DEAR CHICAGO

You'll never guess . . . just kidding, I am not going to sing one of my 'too many to list' favorite Ryan Adams numbers. What was I saying? Oh yes.

Dear Chicago,

You are forever fabulous with your seemingly endless array of music venues, superb shopping as far as the eye can see, and enticing eateries on every corner. But why must I always be disheveled by your unyielding winds? I am on to your charm sir.

WHY VEG?

Hot off the heels of the holiday devoted to eating turkey, I thought this post would be appropriate. Especially after getting such a hard time at the Thanksgiving dinner table.

Why are you a vegetarian?

No matter how many times I receive the end of this question I am always taken aback by it. Maybe because it is such a normal thing for me. Or maybe it is because I have a multi layered answer. Either way, I react with deer in the headlights look. So, at this point, not only does my inquisitor think I'm a weirdo, they also think I'm an idiot for stumbling over such a simple question.

At any rate, here is my answer to this query. It may be less inspired than you think.

WHAT I'M LOVING RIGHT NOW: HOME

Is there anything more fulfilling than being home for a holiday!





I am loving:

Sonic Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper

Family photogs

Girls night in

Chat with Sis over Rolando's Plato Cubano

Sporting flip flops in November

Bestie, Marci's Birthday celebration

Momma Jane's famous down home cooking including my favorite spaghetti dish

Meat less dressing, yum

An understanding, flexible, and fabulous Mom in Law

Green Bean Casserole

Trivial Pursuit Tournament, even though my team lost, it was a close game

Bestie Steph's homemad pumpkin pie (crust and all)

Knocking out Christmas shopping and present wrapping a month early

Sharing the holiday spirit and stress with loving hubs

Cruising around in an old jeep wrangler blasting Keith Whitley's Greatest Hits (on cassette of course)

Christmas trees and decorations (which we will not partake in at our house this year)

BIG Family + ONE place = Pure Bliss

Homemade Rolls

Dinner with bestie Pris

Sweet Potato Casserole

Drinks (or faux drinks for me) with bestie Melissa

Cut and color from my favorite stylist

Mashed Potatoes

Unloading all the worlds problems then solving them around the kitchen table

Baked Squash

Trey Johnson rocking a new sound at the Big Chill

Those big and genuine 'haven't seen you in awhile' hugs

Home Sweet Home

Wherever you are this Turkey Day I hope you are loving the little things.

Toodles from one very busy and very grateful smalltownista home for the holiday.

THE SAVVY TRAVELER

You know the well kempt woman you see breezing through the airport with a perfectly coiffed do, clean and easy makeup, donning fashionable attire, calmly strolling in front of respectable sized luggage. . . that is SO not me. Now, you know the frantic woman you see barreling down the gate, straggling tufts of hair flailing over her day old looking makeup, donning yoga pants and what may or may not be a matching t-shirt, wildly hauling a suitcase that was zipped closed much to its chagrin. . . that is me. Well, that is not entirely true, I do pack light.

Oh how I would love to be the savvy traveler, but no matter how much thought I put into it, I can never quite execute it. I am constantly on the lookout for anything that would streamline my travel experience. It is amazing how many purchases I have made in the pursuit of savvy traveling and yet remain the disheveled individual at the airport.

SELL YOURSELF, SELL YOUR SOUL: RESUME REVAMP

Ah, it's that time of year again. The seasons are a changing and the resume needs a revamping. Okay, it is not really the season, it is the fact that my job hunt will officially begin come 2010. Have I expressed how fortunate I am to have a hubs that is supportive enough to give me time to adjust to our new life in the city before jumping into the work force. While I moan about selling myself, I am learning and I am truly grateful.

As previously mentioned, Sell Yourself, Sell Your Soul: Part I , learning to sell myself is a work in progress. I am trying to get past the idea that talking myself up is not necessarily a betrayal to a genuine personality. If talking myself up is tough, you can only imagine how foreign it feels to put it on paper.

SELL YOURSELF, SELL YOUR SOUL, PART I

In the process of a slight career change, I have recently come to terms with the fact that I am simply not good at selling myself. I am more than happy talking up other people, but when it comes to myself, I squirm with discomfort. Okay, selling my soul is a bit of an exaggeration. I am referring to the part of myself that wishes to remain a genuine person and that blatantly selling myself seems to chip away at that characteristic.

Why is the task of selling myself so daunting? It is not that I am not proud of my accomplishments, of course I am. It is the idea of wearing them on my sleeve that makes me cringe. If you are smart, talented, educated, creative, and passionate, those traits will surface through natural conversation. If you believe in what you do, sell, or create it will be obvious by your hard work and dedication.

WHEN PUSH COMES TO SHOVE

Call it good old Southern Charm or common sense manners, but when I bump into someone, I say excuse me. When I am venturing down a crowded aisle and know people's tootsies will be below me, I send out a constant stream of "sorry, excuse me, excuse me, sorry" because chances are I am going to inadvertantly step on someone. Better to be polite is how I feel about it.

Cruising into a sold out or almost sold out show, I am prepared to be knocked around, but I am not okay with being jostled about without a little charm. Ah, these kids today and their lack of manners.

Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that if you knowingly bump into me and do not acknowledge it with an "excuse me" then you just pushed me. And that is not nice.

Anybody else agree with my conclusion or am I being too sensitive?

p.s. Wolfmother rocked the house last night. Those Aussies know how to rock and roll my friends.

ROWDY ON DOWN

On the eve of a double header or two nighter, out last night for the Bears game and again tonight for Wolfmother, I thought it appropriate to share yet another older post. Originally posted on Tuesday, January 01, 2008, it still rings pretty true.

Conjuring up some Hank Jr., I am thinking to myself, "Me and my rowdy ole friends done rowdied on down." Of course, to be honest, pretty sure it's just me. Holiday Benders just do not do the ole body good anymore. I can't be sure of the exact date this phenomenon occurred, the not being able to 'hang' so much, but an educated guess tells me it was right around the time of the metabolic slow down. We have all heard the tall tales of "Enjoy it while you can" and "It will all catch up to you one day." But did anybody ever seriously believe that nonsense. What do ya mean I won't always be able to party like a rock star or get messed up like a research monkey without any repercussions???

CAN'T DANCE, BUT WILL DANCE ANYWAY DIVA

It is certainly no secret that the hubs and I love us some live music. But what you may not know is that absolutely under no circumstances whatsoever can I dance. This is sad because music and dancing ultimately go together right. I literally could not pick up a rhythm if I was single and it was the baddest boy at the bar. It is really that terrible, I promise.

Now, this is not to say that I don’t give it my best shot, of course I do and I have fun with it. Unfortunately, I just have the one move. About a decade ago I enthusiastically enrolled in a belly dance class with a very lovely instructor. During my second lesson, (yes I made it through more than one) the very lovely instructor drew a figure 8 on a large piece of paper, had me stand on it and proceed to trace the figure with my hips. To this day, it is my one and only move.

WHAT I'M LOVING RIGHT NOW

What I’m loving right now is our nation’s Veterans. From my granddad, who was presumed dead in World War II, to my brother, who has seen the likes of Desert Storm and the War on Terror up close and personal, to all of our nation’s Veterans and their families, THANK YOU. Thank you for a bravery of soul that I myself will never possess.

For those we have lost or treated ungratefully, for those in the midst of battle, for those enlisting in the future, and their families, today is your day to be remembered, respected, and revered for your amazing courage. Today, more so than any other day of the year, is a day for utter gratitude and heartfelt remembrance.

Even though I am never one to turn down a bargain, I have thought for some time now that Veterans Day sales were a little off the mark. Thank you to our troops and today you, the consumer, can save 25% off your purchase. It seems to be a blatant capitalization of a federal holiday that should be focused solely on Veterans. Shouldn't our shopping dollars be put to better use on Veterans Day?

Here are a few links that may take your mind off of the Macy’s Veterans Day Sale:

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

Veterans of Foreign Wars

Disabled American Veterans

Vietnam Veterans Clothing Donations

The Fund for Veterans’ Education

Veterans Family Fund

Toodles from one grateful citizen

WHAT'S ON YOUR LOTTERY LIST?

Sashaying up and down Michigan Avenue is enough to get anyone into lottery mode.

Sure, everyone would secure family, friends, and world peace. Or Save Darfur and Free Tibet at the very least, but I want to hear about all those super fun and materialistic items or adventures on your lotto list.

See 1,000 places before I die as found in 1,000 Places to See Before You Die: A Traveler's Life List

Classic Burberry Trench .

Create and fund a non-profit organization that somehow incorporates writing, yoga, travel, higher education, small towns, and troubled teens.

Christain Louboutin's entire collection.

Throw in Manolo Blahnik's collection for good measure.

Of course shoe collections would merely be closet decorations as, (cover your ears Carrie Bradshaw what I am about to say is blasphemous), I am not a shoe girl, ah, gasp. Tis true, I love shoes as artistic creations, but when it comes down to it, I am sporting flats whenever I can. No need to worry, I am still and forever will be a crazy bag lady.

Active FX Laser treatment accompanied by monthly cleansing facials and weekly relaxing massages.

Breakfast followed by Shopping spree at Tiffany's

Personal Trainer on CALL, enough said.

Spend at least one full year touring every music festival remotely of interest, including luxury accommodations on site at Coachella . Excessive road tripping mandatory.

Do my best to find a place more beautifully mesmerizing than Soana Island off the Coast of the Domincan Republic. This task could take a lifetime, but somebody has to do it, right.

Clearly, I could not travel with anything less than Louis Vuitton Luggage .

My Lotto list is a constant work in progress. What is on your lavish lottery list?

I DO'S AND DONT'S

The following is another old post circa Feb. 10, 2007.

At the request of my friend Alison, who is in the process of planning a destination wedding*. Here are some do's and don'ts. . .

DO: Pack your bags in advance, you want to make sure that you have all of your daily necessities, especially if you are doing your own hair and makeup for the big day. It is not just another vacation, it is your wedding, and tiny travel sizes just may not cut it.

DO: Let somebody that's in their right mind, this will not be you, be in charge of your wedding dress. My mom-in-law practically handcuffed her carry on bag housing my dress, to her wrist. It took a lot of thought and a lot of looking to find the perfect dress, at this point it would not be an easy thing to replace.

A SMALLTOWNISTA IN THE CITY

Welcome to day in the life of the not so fabulous. Transferring my aesthetician license is taking considerably longer than I planned and I sort of need to be legal to work in the state of Illinois before I set out into the job market. After scheduled travels and lovely visitors it seems my days are filled with, well, nothing. Nothing except wallowing, I mean where are my little dive bars with my beloved bartenders (Jimmy & Brett) that never shun me for ordering NA brewskies. Where are my bearings and where is my friggin’ car (my gypsy wagon, storage unit, & quite respite from the world)? Where are my girls, my besties that keep me grounded and sane? Where is my large winding crooked tree that makes up my ridiculously fantastic family? All back home in my small town, that’s where. But I am moving on from the ‘whoa is me’ outlook and upon further dissection I realize that I have filled my days thus far with some positive trends. Here are some hints if you happen upon massive amounts of free time.

ON THE BUSINESS OF BEING A BRIDE

I thought I would post a blast from the past that I wrote January 11, 2007, long before Smalltownista materialized. Just playing a little catch up.

So I feel a little bit guilty about elaborating on why men suck(1), maybe they just have to so you know when you find the right one. Or maybe there are really just a few good ones left. YAY, I found one those.

Now to the matter at hand, I seem to have lived 25 years as a female and NEVER dreamed about my perfect wedding day. The only thing that I ever had pictured was being on the beach, that's as far I got. One down on that one, because our wedding will be in St. Thomas on the beach. Only one hundred million things to go.

It has come to my realization that there may be an epidemic of women born without the "bride gene." It was on an episode of Sex and the City so I figure I can't be the only one. The marriage part, not worried about that at all, I have never been so happy in a relationship, and I have never felt so lucky to be with someone. The whole wedding planning thing, on the other hand, has me all worked up. Of course you can't really just skip that part, I mean it's a big day, it's a big deal.

"KARMA THIS DUMMY"

Out of the mouth of Joy from” My Name Is Earl”. I always get a kick out of that line and who doesn’t dig some Jason Lee. At any rate, I am a fan of anything that demystifies Karma and brings it to the mainstream, although let's be clear that Carson Daly did not in fact invent Karma.

Take it as simply as ‘what goes around comes around’, a deeper spiritual belief in reincarnation (retribution for your past grievances or rewards for past do-gooding in your next life), or delve into the aspect of every moment being a lifetime (reincarnation at warp speed). Whichever resonates with you, take it to heart. It is a good principle to follow.

Our recent move to Chicago has me thinking about karma a lot lately. I am a strong believer in Karma, in its simplest form as well as its literal form. My thoughts on reincarnation may be a little different than most. I am not opposed to the idea of past lives, but I see lives as moments. Each moment is a lifetime and therefore karma is cycling every moment.

LIVING LA PURA VIDA

Pura Vida is a popular Costa Rican tag line of which I am told has many different meanings, my favorite being 'the good life'. We were most certainly living the good life in Costa Rica. You know those holidays you have that are fun and great and wonderful, but when it's over you are ready to get back home? This was not one of those times. We all agreed that we could have stayed at least another week and none of us were craving a good night's sleep in our preferred thread count sheets in our own home. Hands down this was one vacay that could have lasted forever.

I can't say for sure if it was the unexpected combination of adventure tours sprinkled with lazy days by the pool/beach, ridiculously spectacular views, lively company, 180 degree shift in travel luck, tropical rainforests rampant with wildlife, is there a word to trump 'perfect' weather, or the splendidly comfortable and beautiful Villas where we rested our heads. Whatever the reason, everything fell into place for one fabulous vacation. Costa Rica is a destination I highly recommend and am anxiously awaiting to return.

FESTIVAL FASION 101

Tucked under the rubble that is currently stacked in the laundry room of our new home is a list of Top 10 Lessons Learned, penned post '05 Austin City Limits. When it is uncovered I will be sure to post it in it's entirety. Until then, let's begin with what stands out in my mind after having come off of 4 days of live music including a little festival called Lollapalooza.

My bestie, Pris, introduced moi to the joys of fashion stakeouts at live shows. Festival fashion is always fun to observe and a great way to discover fabulous new ideas. It's a little different from the day to day wear because festival fashions have to be cool, comfortable, functional, and fashionable all at once. Ladies, you never cease to amaze me with your clever and stylie combinations.

I'm not going to pretend to be an expert, but I have picked up on a few key tips to share. . .

AW SHUCKS, COUNTRY DONE COME TO TOWN!

My signature tag line when I go on holiday in the city. (Bringing holiday back in place of vacay, it's so very festive, don't you think). Well, country has come to town for good as the hubs and I make the permanent trek to Chi Town.

Now, I am not implying we are somehow akin to the Beverly Hillbillies. I mean all of our junk is in a covered wagon, Penske truck, whatever. May as well be a spaceship because I feel like I am moving to the moon.

Life in the city is fascinating, but I never expected to live it. I am a small town girl at heart, Smalltownista that is. But what is life if not overflowing with the unexpected and I am excited to embark on an adventurous journey. Excited indeed!

Future posts are sure to keep you abreast of all the beauty and distress to accompany this transition.


A big toodles to you and to life as I knew it.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

YOU GO CAMPING???

That's right and I love it. Now, I have to say there was a time in my life when my sentiment was not so and I quote, "oh, I do not do camping." However, after my time living in Flagstaff, AZ my mind was changed and my attitude was shifted. Of course, the combination of high elevation and low temps equals no snakes and hardly any bugs aside from the occassional delirious fly. Arkansas, on the other hand, offers plently of both which is why I was never too keen on the idea while growing up. The very few camping and floating trips I attended as a child were miserable at best.

Cut to my short list of camping trips as an adult and I have come to realize that camping is not necessarily 'roughing it' if you are with friends who know what they are doing. Let's see, my non roughing it adventures have included car camping in Durango, CO, tent camping in Canyon De Chelly, AZ, neither car nor tent camping (yep, just a sleeping bag and a beach) in Rocky Point, Mexico, car camping on Lake Ouachita , AR, and finally my latest fete, Island camping on Lake Ouachita. The latter being my favorite so far.

WHAT I'M LOVING RIGHT NOW

What I'm Loving Right Now is TranquiliT's All in One Wrap Dress in Noir (check back next week, I may be loving it in Tangerine). Simple, Classic, Versatile, and not only is it eco-friendly (made from organic cotton, bamboo, and soy) it is also uber budget friendly. Budget friendly? Yes, and here's why, it's a piece that can be twisted and tied to crank out at least ten different styles. In simple math terms $110 / 10 outfits = $11 per outfit, that is a steal. It's versatility also makes it my must have perfect travel piece. I can sport it as a skirt during the day and as a dress for dinner, brilliant.

You may or may not be aware that I absolutely adore Yogaprenuer, Kimberly Wilson. Her book
, her blog , her clothing line , her Yoga Studios , and mostly just her overall persona. She seems to exude the hip and tranquil life she so eloquently writes about.

While I have yet to reach my ultimate goal of traveling to D.C. with Momma Jane to experience one of her three Tranquil Space Yoga Studios, I am content to live vicariously through all of her lovely websites.

OVERCOMING GYMOPHOBIA

Aside from the occasional strenuous Yoga Session, I have not worked out a day in my adult life. I attribute my lack of physical fitness to what I have dubbed gymophobia. Whether it's being in the throws of a quarter life crisis or a high school reunion looming, I can't say, but at the ripe age of late twenties it is time to face my fear of gyms. In order to get over my fear of 'working out' in general, I took a deep breath and jumping in, all the way in.

Two weeks ago I signed up for Boot Camp, that's right, not just paid for a gym membership (that I would never use), but Boot Camp. And I must say, so far I am totally digging it and look forward to my 3 nights a week class and have yet to skip out on one yet. YAY!!!

SMALLTOWNISTA BEGINS

I recently stumbled upon a book circa early 00's about life in the city. While the author offered up some valuable advice, she sprinkled it with tidbits of small town stereotypes. Ideas that all small towners wear overalls, drive pickup trucks, and have little to no ambition makes my blood boil. I do not claim to be familier with small towns everywhere, but from my humble experiences, I can honestly say those sweeping claims are simply NOT TRUE.

Okay, small town style may not be HIGH fashion, but it is not all overalls all the time. There is a simple approach to style in small towns, which I happen to appreciate. Pickup Trucks, really? Need I say more. And yes, we may not all be clawing our way up a fortune 500 company ladder, but chances are we own or work for a family owned business, are stay at home moms with a creative biz on the side, teachers, lawyers, occupational therapists, artists, and that is just to name a few occupations within my small circle. Assuming that small town dwellers have little to no ambition in life, is like assuming city dwellers have no connection to family. It's ridiculous.

Hence, the inspiration for Smalltownista: Small Town Girls Have Style Too. May smalltownistas everywhere band together to share tips, tricks, inspiration and to show the world that style can be found anywhere, even in a small town.

SMALLTOWNISTA: Small Town Fashionista

A Smalltownista is resourceful, thrifty, versatile, and savvy when it comes to her style. She knows how to tweak a trend, shop a bargain, and transition from Casual Cool to Downtown Dress Up with ease. A smalltownista’s style translates into every aspect of her life. She may live in a small town, but she is far from small minded. Why should City Girls have all the fun, Small Town Girls have style too.