"Don't Blog About That."

This weekend was one for the books. I had a great time BBQ-ing and going out on the town with friends on Friday. Then Saturday, brunch at Social House led to an all-day pool fest. But, what else can you do when it's 106 degrees outside???

Perhaps the things said to me the most yesterday were "Don't blog about that" or "Blog about it." Seems that my friends find it entertaining that I've taken to blogging. I know I'm a dork...I never said otherwise! Haha It was an incredibly fun couple of days, to say the least.

Today, I saw Sex and the City 2 with two of my best friends, Mindy and Casey. I had heard it wasn't very good (the media even nicknamed it Sucks and the City), but I actually really enjoyed it! There were some SERIOUSLY cheesy parts, but all in all it was entertaining.

I've been reading Candace Bushnell's new book The Carrie Diaries. It's a prequel to Sex and the City and is about Carrie's days in high school. It isn't the best book I've ever read by any means, but I find it fun to picture Sarah Jessica Parker much younger, running around in '80's garb.

I saw on E! News the other day that they are already discussing making it into a movie. I think it's a great idea, but I gagged on my cereal when I heard who they're considering to play the young Carrie...brace yourselves...MILEY CYRUS!!! I might jump off a building if they cast her. Not that I have anything against her music. I mean, who didn't jam out to "Party in the USA" all last winter? (She's just bein' Miley.) But, I absolutely refuse to pay $8.00 to watch her talk for 2 hours. Something about her mouth and teeth REALLY bothers me.

On another note, if you haven't seen her video for "Can't Be Tamed", you should watch it. By the looks of it, she's trying to shake that Disney image. Good luck, Miley.

It's the Small Things in Life

I had a great day today. Nothing particularly spectacular happened, yet it was a great day. I got up early, did some work, and put in a few volunteer hours for Jr League. On my way home, I decided to top off my fabulous day by picking up my fabulous ring that I hadn't been able to stop thinking about. To say that I am obsessed would be an understatement...

Maybe today was such a good day because I was still on a high from last night. My sister surprised me by showing up in my city! I got to enjoy some time with she and her boss, Lindsay. They were in town for market. I feel lucky to have seen them because they were here for less than 24 hours.

Lindsay and her mom own a store in Houston, called Muse, and my sister is a buyer/merchandiser there. They have the most wonderful, fun things! If you live in or around H-Town you really should stop in. I can never visit without buying something (or several somethings!).

Valerie, Lindsay and I had so much fun chatting--spending most of the time telling our worst dating stories. While we were talking, I thought to myself, "Someone should write all these down and turn them into a book." Then, I remembered, "Oh yeah, someone already did." It's called Sex and the City. Candace Bushnell totally stole my idea. OH WELL! Better luck next time.

Happy Weekend/Happy Hour.

Happily Never After?

Did you hear? The Gores are getting a divorce after 40 years of marriage. How sad is that? According to the news story I was just reading, their divorce has already been added to Wikipedia. The story also noted some statistics about divorce that we've all heard before (couples who fight about money are more likely to divorce blah blah blah), but why after 40 years of getting through so much together would they just all of a sudden call it quits? Somehow I doubt it had anything to do with money.

Perhaps, my short time on earth doesn't lend me much perspective on this subject. After all, they were married for close to double the amount of years I've been alive! Which suddenly makes me feel very childlike...

On E! News today (yes, I watch it almost every day...sue me) they made some pretty mean but pretty clever jokes about Al not saving the environment and now not being able to save his marriage. They also mentioned that Al and Tipper have three adult children. It reminded me of something my Dad once told me. He was telling me how one of his friends wasn't getting along with his wife. The couple I'm referencing had apparently discussed the possibility of separating or divorcing once their kids had all left the nest. Maybe The Gores had a similar agreement?? I guess I would need to find out how "adult" their children really are before analyzing any further.

Am I being Debbie Downer or what?

On a lighter note, I saw the turquoise cocktail ring of my dreams today. I found it at this little store in Dallas called La Mariposa. They specialize in Mexican clothing and decor (the store is painted PINK, how could I not go in?), but had the most amazing selection of turquoise jewelry! I guess I should have expected that? The owner was so welcoming and we discussed our upcoming vacations to Florida and the effects of the never-ending oil spill on our plans. I didn't buy the ring on the spot (mistake!!!), but I haven't stopped thinking about it for hours, which in my book signifies that it is worth having.

Sweet dreams, friends. I'll now be watching "Glee" on TiVo until my eyes close. My best to The Gores!

Memorial Day is Such a Trickster

The weird thing about Memorial Day is that it is deceiving. Deceiving in the fact that it is a Monday dressed up like a Sunday.

I am almost too exhausted to think right now, but I had to discuss the wonderful weekend I just returned from. I spent the past 3 days on a lake in The Promised Land (aka Oklahoma, in case you're out of the loop). I was ON A BOAT! I honestly can't remember the last time I had so much fun or laughed so hard. It also helped me to remember the value of making new friends and catching up with old ones.

I also had a major life accomplishment while at the lake. For those who are close to me, you know about my deathly fear of all water sports. And I mean ALL water sports. Let's just say that my friends always joke that doing cannonballs off the boat is my idea of a water sport (and they're right). But, this weekend was different. I'm not sure what came over me, but I decided to try wake boarding! I'm sure it was incredibly unimpressive to those who watched from the boat, considering I never even made it all the way up, but I am ecstatically proud of myself for even trying. I conquered my fear and that is what matters :)

Sorry there are no pictures to share today. There is a good video of last night's festivities floating around out there, but I'll leave that to someone else to make it an internet sensation...

P.S. ghost stories...

My Day With Miss Mindy

Today, I got a real treat. And no, I am not referring to the premier episode of "So You Think You Can Dance," even though I am EXTREMELY excited that my favorite show is back for a brand new season (it truly feels like summer because of it). No, the treat I am referring to was my day volunteering with my friend Mindy's 4th Grade class.

Since the school year is winding down, they're looking for ways to entertain the kids. So, the 4th Grade teachers scheduled a play day in the park for today, and last week Mindy asked if I would mind coming to help. I accepted (obviously) and it ended up being a very entertaining and fun day.

Along with witnessing Mindy and some of the girls in her class school (no pun intended) a bunch of little boys in a soccer game, I also came away with a few photographic gems, including the one below.

That would be Mindy, another one of the teachers, and a couple of their kids climbing a giant rope mountain. This was taken from my place on the swings, which has always been my FIRST CHOICE on the playground.

I was so impressed by how in control and assertive Mindy was with her kids. And although they all obviously respect her authority, there is a nice camaraderie between them. The "cool girls" in her class are especially funny. I even got to see their dance from the talent show, which in case you are wondering was set to "Telephone" by Lady Gaga and Beyonce...and yes, their performance was complete with the rap section performed by their lead dancer. Quite the little stars! Kids are so funny.

Out of my seven best friends two of them are elementary school teachers and, as of today, I have gotten to visit both of their classrooms to see them in action. Shouldn't I get some kind of friendship award for this???? I sure think so :)

I will now return to watching So You Think You Can Dance and packing for my weekend at the lake.

Happy Memorial Day, kids!

The Hills Are Alive...

The newest episodes of The Hills and The City aired last night. In case you missed it (which you should be really ashamed of), Brody Jenner introduced a new GF on the show. Her name is Mckaela...the irony is not lost on me.

I have had what I will momentarily refer to as an "eternal crush" on Brody since his first appearance on The Hills waaaaaaay back in my Sophomore (????) year of college. In my opinion, he is too beautiful for words.

I would also like to note that The City is far superior to The Hills. Every episode I feel like I'm being thrown into the high fashion world of NYC...basically my dream come true. I'll thank Olivia Palermo for that one. And not to mention Whitney Port is my celebrity alter ego/girl crush.

I told myself I wasn't going to shop for anything new until I go to NYC at the end of the summer because, quite frankly, I don't need any new clothes. But, I can't help but stalk this Worn-In Denim Vest from J Crew. I haven't looked at their website in a few weeks, but I think my wardrobe is begging for this to wear over dresses. Oh, and in case anyone was worried, my nylon anklets arrived in the mail yesterday :)

New York, New York

When I woke up this morning, I felt like discussing the recent Royal Scandal involving the Duchess of York Fergie. But, after having my breakfast, I'd rather talk about clothes...as usual...

Every year, in the late summer, my Mom travels to NYC to spend a week or two working and playing. She is a well-known and talented ballet teacher around our home state, and generally has students studying in the Big Apple at various summer programs. She enjoys being able to combine a vacation to the greatest city in the world (in my limited opinion) with the support of her students.

Two years ago, I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to go with her. It was a lovely 9 day stay and we got a lot of quality time for just the two of us. Last summer, she took her sister, Val. Then his year she decided she should give my sister, Valerie, the chance to have her mother/daughter trip. But, after all the craziness the last couple of months, they graciously invited me along. I absolutely can't wait.

In preparation for our trip, Valerie and I are on the search for a few items that we'll need to complete our wardrobes for the trip. Our dream is that we'll get stopped and photographed by The Sartorialist while we're there. If you love fashion and you aren't familiar with his blog (thesartorialist.blogspot.com), GET FAMILIAR! It really is addicting. Not to mention, he's running a Vintage Photo Contest right now that adds even more interest to the site. I'll give Valerie the credit for introducing me to that :)

One of the things I decided would really top off my closet for the trip is a pack of J Crew's Nylon Anklets.

They're shown here in the grey hue, but I ordered the hot pink/turquoise/yellow combination. I discovered the value of this look two years ago when one of my best friends, Halie, had a French-themed birthday party. I wore turquoise heels with white children's socks, and was surprised by how adorable it looked.

Another thing I am on the search for is a great cocktail ring. A few weeks ago, my friend Casey (always the fabulous risk taker) wore the coolest raw turquoise ring. I was immediately dying to know where she got it. Turns out it is by Elizabeth Carlock (www.elizabethcarlock.com), who is a jewelry designer here in Dallas. I checked it out online and have absolutely fallen in love with her Blue Turquoise Nugget Ring. I may have to copy Casey :)

Happy Shopping, friends!