Taking a Trip

So we have decided to take a trip. 

Just the two of us.

Meandering through a magical city...holding hands, venturing down cobble stone streets, stumbling upon little bistros and local eats.  Sleeping in 600 thread count sheets and not making the bed.  Having drinks in the swanky lounge before stepping out for dinner, laughing at foamy milk mustashes from yummy cappuccinos and devouring fresh, locally sourced eats. 

So where are we going? Where can we go to get it all? In 4 days? I will give you a hint...

San Francisco. I have never been. Have you? 

It is a place that I have always wanted to go and explore. So much culture, art... and FOOD!! I am SO excited. Mr. Man has already sourced out a dinner spot and I our Hotel. 

I wanted to stay in a Boutique hotel. Big hotels are okay...but they are like a machine. HUGE conference rooms, huge restaurants and 1000's of rooms. Overwhelming. 

They are nice yes...but if we have a choice and are kid free...I would take the boutique experience any day. AND...because we are doing it all on POINTS...giddy up! 

Plus I get to FLY!! Yay!!! I love flying...it has been too long. Trying to remember the last time...New York?

Eastons first flight aka...every parents worst fear. 

That trip was fun.  He was a trooper. The plane ride was perfect. He slept the whole time and was only 6m old. I am leery to travel now with them though. The fear...the horror. 

It doesn't matter though...we will be KID FREE! I know though that I will miss them as soon as I have a moment to sit and be still. I will miss their energy, wonder and questions. 

But... without the kids we can go here...

And do this...

And this...

So as I prepare for this little getaway...I thought I would share some eye candy with you all of what I would "like" to wear roaming the streets and going for yummy dinners and museum gazing. 

Exhibit A: Spending the Day in Union Square or Running Here and There

Unfortunately our budget, mortgage payment, basement renos, gas, and food bills prevent me from actually wearing any of these items.

Especially the purse.

A measly $3000. Nothing right? A few lattes?

Although...the Aviators are almost mine... They are a major purchase so I have to be sure. Okay...I am sure.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the bracelets and the earrings. I am so attacted to gold these days. Summer, bright, yellow, soft, with just the right amount of glittery...gold.

The shoes I imagine to be comfortable. IMAGINE...I said.

Not that they would be...but since I am imagining here and dreaming...they WILL be comfortable.  So comfortable in fact  that I can wear them ALL day, look hot and feel sexy in a size 9 shoe.

I am going to see about that lip stick too. Red. Looks fab, but am I a red lip stick girl? She is...

I will explore the possibility.

Exhibit B - Dinner Out #1




I am drawn to these colours. Soft. Romantic. Summery. And feathers.

I am loving the feathers. I need to find some that don't make me look like I am going to fly away. Any one seen any? Love the corset look of the dress and of course those shoes...I heart them. They heart me. But the fact is that I would kill myself and probably countless others falling over in them. Loving the lippy. Soft pink. Feminine and fresh.

Mr. Man hates the jacket. Maybe I do too. But apparently it is cool in San Francisco. I thought I was going to California people!! Apparently I can hope for 16 degrees.

Lets move on...

Exhibit C - Dinner out #2




I LOVE this dress. The whole thing. Colour, cut, pattern, fabric, and length. Can I get one please! It is only $275. I could wear it again. Like when I pick up Little E from kindergarden. Or when I dash out for milk?

Feathers again. See...I am drawn to them. Can't go wrong with Black Louboutin's. Yes PRICEY at $865, but  dam they are so friggin HOT. The clutch has its own entity...I dig the skull clasp. Braided bracelet is rockin. I think the outfit is a little more late night than the other number. I'm just sayin' (not like I have a CLUE about what I am doing - yes I do! I am having fun).

Exhibit D - A day at Alcatraz and then Some Street Car Action.





I like the boots. It really started there. Frye make AMAZING boots. They are just this AMAZING price. But...if you only have to buy them once, if they are a classic style, if they are a classic colour, if they are super comfortable, totally rad and go with everything...just do it.

Seriously. I know it is a HUGE investment, but the untrained, thrifty, bargain hunter fashionista in me knows where to spend her dollar. Shoes and Jeans. Your feet take you everywhere and you wear jeans ALL the time. Well, maybe you career types only on the weekends.

I want to say handbags too. but I am not there yet. GASP!

I know. I am working on it. I LOVE that bag above, but it is $420 or something. I know...in the world of handbags it is nothing. Nothing. But dam that is one expensive bag to me. I would love it. I would carry it everywhere and keep it clean and organized...but it would still be a HUGE investment. The more I write about it the more I want it.

Lets move along.

Feathers. See. I am loving them!!! That bracelet is sweet and it is only $19!! The Sweater is to keep the cold off me and I like the asymmetrical vibe. Put together, but not really.

Again with the aviators! I need to invest. The time has come. I have convinced myself.

Now only if I had another $10,000 to put together the other outfits! Lol...I could go to Paris instead. I could eat, sleep and show my self through San Francisco three or four times for the cost of the 4 outfits.

Reality bites.

If you so desire to have as much fun playing with style, clothes, shoes, handbags, jewlery and everything else...kinda like virtual paper dolls...then check out this awesome site:

http://www.polyvore.com/

And click on CREATE A SET. You can search by style, colour, brand or era. Endless creative possibilities.

Now...GO PLAY.

Have fun...waste time and covet things, beautiful things.
I know I did.

E.

Beach Bum

This lack of sun is making me really want summer. 

WHERE IS IT!!!

Thoughts of summer make me think of warm beaches and lakes. Beaches and lakes make me think of...

Swimwear. Oh good god NO!

I am so white.

I am so out of shape...I am so...

Doomed.

Instead of cry...I thought it may be fun to do a what NOT to wear to the beach and a what TO wear to the beach. 

(Yes I do have time for this. American Idol is 2 hrs. and approx. 30 min of that is commercials. I am a PVR gal so this post may be short. Or not...)

What NOT to wear...

***No offence to anyone who may own/wear/want any of these items or have worn these items***

I am torn between the Lion full piece and the Corona Bikini as being my fave for inappropriate beach wear.

Corona...REALLY? Hmm....okay I could see it if I was 20. Maybe. Nooo.

Hell NO.

Then there is the Lucille Ball throwback polka dot number...wrong. You will look like a table cloth people. If you crave that vintage feel see the number below. 

Then there are the suits with Zippers and Neoprene (full on 80's style), Suites with Gold, more 80's Pastel with ruffels and Miami Vice nods. Of course there is the ever popular animal print number too. Looks like bra and panties to me. 

All of these should be left at home in the back yard along with the Cans of Bud and Sexy Tanning Lotion.

Word.

Do I need to comment on the Paris Hilton Suit? You know the one I am referring to above. Do I even need to mention the bad tan lines that suit would give you? Or the sand that will get in your heels when you run across the beach to fetch your kids, when catching a Frisbee with your boyfriend or making your way to the lou?

*Snort* *Snort* snicker, snicker.

{This is fun}

Now on to the good stuff...or how I see it.

What TO Wear...

Tunes on the iphone. 

Flips (not thongs...forget that word. People call them flip FLOPS now). Any colour will do. So many flavours. 

Get a hat...a big one. I am talking BIG no matter how foolish and stupid you feel. There is nothing sexy or cute about skin cancer.  Lather the SPF again and again. Then repeat.

I want the Ray Ban aviators. Bad. 

So bad I should have made them bigger in this picture.  

{Mr. Man reads this blog too...hint hint...my Birthday's coming}

I need to wear prescription eyewear so they are mucho $$. I wish I could just pop into any store and buy buy buy all the sunglasses I wanted, but alas...I can't. Well I could, but then I couldn't drive, see, read etc. 

I love the aviators because they are classic, timeless and go with everything. 100% UVB protection too. Yes please.

I am loving stripes this season. LOVING them...especially the full bottom bikini above. Meow.

I am going to be rocking the tankini myself this season as I have a few imperfections to hide. I also really liked the red full piece above. I think the cut would be flattering on a curvy gal or that skinny bitch.

The polka dot vintage one (see blue one above) is also a flattering choice as it will cover all the nasties, the halter helps the boobs and the fabric is forgiving (not tight or clingy). 

{Do I sound like I know what I am talking about? Even a little bit?}

I think the Chanel polish is a timeless colour and will really help to pop the tan. The straw bag will hold the sunscreen, towel, water, snacks, gum and book. May get a little sandy though. Hmmm....

Whatever you choose to wear this year to the beach, lake, pool, river, hot tub...make sure you ROCK it.

Besides a really good sunscreen, CONFIDENCE when in your suit is all you really need.

{oh...and those aviators.  Right Mr.Man???}

E

Spring Break - Going South

This past week was a good one. Spring Break was upon us and that meant several things. Target Shopping, Island visitors, park time, sleeping in time, baking, eating, drinking, talking, laughing, more eating and drinking and more laughing. 

Monday began with a wee road trip. 

Sister and I decided to head down South. We needed a Target (aka Tarjay) fix and hatched a plan to visit several super fun shopping spots without kids for the day.

...wait...let me say that again...

WITH OUT KIDS!!!! 

Oh ya...OH YA. 

When we hit the boarder I usually would have cried because of the 50 min wait, but just relished in the silence. Remember the no kids part? 

FINALLY we crossed the boarder (almost had to leave sister behind in the port-a-potty as the line began moving quickly) and got our first fix. 

Oh ya. Hit me.

Coffee. It was hot. It was good. I finished it all and you know what?  

It was hot right to the last drop. Uh huh. 

It was. 

I didn't need to reheat it once...put it down... lose it...forget about it. Toss it. I didn't have to drink it and pretend it was just a bad iced coffee. 

It was true bliss. I just sipped it, looked out the window and pointed out the cool farm fields. 

We listened to Sisters ipod tunes and pointed out all the the cute little farm houses, shops, stores and everyday oddities that make America different and beautiful.

Then we hit a Walmart. 

Saw this display. 

So beautiful. 

2 containers were missing. 

No we did not partake. 

Although I could have here.

Wouldn't you? I'd drink it at that price. 

In Walmart. 

Amazing. Just amazing. 

We hit TJ Maxx and Ross (Oh my god that place is a dump...I felt like an American Picker in there...digging through the crap to find the glimmering treasure). We both found some gems. Shoes, pots, tops, jammies and even some Cole Hann shoes...too bad they were too big. Wah wah waaaaaaa.

Back in the car in under 20 secs (remember no kids) and off we went to Bellisfair. 

This Mall is hit or miss (we found this trip it was mostly miss), but you never know so we walked the walk. 

Stumbled upon this new store...can't recall the name and Sister found some tops for her upcoming summer trip to Paris. She wasn't happy that I was taking photos of her coming out of the change room.

(Yes she bought it) 

No good pictures of my time in Target.  Except this gem. 

Oh ya. ITS REAL PEOPLE!!!. Only $19.99. 

Tarjay was getting remodelled and was TOTALLY cleaned out. I mean CLEANED OUT PEOPLE. Lame. So lame. So sad.

I still managed to spend some $$ though. 

I know. Why? Nostalgia I suppose. 

Then we decided since it was 8 we should grab some Sushi and head home. Tired. Worn. Defeated. 

I managed to score 2 boxes of McQueen Mac n' Cheese for Mr. E though at $.99 a box.

Ka-chow!!

E

(More Spring Break Madness Reports Tomorrow!)

Friday Night Lights

Okay a quickie here since I should be in bed. Some fashion for Friday...

Friday night lights by alittlesparrow featuring glass shades

Listing to Far East Movement sing G6 on itunes. Gawd...


But...I was thinking...


What would I wear if I was to go clubbing/dancing tonight? What would I wear that wouldn't make me look like I shop at Walmart/The Mall and that I wasn't hanging on to my 20's rather turning...eh hem...35? 


Then I saw that top. 


Pause...why would I be at a club/dance/bar place again? 


Hypothetically Erin!! 


Oh right...


I was drawn to the top. $70 bucks at topshop.com. Doable. 


However the totally rad Marc Jacobs purse at $615 is busting the bank as are the $575 shoes by Rupert Sandarson (However, Mr. Man will salivate at their aerodynamics and sexiness and ask me why I don't own a pair of heels like these...and I will reply $575 babe). 


The polish is my nod to colour. 


I have the NARS bronzer and it is a-mazing people. GO and GET IT! 


The jacket is cheap...(apparently only $28 bucks at Tillys.com)...hmmm....I love a good military jacket. 




 I am not sold on the earrings...but they work. I suppose. As do the bracelets.  The glasses...well that is me. I have to wear them. To see. 


Overall a good combination I think. Mr.Man likes it too. Boo ya.


Nite. 


Got a cake to ice tomorrow people! 

E

Chocolate Fashion

Okay...so I wanted Fridays to be about fashion and my journey through, around, under and over it.
But...since no one reads this BLOG anyway I figured I could mix it up.

Today I decided to make THIS. I really wanted to try it out before I made it for baby A's 1st birthday party and thought since we were having 10 people over for dinner tomorrow night...why not do a trial run?

I have NEVER made a cake from scratch (gasp) and always use the box mixes.

I was scared.

I was intimidated.

I was determined.

I assembled all the ingredients...I am doubling the recipe you can find in the above link.

{dry ingredients}

 

{wet ingredients}

I then did my least favourite job...greasing and flouring the pans. All of them. 

I used coco instead of flour. 

I made a mess. A big one. 

You should have seen my hands.

Then I pulled out every bakers dream...

My husband came with all the Kitchen Aid goodies when we married {I know...I know} and I use this particular one about 3x per week. Mr.Man is the chef of the house and I am the cook. Thats how we roll.

I then sifted all the dry ingredients together in one bowl.

Look at all those chunks. Now my batter will be smooth. 

My mountain of salt, powders, flour, sugar, and coco was complete. It was a big mountain and not so big of a bowl.  I decided to stuff it all in the mixer anyway. Hmm...should have doubled this recipe 1 batch  at a time not all at once. Mr. Man would have known that. 

I mixed the vanilla. Yum. I just love vanilla. Good pure REAL vanilla. We get ours at COOMBS MARKET cause we don't get to go to Mexico to often {okay...NEVER}. Plus Little E loves to look at the goats on the roof. I like to look at the food and the clothes, the knick knacks and of course the ice cream. 

Next we add the oil, buttermilk, the coffee and eggs. I like free range brown eggs. The yolks are REALLY orange and they are soooo yummy. What colour are your yolks? Yellow? Try the orange ones...you'll never go back I promise. 

Add it all together in the mixer. Pray that it doesn't overflow and make a mess. Whirl it around and around. 

And around. Then panic and throw a cloth over the mixer to prevent spillage. Mix some more.

Putter and put away dishes...get a drink. Then panic cause you cant see the batter...lift the tea towel ever so gently then...

Um.... Should have done 2 batches? 

Mr. Man would have. 

He's the chef though and I am the cook. 

Next curse loudly {not too loud to wake sleeping baby} and get the dish cloth.  Pour into huge measuring cup and tell your kid that nothing is wrong...there is lots of chocolate to lick off the counter.

Or in Little E's case...finger paint then eat. 

Fill cake pans and realize that you should have tripled the recipe. Breathe and then count to 10. Improvise and go with it. You can do this. 

Put cakes in oven and clean mess.  

Look at floor that you just washed and cry. Then be thank-full that you put on an apron. 

Clean counters, mixer, floors, dishes, fingers, nails, and face as they are all covered in chocolate. 

Pace the floor like an expectant father in the 50's and wait for the timer to go off. 

Check facebook. 

Check the Weather forecast, check on kids. 

Pace. 

Put up the Easter wreath.

Turn on the oven light. 

Wish you could see through the dirty door. 

Peek in by opening the oven ever so slightly. Jump when the timer goes off. 

Pray. 

Perfect. 

Jump up and down!!! 

Away from the cakes.

On the carpet...so they don't fall. 

Admire your masterpieces in all their glory. Smell them...oh ya. Resist tasting them until they cool. 

Realize that this was the easy part. The fun and messy part. 

Next comes the decorating. 

The patient, steady hand, careful, technique part. Look at your cakes again. And again. Smell them again. 

You did this. 

I did this.  

I can now say goodbye to Betty Crocker and Duncan Hines and hello to scratch baking. It was fun. It really really was. Next time I would make the cakes in 2 batches to ease the messy. I like messy, but this was messy. 

I'll let you know how they taste. 

E

Date Night {Fashion Friday)

Love.


This is what I want to wear tonight.  


Especially the sunglasses. But it is not sunny. It is raining. It is cold. It is grey it is...blah.


Kinda like my wardrobe. I need to infuse my wardrobe with COLOUR - yes I said colour. I am a black and grey girl. Blah. BLAH. I am working toward a new pallet...a new look. A look that makes me feel alive, cheerful, pretty, fun, sophisticated and classic. Not so "put together" and co-ordinated, just expertly thrown together. Yet I don't want to look like an idiot either. Is this even possible?


I think it is. It is just gonna cost me. A Lot.  


I just don't want to look tired anymore. I am getting old. I have wrinkles, I have bags, I need cover-up. I want to look FRESH. 


F-R-E-S-H. 

*Like these Oranges. Ya. Fresh* 

SO....I am going to start by chopping the hair. Gone. 


All. Of. It. 


Well...maybe not ALL of it...but I am thinking feminine short - just have to find the right cut for my manly jaw line (yar). I have to do it. I have to make a change. And Soon. 


I have been making some colourful wardrobe purchases (slowly) and feel myself stepping outside of my box. But I still tend to lean toward pale greys, blacks, navy, purples...the drab shades...

Wait a minute...this outfit is too cool. In a black and grey kind of way. I never look this put together. I am usually wearing this...

Looking haggard. Like a Mom rushing to the grocery store after the gym. Only I don't go to the gym. 

But I want to CHANGE that too. The exercise part. I digress... 


I want to wear something like this when I go out for dinner with Mr. Man on our next date night. 


I'd look pretty. Specially with my new hair. 






I'd be all fancy. 


I'd kill myself on those heels. But look at them...Oh la la. Meow. 


I would try to walk in them at least. 


First thing tomorrow I am going to go weed the wardrobe...make a list of needed essentials and hope Mr. Man is in on my plan. He usually is...but we do have that basement to suite. 

E