A Healthy Balance of Dessert

OK, so after the sugar rush that was the pumpkin cake post here is a recipe for Low Fat Chewy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies that I made earlier tonight from the Skinnytaste site. I ended up with 23 instead of 30 so if you're counting calories, just beware that it may be off a bit. These were definitely pretty delicious for being low fat. Also, all I really had in the refrigerator was 2 tbs of butter and was not about to head out to Kroger at 9 p.m. just for some butter. I really dig this site a lot so you can probably expect several recipes from here in the future. I really like how she posts the nutritional info and WW points (even though I'm not on WW) for each recipe. Saves me a lot of trouble/guessing.

Low Fat Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Makes 30, I got 23 out of mine

Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbs unsalted butter, room temp
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup unpacked brown sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups quick oats
3/4 cup dark chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. I lined one baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars. Gina says to use a mixer but I was lazy and didn't feel like whipping it out (that's what he said?) so I used a combo of a wooden spoon and my hands (Oh geez...). Add the egg, followed by the applesauce and vanilla. Then I alternated between adding the oats and flour mixture until just combined. Then stir in chocolate chips.
Drop heaping tablespoonfuls (approximately 1 tbs) of the dough onto prepared baking sheets, flattening each cookie slightly. I tried to get the exact number of cookies so I even used an actual measuring spoon at 1 tablespoon to get these babies on the sheet. Oh well. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. Let cool on baking sheet for 3-4 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Another great thing about My Fitness Pal? Several people have already entered some of Gina's recipes in the food database. Seriously, highly encourage you to make these cookies and then sign up for My Fitness Pal (if you already haven't). It's so easy to use and completely brillz.

Pumpkin Cake 2 Ways

While I know that several of us on Couch are watching what we're eating, I can't help but post the recipe for the pumpkin cake that I made for Thanksgiving. It's so not healthy at all but it was pretty delightful. That being said, it may likely be another year before I make it again (partly because of the eating healthy thing, mainly because I have a pumpkin window every year that lasts just a few months). To balance the unhealthiness of the pumpkin cake, I will also post a recipe for low fat chewy chocolate chip oatmeal cookies from the Skinnytaste site!

Anyways, I did this cake 2 ways: 1) as a double layer cake with a chocolate buttercream frosting for a party along with one layer for home and 2) as a bundt cake with a cream cheese glaze for the boyfriend and his family.

Pumpkin Cake (adapted from Allrecipes found here)

Ingredients:
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups canned pumpkin
4 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
3 tsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour either 3-9 inch round cake pans or 1 bundt pan. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the sugar and oil. Blend in vanilla and pumpkin, followed by the eggs one at a time. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Spread batter into your greased and floured pan(s).
For a layer cake: I put 2 pans in the middle rack and 1 on the top. I baked the cakes for 30 minutes while rotating the pans every 10 minutes in order for them to bake evenly since they were placed in different places in the oven.
For a bundt cake: This one took much longer. I baked this one for 45-55 minutes. I'd always err on the lower side of the baking time and adding any necessary additional minutes.

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting (from my favorite site Smitten Kitchen here)
6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
4 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar (no need to sift)
3 sticks (yup, 3 sticks) unsalted butter at room temp
6 tbs half-and-half or whole milk
1 tbs vanilla

Beat the sugar and butter. Add the chocolate, half-and-half or whole milk and vanilla until smooth. Enjoy. Deb from Smitten Kitchen (I read her website so much I feel like we should be on a first name basis) says you could also just put all of the ingredients in a food processor and pulse to incorporate the ingredients, and then process until the whole thing is smooth.

And yes, I did decorate the cake myself. I used one of the big jagged edged frosting tips (sorry, can't remember the number) and just add those all around the cake.

Cream Cheese Glaze (also from Smitten Kitchen here)
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 tbs powdered sugar, plus extra if needed
2 tbs milk, plus extra if needed
1/4 tsp vanilla

Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and light. Add milk and vanilla. I ended adding more sugar and vanilla because I felt the cream cheese taste was too strong for my liking. I do apologize, I did not measure exactly how much I added. I just put in a little bit of each and kept having to taste it until it was right. Darn.

Wait, I may need to be on this show

Well, I'm pretty hopeless at dating, and since I started getting my masters in Medieval and Renaissance history my nerdiness has been increasing exponentially. I have a Doctor Who poster in my room, and I make far too many Firefly references. I even said "Peace and long life" to a professor, but in all fairness he started it. I really want to write an academic paper about Battlestar Galactica. I should probably join a sci-fi speed dating situation, but that inherently scares me. I see this show as a new guilty pleasure. Yay! Time wasters!

Shred it

Here's the deal...

I have been moping around for the past month trying to muster the motivation to keep a regular workout schedule. Its hard. I didn't realize how "spoiled" I was when I was a student athlete because I was pretty much forced into a 3+ hour workout 6 days a week...no wonder I was in shape. Now, I (ME)...I am in charge of keeping myself in shape. No one else. I feel like I have to re-learn how to do this on my own, since I've had coaches yelling at me to get in shape for the past 10 years.

How am I going to do it?

First--I want to thank Cristina for her motivation--I was getting on track, but her insistence on trying My Fitness Pal (which is AWESOME) is what put me over the edge into true workout mode. I may not yet be the essence of determination, but I'm a work in progress. Yesterday was my first day logging my exercises and food diary on the website. I said this to Cristina, but I hate (I mean really really despise) food diaries. They take the fun out of food in some sense and let's face it, food is supposed to be fun. Even though I wish I could junk punch whoever invented the idea of a food diary...I am going to keep up with one.

Now that the food part is somewhat under control...we have the exercise part. I have never hated exercise...never even slightly disliked it. I love working out--it is just the idea of doing it on my own that stinks. This has been my biggest roadblock. However, now that I've started a Turbo Kick class at the gym--it is getting easier.

*Side note: Turbo Kick is an awesome workout, but involves some extensive coordination. Some days my coordination is spot on and other days it leaves a little bit to be desired. For example, the other day I stood in the back of the class because it was just one of those days. One move-- "the skier" came up in the rotation and I couldn't get the moves down, so I just ended up doing a mix between the mashed potato and running man in the back of the room.

Another workout I am going to try is the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred. I think this may be a good thing during the holidays because it will keep winter blues at bay and keep me on task during heavy eating days. I didn't feel like waiting for the DVD to come from Amazon (even though it is only $8 online) so I got it from the library! I am super excited to try this since I've read a lot of positive reviews. I will definitely update on the progress throughout the 30 days. **fingers crossed**

Apple Cake

I'm in the midst of baking an apple cake, which means no picture to accompany this recipe.Sorry about that. It is raining outside and I felt this day needed something cozy and filled with cinnamon. So far, so good because the apple cake smells amazing.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups white sugar (I used less, about 3/4 of a cup because the apples were so sweet)
  
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (used a mixture of whole wheat and white)
  
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (added nutmeg and cardamon as well)
  
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (I only used a small handful, but added dried cranberries)
  
• 5 1/2 cups chopped apples (didn't measure this amount out, just chopped up two huge and one tiny apple)
  

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and baking soda. Add the eggs, oil and vanilla, mix well. Add the nuts and apple, mix until all of the apples are evenly coated. Pour into a 9x9 inch pan.
3. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes in the preheated oven. Serve warm or cool.

Getting Crunched by Guy

If I had to name my most favorite teen movie of ALL TIME it would definitely be Never Been Kissed. Oh. Em. Gee. I can still quote practically every single line from the movie, meaning you probably wouldn't want to watch it with me if it's your first time. I mean, what's not to love?!? Awkward teenage stories, special pot cake, an inappropriate crush from Sam Coulson (played by teenage mega crush Michael Vartan) on high school student Josie Geller, a hilarious sex-ed scene complete with cuteness, bananas, and penguins. Despite PR flubs from Netflix, I love the fact that I can now stream this movie on Instant. Of course that means I would never watch this movie twice. In the past two days. Nope, not me. But seriously, if you've never seen this movie before, I highly recommend watching it ASAP. You will not regret it. And if you need some extra convincing...

Another Show to Watch

I've fallen hard for a new to me show called "Lie to Me." I've been obsessively zooming through episodes on Netflix since last week, and I find it both entertaining and fascinating. The show revolves around Dr. Cal Lightman who makes his fortune by teaching a course in body language and then exploits this talent of perception to create a crime fighting agency. He's employed by various public authorities in various investigations throughout the DC region, which makes it even more fun for me to watch from my couch while critiquing the amazing way they get from point A to point B in two seconds!

This is probably old news to everyone but me, but I enjoy this show and I think you will too! So check it out.

So ridiculous. But let's be real, I'll see the last one when it comes out.

Clearly I have Something Due...

Last night I watched 50/50, which was as good as I thought it would be. Many people have an indescribable thing against Seth Rogan, but personally I adore him and his seriously nerd-tastic laugh. This film is based on a script written by Rogan and his friend Will Rieser, who is the actual motivation behind Joseph Gordon-Levitt's character Adam. I highly recommend watching this with friends and a box of tissues. It's odd to be crying and laughing at the same time, but this movie will definitely put you through the ringer. It was worth it though.

Actually I have a review due tomorrow and an assessment in my palaeography class. Boo to timed assessment. I seem to be on a medical drama kick recently, because the last movie I saw in the theater was Contagion and I am almost caught up on House. I definitely feel more like a hypochondriac than usual. Oh lordy.

 Why is there this smiling blonde girl on the cover when the woman in the workout is Asian?  Anyway, I've only used the cardio part of this dvd, but it's 20 minutes long and I enjoy it.  Some of it is 'kickboxing' and I enjoy pretending to punch the woman in the face.  I love that the girls in the background don't really know what they're doing.  Also the girl doing the lower impact version of the workout seems really pissed at the other girl.  Basically, while I'm punching the Asian woman in the face I think about how that girl is pissed off.

The best thing about 20 minute workouts is that 5 minutes in you can think oh I only have 15 minutes left, let me punch this woman really hard!

(I bought this dvd at Marshalls for $2.99 a while ago. Amazon has it for full price still, boo)

Accountability (And I Just Like Making Lists...)

Sahiti and I must be on the same brain wavelength because I decided to post about my current weight-loss update. Weight loss woes, if you will. So in my 7 1/2 weeks goal list seen here I posted that I plan to lose 10 pounds by December 31. A doable goal when you have 7 1/2 weeks. Throw in a bout of sickness, a vacation to Atlanta and Thanksgiving and you've got a setback of 4 pounds. 4 POUNDS!!! Ahhhhh!!!!! So 4 pounds gained + 5 full weeks before the end of the year... you do the math. After reading one random blog of an acquaintance doing some online research I found My Fitness Pal. I had been using Daily Mile when I was running less than regularly in Vermont but would get frustrated since it didn't really calculate/recognize anything other than mileage and time on workouts. It did show me how many donuts I burned (112.63), the number of times I traveled around the world (0.01), and the number of televisions I powered (712.07). My Fitness Pal is just more specific with a food diary, more workout recognition, progress charts (and who doesn't love a good chart?), etc.

So here's my challenge for the month of December (and the last few days of November):

1. Input meals into my food journal every day. I once lost 20 pounds a couple of years ago, and I had a food diary then. I was also buying my own groceries and cooking for myself at the time, plus I had gone vegetarian for Lent which pushed me to eat more veggies. My food journal looked pretty good then.

2. Actually work out 4x a week. Let's just say my discipline is less than par and we'll leave it at that.

3. Portion control Portion control. Portion control. There's not really much more that can be said with that.

4. Cut out bread. I know you're thinking I'm pretty much bat sh*t insane. I am, too. However, I have recently been eating more not-so-good-for-you bread lately. Plus, I really want to experiment with this and see if I could really do this (and to attempt to reach 5 goal items for the next 5 weeks). What's a blog if not for posting experiments and their potentially ludicrous results later?

5. Stop buying my milestone goal prizes early. Yes, I have already bought several "prizes" while saying to myself, "Oh, this is for that such-and-such milestone. It's here and I really want it so let's buy it." Just stop. I really can't keep doing that, especially if I keep getting sidetracked on my goals. The buying stops tonight. The looking and drooling will inevitably continue. Crap.

Rehabbing

Rehabbing my knee that is. Not running and limping for a month has transformed my body to jelly (and the slightly tighter fit in my jeans confirms that).

I started doing this yesterday.  It's currently $6.85 at Amazon and worth it.  One thing I hate about workout dvds is how everyone in the background are like the size of my leg and can do all the positions like it's super easy.  Not the case here! There are normal people who have normal body shapes and whose legs shake when it's a hard pose just like a normal person.  Emphasis on normal...the music is kind of hilarious because it sounds like it's taken from a Michael Bay movie..but I kind of like it. Lightens the mood.  Also, Bob Harper is kind of hot.  He's super nice, he knows the workout is hard, and he keeps reminding you that it's weight loss yoga and it's good for you. Also, I kept looking at the tv to see if he'd take off his shirt. This is why a workout dvd led by a man trumps the ones led by women. Keep your shirts on ladies, I don't want to see how your abs compares to my flabs.  I did the Level 1 workout (20 minutes) and I broke a sweat and felt the burn.  They also offered lower-impact variations on the poses.  

I have never seen the show but I read that the people in the background are from the show...good job guys

Happy (Belated) Thanksgiving!

Fright Night

I've never seen the original, but the remake is simultaniously scary and hilarious. David Tennant (swoon) brushes off his Doctor accent and is absolutely fantastic in this movie. And just for fun...

NOM.

Black Friday Haul

I finally ordered my much-lusted-after camel dress! Hopefully I actually receive this dress because it seems that Anthropologie is having problems filling all the orders that were placed.

Christmas Came Early...

In the form of this t-shirt from one of my good friends (male model not included):


Story behind the shirt: I've had this group of friends ever since high school, a posse if you will. We love board games, among which being the game of Life that was a classic 1970s edition. We added a little twist to it by playing Civil Union Life where gay marriage could be legal in this capacity since, at the time, it wasn't legal anywhere. If I remember correctly I believe my first gay couple was Johnny Depp and Sean Connery. The best part is that whenever I waited for my turn I would have my couples frolic and fornicate throughout the many forested areas within the board game, sometimes leaving their car full of kids without adult supervision. We are now scattered throughout different parts of the country (Much like Couch. Maybe one of these days I'll make friends and live within the same area for at least a few years) but we still play Civil Union Life whenever we reunite. This t-shirt is quite possibly one of the best things ever.

Bask in the Vocal Glory

Of Judy. This is a clip from Meet Me in St. Louis, which is one of the official movies of Couch, or at least for Cristina and I.

Today I Am Thankful

I am thankful for having such a supportive family and group of friends. Couch, I love and miss y'all every day and can't wait for our many future reunion debaucheries! I am thankful for a sweet boyfriend who respects me and whom I respect in return. I am thankful for cornbread dressing and pumpkin everything. I am thankful for this time I get to spend with my 10-year old sister who is growing up way too fast. I am thankful for my health and ability to even just move around as I please. I am thankful for our readers, however many there are out there. Thank you for following us and allowing us to indulge our fancies on this blog.

Last but certainly not least, I am thankful that I can now fully belt out this song as often as I please.

Christmas List

I don't traditionally make a Christmas list. An exception is being made for this most lovely product. This palette from Urban Decay is perfection; it features 12 beautiful eyeshadows in a wide range of textures with shimmer, matte, and glittery shades. I think it would be fantastic for travel or to throw into your purse to change your work look to a date night/evening look. The product has sleek packaging and a fantastic brush, with some primer thrown in which make this a fantastic deal.

Be on the lookout for the Naked Palette by Urban Decay at Sephora. And feel free to tell Santa to send one my direction.

Fact

Adam Scott

Let's talk about how my current celebrity obsession is Adam Scott.  You should be watching Parks and Recreation...he is super adorable with Amy Poehler. Like super adorable and nerdy, which I love. And you should really watch Party Down on Netflix instant watch. 

New Show to Watch: Torchwood

Torchwood my friends. It is the perfect remedy for these dark, long days. Quick synopsis of Torchwood goes like this: Captain Jack Harkness, former Time Agent and con man from the 51st century last seen traveling with the Doctor, ventures to early 21st century Cardiff. There, he becomes a member of Torchwood Institute, a renegade criminal investigation group founded by Queen Victoria to battle hostile extraterrestrial and supernatural threats. Um, excellent.

Thanksgiving

This week I vow to: stop complaining, start listening, appreciate, take some time to wonder, and always laugh harder than anyone else in the room. I also plan to read at least two books, eat a lot of food, give hugs, and work out. Maybe not in that order. Oh and make mashed turnips.

Cheap and Cheerful Problem Solver

This is an excellent product. It claims to be an "ultra-light, non-pore clogging formula that treats acne and reduces redness." Yes, it does just that. Salicylic acid is behind this magic, and for under $10, I'd say it works like a charm.

It solved my most pressing skin problem of hormonal break outs and some most unpleasant little bumps all over my forehead and chin. I put it on in the morning after washing my face and pre-moisturizer. Same in the evening. Done. A cheap and cheerful product that works!

Thanksgiving Squash Casserole

This is a pretty easy recipe which I think will make just about everyone happy.

Ingredients:
- 2lbs each of yellow squash and zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 large carrot, grated or chopped
- 1/2 bag of stuffing-- used an organic brand, and I also ended up using most of it because I love crusty topping
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (low sodium variety-- also used the organic non-Campbells version)
- 1/2 stick butter
- 8 oz. cheddar cheese (Cabot all the way, baby!)
- 4 oz. light sour cream
- shredded Parmesan
- salt & pepper to taste

Directions:
- preheat oven to 325
- steam veggies with small amount of water; drain well (I actually didn't do this, I just threw all the veggies into the dish but you can feel free to follow the steaming step)
- while steaming veggies, melt butter in another skillet and add stuffing
- mix veggies + 3/4 of stuffing mix + rest of ingredients (besides Parmesan)
- pour mixture into 9 x 13in. pan
- sprinkle rest of stuffing + Parmesan on top
- bake for 20-25 min.

Enjoy!

A Room of One's Own

I'm so happy I had an annotated version of this essay.  While the notes and introduction were longer than the essay, they were super helpful in understanding the different layers of the essay

I'd Buy It

from Out of Print Clothing

I want them all! Imagine yourself at the gym wearing one of these...people will be impressed because not only are you at the gym, but you are obviously well read!!

It's Kind of a Funny Story

Recommended, but not Couch approved.  Interesting, entertaining, but I expected more. Zach Galifianakis is very good in this serious role.

Feeling the Funk

Maybe it's the weather. I woke up today to grey skis and drops of raining hitting the roof. On the one hand, I absolutely love that sound. On the other, the weather put me in a bit of a funk. Oh well, it happens. I think I'll organize my clothes for my Atlanta trip while listening to some Adele. She's bloody fantastic to listen to whenever this mood thing hits. On a happier note, here are a couple of things I bought while I was out running errands today:

Bought this shirt at Old Navy today on a whim. Bright side: It was on sale for $9.50 and I had a $5 off coupon. Plus, it was an extra 10% off using your Gap card so I paid a total of $3.90 for this shirt. My nail polish cost more that.


I went ahead and bought Excuse Moi, one of the nail polishes from OPI's Muppet collection, after hearing Sahiti rave about it. I almost bought Rainbow Connection but then I remembered that I have 2 more nail polish bottles from Zoya heading my way!

Maybe painting my nails will also improve this funk mess that's going on right now.

What I do to my Face in the Morning

Everyone's make-up routine here sounds so sophistique. I will put on make up 98% of the time, and I don't always take it off before I go to sleep. Clearly my skin problems, which decided to crop up when I turned 22, are of my own making. As Kurt Vonnegut said: 'So it goes.'

So, after shuffling about aimlessly for five to ten minutes after getting out of bed, I'll shower and every other day, I use St. Ive's Apricot Scrub on my face. It always seems to make my skin feel wicked clean, probably because I can feel all that gross stuff on my face being vigorously rubbed off. Also, it's very satisfying to rough up your face. Weird, but true.

2 - More dillydallying, but eventually I put on L'Oréal Future E moisturizer, which I've used since I was in high school.

3 - Then, I apply NYC Cover Stick as a base on all my blemishes and dark circles, both of which have become a constant fixture. I used to have something by Maybelline, which was honestly superior, but alas, I lost it.

4 - Liquid foundation time! Basically, I buy what's on sale at the time. Currently, I use Skin Perfecting by a British company called 17. It's alright, though it is supposed to control shine and it has SPF 12. And in combination with my moisturizer, which is SPF 15, I break even.

5 - Now for the powder foundation. I'm a huge fan of CoverGirl Clean powder foundation. Naturally, being cadaverous in color, I use ivory.

5 1/2 - When I'm looking particularly icky or trying to impress someone (yes, I have no shame), I will apply some blush. Normally I eschew this step, because I blush too easily and I don't feel the need to make it even worse. However, when the moment of truth comes, I use Smooth Minerals by Avon. Don't judge, I can hear you making jokes about pink cars, but I've had this for 3 years.

6 - Eyeshadow time! Again, unless I have a specific reason to, I won't wear it. Applying eye shadow is frustrated by the fact I have very almond shaped eyes, so that when they are open, my eyelids are totally hidden. However, when I feel inclined to make an effort, I use L'Oréal Wear Infinité for green eyes.

7 - I always curl my eyelashes, even if I'm omitting mascara from my routine (yes, I don't always wear mascara). I am currently using Great Lash, Blackest Black; however, it's not waterproof, which can be a real mare in the Glasgow weather scene.

8 - Lipcrack, as I like to call it, or chappy. Daily I vacillate between Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm and Bert's Bees Original. If I'm feeling particularly classy, I use Kate Spade's Supercalifragilipstick! (Adventurous Red) WHICH IS AMAZING. It's very subtle and goes from day to night with ease.

There you have it. I am the bottom of the rung when it comes to make-up routines.

7 1/2 Goals Update

Last week I created my goal list for the remaining 7 1/2 weeks of 2011. I thought I'd give you an update as to how this progress has been coming along.

1. I will lose 10 lbs. Obviously this one won't be measured until the end of year. Moving right along.

2. I will not let more than 2 days pass in between workouts. I was doing pretty well with this. And then I got sick. I'll spare you the gory details of congestion and the whole feeling crappy bit.

3. I will have 2 interviews scheduled by the end of the year. I think the only message I've received lately from potential job employers have included the general statement "Thanks, but no thanks." Again, moving right along.

4. I will floss my teeth every night. Aha! Finally, a lofty goal that I have currently been able to keep. The health of my teeth thank you and this blog for keeping me in check.

5. I will be out of bed by 10 a.m. See #2 with the whole sick bit. But I was doing pretty well with this for the most part.

6. I will call my credit card company to convince them to lower my interest rates. I don't know if there are any studies out there on the type of callers who have been successful with lowering their interest rates, but I can guarantee that they likely did not have hacking coughs. This one will have to wait for another day.

7. I will send out letters and postcards to friends I've been promising them to for over a year. I swear I have a plan. That plan is to write them soon. Plus I'm itching to make copious amounts of baked goods that I don't have to keep.

7 1/2. I will finish a new book. I finished P&P a couple days ago. I haven't picked up where I left off on Omnivore's Dilemma but I will get to it soon. Maybe it will accompany me as an airplane read.

There you have it. My updates on my 7 1/2 goals. Lofty and incomplete. Lucky for me, there are 7 more weeks left in this year. Best get moving.

This

“Whatever relationships you have attracted in your life at this moment, are precisely the ones you need in your life at this moment. There is a hidden meaning behind all events, and this hidden meaning is serving your own evolution.” ~ Deepak Chopra

My Make-up Routine

First, my now not so secret shame is that I love makeup. I mean seriously love it. Could spend more money than I make on products without a care in the world. This is strange as I wasn't raised in a household where one needed to leave the house being made up. My Mom had one very strict rule; I could wear makeup but couldn't ever leave the house looking like a "street walker." So when I started to wear makeup, we went straight to Nordstrom and insisted upon a tutorial. No foundation was allowed, because Mom claimed (and I actually believe her) that most foundation makes you look dead and/or fake. At 66 my Mom has the best skin of anyone I know, me thinks this stems from her clean-faced approach all of these years.

Back to my list. I am a huge believe in spending money on quality products, which is why I don't tend to use products from the drugstore. When it comes to makeup, my philosophy is that you get what you pay for. I'm obsessed with everything Laura Mercier makes; her entire line is perfection but I've been known to stray to other lines such as Mac, Trish McEvoy, and Nars.

Drum-roll please-- walking you through entire process:
1) Get out of shower with a freshly washed face, apply moisturizer (will update you kiddos when I've found what I like).
2) Apply a ton of products to hair. Still look like I've been through a wind tunnel, so apparently this step is useless.
3) Deodorant
4) Eye cream, and then I apply an under-eye first step primer/concealer Eye Basics product from Laura Mercier in Peach. Then I apply either a Cargo OneBase Concealer/Foundation in OB O2 or Laura Mercier Secret Concealer in 1 (this depends on where I'm headed for the day).
5) Apply PaintPot by Mac in Soft Ochre to eyelids. This is the best! It holds my eye shadow for the entire day and is amazing, plus that little pot lasts forever.
6) Now this is highly controversial in my world currently (and I only do this step for date night, interviews, work functions, etc...) I use bareMinerals as my foundation. I'm not really certain I actually like this line and think it might be contributing to my breakouts but I like the look and feel of light but even coverage. I use the color Medium Beige and set it with their Mineral Veil.
7) Apply eyeliner: Depends on my plans but I usually use Laura Mercier liner in Black Gold. This is a fantastic color, I've purchased three of these babies and love, love, love. I'm no Kate Middleton so I don't do heavy liner in black and never line the bottom of my eyes. I also really like two bareMinerals liners called Big & Bright in Plum and/or Black Coffee. These are fantastic, go on smoothly and are brilliant at getting right into the lash line.
8) If I'm going for broke, I then apply (OH WAIT, I do this first actually, before the liner) a Laura Mercier Metallic Creme Eye Color. I have several colors and would 100% recommend everyone get at least one of these. I have Gold, Pink Gold and Alloy. Fantastic.
9) Next stop layers of eye shadow depending on what look I wand to achieve. If I'm just doing something natural I leave it at Mac Naked Lunch. But trust me when I tell you I have lots of different shadows mostly in the natural/neutral range with some shimmer. No blue or green found in this lady's makeup bag.
10) Mascara: Never leave the house without mascara and concealer, except to visit the gym. I use and swear by Trish McEvoy Lash Curling Mascara in Jet Black. It never clumps, and comes off in tubs. Also never runs which is crucial as I tend to be emotional.
11) Blush: Either Nars Orgasm or Laura Mercier in Rose Bloom
12) Lip Balm: Usually a tube that I've picked up abroad. I tend to think of lip balm as the perfect souvenir. I seem to never wear lipstick but would love help on this. Gloss would be Trish McEvoy in Irresistible Pink but that is only for fun times.

Oh lord, that looks like a ton but it takes me a hot second. I frequently skip steps and just do the most basic routine to ensure I don't look dead. I also always put on perfume, something I also learned from my Mom. I was never allowed anything cheap. My first real perfume was by Chanel because to quote my lovable Mom, "If you smell cheap, no one will respect you. Classic and thoughtful women smell classic and thoughtful." Thanks Mom!

Reader Tips!

Elizabeth said...

My routine:
1. Rinse face with cold water (I don't wash my face in the morning).
2. Moisturize with Aveeno Ultra Calming and whatever eye cream for sensitive skin that I happen to be trying out.
3. Benefit Porefessional on my T-zone, let that sink in while getting ready (this stuff rocks!)
4. Almay Smart Shade foundation and concealer
5. Benefit Highbeam or Moonbeam on the inside corners of my eyes, my brow bones, and cheekbones
6. Benetint on my cheeks, blended with my fingers. Cha cha tint in the summer.
7. If I remember, I'll use Benefit instant brow pencil.
8. If I wear eyeshadow, I use gold or bronze. L'Oreal HIP or Urban Decay are good. At night I wear eyeliner, which I apply it before eyeshadow (Almay in black usually).
9. Benefit BadGal mascara in black for day or they're real! for night. I always comb my lashes when the mascara dries and repeat mascara and combing.
10. For my lips I mix it up with either a stain in bright red, Benetint with clear gloss, or a fun gloss like VS Beauty Rush in cherry bomb.

(Thanks for sharing!!)

Makeup Galore Paco Style

I started this makeup routine recently after watching the Pixiwoo videos that I've posted before on this blog. Seriously, I love these sisters. They're so charming and I love watching how they transform their faces using both bold and neutral colors (not necessarily at the same time).

Moisturizer: I've recently been using Aveeno Simply Radiant moisturizer with SPF 15. I also have a Clinique moisturizer but it's currently used for my regular nighttime routine.

Foundation: I use Clinique Perfectly Real makeup applied with a Real Techniques foundation brush.

Eyes: I've recently discovered Urban Decay Primer Potion for eyes in order to keep my eyeshadow in place all day. Seriously, I've put on my eyeshadow in the morning and have noticed that it stayed until later that evening before washing my face. For a casual day look, I've been using Sonia Kashuk's Eye on Neutral Instructional Eye Shadow Palette, which is filled with great neutral matte colors.

Eyeliner: I've started using the black eye shadow in my Sonia Kashuk eye shadow palette using an EcoTools angled eye shadow brush. I haven't tried wetting the brush but I think I might experiment with that tomorrow and see how it works with a Real Techniques eye liner brush.

Mascara: For regular day lashes I use Maybelline Great Lash in Blackest Black. Sometimes I'll build up more using the Maybelline Falsies Volume Express mascara, just like Stumpz.

Face: I'll then add a Maybelline concealer to cover up the dark circles under my eyes using an EcoTools concealer brush. Then I finish off with the Clinique Perfectly Real powder using an EcoTools powder brush.

Lips: The color depends on my mood, day vs. night, and eye makeup. For a casual look I really like the Buxom Big and Healthy lipstick in Brooklyn or the Mary Kay Nourishine Lip Gloss in Sweet Raisin. If I don't do a casual lip, then I LOVE experimenting with reds such as the Kate Spade Lipstick in The Perfect Red (which I think might be discontinued...boo) and the Tarte for True Blood Lip Stain.

There you have it. I feel a little like Stumpz in that this sounds super high maintenance but it really isn't. It takes me 5-10 minutes tops. It's funny because this whole makeup thing is a recent development, all thanks to my new-found love of watching YouTube makeup tutorials. My boyfriend is not so fond of the makeup thing and is constantly saying, "You make the makeup look good." Silly boyfriend. I tell him it's just like painting in art class. Can't wait to hear what everybody else does!

My Make-up Routine

Moisturizer: I use Clinique Moisture Surge. It's super light and absorbs quickly...which is good because heavy creams on my face gross me out for some weird reason

Foundation: Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet+ applied with a Beauty Blender sponge

Highlighter: Moonbeam by Benefit on my eyelids, cheekbones, and cupid's bow

Blush: Berry Delight by Clinique

Eyeliner: Dior crayon khol pencil 

Mascara: Benefit BADgal Plum

Lips: any of the Tarte LipSurgence sticks or Clinique Black Honey almost lipstick

if my make up needs to last the night, then I use Urban Decay All Nighter Spray (as previously discussed)

this is a highly researched and well put together collection...it took years to get to this perfect balance

Things that I've Noticed Re: Makeup

1. Wearing eye shadow makes me look weird...just plain weird. Unfortunate because eye shadow is so pretty!!

2. I may be the only Indian girl who has to wear make-up with pink undertones.  Olive undertones are in most darker shade foundations, which makes it very hard for me to find foundation that works

3. I must wear lots of eye-liner at all times

4. I need to just say no when other people offer to do my make-up...they tend to violate all the rules above

The moment I wake up...before I put on my makeup...

I was just reading Gwyneth's blog (GOOP) and there was a makeup how-to...however, I do most of the things and I feel like my make up products and process is still in the works of being ideal for my face, skin color and wallet.

Unless its a secret....can everyone add to this post with your makeup application products, steps and processes? It will be interesting to see what everyone does! (Readers feel free to post your steps in the comments and then we can add them to the post!)

Here is mine:

Moisturizer: A dime sized amount of Oil of Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer OR Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer. (sometimes I skip this step)

Foundation: Clinique Superbalanced Makeup--applied with a Sonia Kashuk foundation brush

Long day? Then I also apply a thin layer of Almay Wake Up Hydrating Makeup to set my foundation

Blush: Almay pink powder blush--applied with a Kabuki (Target) to the apples of my cheeks towards my temples, a very light brush across each eye and on the nose (I feel this helps me look less pale in the winter)

Eyeshadow: I love more natural and neutral colors, so my color palette isn't to crazy--right now I am always using daybreak super shimmer

Eye liner: I am allergic to some eyeliners so to be safe, I just simply wet a liner brush and dip in in my Revlon Black Galaxy Perle eyeshadow and I can easily create thin or thick lines (and erase just as easily if I make an awful mistake)

Mascara: I am also allergic to some mascaras so when I find one that works, I treasure it. Right now I am using Maybelle the Falsies Volume Express and Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara.

Lip care: I use Vaseline with Cocoa Butter almost every single day, once in the morning and once at night. This keeps my lips soft all winter. Then, when I go to apply a gloss or tinted lip balm, I don't look like an alligator. The Clinique Chubby Stick is my new lip color/balm obsession--mainly because I have never been bold with color on my lips and this has given me the confidence to be a little more adventurous.

WOW...actually writing that out makes me feel super high maintenance, but I swear all of this only takes 5 minutes max.

Hold the Autographs, Please

Hello everybody! To those of you who are new (and those who have been following us for the full month that we have been born into existence), I direct you to our updated About Couch page. You can have a better idea as to what and who Couch is along with a short bit on the lovely, talented and wonderful authors (not to toot our own horns but, well, you know). Now that we've been introduced I have no qualms about leaving you to enjoy Couch as I sit in my pajamas and drink my green tea on this thrilling Saturday night.

Songs for Couch

I will never ever be tired of this song.

Skin Care Suggestions

I need some help with my skin care regime. Since my early 20's, I've had great skin (thanks to loads of visits to the dermatologist in high school) and I haven't had much to complain about other than dryness which leads to a rather dull complexion. All of this means, I am willing to spend money to make my face look good. Important Point: I have about $100 in Amazon money to spend on this project (and maybe a trip to Sephora but keep it on the cheaper side at Sephora).

However, all of a sudden I'm starting to break out about one week a month, and my skin is still dry but also a little oily. Not very oily mind you, just a little. I can't seem to figure out the best combination of cleanser, moisterizer, eye cream and night-time intensive cream (side note: does one spell cream or creme when speaking of such matters, carry on).

Thoughts regarding products:

I have a Clarisonic which I use a couple of times a week. Not twice a day as they recommend as that really dried me out.

Bliss discontinued the face cream I was using all last year but I've used their Fabulous Foaming Facial wash and their Clog-Dissolving Cleansing Milk with good results.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin moisturizer made my skin unhappy, so trash bin it went (probably due to SPF which has the tendency to make me break out).

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer seemed to be perfect until it wasn't.

Aveda stuff is crap, at least for me. Except their All Sensitive line which is simple and doesn't cause me problems but doesn't give me enough moisture. See also Origins.

Khiels has worked in the past, as have loads of other things. Dermalogica always seems to do wonders. Let's face it friends, I have a love, a deep love of products. So my husband often opens the bathroom cabinet and yells, "what the hell is all this shit?"

Please help me, send your suggestions via comments. I need all your wisdom.

Urban Decay All Nighter Spray

By the end of the night my makeup has always worn off and I hate it.  So I bought this and decided to try it last night for the 11/11/11 at the David Brower Center in Berkeley.  It is amazeballs.  My makeup looked the same at midnight as it did at 6pm when I applied it...except for my eyeliner.  I recommend applying eyeliner after spraying this on...and don't use too much. I sprayed my face 4 times but I think 2 or 3 will do the trick.  So I highly recommend!

Movie Trailer Time

I'll say it out loud. I can't stand the Disney version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Why? I think the story is lame. I mean, you have this girl who finds a messy house so her first thought is to clean it up. Then her only means of being saved is for some prince to kiss her and they live happily ever after. Don't get me wrong, I love me a good Disney movie but I just can't bring myself to like Snow White. At least not the Disney version.



I've been hearing about the KStew playing this badass Snow White for a while now. I wasn't really sure what to think since I'm not particularly a huge fan of KStew. I do want her clothes, but I digress. I'm actually excited to see this when it come out in theaters. It looks pretty badass and all sorts of awesome, which is completely different from the Disney version. I'll admit that I am also a tad bit curious about the other Snow White movie due to come out soon-ish. Just a tad.

Packing Essentials

I'm so excited to be heading out to Atlanta next week! Shopping, good food and adult drinks with adult friends...I can barely contain myself. Oh, and I get to see my boyfriend again while he attends the AMTA Music Therapy Conference. We haven't seen each other since Labor Day so this visit is definitely long overdue. Since I'll also be seeing old friends I've been planning cute outfits to wear for my for my visit. I have my Day/casual/sightseeing outfits and then I have the Night/party/cute outfits for each day that I'm there. Some may see it as OCD but I think it's pretty practical (plus, I LOVE planning and making lists). The hard part is trying to figure out what to bring so I can maximize my carry-on space. Anybody have any tips for efficient packing?

A Battle of the Mr. Darcys

Pride and Prejudice happens to be one of all-time favorite stories. Ever. Let's be honest, it's because Mr. Darcy happens to be the most romantic figure in all of literature, and his story with Elizabeth Bennett grips my heart every single time. Lucky for me, there have been many film adaptations of this story. My two favorites happen to be the 1980 version and the 1995 version, both of which happen to be produced by BBC.

In my opinion, this version trumps the '95 version. The quality definitely shows that it was made in the late 70s/early 80s. That being the said, this has the best Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy. And hello, let's talk about Mr. Darcy. I think David Rintoul portrayed him the best and really nails the differences in how his character interacts with Elizabeth throughout the novel. Definitely swoon-worthy.


Obviously, the best part of the 1995 version is Colin Firth. I still prefer the previous Mr. Darcy but Colin Firth is so absolutely fantastic in this. Colin Firth is still definitely swoon-worthy but I still think David Rintoul portrayed Mr. Darcy best. On the other hand, this version has a wonderful lake scene. You know which one I'm talking about (And if you don't, then I highly recommend you to watch this ASAP).

Enough of my nerd-dom. I do love Jane Austen and will continue to read P&P at least once every year and bury myself in the story of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett. I definitely recommend reading P&P,especially if you happen to be a ridiculous hopeless romantic like I am. It's more than just a book on most school reading lists.

Super Hero Footwear: for that Adventurous Woman

These are AMAZEBALLS. Who doesn't want to dress like their comic book heroine of choice, and you get to skip out on the spandex. They are the brainchild of french designer André.

My favourite are definitely the Gotham ones:

I'm waiting on the ones that are Jean Gray as the Phoenix. I mean, she eats stars at one point, now that is the breakfast of champions.

Letters to Juliet

This usually isn't my choice of movie to watch alone...but you see, Vanessa Redgrave and Franco Nero are in this movie.  Let me tell you a little about them...they met during the filming of the movie Camelot in 1967, fell madly in love, and had a son.  Tragically, they separated for many years, had relationships with other people, but then REUNITED AND GOT MARRIED (in 2006!).  Guys...their love story in the movie is just too close to real life to make even this viewer feel cynical.  And they are adorable in this movie. And Amanda Seyfried and the British guy who is actually Australian are adorable as well.  Only freaks dislike Gael Garcia Bernal (although I was confused as to where was supposed to be from in this movie...I figured he was supposed to be from Spain? but in reality he's from Mexico...so I dunno. He was pretending to be Italian for most of it and I liked it)

Things I like that are completely unrelated..

What: Free People Gianna's Limited Edition Leather and Lace Gown

Why: I could never wear this dress because it wouldn't work for my body type, but I just think it is pretty awesome.

What: Bakers - Haywire Boot

Why: I sent my other riding boots back and I saw these today at the mall--they may soon be mine.

What: Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm

Why: Who doesn't love luscious lips?

What: Minnetonka Kilty Suede Moc

Why: One day while working at DSW, I met a woman (around Grandma age) that came in looking for these moccasins. It just so happened that earlier that day I was eyeing these up. After talking with her for a while, I learned that she hiked Pike's Peak** in a pair of these. Now, I just thought they were really cute, but if they make you superwoman, I've already started saving.

**Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs, CO.

Social Anxiety?

Let's be real...it's been a long time since I've interacted with people other than law school students.  Add to that the time that I've spent at home unemployed and I'm upgraded to full on social awkwardness (in addition to being overly excited about getting dressed in something other than leggings and oversized cardigans). 

Cup of Jo has this blog post today about how to talk to strangers...but I feel like her tips are even more awkward.  Conversation tips in your pocket? I'd rather do the Elaine Benes dance, that's a good ice breaker. 

Anyway, now that I'm thinking about it, I don't think I've ever actually ever attended a party alone.  An old boss invited me to an event being held on 11/11/11.  My plan is to make it rain with business cards.  My real concerns are 1. not be awkward around new people when I don't have a friend safety net  and 2. how to suavely give someone my card

any tips?

For all of us suffering from the beginning of winter blues

Trawling my itunes

I love making mixes for my ipod and giving them obscure lyric references or motifs. It's ok, I'm that kind of person. I definitely think it's borne of a life, which is lumbering down the path towards professorialhood.

I just bought (well, used a gift card) Florence + the Machine's new album Ceremonials, which is a fantastic sophomore album. I enjoy her grandiose style, which could easily become gaudy; as well as, the roughness of her voice. My favourite track is Shake it Out, which is probably on the radio, but I don't have one and I'm not a fan of the bananarama commercials or talk show hosts. Give the video a gander, especially because her outfits are beautiful, especially the white gossamer number at the end. And the tango scene.

With 3000 + song in my library, there are constantly opportunities to revisit old music as part of my crafting process. I threw in some Camera Obscura to balance out the Florence. I love I Need All the Friends I Can Get, which unironically reminds me of my time living in Mile End in Montreal.

Total side note: I need to figure out how to post youtube videos. Lame on my part.

7 1/2 Goals

Some people make New Year's Resolutions but I decided to make my End-of-the-Year Goals. Lots of lists have recently been made on Couch so I felt as though I should contribute and I thought making my list public would help keep me on track. We have approximately 7 1/2 weeks until December 31 (Yikes!) so this should be plenty of time to check off every goal on my list. And go:

1. I will lose 10 lbs. I know this is a lofty goal, especially with holiday parties right around the corner. But I think it's pretty reasonable. Again, we have 7 1/2 weeks to go and it would be nice to finish off the year at the weight I was before grad school.

2. I will not let more than 2 days pass in between workouts. This goes hand-in-hand with Goal #1. Too many times I've let my lazy ass be an excuse to not workout. Actually, I was supposed to go to the gym 2 hours ago prior to writing this post. I promise I will go to the gym after I publish this post so my lazy ass can turn into a toned ass. All about the priorities, people.

3. I will have 2 interviews scheduled by the end of the year. This one will definitely be more difficult since the scheduling part is out of my control. But I will just have to do all that I can short of begging and sending gift baskets to make sure my resume gets noticed.

4. I will floss my teeth every night. I've gotten into a habit of flossing my teeth every other night. This one is mainly for vanity because I'm quite pleased with my teeth and want to do all that I can to keep them looking good and healthy.

5. I will be out of bed by 10 a.m. I know. Lazy ass. I can't help it. You'd go to bed at 3 a.m., too, if you had Mr. Darcy (in both the literary and Colin Firth sense) with you. No? Just me? Moving right along.

6. I will call my credit card company to convince them to lower my interest rates. I will be using this tip to help me. Let's see if my negotiation skills can come into play. I should probably add "Better my negotiation skills" to this Goal list. Maybe for the next list.

7. I will send out letters and postcards to friends I've been promising them to for over a year. I'm terrible with that. I even bought pretty stationary (last year) with which to write said letters. Added to that, I will include baked goods.

7 1/2. I will finish a new book. I'm currently re-reading Pride and Prejudice for the umpteenth time (see Goal #5). After that I'll finally finish Michael Pollan's An Omnivore's Dilemma. This is where the half comes in since I've already read the first half of the book.

OK, so that's it. 7 1/2 goals for 7 1/2 weeks.

Certain Adult Truths

Friends I've made another list:

Adult Truths-- Ones I Ponder Regularly (some of these have been borrowed from others and some are my own)

1. Sometimes I’ll look down at my watch 5 consecutive times and still not know what time it is. Even better when a stranger asks me the time and I can't figure out how to say the correct time out loud.
   
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you’re wrong. Especially when you are "winning" an argument with the opposite sex.
   
3. There is great need for a sarcasm font.
4. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
5. Bad decisions make good stories.
   
6. There comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren’t going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
7. Why is it that when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page report half the time I can't remember if I actually made any changes?
   
8. I keep some people’s phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
9. I disagree with Kay Jewelers; I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Vodka than Kay. In fact, I wish Kay Jewelers would never show another ad as long as I live, I hate those ads.
   
10. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
11. How many times is it appropriate to say “What?” before you just nod and smile because you still didn’t hear or understand a word they said? Especially important when applied to family members.
    
12. Maybe starting college at 21 instead of 18 would have been money better spent. I'm guessing I'd have made some different choices at 21.
    
13. At a certain point, spending over $5 on a coffee drink tends to make you feel like a sucker.
    
14. No those pants will never fit again. Get over it. And pants with pleats are never a good idea.
15. Cheap perfume makes you smell cheap.
16. Pleather should never be worn as part of an outfit.
17. Your zebra stripe highlights are terrible. Embrace your natural hair color.
18. Sometimes you simply can't win. Instead of whining about it stop and pour yourself a glass of wine.
19. Just because you can talk on your cell phone, doesn't mean you should.
20. Chewing gum should never be a public process, I don't want to hear you masticating anything.
21. No, I don't want to buy stuff off your registry. And yes it is tacky and tasteless to include your registry information on the invitation to your 100th wedding, baby, but I'm a princess shower event.
    
22. Thank you notes are essential. I will judge you if you choose not to write one. And an email doesn't count.
23. French Manicures/Pedicures are terrible. Face the truth, they look fake.
24. Yes, people judge every single decision you make. But it is your choice to own those decisions and when confronted by these individuals you can choose to say, "Looks like my drink needs a refill." Turn and walk away.
    

Truth

Perspective

People, I've been wallowing in my own self-pity lately. Seriously wallowing. Not to the point that I've stopped showering and left the house looking like a mess but to the point that I may or may not burst into tears while listening to the new Kelly Clarkson album (what, she doesn't make you cry? Well then, we aren't friends). It is easy to feel adrift when one's favorite people are far away, and when you've had an experience come to an end and are left to pick up the unexpected pieces. I'm guessing most of us thought we'd be sitting pretty right now, in different circumstances then ones we are facing. Humility can be crushing, my friends. And humbling but mostly crushing at first.

The past couple of weeks I've been acting like a sad Tori Amos CD, and frankly I'm sick of my own shit. So I've decided to make a list of what I'm appreciative of to remember that there is no reason to leave the house without being well accessorized. I have a lot to be happy about even if I'm still unemployed and even if people I thought I had smashingly successful interviews with won't return my calls.

*Friends even if they are far away text you with celebrity sightings and who you know the next time you see them will all start off right where we left
*Living with my husband again and loving him
*70 degrees in November-- flip flop weather reigns supreme
*Farmers Market-- $2 for the largest head of kale you've ever seen!
*People watching on the Metro
* Free gym in my apartment building
*Walking distance to Nordstorm (not for shopping but for looooooooking and looooooving)
*Visits to Wineries
*Working with First Book to get over 2 million books to needy kids
*Volunteering at loads of awesome and maybe a few not so awesome events
* E Street Cinema
*Reading for FUN
*Scarves
*Watching Revenge and Downton Abbey
*Voting and getting a sticker to wear all day long
*Having the time to cook for fun
*Trader Joes Wine (tis cheap and tasty and gets the job)

Needless to say I could go on and on. But I won't bore you with my rambling, instead I'm headed to the roof deck of my apartment building to read in the sun. Everything will work out for all of us. We will all find that job, reach that next step, and have everything we never knew we even wanted. It will just take more time and effort to reach the destination. I do know however, that when we get to that point, the Kitchenaide Sangria is going to taste a hell of a lot sweeter from the journey.