Polos and Pearls

For Kym...

2009-08-04T09:09:00.003-04:00

So I've recently been inspired to start blogging again. and I've learned this time around to make absolutely no promises that I will be back every day.

Instead, I'll just let you check obsessively and be pleasantly surprised when a new entry has popped up!

I do, however, have to dedicate this lovely new entry to my very nearest and dearest Kym M. for her continuous nagging and guilting me into keeping up with this. Without her stalking me via gchat about it, I would probably never write a new one again...but she gave me some great advice so I decided to jump back on the blogging bandwagon.

In a quest to get a little healthier, I tried hot yoga for the first time yesterday. Bikram Yoga is a style of yoga done in a room with the temperature upwards of 104 degrees. I've done other yoga classes in the past and have always enjoyed how relaxing and calming it can be; it's a nice change up from the gym. I wasn't sure quite what to expect with the hot yoga though. I have friends who swear by it and I figured if they can do it, so can I.

wowza. it was hot.

really. really. really. hot.

The class was 90 minutes and I had to stop 3 times during class and lay down because I got super dizzy and started to feel like I was going to black out. I was also completely swimming in sweat. The entire class was a constant battle of wills with myself. Beyond the glass doors of the 100 degree heat, I knew there was fabulous, welcoming air conditioning pumping...but I didn't want to be a quitter. and I'm so glad I didn't. I made it through the entire class!

and now, I think I'm hooked. I've been on a yoga high since yesterday, I felt more energized and really cleansed after doing it...not to mention like 5lbs instantly slimmer from all the sweat! Although I may regret saying this tomorrow morning while I'm dying in the heat, I cannot wait for class tomorrow!

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

2009-02-11T11:32:00.005-05:00

Hellllooooo!

Long time no blog. As my students would say, my bad dawg.

so I'm deep in the throws of a quarter-life crisis. Full blown. Which is one of the reasons I've decided to start blogging again. It's a lot cheaper than therapy and will not be as damaging to the waistline as the macaroni and cheese fueled emotional eating binges I've been using to self-soothe these past months.

Through the hazey college years, I heard rumors of a quarter-life crisis. People angsting about how the mid 20s were a time of "growth" and "personal discovery". I scoffed, thought it was kind of cheesy and cliche, and continued to play flip cup to the best of my 19 year old ability. (and let me just say, it was quite the ability. I AM that annoying girl at parties cheering "let's play flipcup! let's play flipcup!")

ohhhhh me. what a dummy. Here I am, years later (yet still playing flip cup- and damn well may I add) and I find myself faced with some very adult decisions and adult problems and I wonder- when did this happen? and how can I make it stop?

In the midst of a city-wide budget crisis and an economy spiraling out of control, I have found myself one of the victims of lay-offs. Myself, along with 9 other extremely amazing, hard-working and qualified teachers, will be left jobless come June. and that is a truly terrifying thought. The fantastic North End apartment that held so much charm and character for me last summer? Now seems way too expensive. The ridiculous amount of clothing I own? totally unnecessary...who cares if you're wearing this seasons Betsy Johnson if you're shaking a cup outside McDonalds? My whole life has been flipped upside down and the most frustrating aspect is that it is completely out of my control. No amount of tears, whining or foot-stomping can change this decision (and trust me, I've tried all 3)

This is where "everything happens for a reason" comes into play. This philosophy has become my mantra. Something I repeat to myself whenever I feel the anxiety creep in and attempt to take over. I am looking at this lay-off as my chance to go to grad school. It kicked my butt into gear and made me finally take the GRE's (no fun) and it forces me to re-asses my way of life and the things I choose to value (REALLY no fun!)

So we shall see- these next few months will be a challenge...lucky for me, I've got a pretty good support system to pry the macaroni and cheese bowl from my hands when I'm feeling panicky.

and I pinky swear promise, I will do my best to not let another 6 months go by before I write again!

I'm a survivor

2008-08-04T16:01:00.003-04:00

So I didn't die via a horrific U-haul accident. However, that does not mean my life has not been in mortal peril since then. I'm pretty sure I could've died yesterday...yet this time it would not have been in the name of female empowerment and independence (we'll pretend thats the real reason I opted to drive the Uhaul instead of admitting its because I'm cheap and stubborn)

Nope. This time it was a direct result of the always dangerous combination of friendly taunting by my peers and my own sheer curiosity that prompted me to try oysters. Now, I like food but I wouldn't consider myself a foodie by any means so my background knowledge on oysters was limited at best. Needless to say, I was more than a bit concerned when the plate arrived. Luckily, I got a quick tutorial on both how to eat them and the myriad of things you can put on them. (this should've been my first indication that I was in for a bumpy ride...if you need to put 19 different things on it to make it taste good, that's not a good sign)

So after my lesson in Oyster Eating 101, I had a loaded up, ready to go down the hatch oyster and 3 people staring at me in anticipation. No one ever wants other people watching them eat...especially something you have to slurp out of a shell but it had to be done so after several attempts (resulting in several instances of me chickening out), I finally just went for it.

ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. I could try and come up for a colorful, adjective-ridden description for both how it tasted and how I felt about it...but I just don't know if words would really suffice. So for now, I'm sticking with ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

I swore to myself I would never eat that again. I'd check it off my food list, pat myself on the back for being open to new things and then NEVER do it AGAIN...And, in true friend fashion, this is when the taunting begins.

"you can't just try one, Marie". All eyes are once again on me. I pretty much just got the adult version of "I double dog dare you" and the stubborn Irish side of me felt the need to rise to the occasion. So, like an idiot, I tried it again.

ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Well I've done it twice and now, seriously, I will NEVER do it again...

"No Marie, its three strikes then you're out. You gotta do one more"- No way I don't think so

"I will pay you 20 bucks to eat another one"- No way I don't think so

"I will pay for your drinks for the rest of the day"- free alcohol for the day? hmmmm I guess I could manage just one more...

ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. In case you're curious, they do not taste any better the third time around either. All in all, I did learn a few things from this new food experience. My gag reflexes work expertly and were fully functioning by round 3. Also if the food you are about to ingest looks like a giant pile of goo in a shell and you have to cover it in 900 mystery sauces to make it edible its probably a no-go and lastly, and perhaps most importantly...make sure that you delete the pictures taken of you mid oyster-induced gagging.

Because if a picture is worth a thousand words, the ones taken of me are only worth one...and its ughhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

I hate moving

2008-07-29T16:16:00.002-04:00

The title is pretty self-explanatory. I hate moving. and yet, I'm doing it...AGAIN. It's been a little over a year since I made the BIG move from Florida back to New England. I settled into this apartment and swore I wouldn't move again for at least two years.

ooohhhhh self, you should've known better. You've moved every year since you started college many moons ago, why would this be any different?

So once again, I am packing my shit into boxes (and I have entirely WAY WAY WAAAAAY too much shit) and getting ready to move on Thursday...however, I do think this move will be different than previous years because I am not moving in/out of a dorm, I am not moving to a new state or even a new town. Oh no, I'm simply moving to a new street....2 streets away to be precise. While this may seem ideal to some and trust me, I'm super excited to be staying in my neighborhood, it's going to be the biggest pain in the butt I've ever experienced. for several reasons.

For those of you who are familiar with Boston, particularly the North End, we have a delightful summer tradition of "feast". Every weekend the masses flock to Hanover St to worship one Saint or another (and by worship I mean close down the largest street in the neighborhood in order to set up 93840923498324 fried dough, pasta and sausage carts while greasy Italian men from nearby suburbs try to hock all the cheap crap they couldn't sell at the flea markets). So, in true Marie-luck fashion, feast happens to start while I'm moving meaning Hanover St will be closed and the neighborhood will be ridiculously overrun with tourists, hardcore Italians and other general pains in the asses. Problem numero uno.

Problem numero dos lies in the actual apartment set ups. Holding near and dear to old school Boston architecture, both my current dwelling space and new digs feature spiral, walk-up staircases...and I do NOT live on the first floor (or the second for that matter). Have you ever tried shoving a couch down three flights of winding stairs only to bring it right back up a second set of winding stairs in a new building? When I moved in last time, my box spring was so jammed that we had to saw it in half and then re-bracket it back together once it was in my bedroom.

Problem numero tres is probably the most hilarious yet potentially fatally dangerous situation of them all. I looked to hire professional movers, however in reference to problem #1 and problem #2 it was going to cost me a small fortune to get someone to help me...and being the stubborn Irish shopaholic that I am, I just couldn't imagine parting with that much money for something that I've done so many times before. So I rented a U-haul instead....this is where the hilarity may or may not ensue. Being freshly single and moving mid-week, many of the strapping young men I would usually rely on are not available to help. I have enlisted the help of some gentlemen with muscles but they are meeting my roommate and I at our apartment. This means Jenny and I will be picking up the Uhaul and driving it to my apartment by ourselves. Now I realize many of you do not know me well. I suck at driving. a lot. I'm very much a fan of the words "oops", "shit", and "oh wow I didn't even see that there"....and this is when I'm driving my Toyota...not a 14 foot moving truck down the smallest, narrowest, winding-est (is that a word?) streets in the city of Boston. I'm contemplating leaving flyers on all my neighbors cars instructing them to park somewhere else for the day or else cross their fingers and say a prayer.

Needless to say this move is going to be horrible...but the end result will all be worth it. I will be gaining a new roommate, a much nicer apartment (heat included yaaay!) and be able to start saving money for the grad school I'm so desperately trying for...

stay tuned I will try and update this weekend post-move....if I'm not in jail for several hit-and-runs around the North End area. or dead.

2008-07-28T13:03:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the lack of posts and updates lately. With school out for the summer, my routines have all gone out the window and trust me, this blog isn't the only thing that has felt the effects...my wallet and diet have as well (too many summer nights spent at the bars equals way too much time spent eating late night pizza which, consequently, leads to too many mornings spent in bed hungover, of course correlating directly with too little time spent in the gym)

can you see how well all the GRE studying is paying off?

G.R.E is the devil

2008-07-01T18:08:00.004-04:00

I'm a big dork.

I love going to school. I really miss being in college...and not just because its totally acceptable to get black out drunk on a Tuesday night or create a diet plan based solely on Ramen Noodles, McDonalds and cheese pizza. I miss college because I *gasp* enjoyed the classes.

Now, don't get me wrong. I didn't love all of them and I had my fair share of skipped afternoons and strolling in late, but for the most part I generally enjoyed learning "stuff".

Being in the education field, many of my professors told me it's best to wait on grad school until you have some field experience so you have some actual knowledge to back up all the crap in the book. So it's been a few years and it's time to roll out the red carpet for graduate school.

However, before I can picture myself submerged in the wonderful world of learning, Starbucks in hand, cute new academic wardrobe squarly set, I must overcome a couple obstacles.

Getting in being one. Taking the GRE being the other.

and this is where the whole "G.R.E. is the devil" idea comes into play.

I've been putting this test off for roughly 6 months now and I finally bit the bullet and registered for the end of August. This gives me approximately 2 months to study...so being being the stubborn and set-in-my-ways self that I am, I ignorantly skipped off to Borders to pick up some study books.

$59.95 later, I walked out with my two study guides the size of phonebooks, still feeling confident in my skills.

Until I opened the first one and tried to do the practice test...

holy.mother.of.hell. I. am. screwed.

16+ years of classes, exams and study sessions and I felt like a first grader studying for this.

So needless to say, the next two months will not be filled with visions of cardigans, corduroy and latte's on campus...instead, it will be filled with moments of absolute sheer panic, stress lines and random episodes of head banging against the table at the local starbucks.

stay tuned!

just a few things

2008-06-24T08:22:00.002-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile- life's a bit hectic at the moment....

but two things that caught my attention:

1. the scandal at Gloucester High School- 17 girls pregnant in one school!? yikes.

2. I'm a notorious CNN.com stalker and they had a story about a man who lost 80 lbs eating just McDonalds and only two words come to mind: Not Fair.

I'll be back soon to write a real blog so don't stop checking in! :)

you're so vaaaaiiinnn....

2008-06-10T19:45:00.002-04:00

hooray for me I started working out again.

and I have to make a confession. I'm really ridiculously vain while I'm at the gym.

However, I promise you there is a rhyme and reason to this. its not purely empty shallow behavior, there is a motive behind it.

and it goes a little something like this...

I am not a runner. at all. ask anyone. If I were being chased by a mugger/kidnapper/murderer, I'd be screwed. I was never the person who went for long runs to "clear my head" or enjoyed the stabbing pain akin to 9,000 knives ripping apart your lungs. I never got that "urge" to just throw on some spandex and pound the pavement ad nausea. I was the girl driving by these people and shaking my head. Now don't get me wrong. I admire these people. Everytime my lazy, driving, bum drives past someone out for a nice longgg run, I think wow, good for them. and then i head home to the sanctity of my apartment.

As I've gotten older, I realize that gravity is only going to get meaner. I've never had good metabolism to begin with and I quickly came to the realization that exercise and I would have to bury the hatchet. I decided the best place to make amends with my inner hatred for running would be at my local gym. I mean, let's not get ahead of ourselves here kiddos, i'm willing to exercise (in an air-conditioned building with TVs on every piece of equipment), but I'm not gonna jump the gun. Like any good relationship, it takes time and lots of fostering to make this work.

So I joined a gym, a gym with treadmills. a gym with treadmills that have TV's attached.

and here is where the vanity sets in.

As I'm huffing and puffing my way through this routine, I am overtly aware of what I look like while doing this. My face gets red (thanks Irish curse), I sweat profusely and I'm pretty certain there's a fair amount of jiggle happening (I'll spare you the details of where). However, the other day the TV wasn't working on the treadmill so I was left to my ipod and the blank screen staring back at me. Suddenly, the light from the afternoon sun hit the screen and a my reflection filled the screen. it was me. a running me. a running me sans sweat, redness and jiggle. Instead, I had the perky ponytail thing going and I actually LOOKED like a runner. It got me really excited. So excited I ran an extra 8 minutes longer than I was planning on (which, hey, is a big deal for me!)

from that day forward, I've kept the tv off and I've stared at myself as I ran. It's way better than a mirror because its like the slightly blurred, hidiing-all-the-flaws version of myself. and you know what? it works.

So I will happily admit my vanity to the whole world. Yes, I stare at myself while I run on the treadmill.

but hey it works. try it!

holy inappropriateness

2008-05-26T22:21:00.005-04:00

I don't even know how to start this post off

okay let me first preface this latest addition by stating that over the course of this weekend, there have been:

1 toilet-cell phone incident
2 missing cameras
the most ungodly, ridiculously high bar bill I've ever been responsible for
a potentially stolen vehicle
enough margaritas, vodka tonics and beer to reverse the effects of global warming forever (if copious amounts of alcohol had any real effect on global warming to begin with, of course)

So with that in mind, I attended a bachelorette party Saturday evening. It started out innocently enough, 11 girls at dinner, a few margaritas, lots of gossip and an overload on the color pink. However, between dinner and the bars we had to make a pit stop.

to.

a.

drag.

show.

holy mother of god. Now please keep in mind this is being written by a girl who grew up in New Hampshire. I've never been to a strip club (well okay, once in Montreal but it was all of a nanosecond before we were escorted out because my friend touched the male stripper) and I've definitely never seen a drag show. I wasn't quite sure what to expect. To me, strippers, performers, drag queens, etc I feel very awkward about. Where do I look? What should my reaction be?

So we go to this place and the first performer is a dead wringer for Tila Tequila and I have to say, this girl (boy?) had a better body that 90% of real deal women out there which doesn't bode well for any girl's self-esteem level, especially after inhaling a full meal. The majority of groups there were bachelorette parties with a few random sketchballs throw into the mix (has anyone seen Boondock Saints? you know when Willam Defoe dresses up in drag towards the end in the most hideously awful outfit that clearly made him a winner in the World's Ugliest Woman competition? Yeah, I'm pretty sure he was there. in that outfit)

So after a few songs in, I was a bit more comfortable. I could handle Tila Tequila the sequel. She wore sparkles, danced around and was generally entertaining.

And then the floodgates opened.

Next, out stepped one of the scariest man/woman I have ever seen. I only wish my words could accurately paint the picture for you. Let's just say this: picture a really angry, paunched-bellied Wesley Snipes wearing a sparkle blue "dress" that was fashion taped together in the front and held together on the sides by ONE PIECE OF STRING. Gone was the semi-adorable girlie girl singing songs and getting the audience involved. Wesley wanna-be was fierce. And not in the Project Runway, totally-fabulous way. More in the, I'm going to give you a high heel to the face if you don't give me enough dollar bills way.

To make matters worse, this one was a big fan of the pelvic thrusting and hip gyrating. There were moments where, as I stood with my hands covering my eyes, I saw my life flashing before me.

However, I do believe the highlight of my evening was watching as the dear dear Bachelorette got her lap dance from a 6 foot tall RuPaul type queen whose massive "curves" (or as one girl so affectionally referred to as "pooh bear body") were tightly encased in a FULL, HEAD-TO-TOE, LEOPARD LEOTARD.

Now please keep in mind. We are a group of former sorority girls. We wear pearls on a regular basis. We pop our collars proudly. We prefer our shots be fruity. So there is nothing more interesting/hilarious/shocking/creepy/did i mention hilarious? then watching one of our finest, classiest at all times, women getting grinded upon by this magnificent leopard leotard creature. Cover at the door $10. Vodka tonics $5. Watching one of your friends face turn a shade of scarlet as a 6 foot, 300 pound man dressed in full drag sits on their lap? Priceless.

All in all, I have to admit. It was an experience. Will I be trekking to Bay Village every weekend to partake? I think not. Was it a worldly experience that will add to the colorful tapestry of my life's experiences? most definitely. and perhaps I will even take a few make-up tips away with me.

feeling introspective

2008-05-22T09:28:00.002-04:00

sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together - Marilyn Monroe

I stumbled across this the other day. Its part of a quote from Marilyn Monroe and it really struck me as a powerful statement.

So don't mind me but I'm going to get a bit introspective slash philosophical in this post.

This statement resonates with me so loudly because I am a very by the book kind of girl. Some call it anal, some call it controlling. I like to think I'm just a planner...but it drives me absolutely insane if I have plans with someone and they break them, or when things don't go the way I had them mapped out in my head. I'm also one of those people who likes to have things organized ahead of time and will analyze everything (okay overanalyze. every detail. to the extreme.) For a long time the quote "life is what happens when you are busy making other plans" was well-suited for me.

In recent time, I've started to realize I need to accept life for the wonderful, beautiful ride that it is and stop trying to map it out like a bad family vacation.

I really started to break out of my mold the day I decided to move back to Boston by myself. There were moments where those closest told me it was a bad idea, that I was taking on too much, that there were too many questions marks and balls in the air to make this kind of move.

What it all really boils down to is security and Florida was a huge security blanket for me. Did I have a good job? yep. Good apartment? yep. Good prospects for my future? yep. Was any of it GREAT? I think not. At one point, I had to look at myself and my life and it was like a light bulb went off, why am I settling for good when I could be reaching for great? So I let the good things fall apart and I opened myself up to greatness which is an incredibly scary thing...especially because greatness does not come with a guarantee. That being said, I have never been happier. My new apartment is a fraction of the size and my job is ten times more difficult but its thrilling. I've gained more independence, met more fabulous people and learned more about myself in this past year than the past 5 put together.

I want to take this quote and tape it to my forehead. So when I start to stress out, I am reminded. People come in and out of your life for a reason, random things happen, you can't plan life's details.

For the first time in my life, I feel like I am standing on the edge of greatness, of "better things falling together", and I am going to do my best not to overanalyze or over plan it to death. Instead, I'm gonna make this my new mantra, look at myself in the mirror (so I can read the quote off my forehead of course) and sit back to enjoy the ride :)

I'm turning into an 7th grader...

2008-05-20T11:48:00.003-04:00

They say that when you live with your pets long enough, you start to look alike.

I wonder if the same is true for your job?

I think I'm turning into an 7th grader. and not just any 7th grader...I am beginning to take on the tendencies and complexities of a middle school student here in inner city Boston.

It has been a transformation that crept on me ever so slowly. I was immune to it in September, slightly aware of their nuances by December. But now, it being almost June, I am fully engorged in the mentality of youth. It is starting to show itself in the smallest of ways....

first of which being my sense of humor. Being an only child and forced into private school for my entire education, I tend to have a more sarcastic sense of humor and never found slapstick comedy very funny. Until now. There have been several times where I have to stifle my laughter behind a stern look or "Hey X, stop that right now!". On the inside though, I am dying when X trips Y by stepping on his shoelace.

The second and more obvious aspect of my transformation is a more recent occurance. I have found myself, on more than one occasion, using their slang. and thats really sad when a fully grown adult uses the term "fer real dawg?" over a dry martini at happy hour. The first time it slipped out, I played it off like a joke, imitating my students, and all the while silently berating myself for such a slip of tongue.

But it happened again yesterday. The darling children of Boston Public Schools have a complex dialect used specifically for when someone is wrong or embarrassed and the term is "salted". Salted has originated from the base word "sauce" which, I've been informed, is so out now.

(for those who need a quick lesson, salted would be used in the following manner:
Student X: We have a test today
Student Y: No we don't
X: Yes we do you idiot
Y: No we mos def don't
X: Ms E____, do we have a test today?
Me: Yes we do, X
X to Y: oooooo salted!!!)

So yesterday I am mid conversation when I bet someone I couldn't complete a task. Upon completion of the task, I immediately turn and exclaim, "ooooo salted!". At this moment, I receive a look like I have 10 heads at which point I then try to explain the meaning of the word. I guess the meaning is lost outside of its natural habitat.

I only have 4 weeks left in this school year and then it is a blissful 2 months of sleeping in late, weekends at the Cape and general summer enjoyment. By the end of these 4 weeks, I will hope to walk out of here with some of my essence still in tact.
However, if you spot me walking down Newbury Street in a XXL white tee with my "jordans" looking fresh...please save me.

.

P.S.

2008-05-19T08:06:00.000-04:00

I just noticed I had four comments on my last post and I almost just said *yipppeeee* out loud. I promise I will write a new and exciting entry tomorrow.

pinky swear promise!

2008-05-19T07:49:00.002-04:00

So I just remembered why I stopped writing this blog last time around....

it's because I'm incredibly lame and really have nothing witty or exciting happening in my daily life. I just wrote an entire entry about my love for certain television shows.

Then I read it back to myself and realized I sounded like the ultimate creeper and decided I couldn't share just how much of a nerd I am with the whole world.

So I'll have to get back to you

I couldn't stay away forever...

2008-05-15T09:09:00.002-04:00

So I'm back.

For now.

We shall see how long I can keep it up this time. I will admit though, I've kinda missed it. Even though there are only like 2 people who read this on a daily basis (those people being Caitlin and myself), I felt that my adoring public needed me. or at least the Facebook stalkers needed something new to peruse.

A lot has happened in the past 10 months...I moved to Boston, I'm almost finished my first year teaching inner city here, and I got a second job to support my habit (shopping, not crack- although I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say they are as equally addictive and dangerous).

I absolutely positively love living in the city. Despite the fact that my rent makes me want to cry and my apartment could double as a small linen closet in someone else's house, its all worth it. It's actually quite funny how I try to convince others (and namely, myself) about the amazingness (is that a word?) of my apartment by spinning each negative aspect into a "hidden luxury".

For example: 4th floor walkup? Great exercise for the butt, no stairmaster needed. No laundry in building? Fantastic! I'll save on my electricity bills! Astronomical rent for a place with no closet, yellow countertops and a gorgeous view into my neighbors apartmentl? How splendid! I'm doing my part for the economy while also learning fascinating things about human nature.

See? It's easy enough.

I live in the "Italian" section of Boston, well-known for its numerous Italian restaurants, pastry shops and old world charm (aka Paul Revere's House, Old North Church, the Freedom Trail). To me, that is sometimes code for creepy old Italian men who stare at you, ridiculously overpriced pasta and an unnerving amount of tourists who simply have no clue how to walk down the street. (Don't know where you are or where you are going next? Here's an idea: let's NOT stand in the middle of the sidewalk with a map the size of a billboard and spin around in circles, knocking the locals over with your fanny pack and camera bag.)

The perks are fabulous though. I'm within walking distance to any restaurant or bar I desire...and the nightlife is MUCH better than good ole Tallahassee, Florida. Although I must admit, while I don't miss Florida nightlife, my wallet does. Gone are the nights of penny pitchers, ladies free til 1 and $1 shots. They have now been replaced with ridiculously long lines everywhere past 10pm and drinks that cost $15 and come with a healthy side portion of sarcasm and/or self-righteousness. There have been many a Sunday morning where I've woken up to find I spent enough to feed and clothe a 3rd world country on vodka tonics and jager bombs.

Looking back over everything I've written, I can already see the differences in myself. It's been less than a year and I've already began the magical and personal transformation into the ever-loving, ever sought after, elusive, "Masshole" and I'm damn proud of it.

Just a little Audrey to brighten the day!

2007-07-16T14:13:00.000-04:00

“You can always tell what kind of a person a man really thinks you are by the earrings he gives you”

“My look is attainable. Women can look like Audrey Hepburn by flipping out their hair, buying the large sunglasses, and the little sleeveless dresses.”

2007-07-12T13:50:00.000-04:00

Being a card carrying member of Generation X (or is it Generation Y?), I have a penchant for internet surfing not unlike so many others out there...

As mentioned in previous posts, I have somewhat of an addiction towards Craigslist. Okay, its more than somewhat. I love it, need it, crave it. I suspect men in white jackets will be knocking at my door any minute to cart me away to rehab a la Britney Spears (minus the shaved head).

I usually browse for whatever strikes my fancy that day. Job hunting has finally (thank god!) been replaced by apartment hunting which can be a task all in itself. When my brain starts getting too boggled, I decide to look through the more ridiculous options on there. Did you know there is an entire section devoted to carpooling? The only place I haven't ventured is into the discussion board. Discussion boards can be a volatile and emotional area for all involved, I just don't care enough to read 20 pages of people fighting over which video game is better. Sometimes for a laugh I will skim through the discussion topics. Haiku anyone? Imagine THAT's a real debate topic right there, folks.

Anyoo, back to the topic at hand. Today, I stumbled across something that truly got to me. Now brace yourselves here and please remember I am your friend and not some weird creepy internet weirdo...

I spent like 45 minutes browsing through the "missed connection" section! *gasp* *faint* *sigh*

I know, I can't believe I'm admitting to it either. I went in there out of sheer curiosity, wanted to see what it was all about and what kind of people would actually post things in there...and ya know what? it tugged at me a bit. Despite the sarcastic and cynical outlook I typically have on life, the missed connections site called out to my inner hopeless romantic.

If you've never seen this part of Craigslist, this is a section where people go in and post about a missed connection they had, so something like : "I saw you at Starbucks wearing the pink shirt and we chatted for a few minutes, I wish I had gotten the chance to ask for your number, your smile made my day". Then someone can respond via email and hopefully a connection is made.

I'm not quite sure why this intrigued me so much, but I read through a bunch of them and it was really heart warming in a way. It wasn't a bunch of people asking for one night stands and raunchy sexual innuendos, it was honest people humbly coming forward searching for opportunity. First off, I think its nice because hey, if I'm taking the time to get dressed, do my hair, put on makeup, wear a cute outfit and be generally polite in public to people, then girlfriend should be getting a shout out somewhere...also, with all the corruption and dishonesty in this world, the boys who lie, cheat and are generally just poopy, its nice to be reminded there are still decent human beings out there...

I dunno, maybe I'm just a big, mushy nerd but this whole thing just reminded me so much of a fateful, ABC family, You've Got Mail type of situation, no?

Plus....admit it, how much would you be like OMG if you found yourself on there and some guy was boasting about how beautiful you were and how you made his day?

2007-07-11T13:02:00.000-04:00

I'm suddenly having flashbacks of the Vitamin C Graduation song "as we go on, we remember....all the times we, had together..."

Here's the thing. I graduated in December. Its been like 8 months since I donned the cap and gown and did the diploma thing but only know is it starting to sink in, my time in Florida is ending. I leave for Boston in 9 days. My apartment is in complete disarray, I'm living out a suitcase and I'm having a moving sale this weekend to get rid of furniture and excess *crap* for a lack of a better word, that won't be making the move.

I just can't believe its here.

There were so many times when I swore up and down I would never ever like Florida. I cursed myself and my family for making this decision, shot dirty looks at the red necks and country bumpkins and vowed I'd be back north before I knew it. Now, as the calendar days are counting down and the one marked with a big red circle is fastly approaching, I find myself incredibly sad and nostalgic about everything.

Florida and Florida State University have provided me with some of the best memories I've ever had. Regardless of the nastiness of Tennessee St and the complete and utter lack of shopping found in Governors Sq Mall, my life has been profoundly touched by the countless hours spent at Bullwinkle's, Po Boys, Waldemar and on campus. I've met the love of my life here, realized my dream of teaching here and so much more. There is a cliched saying, "I didn't go to college to find my husband, I came to find my bridesmaids". And that I did (okay now the tears are going to start, so just stop reading now if you could care less about the emotional aspects of my life).

My whole life I was an only child. Since being in Florida, I gained sisters. Beyond the greek letters and the stereotypical sorority labels, I found true blue (light and dark blue!)life-long, can't live without them, sisters. You know how I know they are true sisters to me? They love and accept me regardless. Through all the opinionated rants, gossip fueled, late night phone calls, tyrannical nagging, clothes stealing, bitchy, eye rolling times (all on my behalf- whooops), these girls have been there.

In 9 days, I will be making the 22 hour drive from Tallahassee, FL to Boston, MA and its going to be a dousy. As I cross over the Mason-Dixon line, I will be quietly ending one chapter of my life and begin writing the next. However, I know, without a doubt, like any real writer...I will be sure to go back every once and a while and relive all that I wrote...

2007-07-07T11:55:00.000-04:00

well here it is, the rare and elusive weekend blog post. I don't think I've ever done one during the weekend?

I figured I need to keep it updated for all the adoring fans out there (ha!) seriously though, I want to say thank you to everyone whose been keeping up with it and told me they've enjoyed it...I really appreciate that and it only makes me want to blab even more!

first on the list... paula abdul. Has anyone seen her new show on bravo? gurrrlll, you need some SERIOUS help. She is so wacked out. Therapy, a lobotamy, something. Whatever drugs she's taking, I want some. Watching her show is like watching a car accident, there are times when I wince at what shes saying, its sooo awkward, I want to just reach through the television and help a sister out. On the plus side, although her stylist seems like an absolute moron, she does have some really cute clothes and she drives my dream car (the White Range Rover...aawwww love). I just hope Paula can pull her ish together and work it, because I'd hate to see such a legend go down in flames the way she is.

The countdown to the move is like 2 weeks...holy shit. I'm moving to Boston 2 weeks from today. And what am I doing at noon on a Saturday? Sitting on my couch, watching America's Next Top Model marathon and getting ready to go lay out by the pool. haaaa I'm seriously such a terrible packer. I made an honest effort last weekend. The result? One box is packed, and its dvds I moved from my shelf to the box on the floor right next to the shelf...

oh well, whats a girl to do? This girl is gonna lay by the pool, drink daquiris and enjoy the last 2 weeks of florida sunshine she's gonna have for a longggggg time :)

Happy 4th!

2007-07-03T11:20:00.000-04:00

It is almost the 4th and it is making me nostalgic for all the 4th of July's spent at our family's house on the Cape...

going to the beach

evenings on the front porch

Saturday afternoons in town

summer just isn't summer without Cape Cod <3

next year I will be back there, I make it my mission.... until then, everyone have a happy safe 4th of July :)

It's July!!!

2007-07-02T09:44:00.000-04:00

It's July! It's July!!!

I have been waiting months for July to come! and noooo, not because of the 4th (although, I guess as the gf of a deployed Marine, I should be celebrating our Independence?) but no, not the 4th...something MUCH bigger, MUCH better than any fireworks display or red,white and blue themed cook out.....

HARRY POTTER! Yes folks, I am putting it out there for all the world to see and read. I, Marie, am a fully devoted Harry Potter fan and July 2007 is like the month of alll months for Harry Potter fans. Not only do we have the movie coming out (July 11th) but book 7 as well (July 21st). While I'm not going to launch into a full diatribe about the amazingness of HP (yes, there is even a nickname we cool kids give him when in discussion), I will say I give JK Rowling such props. I'm sure she never thought a book about a boy who goes to wizardry school would become one of the most discussed, watched and read topics of the last decade. Her brilliant writing has people of all ages lined up outside Barnes n Nobles around the country for hours before each book release, many of whom rush home at 12:01am and commence a reading marathon until that last page is read.

Personally, I find myself in a moral debate whenever I'm reading the latest HP. They are so good and I'm so interested, I find myself reading it too quickly so I make myself put the book down and walk away only to return and pick it back up 5 minutes later. Its terrible. July 22nd you will find me pacing around my apartment, picking the book up, reading a page, putting it back down, picking the book up, reading..oh you get the point.

While I am not going to be one of the wackos dressed up at the movie in a wizards hat or bearing the lightening bolt scar of Voldemort, I must say once more (in a girlish squeal of delight) eeeeeeeeeeeek I am just so very excited!!!!!

Good for you US Weekly!

2007-06-27T13:11:00.001-04:00

While we're happy to provide you with work-avoiding Paris Hilton stories all day long here at Usmagazine.com, we realize that Paris, like paperwork, is not something you want to take home with you.

That's why this week's issue of Us Weekly is 100% Paris-free!

From front cover to fashion police there are no mentions, no pictures, and nary a "that's hot" to be seen.

So when you're enjoying your weekly bath with the mag, there's no need to worry about Paris bursting your bubbles

Bravo. Golf claps. Standing ovations for US Weekly. I don't know about you but I am so sick of hearing about Paris Hilton. I understand girlfriend's got money and that her dad owns a few hotels (okay more than a few...) but seriously, I'm over it. I was over it awhile ago. Although I must admit, I found the judicial part of this scandal quite interesting. The chaotic few days of Paris being in jail, Paris being on house arrest and Paris being BACK in jail were mildly entertaining to the say the least. The sheriff had a case of celeb-itis and thought he'd get away with it. Not so much.

US Weekly has caught a lot of flack for this decision to pull out of the interview and people are complaining they are a gossip mag, its their job to report the celebrity gossip. While yes, I agree they are definately a celeb tabloid and not the New Yorker, the magazine is still written, edited and manufactured by human beings. They've gotta be just as sick of Paris as I am...its a sad sad day in America when the breaking news on CNN is a socialite being freed from her jail sentence, which came as a result of her own laziness and stupidity (you're worth like $15 billion dollars and you can't afford yellow cab on a Friday night? or better yet, a driver?)and let's face it, she's not famous because of her numerous Academy Award nods or outstanding musical talents. She's famous for her ability to utter "thats hot" during the most advantageous moments and her inability to turn off the camera during the most intimate moments. She spouts that jail changed her and she's going to become a different person now, that she appreciates her life so much more and she's going to make this huge difference in the world. What does little Miss Revolutionary decide to do? Get new hair extensions and do a photoshoot for People. Wow, I think the world hunger problem's been solved!!! And wait- World peace broke out as well. Way to go Paris.
Okay
*stepping off soapbox*
Whew!
Regardless, I am pumped for a Paris Free US Weekly. Plus it has pictures of Suri on the cover... how can you resist?

5 Things I'm Loving Right Now...

2007-06-26T15:47:00.000-04:00

So I've seen other bloggers do this and I think its a super cute idea so I figured I'd do one myself... plus it will give me a chance to exercise my cutting and pasting photo skills...

5 Things I Love Right Now:

1. Satsuma Body Butter by The Body Shop

The scent is kind of like oranges but not too overwhelmingly citrus. It just screams summer time to me and I love that its not oily. What's even funnier is that my freshman year of college, my roommate ( looove u Laura ) was obsessed with lotioning herself and I always found her preoccupation with self-lathering to be a bit over the top. Until now. I've joined the club. Sometimes I'll take unnecessary showers just so I can have an excuse to put the body butter on afterwards.

2. Bright Lights, Big Ass: A Self-Indulgent, Surly, Ex-Sorority Girl's Guide to Why it Often Sucks in the City, or Who are These Idiots and Why Do They All Live Next Door to Me?

I just stumbled across this author but Ms. Lancaster is so sarcastically funny and witty. I'm really bummed I didn't write a book like this first.

3. The Boston Red Sox

This is pretty much a given. I will forever and always love the Red Sox. They are the like ex-boyfriend you just can't give up. You know, the one who was horrible to you at times, let you down when you counted on him the most? Yet he was still adorable, charming and attractive so you couldn't let him go? Thats the Red Sox. Although, this season they are 11 games up on the Yankees thus far and that will make any proud Bostonian girl fall head over heels over and over again...

4. The Holiday

I know its almost July and I'm citing my love for a Christmas movie (hence: The Holiday) but I just can't help it. First of all, Jude Law = <3 <3 <3 I don't care that he schleped his nanny on the pool table, I find him irrestibly charming. and Cameron Diaz, who I usually find really annoying, has absolutely the best sweater collection in this movie. I love love love it!

5. The Jackie Cardigan from Jcrew

I pine. I perish. I swoon. The name of the sweater says it all...WWJD? What Would Jackie Do?
She'd buy this adorable sweater set in every color the rainbow!!!!

Special thanks to Tres Poshe Preppy for giving me a clue to just copy and paste (duh!) and who I stole the 5 things idea from!

LOVE LOVE LOVE this quote <3

2007-06-26T14:30:00.001-04:00

"I believe in manicures. I believe in OVERDRESSING. I believe in primping at leisure and wearing lipstick. I believe in PINK. I believe that loving is the best calorie burner. I believe in french kissing. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles."
-Audrey Hepburn

2007-06-25T09:38:00.000-04:00

Don't you hate it when what you want and what you have don't match up? like wanting the entire summer collection of Lily Pulitzer but actually having only one dress, from 2 seasons ago...

I want to move back to Boston soooooooooo badly...and I want to live in Beacon Hill or Back Bay and I want a job.

What I have: nada. no job. no apartment. zip, zero, zilch. goose-egg. It is so frustrating. I have a couple interviews lined up for the job front so that is promising but I swear this apartment search is going to be the death of me. First of all, I'm doing it from Florida which is no easy feat. People lie, especially people who want to sell you something, so a "spacious, luxurious condo on the water" really translates to a closet sized apartment that faces a sewer puddle outside the nearest T stop. As a result, I've officially become a craigs list addict. Its like my crack. I must check it easily 50 times a day for apartments, roommates and sublets and when I find one I like... aka in the Back Bay or Beacon Hill area, they want someone to move in like tomorrow and I need it for August. I know I will find one. People tell me I'm crazy and that its too expensive and I'll never find one and I need to just settle for somewhere else but I refuse to settle. Not yet anyways. Maybe around July 20th if I'm still going to be homeless I'll expand my horizons. Until then, I'm going to continue to faithfully stalk craigslist, facebook marketplace and every other apartment search engine out there until I find that home I so desire. I have faith my hard work will be rewarded...I do.

sigh.

2007-06-22T11:48:00.000-04:00

Being Irish and a recent college grad who was greek at a big southern university, I'm not afraid to say, I love me some drinks! I've always been a red wine fan but recently I've stumbled across a love for the martini. I don't know if its a sign of the times or my progression into my mid twenties but I love love love them now.

What's not to love? First off, the classes are just so chic and cute, especially when filled with a bright pink fruity liquid that tastes delicious.

I stumbled across a bar called the Blue Martini, which obviously, specializes in the $12 Martini in a variety of yummy combinations. It was here, I fell in love with a Key Lime Martini!!! It tasted exactly like my favorite dessert AND had a graham cracker rim! It was fantabulous!

The other night I went out and had a blueberrini (I think sometimes the names make them even better) and it was certainly interesting. It smelled better than it tasted (I swear it smelled EXACTLY like a blueberry muffin)

For anyone interested it was:

equal parts Blueberry Vodka, Vanilla Vodka and Blue Cuarco

In any event, I may not be able to continue on this Martini tradition as per previous post, I am on a money diet, buuuuuut I don't think one or two here or there is going to hurt too much ;)

2007-06-18T12:54:00.000-04:00

Sooooo I'm on a diet. No, its not Atkins, or South Beach, or Weight Watchers.

I'm not cutting out carbs or fats or red meats. This is worse than that, harder than that, takes about 32948023984 times more willpower than that....

I am cutting out....SHOPPING.

I'm on a debt diet. I have to be. I plan on moving back to Boston in T Minus 2 months aaaaand I'm spending money like I'm New York socialite whose dad invented the post-it note. So from now on, I've cut myself off. No more buying new clothes, no more spending money eating out, no more buying something just because its on sale and I already own the same thing in every other color except that one.

AAAND as if this new lifestyle wasn't shocking to the system enough, there are rampant rumors flying around the blog world that Marshall's got a shipment of Vineyard Vines!!! How is this possible? Like a fat kid who loves cake, a moth to a flame, I ran to my nearest Marshall's to see if this was true. Alas, my local store had nary a vine in sight (much to my relief- can you imagine the moral turmoil I'd be in?) BUT I did manage to find something else.....the damn knee length madras skirt I've been on my epic quest for....at Marshalls.

I had it in my hands, I walked towards the register and I put it down. I couldn't do it. I couldn't cheat on day numero uno of my diet. Damnit.

As if it couldn't get any worse, I went to International Plaza with my mom this weekend where EVERYWHERE was having a sale. Nordstrom's had a shoe sale that made me nearly lose my breath. As we were riding down the escalator my mom gasped and goes "oh god Marie, don't even look" so of course, the first thing I do is look.... lo and behold...about 15 racks of shoes...on sale. again, Damnit.

The last bit of torture was following my mom into Ann Taylor (also having a huge sale). It was like being on a real diet and being forced to shop in Godiva. I had to drag my mom out of there as my credit card burned a hole in my purse.

gahhhh. Depsite it all, I managed to make it through the whole weekend spending only $7 on a Binder and page dividers at Walmart. woooo hooooooo me!!!!

maybe this won't be so hard after all? riiiiiiiiiiiight.

2007-06-11T14:24:00.000-04:00

I seem to be at a lack of creativity these past few days and have nothing fun or exciting to write about sooo instead you get to read my random, stream of consciousness thoughts about what's happening in life.

First and foremost- the Sopranos.

I must say, I don't know what to say....all I know is that last night I was ready to call up HBO and Comcast and unleash holy hell when I thought my cable went out, alas it was merely a clever little plot element from the twisted mind of David Chase. A friend of mine said the cast was at Hardrock Cafe in South Florida and you could pay to watch the finale with them. I would LOOOVE to know what happened when it was over. Did people start booing and throwing french fries at James Gandolfini? or did people "get" the overt symbolism and mysticism of it all? Personally, I'd wanted blood and violence and for them to all get killed like any true gangster tale should end.

Secondly- I've decided I want to do too many things in life. Is that possible? Is there a way that I can become a house flipping, real estate investor/wedding planner who also teaches high school english and is a New York Time Bestselling author as well? I'd like to think so, I do know one thing, I'd be the best diet ever... having 34298230984 different jobs = no time to eat. I wonder what kind of wardrobe I'd need for that though and it'd be one hell of a business card.

Lastly- I'd like to pronounce my undying love and affection for this fun little number. I think it's just too cute and whenever I see it, I picture little me spinning in circles in her patent leather Mary-Janes and white lace socks...

2007-06-06T08:56:00.000-04:00

I found heaven.

and yes, it's here on earth. In a shopping plaza on St. Simon's Island, Georgia to be precise. That's right folks, mecca is a little store called Cloister Collection.

What makes Cloister Collection so amazingly, fantastically wonderful you ask? Not only is it a Lilly Pulitzer Premier Retailer, but it also has Vineyard Vines, Eliza B AND Vera Bradley. This means, of course, heaven is not filled with white puffy clouds but pink and green tea length dresses!!! I'm sure I looked like the biggest spaz ever when I stumbled upon this store. I literally stood at the front table for a good 5 minutes just staring at everything, I didn't even know where to start first!!!!

So much of Lilly's summer line is reminiscent of the late, great Jackie O. She is was and always will be the epitome of classy

2007-05-31T12:43:00.000-04:00

it's been awhile since I've posted...I still haven't quite decided how I feel about this blogging business. I never quite know what to write about and I'm not really sure how interesting my life is...then again, it seems like today's society is all about reading other people's information. I can easily spend hours stalking via myspace, facebook and other people's blogs. Haven't talked to Sarah from junior high in 10 years? Doesn't matter, you can see her pictures and read her comments at the click of a button. Seems a little creepy if you really think about it!

I didn't get the job I was hoping for. Apparently the repeated mind bullets I was sending him to hire me didn't work. I keep telling myself, what's meant to be will happen...I'll end up where I'm supposed to be....yeaaaa I'm beginning to think thats a bunch of b.s. The most ironic part is, for a girl who loooves to spend money and has expensive taste, I sure am busting my ass trying to get a job that pays very little. It becomes the age-old question, do you give up what you love to get more money? At this point, I think not. I'd rather bypass Bergdorf's and come home happy then own Manolo's in every style (omg could you imagine?!) and be miserable. Until then, I will satisfy my shopping sweet tooth every once in awhile and rock some bangin knock-offs in the meantime....

Ciao

2007-05-21T15:23:00.000-04:00

WANTED:

the real Jessica Simpson

I am offering a handsome reward to anyone who can find the real Jessica Simpson and show her to me. She has been missing for approximately a year now and friends and family are getting concerned she may never come back. She was last seen with long blonde hair, bubbly personality and a fashionable wardrobe. Recent evidence shows that all three things have been left behind in her disappearance. Beware! There is an imposter running around town who claims to be Miss Jessica. She is demolishing Jessica's image with every heinous lip color and mousy hair do she sports. She even wore this shiteous dress to the Met Costume Gala, pretending to be Jessica. Something must be done, and fast, before we lose Jessica forever. If you find her, please report to me immediately. Thanks!

2007-05-18T09:04:00.000-04:00

I have to start off today's ramblings by commenting on how much I am in LOVE with these shoes!!!! I don't know if its the pink/green combination, the bow or the pattern, but these shoes just make me smile!!!

I want. I want. I want.

In other things, I am so sad Grey's is over for another season. I'd love to know what other people thought about it. Personally, I'm not really a fan of Meredith. I find her to be whiny and ugh, just irritating. If McDreamy was standing there begging for my love, I sure would be reassuring him instead of the avoidance game she keeps playing. She's going to end up losing him and then spend 4398503945 monologues next season devoted to her lost love (well duh! it's your fault!)

I feel so bad for poor Izzie. There is something I just love about her. First she loses Denny and now this dilemna with George. My prediction for next year is that George will chose Izzy only to find out Callie is pregnant and then it will become this huge, drawn-out triangle for several episodes. If George or Burke even come back! I've read somewhere neither one has renewed his contract, not that I'm too surprised considering all the gay slander gossip on the set... hmmm...

Is it sad that I discuss and analyze this tv show as if they were real people? ehhh I think not.

2007-05-17T11:11:00.000-04:00

So it's been almost a week since my big interview and I have been stalking my phone ever since. The majority of people in my phone are categorized by their ringers as I am an infamous call screener. Whenever the "general" ring tone goes off (Maneater by Nelly Furtado- I love everything about Nelly Furtado), my heart starts racing and I run to the phone. An act that is quickly followed by disappointment and slight anger at the caller- how dare you call me to say hi!? don't you know I'm expecting a big phone call? ugh!!!! I try to live life with the philosophy that what's meant to be will work itself out. I'm definitely a believer that you can only do so much and its up to fate to take it the rest of the way.... so c'mon fate, if you could hurry it up a bit I'd really appreciate it. You've got a girl here with button imprints on her palm from clutching the phone so tightly.

In other news, I have recently begun a quest to find the perfect madras skirt. This task, that once began as a simple thought, "I really like madras", has spun into a holy grail, Homer-esque saga of epic proportions. Very few people in the world understand the components that go into the perfect madras skirt. It should have the appropriate length (preferably a little bit above the knee- I can't handle those mini, bend over and see the goods, can't sit, Britney/Lohan shot, always tugging at type skirts. It also needs to be the right color consistency. There are so many variations out there, baby blues, pinks, etc but I really want to find the classic color scheme, reds, blues, yellows.

Since beginning my hunt for the holy madras, it's like my eyes have become these honing beacons. Shopping becomes the hunt, the quest, the ultimate conflict of any good story. Upon entrance to any mall or store, I immediately begin scouring the place for the telltale print and familiar pattern. Once I catch sight of one, I swoop it up before it can escape. My heart is racing, palms sweating, smile across my face. Success at last! To my dismay, it's always too short. always. always. always. I'm not 12, I'm not Mary-Kate or Ashley Olsen. I cannot wear a skirt that is 3 inches long. I sigh, look at it longingly for another minute or so and put it back in its hiding spot. I may have lost the battle, but I haven't lost the war. The search will continue and I will not give up. In the meantime, I managed to find a really cute madras headband from J. Crew that fills the vacant spot in my wardrobe that only madras can fill....

I wouldn't mind this fabulous Lilly dress as a stand-in though...

What Not To Wear

2007-05-09T10:35:00.000-04:00

Although I just recently graduated with my teaching degree, I secretly wish and hope and pray to be some famous fashionista with an unlimited wardrobe and invites to all the best shows under the tents. I have an unquenchable thirst for shopping and clothes that isn't deterred by my lack of funds. In an ideal world, I'd have a job like Stacey London on TLC's What Not to Wear. Her and Clinton have made a career off shopping, style and well, basically judging other people's fashion choices...all my favorite past times!!!!

Just talking about it has me all inspired so here it goes...

If there is one rule I can stress over and over and over again.... DRESS FOR YOUR BODY! There is nothing worse than seeing a cute girl walking around in the completely wrong outfit for her body. Pear shaped? Then stay far far away from skinny pants. Have a bigger midsection? Avoid short shirts like the plague. I hate my legs and would definitely classify myself as "curvy" so you will not see me in a mini skirt any time soon but I do know that wide leg pants that fall straight from the hip disguise the thighs and make me look both leaner and taller.

Trends are cropping up everywhere right now and you have to be careful. What's hot in the spring can be dead cold by the fall and you don't want to be caught in a fashion faux paux. Take SOME of the trendier new looks and mix them into your more classic wardrobe. Wedges and Espadrilles work with almost every body type so you can't go wrong. They look great with white linen pants or a cute sundress. As a personal preference, I hate the leggings look. Unless you are skinny, they just don't work and can make you look a lot heavier than you are. When in doubt, stick with the classics, there is nothing better than a freshly ironed polo and your favorite worn in jeans

Everyone's taste is different and style is definately person, but I take these to be universal to all:

Hot, Hot, Hot: empire waste sundresses, wedges, pastel colors, white/black combos, turqoiuse jewelry, oversized sunglasses, bermuda shorts
Not, Not, Not: jean shorts (jorts), platform flipflops, scrunchies, shirts with sparkly words on them (you are not "too hot too handle" or a "sexy angel" and trust me "Don't hate me because I stole your man" is NOT cute)

Post numero uno

2007-05-09T10:20:00.000-04:00

This was supposed to be the first one but already I'm failing at this blog stuff and I published them in the wrong order....

Here it is. The very first "blog" post for Marie! I'm not quite sure what I'm going to write about though. I'm not quite sure why I even made a blog. I guess I figured since I spend so much time reading other people's words, I might as well put in some of my own.

In the world of myspace and facebook, I always figured a blog wasn't necessary. People can adequately stalk you via those two places. I mean how many more places can you post drunken pictures of you and your friends before people say, Okay! Enough already! So the point of this blog is more about what I have to say and the inner ramblings that go on. Those closest to me will readily admit I am opinionated and loud mouthed. I have a teensy problem with saying exactly what I'm thinking which usually results in little to no filtering and lots of verbal diarrhea. In my defense though, usually something wise and wonderful can be found in there somewhere.

I am getting ready for a trip to Boston tomorrow and I absolutely cannot wait. There is something about that city I find captivating and alluring. It has all the shopping, restuarants and culture of New York without the overwhelming size and loud-mouthed Yankees fans. Many, many Saturdays have been spent strolling down Newbury Street. I daydream and visualize the fantabulous outfits I could create at Burberry and Chanel before settling on a more realistic version from Jasmine Sola and Urban Outfitters. I'm desperately trying to move back there asap...southern life and I just don't quite agree. Actually, we really don't like each other. at all. and I'm okay with that.

Well kiddos, stick around...you never know what is going to come out of my mouth next...