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Be the CEO… of your life.
I was having a conversation with a colleague a few weeks ago, catching up on life. I was telling her about my upcoming trip overseas and that I’d started planning a trip back to New York City this summer. “Wow, you are just LIVING your life!” she said. Yeah… I’ve been sort of on a […]
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Celebrating 20 years of ‘Sex and the City’!
This week, fans of “Sex and the City” have been celebrating its 20th anniversary – can you believe it? HBO’s iconic series debuted in 1998, when I was in 8th grade. We didn’t have HBO at my house growing up, so I didn’t come across the series until I was a junior in high school, […]
MoreTaking the high road… or hiding under it?
I had an entire blog post ready for today that looked a lot different than this one does. I was going to post screen shots of some text messages I received from a guy I went on a few dates with almost a year ago (the texts are just a few weeks old). The texts […]
MoreBlanche’s Book Club: ‘Ramona Blue’.
Happy Hump Day! We’re already halfway through the week, plus I’m so excited to share Blanche’s Book Club’s latest read – it’s a goodie! Today, we’re talking about “Ramona Blue” by Julie Murphy. Here is the description from Amazon.com: Ramona was only five years old when Hurricane Katrina changed her life forever. Since then, it’s […]
MoreHealthcare, tears, and TSA
Almost two weeks ago, I got a call from my uncle letting me know my dad had been admitted to the hospital. As I’ve mentioned here before, the relationship I have with my dad came to a halt about three and a half years ago. I haven’t heard from him since then, or really heard […]
MoreSelling my baggage on eBay.
One of my goals for 2017 was to clean out my apartment. Not clean up, no, actually go through every little nook and box and get rid of things, and also do a better job of the things that I brought into the apartment. My tiny place is 650 square feet, including my patio, and […]
MoreOn keeping it real (honest).
It’s 9:30 pm, and I’m writing this on my phone as I soak in the tub. I just had a mini-meltdown in my car and am grasping for all of my self care necessities at once: Blanche, bubble bath, John Mayer, and a clay mask. Since Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, I’ve been stressed. I’ve been […]
MoreDetox Your Dating: Day 7.
Whew! It’s the final day of this Dating Detox. Technically, I know it took me longer than 7 days to get through it, but I’m a busy gal, and let’s face it, this was tough. Day 7 Challenge: Check Yourself! Today is all about taking a look within. Am I ready for a serious relationship? […]
MoreDetox Your Dating: Day 6.
Ok – day 6! Today is all about the “Top ingredients for a high-quality man”. This is exactly what I need to see. Denise has a list of just SOME of the ingredients of a high-quality man, and they are: His actions will always speak louder than his words. High Quality mens’ words and actions […]
MoreDetox Your Dating: Day 5.
SRSLY, everyone is just freaking out about this solar eclipse – is it really that big of a deal? My office doesn’t even have windows, so I’m 100% sure I will not notice when Texas gets 65% coverage. Le sigh. Anyway, onto Day 5, and this one is a tough one for me. Day 5 […]
MoreDetox Your Dating: Day 4.
The detox for day 3 was pretty eye-opening for me, so I’m curious to dive into day 4! This day is all about “Recognizing your cravings for attention”. Oh boy… Day 4 Challenge: Recognize Your Cravings for Attention Denise explains that many successful women admit to having some sort of “attachment” to something on the […]
MoreDetox Your Dating: Day 3.
Still drinking the metaphorical green juice for this Dating Detox from Denise Poteat. I know I’ve said it before, but even though I would not consider myself an active dater – reflecting on my past always does a number on me (this time for the better, I think). So, day 3, let’s get it! Day […]
MoreDetox Your Dating: Day 1.
A fellow singleton friend asked me if I wanted to try a free 7-day exercise called “Detox Your Dating Life” put on by Denise Poteat. I immediately agreed – although I do really, really enjoy being single, I’m always up for a challenge. This 7-day exercise involves lots of self-reflection, and over the course of […]
MoreBlanche’s Book Club: ‘The Arrangement’.
Hello, hello! I’ve had a pretty good week over here – hope you all can say the same! I DID take three dance classes last night though, so I’m definitely sore today. However, I needed it! But let’s jump right into the book review, because this one is a GOODIE. Here’s the official description from […]
MoreIs foreplay feminist?
A few years ago, I had a date with this guy I really liked. We cooked dinner at his house, and before I knew it, we were upstairs, in his bed, making out. I quickly told him I wasn’t ready to sleep with him since we weren’t monogamous and hadn’t even been talking that long. […]
MoreNo really, who’s my soulmate?
Hola, readers! Ugh, it has been a weird/crazy week over here, so I apologize for not posting yesterday. In time, I’ll explain it all, of course. But, something has been on my mind. You may have noticed that when I posted about what happened with my last crush/male-interest, etc., a fellow blogger posted her advice. […]
MoreThe other side of heartbreak.
I promised I’d fill you in on my love life as of late, and well, I’m a woman of my word. And yeah, I’m going to somehow try and explain this as honestly as possible, without going off the deep end. Here goes. I’ve known this guy for 16+ years (ugh, I’m so old), and […]
MoreIndiana: A story of what could be?
Howdy! I had every intention of posting yesterday, but life took over – okay, more like work took over, and I was up until the wee hours this morning finishing things, and packing for my trip to Indiana tomorrow. I planned this trip months ago, so I could participate in my second “Take Steps for […]
More‘Southern Charm’: The Hangover.
After the way we left last week’s episode, I was really looking forward to last night’s chapter! Naturally, things kick off with Saint’s birthday party, where Kathryn does decide to go. Everyone is pretty happy to see her there, and she actually gets along with Thomas. However, Patricia still has her sights set on Thomas […]
MoreBlanche’s Book Club: ‘Why We Broke Up’.
Hello, hello! My sincere apologies for not posting this on Friday – I had some internet issues on Thursday night, and was simply too tired to stay up and resolve them. But alas! I finished reading another book last week and wanted to share it with you. Blanche’s Book Club’s latest read is “Why We […]
MoreSaying goodbye to ‘Girls’.
While most of America was gorging on honey ham and chocolate bunnies, I was waiting for the series finale of HBO’s “Girls”. Don’t worry, I whipped up stuffed shells with butternut squash sauce and some crescent rolls for the occasion. I know “Girls” took a lot of shit – for making millenials look bad; for […]
MoreComparing cosmetic primers.
Over the last few months, I have been testing several different primers under my daily makeup to see which one I like best. Primers seem to be all the rage, given that basically every cosmetic brand has one – but how are we supposed to know what’s going to work for us? Because I have […]
MoreLoneliness is tragic.
Lately, I’ve been feeling lonely. There’s a difference between being alone and feeling lonely, because, well, I’ve been alone for a greater part of the last 14 years. Most of that time, though, I haven’t felt lonely. After two tragedies struck my friends and family in Indiana over the last six weeks though, I started […]
MoreBlanche’s Book Club: ‘The Unexpected Everything’.
Hey, hey! We made it to the end of the week! I still have a busy day ahead, but I’m a big fan of the Friday energy, so I’ll take it. I’m excited to tell you about this book I read, so I’ll jump right in. It’s a YA novel called, “The Unexpected Everything” by […]
More‘So Cosmo’: Cosmo AF.
Does this week seem soooooo long to anyone else? It’s been super crazy at work, and I’m trying my best to keep my cool, but I’m ready for the weekend! Leave it to “So Cosmo” to provide a little mid-week relief. The episode is all sorts of Cosmo drama when Tiffany wore a borrowed sheer […]
More‘So Cosmo’: Woman Up.
Hey, hey! It has been a bit of a doozy of a week – so bad I almost had to go out and buy myself a bottle of wine, but I didn’t, because 1. I’m too lazy, and 2. I’m really serious about not messing up my “sleep study” (please read Tuesday’s post for clarity). […]
MoreIs my single life… boring?
Last week, I mentioned that I’ve been suffering from extreme fatigue lately. As promised, I spent the weekend, and each night this week really making an effort to get quality sleep in hopes of pinpointing the problem (you can expect a progress report next week). Part of solving the problem involves taking a solid look […]
More‘So Cosmo’: Is He Truly Into You?
Hey, hey! We’re on the downside of the week, and I’m feeling good. And yep, last night was episode 5 of “So Cosmo”. Honestly, the more I watch this show, the more I like it… so let’s get into it! The episode started with some of the staff members doing a sexy workout – literally […]
MoreOn life, time & the woman of grace.
It has been said that time is the true teller of things (and people) that really matter. After all, things or moments or people that withstand the test of time – those are the keepers. A few weeks ago, I realized I’ve done something in my life for the first time: I lost track of […]
More‘So Cosmo’: Fun Fearless Money.
I was actually looking forward to last night’s episode of “So Cosmo” – not that I haven’t enjoyed previous episodes, but at times, I just wonder where this is all going. However, I was feeling really curious about this “Fun Fearless Money” event. And why? Well, for one thing, it was held on a Saturday […]
MoreI want to live in Bravo’s ‘Summer House’.
It’s true… I am obsessed with the show “Summer House”, and I just want to BE them. It’s very “Hills’-like to me, and I cannot get enough. Here’s the description of the show from Bravo.com: Affluent New Yorkers have been fleeing to the Hamptons for generations to get the ultimate luxurious experience, but Montauk, a […]
MoreGoodbye, to you.
On Tuesday, my mom delivered the news to me that a dear family friend of ours had less than a 10 percent chance of surviving. I wept behind the closed door of my office. This was not just any person – it was Cheryl, my mom’s best friend, a woman she’d known for 34 years, […]
More‘So Cosmo’: Big New Future.
Howdy! So… I totally tuned into “So Cosmo” late because I forgot to record it, was not willing to wait until it aired again at midnight, and was clearly REALLY busy eating quinoa to even check my life. So, I missed the first 15 minutes. Apologies. When I tuned in, Evan is now officially hired […]
MoreObligatory Valentine’s Day post.
It’s Taco Tuesday!!! …And also Valentine’s Day. Honestly, I kept forgetting that Valentine’s Day was coming around this year, which is one reason why I didn’t partake in my semi-tradition of making and mailing Valentine cards. I’ve been pretty busy with my new job, working out seven times a week, and watching lots of TV, […]
MoreCreating a self-care plan.
The term “self-care” has been swirling around the interwebs since at least the end of 2015, which makes me a little late to the game, per-usual. The truth is, I never really gave it much thought until recently – and for good reason. I know I’ve been alluding to “tough times” lately, and I’ll explain. […]
More‘Mariah’s World’: Got Me Feeling Emotions.
Hey, hey! Wow, last week was pretty huge in my little corner of the world. It was my first week at a new job, and we have a new President. I also went to Mexico for the second time in my life, but I had my first taste of panchos, ate roasted street corn, fresh […]
More‘The Search for Everything’.
Okay, John Mayer fans! Tomorrow is the day we get to hear some new stuff, finally! While I don’t really have the inside scoop (as much as I wish I did), we can discuss what we know so far. 1. The title of the album is called “The Search for Everything”, which John said in a […]
MoreDrool-worthy: ‘Cravings’.
I got lots of great gifts for Christmas this year – and I love when you actually get the change to start using the gifts you got, and see just how great they are! One thing I was really excited to get was Chrissy Teigen’s cookbook, “Cravings: Recipes for all the food you want to […]
MoreTackle your passion!
I don’t know if it’s just me, but I’m so excited about this being a new year, I feel so fresh and rejuvenated, and overall I’m just ready to really tackle my life and my dreams in a way I haven’t felt before. When I got my first day job, I remember my coworkers were […]
MoreOkay 2017, let’s DO this!
You guys! The next time I post a blog, it will be 2017! I feel like just about everyone is ready for this year to be over, and I’m including myself in that bunch. A friend on Facebook posted this article, I think it was from NPR, yesterday, and it was basically saying that everyone […]
MoreBlanche’s Book Club: ‘Black Heels to Tractor Wheels’.
Hey, hey! I am back at the office today, and wow is that whole come-down after Christmas ROUGH. It’s like this month-long build up for a single day and then, it’s over. It’s honestly how I imagine me meeting John Mayer for the first time, only on a 16-year scale, with devastating disappointment (don’t tell […]
MoreThat ‘Nine Track Mind’…
I mentioned a few weeks ago that my latest celebrity crush is Charlie Puth – and he still is. I borrowed his debut album, “Nine Track Mind” from the library and listened to it for a solid month before purchasing it on my own. It’s delightful, in a traditional pop music way, and there are […]
MoreChristmas traditions, new & old.
A few months ago, my boss requested the entire office figure out their holiday schedule so we could make sure all of our clients had coverage (#AgencyLife). I was sitting at a table in our office lounge with a few of my coworkers, when one of them asked me if I was traveling home (to […]
MoreBlanche’s Book Club: ‘One True Loves’.
Oh here we are, another week down, another Friday is upon us! Is it just me, or has this week been ROUGH? I I am hoping to get in some quality rest this weekend – I’m exhausted. But in the meantime, I am happy to share the latest read from Blanche’s Book Club! It’s “One […]
MorePodcast: Happier With Gretchen Rubin.
I’ve still been listening to podcasts like they’re going out of style, and I’ll have another roundup of my latest favorites for you in the next few weeks. But today I wanted to focus on one in particular, “Happier” with Gretchen Rubin. So far, I’m about 2o episodes in and I couldn’t help but take […]
MoreLiving your dreams… with a day job?
At the beginning of the month, I got an email with the subject line that read: Does a day job mean giving up on my dreams? It was an email newsletter from Marie Forleo, an entrepreneur and motivational speaker (named as the thought leader of our generation by Oprah) whom I’ve been following for the […]
More‘Insecure’: Real as F**k.
Happy Thanksgiving week! I’m hoping, for your sake, that you’re reading this from the comforts of your bed, a plane, a train, or perhaps your childhood home as you’re gearing up to celebrate the tastiest of holidays. I will be at the office this week, until the end of business on Wednesday, anyway. However, The […]
MoreBlanche’s Book Club: ‘The Regulars’.
Hey, hey! What a week this has been, right? I honestly wasn’t sure I was going to have a book review for you guys today because I’ve been recovering from a cold all week, and given the Tuesday night depression, I really just wanted to soak in my bathtub and cry until… well, until the […]
MoreWhat does it mean to be a professional?
I mentioned last week that I was a wee bit obsessed with the podcast “Millennial”, hosted by Megan Tan. “Millennial” is a podcast that discusses what most people don’t – how to maneuver your twenties. Listeners follow Tan as she graduates from college, searches for jobs, waits tables in the meantime, buys a car, moves […]
MoreBlanche’s Book Club: ‘Modern Romance’.
I know I say this every Friday, but seriously, this time I mean it: I’m SO glad I’ve made it to Friday! Between my blog class, the film festival, prepping for the dance showcase next weekend, and general business at the office, it has been a CRAZY month that has not allowed much time for […]
More36 Questions to find the one.
Last year, The New York Times’ weekly column, Modern Love, featured a piece by Mandy Len Catron and her look into a study by psychologist Arthur Aron that revolved around 36 questions that supposedly, if answered by two people looking into each other’s eyes, would lead to love. The writer, tried this, and is now married […]
More‘Divorce’ & ‘Insecure’ – Episodes 3.
Fact: the weekend went by way too fast. I looked around for cars, fell in love with one, but am still tying up a few loose ends on it. Making adult decisions is really exhausting. I also finished reading a book, started another one, did my laundry, hit up a sale at Ulta, and got […]
MoreCelebrating crazy cat ladies!
I was sporting my #CatLady trucker hat (for sale in the merch store) last month, and a guy asked me if I really was a “cat lady”. Yes, I said. “Well, how many cats do you have?” he asked, half disgusted, half intrigued. “Just one,” I said. “It’s a lifestyle.” It was then I realized […]
MoreWeekend at the Alamo (Drafthouse).
I read “The Girl on the Train” a few months ago, and I just loved it (read my full review here) – and I was counting down the days until the movie adaptation made its way to theaters. But, I’ll also admit I was a little bit scared. It’s no secret that this story is […]
More‘Chesapeake Shores’ finale & ‘Divorce’ premier!
I can’t believe it’s already the season finale of “Chesapeake Shores”! After last week’s episode (starring Abby and Trace’s hot little date), I was curious to see how things were going to wrap up. And the episode started right off with a kiss between the two of them – yeeee! Abby’s dad made his flight […]
MoreThe grass ain’t greener.
I had a guy friend in high school that was always down for adventure. He had a personality that was uniquely his, and I was drawn to it in many ways, for a really long time. Because of this, I did a lot of things with him I’d probably never do otherwise – like jumping […]
MoreChesapeake Shores: episode 8.
Y’all, next week is the finale – I can’t believe it! I’ve heard rumors that this show isn’t coming back, but I hope they’re wrong, because I’ve really enjoyed watching it. But anyway, last night’s episode started off full of family drama. Everyone is stressed out and it’s obvious. Kevin seems to be recovering from […]
MoreMissing the boat, in dating.
A few weeks ago, I was telling a guy friend about a semi-talking-dating-ish thing that was happening to me, and that I just wasn’t feeling it, but I wasn’t sure why other than just sheer mental exhaustion due to the fact that it’s constantly a game of hot and cold with the guy in question. […]
MoreFall is official: Day 1!
At approximately 10:21 am today, the fall season will officially be upon us. So, you can all stop saying it’s too early for pumpkin-spice everything, and Halloween decor. Because it’s not, fall is HERE! In my house, the arrival of fall signifies a fresh start, and it also means turning off the AC and dragging […]
MoreHand-Picked: Fashionable holidays.
Happy Friday, everyone! It’s time for the week’s final installment of “Hand-Picked” – it probably won’t be the last time ever for it, because, well I only went through maybe 1/4 of all the little mementos I have stuffed in boxes in my tiny apartments. But nonetheless, I do hope you’ve enjoyed all of my […]
MoreHand-Picked: Better late than never…
Whew! I’m so sorry I’m just getting around to posting this, and it’s almost Friday, when a new post will be up, but yesterday was a crazy day and I barely even made it home before midnight. So, yes, I know this picture above is hardly legible. But, when I found this note, it’s the […]
MoreSee ya, summer!
They say that summer is a state of mind, and if you want to, it can be summer all year long. I suppose that’s why beach towns and tropical islands seem to have a different way of life – things seem a little more laid back. I certainly loved summer as a kid; and through […]
MoreWhy I stopped following you online.
I’ve written a lot about social media and the effect it has on us, and it’s been on my mind a lot lately. I’ll preface this by saying that, in general, I am a fan of social media – a lot of the professional work I’ve done in the last decade revolves around the stuff, […]
MoreCelebrating the 90’s (You’re Invited)!
So, if you haven’t heard – which, if you got The Bitter Lemon email newsletter, you would have heard already – I am having a 90’s celebration on Saturday (tomorrow!), right on SnapChat! There’s going to be many, many movies, even festive food, possibly terrible fashion and makeup, 90’s music, trivia, and general reminiscing about […]
MoreDitching disappointment.
I’ve been thinking a lot about disappointment lately. I mean, do you ever get to that point where you’re just not even feeling mad, more just let down? Disappointment can come from anywhere. Speaking from experience, I’d say recently I felt disappointment when I couldn’t make it to Indianapolis to see the Dave Matthews concert; […]
More#LivingLife
Last Tuesday, I was taking my favorite dance class (per usual). I love it for two reasons: 1. The dances we learn are always fun and challenging; and 2. The instructor has this amazing, positive energy that’s contagious. On this particular Tuesday, she was teaching us a dance very different from ones she’s taught us […]
MoreBlanche’s Book Club: ‘Paris, He Said’.
I’ll say this right now, I am not a big fan of just going to the library, getting lost among the stacks, and stumbling upon books I want to read. For years, I have kept a reading list of books I want to read – and it’s only gotten more intense over the last 6 […]
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