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

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