May Grab Bag

May 14, 2013Leave a comment

Who doesn’t love a good grab bag?

A little of this, a little of that. Grandma Dorothy sure does.

We do.

So without further adieu, here’s what’s going on up in here (up in here).

Bryan is on total CFA lock-down.

Harsh.

Source

We’re counting down to final day where hoards of crazy financial-minded peeps flock to test centers all over the world in hopes of being apart of the tiny percentage who pass this series of 3 incredibly difficult financial exams. Bry takes the 2nd in the series at the beginning of this summer and after one more test and 4 years of qualifying experience, he will be a bonafide charter holder. His name will be printed in the Wall Street Journal. I’ll probably call Suze Orman, just to let her know.

Romantic Strolls

B and I love our strolls. We live in close proximity to a popular footpath and like to take advantage while on weekend study breaks. For the most part, I really enjoy our strolls. Sometimes there are annoying cyclists who think they’re a Tour de France contender and like to loudly proclaim, “On your left!” as they zoom past strollers and kids on bikes. Kinda makes me want to stick my arm out to my left at the last second, close-lining the SOBs in the jugular.

I am addicted to Weeds.

There is something oddly addicting about Mary Louise Parker, maybe the way she barely moves her lips when she talks or how she totally pulls off the ultra-pale thing. I also enjoy Andy’s character, then again, I do have a thing for comedic Jewish actors. Whatever the reason, I can’t seem to get enough and have worked my way up to the 8th season on Netflix in a period of time I don’t care to share.

“Shopping” Online

The use of quotations here, indicates the lack of actual transactions taking place. One of my guilty pleasures is filling my cart up to the brim with crap I wantbutdon’tneed, then x-ing out suddenly and without warning. I picture a large shopping cart tipping over onto tiny, baby internet elves. Sah-weeee!

Thanks for checking in. I’m off to Spool 72 to put things in my cart.

Excuuuse Me?

April 26, 20132 Comments

Have you ever run across something that has more majestic splendor than this?

No. You have not.

It Was the Weekend and We Had Fun

April 11, 20131 Comment

Hello beautiful babies!

I thought I’d catch all of you up on the happenings of late. After I broke in my tired stems by trekking up tiger mountain, I felt last weekend appropriate for delicious food, downtown bounty and the usual shenanigans. Bryan had pre-approved a shopping trip to Forever 21 of all places and I’m not one to pass up a golden opportunity. I’ll take earrings for $1.80 any day.

Friday night was spent devouring pretzel bread Lean Pockets (say what?!) and laughing hysterically at Office re-runs we’ve seen a million times. Dwight is always relevant.

Saturday morning began with finally finishing my book, The American Heiress which I mentioned here.

After some coffee, ellipticalling and CFA-studying we ventured in to the city only to be caught in the midst of a torrential downpour. The heavens wept and rinsed away my fantasies of doing pirouettes down Pike, while wearing chic ballet flats and eating a Specialty’s cookie.

Like the codswallop I am (been waiting to use that word) I also forgot a raincoat and umbrella. And enough about “real” Seattlites being anti-umbrella already. I don’t understand this. I would hoist a yurt above my head if I could. I won’t bash the locals on their perpetual bed-head or overzealous use of “cheers!” when concluding an email, but I am here to lead the umbrella revolution. Rhianna, I will do you justice!

You can stand under mine.

But, I digress. Allow me to step off my soapbox.

Our destination was SAM (Seattle Art Museum), which we love to frequent. With rain and wind blowing all up in my greel, Bry smartly suggested we pop into Starbucks to wait out “the storm”. People watching at our window table proved to be quite fun. My favorite: A middle-aged man wearing khaki shorts 2 sizes too small and a hangy Dr.Huxtable sweater, milling around waiting for what I assume was take-out. Just soaking wet with a very concerned look on his face.

Safely inside the museum, we flashed our Bank of America debit cards and received free admittance to the exhibits. Basically, museum PIMPS.

Told Ya

We saw things, we pondered them and left a little more cultured. Then it ’twas on to the portion of the day which I was admittedly, most excited for. SHOPPING.

Typical Natalie: When I have money to spend and the time in which to do it, I find nothing I like. Everything may as well be from Mariposa’s Spring 1998 collection. However, when I’m on a strict budget and am not allowing myself to spend a dime, I see everything I ever wanted. Does anyone else have this problem?

Granted, we didn’t go to Lush OR Sephora where I tend to exercise my wallet . And of course, I could blindly buy anything from Anthropologie and come out happy, but their prices? $48 for a sparkly headband is hardly prudent. I did happen upon a few pairs of rose gold earrings to match my Michael Kors watch of the same finish. But sadly, that was it. As a result, we hit one of our favorite restaurants, Palamino for the glorious all-day happy hour. One basil gimlet and an IPA later, we were happier than a couple a tweens at a One Direction concert.

We stopped at Banana Republic and Aldo looking for the perfect pair of everyday black pumps, with anything below a 4-inch heel (for Bryan, obviously) and struck out. Why is it so hard to find any kind of heel, be it wedge, stiletto or stacked that isn’t 700 inches high? #tallgirlproblems

Next, we headed to a Seattle ‘burb that I have now fallen in love with: Ballard. We met up with Bryan’s brother KC and were escorted to a bar called Bastille. It’s french so naturally, I died. I felt like one of the cool kids, as I sipped my painted daisy comprised of vodka,aperol, grapefruit, lime and orgeat underneath a gorgeous crystal chandelier.

For dinner, we ventured a few blocks down to Bitterroot BBQ for some tasty vittles, even though I kinda wanted to stay in the city of lights (Bastille). Our food was yummy and the company even better. We feasted on jalapeno hush puppies, coleslaw and of course plenty of q’ed up chicken. I drank bourbon and felt the urge to say “y’all”. I may have told Bryan we are having a Kentucky Derby themed wedding where I’ll make everyone wear big hats, pearls and get drunk off mint juleps. I swear I was born in the wrong part of the country…and the wrong decade. But that’s neither here nor there.

After bidding farewell to KC and navigating our way home to the musical stylings of ABBA, I got in m’jammies and had 1 3 Frans dark chocolate sea-salt caramels (courtesy of the Nash’s). We screened Chasing Mavericks, starring Gerard Butler and marveled at the big waves, bare chests and man-faced leading ladies.

Sunday musings included shopping at Redmond Town Center to make up for my lack-luster performance in Seattle and a lotta studying for Bry. We capped the weekend off with a couple of amaaazing homemade pies ala Bryan. We used fresh mozzarella, San Marzanos and fresh basil. Sidenote: How have I not discovered San Marzanos before now? I die.

Bryan also put his bartender skills to good use and created a new drink which will now be a house specialty. May I introduce you to…The Savage Daphne.

Bry came up with the name all his own. Recipe coming soon!

I’ve got bridesmaid dress shopping on the docket for next weekend which means a trip to the Tri. I’m sure the happenings will be enthralling enough to warrant another wedding themed post, yes?

Back in the Saddle

April 4, 20131 Comment

G’Day Gents!

Pointy.

How have I not used this title before? Anyways, the point is Bryan and I have commenced this beautiful Seattle spring with our very first hike-o-the-season!! Extra punctuation is pertinent here, no?

Last Saturday, we began our morning per usual, with Bry springing out of bed much sooner than I, while badgering me with periodic updates as to the time. Once I was up, I was given about 30 seconds to do what takes most around 20 minutes. When Mr.Nash is promised a day in the mountains, his attention span is shorter than Miley’s hair.

Out the door by 7:30 and to Starbucks for his & hers mistos by 8, we were doing great. Our destination? Tiger Mountain. Where neither of had been, nor knew what to expect. I was “bajigady” to say the least. Since moving from Jackson, the biggest hill I have climbed are the escalators at Nordstrom, mmmkay? The drive was beautiful and the company, cute.

Upon arrival, we were astonished to find way more cars than we had anticipated. I guess we’re not in Jackson anymore. As we made our way to the trailhead, Bryan pointed out that, true-to-form I didn’t look “the part”. I kindly reminded him that, of course I didn’t look the part. I’m not burning $100 on a pair of actual hiking pants at REI when my beat-up Abercrombie capris (circa 2005) will do. Or succumbing to a top from Lulu when I’ve got a perfectly good hot pink hoodie from Victoria’s Secret with rhinestones. I’ve got furniture to buy and makeup to save for. My old running shoes are good as new as soon as I pop some orthodics in.

Hood Utilizer

The trail started off nice and mellow and then gradually got steeper. I’ve always been a fan of trails that have ebbs and flows, ups and downs, much like life (philosophical) and Tiger Mountain pleased. Even in my “20 minutes on the treadmill” shape, I was feelin’ mighty strong. And wouldn’t you know it, we smoked past every single person! Not that I care :). At one point, I looked at Bryan and said breathlessly, “We still got it!”. A high-5 ensued and maybe a chest bump. It’s real.

Trailblazin’

Of course any hike is not complete without a healthy dose of good ol’ fashioned drama. This time it came in the form of a tiny critter which I openly loathe: a garter snake. I must give them a nod of approval for their color scheme (black & white) but otherwise my feelings closely parallel what I feel for Spencer & Heidi Pratt. Just complete and total hatred. Too strong a word??

Summit!

Mountainy

Classic G.Danielson Pose

Ahh..Vitamin D

We thought the hike was around 4 miles round-trip but it turned out to be about 6. Probably 6.5 if you add the walk to the car. It took us around 2 hours car-to-car and I was pretty tired on the way home. That is, until Bryan snuck in my old Dixie Chicks CD and once again I was ‘ready to run’. See what I did there?

The rest of the day was spent painting my nails pastel pink, deep conditioning my hair and watching a Lifetime movie while Bryan studied.

Then we basked in the sun on the patio for the remainder of the 65 degree day and drank 1 2 pitchers of margs. I pulled my laptop outside and made a station on Pandora comprised of Carly Rae Jepson (for Bry of course), Mumford & Sons, Lucky Dube and Taylor Swift.

Delish

A perfect day.

THE Dress

April 2, 2013July 18, 20136 Comments

There are shows devoted to it, stores that specialize in it and crazy-ass broads who spend as much as a manufactured home on it. Yes, ladies and gentlemen…I am broaching the ever-so-enlightening topic of wedding dresses. Piggybacking off my last wedding related post, I felt it only natural to start with the dress, a very good place to start. I’ll try and spare you the details of this inundating search for a garment I realize, I will only wear but once. Let’s keep this party polite.

And as much as I love Say Yes to the Dress, I will not be following any of their rules.

Please don’t think me a wanna-be wedding guru for trying to abolish rules set fourth by such characters. I am in know way an expert. However, having attended a hefty amount of weddings in my time which I think, makes me privy to certain things at the very least.

To me, a wedding dress should look like you. You at your most fabulous, but still remain true to your style. But I’m getting ahead of myself. According to my personal research, wedding dress shopping is like selecting a diamond. There are a multitude of basic characteristics one must consider. With a diamond, you ponder the 4 C’s. With wedding dresses I have broken it down into the memorable acronym, SCFN . Silhouette, color, fabric and neckline to be exact. These seem to be the maja things to look for in a dress. For all the crazies, I could include train, hemline, bustle, sleeve, etc.

At Starbucks, “Can I get a fit-n-flare, blush-colored, silk organza, sweetheart, cathedral train, tea-lengthed, swarofski crystal-embellished, empire-waisted gown, to go please?”

NO foam.

I think brides of today get so caught up in searching for the so-called “perfect dress”. It’s almost as if our culture is encouraging betrothed women to tote around clipboards with their wedding dress checklists. “I’m sorry but I can’t try that on. It’s Chantilly lace when clearly I asked for Alençon.”

Let’s be honest about one thing here. Do you remember what kind of neckline the bridal gown had at the last wedding you went to? Unless your Austin Scarlett, probably not. What do we remember?

My guess: The way the bride looked overall.

Most brides tend to be emphatically joyous, glowing. It’s her day and she has likely worked hard for it. She may have allowed herself to be consumed by the placement of pearls on the bodice, or the bustle not being just right. But does anyone notice besides her? Sadly, probably not.

It’s really quite a shame that we heap all these expectations upon our mystic-tanned shoulders. On the other hand, it’s more than running down to Macy’s to get a dress for Sunday Mass. I plan to employ the if-at-first-you-don’t-succeed method in my quest for the dress (hey, maybe I’ve got the name for a new blog!) and will hopefully emerge victorious.

My expectations? I’d like to pay homage to all of the different looks I have in my head. I die for blush-colors, lace, bust-enhancing accoutrements, full ball gowns and open backs. Oh, and I love me a sweetheart neckline. Shut it down. Hat tip to Miss Zoe for the vocab.

And while I have no words for the amazingly beautiful couture dresses I see floating down the runway on an Angelina-after-detox look-alikes, I’m fine with procuring myself the knock-off from David’s Bridal #noshame.

Oh haaayy cuz + Nan

My dress bucket-list is short, much like my tolerance for satin. But that’s a another post. I’d like the ability to have a reasonable range of motion. All 6 feet of me forced into geisha strutting? Not happening. I’d also like to look as girly as possible, which may be a task in and of itself. Masking my somewhat manish upper-half is gonna take some serious styling and I’d prefer NOT to look like Patrick Shwayze in To Wong Foo. Ok, maybe a little 🙂 Lastly, the dress must be somewhat light. Although I love the look of heavier dresses, I will not pit out for fashion.

Let’s get to the dresses I’ve been looking at ~~5X per day~~ once or twice on the internets.

*A huge thank you to Miss Claire Pettibone for constructing what I believe are the most beautiful dresses on earth. If only I could afford you…

NO WORDS.

More inspiration courtesy of Mizz Lhuillier

*All wedding related posts will now get filed away under the “wedding” tab. Brill.

Material Girl: Beauty

March 27, 2013April 5, 20134 Comments

Good Evening little bunnies!

As of late, the most effective way for me to blow off steam, decompress and shut off m’engines doesn’t involve candles, exercise, Enya or a trip to the spa. I find complete and utter comfort whilst crouching over the displays in the beauty department. And I’m not picky, neither. No, no. Of course I love me some Sephora after a long day, with the fun brands and makeup-belt ninjas. However, it’s worse than that. If Bryan and I are supposed to be grocery shopping, you can find me tip-toeing away to the beauty department. Give me an inch, I take a mile. As a result, I have grown somewhat obsessed and over educated in the world of beauty. Want to know how to get the Kardashian-chiseled cheeks? Or how to get your foundation to stay all day? What about a way to make your baby stop crying? With the exception of the last one, I think I can be of service. So in case any of the 10 of you who are still reading want to know, here’s what I’m loving this spring.

FACE

1. Makeup Forever HD Foundation

I’m not one for a full-fledged face-o-makeup. Most foundations are deemed either light, medium or full coverage and just like my breakfast cereals, I like to have options. This foundation provides medium coverage, but can easily be full-coverage by using a bit more product. The reason I love this is for it’s beautiful finish on the skin while not looking pancakey. The name suits the crime in this case.

2. Revlon Naked Foundation

This is my everyday stuff. It’s definitely a lighter coverage, but again, is build-able. It’s easy to put on and blends nicely. I know there is a die-hard Revlon Colorstay cult out there, but I prefer the MFE HD to do my dirty work.

3. Urban Decay All-Nighter

Confession: I have dry skin. So why do I use a makeup-setting spray? Confidence, my friends. I don’t sweat profusely, yet I use deo (for the B.O). Additionally, you never know when you might break a sweat. Your boss calls you into his office. Sweat. You realize you’ve been at Bath & Body Works too long and your lunch break was over 20 minutes ago. Sweat. You discover the pants you bought a year ago that were loose and are now tight. Sweat. You see? It’s perfectly logical.

4. Too-Faced Chocolate Soliel Bronzer

Holy grail of bronzers, I’m telling you. I’ve learned my lesson with shimmery, frosted or glittery bronzers and now I wisely stick to matte. You want your face to look like you’ve just run a marathon while eating a cheeseburger and drinking warm, Spicy V8? Just dust a think coat of frosted bronzer all over your mug. This bronzer is spiritual for me. A little at my temples, the hollows of my cheeks and under my jawline. Pow! I just lost 5 pounds. Jelly? *I like to wear shimmery bronzers too, but strategically placed and in moderation.

Honorable Mention: MAC mineralized skin finish natural.

EYES

1. Revlon Color Stay Felt Tipped Eyeliner

I swear, a 5 year old could apply this eyeliner. I’m not suggesting a 5-year old wear eyeliner, but you get the jist. For anyone who uses the excuse that they can’t apply eyeliner due to an unsteady hand, no more excuses! I’ve done it perfectly after 2 cocktails, TWSS. This stuff is idiot-proof and easy to wing-out (if you don’t know about winged eyeliner I feel bad for you).

2. Stila eyeshadow in Kitten

Courtesy of Sephora

If I had to choose one eyeshadow to wear for the rest of my life, this would be it. Well, actually I would throw a “wish for more wishes” at ya and I’d choose the Urban Decay Naked palette, so ha! But seriously, this eyeshadow is so very pretty. It makes any eyecolor pop and appear twinkling. It’s also velvety rich and super-pigmented which means a little goes a long way. I like to put it around my tear-duct and at the brow bone. Throw a little in the air and say “Mazel Tof!”. It’s maje.

3. NYX Rollerball in Salmon

Hat tip to sister Rachel for unearthing this majesty in a tube. This stuff is undeniably gorgeous and I think merits a swatch.

Doesn’t do it justice.

Disclaimer: Apply with a brush or your finger to heavily-primed eyelids – or – get a lil’ MAC fixed-plus on yer tool of choice before applying. With this product, a dab’ll do ya. If not, you’ll have a hot mess of a face.

LIPS

1. Mac Lipstick in St.Germain

This is my underdog of a lipstick. When MAC stupidly decided to discontinue the Lady Gaga lipstick I searched high and low for a dupe (I hate limited edish’s). Saint Germain is lovely on it’s own or paired with the lipglass of the same name. Be prepared for serious pink that doesn’t quit and a high level of Barbiness. Aren’t we all searching for the perfect shade of Barbie pink? I think yes.

OTHER

1. Burt’s Bees Citrus Facial Scrub

Smells like pumpkin pie, says citrus on the lid. I heard Burt’s Bees is owned by Clorox, so maybe they named this product after sniffing a fresh batch a bleach? I recently discovered that I need to be exfoliating on the daily, so I nabbed this cute little jar after marveling at the short n’ sweet list of ingredients. My friends, it’s time to start reading labels. This pale face is the only one I’ve got and I really don’t want to end up looking like anyone from Real Housewives. I’ve had to say au revior to many drugstore face items that I’ve turned over to discover the first ingredient is mineral oil. May as well be high fructose corn syrup.

2. Luna Fiber Bars in Peanut Butter Strawberry

Reminiscent of the ever-popular Nutragrain bars, these pups pack a seriously delicious punch for a mere 120 cals. Sans all the fake crap I’m sure Kellogg’s chalks theirs full of, Luna delivers this soft-baked delight using the organic stuff. But don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely more seafoam than green. Basically, for a few minutes a day I can pretend that shop at PCC and drink Kefir, whatever that is.

3. Russell Stover Easter Egss in Vanilla and Coconut Cream

Can I just start this post over and talk only about food? When I was 5, I stole a Cadbury creme egg from the grocery store, you know the commercial. I nibbled it quietly in the corner of a room which Meg and I shared. I was caught and forced to use 2 whole weeks allowance (25 cents a week kids) to pay the store back. What did I learn from this?

I should have taken a Russel Stover egg instead.

*Edited to Add: Not sure what all these links are doing in my post but they’re certainly not intentional. Apologies.

An Old-Fashioned Wedding

March 12, 2013March 23, 20132 Comments

…Blessed in that good ol’ fashioned way!

Oh how I love Ethel Merman.

I think that being an engaged woman constitutes lots of lengthy, emotional posts where I’ll expose each one of you to semi-ridiculous subjects such as tealights and cake-pops. And no, we won’t be dispensing cake-pops at our wedding. Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt. I prefer to roam in the pastures of garden lanterns, petite fours and pink champagne, ça va?

Frolicking in Versailles.

Let’s first address the elephant in the room – weddings are expensive. I realize that for some, dropping over 25 grand on ONE day is child’s play. For me however, parting with $100 for a completely necessary car repair or vacuum cleaner brings on hives. I practically break out the xanax each time I undergo a major purchase. You guys know I shop at Goodwill and 75% off racks at Target, trying to justify adding a belt to a 3XL cardigan, by telling myself it’ll be cute.

I certainly understand the importance of quality in certain things, however, I am my mother’s daughter. I have rifled through many a $1 bin and scrounged around in strangers garage’s in 95 degree-heat. It’s true, I am perfectly able to surrender to a striking black leather Rebecca Minkhoff Mac Bag but it pains me to pay full-price for items such as socks, casserole dishes and the like.

Worth It

And when it comes to weddings, a person can go proverbially hog-wild.

Planning this shin-dig is overwhelming and kindof makes me want to curl up in my pink snuggie (yes, I own one) and never emerge. More than that, I sometimes feel a weird competitiony vibe with women + weddings. We are losing sleep over coming up with the most unique centerpieces and always looking for the new “it” item that no has done yet (i.e candy buffet bars, photo booths, cupcakes, etc). In fact, the hit show on TLC , Four Weddings focuses on just that. Yes, lets attend one another’s nuptials and pass judgements to complete strangers on dress, food and venue. Disclaimer: I do watch this show when it’s on. I like me m’progrums.

Who am I to hate on a Pnina Tornai ball gown with a see-through bodice? Or potluck-style receptions? You wanna do a keg-stand at your wedding? Sounds great! You feel it’s right to break-dance in your wedding dress? More power to you!

Yep.

But that’s neither here nor there. The point is, I don’t blame these broads who go totally apesh*t planning their weddings.

And, I fully realize what you new-agers out there are thinking. That there are ways around all of the “norms”.

Scenario 1: “Get married in a park and have a potluck.”

Scenario 2: “Rent a community center and do the food and decorating yourself.”

Scenario 3: “Go to ______(insert destination of choice) and tie the knot under a waterfall.”

Or my favorite…”Just go down to City Hall.”

Yeah…NO.

For all of you people, I ask you this: Is that what you’d really choose? Maybe. Pre-enganged Natalie might have uttered one or more of these suggestions and tried to convince herself that they were all viable options. These ideas could be totally amazing and work well for many.

Does it work for me?

NO.

I would love to say that I don’t care about all the wedding “crap”. That I don’t spend hours upon hours parousing the thousands of wedding boards on Pinterest and lusting after mushy pictures and DIY crafts. That I could just as easily scamper on down to the hitchin’ post with a white sundress from Forever 21 and call it good.

But I can’t.

If I am being honest with myself, I want an old-fashioned wedding. With the sappy ceremony, the white dress and maybe even a signature cocktail. If I’m being honest with myself, I want the day that every little girl dreams about. And DON’T say you never thought about it. We all did.

However, I am prematurely waving the white flag for any type A’s out there. Our wedding will be us and thus, not perfect. We’ll do things that have been done (e.g cupcakes, gasp!) , not everything will match “the theme” and, by George – if I want cotton candy I’m having it!

Yes. Cotton. Candy.

So in conclusion to this prolonged and colloquial discourse, I must warn you of this:

I will blog honestly an openly about all-things wedding.
It may be graphic and upsetting.
None of the following will be mentioned: the electric slide, the song “We Are Family”, the chicken dance or (the worst offender) signs toted by the ring bearer, reading “Here comes your girl!”.

No thanks