On Beauty

My love for Garance Doré knows no bounds.  Not only is she an amazing artist (that's her drawing above), but a thoughtful and funny woman.  She had a write-up about the difference between feeling and looking beautiful that I just loved.  The comments were the best, too.

So go over and take a gander.  I'd love to hear your take on the subject!

Horrible Humans

Yesterday was a tough day, wasn't it?  It reminds me (again) that the world is full of pretty horrible humans.  I say humans instead of people, because people wouldn't injure and kill other people.  People understand each and every one of us is an important part of a family, a circle of friends, a thriving system. People don't treat other people like disposable pawns or faceless, nameless victims.  People treat other people like they matter.

I don't think these horrible humans are in the majority, no way.  But I do think these horrible humans have the power to freak us out on a national level.  Fear is such a powerful tool and its use was in full effect yesterday.  It breaks my heart to remember the happenings in Boston are daily occurrences in some parts of the world.  But yesterday we heard about it because fear was in our neck of the woods.

The knee-jerk response is to fight back, isn't it?  That's not going to work, though.  That is what horrible humans want.  We need to reach out to one another and remember we are people.  We need to remember that horrible humans were people once, too.  They probably have people who love and care about them.  It this an immediate solution?  Of course not, but I do know it is the change we need to see in the world.

Source

Music Monday

 

When Tame Impala's new album came out last year it was on constant repeat for a good two weeks.

It's the perfect "anytime" music, really.

Here's to a good week!

xo

Thesis Defense Day!

All I really want to do is take a sheik-style Ruby nap right now,

but today I will be defending my thesis!

Link Love and Lovelies will be back next week!

Wish me luck!

xo

Just remember...

Source

My Hair Spirit Animal

How amazing can this woman look?  While I know she can't be my face and body spirit animal (wouldn't THAT be nice!), I do think we share the same face shape and hair texture.  Of course, my hair is skewing a lot more grey as of late, but her perfectly messy, ombréd coif seems a good fit for me.

But HOW do you get that perfect bedhead??  The hair-gods want to know!

Music Monday: Bradford Cox

I can't tell you how excited I am for Bradford Cox's new project to come out.  He is psychotic and talented and sad and brilliant and tortured.  So essentially the perfect songwriter.  Here he covers Leonard Cohen, another sad and brilliant and tortured soul.

Here's to a week that flys by!  I defend my thesis on Friday...eek!

xo

Friday Link Love and Lovelies

 

Happy Friday!  I haven't been more glad to see a weekend in awhile!  Even though my weekend will be filled to the brim with school stuff, I don't care...this week was brutal.

Here's a clip of a new documentary about Marina Abramović.  I talked about her a few years ago when this installation was live.  This clip is one of the most powerful things I've seen on film.  Intense, I know!

Here's some links for your weekend!  Wish me luck and productivity!

~ He will be very missed. 

~ Into it. 

~ Everybody just needs to give Kim a damn break. 

~ Loving this attic remodel...and that hassock! 

~ Cute photo booth backdrop. 

~ LOVE. 

~ I've always wondered! 

xo 

Easing Through the Week...

If you haven't noticed, I've been trying to get my infernal checklist completed this week.  Let's just say it's been quite the challenge.  I've been trying to also let myself ease through the week by not putting too much pressure on myself in other aspects...ahem, like doing the dishes or laundry!

It feels a lot like a marathon I've been running nonstop for two years, now.  Not only am I exhausted, I am SO ready for the finish line!  Wish me luck!

Source

Little Escape

 

This is the cutest collection of commercials by Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola.

I'm in love with Léa Seydoux!

Enjoy.

To do.

Well, I think Spring has finally arrived!  Along with it comes a monumental checklist.  I thought I'd post it here to have a little more accountability in ticking things off the list!

• Finish thesis presentation.
• Finish THESIS!
• Clean out my pantry.
• Take the pups on more walks.
• Finish my clinical rotation.
• Finish leadership presentation.
• Finish leadership paper.
• Defend thesis.
• Breathe.

Do you have a spring cleaning list?

Source

Music Monday: The Rolling Stones

 

This weekend I had the opportunity to watch Crossfire Hurricane.  It's a great documentary about the Rolling Stones and the crazy rock star lives they have led.  After finishing the doc I came to a few conclusions:

~ Nothing beats a young Mick Jagger.

~ Keith Richards looked about 75 when he was 20, so he really has aged well when you think about it.

~ Being a rock star is tough work.

~ I don't listen to enough Stones.

So for music Monday here's one of my faves.  Here's to a good week!

Friday Link Love and Lovelies

Oh boy, do I ever need a vacation!  I only have TWO WEEKS left before my thesis defense and things are not moving along as smoothly as I had hoped...I guess they call that life and to deal with it!  I am more than just a little nervous about this if you haven't noticed from my last 89 posts about being stressed out.  I promise to be more upbeat here in a week or two!

Anyway, I am looking forward to celebrating Sissyteef's birthday this weekend at a local Chinese food restaurant called the Mandarin.  It's apparently world-famous!  Today marks an exciting shift for her as she moves away from one job and towards another adventure!  Hope you have a nice and relaxing weekend!

~ Getting a short hair itch...!

~ Mental vacation to any of these beaches.

~ These kind of things make me ever so sad I'm gluten free...

~ Would you drink a cocktail with a marshmallow?  I would!

~ How fun!

~ Oh, to be a farmer in Scotland sounds so amazing sometimes!

~ Annnnd you're welcome.

xo.

On Setting Boundaries...

I know we've broached this subject before, but I thought it was important to revisit.  Mostly because I am realizing how guilty women are made to feel when they say "no."

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but do we women start policing each other and how much we've sacrificed with our jobs, families, and relationships?  I feel this, "Well, I did it so you should have to now," mentality permeating my everyday life!  I know I sound naive, but I've had the privilege to work in some relatively martyr-free environments in my day...and I think it spoiled me!

So how do I draw my proverbial line in the sand without seeming like a laze or unambitious?  Is there any happy ground?  I feel (many, not all, of course) men are given respect when they say something conflicts with their schedule, but a rationale must be given from a woman.  What gives and how do we fix it?

Wishes Wednesday: Cute Sweaters!

If you know me, you know my obsession with Madewell.  They have consistently classic and sweet styles that I can see myself wearing for years.  Their new lightweight sweaters are killing me they are so cute!

I mean, come on!

French Pharmacy Finds

One of the things I am still kicking myself over is not taking any time to explore a few French pharmacies while Shug and I were in Paris.  Yes, yes, we spent our days filled to the brim with fun and red wine, but I love exploring drug stores in different countries to see what beauty products they have to offer!

Luckily, Amazon is making the world smaller in a much better way!  I have a few staples I use religiously now that come straight from the aisles of a French pharmacy.  The first find is the amazingly moisturizing Ducray Ictayne Creme.  It is non-comedogenic and sooooo nice for parched winter skin.  I usually slather this on at night over a serum to wake up to soft and super-moisturized skin.

Music Monday: Grimes

 

I'm sure you've heard of Grimes.  

She hails from Canada and makes all of her own beats and music.

She's also totally cray...which is often paired with genius in some form,

so I'm pretty ok with that.

This song can't not get stuck in your head.  Just watch!

Here's to a Monday that flies by!

xo

Friday Link Love and Lovelies

Just look at that stinker, Tucker.  He may be the smartest dog I've ever met!  He's also the most mischievous...He's always nosing Ruby out of her snuggle spot and opening the bathroom door when you are trying to pee.  He also gets really bent out of shape when Shug shows me any physical affection.  He whines and grumbles even at at hug!  He's a stinker, I told you!

This weekend has me held up working on my thesis defense.  I am literally locking myself in my house until it is completed!  So wish this prisoner some luck AND motivation!

Here's some lovelies for your weekend, I hope you aren't locked in like me!

~ The cutest 500 square foot apartment...for a family of 4!

~ Say it isn't so...Dewy-4-Lyfe.

~ French pharmacy must-haves.

~ Would you be brave enough to wear this?!

~ I'm having REAL trouble with Rory Gilmore marrying Pete Campbell.

~ I'd use these baskets year-round!

~ Speaking of Easter, these natural dye eggs are amazing!

xo

What I've Been Loving Lately...

I've been wearing this arrow necklace nonstop since the holidays!

This chambray shirt has a cute little star print that I've been rocking under a cardigan for clinic days.

I have been living off of this Sweet Rose Tulsi tea.  It's relaxing and apparently has amazing antioxidant powers!

What has been on heavy rotation for you, lately?

Wishes Wednesday

This wishes Wednesday has something that I just received for my birthday from Shug...and a plea for the next six weeks to fly by.  Never in my life have I wanted the clock to tick more quickly.  In six weeks I will be done with school!

This Hello sweatshirt is soooo soft and I see myself wearing it with skinny jeans now and maybe with some white cutoffs with the sleeves rolled up in the cooler months of summer.  OKAY!  Now, hurry on up, summer!

About Girls

Have you been watching HBO's Girls?

All I can say about the season finale is...wow.  But "wow" in the kind of way your friend would say to you after you did something monumentally dumb...in the cafeteria...in front of the whole school.  *If you aren't caught up, I'd advise to skip this post from here on out!*

First of all, I grew up on the weekly escapades of the four friends in Sex and the City.  I was a teenager when I started "learning" about what being in your 30s was all about.  Not only was Sex and the City a total fantasy world, it never got really ugly.  Yes, the characters had to deal with some serious stuff, but these issues were always handled in next season's Balenciaga and a great coat of lip gloss.  Girls is the antithesis of Sex and the City.  The camera never wavers from these girls, even when all you can do is look away yourself.

Music Monday: Warpaint

 

Warpaint.

Love them.

Here's to a good week!

xo

Friday Link Love and Lovelies

Well Spring Break sure flew by!  I got about 10% completed on my to-do list, too!  I'm not going to beat myself up over it because sometimes you just need to take a breather.  This is my last school break before graduation in a couple of months and I couldn't be more ready to finish up this program!

Spring Break sure was fun since I was able to hang out with Mummateef and Sissyteef!  We went to lunch at my favorite little Vietnamese place, Oh Mai.  If you get a chance you must try it!  Sissyteef wanted to stay for dinner she loved it so much!

This weekend I am hoping to work on my research, take more photos of inventory for WrenRetro, and go to barre class with Bestest Best.  What plans do you have for the weekend?

~ Cutest collection of raindrops.

~ LOVE this new blog.

~ Thoughts on these major ear cuffs?

~ Gonna make this and use it forever!

~ Famous writers' habits.

~ Love this banner...and the thought of a cake day!

~ Amazing, hypnotic miracle.

xo

Beauty Black Magic: Infotone Hydrating Mist

I feel like I may be going a little coocoolala.  I have been spraying plain old water on my face and I have been seeing some amazing results.  Like, results all sorts of potions and lotions couldn't really get a handle on in the past.

I have always been skeptical of the bottled waters sold for the face.  Evian and Avène have cult followings.  Both tout healing and wondrous properties like healing eczema or calming rosacea.  I once used a 100% pure water spray an esthetician forced on me a few years ago and the half-full bottle found its final resting place in the recycle bin.  I just didn't see any difference in my skin with this extra step.

Fast forward to a face that is super-stressed from school drama.  My skin is splotchy and red, with some stress breakouts, to boot.  I don't know what possessed me to order some Infotone Hydrating Mist (stress shop much?), but after about three weeks of using this everyday I have started to notice some great changes in my skin!  My tone has really evened out and become less red and my stress blemishes seem to be healing much more quickly.  I definitely didn't see these kind of results with the elixir that esthetician duped me into buying years ago, either.

So, here I go with the real coocoolala part....Infotone claims, "Each mister contains a non-toxic and 100% natural ceramic bead infused with Aistiva's patented BioT™ technology. BioT™ allows simple spring water to activate skin's natural healing ability resulting in clear, youthful, and glowing skin."  Erm, excuse me?  A magic bead that heals my skin with what?  Magic vibrations?  You also can refill the bottle for up to a year and this bead will apparently fuel the new water with the same magic.

I know.  I am rolling my eyes at myself!  But, damn, if that magic bead hasn't given me some better skin!  If the placebo effect is wrong in this case, I don't wanna be right.

Have you ever had a beauty product or ritual that you are convinced can't work, but does wonders for your skin?  I don't want to be alone in this, people!

Living on the Cheap with Celiac's Disease

Sometimes going to Whole Foods can be like a trip to Disney Land for a gluten-free gal such as myself.  These days there are endless options in the aisles of wheat-free fare...gluten-free burritos, ready-bake pizzas, cake mixes, even crackers that look like Ritz!  Almost ten years ago, when I first received my diagnosis, this kind of heaven was just a dream.

But heaven comes at a price...If you've perused the shelves at your local Whole Foods or organic market, gluten-free foods, especially the ready-to-eat kind, can be 5-10x as much as the wheat-enriched varieties.  This isn't an issue for some, but many if us have to be careful with our paychecks...I, for example, have the grad school monster eating up a hefty chunk of our resources.

I'm here to tell you that you can eat gluten-free and do it on the cheap.  But cheap come at a price, as well, and that's your time.  But if you have time on Sundays to prep a little food, you will have grab-and-go gluten-free options to last you the whole week!

Are you ready for some tips?  Here we go!

A Pop of Color

I used to think a strong red lip was just overkill.  I'd try to put on a red lip after a full face of makeup and look 10 years older!

As I become more educated in the dark arts of makeup, I have really started to embrace a pop of color on an almost makeup-free face!  I think that's the real secret: let your lips be the focal point and just conceal and add a little light mascara...no heavy duty makeup here!  I think leaving your cheeks blush-free can look so chic with a matte red lip.  Me saying going out without blush is similar to saying leaving the house without a shirt on, FYI.

Another huge issue is making sure the tone of your lipstick doesn't clash with your skin tone.  The whole cool tones with cool tones and warm tones with warm tones rules here.

Here are some of my favorite lipsticks that work well with most skin tones!

Music Monday: Sibylle Baier

 

Did daylight savings knock you for a loop?  

I know our phones and computers update automatically, so why can't our circadian rhythms get on board?

To ease into this early Monday, here's a new find of mine that I can't stop listening to.

Sibylle Baier was a folk singer in the early 1970s from Germany.  She decided to focus on raising her family after she moved to America.  When her son was grown, he took some of his mom's recordings and got them into the hands of Dinosaur Jr. and it was passed along for release.

She is has a quiet and still power to her voice that I just can't get enough of.

Hope you have a good week!

Friday Link Love and Lovelies

I have a funny secret: I have never used a curling iron on my hair until a couple of weeks ago!  I was scarred as a little kid when one of the girls in my 3rd grade class came to school with a burnt and blistered ear from curling her hair by herself.  It took me a good 20 years to muster up the courage to use a curling iron by myself!  Above is the not-so-great result of 30 minutes in the grips of fear.  My talents lie in other areas...like how many cupcakes consumed within a 24-hour time period.

This week marks the beginning of my last clinical rotation until graduation...I am so very scared and relieved that this educational journey is winding down.  I really should say winding UP, since I still have to finish my research, write my thesis, defend my thesis...............Let's not talk about this anymore, as the panic attack is setting in as I type!  Needless to say, my next few weeks (and weekends;( ) will be filled with the stuff of science-y insanity.

Here's a little escape if your weekend is going to be as busy as mine!

~ Those brows!

~ Love the pops of color in this serene house.

~ No kidding.  That's why you use the LED light!

~ Or these.  KIDDING.

~ Controversial! I love cream blush so I don't have to use a brush.

~ My hopes are still high for the hoverboard.

~ I'm going to make a big pot of this for the weekend!

xo

Dressing Your "Age"

I used to live for the makeover shows that dominated in the early aughts.  What Not to Wear and Queer Eye for the Straight Guy were a weekly ritual that would usually find we weeping and wiping my stuffy nose brought on by the sheer glory of a great sartorial transformation. 

I also remember just ticking over into my twenties and being very struck by the opening credits of WNTW where one fashion caution was "NO MINI SKIRTS OVER 35!"  At 20, this was no bigs...but into my 30s, it's another story.

WrenRetro Wednesday

Did you guys know that I run a vintage shop on Etsy?  I haven't been listing anything lately, but want to get the place up and running again soon!

I was wondering if you could help me out a little and answer a few questions about shopping for vintage online. 

• Do you like sites that have a model or just the clothes displayed on a hanger or dress form?  

• Do you like having styling ideas with the listing?  

• What online vintage shops are your favorite?

I have TONS of amazing inventory that needs to be freed!  So any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated!

xo

Guilty Pleasure #36728: Vanderpump Rules

A few weeks ago I had the infernal cold that has been going around Salt Lake City and hanging on for weeeeeeeeeks.  I even stayed home sick for a few days, which was a blessing and a curse after I depleted all of the OnDemand options our basic cable had to offer.

Vanderpump Rules is an off-shoot of the wildly popular (and much maligned) Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.  It stars my favorite housewife, Lisa Vanderpump and her swanky restaurant staff.  All of her staff are NOT there to work in the restaurant business, but to make it big as actors, singers, and mistresses.  The levels of dreckitude this show stoops to are unreal...and I love every horrible minute of it!

I grew up with the inception of reality tv - the first Real World was touching, scary and raw.   For better or for worse, I learned a lot about adult life from those first few seasons.  (Side note: The Real World is in its 27th season...how old do you feel??)  The scripted "reality" we now get to tune into almost every night of the week, on almost every channel isn't the same animal.

But darn-it if I don't love some of the fake and petty drama!  Are there any reality shows you are embarrassed to love?  The Bachelor has been a guilty pleasure to more than a few of my friends for years!

Music Monday: Menomena

 

On Saturday night/early Sunday morning, Shug and I were able to see one of our old faves at the Urban Lounge: Menomena.

The performance was great, as they always are, but Salt Lake City was poor Menomena's last stop on their American tour and they were bushed.  There were a few new band mates and some songs from their newest album and as I watched the show (and the innnnnnteresting crowd) I reflected on how much has changed since I first saw them play in 2007 in Chicago with my new boyfriend.

Friday Link Love and Lovelies

Ruby is finished with winter.  Come to think of it, so am I.  

She has taken to burrowing under the blankets and taking up residence...well, right in my crotch.  She looked so funny the other day I just had to document it!  She is the sweetest pup that could be, but when you try to move her or change positions once she's found her snuggle spot she grumbles!  So I just let the little princess set up where she likes!

It is starting to feel just the tiniest bit like spring around here.  Some brave little shards of crocuses are starting to poke up through the grimy snow and the days are starting to get longer.  Boy are we ready here in the 'Teef residence!

Are you doing anything fun this weekend?  Or are you just thinking of spring, like us?

~ This house is perfection.

~ This cute little hotel evokes the same look, in a pared down way!

~ Loved this post and I an SUCH a planner.

~ Need to master the art of this.

~ I may be brave enough to try to make these this weekend!

~ Or try this hair style!

~ Also, falling with grace.

Oh and one more thing...

Natural Beauty DIY: Make Your Own Deodorant

I've been waging an underarm battle for what seems like millennia, but it really it has only been a couple of years.  While underarm antiperspirants are still not well understood for their health risks, I've decided it's one worry that I can do without!  Natural deodorants have been de rigueur in the 'Teef household for quite some time now.

A little over 2 years ago, I did a Pit Juice Thunderdome where I tested a few popular "natural" deodorant brands.  I still stand by that review, but have to add a new favorite that I use regularly: Soapwalla Deodorant Cream.   At $14 a tub, it is on the more spendy side, but I've found it can tide me through about two months of daily use.  I like to use it on days where I know I won't even have time to eat lunch, muss less reapply my deodorant.

On days where I am not a stressy-sweaty-Betty (i.e. clinic days), I use a little homemade concoction.  It's inexpensive as can be, especially since you may have most of the ingredients already!  It's also almost mess-free to make.   

Click for the easiest recipe ever!

Netflix Instant Treasures: Take This Waltz

Netflix and I have a love and hate relationship.  This relationship has only grown more complicated with Netflix Instant Streaming.  There are so many choices right at my fingertips, but 99% of these choices are not really my cup of tea (ahem, like Dora the Explorer, episodes 1-2873918374 or Nude Nuns with Big Guns...it exists, trust).

But, every once in awhile, little gems of movies sneak their way onto the instant streaming menu and it is ever a nice surprise!  One movie that I loved was Take This Waltz by Sarah Polley. 

My love for Sarah Polley knows no bounds.  From our first meetings as Ramona Quimby and Sara Stanley in Avonlea to her heart-wrenching roles in My Life Without Me and The Secret Life of Words, I've grown to love what an amazing and powerful actress she has become.  When I realized she is now writing and directing movies (watch Away from Her, NOW...actually, watch everything I just talked about), I couldn't have felt more proud of little Ramona!

You know how the Instant Streaming nightmare starts...

Emerson Fry

 I have been a longtime fan of Emerson Fry, formerly EmersonMade.  What I love most about them is that they started out making these fabric flowers about 5 or 6 years ago that you could wear in your hair or on your belt.  From those simple flowers grew an entire ready-to-wear line AND shoe line.

I want to take a lesson from Emerson Fry and remember that big dreams can get started with the tiniest little seed of a dream.  Their fabric flowers that Emerson crafted with her own hands is now a booming business that sells out mere days after each season's launch!

I wonder what my fabric flowers will be?

Music Monday: Tamaryn

 

Hello!  

Did you all watch the Academy Awards last night?  I was elated Christoph Waltz and Jennifer Lawrence won!  I hated Anne Hathaway's dress...and Anne Hathaway, for that matter.  I'm also really disappointed that Joaquin Phoenix and The Master were so overlooked, as I feel it was one of the best performances and movies of 2012!  I had so much fun texting and tweeting with friends about the whole to-do!

Anyway, here's some music to help you get through the (hopefully) last snowstorm of winter!  Tamaryn has been on heavy rotation in the 'Teef household since it is the perfect reincarnation of shoegaze bands like My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive that I loved so much as a teenager.

Here's to spring!

Friday Link Love and Lovelies

Let's just talk about my outfit first to get THAT out of the way.  

Shug and I were invited to the annual Salt Lake Magazine Dining Awards on Tuesday evening.  Shug was going to help run the awards and my job was to drink champagne.  I had about seven minutes to get ready after I rushed home from a crazy clinic day.  Let me tell you something about putting a cute outfit together: it takes some thought. 

It is very clear that I did not have much thought to give to my belly-shirt-witchy-woman-poncho-disaster.  It's ok.  Really, it is.  But when bumped up against the likes of Supermodel, Ciel, and Capricieux, I look a little cray.

Sartorial choices aside, we had a fabulous evening!  It was filled with good conversation with some of our best friends.  It was so fun to have this experience with them!  We also have a list of restaurants to try in Salt Lake City this weekend!  Hope you have a good one...I'm getting to be less of a lump/grump now that I can feel spring just around the corner!

The Salt Lake Magazine Dining Awards 2013 winners! 

 

Mayyyybe going to attempt to knit one of these.

I know smoking is bad, but I am dying over these bobbies.

The new Emerson Fry comes out on February 25!  Can't wait!

So ridiculous.  And perfect in a weird way.

Should have styled my sweater like this!

Important read for all women.

xo.

In which the self-discovery continues.

You would think that after spending over three decades on this planet, I would have figured myself out by now.  I really should have a handle on my likes and dislikes, where I stand politically, and how I feel about men wearing capris.  I'll tell you that I'm still discovering there are SO many things about myself I hadn't realized!

This belly-button gazing session was brought about by my weekly red-eyes and runny nose situation that would occur about halfway through the day at one of the clinics I am rotating through.  After about the third week, I started bringing Visine for my itchy eyes and just racked it up to the dry air in the hospital.

This past week was the worst on me!  By 10am I was a drippy, fuzzy-eyed mess.  As I was sitting dabbing my eyes while trying to salvage the last of my brave mascara clumping to my lashes, I looked over and saw one of the clinicians coats that hang in the workroom.  I think the coat was black, but it was hard to tell through the layer of CAT HAIR felted onto the surface.

Wishes Wednesday: Workhorse Jewelry

 Hi, my name is Wren and I have a problem: I'm obsessed with arrows.  I understand the hipster implications of this confession, but I just don't care. 

Do or Don't: Leather Leggings

Did you all have a nice three-day weekend?  Ours was very relaxing.  Yesterday I made butternut squash enchiladas for 11's new baby and Bestest Best.  It was pretty much the nicest thing in the world to get to see them.  11 is the most beautiful new momma I've ever seen!  And her little bug ain't too bad either! (Read: He's perfect!)  I was only able to see Bestest for a moment, but just being around a good old friend can lift your spirits like nothing else!  It should have been the other way around seeing as Bestest was laid up with a skiing injury, but no, I took the liberty to make that visit all about meeeeeee!

Driving home I was thinking about what is really important in this world and, after family and friends, I settled on fashion.  No, not politics or the news, but frivolous, amazing fashion.  I think we all need a little fun and escape in our lives, so what better outlet than fashion?  You get a breath from "real life" and you look smashing, as well!

And with this, I present to you the leather legging issue.  How do you feel about leather, pleather, rubberish leggings?  Are they to be saved for a rock show?  Or maybe just for the under 30 set?  I have to tell you, after converting to the cult of jeggings, leather leggings are looking purty fine to me!

These little beauties would be worn with a smart button-up shirt and maybe some colorful oxfords.  I dare say I'd even rock these to the grocery store or *gasp* clinic!

What are your thoughts on this important issue?

Link Love and Lovelies

Did you have a nice Valentine's Day?  If you're like me, you're going to carry over the lovefest into the weekend!  A part of me kind of despises that we have to have a specific day that we let our loved ones know how important they are to us.  Shouldn't we be doing this on the daily?

Well, aside from smooching on Shug, I'm hoping to clean out my pantry and maybe get to eat a delicious meal with Sissyteef.  I'm not really looking forward to cleaning out the pantry, but I really am excited to hang out with my sister!  I haven't seen her since the holidays!

11, one of my dear friends from college and also the best chocolate chip cookie baker ever, had a little Valentine's baby late last night.  He was born 12 seconds before midnight!  I'm hoping to get to meet him and maybe make some butternut squash enchiladas for the new parents! 

Anyhoo, here's some loveliness to bouy you through your weekend.

Inspiring architecture.

Dying over this minimal cat-eye!

Maybe my bangs weren't such a bad idea, after all.

But, oh my, do I miss being able to do this look!

WANT.

Gonna try this eyebrow trick.

An OCD dream.

xo.

Natural Beauty: Lavender Oil

One thing I missed most about Goldteef was getting to dish about my favorite natural beauty discoveries and disasters (don't worry, more to come on that!).  One little epiphany I had was while dealing with my post-finals stress face...which means yicky cystic acne that takes weeks to resolve.  I'm sure my steady intake of treats and sweets didn't help matters much, but I can count on a really stressful time in my life manifesting itself on my face!

Enter soothing and serene essential lavender oil.  I've been using it for years to scent my sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil I use as a body moisturizer, I even have gone so far as to put it in my humidifier at night when I have a cold or need to relax.  I've never thought about putting it on my face!

One evening, after washing my sad and broken-out face, I thought I'd give lavender oil a whirl applied directly to my craters.  Now, before you go slathering essential oils all over your face willy-nilly, be warned that some essential oils are much too strong for direct application (I'm looking at you, tea tree oil!) and must be "cut" with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil.  This means I was literally a skin-care-Columbus, applying straight lavender oil directly to my face.

I OOZE adventure, people.

Wishes Wednesday

Everyone who know me knows I have an Isabel Marant problem.  I have yet to become an owner of a single article of clothing she has made, but I am always in search of a nice dupe.  I don't know about you, but spending $640 on a pair of sneakers seems more than a little insane.

What else is a little insane is how much I am into the wedge-sneaker look!  I tried to fight it, I really really did, but LOOK at how cute the sneaks look with skinny jeans!  I'm not that into the light on light look here, but with some dark skinnies and a slouchy tee...?  Hel-lo, spring!

But back to this $640 issue.

The Ghost on Sunday Morning

I've been going to Barre class as a way to excercise for almost two years now.  I love that it is a way to turn my brain off, dance a little, and combat the hours I spend each day sitting at a desk hunched over my laptop.  In the two years I've been going to Barre, I've never been jolted out of my hourly reverie in the way I was last Sunday.

As I was stretching before class, the typical soft Sunday morning chatter was filling the studio: grumblings about the fresh snow, who had stayed out a little too late the night before, and the best remedies for this infernal cold that has been going around.   All of this conversation dropped of a cliff of awkward, chilling silence when a new Barre attendee padded into the room.

To say this woman was ill would be an understatement.  Her hands and feet mimicked that of a marionette, too large and heavy to be on such frail and spindly appendages.  An ankle was wrapped tightly in athletic tape, nearly double the size of the other ankle.  Her sunken cheeks were emphasized by her swollen salivary glands and puffy eyes.  When she removed her baggy sweatshirt, the silence in the class turned over on itself...there was a collective need, wish, hope of health and healing for this ghost of a woman.

The entire hour after class began was spent strategically casting my gaze in directions away from this woman.  Nobody wants to stare.  Nobody wants to be rude.  Nobody wants to talk about the ghost in the room.

Music Monday and No Big Deal

 

I know, I know it been, like, too long and stuff.  LOTS has happened in the past 6-7 months in 'Teefland.  I'm sure many of you have also had the holidays, a new year, crazy winter weather, and birthdays to celebrate. 

In all honesty, all I've been up to is plugging away at this graduate school malarkey for what seems like juuuuust a little too long.  I guess that's what I get for going back for round 2.  I could bore you with all of the details that come with thesis-writing, research, clinical rotations.....*snore*, but I won't.  I hope to be back here a little more than twice a year to escape that grown-up snoozefest!

SO to start off another Music Monday, here's a band that I'd discovered a few years ago, forgot about, and rediscovered.  Kind of like watching a movie you liked that didn't make it to your "favorites of all time" list, forgetting the ending and watching again 10 years later and really liking it all over again!  (Side note: THIS happened just the other day when I watched Fried Green Tomatoes and cried like a baby! P.S.  Idgie is so cool.)

So, to sum it all up, hi, missed you, and hope to be back real soon.

xo.