day three hundred hundred fifty-nine.

Day Three Hundred Fifty-nine Monday 8/23/10

Dress:  White with Black and Red circle Vintage Dress 

Purchased From:  Circle Thrift

Year or Era Purchased: Summer 2010

Price: $2.50 (color of the week half off)

Accessories:  Red knee socks, black flats and then later I changed into my Hunter Wellies, one white butterfly barrette
Hair and Makeup: Down and curled and those bitches fell out quick, usual makeup

Comments/Compliments/Complaints: Michael liked the dress/whole ensemble, a few other compliments I think. I can't remember. 

I love this dress! Imagine my excitement when I picked it up off the rack and saw that the tag color matched that of the half-off color of the week at Circle Thrift.  I was even more excited when I tried it on and it fit quite nicely.  I guess I should stop buying dresses at this point but they're like my crack.  I need to organize and bag a boatload of clothing.  My friend Rica just told me about a giant clothing swap in the Naval Yard in October so I'm going to have to get my stuff in order for maximum swappage.  This one sounds amazing with Buffalo Exchange and Urban Outfitters participating.  I can't wait! 

Monday was stupid humid.  I curled my hair and even used hair spray but it was nasty and ratty within an hour.  Good thing I took my pic for the day pretty early on! I didn't realize they were calling for rain so I wore flats but came home mid-day to change into my wellies and work on school work a bit.   I spent the day working, did some work on my final project for school and then headed to class.  Ugh, another day where we didn't do what she had planned.  It was supposed to be a final workshop but we were only to bring an excerpt of our story and all of us would read it and then discuss.  This didn't make much sense to me as reading aloud and only an excerpt does not a workshop make, but, at least it was going to be something.  Wrong! She let three people read their entire piece and then we were out of time.  I so didn't get any constructive criticism out of this class and I discovered in my last class that I kind of thrive on it and it's a huge freaking help.  We were also told that we had no actual class Tuesday or Thursday- that we could just drop off the final portfolio on Tuesday and pick it up Thursday.  So I totally got robbed of an entire week of class since she had cancelled the previous Thursday class.  I am such a nerd, but seriously, that's like two weeks of a regular semester.  I left school annoyed, came home and said Bye to Michael as he and some boys were watching motorcycle something or other- isle of man is that something? Yeah, let's go with that, at 700.  That left me to make myself some pasta with mushroom alfredo sauce and watch dvr'd episodes of Jersey Shore and Top Chef before spending the next four hours putting my final portfolio together.  I guess it was a pretty good night actually. 

day three hundred hundred fifty-six.

Day Three Hundred Fifty-six Friday 8/20/10

Dress:  Strapless Black and Pink Polka Dot Dress

Purchased From:  Ms. Molly Delaney

Year or Era Purchased: Spring 2010

Price: $Free

Accessories:  Black, white and pink striped socks, black chucks, 
Hair and Makeup: usual makeup with some green shadow on my eyes, hair down and brushed and curled a tiny bit with a big barrel curling iron

Comments/Compliments/Complaints: Lots of dress compliments but since I'm a slacker and haven't updated properly I can't really remember. 

Although this dress is not the most flattering in the gut area I love it.  It had straps but I cut them off and made it strapless.  It also has crinoline underneath the skirt so I felt fancy and funny all day.  I tried to play it down with knee socks and sneakers but I'm not sure that worked.   I spent the day working and then came home for some kitten snuggles.  Michael came home from skating and we headed to El Camino to meet up with Kristin and her lady friend Maura and our friend Rica.  We enjoyed happy hour margarita pitchers and yummy food.  Tipsy and full we decided it was necessary to shove gelato on top of the alcohol and food. We forced ourselves to walk around a little bit and then tasted lots of flavors of amazing gelato.  I got cream cheese and chocolate peanut butter.  It was super yummy.  

We came home and played with Soda Pop for a while.  She's such a cutie.  Rica came over to meet her and Steve loves her so he hung out too.  We all watched dumb tv shows.  It was a lovely, low key, kitten filled Friday night.  Awesome. 

day three hundred hundred forty-five.

Day Three Hundred Forty-five Monday 8/9/10

Dress:  Off White and Grey Polka Dot Dress

Purchased From: Clothing Swap/Rica hand me down since I had first dibs on her bag 

Year or Era Purchased: Summer 2010
Price: $FREE

Accessories:  Black flats, squirrel bottle cap ring
Hair and Makeup: I stole this hair style from my friend Kelly- one side up and then the rest pulled over to the side.  She did a ponytail but it was hot so I opted for a side bun and twisted bangs. Usual makeup with some grey eyeshadow and red lips. 

Comments/Compliments/Complaints: Rica commented that I took her dress, Michael said something nice but I can't remember what. 

I snagged this dress from my friend Rica's bag that she asked us to take to the clothing swap for her since she was out of town for a weeding.  It was a little big and showed my bra so I used a piece of ribbon to connect the two straps in the back and one safety pin to make it more fitted.  I liked the romantic, classic feel of the dress so I went with some romantic hair and makeup.  I took a few pics of the hair/makeup but I was already sweating profusely so they are beyond not cute in the sweaty forehead department.  

It was so, so hot today.  Lots of people said no, it's nice, there's a breeze.  I whole heartedly disagree.  I drank something like forty ounces of water by 3 pm. I peed and sweated a lot.  Dumb.  I spent my morning working on my Cinderella revision and I think I have some ideas to fix it. I'll keep working on it.  I headed out to work in the heat and then went to school early and worked more on the story. The revision wasn't due today so that's good, I need to speak with my Professor about it before I hand it a fully revised story. Class was short because our Professor's husband had visited the hospital and been released earlier in the day and was waiting for her at home.  I went to Whole Foods and then came home and made dinner of sour cream mashed potatoes Quorn veggie gruyere chicken cutlets, and a small spinach salad.  Michael and I watched some of Pineapple Express until he fell asleep and I headed out to the airport to retrieve Rica, Albert and Keith.  I got home and did some more tv therapy when I should've been doing homework.  Blargh.  

Before I go I need to mention that my Mom had to put our final dachshund to sleep today.  He was the last of five that spanned twenty-four years.  I remember when he was born and when my now roommate Steve came to meet him and maybe take him home.  I was not happy about that situation and had no clue we'd become great friends and one day live together.  Luckily Chewy stayed with us and I bonded with him something fierce.  He will be sorely missed, as will the rest of those fabulous wiener dogs.  Rest in Peace little doggies. 

day three hundred eleven.

Day Three Hundred Eleven  Tuesday  7/6/10 

Dress:  Red Halter Polka Dot Dress

Purchased From:  MOLLY DELANEY

Year or Era Purchased: Spring 2010
Price: $FREE
Accessories:  

Hair and Makeup: Black flats, red cat kiddie barrette 

Comments/Compliments/Complaints: Michael liked the dress

Okay, so I didn't wear this dress all day because I knew we'd be going to the pool so for part of the day I cheated and wore the black dress from day three.   I then thought that was too much and just donned a skirt and my bathing suit.  I woke up and walked over to Dunkin' Donuts, barf, for some iced coffee and to the 7-11 for some sunscreen.  Michael and I sort of enjoyed the coffee while we watched bad tv and I got ready.  We then headed to the restaurant attached to the hotel, Teplitzky's.   I ordered a bloody maria and it was quite possibly the best I've ever had.  I then ordered a wild mushroom omelet, quite possibly the blandest I've ever had.  Sad.  Michael had falafel sliders and they were delicious but tiny and without any extras.  What a weird little restaurant.  After lunch we headed to the pool and enjoyed some more drinks and then hung out on the couches and read.  It was so, so, so very lovely. 

It was amazingly cool and we didn't feel any of the heat wave that was happening in Philadelphia.  What a fabulous time to vacation.  We read for hours (me the third book in the Sookie Stackhouse series, perfect summer reading, and Michael the fifth section of book in the first book of the Aubrey-Maturin novels) and sipped margaritas.  I'm in love with pink metal tables that were all around the pool area.  I'm in love with most of the furniture at The Chelsea.   After hours of reading and a few drinks we headed back to our room for a vacation nap that lasted way longer than it should have.  Around 9 we woke up and I got ready.  I wore a dress from Ms. Molly that I liked very much and thought worked well with the whole Atlantic City vibe.  We decided we needed gross food so headed to Johnny Rocket's on the boardwalk to fill our greasy cravings.  

Our waitress was named Locket. I kind of loved that.  Michael got a root beer float and I got a vanilla Coke, the only way I'll drink soda pretty much.  We both got veggie versions of burgers and filled our bodies with the grossness.  The burger was sort of gross and flavorless so I asked for pickles to spruce it up a bit.  It sort of worked.  I don't know how you make boca patties taste so bland, whatev, that's what we get for eating like crap.  

With insanely full tummies we walked a bit and then fulfilled Michael's desire to play $20 on a slot machine.  It took a lot less time than he anticipated.  I sat and watched for the few minutes it took for the machine to eat the money, credit by credit.  The casino smelled of coconut suntan lotion, stale cigarette smoke and desperation.  After getting a bit lost in the purposeful maze of the Tropicana we headed back to our hotel room and drank some wine and watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer, such a good guilty pleasure movie. 

  

day two hundred ninety-nine.

Day Two Hundred Ninety-nine Thursday  6/24/10 

Dress:  Pink Stripe and Polka Dot Sun Dress

Purchased From:  MOLLY DELANEY

Year or Era Purchased: Spring 2010
Price: $FREE
Accessories:  Pink and Navy blue striped socks, black flats, a pink cardigan at times

Hair and Makeup: Two mini buns with the rest down and curled a bit, usual makeup 

Comments/Compliments/Complaints: A guy in my class said nice polka dots, Michael loved the whole outfit, uhhhh crap, I can't remember.  A lot of people stared at my boobs too.  They were out so ya know...

Thursday was crazy.  It was wicked hot and I worked a lot.  I started my day by making pasta salad for dinner as I knew I had class and wouldn't feel like making it later in the day.  It was beyond hot so I opted for another Molly dress, one that would help keep the heat at bay.  I quite enjoyed the dress and paired it with fun striped socks.  

About half way through the day the skies turned black and fell to the ground.  Wind whipped through the trees leaving large chunks of branches and leaves all over the city streets.  Trees crashed to the ground, blocking traffic and wreaking havoc. I was driving across town on Pine Street when it all happened.  I watched as pedestrians ran for cover, the faces full of shock and anger.  Once guy stood on the corner of 15th and Pine and just let the rain soak him.  He was already wet and running would simply get him to his destination faster, not drier.   The storm continued and I attempted to walk two dogs, they were having none of it and we barely made it a block.  Luckily my last job involved cats and no outdoor activity.  I ran home to walk my houseguest, Wally, and then hurriedly got myself to school- two minutes late as I got caught in traffic.  Ugh.  Class was fun and we studied memoir and creative journalism.  The last forty minutes were spent interviewing another classmate regarding an insignificant life event for the purpose of writing a memoir piece based on it.  We were to draw out the memory of our partner.  Our professor then turned the tables on us and proclaimed we were to write a memoir/creative journalism piece based on the story told to us, not our own, and we were to write in first person.  Hrmpf.  I suppose that's creative journalism but it's certainly not memoir.   Now I get to write a piece pretending to be an eighteen year old male Burger King employee.  Talk about polar opposites.  

I got home and made smart dogs and overcooked corn and served it with the pasta salad. Somehow I checked the corn before it was done and then not again until it was overcooked. Did you know corn gets tough when you overcook it. Yeah, great. 

day two hundred ninety.

unbelted

belted

Day Two Hundred Ninety! Tuesday  6/15/10 

Dress: Black Polka Dot Bell Sleeved Dress

Purchased From:  Circle Thrift 

Year or Era Purchased: Spring 2010
Price: $5.00
Accessories: Green flats, green waist belt, Bird cage necklace

Hair and Makeup: First I severely parted my hair.  I braided three total layers on each side and then braided them into each other and then twisted them up and pinned them into buns.  My hair was really dirty and I needed to wear it up so I just started braiding.  The makeup was inspired by the hair and was a purpley/brown MAC lipstick called Mystic- it's more brown because I used a brown liner.  The rest of my makeup is my usual routine.

Comments/Compliments/Complaints:  Lots- people loved my hair, I did too.  One of the girls in my class called it "sharp"  I enjoyed that.  Michael called me beautiful and 50's.  I think some more but I can't remember and that's what I get for not updating in days and days. 

So yeah, I love this dress. It's too big so I showed how it looks with and without the belt. I kind of like it free and could see myself wearing it like that as well.   In total this outfit cost about $16, including the shoes.  I trashpicked the belt, got the shoes at Payless and thrifted the dress.  Not to shabby. 

Tuesday was a good day.  I worked, went to school and discussed more poetry, went to Whole Foods, came home and made dinner of what I like to call "Portland Sandwiches" and some quick homemade cream of asparagus soup.  The sandwiches are replicas of a sandwich we got from a vegetarian food cart some time in 2001.  They're smoked tofu slices grilled a bit or seared in a pan, avocado, mayo, dijon mustard, lettuce and tomato.  They're best on sourdough bread but Whole Foods was out so I opted for a Tuscan bread.  The soup was made by sauteing asparagus, garlic and onion with some salt, pepper, butter and parsley.  I added white wine and vegetable stocked and cooked it for a while.  I may have done the wine separately and let it cook off, I can't remember.  Once it was all combined I added some half and half and then threw it all in the blender with some grated fresh parmesan cheese.  It was delicious!   After dinner I did some work on the story I'm writing for my creative writing class and went to bed.  So exciting, I just can't hide it.  

day two hundred eighty-four.

Day Two Hundred Eighty-four Wednesday 6/9/10 

Dress: Multicolored Fluorescent Strapless Skirt Dress

Purchased From:  Online Swap Meet

Year or Era Purchased: 2008 
Price: $2 or $3 I can't remember 
Accessories: Black cardigan, black tights, hunter wellies 

Hair and Makeup: Double buns, usual makeup 

Comments/Compliments/Complaints:  Jody and her dog Eno liked my dress :) 

So yeah, this is actually a skirt but if you hike it up, voila!, it becomes a dress.  It's not the best dress since the elastic isn't super strong so good thing it was cold and rainy and I wore a coat overtop of this outfit because all damn day this "dress" fell down and exposed my bra over and over again.  The coat covered it and no one was privy to the ladies so it was fine, just pretty uncomfortable.  Yay.  I got this dress via an online Swap Meet on Suicide Girls.  I'm no longer a member but it was a great way to buy and sell goods, mostly clothing and makeup.  It's sort of like ebay or craigslist but all within an online community and without auctions. It's one of the things I miss about being a member of SG. I suppose I could track down some other online communities that may be free.  Mayhaps I'll look into that.  

It was a gross, rainy day and despite my fabulous umbrella I got soaked a few times.  I attempted to stay dry but it's near impossible to carry an umbrella and walk two dogs at once.  After work I took a quick trip to the thrift store, Circle Thrift, then to the grocery store and then home.  We went to our friend's house to pick up a couch and love seat they were getting rid of but after measuring our front door and their front door we realized it would not fit.  Blargh.  We could have attempted an alley/back door entrance but I feared it wouldn't fit through the kitchen/living room entryways and that would've been a whole lot of ass pains for nothing.  So we're stuck with our gross, chewed up, sheet covered couch until we redo the living room and buy new furniture.  I want a Macy's couch! Like one of these: 

A girl can dream I guess.  After giving up on our temporary couch dreams we came home and I made us vegan beef stew- tons of vegetables (carrots, red potatoes, celery, green beans, and onions), seitan, mushroom broth and a few herbs simmered together until the veggies were tender.  I served it with buttered noodles and crusty buttered bread.  The noodles were the only non-vegan item in the mix.  Nom, nom, nom.   We stuffed our faces and snuggled on our dilapidated couch.  the end. 

day two hundred seventy-six.

Day Two Hundred Seventy-six Tuesday 6/1/10 

Dress: Vintage Polka Dot Dress

Purchased From:  Circle Thrift

Year or Era Purchased: Spring 2010
Price: $5
Accessories: White and green polka dot belt, green hunter wellies, pink polka dot socks, red cat and black poodle kiddie barrettes 

Hair and Makeup: dirty, rag curls pinned into two buns, with barrettes holding the bangs, usual makeup with blue eyeshadow

Comments/Compliments/Complaints:  Some asshole meowed at me from a truck.  

It was way too freaking hot to wear this dress but the other dress and to top it off it rained buckets for short bursts so I had no choice but to wear my wellies, though I wanted to wear sandals. Blargh. I also didn't think it through very well since this dress is white and I was stuck in the rain several times. Luckily the worst of the rain happened when an overhang was in my eyesight and I sought refuge under it. I like this dress but it needs some work. One of the buttons doesn't stay closed very well, it sort of hangs weird and unflattering, etc. I paired it with a belt from another dress since it had loops but no belt. I guess that helped but my ferocious eating in the past week has not so I felt fatty all day. Oh well. For some reasons Tuesdays generally suck. Add in the fact that this Tuesday was more like a Monday and there is no more Lost to look forward to it gets worse. I did have class and it was quite lovely as usual so I can't complain too much.


I spent my day working in the heat and rain, took a trip to the grocery store then headed to class. After class I came home and made the most amazing Seitan Tofu Veggie Fajitas with chipotle ranch broccoli slaw. OHMYGOD! Michael and I ate ourselves into a fajita coma and watched Hell's Kitchen. I guess Tuesdays aren't all bad.