Invisible Jet? I Prefer Prada

While helping prep our stores for the last 10 days before Christmas, we were in the beauty stockroom cleaning up (the Clinique shelves look awesome, if I do say so myself) and came across this awesome MAC visual for the Wonder Woman collection a few years back. I insisted on matching the pose (and inadvertently the expression), only I'm sporting my newest investment piece (Prada bag) instead of a gold lasso. And as my sister commented, "way better boots" (my fave Fryes, of course). Who needs a fancy jet or metal bracelets when you have good leather accessories?

Soap, Chocolate, & the Perfect Pout

If you've been following me on FB lately, you'll see my current obsession with tiny beauty products (see my "Sammi Sized" series...she'd love her own blog, but she's trying Instagram and her own Pin Board first since she's more photogenic than she is well-written). Here are a few more of my current finds, loves, and time-wasters....


Kiehl's Rosa Acrtica Lightweight Cream 

I'm too lazy to research all the benefits of what Rosa Artica does, but I can tell you this cream is great at night because it has a light texture (translation: absorbs well), and it smells of lavender! (Great for drifting off to sleepy time).

Kihel's Rosa Arctica Lightweight Cream 


 Flying Noir Chocolates
I attended the Northwest Chocolate Festival, and while I loved seeing all the local chocolate makers, I discovered this truly artistic new one based in California. The owner is a former artist who hand-paints each chocolate and package! And even better...they truly taste wonderful (without being over-the-top snobby, snooty, tastes-like-baking-chocolate-but-you're-supposed-to-love).
 
 


Soap Smash App
It's basically an untimedTetris with really cute soap bars since its sponsored by L'Occitane (how adorable is that??).  Watch out - its addictive!

 

 Red Lips
Yep, they're still hot. If you're still a little gun-shy, I recommend Kevyn Aucoin's glosses - more sheer than in the tube but layer well if you want more intensity.
If you're bolder, try Shiseido's Lacquer Rouge like I'm wearing in this pic (any of their colors would be worth a try since the formula is so great).
 


Kevyn Aucoin Lip Gloss 

Shiseido Lacquer Rouge 

Feeling Moved...Sort Of

Sorry for the recent hiatus, but moving your entire life to another state takes a lot of time, unbelievable patience, and the ability to summon your sense of humor in an instant. That, and a huge amount of carbs, wine, and concealer (in no particular order).  Needless to say, I'm thrilled that Eddie and the Weiners are all here with me now, and the weather is truly amazing in Seattle, but I fear my waistline has seriously suffered (even now as I take a long overdue day off, I've chosen to watch a Gossip Girl marathon vs oh, I dunno, DOING ANYTHING REMOTELY PHYSICAL). That said, here's a quick summary of some recent discoveries, learnings, and general musings...enjoy!

• Boxed wine can be quite good. Bagged wine, however...not so great.
• Puppy breath can sometimes be more comforting than fresh cookies. 
• Reverting back to Jr High and making friendship bracelets is a really good way to keep hands busy and out of the cookie jar (for those of us who've tried knitting and still don't get it).
• Seeing really fit people can be really motivating. Or make you feel really fat. 
• Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector is like using La Mer - you have no idea if it's really working, but it feels really nice and pamper-y and works really well under concealer (without the hefty price tag).
• The Seattle housing market currently stinks. Thank God Ed and I have traded in high standards for convenience until we find a house, townhouse, condo...RV...tent (nothing like two adults and three dogs in 550 sq ft on rented furniture - from The Mole Hole to Motel 5).
• Having only 1/4 of my wardrobe has inspired many new outfits. And caused no less than four missed buses in the morning. 
• Living without a DVR has made me appreciate time management, good commercials (there actually are some!), and allowed me to drop a LOT of crap shows ("Hart of Dixie" isn't one of them - Rachel Bilson is just so darn cute AND stylish! Damn her).
• Seeing the sun set on the lake only 3 blocks away is truly beautiful. 
• Having a coffee shop only one block away is truly beautiful. 
• "Gossip Girl" really was a good show in the earlier seasons. 

Happy school-supplies-season and stay tuned on my FB for fun updates from NY market trips over the next two weeks, including The Dream Ball (yes, it's real, and yes, a new dress is in order don't ya think?).

Absence Makes the Heart...Become Really Patient!

Months apart: 7
Random snowfalls endured: 1
Flights in last seven months: 22+
Airlines traveled: 5
Cups of coffee drunk: 180+
Glasses of wine consumed: countless
Pounds lost and regained: 9
Pairs of shoes purchased: 6
Lipsticks acquired: too many to count
Square footage of house I left: 2200
Square footage of current apartment: 550
Number of weiner dogs severely missing: 3
Weeks since I've seen Eddie and the Weiners: 9
Days left until I see them: 6
Knowing we survived it, learned from it, and even enjoyed parts of it: Priceless

ITM: Sunny Disposition

In The Moment enjoying very bearable sunshine (while the rest of the country cranks the AC to "please-don't-make-me-have-to-shower-a-third-time-today"). After six months of mostly overcast days (which I prefer to think of as "filtered sun"), this self-tan expert gladly welcomes and sooo appreciates a perfect 80ish day and starting a new book ("The Night Circus" - so far, really beautifully written and seriously intriguing. Yes, movie rights have already been bought. Yea!).

Here's to sunny days ahead...even if they're a little filtered.

K8 Loves K9

There are few things I adore more than the right shoes or a fabulous new lipstick, but three of them are my weiner dogs, Harvey, Pretzel, and Sammi.  

Sure, they always give unconditional love and affection (no matter what I'm wearing), but they also sport their own fashionable outfits. 

And of course, a puppy kiss trumps perfectly applied lip gloss every time...

From Lips to (Finger) Tips

Since the "smoky eye" continues to elude me (okay, it's not that hard, but I can't have it fighting with my crazy hair styles), I've been focusing on the bright "pop of lip" lately and decided that "popsicle yumminess" is what I wanted.  So I hit my favorite Nars counter (the BEST line for bold-but-wearable colors) and said, "Give me a 'juicy berry' lip please!"  Within five minutes, I was sporting the perfect red pout without overpowering the rest of my face (which is saying a LOT since I was in workout clothes).  So I promptly purchased the Larger Than Life Lip Gloss in "Norma" to be paired with the Velvet Lip Pencil in "Cruella" (which also looks great with Gold Digger gloss).  My Nars expert also introduced me to their Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base which works GENIUS-LY on lips before using any bright pencils or glosses - no migration at all!!  And of course, it's a great eyeshadow base as well - a true multitasker that, unlike our recent contractor, actually CAN do more than it promises.

Nars Pro Prime Eyeshadow Base

Magic K8 Ball Says: 8 (Gotta Have It!)

If you've been following my recent FB posts, you'll see all the crazy colors I've been trying with nail polish.  I used to be pretty basic with my bright reds or nude-y neutrals, but lately, things are literally getting out of hand with the crazy nail trends!  While I don't support all of them (it takes a special personality to sport certain "designs"), I've had fun testing out some unusual colors and even techniques - it's also a great diversion to mindless snacking since it's really hard to reach into a bag of chips with wet nails.  Here's one of my latest crazy tests - blue polish with white "stippling" (applied with a basic cosmetics sponge).  I wrestled with it's level of "professionalism" for over an hour, but that clearly wasn't an issue since the other hand in the photo is a colleague, and Nordstrom decided to post this on their FB page so customers could see what the "beauty gals" are actually wearing in the office.

 

Self-tanners used to be on my White Whale list (ironic since that's how I sometimes feel without one), but I've found several over the years that seem to work well, including Clinique and Clarins.  But I've recently fallen in love with Glow Pads by Dr. Gross (yep, that's his real name) - they're basically little towelettes that give you a great glow overnight.  But the best part is, they exfoliate TOO, so they're another hard-working multitasker!  One (body) towelette covers your whole body pretty easily, although I still rub it in a bit more with my hands, and am careful around feet, hands, and elbows because it really works, i.e. gives serious color by the next day.  They also come in a face version, and although I've been skeptical about face tanners, this one truly adds just the right amount of "glowiness."  Best of all, you can try them both in a little "starter kit," so get to glowing!

 Dr. Gross Glow Pad Set 

Magic K8 Ball Says: 6 (Signs Point to Yes)

Pure Joy

Ah, the magic of the camera phone.  Every now and then, it actually captures a moment exactly the way it feels, which is why I had to share this ridiculous photo of me clearly having fun, and more importantly, wearing fabulous lipstick - it's Nars Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in "Happy Days" (yes, indeed!) with a touch of Nars Pure Matte Lipstick in Carthage.

So next time someone wants to snap your photo at a dance club at an hour way past your normal bed time, laugh, grin, smirk, smile, whatever you like - just let them snap it. No, the lighting won't be flattering, and the angle is all wrong, but true, blissful, unfiltered happiness can't be staged.  And if nothing else, you can be sure it's 100% genuine.

A K8 ITM: Eye Can Appreciate

A very recent ITM (InTheMinute)... I'm pretty sure I put my contacts in the wrong eyes and spent 1/2 a morning switching them back and forth, covering one eye, and then the other ("better A or B?"), and essentially cursing my awful vision that cannot yet be corrected by Lasik (my prescription hasn't stayed stable for more than 12 months straight). ITM #1: I tried on fun new glasses frames and decided I will soon splurge on cool new specs for those moments of contact-frustration when it's just easier to pluck them out! ITM #2: Thanks to my unusual eye color, I can get away with minimal eye makeup and just tons of black mascara and a bright lip. I suppose if I have to be a "four eyes," at least they're pretty cool.

A K8 Revelation: InTheMinute

I'm a big fan of reveling in "the present."  People don't do that often enough, so I make a point to really recognize when something is great as I'm experiencing it. Consequently, I've come up with my own new moniker of ITM or "In the Minute" to describe these lovely realizations of wonderment.  I've never liked the phrase "...in the moment'" because it's usually used as a guilt-ridden defense of an action that typically involves lying or cheating, eg. "...I never would've bought the bright orange lipstick, but I was 'caught up in the moment!'" or "...kissing him was just a result of being 'swept away in the moment!'"  Poor 'moments' - these hopeless pleas give them a bad name.  Hence my preference for "minute."  And did you ever notice how those "moments" always last way more than 60 seconds (maybe it's the guilt-laden regret that typically follows)?  

Conversely, the "minute" I'm referring to really is taking advantage of something...fun.  It's a trade-off of something mundane or obligatory (say...working out, cleaning your toilet, buying groceries), for something more whimsical and instantly gratifying, like having a glass of champagne at 2pm, reading a trashy book in the sun, writing in your journal, or mixing vintage with designer, aka what I like to call the "Anthropologie Catalog Effect" - come on, you know you've envied that lifestyle - why not live it, even if just a little bit.  And whatever it is, you should never feel guilty about it.

So next time you can't get motivated to work out, don't give it a second thought.  Instead, be In The Minute and paint your nails neon pink, take a mid-afternoon nap, or watch an old episode of SATC because those minutes really WILL be gone in 60 seconds.  And as one wise woman said, "Life is short. Buy the shoes."  Amen, sister!

(Stay tuned for future ITM postings because making excuses is so much easier when I have "validation" from my friends).

Call Me Ahab

I've finally done it.  It's taken me years of searching, hunting, coming very close, being fooled, and even feeling that I had succeeded in finding my "white whale" of beauty, and I can now confidently say...I have captured it.  As many of you  know, I have forever hunted for the elusive undereye concealer that actually covers without getting cakey.  Many claim to do just that, and I can honestly tell you that 99% of them fail.  Ironically, I actually purchased my new-found gem several years ago, tried it, and RETURNED it because it was too thick.  Little did I know that it simply requires a good beauty advisor to show you the RIGHT way to use it (God love those cosmetic geniuses!  Mine is J.R. at the Kiehl's counter in the downtown Seattle Nordstrom, and not only does he shop every counter with me, but he tells me exactly what he likes and doesn't like for me.  I highly recommend enlisting him ASAP).

I know the suspense is killing you, so I will tell you that my re-discovered find is Cle de Peau Concealer.  It comes in a stick form that I'm pretty sure will last me 3 - 5 years since it only requires a small amount under each eye (which helps since it's pricey at $70...and worth every penny).  The real trick is warming it up a bit on your fingers and then just tapping it on - no brush required (a God-send for those of us who travel; not to mention, it makes a great eye shadow base too).  It works even better over a light undereye cream - I prefer Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Repair Eye Serum since it has slight light reflectors. Together, they make the perfect pair! 

I typically apply my  concealer before the rest of "my face" so it can "set" a bit.  When I'm done with the rest of my face, I go back and tap out any creases (usually minor, if any) under my eyes, and I swear, you won't see another crease all day!  Best of all, if you need a touch-up later, just brush on some YSL Touche Eclat*, and it layers beautifully! 

At long last, I can rest easy (and will now look it).  Ishmael would be so proud.
Now if I could just track down that blasted chupacabra of skin care (eye makeup remover + cleanser that doesn't require water) - let the hunt begin...


Cle de Peau Beaute Concealer
Magic K8 Ball Says: 7 (Signs Point to  Yes!)


* Touche Eclat is another fave, but with circles as dark as mine, unfortunately, it's best for layering vs full coverage (and in case you're wondering, the "drugstore"  versions of Touche Eclat don't even come close - do not waste your time or $).

Life Isn't Hair...Or Is It?

Did you know that moving is considered among the top four traumatic events a person can experience? (I imagine death, birth, and tucking your dress into your stockings are the other three).  We've all dealt with the dreaded packing, address changing, driver's license renewing, house hunting, mani/pedi place finding, and overall sense of starting a whole new life.  But no one ever talks about the worry, trepidation, and ultimate fear...of finding a new hair stylist.  Not only do you feel like you're cheating on your old stylist (as opposed to a stylist "break up"...possibly #5 on the trauma list), but it's a daunting task that can't be put off very long before you start looking like Carol Brady with her flippy mullet.

Fortunately, I have two salons within walking distance of my place, so I poked my head into each one to ask if they can truly cut short hair - sounds easy, but it's not.  Just think, if you have long hair and she cuts an extra inch off, no biggie.  When you have a pixie cut, an extra inch = one buzz away from a Top Gun flat top.  Happily, both shops were confident about short hair, so I made my decision based on price.  I know - not the best way to decide on something so significant, but seriously, my style requires a cut every 4 - 5 weeks, as well as a LOT of products, so anything over $50 just seems silly.  So The Red Chair salon won because haircuts are only $35!  (I haven't paid that little since I went to Supercuts back before I knew the importance of a good stylist and a flattering cut).  As my new stylist, Monica, put it, "Yes, we're the best kept secret in Seattle."  And she's right - she asked me questions and "got to know my hair" before shampooing.  Needless to say, Monica did a great job (even though it feels super short to me right now, which just means I get to be more creative with product...how I love a good texturizing wax).  

Friday...("before")

...Saturday ("after")

I've already received several compliments, despite the fact that the untrained eye (aka person with long hair who feels naked after just cutting a few split ends) likely can't tell much of a difference between my "before" and "after," but that's a typical side effect of a short style and the sign of a good stylist (however, definitely NOT a good sign of an effective personal trainer).  You be the judge...

Red Chair Salon, Seattle 
Magic K8 Ball Says: 6 (Signs Point to Yes)

An Investment Peace

Sure, we all contribute to our retirement funds, buy property, and waffle over stocks, but when's the last time you said, "OMG, look at this UH-mazing 401K?!" or "Have you seen my stock portfolio?  Adorable!"  Hence, my love for the fashionable investment piece, which I firmly believe every girl worth her gourmet salt should have.  Mine all started after I slipped my foot into my first Prada shoe (something akin to slipping into a luxurious bubble bath at the precisely perfect temperature), which escalated into gorgeous handbags and luxurious face creams. Thus started my true appreciation for the fashion equivalent of an investment piece.  Yes, they obviously cost more than the average item, but that's precisely why they're worth it - they're above average in so many ways (there's a reason a Chanel handbag isn't $49.99).

My most recent investment piece comes in the form of a buttery leather...dress (by Vince).  I wouldn't have normally taken this beauty into the fitting room (translation: slight sticker shock), but that's why sometimes you should - if it feels amazing and may add that little extra...something to your wardrobe, then do yourself a favor, and at least try it on (no one has to know if it doesn't work out).  The worst that could happen is that you love it, must have it, justify the investment to yourself, and ultimately buy it.  Right??

Vince Leather Sheath Dress

 I don't usually choose a high-neck style like this, but the quirky side pockets and exposed zipper in back added just the right edginess.  Once I slipped it over my head, I was smitten.  Not only does it feel amazing, but it skims without clinging, and is in this amazing purple-ish, blue-ish color that is somehow eye-catching and neutral at the same time.  And it doesn't hurt that when I cautiously stepped outside the fitting room to seek the larger mirror (oh, who am I kidding?  I practically paraded down the hall like I was strutting down Karl Lagerfeld's runway in Paris)...not only did my salesperson gush over it, but a second one came in and literally stopped short to comment on just how great it looked "...with your short hair!"  Now there's a selling point I hadn't heard before, but I like it!

I insisted I needed an unbiased opinion from a fellow customer, so a nice woman popped her head out of the next fitting room and gasped, "Oh you must buy that!  It's so classic yet so...cool.  Plus, leather never goes out of style."  Amen sister!  After all three proceeded to tell me myriad ways I could wear it (with tights, a turtleneck, leather jacket, cardigan, boots, heels, sandals....), I was completely sold.

Yes, I weighed the price a bit (fortunately on sale), but once I quickly calculated cost per wear (why is that so easy to do in my head but long division still perplexes me?), it was a no-brainer.  I was already putting together outfits and shoe options in my head, not to mention realizing how great it would travel to NY for work trips.  And if nothing else, I can always count on my sister to support me with a sincere, "Well, of course you should buy it - I don't even know why you're debating it!" God love her.

So the lesson in all of this is that sometimes it's GOOD to pick up something "out of your comfort zone" (fashion-wise, that is - it should always literally be comfortable), and try it on with childish enthusiasm.  Sometimes you might surprise yourself.  And while your husband certainly won't understand this type of investment, it will delight you for years to come and never fail to earn serious interest.

Table for One

A recent K8 discovery - if you want really good service at a restaurant, dine alone.

Until my other half moves to Seattle, I've had the chance to try new restaurants by myself, so I've picked up some interesting...tips. First of all, it's typically pretty easy (and fast) to get a table (or seat at the bar). I think, at first, the host/hostess/owner/bartender person feels a bit sorry for me when I say, "it's just me" (even though I always smile like I'm super thrilled not to have to worry about small, or large talk, for that matter). They usually seat me right away or "keep an eye out" for the next open bar stool for me.

On my first solo outings, I would usually whip out my phone and check email or play a game, but then I realized that not only does that make me look semi-pathetic, but it just seemed...rude to other patrons - no one really wants to be reminded of digital encumbrances when they're trying to enjoy a nice meal. So I traded my electronic tether for just...looking around, watching, and listening. It's pretty easy to eavesdrop when you're by yourself. In fact, after a recent enjoyable meal of gnocchi and a glass of Prosecco, I met a couple great gay guys after listening to their entire conversation about the best tattoo artist in town (they were rather impressed that I just turned around and introduced myself; we proceeded to go out for drinks, and I now consider them my go-to Seattle pals).

But the most interesting thing I've learned from dining alone is that with a few simple tricks, they think you're a food critic and subsequently, provide awesome service. So here are K8's tips for committing food critic subterfuge:

1) Never use any type of mobile device (too distracting, and real people don't take real notes on anything electronic - see my previous post about Smythson paper).

2) Regarding a drink, don't ask if they have something specific, TELL them your drink order without looking at a menu (looks like you've already done your homework).

3) Allow them to tell you the specials but don't order any of them (seems a bit haughty, yes - I'm pretty sure that's part of a critic's job description).

4) When you're eating, glance around a bit (assessing patrons and the atmosphere, of course).

5) Stare off into space frequently as if you're "savoring."

6) Most importantly, do NOT finish your meal. Taste everything but always leave food on your plate (also really works to drop some lbs), and assertively request the check. I really don't know why this works, but it does.

If you really want to up the ante, whip out a small journal and jot a few things in it. (Okay, may be too obvious, but as someone who actually does carry a journal around, it can't hurt and you can make other people around you a little curious...or paranoid). So have I ever been given a free dessert or complimentary after-dinner aperitif, you ask?? No, not so much. But if nothing else, the charade certainly makes the whole experience more fun, and hey - who says I can't write a fabulous or scathing review to be read by all the fancy people who avidly read...Yelp?

Beauty High

As a self-proclaimed former Beauty Junkie, I'd like to start this post by retiring that rather undesirable moniker.  A "junkie" implies a negative addiction that conjures up images of me on MLK Blvd trying to score my next serum in exchange for an old pair of beat-up Blahniks, only to go back to a shameful bathroom full of unsharpened eyeliners, cracked compacts, and half-used lipsticks missing caps strewn everywhere.   Consuming and enjoying mass quantities of beauty products should never be frowned upon!  As a result, I'm adopting "Cosmetics Connoisseur" in its place, not only because it sounds better, but because what I do is akin to a sommelier of fine wines.  Think about it...I do research, I know the origin, I know the maker and what he/she stands for, I know the region/country, I know the industry ratings, I comparison shop and know the best places to purchase, I understand and try the ideal pairings and complementary products, I sniff, I test, and ultimately, I consume and recommend (whew...now I need a glass of wine). 

So on that note, as your self-appointed CC (Cosmetics Connoisseur), I have two new recommendations for you - call it an occupational hazard (which I prefer to think of as a major occupational benefit, since many of you know about my day job, which plays perfectly into my role as a CC).

You know that my beauty regime crosses into many brands* - typically, one brand can't be all products to all people - and I've recently "rediscovered" my friend Nars.  I've always loved their daring approach to color, especially in their lip liners and lipsticks, but I have new favorite in their 'Larger than Life' Lip Gloss.  Gorgeous colors, of course, but the consistency is really terrific - it's slippery enough (the automotive girl in me appreciates good viscosity) without being sticky, and it actually does stay on longer than a typical gloss.  It has a tiny brush applicator that makes it easier to get near the edge of your lip, but the best part is how pretty is looks OVER different lip liners!  I have a shade called Como, and it looks great by itself (with or without liner) AND over contrasting, more intense colors.  And so far, I've had no issues at all with the gloss leaking, so it's safe in your cosmetics bag (if you are just tossing glosses into the bottomless pit of your handbag, shame on you!  Do yourself a favor and buy a cute cosmetics bag asap...or at least grab a ziploc). At $26, this lip gloss is a slight investment, but trust me - you'll wear it ALL the time.
Magic K8 Ball Says: 7, Signs Point to Yes
  
My next reco is Nars 'Pure Radiant' Tinted Moisturizer - it's a brand new product for Nars, and it's a must-have.  We all know to wear sunscreen every day, but most tinted moisturizers only go up to SPF 15 (we really need more than that), so I was thrilled to see this one is SPF 30!  It comes in several great shades (I myself am the second fairest option called "Alaska"), PLUS it adds hydration and reduces wrinkles and hyperpigmentation in just four weeks - it's like an all-in-one product in a sleek, black tube that looks cool on your vanity.  Best of all, it's not tacky on your skin (translation: doesn't leave that gross film on your iPhone) - it blends super well and sinks in very nicely (you ARE applying it with a brush, right??).  At $42, it's worth every penny!
Magic K8 Ball Says: 8, Gotta Have It!

Spring's almost here, so clean out your beauty "junk" drawers, wash your face, grab your credit card, and proudly raise a lipstick, K8ers, because it's never too late to become a Cosmetics Connoisseur (and that old Chapstick in your coat pocket isn't getting any better with age...but you certainly can).

* If you haven't already, definitely visit with a Nordstrom Beauty Stylist who ALSO crosses all beauty and fragrance brands in the store - it's like all the benefits of a clothing stylist, only she helps you identify and fulfill all your cosmetics needs without being tied to a specific counter, nor pressuring you into anything - totally free, and totally genius!

The OTHER Little Blue Box

When I was in NYC last week for work, I had the amazing fortune to finally fulfill a little dream of mine.  Attending a work meeting in the Empire State Building?  No (although that was still very cool).  Sniffing various new fragrances that aren't yet in the marketplace?  No (also very fun and fancy).  Having lunch with a legendary fashion icon in his atelier a few days before Fashion Week?  Okay, this was indeed amazing, but since I never even conceived of something like that happening, technically it wasn't fulfilling a dream but more of a "Holy Schmoly, I can't believe this is happening!" moment.  

No dear friends, the little dream to which I'm referring is that I finally visited my absolute favorite stationer just by mere chance.  We were on our way from our last business meeting to a dinner meeting and by pure coincidence, we walked by Smythson of Bond Street, the famous London stationer that only has ONE store in the entire United States.  As an avid paper and pen girl (I scoff at standard ballpoints and 3M spiral notebooks), I've coveted their luxurious leather goods for years, and finally splurged on a small one a year ago.  At $80 for a "little black book" sized journal, it's certainly an investment.  And worth every penny.  The paper is absolutely beautiful and made with a very specialized process that features a signature watermark emblem and absolutely does not bleed through.  But most importantly, it just feels good!

I was extremely lucky to walk in the store just five minutes before they closed, and it's probably a good thing since I could've spent hours in there!  I told the sales girl of my great love, and she seemed very appreciative, despite her young age (who says the youth don't appreciate good craftsmanship?).  I ended up selecting a small purple journal with the words "Guilty Pleasures" embossed in tiny gold print on the cover (rather fitting, I thought), as well as a spiral of their signature paper.  The best part was the care she took in wrapping my purchases in their signature blue box with navy ribbon - I tell you, it was better than Tiffany's.  She carefully placed my goodies in their sturdy blue shopping bag, and even my receipt was printed on their blue paper.  As I gazed around the store, admiring all the lovely treasures (90% of which I could never afford), I felt just a little more...fancy and sophisticated (even with approximately twelve different fragrances sprayed on me).  

So if you appreciate good paper as much as I do and you still actually put pen to paper for any reason, why not make it an enjoyable experience and invest in the best.  In the words of Ferris, "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."

Smythson Leather Goods

Magic K8 Ball Says: 8, Gotta Have It!

P.S. Note to husband - I'll take THIS blue box over the "other" one any day!

A Tall Drink of Water

I admit it - I don't like drinking water.  It's boring and has no taste.  So trying to ensure I get all my "super healthy" water to "cleanse out the toxins" and make my skin "glow like I'm lit from within" is indeed a challenge.  You know I've tried the Mio (not a bad option), and I've learned to like tea (it's blasphemy not to drink iced tea in Texas, and God love my little Keurig for hot tea), but remembering to partake at work is such a chore.  I shun plastic water bottles (mostly because Seattle is WAY green), "reusable" restaurant cups are always sweaty (not to mention I really don't need my fellow colleagues knowing I ate at Lil' Woody's), and the plastic cups in the office kitchen are the size of shot glasses.  What's a girl to do??  Enter the Tervis tumbler.

I first saw the Tervis in a magazine ad (yes, traditional print media still actually works, especially for a marketing sucker like me).  Then my sister endorsed it as well ("You know K8, you can buy those at Bed, Bath & Beyond.") which always means it's a winner.  Basically, the Tervis is a "smart cup" that's insulated for hot or cold drinks, knows which is which, and it absolutely does not sweat!  Plus, you can order it in all sorts of fun colors, prints, or even customize it ("Drink More Water K8!").  It comes in a few different sizes, so I'd suggest at least the 16 oz, even though the 24 oz is more practical (all the 16 oz does make me get up more often and walk to the kitchen to refill it, so a little activity is probably good).  The 8 oz is basically worthless unless you need an expensive sippy cup for your kiddo.

They're not cheap (16 oz size with a lid was around $20), but so far, it's been 100% worth it.  Not only do I have a sleek purple cup on my desk that doesn't leave a soggy mess behind, but I'm also a little more motivated to keep refilling it and drinking up. And worst case, you just bought yourself a cute M&M's holder.

Happy Tervis Cups

Magic K8 Ball Says:7 (Outlook Good)

Winter Wardrobing 101

As you know, part of my Seattle hazing has included one of the worst snow and ice storms in the city's history. As a result, I've had to work from home (translation: been apartment-bound) for the past 48 hours. And while I do enjoy "me" time, I'M even tired of me when there's only 600 sq ft to explore. So I forced myself to venture outside (and resisted the urge to sled down the hill with the neighborhood kids since my health benefits don't kick in til February). Keep in mind, my winter wardrobe is still not quite "wear" I want it to be (the ridiculous earflap hat is just a stand-in until mom finishes a real knitted one), but ya can't go wrong with a black wool coat (Banana Republic, three employee discounts ago), black patent rain boots (Neiman's sample sale circa 2009), and my trusty Hungarian etsy bag. The overall look is actually not too shabby...and certainly Northwest chic.

The Gym Dilemma

New job, check. New apartment, check. New boots, check. New gym...not so much. 

Sure, I can blame it on the west coast's ridiculously early sunset (darkness descends at 4:45), or my "I'm still getting settled" excuse, but I'm running out of reasons to not visit the very cool gym across from my office building. Watching all those fit people cycle and run on fancy machines does have a certain appeal (and very significant guilt factor). Plus, I realize that my short, albeit brisk walks to the bus stop do not abs of steel make. So it's time to suck it up and get the free-week pass. But for over $100/month, will I really even USE the climbing wall?  Seems I also need to check out the slightly cheaper gym closer to my apartment (which also happens to be next to a Trader Joe's, so I figure at least 45 minutes at the gym earns me some black licorice Scottie dogs or peanut butter-filled pretzel bites, right?). Hmm, if they also give me a free week, I just might be able to put off actually joining a gym for another month or so.

Of course, I hear it may snow this weekend, so maybe I'll just do another plank on my industrial carpet, follow it up with some wall squats, and settle in with a bottle of red for my much-loved Golden Globes on Sunday night.

 

Rockin Elmer Fudd Style

One of my first discoveries during OD2S (Operation Dallas to Seattle): earflap hats are a MUST. Sure, they keep your ears warm (esp at a windy bus stop), but more importantly, it's totally part of the required Seattle fashion vernacular. Thank God my mom is the best hat-knitter in the South so I've already commissioned one ASAP! Who knew huntsman fashion could be so chic? No bunny harm required.