TOP 10 LESSONS LEARNED: ACL 2005

The Top Ten list would not really hold a lot of water without a little bit of back story. In the fateful fall of 2005 my bestie Pris and I made our way to Austin, TX for three days of live music, otherwise known as, Austin City Limits. Whittled from an e-mail I sent to a friend shortly after the festival, here is a quick recap:

FESTIVAL FASHION 102

Unfortunately, Lollapalooza 2010 was not an impressive year for Festival Fashion folks, but in an effort to follow up
last year's post here goes...there may be more ranting than raving this time around!

ONE YEAR LATER. . .

It's hard to believe a year has gone by since we unpacked our Penske and embarked on a new life in the grand city of Chicago. What amazing things take place in only 365 days, big and small.

I have come a long way from the fearful smalltownista paying for my first solo cab ride with sweaty palms. Hopping the Red Line is no longer an anxiety riddled experience, but a daily occurance which allows me to read my newest book in peace, well minus the gospel ranting rider and the occassional stranger animately and feverently talking to themselves.

WELCOME TO THE QUARTER LIFE CRISIS

Just found Quarterlife Crisis: The Unique Challenges of Life in Your Twenties today, plan on ordering and reading after lifting my self-imposed 'No more buying books policy'

Honestly, the title of this post was inches away from becoming the title of this blog and it is a very real thing folks. Very real, indeed. As the Quarter Life Crisis chapter is coming to a close for me, I am only now realizing how prevalent it is. Of course we have all heard of the mid-life crisis and possibly even witnessed it with our own eyes. Fast cars, hot lovers, erratic behavior, hey, wasn't that our early twenties?

SMALLTOWNISTA ON HIATUS

Whew, this last week has been a whirl wind. . .

*Survive first week solo on the Dream Job. Check

*Clean house for Momma Jane's visit. Halfway check

*Bid farewell to the hubs as he embarks on sea side vacay. Check

*Imbibe one green beer for first St. Patty's Day in Chi town festivities. Check

*Prepare week's worth of lunch for work. Not even close to a check

*Top off latest read from massive book collection. Almost check

*Unpack from Road trip and do laundry for two. Check

*Catch up with a few besties via phone date. Check

*Find a place for at home Yoga practice in new routine. Working on it, but will be much easier and more convenient when new Yoga studio opens up, 3 doors down from work. Counting down the days, er, months!

*Bask in the Spring time weather teaser. Check

*Lend a helping hand to fellow city dweller. Check & it was fun to actually know where I was going well enough to give someone else directions. YAY.

Hitting my stride at said dream job is going to take a little time, but I will get there. In the meantime, this little smalltownista is on hiatus from posting. My focus for now is on work, the hubs, yoga, meditation, reading, and catching up with folks when I have a free moment. If there is any blogging to be had it will be few and far between. I hope to be back in the swing of things soon, but until then. . .

Toodles for now!

WHAT I'M LOVING WEDNESDAY-"LIFE LESSONS FROM JIMMY BUFFETT"

Today is a very fun post for me as I had the opportunity to interview my friend, very talented writer, and fellow Smalltownista, Lauren Sisson. Being a die hard Jimmy Buffett fan or parrothead I should say, Lauren has recently launched the blog Life Lessons from JB and it is sure to be a place for you to find fun, quippy, and informative posts.

ROAD TRIP, ROMANCE, & REJUVENATION

Married life easily lends itself to the concept of routine. And don't get me wrong here, routine is quite a welcome change from the wild world of singledom. Reading a new book while the hubs is watching Sports Center is a past time I would not trade for anything in the world. Finding that 'private intimacy' Elizabeth Gilbert speaks of is an ineffable feeling. That being said, it's nice to shake it up every once in awhile.

4 STEPS TO PACKING LIGHT

Here's the deal, I do not claim to be that great at much of anything, so believe me when I say, I am the Master of packing light.  I know it's hard to believe from a smalltownista that has managed to cram pack two closets, not to mention accumulate an embarassing amount of accessories, but it's true. Five days in Mexico on one back pack and I literally had to purchase a large suitcase for our wedding because it was such a lengthy trip. Up until that adventure, my luggage consisted of a carry on rolly bag. The hubs can even attest to this one. Now, I do not recommend going off the radar bat sh*t crazy about packing as I do, but I will share a few tips of the trade.

WHAT I'M LOVING WEDNESDAY-ELIZABETH GILBERT

Okay, so not quite the love affair I had with Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia, but I certainly could relate to Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage a little bit more.  Sure, Ms. Gilbert is working through her thoughts on marriage number two, but I was just as skeptical about marriage number one.  It was no surprise that as a 'child of divorce' or as Ann Coulter would prefer, "Future Stripper" I had no fairy tale notions associated with marriage.  Fortunately, I find myself very happy and fulfilled with my hubs.  I should probably clear up the fact that I have never been nor am I currently a 'stripper' but thanks for vote of confidence Ms. Coulter. 

WHICH WOMAN IN HISTORY INSPIRES YOU?

March is National Women's History Month and with oodles of awe inspiring, fabulously fascinating, wildly passionate, and extraordinary women in history. Which woman or women in history inspire you?

I have to go with fashionista and entrepreneur extraordinaire, Nelly Don. Ever heard of her? I had not. That is, until viewing Nelly Don: A Stitch In time two years ago at the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival and quite frankly I was a little upset that she is not more of a house hold name. She was the first female self-made millionaire for goodness sake!

PINK PIE PLEASE

Nothing says 'Family Bonding' better than a good ol' fashion round of Trivial Pursuit, fondly dubbed 'T.P.' around our kitchen table.  It has recently come to my attention that not only is T.P. a great way to learn fun facts, but perhaps even a way to glean valuable life lessons. 

DEAR CHICAGO

Dear Chicago,

You're a rascal.  I must admit I was leery of you at first, but you have proven yourself to be very kind indeed.

I knew that opportunity was abundant in your fair city, but was unaware I would be fortunate enough to find my perfect fit.  Leaving my previous business behind was a difficult task and left me unsure that I would find anything at all comparable. Enter... Pelle Sana Salon with its eloquent owner, charming physique, and heaps of character, it's precisely what I was seeking. Suffice it to say, I have found my dream job.

WHAT I'M LOVING WEDNESDAY: WELLIES

What did sufferers of Chicago slush storms ever do without wellies?  So glad I did not have to find out.  Thus far, my wellies have been the most useful purchase of the year, of my first year in Chi Town to boot. 

My friend, the very talented artist, JlWren recently pointed out how inviting it is to revert back to childhood puddle jumping while sporting a pair of wellies.  How true it is.  The city seems to be alive with child like grown ups mulling up and down the streets awaiting the next great puddle.  Even if they are not expecting it.

I have certainly fallen victim to what I refer to as 'black slush', similar to 'black ice' back home in Arkansas, black slush can be pretty tricky.  It likes to blend into the pavement, especially the pavement in the mouth of a crosswalk.  Do you see where I am going with this?  Yep, you think you are stepping off the curb onto the street, but alas, you plunk down into 6 inches of slush instead.  Black slush is a tricky beast indeed and would be quite dangerous, not to mention gross, if not for lovely protective rubber footwear. 

My advice to smalltownistas and city dwellers everywhere, strap on a pair of stylish wellies, wait for the next round of rain, and get to puddle jumping.

Toodles from one wellie loving Smalltownista

AN ODE TO MY MATTY

Never one to shy away from my lot to live a life submerged in an abundance of strong women, I love my girls.  Never do I have trouble voicing my adoration for the hubs, but today there is another man in my life whom I simply must dote on.

My Matty, well I have to share him with what seems to be half the world, but nonetheless, in my eyes he will always be my Matty. 

Matt and I have been besties since the first day we met, over fourteen years ago.  We lived across the street from eachother and our moms introduced us in that awkward "Kristin will be attending your school in the fall, you two should get to know eachother" type of way.  It was the beginning of a beautiful friendship indeed. 

WHAT I'M LOVING WEDNESDAY- THE HUBS

Alright, alright, I love the hubs everyday, but it seemed appropriate to gush about him since today is our three year wedding anniversary.  If not for his patience, support, and loving kindness Chicago would be one lonely slab of concrete.  It is amazing how places and experiences are brighter when shared with someone special. 

If relationships are Roller Coasters with ups and downs, never knowing what is around the bend (which is pretty much how I would have described dating when I was single), then marriage is a Ferris Wheel.  There are still ups and downs, but the ride is much smoother and the view from the top is always worth the time it took to get there. 

Kudos to the hubs for putting up with my neuroses daily, for being a loving and affectionate partner, for being the left brain compliment to my right brain, for being himself and for sharing that with me. 

Toodles, from one happily married Smalltownista.

p.s. Oops, I meant to post this yesterday, so let's just pretend like today is Wednesday.

WHAT I'M LOVIN' WEDNESDAY

Nothing shimmies me free from the throws of a fashion rut faster than a little Vintage shopping.  We all pass through fashion transitions, some more gracefully than others, and we all need a sturdy shelter for safe passage.  Maybe it's your little black dress, your grandmother's pendants, or your tride and true hiking boots, mine is Vintage slips dahling.  No matter which direction the fashion winds are shifting, I can count on the comfort of my Vintage slip collection.  As a trend, they may have come and gone, but for me, they will never go out of style. 

Recently my friend Cass and I hit some off the beaten path boutiques and Vintage shops (yes, this was the shopping day when I left my wallet on the kitchen counter) and I was inspired out of a fashion foxhole. 

BE A TRANQUILISTA

My copy of Tranquilista: Mastering the Art of Enlightened Work and Mindful Play arrived Saturday afternoon accompanied by a yummy bag of Numi White Rose Tea.  With tea in hand, I set to delve into this tasty treat and ended up devouring it completely.  I could not put it down, I wanted to soak up every morsel of knowledge she was kind enough to share with her readers.

Author, designer, do-gooder, teacher, and entrepeneur, Kimberly Wilson , has outdone herself once again.  I constantly refer to her first musing, Hip Tranquil Chick: A Guide to Life On and Off the Yoga Mat, and feel certain I will do the same with her latest masterpiece. 

You simply cannot go wrong with her fun and sassy writing style sprinkled with plenty of functional info.  Tranquilista: Mastering the Art of Enlightened Work and Mindful Play is inspiring and clever from cover to cover.  It is a must read for every Smalltownista. 

Toodles from a Tranquilista inspired Smalltownista.

THE PLAY OFFS = THE GOLDEN GLOBES

As the hubs and I settled into our usual Sunday routine this evening, (him watching football, moi organizing my closet, books, dishes, etc.), the evening took an interesting turn.  Typically the excitement and screaming at the tube comes from the living room, but tonight it was coming from the bedroom.  Get your mind out of the gutter because I am referring to The Golden Globes.  While the hubs gears up for the Super Bowl contenders, I gear up for my version of the competition, THE OSCARS, and tonight is the Play offs = The Golden Globes . 

First of all, Ricky Gervais as host of the Globes, could I be any more ecstatic!  Certainly not, he is hysterical.  The hubs was even pleased with his humorous attack on the americanized OFFICE.

Quick recap of my thoughts on tonights Play offs (in no particular order):

ON A SERIOUS NOTE

I know I usually blabber on about frivolous and fun topics, but on a serious note, the earthquake in Haiti has caused massive devastation.  The death and injury tolls could never begin to measure the amount of sufferring.  Surely you have also been moved by the heartbreaking stories and photos. 

If you are interested in lending a helping hand, Haiti Earthquake Relief-Network for Good is a one stop shop for links to popular organizations.

Also, Stillerstrong , Ben Stiller's charity for schools in Haiti, is redirecting all donations to immediate relief.

To add the Compassion International Haiti Relief Updates (seen in left sidebar) with link for donations to your blog, facebook, or twitter CLICK HERE

Please post any additional information or links you feel would be beneficial.

TREAD LIGHTLY & CARRY A BIG HANDBAG

I have always been a tiny tote carrying gal, but in leui of a lifestyle shift, I am singing a different tune.  My new motto in the city is "Tread Lightly and Carry a Big Handbag."  Passionate about purses, also known as, a Crazy Bag Lady, it seems time to pare down from my numerous small bags in exchange for fewer, but larger ones.  Also, after I left my wallet on the kitchen counter for a shopping spree day with my friend Cass, the last minute bag switch is no longer in my favor.


Why would life in the city require a larger shoulder accessory?  It is the lack of a personal vehicle that has left me lugging around all those extras that previously tumbled about in the gypsy wagon.  My lovely little hybrid was dubbed the 'gypsy wagon' for obvious reasons.  Often, it looked as though I lived as a nomad with all the junk sliding around in the floor board.  Needless to say I have ditched a lot of the excess items, but there are still those essentials required to be on my person. 

Items that have made the transition from wagon to bag include, but not limited to: Sunglasses with case, Reusable shopping bags, Sweater, Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper from Sonic = bottle of water (sad, but probably a good thing), Lipstick Pepper Spray - Silver (this is a new addition), A good book (currently the compact, Holidays on Ice: Stories by David Sedaris), Ipod = Iphone , and as for my Yoga Mat , well, it's handy, but not in my handbag. 

If only I could get my hands on that magical Mary Poppins bag, I could have a good read accompanied by good lighting at any given moment.  Wouldn't that be marvelous!  In the meantime, my neck, back, and shoulders are slowly adjusting to this new necessity, which reminds me of another new addition, Aveda Blue Oil , for sore muscles. 

Of course all of the above goodies are in addition to those regular musts, such as wallet, keys, and mentha lip shine.

Are you a fan of the oversized handbag?

OR

Do you toss your all your extras in your car?

Toodles from one treading lightly and carrying a big handbag Smalltownista.

WHAT I'M LOVIN' RIGHT NOW

Welcome to "What I'm Lovin' Wednesday"!!!

One frigid Chicago evening, I learned the hard way that gloves are no longer an accessory, but a necessity. Even more of a necessity is layering. I have been a fan of TranquiliT's arm warmers for some time, but I no longer view them as simply a unique addition to an outfit. Much like my new found affinity for gloves, I am equally devoted to arm warmers . Gloves, the more utilitarian sister to mittens, can still be a tad cumbersome. I challenge you to dig dollars out of your wallet to pay your cabbie with wool covered fingers. Now when the gloves come off (I've always wanted to say that) I can maintain a little palm style and warmth.

NOT GUILTY

A few thoughts on Ann Coulter's Guilty: Liberal "Victims" and Their Assault on America.

If anyone has ever truly believed that the best way to drive your point home is to do the exact same thing you are criticizing someone else for, then by all means purchase this book immediately. If on the other hand you feel that elementary school style insults have a way of watering down an argument or that in the event someone has a valid point, it would be more readily absorbed if put forth intelligently then please spare yourself the misery of reading this book. The "I'm Rubber and You're Glue" tactic lost it's efficacy on me around 3rd grade.

ROUGH DAY

(Steph, Adam, and Baby Lane)



Today is one of those days that makes it tough to live away from home. My friend Steph lost her grandad, his funeral is today. I hate that I cannot be there for her. I want to give her a hug, buy her a sheet cake and a bottle of wine, clean her house, cook her dinner, play with the kiddos, do anything that may ease those daily routines that are never the same after the loss of a loved one. Fortunately, I know she is surrounded by an abundance of love and support.

Steph is a hero of mine, not only for her loyalty and wit, but also for her selflessness in a world of looking out for #1ers. Mottoes of selfishness promote the idea of caring for ourselves before we can care for others. Which I agree with to an extent, but in a crisis, that concept becomes a luxury. It was a luxury that Steph did not afford herself when her grandparents became ill. With a full time job, two beautiful kiddos and a supportive hubs at home she made the time to care for her Grammy and Pops. Even on her days off she made the trek to Hot Springs to check on them, pick up prescriptions, walk their dog, whatever needed to be done. She gave them her time, of which she did not have much to spare. She will never have regrets that maybe she could have done more. That is the side of the coin I wish for everyone.

Nothing in life prepares us for great loss.

My heart is with Steph and her family today and all the days to follow.

REALISTICALLY SPEAKING

Finally, an author after my own heart. In Bright-sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America, Barbara Ehrenreich covers all matters from cancer to the economy. It may sound somewhat depressing, but she does not, as one may assume, promote negative thinking. She urges individuals to gather as much information as possible before forming a concrete opinion and to take a realistic approach to life decisions. In short, look on the bright side and you may be blind sided.

BACK IN ACTION

Happy New Year Ladies and Gentlemen!

Wow, 2009 was a landmark year for the hubs and moi. It was a year filled with oodles of traveling, live music, quality time together and with loved ones. We embarked on an exciting new adventure by moving from our small home town in Arkansas to the Windy City. We turned what could have been a disatrous downsize in living space into an opportunity to strengthen our relationship and create a new home and a new life together. What life has in store for all of us is constantly changing and unfolding the mystery from day to day is an amazing journey.

I am officially back in action after holidays, traveling, and an annoying stint without internet. Incidentally, my word to encompass this new year is ACTION. I am toying with the idea of finding at least one action a month to focus on, be it something I have never done or something I would like to improve, like say, my skills in the kitchen. Either way a new year is always a clean slate for us to set our intentions upon and my intention for 2010 is to take action.

Welcome to 2010 all and may it be your best year yet.

We are also back in Chi town after a wonderful visit home for the holidays. It was more than fabulous to catch up with everyone and to not be rushed through the festivities. Chicago took my challenge to heart and has been raining down some serious arctic weather. I absolutely adore all the snow, but my favorite part is catching glimpses of everyone bundled up in their winter best. I am looking forward to bundling up, frolicking in the snow, and enjoying a romantic dinner with the hubs tonight.

Wishing everyone warmth and good intentions.