Always, Sometimes

a title

- January 26 -

today my main squeeze saw my outfit and called me “miss professional” and I said “call me ball buster instead, puhleez.”

I am really into my new role at work.

Wardrobe Sadness

- January 22 -

Whenever I get sad about my wardrobe — which is really only when I wear a great outfit and feel like none other will compare — I clean out my wardrobe.

If 1/3 of it is junk, then I am wasting time looking at junk, right? So I spent time today cleaning and weeding it out. Rotated some tshirts to “don’t wear in public tshirts” and threw things with holes away. Hung up fancy jeans to keep them fresh. And put my clothes back into groups — tops, jackets, etc. it really helps you see everything you have.

Here is a rundown on what I am stocked with:

1) great sweaters. I bought every sweater at banana republic for months. I need no sweaters. Cardigans, pull overs, sweater dresses…I am done.

2) quality denim. The Gap use to fit me well in college. Then something happened, either them or me, and I look like I’m carry an extra pair around my ass. Too much excess fabric. Yet my thighs can hardly breath. I bought good jeans, Joe’s Jeans, and I am so happy.

3) dresses. Cocktails, work, twirly, day to night, sun — I am well with dresses.

4) tights. knee socks. leggings. Even stockings with a garter belt.

5) bras and underwear for the next 2 years.

6) tops. Work tops, tshirts with details ( flutter sleeves, buttons, etc), fancy tops. I spent a lot of time this summer scouting for tops and I am doing well.

7) accessories. I have some great scarves, big necklaces, and plain earrings.

8) outerwear. North Carolina remains warmish, so a wool coat is plenty. Some fall and spring jackets. A pair of gloves. Rain boots, too.

Here is where I lack:

1) work pants. My work pants are teacher pants. Neutral, poor fitting, wrinkle free. I hate them. I want a pair of black skinny pants, or maybe 2. But nothing else. Teacher pants are the worst thing on earth.

2) blazers. I really just want a good black one. Not too many buttons, not too boxy. Just sleek.

3) brown shoes for work. I have my frye boots, which are great, but some outfits need a more subtle look.

I am also saving for a new car, and emergencies. So my budget is slim. Also I have at least 4 plane tickets to buy this year, maybe 5. I am cutting back majorly on a lot. However, I just need to remind myself that in the past two years I have paid for a wedding, a big trip, and paid off 4 credit cards. I can do anything, especially buy a new pair of pants.

- January 17 -

Home

- January 8 -

I am back from a wonderful winter break. Spent Christmas in Paris, and New Years in Barcelona. Saw a lot, ate a lot, and talked a lot with my lovely spouse. Also read four books! I also ate so much gelato and drank so much espresso. What a beautiful trip.

So when I returned home, I made some family decisions with said spouse on life in 2012. I guess they could be “resolutions,” but maybe just things to consider after spending time in another culture, and away from daily routine.

1. Eat more meals together. Often we eat in the same room, but watch TV or use our computers. We need the time to talk, to be together, and to establish some type of end to our day.

2. Choose books over TV. We all know the exception to this is anything on HBO. But we both felt like we were ‘together’ more when we read books side by side than when we watched tv together.

3. Buy only what we need at the store, and buy quality. This is a hard pill to swallow. It is so easy to go grocery shopping and stock up for 2 weeks. But neither of us end up eating half that food, and it either sits around uneaten or rots. Also the quality piece. A bit more pricey than I’d like, but a simple meal of quality ingredients is better than a complex meal of terrible things. So far we bought a few veggies, a nice piece of fish, some great bread, and a small thing of cheese. Shockingly, we’ve had plenty to eat and make meals. So, a happier, easier diet.

4. Dress nicer. This s just for me, really. And it’s not even “nicer” - just wear complete outfits. I used to accessorize, I used to layer, I use to be versatile. I think what happened was exhaustion from 2 years of craziness. I don’t think it requires a wardrobe change, I have everything I need. Just take more in getting dressed. Make “dressing” an event, not a chore.

We talked a lot about our future…a possible move, future education, future travel plans, etc. I just hope I can continue these things over the next year and make them habits.

- January 7 -

http:// →

- December 16 -

i have this same question

- December 8 -

ellenbee:

spampersand:

seanoise:

what even is a box that does not come from the liquor store

however, i do intend to invest in one of these: http://www.uhaul.com/MovingSupplies/Boxes/Clothing-moving-boxes/Grand-Wardrobe-Box?id=6560

 this has blown my mind. did this grandbox exist when i was moving to chicago

When my family moved to Missouri in 1993, they had three of these in the moving van. My brother and I stuffed ourselves into them when finished and rolled down the backyard hill for days. 

Things I Ate This Weekend

- December 4 -

• Southern Fried Calamari 
• A Trio of Salsas
• Homemade Breakfast Pizza - Pasta and Provisions
• Olive sampler 
• Cambozola, Truffle Cheese, and a trio of manchego
• Black Eye Pea Falafel 
• Carrot salad 
• Hummus with THE MOST AMAZING CELERY I’VE EVER HAD 
• (has that sentence ever been stated before???)
• Black bean burger with chipotle mayo 
• Wheat bagel with egg and cream cheese 
• Leftover cold pizza
• Baked potato with tons of sour cream 
• A delicious brownie 
• and a lot of whiskey 

Now this week will be filled with steel cut oats, proteins and greens. I mean, ok. I did get a great brownie and a lot of whiskey. 

sunday

I’m going to sit on this couch for a while at do nothing. Absolutely nothing. 

A Life Saver