iPhone Gloves

Purchase alert! I visited the Nordstrom sale today. I'm still giddy just thinking about it. How I've missed shopping. I digress.

One of my frustrations with the iPhone the past two winters is that I have to remove my gloves and risk frost bite in order to answer my phone or text someone. Today a discovery was made! They are now making special gloves you can wear that work with the iPhone! There is special fabric around the pointer finger and thumb that allows the heat from your fingers to reach the phone.

They're part of a special trunk sale this weekend. I pre-ordered mine after making sure they worked (they do) and get to pick them up on Monday. They come in many wonderful flavors.

Let's Joust!

This weekend Jessie and I escaped the insanity of St. Patty's Day crowds (really, I forget how many people live in this city until the weather turns warm) and headed to Barrington. An organization was holding a fundraiser of designer second-hand wedding dresses on sale for $50. We had to go! Jessie wasn't feeling confident of her dress (which is gorgeous and she looks amazing in it) and thought this might be a fun opportunity.

There were some pretty dresses, interesting dresses, and dresses straight out of a 1989 bridal magazine (puff sleeves made of pure lace). As many times as I've gone dress shopping with people I've never been tempted to try on a dress...until this weekend! I found one that was originally $3,000 and on sale for 50 bucks. It looked like it was straight out of a Jane Austen novel - so I HAD to try it. I mean, it was only my duty as an avid fan and thespian.

What do you think? For $50 I should have bought it and put it in my closet for a rainy day or homemade rendition of Sense and Sensability. It was fun to wear, but who has room for something like that in their closet? Let it be known that I would NOT wear a dress like this for my wedding. Unless we were getting married at Medieval Times.

Lunch Time Shopping Spree

This is my new purchase. No, I did not buy a model of a woman's reproductive system. They're my new headphones. My old earbuds collapsed and died. I'm sure I could recycle them some way. Instead I threw them in my trash. I suddenly got convicted. I'll dig them out and throw them in the recycle bin. Someone will know what to do with them.

Please don't tell me how I should have bought a cheaper but better pair of headphones. I don't think I can handle buyer's remorse right now.

I've been sick all week. I actually stayed in bed until 4pm on Wednesday. And yesterday was the perfect day to stay home since we had thunderstorms. Yes! Thunderstorms in Chicago...in February! I had to turn off the t.v. at one point because I couldn't hear it over the loud raindrops crashing onto my air conditioner. So I took a nap instead. It was a great two days. Which brings me to my point. I can hardly hear anything when I have these earbuds in my ears. Thanks to sinus congestion, I can hardly hear anything anyway.

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!

Another Gift Idea

For all you Chicago fans, or friends of Chicago fans, check out this poster as a potential gift. I saw the idea on dooce.com.

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?

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!

Nordy's

My head is spinning and I'm overcome with joy. Today is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! You know you're hard core when you cancel your lunch date with a friend and instead send her an email that says, "Fourth floor. By the underwear. 12:15." I mean, the Hanky Panky's are on sale y'all! Be still my beating heart!

Here's my shopping to do list:
1. Hanky Panky's
2. Black boots with small heel
3. Whatever else catches your eye and you can't live without

You know I don't do well in large crowds...especially large crowds of women fighting over clothing, purses, etc. But I think this will be worth it.

Updates

Here we go:

1. I am back at work and feeling much better. A 7:00 am doctor appointment this morning confirmed that allergies do nothing for me but cause a raucus. I'll refrain from going into the transitional color of my mucus. Gross you out a little? I know. I totally did that on purpose.

2. My audition went...ooookay. I felt strong with my monologue but was thrown for a loop when they asked to see one of my typical improv characters. Ummm...it's improv. I really don't have a character I use as a "fall back." I guess I need to come up with one just in case this happens again. It's all a learning experience. I don't think I need to go into a long explanation with them about how my improv is more relationship focused. And FYI...I just threw a "character" out there to have something for them. I'm thinking it didn't exactly do the job. But hey, I did it!

3. It's official! Little brother Drew is flying into Chicago for the long weekend! We're taking a Segway tour, going to my show, cheering on the White Sox, hitting the beach and then I'll send him home exhausted. I can't wait!

4. So You Think You Can Dance. That show is going to steal my heart for the next umpteen weeks.

5. Off to Nordstrom for their semi-annual sale. Key word: Shoes.

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.

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.

Designers, Make It Work!

I not only have funny friends, but I also have very creative friends. Visit any of these websites to find gifts for friends and loved ones. You can't go wrong with any of these!

Robinson Lane: My friend from college, Christy Bourns, is incredibly talented! I just bought a present for someone who shall remain nameless in case they are reading my blog. They'd better be!

W.E. Giggle: Whitney Eoff is another one of my precious friends from college. Arkansas cranks out some talent y'all! She's got fabulous gift cards, holiday cards, stationary, etc. Check it out!

Virginia Bead: Ginny Mooney lives in Arkansas. Imagine that! She makes beautiful jewelry and has a heart of gold! She also made this necklace for her son, Eliot, who passed away. You can read more about their story, here.

Help America's Economy!

This morning I read this article about the top 10 stupidest gifts out there today. Stupid.com spent endless hours finding these priceless gifts. Personally, I'd love to see one or more of these in my Christmas stocking.


I have a few gift ideas for those of you who are having trouble making a Christmas list or for those of you who just don't know what to buy that lovely lady of yours.

1. Flat Wallet: These are all the rage these days.


2. Booties: No, these aren't for your baby's feet. These are for your Baby's feet! I love these grey suede Franco Sarto boots. Zappos ships for free!


3. Grey Shift Dress: Here's a cute one from Target. Throw on some plum or black opaque tights and you've got a cute outfit! Or here's another but more expensive option.


4. Dresses: They really are in this winter! I absolute LOVE this dress. I hate the price. Other dresses I have a love/hate relationship with can be found here or here . I'm beginning to think this should be called Katy's Favorite Things. But unlike Oprah, I don't own them.


5. Nail Polish: I am wearing this color right this second! You can't go wrong with Wicked! And it's a fun stocking stuffer!
   
6. Metal credit card/ID/gift card holder: I've had mine for almost six years and it's still holding up (thought barely)! It's perfect for sliding in your pocket when you don't want to carry a whole purse. And these are for the art lover in all of us.
7. Make your own calendar: Patrick made me one last year and I love looking at it! He used tons of pictures from our family over the past couple of years. You can make your own easily if you have a Mac (don't we all wish we did!) or you can go to Shutterfly or Kodak to order your own.
8. Life Magazine: Two years ago I bought my dad a Life Magazine from the month and year of his birth. It was so fun reading what was going on during that time period. Patrick once bought my mom a National Geographic from the birth month and year of all her kids.
9. Personalized Playing Cards: Check out PhotoWorks to make your own playing cards.
10. For the movie lover: 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die.
11. For the kids: BabyWit.com has great stuff for babies and younger kiddos. And BabyLegs is also great for the cold weather kids.
12. TV fanatic: Don't have HBO and wonder what all the hype's about? Sopranos, Sex and the City, Entourage, etc. are available on DVD. Buy them for a family member, a friend or buy one and donate it to Heroes for Heroes.
13. Philanthropist: Make a donation in honor of a loved one. Heroes for Heroes, World Vision, Habitat for Humanity...find a worthy cause!
14. Scared of the Dark (aka me): These aren't just your average nightlights! I have two very similar ones.
15. Wine Lover: Wine opener gift set.

These are some of my favorites. Please share some of yours! I need ideas and I'm sure other people would love to hear them. Don't be shy! Leave a comment with some of your favorite gift ideas.

Moisture is the Essence of Beauty - MerMAN!

By george I better have the bestest and youngest looking skin at the age of 73! A recent post unveiled the fact that I am currently suffering from dry, flakey skin on my face...hence the missing top layer of skin in certain sections surrounding my eyebrows. This just isn't working for me. My dermatologist, hot doctor, told me that my topical medicine that helps keep my face clean and clear is also supposed to be the best medicine out there for age prevention. Oh really doctor? Because suddently two short months after the dewey summer days, my face is cracked and looks 50 years older. Moisture is the key to healthy, beautiful, glowing skin! At least that's what my Aunt's recent issue of Reader's Digest told me.

So I went Nordstrom yesterday. Yes, I even go there on my days off. It really is a wonderland. I stopped in the makeup section to explore the shelves of moisturizers that promise to do everything just short of bringing world peace. My eyebrow girl told me that I should try this intense facial moisturizer by MD Skincare. I'll be bold and honest by telling you that a 1.7 ounce jar of this stuff costs $120. Do you need me to pick you up off the floor? I know, but I'm DESPERATE! And of course I couldn't just stop with the moisturizer, I also needed to purchase the exfoliator. As the salesperson helping me said, "Dead skin will just block the moisturizer from getting to where it needs to go." Wow, I do need an exfoliant. Show me more teacher!

One thing I can't stand when I go to the makeup section or skin care section of any store is that they automatically look at you and say, "Wow! Your skin is so dry! You really should take better care of it by moisturizing!" Well duh! That's why I'm here, in the moisturizer section! I'm doing everything short of selling a kidney to make sure my face doesn't crumble into pieces. And they always have just the product. "This ____ eye cream will help tighten the under eye area and remove any puffiness." "But you also need this ____ eye cream to protect it from free radicals." What exactly are free radicals? It sounds like some dangerous political sect.

Here are my moisturizing purchases to make sure I have the softest, youngest and most dewey face, lips and hands:

• MD Skincare Hydra-Pure Intense Moisture Cream
• Yves Saint Laurent 'Touche Eclat' Radiant Touch It's french so it's got to be good. And I quote "one of these pens is sold somewhere in the world every 7 seconds." I had to be part of that statistic!
• La Source Hand Therapy cream. This stuff saved my hands last winter.
• Bigelow Ultra Mentha Lip Shine so I can be sure to have the most kissable lips out there!

Isn't it just the way of the universe that everything tends to run out at the same time? And I want to just go ahead and say that I am totally pleased so far with the facial moisturizer. Moisture is indeed locked in on my face and I've got that dewey look (not to be confused with sweaty/greasy).

Toy Recall

Since Christmas is being thrust upon us earlier and earlier, I thought I would urge parents to BEWARE of the toys out there. A non-profit recently put together a list of the worst toys available to children. Click here to read more about it. I need to return the rubber band shooter that I just bought for Connor.

This also reminds me of one of my favorite Saturday Night Live sketches ever starring Dan Akroyd and Jane Curtin. I wish I could find the video for it.

Radar Magazine also had an article about the 10 most dangerous toys ever. My parents were good because I never had any of these toys.

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.

I know most of you have probably already seen this...because I've shown it to you. But seriously, this baby will make me smile no matter how bad a day I'm having. For instance: your car needs $900 of work done on it to ensure your safe arrival from point A to point B, but you'd really rather buy the navy patent leather Michael Kors shoes you've been eyeing for months and months (they look best in navy). **note to self: shoes can't buy happiness.

Enjoy!

World Vision

Online shopping is as much trouble as it is fun (hence the two pairs of shoes that arrived at the office yesterday). But now you can do some good in the world when you online shop! Ever wanted to buy a goat? A well? Fishing supplies? All of these things can help support families and communities in need.

World Vision is an incredible organization. I've been supporting children in impoverished nations through World Vision since I was a freshman in college. Visit this website to learn more about opportunities for you to help. It doesn't take much!