The Debate

Wait, hold on, what am I saying? There is no debate. It's as simple as this:
Whipped cream icing should be a sin. Buttercream icing on the other hand, is how God intended it.

I'm sure.

And now I want some icing...oh, well, with some cake of course....

I am willing to share. Anyone care to join?

I want the Mr. Beaumont!

(bff L will understand the title of this post)

So, I've spent the last few days not feeling so hot, which is the pits. Shabby Prince thinks it's because the rest of the Royal Family is coming to visit this weekend and I'm a stress-basket. Which is probably true. I don't do well with family visits. Which means, Lord help me survive the holidays because I am refusing to drive back to California for the holidays this year. Yikes.

Anyways, being sick hasn't put me in the best frame of mind, and, as you already know, I've been rather bitter about some "friends", etc. (fyi, one of those "friends" contacted me yesterday and it put a huge smile on my face. Couldn't have been happier)

Also, when I was younger, my mom and I had always planned these grand adventures that we'd do after I graduated college. Needless to say, none have happened. Not a one. So, during the course of the last 6 months or so, bff (she knows who she is) and I started planning--the deal was, we'd go in the summer, before I started working full-time at a permanent home, therefor, I wouldn't have to use any vacation time. I should also mention, my whole life, I've been fascinated with Northern Europe. We're talking Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Russia--the whole shebang. It also doesn't help matters that the conference room I sat in nearly every day for three months was covered in pictures of Helsinki, Finland (and, you have to say 'Helsinki' because you can't say it with a frown on your face). And, I really, really, really want to go to Stockholm. Like you wouldn't believe. I've even contemplated learning Swedish!! (um, I speak English, and that's it)

So, I'm so happy for bff who is going n vacay this summer to all those locations that I wanted to tag along to, she's an amazing photog, so, I'll have the amazing photos she'll take and the stories she'll tell to relive the event myself. But, imagine my surprise when I saw her itinerary this morning and felt the tears cascading down my face. Really. Just in tears! In my office, at 8:45 AM, crying hysterically. And I don't know why. Maybe jealousy? (let's hope not, because, I hate jealousy. And I love her too, too much to be jealous.) But, I really think just sadness. Sadness that I can't go on a European vacay. Instead, I chose to buy a castle for the Shabby Prince, myself and the Royal PuppyPants, thus, depleting my travel fund....And, well, work hasn't exactly "worked" the way I'd like it to, so....I'm not tagging along with the photog on her fabulous vacay....And, I'm teary over the whole thing.

Which sucks.

Because I've really been trying to be happier lately. Even if I'm lonely. All the freaking time. (HannaPup makes me smile. She laid next to me when I came home early from work yesterday. She loves me.....As long as I feed her. fyi, she hates her current food and won't eat it because it's diet food. true story)

But. On a lighter note. I'm wearing this dress today:

(um, clearly, this is not The Shabby Princess)

How could you not feel good wearing this dress?? I call it my Sailor Dress--as I picture myself jetting off somewhere in the Hamptons wearing this little number. And, according to my boss it looks great on my frame (yay A-line!). And, I'm wearing red high heels. So, I kind of feel a little 4th of July-ish....I figure it's almost Memorial Day. Therefor, I'm festive. So, I'm a Sailor today. I could go sailing. That would be a blast. I hear Martha's Vineyard is fab this time of year.... Oh sigh... (also, L, who names their boat Coast Guard anyway?)

So, I must chin up. One cannot be sad while wearing the Sailor Dress and red high heels. Anyways, at some point, I'll have to go to Sweden for research anyway. Bff L will come with, as she will understand why we'll have to go, and while we're there, she may as well show be around where she went during summer of 2008. And we'll reminisce, and it will be fabulous. So, one day, soon, when I'll be in Stockholm doing research. I'll also have to try on Badgley Mishka wedding gowns and Jimmy Choo's for research too.

Maybe by that point, I'll speak some Swedish....

And, maybe, instead of a vacay this year, I'll just buy my shoes.

Ah, bliss....

Brand New Day

Today, thus far, not my favorite day. Crazy busy at work, still very exhausted from crazy weekend, still a bit bitter at some "friends"....But, tomorrow is a new day and things can be much better.

How wonderful it is to have a clean slate when you awake each day. It's rather fantastic. Yes, tomorrow will be great!

I just have to make it to tomorrow.

And there's so much to do today....

Kickboxing, make dinner, Jon & Kate Plus 8, clean (castle cleaner cancelled--boo), plan fabulous outfit for tomorrow, decorate castle tower for weekend guests.....Sleep at a reasonable time.

Yes, I do need my beauty rest.

"Bucket List"

So, everyone has a bazillion things they'd like to do in their lifetime, so, I'll just cut to the chase: I'm creating my "bucket list" of sorts--things I'd love to do. Things I've done. Goals I'll set. Things I'd like to tell my grandchildren about.
I've seen too many lives cut short, and, if anyone knows me, then, you know that I'm not one to sit back and let life happen. So, that said, I'm going to make my own life happen.

For starters....

What I have done:

-Met a Presidential candidate
-Been to a political rally (or 2, or 3), and been [this close]to the President
-Met a General Authority
-Been to Ireland
-Seen the Changing of The Guards
-Snorkeled off the shores of Peter Island
-Jumped off the top of the Willy T at Norman Island, BVI
-Graduated from a top-notch college
-Saw sea turtles in Hawaii
-Saw Colin Ferrell at the airport (best day of my life, hands down)
-Swam with a barracuda in the BVIs
-Ate caviar
-Went to NASA and tried to see a shuttle launch (weather killed that day)
-Become Queen of Invoices at my office
-Bought a house
-Met Walter Cronkite
-Been to a NY Knicks game in a box at Madison Square Garden
-Been to Liberty Hall and seen the Bell
-Been to all the monuments in DC
-Fell in love with the museums in NYC and DC
-Bartered on Canal Street
-Been to the top of the Statue of Liberty with a cast on my foot (no crutches!)
-Been an NCAA athlete
-Seen the Grand Canyon
-Got a pitch in Business Week
-Been to Mardi Gras
-Seen a Navy Change of Command ceremony

Clearly, I'm sure, there is tons more...

What I'd like to do (oh this could take a while)

-Go to Italy
-Learn Italian
-Learn French & thus, travel through France
-More specifically, watch the Tour de France in the Alps, or, the finish at the Champs-Elysées
-Explore the East Coast
-Get my masters in something
-Attend the Kentucky Derby and sit in Millionaires Row. Or the Preakness, or Belmont--I'm not picky. I just want to wear the hats.
-Attend a Notre Dame football game
-Travel all 50 states (really)
-See the Northern Lights
-Scotland (enough said)
-Sweden (ditto)
-Buy my pink shoes
-Have a closet full of pink shoes
-Buy something Chanel (that is not makeup or perfume)
-Fly first class
-Take better pictures
-Learn to be crafty
-Throw a penny into the Trevi Fountain
-Eat sketchy food in Morocco with Lauren
-Walk into the Monte Carlo in Monaco
-Tan on a yacht somewhere in the Mediterranean (Crete, Santorini, I'm not picky)
-Eat gelato in Positano
-Decorate my house with my mom and Lauren's photos
-Try beluga caviar
-Have breakfast at Tiffany's
-learn to make chocolate croissants
-Publish my book
-Cry my eyes out at a movie theatre because there's a preview for a movie inspired by the book
-Write a sequel
-Pick the cast for the movie
-Attend the premier with Lauren, Evie and Rachel
-Spend more than 3 days in Utah at a time
-Manage to not get lost in the LA Temple
-Session with my family at the SLC Temple
-Know that with God, all things are possible
-Smile more
-Finally, get my tiara

So much do to, and not enough time to do it! I better get crackin'!

Hello lover

I so want these. And so don't care about the price. They are totally fit for a Shabby Princess. One day I will come waltzing into my office wearing these babies.... OK, OK, maybe not my office, but, I'll be waltzing somewhere!

PS. I really do go visit these at Nordstrom every time I go. I really, really do.

I'm ready

For a vacation, that is! The last "vacation" your Shabby Princess went on was Labor Day 2007, and, I'm not so sure that really qualifies as a "vacation"--but, it was very, very fun.

That said, when all my friends got to run off to Europe, the Bahamas or whatev after graduation, I, did not. Can't really leave the Prince home alone with the dogs! And, well, because I'm workin' the job to pay the Visa until I can get this blasted book complete, I'm pretty much chained to the desk. Boo!

And, another fabulous friend is going to fabulous Iceland and Russia this summer. And I was supposed to go with! But, she'll take amazing pictures and tell me all about it, and I'll cry my little eyes out because I wasn't there....Then we'll plan an adventure for next year, when I can hopefully take some vacation time....

I guess anywhere is a vacation, right? Last year we at least got a summer weekend trip to Oklahoma for a friends wedding, which was fun. This year? No friends getting married! Sad!

My fam would love for me to venture up north to see them in their great state, but, we'll see. I do love me a good visit to the Beehive State.

And, I'm sure it's totally acceptable for The Shabby Princess to just take off a few days of work to indulge her passion for adventure. After all, a rested and relaxed employee does much better work.

Where should I go? Hmm...perhaps I'll just hop a flight to Stockholm....Or Tuscany...Or... The list could go on and on...

Her Shabbyness with the Royal Family on last vacay. The twats operating the gondola would not allow tiaras, thus, she is without...

Workin' on it

So, post the sugar coma I rendered myself into on Saturday night (church fundraiser, dessert auction, enough said), my favorite person and I huffed off to kickboxing. And let's just say...it was a fabulous idea while the thought lasted. Today, we are both left in severe pain--myself, after downing 3 Advil and a hot shower last night, am still hobbling.

The sad thing is, we've been kicking ass since February.

On the upside, I'm sure that the class made up for my 7-11 run after work yesterday (to which my Visa was declined. As I tried to buy sour gummi worms and a Smart Water. Really? I didn't have the $1.89? Actually, I did, but, was pumping gas at the same time, I guess Visa doesn't let you make 2 transactions at the same time. Smart people those Visa folks. Should have warned me so I didn't look like a moron at a freaking 7-11), and the teeny tiny slice of apple pie I had after a very healthy dinner courtesy of Giada. I'd really love for her to come cook for me. Or just cook with me.

So, even though yesterday was not my proudest moment with the sour gummis and the apple pie, you should be proud of me--there was no mention of chocolate cupcakes anywhere in there. And that's huge. And, I went running on Saturday.

And, I'm starting yoga this Saturday.

Wow, I'm rather impressive....

Even with all the set-backs, I'm workin' hard to get in shape. After all, shouldn't The Shabby Princess be gorgeous??

To that end, I'm workin' on it.....

Dear Jenna Bush-Hager,

Let me start off by saying congratulations on your recent nuptials in the beautiful Texas hill country--it looked like a splendid affair. However, I must say, I was deeply disappointed that my invite never did arrive. I sat by my door all day Saturday hoping that I would see a White House Courier coming to hand deliver my invite. I was wrong. My invitation never arrived. I was dressed and ready to go. However, I will give you the benefit of the doubt because we did just recently move, and maybe the Courier got lost--on that note, your dad has connections, it wouldn't have been hard to find our new place!

Anyways, congratulations and all, blah, blah. I'm not sure how we can save the friendship. I'm hurt.

Instead, I went to a dessert auction--which was probably more fun anyway. I got apple pie. Did you all have apple pie? No. I didn't think so.

Enjoy the honeymoon and all.

I hope that when you get back we can share wedding photos. As I'm sure you'll see below, we have similar styles--and really, that's what friendship is really based on.


-The Shabby Princess

Of course, Oscar de la Renta didn't make my dress, but still... Clearly, Jenna, you had seen my wedding album. Don't worry, I'm not upset or anything--I'm flattered! Your wedding was stunning. I just wish the Courier had gotten to my house in time. All dressed up with nowhere to go...

Oh no!

Did you know that Williams-Sonoma sells chocolate croissants online? This will be the death of my diet!

Anyone who knows The Shabby Princess personally knows that she has a major weakness for chocolate croissants, even going so far as to hide her stash from nosy nibblers. The sad thing is, the best chocolate croissants this side of France, are found at a lovely little Mediterranean bistro in her tiny California hometown. I have yet to find any where I live now (Dallas). Which is awful. But, I suppose, good for the waist line--which is ever growing since I attended a baby shower last night and gorged myself on berry cobbler (made by moi), ice cream and Sprinkles cupcakes (let's all be honest, we know I like Stein's bakery way better than Sprinkles, but, they were there. I ate one. So sue me). Anyways....I digress....The point is, Williams-Sonoma is out to get me! They have the most wonderful food and I'm sure that these lovelies will be just as magical as anything else they sell....Sigh...

Now if only Cafe du Monde would sell beignets online the world really might be that much closer to perfection.

My boss is currently eating a chicken biscuit for breakfast and it smells amazing.....

You see, this is why I need to hurry up and finish my book (no more 8:30-5). However, I can't hurry it up right now--my computer is broken!! Que horrible! It's supposed to be finished and back to me by this afternoon. We'll see how inspired I am after 8 hours of work and a run.

Yes, yes, I'm going running tonight. And tanning tomorrow.

See? There's really nothing like being a Princess in Training....

Let There Be Peace on Earth

I think if everyone just went here, things would be so much easier.

I'm rather burned out at the moment at the thought of just being back in my favorite place in all the world brings a smile to my face.

Seriously, Kenny knew what he was talking about when he wrote "Old Blue Chair" because that's just the way you feel there. I could never forget all the great memories I've had there, and such a desire to return. It's like a piece of me is missing....Which, I admit is strange, but, I did leave a piece of my heart there all those years ago.

I'm a Shabby Princess, I'm sure I can figure out a way to return soon. After all, as we've previously learned--I'm scrappy!

Can you believe that's me in that picutre?? (I can't either--however, it was ages ago. I think I was 17 there). My mommy took these shots, because, she was an amazing photog--clearly....

"I'll be there for you...."

We all know what TV show that song is from. If you don't, well, then, I don't even know where to start. Anyways, it's from "Friends". My hands-down favorite TV show ever. I can quote just about every episode, and can pretty much turn any situation in my life into a situation from the show. Really. I totally, totally can.

That said, doesn't anyone ever wonder how six people were able to stay such close and amazing friends for 10 years?? I mean, does that actually happen? Cause, I'm not so sure it does.

Yes, I'm The Shabby Princess and all, but, let's be honest, it can be hard to make and keep friends even when one isn't a Royal--who's also a globe hopper and author. Then it gets really, really hard. Damn near impossible.

Here's the scoop, lovelies: I feel left out--a lot. A lot, a lot to be honest.

Friends get married, you lose touch, another has a baby, you lose touch, one moves in with weird boyfriend in far away state to go rafting, you lose touch....It's all very sad. And, I have no siblings to befriend when needed.

Over the last few years, I've really began to feel like a nomad--which is bizare, I'll admit, considering that I have been rather blessed in many aspects of my life. But, here's the scoop: when my mom died, my whole world ended. I was left in a world that I didn't understand, with people who didn't understand me. To this day I feel like that--a lot.

My married friends all have children, so, it's hard for me to click with them, or, I feel like an outcase because I've been married for several years and don't have children....My single friends are wonderful, and I love them all, but, I feel like sometimes, I don't fit in their either. See? Nomad. No place to be.

So, I try. I try and try and try. I try to be super friendly and funny and fabulous to everyone I meet, and to be there for all those who I already know. I try. I give it my all. And, what makes it even worse, is when you try, when you think that you're on the same page, but, you're essentially being phased out. And you're pretty sure of it. And it really sucks because all the phone calls and text messages and FB/MySpaces messages are just left, well, alone....And...Well....It's sad.

Speaking of "Friends", I hope that I'm as scrappy as Monica to be able to fight my way back in, a la Monica when Pheobe tried to phase her out.

It's OK.

Don't feel too bad for The Shabby Princess, I'm going to a concert tomorrow night (however, I will probably be alone, as, again, I have no one to go with me), so, I'll dance and sing away my blues. I'll probably cry a little because the show I'm going to was one that Mom and I would go to every year. But, it'll be good fun.

And, if that doesn't cheer me up, I know that I will always come home to one smiling face who loves me: my dog Hanna.

She's the best friend a Shabby Princess could ever ask for.

Except when she steals my food. I'm not friendly with anyone who takes food.

OK. That was my vent. I guess, I'm just feeling a little down lately. A little mundane and acutally, embarrasingly enough, boring.

Sh! OK. I didn't say that.

I better go. I have a fabulous Gift Card to my favorite store ever--I must go shopping.

I'll be at J. Crew if anyone needs me!

Besides, I'm scrappy anyway. I'll figure it out. I am after all, The Shabby Princess.

Globe Hopper

Yes, it's true, I wish I could travel more--but, let's be honest, who doesn't?? My mom was quite the world traveler, let me tell ya! That woman traveled all over Europe, the U.S, Caribbean and Cananda to name a few locales. I'm not sure if she ever went to Asia and I'm fairly sure she never went to Australia. That said, I think the two A continents are places I'd like to go.

I watch the Today Show every day--yes, really. Growing up, we only had one channel (NBC), so, I've just always watched it. Let me tell ya, my favorite thing ever, is Matt Lauer's "Where In The World" segment that they do every spring. I love it. I just love it. I love seeing all the places they go--sometimes it's been a place I've been (rarely--Peter Island is the only one that comes to mind right now. Sad)--most of the time, it's places I've never even thought about going to!

But, usually, it ends up being somewhere that, after I see the show, I'm ready to call American Airlines and find my passport!

Today was no different. Today, Matt was in Istanbul. Oh my heck, I would love to go to Turkey! I would just love it. It's so beautiful, and, as most people know, I love turkish food. Heck, I got so inspiried I'm thinking of heading to Cafe Instanbul for lunch today! Anyone want to join??

Anyways, here's a short list of places I'd like to go (in no particular order):

-Istanbul

-Sweden (Stockholm specifically, there's a reason, you'll learn it soon enough)

-Iceland

-St. Vincent & The Grenadines

-Mexico (ole!)
-Argentina (Patagonia)

-Australia

-Fiji

-Croatia

-Greece

-Morocco

-Crete

-Paris

-Switzerland

-Russia

-Finland

....Ok, Ok...I pretty much want to hit every country.... I'm gonna need a lot of miles!

Here's my favorite part of the year

Instanbul at sunset, courtsey National Geographic

Istanbul...crusing up the river...picture from Monarch Classic Cruises (they've got my business!)

Who's ready to hop a plane with me??