Oh The Places You Will Work

If you're anything like me, and I suspect you are - you have a job. At this sometimes delightful place where you work, you probably work with other people, right? For those of you who are stay at home parents or work from home luckies, this doesn't really apply to you, but I suggest reading on. You never know when you'll find something entertaining or helpful (and I'm aiming for both!)

I work for an awesome company, in an absolutely beautiful office. With that being said, it is a small office of just a handful of people. We see each other for hours on end with, at times, minimal outside interaction.  Since we here at NattilyNatalie discuss fashion, fare, and FORM - let's go over a few handy tips to make your work life a little less frustrating... and maybe a little more fun!

Work Selfies Happen

Starting You Day

- Have you noticed some people park in the same spot everyday? Don't take their spot. Some people are very particular. There is always plenty of parking (or even company or city assigned spots). Keep those in mind.

- Some people are morning people. Some people are not. Some people need a lot of coffee to function. Those of us who are morning people (Oh, oh! Meeee!) sometimes need to make a little effort to keep our water cooler chatter to a minimum, until your usual work companion is ready for pleasantries. 

- Did you fight traffic on your way in? Me too. Everyday. Glad to hear a little about it, but there is little need to discuss bad traffic every morning adnasum. 

- Having a bad morning? Fight with your significant other? Hungover? Leave it at the door. If you can't,  give a quick "hey guys, I'm going to have a bit of a quiet morning." Your coworkers will understand.

- Altenatively, if you have a normally chatty coworker who is acting a little odd, a quick "Everything okay?" Is more than okay. But please make sure to give them space if they need it. They may not want to share details with you. 
- If you're grabbing coffee, donuts, danishes, whatever for breakfast of a snack - don't be a jerk. Ask if anyone else wants something.

Day-to-day

- Hey guess what? You are at work to work... So I actually recommend doing that for the majority of the time your are in your office, if not the whole time. Coworker interaction is inevitable. Feel free to be friendly or brief - it's about your comfort level. You definitely want to be pleasant, but don't be afraid to end a conversation.

- It's really normal and natural to have a little crush on a client or coworker. DO NOT ACT ON IT. Seriously. It's the best way to ruin your career. 

- If someone (be it coworker or client) is making you uncomfortable, say something to them. Or your manager. Or their manager. Key point: tell someone.

- Are you the one in control of the music at your office? Lucky you. May I advise, play it softly. No one wants to have to yell over your uns-ing house music, nor do the want to have to try to think around it. Keep it PG, keep it quietish, and please don't play the same 5 songs over and over again. 

- If you are sneakily watching videos, don't try to make everyone else watch them. Especially if they are inappropriate. Even if you don't find them inappropriate. 

- Don't whistle or sing along to the music. Zero people want to hear it. Zero.

- Try to keep your bodily activities (post lunch brushing and flossing, nose blowing, etc.) in the restroom. Seriously. Kinda gross. Yes, we all do it. But eugh. 

- Can I second that recommendation of brushing and/or flossing post snack/lunch/whatever?  Especially if you had a fragrant curry or a giant bowl of hummus (I'm certainly guilty of eating both). Regardless of the space you are working in, you probably have another human who has to come near your work space, and people have sensitive noses. You get my gist. 

- Don't mess with the air conditioning. If you are cold and everyone is cold, fix it. But if someone is complaining about being hot and you are freezing, go ahead and bring a sweater or jacket into the office. I recommend a light wool blend.  ... I live in Florida. The coldest it gets here is in August - because everyone's A/C is set to 64 degrees. 

- Keep your eyes on your own work. Unless someone invites you to look or asks you how to do something, consider it Noneya. (As my lovely friend M says, it's Noneya Business).
- If you're going to be on your phone, try to be subtle. No one wants to see their employee blatantly off task. Use the restroom, like everyone else.

End of The Day

- We're all in a rush to get home. It doesn't hurt to chip in and be a team player. But, if someone says no, don't pressure them into letting you help. They might be working on a confidential project or want the extra time at the office.

- If you office is going for a group outing post work unless you are ill or out of the office - you MUST go. It can be a great thing for your career. Though keep in mind, these are coworkers, not your best friends. Keep it appropriate.

- Last, whatever you do, don't cut anyone off in the parking lot. Not cool.

To review: keep it PC, be conscientious to your coworkers, and for the love of all things holy, DON'T whistle. 

Hey Guys! Let's Make Cheese!

The Viking and I lurv to go to (and hold) small dinner parties (good food, great friends, and decent wine - is there really anything else as important?) As adults in modern American culture, one always offers to bring a dish or drink, usually I'm bring cupcakes (obvs), but while seeing if I can curb my insatiable sweet tooth, I was perusing the interwebz for something new to make and bring. I have been seeing cheese making kits and "easy" recipes for years, so I figure, why the heck not?

Thanks to my friend and yours, the interwebz, I've found that with 45 minutes and four ingredients (five, if you count water) you can have fresh mozzarella!

Anyway, on to the good stuff! My friends: an introduction to soft cheese making.

Here's what you'll need in your kitchen:
1 Large Stock Pot (should hold over a gallon)
1 Slotted Spoon
1 Digital Thermometer
1 Long Spatula or the like (needs to reach the bottom of your pot)
1 Strainer/Colander
1 Microwave Safe Bowl
Kitchen Rat/Assistant - Optional

Ingredients:
1 1/2 tsp of Citric Acid
1/4 c of Water
1 Gallon of Whole Milk
1/4 tsp of Vegetable Rennet
1 c of Water
1 tsp of salt (rough estimate - salt to taste)

Certainly you can find Citric Acid wherever you can find canning supplies. Rennet is a little more difficult, but is easy enough. A lot of places where you can gets craft beer supplies will carry rennet. If you can find either, live somewhere remote, or just want to do what I did, you can by them here and here.

To begin, measure your citric acid into your stock pot. Add 1/4 c of water to dissolve the acid granules. Then add the milk. Over medium heat, bring your liquid up to 90 degrees. Your milk might start looking slightly curdled. This is totally normal. (You'll want to do this slowly, so you can control the temp. If the mixture gets too hot, the cheese curds will compact, causing you to have firmer, smaller cheese.)

Remove your pot from your heat source. Measure out a cup of water and add the rennet in the same
measuring cup. Then add it to your milky mixture. Stir swiftly for 30 seconds. Slow the motion to a stop with your spoon.

Let the milky mixture sit for five minutes.

You have now created Little Miss Muffett's BFF: Curds and Whey. The curds are the white part and the slightly yellowed water is whey - which is FULL of protein.

Once your five minutes are up, grab your long handed spatula-esk tool. Make a grid of your now slightly solid milky mixture. Return your pot to the heat. Heat the whey up to 115 degrees. Again, slowly to control your temperature.

Once you reach your desired temp, remove your pot from its heat source. Using your slotted spoon, separate your curds into your strainer (which can be placed over your microwave safe bowl).

You now have a HUGE decision to make. Okay, not really huge, but you do have a fun decision. At this point, you can dump your whey and get that giant pot out of your cooking space. OR, you can save your whey and use it for cooking, or baking. I've heard you can use the whey for an additive to baked goods, though I don't currently have a recipe for you, since I am TERRIBLE at yeast cooking. Though I intend to get better at it... and then blog about it.





Back to the Cheese:

Shake your strainer and remove as much excess whey as you can. Dump the whey from your microwave safe bowl. Put the almost cheese into the bowl and heat it on high for one minute in your microwave.

When it comes out it will be super hot, but start to look a little smooth. Dump the whey from the bowl and pick up your almost cheese. Squeeze it and begin to knead it together.

Return the almost cheese into the microwave safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds on high. Once this is done, pull out your cheese and dump your liquid. Add salt. Again, crazy hot (be careful). Fold the almost cheese together a few times. Pinch off some of the soon to be cheese for a taste. Does it need more salt? Add some in!

Throw it back in the microwave for another 30 seconds. Continue to dump the liquid and knead the cheese. It will actually start to take shape like the picture. If your cheese feels a little lumpy, go ahead and microwave it for 30 seconds again. If you cheese feels super smooth and starts to turn itself into a ball, assist it into the shape. Then put it in an ice bath.

Be patient for 10 minutes.

Now, my friend, you have cheese! Dress it with fresh herbs, olive oil, pesto, balsamic glaze, slice it, add it to pizza, or just take giant chunk out. Mostly, enjoy it!

                               

Dandelion: Greatest Flower Ever

Yeah. I said it. That weed of which people try to rid their yards. The "flower" only appreciated by small children. You may be familiar with some of its work, maybe poking through sidewalks? Yep. That's the one. It's AMAZING.

First, did you know it's leaves make a delightful, bitter salad additive? Schmancy restaurants are starting to feature it. Seriously. 

But we're here to talk about the root. Specifically, the root made into a tea. Have you tried it? I would certainly love to hear your opinions on it. If you haven't, my friend, you are in for a treat. While we all understand the benefits of herbal teas (Sleepy time for anti-stress, what what!), I had not tried dandelion root tea until a few months ago. I had read about some mildly frightening blend of water, tea, and additives that will MAKE YOU SKINNY!!!1!!!1! As we know, I'm a skeptic until I've tried it. And I certainly don't believe in any magic drink, pill, or serum. 

Time and time again, we are shown the only way to lose weight and keep it off it diet and exercise. 

I'm not one for diet or exercise. I try to stay active and not eat cupcakes for every meal. But, all that cupcake eating and cheese making (and obviously eating) can make a gal feel a little gross the next morning. This is where dandelion root tea comes in. 

A cup or two of this magical stuff throughout the day (the box suggests one bag per cup, but to three times a day) and the next morning... Less bloat. Dandelion root apparently helps rid your body of excess water weight. 

This tea isn't going to make your fairy godmother appear out of this air, but it will certainly help you feel better tomorrow (and so will a few veggies).

Spaaaaaaanx And Other Shapewear

No, but seriously. Spanx. Or really any shapewear for that matter. I support it. 

A few months ago, my sweet, little grandma and I went shopping for some party dresses. Some of you may know, even though I've clearly not a dedicated blogger (full time job, family, social life, experimental cooking - stuff gets in my way) that the Viking & I opted to no longer "live in sin". But that's another story, for another time. Today, we're discussing shopping with Grandma!

My grandma had mentioned to me that she wanted to go shopping for something to wear for my wedding and the surrounding festivities (Mmm hmm, festivities, again, another story). So, my grandma, like any living, breathing woman on earth wants to feel great, but has parts of her body she doesn't feel great about. (Good to know that doesn't change, even when you're an 85 year-old Grandma? Nope. Not good.) She and I have been having discussions about healthy eating (lean protein & green veggies!) and positive body image, etc. 

The thing that was really getting her down was that, not only does she not care for the current trends (mind you, my grandma is sassy - red nails, sporty little outfits, and always a nice blazer when going out to eat) but they stuff she does like, is not made for someone with her body type. She is the very definition of petite, with her spiked hair she might juuuuust graze 5 feet. After moving to Florida when I was a kid, she did a radical transformation and lost a ton of weight. Obviously you can see where I'm going with this. When you lose weight, there is always excess skin. And at eighty-something, stuff just doesn't quite sit where it used to. 

Our discussion from food and body image took a path to discussing clothing choices - personally, the older I get, the more traditional my taste gets. Don't get my wrong, I lurv an avant garde statement necklace... But give me a pair of cropped skinnies and some ballet flats, and I feel like Ms. Audrey. 

For grandma, we decided an A line with an empasisized natural waist was the way to go. That way, she could still feel like she was keeping up with the times, but still keep a shape she was used I, but more importantly, was most flattering on her. Everything we picked out, fit into those strict guidelines. As she tried things on, dresses were good - but I knew they could look better. 

Then came the discussion of shapewear. Now, I realize that most people only wear them for special occations - and unless you are a movie star, you don't always have those occations. 

Did you know that in the 1950's, everyone wore shapewear, even men? How else do you think Dior made such gorgeous flower inspired dresses with such tiny waists? (It surely wasn't their diet - sugar was being advertised as a health food!)

Now, I'm happy to write a little disclaimer that having to fit into societies' perceived, yet near unobtainable attractiveness norms for our body shapes and sizes is sexist, chauvinistic bullshit - because it is. Unfortunately, I A) really love how a frilly tutu party press makes me feel inside (like a 4 year old with a spinning dress) and B) Have a job where I have to look professional and see other people - so I can't wear shapeless frocks the color of oatmeal (I mean, I could, but they don't elicit the same spinning response.)

Whew. That was nagging me a little bit. 

The next step in my adventure with Grandma was to approach the topic of shapewear. Was she interested, has she tried it, would she what it? Thankfully, one of the lovely associates in the department store we were patronizing brought us a pair of Spanx to try. 

We wiggled her into those things, little by little. We then picked a wrap dress for her to try. She looked at the mirror and barely even recognized herself. Her posture was improved (her head easily reached the 5 foot mark this time!), the dress skimmed her body, and most importantly, she was comfortable! She told me she felt like she could do anything. It's pretty magical when a woman you love so dearly, who hasn't been feeling that great about herself lately has that ah-ha moment.

Grandma got three new dresses that day. And a body shaper. It was a complete success. 

Now she wants a leather jacket to go with her wrap dress...

The Perfect Barbecue!

I'm not a HUGE meat eater. I'll eat poultry, seafood (if that officially counts as meat), and rock some pork/ham from time to time. But, I lurv to cook because it's pretty relaxing for me and the reward of eating whatever I've made is always a good incentive.

As I've complained a few times now, I'm busy! Not at busy as someone with kids, but still, I've got a lot of plates in the air. I will admit it now - I've turned to crock potting. Originally I wouldn't fully fess up, since the cream of whatever and block of cream cheese - though amazingly delicious - is not healthy. I know, you may have to sit down from that heavy revaluation. I am also pretending to be a healthy person (though anyone who knows my love of cupcakes and chocolate could very easily disband that non truth).

But, here we go, I'll admit it. I really love my crock pot! (And I got a brand new time included pot for Christmas. Thanks Sir Viking!)

Okay. Barbecue. As someone who doesn't really like condiments, I've never fully understood the love of meat (bah) smothered in a smokey, spicy ketchup like sauce, until recently. I had pulled chicken and was allowed to dispense my own sauce. I finally understood. The delicious smoked meat is so juicy! Yum.

Knowing that Sir Viking is southern and enjoy barbeque, I was on the interwebz one day and found this little crock pot gem... and believe me, this is requested about every 9 days. You're going to want to write this down:

1 pork tenderloin
1 can of root beer

Place in crock pot on low for 8 hours. At the end of the time, the meat will be tender enough to shred with a fork.

And it is.

Seriously. Combine the TWO ingredients in the picture. That's it.

Apparently the root beer acts as a tenderizer to the meat and gives it a sweet, herbal taste with a slight effervescence. It's friggin' fantastic people!!!

Once we're hungry, we use pretzel rolls (yumz!), I add cheese for me, and a little sweet barbeque sauce for each of us.  Add a side salad and you have a perfectly delicious meal! AND since there are only two of us, we always have leftovers.

Football Party Bean Dip

I am a college football fan. Professional football, in my humble opinion is only good for beer and food. Otherwise it's a bunch of superstitious crazies or bandwagon "I live near here, so I'm going to be a fan" types. Bah. College football is way better to watch.

Living in a part of the country that adores football and there being a mildly large game tonight... I wanted to share my favorite go to for a football viewing party. Mexican Cheesy Bean Dip!!!

It's so crazy easy.

2 cans of refried beans
8oz. cream cheese
8oz. sour cream
1 pk taco seasoning
2 C cheddar cheese

Preheat your oven to 350. In a big bowl, combine the beans, cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, and 1/2 c of cheese. Spread it in a 9 x 13 dish (consider a disposable baking pan if you are not hosting) and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake for 20 minutes or so.

Done!

It's so good! I suggest a strong tortilla chip or one that can scoop easily. It's pretty heavy and you're going to want to eat a lot. For healthier options - consider vegetarian or fat free refried beans, skim milk mozzarella cheese, low fat or fat free sour cream, and neufchatel cheese instead of cream cheese (it takes nearly the same, but has less fat). Also consider ranch or fajita seasoning or hot sauce for a fun twist.

It's Been a While

So. It's January. I caught that too. Hrm. Sorry about that. I got a little busy living my life, rather than writing about how to make things easier/better/prettier/whatever. My writing team now includes two little boys named Mocha and Lewis... Who happen to be a dachshund and a tiger stripped teenage kitty, respectively. Oh yes. And a Viking.

From a life of a single, mildly care free (I can pretend), pet free gal to a pet crazed, official girlfriend of a live in Viking can get pretty hectic (though I really can't imagine how moms with like 87 kids do it), I'm having a ball.

So, yeah, it's been a while. In the honeymoon haze of my life for the past months, I feel like I've lost touch with some of my very best friends. Some is probably a natural growing apart, as life takes us in unexpected or at least different directions. Kids, pets, new jobs, boyfriends, girlfriends, moving, husbands, wives, life changes - it happens. For me, it is really important to continue these friendships as much as possible. Whether I haven't seen you in 5 years or 5 days, I am always happy to chat with an old friend. So, with a grand gesture - here is my old friend and yours, "the handy tips".

- Send a card! Mailing anything is so rare these days that it's a pretty special occasion when you get something in the mail. Even if it's a little note saying "I miss you."
- Visit them at work. If your friend works in an environment where visitors are okay, stop in! Just make sure to not stay too long, incase they have a tough boss.
- The phone works both ways. Instead of waiting on your friend to call you, call them. Or even send a text message if that's easier.
- Visit!! Some of my very best friends live thousands of miles away. I'm always happy to hop on a plane and go for a long weekend. Even if it's just to the other side of the state, a weekend together will always be fun and appreciated.
- Most importantly, make plans and keep them!!! Rather than saying let's get together and never seeing each other, pull up your calendar and see what works.

These seem obvious, right? Reconnecting with old friends... The hardest part is the first step. It's always a little weird at first, but I promise, they'll be happy you did. And so will you. Now... Who wants a weekend visitor???

Maxi Dresses: No Longer a foe

This spring, I finally gave into the maxi dress. Though I'm not a short person, I am by no means tall. As we know, from the rules of fashion: a solid color with no discernible shape can make you look short. Thanks dress, but I don't need any help with that.

Naturally, I have always leaned towards minis, because not only do short hemlines give the appearance of longer legs (thus making you seem taller), I also live in Florida. And it gets super hot here. But there comes a time in one's life when you need to start considering the appropriateness of your hem lengths. If you aren't at the height of your fitness or if you're over the age of 23, you might want to consider a mid length short or a dress that hits just above the knee.

But maxis are the focus here. How do you wear a maxi!? If you're over 5'7, don't even worry. Maxis are meant for you and look great.  For the rest of us who aren't build like super models, here are a few things to keep in mind:

- If you're petite, don't opt for an overly large pattern. They can overwhelm your body and make the dress look like it got hungry and ate you as a snack. 

- If you're busty, try not to go strapless - the ladies need support. 

- Alternatively, if you aren't as well endowed, feel free to look for ruffles or sweetheart necklines. 

- Consider your body type, what necklines work best on you? What about pencil, A-line, or full skirts? Same goes for your dresses, right? The rules still apply with a maxi. 

- Structure is key. Maxis are generally thought of as flowing summer dresses. So, look for ruching, darts, pleats, or my personal favorite anything you can belt.

If all else fails: buy a solid color, wear it with tall wedges and a few layered necklaces. Boho chic is here to stay.

Righty Runny, Lefty Lumpy

Some of you know what I'm getting into... And some of you don't. That's just fine because this a handy tip, just for you. 

When you're at restaurant and your table feels small and very crowded, and for some reason you can't figure out which water glass is yours or where your plate needs to sit, there is an easy solution. Thanks to one of my charming college roommates, I learned the easiest way to remember the solution to this predicament. Righty runny, lefty lumpy. Your drinks go on your right and your bread plate goes on your left. 

Easy as that. As long as everyone in your party remembers, there will be room for every plate on even the smallest tables!

Road Trip Crack Trail Mix

Quite name, huh? Well, I wasn't the one who named it (though it sounds like I should have!) Anyway... since I'm allergic to nuts, trail mixes are a tough one for me. But what's better than a trail mix when going on a trip (or trail?) A little salty, a little sweet. Yum! Well, I was at a wedding a few years back, my problem was solved!!! In the hotel gift bag was a nut free trail mix, called "crack". Seriously.

Here is what you need:
1 box of cap'n crunch
1 bag of gold fish
1 bag of m&ms
1 bag of pretzels
1 bag if bugles (I get the BIG bag)
2 bags of yogurt covered raisins

Take two gallon size zip lock bags and divide everything amongst the bags (Obviously a bag of raisins for each). Toss the bags around a little to mix... And you're done!!!

Here's my favorite part: substitutions!!! Don't like cap'n crunch? Use Cheerios or Chex. What flavor of gold fish are your favorites? Use them! Peanut m&ms? Go for it. Regular raisins and some other dried fruit? Yummy! I sometimes even add chocolate covered pretzels!

The possibilities are endless, and it's all so good! Just use what you like, or better yet, what you have around your house!

How To: Be a Good House Guest

After years of threatening and planning (not even joking, it's been since 2006), I finally made it up to the Windy City to visit my college roommates (who accidentally on purpose live 1 1/2 blocks from each other). We couldn't decide where I would stay, so we decided one night at one house, one night at the other - so I got a double dose of air mattress surfing & they got to deal with my incessantly chipper morning chatter. Everyone involved way terribly pleased - and by everyone, I mean my roommates and I. Their significant others... that remains to be seen.

Since summer is coming up, that means there will be a lot of vacations coming up - which means a lot of couch surfing with inevitably happen. Here, as always, are a few handy tips to make the whole experience easier for everyone.

- First thing's first: ask before you come to stay with someone. Even if it's totally cool with you to have every Joe on the street to stay with you, never assume. If you are bringing your significant other, it's imperative that you check with all parties involved. Alternatively, if someone asks to stay at your home, and it is truly inconvenient, say no!
- Discuss you trip expectations before hand. Are you expecting someone to play host for you or do you like to check things out on your own? Maybe you're there for work & they have tons of school.
- If you're a planner, make sure everyone is involved in the decision making for your daily activities. Don't do just what you want to do.
- When eating in, make sure your host is aware of any allergies. It's rather uncomfortable for all involved when they only snacks available are all nut-tastic and you become hive child, just looking at them (no, my allergies are not THAT bad, settle down).
- When picking dinner options, make sure you have a few choices with a broad menu and a variety of prices. You might want to eat at every Top Chef restaurant you can find in that city, and your friends might be in money saving mode.
- If you're having a night out, try to take everyone's temperature involved. You may way to be out until 5am, and they may not. You can always find a happy medium.
- Discuss plans for the following day, the night before. That way everyone has similar expectations to how the day will go - even if it doesn't totally go as planned.
- When waking up in the morning, unless you know your host sleeps in late, try to wake up at a reasonable time. Nothing is more uncomfortable for someone who is trying to play host to you and you keep awkwardly sleeping. Alternatively, if you are an early riser like me, try to be quite and start your morning. Take a shower, make coffee, and quietly entertain yourself. That way when your host wake up, they won't feel bad about having slept in.
- When it's the last day of your stay, clean up. Strip the sheets from the bed, deflate mattresses, refold couches, and pack your stuff up. No one likes a hurricane for a house guest.
- Consider an email, thank you note, flowers, or whatever is your style to show your gratitude. A written thought to show appreciation can really go a long way.

Not that we don't adore our friends and family, and cherish the time we get to spend with them, but as they say, house guests and Fish have a lot in common, after three days - they stink! Keep it short and sweet and you'll be sure to get an invite back.

Rainy Season

The weather here in Florida FINALLY broke and our summer rains have begun (did the storms wake anyone else up last night?) With that in mind and being a planner by nature, here are a few handy tips to make sure your day doesn't get screwed up my the rain. 

- Buy a rain coat. I'm someone who usually has my hands full, so when it rains, I don't always have time to carry an umbrella (Also, my manfriend is about a foot taller than me - which makes it hard to share an umbrella) So I bring my rain coat. I prefer a classic trench coat, it instantly adds a certain chicness to any outfit. Stay try to your style. If you have a tougher style, get a moto cut jacket. If you live in colder climates, it would be wise to get a convertible rain coat with a warm insert. Whatever you do, make sure it repels rain.

- Bring your umbrella!! I keep one in my car and one on the door handle going out to my garage. That way, I know I've always got one easily accessible to me... and see when right before i leave. So I never forget it. If you live in a place without a garage, consider a chic umbrella holder (with an umbrella in it) or placing your umbrella near where you keep your bag. 

- I carry a foldable bag with me, for instances that I need a bag at the farmer's market or if I'm on a trip and end up coming home with more than I came with. This bag, I have learned is also waterproof.  I was coming home last night with some important stuff in my purse and was going to have to make a made dash through the rain. Thankfully I had my foldable tote, threw my purse in it, and nothing got wet. 

- Rain boots!!! Hunters are classic (ah hem, Hunter Green... where did you think it came from?). But keep in mind there are tons of colors and styles, so get what fits your style and personality.  I have a pair of black riding boot cut (knee high with an angled top) that go with everything and get worn all the time. 

- Keep a little microfiber towel in the glove box of your car. It's so helpful when you were rained on and you need to get the rain off of you fast. 

With these tips, you can quickly get yourself out of a bind and stay dry. Prepare yourself now, and you won't have to worry about it later.

Water

For anyone that knows me, they know I drink a lot of water. All the time. And there is a reason for it: I feel better when I do.

When I was little, I wasn't a fan of overly sugary or tart juices (which eliminates ALL of them), my mother wouldn't let me have caffeine (shocking, right?) and my parents found out I was slightly allergic to milk (based on all my other allergies, it's not very shocking), so I got to drink a lot of water.

Well, I very quickly came to love the pure, cooling taste of a glass of water. I don't care if it's room temperature, chilled in the fridge, or even a little warm from the sun. I feel amazing after I drink it.

Funny enough, I actually notice the benefits of my excessive water drinking when I don't drink enough. I get a headache, my skin feels tight, my lips feel chapped and I feel bloated. Those symptoms are all pretty high on the horrific scale for me, so, I drink water.

If you drink as much water as I do, I implore you to get reusable glass/cup/container. If you're being good to yourself, you should also be good to the environment.

Don't Be That Guy... On a Plane

Thanks to the past long weekend, my travel bug was indulged - sort of. I, at least, got to fly around the country and spread my asinine musings and disdainful glances. (Though I promise, I'm super fun to travel with - you may have guessed, I'm a little judgy).

Here are a few things I've been reminded of while traveling this weekend that I now feel obliged to share with you.

Packing:
- Leave your big items (shoes, bags, accessories) at home. You'll inevitably buy something and then you won't. have room to pack at the end of the trip.
- I don't care if the weather calls for 9000 degrees or negative 45 degrees. Always pack at least one t-shirt, one light jacket of your choosing, and a pair of flip flops. You'll thank me later.
- If you're going with a group, plan ahead of time if someone is bring a blow dryer, straightener, or curling iron. No need to pack multiples.

At The Airport:
- Wear comfy clothes for the plane, if you can. I understand that sometimes we have to wear specific outfits one planes or something special for the second you get off the plane, but comfortable is always better.
- Please don't take comfort too far. I don't recommend wearing your pajamas or juicy sweatsuit (please. Tell me you don't own one) on a plane. You look silly.
- If you can, wear slip on shoes (and socks!?) for going through security.
- When riding an escalator or people mover, stand to the right, unless otherwise noted. There are people who have places to be - so stand to the side. Their lives will be easier if they don't have to dodge you. And you have the chance of not getting your toes run over.

On The Plane:
- Don't take up more than your space.
- If you smoke, try to grab some gym or wear an outfit that doesn't stink. It's a small enclosed space, please remember that.
- Bring some form of entertainment, it is not the responsibility of the person next to you to entertain you.
- If the person sitting next to you is reading to listening to headphones quit bugging them. Please. I beg you.
- If you get cold easily (like me!) try to bring a jacket or cardi with you on the plane.

When traveling, you'll find me in jeans (or denim cut non jeans) loafers or flats, a comfy top, and always my trusty scarf (you never know when you're going to need to cuddle with your blankie or cover your nose from a foul smell).

Good luck and bon voyage, my friends!!!

Current Obsession: Chalkboard Paint

Recently I've been redecorating my house and saw a Jonathan Adler mirror that I HAD to have. Unfortunately, it was going to set me back roughly $600.  Ouch! I would much rather buy a pair or two or three of shoes. As some of you know, I spend a bit of time trolling Etsy.com via the interwebz, and figured I could find a Jonathan Adler-esque mirror. Three million mirrors... not one scalloped mirror. But I did run into a lot of vintage mirrors and frames that had been turned into chalkboards. Unfortunately the size I wanted didn't exist. As a problem solver and an obsessive crafter, I decided to make one!!!

Obstacle #1: Find a mirror or frame. After keeping my eye out for a few months, I found a pretty good sized old mirror at a garage sale. Cheap, interesting, cool. Sold. 

Obstacle #2: Find chalkboard paint. (I'm sure some of you knew that this magical substance exists... but some of you may not.For those of you who didn't know, you can go to your local hardware or craft store and pick up a handy can of paint that will turn ANY surface into a chalk board.) I opted for the spray paint and it set me back a solid $5. 

Obstacle #3: Paint. 

So I did. And I love it. Now, my biggest issue... I want to paint everything with chalkboard paint!!!! Any ideas?

Agave Nectar of the Gods

Let it be known, I love agave nectar.

When my sister said to me three years ago "agave nectar is a common honey replacement in vegan households" I scoffed. A honey replacement. Please. Could never happen. 

Fast forward to about a year ago, I was house sitting for my parents. As always, I was looking for a snack. And as always, my mother's pantry is filled with nuts. (Some of you may or may not know, I'm allergic to nuts.) I did find one bag of healthy choice popcorn. Barf. But I needed something to munch. So, I grabbed four bowls and divided the popcorn amongst them. One bowl was kept plain, one with cocoa powder, one with Old Bay seasoning, and one with, whomp whomp, agave nectar. 

And at that moment, my life was changed. Yum! Within the next week, the honey at my house was gone and replaced by agave nectar. 

Agave nectar, if you haven't tried it, is light and sweet. It is less sticky than honey, doesn't give you that horrible throat scratch when you've had too much, and has a light fruity, vanilla taste at the very end. 

Try it with your tea or coffee, to sweeten cookies, or my favorite with goat cheese on crusty french bread. Yum! The best part, yes, it's vegan. No animals are harmed when it is made AND it comes from a plant, so you aren't destroying an animal's habitat and hard work, just to sweeten your biscuit. Yep, agave nectar is great on biscuits too! You've never tried it? You can thank me later.

I Don't Usually Smell Like Fish

This phrase was uttered to me the other day. With a completely straight face and completely earnest.

"I don't usually smell like fish."

But really, to make matters worse, is wasn't just a fish smell. There was a bit of salty body odor, as well.

Clearly, my new friend had been spending the day fishing and had yet to make it home to bathe. I realize sometimes you are in a rush to go places and people have busy lives, but honestly, if you know you smell that bad, take a shower before you go out in public.

You can smell yourself. You understand what body odor smells like... if you have been doing something strenuous, you've been working with something odoriferous, or it's been a little bit of time, shower. Please, I beg of you.

Bathe and you won't have to awkwardly say to someone "I don't usually smell like fish."

White Jeans... Let's Discuss

A summer staple for some, yet the bane of others' existence. 

Where do you stand on the issue?

Personally, I love a good pair of jeans in a modern cut (loved my white flairs in college). Currently I have a pair of white skinny jeans from your friend and yours, Michael Kors, which will be making an appearance all summer long. So, get excited. I'm a huge fan of pairing my white jeans with a draped top with a pop of color. Or with a black top and tons of turquoise jewelry. 

With white jeans, if they are poorly cut, they only accentuate your flaws. Also, as we know, lighter colors highlight, while dark tend to minimize things. From that, naturally you can conclude, unless your jeans fit well, they will not be attractive.Another thing to keep in mind, the thickness of the denim. White can be see through, so a thicker denim is obviously a wise choice. 

Don't settle for the first pair you find, chances are they won't fit perfectly and they will be too sheer.  But when you do find the perfect pair, and you are a white jeans fan, go for it.

What to Wear on a Date

There comes a time in everyone's life when they must date. We date, in hopes of one day, finding the right person. A partner, a companion, and who knows maybe even the parent of your child (if you so choose). No pressure, right? Actually, there isn't! A date is similar to an interview... but here's the thing, you are both interviewing each other. If you like each other, go out again. If you don't... don't. Simple as that. 

Since appearances are important, whether we like it or not... here are a few ideas of what you might want to wear on your date. 

Casual - The first few dates you will go on, will probably be casual, 'get to know you" sort of places. As you may or may not have guessed by now, I'm a fan of dresses. I think they are cute, flirty, and are appropriate for most every situation (plus that added air conditioning in the summer helps!) What's even better, dresses can be dressed up or down - so if you're going somewhere new and you're not sure how fancy you need to be, grab your "go to" dress. Add some fun accessories and heels or a statement necklace and some great flats. That way, regardless of the place you go, you'll be comfortable (and not too over or under dressed.) Other options, jeans and a fancy top - depending on your build, wear whatever is best suited for your body type. Obviously, you want to look your best, but also like you're not trying too hard. For guys, wear your favorite jeans and a cool concert t-shirt or a button down with the sleeves rolled-up. Flip flops or loafers, depending on what kind of guy you are. 

Dressy - Chances are, getting dressed up won't be your first date (unless you're in high school and you're going to homecoming together... but none of you are in high school... that I know of.) You're getting a little more into dates... and it's time to make sure the person you're dating isn't a total farm animal. You'll go to a nicer restaurant and maybe a special event - what then? Obviously, you're not going to wear what you once considered perfect during your single days. Granted, you're still single, just not exactly the same way as you were before. This is a great time to pull out some of your favorite dresses, heels, and accessories. For guys, don't be afraid to wear a well fitting suit! If that's too much for you... a button down and dress pants will always be fine. Also, consider investing in a nice pair of loafers or driving shoes. You'd be surprised how quickly they dress an outfit up. 

Night Out - The trickiest date of them all when you are starting to date someone. Here are some questions to help you figure out what to wear. What kind of night out will it be? Have you been to this place before? Have any of your friends ever been there? The best thing to do, if you've never been to this place before is ask your date (if they suggested it.) Is it a dive bar or more of a lounge? For ladies: this is a great time to pull out your hot skinny jeans and a funky top that may or may not have been purchased at Urban Outfitters (or some place equally as "trendy" and possibly a little younger than how you might need to dress). If you are a dress kind of girl, don't wear your littlest "single girl" dress, but wear the one you like the best and feel awesome. (Hey, if the date doesn't work out... you might meet someone else! But hopefully it works.) If you're a guy, go for jeans or my personal favorite denim cut non-jeans - a vital addition to any closet.

With these suggestions in mind, you're on the right track. The most important thing, be comfortable. If you're uncomfortable, your fidgeting and discomfort will only rub off on your date and make them perceive that you make them uncomfortable... not exactly the best feeling to give a date, huh? Relax, be comfortable, and most importantly, have fun!

Denim Cut - Non Jeans

Do you have a pair or two? No? We're in a fight until you do. 

I, like everyone else, love jeans. They are comfy, they look great, go well with everything... and are so ubiquitous. Have you ever noticed when packing for a trip you want to feel like you have too many outfits that revolve around your jeans? Here is a great time for denim cut - non jeans to take come to the rescue. They fit as well as jeans and go with just as much. 

It doesn't matter if they are brushed cotton, khaki, twill, whatever... they can be any fabric. And they can be found at almost any store at almost any price point. It's a great alternative to the everyday monotony of looking like everyone else.