Charmville

Hey You!

2010-04-16T11:38:00.003-04:00

I'm over here now:

Wedding Details

2010-02-03T20:47:00.006-05:00

My cousin just got engaged this weekend, and I'm so excited for her. I loved planning my wedding with my mom. We took a lot of care to incorporate special details, and in honor of my cousin's engagement (and, frankly, to relive some of the fun!), I'll be sharing some of my favorite wedding elements with you over the coming days.

First up: Paper!

Invitations are a natural place to start when it comes to paper because, after all, the invitation sets the tone for the day. Even though I spoke this very line many a time when I worked in a stationery store, I started with the cocktail napkins.

Many consider this to be a very minor aspect, and in fact, I can't tell you how many frantic calls that were placed by customers wondering if they still had time to order them. I started with cocktails napkins because they are the way I chose to honor my uncle Tom, who passed away shortly after Gregory and I got engaged. Lots of wedding blogs and websites suggest honoring loved ones with a rose on an empty seat, or a candle. These are lovely ways to honor someone, but so serious-- the very opposite of my life-of-the-party uncle. I decided the most personal way to honor my uncle would be with a nod to what was bound to be his favorite part of the wedding: the open bar.

Thus, the cocktail napkin suggesting that as guests raised their glasses to toast the happy couple, they "take a sip for Thomas," my dear uncle.

I loved being able to make something special out of what could be such bland elements of the day, and I know there was no better (or appropriate!) way to honor my uncle.

I love you, Uncle Tom!

*photos by Todd Pellowe

Two Gifts I'm Loving

2010-01-22T16:16:00.005-05:00

Today I've been enjoying two of my favorite Christmas gifts, the Eddie Bauer Ruffled Chiffon Henley and my Kindle.

My mom picked the top out for me, and I'm so glad she did. I'm a bit on the "busty" side, which I thought meant I couldn't wear ruffles. These ruffles are light and airy and don't add any unwanted volume. The shirt is so comfortable that I have it in three colors now! It's also currently on sale (though I believe it is about $5 less in the store than it is online).

I can't walk you through the process of choosing between the Kindle and Barnes and Noble's Nook (honestly, all those tech-y specifications don't mean a lot to me), but I'm very happy with my Kindle. The design is awesome, it's super lightweight, and I felt really cool reading it on the airplane on my way back to Washington. I've already read The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown (for $9.60!) and Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby (loved both), and I've even put some academic journal articles (in PDF format) on it, too. The only bad thing: you can't take it in the bathtub with you. : )

Back to the Books

2010-01-21T10:54:00.005-05:00

Today I'm going to make a real effort to get back to my schoolwork.

Starting up again after a break has always been difficult for me, but it's become even more so since getting married, moving west, and experiencing home ownership. Actually, it has more to do with the latter than the former. Small Town, Washington, is much different than the Greater Cincinnati area where I grew up, and this change- leaving family, friends, and everything else familiar- has brought about some semi-serious depression and some very serious pouting. This fall when I got tired enough of sitting at home, alone, either trying to do schoolwork or avoiding it with too much CSI, I started inventing errands for myself. Being out and about was much more fun than sitting alone in my house, and it helped me get involved in my life again. I started decorating my home, cooking, and baking; these activities, not my schoolwork, got me through each day.

Now I have a deadline looming. I need to start producing scholarship, not snickerdoodles, and stat! This will certainly help my waistline, but my gosh... how unfun. Except it's not! I somehow made huge strides in my schoolwork in the short burst of activity I managed before Christmas, and my idea for my dissertation is really coming together. I'm impressed with myself and really happy with my project for the first time, like, ever. It feels good to produce good work, and when I'm in the groove I'm really in it... except when I'm not.

My quandry is this: if snickerdoodles = fun and scholarship = fun, how do I make snickerdoodles = scholarship? (Besides enrolling at the CIA, that is...) Cookies in the a.m. and writing in the p.m.? Maybe. But when would the dishes get washed?

Today I'm going to start with coffee and a lemon poppyseed muffin, yet to be purchased at Safeway. Then I'll read your blogs and play seventeen games of spider solitaire per usual while I work up the courage to start. Something.

*image from marthastewart.com

First Married Christmas Tree

2009-12-09T19:55:00.004-05:00

One major tradition marked the Thanksgivings of my youth: the readying of the house for Christmas! By the time my sister and I awoke, my mother would have completely wiped the decor of every day from the house and begun spreading the Christmas cheer; we "helped" her while watching the Macy's parade. It was always a busy, yet fanciful morning's work. Fast forward to the teenage years when it was all about sleeping late (late enough to miss out on this childhood tradition).

This year, far from home, I couldn't wait to decorate my own home for Christmas. After much hand-wringing, I picked out a tree (on sale! multi-colored lights!) that's just the right size for our cozy back room. Trimming this tree was downright jolly, due much to the sizable collection of familiar ornaments my mother had gathered for me through the years.

Near the bottom of the tree you'll see Strawberry Shortcake holding a candy cane and at the top of the tree are a round "Baby's First Christmas" ornament (you'll have to guess the year yourself) and a Precious Moments ballerina.

Here are some pictures of my newer ornaments, many of which I received at a couples shower last year where the attendees brought ornaments in addition to goodies from Pottery Barn.

This one marks our family trip to Disney World in 2008...

Here, a special Snoopy hides among the boughs...

I was so moved by the personal touch on this one.

And last but not least... the one representing the reason I have my first married Christmas tree at all. : )

What are your special Christmas tree traditions?

From His Favorite Aunt

2009-11-03T23:37:00.000-05:00

I don't think I've mentioned yet that I'm going to be an aunt! And it's happening soon, as in today or tomorrow! (I have no powers of prediction... the little fellow's almost a week late, so my sister's going to be induced).

When my sister told us the news, my mom and I immediately started talking about all the "basics" the baby would need...

A silver cup...

Bunnykins china...

Trumpette socks...

High-quality, handmade German toys...

My sister is relentlessly practical, so I know she'll have all those other "basics" (diapers, formula, etc.) covered, which is fine by me. No one ever became a Favorite Aunt by buying baby wipes, right?

Just for Fun: The Two of US

2009-10-25T12:17:00.006-04:00

Two of my favorite bloggers (Diary of a Southern Belle and Tales of a Short Southern Mama) have recently filled out this little survey, and I'm jumping on the bandwagon!

1. What are your middle names? Danielle and Man Kai

2. How long have you been together? We met through eHarmony. We were matched on June 28, 2006.

3. How long did you know each other before you started dating? We were serious about each other right away, so perhaps the best way to answer this question is to say we met in person about four months after being "matched."

4. Who asked who out? He initiated contact.

5. How old are each of you? I'm 28, and my husband is 35.

6. Did you go to the same school? Nope. He grew up in Hong Kong and moved to Canada when he was 14. I was born and raised in Kentucky.

7. Are you from the same hometown? See above.

8. Who is the smartest? I would say we're equally matched. He takes care of math and science and I cover the humanities.

9. Who majored in what? My husband was trained as a pharmacist and then studied biophysics. I've always studied English.

10. Who is the most sensitive? I'd say we're equally matched here, too, though I am the more visibly emotional one.

11. Where is the farthest you two have traveled together as a couple? We drove across the country from Kentucky to Washington a few days after our wedding.

12. Who has the worst temper? Neither of us has a terrible temper, but I show mine more frequently.

13. How many children do you want? One or two.

14. Who does the cooking? We both do, but he cooks with more ease and confidence.

15. Who is more social? He is.

16. Who is the neat freak? We both have neat freak moments, but they're just that... moments.

17. Who is the most stubborn? I'd say we're equal here, too, but I will actually admit that I'm stubborn. We both lived on our own without roommates, so we're each used to doing things our own way.

18. Who wakes up earlier? I don't sleep well, so I do. Once he's awake, though, he'll stay awake all day. I'm a napper.

19. Where was your first date? Let's see... sometime in mid-October of 2006.

20. Who has the bigger family? We both have one sibling. My extended family is larger, though.

21. Do you get flowers often? If I buy them for myself!

22. How do you spend the holidays? This will be our first married holiday season! We're staying home for Thanksgiving, going to my parents' for Christmas, and then making short trip to see his sister and her family in Canada before the New Year.

23. Who is more jealous? Me.

24. How long did it take to get serious? We were always serious. Neither of us wanted to play games.

25. Who eats more? He eats more at meals, but I like to snack. He also eats a much greater variety of foods than I do.

26. What do you do for a living? I'm a Ph.D. student and he's a professor (He was never my professor, though. That would be creepy.)

27. Who does the laundry? We both do.

28. Who's better with the computer? He's great at technical things, but I'm better at finding things on the internet.

29. Who drives when you are together? We're a one car family and I take him to work and pick him up everyday. When we're going places together, though, he drives.

30. What is your song? This Will Be (An Everlasting Love). It's the eHarmony song. Get it? : )

*photo by Todd Pellowe.

Fall Decorations

2009-10-16T17:45:00.005-04:00

We've had a busy fall here at Chez Charmville. I had to take my Ph.D. qualifying exam in September, then I went home to Kentucky for two baby showers, and now my husband and I are getting ready to head to Baltimore for a conference he's presenting at. Plus, I'm still unpacking and organizing things from our move this summer, if you can believe it! I didn't have time for holiday-specific decorations (plus I thought I lost the box most of them were in-- luckily, I just hadn't opened it yet!), but I'm very pleased with what I managed to pull together.

On our table I've used fall colored linens we already had (all wedding gifts... my mom thought ahead and bought me these at Williams-Sonoma when they went on sale last year!), plus the hurricane glass that was also a wedding present. I bought the rattan "charger" on clearance at Walmart for $3, and filled it with pinto beans and a candle (non-scented). I was initially going to go with some kind of fall vase filler, but the nice ones are crazy expensive! I wanted some of Pottery Barn's acorn vase filler, but it was like $20 for what would amount to two handfuls! For a container of this size, I would have needed quite a bit, and I wasn't ready to spend that much money. Instead, I bought 4 lbs. of pinto beans for $3.42 and have a lovely, natural looking centerpiece. (I also considered going with coffee beans, but they were more expensive.)

Here's a close-up:

I spent a lot of time looking for a nice, durable inexpensive wreath. I bought one I thought would work at Walmart, but it ended up falling apart before I even got it out of the bag! Finally, I decided to make one. The idea for the design, I'm sure, I saw floating around some time in Martha Stewart Living.

I started with a 16 inch styrofoam wreath I bought at Michael's and then wrapped dark brown satin ribbon around it. I think I used 3 rolls that had 4 yards each. To keep it from slipping, I just stuck straight pins in periodically (on the back). My bow is made from copper wired ribbon, and I just stuck that on with straight pins, too.

Here's a tip for all you crafters out there: it may be easy to pick up all your supplies in one place like Michaels, and they even have good coupons. Watch out, though, for the prices on things you don't have coupons for! At first I bought all my supplies at Michaels, but when I went next door to Joann's, I noticed they had all the same things for a lot less, so I bought them again and returned the things from Michaels Then I went to Walmart and got my ribbon for $2 less a roll than Michael's was selling it! Ha! Walmart doesn't have everything when it comes to crafts, but what they do have is much less expensive.

Hope you like my decorations!

Baltimore? Anyone? Anyone?

2009-10-14T16:06:00.002-04:00

I'm heading to Baltimore this weekend. Any suggestions on places to shop, visit, eat?

OneWord

2009-10-14T15:03:00.005-04:00

Thanks for the award, sHp!

You can only use one word to answer each of these questions, then pass it along to six of your favorite bloggers.

1. Where is your cell phone? MIA.

2. Your hair? Fabulous.

3. Your mother? Talented.

4. Your father? Wise.

5. Your favorite food? Comfort.

6. Your dream last night? Weird.

7. Your favorite drink? Coke.

8. Your dream/goal? Ph.D.

9. What room are you in? Office.

10. Your hobby? Reading.

11. Your fear? Outdoors.

12. Where do you want to be in six years? Kentucky.

13. Where were you last night? Home.

14. Something that you aren't? Outdoorsy.

15. Muffins? Yes.

16. Wish list item? Tenure.

17. Where did you grow up? Kentucky.

18. Last thing you did? Read.

19. What were you wearing? Tee.

20. Your TV? Two.

21. Your pets? None.

22. Friends? Smart.

23. Your life? Challenging.

24. Your mood? Fair.

25. Missing someone? Yes.

26. Vehicle? Corolla.

27. Something you're not wearing? Shoes.

28. Your favorite store? Book.

29. Your favorite color? Orange.

30. When was the last time you laughed? Monday.

31. Last time you cried? Wedding.

32. Your best friend? Husband.

33. One place you go over and over? Daydreams.

34. One person who emails you regularly? Mom.

35. Favorite place to eat? South.

I pick:

Pink Champage Bubble

Pink Maple

Social Climbers

Southern Living: Preppy Style

Pink Lion

Polka Dots and Protein Bars

I Dunno About That, Oprah...

2009-10-07T23:04:00.004-04:00

So we all saw our Nie Nie on Oprah today, right?

I loved how transparent the devotion between Nie and Mr. Nielson is and was glad Oprah picked up on that, but I think Oprah missed the boat on some of the best parts of the story... like how Nie's sisters Lucy and Courtney took in her children, how the family moved back to Provo, and what a major role their faith played in all of it.

What's up with that, Oprah? I understand time constraints, but it's YOUR show. You could have given the Nielsons an entire hour instead of making them one of three segments (I stoppped loving your show, BTW, when you started that different segment business instead of having topics meaty enough to devote an entire show to). If you've been following the Nielsons' story, or even if you're new to it, can you think of anything more inspiring and worthy of an hour of Oprah's time? And ours?

And what was up with that SAHM who didn't want to stay at home that Oprah foisted on Nie Nie (AWKWARD, huh?)? Oprah, you may think that being a stay at home mom is the most important job in the world (frankly, I think it's pretty awesome when moms work outside the home and still run their homes and families with great aplomb and finesse), but maybe it's not for everyone... like that woman who (as you kept repeating) said Play-Doh made her want to kill herself.

It seemed like what Anti-Play-Doh mom took away from her visit with Nie was that it would really stink if she couldn't hold her babies when they got out of the bathtub. So the woman comes away with an appreciation for being alive and able-bodied. How is that unique to this particular story? Tell me if I'm on track or not here, Nie readers, but isn't what makes Nie so special the fact that motherhood and homemaking are truly her vocation and God-given talent? That she provides her readers with glimpses at what truly inspired motherhood is?

Who knows what Play-Doh Mom really took away. Maybe she'll host her own back to school feast next year like Nie does, or maybe she'll just try to be better at sitting still when she plays go fish with her kid. Either would be okay, I guess.

I dunno, Oprah... I was just hoping for the same Nie magic I feel when I read her blog, and I didn't get that from your show today.

And I guess that's why Nie is Nie and Oprah is Oprah.

Kitchen Compromises

2009-09-29T11:49:00.003-04:00

Before our wedding, my fiance and I had to attend two pre-marriage counseling sessions. One was with a member of my church, who gave us one of those fill-in-the-dot-are-you-compatible? tests, and the other was a weekend retreat (aka Pre-Cana) at a nearby convent. Both the "test" and the retreat emphasized the importance of knowing the answers to those "big life questions" like who will pay the bills? how many children do you want?, etc. etc. We "passed" with flying colors. Of course we had already talked about these things. We're 28 and 34, and joked that the counseling was designed during a time when people still got married at 18.

Flash-forward three months into our marriage, when events prove that yes, the counseling was still deficient for communicators like us, but, umm, maybe there was a point to all that questioning and answering after all...

For us, the "big life questions" that needed to be asked and answered (but weren't) all center around the kitchen, like should we buy skim or 2% milk? and is it okay to continually ask your wife to eat fish when she has always stated that no sea creatures would ever cross her lips?

I never get more frustrated with my husband than when we're in the grocery store, and although I've adjusted to skim milk, I'm holding firm on the NO FISH (he knew this about me before we got married. Did he think I'd change?!?!).

This weekend I worked up the courage to tell my significant other that although I understood the health benefits of the organic, no-salt-added, peanut-oil-included peanut butter that we spent ten minutes picking out together at our local food co-op, I needed to switch back to the brand I grew up with, Skippy. He asked me what I didn't like about our current peanut butter and I told him. Then he helped me find the Skippy. What a sweetheart.

Maybe I won't even scream next time he attempts to put a piece of seafood on my plate.

Charming Plates at One Kings Lane

2009-09-11T14:02:00.004-04:00

I'm a frequent browser at One Kings Lane, but today I made my first purchase, these adorable plates from Yedi Houseware. If you need to eat your breakfast or dessert off of charming plates like I do, let me know and I'll send you an invitation to join One Kings Lane where you can purchase your very own!

When More Is More

2009-08-25T17:23:00.006-04:00

I saw this on Black Eiffel this morning...

It's a colored pencil subscription service: 25 colored pencils for 20 months = 500 pencils!

Available through Social Designer, these lovelies will run you $33 a month. They're certainly a luxury in times like these... but oh, how I want them!

What's the first thing you would do/make if you found them on your doorstep?

I would smell them, then read all the names (e.g. Mermaid's Gown, Crackling Cinnamon, and August Glow), which are beautiful in themselves.

Honestly

2009-08-24T16:02:00.000-04:00

I'm so pleased to have received this award from Angela at Tales of a Short Southern Mama. Thank you, friend!

I tell you ten honest things about me, then give this award to ten others (you know the drill)...

1. I hate Chryslers. I think they are so ugly. My mom calls me "Elaine" (as in Elaine Benes from Seinfeld) whenever she hears me say this. She thinks my anti-Chrysler attitude is the kind of thing Jerry and the gang would get caught up in.

2. I still sleep with a stuffed rabbit I got for Easter when I was four. This bothers my husband.

3. I hate being called perfect. No one is perfect. If someone seems perfect, they're just not vocalizing their flaws as much as you. I have failed many times: driver's test, Econ 101, and I've even been fired from a job!

4. I love to watch TV. So excited So You Think You Can Dance will be back in the fall!

5. I just tried Pandora radio for the first time today. Love it!

6. I don't regret spending $195 on Tory Burch Revas. They're worth it.

7. I'm an incredibly picky eater. When planning my wedding, my mom asked if I would be able to tell the caterer what I wanted. She said I'd better not say "chicken fingers and french fries." I didn't... but I do have the palate of a five year-old.

8. I get my feelings hurt easily. When someone honks their horn at me, or my blog loses a follower, I get very upset.

9. If I could go to college all over again, I think I'd want to do something artistic like interior design or graphic art. We all need art in our lives.

10. My younger sister is going to have a baby in October. This makes me a bit jealous, but also makes me realize that I have things I want to do before it's my turn.

*I award this to any readers who want to share random tidbits about their lives. (For some reason, I always think this is a fun thing to do.)

I Love this Website!

2009-08-11T12:47:00.002-04:00

Have you heard about Houzz? I just discovered it yesterday, and I'm already obsessed!

This website stores and classifies a huge variety of interior design images that you can browse (by city, room, piece of furniture, etc.) and use to create an ideabook, i.e. an online album where you can store all your favorite looks. It's perfect for design fans, nosy people (I just love seeing what other people's homes look like, don't you?), and people like me who are putting a new home together.

Check it out and let me know what you think!

Smitten

2009-08-05T15:31:00.003-04:00

I've been working some long, hard hours in my office, and for that I decided to treat myself to the Turtle Friend print from artist Kate Endle, whom I found while browsing Etsy late last night.

At first I was quite taken with Octy with a Hat, but once I saw Turtle Friend, I was smitten. Isn't he darling? I can't wait to hang him up in my office!

Attire to Inspire

2009-08-03T12:51:00.002-04:00

I know I would cook a lot better if I was wearing this. $26.95 at Crate and Barrel.

Making it Work

2009-07-31T17:48:00.004-04:00

In addition to being a wife, I'm also a graduate student. As a matter of fact, I was a student before I was a wife, and I'm having a seriously hard time excelling at either while pursuing them both.

Today I'm in a good wifey spot: I'm organizing my workspace, making my way through the stack of unpacked boxes living in the garage that are marked "office." Today I'm in a so-so student spot: I'm hoping that if I can get the office totally unpacked and organized, it will be easier to work in here. (We'll see...)

I took a short break to check my email and learned that several Etsy shops are having a sale this weekend. One of the shops sells wall vinyls- you know, those things you stick on your living room wall that say "live, laugh, love." And let me tell you, this shop is selling a whole lot of them that say essentially (and possibly literally) that. I had to laugh.

I'm happily married, but I'm seriously lacking the "live, laugh, love" state of mind; I'm totally stressed out with my school work, trying to lose weight, etc. I'm just trying to get by here, people. I think the "live, laugh, love" state of mind only works if you can spend your time reading a Nicholas Sparks novel by the fire with a hand-knitted afghan tucked around you with a large sleepy dog at your feet.

And frankly, I don't really go for those kind of sentiments anyway... too touchy-feely. And if I want to use a wall vinyl to personalize my home, then I want it to be personal. In fact, for the last few days I've been meaning to look into having a wall vinyl made to say (in the words of my BFF Tim Gunn) "MAKE IT WORK, PEOPLE."

It's not a cozy, but it gets the job done. And when you're a wife/student or a student/wife or any other combination of things, sometimes that's all you can ask for.

Jewelry Display

2009-07-22T16:44:00.006-04:00

Hello, friends!

Have I told you that my new closet is the size of a small bedroom? They don't build basements where I live, so I guess this is how I compensate... Anyway, instead of feeling relief or joy at all this space, I'm majorly stressed out by it; the closet is essentially a room, and rooms need decorating, right?!

I've been thinking that I could decorate with some of my cooler accessories, but hadn't been able to find any good examples of how to do this until today when I saw Roundup: Jewelry as Decor on Apartment Therapy.

Here's my favorite image:

I don't have a lot of big chunky necklaces (in fact, I don't think I have any), but I think something like this could look really great with the vintage jewelry or handbags that I do have.

I also found this darling coat rack via Apartment Therapy.

At first I was thinking of using it downstairs in my entryway, but it could also look great in my closet with scarves draped on it. Maybe I should just get two...

Do you have any ideas or sources to share? How would you decorate/organize your ultimate closet?

For the Love of Bacon

2009-07-14T23:28:00.005-04:00

The first meal I cooked my husband in our new home was breakfast. Technically, it was breakfast for dinner. Like my love for my husband, my love for breakfast food is strong, true, and never-wavering (this is due in large part, I feel, to the star of all breakfast food, bacon).

When, at the end of this first breakfast dinner, in a gesture of magnanimity and true devotion, I offered my husband the last of the bacon, I was truly shocked to hear his reply: "No thanks. I actually don't love bacon."

Wait. A. Minute.

Let's rewind.

All the way back to those standardized tests we took in school that had lines like "if A = B, and if B = C, then..."

If my husband loves me, and I love bacon, shouldn't my husband love bacon, too? And how could we have known each other for three years without this coming up?!

There are real problems in the world, and this is not one of them. It was disheartening, though, to look back and realize that although I ostensibly cooked this meal to gratify my husband, I really cooked it to gratify (and glorify) myself. Breakfast for dinner requires no prep work like marinating or defrosting, and is actually something I can cook. I just didn't realize he didn't like it that much.

Allison! Don't beat yourself up over this! I can hear you saying. You couldn't have known! Yes. I could have, but I didn't.

So, note to self: love the art in yourself, not yourself in the bacon, er, I mean art. Ask your significant other if he/she would prefer some other breakfast meat. A different preference isn't a bad thing. It's just different. And if, in the end, it means more bacon for you, well... that's certainly not a bad thing, at least in my book.

* image from blogchef.net. also, when googling for images of bacon, there are a disturbing amount of pictures of women wearing bacon made into brassieres that pop up. just thought you should know.

Things No One Tells You About Married Life: Part I

2009-07-13T21:24:00.005-04:00

Food.

You need to eat it, and someone needs to make it. And that someone is me.

I first began dreaming of a Williams-Sonoma-esque life towards the end of my engagement when gorgeous kitchen electrics and lovely everyday dishes started arriving. I can do this, I thought. These dishes and this mixer must surely bring about my success in the kitchen, even though I have spent the last six years heating versus actually cooking. How can things as beautiful as these possibly fail?

Oh, so easily, that's how.

In a cruel twist of fate, the kitchen accoutrements that were supposed to turn me into a cook started turning on me. I have the bruises, burns, and scrapes to prove it. On both hands.

Last Tuesday I made a cake for the neighbors who just had a baby, but not without first getting my hand caught in the hand mixer while it was on. My fingers still hurt.

On Thursday I baked the oh-so-delicious pre-made pepperoni pizza my husband and I purchased at Safeway. As if sensing my un-involvement with the creation of said pizza, the 400 degree pan burned my thumb as I was taking it out of the oven. I have a nice-sized blister, despite the hours I spent with ice on the burn.

You should know when you get married that having nice, new things to use will make you want to use them, regardless of your inexperience.

You should know that you may at first experience some difficulty if heretofore your specialties have included Chick-fil-a and toast.

But no one ever tells you that lovingly removing those prized registry items from their boxes and placing them on your neatly-lined kitchen shelves does not a relationship make.

Respect and trust are not only essential between a husband and a wife, but also between a woman and her appliances. You must respect your mixer, and you must also earn its trust. No one ever tells you that.

Wedding Eye Candy, Anyone?

2009-07-03T15:43:00.002-04:00

I'm a Mrs.!

I'm sure I'll be posting up a storm with wedding photos and details sometime in the future, but for now, take a look at what our photographer, the super-talented Todd Pellowe, has on his blog.

And yes, it was perfect. : )

Where in the World is My Fiance?

2009-06-17T11:21:00.002-04:00

Well, only a few more days until I'm a Mrs. and everything's progressing nicely with the exception of the arrival of the groom!

My Lo Gung (it means "husband" in Cantonese) was supposed to arrive last night around midnight, but there was a storm in Denver made that impossible. Instead of landing in Denver where he would catch a connection to Cincinnati, his plane from Spokane was diverted to Billings, Montana, for what seemed like a good while. Eventually he made it to Denver, but certainly too late to catch the plane for Cincinnati. He'll be here this afternoon around three, thank goodness! I'm just hoping that he got a hotel room for the night instead of sleeping at the airport like he proposed (all in the name of frugality)!

My Lo Gung's parents will be arriving from Hong Kong at seven and his sister and her family will be driving in from Toronto, too. The only part of the wedding I'm nervous about is the human factor, as in is everyone getting along?, is everyone happy?, etc., so I really need my fiance on his toes and in a happy mood tonight!

To answer Kappa Prep's questions about my last post, my bridesmaids will be wearing coral Jenny Yoo dresses with salmon sashes. And the candy buffet... oh, my! That deserves a post of its own after the wedding!

Wedding Update

2009-06-05T20:12:00.003-04:00

It's wedding boot camp time at my house, and I'm exhausted!

In the last 48 hours I've purchased gift wrap for all of the gifts for our attendants and helpers, bought gifts for two of our readers (Brighton jewelery), washed and packed up the apothecary jars we're using for our candy buffet, made an appointment for my hair trial, packed up all of the framed photos of relatives we're using for our heritage table, approved the proofs for our ceremony and reception programs, assembled and created gift backs for the kiddies who will be at our reception, and gone to a fitting for my rehearsal dinner and wedding dresses! I'm sure that's not everything, but it's all I can remember right now! Oh! I also picked up my flower girl's shoes.

I'm not doing any of this alone, of course. My mom is my partner is crime, or, rather, it's more like I'm her partner in crime. She's definitely the boss, and even though there are moments when I want to quit my own wedding (as in go on a nice vacation until the actual day) and moments when I just don't care (new motto of the wedding, directed towards me: if it costs money, you care)... I'm so grateful to her.

I'm looking forward to sharing more details and answering any wedding-related questions you may have!

Etsy Love

2009-05-26T21:10:00.004-04:00

I'm still hunting for a birthday gift for my sister, but I think I've found the gifts I'll be giving our program attendant and my fiance's sister, who will be reading the Prayers of the Faithful.

Etsy comes through again with the simple, classic-with-a-touch-of-the-whimsical jewelery of one life jewelery.

One of my favorites pieces is called "Tea House of the August Moon."

Here's the description:

I used to frequent India, and one of my favorite restaurants in New Delhi was a place called "Tea House of the August Moon." The food was good, and the atmosphere and the name always transported me to a mystical and romantic mindset. Pretty pillows made of silk sarees, real silverware, tables inlaid with mother of pearl, canopies fringed with beads and tassles, a dimly lit room of candelights with the fragrance of freshly cut jasmine. It was a treat for me always, a relaxing and tranquil end to a busy work day....
Oh, and why did I name this necklace Tea House of the August Moon? Because I couldn't wait to name something that.

Fabulous, isn't it?

If you ever read any of the Etsy features that talk about ways to increase sales, they always mention taking great photographs of your products. That may be the most important thing to do, but as someone who values the written word, I think a great description matters, too.

I love the necklace, and the story behind it makes it that much better.

Summer Treats

2009-05-25T20:00:00.003-04:00

Tonight after dinner my parents and I indulged in a classic summer treat, the ice ball. Yum!

We got our ice balls at the family-run Schneider's Sweet Shop, the same place we've been going for years. My dad got lime and my mom and I had cherry. And it wouldn't be a true ice ball experience if none of the towering crushed ice (mine) didn't tumble to the ground to create a cherry puddle.

Later this summer when I'm settled in at the house in Washington, I'm looking forward to creating my own icy masterpieces. My friend Elyssa gave me the book Ices and a Crate and Barrel popsicle mold that hold promises of "icy delicacies"! There are some things I'm afraid to tackle in the kitchen, but "icy delicacies" isn't one of them.

Granitas, frappes, and fruit pops... oh my!

Dowry Delivered

2009-05-25T15:35:00.003-04:00

It's finally over! On Saturday my dowry (i.e. nearly all my possessions and most of our wedding gifts) arrived at my fiance's house in Washington state! The heroes who made it all happen: my dad and uncle who drove a 26-foot Penske truck from Kentucky to Indiana and then across the rest of the country. Fortunately, they were able to fly back to Kentucky from Spokane, and I met them at the airport with a sign declaring my everlasting gratitude.

Next up: working out the final wedding details. It's hard to believe, but I'll be married in less than a month!

For now, I need some help finding a birthday gift for my sister... I'm usually on top of this kind of thing, but I have no idea what to get her. Nothing I've seen on Etsy lately has seemed quite right, and I'm almost out of time. I'm thinking maybe some monogrammed Tervis tumblers. Any experience with those, Readers? Suggestions welcome!

And does anyone know how I can get an invitation to Monograms and Manicures? Today is my first day back from my blog hiatus and I can't access it. Boo!

Ritter to the Rescue

2009-05-04T21:18:00.003-04:00

I've noticed I have some new followers... thank you! Welcome!

I'm getting ready to move back to my parents' house in Kentucky until the wedding. I can't go, though, until I've packed up my apartment. I loathe packing, which is why I always put it off so long... which could be why I loathe it, come to think of it.

I'm assuaging the pain by watching my Office DVDs (Michael Scott quote of the day: "The worst part about prison was the dementors."), and I'm about five minutes away from reaquainting myself with a very special friend from Germany, The Ritter Sport.

Oh, Ritter Sport, thank goodness you are available at Target and through a variety of online retailers!

Excuse me while I enjoy my chocolate.

Celebrating 28

2009-04-29T08:45:00.003-04:00

Today is my birthday and I want to celebrate with you!

Your party favor: 28 fun facts about me, divided into seven categories of four facts each.

Books that will stay with me forever:

1. The Velveteen Rabbit

2. Gregory the Terrible Eater

3. Harry Potter (especially HP and the Sorcerer's Stone and HP and the Deathly Hallows)

4a. Bridget Jones's Diary

4b. Persuasion (it's all about the intertextuality)

Lessons I've learned:

1. Before you can find love with someone else, you must love yourself

2. It all works out in the end

3. Don't pray for what you want; pray for the strength to handle whatever God gives you

4. Not everyone wants an "A"

Best birthday gifts I've ever received:

1. Perfume Pretty Barbie

2. Money tree

3. My grandma's diamond earrings

4. Gold angel pendant

Activities for the perfect day:

1. Holding hands with my Lo Gung

2. Chatting with my mom and dad

3. Playing with my dog

4. Reading a good book until I fall asleep

Current and abiding obsessions:

1. Coldplay

2. Soft things

3. Kentucky

4. Finding the perfect ________

Places I'd like to visit:

1. My great-grandmother's hometown in England

2. The street where my Lo Gung was chased by dogs as a child in Hong Kong

3. A Paris flea market

4. Behind the scenes at the Smithsonian

Miracles I'm not expecting, but would still like to see happen:

1. My grandma attending my wedding (she died when I was 14)

2. The reincarnation of my dog Roscoe into the puppy I eventually get

3. Being able to converse with my in-laws in perfect Cantonese

4. Naturally red hair

Amy Butler Makes My Heart Sing

2009-04-28T11:54:00.005-04:00

After a panicky email from my mother about the state of my bridal registry ("Everything's almost gone!"), I've gotten a little panicky myself about the things I didn't include on it, namely bedding for our extra bedrooms and shower curtains.

I'm the type who likes to build a room through unique pieces collected over a period of years. Registries are great for the types of things you buy in sets, e.g. crystal goblets, fine china, pots and pans. Not so great for the types of things you hope you'll find on a summer afternoon spent trawling through small stores occupying the altstadt of a European city. [Okay, I've only ever done that once, but a great image, right? My more typical trawls are through the Anthropologie "altstadt," i.e. the sale room.]

And I've had enough trouble finding bedding for the master bedroom, not to mention two more (fortunately, my current Pottery Barn bedding will still do for one bedroom)... The usual suspects--Macys and Pottery Barn--turned up nothing. A trip to Bed Bath and Beyond didn't help, either; I'm hoping a quick trip to my brick and mortar Super Target will do the trick, but I'm not confident... This is a lot of pressure, after all!

That's why I think I've hit upon a winner with this idea: I can at the very least make my own shower curtains with Amy Butler fabric!

I fell in love with Amy Butler's textile designs after seeing so much of them on Etsy. Here are a few of my favorites...

Linen/Floating Buds from the Midwest Modern 2 collection

Dandelion Field/Grey from the Daisy Chain collection

Tangerine/Dream Poppies from the August Fields collection

Cherry/ Wallflower from the Lotus collection

... Amy Butler fabrics make my heart sing! (And have great shower curtain potential, too, don't you think?!)

Dynamic Duo

2009-04-27T11:27:00.003-04:00

This bad sleeper loves to get in every minute she can, and some days even a 5-minute make-up routine feels like too much work.

Meet my new best friends, the MAC self-sharpening eyebrow pencil in Fling and CoverGirl's LashBlast Luxe Shimmery Volumizing Mascara in Black Cabernet. These two are super easy to use make me look just polished enough.

My eyebrows are nicely-shaped, but are a light enough brown to look very sparse. The MAC pencil fills them in nicely without looking fake. A word of warning, though: this product is not one you have to sharpen with a pencil. I thought you did and ended up sharpening the cap. Oops.

With my Black Cabernet LashBlast, I've finally found the mascara I've been looking for. The brush is nice and plump and so are my lashes after I use it.

O Captain, My Captain!

2009-04-12T22:02:00.005-04:00

I've spent nearly every Easter for the past ten years away from home, which means my most consistent Easter companion has been the dreamy Captain von Trapp.

Oh, be still my heart!

I can't remember the first time I saw The Sound of Music, but a great deal of my childhood was spent with either the Babysitters Club or Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals. The Sound of Music quickly became my favorite. I frequently re-enacted the story line with my Barbies, and it was something I always looked forward to seeing at Easter (none of that Ten Commandments business for me!).

When I was eight or nine my mother scoured the used bookstores to find me the book Maria had written; it was shabby when I got it, and I quickly loved the cover right off of it. I was surprised to learn how different the real story was from the musical. A few years ago when my aunt came back from a trip to Austria (watch out Salzburg, I'll get there one day!) and Switzerland with another book about the SoM for me, I was even more shocked to learn that the famous "Edelweiss" is not a real Austrian folk song. That one still hurts.

I think what I love most about my captain is how he opens up. Yes, he whistles for his children, but he always looks fantastic (especially when his hair is rumpled!), and I fall for the line "I fell in love with you when you sat on that ridiculous pine cone" every time. And he's honest, ladies (that's so important!) like when he confesses to the baroness that he's not in love with her. What a gentleman! And he sings! <swoon> And don't forget he leads his family across the Alps to freedom! (Not in real life, readers, but let's go with the romantic movie version, shall we?)

In my opinion, the wedding is one of the best scenes in the movie. My mom thinks there's something "Maria-like" about my dress. I'm not sure if I agree with that assessment, but as you'll see when I eventually reveal my dress, it is very simple like Maria's, and I have a super-long veil that will be following me down the very long aisle of a very grand Catholic church. There's nothing wrong with using my wedding day to fulfill part of a long-held SoM fantasy as long as I realize I'm marrying my fiance and not the captain, right?

I could go on, but it's getting late and I have to teach tomorrow, and you know what they say...

No, nevermind... Too obvious. I'll spare us all that one. : )

Please Admire

2009-04-07T10:53:00.003-04:00

Gregory and I got our engagement photos taken on Friday. Check them out here. Our amazing photographer Todd put us totally at ease. Can't wait for the wedding!

Bedtime Prayer

2009-03-31T12:04:00.002-04:00

Thank you for the food we eat.

Thank you for the world so sweet.

Thank you for the birds that sing.

Thank you, God, for everything...

I used to say this prayer with my mother every night when I was a little girl. Reading Lindsey at Learning to be a Wife's most recent post reminded me of it, and also inspired me to steal her idea.

The "everything" I'm thankful for these days...

-my fiance

-my family

-the successful removal of a sock from Archie's tummy

-all the work my mom does planning my wedding

-everyone who has helped me finally make some academic progress

-my jobs

-my fiance's job

-my dad's job

-my excellent students

-Cherry Coke

-my niece or nephew (coming in October!)

-finally being able to pay off my credit card

-memoirs

-blogs

-Chick-fil-A

-home

-Tami my hairdresser

-Tim Gunn

-CSI (all of them except Miami)

-my cousins who provide such good examples of what married life can be like

-magazines, especially my current favorite, House Beautiful

-getting to live at home for 2 months before I get married

-dreams about my grandma

(and you, too, of course, Faithful Readers!)

Happy Art

2009-03-30T09:56:00.015-04:00

One of the things about married life that I'm most looking forward to is making my new house a home. People are what really makes a house a home, but I think some well-chosen throw pillows and artfully displayed knick-knacks can't hurt, either. I'm definitely starting to think about what I want hanging on my walls. Whatever it is, I've decided, it must make me think happy when I look at it.

Two of my favorite "happy" artists are Rosina Wachtmeister and Maira Kalman.

I first encountered the work of Rosina Wachtmeister a few years ago in Germany as I was passing by the window of my favorite toy store, Wirth der Kinderladen (seriously, Readers, German toy stores will make you want to have children just so they can play with the amazing German toys). The window was filled with toys and puzzles based on Wachtmeister's famously quirky cat art.

We Want To Be Together

Colorful Flower Meadow I, II, and III

I could not just justify buying one of the 90 euro stuffed cats, but I did manage to justify buying a cat puzzle and set of cat glasses. Last year I found a Wachtmeister print at TJ Maxx. I put it in my bathroom, and now I brush my teeth with happy cats every morning!

I was familiar with Maira Kalman from her collaboration with Kate Spade. I'll admit, it wasn't love at first sight back then, but when I rediscovered Kalman through her New York Times blog, And the Pursuit of Happiness, I. FELL. IN. LOVE. The first post I read was the much blogged-about In Love with A. Lincoln, in which the artist riffs on researching, falling in love with, and dating the sixteenth President.

Invitation

For a scholar, I'm far too emotionally attached to the material and people I study, and Kalman does such a magnificent job of expressing that joy and longing.

Here are a few others by Kalman that I love...

Dog Reads Book

Vase and Tassel

Maira Kalman's art makes me so happy I want to cry...

I hope they make you happy, too, tears or not. : )

Secret Anniversaries, Part I

2009-03-23T11:15:00.002-04:00

“The holiest of all holidays are those
Kept by ourselves in silence and apart,
The secret anniversaries of the heart.”
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Tomorrow is an anniversary of the heart, one year from the day my uncle died from a combination of cardiac arrest, sepsis, and negligence on the part of the Atlanta hospital whose care he was under.

I don’t need an anniversary to remember, though. I think of it every day. I think, I am a girl who has no Uncle Tom.

And although I won’t be celebrating, I can’t let this anniversary pass in silence, as I’m sure others close to me plan to. One year since my uncle died, one year since I found I had no words to express how I felt at his passing.

It came at a busy time. The semester was rounding to its close, and I was scheduled to leave for Washington on Wednesday, to accompany my fiancé on a second interview at the university that now employs him.

It came unexpectedly. Two days earlier I had been dining with my parents and the twin brother of my uncle who died, when my dad mentioned that he had received a phone call from Tom’s wife, wondering where her husband was. Did my dad know? Tom wasn’t answering his phone.

He had been at the doctor’s, who sent him to the hospital for dehydration, probably related to the pneumonia the doctor suspected he was suffering from.

We laughed fondly. So typical. Tom waits until he’s really sick to go to the doctor, then loses his phone. He was always losing, forgetting, misplacing things, it seemed, every time he came home to Kentucky to visit: keys, pillow, socks, ugly tie. He left pieces of himself everywhere. Yes, this was our Thomas.

Can you understand how I had no words when I got a strained phone call from my mother, telling me she was in Atlanta and Thomas had died?

Was it the shock? Was it the grief, too immense to be corralled, contained on the page? Had I been able to say something, to write something, I may not have been so lost. I could have used those lines of print as a guide. I could have used the words, the characters, like a trail of bread crumbs to introspection and to understanding. I could have grabbed the tail of a comma and hung on. But there was nothing. Words failed. I failed.

I want to say it all: everything I couldn’t, everything I wanted to, everything I owe him. I want to honor my uncle, and I want to it be everything it should be.

I’m afraid, though, that I won’t be able to do him justice. I’ll be making several small attempts over the next few days. This is one.

Uncle Tom, I may be quiet, but I was never without something to say. Only you could reduce my word count to zero. Spending a year thinking about you, about your life and its abundance, has returned me to my own.

Now, let me honor you.

Have I Told You Lately...

2009-03-18T21:14:00.003-04:00

... exactly how much I LOVE Kate Spade?

There have been years that have gone by without an investment (truly, these are investments not purchases), but I always come back for more. Right now I'm totally loving KS's limited edition series of coal tote bags. Each tote pays homage to a fun fact about a particular city. Can you guess what town this one represents?

And did you get the email about the appearances my BFF Tim Gunn will be making at select Kate Spade stores?!

I am beyond excited! I met Kate in 2001 or 2002 when she was promoting her fragrance, and she was so gracious. This new Tim Gunn connection speaks to the classiness of everyone involved, and I can't wait to be a part of it. And yes, I plan on telling Tim that I blog about him and believe that we really could become best friends.

This is truly a banner year, Readers! I'm getting married and meeting Tim Gunn!

Team Melissa

2009-03-03T00:00:00.001-05:00

And that's all I have to say about that.

Also, tomorrow I'm headed to Pennsylvania with my mom and my aunt for a conference about Civil War re-enacting. Did I ever mention the huge Gone With the Wind phase I went through around age 11? Let's just say childhood dreams are coming true this week. I may come home with a hoopskirt.

Really Beautiful

2009-02-26T10:55:00.008-05:00

I have two rules when it comes to jewelery: it must be classic and it must be real. I've seen some gorgeous pieces lately, though, that have me thinking I might need to revise my credo, or at least the seond part. My new loves are, after all, really, really beautiful.

Here are some pieces that have caught my eye lately...

The turquoise Kelly Cuff from Stella and Dot (thanks to Nina for introducing me to Stella and Dot)

I'm totally lusting after this lovely, the Bellefleur Pearl Bridal Necklace by Penellibelle. I discovered Penellibelle when she was featured on the blog Something Old, Something New. There seem to be quite a few of these kind of brooch necklaces on Etsy lately.Yes, please! I love the wit of Kate Spade's Red Letter Day Idiom Bangle.

I saw this Primrose Garden Necklace from J.Crew in the store, and this picture doesn't begin to do it justice.

I don't anticipate being able to actually own any of these beauties, but isn't it lovely just to look?

A Charming New Look, No?

2009-02-25T21:14:00.003-05:00

How do you like my new look, dear Readers? I'm in love with it!

First of all, many thanks to my "focus group," Mojito Maven, Belle, and Kimmie, who provided valuable feedback during the beginning of the redesign.

And, of course, a round of applause for the fabulous designer herself, Hilary of Simply Yours Designs. She was super easy to work with and captured the essence of my blog, which I believe I described as "beautiful, cardigan-wearing librarian" with a touch of eyelet. And one more shout-out, this one to Lindsey at Sweet Simplicity for sharing the secret (i.e. Hilary) of her own beautiful redesign earlier this year.

Cheers, Readers!

All Mine

2009-02-24T18:42:00.004-05:00

Who's this handsome devil, you ask?!

It's my intended!

And yes, he is just as cute today as he was when this picture was taken in 1974!

Possibly cuter! : )

Keep Hope Alive (a haiku)

2009-02-23T11:57:00.003-05:00

I marry in June.

That's less than four months away.

Summer is coming!

I'm Coveting

2009-02-22T18:32:00.003-05:00

Do you ever just want to color?

Why hello there!

2009-02-21T12:15:00.002-05:00

Hello, Strangers! It appears I've taken a hiatus, doesn't it? Here's what I've been up to lately...

-shopping for wedding bands (diamonds or no diamonds?)

-my godson Eli's baptism

-losing my camera

-mourning my camera

-finding it a week and a half later under a pile of pillows on a chair in my apartment

-starting my new job at the Office of the President (which I LOVE, btw!)

-seeing the Shopaholic movie

-getting ticked off about some people's reviews of the Shopaholic movie (Hello, people! You didn't expect it to be exactly the same as the book, did you? Even Gone With the Wind, one of the greatest movies of all, time isn't exactly like the book)

-picking up my wedding dress (gorgeous!); dropping off envelopes to the calligrapher (a retired cop, imagine that!); meeting with the stationer to talk about the designs of the cocktail napkins, program, and guestbook(s) (all fabulous things I can't wait to share with you); ordering my shoes; dealing with the candy buffet debacle (should it be multi-colored? monochromatic? where to find "coral" candy?)

-trying to figure out how people who work all day find the strength to blog, cook, exercise, etc...

-teaching the best students I've had since my first semester here (do you have any idea how much easier teaching is when the students respond to your questions?)

-working on the President's correspondence, including a letter to a famous alum whose address no one's allowed to know, and another letter to someone whose address everyone in America knows

-wearing the beautiful gold lover's knot earrings my intended gave me for Valentine's Day

-becoming addicted to CSI: NY (and the Las Vegas one, too) and watching as many episodes as I possibly can (how could I have ever been a fan of CSI: Miami?!)

-making progress on my dissertation topic (finally!)

-laughing with my intended about the fact that the car he rented last week was a red Ford pick-up (think: tall, thin, glasses-wearing Asian scientist/college profressor who spends his days researching drug delivery to cancer cells... I think the only things he's ever hauled in his life are my shopping bags and some of his sister's larger purchases from Ikea)

-attending first REQUIRED natural family planning class AGAINST MY WILL (and without my intended who lives in Washington... he totally owes me)

-reattaching the ear of the stuffed rabbit I got circa Easter 1985

Hail to the Chief (or her Newest Employee...Me!)

2009-02-06T17:14:00.005-05:00

Having a bad day? I was, too, but Readers, I'm living proof that things can turn around at any time! I was just hired to work in the office of Purdue University's President, France A. Cordova, as a Graduate Student Assistant for Communication.

Here's how my day was going before I got the news before I was hired: terrible. Some of my earliest readers may remember the insurance debacle I faced this fall. That would be the debacle where I realized I had been going to the doctor, filling prescriptions, etc., for about three months without being insured. Fortunately, I was able to get insurance, and the pharmacy where I'd racked up quite a bill gave me till the end of this semester to pay them back. I've already paid the majority of the bill off, but today when I arrived to pick up some refills, I was reminded three times (once quite loudly for everyone in the entire pharmacy to hear) by three different people that I still had a balance. Hello! By now everyone who works at this pharmacy knows my shame, but conveniently forgets the surrounding circumstances, such as 1) I am a graduate student who makes around $1,200 a month and 2) that I just had to pay for my new insurance- about $1,000- all at once. And it's not like I can actually forget the fact that I owe someone money, not me. It was terribly embarrassing... probably the most embarrassed I've been since I was oh, say, thirteen.

When I got home (nearly crying at this point) I sat down at my desk to call my mom and share my sad story, hoping that she would offer to pay some of my bill. Now I certainly do not like asking my parents for money, especially considering that they know I can't afford, like, anything on a TA's salary so they make up the difference. However, I was feeling majorly desperate. I had gotten about ten words out when I opened the most amazing email telling me I had gotten the job!

On Monday I interviewed for the position with the President's two speechwriters, her chief of staff, and executive assistant. It was super nerve-wracking, but amazing, too, since I was in the inner sanctum (I can't wait to go back!). Not only will this job bring in some extra cash, but it's also an incredible opportunity to observe the administrative side of higher education. And let's face it... even though I love what I'm studying, I can only write so much about it without hating my work, my topic, and myself. That's just the life of a graduate student. This job will be a way to do something I love--writing--without all of the emotional involvement/angst.

So, what does my new job entail besides hobnobbing around the inner sanctum (ha ha)? Well, according to the job description, I get to "research for and/or write speeches, briefings, and other documents for key executive positions; assist in the planning and editing of communication vehicles; and may be responsible for editorials, press releases, articles or correspondence, as needed."

And that's how my day turned around. Just like that! Now, onto the really important stuff like what should I wear my first day of work?!

Fight Frizz and Static the Charmville Way

2009-02-05T11:47:00.003-05:00

Whenever I think about my hair, I remember the scene in Little Women after Jo has sold her hair to buy Marmee a train ticket. "Oh, Jo, how could you? Your one beauty!" little Amy opines. I was thirteen or so when the most recent movie version came out, and at the time, I truly thought my hair was my one beauty. As a twenty-something, I have a somewhat better opinion of myself and no longer think my hair is the only attractive part of my appearance, but I do think it ranks at the top of the list. When I have a good hair day, it's really good, and when it's a bad hair day... well, I don't want to talk about it.

On Monday I turned a potentially awful hair day into a great one. To begin with, my attempt to blow my hair straight was largely a failure; it ended up mostly straight with a halo of frizz. To rectify the situation, I ran a dime-sized amount of Frederic Fekkai Glossing Cream through my hair. By the time I woke up the next morning, my hair was completely frizz- and static-free, as well as incredibly shiny. Amazing. I used to use this product all the time, but somewhere along the line, it got dropped from my beauty routine. Let me tell you, though... after this hair miracle, it's back in the lineup to stay! What do you do to turn an awful hair day around?

Two New Looks

2009-02-04T11:03:00.003-05:00

I'm excited for two new looks today: one for my blog and one for me! I totally swooned when I saw how cute Sweet Simplicity's blog makeover was, and decided I needed one, too. Actually, I tried to spiff up my blog myself, but quickly remembered the point that I always come back to: professionals exist for a reason. I'm really looking forward to seeing what Hilary at Simply Yours comes up with!

I'm also going to get an eye exam and then a new pair of glasses. I've been squinting with my current glasses for a while now, so I think it's time. I definitely want to see better, plus I need to prevent those crows feet that squinting can cause! I've looked around at what kinds of frames are out there, and it's a lot of thick-ish plastic, which will definitely get your glasses noticed, but I'm not sure I'm so into that anymore. I had this style of glasses when I went to college, and let me tell you, I had to look everywhere to find these back in 1999. Now, it's totally a trend and they are everywhere.

Now, off to mail my Pink Swap package and possibly stop at Starbucks to try one of those delicious cupcakes I've been hearing so much about!

Dreams and Nightmares

2009-01-29T23:36:00.019-05:00

I dream about:

-Looking down and seeing this Hermes bracelet on my wrist.

-Spending cozy weekends with my intended.

-Finding a puppy who doesn't act like one (i.e. potty trained, happy to nap at my feet).

-Living in the same neighborhood as my parents.

-Going back to school to study graphic design.

I have nightmares about:

-Choosing the right bedspread.

-Never finding a book I like as much Bridget Jones's Diary.

-Changing my name when I get married.

-My teeth falling out.

-Investing so much time and money in pursuit of a career I'm not sure will make me happy.

How about you?

My First Snow Fall of the Year

2009-01-29T09:42:00.007-05:00

West Lafayette, my home away from home, has seen snow before today, but today marks my first snow fall (note the emphasis on "fall") of the year.

I try to make it out of the house before 9:00 a.m. every morning so I can catch the trolley and get to school with enough time to compose myself before teaching a class of 20 freshmen. Today I emerged from my apartment (on time) only to find the trolley at the stop, already accepting the last of the students waiting in line for it. Actually, it was a bit beyond that: latecomers were sprinting across a nearby parking lot, trying to make it to the trolley before it pulled away from the dirty, snow-encrusted curb. I knew I would never make it; the trolley would be gone before I crossed the street, even if I ran. I'm a very poor runner, plus I dislike breaking a sweat before I teach, which would surely happen since I was bundled up in my winter armor and the six inches or so of snow on the ground ups the ante of physical exertion. No way was I running. The trolley would have to leave without me. I would wait the next ten minutes or so for the next one.

The trolley started to pull away, but paused before turning the corner. At first I wasn't sure why. No cars were coming from the opposite direction, and, afterall, this is some of the worst public transportation I've ever ridden... these drivers don't need a reason to stop in the middle of the street. I continued walking, getting closer and closer to the stop, noting that the trolley was still waiting on something. My lucky day! It was waiting on me! Despite my no-sweating policy, I picked up my pace, willing to hurry and show a little kindness in return. At one point, I had to leave the safety of the plowed road and move to the unshoveled sidewalk. Okay, no problem. I'm doing fine, even though I seem to have forgotten how awkward it is to trot through snow that soft and deep.

In the moments before I reached the trolley, I was mentally preparing a thank you speech for the driver, e.g. you're the best trolley driver ever, you've made my day, etc. I must have been concentrating too much on my speech and not enough on the most perilous task of the morning: launching myself from the sidewalk over the foot or so of no-man's-land (i.e. slushy, disgusting street), and landing triumphant on the first step. My upper body made the trip, but barely. I didn't quite manage to grasp the hand rail; instead, it was palms first on the slushy step (note to self: wash dirty gloves). My lower half stayed firmly planted in the six inches of snow on the sidewalk. The only part of me that moved from the waist down was my ankle when it twisted in a way it wasn't meant to. Owww. The trolley driver asked if I was okay. I was in too much pain to make the grateful speech I had prepared. All I could do was nod and limp the few steps to an available seat.

I've fallen in front of many people before, so embarrassment, or even pain, was not the issue here. What makes this first snow fall of the season so memorable is the same thing that made last year's so unforgettable: the absolute lack of acknowledgement from every single witness (excluding the trolley driver... although in retrospect, I'm not sure how kind it actually was of him to wait for me). When I fall, I try to do so with some modicum of cuteness and follow it up with humor, or at least a smile. These efforts have garnered me exactly nothing. No gasp from onlookers, no "are you okays," no shared glances saying "I've fallen too... it's awful, isn't it?" What's wrong with these people?! Where's their emotion?! Where's their humanity?! React, people, react! If I had grabbed my ankle and moaned, would you have at least raised an eyebrow in interest? I don't know, but I do believe their day will come... if not in the form of falling themselves, then at least as a nickname--courtesty of me--that they will wear through all of eternity (even if I'm the only one who knows about it).

Just ask Worm Head and Big Beak, witnesses to the Great Fall of 2008.

Happy Chinese New Year!

2009-01-26T22:18:00.002-05:00

Love, luck, and happiness to you all this year!

Deep Breaths...

2009-01-24T21:33:00.012-05:00

I'm not going to lie... today was a hard day for me, and nothing bad even happened. Do you have those days? From losing (then finding, then forgetting) the receipt of something I had to return, to the slowpoke drivers of Indiana, to overeating at dinner and consequently feeling ill... everything has been mildly awful and/or terribly annoying. Earlier today I put this down to living in small-town Indiana, as if that really had anything to do with my poor filing system (misplaced receipt) or total caloric intake at one time (dinner). (I'll tell you, though, living in small-town Indiana doesn't make it any better, though.) The real contributing factors: 1) the end of the month (dwindling bank account) and worries about upcoming bills (there tends to be a lot when you've accidentally lived uninsured for nearly an entire semester-- even if a sinus infection and a protracted case of hives were your only ailments), 2) a chaotic, messy apartment, and 3) a pile of work to start, but that you are too anxious to begin.

Before I started blogging this fall, I had a long talk with an old friend who understands my propensity to worry. She's the one who gently reminded me that I have everything I ever wanted: a fiance who loves and has the resources and willingness to support me, physically, emotionally, and financially; a big, brand new house with my name (er, our name) on it; the upcoming wedding of my dreams; a place in a well-respected Ph.D. program where my colleagues support me; and the emotional maturity to know what made me so unhappy in the past and avoid those behaviors and thoughts in the future. Allison, she said, you are living a charmed life (hence my title, Charmville). And I am. I truly am. The thing is, the wedding, the house, the education--all amazing--will never be enough if I don't strive for the general feeling of contentment (and genuine gratitude) as well. The pieces of my life fit together to form a whole, but there will always be little gaps-- places for things like impatience and jealousy to sneak in and inhabit--if these gaps aren't closed with the seal of contentment. I was raised to be ambitious, to strive harder, to want more, which has undoubtedly led to successes in my life, but now is the time, I think, to sit, to be, and to be happy. So today I pray* for peace and contentment, and the grace never to engage in road rage or make a scene in a public place by telling Indiana exactly what it can do with all it's corn, soybeans, and bad drivers.

*In an experiment today, I also confirmed that the consumption of a fountain Cherry Coke can greatly increase one's feeling of contentment. Just to, you know, supplement the prayer.

New Whitney English

2009-01-22T12:54:00.004-05:00

I just got an email telling me about all the great new Whitney English designs for 2009! W.E. is one of my favorite stationery lines. When I worked in a stationery store, I always steered customers toward the Whitney English invitations. I love the bright, cheery colors and all the preppy designs. I've been excited to see their expansion into other products like folders and notepads.

Here are some of my favorites:

I love orange and hot pink together. And how about that name, Paisley?!

The ever-popular cupcake. A lot of the new designs are similar to this one with its illustrated border. One thing Whitney English has done really well is not allow its whimsical illustrations to become too cartoonish like a lot of brands do. I think this invitation is perfect for a grown-up cupcake party. If you have one, will you invite me?

The colors in this invitation just look delicious to me. I love the classic, tailored look of brown and white background.

I love the freshness of the green and white on this file folder. It's a dream of mine to have beautiful matching folders like these.

One caveat: you cannot make purchases from the official Whitney English website. They do have a quite comprehensive looking list of online retailers, though. If you're looking to purchase a specific item, I'd recommend googling the item name plus some kind of descriptor like "invitation" or "Whitney English." This worked well for me earlier today when I was trying to find someone who sold the "Patio Trellis Green" invitations I'm thinking about using for my rehearsal dinner.

Book Tag!

2009-01-22T12:23:00.003-05:00

I've been tagged by Kimmie at Living in Dallas and Loving It!

Here are the guidelines:

1) Grab the nearest book.

2) Open to page 56.

3) Find the 5th sentence.

4) Post the text of the next 2-5 sentences and these rules.

5) Pick the closest book (not the favorite, cool, or intellectual).

6) Tag 5 peeps!

"'Out of their wombs, as... out of their braines,' Welde explains, came 'such monstrous births as no Chronicle... hardly ever recorded the like' (AC 214). Dyer's delivery of a 'woman child, a fish, a beast, and a fowle, all woven together,' was an event so anomalous that it could only be regarded as a sign of God's displeasure."

The above sentences refer to one response to the monstrous births (or as we would say today, births of children with birth defects) related to the Antinomian Controversy, a religious conflict in seventeenth-century Massachusetts. Since the ruling orthodoxy had labeled both mothers as heretics, it followed that God would give them children that represented their "misshapen ideas." Good stuff, right?

I tag:

Sweet Simplicity

Pink Cupcake

Two Hendricks and a Louis

Diary of a Southern Belle

Less of a Marilyn more of a Jackie

You're it!

A Charming Inauguration: My Favorite Moments

2009-01-20T16:37:00.010-05:00

Did you shed a tear or two like me? Today I'm absolutely bursting with pride in our country, both its past and its future. Here are some of my favorite moments.

1. Laura Bush. Isn't she the epitome of class and graciousness?

I thought she looked lovely today. I've read a few comments online wondering about her choice of gray, but I liked it quite a bit. She didn't compete with everyone else wearing red or blue, and didn't upstage the new First Lady.

2. First Daughter photography. Apparently Malia Obama has been taking photos all over Washington for the past couple of days.

How cute was it watching Malia take pictures of her dad?

3. The Lincoln Bible. Did you know, though, that this Bible wasn't actually the Lincoln family Bible? The family Bible was en route to the White House when the inauguration took place, so this one was provided by the clerk of the Supreme Court and later given to the Lincoln family.

I love old books, so seeing this Bible being used was one of today's major highlights for me.

You can see this Bible upclose and personal at the Library of Congress in its upcoming exhibition on Lincoln (on display from Feb. 12th to May 9th).

4. And of course we can't forget the poetry. I've also already read some criticism of Yale professor Elizabeth Alexander's "Praise Song for the Day" (click here for full text of the poem).

Critics' problem with it seems to be that it was too prosaic for an occasion this monumental. I can see their point, but I also think its prosaicness made it relatable to everyday American life. Take, for example, my favorite stanza: "Praise song for struggle; praise song for the day. Praise song for every hand-lettered sign; The figuring it out at kitchen tables." How many of you have spent hours talking over issues and problems with your families at the kitchen table? It's a wonderful image. I say, Way to go, Professor!

5. Simple Gifts. How fitting to include this classic American song!

The musicians were excellent, particularly the clarinetist (I may be a pit partial, having played the clarinet myself!), but I didn't care for the arrangement by John Williams. If you love the melody, go for Appalachian Spring, Aaron Copland's adaptation of the Shaker hymn (you can listen to it here). You can also listen to it at my wedding--I'm so excited to be able to include it!

What were your favorite moments of the inauguration, readers?

Snowy Sky, Clear Mind

2009-01-18T20:36:00.003-05:00

Well, we've had some more snow here in old West Lafayette! I haven't done a lot this weekend, but I did get some major thinking accomplished (some school stuff and a diet revelation), shopped for the Monograms and Manicures Pink Swap (I'm swapping with Two Hendricks and a Louis. You should definitely check her out-- she's recently been handling a hair crisis much better than I ever have!), and been obsessively checking for updates on baby Harper (BTW, one of my favorite names!) as well as reading about another baby in need of prayers, too, at Jenna's Journey.

Both Kelly (Harper's mama) and Jenna write a lot about their faith, which I find a totally different experience than having someone tell me about it. Growing up I had a friend that always tried to get me to go to church and church-related events with her, even though I had my own church. I always found this totally weird and kind of offensive because it was like she thought I needed to be saved or something. Uggh. These two ladies, though, write about the power of faith in their own lives, so it's all very natural and not forced at all, and I really enjoy it. It's a nice change.

And in case you're wondering, here's my diet revelation for you... So often I feel sad about my weight. What I realized this weekend, though, is really simple: the situation isn't hopeless! I can change my weight! I actually have the power to do that! If one mile on the treadmill doesn't do what I want it to, then guess what?! I can do two miles on the treadmill! I actually did this today and felt great afterwards, physically and mentally.

Also, I have two awards to acknowledge (one from Christmas... so bad of me!), which I promise to do soon. Thanks to the special ladies who gave them to me!

Have a good night, all!

Oops

2009-01-16T16:54:00.003-05:00

Okay, so I was trying to add another column and things went very wrong... I lost many things. Does anyone 1) know an easy way to get a third column or 2) at least know how to restore the template I saved before I started messing around? Help!

Update: Okay, things are back to normal... that was scary!

Wedding Fun: My Save-the-Dates!

2009-01-16T12:42:00.007-05:00

Last week my mom and I mailed my save-the-dates! I was so excited to get one in the mail this week!

My mom made them herself and I'm so proud of how they turned out. I love all the special details, like the coordinating heart stamp....

And the fabulous lined envelopes...

Knowing that my wedding color was going to be coral, my mom made an engagement card for me out of the printed paper. I liked it so much we decided to use it for the save-the-dates! My invitations are very formal, but they will have a coral element, too.

What do you think?!

Bouquet Tuesday

2009-01-13T18:31:00.005-05:00

Now when it comes to bouquets, you all know that I am a "less is more" kind of girl: small bouquet, none of that crazy bouquet bling. I do like the look of an heirloom brooch on a bouquet, but what's up with inserting swarovski crystals into your bouquet? Do you think you can really make a bouquet of fresh, blooming flowers look better by adding small, shiny stones to it? And how about having an entire bouquet made of Swarovski crystals like this? To me, that's about as cold and manufactured as you can get, i.e. as far away from the spirit of a wedding ceremony as there is.

Despite the above rant, I will, however, be adding a bit of glimmer to my bouquet of ivory hydrangea, roses, and lisianthus in the form of my godmother's clear crystal rosary.

What I really like about this image (Mrs. Bird of Paradise from Weddingbee) is how understated the look is. You don't see any of the beads, and I'm not sure you'd even notice it at all if you weren't looking for it (especially if the picture wasn't of the bouquet!). I think that's what these bouquet accessories should be... sweet secrets between the bride and her higher power, or between the bride and whoever's rosary or picture she's carrying with her bouquet. Even though I was only ten at the time, I felt hugely complimented to be given my godmother's rosary when she died, and I think she'd be very happy to be remembered in this context. As much as I moan and groan about the hoops my church is requiring my fiance and I jump through, I do believe that a wedding is more than a party with great food and flowers. It's a religious celebration, and even if that doesn't mean as much to my fiance as it does to me, I think it's an important part of the day that I want to do my best to prepare for and participate in fully.

An ALL NEW Season at Charmville

2009-01-12T11:03:00.011-05:00

I apologize for the hiatus (much longer than I intended!), but now I'm back with lots of fun things to share!

First up, holiday highlights:

Have you tried Neutrogena Lip Nutrition Lip Balm yet? I found some in my stocking, and not only is it delicious, but it also has major staying and moisturizing power! I put it on at bedtime (and sometimes during the day because, hey, who couldn't use a little passion fruit tint?) and I can still feel it on my lips when I wake up!

I was also introduced to Crabtree and Evelyn's LaSource Hand Therapy. This stuff is so good that my no-frills cousin Chris uses it when he goes to Antarctica. You can check out his blog about life in Antarctica here. He has some amazing photos.

Another Christmas gift was The Office seasons 1-4! Priceless! One night my dad, fiance, and I stayed up till 2:30 watching. My favorite episode: Phyllis's wedding to Bob Vance. For the last few years one of my most cherished dreams was to write for SNL, but can you imagine how much fun it would be to be one of the writers for The Office?! Sorry, SNL. I didn't really want to write for you as much anyway Tina Fey and Jimmy Fallon left...

So those were the highlights of things I got for Christmas... What made it such a nice break was getting to spend time with my fiance and my family, including Archie (I'll have to ask my mom to send me a photo of Archie playing with his 3 foot long loofah dog!).

Coming soon: an update on the wedding plans, a great Etsy shop I found, and a perilous Ebay transaction!

The Most Wonderful Day of the Year--and--Belated Bouquet Tuesday

2008-12-24T12:34:00.004-05:00

December 24th has always been my favorite day of the year. When we were kids, my parents used to take us downtown to Cincinnati where we would attend a Christmas puppet show/breakfast and then go see Santa at Lazarus (now Macys). We'd go to the 4:00 mass at church, but get there around 2:30 to make sure we had a seat. We still do this, but now we roll in closer to 3:15. After church we'd go to my dad's family's Christmas Eve gathering, the best party of the year. Then home and to bed!

Things have changed since I've gotten older: no puppet show or visit with Santa, plus my sister lives in Louisville and isn't Catholic anymore. I don't see my sister, Jen, very often, but I miss her most at Christmas time. She'll be here with her husband this evening, though, and we'll meet them for dinner at my mom's sister's house, which is where we go now. It took a lot of getting used to, but I suppose lots of people face the same thing, i.e. the transition from the Christmases of your childhood to experiencing the holiday as an adult.

Now, on to something else before I get too emotional and start to cry!

Here's a belated Bouquet Tuesday for you... One aspect of wedding flowers I didn't know a lot about until my sister got married was the Mother of the Bride's flowers. At weddings I'd attended in the past, the MOB always had some sort of corsage, variously placed on her dress, wrist, or sometimes pinned to a handbag. My sister's florist suggested my mother carry a nosegay, and I'm so glad he did! I think this is such a chic alternative to the corsage, which, let's face it, can get a bit dowdy. I'll show you my mother's nosegay some time in the future, but for today, here's a picture of one I found on my photographer's blog.

Now I know you can't see the nosegay that well here, so click on the picture. I think we can all agree, though, that this mother looks fantastic in her jewel-toned dress and that the nosegay really finishes the look off and makes her look extra-special.

And now, my Christmas gift to you, Dear Readers... Are you ready for some more eye candy? Sit back, relax, and check out the rest of my photographer's blog. I became acquainted with Todd Pellowe's work while helping my sister find a photographer for her wedding. Unfortunately, Todd was already booked, but on the other hand, I knew exactly who I wanted for my wedding! In fact, Todd was the first vendor we booked, and the one I'm most excited about. You can also take a look at Todd's work on his old blog. You'll find literally hours of viewing pleasure!

Merry Christmas, all! I hope you get everything you want and spend time with everyone who matters to you.

For my Godson

2008-12-19T14:01:00.010-05:00

A few days ago my cousin Amie asked me to be her son Eli's godmother. I was so touched. I had a very special relationship with my godmother, who was also my childhood caregiver while my parents were at work. I'm looking forward to being that kind of person for Eli, and I think I can take care of the spiritual matters without a problem... but what about the presents? I know, I know... what a thing to worry about, but I do pride myself on giving great gifts, and I do need to give Eli something to commemorate the occasion of his christening.

My first issue is that Eli is a boy, and I only know how to buy gifts for girls. I could get something lovely and sentimental for a godddaughter. In fact, I've already thought of two things: one of those add-a-pearl necklaces or a christening bonnet that turns in to hankie you can carry on your wedding day. I do feel the need to buy something "keepsake-ish," but what does that mean for a boy? I want to give Eli something that's not so age-specific that it'll get packed away when he moves out of the nursery and into a big boy room, yet some of the adult gifts out there are much too adult (i.e. scary looking) to even consider.

Here's what I've found so far:

Monogram Chick's personalized linen heirloom bib.

I love the personalization on this 4x6 green dots frame (in blue), also by Monogram Chick.

I love the simplicity of this hand carved cherry cross I found on Etsy.

And since it's Christmas (even though Eli will be baptized in January or February), I couldn't help but think of the Ostheimer nativity scene. Ostheimer is an amazing German company that makes wooden figures of people and animals (and a few other things) by hand. I have two Ostheimer pieces of my own (a Collie and a German Shepherd puppy), and they are truly little pieces of art. The picture above shows a complete nativity scene. You can buy a 13-piece set for $480, which includes the manger and key players, a smaller set of just the Holy Family for around $60, or you can collect the individual pieces. There's also a Noah's Ark available!

I'd love to know if you have any ideas, or favorites from my list!

Positively Scumptious!

2008-12-18T18:20:00.003-05:00

I've had a charm-filled day! First, my mother and I went to order my gorgeous wedding invitations from my favorite Cincinnati stationery store, Poeme. It's hard to believe I started the invitation process an entire year ago, but it took me about that long to decide. I last visited Poeme when I was in town in October, and it was during this trip that I fell in love with Julie Holcomb's letterpress invitations. They're incredibly rich to the touch as well as fantastically beautiful. I wish I could show you right now, but we'll have to wait it out together (I'm dying to see the finished product!). After ordering the invitations, we had brunch at First Watch, a special favorite of mine, Then we made a trip to Carrie Karibo Bridesmaids to pick up some things that had already come in, including my mom's dresses for the rehearsal and the wedding. When we got home we discovered that our English cousins had sent us the cutest gift ever... they adopted a rescued hedgehog for us (apparently when my parents visited this summer they searched, but never encountered one)! Her name is Hedwig, and at first I thought the picture that was sent with the adoption packet was just a stock photo they sent everyone, but on the back someone had written "Hedwig," so I guess it really is of our little girl! As soon as I get it scanned, I'll post it for you all to enjoy! Hope your day was as good as mine!

To: Allison From: Jennifer

2008-12-17T14:24:00.004-05:00

An early Christmas gift! Many thanks to Jennifer at Diary of a Southern Belle for the fabulous blog award!

The rules: List 5 obsessions/addictions that you have, and tag back to the person who gave you the award. Post the Rules. Tag 5 more people!

My Obsessions:
1. Tory Burch Revas. I am now the proud mother of two pairs, one from Saks (brown) and another from Ebay (black).

2. Whose Wedding is it Anyway? I don't get the Style channel in Indiana, but we do here in Kentucky, and I'm loving all the chances I have to catch repeats! If I could choose a planner from the show to work with, I'd choose Donnie Brown or Jung Lee. It is my secret dream to have my wedding featured for millions of people to see, but I'd prefer to be in a magazine vs. on tv.

3. My scottie dog headband from Calista Cove. It's super comfortable, super cute, and I've already gotten so many compliments on it!

4. Archie, my parents' sheltie puppy. I really want him to love me. My mom says he already does, but I'm not sure. I want him to demonstrate his love to me in ways that don't involve trying to get in my room every morning by head-butting my closed door, or snatching my socks. He just snatched a pair about half an hour ago, and trying to get them back was like a stand-off.

5. Grey's Anatomy. I totally have the hots for McArmy.

I'd like to pass this award on to:

-Lindsey at Sweet Simplicity

-Globetrotting Bride

-Meg at The Randomness of Meghan

-Bama Belle in the Big City

-Preppy Little Dress

-Gwen at Confessions of a Control Freak

(So I tagged 6. It's my blog and I can do what I want to.)

Bouquet Tuesday

2008-12-16T20:06:00.004-05:00

Did you know that the pomander balls we see carried in weddings and used as decorations originally had a much more functional purpose? Pomander, according to Wikipedia, comes from the French pomme d'ambre, or, apple of amber, i.e. a perfume ball. In the Middle Ages, women wore pomanders to mask bad odors. Pomanders were made of glass, but another popular form can be constructed from fruit, simply by sticking cloves into a piece of citrus like an orange or a lemon. What a deliciously yummy holiday aroma!

I couldn't find any information about the transition from citrus to flowers, but it certainly makes sense that a lovely scent could be achieved equally well with a ball made of flowers. The pomander pictured above, I think, would be beautiful for a holiday wedding. Since the church I'm getting married in doesn't allow flower girls to toss petals, and I'm not sure I like the look of a seven year-old with a bouquet, I think a pomander might be my pick for our flower girl. Of course, a pomander does lend itself more easily for use as a weapon with which to attack the ring bearer... Hmm...

Here I am

2008-12-15T07:36:00.003-05:00

I apologize for the lack of posts lately. I was in one of those funks last week, and then I found out that I will be taking the huge exam I just finished again in the spring. Merry Christmas, right? More like bah humbug. I gave myself 24 hours to be a victim, so now it's on to a fresh start academically. While the whole situation is terribly embarrassing/torturous, I do love a fresh start. They go so well with a new year, don't they?

I'm in Kentucky now, and I have lots of fun things planned with my mom, so I'll do my best to keep you posted.

Happy Monday!

Bouquet Tuesday

2008-12-09T08:52:00.003-05:00

I found this gorgeous peony and orchid bouquet on The Knot, which always promises hours viewing pleasure (and if Gossip Girl is a repeat, you should check out some of the message boards for pure, unadulterated cattiness. Talk about bridezillas!). What I love about this bouquet, apart from its beautiful color palette, is its size.

Ladies, I cannot tell you how important it is to consider the size of the bouquets when ordering your wedding flowers. Case in point: my sister carried a very traditional, very full bouquet of red roses. I liked it a lot until early in the ceremony when she handed that sucker to me, the maid of honor. Then I had my own relatively full bouquet to hold as well as hers! And my handkerchief, too! And did I mention my shoes were terribly uncomfortable?! And that I did not get to sit down once during the ceremony?! And that I thought the minister gave an awful sermon, thus necessitating the need for me to monitor my facial expression very carefully so as not to be caught on video wincing and frowning?!

Take pity on your maid of honor brides, and really think about bouquet size and weight. If florals are beyond your comprehension, let me relate this in terms of something you surely understand: handbags. Go for the sleek, clutch version of a bouquet, not the massive duffel bag-esque one. As this bouquet illustrates, a few perfect peonies can get the job done so well (and without any attendant muscle strain).

The Graduate

2008-12-08T21:04:00.003-05:00

Yes, Archie is wearing a mortar board. Actually I think it would be more accurate to say that Archie is having a mortar board held on his head. Yesterday my parents' puppy graduated from his beginners obedience class. If accounts are true, perhaps he shouldn't have graduated (for now he's signed up for intermediate classes beginning in February, but he may end up getting private lessons!). Apparently, Archie's behavior started a major backslide when my mom came to stay with me during my test. This is one dog that needs a two-parent household. Despite Archie's problem with jumping on people, I am so excited to see him on Friday when I return to Kentucky for Christmas break. Archie, like none of our other dogs, LOVES toys, and I think I'll be the kid on Christmas morning when I see him with the 42 inch Loofa Dog that I picked up for him at Walgreens this weekend. This is one enormous dog toy! Petsmart doesn't even sell 42 inch Loofas! I'll have to post a picture of him with it. Somehow, I think Archie will be getting so many Christmas presents that he'll need to start opening them well in advance of the actual day. For now, the Loofa dog is resting comfortably, stretched all the way across the backseat of my Corolla. Can you imagine?!

Preppy Gift Wrap

2008-12-06T16:03:00.006-05:00

As promised, here are some pictures of the preppy gift wrap I picked up (on sale!) at Hobby Lobby this week.

In a rare moment of self-control, I only bought the black and white houndstooth, white polka dots on black, and white polka dots on red (not pictured).

Of course, all this wrap is in the Christmas section, but since I wrap gifts with my mom and use her paper (the privilege of being a cherished daughter), I bought my wrap with an eye toward the future. I can use mine next Christmas in my own home, but I think my purchases will work equally well for other gift-giving occasions, don't you?

Hurry, hurry, hurry!

2008-12-06T09:24:00.004-05:00

Friends! Get thee to Calista Cove for the Daily Deal, the L. Erickson Silk Dupioni Wrapped Circles Headband. Regularly $46, today it can be yours for a mere $26! Or even less if you are a member of CC's Insider Rewards like me! I chose the ever-practical, yet sophisticated black.

If this isn't holiday spirit, I don't know what is!

Cheer up, Buttercup!

2008-12-05T19:15:00.004-05:00

It's seems like a lot of people are getting the blues lately. I had them myself not too long ago. Now, I'm no expert, and I usually cure bad moods at the risk of my wallet and/or diet, but I came up with a new antidote. How about a good, old-fashioned emotional purge? You could cry about what's bothering you, but I actually think it might be healthier to cry about what's bothering someone else. I'm thinking Little Women, Gone With the Wind, etc... But you know what really's done it for me lately is the last 150 or so pages of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. For example, "I open at the close..." How much more heart-wrenching can we get? I think reading can be such a cathartic process (speaking of which, I just finished Reading Lolita in Tehran and I LOVED it).

And because laughter can't hurt, either, I'm including one of my favorite Postsecret postcards...

(No one's ever said that to me, but if they did, Anonymous Postcard Author, I'd do the same thing, too!)

P.S. Did you know there's a Facebook group called "Sarah Palin is Dolores Umbridge"? Hilarious.

Charlotte or Claire?

2008-12-04T11:01:00.005-05:00

Babies are a few years down the road for me, but it never hurts to be prepared, right? A while ago I found Nymbler, a website that helps you find potential baby names based off of names you already know you like. Your results are the combination of the expertise of a woman who's spent years studying names and a special alogrithm. I don't understand it, but it's crazy fun.

As you can see above, I entered six of my favorite girl names, and it gave me tons of results. Just for fun, I typed in my own name.

It's uncanny how this works! One of the results is actually my middle name! I'm so glad, though, that this wasn't around 20-some years ago when my mom was thinking about names... what if I was Monique or Cheyenne?! Yikes! (No offense to all the Moniques and Cheyennes who may be reading, of course.)

Nymbler is incredibly addicting. Try it and tell me what you think!

Coming Up...

2008-12-03T19:29:00.002-05:00

I have a lot to share this week! Be sure to look for upcoming posts on Preppy Crafts and Preppy Gift Wrap! I promise, you won't be disappointed!

Pens I've known and loved...

2008-12-03T17:58:00.013-05:00

Kimmie's post about her new Staedtler pens has inspired me to share my own favorites with you...

As a student, I write all the time, and it's important to have the right pen for the right time. That's why you need a variety. I am always on the lookout for new pens to add to the arsenal I have stashed in bags, desk drawers, and the three pencil holders currently occupying space on my desk.

Let's start with the basics...

BIC® Round Stic® Ballpoint Pens, Medium Point, Blue

Simple, no nonsense. My mom has used these for as long as I can remember, and when I need to feel close to her, I use them, too. For me, they get the job done with the right amount of nostalgia.

Paper Mate® Stick Pens, Medium Point, Blue

Also blue, also basic. I got a pack of these for like $0.39 at Target after the back to school frenzy. I've happily used them all semester without incident. No unsightly blobs of ink here.

Paper Mate® Flair® Felt-Tip Pens, Medium Point, Assorted, 16 Pack
I fell in love with these at the beginning of my Ph.d. I first met them, however, in seventh grade English. My teacher had all of these luscious color in a pencil holder on her desk, and I totally envied all that felt-tip goodness. I love the variety of colors; they're great for making lists and grading papers. I don't like to use red ink to grade-- to me that seems so high school, and I'm always trying to get my students away from thinking the way they did in high school. I love the orange, purple, green, and fuchsia for this purpose. Also, the felt-tip creates a bit of drag on the paper, so I can't write as fast, making my comments more legible. Sometimes, though, all I want to do is scrawl the comment and put the paper in question at the bottom of the stack as soon as possible. That's another story, though...

Stabilo® Point 88 Fineliner Pens, 0.4 mm, Fine Point, Orange Barrel, Assorted Ink, Pack Of 10

I got my Stabilos about a two years ago in Germany. I love the fine points (super for underlining things!), and the fact that they are, indeed, from a foreign country. I got mine at an art supply store in Mainz, near Frankfurt, but would you believe the country's best department store, Kaufhaus des Westens, a.k.a. KaDeWe., sells them, too?

The BETTER Ball Point - Medium Point - Purple

I love these purple Pilot ball point pens. The small, locally-owned pharmacy my family uses sold these individually when I was a kid, and it was a thrilling day when my mom finally gave in and bought me one. This was actually my first purple pen, and probably what inspired my life-long preference for writing in purple ink. I seem to remember it making a funny, rattling noise as a I wrote, which may be annoying for some, but for me signalled productivity and that I was writing something very important.

Marvy LePen - Fine Line Writing Pen

What list of great pens would be complete without the Le Pen?! I started using Le Pens when I was 13 or so... I bought a few at a cardstore after Christmas. I got really into them, though, when I started working at a stationery store during college. There are so many more colors now than there used to be! My favorite is color is brown, which I use to go with my personalized stationery from Crane.

Tiffany Blue Purse Pen

This pen from T&Co. was a very lovely and generous birthday present from my University of Chicago girlfriends. They knew I loved pens and Tiffany's and voila! A perfect present. This is my only "fine writing instrument" and I should actually use it more than I do. Maybe that will be a New Year's resolution. : ) (P.S. My pen is bigger than the purse pen... I don't think they're selling the model I have any more : ( )

Energel® Deluxe RTX Metal Tip

Another purple pen I can't live without. This is the latest addition to my pen arsenal, and in fact, it's the pen I used throughout my recent tests. I'm not crazy about retractable pens, but this one writes so well and it's purple! What's not to love?

Am I missing any pens that you can simply not do without?

One more for the list

2008-12-02T23:09:00.003-05:00

I also need to find a way to remove silly putty from clothing. The silly putty was supposed to reduce the testing stress, and it did until I looked down and saw it on my favorite pajama shorts. Right now they're hanging out in the freezer until I find a real solution.

I'm not old, but I sure feel like it

2008-12-02T21:54:00.005-05:00

Do you ever wake up feeling tired? I'm still exhausted from last week. Too exhausted to do any of the things that need to get done. Maybe I just need more time to recover, but since I don't sleep well to begin with, that could take a while. I swear, I'm not old, but I sure feel like I am. How pathetic! I think tomorrow I just need to get myself back on track. That means I need to:

-Start deep cleaning my apartment. (This is not a one day project.)

-Concentrate on drinking lots of water and eating better.

-Get myself onto the treadmill.

-Deal with insurance issues.

-Launch effective counter-attack against the small break-out around my nose.

I actually own the print in the picture posted above... I think it's about time to frame it and hang it on the wall.

Bouquet Tuesday

2008-12-02T13:43:00.003-05:00

Hello! I'm kicking off a new weekly feature (my first): Bouquet Tuesday. I've run across so many beautiful things in the course of planning my wedding, so I thought I'd share some of them with you.

I've had an image of this gorgeous Martha Stewart bouquet saved on my computer for about a year, and it's definitely influenced my wedding style. I'm usually a less-is-more kind of girl, but in this case, I think more is more. I love how full the flowers are, and even though I don't think my bouquet will look very much like this one, I did tell my florist the look I'm going for is "lush." I think this says "lush," don't you?

It's a Wonderful Day

2008-12-01T21:00:00.007-05:00

What a day!

After I dropped off my exam, I taught my freshman composition class. I was amazed I had enough energy to do so. I was also amazed at the perfect attendance, especially since it was the first day after Thanksgiving break and it was the first snowfall of the semester. By this time in the semester, I've usually developed a deep and abiding dislike for a student or two, but I can honestly say I really like and enjoy everyone in my class. Since this is a class every student at the university has to take, I don't ever expect to find any potential mini-me's, just waiting for me to open the world of books and writing to them. Like every other semester (except one when I had a student whose penchant for the semi-colon matched my own), I didn't have any turn up, but I do have a few students I can see myself being friends with, were I their age and/or such a thing was appropriate. I'll definitely miss them... but not enough to pause the countdown: less than two weeks left of the semester!

I think what's making me happiest right now is the return to a normal life where school isn't my number one focus. This afternoon I began the process of giving myself a manicure and a pedicure, removing old polish from my toes and filing my nails. This feels so decadent; if I'm going to go all out, it means I have time to keep the mani/pedi looking nice. I love having nice looking nails, but when you type as much as I do and lug around as many heavy books, that isn't an option if you aren't prepared to spend time fixing them every night. I think handling paper has something to do with it, too, since this problem started when I worked in a stationery store. I could have started the painting tonight, but when I saw Gwen's picture of her new OPI, I knew the shade I had planned on using would never do. I'll pick up the new color tomorrow when the roads are better and it's light outside. I also started the book Reading Lolita in Tehran, and I'm loving it. I think this is one I'll savor, interspersing its reading with things like In Style and a Shopaholic re-read.

Speaking of Shopaholic, I immediately thought of Becky Bloomwood in Walgreens this evening when a recorded message was played about job availabilities. Let me tell you, I love Walgreens, and even though the things they carry are so common and everyday, I could do some serious damage in there. When I heard the announcement, I had already spent nearly 15 minutes in the hair accessories aisle, and my arms were so full of all sorts of goodies I was dropping them. For a moment I was struck with the idea of getting a job at Walgreens and being around all that great stuff every day! Then I remembered Becky's part-time job at the clothing store and how she hides the only pair of sale jeans for herself. That would be me. In fact, in every retail store I've ever worked at, I've kept a constantly growing stash of things I wanted to buy. I never fought a customer for jeans, though. Walgreens keeps a pretty good stock of everything, and it's not like there aren't five other Walgreens five minutes away, so I don't think I'd have to get into a Becky-like situation, but I think if I get a part-time job in January I'll go for something clerical at the university. I could make money there, not spend it.

The best thing I bought tonight was a plastic headband. I'm not usually a headband-wearer, but since I couldn't resist ordering the delightful France Luxe Triple Scottie Dog headband from Calista Cove, I thought I'd better practice. It's like riding a bicycle! I'm a born headband-wearer! Hurry, Scotties, hurry fast!

After Walgreens, I headed to my beloved Chick-fil-a. I think I've gained like 15 pounds with all the sitting I've been doing, and all the feeding my mom did while she was here during my test week, but I had a free milkshake coupon I wanted to use before I jump back on the healthy living wagon. Turns out, I didn't need to use the coupon. I was the 100th customer of the day and I got my dinner (and my milkshake!) free! So, the milkshake coupon lives to ride another day. Tomorrow I'll hop on the treadmill. Baby steps, right?

The only wrinkle in my day came when I was watching John and Kate Plus 8 and I saw Kate taking lollipops away from her children. Woman, what's wrong with you? I had to stop watching when Kate freaked out when one of her children got too close to her. Enough. I'll try again next week.

I'm off to bed at a reasonable hour with a good book. Tomorrow's shaping up to be another wonderful day, too!

For You

2008-12-01T10:45:00.002-05:00

Dear Blogging Friends,

These are for you. Thank you for your funny, heart-felt posts that kept me sane throughout the crazy period of my exam-taking.

Have a beautiful day.

Love,

Allison

la La LA!

2008-12-01T08:51:00.004-05:00

I completed the final part of my exam early this morning! I am triumphant! (At least until I hear the results!)

Innate

2008-11-26T18:21:00.000-05:00

My mom has been here with me this week, cooking, cleaning, and attending to my every need as I work on my test. She's my best friend, and I continue to learn something new from her every day. The other night as I was trying to fall asleep, I realized that there are some things I have no memory of her ever teaching me... not things like which is my right hand and which is my left hand, but the ideas and attitudes that make the inner me. I thought I'd share a few of these with you.

I don't remember learning:

-There's never an excuse for bad manners.

-True womanhood is defined by a woman's devotion to her family; it doesn't matter whether this devotion takes a woman to work outside of the home, or leaves her there to take care of her babies... it's all about family.

-When someone visits your home, take their coat and offer them something to drink.

-Money doesn't equal good taste, and it can't buy it either.

Thanks, Mother!

What were you born knowing, readers?

Unworn in My Jewelery Box

2008-11-26T16:42:00.000-05:00

Readers, I have a question for you: what do you do with jewelery you don't wear anymore? I have several pieces from Tiffany's that I haven't worn in ages, just sitting in my jewelery box. I could certainly give them to someone, but as I'm in a bit of a money crunch due to insurance issues, it might be nice to see some financial return (i.e. sell them). I also have some gold chains I don't wear anymore. These were mostly gifts from my parents, and I feel somewhat sentimental about them, even though I'm sure the last time I wore any of them was when I was a teenager. What would you do?

Testing 123 Testing

2008-11-26T15:06:00.002-05:00

Hello! If you recall, this week I'm taking part two of my qualifying exam. I should be working on it right now, in fact, but I couldn't stay away. Look forward to a few more posts throughout the day!

More Registry Fun

2008-11-23T16:18:00.006-05:00

Let's keep the baking theme rolling! The next items on my registry that I'm going to share with you aren't expensive or super techonologically advanced, but I'm very much looking forward to these Calphalon Classic Loaf Pans from Macys.

I've never made anything in a loaf pan before, but I have a vision for these little beauties. Last Christmas one of my dad's cousins gifted us with two of the most delightful poundcakes I've ever tasted. Those loaves of Christmas goodness have been stuck in my mind ever since. I can totally pciture myself wearing a cute apron, making something similar that my fiance can give to his co-workers as holiday gifts. There's lots of cute packaging available for holiday baking, but I think I'd wrap it in cellophane and finish it off with a big red bow. If I was feeling magnaminous, I'd copy my recipe onto one of these holiday recipe cards, punch a hole in the corner, and attach via the big red bow.

How many holiday dreams simple loaf pans can inspire!

Turkey Cake

2008-11-23T09:24:00.000-05:00

No, I'm not talking about a dessert a la Rachel Green (remember the episode where she confused the recipes for Shepard's Pie and English Trifle, resulting in a very meaty dessert?). I'm talking about the turkey-shaped cake I made last Thanksgiving. I come from a family of cake decorating geniuses, long since retired, so I thought making this cake would come fairly naturally to me... It was actually a little more difficult than the display at Williams-Sonoma would have you believe.

The first difficult thing about baking the turkey cake was that I hadn't baked anything from scratch for, say, over ten years. That's a lot of time to forget and to lose whatever confidence I used to have in my baking skills. The second difficult thing about baking the turkey cake was that my fiance and I were doing it together. Surely a couple with one and a half Ph.d.'s to their name can bake a cake, right? Wrong. Neither of us knew the right way to go about it, but we both had lots of ideas and complicated solutions (good thing my mom was in the next room). I don't know if it was the tag team aspect of it (perhaps baking is a one-person sport), or the fact it was a case of the blind leading the blinf, but I think the extent of any baking we do together in the future should be limited to one person doing the baking and one person licking the bowl. The third difficult thing about baking the turkey cake was how it came out of the oven. This was not a case of the two sides of the turkey emerging perfectly formed and ready to be attached with some icing. First of all, the cakes "rose" in the middle and the beak didn't form correctly on one side. This meant we would have to perform surgery. You know how you see people on TV slice a cake in half in one simple motion? Our slicing was more of the "hacking" variety, and neither half of the turkey ended up completely level (my advice: use an actual level). In fact, one side ended up rather concave, so we had to use cake cut from one side to fill in the other. I don't think we ever managed to fix the beak situation. Icing the bird proved easier, yet offered further proof of our botched surgery.

The last step was to dust the cake with powdered sugar. Let's just say we don't "dust" quite as elegantly as Williams-Sonoma does.

We were still mighty proud of our turkey, nonetheless, and it sure tasted good!

If you ever decide to bake a cake from double-sided mold (a teddy bear, perhaps?), don't expect perfection. Fun and deformity, yes, but not perfection. And if there's a cake snob in the family who doesn't like globs of icing, malformed beaks, or little mountains of powedered sugar... why that's more turkey cake for you! Gobble gobble!

I Won!

2008-11-22T21:13:00.005-05:00

Darling friends, I'm a winner! Many thanks to Molly of Less of a Marilyn More of a Jackie for choosing me as a recipient.

The rules: Pass it along to 5 fabulous blogs...

Living in Dallas and Loving It for sharing my fear of cooking meat

Pink Cupcake for her fun and frequent posts

Monograms and Manicures for her genuine good cheer and fashion tips

Nina Knows Best for her dedication to her readers

Muffy Martini... for being a fellow bride-to-be!

My 5 fabulous addictions:

1. Stationery! Oh, I love it, and can never have enough. Can you imagine my agony at picking out wedding invitations? It involved serious soul-searching. I can't wait to share them with all of you!

2. Cherry Coke. I love Cherry Coke. It's the perfect antidote to a bad day, and it makes a good day even better.

3. Pajamas, specifically nightgowns without sleeves. I change into pajamas immediately upon arriving home. I love to feel cozy.

4. Old things. I love historic homes, vintage jewelery, and antiques. I've really been into wearing vintage scarves and brooches lately.

5. The Sound of Music. Favorite parts: Maria's wedding and when they hide in the cemetery. I've even read Maria's book.

Speak

2008-11-20T17:22:00.003-05:00

Did you know that in different languages animals say different things? English-speaking dogs say "woof woof!," but as I found out from my Hong Kong-born fiance, dogs who speak Cantonese say "wo wo!" What do these little beauties say? I'm hearing "Buy me! Buy me!"

At $98-118 dollars a pillow, however, that isn't going to happen. I'm a sucker for needlepoint pillows (especially ones with dogs or bunnies), but they're always incredibly expensive. As a novice needlepointer myself, I'm actually thinking about taking on this challenge and making one myself. My mantra is usually something along the lines of "there are professionals for a reason," but I do love to craft. It's not like I need this pillow done for say, a June wedding, so if it doesn't get done until next Christmas, it wouldn't be a tragedy. Any needlepointers out there, or do-it-yourselfers who've outsmarted retailers by creating an equally-cute but much less expensive version of something they couldn't live without?

The De-Mystification of Allison

2008-11-19T20:07:00.005-05:00

I'm wondering if I committed a faux-pas by including a quote from Herman Melville in a post a I wrote a few days ago. It seems that very few of the women whose blogs I read (and who I hope read mine!) are students; most of you have started "grown-up" lives with careers and/or families. Alas, I have no career yet, and I'm not sure if I really want the one for which I'm training. Still, literature will always be a part of my life (sometimes a bigger part, I imagine, and sometimes a smaller part). I don't want to be the odd one out, though, so tonight I'm going to correct a few common misconceptions you may have drawn from the fact that I quote Herman Melville on my blog.

1) People who love to read, particularly those who devote themselves to the study of literature, love to drink tea. Not on your life. I like tea cups, but not tea. I do think that Cherry Coke can make a good book even better, though.

2) If you read and write papers all the time, you must be great at Scrabble. Oh, friends, I've only played scrabble a handful of times, but never got any better than words like "cat" and "bad."

3) Graduate students don't watch TV. Heck, they don't even own one. Nothing could be farther from the truth. I have a very nice, compact Sony flat screen, and I watch some baaaaaaaaad shows on it. In fact, America's Next Top Model is on in the background right now. I tune in every season, without fail.

4) People who study literature only read "literature." That's a good one! While my training has helped me appreciate the canon more than I did before (and compels me to add that the "canon" is a thing of the past), it sometimes takes me a few reads to love something considered "literature." One of my very favorite books is Bridget Jones's Diary, and I recently re-read all of the Shopaholic books. Before I read most of Jane Austen's novels, I watched the movie version (not for the sake of comprehension, but I just wasn't interested... I attempted Sense and Sensibility when I was eleven and didn't make it back until I was twenty-one).

These are the major misconceptions I can think of at the moment. One thing that's not a misconception about my life as a student of literature/potential college professor: several key aspects of my appearance correspond to the "teacher/librarian" stereotype... No, I don't wear holiday sweaters with teddy bears on them, thank God, but I do: wear glasses, put my hair in a bun quite frequently, and wear cardigans often : )

I Have the Softest Hair Ever

2008-11-19T18:01:00.003-05:00

I've known and loved some great shampoos in my life, but the only one I have eyes for right now is Bumble and Bumble's Sunday Shampoo. I've actually been using this regularly for nearly two years, but it amazed me anew today when I noticed how soft and smooth my hair was (this might have to do, too, with the fact that I let my hair air dry the last time I washed it). Sunday Shampoo doesn't claim it will make your hair softer, but it does say it will rid your hair of "product residue, hard water minerals, pollutants, you name it." As the name implies, Sunday Shampoo is meant to be used once a week (don't worry, you don't have to stick to Sunday; any day will do!) to get rid of the week build-up. There's something funky with the water where I live, and when I first moved here, my hair became so coated with all the bad things in the water that my hairdresser in Cincinnati could run the edge of her scissors against it and come away with a yucky, powdery coating on the scissors. She made this recommendation, and I haven't looked back. I don't need to wash my hair every day, so I actually wash exclusively with Sunday Shampoo. One thing you should be aware of is that in addition to washing away the impurities that attach themselves to your hair, Sunday Shampoo will also wash away some of your color if you have color-treated hair. This isn't my favorite aspect of it, but honestly, it's only ever noticeable after you've had your hair colored, and any shampoo will do that. The first time I used Sunday Shampoo, I was able to get it in a small, travel-sized bottle, which was a great way to try it out. How do you get soft hair, and are you planning to do anything special with your hair for the holidays?

Ready, Set, Write!

2008-11-19T10:00:00.003-05:00

It's official! I've finished part one of my exam, the 24-hour essay marathon. Time: 23 hours and 8 minutes. Number of times I checked the Dashboard to see if the blogs I follow had been updated: under 10. I was dying to read all the updates, but resisted. This is a real accomplishment. I love to read (even the backs of shampoo bottles), and reading blogs is such a safe and enjoyable way to express my inherent "need to know," or, as some would put it, "nosiness." I'm currently at school "teaching" in the computer lab (all freshman comp courses are required to spend one day in a computer lab to allow for the integration of technology in the writing classroom, and this is our day-- did I tell you my students blog?), and I'm looking forward to getting home and spending some time with a nice piece of Starbucks lemon loaf and a venti Vanilla Creme (strictly medicinal). I'm looking forward to the day two weeks from now when, provided I pass this exam, I officially never have to take another test again. I've been awake for 27 hours, and while last night my 10 year-old sleep problem never came in so handy, it's starting to hit.

Please, Lord, let me have enough energy to make it to Starbucks!

Looking forward to getting back with you when I've had a little nap!

Thank You, Dear Readers

2008-11-16T17:31:00.007-05:00

Dear Readers,

November is historically a hard month for me: my godmother died in November 1991 and both of my dad's parents died in November 1995. These events are with me every November, even though they happened so long ago. This November is extra hard. On Tuesday morning I will pick up the first part of my prelims exam, the test every doctoral student in my department must pass in order to move on to writing his/her dissertation. This first part will consist of three essay questions I must answer within 24-hours. The second part of the exam, an essay question that I will answer over the period of a week, begins the Monday before tomorrow Fortunately, my mother will be coming to take care of me and support me for both part one and most of part two, but she has to return to Kentucky to make Thanksgiving dinner for the family. Yes, that means I will be spending Thanksgiving alone in my apartment. My first Thanksgiving away from home and my first--and hopefully only--Thanksgiving alone.

I'm an anxious person by nature, and thoughts of this exam are taking me back to my senior year in high school when chest pains were a regular occurence. I've been praying, which has helped so much. I also wanted to say thank you, to you, Dear Readers, for supporting my blog (a manifestation of my desire for--and need to think--happy thoughts instead of nervous ones) and making me feel so welcome in this community. Having followers and getting comments has made me so happy this past week, and I very much look forward to getting to know you better, and, of course, spending more time on my blog once this exam is finished.

I won't be posting regularly, if at all, for the rest of the month, so in honor of my studies, I leave you with this, my favorite quotation from Moby Dick, slightly revised....

"Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul... and especially whenever my hypo[chondria]s get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street , and methodically knocking people's hats off--then, I account it high time to get to your blog as soon as possible..."

Thank you again, Dear Readers. You're the best!

I won!

2008-11-14T18:08:00.003-05:00

I am the winner of Globetrotting Bride's travel engagement story contest! This is such a pick-me-up! I'd like to thank GB for hosting the contest and my Lo Gung for asking me to marry him. : ) Click here to read the winning entry.

BFFs

2008-11-14T16:12:00.006-05:00

Do you ever have the feeling that if you could just meet someone, you'd be best friends forever, laughing at shared inside jokes and calling each other late at night just to talk?

I have two such potential Best Friends Forever: Tim Gunn and Sarah Jessica Parker (or as I like to call her, SJP).

Oh, Tim Gunn, where do I start? You own your own tux, your Guide to Style is a makeover show that doesn't attack or humiliate the participants, and you make it work season after season on Project Runway. I think what I love most about you, Tim, is that you're a serious person, but you don't take yourself too seriously (if you were Tim, would you have reacted so well to Santino's story about the date with Andre at Red Lobster?), and that's what I aspire to be. If you invited me to your loft, Tim, I swear, we could just hang out and drink champagne; I wouldn't even need an introduction to a chi chi designer or a fabulous piece of jewelery.

SJP, I love that you think Big. You have a fragrance line, a clothing line, a hit TV series that you followed up with an amazing movie (and there might be another!), and an adorable family. I love and support your fashion elan. You're a Cincinnati girl, and so am I. Next time you're in town, let's get together for brunch or drinks. Or both.

(And yes, I know the picture is of SJP as Carrie Bradshaw. I chose it because I think Carrie and I would hit it off, too).

Who would you love to know?

Etsy Love

2008-11-13T11:43:00.015-05:00

I love that I'm in a profession where critical thinking is paramount and writing a book is part of the job description. Sometimes, though, I just want to do something fun, something based on pure whimsy, like crafting. I don't have the time or space to do any proper crafting, so I live vicariously through Etsy, thinking about what I'd make if I had the time, space, and supplies. And if you're not familiar with Etsy, did I mention there's shopping involved? Etsy's an online marketplace where an amazing array of talented crafters, designers, and artists share and sell their work. Not only does it fill my need for the creative, but it's also a great place to purchase unique gifts.

Here are some of my favorites:

Stuffed Dog Portrait by Sian Keegan. I purchased one of these as a Mother's Day gift, and my mom loved it.

Classic Liberty peacock - luxury silk-lined clutch bag. I'm the proud owner of a clutch similar to this one by Redrubyrose. I plan to use mine at my rehearsal dinner (I bought the dress to match). These clutches are works of art, and if I could, I'd have one of everything she makes.

Senorita Betty - Print by AmberAlexander. Animals dressed as humans make me happy, especially bunnies dressed as pretty ladies.

4-Ever Print by SilhouetteBlue. How sweet is this?! Personalize it with your initials and choice of color. This one is on my Christmas list.

These are just a few of my favorites. Keep reading for more!

Revas, Anyone?

2008-11-12T21:28:00.005-05:00

Thanks to the great Herve Chapelier tip from Monograms and Manicures, I've been on an Ebay kick for the past two weeks. More Herves than I care to count later, I'm ready to move on to something else: the Reva ballet flat by Tory Burch. I've been interested in this shoe for a while, and there are a few in my size on Ebay. I've never actually tried it on, though, so I'm wondering... is this terribly smart and stylish shoe comfortable?

I'm also contemplating the French Sole ballet flat. It doesn't have the cachet of the Reva, but I have a $10 off coupon code (let me know if you're interested) I could use if I buy them through Garnet Hill, plus GH is offering free shipping on orders of $75 or more through Friday.

What do you think, Dear Readers? Which pair should I go for?

Getting Ready for Santa

2008-11-12T14:38:00.004-05:00

Monogram Chick's great post about stockings reminded me that next year I'll be in the market for stockings for my brand new family of two (most likely three--I must have a dog to keep me company while Mr. Charming's at work). Monogram Chick's polka dot stockings would be great if we (I) decide to go for a fun, whimsical look, while the damask stockings would be gorgeous for a more traditional look. And that monogram is to die for!

I also really love this stocking made from antique linen that I found on Etsy.

It's a little pricey for me, but I still think it could be a beautiful compliment to traditional Christmas decor.

So after I buy the stockings, I'll have to find a place to hang them, which won't be easy. The brand new house I'll be living in this time next year has no chimney and thus no mantel (Why would you build a house with no fireplace? How does Santa get in?!). I've seen some DIY things online about building yourself a fake mantel, but I'm wondering what other alternatives are out there. I've got a while to figure this out, but I'm more of a plan ahead kind of girl. Help! Where do you hang stockings when the mantel's not an option?

Archie Love

2008-11-11T23:12:00.003-05:00

Today my mom sent me this picture of Archie, our family's Sheltie puppy, and I had to share. He has so much more "big boy" hair than the last time I saw him! Not such a puppy anymore! (But he'll always be our baby.)

Thank You, Veterans

2008-11-11T19:08:00.003-05:00

I'm feeling poor (in bank account and spirit) right now, but I'm trying to remember: a surefire way to feel rich is to count your blessings. Thank you to all veterans, and my own veterans in particular.

Thank you, Uncle Richard, for always sharing great stories of the far-flung places you visited in your Air Force days.

Thank you, Grandpa. You never talked about your time in the Navy, but I do know you never learned to swim (and yet you still built a pool in the backyard for your grandkids to swim in!).

Thank you Grandpa Guy, for being so willing to share stories about your time in the Coast Guard. I'll always remember you telling me about shipping out to the Pacific in WII and how you turned around to look at the Golden Gate Bridge as you left, not knowing if you'd ever see it again.

God bless us, everyone.

The Dog Ate My Homework

2008-11-11T11:30:00.003-05:00

Actually, it's more like some recent, very un-charming events have zapped my creativity.

Yesterday I received a letter from the insurance company denying coverage for a doctor's appointment because I was... uninsured. What?! It turns out I am. Apparently I did not register online for my graduate staff insurance during the enrollment period in September. I don't know how I could have missed something like this. Aside from my fiance, I'm the most responsible person I know. Today I went to get regular student insurance. I can have it, but it's not pro-rated, so I'd have to pay around $1500--the price for the entire semester--for what's left of the year. I don't even make that much money a month, and while I'm slowly trying to build my savings back up, I certainly don't have that much. The other option, the one I'm going with, is short-term insurance, which is only for major medical emergencies, but what's a girl to do? Not get sick, that's what. And of course I'll have to pay for the two doctor's visits I've had this semester, plus the lab tests done to see why I'm so itchy all the time (I have a history of terrible hives).

I've been trying to eat better, but it looks like this might be a Chick-fil-A day. With a milkshake.

Beautiful Bridesmaids

2008-11-10T00:23:00.010-05:00

Choosing a bridesmaid dress can be frought with peril. Will the girls be able to wear it again? How do you choose something that looks good on a variety of body types? Will they look back at the day, think about how they looked and shudder? And when it comes to choosing a dress for someone--a sister, perhaps--who chose a less-than-lovely dress for you, do you use your power for good or for evil?

Fortunately, all my anxieties were put to rest by the fabulous Carrie of Carrie Karibo Bridesmaids. Located in the famed Cincinnati wedding district, Carrie Karibo Bridesmaids offers a boutique experience. All the dresses are carefully chosen by Carrie, a former NYC stylist, for their chicness and wearability. My mom discovered Carrie's store about two years ago when she was planning my sister's wedding. She was walking through the bridal district, saw an amazing window display, and the rest is history. Carrie helped her choose her own dress for the wedding, a flattering but modest Jenny Yoo number with a jacket. She made color recommendations based on my mom's coloring and the color scheme of the wedding, so that my mom looked special, but didn't stand out. When it was time to look for my bridesmaid dresses, we headed straight to Carrie.

I didn't feel good about how I looked at my sister's wedding, and I hated feeling like part of a pack: we all wore the same dress, same shoes, same jewelery, and carried the same bouquets. I wanted my bridesmaids to look and feel like the very different individuals they are, so Carrie helped me choose different dresses that would flatter each bridesmaid's figure. The only problem was my sister. I had chosen what I thought was the most beautiful dress for her, and while it was totally appropriate for a church wedding, she felt it was cut too low. Summoning every bit of available graciousness, I acquiesced and let her pick out a style she would feel more comfortable in, and would therefore get a lot more use out of. Carrie helped choose accessories that would make her, as the maid of honor, stand out. Carrie also came through again, helping me choose a dress for the rehearsal dinner my mom's dresses for both events.

I know not everyone will be able to make it to Carrie's to choose their 'maids dresses, so here's a list of designers she carries: Jenny Yoo, Kathlin Argiro, Thread, Simple Silhouettes, Charsa, Elon Michelle, Nicole Miller, Lynn Lugo, and Anna Elyse.