80. Animals (especially baby ones!)

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh baby animals are so adorbs! I mean, what's cuter than a dog or a cat? A puppy or a kitten! Our cat was a helluva lot cuter when he was a baby, but that's also because he didn't meow constantly back then*. Pretty much any animal is beyond presh in baby form. For example:






Ohmygoodness! Ahh I can't take the baby fat on these guys. Baby animals are where it's at.

I remember reading somewhere that we humans find baby animals to be so damn cute because of the ratio of their huge heads to their bodies. I'm pretty sure that somewhere was the Princess Diaries.

On another note, I really like pictures of animals co-existing. A cat on a horse, a giraffe licking a squirrel, that sort of thing. Nature really is awesome.



*I still love that little crazy, btdubs.

79. Vietnamese Food

Since I was but a small one, my family has been eating Vietnamese food at Kim Son on the West Bank. Or as I once called it: 'mese food.

What I would kill for some wonton soup. Or a spring roll. Although as a veghead I technically can't eat either. Well, you can get spring rolls sans the pork but it's not the same. But I can eat vermichelli with shrimp! Mmm.

I was going to include all ethnic food in this post, which is something that I truly love. I have turned into quite the lover of Thai cuisine in the past few years.

But Vietnamese food, and specifically Kim Son, holds a special place in my heart, because it will always be our family's restaurant.

It's weird, but do you ever think that when you do something, it'll be the last time you ever do something? It's starting to be that way my senior year (mainly as I check off all the restaurants that I may only go to 'one last time.') Well, over the summer I definitely felt that way about Kim Son. I hope it never is the last time. I hope there is always another time to drive to the Wank, and that there is always another time to eat some vermichelli.

78. Fall

Fall! Or autumn. I really likes it. A lot.

Do we even get weather like this at home in New Orleans? I cannot remember since it's been so long since I've spent this season there, but here in Richmond it is GORGE. If it could look like it does right now forever, I think I'd be OK with that.

Also, I'm wearing boots and a skirt with bare legs. And argyle (so autumn.) Loveeee this weather. I am eating some vegetable soup right now as well. Hip hip hooray for fall and cooler temps! So let's remember this when the temps get way, way cooler.

If my camera was not dead, I'd take a picture of what it looks like outside my apartment. Must remember!

Rabbit rabbit!

77, Thoughts on the Night

Wow ... how incredibly appropriate* that this is what I choose to write about on my return from a super-long hiatus! My apologies, readers, but well turns out I am incredibly lazy but I am going to change that! Pinkie promise!

So, Thoughts on the Night originated back when my friend Shelby still lived far away on the Wank, and she and our Lauren would drive home together at the end of the night (morning?) and would share their thoughts, on the night. Catchy, huh?

So, my friend Hannah and I adopted it and used to spend a good amount of time having Thoughts on the Night. Some of this sadly occurred at our place of work but hey we were still organizing and filing those discoveries don't you worry!

Pros of Thoughts on the Night: hilarious, can dissect the drunken actions of others, and if you tend to brown-out, you will be reminded of others' stupidity!

Cons: If you tend to brown-out, you are reminded of your own stupidity!

Thoughts on my night last night: I cannot do shots unless they are jello. Reese's make good chasers though! I broke out the "babies" and kisses on the head last night ... dear lord. I was originally excited that not only did my Tinkerbell wings look adorbs, they apparently also detered guys from dancing from me! Score! Although I was quickly disproved this at the Kappa Sig lodge when a bunch of guys asked to dance with moi - but hey, at least they asked and I guess it was flattering that boys wanted to dance with me?! They looked younger, that makes me feel weird though. Also, I need to stop drunk Facebook-ing. It's a fun hobby until I friend request people just because I ran into them on the bridge between Old and New Frat Row ... my b. Well that's all I got for now!

This post goes out to Hannah, my Thoughts on the Night partner! Who requested that I update and also she turns 22 tomorrow gosh! Happy Birthday!

*Because I am in bed hungover and our apartment is a mess of solo cups and beer and there appears to be some jello on the wall ... thoughts on last night?!?

76. Wearing Pajamas for as Long as Humanly Possible

I'm a total clothes-a-holic. It's a sickness, really. I like to look good for class, and I (gasp) actually look foward to dressing up for chapter!

However, I have another sickness, which all my cute clothes would hate. This is that I love to wear pajamas for as long as humanly possible.

As much as I love to get up and go do stuff in the morning, I also love knowing that I seriously have nothing to do.

Yes, 90 percent of the time this occurs in a hungover state but whatever. The vast majority of my Saturdays are spent lazing around my apartment in my pajamas - which typically consist of a men's Hane's v-neck, or maybe an old sorority function T-shirt, and some ol' soffie shorts. Soon with the colder weather though I am excited for transitioning to yogapants* and a Richmond hoodie!

Let me lie in my bed, give me pajamas and my laptop (for Facebooking, reading the Style section or watching TV online), maybe some peanut butter and/or a starchy carb and I'm good to go. Ah the joys of laziness.

Alas, tomorrow is the first home game of the year (Go Spiders!!) so I will awaken nice and early to go drink bloody marys and eat some waffles - but just wait. Next Saturday I'll be back with a vengeance and maybe some socks because let's face it this apartment does get rather chilly.

*I leave them at home because they are hideous, but during winter break I am all about a pair of humongous red sweatpants, which came from I don't know where. But they are glorious!

75. Brita Water Filters

I drink SO MUCH WATER. Because I am SO THIRSTY. Because of this I go to the bathroom umpteen times a day, but that's another post for another day.

That's why the Brita is da bomb. I just refill it with tap water whenever it's low and there ya go I have nice cold drinking water, to either put in my Tervis Tumbler or Camelbak (two other products that I ADORE).

The Brita in all its glory ... and there is my Tervis next to it, and my roomie's Camelbak chillin'!

So I have a thing against tap water. I'll drink it if it's literally the only solution, but I don't know, I just imagine that I'm drinking muddy Mississippi. And bottled water - while it tastes fine I don't want to waste the money or the plastic unless I have to.

Love live the Brita!!

Edited to add: Sorry about all the caps, I got a lil' excited about my drinking water!

74. Victoria's Secret Angels

I have a secret: I want to be a Victoria's Secret Angel. If all other career choices fail, and I grow 8 inches, then I that's definitely what I would be. No question.



A. They're beautiful.



B. They're hot (A & B aren't mutally exclusive* in real life, btdubs, but Victoria's Secret isn't real life).



C. Work looks like fun. It's either fun photoshoots or promoting stuff or walking in the fashion show, all while people fawn over you.



D. The wings.



So I guess I sound like a bit of a freak, waxing poetically about some superhuman women wearing underpants, but ... well there are no excuses for me. All I have to say is I love Victoria's Secret Angels forever and ever.
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I decided against showing them in bras 'n' undies, but instead in a more toned-down situation. And oh, another reason - they all love each other! Built-in beautiful besties, what more could you want?

*I sound smart!

73. Mini-Dance Parties

Ahh, one of life's simplest pleasures - the mini-dance party. By mini, do I mean mini in length? Or mini in size? Why, it can be either!

I have mini (solo) dance parties all the freakin' time. Just turn on the radio and go crazy! Sometimes these are mini in length and sometimes they are looooong. I just love to dance!

Some fun dance songs I was all about this summer:

Katy Perry's California Gurls: OK, every one of my New Orleans friends is a hater, so I'm hoping my Richmond gals can pull this one from the rubble. What's not to love?? It's just fun! With Snoop thrown in with a candy suit ...

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Bikinis, bikinis, martinis...

Jason DeRulo's Ridin' Solo: Again, it's fun. One of my friends who I'm not going to name thinks it's about a different type of solo activity ... she cray.

Kei$ha's Your Love is My Drug: Again, don't hate. Appreciate! The magic that is this song (look I don't think it's gonna win any awards - it's just fun to dance to!).

Also, if you're ever in a bad mood, just bust out the tunes and dance, you'll be glad you did!

72. Friends - again

Lame-o, I know. Re-using a favorite thing?? OK, I'm lazy. But I love you guys. I really do!

So here are some pictures of me and mah friendz doing fun things in 2010:

Me, Shelby and Hannah NYE 2009!

Photo Credit: Mary Shelffo

Julia, me and Angela July 4th



Molly, Lauren, me and Sarah ... at a Caveborg party

Photo Credit: Elise Milani

Hannah, Margie, Jordan and I at Pat O's

I hope I'm friends with everyone for years and years to come ... I deserve the right to be cheezmo I love you guys!

71. Big Cities

I think big cities are fabulous. When I was younger I thought I wanted to move to big ol' New York City and work for some fashion magazine. I don't think that's a very realistic dream any longer (and nor would I necessarily want to - stupid long winters!)

I've also harbored fantasties of living in Boston or Chicago (again - I would freeze in a matter of days/limited shoe options). Washington D.C. San Francisco.

All of these cities excite me. I like green space but I also like lots of tall buildings. Lots of walking. Tons of people.

Maybe it's because New Orleans isn't a very big city, and although my college city of Richmond is the state capital (and a lovely city), it just isn't what I'd call big, per se.

So studying abroad in bustling London, with so many things to see and do, was a thrill. Maybe I have such fond memories because I missed the worst of London winters, but I still would love to go back.

I might never live in one of these places, but I like that I can always visit. And that I can always come back home.

Rainy big city view from the London Eye

(Oddly enough, I'm watching The City re-runs on VH1 as I write this! How glam.)

70. DHall Brunch

Words cannot describe just how much I love DHall brunch.

Basically, I love breakfast. And I love that I can eat breakfast foods up until 3:00* on Saturdays and Sundays while at school.

If I have the stamina, I wait in the omelette line. Holy yum. I love omelettes, and these are some of the best omelettes I have ever had, for sure.

But, there are many a fabulous offering here! I'm a big fan of plain ol' scrambled eggs, bacon, sometimes pancakes (sadly these are kind of hit or miss). And I LOVE french toast sticks. God they are so bad for you but so good.

And I love making waffles. And making yummy cereal bowls involving craisins and chocolate chips.

And if there is Low-Fat Applesauce cake, oh my goodness I am all over it! Also, since this is brunch there are cookies and stuff. As well as lunch options but who wants that, seriously - team breakfast all the way!!

Can it be August now?? I need my brunch.

*I typically go in the noon hour. Sometimes earlier if I'm feeling ambitious/it's finals week! Fyi

69. Cinnamon

The number of times I use cinnamon a day? Like a bazillion.

OK, that is a slight exaggeration. It's more like 3, maybe 4. But that's a lot!

Places I use cinnamon:

A. Sprinkled in my (black) coffee

B. On my apple slices

C. On toast with PB and banana/on breakfast cookies ... I'm surprised I don't sprinkle this delightful spice on my cereal!

E. Whenever I can in a savory dish - cinnamon on sweet potatoes? YUM.

Why I like cinnamon:

A. Tastes good

B. Regulates blood sugar - SUPERFOOD!

C. Smells good

Cinnamon is starting to stain our family's dishes ... oopie!

68. (The Idea of) Dental Hygiene

So this post was all set out to be titled simply Dental Hygiene. But as I sit here in bed with my cat, still in my pajamas, after having been up for an hour and a half and having breakfast PLUS a mid-morning snack - I haven't yet brushed my teeth. I mean, I have to get dressed at some time, right? Figure I'll just brush my teeth then.

Lest you think I am some Grossy McGrosserson, I really do enjoy dental hygiene! I floss daily, no excuses! It is so, so satisfying to dig some muck out of your teeth, I think. And when I do brush, I'm all over these teeth!

I highly recommend this toothpaste for your pearly whites: Rembrandt Intense Stain Toothpaste. It really does work! I'm not one for strips because they hurt my teeth, but this is a good alternative, since you have to brush your teeth anyway, right? Also, who wants blindingly white teeth? Not me!

I can't take credit for discovering this stuff though, I first read about it awhile back on WeAreNotMartha.com (side note: I plan on making a few of their feta recipes in the next week! Can't wait - to brush my teeth after! heehee).

Also, I hate going to the dentist like everyone else. Or do I? I'm all over the feeling you get right after your teeth are all clean ... ahh how refreshing. And now since I'm over 18 I don't need the fluroride treatment (which I hate because I feel like an invalid with spit running down my face) the dentist gets a few more bonus points in my book. Plus they give out free toothbrushes, nbd.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have get back to my lazing around for no good reason ...

67. Yearbooks

This summer, I have spent a lot of time looking at my collection of yearbooks, which spans from when I was in the fourth grade up until two years after I graduated high school (because of my lil' bro).

Seriously, give me a stack of yearbooks - any high school's, any year, it doesn't matter, and I can occupy myself for hours. I think yearbooks ar endlessly fascinating. I love looking at the pictures, even if it is of kids that I don't even know - but by the end it certainly feels as if I know them!

When I was younger, I loved to look through my dad's high school yearbook. Hilarious! I love seeing all hairstyles and clothes from way back when (by way back when I mean circa the Civil War (haha, I'm so funny, I know)).

And when my mom got her Facebook account and started reconnecting with people from her own high school, we dragged out the ol' Garden Spot High yearbook to look at everyone. My mom - she looks lovely. Her Amish classmates ... well that's not how I would dress but whatever floats your boat, ya know?

What I did not like about yearbooks? When we actually got them in school. Call me crazy, which I am, but the stress of having to run around and get everyone to sign yours and sign everyone else's. Oy I get stressed out over the smallest things.

I grabbed this baby from Classmates.com ... when I think of old yearbooks I always think of those internet ads with a dorky girl and a football player-type that says They got married??

66. Monograms

Slap my initial(s) on anything and I'm good to go. Initial necklaces, monogrammed koozies ... I never got a shirt a la Laverne but that's OK. Maybe someday!

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Monograms are awesome because you keep your stuff from getting confused with other peoples'. Like how everyone's LLBean backpacks had their initials on them. Won't confused yours with anyone else's!

Also, it's just plain ol' adorable!

I guess there is something possessive about me. Where I have to assert ownership of my possessions? Meh. At least I'm doing it in a cute way.

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Although I think the whole monogramed car thing is going a bit far ...

65. Showtunes

What makes showtunes so irresistable? Well, maybe it's the musical theater nerd living inside of me, but I love to imagine myself an Elphaba. A Mimi. An Eponine.

Or thinking back to sitting in plush theater seats, listening to the overture and eagerly awaiting the opening of the curtains.

Or remembering the thrill of performing, of singing and dancing on stage, the thrill of becoming someone else.

There's just something about them ...

64. Disney Princesses

OK, new summer goal: get to number 100 before the summer is over! I can do it!

If you don't like Disney Princesses, I pretty much hate you. Well, if you don't like Disney in general, but this post is about da princesses. So let's get down to business. Here are a few selected gals:

Princess Jasmine:

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A. I love the movie Aladdin. B. Jasmine is h-o-t hot. Damn I wish those little outfits were in style and socially acceptable.

Ariel:

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Love her. Just love, love Ariel. She's a mermaid, which is well, awesome. She is livin' it, dood. So jeal. I want to be her. Especially because her hair looks good wet, because mine does not.

And my fave: Tinkerbell

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OK, so she's not technically a Disney princess, I know. But when I went to Disneyworld on a chorus trip (woo hoo!) in high school with four of my friends, I somehow always ended up with her when we got Disney Princess paraphanalia together. And that's where my love began. She's cute and sassy and wha-wha-whaaa (equals sexy-curvy). However, she can't talk which kind of blows.

63. Bad Music

Just as a preface, please do not be offended if you like any of this so-called bad music. After all, I like it! Right? Right?

So, I like a lot of different types of music. Oldies. Top 40. Country. So on and so on. And there's plenty of songs that I realize, well, suck. But I still like 'em. They're so bad, they're good!

Some examples:

-Lil Wayne's 'Lollipop': I believe this is the first song I recognized as "bad" but I still really, really enjoyed listening to it. As popular as Lil Wayne is, I still feel like a lot of his songs have gotten a bad rap (rep! rap? get it??) and this one is no exception.

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Call me, so I can make it juicy fo ya?

-A lot of country: I LOVE this genre. But I understand that even within this genre, there are some very tchokey songs, that I will continue to blast. For instance, "Ladies Love Country Boys" by Trace Adkins. He's also the one who sings "Honky Tonk Badonk-adonk." Yeahhh. Brad Paisley also sings some somewhat stupid songs (silly lyrics and such) but he's so adorable! How could I not love his music?!

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-Styx' "Come Sail Away", Journey's "When the Lights Go Down in the City", Reo Speedwagon's "Heard it From a Friend" etc. etc.: Oldies but goodies!! They're just fun! Well, Journey makes me all sentimental, I don't know why. (nb just watched the pilot of 'Freaks and Geeks' and love that it ends with Styx. Also that show is awesome).

-Abba: 'Nuff said. Who wants to make a pilgrimage with me next year to Sweden for the grand opening of the museum?

So, moral of the story: be proud of your favorite bad music! Let it ring from the hilltops! Unless it's Lady Gaga's 'Bad Romance' or Fergie's 'Big Girls Don't Cry'. Because that stuff is garbage. Just sayin'.

62. 3-D Clothing Embellishments

I know that sounds kind of weird, but what I'm really talking about here are just the little things that make a typical shirt or dress cute and out of the ordinary.

Basically, I'm all over a ruffle or rosette.

Exhibit A: My friend Molly and I killing time having a photoshoot waiting for friends outside of Harrah's.

Ignore the fact that my bra is visible. But check out the hint of a ruffle on the neckline! Cute, right? This is from J.Crew, one of my favorite sources for bedecked garments.





Exhibit B: Hannah and I at the July 4th Parade in D.C. this past weekend.

Photo Credit: Shelby Siegel

Ignore the fact that I look like a tool. But check out those ruffles! This is a bit more dramatic than the last look. And Hannah's got some going on as well! My top is Gap, and hers is from J.Crew.

I am incapable of just wearing a plain shirt. Let's hope the rosette trend never dies.

61. Hotel Beds

Soooo big. And soooo fluffy. And what with those standard hotel curtains that can block out pretty much any light whatsoever, I could sleep in these beds alllll day.

I love my bed at home, but hotel beds are pretty much the shit. I wonder if I moved one into my bedroom it would be the same...? Something to ponder.

I'm going away for the weekend! Unfortunately, there will be no hotel bed. But that's OK. I'm perfectly fine trading in the smooth sheets, and humongous, soft pillows, and billowy comforters, for QT with my friends in our nation's capital! And Bluebucks pancakes. And maybe a cupcake?

Wait, but this is about hotel beds. Not food. But another awesome thing about hotel beds:

The next morning, when you've slept in due to those informidable curtains, and your mom is already up and about and she buys you a lovely muffin (or maybe a crossaint) and you get to eat it sitting in the bed. Because the hotel maids will clean up the crumbs. Now that's what I'm talkin' about.

60. Flexitarianism

This past semester at college, I realized that I'd been subconciously eating meat at only one meal (lunch or dinner), and going meat-free at the other. Without even meaning to, I'd started following a flexitarian diet.

From the American Dialect Society (via Wikipedia): a vegetarian who occasionally eats meat.

OK, so maybe by this definition I more than "occasionally" eat meat, but I still really like the idea of trying to replace meat with other sources of protein. It's kind of fun, being more creative with meals. For instance, I LOVE hummus (maybe it'll make an appearance on the blog!) and I like to pair it with lots of veggies and feta cheese on wraps or sandwiches.

Also, eating less meat reduces one's carbon footprint, besides just being (obviously) kinder to animals.

And since I have pretty much zero experience in cooking meat, I have a feeling I'll be going flexitarian a lot more often next semester when I'm forced to fend for myself...

59. Looking at the Invisible Camera

OK, that title probably makes very little sense. What is looking at the invisible camera, might you ask? Simple. It's when you turn your head a little to the side, and make a face, usually of frustration or anguish, as if you were on a TV show and had a cameraman at your side. Made popular by The Office. You know what I'm talking about.

In my own life, this seems to occur most often during things like chapter meetings, when I glance to my right (at absolutely no one) and make a look like, "can you believe what I am hearing?" Or maybe you make a funny, and you look at the invisible camera, to give it a wink or something because you're so impressed with your own wit.

Once, a professor caught me making a face at the invisible camera. Not my finest moment, guys. So just be careful. I'm sure I'd have more friends if I stopped doing this, but that's OK! It's kind of like when Jerry Seinfeld has to choose between "the voice" and his girlfriend. Who wants to put into that position? And then a giant ball of oil falls on her, so there ya go.

58. Gchat

I confess. Yahoo! is my browser homepage. But I've got to give props to Google. They created Gmail! And Gchat! Which just so happens to be one of my favorite things.

A. I'm all about keeping in touch with my friends. Why is this better than AIM? Because -

B. It's a part of the e-mail inbox! No longer do I need a million windows open (although that's also thanks to tabbed browsing but hey this is about Gchat now).

C. Ok, I guess this is a perk of Gmail, but the fun backgrounds! I have Ice Cream. Wish I could show it - but it is ca-ute. Except the ice cream cones with the faces on them kind of scare me but whatever. But anyway, so whilst chatting with my besties, I get to gaze at cute pastel colors! Awesome!

So I'm on gchat basically 22/7. It's bad. Chat me sometime!

57. Magazines

Too bad the print journalism industry seems to be going down the drain, because magazines are one of my favorite things.

They always have been, since I was younger and I had a subscription to American Girl Magazine (which, thank goodness, still exists!). Then came Girl's Life, Seventeen and TeenVogue (which I actually just ended my subscription to ... not a teenager anymore!).

Some magazines I love now are Allure and Vogue, as well as Glamour, Self and InStyle, although don't actually have subscriptions to those last three, I just love to look at them in waiting rooms. Although, if I really want to save the industry, maybe I should pony up and just have them delivered to my house! The only caveat? Magazines. EVERYWHERE. I have a pile in my room, which is puny compared to the huge one that used to be there. Oh, man, I have a problem. But c'mon, they're so much fun!

I really don't discriminate, I'll flip through almost anything! Sure, so many of these same things are available on their Web sites, but it's not the same! Save the Magazines!

Afterthought: oh my god, I just remembered Nickeleodeon Magazine. Best. Ever. I wish I had more time to read more magazines. Sigh.

56. Cuddling/Wuggling

I defy you to say that you don't like cuddling. Or wuggling.

What is wuggling? An embarassing long story, but pretty much snuggling without touching, if you will. It's fun!

I am currently cuddling with a furry blanket. Lame, I know. Where is my cat??

55. Finding Grammar Mistakes

How satisfying is it to be reading the newspaper, a blog, a friend's essay, anything really ... and to find a grammar mistake?!?

It must be how a detective finds, hot on the case. Or how the guy who discovered problems in people's genetic codings or something. YOU were special enough to realize that they used "their" instead of "they're." You smart cookie, you!

Maybe it's just because I copyedit for my school's newspaper that this excites me ... but let's face it, I'm a nerd and I think I've always been that way. Copyeditors: isn't it so exciting when you find a grammar mistake after the page has already been read 3 times? Ah, it's the best. You feel like you just won the Grammy of copyediting or something!

Ah, grammar mistakes. Those little annoying pieces of written gold.

54. Summer

Every season has its pros (and cons). I love the cozy feeling of being inside on a wintery day (plus I have a January bday!) but, let's face it, Virginia winters have not been very kind to me and the delicate skin on my hands. And fall fashion is fun, as well is buying new notebooks, but then I realize that I'm sick of my new classes. And finally spring! The days are finally getting warmer (although not fast enough in Richmond) and I can break out the shorts and flip-flops, but times just drags so slowly toward ...

Summer!

Yes, it is unbearably hot here during the summer (but it beats the unbearably cold!). But summer will always be freedom from school and classes. The time to read a book all day if I want to. New bathing suits (but I go to the pool like once a summer so it's kind of pointless.

So, when I'm done with school, will summer still be the same? I hope so! And I think it will be. Summer just has that je ne sais quoi. So go out and do something summery!

53. Dressing up for Class

I am definitely guilty of just rolling out of bed and wearing anything ol' thing to class (Hobo Thursdays!) but I am such a fan of dressing up for class, as gross as that may sound.

I like every day of the week for different reasons. Why I like Tuesday is that it's dress to pin! When I'm all dressed up I feel like I almost concentrate and focus better. And it's fun!

In a related vein, this is one of the reasons I was hoping to have an office job this summer, so I can rock the cute clothse all the time!

However, I feel like if I ever have a legit office job, and have to wear a suit or something I'll get sick of that realll fast. Offices have casual Fridays, so why not Hobo Thursdays, eh??

52. (Jon & Kate) Plus 8

OK, so it took me a really long time to muster up the strength to write this post, for it is a very sensitive subject to me.*

I will ALWAYS love those kids. Always. Just puttin' it out there. Ya know, and maybe I'll always love Kate from four years ago. But she and Jon have changed. THEY HAVE CHANGED. Sure, maybe I was expecting the divorce, but it still really, really saddened me.


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The fam in Hawaii, when the 'rents renewed their vows. Hahaha.

Those kids were adorbs (I say was because sadly time has not looked too kindly on them. At least not on them equally.) Can you believe it, the babies just turned six!? Which puts the twins at 12, which is truly insane.

And they made me happy! Gah, so many cute moments. Exhibit A: Lil' Alexis at the reptile place: "Him's a lookin' at me!" Oh how I loved Lex.

And Aaden! Aaden! "Aaden. Is my buddy."


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So basically, I feel really bad for them now. I thought once the show was over, Kate might spend a bit more time with them at home, but apparently she's too busy tanning and doing DWTS and what not. Seriously, Kate? Seriously? That's why I put her and Jon in parentheses. They should be parents first, quasi-celebrities second.

So let's just freeze those little ones forever in time at the age of four, alright?


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Aww, how presh!

*Although this is very true, in reality I was just too lazy to post any blog entries. But whatever.

51. Dining Out

What a perfect time to write about this topic, dining out, as I sit here digesting my crazy-delicious dinner.

So my friend Katie and I decide to have dinner together. Where do we go? Do we stay on campus in the dining hall (and save money)? Or do we go off campus (and spend money but have a ridiculously good dining experience)?

Well, if you have any sort of thinking skills at all, you'll see where this is going ... we went out! To Kuba Kuba - amazing. Go there. Now. I have Huevos California (amazing huevos rancheros but with the addition of avocado) and we also split an order of fried plaintains.

Going out to eat is just plain ol' fun! The atmosphere (Kuba Kuba's is fun), that it is an event in itself. But let's face it, I just love to eat. And what I ate tonight is like nothing I could ever make at home*. It' fun to try new cuisines, and Cuban is something I have had very little of.

And being served by someone can be lovely, unless they're pooheads or something and you've suspected they have spit in your food. But that was not the case tonight!

Bad thing about going out to eat: I tend to eat a lot because it's all so good and want to get my money's worth ... ahhh but it's all worth it, eh?

*Well, I can prepare very little things so yes I could not make this, but ya know what I mean.

50. Chapstick

So before I wax philosphically about chapstick, I just want to point out that I AM HALFWAY THERE! Thank you to all da readers (even though I'd probably still be writing without you) but just know you're out there gives me motivation to write about things I find fun when I should be doing homework!

So ... chapstick. Lip balm. What you will. I love it.

See, my lips are always chappy-poo. It's gross, I don't get it (am I just a mouth-breather??), but luckily there are a million products out there to help me through the day.

Rosebud Lip Salve:


Photo Credit: sabrit.files.wordpress.com

Shelby calls it diaper rash, but I don't care. It smells good, and as gross as it is to stick your finger in a tin, I continue to use it anyway. Also - it makes my lips nice and shiny!

Nivea A Kiss of Moisture:


Photo Credit: Another Thrifty Mom

This stuff has spf in it so of course I love it (although it's only an spf of 4, but it's all good). It has a pretty generic taste, but it glides on lovely, and I like the twisty packaging.

But in general, I do not discriminate about a lip product. I think even good ol' Vaseline is the bomb! Great for those winter nights when you think your lips are about to crack off - just slather it on and you're golden!

49. Yoga Pants

This post was almost about yoga - of which I am finally returning to tomorrow morning!

But as much as I love yoga, I wanted to highlight something slightly different - the pants, baby!


Photo Credit: austinchronicle.com

I hope all my readers are OK with this picture of just a woman's lower half...

Why yoga pants are awesome:
1. They look good with almost anything. Well mine do at least. I wear just basic black capri types, and I seriously would rock them with a J. Crew shirt and flats or sandals for class. They look that good I swear.*

2. They're multi-purpose (see above). Obviously they are meant for yoga, but like I said I would wear them to class, or seriously just on a day spent around the house because...

3. Yoga pants are comfy as hell. Just the right about of tightness, and plenty of flexibilty whether you are splayed out watching Bravo or ... well that's actually what my life consists of so never mind. But you get the picture.

Added bonus: To the world, you project a cute and sporty image! Who doesn't want that?! It's the equivalent of carrying reusable shopping bags so you look like you care about the environment!

Let's hear it for yoga pants! Now go do some downward facing dogs or something and make yourself useful.


Photo Credit: marieclaire.com

*Or maybe I'm just really full of myself I don't know.

48. The Style sections of the New York Times

Why do I love Thursdays and the weekends so much?

(I'm such a nerd but) because of the New York Times style sections!

As much as I like to know what's going on in the world, I also love me some features.

Why do I like these though? Well, in general, I just like the Times a lot. A very respectable news organization. I like Thursday because my inner-fashionista likes to think about moving to New York and experiencing the things they cover, like runway shows and galas and sample sales. Also, I really enjoy Michelle Slatella's column, but apparently today was the last one!

And Sunday Styles (although it technically comes out on Saturday ... weird) covers more of the same glossy stuff, but with more of a human-interest angle. The best story that I've read recently is this Generation B piece about a father and daughter reading together (I cried, OK? I rarely read this column because it always makes me cry). I also really like the A Night Out With ... column. Short and sweet I say!

Thursday styles: perfect to read while daydreaming about a life in New York working for Vogue and brunching at Pastis.

Sunday styles: perfect to read while laying in bed hungover. Fabulous.

47. Daydreaming

Guilty as charged! I'm a daydreamer!

Ok, I try my hardest to pay attention in class, I really really do. But ya know, the lights are on, but nobody's home, sadly applies to me a lot more than I would care to admit.

But to make my professors feel better, it's not just in class! Assignments take me twice as long because my mind just wanders away and I can't quite get it back.

But I don't mind. Sometimes it's good to take a break.

A spring break, baby! New Orleans, here I come!

46. The Little Man Rule of Kings

Yes, I am that annoying drunk person during a game of Kings, when Jacks (?) is drawn and that person is saying "Little man rule! little man rule!"

Blame Hannah's Chi Psi friends at Wake, because that's where I learned it my freshman year.

And it's AWESOME. C'mon, more than than drink, drank, drunk. Or no first names (although that one is tricky). And it's so irritating I know but no one really pays attention. It's just an excuse for me to say "bombs away!" in an annoying voice.

Which I guess is annoying. Sorry that this is a favorite thing at the expense of others.


My awesome illustration on Hannah's white board.

Idea: Have always just said "bombs away!" but maybe should come up with a new phrase for future? Hmm, something to consider. Thoughts?

45. Grease 2

I am so so SO excited to write about this. Grease 2 rocks! I could seriously watch it over and over, I think.


Photo Credit: ricottapark.com
Ladiess

Premise: Basically like the original, but opposite-ish. Michael Carrington is the new British guy, and wants to impress Stephanie Zunoni, the leader of the Pink Ladies. Problem is, Pink Ladies can only be with T-Birds (duh). So, Michael learns to ride a motorcycle. (Motorcycles are the new cars, didn't you know?)Along the way, the gang goes bowling, particpates in a talent show, has a senior luau and a desperate guy tries to lose it in a bomb shelter.

Classic.


Photo Credit: hboasia.com
Right after Michael has arrived at Rydell High

My favorite moments of the movie (in no particular order):

1. Reproduction. 'Nuff said.

2. Johnny's squeal (?) in the bowliing alley. Maybe it's a scream. Maybe it's a screech. Whatever it is, it's gold.

3. The girls' costumes in the talent show/the nameless character with the braids. Love her!

4. The entire "Cool Rider" sequence. Such a good song, I wanna be Stephanie Zunoni.

5. "You're mother don't even have to know 'bout it."

Least favorite part: "Behind These Charades". Honestly. What were they thinking??

I used to own a copy of this DVD. I have no idea where it went, given that I still have the case. Mark my words, I will hunt that DVD down.

FYI: I LOVE the original Grease. Love love. In no way could this ever replace it. Grease is a classic. Grease 2...is a "classic", if you catch my drift.

44. Man v. Food

If you haven't seen this show yet, please go turn on your television to the Travel Channel. Odds are, this show is on right now.

Gross? A little. Entertaining? Highly.


Photo Credit: sweettater.files.wordpress.com

I for one, can't stomach watching that gross hot dog eating contest or anything else involving shoving lots of food into one's mouth. But this show is totes different!

From the Travel Channel's Web site: "host Adam Richman sets out to travel the country in search of the best places to do some serious indulging. Adam begins his quest to find the best traditional food the nation can serve up."

Basically, he goes to a city, samples some of it's "big eats", before competing in a food challenge of sorts, like multiple sandwiches or huge pizza or ice cream sundaes. Fun, right!

Somehow, it's all very entertaining. I think the host is quite charming! I mean, if I have to watch someone attempt a breakfast burrito the size of a small child, it would have to be him.

Sometimes, when eating something very large, I like to pretend that I'm on the show. See if I, (wo)man, can beat food. One time, Shelby and I did it together with a huge burrito. But could I have done it alone? No, food probably woulda whooped my ass.

Changes!

While I will continue to chronicle my 100 favorite things, please slide on over to Navy Cupcake! Which is London's Calling but revamped! Ow Ow!

43. Gelato

This was a toss-up, readers, a difficult decision. Ice cream?? Gelato??

Well, as you can see, gelato won out. (Not that I don't still love you, ice cream).

Sometimes, you just want to feel dainty and cute while eating dessert. And my Coldstone Birthday Cake Remix, while delicious, certainly, does not make me feel that way. Gelato, in contrast, comes in those cute little multi-colored dishes, with itty spoons in sophisticated flavors! Yes! It's the J. Crew ruffle tee version of a dessert, if you will.*

I'm still on the gelato hunt here in Richmond, but in New Orleans there are several places with the good stuff. Sucre** smells bad, but the decor is really cute and so's the gelato. My favorite is La Divina Gelateria, once featured on one of Alton Brown's TV shows. They have like a million flavors I can't decide on, the sign of a good place, but I always go with the same one, creme brulee!

And the gelato in Europe! I ate it with one Katie in Paris, where they made it into a flower! and had gelati from three different shops in three days with my other Katie in Florence! Hells to the yeah!

Also, places that serve gelato are always really cute. I'm just sayin. So fellas, take a girl there for a date and she'll feel all dainty and gelato isn't gonna bust the bank, either.

*Go with it, people!!
**I'm friends with them on Facebook. Lots of annoying events, and they won't friend Hannah, what up with that??

42. My Mom

I love my mommy. Not that I don't love my daddy. But I think my mommy deserves a shout-out.

A. She reads this blog a lot.

B. She works really hard (like driving my car up to school and helping me get all moved in) and I don't think I tell her enough that I think she's super! So now she just has to read it on the world wide web.

C. We have fun together, watching Bravo, among other things. And we text a lot too!

Yay for moms!

I would like to add that I am drinking wine right now that she bought for me. Thanks Mom!

Announcement

Hello all:

I have been neglecting the blog a bit lately I know, but I've been busy! Back at school, sorority recruitment, etc etc.

I have some very sad news however. I today realized that I can no longer enjoy one of my favorite things, Special K Chocolately Delight. It contains high fructose corn syrup, which I think is evil. So it may become a very special occasion food, but certainly not for everyday. Can you believe two summers ago I ate it sometimes twice a day??

However, I can still safely enjoy many other cereals, such as those by Kashi, which are a bit more wholesome.

Special K, you will be missed.

41. John Stamos

Julia – if you are reading this, just know that you are my hero. For you have met John Stamos.
JEALOUS!

Photo Credit: woodenspears.com

He’s listed under my interests on my Facebook profile, so of course this dashing man, aka the love of my life, made it onto this blog!

Photo Credit: wordyninja.files.wordpress.com

9th grade: The obsession begins. Over winter break, Hannah and I watch a Christmas episode of Full House, the late ‘80s to mid ‘90s sitcom that John Stamos starred in. Not only does my obsession with the show begin, but as does mine with this beautiful man with a great head of hair. My love for Full House has waned (honestly, how many times can I watch the baby Michelle say something cute?) but my love for John Stamos lives on, and always will.

11th grade: The obsession is renewed, when John Stamos begins to appear on ER. Season by season, his appearances grow until he is one of the stars. Then ER ends its run. But my love for Dr. Tony Gates lives on.

Who do I love more? Uncle Jesse? Or John Stamos? Hmm that’s a tough choice. For me they’re pretty much one in the same. Damn I am jealous of Mary-Kate and Ashley. Not because they’re multi-millionaires or whatever, but because they were always mackin’ on Uncle Jesse! In their diapers!

Photo Credit: img2.timeinc.net/ew

When Rebecca Romijn and he divorced, Full House fans around the world rejoiced. For Uncle Jesse was back on the market! If only I could meet him and make him fall in love with me.

Those eyes! That hair! That smile!

Have mercy!

40. Inside Jokes

BoMa

Literal dancing

“I care. I care deeply.”

All of the above are examples of inside jokes. Don’t recognize them? That’s probably for the better, for you would certainly lose a few brain cells upon hearing the origin (Mozzarella! In stereotypical Italian accent).

Look deep inside yourself. I’m positive that you have inside jokes, with others I hope, but it’s A-OK to have them with just you!

If you want to spread joy and good cheer, send a spirited text message to a friend, detailing an inside joke. All it has to say is “Does he have a brother??” and you’ve had a laugh yourself, and spread one to another! That is, if they remember the joke, for if not you just look a fool. But maybe that in itself could turn into an inside joke!

And if you have inside jokes with yourself … well just remember on them fondly.

For people of my generation: Do you remember the Facebook bumper stickers that said things like “We have so many inside jokes, strangers can’t understand our conversations”? I thought those were so stupid. But alas, they’re kind of true!

Oh, and if someone is on the outside of an inside joke – let them in! They’ll appreciate it, and the joke will only grow! Until it’s commonplace, but then you might as well just write it into your sitcom so the entire world can enjoy it.

Photo Credit: lapsura.com

Don't follow this advice!

39. Really Listening to Music

The "really" in the title should be in italics. But apparently you can't do that in titles? Whatever, blogger.

What is really listening to music? Well, it's listening to music, but really doing so. Concentrating on lyrics, the emotions you feel, etc etc. All that cheesy goodness.

A lot of the times, I'll have so much going on, that music has truly been reduced to just background music, what with doing homework, gchatting, driving and all that which gets in the way of really listening to music.

But sometimes ya just got to disconnect and listen to what the music has to say.

My friend Shelby likes to do this with Simon and Garfunkel.

Me? Dashboard Confessional is a favorite, but seriously, nothing feels better than just plopping my head down on my desk for a little recharging to whatever is playing on iTunes.


Photo Credit: freespace.virgin.net

Simon and Garfunkel. Not Shelby and me.

38. Amazing Clothing Sales

Yes, I am a complete clothes-horse. I will not even try to deny it. I can shop til' I drop. But I don't like paying full price for things (unless it's a pair of jeans or something that will never go on sale, or stuff at Forever 21 since that stuff is already pretty cheap and the clearance is crap). Hence, clothing sales are AWESOME!

However, it's not much of a sale when they knock like five dollars off the sky-high price (I'm talking to you J Crew!*).

This is why Gap and Banana Republic are a-freakin-mazing. In my experience, like 75 percent of Gap's merchandise is on sale. Not the stuff in the front, but they change everything so fast, plus debut the seasonal stuff super early, so soon enough it'll be like 20 percent off. Plus, the clearance stuff isn't that bad. Also, this past summer they ran a promotion - buy one shirt, get one free. OH MY LORD. I went nuts. I got five really nice, cute tops for next to nothing. Anyway, I love Gap. Go there. It has a bad rep and I have no idea why!

Banana Repubic can be a bit more of a dig in my opinion, but all the clothes I've gotten from there I love. I believe that store was my first clothing sale high, if you will, when I found an orange cashmere cardigan that was dirt-cheap. I was hooked.

So go shopping! Support the economy by searching out discounted merchandise!

*Slight exaggeration, I know. But only slight.