The Gift of Being Valued

Today I learned that a former colleague from my Dallas agency  is finally moving on to the next step in her career. She described the feeling as bittersweet, and I know exactly what she means because I was there when I left the agency too. 

As I reflected on how awesome my old agency was (hey guys, miss you!), I can't help but think about how great my new agency is. It's challenging to be sure, but one of the things that makes it so right is that I feel like a valued team member. It's one thing to be treated like a cog in the wheel, and something totally different to know that you're valuable and valued by your employer. It makes all that hard work and time put into doing my job seem worth it.

So thank you company, for giving me a voice, for letting my voice be heard, for guiding me through a new and challenging position, and for trusting me and trusting in me. You guys rock!

 

Live it Up, Will Ya?

I don't normally pay attention to my horoscope, but today's was funny enough that I had to share: 

Leo (July 23 - August 22)

Spring is in the air and it’s time to quit it with the old married couple routine. Even if you are single, whatever schedule you have yourself running on, time to end it and throw some interesting monkey wrenches into your life. Adventure is calling and it's time to step out of your usual routine! Dare yourself to take that next step to realizing your dream.
This was particularly funny because I feel like Stephen and I are an old married couple, and we're neither old, nor married (but our cats do make our lives exciting.) If we're this bad already, what happens when we do get married and start having a family? How lame will we be then? 

I shared my horoscope with Stephen, and while his recommendation was fun, it was also a little reckless and irresponsible, something not even an old married couple should be. So I'm turning to my community for some suggestions on things we can do to shake up our boring laid back routine. I'd love to hear your thoughts on things we can do that are out of the box, fun, and will get us back to being a young, hip couple.

For Japan

Please join me, alongside my fellow bloggers, in a donation to help those in Japan who are facing a serious struggle in the immediate future. My heart aches for those who lost their lives and families last week, and the least we can do is donate a little money to help them recover. Thanks, and God bless those of us who are so fortunate right now, and God bless those in Japan.   

Trouve, What a Find

My French skills are not so awesome anymore a little rusty, so I admittedly had to Google what Trouve means in English. Turns out it means "found" which is awesome, because my latest shoe purchase was a major find. I guess you could say that these shoes found me. 

If you're not familiar with Trouve, it's an in-house line from Nordstrom (and if you know anything about shoes, Nordstrom is one of the key places for shoes.) I happened upon these shoes while walking through the shoe department on my way to Ann Taylor (well played Nordstrom, well played.) 

Trouve Bridgeport

These wedge booties are just so cute, and it doesn't matter that I can't think of a single thing to wear with them, I had to have them. I've got a few ideas of what to wear these with, but I'd love any suggestions - are they too dressy for shorts, or not dressy enough this pencil skirt and top?

Please share your thoughts. I'd love some feedback!

Brad's Blog

I have two confessions to make. The first is that I recently canceled my cable. Yeah, it was crazy on my part, but "regular TV" isn't killing me yet so bad. 

My second confession is that The Rachel Zoe project is one of my favorite shows. I've faithfully watched Zoe from season 1, where that nasty girl, Tay Tay, tormented my favorite reality gay, Brad. I guess karma has a way of catching up because where is Tay Tay now? I know, I know, she's doing fashion, but still. She does not have the star power of Brad. I love Brad, and while I was sad to see him leave TRZP, I can now get a semi-regular dose of Brad thanks to the launch of his new blog! 

Brad Goreski via

The aptly named Brad's Blog will give you the innermost thoughts of Brad, including where he is in the world and what he's working on. While I'm super stoked about reading about Brad, the thing that struck me the most is that Brad's blog is hosted on Blogger. It's such humble beginnings that I can't help but love Brad even more! 

So go check out Brad's Blog when you get the chance. 

Bridezilla Beware!

When I think of Bridezillas, I can't help but giggle. I never understood how the "happiest day of your life" could be so stressful that it sends brides to be into crazy mode. So, I couldn't help but laugh even harder when I came across this nifty gift from Refinery 29. 

Buy here

The bad-ass bridal brass knuckles. I don't think any Bridezilla would have to get all Bridezilla on any offending person just by flashing this set. 

It also makes a really nifty gift for the girl who's dying to get engaged (do you hear me boyfriend?God?) If all else fails, one whack upside the head to your beloved with this four ring bling might have him seeing diamonds in his sleep (do you hear me now boyfriend?)  

Texas Hold Em

It's no secret that I love all things Texas. To be a Texan (especially a lady Texan) is to be bold and assertive (and still maintain the southern ladylike charm.) Loving all things Texas means I was especially excited when my favorite nail polish company launched their latest line dedicated to, you guessed it, Texas.**

The Texas collection by OPI has 12 lust worthy shades with even better names. "Do You Think I'm Tex-y" is the ultimate spring berry shade that I imagine most women in Dallas are wearing right.this.second. Want something a little more daring? The awesome orange, "Y'all Come Back Now, Ya Hear?" is right up your alley. But my absolute faves have to be "Big Hair, Big Nails," the epitome of Texas (what? I know there are photos of me with big hair. Just ask my parents.) and San Tan-tonio, the perfect greige. And of course, our girl Suzy (you can find her skiing the Pyrenees) loves Cowboys too. Pampered and Polish  and That Leanne both have nice write ups and you can see these colors up close (don't they just look awesome on?)

You can see close ups of all the lust worthy shades here, but if you're dying to channel your inner Texan (and who isn't?) I suggest you get your butt to you nearest salon and tell them you want to be Texan. Big hair optional.

*shout out to Pop.Bop.Shop girl for e-mailing me this weekend and telling me I need to blog about this collection. She was right. 

Black Betty

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend. I spent all weekend, and most of last night working on taking home this:

Meet Black Betty, my new girl (named after a favorite classic song). She's a 2011 Ford Escape XLT 4wd. I honestly was only "looking" at upgrading Holly, but Ford offered can't-be-beat financing, and 72 hours later this girl is mine. 

Betty has so many bells and whistles that I've never thought about before, including Ford's Sync system powered by Microsoft. I can't tell you everything it does yet, but on the list of cool includes the ability to say commands, make hands-free phone calls and sync up and play music from my Blackberry or iPod. It's pretty crazy and a little overwhelming, but I'm excited to discover all the nifty tricks this girl can do. 

I've got to admit, it was a little sad to say good bye to Holly (and a tear or two may have been shed) but Betty will be a nice upgrade.