Traveling City Mouse

is that? mmhmm.

2009-11-11T14:55:00.000-08:00

Vogue preview of Rodarte for Target collection. Face look familiar?
yep. Dakota Fanning. Girl is all grown up and FIERCE! hope to see more of her in the fashion world...she looks amazing in this rodarte frock!

October Obsessions

2009-10-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

I have been a little frustrated with the changing of seasons. For the past 2 weeks, I have stood in my closet, silently contemplating layers, layers, layers...."is it too hot for this? is this too wintry? it it too late to wear white?"

I have decided to alter my focus to a few pieces that give me warm and fuzzy feelings...and i can wear them (almost) the whole year round...

This little gem was $5 at a local rummage store...I have already gotten compliments on it and it makes me smile every time I look down and see it.

This jacket has me written all over it. I would even cough up the $250 American Eagle wants for leather...a good deal i think. Sadly, they only have XL and XXL left. So I've turned my focus to a little bit more recessionista friendly find:

I know, I know. Not even close. I tried it on Saturday at Arden B. It has a distinctly Amelia Earheart feel, which I am all about right now. At $58, I can certainly fit it in the budget.

Another surprising mall find-these skinny jeans from American Eagle....snug in all the right places, soft, and distressed just enough. I can wait to wear them with all my sweaters, boots, and scarves..

Gossipy

2009-09-18T05:52:00.000-07:00

so this is the first time i've posted pictures of myself...i'm a little modest about it!

i couldn't help it though, especially with the sick Anna Sui pieces I scooped up at Target this past Sunday. I may have bought 5 of them at my obssessive compulsive best...but i have narrowed it down to 2:

I feel so very Blair Waldorf in this one-and it's sinfully comfortable to boot. I have been looking for a high waisted belt for what seems like forever...and this one is perfect-elastic with a vintagy gold clasp...the possibilities swirling in my head make me a bit dizzy.

and this one is just plain fun. Since it's wool I doubt I will be wearing it for awhile, but I can't wait to layer it with a slinky little tee, black tights, and booties. The pockets were an added bonus.

sorry for the quality of the photos...I am going to try to figure out the timer thingy on my camera...these were taken with my bberry.

these boots

2009-08-05T14:45:00.000-07:00

I've been channeling Nancy Sinatra for awhile now, and I'm totally feeling her and "These boots were made for walking..." Now if I only dared to flip out my hair and wear white mod sunglasses....

I am impressed and feel a sense of renewed excitement about the teen catalog Alloy...I got their fall catalog a few weeks ago and got a new one t

oday (same exact catalog, but 20% off jeans? IDK)

Their clothes haven't changed much...but their boots-oh my! I have nooo idea what they look like in person, but at these prices, I am definitely going

to order and see what they look like. I can get all 3 of these pairs for less than the Free People boots I blogged about a few weeks ago ($188)....

and shipping is free!

Stanton Boot, $39.98

Link Boot, $46.90

Hudson Boot, $42.90 (remind anyone else of the FP boots?!)

Abject failure on Day 24

2009-08-05T14:38:00.000-07:00

After behaving wayyy too well in Nashville over the weekend, I decided to reward myself with a trip to Lucky to see their new stuff. I thought I could handle it...I was just going to pick up a pair of jeans for a friend.

Then the salespeople (friends) started nagging about UPT and blah blah blah. I was doing so well resisting, until I saw this men's button down:

yep. It's hanging in my closet. In a Men's extra small. It's super slouchy, long, and fun. plus the sleeves aren't huge. it's just all around perfect for my mood so far this fall. I can't wait to wear it with skinny jeans and ballet flats now...then with skinny jeans and over the knee suede boots this fall.

And I think I'm going to punish myself and extend the detox another 7 days. Since I failed :(

Stir Crazy on Day 14

2009-07-24T16:23:00.000-07:00

Your Fancy Notecards, $4.99

So I knew I was teetering close to the edge when I contemplated buying $9 plaid tops at Wal-Mart on a grocery run this weekend...I am on Day #14 and what is the hardest day so far.

But then I hit UrbanOutfitters.com on my daily internet fashion fix (since I am staying verrrry far from the mall) and discovered their under $5 sale. Yep, under $5. 3 pages of items under $5.

It's a very sad day, because I would have filled my shopping cart with not only the cute as a button notecard above, but these sweet finds as well:

rosary necklace, $4.99

wildlife plate, $4.99

Fall Frenzy, Day 13

2009-07-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

Okay...it's officially killing me now. Fall fashion is everywhere...I can feel the energy from September Vogue even though it won't arrive in my mailbox for about 3 weeks...I stare at the skinny August magazines in anticipatory frustration awaiting the September mega issues.

And fall/September Vogue/Back to School means jeans. Lots and lots of jeans. I can't wait to snatch up a few pairs of the new Madewell 37s....low rise, super skinny in 5 great washes...for $59.50(!!)...I was also perusing their website when I found what I feel will be a style staple for me this fall/winter...and I can honestly say for the first time in this detox that if I wasn't on this damned thing I would run down there and pick them up immediately...

Acid wash and Dark Rinse denim leggings. $48. Yes, please.

How many more days? 16. oh.

http://www.madewell1937.com/

Shampoo by the Gallon, Day 13

2009-07-22T07:11:00.001-07:00

So, I cheated. Well, not technically. I said no clothes for 30 days. And I haven't. Still going strong.
I absolutely could not resist Ulta though. I know, I know. It's technically spending $$ on superflous things, but I don't have the spending problem with beauty products that I do with clothes...

So I got a gallon of Redken All-Soft, my absolute favorite shampoo, for $13.99. I've paid more than that for the small bottle. The conditioner is $13.99 as well-2 gallons for $28+tax.

Don't miss it....ends this Saturday!

Also...my Ulta is right next to a DSW (arghh) that had the biggest Clearance signs in the window I have ever seen in a DSW...but I valiantly resisted. Point, mine!

Lucky Brand Shoes, Day 12

2009-07-21T14:16:00.000-07:00

I'm a little biased, but I am crazy about Lucky Brand. I worked there for 2 years and can honestly say 80% of my wardrobe is still Lucky, and I think all but 3-4 pairs of my jeans are Lucky. When I worked there, we all kept asking each other, "Why doesn't Lucky make shoes?"

They finally heard us. An amazing collection of unique, hippyish, totally Lucky boots, flats and even a few chunky heels.

My fave, the Angel Tall Boot, comes in the richest, most buttery shade of caramel and I adore the detailing.

Angel Tall Boot, $199

2 Dresses, 4 days

2009-07-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

To further demonstrate my fashion schizophrenia, I fell in love with two totally different dresses at delias.com (not to mention I was pleasantly surprised that both lovely pieces lived on that website)

Gracie Plaid dress, $44.50 (in lots and lots of colors...I like the teal and the black/white)

Elina Chiffon dress (that totally, totally clashes with the plaid) $44.50

Christian Siriano and Motocross; Day 3 (sigh)

2009-07-15T15:30:00.001-07:00

I am in love with all things Christian Siriano (Project Runway Season 4 winner). I wanted to wear everything he made, especially the fantastic motocross jeans that were about 5 seasons ahead of their time.

Now they are everywhere, I'm happy to report, and should be a huge staple come fall. I can't wait though...and I just found my dream pair at Martin + Osa. Great wash, side zippers (at the waist and the legs!!) and fantastic detailing...I can't wait to try them on!

At $99.50, they aren't too steep for what I am sure will be my go to pair of jeans for at least 2 seasons!

http://www.martinandosa.com/web/browse/product.jsp?catId=cat160013&productId=1460_5189

Day #2

2009-07-14T12:25:00.000-07:00

I had a dream last night about black tights, a slinky tank, and a big slouchy cardigan with over the knee suede boots...

...and then my dream came true when I got my daily (yes, daily) email from Free People....killer over the knee suede boots that look skinny enough to hug my chicken legs...then I saw the price tag.

Wouldn't matter if I was on a detox or not. At $188, these babies will be mulled over for longer than a month...

but they are convertible!!

suede slouchy boots, $188, freepeople.com

30 Day Detox

2009-07-13T15:00:00.000-07:00

In response to the economy, an upcoming $250 GMAT for grad school, a dying TV that will soon need to be replaced, a sudden desperate need for a kitchen table, and a looming credit card bill, I have decided to commence a 30-day retail detox. No clothes, no jewelry, no shoes. For 30 days. It. Will. Be. Hell.

So as a precaution for my sanity during this detox, I have decided to blog what I want to buy instead of actually buying it. At the end of the 30 days it will be my catalog of sorts to go back and purchase what I really, really want. Well

some of it anyway.

Day #1

I am fanatic about Forever 21's new line, Love 21, made with a more "modern" cut (read: not nearly as tight as that stuff they try to pass off as "slouchy") and made with better materials.

It's only available in a few stores, so check the website to find one close to you!

http://www.forever21.com

Some of my favorites:

Water Lily Woven Skirt, $15.80

Such a deal and a great piece for right now and fall...even into winter with a long slouchy cardigan? yes please!

Serenity Knit Jumper, $22.90

A slightly more doable and grown up version of this summer's romper...and I am obsessed with gray right now.

Isis Spiral Dress, $27.80

My absolute favorite...I know it will be too short for me so I have to love it from afar.

drapey skirt

2009-06-17T15:17:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely in love with drapey, poppy colored mini skirts right now.

I saw 2 chicks-1 in atlanta, and 1 in birmingham, rocking these things and I knew I had to have one.

After buying 3 (yes 3) at Target-1 green, 1 pink, and 1 blue, and trying them on with every slinky tank top and vneck tee in my closet, I decided on the slinky green one, $14.99 at Tarjay.

You can't really see it from these pictures..I will try to do better next time:

I think you can tell how good of a time we had a the Magic City Brewfest.

Make sure you go, and buy your tickets in advance next time!!

Skirt at Target (not the one I got-couldn't find it. but my 2nd choice, definitely...and this one is $10!)

The Best Bouncy Ball Ever

2009-06-02T17:47:00.000-07:00

Everyone rolls their eyes when they see it.

Then they can't stand it. They bounce it once, and their eyes light up, their eyebrows raise, and they have to bounce it again. They must-you can't stop. It is the most fascinating bouncy ball. Ever.

It is clear, but has glitter in it

that covers the ball when bounced and makes these craz

y, trance inducing wave patterns as it diffuses...I paid $7 for that bouncy ball and I was supposed to give it to my niece as a birthday present-but I kept it.

So, you can imagine my reaction when I clicked on "What's New" in my Free People e-mail, clicked to the second page, and found.....

The world's most amazing bouncy ball-on a RING!!!! And, bonus, it's only $12...practically a steal, and it's only a little smaller than the full size one I paid $7 for!

Sugar on a budget

2009-05-15T12:46:00.001-07:00

I have been absolutely obsessing over 2 pieces of exquisite jewelry since I got the June Lucky a week ago....both pieces are completely different from each other...I guess it just shows how much of a fashion schizo I am. I have been trying, and have been 50% successful, in finding budget versions of both pieces...

Pink Spinel Swivel Ring

22k gold

$2,820

http://www.twistonline.com

My version:

(okay so it isn't as shiny and it doesn't swivel, but its the same effect)

Gray Gaia

$21

http://www.alltherageonline.com

And this is truly my favorite, my absolute obsession-probably because I can't find anything else like it...anywhere.

"Blossom" Pendant, $192-218 (depends on chain length)

http://www.jessicaelliot.com

Bringing back the Bomber

2009-05-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

On a recent vintage trek with my pal Emily, I stumbled across the most amazing, ahead of the curve item: a nylon bomber jacket.

The jacket is perfect for unpredictable Southern Spring/Summer nights...I threw it in the car this past weekend as an afterthought...so relieved when a monsoon hit Birmingham around 8:30!

I got my gently used version at The Clothing Warehouse in Virginia Highland for $34.95.

My Favorite Time of Year

2009-04-28T18:50:00.000-07:00

...is when retailers change seasons. Summer to Back to School/Fall usually happens in July, when its getting hot enough to really wear all those tanks, minis, and espadrilles...Winter to spring usually happens right as its finally chilling out in the South...and my favorite, spring to summer, happens just as the winter chill breaks (most years, anyway)I unexpectedly happened upon the first (great) spring to summer transition sale....and retailers are obviously hurting because they are practically giving some of this stuff away!

Old Navy is currently featuring 75% off their lowest price on marked down items. I got an adorable navy blue cardigan printed with hot pink flowers for $5, marked down from $29.50! I couldn't find the picture on the website, but I did find some other items you might be able to find in (one of) your local stores: (I can't gurantee pricing/availabilty, but you get the idea)

Ruffle trim top, $19.99 (oldnavy.com) I didn't see this one, but I will be looking for it everywhere I can...adorable!

Yellow twill blazer, $24.99(Oldnavy.com) I didn't see this in the store either or I would've snatched it up in navy ($12.99) or khaki ($24.99 also)

metallic ballet flat, $12.99 (oldnavy.com...not featuring the 75% off on the website, so it will probably be less in store) I saw these at the one in Milwaukee...sooo cute but they didn't have my size.

Link to the clearance section on oldnavy.com: http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=42131&vid=1&pid=633455&scid=633455072

Feeling Poetic

2009-04-22T16:28:00.001-07:00

(note: I didn't write this. one artsy thing i don't do)

may my heart always be open to little

birds who are the secrets of living

whatever they sing is better than to know

and if men should not hear them men are old

may my mind stroll about hungry

and fearless and thirsty and supple

and even if it's sunday may i be wrong

for whenever men are right they are not young

and may myself do nothing usefully

and love yourself so more than truly

there's never been quite such a fool who could fail

pulling all the sky over him with one smile

ee cummings

Trench Coat Mafia

2009-04-21T18:13:00.000-07:00

I have been languishing in vain for weeks, months, etc. about buying a Spring-y trench coat.

I bought one out of sheer desperation at a Wal-Mart in Dayton, Ohio for $25...then promptly left it on the Park-N-Fly bus that evening went I hit balmy, sunny Atl.

It is a character flaw, I admit, but I am never, never prepared for the climate of my weekly travel destination. And I mean never.

So, when the hail storm-followed-by-torrential-rain hit Detroit this afternoon, my thought process went a little like this: "Must.Buy.Trench.Coat.Now."

My dry clean only, depth of winter number won't work for soggy spring days. And I refuse to wear an Anorak.

Several attempts to find something suitable at discount chains led me, in desperation, to the bain of my checkbook: Martin + Osa.

Of Course the cheerful sales girl asked me what I was looking for.

Of Course "I was in luck" as she put it.

Of Course it was absolutely perfect and better than I ever expected to find. And would match both brown and black, she pointed out.

Of Course the price tag made me see blotches of light for a second. "But it's on sale! 30% off" she said.

Of Course I walked out with it. And changed into it to walk into the restaurant for dinner.

Women's Jaquard Trench, $119 *on sale* Martin + Osa

martinandosa.com

Detroit Hi-Lites

2009-04-21T17:55:00.000-07:00

Ambassador Bridge

Detroit to Canada

To my own surprise, I actually am enjoying Detroit and its surrounding cities and townships (that's what they call them here, apparently.)

My favorite part(s) of driving around today:

"Bridge to Canada" sign on I-94 east. Cussed when I realized I could've gotten a stamp on my passport if I had just thought to bring it with. Will definitely pack it on the next trip.
Absence of chain restaurants. Even though it stresses me out to the nth degree, asking for restaurant reccomendations around town and getting answers like "Trattoria" and "Tommy's" make me a very happy traveler. Best way to get a cultural snapshot.
Birmingham, Michigan. Even though the weather sucked (15 minute hailstorm while the parking meter was running) and I was so not sartorially prepared...(the usual conundrum I find myself in...living in Atlanta does not prepare one for a spring day in Michigan)...Birmingham, Michigan had street upon street of sidewalk cafes, artsy shops, chainlet specialty retailers (Anthro, Urban)...remind me of Lincoln Park(Chi) , SoHo (NY) and Sixth Street (Austin). Went to what I thought was going to a $6/pop cupcake shop and got the most delicious German Chocolate cupcake for $2!! (Tuesday special..yes!)
Downtown Birmingham, MI
peanut butter cupcake from Cupcake Station
Twelve Oaks Mall. Top 10. And that's quite a complement, from me. Doesn't hurt that its less than 2 minutes from my comfy hotel room.

Feathers and Fringe...a bargain weekend!

2009-04-14T16:34:00.001-07:00

This weekend was a full-on bargain fest in Bham...I always find such great deals when shopping with my madre...she just has this natural knack for it.

I have been absolutely obsessed with the Indian(native American) princess look-basically anything feathered or fringed.

I found this great, Lucky-ish neckalce at kohl's weekend...30% off so it was around $14:

Although the necklace was a Mom-approved purchase, she could not contain the rolled eyes when I fell in love with a $10 pair of YellowBox fringed moccasin booties:

Just call me Sacajewea.

Interior Decorating

2009-04-09T04:33:00.000-07:00

(Above) My latest(and only, really) attempt at interior decorating.

My friend Sara and I picked up a small can of chalkboard paint at Home Depot (around $15) and painted this section of my wall that faces my living/dining room. I had a blast writing on it...the only thing is I filled it up and I already have more quotes to add!

PS...Bon Iver at Workplay in Birmingham June 6...be there!

a new handbag...finally

2009-04-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

My friends roll their eyes at me a lot. Especially when I say I need a new bag. I have been carrying the perfect Marc by Marc Jacobs bag for over a year now....but trust me. It's time for a replacement.

As luck would have it, someone with great taste moved out of my apartment...I got the Nordstrom Spring Accessories catalog last week...suffice it to say that my latest handbag obsession appeared within its pages:

This Joe's Jeans bag meets all the criteria:

a) must be leather.

b) must be the perfect size (as Nordstrom's brilliant description puts it:" medium size. Holds wallet, book and water bottle")

c) must be a brilliant shade of brown that will go not only with my hippie dippie weekend looks but will be polished enough to work for work.

d) must be able to take a beating: 6 airports a month is not for the faint of heart (er, handbag)

e) MOST IMPORTANTLY: budget friendly. At $148 for a known label (and leather?!) I feel like it's a steal....well, a smart investment, if you will.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3025395?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=guidednav&keyword=joes+jeans+in+All+Categories+>+Handbags+%26amp;+Accessories&origin=searchresults

Renewing my Faith in Network Television

2009-04-01T15:08:00.000-07:00

So I caught Better off Ted last night on ABC. It cracked me up. CRACKED me up. Caution: I am not an avid "The Office" watcher. I don't get how it's that funny. But Better Off Ted is smart, wicked humor that makes me laugh out loud and feel weird for doing so in a hotel room alone.

These 2, above, are the braniacs behind all of the company's new products-cowless beef was featured on the episode last night. The product taster/tester reviewed the first prototype of the cowless beef and said it tasted like "despair." Hilarious.

Bonus? It's abc so you can watch the episodes online at http://abc.go.com/primetime/betteroffted/index

On the Fringe

2009-03-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

I had an obssession with free people in the past. That was healed quickly when the pieces I bought grew mutliple tiny holes after one wash. But my love has been renewed.
Free People's new website is well organized, fun to browse, and of course has lots of amazing things I need now.
I know $88 worth of a fringed sandal is not exactly recessionista of me, but I can't help it. They are perfect. User reviews on the site are also super helpful.
If you are looking for a bigger bang for your buck$, check out the FP denim section-great widelegs, skinnys and bootlegs from $61-68. Katie and I picked up a pair in Nashville last weekend-great wash, great fit, great fabric. Not something you find often in a pair of jeans under $100.

http://www.freepeople.com

Ooey, Gooey Pecany Goodness

2009-03-26T19:12:00.000-07:00

So, inevitably delayed today on my flight home from Dayton (ugh, what a gross town), I decide to have myself a Cinnabon...and may I preface this post by saying that we do not have Cinnabon in Alabama, and they are very rare in Georgia and Florida. Suffice it to say I have had less cinnabon experiences than I have fingers on one hand.

The shop sign enticed me with the most amazing looking "mini" pecan cinnamon rolls. I thought 1 or 2 with a cup of coffee would be just what I needed for an afternoon pick me up.

They only come in increments of 6. You can't get one or two. So I'm sure you are wondering.

Yes. I got 6. I reasoned that I could probably eat a few at that moment and then save the rest later.

5 minutes later (yep, 5 minutes) I am slurping whats left of the syrup off of my fingers and wondering how conspicuous it would be if I ran my fingers along the little plastic tray they came in to get all the extra frosting.

6 "mini" pecan cinnamon rolls laced with sugar and some unnameable substance that is the reason people blog. It's gotta be.

Then I had to sit on a plane for 2.5 hours. I feel so, so absolutely sorry for the poor dude that had to sit next to this fidgety, sugar laced, newly minted Cinnabon junkie.

Word Art

2009-03-25T14:20:00.001-07:00

To make a very long story short...on seperate trips to Chicago ny friend Laura and I were inspired by the same series of photos in a shop window on Michigan avenue...there were 5 seperate photos, each a letter that together spelled the word "Dream". So we both independently decided to do something like it ourselves-she actually acted on it. On our trip to Nashville, she was looking for the last letter for her project-a "V". We were talking about this in front of the other 2 girls that were with us...they loved the idea....so we went on an impromptu letter scavenger hunt around the Parthenon/Centennial Park in Nashville....

Katie and Adrianne are both going to spell their names...but mine is too long, and I don't really want to do "Britt"...so basically I took several random pictures of letters that don't really spell anything at all.

I haven't decided what I want mine to say. Nothing cliche. Maybe a spanish word-I thought about "spirit" in spanish but it's no fun-it is "espiritu" too close to our word (and also too long)

Any ideas?

NPR is cool?!

2009-03-24T13:53:00.000-07:00

So, I am buzzing around Dayton, Ohio today trying to find a radio station...and all I can find is Slipknot, country, or those annoying "we play everything" stations. Then I happen upon this lovely, haunting female voice that I recognize as somewhat familiar...the song is definitely different from what I am usually drawn to but I really like it...The song fades and a guy's voice announces that it is "Same Mistakes" by Sara Watkins...she is the singer for Nicklecreek...a band I have adored forever, even though bluegrass isn't really my thing. Her new album drops April 7-check it out http://www.myspace.com/sarawatkinssolo

Back to NPR...the show is called "World Cafe"...in addition to Sara Watkins I heard M.Ward, a sick Feist compilation I'd never heard before...best part?! The playlists are available online...I am subscribing to the podcast. You should too. If you like goooood music.

http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=39&agg=1

hip Granma

2009-03-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

To the raised eyebrows of my friend Katie on an excursion to F21 yesterday, I snatched up this fantastic floral scarf...a steal at $8.80. Super soft material, and the fantastic "granma" florals I am obsessed with right now...can't wait to wear it with a deep v tee, beat up cuffed jeans and gladiator sandals...and don't forget the aviators!

Chicago!

2008-11-11T13:48:00.000-08:00

New pictures from Chicago...I loved it...I want to live there!

I took this (above) from my car!

We crashed a wedding in Hobart, Indiana...this is the sunset from there...it was sooo pretty! We stopped in the road because there were no cars coming for miles! I thought (thought) Alabama was the country...whew!

The BEAN! Katie talked and talked and talked about this, and I thought she was crazy for being so excited about it...but it ended up being amazing!

The girls...we went out in Wrigleyville...so fun!

Running out of gas...literally

2008-09-26T11:31:00.000-07:00

Atlanta is in the middle of a gas crisis...

It's crazy because Birmingham is so much smaller and no one there is running out of gas...

It is getting a bit scary. I went to 5 gas stations today-3 of them were out of gas and 2 had ridiculously long lines.

I was just trying to stock up before the weekend, but I came up empty handed.

I hope we get gas soon. This is getting scary!!

Way down yonder on the Chattahoochie....

2008-09-21T06:49:00.001-07:00

So, my baaad for not blogging in over a month....

...my boss "grounded" me and I haven't been travelling... but it should start up again soon, so don't fret!

In other news, we did a 4-hour canoe trip down the Chattahoochie River yesterday with a few friends.

I can not in any way put into words how beautiful that river is! The weather was perfect..it didn't get hot until the end of the trip. The only side effect is that it was super sunny and we didn't realize that we were all getting sunburnt!

I now have a very, very red nose (the only part of my face that got any sun-I look like Rudolph)

and one very, very red arm. The other arm browned nicely, but next to the fire engine red of my burnt arm, I look like the guy out of Steven Spielberg's Close Encounters of the Third Kind. I hope you get that reference-David didn't.

I will definitely post pics soon-I didn't take my camera but some of my friends did.

I also highly, highly reccomend doing this-it was relaxing and beautiful, and pretty affordable.

http://www.uptheriveroutfitters.com

Rural Tennessee is just for me!

2008-08-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

I had a blast driving across Tennessee last week...my favorite part was the Lost Sea Adventure

It is 11 miles off the interstate!! I thought I would drive out and see it but all that was there was a sign and a "picnic area" you had to pay the $11 to see anything. boooo! Everyone looked at me like I was crazy because I was going to go by myself...all the little redneck kiddies were staring at me.

(sorry the picture doesn't do it justice...google "lost sea adventure" and prepare to be amused)

My other favorite part is an experience I simply CAN NOT put into words. So I will use theirs:

Bean Pot

Restaurant

Exit 322, I-40

Crossville, Tn. 38571

Good Home Cooking

Homemade Fudge and Doughnuts

Our food is so good, you'd

think we kidnapped your mother

OPEN FOREVER

Bean Pot Restaurant

ICE CREAM

NOVELTIES

FIREWORKS

COUNTRY STORE

BP GAS

PROPANE

KEROSENE

OPEN FOREVER

I had to buy a kuzi at the beanpot. (That's where I got all the wordies above)

the bearded, overalled man in front of me was very interested in a pocket knife. The handle was shaped like an "Injun".

I think I laughed all the way to Nashville.

people who talk too much

2008-08-11T16:50:00.000-07:00

I feel so sorry for the lady next to me. She is out to dinner with one of her friends. Her friend has not stopped talking the whole time I've been here. And what is worse-all she has talked about are her kids and her dead cat Sake-who she keeps a picture of by her bed. She just mentioned how immature her husband is-but he isn't the one with the picture of a dead cat by her bed.

Gas Station Mini Malls

2008-08-11T14:32:00.001-07:00

So I was driving up 75 north around 12.30 and was super hungry...if you have ever been through there you know that there isn't much *at all* .

I finally see an exit sign full of food signs, including Popeye's, which sounded delicious!
There was also a Burger King, Taco Bell, McDonald's and Subway. I thought any one of these would be perfect for a drive-through lunch...

...when I came down the exit ramp, all I saw were 2 behemoth gas stations...

One housed the Burger King, Taco Bell, and Popeye's. I've seen gas stations before that served food, and we even stopped at one in Waco last week that had a Quizno's....but 3 in one?! Seriously?!

Best part...across the street was my other option: a Shell station housing both McDonalds and Subway!!

And apparently I am behind the curve...it's definitely the thing along the I-75 corridor!!!

By the way..North Atlanta Travel Center (gas station housing fast food restaurants) also sold NasCar memoribilia, Wrangler Blue Jeans, and Harley Davidson t-shirts. My favorite one said "No Home but the Road."

When I visited the facitlities in the gas station, I came out and almost ran smack dab into the "Gaming Center" a dark smoky room with slot machines. It was full. It was 11.45 am.

TennesSEE the Difference!

2008-08-11T14:27:00.000-07:00

So this is the highlight of Eastern Tennesee.
It is my rendition of my favorite road sign...about 15 miles outside of Chattanooga.

I would like to see new rooms that cost $17.99!!!

Other highlights:
Ruby Falls
Rock City
Lost Sea Adventures*Pics coming soon*
Sugar's BBQ

Driving through Tennesee is just as good as rural Alabama/Georgia!

I heart the South!

Hurricane Blues

2008-08-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

Hurricane update...

...we had to leave Houston earlier than planned this a.m. and drove for about 45 minutes in torrential rain and high winds...but then we got past it and the rest of the drive was fine, if a bit booring.

the drive to Austin from Houston is all cows and haybales.

And the "Ice Cream capital of the world." I wanted Steven (my co-worker) to stop, but he wasn't buying it.

**Highlight of the day**

I got new cowboy boots!! The perfect place to buy them is Texas right? And every good Southern girl needs a good pair...

I looove them and can't wait to wear them!!!

(I got them at Cavender's, they have several beautiful boots. http://www.cavenders.com)

Hurricane Party!

2008-08-04T15:52:00.000-07:00

So

Hurricane Eduoard (They are really running out of "E" names...this one is so freaking hard to spell!) is going to hit Houston tomorrow around 1pm.

Guess where I am?

Yep. You smarty pants. I am typing this 10 minutes from the heart of downtown Houston.

I am travelling with our new sales guy, and we are scheduled to work a 1/2 day in houston and then drive northwest to Austin...

...yep, you guessed that too. The HURRICANE is predicted to move Northwest also.

So we will either be hot on its heels (and get to Austin around midnight) or be running from it all day.

Either way, tomorrow looks to be a great day for blog material. I will keep you *posted* (I'm so clever...)

Lincoln/Mercury/Lincoln/Mercury

2008-07-28T18:19:00.001-07:00

to clarify...it's a Lincoln MKZ. Not a Mercury. Even though I think they are interchangeable.

Here's a pic of what I am strutting around Miami in.

Bienvenidos A Miami: The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

2008-07-28T18:11:00.000-07:00

The Good:

NOOOO Line at Security at the atlanta airport. Those of you who have been through this airport know what a big deal this really is.
My beautiful rental car. Spotless 2008 Mercury MKZ with leather interior, moonroof, satellite radio and bluetooth. The rental car gods are smiling down on me :)
Great malls in Miami (This could also be filed under "The Bad". Just ask my boyfriend. Or anyone who knows me, for that matter)
The company AmEx (See the last 2 items under "The Bad")

The Bad:

My brand new bottle of Nexxus Heat Protex ($14.99/bottle) spilled in my suitcase. I am only here for 3 days, so I brought the bare minimum.
I went to dinner in wet jeans.
I am now sitting in damp pajamas.
One of my shirts is stained an odd beige color and the Tide Pen just isn't cutting it.
Parking is $8 a night at my hotel. Dang Marriott!
Internet is $12.95 a day at my hotel.

The Ugly: (Or in my case, the just plain weird)

There was a half green, half orange unidentified fruit under the passenger side seat of the Lincoln. I noticed it when I was getting my stuff out to bring into the hotel. Look for a picture when I get home!
The maid came in my room when I was gone. The tv was on, but I have mints on my pillow. Well, toffee flavored chocolate.

Every Rose Has It's Thorn

2008-07-28T18:10:00.001-07:00

Pics to be posted soon, I promise.

No, I did not meet Bret.

Or Heather. I am more upset I didn't meet Heather. I did see her though.

Emily and I did find 3 cast members for RoL 3.

And a possible first male cast member.

Can't wait to post the pics!! Coming soon....

Let Me Be Your Rock of Love

2008-07-26T14:53:00.000-07:00

So....POISON is tonight. Never mind that its raining like crazy. I am going with my friend Emily.

She doesn't know it yet but I bought us Ponchos(clear ones so you can see our great outfits)!!

I think I am more excited at the possibility of seeing the fabulous Heather from Rock of Love Season 1.

And we hear Bret is single, ladies of Birmingham. Even though it looks like Ambre from Season 2 is in town also...

Emily and I have decided we are casting RoL Season 3 tonight, so ladies of Birmingham...watch out!

***Pictures and material coming soon...I know I will have TONS!!!***

Another Orlando Highlight

2008-07-16T17:50:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I love painted buildings.

Especially patriotic ones.

That sell t-shirts 5 for $2.99.

It just doesn't get any better.

Until you find out there is a WaHo attached. Then its heaven.

Damage courtesy of the L.O.L.

2008-07-16T17:47:00.003-07:00

So if you aren't familiar with the L.O.L., see my first post (ever!). Here are pictures of the damage:

It's not so bad...just waiting to hear from the insurance adjuster(s)!!

Late Night Visitor

2008-07-14T05:10:00.000-07:00

So as I am brushing my teeth last night, getting ready for bed, I look up above my mirror and this little guy is crawling around my wall...

...At first I think, he's fine, let him hang out...I really don't want to kill it.

Then I think about the fact that we eat 8 spiders in our life in our sleep.

I really don't want to eat a centipede.

So I resolve to kill it. The thing is mighty active...scaling the wall in record time.

I watch him for a second and resolve that a shoe would be best.

I grab one of my (expendable) high heels and get to work.

The critter is so fast that I just get it moving faster away from me with the first whack.

He is now so close to the ceiling that I am going to have a hard time finding an angle.

I am now slinking across the counter to the other side of the bathroom-the little critter is fast!

I try one more time-and instead of a hit, I scare him into letting go of the wall. He tumbles down into the clutter on my counter-in between my hand towel and makeup bag.

I decide that the shoe I've chosen won't cut it. I run into my room, grab a cowboy boot, and get back to work.

I remove a makeup bag first-no dice.

Then I slide the towel off it's ring and the little creature goes running through my makeup. GROSS GROSS GROSS.

Somehow, the little guy ends up on the floor, where I proceed to smash him to bits with the cowboy boot. It takes a few tries, and when I am finally convinced he is dead, I survey the wreckage and realize my knuckle is bleeding.

All of that and I can't really write today because my knuckle is sore.

Should have left the little guy alone!

A good thing about Orlandoooo...

2008-07-10T17:22:00.000-07:00

You will never, ever, ever be underdressed.

As long as you are wearing at least a speedo.

I ate dinner at a white tablecloth, $40+/person restaurant.
I counted 6 fanny packs and more sneakers than any other type of footwear.
K-Swiss was the preferred brand.

And there were enough cargo shorts to outfit an entire fraternity.

Orlan-DOH!

2008-07-10T13:12:00.001-07:00

Much to David's chagrin, Orlando is definitely not one of my favorite places in the world.

This might have something to do with it:

The Holy Land Experience.
I'm sure it has its benefits. But seriously? Jesus at a theme park?
At that, I'm going to leave the discussion alone.
Form your own opinion.
http://www.holylandexperience.com

More *fabulous* highlights of my day in Orlando (trust me, there are many more) to come when I can upload pics!

addendum

2008-07-09T16:43:00.001-07:00

Just to elaborate: the L.O.L. was 86.

It's on the incident report.

I think that's an important point.

Betty and the Rental

2008-07-09T15:41:00.000-07:00

I had been in the car for 2.5 hours.
It was 11.00. I was hungry. It was hot.
I was sitting at a red light, on my way to my first sales call of the day in Naples, Florida.
BAM! The sound of metal crunching against the back end of my rented Haundai Sonata jolts me out of my thoughts.
I won't share the word that came out of my mouth. Use your imagination.
I looked in my rearview mirror and saw *truly* a little old lady throwing her hands in the air.
We moved into the turn lane, out of the way of direct traffic.
All I'm thinking is, "I didn't get insurance on the rental. I didn't get insurance on this car. My boss is going to kill me. It's her fault!"

So we pull over, I get out, scrabble around for my phone *battery dying* and check to see if she is okay. I keep wondering why she isn't getting out of her car to inspect the damage and give me a lecture. She doesn't get out! Then I see the handicap tag hanging from her mirror. Then I feel bad. Momentarily.

I can't really walk up to her window because she isn't all the way out of traffic. I see her looking through paperwork and the occasional expletive coming out of her mouth as she searches.

When the firetruck arrives, she finally gets out of the car.
I am on the phone with 911 and hang up when they get there.
The firemen ask for our licenses and insurance. I hand over appropriate documentation.
The L.O.L (little old lady-whose name is Bette, I just like calling her the L.O.L.) still hasn't found her insurance. She looks at me, then at my phone, then says, "Well I don't have a cell phone to call and find out about my insurance." I apologetically offer her mine. Then I think, Why am I apologizing?! She hit me!

This is the best. After all this, the deputy is writing up the report-everyone knows its her fault-i think they see this a lot around here-the L.O.L looks at me, my phone (again) and then says, "Well, I need to call my doctor since I'm late for my appointment and all..." I tell her she can use my phone. She produces a business card then says, "Well I don't know how to use these modern phones..." so I dial the number for her. (anyone getting this? or am I the only one that thinks this is hilarious?)

They put the L.O.L on hold. The deputy comes and asks her for something else (her registration, I think) so she looks at me and says, "Will you hold this? They have me on hold."

So I am standing in the middle of a wreck that was not my fault, using the last remaining battery power on my work phone to be placed on hold for the L.O.Ls doctor's office. Then they hang up on me (us)!

So I call back. This girl answers the phone yammering about something else. I cut her off and tell her "I'm calling for Betty Nelson...yeah, she just hit me...she's going to be late for her doctor's appointment..."

And so the day went.

*Traveling* City Mouse