biking in heels never stops being fun

A Public Service Announcement

Wear your seatbelts kiddies.
ALWAYS.

Listen to mommy on this one.

safety covered kisses!

A Little Spring in Your Step

It is going to be almost 60 degrees here today and I woke up with the urge (which I am going to try to repress) to shop. While I try not to spend too much, you can check out my Top 5 Trends for Spring here.

I am also going to try to find the person who thought it was a good idea to bring colored denim back and personally hit them over the head. Red jeans only look good on two people in this world. You and I are not one of them.

Get Down, Get Down

i came here to make you dance tonight
i don't care if I'm a guilty pleasure for you
shut up cause we won't stop
and we're getting down till the sun's coming up