Summer-Weight Spanx

GENIUS! I just bought them in pink.

Single for a Season or Single for a Reason?

Today's Lunchroom Theory: Change of seasons can either make or break a relationship.

Take a moment to ponder.

Imagine this, you go on a date with a guy who is cute and you're thinking there might be a little chemistry. You're at your front door ready to say good night. You stand gazing into each others eyes. Is he about to move in for a kiss? Next thing you know, he shivers a little, says, "it's cold" and proceeds to place his man muffs over his ears. Romantic moment RUINED! Man Muffs are responsible for yet another failed relationship.

Another co-worker, Elizabeth, tells us a story about a guy she was beginning to date just as fall turned into winter. Rumors of him walking the streets in a Jets coat circulated. But no, surely it can't be true. She wouldn't believe it. Then comes date number three. Jets coat makes an appearance. Relationship quickly evaporates.

Thinking we're shallow? Try this: It's late spring and summer is around the corner. You've fallen hard for this guy - well as much as you can in three weeks time. You've always seen him dress nicely in great jeans and a light jacket. Suddenly the weather warms up on a rare May weekend. He calls you to tell you that he's waiting outside your apartment to take you on a date. You run out the door, excited to see him. You stop in your tracks barely able to believe what you're seeing. He's wearing shorts. And they're short. Like 1970's professional basketball team short. Could you do it? What if they were once jeans that were cut-off mid-thigh?

I'm telling you, you need to at least date a full year before committing. Seasonal changes can tell you a lot about a person.

Struttin' It

Monday morning I was looking really cute. I was. I'm not going to deny it. Black pants, yellow, long, flowy sweater snugged tightly to my waist with an over-sized blue belt, and heels. I was working it. I was feeling it.

I had an appointment during lunch. As I was on the elevator after my appointment, a threesome of very handsome, young lawyers, decked out in expensive suits, boarded the elevator a few floors down. I smiled and they smiled back. One of them kept checking me out. Seriously, he gave me the up and down. I so knew he thought I was cute. Even as we were headed out the revolving glass door he turned around to look at me again. I have it, what can I say.

Chin held high I entered a cab. The perfect fall wind was blowing my hair blissfully. A few minutes later I was back at my work destination. Scooting across the back seat to pay the cab driver and exit, I looked down and noticed something. My zipper was down. Oh, okay, humility in check. Got it. Staring at my zipper, not me. Dang it!

Shedding

When you've been bundled up all winter long in down coats, thick wool sweaters, angora hats and gloves, there's something odd about suddenly wearing a tank top in public - specifically one with spaghetti straps. I have to repeatedly tell myself that I am not a whore and that it's perfectly fine to wear a tank top in public; especially when it's 85 degrees outside (For the first time since October, bee-tee-dubs. It's been a LONG six months!). Am I the only one who feels this way?

Chicago is hopping right now. I spent my lunch hour getting my nails done (lovely Jelly Apple red by Essie) and running to pick up some frames for work. Hello tourists, you are back. But thank you for bringing the warm sunny weather with you! I am so happy it's warm that I don't mind the humidity making my hair frizzy.

Shoot - Day 1

My first day on the film set started last night. I had a call time of 7:00 pm up in Skokie and was told I would be done by 9:00 pm. I've done enough of these to know that 9:00 pm means midnight. And you know what? I was right! I got home just after midnight - on a school night (I have yet to brush my hair this morning). Thankfully we were filming in a house where I could laze about on couch and continue to read about the French Revolution. Is it strange that I always hear Coldplay's Viva La Vida when I'm reading it? The song makes so much more sense to me now.

Anyway, the green dress made it's film set debut last night! Stylishly played with a black three-quarter sleeved cardigan and some colorful jewels it looked smashing! I was feeling bloated. Probably from my binge fest with tortilla chips the night before. I wanted salt and I was paying for it dearly. Thankfully the shot was basically of me and my scene partner sitting in a car. I'll need to be much more careful before tomorrow's long shoot and some full body shots of me in the dress. Perhaps it's time to welcome back my friend - Spanx!

You know what makes me want to fall asleep? Someone putting makeup on my face. Seriously, it's so soothing. Play some ocean sounds in the background and I'm a goner.

Hopefully I'll take some pictures this weekend and post them for you.

Treat Myself Right

Kids, I have been on an incredible eating revolution the past couple of weeks. There's nothing new or exciting about it. It's straight up discipline, eating healthy, and making wise choices. It all started after a lunch of a burger and fries at Weber Grill. I felt so icky sick afterwards and frustrated at myself too. I was tired of getting frustrated at myself, so I decided to do something about it. I think the timing was perfect. I was ready to make a change. So far, so good. God has given me strength the past couple of weeks. I pray that He helps me again at 3:00 when we have an office "Cake Break" for February birthdays. I plan on having an apple with me. I never like missing out on food.

The biggest part of the success so far (5.5 pounds!) is having a plan. I have a plan! I have a certain weight I'd like to reach in 10 weeks. I've alloted 1.5 pounds per week. Some weeks I'll lose more, some less. If I don't reach the goal weight, at least I've become healthier, less frustrated and will look damn hot.

Today's meal plan:
Breakfast: 200 calories of All Bran Wheat flakes with a few blueberries & 8oz. of skim milk.
WATER WATER WATER WATER
Snack (2.5 hours later): non-fat yogurt with 3 stoneground wheat crackers
WATER WATER WATER WATER
Lunch: Salad with tomatoes, mushrooms and low fat dressing. 4oz. Turkey on 2 slices of stoneground wheat bread with mustard.
WATER WATER WATER WATER
Snack: See above (it's easy)
WATER WATER WATER WATER
Dinner: 8oz. sweet potato with a dash of splenda, 2 cups of broccoli, 4 oz. broiled chicken
WATER WATER WATER WATER
**I have class tonight so I might have an apple to keep me going for three hours.

I keep it simple since I don't have much time to cook. I rarely eat out and I'm very specific when I take the luxury. I've realized it doesn't take THAT long to cook extras to reheat the next day. I set aside two times a week to have something not on my menu plan (raise the roof for Ben & Jerry's last night!). I mix it up with fish, fish tacos, fajitas, chicken-kabobs, brown rice. It's been really great. I feel like I have more energy, control, and I've actually been more productive in life. Plus someone told me I looked "tiny." Praise Jesus! Oh, I also do cardio and weights throughout the week - nothing earth shattering, but enough to get my heart pumping and my clothes soaked in sweat. Plus I have a certain accountability of having to pay $10 to an organization I do not support if I blow a meal.

God give me strength. My reward? A Diane Von Furstenberg dress, of course!

Christmas Wish List

The economy has gone crazy and you're not sure what to ask for for Christmas. Should we just abandon the tradition of giving gifts this Christmas all together? Nay! It does a soul good to give and receive gifts - no matter how big or small. Here are a few ideas if you're busy racking your brain:

1. Snow-dwellers will love a pair of these Hunter Originals! Keep your toes dry this winter.















2. I'm looking at getting one of these to back up my precious photos and music. Any thoughts on the Apple Time Capsule?

3. Board Games. Some love them, some hate them. But don't come between an Orender and their scrabble board! I was crushed when Facebook no longer had Scrabulous. CRUSHED!

4. Rings are the rage! Cocktail and statement rings are everywhere. Here are a few from Anthropologie.

5. Speaking of Anthropologie, pretty much sign me up for any of these outfits. Dad, are you listening?

6. Pucker up! I LOVE my new evening lip color. It makes a statement and isn't for the bashful. But with the right attitude, anyone can pull it off. I use Laura Mercier's Lip Stain in Scarlet.

7. For the fashionista, click here for more ideas.

8. I need a new tea kettle. The old one was left behind by an old roommate.

9. Give your feet a gift - Tory Burch flats.

10. I hear all men love this fragrance. Is that true?

11. My friend, Christy, makes these personalized necklaces. I gave my mom one last year and she loves it.

12. Give the unexpected. Threadless t-shirts can be very personal and fun.

What are you giving people for Christmas?

Rachel Zoe Project

I have been OBSESSED with this show. I won't even say it's a guilty pleasure. It's just a pleasure. I love fashion and I especially love the Hollywood glitz and glamour around Oscar Season. I may be an actress but I'm more likely to watch the red carpet show and turn it off before the awards begin. I would DIE to get to dress up like that one day. Sigh.

I'm sad the season is over. I now imitate Rachel Zoe with almost everything I say. I also want a big bad gold panther ring and over-sized sunglasses. I can hardly help myself.

I Love Shoes

I just made two shoe purchases on Zappos. I've thought long and hard about it and feel good about my choices. So this winter I will be sporting the following shoes:

Saucony Originals Courageous in Gray. They remind me of the New Balance 990's but at a far cheaper price.

Mizuno Wave-Inspire for running. I hope they really do inspire me to get out there and run. Maybe they'll even magically make my legs move fast and far! They were even on sale!

Tchotchkes

Check out this article in TimeOut Chicago. It features my first friend in Chicago, Jolene Turner. We sat next to each other at a Second City student orientation. She really is this creative, fun, and quirky.

Fashion 411

What a discovery! This will definitely feed the fashionista side of me.

A Present! For Me!

Mom did GREAT for my birthday!

I can't wait to bust these out! Maybe when I fly to Texas this weekend it will be warm enough to wear whimsical clothing.

Bravo Designer Quiz

This is for all you Project Runway Season 4 lovers. Which designer are you? I was Jack. He's "big hearted." I think it fits.

Academy Awards

Europe has taken over all of the American awards shows! Seriously, what does that say about our film actors this year? We weren't up to par!

I'm disappointed in myself because I ended up watching all one bagillion hours of the Academy Awards last night. I told myself I wasn't going to watch and instead I would do productive and fulfilling things like read, organize, memorize scripts, or write my own Oscar acceptance speech. Instead I ate too much cake and ice cream at Quinn's first birthday party (where I was wrestled to death by three year old, Piper). Then we got home late so we watched the DVR version of the Oscars. We sped through the "boring" awards and speeches, yet after two hours we still hadn't caught up with the live taping. BRUTAL! But I like John Stewart and I like making snarky comments about what people wear. So I should be satisfied.

Speaking of satisfied...Atonement DID NOT win for best picture!!! hahahahahahaha! Vengeance is mine! I didn't realize until last night that I had it out for this movie. I mean, what did this movie ever do to me? It just disappointed me. Blah story + blah characters + high expectations = bitter me. The one part I did love about the movie was the musical score. So congrats to them on winning an Oscar! Yay musical score!

Speaking of music...THREE CHEERS FOR ONCE!!! Seriously, Janell and I hugged when we saw them win their Oscar. FAVORITE SONG OF THE YEAR! I could listen to that album over and over again. And thank you John Stewart for bringing Marketa Irglova back out for her acceptance speech. It was the most inspiring and beautiful speech of the night!

Speaking of beautiful...Favorite dresses: Anne Hathaway, Katherine Heigl, Amy Adams, Jennifer Garner. I really didn't see that many of them. Worst dress: Sorry Julie Christy, loved your movie, not so much your dress.

I Do!

Beckles emailed me today and told me that she was feeling hormonal and therefore had the desire to plan my wedding today. By all means, go ahead. She sent me this addictive website that details different kinds of themed weddings. I don't really think about my wedding day but I couldn't resist this website.

My favorites are:

#118, #116, #113, #105, #88, #75, #73, #61, #44, #43, #20, #15 and #7. I'm seeing a theme of anything outdoors, quirky, rustic or vintage.

Oh this is too much fun = trouble.

Disturbing

I saw stirrup pants at Nordstroms on Friday. STIRRUP PANTS!

Ruby Slippers

Please look at what the shoe-goddess herself, my mother, sent me this week!



Are they not the most absolute gorgeous shoes you've ever seen? They make me want to click my heels and say "There's no place like home." And there really is no place like home. It would make traveling so much easier if I really could wear those shoes and click my heels. When Stuart Weitzman comes out with a pair of shoes that does that, I'll be the first one in line!

Bad News, Good News

Bad News: My favorite pair of summer shoes are starting to STINK. I thought somebody elses feet were smelling terrible. Turns out that rancid smell belongs to me. Good bye cute yellow wedges. We had so many good times together.

Good News: Oreo McFlurry for afternoon snack time. This could turn into bad news later.

Santa Monica: Day 2

Andrew and I enjoyed the beach on our second day in Santa Monica. We worked out (a true vacation miracle) and then rented bikes and rode from one end of the bike path all the way to the other. We rode a roller coaster, drank fresh squeezed lemonade, and walked/people watched along Venice Beach. Venice Beach = interesting sights.

That night we found our way to the Promenade in Marina Del Ray and saw Bourne Ultimatum. Two thumbs up from us! We saw it in the "Directors Hall." That means that there are comfy leather seats, better sound, assigned seating and a pricier ticket. Who cares! It was great!

Here are a few pictures from the day.

Oh and I bought some skinny jeans on sale from Nordstrom Rack. Why? Why would I do that? Skinny jeans = spandex (on me). I think I was overwhelmed by the skinnyness of the jeans here in California. When will I EVER wear these back home?

Spanx for Everything

This week I succumbed to the invention of the millenium...Spanx. I've never really had a need to wear them. I don't wear dresses or skirts that cling to my thighs and my stomach is the only area flatter than my boobs, so I don't really need Spanx for that either. So what made me run out there and buy myself a pair? The twins. My sister twin thighs never like to be apart. God created me that way. This isn't a problem when wearing pants. But when the humidity hits and the heat rises and I'm faced with wearing a skirt, I could start fires! Say you're stuck on an island or trapped on a cold mountain and you need fire to cook food, sterlize water or warm up your hands, you'll want me around. Just give me a pair of corduroy pants and have me run really fast - instant fire!

I wore them for the first time yesterday with a cute little dress. They definitely lessened the risk of fire and I didn't walk around at the end of the day like I'd been riding a horse for hours. I'm not saying I'd want to wear them everyday. I might as well have wrapped my thighs, butt, and stomach with duct tape. But they are pretty amazing.

Side Note: And I still stand by favorite panties in the world: Hanky Panky's. I'm slowly building my collection.