37. Sunscreen

Merry Christmas, all! And I hope the Jews had a good day too!




Photo Credit: school.discoveryeducation.com

So a funny thing to be blogging about in the dead of winter, I know. Sunscreen. But, I am that crazy that wears it everyday. Yes. Everyday. Except when there is literally rain falling from the sky.

You see, sunscreen is something you should wear not just when it's really sunny outside/the summer. At least that's what all the health and beauty magazines would have you believe. Is it all just a conspiracy to make the sunscreen companies rich? Maybe. But I feel a bit better about myself smearing the white goo all over my face.

(I like Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer, Untinted SPF 30, in case you're ever looking for an easy birthday gift or something.)

I have this theory that if I wear some form of sunscreen on my face everyday I can maybe ward off major wrinkles. If I am still writing in this blog by the age of 60 I will let you know if my face remains smooth and young.

Oh, and you should see me at the beach. Thick, thick sunscreen in very high SPFs. Yet somehow my back still has a stripe on it from Sunburn: Beach Week '09. Oh well, I try.

36. Country Western Music

Wow, it seems so long since I wrote my last post about Beyonce and Jay-Z. Well, I'm now going to write about a different favorite genre of music: country western.

(Haters, please be quiet. Just give it a chance!)

With the exception of my obsession with the Dixie Chicks that began when I was probably about 11 years old, I was never big into this type of music. When this precisely changed, I can't be sure, but I do remember thinking that Carrie Underwood's 'Before He Cheats' was pretty awesome when it first came out. Who knew that there was a whole world of country music waiting for me to listen to it??

And I also have to thank my friends Lauren and Molly, for making me listen to country music on the ride up to Gulf Shores later that summer. Seriously, if you want to become acclimated to it, try being stuck in a car and listening to 'Billy's Got His Beer Goggles On'. You'll come around, all right.

Soon WNOE became a preset in my car. I was watching CMT as much as possible and loving it.* I was hooked.

Why do I love country? Good question!

- It sounds good. Duh.

- It's somewhat wholesome! (I find). Not that I'm super into wholesome stuff or anything, but it's nice to know I'm listening to music about the little things in life and just having a good time. (Although when I mention this somewhat always brings up Carrie Underwood and I'm like yeah yeah but it's one song!)

- Ok, so maybe not so much anymore what with the mainstream of Taylor Swift and all that (not that I mind in the least!), but I feel like country used to be somewhat of an underground thing. Or just a southern thing I'm not really sure. But basically, yes, Britney Spears' and Mariah Carey's antics were all over the place but I feel like not everyone knew what Keith Urban was up to (OK maybe that's not a good example since he's married to Nicole Kidman and all, but you know what I mean). It was kind of cool liking a type of music where the music came first before the celebrity. **

Anyway, whenever anyone asks me who my favorite country artists are, I'm always kind of stumped though. Besides Sugarland (ahhh best ever) and Taylor Swift (who I'm not sure really counts since who doesn't love her??) I can't really think of who I love. I guess because I only know two or three songs by each one. I do rather like what I've heard from Dierks Bentley, and I'm kind of obsessed with Justin Moore's 'Small Town USA', despite the fact that I think I would hate living in a small town. But I digress.

And it's so true: Ladies love country boys.


*Can we please discuss how I return home from London (like the antithesis of country music) and the local cable provider got rid of CMT?? FML.
**I know this paragraph makes little to no sense. Stream of conciousness? Yes!

35. Beyonce and Jay-Z

I feel very strongly about these two music artists. Strongly as in, I think they're a-freakin-mazing. The day they got married the world just turned a lot cooler, with these wed in holy matrimony.

Photo Credit: realrapnews.files.wordpress.com

(As I write this I'm listening to their song "Bonnie and Clyde". Music gold I'm telling you. "Ya ready, B?" Hells yes I am.)

Anyway, let's start with Beyonce.

The woman can do no wrong. (I always try to forget about "Diva". Ladies, a diva is not a female version of a hustla.) But she has hit, after hit, after hit. Right now, I'm obssessed with "Get Me Bodied." Dear lord I wish I could wind it back like her. She is gifted, lemme tell ya.

Photo Credit: dailymail.co.uk

Hello, and she is one of the original members of Destiny's Child, which in itself could do no wrong either. Love me some old school Destiny's Child - when they perform "No No No part 2" on Smart Guy, my 8th grade* world was blown. And to think I saw them open for Christina Aguilera way back when. I was livin' it!

But Beyonce rose high above them, rightfully so I think, and her solo music = life. Basically. Way to go, my favorite spastic sister!

Ok, Jay-Z.

Photo Credit: media.canada.com

He's not a businessman, he's a business ... man.

Very rags to riches. I think. I actually don't know all his history, but given that he's now CEO of Def Jam Records, I would say that is riches, yes. Also he's married to Beyonce, holla!

He's pretty much dominated the music I've listened to for the past three months, since beginning at the end of summer I listened very heavily to "Run This Town", which features Kanye West and Rihanna (so of course I loved it). And then "Empire State of Mind" with Alicia Keys - so good, I have to listen right now!

Reason # 83 Jay-Z is awesome: He does the opening rap for Rihanna's "Umbrella" and uses the term 'hydroplane'. C'mon, the last time anyone said that was in driver's ed! Jay-Z is some sort of god methinks.

Here's to hip-hop royalty!

Photo Credit: eastofla.com

*I think it was the 8th grade, can't remember exactly when I was obsessed with various syndicated shows Disney played. All I know is Ben resembled TJ to a tee with his facial expressions. Anyway.

34. Malcolm Kearns

Malcolm - the light of my life, the apple of my eye.


Photo Credit: Alyce Currier

What would my life be without your (Facebook) presence in it?

Who else can supply me with thought-provoking either/or questions?

Or allow me the joys of checking my email only to find 30 Facebook notifications for comments on a single photo?

Only you can say something as wise and witty as "dunzo? i thought you said ... I guess I should return all these garbanzo beans"?

And you showed us (me) the beauty of TuftsFML.

Thank you, Malcolm.

Someday, we shall meet in person.

33. Friends

Photo Credit: api.ning.com

No, not those friends. Although, that show is a favorite of mine.

My friends!

I don't wanna get too gushy on here or anything, but the ones I've got are pretty awesome. Yay for friendship!

To my NOLA friends: you have known me a long time, and kudos to sticking around because I know that I am a nutso. I have SO many memories from so many fun times it is absolutely ridiculous. I hope I continue to be friends with each and every one of you for a loooong time. So I hope you do not get sick of me heehee.

To my Richmond gals: Let's face it, studying sucks so college would be pretty boring without you all! This semester has been so weird without hanging out with you guys doing DHall brunch/lodges/watching movies etc etc. And so Spring '10 is gonna be awesome! And yes I'm sure you're all beginning to see my nutso ways they're slowly appearing...

And to everyone in London: New friends, yes, but no less special to me! This semester would have been so difficult without meeting such awesome people and I'll miss you when we all return stateside.

Ok, cheesiness aside, whenever I'm having a bad day (which seems like a lot sometimes) I know I have a bunch of people to just hear me out and make me feel better! On the positive side, I also have a lot of people to act goofy with and gossip and eat ice cream and stuff.

32. Text Messaging

So among other things that I miss while being abroad, text messaging is one of them. A necessity? Hardly. But I do love them so.





A. Nothing brightens up a glum day than a funny text from a friend. Also, if something funny from like two years ago pops into my head it is so easy to share with someone!





B. Organizing large group gatherings = easy. Hello, mass text! Although then expect your phone to be buzzing like none other, but that's OK.





C. My mommy and I text all the time. And I miss it! And she is getting better at non-caveman communication. Go Mom!





Seriously, I text all the time. When I'm bored, when I'm busy, if I don't answer right away it's because I'm in class or driving ... it's kind of ridiculous. In fact, at one time during the summer my wrist hurt so badly I was convinced I had given myself carpal tunnel from excessive textical massages. Luckily, I had not, but you get the idea. I am a Speed Texter!





And no, I don't do T9. How the hell do I train it?? Seriously, everytime I want to say "hi" it says "hey" and I want to throw my phone on the ground. Stupid T9 I refuse to use you.





Anyway, when I reach Hotlanta next weekend, you bet I'm going text-crazy. Woo, unlimited!

31. Alpha Chi Omega

I don't know how many (if any of you girls) read this, but Alpha Chi Omega means a lot more to me than I could put in this blog entry. Definitely a 100 Favorite Thing.

Photo Credit: smu.edu

Least Favorite Things

I thought I'd break up the good times for a bit and talk about some things that I am NOT a fan of:

1. Gum Chewing

Photo Credit: thebaumer.files.wordpress.com

Okay, I definitely used to be guilty of this one, but no longer. The sound...ew it makes me queasy thinking about it. Also, I spent some serious time in the library earlier today thinking about how it's a bit strange to keep on chewing on a wad of stuff. Like a cow. But I digress, I hate the sound. But really, chew away!

2. When people do not clean their dishes

Photo Credit: babble.com

Flatmates, you know who you are...because I sure as hell don't. Who continues to leave dirty dishes in the sink??

4. When I have a paper looming over my head...like right now. Oy.

30. Chick Lit

I've always been a voracious reader. *Cough* 100 books over the summer before 4th grade *Cough*.

I like many different types of books. Harry Potter (but that's a given), some historical fiction thrown in there and I've recently become interesting in the memoir/life writing genre.

However, my heart belongs with Chick Lit.

I'm not even going to pretend that I'm better than that and hide my paperbacks behind some Jane Austen or something (although she was the original Chick Lit authoress). I'm loud and proud about my allegiance to all that is fluffy and brimming with romance and Jimmy Choos.

Speaking of, the last Chick Lit book I devoured was Goodbye, Jimmy Choo. Not the best ever, but it did its job.

Reasons why reading Chick Lit is fab!:

1. It's an easy read. Not like third grade easy, obviously there's some ounce of substance in there, but you're not going to be deciphering paragraphs and wondering what in the world vocabulary choices mean.

2. They're fun! Sure, she'll probably get the guy in the end, but is that such a bad thing? And you get cute, awwwww moments, which I love.

3. If you're like me and live for designer fashion that you will never wear, a lot of these books will supply that thrill. Seriously, it's a name drop free-for-all, Marc Jacobs this and Manolo Blahnik that.

4. The covers are cute. Ok that's just an added bonus...

So next time you need something to read (GO CLUB READING!) I highly recommend you pick one of these up. I guarantee they will be stacked on a table in the front of Barnes & Nobles, or in any WHSmith.

And don't be ashamed ... everyone's doing it.

29. Reading Food Blogs

Yes it's been a long time since I've entertained with talk of my favorite things...but I've been out and about London enjoying time with my parents! But now it's back to procrastinating life, so let's hear it for favorite things!

I love food. I love blogs. So it only makes sense that I would love food blogs!

I love the photography of yummy food (because a picture really is worth a thousand words!) And I love reading about food - if a picture isn't enough to sell you on it, then descriptions of it will. And I like reading about stories behind recipes.

But really, reading and discovering new recipes is plain ol' fun. How many do I actually end up making? Well...we're getting there. First I need to learn how to cook.

Shout-outs to some of my favorite foodie bloggers!:

The Pioneer Woman - she posts a MILLION pictures for each recipe, so you can really get all the steps. And she's so down-to-earth I love it. Makes me want to move to a cattle ranch. Almost.

Joy the Baker - She's livin' the dream. The bakin' dream. I've made her Brown Sugar Bacon Waffles, I highly recommend them, no matter how strange they sound.

Smitten Kitchen - She posted the recipe for blondies aka I love her.

Love & Olive Oil - one of my newer finds, they have a million and one cupcake recipes on there. And I am a sucker for any and all cupcakes.

Chances are, if I should be writing a paper...I'm probably researching recipes on the 'Net.

28. Facebook-ing

I'm not sure if that's a proper use of a hypen or not in the title, but I'm going with it!

I am on Facebook. A lot. Ashamed? A little.

So maybe I'm on more than the average user, but really I know we're all doing it. In fact, you're probably only reading this because I posted a link in that little white box prompting me to write something about myself!

But how else could I keep in constant contact with so many people? And learn so much creepy stuff about people I barely know?!

The new fb? Eh, I don't understand the two feeds. However, it is more for me to look at on the plus side!

Sure, there are times when I deactivate my account, like during finals week or when I feel that I just need a break from it all. But I'm always happy to get back!

27. New Orleans

So, an ode to my hometown and favorite city (besides London duhhh): New Orleans.

NOLA.

N'awlins.

Silly that I did not fully appreciate New Orleans for the longest time. That I wanted to move to New York!! Or Chicago! Or some other "big city."

Well, A. I would freeze in Chicago. I could wear flip-flops from like June to September only, as opposed to, well, year-round if I'm crazy enough at home.

B. While a lot of cities in America have great attributes, and I would enjoy visiting many of them, they are just not home. Simple as that.

But I think enough time away from home has really changed my viewpoint. How could I not want to go back to this little big city??

Don't even get me started on food and restaurants. But there's that certain something I would really miss out on in any other place.

And not to be cheesy but I think this Chris Rose bit has to be included:

She is a New Orleans girl and New Orleans girls never live anywhere else and even if they do, they always come back.

Yeah, pretty much.

See ya in December, NOLA!

26. Peanut Butter

The fact that I have gone through more than one jar of peanut butter while here in London attests to how much I love it, it's such a staple in my diet here:

PB & J (didn't even like jam/jelly until recently...what the heck was I thinking??)

Apples & peanut butter

Peanut butter straight from the jar (but that's only on special occasions)

At home we are STRICTLY a Jif family ... however given that Jif ain't in the local market I've had to branch out. I've always wanted to look into natural PB so I thought now was a good time. It ain't bad! And it's better for your health (yet I think I'm negating any health issues when I eat it with a spoon).

GO CLUB PEANUT BUTTER!

Thank you George Washington Carver - seriously, had you invented this I would be eating half the food in my diet naked, and that's just not right.

Photo Credit: mariononline.com

Addendum: PB and chocolate is one of the best combinations ever. After PB divorced Jelly it married chocolate. However, PB and Jelly are still shacking up on the weekends obviously. And sometimes PB flies to France just to have a weekend fling with Nutella.

25. Vegetables

Long time, no blog! Well I thought now (2:30 a.m. my time), would make the perfect time to blog. Since I can't sleep.



This is a lame favorite thing, I know. Who likes vegetables??



(Who wants to kiss Matt Damon?) Right here! Is the girl who likes her vegetables.



Ok, so I love carrots. Everyone knows that. I ate carrots practically everyday with my lunch since Kindergarten (thanks Mom!) and I truly believe I have the eyesight to prove it.

Photo Credit: files.myopera.com


I also love a whole rainbow of veggies: LOVE tomatoes (especially with mozzarella and pesto aka my favorite DHall panini which I sorely miss). And ya can't beat sugar snap beans and sno peas. And sweet potatoes are soooo tasty, too bad I have to toss mine because things were growing out of them!



But really. I don't look a gift vegetable in the mouth. It's nature's candy!

24. Seinfeld, Friends & Sex and the City re-runs

This post is a tad painful to write, since while studying abroad I don't have access to a TV. (I know, I know, I'm in London, I don't need TV! And you're right! But...you know).

Friends was the only one of these shows that I watched while it was actually on the air. But only for the last couple of seasons. So for me, all of these shows really only exist in their syndicated state.

There's something so comforting about knowing that you have seen about 99 percent of these episodes already, and when you do see the odd "new" one - it's like stumbling upon buried treasure!

And I know, if I really wanted to I could watch these shows somewhere online. But 1. I don't watch shows online unless necessary because staring at the small screen hurts my eyes. And 2. I'd rather just snuggle up on the couch and let TBS pick which episode I'll watch. Because I am lazy.

23. Long Bus Rides

This post is inspired by the fact that I spend upwards of seven hours on a bus today, going to and from Goldsmith's, Stonehenge and Bath!

And it's more than rocks.

Anyway, this post is about transportation, not rock formations.

I've taken many a long bus ride in my life. Kanuga and the DC trip in ninth grade stand out. There was also two Disneyworld trips, a ride to Tulsa (in which a large rock (but not Stonehenge) was thrown at the bus and we had to stop for like an hour). Also, "You kids can call me Daddy!" Scariest moment of my life, for those (un)fortunate enough to be there.

So, yes there are downsides to bus trips: limited bathroom breaks (unless you want to brave the complaints if you use the small one in the back), boredom, strange ladies joining the group. Gah and when they're overnight and you just can't get comfortable...

But nonetheless, I do enjoy them. If you're lucky enough to be sitting with a good friend you can chat away and maybe share an iPod. And I've had some really interesting bus ride conversations (anyone remember the intense conversation about the vastness of the universe while in DC?).

But what I love most is probably just the chilling out part. You put on your headphones, or maybe not. Maybe you just stare out the window. And it's awesome. Everyone understands that there's a certain point that you stop talking and everyone daydreams.

Also, I almost always fall asleep during this time. I swear, it's the rocking of the Greyhound - I become a baby and I'm OUT.

22. Themed Parties

What's more fun than getting together with all your friends (and their friends too) and partying it up?

Partying it up with a common theme!

Decorations, music playlists, costumes, refreshments if we're so inclined, lighting schemes ... what a treat!

One of the highlights of the summer was our Diddy's White Party, which was a long time in the making and a lot of work. But to get everyone together, with the common goal of livin' the glam life and getting schwastey, and wearing white, of course, was completely worth it. I'd like to make it an annual event!


Photo Credit: Shelby Siegel

Best ever...

In other themed news, one of the best lodges I went to sophomore year was Kappa Sig's ESPN themed party, and it wasn't just because Hannah was visiting! I was a tennis player and got to wear comfy sneakers! Score!

(She was a spelling bee contestant. It was hot.)

Observation: You really have to commit to these shindigs. And why shouldn't you? It's fun to dress up!

Themed parties I would like to throw at some point in my party-hosting-ness:
-Real Housewives of New Jersey (tacky? You betcha.)
-Snooty French - I think this party should include lots of brie and stripes.
-Abba. Not that my party playlists don't include enough Abba as it is...

So get on your party pants and theme it up!

21. Shaving My Legs

I have an addiction. It's not smoking. It's not drinking. It ain't sex.



I'm addicted to shaving my legs.



I feel like I am in the minority of most girls (and the leg-shaving male population). Most girls I know seem to fall into the camp of "I'm lazy, so didn't shave." Or "I hate to shave my legs." That's quite alright, I don't normally go around stroking girls legs or anything.



But there's nothing quite like that silky smoothness of just shaving, and slathering on yummy smelling lotion. And then wearing short-shorts and showing them off!




Photo Credit: xomba.com

He gets the idea, but a little too much...

So in the summer (or until I can stomach it no longer and must wear pants/tights) I shave constantly. One fateful day I shaved twice...but that's because I was home alone and had nothing better to do than sit around and stroke my own legs I guess.

Fact: I used to be horrible at shaving my legs. Got cuts alllll the freakin' time. Not sure what changed. I guess with practice I just got better at it? But I can't remember the last time I cut myself whilst shaving!



Myth?: If you don't shave your legs before a night out, the chances of higher of having a fun time. So at pre-games, listen for the "tonight better be good, I shaved my legs so as not to jinx myself." This is all in the mind, I personally think, although the rare times I went out with stubble I convinced myself the night would be that much more fun.



Tip: A dry razor will last a lot longer, so I always dry mine off and don't store it in the shower. Yep, I know you're just dying for tips on how to be just like me. Sigh, such a burdern.



Other fact: I am one of those people who like to "see how far they can take things." We're descending into winter here in London. So I guess I'll find out!

20. Brinner

Who says that breakfast has to be served in the morning? I am a big proponent of the concept of "Brinner," aka breakfast at dinner.

We've talked about my love of cereal, however, did you know about my love for pancakes, eggs, waffles, bacon and all of that goodness? And let's not even get into toast...

The term came about from a memorable episode of Scrubs, in which Turk gets Brinner from Carla because he can secretly understand Spanish and thus cleans up the apartment. Hilarity ensues, and he gets his bacon ice cream.

While I would never manipulate anyone for Brinner, I can understand why he would. Who doesn't want an omelette anytime of the day??

This summer was the summer of Brinner. Often, before drinking (especially at Happy Hour) I would request from my mother a delicious omelette or scrambled eggs, with tomatos and cheese yumm. Sometimes a bit of bacon on the side. And toast! The toast oh man. The meal was of course incomplete without lots of ketchup, because that's how I roll.

Since coming to London, I have made a few Brinners for myself. Because they are delicious. And eggs is the only thing I know how to cook.

19. Excercise

This entry will probably make me sound a tool, just a disclaimer. Like, really, listing excercise as one of my favorite things?

One the one hand, I am really lazy. Like, some of my favorite days this summer were when my parents were out of town, I was hungover, and I just laid on the couch and read and watched TV and ate carbs while the cat and dog hung around with me.

One another hand, I don't like sports. Don't like watching 'em, don't like playing them (unless there's alcohol involved - hello, sloshball!). I barely made it through volleytennis in high school, I was a mess!

But I do enjoy excercise. I like walking the dog. I like walking in Audubon Park. One of my favorite things about studying abroad in London is all the walking I get to do.

I also really like going to the gym. I don't think I'd like it quite as much if all the elliptical machines (my fave) didn't have their own individual TV so I could watch Friends or CMT's Top 20 Countdown. Although for awhile the gym I went to at home didn't have working TVs and so I did get used to working out with just my iPod. Abba is SUCH good motivation!

Photo Credit: mississippifarian.files.wordpress.com

Also - excercise gives me (somewhat) more of an excuse to eat poorly. God I love me some Ben & Jerry's. Although, let's face it, I still will eat the cheeseburger even if I did not workout.

But the best part is right after you've stepped off the machine, and you're all gross and you just feel good. The high.

And it's true what Elle Woods said:

"Excercise gives you endorphins, and endorphins make you happy. And happy people don't kill their husbands. They just don't!"

Photo Credit: dailytarheelfashion.files.wordpress.com

18. Luden's

Photo Credit: pfiezerch.com

I give you: the elixir of life. Luden's Wild Cherry Throat Drops.

Fact: They do very little to help an sore throast.

Fact: They taste so good so I don't care.

Seriously, they're like candy. I could eat an entire box and think nothing of it I'm sure. One time, when I was starving late at night and didn't want to go to the kitchen I just ate like a million of the mixed wild berries ones (also good, however are individually wrapped aka not as environmentally friendly).

I'm worried if I get sick I won't be able to find them in London. Not that they will do anything, but they're just so darn tasty!

17. J.Crew

The question: If I could only wear clothing from one brand for the rest of my life, what would it be?

My answer: J.Crew, of course! Easy.

Man oh man, if I had the budget, you bet that I'd be rockin' everything from that store!!

Preppy, classy, sophisticated...all I ever wanted. Sigh. Only slightly obsessed, obviously.

Let's break it down, shall we?

I'm ga-ga for anything with a ruffle, and J.Crew has plenty of that!

Photo Credit: jcrew.com

And note the color...

And J.Crew dresses seriously make me want to die. Like in a good way.

Photo Credit: jcrew.com

Well hello! LOVE a graphic print.

Whenever I'm a little upset at school, I browse on over to J.Crew's sale section. Which then sometimes makes me more upset when I realize that even on sale it's too expensive!! Luckily, they often make these ridiculous 20 percent off, free shipping deals...so hard to pass up, I know.

J.Crew - I love you. Your clothes make me feel like a beautiful person inside and out. I know that I will never be ridiculed in a J.Crew outfit. Never go away. You are eternal, and we mere mortals can only bow down to your beauty.

And holla! Now I can even get married in J.Crew. Now THAT is my dream wedding.

16. My Cat

This is dedicated to a very special boy ... my cat, Charlie.

A few days after bringing the litte guy home.

And late this past summer. Aww, how he has grown! He's practically a year old now. A year older...not so much wiser, the poor guy.

Some fun facts about Charlie:

- He likes to watch TV.

- He likes to bite everything. And no, naming him Charlie because of the biting habit never even occured to me.
-He is like a dog and likes to go on walks. What a freak.

-He is gay. He has a boyfriend, named Scout, who is identical to him and lives across the street. I think Charlie's the more masculine one in this relationship.

- I miss him everyday (aww so sentimental, I know).

Oh and shout-out to my dog, Toby!

You are a sweetie and I don't love you any less. But you are in love with Mom and only pay me attention when I'm eating. And also, I have a reputation as a cat-person to uphold. But I miss you, too!*

*Yes, I just wrote that as if Toby is online and reading this blog. I'm a tool.

15. Cheese Samples at Whole Foods

Sorry for the lack of posts recently, but I am in London! www.adventuresofelh.blogspot.com - shameless promotion.

Confession: When I was younger, probably up until sometime in high school, I did not like cheese. Sure, I loved pizza, and cheese on tacos was good. And I'm sure there were other exceptions, like on Italian pastas and stuff. But just cheese? No thank you.

The times have changed. I am cheese crazy!!

Love love cheddar. Like on anything, but a cheddar cheeseburger hits the spot.

Feta - Such a good salad topper!

Mozzarella. Wow, like this stuff is heavennnnnn. I love love paninis with this and tomatos and basil and yummm.

Never even used to like American, but hey that stuff is good too!

Well anyway, this post isn't about cheese. It's about Whole Foods' cheese samples.

You learn about SO many new cheeses this way. And you can to eat just small bites of them! For free!

I've definitely had some weird ones - the bacon cheddar, that's often on display by the meats? Well I was dying to try it forever, but it was always out. Finally got some. The verdict: not worth it. Juts a heads up.

Yes, lots of samples at Whole Foods are delish. One time, I got an entire half of a blueberry muffin. But, that can be hit or miss, sometimes they don't put out any cookies! But the cheese - is always there. And I won't judge if you go back for seconds.

Or thirds.

14. The Boot Happy Hour

Ahh, the Boot. Our first bar. Mmm, 50 Cent Night.

Those days are over.

Until I was re-introduced to the Boot vis-a-vis Happy Hour!

Reasons I love it:

1. The drinks are HUGE. And cheap, for their size. Cranberry Vodka, yummm. Also, the beers are like three for a dollar. Hot diggity!

2. Outdoor drinking. If you are lucky enough to snag one of the outside tables, do it. Or just loiter around outside. If you're there early enough, the sun will not yet have set and it's just lovely!

3. "City-wide pre-game," as I have lovingly nicknamed it. That's basically what it is. A pre-game, with a ton of other people!

My favorite way to start off a Friday night of drinky, drank drunkenness.

Just be careful - triple shot drinks are good, but deadly!

13. The Routine

This favorite thing is closely related to #12. From the TV show "Friends" I give you: The Routine.

Ross and Monica are at a taping for a New Year's Eve special, where they are two dancers in a crowd. In order to get onto the platform and have a better chance of being on camera, they decided to break out their secret weapon: the Routine, a dance that middle school Ross and Monica performed to win Honorable Mention in the Brother/Sister dance category.

What follows is a moment of television and dancing brilliance. Face slapping, leap frogging and a bit of faux-moonwalking complete this amazing-ness.

As a birthday gift to our dear friend Margie (yes, the same birthday that we made her a Billy Mays cake for), Hannah and I secretly learned the Routine. We then busted it out in front of fifteen other girls at her b-day pre-game. Oh we were hot.

(I was Ross and she was Monica. Fitting, no?)

Hannah and I also have our own Routine, made up mostly of moves inspired by "Scrubs," plus some own little numbers we made up ourselves. We like to break this out and dance by ourselves like tools.

12. Quoting TV Shows

I truly think that I was put on this earth to do one thing, and one thing only: incessantly quote TV shows.

"George likes spicy chicken!" (Seinfeld)

"Does this hat make my hair look flyeth?" (Scrubs)

"Aww man, it itches." (Spongebob)

"What's a bajingo?" (Scrubs)

"This episode was filmed in front of a live ostrich." (Family Guy)

"Baby, you weren't done cuddling yet? I wanted to go over to JD's half-acre. He's got a slip-n-slide, and I wanted to show off my moves! I've got a new one, I call it the Captain." (Scrubs)

This is only a small smattering of the uselessness I say when I'm not forming my own thoughts (which let's face it is limited to about two waking hours a day).

I also enjoy quoting movies, most notably the Wayne's World movies and Clueless. In fact, the other night I watched the latter and quoted about 75 percent of it out loud. Can't tell if it was sad or not.

"And will the suicide attempts please be postponed until the next period!?"

And OK, some might say I watch a little too much TV. But, most of these quotes have been the product of bonding with my friends and family. Isn't that a good thing?

"You fed the horse Beef-a-Rino??"

"I overstocked!!!"

Photo Credit: seinfeldonline.com

11. Crossword Puzzles

These things make me feel smart on days like today, when I successfully completed the one in the Times-Picayune. However, progressively throughout the week, I will feel stupider and stupider until Sunday, when I figure out three clues and cry.

Crosswords: Can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em.

On a sidenote, it's only Monday and I could only do half of the one in the New York Times! I should count my blessings, I suppose.

10. Eating Cereal

Yay! Have reached the double-digits and am ten percent there.

I love breakfast foods. Especially cereal. In fact, I could eat it any time of day, doesn't have to be in the morning! Pour some in a bowl, add a splash of skim and I'm good to go!

Breakfast Cereal Hall of Fame:

Special K Chocolately Delight

Photo Credit: viewpoints.com

This cereal is really an integral part of who I am, I think. You know, "Hey, this is my friend Elizabeth. Yeah, she's a junior at Richmond. She's a journalism major. She loves Special K Chocolately Delight."

Hard to say when my obsession with this tasty cereal started, but the peak was last summer. I was on the Special K diet. Yes, I lost a few pounds. But it gave me an excuse to eat this cereal constantly. Oh my god what a treat. Best summer ever.

I've recently let some other cereals into my life. Such as Kashi's Heart to Heart. I started eating it this year at school, but then I made the decision that it was worthy for my family to actually purchase at home. It's delish! And I'm also doing something good for my health I guess.

Also when I'm at school I like to eat Honey Bunches of Oats occasionally. Although I'm still scared thinking about when I found a piece of cardboard in my bowl. And for a treat I like to add some craisins and chocolate chips! (I cannot take credit for this creation, it was inspired by my good friend Kelly.)

Cereal. Does the body good.

9. Melding of the Groups

I've got my core group of friends. Who doesn't?

But I really love when we're able to connect with another group of core friends. A little thing we like to call "melding of the groups."

Sure, maybe they're not your new best friends. But isn't meeting new people a beautiful thing?

8. Prince Harry and Royalty, in general

I'm going to study abroad in London this semeser...

And my goal is to catch a glimpse of my favorite royal, Prince Harry!

Photo Credit: thejournalista.wordpress.com

Yes, he's got a bad boy streak to him, but nothin' wrong with that!

I just think royalty are so fascinating. Obviously, I have my dreams of meeting Prince Harry and him falling madly in love with me, me getting an English citizenship, having a fairy-tale wedding and moving into Buckingham Palace...but royals are just down-right cool!

HRH Queen Rania of Jordan:

Photo Credit: tetongravity.com

She's beautiful and glamourous. She wasn't born into royalty (she was born in Kuwait and went to school in Egypt), but she's livin' the life now! And she gives back and wants to improve Jordan. Also, she's a dedicated mom! She's so cool!

I think the Norweigian Royal Family is really awesome, too. Not sure why.

7. Harry Potter

I should hope that Harry Potter would be included on most people's lists of their top 100 favorite things.

The laughter: You-Know-Poo, the constipation sensation that's gripping the nation.

The tears: Dumbledore's and the many other deaths. (I don't care if I just spoiled it for you, it's been out long enough!)

The disapointment: Hello?? Epilogue? What the hell!

But mostly one of the best stories I, and many others, I have ever read.

Photo Credits: barnesandnoble.com

And the movies aren't bad either!

6. Bravo

Few things bring as much joy to my heart as the TV channel Bravo. Let's examine some of the fine, fine things this network has brought to the world.

Project Runway:

Photo Credit: asocialitelife.celebuzz.com

This is the original show that attracted me to Bravo, way back when in the first season. I could devote an entire post to some of the fantastic things that happened on this show!

Santino's impressions of Tim Gunn. Daniel V.'s adorable-ness. The Andrae face. Nick Verreros' stories about Paris Hilton walking on the beaches of Greece with her boyfriend. And that's only season 2!

It's the show that led us to start doing German accents. To wonder if we could create a dress out of ordinary supermarket items. To make us believe that we could become fashion critics.

Thank you Project Runway, for entertaining me mindlessly since the tenth grade. Danke.

The Real Housewives of (Fill-in-the-Blank)

Love love love these. Except for Atlanta. HATE IT.

But the others are fab!

Photo Credit: carinaecasting.com

Orange County: great, great. The original. Nothing wrong with it. However, as the original, I guess the producers didn't know to what heights they could take these beyond-rich women to reality television stardom.

Disclaimer: I don't care what anyone says, I love Gretchen. Yes, her husband was old and rich but they were in love!!

Anyway.

New York City.


Photo Credit: webtvwire.com

These women all have a touch of cray in them, I'll admit. But I love 'em just the same. My mom and I have talked endlessly about them and which ones we like the best, and which ones we hate but love to watch the most, etc. etc.

I'll break 'em down for you (L-R):

Ramona: Girl has some crazy eyes going on. She is crazy. But you know, she loves her daughter, Avery, and I think it's sweet. Although Avery has begun to develop the crazy eye, poor thing.

Jill: Love the accent (Jewish, holla!). In fact, all aspects of her are very Jewish. She and Bethenny are hilar together.

LuAnn: The Countess DeLesseps, excuse me. She once chastises Bethenny for not introducing her properly to a driver. Whatever. I think she's very nice and classy, but she's totally upper-crust and knows it. Tennis in the Hamptons, that sort of thing.

Bethenny: Love her!! She's this natural food chefs (and not technically a housewife, since she's unmarried but whatever.) She's just really funny, and I like her hair a lot.

Alex: Don't really like her as a person, but she makes for great entertainment! Her husband has a gay vibe about him, but I think it's just because he's European. They're trying to climb up the social ladder, one benefit and gallery opening at a time. She has strange teeth but I think it works for her.

And now New Jersey


Photo Credit: examiner.com

THEY ARE GREAT!

Like so beyond tacky, it's great. I love their accents. I wish I could record myself doing impressions for everyone to hear but trust me they're great.

Memorable quotes:
"Mummy can't run, honey. Her bubbies are too big." -Dina
"This family is as thick as thieves. If you're messin' with my family, you're messin' with me." - Caroline
"Love my girls. Love, love, love my girls! Mwah, mwah, mwah!" -Theresa
(In response to his wife getting breast implants) "Happy wife, happy life." - Theresa's husband.

I hope they bring this one back for a second season!

NYC Prep


Photo Credit: arktimes.com

I don't talk to the TV. Pretty much ever. Except when I watch this show. I'm constantly all, "Really? Really??" or "PC, listen to yourself you crazy."

And these kids they are crazy (L-R):

Kelli: Almost the most normal one out of the bunch. Except when her dog died and she stupidly asked, "Is she in there?" Meaning is her dog in the little box. Yes, your dog is in the coffin!!

Sebastian: So-called "ladies' man". Yes he gets a lot of girls. Yes he's like 15. "I hook up with between two and 16 girls a month," he says. Wow.

Camille: Gah, stop talking about stupid Harvard (not that Harvard is stupid). It's not the only school. Although I did feel pretty bad for her when she went on the admissions tour and that lady was the devil to her.

PC: Could very possibly be gay. Often looks like is wearing guyliner. And he's so goddamn pretentious you can't help but watch.

Jessie: Cross-eyed. It's the in-breeding, I tell ya.

Taylor: Gahhhhh stop caring so much what the private school kids think! Honestly though, she's not that much better than the rest of 'em.

God I love watching these kids mess up their lives on TV. Gives me hope. Or something like that.

5. Oyster Po-Boys

The majority of the entries thus far have been centered around food. This will be a recurring theme in this blog, because, hey, I love food!

So here's another lovely food entry: Oyster Po-Boys.


Photo Credit: thewaspyredhead.com

Mmm, doesn't that look delish!?

I appreciate po-boys of many different types. Shrimp are also delightful, and I've had a few good roast beef po-boys in my short life (although I'm not a big red meat person). However, I will always turn back to my favorite, the erster.

We (my mom and I, who usually shares with me), used to be about the mayonnaise, lettuce, pickles and maybe tomatoes. But now we're straight butter and pickles people. Mmmm. Pickles.

My favorite oyster po-boy in town can be found at Parkway Tavern & Bakery. This will definitely be one of the spots I have to hit up before I go to London for the semester! Not only is this po-boy delightful, they also have really good sweet potato fries, and is the only restaurant I've ever been to with Diet Dr. Pepper! That truly is a rarity for this fake-sugar-lovin' girl.

I miss many things about my hometown when I'm up in Richmond for school, but this definitely is near the top of my list.

4. Dead Celebrity Cakes

What do Elvis and Billy Mays have in common? Besides the fact they're both dead?

They have both been immortalized onto cakes baked by myself and my two dear friends, Shelby and Hannah.


Photo Credit: Shelby Siegel

The original cake, a white cake with white icing.

"He King Long!" Shelby said.



The most recent cake. Texas sheet cake with white icing. As you can see, this was a cake for our friend Margie's birthday (woo 21!). We gave her the choice between the enthusiastic spokesman and Michael Jackson. I think it was the right decision.

The three of us, we make a great team. Shelby, she has a lot of experience baking. Hannah, she is one fabulous cake decorator. And me. Well I just putter around in the background a lot, but it seems to work out OK.

Why dead celebrities? Well what better way to immortalize the famous people we care about than on a baked good that we will later munch on!

So who should the next cake be of? Maybe a political cake, for Ted Kennedy? It's been a little over a year since Bernie Mac's death, maybe he should be next! Heck, we should just make a batch of cupcakes with little portraits of all our favorites!

3. Preppiness

Preppiness. I'm all about it!

Can't say that I, myself, am super preppy. But I more than appreciate it and try to incorporate a little grosgrain in my life whenever possible.

I am loony for some Lily.*

Photo Credit: Lily Pulitzer

Joyful about Jacks.

Photo Credit: Navajosandals.com

Rad for rugby shirts.

Photo Credit: Ralph Lauren

Can't wait to sit on a yacht off of Nantucket, in my madras bikini with my L.L.Bean tote.

Oh, yeah, livin' the pink and green dream.



*Yes, this post has some grossness in it. Deal.

2. Navy Blue

I LOVE this color. It's preppy, it's nautical, it's casual, it's dressy.

"You better not come home with another navy blue dress. "
- My mom before I leave to go to the mall. Because I own a lot of navy blue dresses. But what's the problem?! I know what I like!

Fun navy blue things:

Photo Credit: J. Crew
J. Crew Silk Duponi Rosette dress - I don't know who would ever actually wear that (because it's crazy expensive and is dry-clean only) but it's navy blue and covered with rosettes! Lovely!




Photo Credit: FemaleFirst.co.uk

Prince Harry (my favorite royal, but that's another post) wears navy! How dashing.

And in case you were wondering, the name navy blue comes from the color of the officers' uniforms in the Royal Navy since 1748. Figures.

1. Giada De Laurentiis & Ina Garten

I watch a lot of Food Network. But these two women (of Everyday Italian, Giada at Home, Giada's Weekend Getaways and the Barefoot Contessa, respectively), are by far my favorites.

I'm just a little obsessed.

Let's start with Ina.


Photo credit: Food Network

First of all, she lives in the Hamptons. When she's not living in Connecticut. She used to work in government. Now she makes super delish-looking food (since I can't say I've ever tried any myself). But the Tomato Feta Pasta Salad sounds amazing. And yummmm! When she made these I wanted one sooo badly.

The only weird thing is that she's often making food for men who are not her husband. But that's OK, these guys are also cool and wear sweaters tied around their shoulders while they eat picnics on the beach. Man, she has a great life.

Also, she pops her collar.

But onto Giada.

Photo credit: Food Network

Not-so-secret confession: If I could be anyone in the world, I think I'd be her. When she came to Habitat our senior year, and I was taking the AP Bio exam, I cursed the world for missing that day.

But honestly. She's so beautiful, and she makes the most delectable food. Oh wait, did I mention that she's beautiful? My mother once told me that she thought I had the same body type as her. Best compliment I ever received.

I made this one time. Yum. There's also this delicious orzo with shrimp ... oh lord.

And one time, on Oprah, Giada made chocolate and brie paninis. What a woman!! My mom and I once made them on Christmas Day. What a sweet, sweet Christmas that was.

My mom and I like to debate about who we would rather be. Giada or Ina. Basically, we want to look like Giada, but live it up Ina-style in the Hamptons.

Who wouldn't?!

Introduction

Welcome to my blog, all about my 100 favorite things. I was bored the other afternoon, and inspired by a friend of a friend's list on Facebook, I decided to create my own list.

Enjoy, and I hope you think about what your favorite things in life are!