We're One

Today marks the one year mark that I started this adventure called blogging. I never thought that starting a blog about things I liked and random celebrity tidbits would provide me with so much more than just my general amusement. It brought me into a community of fantastically amazing people all over whom I might have otherwise missed out on. Something I can't even comprehend now. I sincerely thank each and every one of you for visiting my blog. I thank you even more if you post a comment from time to time. I thank you even more than that if by this so-close-yet-so-far-away medium, you have become my friend. I *heart* you all. xoxo

Most Perfect Dress

To me, anyway. Swoon.

Like Turkey And Mashed Potatoes...

Coldplay and Jay Z make a great combo. I'm currently crazy for their new track on Coldplay's Prospekt's March EP, Lost. (get the whole album on Amazon for $5.99!)

ps- Lovers In Japan is also amazing!

Be Thankful

Thanksgiving is a day where I feel it absurd to wear anything with a waistband that does not stretch. That is why leggings might have been invented in the first place. Also absurd? Missing the big game where UT is sure to crush A&M securing a fantastic season for the Horns. This year I am thankful for my family, their health, my job, my friendships, my new house and the countless little blessings in my life that go unnoticed each day. What are you thankful for?

Have a wonderful holiday everyone! xo

All About Moi

The other day I was tagged by the lovely Sarah from Broadway Bound. The survey she sent me was fun and made me think a little bit. Thanks so much Sarah!

10 years ago – Finishing up my first semester at UT. I had a life drawing class where we had to draw a nude model everyday. It was bizarre and the end of my student career as an art major.

8 years ago – I was about to turn 21. And my fake ID that said I was 5’9” was about to be retired. (ps – I’m 5 feet even! Ha!)

6 years ago – I was embarking on my fifth year of college. Yes, fifth. I guess that fake ID got me in more trouble than I thought. Well, that and my inability to pick and stick with a major. But who cares. I had fun learning all the stuff I picked up in my extra year – political sociology, human sexuality, children’s literature and cultural anthropology. Pretty well rounded education, huh? ☺

2 years ago – I would have just learned that my dad had inoperable pancreatic cancer and that the holidays that followed would most likely our last with him. And they were. He would have been 63 today.

Five yummy things:
1. French Fries
2. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
3. Fried Green Tomatoes
4. Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies
5. Guacamole – on anything!



Five songs I know by heart:
1. Total Eclipse Of The Heart – Bonnie Tyler (you know you do too!)
2. Livin’ on a Prayer – Bon Jovi
3. Lodi Dodi – Snoop Dog
4. Don’t You Want Me Baby – Human League (great 80’s karaoke song!)
5. Like A Prayer - Madonna




Five places I would like to escape to:

1. A pretty beach in Greece
2. A table on the deck at Hula Hut in Austin (only if all my friends could be there too)
3. Alys Beach (how gorge does it look?)
4. A trendy New York coffee shop to people watch
5. Venice, Italy



Five things I would never wear:

1. Bangs - my cowlicks eff them up every time. No more!
2. Orthopedic shoes
3. Denim on denim
4. Anything from Brighton
5. A fanny pack

Five favorite TV shows:
1. Gossip Girl
2. The Office
3. 30 Rock
4. Top Chef
5. Mad Men




Five things I enjoy doing:

1. Reading (books, magazines, blogs, newspapers, you name it!)
2. Shopping online (it’s kind of becoming a problem)
3. Catching up with my best friends who are dispersed all over the country.
4. Date night – I love trying a new restaurant and going to a good movie.
5. Playing with my niece.

Five Favorite toys:
1. My iPhone – it blows as a phone but I can’t live without it.
2. iTunes is my addiction. My paycheck should be direct deposited in Steve Job’s bank account.
3. Trivial Pursuit – you can’t have a better time if you have the right crowd.
4. Bubbles. Simple, cheap and endless fun.

Five people who I am tagging to fill this out:

1. Camilla at High Heeled Foot In Door
2. Jozette at Regardez moi
3. Baking With Plath
4. Kim at Brown Button
5. Melissa at The Lil Bee

Did You See It?

If you saw Twilight this weekend, fess up. Did you like it? Hate it? Did it make you want to have 10,000 of Edward Cullen's babies? Let me know in the comments.

Mr. & Mrs. Pratt

Discuss.

Break Me Off A Piece Of That

My contribution to the Thanksgiving table this year is a pie. This one fits the bill. Yum.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

When the weather outside gets frightful, I like to stay in and curl up on the sofa and get lost in a movie, book or magazine with a cup of peppermint hot chocolate, a cozy blanket and some comfy loungewear (or "comfortblies" as I called them as a kid). Above are all the things I need to settle in for a long winter's night. Now if one would only show up.

Dig In

Gwyneth's most recent GOOP newsletter breaks down a Thanksgiving menu every which way but my favorite offering from her holiday arsenal has to be the idea of stuffed turkey burgers on Thanksgiving Day. Turkey, stuffing and cranberry ketchup all wrapped up toasted ciabatta bun - delish! I guess if you were going to go this "diner" way of serving the holiday meal some nice compliments to it would be crispy sweet potato fries and a pumpkin milkshake. Yum!

Hearts Breaking Everywhere

Sigh. Bummed, yet I approve.

O & Joe

Cupcakes? I smell a bromance coming on.

Four Years

Today marks our four year wedding anniversary. It seems like it was just yesterday I was picking up my bouquet, giving my mom a quick kiss before my brother seated her in the church and I took my dad's arm as he walked me down that never ending aisle. It felt like just moments ago we slowly moved around the dance floor with Norah Jones softly crooning in the background. And Hawaii, well, that felt too long ago. Let's go back now! Thank you, my love, for all the wonderful love you have shown me over the last four years. You are my best friend and I adore you for the wit, smarts, heart and kindness you put into everything you do, especially our marriage. I love you.

(our wedding photos currently reside in a box in a storage unit somewhere or else i would have shared them you! next time - i promise!)

Coat Crazy

I'm going crazy for the cute coats and jackets and Urban Outfitters these days. Here are three coat trends that I am loving and wanting:

Faux Fur Fo Sho'

Military with ladylike ruffles

Mad about plaid

Little Hands, Big Hugs

I found this vintage pic of TomKat (haven't heard that in a while, huh?) and laughed out loud. Doesn't it look like she has baby arms and hands? Much like Judy from this SNL skit. Love Kristen Wiig.

Obsessed

After brushing off all the hype around cult sensation,Twilight, I finally broke down and bought the book yesterday after hearing friends gush over it this past weekend. OMG. I cannot put it down. Now, I'm not the kind of person who geeks out over teen vampire book or movies without the name Buffy in the title, but I can't wait to see this one. Are you on the Twilight bandwagon?

Wanted

New Braids!

And how to get them. Gorge.

This Little Light Of Mine

A while back, I asked you folks to weigh in on a little light debate between my and my hubs. We actually decided to go with none of our original choices. Doug has been so fantastic in letting me have so many things my way with the house that I gave him the task of picking out which ever one his heart desired. And he picked a good one. Here it is in some other fabulous house and look at the gorgeous shadows it casts on the ceiling. Oh, I can't wait. Projected move in date: December 8th!

Me & Madge

I had the great fortune of being amongst greatness last night. Madonna played my hometown for the first time in 18 years (Houston was her only Texas tour stop) and it was hands down the most sensational show I have ever seen. The woman is a maniac and at 50, I can't see her slowing down anytime soon. Not only did she play for 2 hours straight, she sang while she danced, she sang while she bounced and played the guitar and she sang while she jumped rope for like five minutes straight. She did amazing modern twists on old favorites like Get Into The Groove, La Isla Bonita, Borderline and my personal fave Madge song of all time, Like A Prayer (I can die happy now that I have heard her sing it in person). And let's not talk about her body. Ok, let's. It is amazing. Her thighs appear to actually be smaller than her calves. She spent the first part of the show in a pair of little track shorts that I think would fit my three year old niece. If that is what sleeping in a plastic bag and Kabbalah water does for you, sign me up. I will definitely be buying the concert DVD when it comes out so I can relive it over and over. I am exhausted today and my feet are a little tuckered out from dancing, but I wouldn't have missed her for the world.

ps- Madonna was staying at La Colombe d'Or in Houston last night. She usually opts for this small, secluded spot rather than living it up at any one of Houston's big hotels. Here is a glimpse of the girly, antique laden suites at the Mansion. It is a block away from my office. I'm sure she is long gone back to A-Rod by now but I still might cruise by at lunch!

Go With The Row

I absolutely adore this video showcasing the new holiday collection by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's clothing line, The Row. Shot at Mary-Kate's LA home (that is her bedroom with the fur comforter) and styled by Vanessa Traina, the video highlights the endless possibilities of the various pieces in the line. I think it is shot beautifully and accentuates the loveliness of the simplicity of the clothes.

Hey Recessionistas!

The delights of Hayden - Hartnett will also be gracing your Target racks starting December 28th. With price points starting at $19.99, you can easily swing one of these beautiful bags with the trusty holiday $20 from your Nana.

Gap Does It Again

Gap always has the best holiday ads. This year is no exception. Check out this infectious video chock full of stylish, Gap-clad celebrities.

Trend I Heart: The Statement Necklace

Aren't they pretty?

Get Lowe

I'm loving this photo of Daisy Lowe.

Guess Who?

Hint: His reality show starts it's 5th season tonight.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

WHAT I TOOK AWAY FROM THE HILLS THIS WEEK!!!

Many of you have written comments and even sent me emails asking me to please resume my Hills recaps and this week, I am happy to oblige. The last few episodes have been less than stellar and my interest in the primary Audrina/Justin Bobby story line faded faster than Audrina's interest in Corey. Not to mention the cast has been acting like a scene right out of Trading Places. Lauren is the new Whitney, Whitney is the new Audrina and Audrina is the new Lauren. No one wants to be Heidi so she is still stuck playing herself, day in and day out. So here is where we pick up:

• Audrina has moved out into a house of her very own
• Whitney and Lauren still toil away at People's Revolution (and by toil I mean update their Facebook pages)
• Heidi got her skinny, plastic ass fired from Bolthouse by Bolthouse for drinking at a work event
• Stephanie has a douchey boyfriend named Cameron
• Lo is M.I.A. much to the delight of Hills fans everywhere

Let's get to it shall we?


1. Lauren and Whitney jet over to NYC to help Beetlejuice..er...I mean Kelly Cutrone put on Men's Fashion Week. Kelly informs the girls that they are to head over to help a designer get ready for his show and oh, Whitney's model friend Alex would be there. Whitney blushes and probably realizes her Kelly Kapowski ensemble is not male model magnet material.


2. Ok, all male model stereotypes aside, it takes a real man to hit on a TV darling with barrettes in his hair and a spray tan courtesy of Stevie Wonder. I don't know why but Alex gives me the Nate Archibalds. Maybe it is the man bangs.


3. A male model proceeds to hit on Lauren with flirting tips from the 40 Year Old Virgin by answering her questions with questions. Lauren, having been romanced by douche after douche, eats it up and giggles at everything. Will she ever learn?


4. Whitney and Lauren arrive at Il Bastardo after the show. The model who flirted shamelessly with Lauren and invited them out introduces them to his GIRLFRIEND!!! Didn't see that one coming. Touche MTV. Whitney is too busy to care. She has been put in a spellbinding trance by the vocals of the model's roommate, Jay, who is performing with his band. And like Lauren, Whitney has a hard time keeping it cool.


5. Back in LA, Spencer convinces Heidi to go out, get her mind off her old job and "celebrate" the fact that they now have more time to spend together now that she got fired. What a doll, that Spencer. So they celebrate by going out to a club. Yes, way to get your mind off the job you had doing club promotions. That Spencer is a regular Mensa Member is he not? Of course, who happens to be there but Brent himself. Spencer, having the delusional level of self confidence that afflicts people like Sarah Palin, goes up to him to try to get Heidi her job back. Brent straight up tells Spencer that he is bad news and the conversation is making him uncomfortable which could be a product of Spencer not being the greatest respecter of personal space. Brent tells him to go and to not come around his clubs anymore. BURN!!!!! Spencer doesn't have a comeback for this one. He just stands there glaring at Brent with his Adderall eyes as we fade into a commercial break.


6. Poor hottie model Alex stands back and watches Whitney get wooed by the Australian singer, Jay. Alex knows he is had. Nothing can compete with a guy with an accent who also plays in a band. We American girls are easy like that. I will point out, Alex dear, that your chances were also probably greatly diminished by that hat. However, your bone structure is divine so buck up.


7. Heidi approaches Brent to transparently apologize for Spencer coming to talk to him for her. It doesn't exactly go as well as she hoped as you can see by the body language. I mean, we all know that Heidi's job at Bolthouse was bullshit and she has ambitions of being a religious pop singer with dreams of winning an Oscar. I suggest Heidi call Jessica Simpson and see how that plan is doomed to fail. Also, I don't know why but I thought Brent was like 5'2'' or something. He just looks so gnomish on TV.


8. The evening comes to an end and Alex watches Whitney get whisked away by the Aussie singer into the New York night. Lauren I guess is left behind to drown her lovelorn self with shots at the bar with the other model and his girlfriend. And here, ladies and gents (any gents out there?), we have our segue into The City and the tales of Whitney, Jay and Alex.

So, the MTV producers did us a solid and provided an Audrina/Lo free episode. We get to see a more free and fun side of Whitney and a bevy of smokin' new men. So tell me, did you like the set up for The City? Who is hotter: Jay or Alex? Is it me or is Whitney and Lauren's job a lot like being a line-leader in elementary school? Talk to me, lovelies!!!!! 

Let's Get Lively

Blake Lively is on the cover of December's W Magazine with a lengthy interview. My favorite part? The confession that in high school she was a member of a show choir that sang Bon Jovi tunes. A girl after my own heart. On the other hand, I think Blair would disapprove.

Coppola Goes Commercial

Tonight, in the commercial breaks between the drama of Jenny and Nate and Lilly and Rufus, Sofia Coppola's commercial (her first ever) for Miss Dior Cherie perfume will debut. Coppola directed model Maryna Linchuck as she has a fitting at the Dior atelier in Paris and playfully romps through the city streets, all to Brigitte Bardot's song, "Moi, Je Joue." It should be a fun, girly love fest for the eyes.

Aww Nuts

A few weeks ago at my new favorite wine bar we ordered the cheese sampler to go along with our selection of pinot noir. The cheese was delicious but the studs of the sampler would have to be the handful of Marcona Almonds that graced the cheese board. Marcona almonds, aka the "Queen of Almonds," are imported from Spain. They are shorter, rounder, softer, and sweeter than the California variety. They are roasted in oil and then sprinkled with sea salt for an amazing flavor that is out of this world. And then the gracious hostesses of my bunco group served them up last week and it was all I could do not to eat the entire bowl. Remember these little gems for your holiday get-togethers or any upcoming events like engagement parties or baby showers. They are sure to be a hit on the snack table!

Unchain My Heart

Gemma Redux jewelry has long been bookmarked on my want list.


The gorgeous mix of braided metal chains and the occasional tiny stone are just breath taking. What I wouldn't give to have these babies on my wrist on Christmas Day.


Another fan of Gemma Redux? That would be Serena. That's right. The dynamic Gossip Girl wardrobe team often decks Serena out in the latest by Gemma.


Also, here is an interview with Rachel Dooley, the brains and talent behind the beautiful jewelry.

The Sart Speaks

Learn what got him into fashion (sports). Learn what helped keep him interested (chicks). And learn about the style he loves (which if taken to heart, just might increase your odds of ending up on his site). Read the interview here.

A Little Foodie Fodder For You

Top Chef will be back next week! I can't wait!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Pretty In Pink

Pink is the #1 selling color of clothing, yet you don't usually see anyone wearing it. This got me to thinking, I only own one pink thing. I wonder where all the pink goes. Does it go in your closet? Tell me, do you wear pink?

Image of Natalia V. from The Sartorialist

Tree Trimmin'

Every year I treat myself to a new Anthropologie Christmas ornament. They are on the pricey side so I make sure the one I select is special enough to merit tree real estate. I think this year, to commemorate our new house, I will buy the Cozy Cottage ornament. And since a gal needs a cute outfit to rock inside her cozy abode, I might pick this one up too.

ps- these ornaments also make a great gift for newlyweds with few ornaments!!!

The Boyfriend Jean

I know Current/Elliot and their super cute boyfriend jean is the hottest craze these days, but I think if I were to jump on the bandwagon I still prefer the real deal.

Thakoon At Target

Thakoon is the next designer to take over the glorious racks of your neighborhood Tarjey. The collection is bright, floral and fabulous. Of all the pieces, this dress is the one I heart the most.

Hippie Holiday

I'm loving the Barney's Hippie Holiday themed mailer. The psychedelic 3D look of the type and the dreamy images are a very groovy combination. Go here to see all the cool spreads (and gorgeous goods)!