Before and After

I wasn't cut out for DIY--let me just be honest about that. The sisters? DIY PROS y'all. I'm more of a "wait around and hope fairies come and fix it or that Carter Oosterhouse will knock on my door". Sadly, none of those have happened. Yet.

So, I finally had to take matters into my unable hands.

Here's the before of our guest bathroom.
Ick. Ick. ICK. Hated the color, the 1990s oak, the tacky mural, just, bleh.
I added some art and candles to ya know, make it less vomity, but, I still just lived with it.
Why you ask? Because I am lazy and because if I'm going to put the effort in, I want it to be PERFECT. And I had no idea what I wanted.

Until I found this...Here was my inspiration--from House of Turquoise, of course!
I was not only obsessed with the color, but, I loved how there were coordinating reds, which I already had and my house is basically a mish mash of blues, reds and greens.

So, a painting I went. With the help of one of my besties.

Here's the bathroom half way finished:
And here's the completed look!!
I'm never painting cabinets again--mark my words.
I'm obsessed.




I love it so much! It came out perfect and I'm so glad it's finally done!

Fun Fact Friday

I've been a big mess of migraines and backaches this week, so, I've been short on blog material--sorries!

Anyways. Like 500 years ago, my sweet friend Carolyn tagged me in 11 Questions, so, here we go!

1. Do you have a nickname? Explain what it is and why: I don’t really have one—most people just call me the first two letters of my name. (that makes it "Al", by the way).

2. You're stranded on a desert island. What 3 things do you bring with you?: Hm. The Great Gatsby—it’s my favorite book and I could read it a million times. A satellite phone so ya know, I can call for help, and, my iPod because I need my tunes.

3. Would you rather eat sweet or salty food? What's your favorite food in that category?: It’s like Sophie’s Choice!! I have a major sweet tooth, but, sometimes it can be too much, ya know? Hmmm… Ok, fine, sweet. Gummy. Gummy, gummy, gummy.

4. Are you a heels or a flats type of girl?: I’m super short, so, I love me some heels and I have about a zillion pairs, but, I wear flats day to day since I’m not in the corporate world any longer.

5. Describe your perfect day. What does it entail?: I know you're surprised, but, my perfect day is in London. Waking up to the sweet sounds of London traffic because naturally, I'm staying in Picadilly or Trafalgar Square, having a breakfast of scones with clotted cream in the heart of Mayfair--my favorite little spot in that section of town, strolling around Bond Street and Knightsbridge (Harrod's of course!!), lunch in Green Park on the lawn, a quick jaunt to Buckingham Palace to swoon, if there was time, a trip to Notting Hill to ride, then, hop the tube and head south for fish and chips by The Tower, and finishing off the night with a show on The West End. Preferably with any of my sisters.OH MY GAWD, it's making me so nostalgic! Can I just go back now?? It's just perfect.

6. What's your worst habit you'd like to break?: My sugar addiction.

7. What's your favorite animal?: Puppies! Puppies, puppies!

8. What's your favorite type of accessory? Earrings? Shoes? Scarves? And why. I’m a scarf whore. Really, it’s dangerous.

9. If you were famous, would you rather be a movie star, a singer or a reality TV star? Why?: Well. I'd most like to be ya know, a stage gal, so, I guess a singer since I think that'd be way more fun than a movie star--I know, crazy talk. Probably no reality show for me--unless of course it's about Hugh Jackman and me and how we take the West End by storm, it which case SIGN. ME. UP. Y'all, that is the first I've mentioned The Aussie in 24 hours. I promised Twitter I'd shush for 24 hours and I did--longest 24 hours of my life.

10. What made you start your blog?: I was going through a rough patch and wanted a way to reach out to my friends when I was living 1,200 miles away. Now I’ve not only connected with them, but, made many additional cyber friends!

11. What's one thing that we should know about you?: That I’m a big silly and don’t take myself seriously!!

So! There ya go, 11 silly things about meeeee!

Do y'all have any exciting plans for this weekend?? I'll be logging a long run and then passing out. Apparently I actually need to train for this marathon I signed up for? Hm. ;)

Holy Hottness Hugh Jackman

I'm trying my damndest not to turn this into a total Hugh Jackman appreciation blog, but, am failing miserably.

I'd apologize, but, I mean really I'm not too sorry. Y'all know you love him too.

ANYWAYS.

I randomly found this yesterday.
And then I died a thousand deaths.

(in case you weren't aware, that's a movie poster of my husband as Jean Valjean-or, 24601--in the MOVIE version of Les Miserables. I CAN'T EVEN DEAL)

And sent it to Sarah, Sara and then had a heart attack. Or, like five of them. I freaking talked to him about the damn movie and I'm still freaking out. I need therapy.

Man. Is it 2013 yet?

Sarah and I will be crashing the hell out of the that movie premier because a) Hugh Jackman b) Colm Wilkinson. Bring it.

Yes, I will be seeing it in the IMAX theater. Like that's even a question.

Me vs. One Year

What a difference a year makes. Really. I've always felt like that was a dumb saying because honestly, I'm usually the same damn place I was a year ago.

Not today.

A year ago, I was going into one of the most hellish weekend of my life and career. Seriously, ask Sara and Ren about it-- I'm fairly certain they were my lifeblood that weekend.

Well, them and Twizzlers. And late night episodes of House. And the people at that pizza place on South Beach who took pity on me and gave me a slice of veggie even though they sold by the entire pizza. I gave them a huge tip.

This time, in a year, a lot has changed. Sure, I'm not where I thought I'd be, or where I hoped I would be, but, I'm somewhere else.

I'm living a life I enjoy. I'm following my dreams, I'm being courageous, I'm stepping on the ledge. It's scary and exciting.

True, I still don't have a baby, I'm not working in the PR world with a fancy job title like I wanted, I'm not back in school for my masters or PhD, but, I'm somewhere good, not perfect-- far from it, but, good.

Perfect will be when I'm a champion bunny jumper, OBVIOUSLY.

And when Hugh Jackman marries me.

But, I mean, until then, I've got no complaints.

Last year, I was lost in so many ways. But, today, I'm finding my way.

Sappy post? Yes. True? Oh yes.

What I mean to say is this: don't ever look back on your last year and think you haven't come so far-- you have-- we all have. Let's not compare ourselves to others, let's be brave and proud of who we are and what we've done, ok? Ok.

Let's grab life by the horns and do it! Let's be courageous. No matter what "it" is--are you running a few miles? Good for you! Is "it" trying new recipes? Let's just do it! Whatever "it" is.

And, I mean, if we all still need a laugh, there's THIS.
Ross in leather pants.

It doesn't stop being funny.

R&R

Today I'm linking up with Bride4Life to talk about the little things we do to pamper ourselves.

I mean, there are tons of things, right? I'm a serial bubble bath taker--between running, riding and dance, it's more of a necessity than a relaxation thing. So, that's out.

Watching chick flicks? Regular basis because of my schedule I get to watch girly movies (and musicals) whenever I damn well please. Ha.

But, there is one thing I do that is my zen: baking and dancing around in the kitchen. I mean, sugar and show tunes, is there anything better? Sure, it totally embarrasses everyone and I end up with waaaaay too many baked goods, but, it's "me time".

Last night I baked sugar cookies (complete with funfetti icing!) and rocked out to Evita. And loved every single second of it!

Don't forget to link up with Bride4Life and tell us what you do for YOU!

xoxo

New Career

Y'all, I have decided I am going to start a new career.

Rabbit jumping. I'm gonna be a champion rabbit jumper.
Somehow my riding instructor got onto this topic with me last week--apparently she deems thoroughbreds jump like bunnies. Then she told me that rabbit jumping is A THING. Big mistake.

Since you know, my high powered PR career didn't pan out, I've decided to put my Broadway dreams on hold and become a professional bunny jumper. You're welcome.



I KNOW.

Surprisingly, no one is really supportive of my new dream. Hmm.

Listen, it's either bunny jumping or this.
TAKE YOUR PICK PEOPLE.

Or, ya know, find me Hugh Jackman's agent and this whole problem goes away.

Now, who wants to buy me a bunny?

(bunny picture from here) (crazy cat lady picture from here)

Dreaming

Per usual, I'm dreaming of exotic travels right now--well, when I'm not napping (insomnia is kicking my ass y'all. On Monday I fell asleep before dance and definitely slept until class would have been over. Oops. Christine Daae fail)--I'm dreaming of travel.

Specifically my spring travel plans--the Madrid marathon! (don't worry, I'm plotting a London hop at some point)

Doesn't this dress just scream "holiday in Spain"?!


Right?!

I fully intend to wear it at some point while gallivanting around Madrid with my favorite grad student when we turn Spain upside down for the Rock 'N Roll Madrid Marathon! I've never been to Spain, I'm so excited!

Related: Is it April yet?

Y'all found any fab clothing lately? I need an Anthro intervention!

That's All I Have To Say About That

I won't bore you with ANOTHER post Golden Globes best dressed or favorite award recap, I just have this to say:

(our most beloved Scotsman, Gerard Butler)

And this.

(Joey's Hot Roommate, Elle Macpherson)

Also, she's forty-freaking-seven. Surely she's signed some sort of deal with the devil.

Related: I want in on this deal.

So, Gerard looked swoon-tastic and Elle is a goddess. That about covers it.

(pictures from here and here)

Sleep Tight

The last month or so, I have had a bear of a time sleeping. Which is a terrible thing because y'all know how much I love my sleep!!

I can't fall asleep, or stay asleep. Annoying.

And, I've tried everything. Melatonin. Advil PM. Bubble baths. Reading. Lavender candles. I even had rosemary yesterday, Ren!!

And before you think it's because I can't quiet my thoughts, believe me, I don't have many thoughts. ("Hugh Jackman. Cookies! I need to lose weight. I'm tired. London. I wish I had an accent. Hugh Jackman has an accent. French fries are yummy. Cookies!" Rinse, repeat. Seriously.)

Anyone have any tried and true remedies that I haven't attempted? Someone wanna come over and sew my eyelids shut so I can sleep?

A Love Letter

(I apologize in advance for the melancholy tone of this post-- I blame the meds; aside from turning me into Pamela Anderson, I'm also a moody, grumpy, mega whiner. Good times. You've been warned.)

My dearest London,


I have loved you since the moment I set eyes on you-- a giddy 10 year old, with her first trip away from North America, I was beyond excited for London.

To me, even then, you were magical. You were the city of Kings and Queens, of Wendy Darling, Mary Poppins, of theater, museums, tea and scones. I fell head over heels.

You were the city I longed for all through my youth. The city I couldn't wait to return to.

And when I did, when I found you again, it was as if no time has passed. That is the mark of true love, is it not? I spent my first day walking around Green Park in the rain-- to me, there is nothing more magical than chilly, rainy London. I fell more in love in an instant.
I know there are cities I should love more-- Paris, Vienna--all of Italy. And maybe they will one day usurp my adoration of you, but, London, you will always be my first love.

You are the city where I rediscovered my love of Victor Hugo.

The city where my dad met and loved the opera ghost.
The city that made me sing.

The city of Shakespeare's Globe.

The city that brought us the Royal Wedding.

My city. My love.

I can't wait to return to your comforting embrace, to your hustle and bustle, to your beauty. To you.

Dear London, I love you. Thank you for being you. And helping to make me who I am.

I'll be seeing you.

Soon-- of course.

xox,
Me

Cinderelly, Cinderelly!

A princess myself, I'm sure it's no surprise I've an affinity for Disney. And subsequent princesses.

I dressed up as Ariel for Halloween after the movie came out. I have a picture of me and Snow White at DisneyLand circa 1988. I later made my mother buy me a wig so I could be Princess Jasmine.

I pined for raven hair even as a child. (my hair color experiment to go dark has backfired, because sweet baby cheeses I miss my bright red hair!!!)
Cinderella is probably my favorite-- I mean, how can you not love her? My half sister gave me a teeny Cinderella snow globe years ago, which, uh, I broke moving, so, my dad bought me a gigantic musical one. Which I absolutely ADORE.

Yes, I'm in my late 20s, shut up.

That said, it's evident that although Cinderella is my fave, let's all be real, Ariel is my girl. Redheads unite!
Which brings me to my obsession with the soundtrack and me acting a fool when someone mentions the Broadway show.

"Ariel! I love her! The actress who played her, Sierra Boggess is ahhhmmmmmazing!" and then le bestie Sara wanted to die or fall over laughing-- not sure which one?
the other day I was jammin' to some Italian arias (be jealous) with one of my girlfriends when her daughter called her Princess Aurora-- like Sleeping Beauty-- and she does look JUST like her.
It's evident I collect Disney Princesses in my life as I am Ariel and royal sis Sarah is Cinderella. I love it!

Who doesn't need a little Disney in their life? Which Disney Princess are you?

PS. Mad props to all the folks on twitter who sent me links about the final cast for Les Mis, y'all are awesome blossom, extra awesome. I'm a bit surprised by the casting, but, am thrilled Lea Michelle isn't in it, so, I don't care.

I'm excited to see Anne (as Fantine) and Hugh together again and you know I love Sacha Baron Cohen (as Thenardier/"master of the house") I'm excited for that, although, I really hoped it would be Matt Lucas (you know him as the roommate from Bridesmaids) he had the role in London for a year (and 25th Anniversary Concert) and KILLED IT-- I thought with his new movie clout, he'd be a shoe in. Sigh.

Oh, and, I love Taylor Swift (don't throw stuff at me!), but, her voice isn't rich enough for Eponine. And, Epopine is a brunette. And On My Own is MY song-- don't screw this up, Taylor!

Whew, I have some feelings. I will look into therapy.

Anyways. Disney Princesses, go?!

(pictures from here, here, here and here)

Perky

After my surgery, I told the BFF that it pretty much secured my inability to ever get elective surgery such as implants or a nose job no matter how much I want to, because man alive, my surgery hurt!

WELL, PROBLEM SOLVED.

Due to my condition I've been put on some high dose birth control (another story for another day), and one of the side effects is that, uhhh, I finally have breasteses. Not ya know, pregnant best friend style , but, for midge me, they're freaking knockers.

None of my bras fit, which is mildly hilarious. Did not see this coming. I guess "high dose" means "huge boobz".

I may never stop taking these. Surely, I can adopt, yes?

Aren't you glad this wasn't some cheesy New Years/resolution post? Well, you lucked out because I don't resolve to do anything in 2012. Well, except maybe find a bra that fits. And get Hugh Jackman's lawyer to accept the legality of our marriage.

2012, let's do it!
xox,
Dolly

(Holy hell, I just wrote a post about my boobz. Lord help me)