Operation No TV: FAIL

As an update, I have failed miserably with the idea of Say No to HBO.  I just don't think I'm a cold turkey quiter... However, I do think that I do NEED to tone down the amount of television I watch. So, I have started to do that.  But its hard with Modern Family coming back, Broadway Empire starting this Sunday (in replacement of TrueBlood & Entourage), & Its always Sunny in Philadelphia - started last night.  Right there, I just listed 3 nights of TV...not to mention VT football games, Phillies baseball (which are on almost every night), this just seems harder than I thought imaginable.  Maybe I need to just subscribe to Melanie's mentality- That she's not cutting out TV and she's fine with being a lesser person because of it. haha. You have to love Melanie's thought process- its so convenient!

I'll keep you posted, but most likely you'll just hear about how HILARIOUS Charlie is on Its Always Sunny- God, I love him in his battered thermals.

Happy Weekend!

Digital Addiction

So, I was catching up on one of my favorite blogs: ...Seeks in the city and the latest entry got me thinking...Say NO to HBO?!?!! She has to be nuts- my best friend is honestly suggesting we go through a TV Detox in the midst of TrueBlood, Entourage, the end of baseball (Phillies are in first) and the start of College Football- GO VT! Actually, a TV detox would actually do me wonders. The amount of productivity that could flourish would be astonishing. But how do we just walk away from our favorite programs?  What would we contribute at the Monday morning water cooler converstation when everyone will inevitably bring up Saturday and Sunday's football games and all the great Sunday night programming? I know what I should do... I should say NO to HBO, but that seems almost impossible. What if I gave up TV during the work week?  Hey, my parents didn't let me watch TV on school nights as a kid, maybe I COULD do it again.  Stay tuned, pun intended, you might be getting a lot more blog entries with my new found time :)

Does Hulu count?

Citizen of the World

Today I received some exciting news regarding my Chilean citizenship.  As it turns out, I have dual citizenship (Chile and USA).  For those not aware, I was born and adopted from Santiago, Chile and I was under the impression that when I became a US Citizen in the early 1990's that meant that I forfeited my Chilean Citizenship.  On the contrary, according to the Chilean Consulate, I still have my Chilean citizenship and can obtain a Chilean passport.  This is great news because it now means that I can live and work in Chile without needing to obtain a visa.  I've always wanted to go back and live in Chile...Cheers and Happy Friday :)

My other country, Isn't it beautiful?

Heart Postcards

Thank you A Cup of Jo for bringing Max Wanger photography into my life.  I love the prints, the shirts and I think I'm seriously in love with the postcards.  I think I'll start collecting some and use them to write little ditties to my friends/family while I travel.  Also, is it too soon to book him as my wedding photographer when I don't even have a boyfriend? I'm thinking yes...

Creativity...lacking.

I need to get crafty. Isn't this an awesome scrapbook idea from Ali Edwards?

Is anyone doing anything crafty these days? Maybe instead of a book club, I should join or start a craft club...

Lightning Strikes

There's something awfully soothing about a thunderstorm in the summertime. Granted, its not quite summer, just a few days, but hey, who's counting.  But I love that feeling just before a thunderstorm starts. The air is warm, you can cut the humidity with a knife, and a quiet breeze to boot- there is a moment when you wonder if you can make it under an overhang just in time.  In an odd way at that exact moment, you're secretly hoping you're not going to make it and you get caught in the downpour. Maybe I'm the only one that feels that way, but if I'm not going anywhere and just hanging out, I love to get completely drenched.

Tonight was one of those nights. I poured myself a glass of wine and sat on the front stoop and watched the thunderstorm roll in and thought about how romantic thunderstorms are. I can't seem to put my finger on it, but there is something very romantic about them- maybe its the smell, the possibility of a kiss in the rain, or the blue hue that shines when lightning strikes? Either way, its one of those things that makes you think. I always find myself getting a little nostalgic during a storm- wondering who I shared the last one with, who I'd like to share this one, and where I might be for the next.

I think the reason why I like thunderstorms so much is because they give the feeling of a cleanse- getting rid of the old and making room for the next.  This one couldn't have come at a better time. I'm ready for the next phase (move out of Philly, start a new career, start a new journey)- here's hoping I get my invitation for the Peace Corps soon.

Current track: Sean Hayes- Rosebud Inside

April Showers bring May Flowers...or Rainboots?

Given the recent Monsoon like weather, I thought I'd take this moment to brag about my best investment of the year, along with my Mizuno's, my pair of Hunter Boots!  So, like many women out there, I have a "thing" for shoes.  Usually my obsession with shoes tends to be for ballet flats, heels, boots, shoes galore... but they tend to be on the less practical side and more showy.  Despite what people may think every pair has been worn :) Even though these are rainboots, which are usually generalized as frumpy, I have to say they are quite the contrary. These boots are not only made for walkin' they're comfortable and keep my feet completely dry during any kind of rain/snow storm, they are quite cute! They come in different heights and colors too- I decided to stick to the classic. Check them out, it's ok to be jealous of my hot rainboots...I'll allow it.

Kyle, Marisa, and Baby, OH MY!

My brother & Marisa had a baby last month, Connor McIntosh Hoyt, and I was lucky enough to go visit the clan down in Charleston, South Carolina this past weekend, exactly on Baby Boy Hoyt's 1 Month birthday.  And it was a blast!  It was great to see everyone, my parents came down as well, and spend sometime getting to know my newest nephew. 

It was quickly observed that I may have a knack for babies.  Whenever Connor would start to cry, I'd pick him up and he'd immediately seize all tears.  At first, we all thought this was beginners luck, but it went on all weekend.  I never knew I could love someone so much so instantaneously!  Connor is my 5th niece/nephew and I love them all with my whole heart.  But he was the first that I was able to see as an infant.  My work schedule lined up nicely with being able to go to Charleston this weekend- and for free! 

Here are some pictures of Connor from this weekend- Maybe you'll get a better idea of why I love him so much. 

After discovering my motherly nature, seeing Kyle & Marisa happy as can be as parents, and spending time playing with my nephew, I started to get this feeling deep within to have my own baby.  All I could think about was how someday it would be wonderful to have one of my very own.  I haven't had that real urge until now, but it got me excited about the future. 

That was until about 3am when I realized the feeling deep within was nothing more than indigestion...or at least that's what I'm telling myself. I think that buys me at least another 5 years. 

Current Track:  Since I missed him live in Philly & NYC, I felt this was only fitting 3 AM- Sean Hayes wish I could have been there with you Ali :)

Friends, Sunshine and Flea Markets...

The best perk of my job, like many, are the weekends.  However, since I travel so much, my company will fly me anywhere in the country for a comparable price if I don't want to go home.  Well, this is something I feel needs to be taken advantage of as often as possible.  When else will I get free flights throughout the US? So, in the spirit of being advantageous, I went out to Los Angeles this past weekend to visit my best friend.  She and I have been friends since we were about 3 years old, we bonded over our love of getting muddy and collecting onion grass in red solo cups at our brother's soccer games...awe memories.  Back to the visit, I flew out of Dallas on Friday and arrived at LAX around 2pm, just in time to take a cab to her Hollywood office, where I just so happened to have the pleasure of meeting Ashton Kutcher, background- she works for his production company.  Oh the Hollywood life, so far from my reality.  Our weekend consisted of a private movie screening, eating sushi in a parking lot, singing the verve pipe- freshman at the top our lungs, dancing the robot in the car, horse races, vegan mexican, speakeasies, a small music venue in Silverlake, more sushi sans parking lot, and the best part of all, the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena.

Hidden gem through a secret door- Downtown LA :) 

I should have bought this on principal alone :)

If you're wondering where Southern Californians get their vintage tees, dresses, and scarves, you might be thinking that they are hitting up the local Urban Outfitters.  But I think you'd be sadly mistaken. They are probably going to the Rose Bowl Flea Market the second Sunday of each month.  This is by far the largest flea market that I've ever been to and also the most stocked.  This market has over 2,500 vendors that come with furniture, fur coats, jewelry - old and newly designed, a bloody mary bar, grilled hot dogs, churros, and a what appears to be an endless supply of vintage tees and dresses.  Not going to lie, not every shirt is "vintage" I came across a few Op and Stussy shirts, but hey, those were the early 90s... so maybe they are considered vintage at this point.  Either way, I was overwhelmed with the plethora of tees that were all under $10- most were about $5, I managed to rummage through a couple of $3 boxes and came across some one of a kind hand crafted screen printed vintage shirts for $20.  I have a thing for all things vintage - tees, jewelry, and of course, old 70s style dresses.  I was lucky enough to find an amazing purple dress for $10 that I fully intend on wearing as soon as I get home.  Check it out.  I'm thinking of cutting and re-hemming the sleeves... any thoughts?

 

In case you didn't believe me! :)

Now, don't think that all this flea market had to offer was amazing, one of a kind vintage tees and dresses, it also has the same one of a kind antique furniture for a steal.  Unfortunately, I don't live local otherwise you might see me renting a truck for what I'd call "Flea Market Day" and roll home with the complete furnishings for my quant Venice Beach bungalow, then spend the rest of the day decorating and walking my dog on the beach.  Oh, man I just got lost in a day dream- someday!  Take a look at my pictures from the market and some of my favorite purchases! 

And the best one to date...

What makes this one even more special, is the muscle tank element to top it off.

Current Track: In the spirit of the locale of the trip... Mason Jennings: California

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

With my profession, I have the luxury of traveling from client to client all over the country. Hopefully someday I'll have a job that takes me all over the world. This perk has both its ups and downs like most things in life.  Besides the hotel points, frequent flyer miles, and all expenses paid meals, there is another aspect of the travel that I love.  The thing that I love the most about my traveling job is that for a brief moment while flying thousands of feet high, there is a moment, no matter what city I'm going, where I look out the plane window and imagine that I'm going someplace exotic- a piece of untouched territory that I can call my own.  And I am reminded of how vast this world is and how many places I haven't seen and want to see.  There's nothing like viewing the sunset from an airplane window- it seems to go on forever and in some ways, it feels like you get to see it set and rise at the same time.  I am never bored when I have the blessing of a window seat- all the things I dream and think about are endless. Next time you're flying somewhere and you're lucky enough to get a window seat- look out the window, enjoy the view, and think of all the places that are out there, even the places you can't imagine exist, and dream of a time when you will be able to see them all. 

It will probably take me a lifetime to see all the places that I desire, but isn't that what its supposed to be about, going from one adventure to the next?

If you can't get away on an adventure anytime soon, check THIS out. It never fails to get me pumped up. Maybe someday my blog will look and sound a little bit more like that! 

Ego Boost

So, I'm the kind of girl that likes to check my horoscope from time to time and buys books like The Secret Language of Relationships and What Color is your Aura?. Both of which are quite insightful with the a glass of wine in hand.  I know its silly, but what if its true- what if the horoscopes do have it right (sometimes)?  This is the sole reason why I like to take a quick gander here and there... because sometimes it will give you the needed ego boost to possibly make the horoscope accurate- I think its all about the attitude.

Today was one of those days... hey everyone needs a mid-week boost!

Capricorn
Suddenly you seem more glamorous than usual, Capricorn. You may exert a mysterious appeal that in the 1920s was called "it." Current and potential love partners may take a second look and be intrigued. Don't be surprised if you attract admiring glances from strangers! This could make a big difference in your love life. Lovers you encounter today should continue to see something in you for a long time. Make the most of "it"!


Thank you http://www.horoscope.com/ you've made my day. Let's see if any of it comes true... I wonder if I really do have an "it" factor today? :)  If not, why not fake it?

My Magic Shoes

I've had the same running shoes for entirely too long - I've loved them for about 3 years. Everytime I'd step out on the street or on the tredmill my knees would immediately start to hurt.  I decided to put the feelers out there on Facebook to see if anyone had any good shoe recommendations, they were all over the map, New Balance, Asics, Adidas, but then there was this one pair that had come up a few times... Mizuno's.  I'd never heard of them.  So since I couldn't decide between all the recommendations I had received. It was time to call in the big guns-Philadelphia Runner. This store is AMAZING! They fit you for the perfect shoe for your foot.  I figured if they couldn't give me the perfect pair, then I just wasn't destined to be a runner.  I'd just stick to Bikram Yoga at my favorite local studio - not a bad alternative since its my favorite form of exercise but unfortunately, I can't do it everywhere.   On a rainy afternoon, I went over to Philadelphia Runner and a very helpful girl fitted me and her first and only recommendation was for a pair of Mizunos!  The moment I put them on, I knew I'd fallin' in love. They were perfect, light, great arch support. I couldn't have asked for more.  She told me they were the best one's for my foot and said they would make me run like the wind.  I laughed and asked her if they were Magic Shoes! She said yes and that I would love them. And after my first run, I was hooked! No knee pain, blisters or new shoe discomfort, I fell into a great stride immediately.  The second time I wore them, I ran 3.5 miles at a 9:17min/mile pace.  This may be slow for some, but for me, this was running hard- but didn't realize my pace until after I finished- thanks to my Nike +ipod- which I'm also in love with! I'm usually a 10/10:30 min mile runner, so to run 9:17, I must have been bookin' it! But my Mizuno's left me feeling weightless and able to run like the wind.

So I've decided that Mizuno's might actually be Magic Shoes! I recommend them to all! Check out my pair below!

My recent favorite running pump up song- sometimes you just need to stick to the classics :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiCvV0o8cTA&feature=related