So this is something that I've had so many problems with in the past. What's a girl to do when her nice cashmere and wool sweaters pill up?
Apparently, you shave them!
Gently, with the fabric laid flat on a surface (like the floor or a table), only apply as much pressure as you would when shaving your legs so as not to snag and cause holes. They make actual sweater shavers, apparently, but I just used my Venus with a fresh razor that will now be my "sweater razor." Disposable would work as well, I suppose. Combine with a lint brush to pick up the "decapitated" pills and your sweater will be returned to excellent condition!
That and always hand wash or dry clean and always lie flat to dry and never wring or agitate your cashmere and it will last you a lifetime.
Or at least, so I'm told.
Ciao,
kc
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Turkey Day!
My feet ache from the three days of at the new job and the four mile run I managed to squeeze in with boyfriend's sister this morning. Then, instead of resting my tired kicks, I kept on them and ran around baking pumpkin pie,
scrubbing potatoes (both sweet and regular!),
setting the table,
and preparing turkey stock for the gravy I'm going to make this evening. Our house is full of grandma, parents and sister of boyfriend, and I'm struggling to let go of the disaster that six people in a small cabin cause. As my feet ache more, however, letting it all go is becoming easier.
I'm just going to pretend I don't see it.
That works, right?
I love my job so far, which is good, and I can already predict that I will [hopefully] be good at it. It's a matter of talking to people and being the sweet person that I am, and let's face it, I've got that dialed.
While I'm not looking forward to another two weeks away from home — starting again on Sunday — I am excited to get to see one of my wonderful friends who lives in the Seattle area. She doesn't know it yet, but I plan on being at her house a lot in the next two weeks. I haven't seen her since May and I won't see her again until at least April, so I need to get my fix.
Somehow, I don't think she'll mind much.
I'm off to put my feet up and put a compress over my eyes while everyone is out and about. Mama Buwalda and Grandma Buwalda are at the grocery store picking up fixin's that got lost in the melee of coordinating, boyfriend and his dad are off cross country skiing and sister is entertaining herself quite well. Which is to be expected, as she is an adult after all. Wish my luck on my holiday ventures and I hope y'all have an awesome Turkey Day.
Pumpkin Pie (courtesy of Libby's canned pumpkin label)
Makes 2 pies
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground ginger
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
4 large eggs
1 (29 oz.) can pure pumpkin
2 cans (12 fl. oz) evaporated milk
Easy double crust pie crust rolled and put into pie dishes
Mix sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Pour into pie shells. Bake in preheated 425 degree oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temp to 350 degrees and bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for two hours. Serve immediately (with whipped cream!) or refrigerate.
Enjoy!
Ciao,
kc
TODAY: 4.01 miles
scrubbing potatoes (both sweet and regular!),
setting the table,
and preparing turkey stock for the gravy I'm going to make this evening. Our house is full of grandma, parents and sister of boyfriend, and I'm struggling to let go of the disaster that six people in a small cabin cause. As my feet ache more, however, letting it all go is becoming easier.
I'm just going to pretend I don't see it.
That works, right?
I love my job so far, which is good, and I can already predict that I will [hopefully] be good at it. It's a matter of talking to people and being the sweet person that I am, and let's face it, I've got that dialed.
While I'm not looking forward to another two weeks away from home — starting again on Sunday — I am excited to get to see one of my wonderful friends who lives in the Seattle area. She doesn't know it yet, but I plan on being at her house a lot in the next two weeks. I haven't seen her since May and I won't see her again until at least April, so I need to get my fix.
Somehow, I don't think she'll mind much.
I'm off to put my feet up and put a compress over my eyes while everyone is out and about. Mama Buwalda and Grandma Buwalda are at the grocery store picking up fixin's that got lost in the melee of coordinating, boyfriend and his dad are off cross country skiing and sister is entertaining herself quite well. Which is to be expected, as she is an adult after all. Wish my luck on my holiday ventures and I hope y'all have an awesome Turkey Day.
Pumpkin Pie (courtesy of Libby's canned pumpkin label)
Makes 2 pies
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground ginger
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
4 large eggs
1 (29 oz.) can pure pumpkin
2 cans (12 fl. oz) evaporated milk
Easy double crust pie crust rolled and put into pie dishes
Mix sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in evaporated milk. Pour into pie shells. Bake in preheated 425 degree oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temp to 350 degrees and bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for two hours. Serve immediately (with whipped cream!) or refrigerate.
Enjoy!
Ciao,
kc
TODAY: 4.01 miles
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Go-To Hair
This hairstyle is my "go-to" these days. It's great for days your hair is dirty because it hides the grease, days it's raining or humid because you can put your bangs (if you have them, like me) back, and it's great because the messier it looks, the better!
It also doesn't take a lot of braiding skill and works for medium (shoulder length) to long hair. Though you can do a sort of version of this with short hair.
To Style:
Dry hair works best, as wet tends to tangle, but mostly dry is fine as well depending upon your hair texture. Mine gets worse tangle-wise in that partly-damp stage, so I have to dry my hair first. No parting necessary!
Grab a small section at the crown of your head like you would for the start of a french braid (slightly to one side, as you would for two french braids). Braid a little ways down and then start adding sections of hair, french-braid style. I usually just take hair from the edge of my hairline, so only every other one. Continue braid until you hit the approximate middle-back of your head. Temporarily pin. Repeat braid on the other side. Don't worry about how even the braid is, just keep the braid close to your head as your braiding and it'll stay relatively tight.
Once both braids are finished, unpin the first braid and gather the hair. You can twist it into a messy bun or throw it into a ponytail from there. Pin as needed.
It also doesn't take a lot of braiding skill and works for medium (shoulder length) to long hair. Though you can do a sort of version of this with short hair.
To Style:
Dry hair works best, as wet tends to tangle, but mostly dry is fine as well depending upon your hair texture. Mine gets worse tangle-wise in that partly-damp stage, so I have to dry my hair first. No parting necessary!
Grab a small section at the crown of your head like you would for the start of a french braid (slightly to one side, as you would for two french braids). Braid a little ways down and then start adding sections of hair, french-braid style. I usually just take hair from the edge of my hairline, so only every other one. Continue braid until you hit the approximate middle-back of your head. Temporarily pin. Repeat braid on the other side. Don't worry about how even the braid is, just keep the braid close to your head as your braiding and it'll stay relatively tight.
Once both braids are finished, unpin the first braid and gather the hair. You can twist it into a messy bun or throw it into a ponytail from there. Pin as needed.
I don't know if you can see in this picture, but I added a black headband (carefully tuck it into the braided hair) for a little extra. You can also start with the headband in and braid around it — though I find it's easier to add the headband later. I usually leave my bangs out, but on weekends or especially wet days, I'll braid them back too.
For shorter hair, just do the french braids and stop midway down and pin back with two bobby pins in an ex-shape to hold the hair in place.
Hit with some hairspray for extra hold, and you're done for a day of professionalism or just casual hair fun!
Oh, and did I mention that we got 8 inches of snow last night before I had to drive my hardy little Honda home from work? A woman came into the store and mentioned that at about 5:45. I wasn't supposed to leave until 7, but my boss looked at me and went, "Do you want to go home?"
Hands down, it was the scariest hour of my life. I'm so glad the snow tires go on today! And I just had a peek at the weather, luckily, slim to none chance of snow (20% before 10 a.m.) but the high today...wait for it...14 DEGREES. HOLY MOLY.
Though I would like to say to the wise-cracker who said yesterday, "If you don't like snow, you should live in California," that not all of California is sunny and warm. Some parts of California even get snow.
Hope your day is warmer than mine!
Ciao,
kc
Monday, November 22, 2010
10 Reasons Why I Love My Garmin
10. Because of my Garmin, I have a better sense of distance when I run even when I run without it. True story.
9. With my Garmin, it's easier to find your way back if you get lost. It helps you retrace your steps. Which is a bummer when you have to retrace 3 or 4 or more miles, but it's better than being lost in the snowy woods. Or sunny woods. Depending upon the time of year.
8. With my Garmin, I can run in the woods and on trails and still know how far I've gone. Beat that, mapmyrun.com!
7. Because of my Garmin, it's easier to know that it's not about how fast you go, it's about doing to mileage. Yes, my Garmin tells me how fast I go, but when it's a depressing speed, I can just look at the "distance" box and see that I've gone far enough that it doesn't matter.
6. My Garmin tells me how fast I'm going, so when I'm too speedy, I can slow down and speed up when I'm too slow. My inner odometer might be nearly calibrated, but my inner speedometer still leaves something to be desired.
5. Because of my Garmin, I can go adventuring and check out new trails without worrying about how far I might end up going. I can go as far as I'm comfortable with and then turn around if necessary.
4. With my Garmin, I have worry-free running.
3. Because of my Garmin, if I don't feel like running that 4, 5, 10 mile loop that I have down pat, I don't have to. I can run somewhere else and still run the mileage I need to.
2. Because of my Garmin, I can explore different cities and locations while running.
1. Because of my Garmin, I run more often, faster, and farther. If that isn't reason enough to love my Garmin, I don't know what is.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Just a few of my favorite things
First of all, training has been exhausting. I say has been because though I'm currently home, after this week I travel back to dreary Bellevue for two more weeks of training. I know that Arcata gets more rain than Bellevue, but I'm pretty sure they don't make sun up in that part of Washington. I would hate to live there.
Training. Hmm. How many words? We're there 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though the trainer — a nice young man named Tyler — said with some enthusiasm last week, "Hey guys, guess what? There's a day in week two that you'll get out at 4!"
There were a few ragged cheers. And then he finished the statement, "...but you have to get here at 7 a.m."
Bugger.
Training is interesting though. I haven't lost my positive attitude about the job, and even if the job isn't my favorite thing in the world well, let's just say that Verizon Wireless is nationally recognized as the fourth best company to work for. They put an average of $22,000 into each employee before we even hit the sales floor and start making them money. They have the third best training program in the nation.
Ironically, I feel like I'm a PolyRep again, spouting awesome facts like that. I never thought that I should mention my PolyReps position for a sales position other than the fact that they were (duh) kickass and extremely prestigious, but in retrospect, I should have. I sold Cal Poly to incoming students and their parents. It's one thing to sell a cellphone, it's quite another to sell a university to a bored 18-year-old whose feet hurt and has been on fourteen other campus tours. Basically, I'm highly qualified for sales.
Boo-yah.
Oh, and did I mention that apparently it's more difficult to become an employee at Verizon Wireless than it is to get into Harvard? That's a big selling point for them. Harvard's acceptance rate is 3%. VZW's hire rate is 0.5%. Granted, more people apply for jobs at VZW than to Harvard, but still. Talk about impressive metrics.
Okay, enough about my job.
I did a bad thing yesterday. Well, not bad bad, but let's just say that every thrifty bone in my body is in agony, and while I'd do it again, I wouldn't do it frequently as it goes against every single grain of how I was raised.
Let's rewind.
I'm sure you've all come to realize that I'm a bit of a shopaholic. It is my drug of choice, but it's something I can choose not to do. But why should I when I am a smart, sensible shopper who puts time and energy into creating a budget based on my income that gives me wiggle room for shopping? Yes, my friends, I budget for shopping. But that's what makes it okay. It's my hard earned money, and so long as I'm still paying my bills on time and saving money, I can spend it any way I want.
One thing you may or may not have realized (though as you are all wonderfully intelligent, so I'm going to assume you have) is that I am a smart shopper. I can wait ages for that sweater I like to come down to a price that I'm willing to pay. After all, why would I pay $40 when I can wait four weeks and get it on clearance for $8? I do like new, but I don't mind wearing secondhand...though I think my attachment to new is the fact that I grew up wearing mostly handmedowns. Nothing wrong with it, but it's much like my mild attraction to TV — I didn't have it (much) growing up, so now that I can, I do, within reason.
Okay, so on to the bad thing.
I went to Macy's. And I bought something. Granted, I also went to Kohl's, but let's face it, Kohl's is amazing. Everything I bought at Kohl's was marked at 40 or 50% off and then I got my 15% off on top of that for being a Kohl's cardholder. It's hard not to be happy about that. I never feel guilty about shopping at Kohl's.
But Macy's. Ouch ouch ouch ouch.
But, in my defense, I need work clothes. I have business casual attire, but VZW has a pretty strict dress code. Close-toed shoes, slacks, sweater or button-down, no cleavage (like that's a problem for me) and I can wear skirts and dresses but I have to wear tights or nylons and no visible tattoos. And let's face it, a girl like me doesn't want to wear the same thing every week. I like options. I like to mix and match. And since I'm not allowed to wear certain things in my wardrobe, I had to update.
Yes, I could have waited, because I have two serviceable pairs of slacks. But I have two weeks of training coming up, and let me tell you about these slacks. The first pair is a pair I shelled out a good deal of money for ($60, I think), because I needed dress pants and didn't have much time to find some. But I bought them ten pounds ago. So I can wiggle into them, and they fit all right (i.e. they don't look like I'm about to explode out of them), but it makes for a long day as they're not especially comfortable. My other pair, I got at a bargain price ($6 at Kohl's!), but they are a size 8. And I kind of float somewhere a little north of a solid 6, but I'm not an 8 — kind of unfortunately, as then they would fit and I wouldn't be having this problem. So they're a little big. But not so big that I can take them in myself — I really ought to take them in to a tailor — so by the end of the day, I've got saggy-butt syndrome going on, and while that means that they are super comfortable, it means that after two hours, they're not super attractive or professional. In a business that's one part first impression, well, let's just say I would be skeptical about someone whose pants don't fit.
Not saying everyone would be skeptical, but I would be. And I'd be distracted by it.
So, with my very lucrative job (I get my first paycheck on Wednesday...they pay us for training and travel time and expenses, so it's a hefty one), I went for it. Please don't judge me, this doesn't happen often, sometimes it's just necessary. I did get some lovely slacks and a sweater. Though be proud of me, I walked away from a gorgeous pair of chocolate brown leather riding boots that actually zipped up my calves over my jeans — which hardly ever happens.
But I did apply for (and plan on immediately cancelling) the Macy's card, so I did get 15% off. And in the spirit of thrift and streamlining, and curbing shopping, I cancelled my Victoria's Secret credit card (and I was even a VIP member...). Mostly because I realized that I hardly ever used it, and didn't really take advantage of it, and when you buy one bra a year it's not really necessary. In addition, I even cleaned out my closet of the stuff that now that I can't wear them, I'll really never wear them. Also, the stuff that missed the first round of culling (from my move) that really needed to go still. I've noticed too, that now that I can dress fancy, I don't dress down very often. I mean, I dress in jeans, but I still dress up.
Except when I'm in my sweatpants, and let's face it, that's just unavoidable. At any rate, that means my selection of casual tees has gone down. Not to say that I don't have casual tees, I just mean the ones with graphics on them.
Though I'll never get rid of my Ed Hardy. Call me silly, but I really like it! And I only have one. So it's okay.
I'd like to apologize for today's fashions not being my normal thrifty, sale-digging finds. Girl's gotta splurge sometimes. Anyways, tell me about your shopping experience. Are there times when you pay full price even when you don't necessarily have to?
In other news, my lovely friend moved to Portland on Friday. I'm so proud of her! She got a job and made the commitment. I know she'll be much happier as an Oregonian, and we're only 3.5 hours apart now instead of 6.5. Which is super exciting. It means that if we really really need to see each other, we could do a day trip. And that makes me so happy, you have no idea.
Also, it's been snowing again. Yay! The mountain is projected to open Wednesday, but boyfriend isn't optimistic, as it needs to get dumped on in order for that to happen. Though it's predicted to get 10 inches of snow by then, so perhaps.
I ran again yesterday. I forgot my running shoes for training, which had me smacking myself for as the very nice hotel we were staying at offered free access to a nearby Bally's Fitness Center for its visitors. Oh well, next time. My Garmin's back from the Garmin doctor, and now actually works properly. It even told me the battery was low! It didn't used to do that! They actually ended up just sending me a brand new one, but they were so efficient about it, that even though my first Forerunner 205 was a poop, I'd still recommend getting one.
Just a heads up too, my posting will probably continue to be spotty as I start work in the store on Monday and my out-laws (boyfriend's parents, grandma, and sister) are coming to stay with us for Thanksgiving. So we'll have a full house on top of me being busy with work. But I'll make an attempt!
I'll leave you with one of my family's favorite Thanksgiving recipes, just in case, in celebration of one of my favorite holidays. They are delicious and always get gobbled up — but if we can managed to squirrel some away we do, as they're amazing the day after Thanksgiving with leftover turkey and some cranberry sauce! Also, in the summertime, you can use this recipe to make homemade burger buns or just as a bread to bring to a barbecue. The recipe even says it can be used for pizza dough. If you try the pizza dough, let me know how it goes! They go great with any holiday meal as well, not just Thanksgiving.
Refrigerator Rolls (recipe from San Fransisco - A La Carte)
Makes approx. 5 dozen rolls
Ingredients
2 packages (2 tbsp) active dry yeast
1/2 cup lukewarm water
3/4 cup butter
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water
3/4 cup sugar
2 tsp salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
7 to 8 cups unbleached white flour, unsifted
Dissolve yeast in the warm water for 5 min. Set aside. Combine butter with the boiling water and stir until butter is melted. Cool and place in very large bowl. Add cold water, sugar, salt, eggs and yeast. Mix well. Add enough flour (between 7 and 8 cups) to make a soft dough that when beaten does not stick to the sides of the bowl. Cover and refrigerate immediately for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. Dough can be kept in refrigerator for 7 to 10 days. When ready to use, remove any amount needed, place on a floured board, roll out about 1 inch thick, and cut or shape into any size desired. Place rolls on an ungreased cookie sheet and let rise for 1 to 2 hrs. Bake in an oven preheated to 375 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes, depending upon the size of the rolls.
Enjoy!
Ciao,
kc
TODAY: 4.45 miles
YESTERDAY: 3.1 miles
 |
| Outfit from the "first day of work." Grey sweater: Elle for Kohl's, $3.99; Black silk Tommy Hilfinger tank: garage sale, $0.50; Belt: came with something else from Kohl's; Pants: Lucky Lulu's in San Luis Obispo, $60; Necklace: Kohl's, $12.99 |
Training. Hmm. How many words? We're there 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though the trainer — a nice young man named Tyler — said with some enthusiasm last week, "Hey guys, guess what? There's a day in week two that you'll get out at 4!"
There were a few ragged cheers. And then he finished the statement, "...but you have to get here at 7 a.m."
Bugger.
Training is interesting though. I haven't lost my positive attitude about the job, and even if the job isn't my favorite thing in the world well, let's just say that Verizon Wireless is nationally recognized as the fourth best company to work for. They put an average of $22,000 into each employee before we even hit the sales floor and start making them money. They have the third best training program in the nation.
Ironically, I feel like I'm a PolyRep again, spouting awesome facts like that. I never thought that I should mention my PolyReps position for a sales position other than the fact that they were (duh) kickass and extremely prestigious, but in retrospect, I should have. I sold Cal Poly to incoming students and their parents. It's one thing to sell a cellphone, it's quite another to sell a university to a bored 18-year-old whose feet hurt and has been on fourteen other campus tours. Basically, I'm highly qualified for sales.
 |
| PolyReps 2008-2009. I'm in the middle (to the immediate right of the two girls wearing yellow headbands). |
Oh, and did I mention that apparently it's more difficult to become an employee at Verizon Wireless than it is to get into Harvard? That's a big selling point for them. Harvard's acceptance rate is 3%. VZW's hire rate is 0.5%. Granted, more people apply for jobs at VZW than to Harvard, but still. Talk about impressive metrics.
Okay, enough about my job.
I did a bad thing yesterday. Well, not bad bad, but let's just say that every thrifty bone in my body is in agony, and while I'd do it again, I wouldn't do it frequently as it goes against every single grain of how I was raised.
Let's rewind.
I'm sure you've all come to realize that I'm a bit of a shopaholic. It is my drug of choice, but it's something I can choose not to do. But why should I when I am a smart, sensible shopper who puts time and energy into creating a budget based on my income that gives me wiggle room for shopping? Yes, my friends, I budget for shopping. But that's what makes it okay. It's my hard earned money, and so long as I'm still paying my bills on time and saving money, I can spend it any way I want.
 |
| Top: Lauren Conrad for Kohl's, $24 (60% off original ticket); black pencil skirt & belt: Apt 9 for Kohl's, 24.99; shoes: Versace, consignment (so I wouldn't actually wear the shoes to work — standing in those for 8 hours? I think not! — but they're my babies and they're pretty!) |
One thing you may or may not have realized (though as you are all wonderfully intelligent, so I'm going to assume you have) is that I am a smart shopper. I can wait ages for that sweater I like to come down to a price that I'm willing to pay. After all, why would I pay $40 when I can wait four weeks and get it on clearance for $8? I do like new, but I don't mind wearing secondhand...though I think my attachment to new is the fact that I grew up wearing mostly handmedowns. Nothing wrong with it, but it's much like my mild attraction to TV — I didn't have it (much) growing up, so now that I can, I do, within reason.
Okay, so on to the bad thing.
 |
| Sonoma Life & Style ballet flats: Kohl's, $29.99 |
I went to Macy's. And I bought something. Granted, I also went to Kohl's, but let's face it, Kohl's is amazing. Everything I bought at Kohl's was marked at 40 or 50% off and then I got my 15% off on top of that for being a Kohl's cardholder. It's hard not to be happy about that. I never feel guilty about shopping at Kohl's.
But Macy's. Ouch ouch ouch ouch.
But, in my defense, I need work clothes. I have business casual attire, but VZW has a pretty strict dress code. Close-toed shoes, slacks, sweater or button-down, no cleavage (like that's a problem for me) and I can wear skirts and dresses but I have to wear tights or nylons and no visible tattoos. And let's face it, a girl like me doesn't want to wear the same thing every week. I like options. I like to mix and match. And since I'm not allowed to wear certain things in my wardrobe, I had to update.
 |
| Striped sweater: INC International Concepts for Macy's, you REALLY don't want to know; black dress slacks: INC International Concepts for Macy's, can't tell you (these are a bizarre fabric too, but super super super comfy to wear); shoes: Versace, consignment |
Yes, I could have waited, because I have two serviceable pairs of slacks. But I have two weeks of training coming up, and let me tell you about these slacks. The first pair is a pair I shelled out a good deal of money for ($60, I think), because I needed dress pants and didn't have much time to find some. But I bought them ten pounds ago. So I can wiggle into them, and they fit all right (i.e. they don't look like I'm about to explode out of them), but it makes for a long day as they're not especially comfortable. My other pair, I got at a bargain price ($6 at Kohl's!), but they are a size 8. And I kind of float somewhere a little north of a solid 6, but I'm not an 8 — kind of unfortunately, as then they would fit and I wouldn't be having this problem. So they're a little big. But not so big that I can take them in myself — I really ought to take them in to a tailor — so by the end of the day, I've got saggy-butt syndrome going on, and while that means that they are super comfortable, it means that after two hours, they're not super attractive or professional. In a business that's one part first impression, well, let's just say I would be skeptical about someone whose pants don't fit.
Not saying everyone would be skeptical, but I would be. And I'd be distracted by it.
So, with my very lucrative job (I get my first paycheck on Wednesday...they pay us for training and travel time and expenses, so it's a hefty one), I went for it. Please don't judge me, this doesn't happen often, sometimes it's just necessary. I did get some lovely slacks and a sweater. Though be proud of me, I walked away from a gorgeous pair of chocolate brown leather riding boots that actually zipped up my calves over my jeans — which hardly ever happens.
 |
| Cranberry sweater: Nordstrom Rack, $14.99; gold sequin tank: Ross Dress for Less, $4.59; brown dress slacks: Daisy Fuentes for Kohl's, $27.99; shoes: see previous photo |
But I did apply for (and plan on immediately cancelling) the Macy's card, so I did get 15% off. And in the spirit of thrift and streamlining, and curbing shopping, I cancelled my Victoria's Secret credit card (and I was even a VIP member...). Mostly because I realized that I hardly ever used it, and didn't really take advantage of it, and when you buy one bra a year it's not really necessary. In addition, I even cleaned out my closet of the stuff that now that I can't wear them, I'll really never wear them. Also, the stuff that missed the first round of culling (from my move) that really needed to go still. I've noticed too, that now that I can dress fancy, I don't dress down very often. I mean, I dress in jeans, but I still dress up.
 |
| Grey sweater: Nordstrom Rack, $19.99; black dress slacks: Daisy Fuentes for Kohl's, $27.99; black ballet flats: Target, $12.99 |
Except when I'm in my sweatpants, and let's face it, that's just unavoidable. At any rate, that means my selection of casual tees has gone down. Not to say that I don't have casual tees, I just mean the ones with graphics on them.
 |
| Button detail on collar of grey sweater |
Though I'll never get rid of my Ed Hardy. Call me silly, but I really like it! And I only have one. So it's okay.
 |
| Black crop sweater: remnant from a sorority recruiting event; ruffle top: Candies for Kohl's, $22.80; grey striped dress slacks: Macy's, $39.98; shoes: Versace, consignment |
I'd like to apologize for today's fashions not being my normal thrifty, sale-digging finds. Girl's gotta splurge sometimes. Anyways, tell me about your shopping experience. Are there times when you pay full price even when you don't necessarily have to?
In other news, my lovely friend moved to Portland on Friday. I'm so proud of her! She got a job and made the commitment. I know she'll be much happier as an Oregonian, and we're only 3.5 hours apart now instead of 6.5. Which is super exciting. It means that if we really really need to see each other, we could do a day trip. And that makes me so happy, you have no idea.
Also, it's been snowing again. Yay! The mountain is projected to open Wednesday, but boyfriend isn't optimistic, as it needs to get dumped on in order for that to happen. Though it's predicted to get 10 inches of snow by then, so perhaps.
I ran again yesterday. I forgot my running shoes for training, which had me smacking myself for as the very nice hotel we were staying at offered free access to a nearby Bally's Fitness Center for its visitors. Oh well, next time. My Garmin's back from the Garmin doctor, and now actually works properly. It even told me the battery was low! It didn't used to do that! They actually ended up just sending me a brand new one, but they were so efficient about it, that even though my first Forerunner 205 was a poop, I'd still recommend getting one.
Just a heads up too, my posting will probably continue to be spotty as I start work in the store on Monday and my out-laws (boyfriend's parents, grandma, and sister) are coming to stay with us for Thanksgiving. So we'll have a full house on top of me being busy with work. But I'll make an attempt!
I'll leave you with one of my family's favorite Thanksgiving recipes, just in case, in celebration of one of my favorite holidays. They are delicious and always get gobbled up — but if we can managed to squirrel some away we do, as they're amazing the day after Thanksgiving with leftover turkey and some cranberry sauce! Also, in the summertime, you can use this recipe to make homemade burger buns or just as a bread to bring to a barbecue. The recipe even says it can be used for pizza dough. If you try the pizza dough, let me know how it goes! They go great with any holiday meal as well, not just Thanksgiving.
Refrigerator Rolls (recipe from San Fransisco - A La Carte)
Makes approx. 5 dozen rolls
Ingredients
2 packages (2 tbsp) active dry yeast
1/2 cup lukewarm water
3/4 cup butter
1 cup boiling water
1 cup cold water
3/4 cup sugar
2 tsp salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
7 to 8 cups unbleached white flour, unsifted
Dissolve yeast in the warm water for 5 min. Set aside. Combine butter with the boiling water and stir until butter is melted. Cool and place in very large bowl. Add cold water, sugar, salt, eggs and yeast. Mix well. Add enough flour (between 7 and 8 cups) to make a soft dough that when beaten does not stick to the sides of the bowl. Cover and refrigerate immediately for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. Dough can be kept in refrigerator for 7 to 10 days. When ready to use, remove any amount needed, place on a floured board, roll out about 1 inch thick, and cut or shape into any size desired. Place rolls on an ungreased cookie sheet and let rise for 1 to 2 hrs. Bake in an oven preheated to 375 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes, depending upon the size of the rolls.
Enjoy!
Ciao,
kc
TODAY: 4.45 miles
YESTERDAY: 3.1 miles
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Putting it to the test
So I'm here to warn you that I'm about to drop off the face of the earth. I'm hoping that in my evenings I'll be able to find a computer and tell you all about my training (though I'm pretty sure I can't tell you anything other than how it makes me feel as it would be breaking my confidentiality contract or something), but I'm not holding my breath.
Though I've not been all that great about blogging recently anyhow. The holidays are coming up, you know, and I was finishing my job hunt.
The job that I hinted at weeks ago — you know, the one where I dropped into the store and got an interview on the spot? — is with Verizon Wireless. I'm pretty sure they can't shoot me for telling you that much. I was actually offered the job on November 1st, but after you're offered the job you have to pass a drug test and a background check. Now, I'm no hardened criminal, so I knew I would, but it still had me biting my nails to the quick (figuratively...I'm not a nail biter in real life).
Now, I was supposed to start in the store tomorrow and leave for training in Beaverton (near Portland) on the 29th — although there was some confusion there too, as corporate said Bellvue (near Seattle in Washington) and my new manager (who seems to be a lovely man, I like him already) said Beaverton. Thursday night, I'm entertaining my friend Brittany who stopped in for a two night visit on her way home from Wisconsin, and we're sitting down with boyfriend eating dinner when my phone rings. Normally, I'm not so crass as to answer my phone during dinner, but I noticed it was my new manager. Since it was 7 p.m., I was mildly concerned as to why he was calling, so I answered.
"Hey kc," he said. "I have some good news and some bad news."
"Okay," I said, my heart pounding as the words "bad news" trigger scary adrenaline.
"Well, first of all, you're cleared. You passed your background check and your drug test. Congratulations, you're an official employee. That's the good news."
"Okay," my heart slows to a more normal rate. "Then what's the bad news?"
"The bad news is that corporate wants you in Bellvue on the fifteenth."
"The fifteenth as in Monday?" I know my voice squeaked a little at that. "This Monday?"
So, as you can see, I've had three days notice. First, they were going to fly us there. Apparently, there were 27 new trainees they were going to have to book flights for — not just for this store, in total — at the last minute. Yesterday, my manager calls me and tells me we're no longer flying, we're driving. They're renting a car for the three of us from this store and we're leaving at 2 p.m. today.
First of all, 2 p.m.? Who leaves for a 6.5 hour trip at 2 in the afternoon? Apparently, we do. Oh well.
I am looking forward to it, in spite of all the last minute planning and running around feeling like a chicken with my head cut off. I have a project I'm going to work on while I'm gone — I'm sending out holiday cards this year — and I'm taking my camera and if I have my own room and a long enough mirror, I'll take pictures of my carefully planned business attire. I think I did a good job of picking out clothes that I'll be happy wearing that still conform to the dress code requirements. We'll see.
So anyways, I'll be gone for this week and then I'll be back for the week of Thanksgiving, though I'll be working in the store. I will try to find time to post a few turkey-day recipes that I love and cherish, so look forward to that. And then after Thanksgiving I'll be back in Bellvue for two weeks.
And then the holidays will be here before I know it and chaos will reign! Oh boy!
Oh! And exciting news: I'm back to running! Out of consideration for my foot/ankle, I didn't go very far yesterday (don't know exact mileage either, because the Garmin is still at the Garmin doctor), and if I manage to squeeze in a run today, I'll be happy, but I won't be running in Seattle just yet. But a little bit is better than none, especially as I'm not training for anything right now, so the fact that I'm running at all is excellent!
Ciao,
kc
YESTERDAY: ~2.75 miles
Though I've not been all that great about blogging recently anyhow. The holidays are coming up, you know, and I was finishing my job hunt.
The job that I hinted at weeks ago — you know, the one where I dropped into the store and got an interview on the spot? — is with Verizon Wireless. I'm pretty sure they can't shoot me for telling you that much. I was actually offered the job on November 1st, but after you're offered the job you have to pass a drug test and a background check. Now, I'm no hardened criminal, so I knew I would, but it still had me biting my nails to the quick (figuratively...I'm not a nail biter in real life).
Now, I was supposed to start in the store tomorrow and leave for training in Beaverton (near Portland) on the 29th — although there was some confusion there too, as corporate said Bellvue (near Seattle in Washington) and my new manager (who seems to be a lovely man, I like him already) said Beaverton. Thursday night, I'm entertaining my friend Brittany who stopped in for a two night visit on her way home from Wisconsin, and we're sitting down with boyfriend eating dinner when my phone rings. Normally, I'm not so crass as to answer my phone during dinner, but I noticed it was my new manager. Since it was 7 p.m., I was mildly concerned as to why he was calling, so I answered.
"Hey kc," he said. "I have some good news and some bad news."
"Okay," I said, my heart pounding as the words "bad news" trigger scary adrenaline.
"Well, first of all, you're cleared. You passed your background check and your drug test. Congratulations, you're an official employee. That's the good news."
"Okay," my heart slows to a more normal rate. "Then what's the bad news?"
"The bad news is that corporate wants you in Bellvue on the fifteenth."
"The fifteenth as in Monday?" I know my voice squeaked a little at that. "This Monday?"
So, as you can see, I've had three days notice. First, they were going to fly us there. Apparently, there were 27 new trainees they were going to have to book flights for — not just for this store, in total — at the last minute. Yesterday, my manager calls me and tells me we're no longer flying, we're driving. They're renting a car for the three of us from this store and we're leaving at 2 p.m. today.
First of all, 2 p.m.? Who leaves for a 6.5 hour trip at 2 in the afternoon? Apparently, we do. Oh well.
I am looking forward to it, in spite of all the last minute planning and running around feeling like a chicken with my head cut off. I have a project I'm going to work on while I'm gone — I'm sending out holiday cards this year — and I'm taking my camera and if I have my own room and a long enough mirror, I'll take pictures of my carefully planned business attire. I think I did a good job of picking out clothes that I'll be happy wearing that still conform to the dress code requirements. We'll see.
So anyways, I'll be gone for this week and then I'll be back for the week of Thanksgiving, though I'll be working in the store. I will try to find time to post a few turkey-day recipes that I love and cherish, so look forward to that. And then after Thanksgiving I'll be back in Bellvue for two weeks.
And then the holidays will be here before I know it and chaos will reign! Oh boy!
Oh! And exciting news: I'm back to running! Out of consideration for my foot/ankle, I didn't go very far yesterday (don't know exact mileage either, because the Garmin is still at the Garmin doctor), and if I manage to squeeze in a run today, I'll be happy, but I won't be running in Seattle just yet. But a little bit is better than none, especially as I'm not training for anything right now, so the fact that I'm running at all is excellent!
Ciao,
kc
YESTERDAY: ~2.75 miles
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Adventures at Gap
That's right, I forgot. I'm so sorry. But I did forget that I was going to tell you about Christmas shopping and some delightful finds!
I'm not a Gap shopper...too expensive and too preppy. I haven't been in a place in my life where I've needed to invest in clean cut clothes from Gap. I'm pretty good at making outfits from handmedowns and thrift shopping, and the sale rack at Kohl's. But my beloved sister put a challenge to me for her Christmas list, and because of it, I went to Gap.
The challenge:
A classy raincoat in red or plaid.
Gap, unfortunately, did not have the ubiquitous raincoat, but the mission sent me to their sale rack (where all of their raincoats were). Much to my joy. So no raincoat, but browsing scored me a comfy striped cotton tunic and a classic white buttondown in a boyfriend cut — all for less than $20! At Gap! Who'd have thought?
I rock the buttondown with my boots and this gorgeous necklace I picked up from the Kohl's sales rack. Today, I paired the buttondown with my black boots and my charcoal grey blazer for an interview. Very vogue and very "I'm a designer" professional.
Now I must go, because boyfriend is home!
Ciao,
kc
I'm not a Gap shopper...too expensive and too preppy. I haven't been in a place in my life where I've needed to invest in clean cut clothes from Gap. I'm pretty good at making outfits from handmedowns and thrift shopping, and the sale rack at Kohl's. But my beloved sister put a challenge to me for her Christmas list, and because of it, I went to Gap.
The challenge:
A classy raincoat in red or plaid.
Gap, unfortunately, did not have the ubiquitous raincoat, but the mission sent me to their sale rack (where all of their raincoats were). Much to my joy. So no raincoat, but browsing scored me a comfy striped cotton tunic and a classic white buttondown in a boyfriend cut — all for less than $20! At Gap! Who'd have thought?
I rock the buttondown with my boots and this gorgeous necklace I picked up from the Kohl's sales rack. Today, I paired the buttondown with my black boots and my charcoal grey blazer for an interview. Very vogue and very "I'm a designer" professional.
Now I must go, because boyfriend is home!
Ciao,
kc
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Three Cup Day
Okay, okay, FINE.
I know I've been a class A slacker about posting, and that I really ought to be posting more and that I really have no good excuse, it's just that nothing's really happened yet. It's snowing (beautiful) and it's a three-cups-of-coffee-and-a-nap-and-I'm-still-tired kind of day...maybe it was because I was up at 5:30 and spent the hours of 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. chasing after a bubbly 2-year-old?
Yeah, that might have done it.
She's super cute and I just started babysitting her. After my babysitting horrors in high school, you'd think I'd never want to babysit again, but I shoved them aside with the acknowledgment that I need money, and if a woman who's at most my age is willing to pay me to run after her child, I need to do it. After all, she's working two jobs, going to school, and is a single mom, I should be able to hack a couple hours right?
Actually, in this instance, I can. The little one is low-maintenance as far as the toddler set goes. At one point, she even knocked a tin lunchbox off a shelf and had it hit her square in the face. No tears, just a wavering demand for a "hiss" ("kiss") and then she was right back at it.
Most charming toddler I've ever met, barring an adorable cousin or two.
And she calls me "hiss-en," and says, "squeeze" for "excuse me." How cute is that?
Not much else has happened. I am still waiting on that job we talked about earlier. But I should know this week. And I'm still talking to the people at my dream job, even though they're not hiring. Just being a good girl and keeping the door open just in case. Doesn't hurt anything to try.
My birthday went great, and I wanted to show you some photos. Smitten Kitchen posted this recipe, which I just had to try. Chocolate souffle cupcakes with white chocolate mint cream. Yum yum.
Mine didn't turn out nearly as pretty as hers, but they tasted just as good. Delicious! I want to try Nutrition Nut's pumpkin chocolate chip bread next, I even got the pumpkin out of my freezer in order to make it, and then I spent all day yesterday doing...well, nothing. I can't even remember what I did yesterday.
Isn't that terrible?
We'll see if inspiration strikes this evening with the snow falling quietly outside.
I did pick up the world's most delicious heirloom tomatoes at Trader Joe's on Sunday morning. God bless daylight savings and early risers. One upside to getting up early that I hadn't thought of, is that with my body being used to being up at nearly 7:30 a.m. on the dot, meant I was up at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday morning! Fall back, hallelujah.
I did some early morning grocery shopping after having a fulfilling morning of sipping coffee and whatnot.
Anyways, after making a beautiful salad on Sunday night with said heirloom tomatoes (such pretty colors), pomegranate seeds, parmesan and some cucumber that I unfortunately forgot to take a picture of, I was so pleased with the tomatoes that I dedicated lunch to them yesterday.
Multi-seed sourdough bread from the Village Bakery (where I haven't been yet, but I am told is the place to go), thinthinthinthin-sliced leftover barbeque'd chicken that boyfriend made for dinner Sunday night, topped with heirloom tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, salt and pepper. Oh. My. God.
If they make food in heaven, surely it's this.
Is your mouth watering yet? I hope so.
Now I'm going to switch tracks and retrace back to my b'day.
Boyfriend, as well he should, wins the day with the Columbia rain shell/running jacket and beautiful earrings he bought me. The jacket, while quite nice and fancy, isn't particularly exciting, so I shall only subject you to the earrings:
Beautiful, simple, tasteful. And he picked them out all by himself. He was so cute giving them to me...all full of wiggles.Precious. Ahem, rugged...manly...and...erm...stuff.
A lovely gift that I received today, I'd like to acknowledge because it has me written all over it — and I know that the lovely lady who gave it to me reads this blog and it would tickle her pink to see it. And seriously me. All over it. I mean, not literally, but really...
I told it you it had me written all over it. It's a tea towel and super cute at that.
My little sister won the card category in awesomeness.
I mean, right? Hilarious. And I have a weakness for kitties. Boyfriend got me a kitty card too. I think he just likes hearing me say, "Kitty!" It's embarrassing but inevitable when I see a kitty.
Okay, well, I think that's enough for now. Snow is beautiful and tomorrow, I promise I will regale you with news of Christmas shopping (I start early) and some new fashionista finds. (Oh, the joy.)
Ciao,
kc
P.S. I am currently not running in order to let a running-induced injury heal..we're not sure what it is, as I have no medical coverage at the moment, but it's healing on it's own. One more week and I'll be back at it...newly attired with my jacket and running tights!
I know I've been a class A slacker about posting, and that I really ought to be posting more and that I really have no good excuse, it's just that nothing's really happened yet. It's snowing (beautiful) and it's a three-cups-of-coffee-and-a-nap-and-I'm-still-tired kind of day...maybe it was because I was up at 5:30 and spent the hours of 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. chasing after a bubbly 2-year-old?
Yeah, that might have done it.
She's super cute and I just started babysitting her. After my babysitting horrors in high school, you'd think I'd never want to babysit again, but I shoved them aside with the acknowledgment that I need money, and if a woman who's at most my age is willing to pay me to run after her child, I need to do it. After all, she's working two jobs, going to school, and is a single mom, I should be able to hack a couple hours right?
Actually, in this instance, I can. The little one is low-maintenance as far as the toddler set goes. At one point, she even knocked a tin lunchbox off a shelf and had it hit her square in the face. No tears, just a wavering demand for a "hiss" ("kiss") and then she was right back at it.
Most charming toddler I've ever met, barring an adorable cousin or two.
And she calls me "hiss-en," and says, "squeeze" for "excuse me." How cute is that?
Not much else has happened. I am still waiting on that job we talked about earlier. But I should know this week. And I'm still talking to the people at my dream job, even though they're not hiring. Just being a good girl and keeping the door open just in case. Doesn't hurt anything to try.
My birthday went great, and I wanted to show you some photos. Smitten Kitchen posted this recipe, which I just had to try. Chocolate souffle cupcakes with white chocolate mint cream. Yum yum.
Mine didn't turn out nearly as pretty as hers, but they tasted just as good. Delicious! I want to try Nutrition Nut's pumpkin chocolate chip bread next, I even got the pumpkin out of my freezer in order to make it, and then I spent all day yesterday doing...well, nothing. I can't even remember what I did yesterday.
Isn't that terrible?
We'll see if inspiration strikes this evening with the snow falling quietly outside.
I did pick up the world's most delicious heirloom tomatoes at Trader Joe's on Sunday morning. God bless daylight savings and early risers. One upside to getting up early that I hadn't thought of, is that with my body being used to being up at nearly 7:30 a.m. on the dot, meant I was up at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday morning! Fall back, hallelujah.
I did some early morning grocery shopping after having a fulfilling morning of sipping coffee and whatnot.
Anyways, after making a beautiful salad on Sunday night with said heirloom tomatoes (such pretty colors), pomegranate seeds, parmesan and some cucumber that I unfortunately forgot to take a picture of, I was so pleased with the tomatoes that I dedicated lunch to them yesterday.
Multi-seed sourdough bread from the Village Bakery (where I haven't been yet, but I am told is the place to go), thinthinthinthin-sliced leftover barbeque'd chicken that boyfriend made for dinner Sunday night, topped with heirloom tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, salt and pepper. Oh. My. God.
If they make food in heaven, surely it's this.
Is your mouth watering yet? I hope so.
Now I'm going to switch tracks and retrace back to my b'day.
Boyfriend, as well he should, wins the day with the Columbia rain shell/running jacket and beautiful earrings he bought me. The jacket, while quite nice and fancy, isn't particularly exciting, so I shall only subject you to the earrings:
Beautiful, simple, tasteful. And he picked them out all by himself. He was so cute giving them to me...all full of wiggles.
A lovely gift that I received today, I'd like to acknowledge because it has me written all over it — and I know that the lovely lady who gave it to me reads this blog and it would tickle her pink to see it. And seriously me. All over it. I mean, not literally, but really...
I told it you it had me written all over it. It's a tea towel and super cute at that.
My little sister won the card category in awesomeness.
I mean, right? Hilarious. And I have a weakness for kitties. Boyfriend got me a kitty card too. I think he just likes hearing me say, "Kitty!" It's embarrassing but inevitable when I see a kitty.
Okay, well, I think that's enough for now. Snow is beautiful and tomorrow, I promise I will regale you with news of Christmas shopping (I start early) and some new fashionista finds. (Oh, the joy.)
Ciao,
kc
P.S. I am currently not running in order to let a running-induced injury heal..we're not sure what it is, as I have no medical coverage at the moment, but it's healing on it's own. One more week and I'll be back at it...newly attired with my jacket and running tights!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Because I'm a Princess, that's why
While I was visiting home this weekend, my mommy threw me a princess themed birthday party. Because I'm a princess, that's why. I also had a Halloween blast and ran 6 miles with my lovely running buddy...it was great to catch up with her. Every time I see her I realize she's even more awesome and I miss her so much when I'm away. :(
Anyways, mush aside, here are some photos from the Princess Party.
And now, ladies and gentlemen, the piece de resistance: the princess cake with recipe provided by Smitten Kitchen's fabulous chef. Beautifully strawberry flavored and decadently pink, it was quite a showstopper at the party.
And props to this 94-year-old princess, it was her first princess party! What a travesty.
More on Halloween later, lovelies.
Ciao,
kc
Anyways, mush aside, here are some photos from the Princess Party.
 |
| We dressed the table and the room! |
 |
| A princess carriage and beautiful pink mirror brought the table together. |
 |
| Individual wands and giant diamond rings added a bit of sparkle. |
 |
| Cousin Mija (the chihuahua) joined us and everyone tiara'd up (see my papa behind me). |
And now, ladies and gentlemen, the piece de resistance: the princess cake with recipe provided by Smitten Kitchen's fabulous chef. Beautifully strawberry flavored and decadently pink, it was quite a showstopper at the party.
And props to this 94-year-old princess, it was her first princess party! What a travesty.
 |
| Boyfriend's grandma was so thrilled about her tiara and diamond ring, it was adorable! |
More on Halloween later, lovelies.
Ciao,
kc
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)