Why Does It Have To Be Black OR White?

I love sparkly things, as most women do.  It's not surprising that when I set my eyes on the beauty below, that I completely fell in love.  I laid eyes on my new love at The Menagerie, 1601 West 38th St, #7 Jefferson Square, Austin, TX  78731. www.themenagerie.com  Vickie Roan is the owner and she is fabulous!  If you aren't completely versed in diamonds, she is more than happy to explain the ABCs of all things sparkly. 

Perfectly good motivation to work hard and make bonus, if you ask me! 

Flower Power

Spring has sprung!  At my parents house this past weekend, I was able to see the gorgeous wildflowers that are blooming in the field in front of their home and in the garden.  Stunning!  Below are a few pics I took.  Enjoy!

Mind Your Manners

My sister is expecting her first baby and is due in late summer/early fall.  Super exciting!  I was fortunate enough to recently go with her for a doctor appointment and see an ultrasound.  The whole experience was amazing!  The baby thing is new for me and I definitely need a learning curve.  I feel like I don't know the right things to say and inadvertently offend my sister.  For instance, while watching the ultrasound, all I could say was "how weird," "that's so weird" and "oh my gosh!"

After some thinking, I realized I should check my Emily Post's Etiquette book for info.  Below are a couple of pointers from "Emily Post's ETIQUETTE, 18th Edition, Manners For A New World,"  by Peggy Post, Anna Post, Lizzie Post, Daniel Post Senning. 

• Tell the couple how happy you are to hear their good news.
• Offer to help out when you can, especially as it gets closer to the baby's arrival.
• Avoid asking personal questions that may put the mother or the couple on the spot:
• Have you been trying long?
• You look quite big.  Is the baby due soon?
• Do you know who the father is?  (That's my personal favorite!  Seriously, why would you EVER ask someone that?  Ha!)

Lastly, "don't just assume someone is pregnant and ask, 'When are you due?'"  Um, haven't enough people stuck their foot in their mouth and made this mistake?  Who on earth would still ask that?!? 

Anywho, while Emily Post didn't have much advice for me this time, I have learned that taking special care in choosing my words wisely when discussing a pregnancy, new baby or children, is the best bet.  Upsetting a hormonal pregnant woman is NEVER a good idea!

Stiffler's Mom

(Thanks Hulu.com for the pic.)

When American Pie came out in 1999, I was rather young in high school.  My parents were uber strict on the movies I was allowed to see, so I had to wait until it came out on HBO.  (Of course I had to sneak and watch it when they weren't home.)  I like the movie, thought it was funny, but it wasn't necessarily a "cult classic" for me.

American Pie 2 was a different story.  It was released just before I moved away to college.  I could choose my own movies, go with whom I wanted and wasn't asked too many questions by the parentals.  I completely associate this movie with leaving the nest, experiencing new found freedom and not to sound too cheesy, it's a bit "coming of age" for me.

When I first saw the preview of American Reunion, all the good feelings and excitment came rushing back.  Is it nuts that I am soooooo excited to see this movie?  April 6th cannot get here soon enough!  Stiffler's Mom, Band Camp Girl or Jim's failed sexual exploits - I am totally hoping this will be another hysterically relatable and ridiculous moving about growing up.  Which is exactly what I need since I'm TIRED of being a grown up!

(Moviehole.net, thanks for the pic.)

Health Kick - Food, Part 2

For a pseudo healthy snack, get the low fat butter microwave popcorn.  Once popped, spray with olive oil pan spray and lightly toss with ranch salad dressing mix.  YUMMMMM!!!

Vino

In college, my best friend and I purchased our wine based on the cheapest price and highest alcohol content.  You would think that this many years after college I would have evolved past that method of wine selection, but yeh, that hasn't really changed.  I recently found the wine on sale at HEB.  It was in th $5-6 range, sale price.  It was great!  Very smooth, with mild earthy undertones.  Even regularly priced, it still a great deal.  Check it out!

Health Kick - Food, Part 1

Last year I gave up meat for lent so in an attempt to find alternate forms of protein, I bought a box of Near East Pearled Couscous Mix, Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil.  There is a recipe on the back for Taboule Salad with Pearled Couscous.  I FINALLY tried it tonight, and have a few thoughts.  The recipe isn't online, so I've included it below.  (Sorry Near East if you don't like that.)

Prep Time:  30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

1 package Near East Pearled Couscous Roasted Garlic & Olive Oil
1 tablespoon olive oil
1-3/4 cups water
3 bunches parsley, washed & chopped - If you put all the parsley in a food processor, don't use all of it.  It is WAY too much!
3/4 cup scallions, sliced 1/8 inch wide - I couldn't find scallions so I substituted red onions, flavor was probably a bit too strong. 
2 lemons juiced
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon mint, chopped
pinch of salt and black pepper


1.  In medium saucepan, combine water and olive oil.  Bring to a boil.
2.  Add Pearled Couscous and Spice Sack and stir thoroughly.  Bring back to boil  .
3.  Simmer at a medium boil for 8 to 14 minutes uncovered until pasta is tender and most of the water has evaporated (a very small amount of water should remain).  Stir occasionally.  Turn off heat.
4.  Let stand covered 4 to 5 minutes.
5.  Transfer couscous to bowl and toss to cool.
6.  Toss with remaining ingredients.  Chill for 20 minutes before serving. 

5 Servings (1 cup each)

For a first attempt, it was good, but WAY too much parsley.  I had it with baked salmon, a salad and of course red wine.

I Got Moves

I've got moves, or more accurately, one move.  While I've moved an average of once a year ever since 2011, I still end up scrambling, feel completely unprepared and unorganized.  In my last post I mentioned looking for ideas on Pinterest.  While I still haven't quite learned how to navigate Pinterest, I did find a great checklist for how to move.  RealSimple.com has a great list that begins at 6 months prior to the move.  Not everything on the list is applicable to my move, but I printed it out and made notes on the side. 

In addition to the checklist, there are all sorts of reference materials and tools to help with all-things-moving. 

If you have an upcoming move, take a look and see how helpful it can be!

Hello Pinterest!

Welcome to Pinterest!  I've been accepted to the club... now if only I could learn how to use it.  It is definitely a useful site and has a ton of great ideas, but it totally baffles me!

For instance, I'm in the process of moving.  Currently I'm in the finalizing details/planning to move stages.  If I could find ideas for organization and packing, I'd be very happy!  Also, with starting a new job I'd like to revamp my wardrobe, but I don't have a clue where to start.  These fabulous wonderful ideas are out there, or so I've heard, I just don't know how to "follow people to pin them to my boards."

Taking applications for Pinterest tutors all week.   

Search Of The Day

Have you ever been embarrassed by what you might be searching for on Google?  Ever question whether or not you should Google something on your home computer instead of at work for fear of IT seeing it?  Well, don’t worry about just IT seeing it; there are companies that pay people to analyze Google searches.  One such individual has created a website that features their favorite wacky searches, www.searchoftheday.com.  Check it out!  See what other people want to know.

Personal Favorite:  “How do you spell evil laugh” 

Ok, I might have enjoyed this one as well:  “rate my tites” 

Bwahahahahaha!

On The Move

Always around New Year's people start making lists: The Best XYZ of 2008, Resolutions Kept/Failed, Best Celebrity of 2008, Worst Celebrity of 2008, etc. etc. etc. With the New Year just around the corner, I thought it would be appropriate for me to make a list of my own.

Reasons Why I haven't Blogged In Almost A Month:

1. It's beginning to look, no wait, it was looking a lot like Christmas! Parties, shopping, work, working out to fit in the Bandage dress. (Yes, it happened! Pics coming soon.)
2. Working out, even more, to fit in that dress. It took a ton of work people!
3. Drama. Drama. Drama. I have not had internet in my apartment since the day after my last post, due to the drama.
4. Packing to move. Yes, I'm moving, rather unexpectedly. The details of the vendors I used will come later, once I get everything unpacked and settled.
5. During the holidays I went to see the parentals and was gone for almost a week.

So that's my list. As I mentioned, I'll be posting more but hope you guys have a GREAT, safe, New Years!

State Farm Is On Your Side

Over the Thanksgiving Holiday, my sister and I were laughing about how many times she's locked her keys in her car. I was like "Tee hee! I haven't done that in years." Yeh, that is until last night. I came home after my soccer game and got my keys, locked the door, got my soccer bag out of the trunk and remembered I need to get something else out of the front seat. Not thinking (aka too busy yakking on the phone with Casey - shout out!), I locked the car with the keys on the driver's seat. CRAP!

Of course the first person I called was my sister. When she's done this, her insurance has paid for the locksmith. Since we both have State Farm, I needed to know what I needed to do so I didn't have to pay for my own idiot mistake.

Here's how State Farm rocks my socks off: with my policy, they will pay up to $80 for any "Roadside Assistance." All I had to do was scan my receipt and email to my agent. The check went in the mail today. ROCK. STAR. Woo woo!

Part 2 of my story is how Pop-A-Lock is my new hero. The last time I dealt with a locksmith I was seriously scarred for life. Not only was he ghetto as heck, but he drove a complete beater that I really don't see how it was street legal and charged me nearly $200. (At the time I had no choice but to pay it.) Pop-A-Lock had a very pleasant dispatcher and after I placed the request, the technician (or whatever you call the locksmith service people) called within 5 minutes and let me know his ETA. And then he actually showed up when he said he would!

He showed up in a clean mini-van, was very professional and completed the job within 10-15 minutes. I could not have asked for better service, much less at 11 o'clock at night! The best part is they only charged me $55! So now I'm headed to get a spare key made. It probably won't kill me to get one, just in case.

Way to go State Farm and Pop-A-Lock!

Today Jen Lancaster posted a blog entry regarding where her fans would potentially like to see her on tour next summer for her newest book, "Pretty In Plaid." A few weeks ago I mentioned her new book will be out in May 2009.

Naturally I immediately posted a comment about her coming to Dallas. After I entered the security code, I never saw my comment pop up. I wrote another little note begging her to come to Dallas. Well apparently they both posted and I am now 2 for 2 in being a blubbering idiot when dealing with Jen Lancaster. Crap. (To see my written word vomit, check out the comments here. Mine are at the 1:46 and the 1:34 time stamps.)

The plus side of my embarassment is that I found a new blog to follow! First Class to Hell is written by two ladies, Val and Parker, that have been best friends since the 80's. So far from what I've read, they are Harsh. Brutal. and Awesome. Here's an excerpt of Val's opinion of The Real Housewives of The OC:

Gretchen: 30-year old money-grubbing gold digger doesn't even scratch the surface. It's not like that old dude that she is with is Mr. Personality - the ficus tree on my back patio has more personality than that Kenny Roger clone. Sadly, he has Leukemia, and I wouldn't be surprised if she has the "Leukemia count down clock" loaded on her laptop - counting down the days when she is the "hottest widow in Orange County".

Whammy! When I get more time I'm MUST read more of this blog!

On The Second Day Of Christmas

I know I'm late on the Christmas activity list, but I promise it's coming. In the mean time, here is my attempt to make up for it. Trust me, you'll be glad I like you! Today, and for the next 11 days, Sigels Liquor Stores are having awesome sales.

Today, and TODAY ONLY, from 4-9pm the Greenville Avenue location is having 20% off EVERYTHING! Everything includes all the booze, merchandise, steaks, etc. Talk about start your Holiday Drinking Engines!

Sigels Greenville is located at 5757 Greenville Ave, Dallas, Texas 75206. (214) 739-4012

If you miss today's sale, don't sweat! Now thru December 13th, every Sigels location is having the "12 Days of Christmas" wine sale. Each day they feature different categories of wine and offer them for 20% off. For instance, today they are showcasing wines from Chile and Argentina. Wine types include Malbec, Cabernet, Carmeniere, Chardonnay, Torrontes, Syrah and many more.

Nice wine is always a great gift for the boss, in-laws, Secret Santa, etc. Sigels would be the perfect spot to pick up those gifts for less! For additional information, visit Sigels website http://www.sigels.com/index.php.

Happy Turkey Day!

I'm sure you're all VERY interested in whether or not I ran the entire 3 mile Turkey Trot. Drum roll please...

I did! I did! Last night I was a bit nervous about whether or not I'd be able to run the entire 3 miles since I have trouble running outside. (I've become a treadmill girl.) Oh yeh, I finished in 33 minutes. Holla! Running it was awesome!

Anywho, Happy Thanksgiving everybody! Hope you have a great day with family and friends. And GO COWBOYS!!!

Soap On A Rope

This is my sassy horse/soapbox/disclaimer: Peeps, Christmas comes after Thanksgiving!!! The tree, the decorating, the Christmas music, etc. etc. etc. needs to stay in the attic til after Turkey Day. That is my opinion, I am entitled to it, and I will share it if I want to.

With that said, Friday morning I will post my list of fun Christmas activities in Dallas. Of course, as I find out about more cool stuff, I'll update the list. If I don't hop back on here before Friday, hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I Want An Oompa Loompa NOW!

I'm channeling my inner Veruca Salt today. Why you ask? Jen Lancaster's new book is now on Amazon, but it won't be released until May 5th, 2009. Such a tease! I seriously do not want to wait til MAY!!! but apparently I have to. Bah!

Here's the cover for her new book, "Pretty in Plaid: A Life, a Witch, and a Wardrobe, or, the Wonder Years Before the Condescending,Egomanical, Self-Centered Smart Ass Phase"

Potluck Season

If you work for a company like mine, and many others in the US, a potluck is the favorite option for (smaller) company holiday meals. With this hodge-podge of a food extravaganza, it's never easy to decide what to make and how much to make. Here is a yummy dessert solution that my mom used to make for us when I was a child.

Momma G's Dumpcake Cobbler - (I can never remember if it's technically dumpcake or cobbler so I made the executive decision on the name.)

2 Cans Of Fruit In Own Juice, Fruit Cocktail, Pineapple, Pear, etc. (with it being in it's own juice, it's a bit healthier than the more sugary options.)

1 Box White Cake Mix (can be plain white mix or coconut or another flavor but white looks most appealing.)

Butter or Margarine

1. Lightly cover 13"x9" with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Empty canned fruit and juice into pan.
3. Sprinkle cake mix on top of fruit.
4. Evenly place small tabs of butter or margarine on top.
5. Bake on 350 degress for 40 minutes to 1 hour.

Adding nuts, coconut, or additional fruit is optional.

Shout Out!

Several previous posts have mentioned my good friend Chelsea and her passion for helping the non-profit Attitudes and Attire. Most recently I wrote about her new business venture where she makes, and sells, custom-made aprons.

A few weeks ago, Karyn Bosnak asked her blog readers to submit their small businesses/crafty friends for her Holiday Shopping list that she posts on her blog. Guess who submitted their wonderful friend Chelsea? Guess who made #4 on the list? WOOOOOOO YAY!!! I am totally stocked! I really, really, really hope Chels gets some awesome business from the Pretty In The City Blog. (As a side note, aka tooting my own horn, the description of Chelsea's company is EXACTLY what I submitted. I wrote that!)

Anywho, here's the link to the "Pretty In The City: Holiday Shopping 2008."

Congrats Chels!

Gobble, Gobble

T-Minus 4 days and counting for the Turkey Trot. I've been working my butt off to try and be able to run the 3 mile race this year. Finally last week I was able to hit 3 miles with NO walk breaks! Talk about getting over a hurdle! I'm totally excited.


The end of last week I went to Luke's Locker and registered for the T Trot. I got wrapped up in my own excitment and bought a pair of running shorts. Actual running shorts. No more ackward positioned shorts for me, no sir!


As far as the Bandage Dress deadline, an official date has been set: December 19th. That's when I'm going to wear that bad boy. After Thanksgiving Day I'm going to keep running for cardio, but I'm going to step up the weight training as well. I need to check to see if there are any 5Ks in the next few months.


Anywho, that's about it for right now, but I'll be back with more later!