Today's Obsession: Pan Am

Remember that super-epic 2002 movie "Catch Me If You Can," complete with 60's hairdos, sexy airplane pilots, and a handsome post-Titanic Leo DiCaprio? Well the true story of Frank Abagnale, Jr. was converted into a musical and premiered in Seattle in 2009.

A week from today, the show hits Broadway. Check out all the in-depth details (because I confess I don't know them) at this Broadway.com article.

Somewhat on topic, today's obsession are these bags from Pan Am. No, Pan Am Air doesn't exist anymore, but they still sell all their super retro-esque goodies for the old-fashioned freaks like me who walk around wearing a logo older than my parents. I got my first Pan Am bag for my 16th birthday and still have the thing. It's a little beat up now, but that only makes it look more authentic.

Marc Jacobs co-sponsored a couple re-releases of classic bags, but many can be found online at Panamone.com. They have classic designs, newer designer-looking (and less authentic. Not a fan) designs and other travel accessories like passport covers and clothes. I especially like their Mile High watch. Obsessed.

 Pan Am ORIGINALS-Innovator Bag, $75

 

Not So TIME-ly

So... one of my editors just brought to my attention this article on TIME magazine's website about this girl in Arizona who was run over by her dad in a modern-day "American honor killing." The site tells Noor Almeleki's story--how she fought with her parents, how she refused to enter into an arranged marriage, how she wore jeans and was proficient at social networking.

In all, it's a pretty interesting (albeit tragic) story. This poor woman was murdered in cold blood by her father because she was too American.

--

I once dated this guy Travis in high school. Not to be creepy or anything, but I actually still have his card in my wallet. I thought it was hilarious that some 17-year-old gave me his card when I asked for his number (yes, I was that ballsy girl who just went up to strangers and asked for their numbers), so I kept it.

We talked frequently. He was Ukrainian and had a strong relationship with his parents, and apparently his parents--who had never met me--hated me because I was American and they didn't want their son dating some American.

I found it troubling for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I was frustrated because I consider myself the kind of girl that gets along well with parents. I still call my ex-boyfriend's mom on her birthday. But secondly (and my actual point), his parents were the ones that moved to America. I'm all for preserving cultural identity and what not, but you can't really freak out when your son, who was raised in freaking California, decides to act like an American.

--

Tangent aside, Noor's murder is more shocking to me, because I think that her father is somewhat to blame for her "American-ism."

But anyway, last week, Noor's father was convicted of murder in the second degree. Which, I suppose, is why TIME thought it somehow relevant to run a piece on it. Except that I'm guessing TIME took the idea of the story from Marie Claire.

In August of last year, Marie Claire ran a long-form piece on Noor. Editor-at-Large Abigail Pesta interviewed Noor's friends and teachers and painted a one-of-a-kind picture of the double life that Noor led--one part American girl and one part subservient-yet-rebellious daughter.

Hold the two stories up next to each other and they have freakishly similar details, descriptions and structure. The TIME writer even interviewed the same expert. According to Pesta, there were more than 800 pages of information to sift through. I think it's a little more than ironic that the two articles are so similar. And, notice how the TIME article is long-form as well, and has a professional photo? It's almost as if it were commissioned as a main story and then pulled last minute (it's only posted online).

Methinks someone realized the same coinkidink we did and pulled the story from the print publication.

--

I posted a comment at the bottom that read:

• "Interesting story, I gotta say. I've been following it for a while ever since I read the story last summer in Marie Claire. Only, MC was able to get a more in-depth analysis of the story--and of the "double life" that Noor led--because they made contact with Noor's friends and teachers. The mag has gotten awards for the story and suddenly TIME decides to cover it more than a year after the fact.
  
  I'm glad that TIME brought more press attention to the case--which, admittedly was very underreported. But the content is so freakishly similar that I don't know why they didn't pull the story. I mean... they even talked to the same expert.
  
  Here's the link to the original, award-winning story: http://www.marieclaire.com/world-reports/news/latest/honor-killings-in-america"

I'm curious to see if they delete my comment :)


--


See, read, compare for yourself:


MARIE CLAIRE, Aug 2010


TIME, Feb 2011 (16 months after the fact)


###

Poem: Did you know?

Did you know?

That according to MapQuest,
It would take 17 hours and 34 minutes to get from here to you.
I bet I could make it in less time.
Just load a car (I don't know whose) up with country music and caffeine,
Drive for a while. Stop at random intervals. Make friends with truckers.

All to see your face, then kidnap you and take you home with me.
On the way back, though, we'd have to stop in Kalamazoo.
Because it's freaking Kalamazoo.

We could just drive, and I wouldn't speed so much on the way back.
We could mozey our way through the frozen countryside.
And by the time we finally get back to New York, we would be caught up on everything.
As if two years had only been two weeks.

Did you know?

That I've probably spent more money on postage the past 16 months, 2 weeks and 4 days,
Than I have on shoes.
That's a high honor, my friend.

I once wrote in a letter that you and I move forward in our lives,
Our paths "parallel, but never intersecting."
Occasionally, an archaic bit of snail mail bonds us together momentarily
Like a rung on a train track.

You and me, bonded together, connected for an instant, then not.
Never touching. Never talking. Always an arm's length away.

Did you know?

That the only thing I've loved since you went away was my job,
As if all the frustration could be processed, filtered and recycled as witty banter,
As book reviews and blog posts and pointless tweets.

But sometimes that filter breaks and all the frustration comes out and i forget to use punctuation and sentences and i just write to you about everything that comes to mind and inevitably overwhelm you with feelings youre all too familiar with and just confuse the heck out of you and i try to find the barrier between logic and emotion because when im in control and theres logic then i can talk myself through all of this but when its emotion then all there is is
You.

Did you know?

That all those months ago, when we met
That I would be your closest friend and confidante.
That you would talk to me more than to your mother.
That I would still be here.

You wrote once that you hoped I'd always write you,
That typically, people just fall away after six months or a year.
And I've had my dry spells, but I'm here. Still.

Did you know?

That if we ever do intersect... If we were to take all our letters,
And string them together in a book,
They would tell such an incredible story. There is so much truth in writing,
Like a personal truth, a genuine truth. Maybe that's why I love it so much.

People could read our letters and witness all the changes that we've experienced.
They could laugh at our silly nicknames and at the way you use circles instead of dots
Over your i's.

They could know us like we know each other.
And we could sell a million copies and buy houses in New York and Utah and California
And just ship back and forth between them all.
And they'd look back and say 

Shoot, it's all because some silly girl just got in a car and drove.
And now I'm off in shouldawouldacoulda land. When I've told you that logically, it doesn't work.
I know that...

Parallel, but never intersecting.
Two separate worlds.
Two very different people.
But one summer together and you threw me all off.

Did you know?

Ummmm... so

This is a completely random observation that I've been building evidence for over the past couple of years, but I have an uncanny way of unconsciously surrounding myself with people in relationships (see prior post), people from similar climates (California and Florida, most prominently), and left-handed people (only 8-15% of people are lefties, but the majority of my ex-bf's are).

That's all, folks.

Dating Games Galore

My best friend of 11 years recently went through a breakup... It's an interesting thing to witness because I'm a third party (with a lot of expereince in the breakup arena), but care too much about the girl to be totally objective.

Half the time, I want to hop on a plane down to Georgia and buy ice cream and chick flicks and fix all her problems with some estrogen therapy. And the other half of the time, I want to hop on a plane down to Georgia and slap her in the face for not realizing what I already know--that she's way too good for him... And not in a she's-my-best-friend-and-I'm-biased way, but in a she's-a-10-and-he's-a-4-from-the-boondocks-of-Georgia way. She is truly, genuinely too good for the poor schmuck.

Witnessing her breakup gave me a unique perspective, though. The phone calls, which initially came at 4 a.m. started coming at more and more decent times. And with each melt-down, I could actually hear more and more conviction in her voice. It was incredible... I suppose everyone goes through all of that in the course of a breakup, but in my experience, I've always been the one in the breakup, not observing it. (Come to realize... actually all of my closest girlfriends are "relationship" people. Some have been together for almost 6 years. Woah). So it's been really cool to see it from the other side of the fence.

Today, when I called up my girl to chat, she informed me that she couldn't talk for long because she was off for a date. A date. Granted, a date with someone whom she doesn't remember meeting, but a date nonetheless. And so what if she has no clue what he looks like. He's practice for when she finally gets back out there, right? (sorry, dude)

Anyway, this lovely lady had me thinking today as I was walking through midtown during my lunch break. I just find it ironic that the guys we don't care about are the ones we're willing to text twice in a row and we don't mind if they don't care enough to call us back. Because we don't care either. So we're comfortable; there's nothing invested.

But if and when we actually fall for someone, we have to play by all the rules. We can't seem too eager, we can't call back until two days after a date (do people really follow that rule?), we can't jump right into bed but can't hold out to long, either. I wrote a column about dating games a year ago for The Huntington News marveling at how ridiculous they are. Yet it never occurred to me that only when we like someone do we ever bother to play.

Today's Obsession: Crazy Rainboots

I walked to work today, which is an experience that I typically enjoy; it's so much more refreshing than jamming my butt into some stranger in a stuffy subway car. I say that I typically enjoy it because today it was raining. I have no more swipes on my subway card and legitimately have no money to refill it (yay for the last week of the month), so I really had no choice but to walk.

Despite that fact that I'm sufficiently drenched now, I did enjoy all the people watching on the 20-something block walk up to work.

Coming from a state that frequently lights up in flames, I've always had a special place in my heart for the rain. It's cleansing, literally and figuratively, and an indication of the fact that SPRING IS COMING :) Plus, I happen to love rainboots. Rainboots are the one article of clothing for which rules don't apply. They don't have to be subdued, they don't have to match... they can be as simple or as wildly un-PC as necessary.

Today's obsession are these wacky boots. They appeal to the journalist in me, are wildly colorful, and would look good with just about anything. All I have to do is pair them with one of those bubble umbrellas that Target sells for cheap and I'll be looking rainy-day chic. The site also sells waterproof pumps (painful?) and rubber Sperry lookalikes. A special shout-out also goes to this pair, which is super stylin, but almost too subdued. Obsessed.

Nomad Puddles News Rain Boots, $39

Today's Obsession: David Yurman (kind of)

So I know that some of my daily obsessions are a little, how do you say... indulgent? expensive? all of the above? Well I flipped through a copy of ELLE today and came across a David Yurman ad. His stuff is so simplistically classic, but even in a theoretical blog world, I can't bring myself to stomach his price tags.

So instead I did a little snooping and found a couple of websites that sell knock-off and replica jewelry at prices that are as pleasant to look at as the actual items. The trick is to search for "designer inspired" pieces. Please note that I have no clue how legally sound it is to sell (or buy) knock-off things on the Internet, but most sites have a disclaimer and clearly point out that while the jewelry is inspired by certain designers, they are not replicas. Similar, but not the same. Also, I don't really recommend buying from some of the sites that popped up. Many are just downright sketch.

But I found a site called It's A Lot Alike that sells some pretty stuff for a pretty penny. So today's obsession is David Yurman-"inspired" jewelry. Some favorites include this bracelet and this super awesome ring. With the mix of silver and gold, don't you think they'd pair well with that Michael Kors watch? Obsessed.

Aqua & Blue Multi Stone Cable Designer Inspired Bracelet, $38 

 

 Designer Like Lemon Yellow Ring, $25

In a New York Minute...

I don't really feel like I have anything super cohesive to say right now... Things have really picked up at Marie Claire, so I'm just working to plow through my work and don't have the down time to sit and digest and contemplate what I want to blog about. It also probably doesn't help that I've been increasing my intake of caffeine, which makes me more awake, yes, but less productive. Like, I turn into a machine and crank out all my work, without leaving too much wiggle room for my "artistic freedom."

Things really are incredible, though. I'm treated with an insane amount of respect, given that I'm only a lowly intern. Yesterday, I was in one of the editors' office and she asked what year I was in school, hinting that if I were to graduate soon and a position were available, I would be considered. Which is freaking aweeessommmeeee if only I weren't some prepubescent child who won't be graduating until 2014.

Really, though, I love this industry. And, from the looks of it, I'm not too shabby at navigating it. I like working with so many women (who knew?) and having Friday afternoon bake-offs in the office. Everyone always looks good and smells good and they just so happen to be extremely talented, too. That, and the security guards (there's really only one cute one, but whatever) are so darn attractive.

I'm making friends, I'm planting roots, and I've started feeling out different neighborhoods for their post-grad living potential... Are the windows big enough? Is there exposed brick? Do they allow pets (I will soooo be that idiot that buys a dog and feeds it even when I can't afford food for myself)? Is it safe? As a totally random side note, I'm starting to think my parents think all of New York is a ghetto, when in reality, I feel safer here than I do in Boston.

This is starting to turn all lovey-dovey isn't it (sorry). I'm busy, hence the minimal posts. But I'll get the brain juices flowing and post something in the so-freaky-it'll-blow-your-mind category soon. Get ready.

Today's Obsession: Slatkin & Co.

Once upon a time, there was a little 11-year-old girl who loved candles. She surrounded herself with them and would light them to make herself feel better (yes, even at 11, I was psycho). Unfortunately, this little chillun also loved--and still loves--to take naps. And one fateful day, she carelessly decided to combine her two passions.

Don't worry. I didn't burn my house down. But when my mom found out that I fell asleep with my candles lit, she told me I wasn't allowed to have any candles until I was 12. I was resentful. How dare she. But I got over it and the candles on my birthday cake were the first ones I had contact with in a long while.

Since it was basically banned, I now have an innate love of candles. As long as they're not vanilla-scented (vom), I'm game. Yesterday, I brought home a rose-scented candle... not a huge fan of roses (they smell like old people, to me), but it is soothing, nonetheless. I've been oogling the Bath and Body Works page and they have several colorful and delightfully scented options. I'm sure nothing could help sooth my frazzled mind better than this baby. It'll fly me to La Jolla and back and help me not be such a spaz. Obsessed.

Slatkin & Co. 14.5 oz Filled Candle in Seaside Escape, $19.50 (but 2 for $20!)

Frazzled Miss Frizzle

Today was insane. I started off the day running and it legitimately feels as though my list hasn't gotten one iota shorter. It got to the point where I got so stressed-out-to-the-brink-of-a-meltdown that I stopped, organized my thoughts, and cleaned--not one, but--two desks. I cleaned my desk, and then I cleaned the desk I'm currently sitting at because I'm covering for my boss. I cleaned, re-stacked piles, threw away trash and actually Clorox'd the darn things. They're spotless. And I'm still frazzled.

On top of doing two people's jobs today, I also have to somehow figure out the rest of my life. Which I've already spent 18 years try to map out, so I don't see how I'm supposed to figure it out in the course of days. I have Blue Rug Syndrome topped with Salad Dressing Syndrome topped with a nice tasty schizophrenia cherry. I'm like a frazzled Miss Frizzle ala Magic School Bus... all a blur except for my crazy red hair.

As a random-but-relevant side note, why do people bother to have cell phones if they're never around to answer calls or respond to texts (Ahem. Dad. Ahem). Um hellloooo!! Having a mental breakdown over here!!

I need a hug.

Today's Obsession: Bahamas Beachwear

So I'm super excited. There's a chance (fingers crossed!!) that I will be going to the Bahamas with my parents the first week of May, which would be amaazzziinnnngggg. I'm puckering up for some major Daniells' butt kissing. Anyway, today is a beautiful, sunny day, but the weather is below freezing. So I'm that much more excited.

Naturally, today's obsession is beachwear. I'm more than excited for the sunny sunshine (yes I just said sunny sunshine. Whatever) and cocktails and have been scouring Victoria's Secret for some beach-ready ensembles. Though I'll be saving my money to help pay for the ticket, I can dream nonetheless.

The suit: Salad Dressing syndrome stepped in on this one. I can't decide, but I'm loving this suit... and this one, too! I like that they have two very different strap designs so I don't have insane tan lines once I return to dreary, cold New York.

Forever Sexy push-up Bandeau Top and Foldover Scoop Bottom, $66

Very Sexy (R) Embellished Racerback Triangle Top and Low-rise Bottom, $86

The accessories: I'll be sure to pack my Neutrogena face sunscreen, but would love to fight the rays with these super-stunner aviators from Forever 21. I've been on the lookout for aviators that flatter my face since, well, birth and here's hoping these cheapies do the trick.

I'm kind of hoping that my hair is a significantly lighter shade by May, but when I'm not sun-bleaching my hair, I can hide it under a nice wide brim hat like this one from Jigsaw (told you hats weren't out of style).

Forever 21 F0806 Sunglasses, $5.80

 Jigsaw Wide Brim Straw Hat, ~$52 (32 pounds)

Reading material: The most important part :) While I'm not devouring the most recent Marie Claire editions (heck, maybe I'll have a byline in one of them!), I'll be reading from my list of beach reads that I will have somehow managed to cram into my suitcase. Although when you're traveling to a place that requires minimal clothing, there's a lot more room for the good stuff. Some potential sunbathing reads include: 

• Bumped by Megan McCafferty--McCafferty is the author of the Jessica Darling series, which are all very digestible reads and basically got me through high school. Whenever I feel like my writing isn't sassy enough or true to self, I pick up one of her books as a gentle reminder. This book isn't a part of the series, but is sure to have the same sass. Plus it comes out the week before I would leave!
• Georgia Bottoms by Mark Childress--This book actually comes out tomorrow, but I likely won't get around to reading it until later. I've been very interested in literature that focuses around the South because my beloved biffle, Lauren, is currently living in Georgia. Childress also wrote One Mississippi and Crazy in Alabama.
• 1984 by George Orwell--I know 1984 isn't exactly a beach read, but it's on my bucket list to read five books on my list (Yes, I have a list that refers me to another list). And I've been meaning to read it since I read Animal Farm, basically in the hopes that it wouldn't be as bad. I typically like dystopian novels and hope this one would be just as enjoyable as an Atwood or Huxley.

I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have a cute bag to throw all my books and sunscreen into. The World Food Programme sells shabby-chic bags and shirts from American Apparel. Each Feed Bag purchased pays for food for a foreign child for an entire school year. They aren't cheap and only $20 goes to the actual charity, but it's a bag and a gift all in one. Winner?

Feed Bag 1, $60

Lots of goodies on today's obsession... and to think, just a few hours ago, I had no clue what I wanted to feature. Can't wait for a little Vitamin D therapy and a chance to see my parents. Here's a **BIG** kiss to you, Mom and Dad. I love you!! Woof.

P.S. Obsessed.

So Remember that Little Post...

...about photography and how much I wanted to get into the class? Well I got a call from the administrative assistant in the fine arts department at Northeastern this morning, who made a space for me in a photo class. As it turns out, I'll be taking the photo class meant for art majors, which means more of a challenge.

Bring it on. Told you I know how to get what I want!

(P.S. So excited!!)

Today's Obsession: TSM Headbands

I'm wearing my pearls today. I didn't use to like pearls because I thought I was being cheated out of a real birthstone. But I've since gained a wealth of knowledge and changed my mind. When I was about 12, my grandmother gave me a set of antique fake pearls. I still have them and I think they are incredibly pretty.

But for graduation, she gave me a real strand and I love them. Very "TSM," but they take an outfit from blah to Ah-ha. Mine are especially unique... from far away, they look like a standard strand, but up close, they're actually all oval shaped. I like that it's a modern take on a classic accessory. Plus, I'm not perfect so why should my pearls be.

Anyway, while browsing etsy looking for headbands to go with my soon-to-come new hairstyle, I found this lovely little number. Paired with pearls, it's the perfect piece of polish. Southern belle chic and just a bit over the top... plus it's fuzzy and I kind of have a compulsion to pet soft things (don't be hatin'). Obsessed.

Black Velvet Classic Headband on etsy.com, $22

It's Spelled S-O-R-R-Y

This post has been taken down (but saved on my computer as proof). It served its purpose and hopefully generated a little more humility in this world.


Best of luck to you, Bud.

Today's Obsession: Michael Kors

I'm wearing one silver and one gold ring today and it's tripping me out every time I look down at the keyboard. Wearing gold is just a little disconcerting for me. I think of gold much the way I think of red lipstick or pearls or high heels. There comes a time in a woman's life when she is allowed to wear it, but I used to think that the gold stepping stone didn't come until your thirties. That would be fine except that I'm in a sorority with a gold pin. So sometimes I feel the need to match.

See, silver and gold look great mixed together on a Christmas tree, but not so much when they're ornamenting someone's body. Kind of like black and brown... Coordinating black and brown is difficult, but admittedly doable. All it takes is a piece to pull it all together (like my black and brown cowboy boots).

My favorite piece to bring together my 10-year-old side (silver) and my 40-year-old side (gold) is a watch. And today's obsession is this watch from Michael Kors. Kors has a way with creating "polishing" pieces. As his site says, "finishing off your look is all in the wrist." And my wrist could do with a little finishing, a little polish, a little icing. It's actually on my 2011 Bucket List to buy myself this watch. I know it's a little expensive but I've wanted it forever and it's something I want to give to myself. Investing in classic pieces is an investment, not a splurge. And I don't particularly mind paying for quality. Plus... it's just so shiny and pretty and perfect. Obsessed.

Michael Kors Two-Tone Womens Chronograph Watch, $225

2011 Bucket List (and Update)

So I've mentioned my bucket list a couple times on here already, so I figured I'd re-post it.

Basically... I’m not a believer in New Year’s resolutions. I just think they tend to revolve too much around losing weight and looking better and petty bullpucky that sparks a temporary spike in gym and diet industry revenues and doesn’t budge the scale a notch. Plus, I’m don’t have enough will power to diet, so I take a different approach to the New Year.

I write a lot of lists. When something gets onto a list (and the list gets organized and color-coded as necessary), things get done. My annual bucket list is a proactive approach to the New Year; I'm not trying to change anything or do anything ridiculously drastic. I'm just challenging myself to try new things and since it's all written down (and posted on the Internet), I'm held accountable.

Rather than doing a life bucket list--which is so far reaching and difficult to tackle--I do annual ones. That way, there is a finite deadline. This is my third bucket list and the last two years have been extremely successful. Each year, I have one or two big things and several other smaller--but no less significant--things. I challenge myself to have a longer list every year.

My 2011 Bucket List is below, along with notes and updates. A month and a half in, I've got 1/10 done. Not bad, but some of the biggies are still on there. If you feel a burning need to help me accomplish any or just want to share ideas, let me know!! I've also inspired other people (friends, Mom, Dad) to write their own lists. When you put them online, old friends come out of the woodwork dying to help you accomplish a goal or to share their own passions with you. What's on your bucket list??

1. Move to New York.
2. Do something crazy.
3. Visit the South.
4. Dance on a table.
5. Host a dinner party.
6. Write a letter to a political figure.
7. Raise $500 for a charity. [working on it!! Donate to my RELAY FOR LIFE team!]
8. Sing karaoke.
9. Send poetry in to get published.
10. Find the best coffee house in the city.
11. See a show.
12. Try speed dating.
13. Learn to photograph.
14. Buy myself a Michael Kors watch.
15. Spend a weekend in D.C.
16. Take a roadtrip.
17. Find an excuse to wear a tiara.
18. Read 5 books on my list.
19. Design an outfit.
20. Make business cards.
21. Volunteer a week in Costa Rica.
22. See Austin.
23. Have a shower beer.
24. Perfect my dougie.
25. Have frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity III.
26. Go to a concert.
27. Skinny dip.
28. Spend a Sunday volunteering with The Breakfast Club.
29. Picnic in Central Park.
30. Toast our Sep. apartment with champagne.
31. Skateboard to class.
32. Get a Boston Athenaeum membership.
33. Go to a BRUINS game.
34. Go to the top of the Empire State Building.
35. Slow dance.
36. Visit every Manhattan bridge. [work in progress]
37. Learn something new.
38. Have lunch on the Staten Island Ferry.
39. Wear fake eyelashes.
40. Waitress.
41. Have three differently themed dinner parties.
42. Buy myself some letters.
43. Visit Canada.
44. Get better at French.
45. Send Amanda a care package.
46. Take a dance class.
47. Spend a day on the beach.
48. Watch all the epic movies that I never did. [I got a Netflix account :) send me suggestions]
49. Plant an herb garden.
50. Write my number on a bathroom stall.
51. Help make Thanksgiving dinner.
52. Send in a Postsecret.
53. Write a note and leave it in a book.
54. Learn to master a stick shift.
55. Do a cartwheel.
56. Kiss someone under the mistletoe.
57. Pay for the person behind me in a drive thru.
58. Sneak someone into the Webster.
59. Get a massage.
60. Bartend.
61. Create a poster memorializing random quotes.
62. Take a CPR course.
63. Take a ride in a town car.
64. Make something for the apartment.
65. Start a journal (again).
66. Create a drink.
67. Give someone a piggy back ride.
68. Shake hands with the Editor in Chief.
69. Take myself on a date.
70. Talk someone into going to school.
71. Buy myself a dress without a reason to wear it.
72. Find a place to wear said dress.
73. Dress like Jackie O.
74. Play an intramural sport.
75. Try a new Ben N Jerrys flavor.
76. Blog once per week. [more like 5x a day]
    
77. Get to know someone in every Greek organization.
78. Force a guy to come over and put up shelves (ha).
79. Start a tradition.
80. Read every night M-Th.

Oh the Places We Go: New York

The Huntington News, 2.17.11
By Marian Daniells, News Staff

My first few trips to New York when I was 6, and later when I was 12, left me starstruck and fascinated. How could my hometown in California, with its simple green lawns and suburban soccer moms, possibly compare to a glittery world of skyscrapers and showtunes?

But when I made my way back to the Big Apple once I was older, I felt a little out of place. I found the fast-paced, single-mindedness of New Yorkers and the frenzy of the tourism industry exhausting.

But, of course, I was cursed with a passion for an industry that is centered around New York. From the time I was 12, it’s been a dream of mine to work at Marie Claire. I used to tell myself that I could write from anywhere, and I suppose that’s true; but to deny that New York — the “concrete jungle where dreams are made” — has a monopoly over the American writing industry is to be painfully naïve.

I had to come to terms with the fact that some day — and probably for many days — I would have to live, to work, to brown-nose and pay my dues in New York City.

And here I am...



Check out the full article here.

Fancy a Spot of Tea?

I'm not exactly feeling well today. I'm having nasty hot flashes and feel like my skin might melt off (not exactly comfortable when I'm wearing a down jacket). So during my afternoon slump, I snuck into the Marie Claire kitchen and made myself a cup of green jasmine tea.

I know I'm crazy old-fashioned and all, but I think that tea is completely undervalued in today's society. People loooveee to talk about their dependency on their morning nonfat, extra hot lattes (trust me, I'm a total fan), but an afternoon cup of tea is completely different (Random digression: my summer drink is a green tea lemonade. Tastes like sunshine).

Coffee is about the caffeine and the morning wake up. But tea is about savoring the moment. It's about slowing down for a second, warming up to a steam facial and communing with one's inner self. Cheesy? Perhaps. But my opinion is no different.

Anyway, my little afternoon tea sesh (I just said that in an English accent in my head) got me thinking. Rather than blog about how super special tea is, I should just show. It's also on my Bucket List (Dude... seriously need to put that up here) to host various themed dinner parties. And for one of them, I think I'll do a tea party.

When we were clearing out my grandmother's things several years ago, we found a mismatched set of various tea cups and saucers and I thought they were the prettiest things. I don't throw myself birthday parties (because I generally just dislike my birthday), but I always thought a tea party birthday would be so pretty.

See? Pretty :) Anyway, insteaadddd, I was just thinking how awesome it would be to have a holiday tea party. I could bake holiday cookies and treats and have pretty little centerpieces with dark red flowers and lots of greenery and then we could have an assortment of teas... mint, green, breakfast. It would be a relatively inexpensive party to host because it's only paying for desserts, instead of feeding people.

And all the girls (because I'm assuming tea and testosterone don't really mix) could come in pretty party dresses (and even vintage hats!!) and we could just sit and drink tea and eat sweets and just soak up each others' prettiness.

Keep your eyes peeled for the invite in November.

Today's Obsession: Schwinn

I've been looking at apartments to sublet for summer 2 in BOSTON (!!!). And the most promising places I've found are on Mission Hill, which--as fellow Huskies know--means a commute. It's almost a mile to campus and while I enjoy a leisurely walk every now and again, I don't like having to walk, if that makes sense (it does).

So I've been brainstorming other methods of getting my sorry butt to campus. It's on my 2011 Bucket List (which I just realized isn't on this site--I'll get on that) to long board to class one day and I'm happy to do that, but long boarding isn't especially smart in various outfits... heels, dresses, skirts. No bueno. So instead I've been looking at bikes. And since it's so beautiful outside today, I've been focusing my attention on beach cruiser-esque bikes. I know with Boston's nasty winter weather, it doesn't make sense to splurge unnecessary amounts of money on impractical bikes, buuutttt my Daily Obsessions are seldom about practicality.

Thus, today's obsession is this bike. It's got all the functionality of a decent bike (which is important to me. I haven't had a bike of my own since I was 8) with various speeds, the rack on the back for all my books. But it's also prettttyy with it's ice blue color and white seat and super retro fenders... you know, all the necessities. All it needs are some super sexy pink streamers and a wicker basket and we're set. Just kidding... I know that the accessories would get stolen super fast on campus. Either way, I think this baby's a Schwinner ;) Obsessed.

Schwinn Network 7 Speed Bike Path Women's Bike, $210-$250

In Another Life... My List of ShouldaWouldaCouldas

I've mentioned before how I have what my parents have deemed "Salad Dressing Syndrome." Basically, I have difficulty making decisions, including which salad dressing I want. So, instead, I pour them all on for a little taste of everything.

Unfortunately, with the big decisions like where do I want to go to college, I haven't yet found a way to overcome the whole space-time continuum. So I am forced to make decisions.

When I finally decided on Northeastern--a school that I am immensely happy at--I cried. Rather than feeling thrilled at the idea that I was starting off on some new, wild adventure, I felt robbed of all the potential lives I could have lived had I gone down some other path.

With every decision I make, every fork in the road, I have to choose one path. And as I move down the road, I make more decisions. There's only one ultimate route I can take through my mess of a exponentially growing tree of potential. And that makes me sad.

Let it be noted, however, that I do happen to luurrvv my current place. I just wish I could live several lives at once :)

So here is a (likely incomplete) compilation of all the things I shouldawouldacoulda done had I picked some different paths:

• Continued dance
• Learned the piano
• Learned French before puberty so I could be fluent in it
• Gone to school at the University of Kent
• Taken photography in high school
• Not taken so many APs in high school (and had a bit more fun!)
• Had a long term boyfriend
• Taken a year off from school
• Volunteered abroad
• Been religious
• Stayed vegetarian
• Gone to yoga on a regular basis
• Kept a diligent journal
• Taken more photographs
• Not hit my eye in Supercuts haha
• Biked with my mom
• Learned to cook
• Taken an etiquette class
• Gotten my drivers license at 16 like a normal person
• Learned to surf
• Ridden horses
• Learned more about cars
• Continued painting

In a way this list is kind of depressing because it represents all my shouldawouldacouldas, but it's also inspiring because it's a reminder that I have to do things when I have the opportunity. Many of these things I haven't missed the window for. Be sure to look out for them on future Bucket Lists!

Today's Obsession: Canon

I've been obsessssedddd with trying to get into this class for summer 2 called Photo Basics for Non-majors and I've done everything that my conniving little mind can think of to make it happen... I've emailed professors and the art administrative assistants (and probably pissed a few people off along the way. But I have a habit of getting what I want. And not because I'm spoiled (I'm not.), but because my mom taught me exactly how to kick and fight and scream--metaphorically, of course. For more info on how to get what you want, check out this post.

When I was in Boston, I was hanging some of the most incredible people I know, misses Jordan Charlton and Laura Nelson. We were just relaxing and eating Jordan's wonderful creations and laughing at Sweethearts' new sayings (umm "Tweet me?" No thanks). Laura was playing with this awesome new camera that she bought for herself after taking a photojournalism class. And I got so envious. I'm not technosavvy by any means and I think a diaphragm is a muscle used for singing, but nonetheless I love photography.

I want to build a skill set before I head to Paris next fall so I can take some super awesome and memorable photos. Hence my obsession with the class and today's obsession with this camera. I know the $1000 price tag is (eek!) a little--how do you say?--unappealing? But a girl can dream. And I always do. It's so pretty!!! Obsessed.

Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP CMOS APS-C Digital SLR Camera with 3.0-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS UD Standard Zoom Lens (whatever that means), $PRICELESS

For some super awesome photos courtesy of Laura Nelson, check out the rest of the post after the jump.

What I'm Reading: Madame Bovary

Speaking of "classics..."

I'm currently a hundred pages into Madame Bovary and enjoying it immensely (when I find the time). The young Mrs. Bovary is annoying as heck and I find her irrational and overly emotional and mopey behavior kind of charming. Granted, her husband is a total slob and 100% dumpable, but whining never got a girl very far.

I'm hoping that she'll end up being much more endearing the further I get into the storyline. I sincerely hope that a story about someone so un-proactive wouldn't become a classic, but with Catcher in the Rye so famous, you never know. Come on girl, prove me right.

I'll include more deets when I finish the thing (I'm also reading two other books at the same time. Oof), but I thought I'd share this not-so-new find, while we're on the subject of "classics."

I'm hoping most people have seen these at Urban Outfitters or Borders or something, but numerous classic stories are being re-released with revamped, super sexy covers. Cubin-born artist and hubby to fashionista Isabel, Ruben Toledo has released several, either already out or set to be released this year. (Check out a WWD interview with Toledo here).

But my favorite are the fabric revamps by Coralie Bickford-Smith. The woman must be a total book nerd, but her designs are so simplistic and awesome. Books on their own are pretty and decorative, but adding some texture doesn't hurt, either.

The idea of re-released classics is especially exciting to me because I sincerely hope that they inspire a new generation (that is admittedly more focused on the aesthetic) to read--and appreciate!--some old favorites. Devour Twilight all you want, my little chillins, but no romance will top the complexity of Victorian novels.

Maybe now, you really can judge a book by its cover.

Penguin Hardcover Classics, typically $20

Today's Obsession: Vintage Hats

As I mentioned, I watched a couple fashion films last night. I'll happily admit that I'm a fan of Breakfast at Tiffany's and Gone with the Wind and other so-called classics. The elegance that the women possess--or pretend to possess in Miss Holly Golightly's case--is addictive. I'm a huge fan of the Jackie O style, of swing jackets and Mary Jane shoes and bright lipstick.

And watching such movies makes me wonder why the hell women ever stopped wearing hats. I don't mean the hipster fedora obsession, but cloche and pillbox hats. Hats take an outfit and add a touch more style and a lot of polish. So today's obsession is this hat (and this one too!). Both are strikingly different, but a conversation piece all their own. They are simple, elegant and both would look even more provocative paired with some super sexy red lipstick :) Jackie and Audrey would be so proud. Obsessed.

 Vintage Red Sail Boat Hat, $38

Vintage Snow Angel 50s White Bunny Fur Hat, $24, both on etsy.com

This is War

On a somewhat separate, but related note... When I got back from my weekend excursion to Boston, I renewed a commitment to myself. This summer, I spent a week in the boondocks of the Hudson Valley learning how to avoid my own barriers and how to love myself. If it sounds mushy and cheesy, it's because the idea is. But in actuality, it was an extremely empowering and insightful week.

At this program, we were encouraged to make a commitment and I chose to make one to myself. Fresh from a couple awkward romantic encounters, I decided to take a break from dating and focus on my relationship with myself. I wanted to purge myself of the toxins in my life, which  included attitudes, habits and--yes--people.

At the time, I had a few particulars in mind, but when school started, I lost my focus.

 Now, given the circumstances of this past weekend and the fact that there are so few eligible options in (no)Men-hattan, I'm refocusing and renewing my sentiments. ***

And what perfect timing, given that it's St. Valentine's Day (yes, it's a Catholic holiday, in case you were wondering).

Last night, I indulged myself on french fashion films (Coco Avant Chanel and Le scaphandre et le papillon), ate chocolate for dinner and cleaned. And tonight, I'm going to buy myself some lilies or irises (because boys somehow always overlook those flowers and get roses or tulips, neither of which fall into my top 5 fave flowers... except maybe yellow roses?? Bygones).

I'm going to light the chocolate-scented candle that I stole from the Marie Claire freebies closet and I'm going to clean more. I'm throwing out clothes, I'm de-junking my life, I'm eliminating 100 Facebook friends, doing my long-overdue mending and spending my night in drinking champagne and painting my toenails.

I mentioned Spring Cleaning before, but this is different. This is war. War on all things that don't actively benefit me.

I love me. And that's not selfish or self-centered. It's not bad. It's absolutely fabulously wonderful. And deserved. Because if I can't love me, how can I reasonably expect anyone else to.

Happy Valentine's Day to me (and you).

***It should be noted that sexurity guard, as I've taken to calling him (sexy+security guard), is exempt from my dating-bashing.

10 Going on 40

I spent the past weekend in Boston, seeing old friends and re-familiarizing myself with my beloved city. It was great to see everyone, but I have to admit that the drama that I'd been skirting for the past month (being several states away makes the skirting easy) all managed to catch up to me in one weekend. Between that and recent changes, I got to thinking.

I lived in the same house for 17 years. The only "move" I every did was from the pretty, well-lit middle room to the slightly more dank and shaded second room. I painted the walls bubble gum pink (still have no clue why) and got some new bedding. Viola! Instant move.

So, naturally, it's been a little disorienting since I finished high school. Since graduating, I've moved 7 times:

1. Into my first closet of a room in Melvin Hall fall 2009
2. Into my second room living with Ali in Speare winter 2009
3. Into 12 boxes, one backpack and a two boxes I shipped home summer 2010
4. Into home, post-Europe
5. Into Dav A fall 2010
6. Out of Dav A (and into boxes. Again)
7. Into my New York closet version 2.0 Jan 2011 (I count these as two moves because there was a full month between the two)

Every time I move--and especially when I move to a new city--I feel like I gain some unique insight. I like little things from every place I've lived and I want to be able to smush them all together and have it all: New York's energy and awesome subway system, Boston's Athenaeum and Nu's campus and all my friends, and California's weather (duh) and beach and Mexican food and my family and my pets :)

It's as though every time I move, I become a little more introverted and my personality gets a little mini makeover.

Nothing made me more aware of this fact than this weekend. Someone recently told me that sometimes I act like I'm 40 and sometimes I act like I'm 10. I find the statement comical yet pretty darn accurate. But since living in New York, I've been favoring the 40 side.

I live in a tiny little room and have few friends in the city. I'm not complaining, but I spend a lot of time with myself, thinking and being calm and just being comfortable with myself. I also work full-time and hadn't anticipated that it would be so darn tiring (The idea of working AND having kids just makes me want to take a nap on my desk). I'm emotionally drained and don't feel the need to party hardy because everything's so darn expensive. So I watch a lot of movies. I read. I write. I plan.

Some may interpret that as being cold, but I think of it as a new found maturity.

Today's Obsession: Marc Jacobs

A co-worker and friend walked by yesterday and got me hungrily smelling a perfume sample in the March issue of Marie Claire (which is looking FABULOUS! It should be out in the next few weeks). She laughed that I looked guilty--and why wouldn't I when I was basically getting high in the office?

Today's obsession is this perfume. I've been wearing Marc Jacobs Daisy for a while and lovelovelove the scent, but this one is absolutely exceptional. Given the topic of Spring Cleaning, this "eau so fresh" perfume seems more than appropriate. As Sephora says, "this scent is more fruity, more bubbly, more fun! Open the bottle and you'll be transported to a field of sunshine that bursts with the flirty scent of flowers and the cheerful sweetness of fruits." It smells so similar to Daisy, but packs a little extra summery punch :) Obsessed.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh perfume 2.5 oz, $70

Blue Rug Syndrome and The Benefits of Spring Cleaning

So (obviously) I have a new blog. And it's crisp and clean and organized and just so. If my blog had a scent, it'd be that just-got-back-from-my-mandated-errandfest-since-the-maids-were-here-cleaning smell. You know the one that mixes bleach and Pine-sol and lemon Pledge and Windex and vacuum lint in this intoxicatingly delicious scent.

Or maybe I flatter myself (and my blog).

Regardless. Growing up, my parents--who coined crafty, clever names for all kinds of mental illnesses--explained what they dubbed as "Blue Rug Syndrome." We had this blue rug under the couch in our family room and whenever the blue rug was dirty, it seemed like everything was dirty and cluttered. The rug represented my parents' psyches. And if it was clean, they could breathe a little deeper and appreciate the nice little things.

Anyway, my life has numerous "blue rugs." My bed, my room, my desk, my planner. When things are all cluttered and messy (and they frequently are), I can't think straight.

So a couple times a year, I go through my life with some metaphorical bleach and Pine-sol and freshen it up a bit. I go through all the random daily emails and unsubscribe to the crap I don't need (like campus clubs that I have never been a part of or daily discount emails for San Diego). I permanently delete emails that have absolutely no relevance to my life anymore and set a cheery picture as my desktop background.

I go tanning and cut my hair. I treat myself to a pair of ridiculously high summery shoes. I buy myself flowers and eat chocolate more frequently.

My personal "Spring Cleaning" is a chance to turn over a new leaf. Or flower petal. Or whatever. I reach out to people I haven't talked to in a while and discontinue contact with those that don't contribute to my life. I paint my toe nails an obnoxiously neon color and delete friends on Facebook who wouldn't know me on the street.

I'll admit I sometimes keep the "chair monster"--a heaping piled of clean, flat (not just thrown there) clothes that I'm too lazy to put on hangers and jam into my microscopic closet--just for company, but the rest I try to minimize so I can start fresh.

I clean my life to clear my head and make way for all that splendid summer sunshine and crappy chick lit (so. much. alliteration!). And it leaves me like I am today: sitting at my cubicle with a goofy smile on my face and feeling like I can take on the world.

Today's Obsession: Kate Spade

I know that since she's a Kappa, it's a given that I should love Kate Spade. But to add to her list of attributes... I just love the clean lines of her stuff. Kate is Klassic. With a K.

Today's obsession is this purse. It comes in amazingly brights and cheery colors (perfect for the weather and the imminent onslaught of SPRING!!! So excited), but I'm also a realist and realize that spending $400 on a neon purse is a little insane. So I prefer it in its pretty brown and bone shades. And it's the perfect size to hold a book, too :) Obsessed.

Kate Spade Essex Scout purse, $395

A Vent on Feminism

I had an interesting conversation/fight the other day with a close friend and confidante. Though he insists that he was joking, we got into a debate about feminism and what all the word--and the lifestyle--entails.

For as long as I can remember, I've been a self-proclaimed feminist (at least by my definition). I was a feminist before I even knew what the term was. I grew up in a very competitive and athletic household with a mother that taught me the proper way to spit and who was the leading lady in our household in more ways than one. Given the circumstances, how could I not be a feminist.

Then, when I was older, I started reading literature that featured strong female roles and ownership of one's path. Austen was a longtime favorite, but I also dove into Atwood. And while at Brown, I read this rant titled Full Frontal Feminism by Jessica Valenti.

Yet, as Valenti mentions in her book, there is still some negative image associated with feminism. Whenever I say that I am a feminist, I feel the need to preempt the statement by saying that I'm still a lady. Or that I'm not a man-hater, just proud.

To me, to be a woman and not be a feminist is like being American and not being patriotic.

Why is it that there is such a negative connotation with being proud of my gender? And why does being a feminist indicate to others a lack of femme?

As I mentioned before, I have taken a recent interest in etiquette and the importance of presenting oneself well. Looking good is not succumbing to the pressures of society. It's being your own publicist. It's representing yourself well and smoothing the rough edges.

In my little obsession, I've found this one site, www.elegantwoman.org. Though poorly organized and, itself, not very elegant, the content of the site is useful. It's like Emily Post--and that one woman who teaches the Obamas how to act in other countries--chewed up, swallowed down and spit out.

It's useful, it's endearing, it's probably very outdated. But it teaches a woman how to be--wait for it--a woman.

I don't think I'm frumpy and I shave my legs. I wear perfume and brush my hair and take frequent showers. I prefer to wear bras, rather than burn them. But I'm still hardheaded about things. I read and argue for what I want and fancy myself a modern Elizabeth Bennett. I work. Hard. And I'm willing to fight for what I want, be it a person or a job or getting into Photo Basics for Nonmajors.

Being a woman and being proud of that fact are two things I will never apologize for.

Well Hello, There

Hey, folks.

So, obviously, I've moved. I did a little snooping and it turns out that Blogger/Blogspot just has better services for their online blogging superstars. Like the fact that I can redesign my settings and background. I needed a little spring cleaning, so I decided that a move would help.

As I get working on making it look all neat and clean and on updating the links and such, feel free to email me ideas, comments, critiques, and general awesomeness.

As a random venting side note, I was incredibly irritated that the blog usernames brainbarf and brain-barf were both taken. And here I was thinking I was original. What's even more irritating?? They both have one post and haven't been updated in yeeaarrss. Amateurs.

Brain barfingly yours,
Marian