Before and After

So I plunged....maybe too deep, but I think I will love it in 2 weeks or so...

Schitzophrenia

I cancelled my hair appointment last night. Then I called this morning to cancel my cancellation. This is the first time I've been nervous about a haircut in ages! I usually don't even blink to cut it all off, but this time is different. Its not that I'm attached to my hair, or that I care that my boss hates that I'm cutting it (more reason to do it actually), I think all my changes are freaking me out.

I'm turning schitzophrenic I think.

But I am going to do it.

And I really want to try the Dior Addict High Shine lipstick. I might return my Target bangle and get the lipstick. It will go with the new hair. Is this against my clothing strike rules? I don't even know what my rules are to tell you the truth.

I'll be buying my juice for my fast this evening after my haircut. I think low sodium V8. I know, some people hate the stuff, but I really like it. I'll water it down a little too. Maybe I'll just fast until dinner and make a really healthy stirfry....

My brain is mush.

Yup, schitzophrenic.

Asceticsm for a Modern Girl

It started with the clothing strike. And the ideas just keep coming. I may have become a masochist overnight, because I keep thinking up all these ways of depriving myself. Deprived isn't the right word, limited is better. I am limiting myself.


The strange thing is that I'm excited about it!

So I've gone 4 days without purchasing an item of clothing. I have, however, purchased an enamel bracelet from Target for $18. I did say accessories were allowed initially, but I think this is a slippery slope, so they are now banned.






Next: a juice fast. Nothing crazy, just a one day fast with vegetable juice and water. It's a great way to give your digestive tract a rest and makes you feel energized (supposedly, will get back to you). If it goes well, it will be a weekly ritual. I will choose one day a week, say Monday, and just drink juice and water for the whole day. Will this last? Who the heck knows.



Possibilities:

* Giving blood once a month. This might not be asceticism for a lot of people, but for a needle-phobe it sure is!
* Limiting TV time to a couple hours a week instead of a couple hours a day. This one will be hard as hubby loves the boob tube more than me. If I could only think of a way to lure him away....

I'm not entirely sure what my motivations are for all of this. There are many possible reasons. Like more free time, a better financial outlook, a healthier body and a more active mind. But I think I like the idea of testing myself the most. Of just seeing if I can do it. The whole thing is quite liberating really.

Lets see if I feel the same way 6 hours into my juice fast:)

Going on Strike

I recently fell upon a great blog called Work That Wardrobe . It is the chronicle of a woman who has sworn off buying clothes for a whole year in order to save money and spend more time with her children. I urge you to visit her blog to get a better look at her motives, trials and tribulations.

This blog got me thinking. I really am a shopoholic. Its not horrible. I haven't gotten into any debt over it, I use only cash or my debit card when shopping. But I do spend all of my allowance on clothing, at least one item per week. This means I have no money to do other things, like go to the movies, out for drinks, to a show, or to a nice dinner.

So I am going on a similar clothing strike. I hereby swear not to purchase any more clothing until January 1, 2009. I will, however, all myself to 'trade' on ebay or at clothing swaps. As long as no currency leaves my wallet its ok.

This is really going to challenge me to use some self control and to really work with what I have. I'm going to need to spend more time creating new outfits from old clothes and accessorizing in a way that makes outfits fresh and unexpected.

Are any of you shopoholics who want to change? Would you like to join me in this endeavor? Even if you don't I could just use some support, its going to be a bumpy ride!

Picture Courtesy of RealSimple.com.

Fall Changes

I change my hair seasonally, and this is what I'm looking at:

What I have now:

What I am Contemplating:














I THINK I'M GONNA DO IT!!!!!!

Wardrobe Must-Haves...and Myths

I love shows like What Not to Wear (TLC hosts Stacy and Clinton in pic) and Tim Gunn's Guide to Style. They do wonderful things for the women they work with, but they often press their own idea of what wardrobe 'basics' are onto the guests and the viewers.

Every woman is different. We all know this. We should all celebrate this. We have different body shapes, coloring, jobs and lifestyles. With this in mind, I sometimes tilt my head to the right and furrow my brow when I see yet another list of 'wardrobe basics' that is supposed to be universal.

Don't get me wrong, I love reading these lists, but inevitably there are items that just don't work for all women. Or maybe they just don't work for me. Every woman should have their own list of basics that is tailored to the life they live, not to someone else's definition of what style is. Either way, here is my list of wardrobe basics and my list of basics that just don't work for me.

My Mythical Basics:

1. Black suit

I bought a black suit when I graduated college. I wore it too a few interviews... only to feel completely overdressed. I don't work in finance or the corporate sector, so the black suit just doesn't fit my lifestyle. I suppose I could have worn it to a wedding or evening event, but I just never felt compelled to. I haven't worn it in 4 years, so out it goes. I feel much more comfortable in a dress or a black skirt, shirt combo.

2. The classic white shirt. I love white, I look nice in white. Button down shirts, however, are not nice to a busty gal with a smaller waist. It is so darn difficult to find a white shirt that fits. And then when I find one (or have one altered to fit), I find myself feeling constricted. If I can move my arms comfortably, the shirt looks too big. If it looks like it fits, I can't freakin move. So I have lots of nice white knits. Knits are much nicer to me:) I especially love the look of a crisp white sweater. Maybe I can find a mossimo ultrasoft in white! Off to target.com I go...

3. Black pants. Now I would have agreed that this was a staple in high school and college. But I have this strange aversion to black pants now. I have a boatlaod of black sweaters and tanks. Its just me, I'm sure. I had at one point like 6 pairs. Now I have none. I would rather just wear charcoal, navy or tan. I live in trouser jeans anyway. For me, the blank pants were a cop-out. I didn't really have to try hard to make my outfit look nice. The pants did it for me. I have to work a little harder to make my non-black pants look smashing and effortless, and I like a challenge.

My True Basics:

1. Nude heels. I love these. I had to search the world over to find a shoe that wa nude against my skincolor. I don't get some brands' definition of nude. Nude should be close to skincolor, by definition. Not 4 shades darker. Anywho, nude heels make my legs look longer, they go with everything and they just look chic to me. I always reach for these.

2. Trouser jeans. I live in and for these. My new Levis came yesterday... I will be reordering about 4 pairs just in case they are discontinued. Dressed up or down, they are my version of the classic black trouser. As long as the wash is semi-dark, they can work for most occasions in my life.

3. Faux-cashmere sweaters. V-neck of course. I know they are classic and ultimate chic, but I can't deal with cashmere. I'm always afraid of ruining it, I don;t have the time or patience to clean it properly, and I think I may be allergic to it. However, I do love the new polyester alternatives. I know, the word polysester brings back visions of leisure suits and other mystery-fabric nightmares, but polyester has come a long way baby!

4. A fabulous haircut. I don't care if you are wearing vintage, pristine Chanel with Manolos, the whole look is ruined by a lousy haircut. I'll admit, I'm spoiled as far as this goes. I've worked in the same salon for almost 10 years and have the most amazing stylist. And I get it done for free! But I would pay full price for her in a second because I always love my hair. I change up my hair seasonally, either with black low-lights (not as strange as it sounds) or blunt short bangs. My hair is my ultimate accessory.

5. Signature piece of jewelry. Mine is a gold dragon ring with a diamond chip for an eye and a 6mm ball of jade in its talon. It is so detailed, scales have been etched into the gold. It is beautiful. Stolen (with permission) from my mom, it came over from China during a business trip my dad took years ago. The signature piece doesn't need to be bold, but it should be interesting and hold some kind of meaning or significance for the wearer. I love anything Asian-inspired and was told by a Medium that my spirit guide is a Dragon with a really long name that I can't pronounce. And my favorite color is green, so this ring was basically meant for me!


6. A really good handbag. I don't care that much for labels or specific designers, but when it comes down to it, they make the best quality handbags. I myself am a slave for Michael Kors handbags. I used to replace my bags several times a year. I have now carried my favorite MK for over 2 1/2 years. I had to have some stitches re-sewn in the handle at one point, but it is in great shape and I love it more than ever.

What are your true personal basics? Your mythical basics?

Essentials

There has been a lot of disaster footage in the news lately. Hurricanes, fires, floods, earthquakes and etc.. Whenever I see news like this, I think of what I would take with me if I had one suitcase and 20 minutes to pack ( I need at least 20 minutes...). Below are what I would take with me, my essentials. They may seem extremely trivial, but they are what I need to feel normal and human. Please post your own list in the comments section!

*Disclaimer: This post is in no way meant to trivialize or make light of those who have actually suffered these horrible events. For anyone interested in helping the victims of natural disasters, please contact the red cross at www.redcross.org.

My Essentials:

1. My wedding album

This is a must. I will leave my wedding dress, my dried bouquet, but I need my pictures. All the people I love are in the pictures, so this one album will be the only I take.

2. My laptop and charger

Do I really need to explain? I will scour the world over until I find SOMEPLACE with WiFi!

3. Benefit 'lemonade' under-eye base

I will have bags under my eyes, but no one needs to see them. This stuff is amazing. Its actually an eyeshadow base, but is the best undereye highlighter, camo that i have ever had.

4. Dr. Denese SPF 30 Day Cream

Who knows where the shelter will be? I may end up outside a lot. Plus its tinted and mattifying with some antioxidants.

5. Dove Deoderant in ShowerFresh

I refuse to stink. I don't really sweat much, I 'glisten'. However, even a little 'glisten' starts to stink without a shower after a while.

6. 1 pair of Levis 526 jeans ( i will inevitably be wearing the other pair)

I had to search ebay everyday for months to find them. I refuse to give them up until they are falling apart.

7. My dog-eared copy of Interview with a Vampire

My favorite book of all time. Have read many times and force all of my friends to read it. Very existential soul-searching novel. Beautifully detailed.

8. Sensodyne Pronamel Toothpaste...and a toothbrush

I have really sensitive teeth unless I use this. It also rebuilds enamel! For real people!

9. My hairdryer!!!!

I don't care if there is no power or plug. At least I know the second I have a working plug, I have my hairdryer. It will give me hope.

10. 2 Mossimo Ultrasoft V-Neck Sweaters

I love these. I have one in a lime green and one in heathered brown. They look and feel like cashmere, but since they are primarily polyester, they are easier to wash and were only $17.99 each.

11. Dockers Khaki Cargo Pants

I have had these pants for over 4 years...possibly the longest I have owned a single item of clothering. They go with everything and are really comfortable and light.

12. Express denim Jacket

13. 2 or 3 Tops from ATL

Ann Taylor Loft is my favorite store. Almost all of my shirts were purchased (with coupons and free shipping of course) from their website.

14. 3 Nude bras and 6 pairs of matching panties

I have to match. Just have too.

15. My nude heels

Same reason as the hairdryer...for hope.

16. Beat up Columbia Flipflops

17. Gunmetal pashmina

It will get cold eventually, and this color goes with everything.

18. Maybelline Collosal Mascara

I will NOT be seen without mascara. I don't care what the circumstances.

19. Chanel Coco Mademoiselle

Same reason as deoderant. And the smell just makes me happy.

20. Pearl necklace

Mom got it for me a few Christmases ago. I almost never wear them, but I like to take them out and look at them.

Don't think I can fit all that in one suitcase? Just watch me, I am a master packer!

I make escape wearing:

* Other pair of Levis 526

* White tank layered under an ATL top

* Wedding rings

* Diamond ring Mom gave

* Diamond studs

* Necklace from Ireland from Dad

*Rockport 'Chapel Hill' Loafers

* Mossimo Taupe Trench

* Michael Kors Slouch Bag (stuffed with cell, charger, lipgloss and vitamins)

* Kate Spade Eyeglasses

* Mr. Jingles under my arm

Hubby can fend for himself, though I will make sure he is in the vehicle before I make for the hills!

Updates and Reviews

I was in Florida for a long weekend to see my Mom, hence the lapse in posting. I could not get around her playing online Scrabble or checking out her eHarmony matches long enough to check my email, let alone check the status of my blog. All in all, it was a good trip. I love my mom, and I miss her, but I get depressed after trips to see her. I am inevitably brought to that place, 6 years ago, when my parents suddenly split and I became the parent. She's never really gotten over it, and when I'm there, I lose all the progress that I've made too.

A few days later, I am feeling better, but I still feel a little sad, for her, for me, for the loss of our family. That rhyme was so not intentional.

I've stopped my French lessons. I just can't find the time for them, and when I do, I feel more inconvenienced that anything. That is another once of several things that I have quit this year. I am just done doing things I feel pressured to do, even if that pressure is coming from me.

Went to the dentist the other day for the first time in a year (had crappy dental insurance last year) and was relieved to find I had no cavities!! I don't fear the dentist...I fear what he may do to me, so I always feel anxious during my cleanings. I've been cavity free for 3 years!! Sorry, this is probably only exciting to me.

I sent back the Facial Flex. I had fun for about a day, looking like a total cheese, but for naught. I felt muscle working, but not where I was hoping. Plus I ended up drooling on myself for the majority of the time I was using. Back to QVC it went!! I also found a yoga exercise that I feel works better, and its free! You tilt your head way back and open and close your mouth really slowly. You can feel the muscle under your chin and near any jowls stretching and working. At least that is what I am telling myself!

The Ramy Face Gloss is great. I use it everyday. I was dissappointed that the container is so small, but a little goes a long way. It is very natural looking. I use it on my cheeks and my lips, though I still use my Jane Iredale Toffee Gloss for the rest of the day. I tried it on my eyes once, and I looked...hungover, drugged, like the living dead. A great purchase!

The 100% Pure Green Coffee Eye Cream is my LOVE. It smells like chocolate, vanilla and something else. My husband says my face smells like cake when I apply it. It is very emollient and feels cool on the skin. It does reduce puffiness and discoloration, though only temporarily. There isn't much short of restalyne or surgery to fix these issues anyway. For $19, I will continue to purchase.


On the Way:
Levis Petite Wide-Leg Trouser Jeans. I fell in love when Levis introduced their 526 Nouveau Slouch Trouser jeans. Alas, like every good Levis cut, it was discontinued after a year. I have since scoured ebay for 3 years, finding a pair in my size every once in a while. These were the only jeans that I ever loved. Truly loved. They were low rise in the front, but higher in the back to prevent gapping and plumbers-crack. They were a slim wide-leg, so they did not taper at the knee and flare...a look that I don't much care for. And they were relaxed without looking lazy. I saw these on the Macys website and they LOOK like they might fit the bill. We shall see! If they fit, I will be ordering about 6 pairs, as I am sure they will be discontinued next year!!


Flat Edge Catherdral Diamond Setting (6 prongs to make stone look bigger!). My mom gave me a 1/4 carat diamond while I was visiting. She felt bad that my brother (and therefore my sister-in-law) got her 2/3 carat engagement diamond. It never really bothered me to tell you the truth, but I wasn't about to turn down a free diamond. My engagement ring is a setting of 3 clusters of diamonds, so I don't have a solitaire. This diamond was gift from my great-grandparents to my mom on the day she graduated high school, first in the family. It may be small, but it is totally flawless and colorless. I just need to get it set, so I ordered this custom online.

Reflections of the Soul

When most people talk about soulmates, they usually mean members of the opposite (or same) sex with whom they share their lives, children, homes, paychecks and sexuality. I agree with this to an extent. To me, a soulmate is a person who best reflects what is in your own soul because they have seen deeply into your core and openly accepted everything they have found there. I don't mean to say that they are like you in every way, or even at all. What I mean is that you can see yourself most truly through their eyes. I think it is also through these people that we can better learn about ourselves because they have accepted us so unconditionally without judgement. I have more than one person in my life that fit this description.

My:

SoulMATE: My husband. He has seen into and touched my soul, and he is my chosen lifelong mate. He has been there through the good, the bad and the ugly. Morning breath, PMS, whining, OCD, and seemingly frequent changes in career path have not deterred him and have not overshadowed what he sees in me. He is my harshest critic and my biggest fan. He is my shoulder to cry on, the voice of reason in my head, masseuse, spider-killer, drink-mixer, body pillow and favorite person on this planet.

Soul SISTER: My sister-in-law americankoukla. I didn't grow up with a sister, and Koukla has been the one I have always wanted. Compassionate, smart and stylish, she is the Greek-American version of Audrey Hepburn. She tempers my Yang with her Yin, answers every inquiry with honesty and inspires in my a desire to be more...French really. She is what I imagine an everyday French girl to be like. She is classy, composed and discrete, with a hint of sly humor and a taste for lifes pleasures. But don't be fooled by my description, she is often adorably clutsy and goofy too.

SoulMAMA: My mom truly is a soulmate to me. As Meg Ryan says in French Kiss, "Everyone loves their mothers. Even people who hate their mothers love their mothers". But I have a truly close relationship with mine. Don't get me wrong, I could never live with her, we are too much alike. I have her strengths and some of her weaknesses too. She can ALWAYS call my bluff, knock my ego back in check, bring me back to earth, all the while easing my greatest fears and making me learn my lessons for myself.

SoulSISTA- My friend KT decided that we were going to be best friends before I even decided if I liked her or not. She forces me to have fun and to be positive, despite how much I may resist. She has this uncanny ability to restore my faith in people and in myself no matter how bleak things may be. She brings out my inner child, is fiercely loyal and has the most infectious smile I've ever seen.

I probably have and will have more soulmates as my life goes on. I don't really know what I believe about the afterlife, but I think that there is one, and that I will recognize the ones who have touched my soul when I get there. Until then, thank you soulmates, for showing endless support, love and a true reflection of myself...no matter how much I may not want to see it!

Picture from Yahoo Images.

Not Enough Time in the Day

So I FINALLY finished and sent in my last course work for my Certification in Natural Wellness!! I had procrastinated so long, but I figure I completed 8 courses in a year and a half and they allow you up to five years...not too shabby.

I then FINALLY started taking my French lessons! I started with Pimsleur CD's that I got from my local library. I listened to them in my car on my commute to work, repeating the same CD at least once or twice to make sure I had mastered it before moving on to the next. I got through about 6 of the CD's in French 1 when I started carpooling. I have yet to recommence my lessons.

I can't force my fellow carpoolers to take my French lessons with me, so I am in a sticky situation. When else can I listen? I won't do it at home, that is now a non-work zone. Home is strictly for pleasure. I do get pleasure out of my lessons, but not that much.

I have a CD player on my desk at work. Is it appropriate to listen at work? I usually get there a little bit before most people, I suppose I could do it then. I can multitask pretty well. I just wonder how much I will absorb without 100% attention on the lesson.

Any thoughts or suggestions? I've waited too long already to start these lessons, I can't give up now!

Goodies!!

So after having been most frugal all summer due to joblessness and such, I have had a 2 weeks of splurging. Here's what I got:






Merona Ponte knit pleated dress. Fabulous fit, fabric and shape. Didn't want to pay shipping, so sent hubby the picture and had him go hunting at the Target near his office. What a good boy he is!!



Asus 1000H 80G EEE PC. My new lover. Panther. 10 inch screen, so nice and compact, but not as cramped as their 8.9 inch model which I purchased and promptly returned. This is technically for grad school, but I have to break it in right? Break-in will be performed with blogging, emailing and online window-shopping.


100% Pure Organic Coffee Eyecream. Has caffiene to stimulate the undereye area, diffusing puffiness and clearing blocked capillaries that cause dark circles. No results after 4 uses, but it smells amazingly like mocha latte and is very hydrating. Love that it is organic too.



Rockport Chapel Hill Moccasin/Ballet Flats. I LOVE these shoes. They are the casual non-sandals that I have been searching for all my life! They are cute with almost everything and are now, after 1 blister, completely broken in and comfy. So much cuter that the picture. They are more feminine and are a darker, walnuty brown.


On the way:


Ramy all in one Face Gloss in "I'm Over You". Trying to cut back on grooming products in a Feng Shui/ Simplifying Life attack I've been having since losing job. It is a peachy coral color that is supposed to look different on eyes, lips and cheeks. Won't be using on eyes, but really anxious to see what it does on the rest.



Facial Flex. See post below.


Best thing of all, got most of the items at HUGE discounts thanks to online coupons and Ebates. Also had some money to burn since I sold some big ticket items via Craiglist during my Feng Shui attack. My consumerism has come full circle, I am helping the economy!

A Day In the Life of a Contented Shar

I am a creature of habit. No matter what changes occur in my life, I have to have a plan and a routine. The plan will be examined later, but you now have a glimpse into the beautiful and fulfilling monotony that is a typical day in my life.

6:30am Drive to co-worker's house for carpool. Try not to stick my head out the window as he rambles on and on about computers and his dungeons and dragons escapades for the entire 40 minutes. Freeze butt off due to super high air conditioning in truck.

7:10am Change desktop background on boss' computer. Today it will be tiles of Miss Piggy blowing him a kiss.

7:30-2 Work for a few hours, hopping on the internet every few minutes to check blogs and email. Walk a mile during lunch. Spend the rest of lunch reading E news online and checking blogs and emails.

2-4pm Begin to slack the rest of the day, watching clock for the last hour of the day.

4pm Try not to mentally implode as coworker talks the whole rest of the way home.

This is where my day truly begins.

5:30-6:30Make dinner for me and hubby. Clean dishes immediately (no dishwasher), this is a relativley new routine as hubby usually did dishes until he cut himself and required 5 stitches 6 weeks ago. He is afraid of sponges and dishsoap now.

6:30-?Take a walk around the neighborhood with hubby and maybe the pooch if he is behaving and we feel like being tangled in his leash. For some reason he gets so excited during a walk that he inevitably drops a deuce in the middle of the street where we (eek!) pretend not to notice and keep walking to avoid having to pick it up.

7:30-9 Come home and use 3, yes, 3 computers simultaneously.

1- My new laptop (just got wireless modem...yippee!) that I am totally and completely obsessed with (he is black and shiny, so his name is Panther). Usually looking at shopping sites, blogs and email. Sometimes facebook. Usually have some interesting (or not) question that I am trying to research for fun.

2- Brian on the desktop messing with fantasy football and a soccer game that he plays incessantly. Has started his own soccer blog now. He made fun of this blog for months when I started it the first time. Who's laughing now big guy?

3- Brian's laptop. Sitting atop the coffee table, we play DVD's and watch TV online. We do this because of year and half old LCD TV broke last week and lawyer hubby is duking it out with the TV company's legal department to get it fixed at no cost.

Is this computer situation deranged? I dunno. But at least we are all in the same room, carrying on a converstation and alternatly petting the pooch between emails and posts.

Computers go off at 9 or so and all 3 of us retire to the bedroom to cuddle, talk and read. I read historical fiction (just finished Pillars of the Earth) Brian reads only Civil War non-fiction.

Books gets placed on the table or the floor at about 10:30 and we all snuggle for another 10 minutes or so before goodnight kisses are exchanged and lights are turned out.

Ahh, the bliss of 400 thread count sheets, a warm fluffy rump in my face and a snoring blanket hog.

I love my life:)

Am I Really so Vain?

The answer is yes.

I have noticed in photographs of late that I do not have a very well defined jawline and a sort of non-existent chin. My face just sort of slopes right into my neck.

This is an issue that plagues my mother and now that I have reached and passed 25, I am achieving many of her physical attributes.

So I am fighting genetics and gravity with this crazy contraption that has been spoofed on UTube and The Soup for ages!

It has recieved great reviews, and from my skincare background, it seems like a feasible idea. So yesterday I hopped on to QVC.com and ordered my $29.95 Facial Flex.

I will keep you posted as to what the results are like, if there even are any!!

New Beginnings

Same name, new blog. Been through hell and back since June, but all is looking much better! This is the short version of what has happened:

1. Lost job due to horrible circumstances

2. Moonlighted as a shampoo-girl/receptionist at my salon for a month

3. Went on a pilgrimage to CA to see my dad and stepmummy, where I had a reiki session with a real psychic. This was the catalyst to many things, I am a tad skeptical about psychics, but this woman was FOR REAL. I can never thank my stepmummy enough for giving me that experience and being there with and for me.

4. Got old job back at electrical company doing administrative work for great pay with really nice people. Even get to carpool now! Boss was thrilled to have me back.

5. Applied to grad school to become a community college professor (English and Philosphy). I start in the spring.

6. Still do skincare on saturdays, but may need to stop when school commences.

7. Got a teeny tiny Asus laptop that I am addicted to.

8. Did a hell of a lot of soul-searching, got closer to hubby than ever thought possible and finally learned to stop sweating the small stuff. Its cliche, but I learned it, and its been the most valuable lesson.