Midweek Randoms

I'm currently living in a Clomid induced "must eat everything in sight and then stab everyone" haze, so, I'm out of blog fodder--even after a trip to Sephora (I KNOW!).

Luckily for us, the darling Melissa at The View From Five Two tagged me in a few questions--so, let us get started!

1. If you could live anywhere in the world for one year, with all of your expenses paid, where would you live?: Let's all act surprised when I say London, HANDS DOWN. London is where my heart resides. It seems to be genetic, my cousin--who has literally traveled the world--loves London the most too. As did my momma.

2. What is your favorite musical? Or do you not like musicals?: Again, let's all act surprised: LES FREAKING MISERABLES. It's just so good. I'm going to be so cheesy, but, honestly, that musical has paid a huge part in my life and seeing in London with my dad and seeing Alfie Boe (who is the best Valjean since Colm Wilkinson) was seriously a high point of my life.

And in case you weren't sure, Phantom is number two. And Sweeney Todd is number three. I have an unhealthy love of Sweeney Todd. Don't know what that says about me...?

3. Are you better at singing or dancing?: Probably singing. I grew up singing and just got back into it recently--and surprisingly, my voice has gotten higher! Who knew! I do dance and love it, but, it's not my forte anymore. It used to be--getting older sucks! I'm not as flexible anymore, nor am I as daring as I once was--I think dance takes a lot of that "just do it!" mentality. Which I've never had.

4. If you had the choice of getting dressed up and going out on the town or staying home in your PJ's on the couch, which would you choose?: Well it depends on what I'm doing I guess. I love getting dressed up and going out to concerts and shows and stuff, but, I also adore sitting at home in my jams.

5. If you could win an Olympic gold medal in any sport, what would it be?: Crew/rowing. I rowed in college and loved it. I miss it so much. I was also a gymnast until I shattered my elbow when I was 18, but, to be an Olympic gymnast you live a super crazy life. Rowing isn't so dramatic, but, it's amazing!

6. What is your weirdest or most annoying habit?: I'm a finger drummer and foot twitcher.

7. Tell us about your first best friend.: My first best friend was my next door neighbor, Sara. She was four years older than me and we lived at each others houses until she moved when I was 13. We stayed best friends after that too of course! She was born four months premature in the early 1980s and was lucky to be alive, but, because of that she had health problems her whole life. She died in August 2005. I miss her every single day.

8. What is your favorite show on TV right now?: Justified or Pysch. Total polar opposites, huh? But I'm counting down till Sons of Anarchy comes back!

9. What is your favorite show from the "old school" TGIF or Nick at Nite days?: Boy Meets World, DUH.

10. What is your favorite season of the year, and why?: Spring--everything is so fresh and clean (you're welcome for getting that song stuck in your head now). Although we do know that fall in London is my favorite. I'll get to experience spring there so soon!! Eek!

11. Do you have any pets? If so, what are their names and what kind of animal(s) are they?: I do! I have a 300 year old cat, named Lizzie. No, really, she's ancient. I've had her since I was 7.
And, two pups--Butch and Ella Mae. My babies.
Aren't they cute?

So, there you have it! Eleven more things you may or may not have known about me!

Happy Wednesday y'all!!

xox

Monday Mish Mash

Whew. Lemme tell ya, the last week has been a wee bit draining! Because of that, I don't have any real coherent thoughts, so, everything is a mess and I apologize for that now.

I ran 13.5 crappy miles on Saturday--was supposed to do 18, but, I honestly couldn't make it. Major depressing and I got a blister the size of Rhode Island (which popped on Sunday), so, that wasn't exactly the pick me up I needed.
However, the PBS gods were on my side and Idina Menzel is concert was on last night, followed by the Les Mis 25th Anniversary.

Which, I've seen a zillion times, but, will never get old. I mean, hello, RAMIN KARIMLOO.
We do not talk about Nick Jonas there on the right, no, no we don't. I'm so super excited to see Ramin in concert next month with my baby sis. I saw Ramin in Phantom 25 and he's just the best. He's even doing a free concert tonight for his fans in London--how cool is that? Methinks he's the British Hugh Jackman.

Better picture of Ramin, with, ya know Colm Wilkinson aka THE GOD.
Then of course I started crying due to "Goddddd on highhhh" (that's Bring Him Home for those of you who don't know my drama).

Alfie Boe. The end. Saw him in Les Mis with my dad and he was phenomenal. Like, I bawled in the prologue with him. Fact.
Yup, tears.
Yes, that is my "I've cried buckets now give me my Diet Coke" face. In my defense, I'm in the midst of a really not fun game of hormone changes and emotional hell. (just got a call from my doc that I've to go pick up even MORE drugs today. FML)

Eventually, I got my booty in gear and finalized everything for Baby Sis Euro-Stravaganza 2012 (official title). Whether I want to believe it or not, I'm going to Spain to run a marathon in a month. (cue freak out)

I booked our final hotels for Spain and tickets from Madrid to Barcelona--I got us first class train tickets (ha!)--I figured it'd be fun to pretend to be James Bond for a few hours. And since we're also flying coach and not Virgin or British (rage), we needed some fancy!

Today, due to Rhode Island blister poppage (hurty hurt) I rode my bike today instead of my 8 miles I was supposed to run. Whomp whomp. Better than nothing, right??

So. Well. This is the most incoherent and stupid post ever. I'm sorry.

I'll have something better tomorrow, hopefully. I'll sacrifice for the greater good and go to Sephora or something so we can talk about THAT.

(Colm and Ramin photo from here) (Idina from here)

The Big Questions

When I lose my eyeliner pencil sharpener (which is monthly if not weekly), where do they go? I assume the same place the socks go. (I have no idea where that is)

How come you can buy bright green bananas, yet the second you get them home, they turn into a black mushy mess?

Why hasn't there been a Friends movie? Or, at least a reunion special? At least Saved By The Bell gave me Zack and Kelly's wedding. Sheesh.

Why hasn't someone come up with calorie free cookies, cake or Twizzlers? Cause I'd singlehandedly make them a millionaire.

Why can't dogs talk (a la Up)? For the record, I think that Ella Mae would sound like Dug from Up and Butch would sound like King Julian from Madagascar. (Yes, my dogs names sound totally hillbilly) (My next dog will be named Patti LuPone or Princess Consuela Banana Hammock, so, there's THAT.)

And, most importantly why doesn't Colin Firth narrate my life in a psuedo backwards Bridget Jones way? (Andrew Lloyd Webber would provide the soundtrack, natch) (Cameron Mackintosh would produce) (Brits for the win)


What are some of your big questions?

Last minute SLC

Apologies that I've been MIA! I had a cold from hell and then had to make a last minute trip to Utah for my cousin's art gallery re-grand opening in downtown Salt Lake which was so much fun!

Here's the shake down:

Sigh. Love those mountains. That view almost makes up for the cousin moving to Sandy. I judge suburbs, you know this.
Made my standard trek to Temple Square where I wanted to hug each and every missionary because I just see the baby sister in all of them. (less than ONE MONTH!)
This statue always makes me cry. Reminds me of the sacrifices my great great whatever grandparents made for their future. And then I walk around humming Come, Come Ye Saints all day. "No toil nor labor fear, but with joy, wend your way".

A little modeling in Park City. It was HOT. I really wouldn't have wanted to be skiing--mid 50s!
I wore my favorite black heels to the cousin's gallery opening, but, apparently they are not cut out for standing in for hours. Sprinting down West 44th to see Harry and Hugh x2? SUUUUURE. Didn't hurt at all (no, really). So, I had to do a last minute flats purchase.

J. Crew outlet--love. They're actually more of a coral than straight orange. They also had a bronze, which, I want too! And they are super comfy. I know they aren't Tory Burch and all, but, those dang flats hurt. Utah outlets FTW!
Painting in the cousin's gallery that I need--for obvious reasons!
And, because karma or Murphy's Law or whatever seems to be my constant companion, the last few days have been draining. But, luckily, my copy of Love Never Dies got here today (early!). Thank you British BluRay Gods!
So, that's where I've been, what I've been doing and clearly, what I will be doing for the next, ya know, week.

What have y'all been up to?

Cheap Thrills

I had this whole post worked out about what pregnant women should or shouldn't do around us non-pregnants/infertile folk (like me! Team Infertility!), but, I'm sick and abnormally stabby towards pregnant bishes right now, soooo, I thought maybe I should keep the crazy locked up until I'm a touch more stable. (which, let's be honest, when am I ever stable?)

Instead, we talk about makeup!

That's more fun anyway, huh?

A few months ago, I got eyelash extensions. Because I am vain. They were super fun and I loved them, but, had to let them go because I am cheap. And lazy.

Welp, what they don't tell you is that when they fall out, your actual eyelashes are even teensy tinier than they were before the extensions. I suspect this is their master plan.

I was stuck with little short, baldy lashes and my standby Dior mascara wasn't cutting so I tried this L'Oreal stuff that I had randomly purchased to use on my lower lashes. L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara in waterproof to be exact.

AND I LOVE IT. It made my sad little fuzzy butts look fuller and longer.

And cheap! Win.

Another cheapie love? This NYC Color Wheel Blush! I like my blush bright and it seriously rivals my standby NARS giving a nice pop of pink and peach without too much shimmer-- 'tis perfection.

We all know I'm a slave to Trish products and anything from Sephora, but, I'm totally in love with both of these products!

Have you found any cheapie makeup loves?

God Bless The Internet*

*and the Gamma Phi Beta sorority.

For without those two things, I would be without some of my nearest and dearest.

On Sunday I ran The Cowton Half Marathon and my Madrid Marathon partner in crime Christy was there, along with my favorite Dallas runner, That Pink Girl.

I've been so blessed to meet so many wonderful people thanks to blogging (and I met my BFFFFFFF thanks to our sorority. God bless Gamma Phi). People who hold my hand while I cry, people who laugh with me when I need it, who smack reality into me, who support my ups and downs--people who are my lifeblood while I live 1,200 miles away from family and childhood friends.

Even though I'm super brave and will go to the theater by myself, going to the MOVIE theater is a whole different thing. Why, I've no idea. But, anywhoodle, last night, one of my wonderful internet turned real life friends TPG agreed to go see the Phantom of The Opera sequel, Love Never Dies with me.

I've been in love with this play since its inception in 2010 and I love the London cast more than words can say--I got the chance to see various members of that cast in Phantom 25 in London and they are just amazing. Their voices, their chemistry--swoon. I have maintained that the score to LND is the most hauntingly beautiful score that Andrew Lloyd Webber has written.

I wasn't into the Australian cast, which is what the production team decided to film--and? I retract all previous snarky comments about them. (although, London still involves my loves Ramin and Sierra, so, yeahhh)

They were brilliant! (and I mean, Aussies, obviously I would convert)

The actor who plays the Phantom, Ben Lewis, is a baritone, which is odd for that character as he's usually a tenor, but, he KILLED it. And it reminded me of the baritone I dated in high school who used to sing Music of The Night to me and we'd sing Seasons of Love from Rent together. Ohhh high school.

ANYWAYS.
Tell me this isn't Andrew Lloyd Webber's most beautiful song yet:

Hm. I kinda got off track here. Sorry.

Point is, I'm so grateful to my lovely internet friends--those I've met and now share a "real life" friendship with--and to those of you who comment, who tweet, who keep coming back to my little space of the interwebs, I appreciate you more than you know!

In a world where it can be hard to find your place, I'm grateful to the place I've found, and the wonderful people who've come into my life because of this.

God bless the internet!

And, well, chocolate.

xoxo

Weekend Rewind

We haven't done one of these in a good long while, have we?

I was battling something from Thursday on, so, on Saturday I skipped out on dance and went to see This Means War. Ok, I have the sense of humor of a 15 year old boy, but my gosh, it was hilarious. HILARIOUS. And Reese Witherspoon was darling as always. I want to be her when I grow up.
Sunday morning I had The Cowtown Half. Which, I'll be honest, I didn't really want to run. I haven't been sleeping very well, have just been really down and meh, so, the thought of driving over an hour and then running a course I don't really like wasn't exactly ideal.

But, I saw my fave Dallas runner That Pink Girl before the race and because she's a freaking badass, she was doing the ultra AGAIN--and heck, if she's gonna go run 31 miles I can deal with 13.1.


Was my worst race, but, whatever, it was done. Bigger and better things in Madrid!

Then, of course, it was Oscar night!! Squee!!

I know I was so short and sweet about the Golden Globes, but, sorry, I'll be a bit more long winded here. Apologies.

The Mara sisters crack me up. I haven't seen Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, so, I can't comment on Rooney's acting, I mean, hell, she was nominated for a damn Oscar, but, she bugs the daylights out of me. Super awkward--and not in that funny Zooey Deschanel way. No, more like "just let me handle your interviews because no" way. Big sister Kate got the looks and the charisma in that family.
Can we discuss the cast of Bridesmaids? I just love them. Freaking hilarious women. And I adore Ellie Kemper. Which y'all already know.

I about died laughing when Rose Bryne and Melissa McCarthy busted out their drinking game. "Scorsese!"
So, Melissa McCarthy and Jenny McCarthy are cousins--I bet holiday dinners in that family are a riot!

And while I always do enjoy some celebrity trainwrecks and gorgeous dresses, there were two very important things missing from last night:

Hugh Jackman.
Remember when he hosted? That was awesome. I love Billy Crystal, he's hilarious and a damn legend, but, Hugh is just so pretty.

And not enough Colin. Never enough Colin. The 2011 Oscars will always be the best because SO MUCH COLIN FIRTH.
And, unrelated to all things Oscar, here is our affirmation for today: Love yourself for the beautiful person YOU are.

Others from last week are:
You Are Enough
You Are Joy
There is Immeasurable Strength In You
I Will Live With Grace
Don't Stop Believing (I know).

I read somewhere that it takes seven positives to cancel out one negative, so, we're almost to one! Let's keep it up!

(photos via Google from here, here, here, here and here)

A Very Carrie Evening

You know that episode of Sex and The City where Carrie takes herself out on a date, goes to see that French film because she and New York are lovahhhs and she doesn't need a date?

That was me last night. And I had a blast!

I was never that kid who lost 20 pounds their first semester of college because they couldn't eat alone--no, no, I needed my food. However, I will admit, I've often been to scared to do things alone. Like, ya know, go to the theater. NO MORE.

I took myself to the opera last night to see Tristan und Isolde at the beautiful Winspear Opera House in Dallas.

The gorgeous Winspear chandelier.

When the usher seated me she goes "do you have a partner?" "Nope! Just me!" I smiled. "Oh. Ok." her face fell and she gave me the sad face. Um, no reason to be sad, I'm at the opera!

Kinda hard to get a good pic of yourself when you're home alone!
I had a great time. The production was just beautiful and the cast had absolutely amazing voices (obviously). It's sung in German with English subtitles, but I often found myself too enamored with the singing and the emotion that I didn't care that I was missing the actual translations.

The next two operas with the Dallas Opera are La Traviatta and The Magic Flute--solid chance I'll be at both of them!

Oh, and for you Dallas folk, they're broadcasting The Magic Flute on April 28th at Cowboys Stadium. I believe it's free. I'd be there in a HEARTBEAT if I wasn't going to be in London taking the baby sister to see a show on the West End! Squeee!

Do y'all ever take yourself on a date?

PS. Our mantra for today: You Are Joy.

You Are Enough

Today is the first day of Lent, and, I'm not Catholic, so, I've never done the whole Lent thing, but, I think that the idea of giving something up is good (and I don't mean to offend those by my lack of knowledge, which is why I tried to stay on the surface level of Lent). Although, let's be honest, me attempting to give up sugar would end badly for all involved. Ditto for the DC.

A lot of people seem to be "adding" things into their 40 days rather than eliminating. Again, this is something I've never done, but, the idea of working on something good can't hurt, right?

So, last night while I was all hopped up on Diet Coke (y'all, I went for a run with TPG and all through the run I kept saying "I want a Coke!" and I REALLY tried to get home without one, but, I knew I was craving it so I needed it. A Coke at 9PM does not end well for me), I was thinking of what maybe I could add.

My homegirl, Sierra Boggess is a huge believer in affirmations and I love reading her Twitter account because she always has something positive to post. Which, in this day and age is amazing. She's super inspiring.

ANYWAYS.

I'm thinking that I'm going to start affirmations for myself. As someone who struggles with self esteem (thanks, parents!) I know I could use some daily uplifting! Couldn't we all use a little self support every day?

So, today we shall start our first affirmation.

You are enough.

That will be my mantra for today.

I'm going to try and post a different mantra/affirmation on my twitter (@shabbyprincess) daily to help us all remember to love ourselves.

So, let's strap on our happy faces and get living. We got this!

xoxox

(and yes, I totally realize that this is probably a little hippie dippy coming from me, but, I'm a closet hippie dippy under my super conservative and prude-ish exterior. I'm from California after all)

Red Obsessed

One thing in life that I am never without is red lipstick. To be clear, I have two makeup looks: bright pink lips a la Sierra Boggess, or, classic red.

Maybe it's the hair.

Or, the dress.

Or, these shoes.


Who knows. My mom always used to say that there's nothing a woman can't do without her red lipstick.

And as someone who has tried approximately 5 zillion different reds ranging from Walgreen's to Neiman Marcus purchases, and a lover of a classic red lip, I'm here to share my tried and true faves with you!
I know, it's shameful. I have waaaaay too many reds, but, I can't part with any of them!

Here's the breakdown:
Back row L-R:

L'Oreal Make Me Blush--a classic cheapie that is a rich red.
L'Oreal Color Stay in Crimson--it's a two part set, the gloss and then the moisture stick or whatever. In my opinion, it's the perfect retro red. Looks good on almost anyone and stays on! Love it.
Bare Escentuals Buxom Lipgloss in Vanessa-- The BFF gave this to me and she likens it to the Traveling Pants in that it looks good on everyone and I totally agree. It's the perfect bronze red and it isn't a super sticky gloss. Love.

Second Row L-R

MAC Hot Tahiti-- A good sheer medium toned red. I wear it all.the.time. It looks really good with a pink shimmer gloss over it too.
Rimmel Red Alert-- Y'all, I am IN LOVE with this. A random Target find! Good classic clean red that isn't too bright.
Trish McEvoy Gorgeous Red--I love all things Trish, this included. Although it looks super bright in the tube, it comes out more of a sheer red pink--perfect for summer.

Bottom Row L-R

MAC Lipglass in Russian Red-- Highly pigmented classic red.
MAC Russian Red--Again, highly pigmented classic red. It has a matte finish, so, I always wear the gloss with it. This is my showgirl red--it's the color my niece wore in her Rockette program because they had to wear red. Poor thing hates red lipstick (I know!), but, this looked great on her and we have waaaay different coloring.
MAC Dubonnet--This used to be my favorite MAC red, but, I think they've redone the color as it's a little more muddy and less terracotta now. Whatever, I still wear it. It was my signature for the bestie and my NYC Broadway Extravaganza. I need try to my MAC backup of Ruby Woo, but, gotta use all my Dubonnet first!

So, that's a look inside my psycho crazy makeup bag. Just you wait until the day I decide to show you my bright pink makeup. HA!

Are there any fabulous reds I'm missing?! Tell me!

(ruby red slippers image from here via Google)

Glitterific

Y'all--Mardi Gras threw up on my nails. And it is AWESOME.

I busted out super sparkle rainbow glitter for my Bring It On: The Musical date with That Pink Girl. We're going all cheerleader-tastic and I'm so excited.

Let's be honest, it's a musical, of course I'm excited. And? TPG also said she'd be my date to see Love Never Dies at it's American premier in a few weeks.

She agreed to go to Les Mis with me, now look what's happened--I get to drag her to Andrew Lloyd Webber productions and she even said she's go to the opera with me if she didn't have triathlon stuff to buy. I know, she's a badass.

Where was I? Oh, sparkly nails. Or, as the riding instructor refers to them "bedazzled" nails. Either way, awesome right? Best part? NOT ACTUAL POLISH.

I used those Sally Hansen stick on nail colors that you can get at Target for like $6.

No drying, no attempting to get mountains of glitter off your nails--win win!

So, to sum up: I like glitter, I like musicals, I love Andrew Lloyd Webber, TPG is gangster, and, you should go get the Sally Hansen things cause they're amazingness.

Over and out.

(wasn't compensated for this post, blah, blah, I just wanted obnoxious sparkly nails)

Pretty in Pink

Happy Valentine's and all that, blah, blah.

Yesterday was kind of a crazy day, lots of running around and then a huge life change got thrown my way, so, to say that it was a mess, would be an understatement.

But, I'm in one piece and whatever, so, time shall march on and I'll figure it out. Or, I'll pretend. Or, I'll find a timeshare in London and never come back. Either, or.

ANYWAYS.

As the pink, PINK, PINK lover than I am, I went pink happy for my loves on Valentine's Day.

I made Cupid Cookie Mix for my riding instructor.
I took some goodies to an unsuspecting friend--and to be clear, that balloon took up her entire front door. One of my prouder moments--seriously.
Then I made sugar cookies to take to a friend, but, I left them in my car when I got to her house, so, more for me! Yeah, those hot pink ones? Oops. I grabbed the bright pink food coloring I used for a pink and turquoise baby shower I threw last year, rather than, ya know, regular pink. They still taste delicious--just look a wee funky.


And of course, I got some pressies too!

I was gifted some Uggs so I'll have something to wear in and out of the dance studio instead of sandals when it's 11 degrees like it was on Saturday!And a newly pregnant bestie is purging her closet of all "not gonna work whilst pregnant" clothes, and I scored this darling skirt:
It SCREAMS "Spain" to me. I love it.

Unrelated: are you guys watching Smash? You know I am. Love it. Want Debra Messing's hair, obviously. The episode the other day, they had Ivy walking down W 44th street which led me into a chorus of glee because that's the street of Phantom, Harry Connick Jr AND HUGH FREAKING JACKMAN. J'adore.

And that's my rambling piece on pink and ya know, Broadway.

Hope you all had a lovely Valentine's Day!
xox