March-ing right along ...

It is March! More than saying something like, "wow, I can't believe time has gone so quickly!" I'd rather just let this picture do the talking for me. And most likely everyone here in the Northeast who is still digging out of their unwanted igloos:

If you're like me it certainly won't feel like it is coming fast enough. Thus, creating the need for distractions. Maybe one of these McDonald's Shamrock Shakes will make you (and me!) feel better ... and if you don't want go to to McDonald's make your own! I know, I know. It doesn't seem believable. But it's me you're talking to, and I definitely don't joke around about treats. Mine may not look this cute tonight, but I'm definitely making one. Although, I may use some Creme de Menthe as suggested by a commenter on the thread. Y'know, for the adult version.

Happy Tuesday!

TGIF!

I've been working on updating the format of my blog so that it takes on some new life, and new interest for me and from you!

But, it has taken me a while and all I can say is ... I'm about to hop on one of these and head home.

Happy Weekend, y'all!

HI. ATE. US.

Sound it out. That's what I was on. I got annoyed with the bathing suit creeper but he's laid off and, perhaps sadly, I think of things on a daily basis that I totally want to share with y'all. So, here she blows.

First things first, A.Wheels came and visited me a few weeks ago and while doing so she brought out a jar of magic. It is Bare Escentuals (<-- not a fan, but that's how they spell it) well-rested. It's an under eye concealer that was most probably concocted by (I deleted the comment. I think maybe it wasn't very appropriate.) Here's link">the link ... get some!

Secondly ... hmm ... I don't think its possible for me to catch you up on what I've been doing since I last posted but I promise to not skeeve (sp?) out on you guys again.

Here's the basics that will help drag you up to speed: I'm taking 7 classes. I have an internship 2 days a week. I graduate in slightly over a month. I don't have a job lined up --> undergraduate deja vous. I'm in love with that same stud, Paul. And, well, I hit the 25 year old mark in about a month. Freaky.

Lastly, Elisabeth Baldanza, Miss New York 2007 and the gal that crowned me just got engaged and the proposal was super legit. Check it!

White Satin Bikini

Dude, I don't mean to be rude, but whoever is continually writing these odd, objectifying comments about me in a white satin bikini, I ask that you please let that image go to rest. The two comments on my last post are not necessary. Nor have the other 32 that have been left in various places.

It's weird. And uncomfortable.

Thanks!

Sweet Disposition

For my color theory class we had to turn in a written assignment at the beginning of the year, which would then (come to find out) end up being the inspiration for our final project. Below is my inspiration and essential "PR" kit. My future roomies, Matt, Claire, and Carlie, and I all went out for the shoot ... which Claire generously shot. We froze outside but Claire still kicked-tail. I used the pictures on glossy 5x7 cardstock, with recipes on the back. You'll get it once you read, so, enjoy! (I posted this mostly for my mama to see!)

How Did This Sweet Idea Come About?

As Miss New York Leigh-Taylor was a Top 5 finalist at Miss America. But, for her, that wasn’t the magical part. You see, as she stood on stage with the spotlight flooding her vision she felt life in that moment was simply a blur. But then she realized she saw something spectacular. The realization of a dream. A goal met. And almost instantly she reverted back to her childhood-self. She felt like the same little girl that would sit 2 feet away from the television every September to watch the women competing in Miss America and hoping that maybe one day she would have the opportunity to grace the stage just as they had.

Yeah, yeah, yeah. So what? Well, here’s what: It all started out as a dreaded final at Parsons School of Design. With the aforementioned story as her inspiration she was told she could do whatever she liked. At first she thought it to be simple; a children’s line. But as her mind continued to churn she realized just what New York needed. A store that embraces the playful whimsy of the chic New York woman. Seemingly paradoxical verbage to some. A dream come true for others. But she wasn’t done yet … she wanted to include some of the sweet Southern charm her mama had passed down and so it was … a boutique with cocktails and desserts a-plenty. Ultimately, she has create the perfect place for women to come enjoy themselves while playing dress-up. Does it get any better than that? We think not. But come see for yourself …

About Leigh-Taylor:

As a child Leigh-Taylor was emphatically encouraged to embrace her quirky playfulness and sweet disposition. Tales of her running over to her neighbor’s backyard jumping on stumps and putting on shows still ease their way into reminiscent conversations around the collaborative dinner table. The world was her stage. Some things never change.

As you can imagine by simply looking at her childish smirk, her hand was ALWAYS in the cookie jar. Literally and figuratively. Of course, growing up in the South with a true Southern belle for a mother there was never a lack of treats. (Which, by the way, her daddy’s belly cannot deny.) So, most would say from a young age she has understood what we call, the sweet things in life.

Leigh-Taylor has carried this sense of fantastical whimsy throughout her 24 years; never denying a kiddie cocktail, maintaining a steady love affair with any and all treats, and rarely capable of saying no to a fabulous accessory.

Finals

So, I'm getting ready to start finals ... I'm done with my second semester in a little over 2 weeks. Frightening.

So, one of my teachers asked me to evaluate where I am right now. And here's what I jotted down:

Lost, Or Rather Discovered, In Translation

At the beginning of my time at Parsons I knew I would be introduced to a myriad of niches within the Fashion Marketing industry and came to the conclusion that I had to enter with an open mind as to what I would pursue upon matriculation. Yet, at the end of the Fall semester I knew a couple of things: math wasn’t fun in middle school, math still isn’t fun, and public relations fascinates me.

I’ve always loved writing. But while studying theater in undergrad at the University of Virginia I felt more freedom and less limits within the expected structure of language in my papers. Then once I graduated I began writing more freely on my blog, and general short stories.

Throughout this past semester I have realized that, while I love imagery, what inspires me even more-so than images is the art of language. As seen throughout my portfolio I have included relevant articles alongside my essays. I am attracted to images supported by reason, whether it is explained or merely detailed in my own cranium. By unknowingly creating a harmonious marriage between imagery and language I have gracefully stumbled upon a challenging pursuit.

I’ve discovered my ability to translate a language that is not taught, but rather learned through personal passion. And I know this is not a destination to be reached, but a journey to enjoy.

SEEYA.

A Smorgasboard. So, Eat Your Heart Out.

I'm going to expose a secret of mine. I take after my dear Southern mother in being non-confrontational. Even if people treat me with disrespect I hold my tongue. Believe me, sometimes it's really hard. I could easily be like my dad and spout off all kinds of ridiculous-ness but instead I write emails or blog posts ... and then I just save them. I never send them or post them but they act as an outlet for me to get out a bit of frustration without ruffling feathers or, more importantly, I allow myself to calm down and put things back in perspective before jumping back at people.

But believe me, it's hard.

My mom's bff (and twin) Linda would ask me my perspective on people and their personalities, even as a child, because I had an oddly (almost weird) accurate perception of character. But here's my downfall (and Lisa will tell you this over and over and over again) I believe the best in people. Unfortunately, this often puts me in the compromising position.

L to R: Little Lisa, Moi, Tiffany (Linda's daughter, obvi!), and Miss Linda. Please notice not only the fact that we look exactly like our mothers, but our outfits. All leopard. All black. And, PS, we're wearing the crowns because it was a post-Miss America celebration dinner. Love it! Love them.

Either way, I've got a couple of danglers that won't be posted. But I also have two that will. They ain't bad or nuthin'. Kind of fun, really!

NEXTTTT. So, I've been working on a big social media project in one of my classes for, well, the entire semester. And something I've emphasized throughout the entirety of the presentation is the idea of making a direct and personal connection with the specified consumer/target market (you're thinking, "well duh, idiot." ... I'M NOT DONE YET!) and I want to start emulating the same ideal on my blog! I've had so many people, from so many parts of my life, tell me that they enjoy reading my blog. I love that! So, in an effort to try and make it slightly more interactive I'll post some opinion based questions in an effort to increase interaction! Neat? You betcha! Winky face. (<-- channeling Sarah Palin and her CONTAGIOUS personality. And by contagious I mean as contagious as a 24 hour virus that makes you hang by the pot the whole dang day.)

So, here's the deal, yo. Today Paul passed a big test at slash for work so we went to lunch to celebrate. (P, I'm fairly confident no one at DB reads my blog, if so, sorry! Tell them I made you go.) We started talking about a bespoke men's clothing line my friend started here in the city. They were featured on Daily Candy the other day for their rockin' deal on amazing custom-made suits for men to wear at their wedding. So Paul started talking about how convenient Men's Wearhouse was for he and all of the groomsmen to get their tuxes for his cousin's wedding. Inexpensive, too.

And then he said this: "I mean, it's just for one weekend. It's really not a big deal."

Insert my gaping mouth right here. Just a weekend? No big deal? Go ask a girl planning her wedding if she agrees with that. Chicks dream about this stuff for years. So, this is the question ... what do y'all think? Am I off base thinking that statement was a wee-tad off base?

Either way, I wouldn't tell this lady that:

Or this one for that matter:

I mean, I'm sure he belched or picked his nose afterwards in hopes that I would avert my attention from the train wreck of words that had just escaped his mouth. Which leads me to one more funny ...

When we were home for Easter I was chatting with my mom and dad in the kitchen while Paul showered getting ready for a night on the town and all of the sudden my dad ripped out a filthy long belch. So I looked at my mom and said, "oh my gosh! how have you put up with this/him for so long?" She just shook her head and giggled and then about 5 minutes later, as if on cue, Paul walked into the room while ripping a filthy long belch. My dad looked at me and in his perfect Leigh-Taylor high-pitch girl voice and said, "oh my gosh! how have you put up with this/him for so long?" And, hit the cymbals, please.

But, let's be honest, I'm so amused by that stuff. How could you not be? And, as Paul pointed out he's a catch. And as I'll point out, I know, I know! I. Love. Him.

Alright, off to do some work. Hump day is ova' and onto Thursday we go y'all. It's almost the weekend! (But finals are quickly approaching. Sad face, sad face.)