An Entirely New Closet

I'm having one of those times when you stare at your closet, sigh repeatedly, and wish you could turn it all in and start over.  Wouldn't that be neat?  If you could get equal credit and constantly recycle your clothes?  Stores and clothing manufacturers are shaking their heads in disgust at me right now. 

It's one of those times when I wish Stacey and Clinton would pop up, show me unflattering footage of my behind, then present me with some rules and $5,000 to buy some clothes.  I adore all of Stacey London's clothes, so I think we would have a lovely time shopping and gossiping about her days at Vogue.

However, I think I have cute style, and Hubs assures me that my behind looks good, so I don't think that WNTW is going to come knocking (although, I'm sure some of you disagree- if so feel free to nominate me!).

So, if I wasn't on a spending freeze, I would pop over to ModCloth and revamp my wardrobe with these dresses-

This one is a perfect winter dress- tweed to balance out the short sleeves and mini length, but flair!  Winter does not have enough flair opportunities.  Bundling weighs down flair.

Back tights and flats for a night out, or bare legs and heels to dress it up.  It would be ideal for Kinger's engagement party this weekend. 

Next up is the Opera which is Valentine's weekend.  Probably the last time I could get away with velvet for the season, but I am in love with this dress.  Red, full skirted, patterned and a touch of gold?  Pretty much right in my wheelhouse.

This one is even more versatile, as it could transition into spring and summer quite nicely.  I do have several rehearsal dinners coming up. . . .with my favorite gold peep toes?  My charm bracelet? It would be darling!  I love the pleats above the tummy- enables me to eat away. . .always a crucial factor when one is toasting and imbibing for long periods.*

Oh, and this one for Cotillion in March.  This sequin number-sigh.  I love it.  It's on sale!  But spending freeze.  Perfect for black tie where most people wear long dresses though.  Short but very formal.  Oh, it's so sparkly with that early 60's silhouette I just adore.

 I think I could rock that silhouette at work too, in this number.  Simple yet fun to wear.



*hubs is baffled when I present dress selections with the caveat that "I can eat in this one".  He insists that one meal does not immediately show in your stomach.  Obviously, men have different stomachs, or he is delusional.  Right ladies?

So there are my reasonably priced choices.  Now, if y'all have any desire to buy me this dress still, I will gladly take it, and wear it to any and all of the above events I can.

Running to Eggs

On Top Chef Allstars the other night (are y'all watching?- it's Fab-io, get it? hee.), Anthony Bourdain remarked you could put a runny egg on just about anything, and he would enjoy it.  Hubs likes his eggs scrambled to the consistent of dried peas   cooked to death   well done.  I, on the other hand, prefer a fluffy moist cloud of buttery yellow deliciousness.  And fried eggs?  Once I discovered the joy that is sopping up runny egg yolk with the remains of a biscuit, well, I was a goner.  True freedom came when I learned to make eggs by myself- the first food I can remember making without assistance.

Now, with all these creamy vegetable soups, something with a little protein, and a some light crisp is necessary.  A grilled cheese is classic, but I'm out of bread, and needed to get some extra veggies in.  Staring at my fridge this afternoon, I pondered.  Determined to clean out my fridge- I've got a lot of soup in there thanks to Soup Week, I stared and pondered some more.

Then thought of Anthony Bourdain.

Mixed greens topped with a scant spoonful of this wonderful dressing, which tastes homemade, and is ideal to keep in your fridge for lazy or time-pressed moments.  Two gently cooked eggs, yolks perfectly runny (low heat is key, patience, darling, patience), a touch of salt and pepper (always salt your dressed salad green which a touch of sea-salt or kosher).  The egg yolk mixes with the vinegar of the dressing- the same blend of creaminess and acidity which forms hollandaise and mayonnaise.  A deconstructed white sauce, without a profusion of oil or butter- perfect for those with mayo-phobia.

And I felt so elegant, having my tomato bisque and salad with eggs- like a lady who lunches in a chic bistro.  Of course, I was sitting at my old heart pine kitchen table, reading a trashy novel, with a furry blonde Buddy at my feet.   With this simple salad though, my suit became more stylish, my messy bun effortless elegance, and my glass of seltzer a wonderful champagne cocktail.

Perhaps eggs are good for your imagination?

Deep Breathing and Ulcers

When I first moved back to Knoxville, I took the bar, dealt with a major family upheaval/shift/crisis, planned a wedding, renovated a bachelor pad condo, and practiced my first year of law. 

And picked up an ulcer along the way, unsurprisingly.

I feel like right now I am about to pick up another one.

This time instead of several major life events, it's a multitude of little things- work, volunteer obligations, and social stuff.

Now, I've never been one to let party planning stress me out, but being out of town every weekend from here til June can get a sister a bit tense.

As part of my ulcer fix, I was told to manage my stress.  Hmmpphh.  Easy to say.  Tres difficult to do.
Exercise helps- and I loved leaving work before six to catch a kick-boxing class- "Doctor's orders!"

Tra la.

Now, yoga is supposed to do wonders to tame the never-ending chant of  "need to do _____" that is on repeat in my brain.  However, I need to bounce! Holding myself upside down while being told to relax, is the least cathartic thing I can do.  Don't misunderstand me, I like yoga, (especially when it's over) but I don't find it relaxing.  Kicking a punching bag, or pelvic thrusting in Jazzercise on the other hand. . .

So, I am going to stop freaking out and hiding my head in the sand.  I am going to tackle to my to-do list, and work through it slowly and surely. 

And Zumba*. Or something.  It is better to hit punching bags than other people right?

*Have y'all done this?  Is the music annoying?  I have no rhythm- is it possible for me to participate?

Any tips for me?