I just bought some shoes that I saw in the Lucky Magazine June issue.  Not on sale either.  But I needed them, well really wanted them.


The girl in Lucky had the navy ones but I needed, um wanted brown.  Cute!

    

Sorry.  It's been a while.  Yes I'm too busy for my own good but I will always come back to you, CCStyle.  So, what prompted me-to pull a "must blog"?

This:


I've never thought much of two-tone furniture but this is pretty swank.  I could make it work.  Thomasville Bogart Cocktail Table - $769.99 @ Overstock.

    

Running in them is apparently fabulous b/c I love the show Running in Heels.  Love how it's not a "TV" competition.  This is how competition happens in real life.  These interns are actually interesting.  And that Ashley girl - there has to be one like her in every situation, no?  The bosses are not that bad.  At least not as bad (or good) as Lindsey Lohan's publicist.  I'm so intrigued.  I hope it stays good and that no doldrums set in. 

Clickey here for more info.

    

If you know me, or read me, then you are aware that I have back problems. This in turn has caused me to have neck problems, which of course causes life problems. Well, finally I have relief. I bought a nice (and fairly expensive) down pillow yesterday and woke up with a moderately loose neck. I feel so much better than I have in the past year!

The pillow is from Pacific Coast and the reason I bought it is because I remembered the brand from when we stayed at the Luxor in Las Vegas. We stayed there the two nights before the wedding and then moved to Mandalay Bay for the 2 nights after. Well, I slept so well at the Luxor that I looked at the pillow tag – Pacific Coast The bed was eh.

I don’t know why it took me so long to buy a nice pillow. Price probably. I can be a cheapo sometimes. I’ve bought a couple of pillows in the last year. You know, ones specifically designed for side sleepers and back sleepers as I sleep on both. A bit of a tosser, I’d say I am. These pillows were probably in the $15.00 range and I would still have to end up putting a rolled towel under so my head wasn’t cocked down too far to one side.

But wellbeing is worth a lot so I finally just did it. So worth it. The down supports and cuddles and keeps my heavy head even. My back feels a bit better too. Ah relief. It feels great.

    

This email I received today seems heavily influenced by bloggers and sites like Shopstyle and Polyvore.  Is New Media inspiring "them" as much as "they" inspire New Media?



Hurry and look before "they" try and delete it.

    

Jimmy.  Choo.  On Sale.  Oh how I wish I was not saving my money for the house.  Damn you house!!





On to happier shopping news.  I was actually able to afford these a few weeks ago.


Dittos Dynamite or Dolemite Bell Bottoms.  Whatever.  Hotness! 
From ShopBop.

I love that right now in fashion, you can do whatever you want as long as you pull it together.  Bells, skinny, bootcut - you can make it work.  I'm really out of the loop on the upcoming Spring trends and I really need to do some research to decide what pieces to add to my wardrobe.  Any thoughts on what clothing trends you will be into for the warmer months ahead?

    

This is probably the most personal post I’ve ever written.  I tend to keep the blog light and breezy but with the New Year, I’m feeling a bit reflective and even open.  So, here goes.  

I’ve gained quite a bit of weight since my youth, well I’d say since I was 25.  So in 5 years I’ve gained about 25 pounds.  Too much.  Fortunately for me, I’ve always had great self-esteem and it really hasn’t affected me too much.  This started to change recently, however.  

When I was in high school, there was a very pretty girl who was a grade above me.  She wasn’t especially smart or extremely popular but she was definitely one of the prettiest girls in our high school.  She had these amazing blue eyes that really made her, you know.  Anyway, I saw a picture of her recently and was very taken aback.  She was a mere fragment of her former gorgeous self.  She still has very pretty eyes but she looks so average now.  She never looked average in high school.  But she was thin in high school, and now, she’s average – not thin but not necessarily fat either.  Just average.  

The other day, I received some photos in the mail that I printed from a special event I attended.  I was taken aback.  I felt like a mere fragment of my former self.  I still have pretty eyes but I look so average now.  I never looked average in high school.  But I was thin in high school, and now, I’m average – not thin but not necessarily fat either.  Just average.  

Please don’t take this as conceit because it is not my intention.  I am not whining a la Lohan.  I’ve always been told I was a pretty girl.  I have a great attitude about it.  Looks are not everything.  I’m not too terribly vain.  I don't agree with plastic surgery for the most part.  But I’m keeping it real.  It’s nice when people give you compliments and I’ve always received a lot of those.  Until recently.  I don’t need compliments b/c I’ve always been able to compliment myself (insert smiley) but it still feels different. 

I guess this post is more for me.  A rousing contemplation in print.  I want to be, no - to feel amazing!  In the end it only matters how I see myself and I haven't been ginving myself butterflies lately.  It has to change.  I have to make a change!

    

Happy New Year, everyone.  Here's my obligatory, "I'm so sorry I'ven been so busy but I promise to blog more," line.  I am so excited about this year.  I'm having a girls trip to Austin this month, I will be celebrating my one year anniversary next month and we are finally serious about going on a romantic vacation/honeymoon later this year.

Right now, what I'm most excited about is the excuse or opportunity that the New Year affords in the form of shopping.  I need to update my wardrobe - fa show!  Updates on what I'm looking for and buying to come.

One last note, I love Philosophy's Pure Grace and Amazing Grace.  I never thought I would spend over $30 on some damn lotion but that stuff is worth it.  I bought some for my Christmas present to myself.  Today I've been caught at work times just sniffing myself.  Ahhhh.

    

I know she's a celebrity and I'm not and I know she's skinny and I'm not, but I think we've both got good color sense.  Blues are just cool.

I wore this dress to a Christmas Party over the weekend.  This may be my new signature color.  It just goes so great with my new haircolor.  Sorry former fave color, green.

    

Here are a few of mine:

1)  Pink killed it at the American Music Awards. 
I never fully understood her after her first album (which I know was "not her" but I loved it).  The live performance of "Sober" was excellent and she rocked that dress.

2)  I will not be watching the Bachelor this season.
The guy is not hot - NOT HOT and I could care less about the sensitive side of a single dad.  Man up dawg.

3)  Most celebrities/singers/entertainers are overrated.
Some are not but most are.  America, please begin to believe that substance and talent matters more than publicity.  I mean, Miley Cyrus can sing.  She's talented but not to the extent that America has made her uber famous.  Sorry.

4)  Racist and prejudiced people are really ignorant and insecure.
It's something I've never understood.  I know some stereotypes are stereotypes for a reason but since when does simple annoyance with the way a group of people may drive condone calling them weird and derogatory names?  FYI - if you believe in Jesus, you are certainly a hypocrite if you are a racist - read the new testament people not just the old testament.

5)  Christian Louboutin makes wonderful shoes but like celebrities, they are overrated.
And I want some bad so at least I will admit that the marketing bug is getting me.  But I'm holding strong.  I will...not...give in!!!

6)  The celebs with the following initials do not have nice legs: RF, HD, LM and BK.
No inner calf shapeliness.  Yes I'm being snarky but I'm sick of people thinking these people are perfect.  There is beauty in imperfection so let's keep it real.

7)  Dane Cook is not, was not and has never been funny.
I really don't even have comments for this one.

8)  Everything is bigger in Texas.
But that doesn't mean it's real big - you feel me?

9)  Having a nose job means you've had plastic surgery.
So many celebrities say that have not had plastic surgery but they will consider it in the future when they in fact have had nose jobs.  Nose jobs count, people.  Paris...you have had plastic surgery.  So has my favorite actress but it's ok.  I just don't understand the denials when it is obvious.  Makes me think they think we are stupid.  Well, maybe we are because we made Paris famous.  I say we but I do not mean me.

10)  Intelligence, humor and respectfulness are very important. 
Are you reading this, youth of America?  Of the world?  Those are very important traits especially respectfulness.  Stop thinking that only you matter.  We all matter.  I say we and I mean me!

    

This is my favorite new website.



I came across YesStyle.com via a google search of long puff sleeve cropped cardigans (which I've been unable to find what I am looking for, but I digress).  It has so many items - you really won't believe it.  On slight glitch is that they do not have sub categories for the plethora of items offered.  But it's fun to search a new website anyway so even though it might take me two days to get through the sweaters, I have a feeling it will be worth it.  I'm a bit weary of international shipping but I would be a guinea pig just because everything is so stinkin' cute.

    

Here is a funny text I sent my hubs earlier today:

If we wait another 2 years or so to have a kid, why can’t I get a French Bulldog?  What a great Christmas present that would be… An all white Frenchie and I may name her Frenchie.  Her and Tai’son would be bestest friends!!!!!!!!

The background on this is that I want a French Bulldog but we already have a Shiba Inu (that would be Tai'son) and my husband doesn't want two dogs until we move into a bigger home.  However, we are not moving any time soon and in my opinion our home has plenty of space.  Also, I think our dog needs a friend. 

Well, my clever other half asked me, "Would you rather have a baby or a dog?"  Without hesitation, I said baby but I got to thinking.  We are waiting a little bit before we procreate so why can't I get a dog now?  I think it's because he doesn't like bulldogs (of any kind really).  He's such a dog snob.

I'm going to work him over a bit more because I want a Frenchie so bad.  Bad, I tell you.

    

Jil Sander Reverse Heel Sandal

These are a complete anomaly of design practicality.  I don't think that makes since but these shoes have my brain cloudy.  Sorry.  I could wear them for 47 seconds (maybe) before my arch would fall and I'd have to make a call to the podiatrist for sudden onset plantar fasciitis.  Who thinks these would be comfortable?  Anyone?

    

For my dining room, I want a trestle table.  I've seen a lot of them lately and I am sure that this is the style I want.  Here are some choices I found so far.


Nice but a bit ornate for me and my smaller-ish dining room.  Versailles Collection from TheFurniture.com.



This one is starting to look better although there is something about it that says to me, "boardroom".  Canterville Table from Home Decorators.






This is my favorite.  It's modern, casual and impressive.  Chianni Trestle Table from Ballard Designs.

Hitch:  the price.  Geez, I don't know why they are so expensive.  I am such a cheapo except when it comes to shoes and jeans.  I guess I need to broaden my tastes a bit more if I want a nice home.  Not that I can't furnish my home at bargain prices but I want very specific items that seem to cost more than average.  Hubs likes nice things so he doesn't mind spending more but I don't want to.  I want nice for cheap.  So, if anyone sees a black trestle style dining table for an unbelievable price - let me know. 

    

I'm so in love with Sam Sparro.  Too bad he's gay.  What am I saying?  I'm married. 


image via RWD Magazine

Seriously, though.  I adore him.  He's so cute and his obvious gayness makes him all the more endearing.  I love how soulful his voice is.  He's funny as hell, eg. the song "Cottonmouth".  Hilarious video too.

I'm so glad they used one of his songs for Dancing with the Stars.  That routine was better than the show.

Sorry, SL, I have a new gay crush.

    

Why are there are so many amazing sales going on right now when I have no extra money?

Let's see what's out there:















I'm really hoping that stores continue to have these super great sales throughout the holiday season.  They need to try and get in the black this year more than ever so I'm sure we'll see even better sales pop up in Nov. and Dec.  Just give me a few more weeks, stores.  Please.

    

Thanx, SJR

My Name:

1.Your rock star name (first pet, current car):
Sasha Montero

2.Your gangsta name (favorite ice cream flavor, favorite type of shoe):
Java Chip Stiletto

3.Your Native American name (favorite color, favorite animal):
Black Lion

4.Your soap opera name (your middle name, city where you were born):
LeKaye Dallas

5.Your Star Wars name (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 of your first name):
Cocca or Evaca (married name - haven't changed it yet)

6.Superhero name (2nd favorite color, favorite drink):
Green Tea

7.NASCAR name (the first names of your grandfathers):
Frankie Charles

8.Dancer name (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy):
Patchouli Butterscotch

9.TV weather anchor name (your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter):
Haynes Hartford

10.Spy name (your favorite season/holiday, flower):
Winter Ranunculus

11.Cartoon name (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now):
Pineapple Sweatpants

12.Hippie name (what you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree):
Coffee Magnolia

13.Movie star name (first pet, first street where you live): 
Sasha Shadybrook

    

Great news all around: 

    1) I was offered a job as a Purchasing Assistant this past week and I took the offer and started working on Wed.  I really like it so far.  So the company is not in the Apparel Industry but the job is great experience.  I've learned so much just in the past 3 days.  My boss is the buyer and I cannot tell you how cool it is to really see what goes on behind the scenes of retail buying.  I'm thinking that in about 2 years or so, I can see about an Assistant Buyer position in a company that actually sells clothing!  I've already had perks at the new job so I'm drooling thinking about free/discounted clothes.  But I digress.  I'm in the moment and really enjoy the people I work with and what I do.  It feels so great b/c I really detested my last job.  The company was just not a good fit for me, my skills or my personality.  Thank you Lord, God Almighty!!!  And Jesus!

    2) I was approved to sell at the upcoming Etsy Dallas Jingle Ball.  Again, so excited.  It has been so long since I've done a show so I am anxious to get feedback from my customers and make some extra Christmas cash.  This should be a great event for Christmas shopping so please come.  There will be a wide variety of offerings from fellow Dallas artisans.  I will be shopping myself.



See, exciting things!!!

    

I am so confused by this mag cover:



I am a fan of Faith Hill so I'm not hatin' on her and her amazing body.  What puzzles me is that she has this amazing figure, which is on full display, but she is wearing a cardigan.  Is anyone else with me here?  Maybe if it was a cover-up type of situation, I could get on board with this but it really just makes me confused.  Why would she need to cover up her arms?  It's just weird.  But great abs!