Labels: Blog 365, Random Mess
Miranda Hobbes: [at a bar, drinking Cosmopolitans] Why did we ever stop drinking these? Labels: Blog 365, Movies, SATC
Stunning... so very stunning. One day my friends, one day.
[Photos & Text courtesy of Saks.com]
Labels: Blog 365, Fashionista, Obsessed With
In my weekly Bed Bath & Beyond "Cafe Beyond" newsletter, I quickly persused the topics and read a bit more than normal because they had one of the Iron Chefs with a recipe on there. I noticed that they had stuff for closet organization (one of my focuses as of late) and this lovely contraption: Slide and Negative Converter. Labels: Blog 365, Memories, NetFinds, Shopping
Let me state for the record, that I have NEVER been a fan of the pack mentality. I've always been one for independent thought and think for yourself. The term "lemming" and I have nothing - NOTHING - in common. I think that people, as individuals, can bring SO much to a situation and really have to smile when I see people moving ahead. Positive begets positive, people.
However, when I see grown women being followers (and not leaders), I wonder where their mindset is. I'm all for supporting one another but I am also for everyone having their own opinions and thoughts. There's a few people that I have to deal with on the daily that take the Pack mentality to a whole other level; that pack being either this
or
this
You get the picture. These women are grown but yet act like they are still in high school with whispers, nasty azz gossip, cold shoulder, ostracizing, "severe embellishment" of the truth (and heaven forbid if you even tell them they are wrong), and they can't seem to go a WEEK without being pissed off at their "hot seat of choice". And when someone is in the hot seat, life is VERY rough for that person and these individuals seem to revel in it. The next week - it's someone else's turn.
I have seen people I care about get hurt and, while sometimes it's my turn in the hot seat, I can deal with the heat just fine because I'm just as fiery and have a very low tolerance for bull*** (especially lately). However, in my concern for others, I worry about if other people that are in the hot seat can handle the searing hell that these characters have a tendency to dish out. Any way you look at it, it's abuse. Plain and simple.
There's going to come a time, very soon when a snark will beget a snark in return - and my snark will definitely set at least one on their ass. I just have to have my ducks in a row before I fire the return volley. But, with all the drama that has been circling this spot for the past 2 months, I had a deep thought this weekend.
I wonder - are we back in high school? Are our adult lives just a regurgitation of the junior high and high school mentality, just with better bags and shoes? Or are some people just regressing back to childish behaviors due to the stress that they bring on themselves.
I just don't get it.
Labels: Blog 365, Deep Thoughts, Random Mess
Labels: Blog 365, Fashionista
Labels: Blog 365, Random Mess
Labels: Blog 365, Random Mess
Labels: Blog 365, Random Mess
Labels: Blog 365, Memories, Random Mess, TV
While watching the season finale of Life In The Fab Lane, Kimora Lee Simmons' reality show, I heard the funniest line. 
Labels: Blog 365, Fashionista, Random Mess
I've been in a cosmetics quandary for a while. When I was a teenager, I used to raid my mother's beauty products all the damn time. Eventually, she took me to Estee Lauder for my own cosmetics and that's what started my love affair with all things color. In college I headed the makeup department for all the theatrical productions and learned more about the brands and how certain things worked with other products. Labels: Beauty, Blog 365, Obsessed With, Shopping
Needless to say, work's been kickin' my butt into overdrive. Sadly, my personal life has taken a backseat to the madness. So, this week I need to zap my happy behind into gear and here's my checklist to start the week:Labels: Apt, Blog 365, Cooking, Finance, Goals, PF
Labels: Blog, Blog 365, Soapbox
Or As FB would say: "Shoe Porn"... The Pre-Fall season is starting to hit the websites along with some great summer offerings so here are some lovely shoe finds around the way for your viewing pleasure. Feel free to go to your local Saks/Neimans/Nordys etc. to fondle and try on. It will definitely brighten your mood a bit.
First up, Claudia Ciuti's Tamarindo
Labels: Blog 365, Fashionista, Shopping
I know I know... I've been M.I.A. but for good reason, I swear. If it involves the Clooney - will you forgive me? I scheduled posts knowing the impending hell facing me.
OK, there was no Clooney or celeb involvement, just work work work work work. I really haven't been able to spend time here or at CookingInStilettos or even at FashionistaPlus or Twitter or email, etc. because we had a big to-do at the 9to5 and I was workin' my fingers to the quick. My head was spinning, my couch is NOT comfy (I had to sleep there or else I'd oversleep when I'd have to be up way before the sun rises), I almost missed the M.A.C. Friends & Family sale and it was so crazed that people went and procured ice coffee for me so that I would keep sane. The last thing I wanted to power up at night was my laptop. Hell I was lucky if I could sleep without waking up every hour with thoughts of ".... did I file XYZ? ... I have to call so and so ... Crap - I still have to work on that report... "
Yesterday - my coworkers kindly brought my calmness remedy - an Iced Venti Caramel Nonfat Macchiato at 2:45. I didn't even get to SIP it until 6:00 as I was running off to an offsite location to set up part of an event. I came back to the office around 7:15 and I downed that sucker. Ugh! It was just utter chaos and, no, it hasn't stopped fully but there's a reprieve for a bit so I can catch my breath.
And, not to mention, I'm dealing with drama I can't discuss but I can get easily annoyed and when I'm dealing with b.s., oh hell to the naw. I have a low tolerance for anything of that sort and I read people pretty damn good so now that I have a few people's numbers and I'm watching them treat people near me like crap, well, I've been a bit cold. And I know karma will bite them in the butt in time but somehow time needs to speed up their roll.
When you take all of the above, I guess my face conveys everything and I look like hell. Know how I know that? Well, when I went into my neighborhood 'Bucks early early early this a.m. to get a java jolt before I headed into the office, I hear the gal go "Oh my god. Are you okay? You don't look so good?!?! Can I give you an extra shot - on the house of course." Jee thanks! I must have a touch of zombie pallor or something.
One thing I know looked fab - my makeup. I tried a few new things from M.A.C. that I got at the sale (15% off - SQUEEEEE. When does M.A.C. EVER do a sale? Seriously - when? NEVER NEVER NEVER). I tried their spray foundation (fabu), their concealer (hell I have raccoon circles that not even professional strength stuff can help), a couple new shadows, etc. Not to mention, I've found myself inspired by various looks I see around the way - whether it's makeup related or clothing or shoes or something. That's been one consolation - while I know I'm styled fabulous head to toe, that cushions some of the grave empty eye look that I have from being robotic. (Note: fall = light eye, dark lip. Just remember that, 'k? Trust!)
I just have to remember, silver lining through the clouds or some mess. Either that or there's a vat of Captain Morgan in my near future.
Labels: Blog 365, Random Mess
Labels: SATC
Labels: Blog 365, Friends, SATC
Labels: Blog 365, Goals, The Secret, Travel
I'm spending the evening with George, Matt, Brad, Don and the boys of Ocean's Eleven courtesy of TMT. Labels: Blog 365, Movies, Random Mess
My dear readers, I've failed you and failed oh so miserably. Here I am waxing poetic on the quality of shoes blah blah blah, going to pay down debt (even though my student loans are almost 70% paid off - hurrah!), trying to get the bills in check and I decide tonight to ONLY fondle the Max Studio shoes.
I got out late and decided to check out the Altamonte Mall's Macy*s and I looked through the shoe department - found nothing. Looked at clothes, decided to go through my closet this weekend for meetings on Monday and Tuesday. I browsed M.A.C. going "Eeeh - friends and family is this weekend - I'll just wait to get a couple things with my coupon." And then I figured "Crap, why don't I just go LOOK at Bakers and see what they got. It's 5 minutes and this way I can see those gladiators up close."
BIG MISTAKE - BIG BIG MISTAKE.
Lys + Shoe Store = TROUBLE
I walk in, find a pair of sandals that are cute and only $19.99 - fine for something trendy that might not last and as they are getting my size, I see the gladiators. Eeeh - they are cute but I decided that I liked the Max Studio shoes better. As I'm waiting, I see one of the salesgirls with the gladiators IN BROWN and they are sharp - so damn sharp.
I immediately sent my salesgirl on a mission to FIND those shoes in brown. She said that they didn't have them in 10 in brown but she'd check, just to be safe. Like a sign from above, she comes out bearing the brown gladiators in my size. Needless to say, the $19.99 sandals were NOT going home if I was buying these new ones at full price. The gladiator wearing chick told me that she had been wearing them all day and they are on their feet like crazy and she wasn't crippled in pain. That's a good sign. I said "But are they WELL made?? Seriously - be truthful" and, having dealt with me before, she assured me I won't be disappointed nor will they be coming back..
Behold my new lovelies...
Someone is going to be in trouble when I get up to Philly... :::heh:::
Labels: Blog 365, Fashionista, Shopping
Labels: Blog, Blog 365, Thanks and Gratitude
One thing I've been pretty good about is listening to my internal B.S. meter. Here's the reason for my rant. Recently, a friend made a comment in passing which I took as genuine. I never really thought about it or tried to "analyze" it because I took it at face value and moved on, like I do with my other friends. If you tell me something, I say "OK" and that's that. No need for discussion or determination if you are telling me the truth. That was up until that person said something in passing to someone else we know that totally contradicted what was told to me. And immediately my ears perked up and I went "ARUUUU??" because, seriously, that made me play back all the other conversations that me and this individual had over the past couple of months whereby I want to say "Bullshit!".
Obviously there is something else bothering this person but personally, I just don't give a crap anymore. I'm done with drama and so be it. So, after discussing the situation with Meowmix, I figured - life is too short, I now have the real number of this certain individual and I will be watching them with one eye open. Which is sad, because I've known this person for a while but when the numbers don't add up, they paint a whole different picture. I thought we had all grown past this crap and normally I prefer for everyone to get along but in this case, I honestly don't care. I'm putting my hands up and saying whatever.I will say this - by the person talking out of both sides of their mouth, I have bumped them down a few pegs in my book. Sometimes people need to remember that people talk and often the walls have ears. Just be straight up with people. It's much easier in the long run and that person will respect you.
Sometimes, what you say will come back to haunt you.*jumping off soapbox*
Labels: Blog 365, Friends, Random Mess, Soapbox
Do you think if I use The Secret appropriately, these Or, perhaps, Steve Madden might hear my wallet's cry for a similar shoe?
Labels: Fashionista, Obsessed With
Labels: Blog 365, Current Events, Random Mess
First thing's first, I started with Philosophy's Purity Made Simple's High Foaming Daily Cleanser (Currently only sold at either Philosophy.com or Sephora. However, I heard on the d/l from a gal at Nordys that it will be released nationally at Nordys, etc. in August). I normally use Purity Made Simple daily (along with their microexfoliator), but a foam. Now this I had to try. Well, it left my skin squeaky clean and not dried out.
A highly effective, dual-purpose, foaming and exfoliating scrub blending natural
Volcanic Ash with fine sugar crystals from the islands of Vanuatu. Adds
moisture: leaves skin feeling soft and comfortably clean. Mineral-rich. Good for
absorbing skin’s natural oils. May be used on any part of face or body. Rinses
off with warm water.
It goes on like a mask but scrub a bit, rinse it off and I swear you will think you have been to Hawaii. Your skin just glows.
However, what's the point of having glowy skin and flaky lips? A gal must be smoochable at all times, no? So, the at-home spa treatment was followed with the Prep + Prime Microfine Lip Refinisher which, much like my beloved TARTE exfoliator, is compact, quick and simple. I finished off with Hope in a Jar Moisturizer and M.A.C.'s Prep + Prime SPF 50 and I was off and about. The home treatment left me radiant and looking like I just spent a fortune at the spa, however it was better because it was home, on my schedule and the results were fabulous. The bonus: my wallet was tres happy because while I shelled out about $60 or less for the above, it's more than one treatment, that's for sure.
You know I'll be using these products on the regular. Try it - you might like it.
Auburn Kat did this little meme and, since, my brain is still on major meltdown, I figured "Why not?" So, therefore, here we go with a little "I..."
I am: frustrated that I really am not where I am supposed to be.
I think: too much.
I thank: my family and friends for their unconditional love and support, even when I am at my most nerve-wracking.
I know: that the decision that I have recently made is the right one for me.
I wish: that I can do what I have a passion for.
I hate: seeing my friends and family hurting.
I miss: those in my life who have since passed on.
I feel: excited for the future that is mapped ahead.
I shop: with way more restraint than I have in the past.
I hear: that dreadful air conditioner. (And sadly I think too many concerts and gigs is blowing out my hearing :( )
I crave: an ice coffee. What can I say - it's been a day so far.
I wonder: how the heck A. is doing sometimes. There are days when I miss him and days when I go "who was he again?".
I dream: about having my own successful PR firm, finding the love of my life and traveling the world.
I love: my family and friends. They say friends are family that we choose ourselves and dammit, I have chosen some good friends.
I care: about the small stuff too often. I need to let that stuff go.
I always: try to think before I act.
I celebrate: that I've survived what I have and try to enjoy life.
I sing: only if I will not break glass. Drat those nuns who yelled at me in the Second Grade and told me to pick a pitch - soprano or alto.
I cry: only when I absolutely have to. I'm always the strong one.
I don't always: have the tolerance for people like I should have.
I write: whenever I can, however, it's not as much as I would like.
I pray: in the morning when I get up.
I lose: my short term memory all the time lately. I'm starting to think I might have adult onset ADHD (or its a casualty of the 9to5).
I listen: to my iPod whenever possible because Orlando radio is lacking, IMO.
I am scared: of taking a chance and putting myself out there but in time, I know I'll do it.
I dance: on occasion, but it was a passion of mine.
I need: to jump back on the Personal Finance bandwagon and work on my FICO score.
I surf: the internet whenever I have a free second.
I dread: packing and moving.
I anticipate: what's in store for me in the near future.
I laugh: whenever I can.
For those that saw the S&TC movie... these shoes.. you see them right there - the Gladiators that she wore throughout the film. Well, I am of the opinion that these shoes need to be in the closet - specifically MY closet. And now I've got a look in my head and its centered around a pair of cha-cha-cha sandals for Philly.
Labels: Blog 365, Fashionista, SATC, Shopping
I've pretty much been holding my emotions at bay but I finally let loose last night. I have made no secret of it that things have been pretty stagnant here and, when I find an opportunity to move on with my life to do something different, factors step in and, basically, block me from pursuing. Some of which, I know, is my own internal radar going "Wait a minute, you know that you can't volunteer due to XYZ" or what I've learned (and oft. suspected) blockage by others to serve their own needs and not for the good of my own interests. However, rather than let my anger go from a simmer to a boil, I've decided that I need to take my own interests to heart and chart my own destiny - rather than what one might chart for me.Labels: Blog 365, Goals, Random Mess
Labels: Blog 365
OK, both Hotfessional and Kalisah did this so I figured I'd give it a shot...
Here are the Rules...
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker.
1. What is your first name? Lys (wha - you thought you were going to get the FULL name? Methinksnot. No Dooce for me)
2. What is your favorite food? Iced Caramel Macchiato
3. What high school did you go to? Cathedral High School (Go Panthers!)
4. What is your favorite color? Teal
5. Who is your celebrity crush? George Clooney Eads. (Wha - you thought I was going to be predictable, huh?)
6. Favorite drink? Espresso Martinis
7. Dream vacation? Italy
8. Favorite dessert? Pumpkin crème brulee
9. What you want to be when you grow up? Publicist but, since that basically pulled up nothing but various PR stills for various celebs (and I don't want to be a Pussycat Doll), I did "Public Relations".
10. What do you love most in life? Family and Friends, of course.
11. One Word to describe you. Loyal
12. Your flickr name. JustAnothaGal. I got NOTHING under JustAnothaGal, but get Just ANOTHER Gal, oh yeah - a photo of a cluttered purse. SO me.
Now smile and send to any girl wasting time at work, suffering from a hangover, or just suffering from work, that might need a reason to smile!
Labels: Blog 365, Random Mess
When I travel, I'm not a road warrior by any means. Sure, I have my packing list down pat and know that I'll wear mostly everything I pack but, like many women, I tend to over pack. I do have the zip through security down cold well, mainly because I check my luggage. However, I'm sick of the baggage damage, the drama with getting there and waiting in line only to find out I have 2 minutes to get it on the plane to hit the 45 min. window (like the last trip!) and, really, the overbulkiness of what I bring.
So, in chats with Meowmix about the impending August trip and the recent changes on airlines about baggage allowances, etc., I'm attempting to bring ONLY a carry-on suitcase and my purse. That's It. As I'm running an event, I'd need a carry-on with allowances for a laptop in the front pocket so I can breeze through security with my laptop and clear Ziploc in hand. I need a carry-on with room for my stilettos (back to bringing either my CLWannaBes) and a pair of flats (don't gasp - I DO have them) and ample room for jeans, my travel steamer, flat iron (tho I need to get a thinner one now that I think about it) and all those do-dad cords I have to bring for the camera, laptop, etc.
As a plus size fashionista, well, let's just say that our clothes are not small. Not to mention, among my friends, I have a reputation to maintain and have to bring my A-Game Every. Freakin. Time. Bec has tried for YEARS to teach me to pack properly but I resist the teachings. I try to roll but it just comes out a hot tranny mess.
I envy people like Colin Cowie who can put things in packing envelopes and be so neat and organized. I know that should they do a bag inspection through TSA, I don't want someone grabbing my unmentionables and going "Huh - these might have bombs attached". I want to be one of those chic wenches that I often see breeze through the airports with not a care in the world.
If you go into my closet, you'll see luggage from trips past that have been well used and have seen their fair share of tour life. When I would be on the road to Vegas, my slut club gear alone could fill up a carry-on. Hey - we had 4 nights at the hotel and who knows who I would have met, right? (Shush Mike!) All of those bags, sans one, are far from carry-on size, even if HSN tried to say it was (and that sucker is heavy too!). The one for carry-on houses ONE pair of shoes along with clothes for perhaps one night.
Here's the problem. I'm going to be in Philly 5 days/4 nights. One of those nights I'm a door biatche (read: sassy club gear). Another night, I have plans with the gals. The other two - who the heck knows yet. And during the day I need to be presentable as I have a couple meetings I have to attend (and need to bring the requisite paperwork/files). And there has to be room for shopping.
However, I've given myself a break and said that I will, more than likely, be sending myself a little care package via priority mail from the hotel that way I can not worry about packing issues to get home. Perhaps I might send another package TO the hotel with the files and *ahem* a gift for a friend in Philly that, really, the TSA won't let me pack in my carry on. And also my big super size Principessa lotion that won't fit the Ziploc bag rule.
I've been doing my research online regarding luggage and resigned myself to the fact that I'd have to pay for a decent carry-on that will stand up to the wear and tear because, more than likely, its about to get a lot of use as I zip back and forth between Philly.
The other day while shopping for the *perfect* dress for one of the nights in Philly, I ran across a store that had the luggage that I was eyeing - Travelpro. I said "Eehhh - that's expensive, not this week even if it is an outlet". As I'm driving past I see ANOTHER Travelpro outlet store in the complex with the words "FACTORY SALE" Wait a minute - Factory sale??? Those puppies are easily $300+ for a decent bag and the Airline people use them. They have to be good.I went in with a sense of skepticism because I also have rules for my luggage.
$59.99.
Now that, my friends, is a hell of a bargain. Sure, I read that there are problems with the wheels but nothing that a local skate shop can't replace with some inline skate wheels but it zips around like a dream and its in one of my favorite colors - blue.
So, I'm now on the hunt to get the cute folders ala Colin Cowie (damn you Container Store) and a laptop sleeve so I can look like I have my crap together while breezing through Orlando International or Philadelphia International.
Do you have any tips for a gal on how to pack "light"?
[Image courtesy of TravelingChic.com]
Labels: Blog 365, Shopping, Travel
Ladies/Gents: I think I'm in love...Labels: Blog 365, Obsessed With, Shopping
Many of my friends know that it takes ALOT for me to go to a movie. Pretty much, the movie has to be pretty daggone good (read: Clooney or I REALLY want to see it) for me to go. I saw way too many movies back in the day when I first moved here so I revert to the rule "I'm Movied OUT".
