happy memorial day!

Happy Memorial Day! I'm appreciating our troops with beach days and barbeques! The weather is perfect this weekend and I'm excited to work on my tan and spend the evening with good friends and good food. :)

And of course, having tomorrow off from work doesn't hurt either!

highway to hell

I'm going to take a moment to complain about the decline in decent drivers lately. I feel like every time I get in my car it is stressful and aggravating because so many people just do not know how to drive.

Route 1 is by far the highway with the worst offenders on it. My apartment complex is right on route 1. Every morning I pull out of my complex onto the highway to go to work. Every afternoon I get back on this same highway to go home. It isn't hard. Here's a little primer:

• You pull onto the highway when there is enough space for you to do so. You pull out, then SPEED UP. Don't mosey onto the highway. If your car accelerates slowly, wait until there is a huge gap in traffic. Or, better yet, get a new car.
• If you're getting off the highway, do not come to a halt, then take your exit. Get over to the right as far as you can, slow down without stopping, and get off the highway. Don't slow down and take up the whole lane so the people behind you have to stop because you're an imbecile.
• The left lane is for passing. If you are in this lane, you should be passing the people in the right lane. If you're not, get the hell over.
• The right lane is for traveling at the speed limit. If the speed limit is 50, 40 is unacceptable. Even if you are in the "slow" lane. However, if you're in the right lane, and the person in front of you is going too slow, get over into the passing lane and PASS THEM. Don't drive up their ass.
• Lastly, and I have seen this happen TWICE in the past month, NO STOPPING ON THE HIGHWAY TO LET SOMEONE PULL ON. This happened to me a few weeks ago, where someone in front of me came to a halt on route 1 to let someone on the highway. There wasn't even traffic. Then yesterday morning someone stopped on route 1 to let me pull out. Once again, no traffic, except the truck barreling down the highway behind the guy who stopped, almost causing a collision. Nothing about this section of route 1 makes someone think it may be a side road. It is clearly a highway and this is unacceptable.

Don't even get me started on parking lot behavior.


/rant



this is not route 1.

xoxo, lil j

I am a fan of Gossip Girl, even though this season was pretty lame until the end. And even though I think Jenny is a hot mess minus the hot, and she is so incredibly annoying on that show with her ratty extensions and raccoon eyes...I'm really kind of digging this song from her band Pretty Reckless:


The Pretty Reckless - Make Me Wanna Die from Rowan Abeelen on Vimeo.

madewell: online shopping, finally!

Gosh I'm so excited. Madewell FINALLY has online shopping. Will I purchase anything? Maybe. But I am cheap and poor. I really just love being able to look at everything and dream.

Madewell

images via madewell.com

things my boyfriend does

And now, because I'm sure many people have been waiting with bated breath, this week's installment of Things My Boyfriend Does.

With the recent success of a Chore Chart I had to make for him in an effort to bribe him into picking up after himself (he gets one backrub minute for each chore completed, which looking back was a bit generous), this week's piece is:

My Boyfriend Helps Out Around the Apartment: Part I

My boyfriend is a slob. He knows it, I know it, his past roommates know it. Everyone who has ever met him knows it. He probably gets more food on his clothing than he does in his mouth when he eats. I would always be slightly embarrassed when I hung out with him at one of his older apartments, since I had a sneaking suspicion most of the mess was his. I, in denial, told myself that these were houses full of boys, of course they would be messy! I, again in denial, decided to move in with Boyfriend, thinking he would of course be neater when he was living with a girl.

Of course, I was wrong.

Our apartment is tiny. One little thing out of place makes the whole thing look like a filthy barn. Boyfriend could see, due to the tantrums, screaming fits, and tears I shed, that I was not happy with his slovenly habits. The darling boy decided to make more of an effort to help. 

First was the vacuuming.

We got a little cheapo vacuum that can easily be tucked in a corner of the apartment, since we don't have any storage space to speak of. It is green, slightly sparkly, and matches our decor. I came home from work one afternoon in October to find he had not only put the Christmas tree up (in OCTOBER) but he had also had the presence of mind to vacuum up all the little plastic pine needles that fell onto the carpet. He was just wrapping the cord to put the vacuum away when I walked in. I was a bit disturbed that our Christmas tree was up before Halloween, but thrilled that he had vacuumed. 

"The plastic needles were all over the carpet. I knew you wouldn't like that, so I fixed it." he shrugged, proudly. "But that vacuum is horrible. Why is it so small? You didn't tell me it wasn't a full sized vacuum when we bought it."

I was perplexed. It is a full sized vacuum. I asked him what he meant.

"The handle is so short!" he claimed, "I had to stoop over the whole time I was vacuuming. My back is killing me." I looked at the vacuum, standing maybe three feet tall, tucked in the corner. 

"Well didn't you pull the handle out?" I asked. 

"What do you mean, 'pull the handle out'?" I walked over to the vacuum, pressed on the button marked HANDLE RELEASE and voila, the handle extended another foot or so. Boyfriend sighed in distress.

"Well how was I supposed to know it did that!"

"Why would a vacuum be that short!" I countered. Boyfriend hasn't vacuumed again. I think the vacuum won. I know I definitely lost, since this is one chore I know I will never get his help with because of our "stupid midget vacuum."

i'm NEVER having children

http://shitmykidsruined.tumblr.com/

harry potter world!!!

I am SO EXCITED for Harry Potter World. Don (my mom) and I are currently in the beginning stages of planning a trip there sometime within the next year. I stumbled across this video of a few of the movie cast members taking a tour of the park (Hermione, Neville and Fred and George). The video is okay, since it shows a bit of the exhibits, but more importantly, how cute is Emma Watson in that sun dress?? I want it!

found.

The series finale of Lost was last night. I have such mixed feelings about it. On the one hand, I do like the way it ended, on the other hand, looking back, I feel like this entire season kind of deviated from what Lost was for these past five years. From old-school Lost to this season just felt like a huge deviation for me. But the end was satisfying and heart-wrenching, I felt. And now, since I love them so much, a video:

reward zone

So I am down six pounds! It might not seem like anything to write home about, and honestly I don't see a huge difference in the way I look or the way clothes fit, but I am just so proud of myself! I'm below the weight I have been stuck at for years and years. I've decided that when I reach various weight loss milestones I'm going to treat myself to something (not food!).

For the ten pound mark (only four more to go!) I'm going to get an hour-long massage. Ahhhh.

For the fifteen pound mark, I'm going to get myself some new work-out gear so I can feel cute while I'm racking up my steps. No more old baggy tees and sweatshirts!

let's get physical by sparkleisacolor featuring Aerie

Items in this set:
Women's Aerie F.I.T. Seamless V-Neck Tank - aerie, $35
Women's Aerie F.I.T. Cropped Workout Pant (Pink Anchor), $40
Women's Aerie F.I.T. Cross-Strap Workout Bra (True Black), $25

For the twenty pound mark, I'm thinking a new bikini. I've never felt comfortable spending money on bathing suits, since I've never felt like they looked good on me. If I can get to the twenty pound weight loss mark, than I deserve a nice bikini!

I'm thinking one of these. I've had my eye on the bottom one for years, and the top one has SEQUINS. Naturally I will roll in the sand and have a photo shoot in whichever one I purchase.

If I reach my ultimate goal of losing twenty five pounds, I will have to come up with a really ultimate prize. I don't know what it will be yet. Any ideas?

don't go out without a raincoat

Please enjoy this video, which at the end features Le Michele from Glee with her Mom on a 1999 PBS special. Then enjoy the second woman who speaks, because she is so obviously who Mrs. Doubtfire was based on. She looks uncannily like Robin Williams.

stop. hammer time.

Thank you, Refinery29, for proving that just because something is expensive does NOT mean it is stylish or better.

http://www.refinery29.com/denim-disasters-the-ugliest-jeans-ever.php

things my boyfriend does

Okay, here it is, a day late but whatever. The first installment of...Things My Boyfriend Does! This will be a semi-regular feature describing the little annoying/silly/ridiculous things my boyfriend does. I haven't exactly told him I'm doing this yet, since he'll probably put the kibosh on it. Maybe if everyone leaves supportive comments!

I have a whole slew of these anecdotes, but I think we'll start with the classics. Namely, The Other Berries.

So, for our first installment...

My Boyfriend Makes Grocery Lists

I keep a magnetic note pad on our refrigerator for the grocery list. When I think of something we need, I put i on the list. I encourage Boyfriend to do the same, only he rarely does. Then he complains that I didn't get him any food. I'm sorry for all the times I did this to my mother, truly.

One day, as I was waiting for a friend to pick me up to go out, I was standing in the kitchen, and noticed he had finally added something to the list. He had gotten a Magic Bullet for Christmas and was obsessed with making "Boozies" (a smoothie that starts off healthy, then he adds copious amounts of alcohol). His "Boozies" need lots of frozen fruit. So, in his chicken scribble, he had added his fruit needs to the list.

I stepped closer to read it. Something didn't look right. Is that how you spell...? And what exactly is...? Just then, my friend arrived to pick me up. I snapped a quick picture with my phone so I could show her Boyfriend's list:

That is definitely not how you spell "berries." I also enjoyed how he came up with three types of berries, most likely paused, thought really hard about what other kinds of berries exist, and settled on "other berries." Or, should I say, "other berrys." When I posted this on Facebook, it got a slew of comments. My favorites were - in response to one commenters' "What are other berries?" - "huckleberries" and, of course, "dingleberries."

He hasn't made a grocery list since.

i want this

Newest list of things I HAVE TO HAVE right now:

1. Denim Jacket from Old Navy: I have one that I bought there years ago, but it has no pockets! This one does, and I love me some pockets. I plan on taking my old one to the tailor to have the length and sleeves cropped to wear over sundresses.

2. Marc Jacobs Perfume Splash in Biscotti: I tried this at Sephora last week and I am obsessed. It's light and delicious and perfect for summer. Plus is comes in a HUGE bottle, thus justifying the price. I hate buying perfume, but this is one I wouldn't mind paying for.

3. Yoga Works Beginner's DVD: I always end up buying exercise DVDs then never using them. This was onDemand last month and I was obsessed with it. It's on sale right now so I will probably end up buying it because I did really love it. Then it will gather dust alongside Cardioke. Sigh.

4. T-Strap Sandal from American Eagle: I have no red sandals. This must be rectified. Plus I am feeling like I am "over" flip flops as a casual shoe. I now prefer my sandals securely strapped to my foot. Unless I am at the beach. In case anyone was wondering about my feeling on sandals.


Stay Tuned! Tomorrow is the first installment of "Things My Boyfriend Does." I hope it turns out as hilarious as these episodes are in real life.

watching: Murder on the Orient Express

i like my whole house

I think everyone should do this every morning.

urban outfitters

It depresses me that there is not an Urban Outfitters closer to me. I'm being a baby, since Boston is only 20 minutes from where I live, but still. I'm heading into the city this weekend so hopefully I can make the stop in, because their newest catalog is giving me a serious case of the I Want's. PDF linkage below:

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/emails/catalog/downloads/MAY2010.pdf

let's go defense

During the recent hockey playoffs, I have come to realize something about women and men. And sports. Now, I know there are plenty of ladies out there who enjoy sports all on their own and would watch them day and night if they could. I am not one of these women.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy sports (except for football. GROSS. But that's another story for another time). I love going to baseball games in the summer, and I had fun at my first hockey game this past year. But I have no urge to spend upwards of two hours of my life watching them on TV. Or learning every minute detail of the rules. Or memorizing the players names and numbers. And yet, more often than not, I find myself on the couch with my boyfriend feigning interest.

I learned what icing is and what a power play means. I know who to hate on the other team and why. I admit, I started to get into it. I see the allure of watching your team play well and win. I did all of this because my boyfriend likes hockey and we only have one decent TV.

When we went on vacation I supported him when he wanted to stay in to watch the playoffs. Or when we had to choose our dinner location based on whether or not the restaurant's bar had hockey on the TV. I'm sure poor Jamie didn't understand why I was catering to my "special needs" boyfriend.

To be honest, I don't know why I was either. Does he sit down and watch Gossip Girl with me and wax poetic about Blair and Chuck? No. Does he guffaw loudly with me while I watch Modern Family or the Office? Nope. Lost goes completely over his head, he doesn't know his Jack's from his Jacob's. The few shows we do watch together we either Netflix or DVR, and he always watches them without me.

With our hectic, opposite schedules, sometimes TV time is all we really get together. Is it so much to ask that he wait before watching an entire season of Arrested Development without me? Apparently so. But still, I put on my recently purchased Bruins shirt, snuggle up on the couch, and comment on the player's bad hygiene. Someone has to make the effort. Since hockey is over, things will only get worse.

History Channel anyone?

casual tuesday

My brother has an excellent camera (don't ask me what kind, I have no idea about these things, but it was expensive and takes better pictures than mine) so while I was hanging out over there prior to Lost last week I had him snap a few shots of my boring outfit. I really just wanted to wear my sweet new Vans I bought on vacation ($20!). I wasn't feeling very creative so I just matched them exactly to my outfit. Can't go wrong like that right?

being fresh. my mom has a thing with doilies and fake plants. she has these set up in my old bedroom, so naturally i utilized this set-up.

you know, this is the one taken with my brother's camera and i don't think it even came out that good.

this is my psychotic-testing-the-light face. yeesh, i have issues.

wish i could be part of your world

OMG OMG OMG.

Jen from jenloveskev mentioned she found a Disney Pandora station, so obviously I had to investigate. Not only does it exist, it is AWESOME. The first song that came on mine is Part of Your World. Which is only like, the best ever Disney song.

Today just got a million and twelve times better.

Oh Lion King just came on! It is taking all my will power not to sing and dance in my cubicle right now.

pop up video

I've been a video-a-holic today it feels like.



I used to have a Bedazzler, but my Mom got rid of it when she tried to Bedazzle a beach bag and it didn't come out the way she wanted. Blame it on the Bedazzler Mom, sure. I kind of wish I still had it. I've been wanting to put some studs on jeans and things, and it would probably be easier with that miracle tool. Though Mom would probably disagree.


love is a burnin' thing from Katrina Solano on Vimeo.

Jamie and I found this bad boy at JR's on the way to Myrtle Beach. How amazing is this toy?! I thought it was amazing, as I'm sure you can tell by my giggling and squealing in the video. It was just one of the amazing artifacts JR's had to offer. We did get in trouble for taking pictures a little while after this video. They had a giant Santa! How can you put a giant Santa in a store and not allow people to take their pictures with it? Ridiculous.

vacation, all i ever wanted

Well it was back to reality today (and day one of my diet!). I actually felt refreshed going into work, but by the end of the day I was exhausted from catching up on all the work that piled up while I was gone.

But now, without further ado...our vacation!

wall of posters on a store front in Myrtle Beach

i want to go back! perfect beach, warm, clean water and big waves!

these were so hard to find! when they say "America runs on Dunkin" they must just mean the Northeast.

Nick & I at Broadway at the Beach, love it there. He found a bar with the Bruins on and other Bruins fans. They were having trivia that night too, so we entered.  We didn't win but it was so fun!

the GPS told us to take an exit that didn't exist, so it redeemed itself by sending us down Chicken Road. Jamie, my co-pilot, was in the middle of complaining about where the GPS was taking us when she said the best quote of the trip: "Oh my God this is like the Bermuda Triangle of the South take a left onto Chicken Road."

we went in a helicopter!! it was so, so awesome.

one of the amazing figurines they had at JR's. this one was entitled "Afro" but they also had "Nail Salon" which was just as awesome as it sounds.

just me with the tallest man in the world. no big deal. we went to Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum on the day it rained. 

All in all, it was an awesome trip. Good times with good people. I played my first game of bar trivia (we all agreed we were a great team and need to find somewhere around here to go), went on my first helicopter ride, and got to enjoy my very favorite outlets, hehe. Seriously, the outlets on Highway 17 in Myrtle Beach are awesome. I got a cute pair of sneakers at the Vans outlet for $20 and a yellow v-neck t-shirt for $15 at J. Crew. I had my eye on a white sparkly watch at Fossil, but it was kind of pricey so I'm going to shop around.

Now I'm off to make Egg Muffins!

home :)

No matter how fun a vacation is, it is always the best feeling to be back home. I missed my little apartment, especially my own bed! We had an AWESOME trip. Sadly I got sunburned and now my face is all gross and peel-y. Ugh, I am so mad at myself for letting that happen! But other than that it was amazing. Now I am home and freshly showered in my own shower and doing a conditioning treatment to my hair (lots of swimming in the ocean!) and waiting for Nick to bring Chinese food home for us. Lots more pictures later!

Myrtle Beach!

I'm in Myrtle Beach for the week with Jamie and Nick! I'll have tons of pictures and stories by next weekend I'm sure, but until then here's a little snapshot of our journey down here!




Obviously we stopped at JRs, a crazy discount store that advertises on billboards for MILES before you get there.



We stopped for drinks at a gas station that had a cooler with glass Coke bottles! It was cool, but they didn't have diet, haha.



And we had lunch at Bojangles! Which we don't have up North. The biscuits were delicious!


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