Classy and Fabulous: My Life Post-College

You Need to Know

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:29:00 +0000

Soo... I have a lot on my mind today. Clearly, I'm full of very important information.

Yesterday, at Ulta, I was exchanging a shampoo and conditioner I didn't like for a different variety. No receipt, just exchange. It ended up that my new shampoo was $3.50 cheaper, thus the cashier tried to give me cash back. I reminded her that I didn't have a receipt and that maybe I should just buy something else to even things up. She grabs the manager, who's all "oh yeah, cash back" even as I tell her I didn't pay cash for them. So they gave me cash back. I feel like I totally cheated the system, but I tried!
I still haven't mailed my Christmas Thank You cards... I'm planning on doing it tomorrow morning. Planning, anyways.
Buying books for my Kindle Fire is hurting me in my wallet parts. I am trying to be more conscious of my spending, and spending money on something that's invisible kind of blows my mind. Also, some books are more expensive in kindle form than in paperback. Yeah, no. Suggestions, oh wise internets?
I am trying to go on a mini spending freeze. I'm not going to say spending ban or I'll be sacrificing myself at the altar of Target by noon... but I am trying to be super-conscious of how I spend my money right now. We'll see how long that lasts..... Forever21 post, anyone?
After Christmas, I was SO SICK of all the crap I was eating at work - Cokes and cookies and candy 24/7. I was sure that I'd be ready to jump on the healthy-eating train and potentially even start running again. Considering I just baked a loaf of bread specifically for the purpose of making French Toast before 8 am, for just myself... yeah, I'd say I'm not there yet. I've added tons of fruit and yummy stuff back into my diet... I just haven't cut out the crap yet. And I couldn't find my running shoes if you offered me $10. Oops.
I'm on the 2nd day of a 6 day working streak, which culminates in writing my review and reviews of my employees. Basically, The Worst Time of the Year, hands down. It makes me want to consider quitting my job, every year. (I'm such a baby).
I still have not done much about decorating my bathroom. Whatever, I can live with ugly forever.
It's officially no-shower Thursday! Dry shampoo for all, let's celebrate!

Hope you're all having a great Thursday!

More Q&A with Mr. RH

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:49:00 +0000

Today, we finish up all of my questions for Mr. RH. If you missed part one, read that first.

If you've got any more questions for Mr. RH... ask away. I know he's just dying to become a famous blogger himself (slightly exaggerated).

As with last time, my responses to him are in blue.

What is your fondest memory with Sarah?

This was one of the toughest questions because there are so very many, truly. But I would probably have to say the weekend that I spent with her out of town for her friend’s wedding. It was a week after we first said “I love you,” and I can’t imagine every having a more perfect weekend. Apparently, I am also susceptible to wedding fever!

It was fun watching a wedding through his eyes. I am a regular on the midwest Catholic wedding circuit so it was cool to see his first wedding with all of my friends around. Not to mention the fact that he got to meet some of my best friends in the whole wide world. And he took our pictures all night, which is, in my mind, priceless. (Ok, maybe not all night... but if he had known how much blogging material is harvested from photos at the time... he'd have done even better!)

And the scariest situations you've been in with her?

EVERY DRIVING EXPERIENCE EVER. I kid. The day I went with her to the doctor when she found a lump was the scariest moment. I held it together pretty well and was making sure that I knew she’d be fine, but in the doctor’s office when a lady that went in after her came out first I began to lose my shit pretty badly. I was absolutely terrified of losing the person that I knew I loved at that point.

I wish I could remember if we had said I love you at this point yet? I'm pretty sure we waited until after, right? I can't remember. Either way, I think at this point we both knew.... but yeah, that day meant a lot. I had kind of forgotten about it until he brought it up.

As for the driving... I hate to break it to you all, but Mr. RH has a flaw. A genuine flaw. He drives like a grandpa. Not even exaggerating. I, on the other hand, drive like Maria Andretti. I can't help it... I'm an Indiana girl, I like to go fast!! Vroom vroom. I think of myself as a cautious driver - I've never wrecked and never had a ticket (boo hoo, I so sorry officer!). I drive on road trips with my friends all.the.time. And so the fact that he dislikes my driving so much? It seems so foreign to me. And also hilarious because I drive 60% of the time when we're together.

How did you first learn about her blog? What was your initial reaction?

I honestly don’t remember how it finally slipped out. I recall her hinting about it a few times, such as telling me she gets lots of comments/emails online, and I think she eventually just told me about it, but refused to tell me where I could find it till later. I respected her privacy even though I think she was actually dying for me to find it and read it so that she could get my response to it. And my response was all positive. I think it’s cool that she has such a connection of loyal friends out there, and there are a lot of good and funny people that have touched her life due to it. It’s also awesome to get such a different perspective into her life, a view that I don’t typically see – it’s special.

Mr. RH hit the nail on the head perfectly with this answer. Although I was SO crazy secretive about hiding my blog from my ex, I wanted Mr. RH to read it from the moment I semi-slipped up and told him about it. I was SO annoyed that he "respected my privacy" enough to not read it. If roles had been reversed? I would have immediately read his blog from front to back. I can't help it, I am (was?) way too obsessed with him to hold back. I'm glad that he enjoys it. I worry that eventually he may resent things I post... either about our relationship or about him. It's definitely a work-in-progress (in my head) on my part to decide how I will continue to approach our relationship and this blog.

What was the first thing you read on her blog?

One of the posts about myself; I think it was the post about our first date actually!

I just re-read it. Awwwwwww. Were we ever that young and carefree and dorky?

Worst posts you’ve read on her blog? The best?

The worst post was reading about her being dumped by her ex. It actually pained me to see how hurt she was, and it astounded me that anyone could ever be foolish enough to pass on her. Obviously, it was a necessary point in life for me to come along, but it was the worst for me to read.

Best would have to be some of the earliest posts about myself. It makes me feel a little less crazy when I see just how much she cared about me, even early on, because I knew I felt that way and I was desperately hoping that it was not a one-way street. They were also the very first posts I read once I was introduced to the blog, so they have special sentimental value as well!

What's your favorite body part of hers?

Oh how can I possibly keep this PG?!?! But actually, her entire presence is remarkable. I don’t know how I could pick a favorite when I’m drawn to her smile, her eyes, her beautiful hair, or the entire tall beautiful blonde package. Lucky me, huh?

It always kinda blows my mind that Mr. RH's type, if he had one, is NOT me. There are plenty of men who (I think) would appreciate the tall, blonde thing... but Mr. RH is more of a.... gag.... Natalie Portman-type fan. I'm hurling on the inside, trust me.

What’s her favorite feature of yours?

Oh, it’s the hair all day. I never would have gotten a date without it, let’s be real!

He's so insane!! I know why he says this, but he is So. Dead. Wrong. Well, kinda. It's the height and the shoulders all day!! Tall, dark, and handsome. I love his height, I think we compliment each other perfectly. (I'm 5' 7.5" and he's just about 6' 4". In heels, we are a match made in heaven. I could go for another inch of difference... but I suffer through it. I do love his hair, although I have decided it's even hotter shorter lately..... who knows, I clearly have issues. Poor guy. Hey Mr. RH?? Isn't it haircut time?? Poor boy.

What is something that you wish she knew?

She may know it, but I hope that she knows just how much I would be lost without her. I truly cannot imagine a life without her in it and I hope she knows that I will never take that for granted – she is the cause of the most happiness I have ever experienced and I hope she knows that.

Oh man, I don't even know what to say to that. I can't even handle it! Mr. RH is such a sweet man that sometimes I struggle when the charm isn't turned up to 600%. Like when he's stressed with school and life and his boss is giving him trouble at work and his girlfriend starts whining when she can't have what she wants exactly when she wants it.

Go figure.

So is Mr. RH this charming in real life? Absolutely. I would say it's safe to say that he charmed the pants off of my friends the first time he met them (especially the college girls), but then again I can't speak for them.

Do you have any burning questions for Mr. RH? Hit me with your best shot and he'll answer those next (along with any leftover questions from last time).

Review: Hana Air Blow-Dryer Review

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, I got an email from Misikko asking if I wanted to review the Hana Air Professional Blow Dryer. I can tell you the last time I did a review on this blog (never?) and I didn't want to... but you see, my "old faithful" blow dryer had been sparking lately.

So what is Misikko? Just a huge online store that sells CHI hair dryers (and straighteners! and curling irons!), tons of premium hair straighteners, and one of those cool clipless curling irons that I am totally lusting after. And of course the Hana Air that I took for a test drive.

The blow dryer looked so shiny and appealing on their website, how could I say no?

I couldn't.

First of all, I've been using a cheap, inexpensive blow dryer for years. I had actually purchased a fancier dryer a couple of years ago but it was seriously weak. So I switched back to a sassy old dryer that I purchased for 7th grade gym class.

As I took the Hana Air out of the box, I was totally impressed by the weight of this dryer. It's not light, that's for sure, but it's not heavy. It's solidly built and feels extremely compact. Hard to explain.

I flipped the dryer on to dry my hair and I was impressed by the power. It had SO much more than my old dryer BUT it was also quieter. Go figure, my old dinosaur blow-dryer sounded like a jet engine taking off.

And then I realized I had it on low. Whoa buddy! I switched the thing onto high and it did seriously quick work on my hair.

I was a little stumped though at one thing - this dryer is noticeably LESS hot than my old dryer. At first, I was a little unhappy. I couldn't figure out WHY it wouldn't get so hot. And then I realized that my dinosaur dryer was probably a wee past the use-by date and therefore had been heat-blasting my head for years. And I have a lot of broken hairs and dry skin near my hairline to prove it. Oops!

Despite the fact that I am not getting a regular burn from my blow dryer, I swear my hair dries faster and has a lot more shine.

But honestly, my favorite part of this dryer is pretty lame. 100% lame but it makes my morning SO much better. It has a reeally long cord. So now I can run around my bathroom doing odds and ends without dragging the entire contents of my sink onto the floor.

It's really the little things.

A Hana dryer is definitely an investment - but considering I've been using my old crappy dryer for going on 11 years, I am positive it's worth every penny.

Now if it could only curl my hair after it's done. And put away my laundry.

Thanks for the dryer, Misikko! I now have no excuse to dread my dryer anymore.

Wine Wednesday: Belated NYE

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:19:00 +0000

This week's Wine Wednesday is courtesy of the NYE stomach flu (ahem, Mr. RH) and a lazy evening on the couch.

I know, you are shocked I am such a party animal.

We tasted some of this which has, I thought, a lot of great recommendations going for it. But.....meh.

Maybe I was just exhausted, but it wasn't really all I had built it up to be. It was just OK.

Mr. RH, who is more a fan of a friuty frozen margarita, was not impressed.

No worries, I grabbed at least 1 more bottle of champagne for aborted NYE plans. I'll give you the full report later.

Happy Wine Wednesday!

What are YOU drinking?

Q&A with Mr. RH

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:20:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, someone commented that since Mr. RH had been initiated to the blog - I needed to pick his brain for blogging material.

I heartily agreed and then promptly forgot about it. Dude, December was a trip. I feel like Thanksgiving was last week!

Anyway, I picked his brain for some of MY most burning questions. Cause it's my blog and I'm nosy like that. A couple of questions were tweeted at me when I begged for help, but they're mostly mine.

I have added my comments below his responses in blue. Because the thought of anyone else getting the last word makes me feel cagey.

What do you remember about the first time you remember seeing her-before you knew her?

I remember that she caught my eye, and I am not one to have wandering eyes. I had never experienced anything like it, she caught my eye in a black turtleneck and I remember thinking that I had never seen someone so beautiful in my life. She truly radiated beauty – I swear there is a glow around her to this day. It was Christmas time and even though I can barely remember a thing from Christmas last year I remember that moment like it was yesterday.

I remember Mr. RH from last Christmas - a girl at work thought he was cute (and I agreed!) but I said he was too young and cute for me. He made me nervous because I thought he was a cool kid (unlike me, who is a dork). Dating lives and work intersect A LOT so there was always talk that someone needed to go ask him out. I was just never suggested as that person. Go figure! He was just a little too good-looking for my tastes.

How did you first approach her – before you knew you were going to ask her out?

I visited her under the pretense of needing some help choosing between items in her store, just because I wanted an excuse to talk to her. I liked her suggestion, so of course I bought it. She passed my approval even though she clearly knew I was into her and she clearly was trying to shove me back out the door!

From the moment he said "Excuse me?", I just knew he was into me. And I am positive that I was blushing red to the roots of my hair! I, again, thought he was too good looking and a little too smooth. He caught me with my back turned so I wasn't even mentally steeling myself to run away from him. Cause if I had seen him I promise that I would have found an excuse to hide in the back room. Cause I'm a maneater like that.

How did you ask her out for the first time?

This was an interesting story. My boss (I worked across from her at the time) knew that I was working up to asking her out and he (along with everyone else at work) wanted to help make it happen. So he went over and chatted her up about how great I was, but came back and told me he got into a little scuffle with her boss. I, of course, was outraged and went over to apologize to her boss and play damage control, and then I was going to ask her out. Poor Sarah was so mortified about what she knew was coming that she basically threw her phone number at me and kicked me out of her store!

His boss was reeeeally getting on my boss'(and my!) nerves. He SO wanted to make a date happen. I, on the other hand, was quite content (or so I lied) being single and I didn't have time to date anyway. My boss was into it, thought he was cute and that I needed to get laid. HER WORDS, not mine. We are the height of professionalism. I had a late late shift at work on the day he asked me out - the kind that requires sweatpants and a sports bra. So what did I wear? Cobalt blue (my power color), spandex pants (ba-donk-ka-donk), and a brand new push up bra. Hey, I kinda sensed things were going in a certain direction! Of course, as soon as I saw him coming (with my 4 coworkers standing a foot away STARING!), I knew I had to make this end quickly. I threw my phone number on a sticky note at him and shoved him away. Poor guy. He texted me right after and I didn't reply for days. I'm a bitch.

What were you thinking on the first date? Any specific details that you remember?

I remember being so impressed and wanting to leave that same impression on her, because I just wondered how on Earth I could ever have that effect on anyone – let alone on her! Many of her qualities were easily observed that first night, and I felt a little intimidated even though it felt more natural than any first date ever could have with anyone except The One.

I just remember not being very nervous considering it was my first date in 7ish years. I just felt totally at ease. Of course there were awkward moments but it really was just smooth sailing. I felt intimidated by how cute he was and how comfortable he seemed in his own skin. You can read my initial recap of our first date here.

What is the most memorable outfit she has worn in your presence?

There have been many, because I will be the first to tell you how stunning I think my girlfriend is in whatever she wears, but the little black dress she wore to the wedding we attended together would have to be a favorite. I have never seen someone look so classically beautiful, so happy, so sexy, and so absolutely gorgeous that every single cliché about beauty seemed like it had been made about her, right at that moment.

Oh the CHEESE! I can barely even handle it. I am actually a little surprised that he picked this, although it makes sense because it's the only time I've been really dolled up in his presence. I guess I need to find an excuse to dress up together again soon? Although, to be fair, that dress fit me like a freaking glove. It was pretty damn hot.

What were you thinking when you first kissed her?

I was extremely nervous, but just as excited. I also was hesitant to kiss her because I knew she had a long day at work and would have preferred to be more dolled up for such a momentous occasion! But I couldn’t resist anymore!

I knew he was nervous but he honestly seemed so CALM. I was the one freaking out so hard I was practically begging for it. It was a good first kiss, as good as it gets when Katy Perry is blasting in the background. I was thinking "shiittttt we had Mexican for dinner, he's chewing gum, and I'm not!!!" I was mortified, but at the same time wasn't worried. I knew he wouldn't freak even if I smelled like a salsa factory.

What is the weirdest thing you’ve done together?

Piled 4 of her best friends on top of me and her in her tiny little car. 6 people + luggage in a car designed for 5 (at best) was an interesting experience.

This isn't weird to me at all. Perhaps it's only because it's just another Friday night at a women's college after the bars? Geesh, men. They just don't know how to party! Remind me to tell you about the time I drove home 6 drunks in an ice storm at 2 am. Now that was an experience...

What is her most annoying habit?

Worrying, worrying, worrying! I know it’s a shocker that my Sarah would ever need to control everything and when she can’t she worries, but I would not lie. Tis true.

I think I worry the normal amount that women worry. I do think I am a bit more observant than most people so I think I freak out more than other people... but if they saw what I see, they'd freak too!

What are her best and worst domestic attributes?

Her best domestic attributes would be her delightful culinary talents! She has many domestic qualities but she knows the way to my heart (through my belly). Her worst domestic attribute? She can be a teeeeensy bit cluttered. Just a ttttttiiiiiinnnnnyyyyyy bit.

Tiny bit cluttered? I'm a slob. I'm not dirty-dirty, as in you won't find dirty dishes everywhere or food in random places. But you will find clothes on any available surface and I can't tell you that last time I scrubbed my bath tub. In my defense.... I don't have any defense. I try! I get so sick of cleaning up after people at work that when I get home, all bets are off.

-------------------------------

I asked Mr. RH if he thought that perhaps he was laying on the charm a bit thickly and he said no. So there's that.

I had forgotten that, early in our relationship, I found him to be pretty intense. Not bad in any way, just intense. Intensely sweet, intensely caring... it was something I certainly had never seen in a man before.

Sigh. Mr. RH. Isn't he the greatest?

Maybe I'm just biased.

Part 2 to come later.

Questions (he wants more!)? Comments from Mr. RH's adoring fans? I know he'll be dying to read them all. Please and thank you.

Stuff I Don't Know

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:35:00 +0000

It's finally back to "normal" around here - Mr. RH heads back to school today (boo hiss, bye-bye free time!), I go back to working 5 days a week (I shall miss you, company holidays!), and me attempting to get back into some kind of routine - with life, blogging, cooking/baking, whatever.

My first big objective of the year is to finally paint/decorate my bathroom. I've lived in this house for almost a year and the bathroom is the only room that hasn't had a THING done to it. I posted about it in August... and I've done nothing since then.

Actually, not true. I asked Santa for a shower curtain... which he bought for me and then told me that shower curtains are a crappy Christmas present. So he just handed to me. (Santa=dad). So now I have a cute, simple shower curtain. And I am painting the walls either yellow, pale green, or some shade of blue. (Yes, I have Made. Decisions!)

I am buying a new light fixture this week. I can't decide if I should pick a paint color before I find some rugs for the bathroom. What if they don't match? Rugs first?

And then there's the horrible vanity. I don't anticipate living here that much longer, so I am rationalizing the fact that I don't need to refinish it or replace it. Ok, rationalizing done.

---------------------------

In other "stuff I don't know" news, I need to learn how to use my camera. I know how to technically use it, but I never have anyone to practice on! I hate taking pictures of.... stuff. I love people! Why do I have no people?

Ok, I think this post is long and boring enough for a Monday. Come back tomorrow for some fun with Mr. RH!

Happy Monday!

A Christmas To Remember. Heh.

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:23:00 +0000

As I mentioned a million years ago, Mr. RH and I celebrated Christmas quite late. As per norm, I blew things out of proportion declaring it the Most Important Christmas Ever, Ever, and therefore was s lightly upset that things didn't go quite as planned.

SHOCKER.

The gifts were perfect, at least from this receiving end. He picked out these gorgeous turqouise earrings that I absolutely adore. I've worn them multiple times already. (Ok, so maybe I guided him towards these earrings. I think it was worth it though!)

He also did some handy gift shopping of his own, without help. He bought me the TOMS I had been coveting in the fall... although I may be having shopper's remorse on them. I'm just not sure if they're very practical as a shoe in Indiana. In January.

Thoughts, opinions? He is counting on The Internet to talk me back into these shoes... otherwise the shipping boxes are all sitting in my bedroom.

I'm sure he's not annoyed AT ALL that I want to return his Christmas gifts.

He also bought me the only season of Grey's Anatomy that I don't own (and he figured it out on his own, awwwww), a pair of sweats from my alma mater (that are a weeee bit snug. Sweet but this badonkadonk don't fit.), and a bottle of Poo-Pouri.

I have nothing to say about that last one. HUMILIATION.

I bought him a coat and clothes. It was REAL EXCITING for him to open gifts. Notsomuch.

After gifts... the day went downhill.

We drove to downtown Indy and wandered the mall, where I pissed him off and made him sick with my sweet driving skills.

We had a Serious Talk that left me in tears. And left him wondering why the heck I was crying.

We went to dinner at an upscale Mexican restaurant and it was surprisingly... not tasty. Both of us felt weird after dinner.

As we were finishing up at dinner, Mr. RH inadvertently called me fat. Called us both fat, actually, which was even worse. Cue more tears.

He felt like an asshole, I felt like he should be groveling more - which led to a super-fun time browsing the lights in downtown Indy. My dreams of having a sweet picture of us in the lights was dashed. I had cry eyes.

We went to the Zoo to check out the Christmas stuff.... and realized we only had 20 minutes before we needed to leave to grab some stuff at work.

After careening downward on that roller coaster for a few hours, we sat fairly quiet on the way home. By the time we finally got home, I realized that life, much like roller coasters, has it fair share of twists and turns. Some good, some bad.

(Side note: A couple hours after we got home, Mr. RH got The Flu. The real bad kind. The kind that lasted a week and ruined his last week of vacation.)

And despite the fact that it sucked in a couple of ways... it really was a wonderful Christmas. And I got far more than I ever would have wished for.

Even if I was a brat about it.

Nothing new there.

Wine Wednesday: Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:30:00 +0000

So far... the New Year has been... meh? I've worked every day so far (THREE!) and Mr. RH had the stomach flu which was fun for no one involved. I wasn't involved, but I did feel really bad and motherly and worried.

I know, hard life.

I'm going to squeeeeeeeze the last few minutes out of the Christmas season as best I can. I haven't even blogged about anything Christmas-y yet. Is it too late for that?

If you need something of substance to read... check out my 2011 Recap or my Classy Bookshelf 2011 posts. Two of my favorites of the year, I think!

Cheers, 2012! Let's hope it gets a little better with a couple days off...

2011 in Classy & Fabulous

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:40:00 +0000

It was quite a fun year here at Classy & Fabulous. I posted 144 times, which feels like a LOT when I look at it now - but at the time, I felt like I barely posted at all. And I didn't, especially as the year wore on. I was a wee bit distracted.

And now, a recap of some of my favorite posts of the year. Some of them are sentimental, some just random, and some I just love. Can't wait for another exciting year here! It's going to be one for the record books, don't you think?

January – 14 posts

o I started off the year being scary sick.

o Carbs and Butter. Enough said.

· February – 16 posts

o Went to Chicago with some of my BFFs.

o Posted about junk food a lot. Let’s avoid that trap in 2012, eh? (No, I won't link to them. I don't think we need to relive those.)

· March- 17 posts

o I wrote about Dance Marathon – an organization thathas a huge hold on my heart.

o I had a dream about a celebrity and also of ablog friend. Most vivid dream I’ve had all year.

o Got a Fancy New Camera Lens, too bad it didn’t come with a how-to manual. Oh wait, yes it did. I just didn’t read it.

o I Took Off My Underwear at Work.

o Celebrated 3 Years of Classy & Fabulous

· April – 13 posts

o Went to Chicago for a Bachelorette Party

o Decided What to Wear to the Royal Wedding. Hypothetically. Literally.

· May – 14 posts

o My Baby Brother Graduated from College. I wept.

· June – 15 posts

o On the 1st, I posted that I mighthypothetically be ready to start dating again. It was just a thought in my head that maybe I was ready. This was my most-commented post of the year, besides my 3^rd Birthday Post Giveaway.

o On June 14th, I posted about the mostinsane sunburn EVER. And hinted that some personal changes were upcoming. I met Mr. RH (for real) on June 9^th.

o Had a first date on June 17^th.

o Had a perfect last First Kiss.

· July – 9 posts

o I found vagina humor on drugstore.com. It’s still funny to me.

o Met Mr. RH’s parents and fell in love.

o I started running and actually kept up with itfor 2 months. And then I fell off the bandwagon. Goal for 2012, anyone?

o I was SO nervous to introduce you all to Mr.RH. And now I can’t imagine having kept him a secret any longer. And I still can't get over how RH he is.

· August – 11 - posts

o I recapped my July trip to Hawaii in 3 posts here and here and here.

o Talked about My Good Girl. Yes, that one. Still haven’t done anything but talk about it.

o Officially and For Sure Fell in Love

o Found a lump, got scared, held his hand. Found out it was nothing.

o Went to my first wedding with Mr. RH. A fun experience, especially since we had only been dating for a very short time.

· September – 7 posts

o Mourned my parents 30th weddinganniversary

o Let my boyfriend find my blog. Was embarrassed, then proud.

o Talked about marriage with Mr. RH. 3 months into our relationship. Deeeep breaths.

· October – 9 posts

o Chopped my hair off. It was ugly long but it’s worse now that it’s shorter. NO WIN SITUATION.

o Celebrated 24 Years of my Life…. Ok, 25:

o Had Halloween fun with Mr. RH. I love how much he enjoys holidays with me.

· November – 11 posts

o Missed My Mom, Again

o Started my own OCCUPY movement

o Got the flu for the first time in about… 7 years

· December – 8 posts

o Cut down a tree with my love

o Celebrated 6 Months with My Love

o Sucked at Christmas… but loved it just the same

o Posted my annual book recap. Fell way behind in reading. I blame Mr. RH.

2011 was quite a year. I feel very blessed by all the ways life has surprised me this year... can't wait to see what's in store for 2012!

Happy New Year!!

Christmas Wishes

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:28:00 +0000

Today, four days after Christmas, Mr. RH and I are finally celebrating Christmas together. I've seen him for a grand total of an hour or two since Christmas, so to say I feel like we deserve a little quality time together today is a ginormous understatement.

We made a pledge to NOT go overboard with Christmas-related gifts this year, seeing as I had a slight mental breakdown over the Kindle I was gifted for my birthday. Don't get me wrong, I love my kindle (post to come soon, I know I promised approximately 2 months ago, whatever), but it was such an expensive (and thoughtful) gift that I was quite bowled over.

Fast forward 2.5 months and I think we both probably spent more than we should have (or needed to) on Christmas. I've quite enjoyed the Christmas season with Mr. RH and I feel like the gifts are secondary - after all, having someone to accompany me to musical-Christmas-lights shows and allowing me to take one of my favorite photos, ever - well, those count for a lot. And I will remember them loong after the wrapping paper is recycled, if you know what I mean.

So, today Mr. RH and I celebrate Christmas. I know that his gifts to me will be thoughtful and fun and probably blow my mind all over again. Damn, I'm lucky. He, on the other hand, is getting a bunch of fun (not!) work clothes and other assorted, boring things. Like a lighter with a long handle so I don't melt my nail polish while lighting candles at his apartment.

You know, the gifts are all about HIM, really.

I should probably rethink my gift-giving philosohpy.

After gifts, we're going to (FINALLY!) watch It's a Wonderful Life (I hope! We better not get distracted!) and then have a ~~Sarah-day~~ Sarah-and-Mr.RH-day in Indy, where we will hopefully do some Christmas shopping, browse some lights around town, go see Christmas at the Zoo (FINALLY!), and eat a small town.

The presents are still wrapped under the tree... but I have a sneaky feeling it's going to be a really wonderful Christmas.

Actually, what I really want for Christmas is for my creative, bloggity friends to spontaneously make a trip to Indiana (or hell, I'll make a trip to you!) and take a photo of Mr. RH and I. One where I'm not pinching his butt and making a face (oh, come on, don't judge) and where the top of his head isn't cut off. And where my highlights look good. This photo was taken on Oct. 2nd and I haven't had my hair done since then. Yeah, I'm reeeeal cute right now.

Tangent over.

Merry Christmas to us!

The Classy Bookshelf: 2011 in Review

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:15:00 +0000

Last year, in 2010, I read 65 books. I don't remember all of them, but I do remember the fact that I spent much of the year with a book in my hand.

This year, I was rolling right along with books and then... Mr. RH came along. It's weird - because he loves books and loves to read - but our relationship caused my book reading to take a SERIOUS nosedive. In the past, I'd spend 2 hours in bed reading every night. Now... I stay up way past my bedtime to sneak in some quality time with him while our lives are still crazy and hectic.

I'm not sad about it - because the books will be around long after Mr. RH and I are old and gray - but I definitely need to put a little priority back on reading this year. My grand total of books for this year? 39.

Out of my goal of 70. Whoops.

So, without further ado, my book list. I was going to add pictures and captions for all of them... but then it would be February and I would have carpel tunnel from this dang computer.

For reference, I am color coding all the books. So you know which ones were the best:

MUST READS (Bold and green!)
Excellent Reads (Blue!)
Hated the Plot Reads (Red)
And the ones in black...meh. Clearly they didn't make an impact.

The Other Mothers' Club, Samantha Baker
Big Stone Gap, Adriana Trigiani
Big Cherry Holler, Adriana Trigiani
Milk Glass Moon, Adriana Trigiani
Home to Big Stone Gap, Adriana Trigiani
If You Lived Here, You'd Be Home Now, Claire LaZebnik
Remember Me?, Sophie Kinsella
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, Gregory Maguire
Very Valentine, Adriana Trigiani
Brava, Valentine, Adriana Trigiani
Gilead, Marilynne Robinson
Pretty in Plaid, Jen Lancaster
Home, Marilynne Robinson
The Host, Stephanie Meyer
Outlander, Diana Gabaldon
Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander #2), Diana Gabaldon
Voyager (Outlander #3), Diana Gabaldon
Drums of Autumn (Outlander #4), Diana Gabaldon
The Fiery Cross (Outlander #5), Diana Gabaldon
A Breath of Snow and Ashes (Outlander #6), Diana Gabaldon
An Echo in the Bone (Outlander #7), Diana Gabaldon
Bumped, Megan McCafferty
The Girls from Ames, Jeffery Zaslow
Lies that Chelsea Handler Told Me, Chelsea Handler
The Idiot Girls' Action Adventure Club, Laurie Notaro
Autobiography of a Fat Bride, Laurie Notaro
Divergent, Veronica Roth
Mennonite in a Little Black Dress, Rhoda Janzen
Then Came You, Jennifer Weiner
I Love Everybody, Laurie Notaro
Matched (Matched #1), Ally Condie
There's a Slight Chance I Might be Going to Hell, Laurie Notaro
Heart of the Matter, Emily Giffin
Hush Hush (Hush Hush #1), Becca Fitzpatrick
Crescendo (Hush Hush #2), Becca Fitzpatrick
The Idiot Girl and the Flaming Tantrum of Death, Laurie Notaro
Summer at Tiffany, Marjorie Hart
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, Alan Bradley
Crossed (Matched #2), Ally Condie
One Fifth Avenue, Candace Bushnell

Despite the fact that I didn't finish many books this year, I still feel like I read a decent amount. The Outlander series (books 15-21) were a massive undertaking. I would say most of the books in the series were 800 pages long.

Last year, I read 24,447 pages - this year, 17,651. A difference of 6,796. Ooops.

If you need recommendations, definitely start with the ones I posted in green above. I think they are all page-turners and I think I would read them all again. If I didn't have a million other books that I want to get to soon!

Actually, I'm not sure I have that many that I want to read... but I'm sure after you all tell me what you read this year I'll have plenty to add to my list. RIGHT?

Soo... what did you read in 2011?? Please please post the link if you posted a yearly book roundup - I'd love to read them and link them all up!

Here's to hoping I get a little more on-track in 2012.... or not.

(Also, you should totally be my friend on Goodreads.)

Scenes from Christmas 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 13:26:00 +0000

Not pictured: Food, food, and more baked goods. OMG, so full.

My Family

O Christmas Tree

The Best Gift

Ok, fine, I didn't take the last one on Christmas. But it'd be a crime not to post it because I love it so much.

Merry Christmas!!

I hope you are all enjoying your families (as I go into work and whine the whole time)....

I Suck at Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:34:00 +0000

This year, I was bound and determined to have The Bestest Christmas Ever.

Yeah, hasn't happened so far. It's been good, don't get me wrong - but I'm lacking on baked goods, hot chocolate, and perfectly fireplace-lit memories.

Either way, it's ok. Because the one thing I've had this year is making me so incredibly happy - Christmas lights.

Mr. RH had told me a house near his apartment had a cool Christmas lights show and that I needed to see it. I wasn't sold.

And then we went one night. And I've been back at least 5 times since then.

The show is timed to music and is amazing. Even more amazing than the "legendary" Christmas lights that are 10 miles from here. And they are right around the corner from his apartment. SCORE.

And then I remembered a local Christmas display that raises money for a local charity. A guy in the community lights up his house and the empty lot next door to bring Christmas cheer to everyone who sees it.

I took some of my mom's out-of-town family to see it this week and they were Blown. Away.

One million Christmas lights in less than one square block. Probably smaller than that.

I wish I could better explain to you how much I love Christmas lights... but let's just say I've blown through several tanks of gas lately driving between Christmas displays.

I'm obsessed.

Anyone else feeling Christmas-cheery this year?

Nix the Gloom & Doom

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:07:00 +0000

Sooo... that was a debbie downer of a post yesterday. What the heck is wrong with me? I think I just let the anxiety get the best of me... and it actually got worse after I wrote that post.

I tried to get a bunch of stuff done before work at noon yesterday... ran across town 3 different times (like a chicken with my head cut off!) and just as I was settling in to get to work - I ran my car into a curb in my neighborhood. HARD.

I jacked up the 3rd wheel on my car (yes, I've done this 3 times before but the past 2 were on hard snowbanks instead of curbs) and this time I believe I may have thrown my car out of alignment, since it won't run straight anymore. And now 3 of my wheels are sporting these hideous plastic wheel-cover things (that you can take off but then your car looks like a jalopy) that are cracked and smashed.

(I looked into having them replaced a year or two ago but they were $75 each. And now online they are $25 each. I'll think about it, wouldn't I rather spend $75 on makeup?)

After that little incident, I was hysterical. Just a hot mess. Could ONE. MORE. THING. go wrong? Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.

Let's just say work was an exercise in NOT banging my head against a wall. Repeatedly. Until I passed out.

I got off work, ran to quickly say goodnight to Mr. RH, and on the way home, on a road I take daily - I was a hair away from running a red light. Right into a huge black truck that was most definitely speeding. Slammed on the brakes, backed up my car, and hyperventilated the whole way home.

Got home, 9 pm, ate 4 bites of my now-cold dinner (Chipoltle, not my favorite but then again I have no fridge at work so I'm stuck eating fast food or something non-perishable. Blech.) Was in bed by 10 pm tweeting all "woe-is-me" style.

Slept for 4 hours and then was wide awake, worrying about work and Mr. RH. Just because I can.

Took 2 sleeping pills at 3 am which gave me approximately 2 more hours of sleep, after 2 hours of tweeting and ceiling-staring.

Deep breaths, lovlies. It's a new day. Despite the fact that I got a pile of crap handed to me at work (nobody's fault, just normal retail-at-Christmas-type stuff), today is a new day. Most of the rest of my Christmas gifts will arrive today. I will bake. I will go into work after I finish this post and get caught up on paperwork... then come home and relax until my 4p-midnight shift.

(Ok, can I complain about that shift a little bit? Anytime I have to work past my preferred bedtime of 10:30 pm, it's not gonna be a good night. Whatever.)

Deep, festive breaths. I got this.

Eight days till Christmas!

More to Lose

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:40:00 +0000

It has hit me lately, how much I've gained. How much my life has changed in the past six months. Seven months ago, life was all about me. I wandered around wasting my money on myself and worrying about me.

Six months later, much is the same - and much is different. I'm still wasting my money, still worrying about myself. But there's this other person - walking and living and breathing and independent from myself - who has so much of my heart. (Side note: Does it sound like I'm writing a post about my child? Cause as I'm typing it - it totally sounds like it.)

Lately, I've been feeling so overwhelmed about life. About how many things I want to do during this festive time of year. There are cookies to be baked, movies to be watched, presents to be purchased, family to be visited, and on and on and on.

And on and on.

And no matter how much effort I put into getting it all done - it's not getting done. I feel like I am one step behind no matter what I do.

I know it's just this time of year - but does anybody else feel like they're failing? Like they're drowning in a mountain of to-dos?

My life is so much fuller now - so much more complete. I feel like everything I've ever wanted is within reach.... but then, on the flip side, I'm failing more now than I ever was before.

I know that it's primarily work and stress and the time-crunch of Christmas... but holy crap, this December is kicking my ass. And for the first time in a long time - I want more than anything NOT to let it. And it's really freaking hard.

Six Months Later

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 13:48:00 +0000

Six months ago today, Mr. RH walked into my life for the third (and last time) as a stranger. I was wearing spandex pants and a push-up bra, just in case I ran into him. I can't remember what he was wearing, but I know for a fact it was dressy, just in case he ran into me.

Since that day, my life has been The After Story. There was everything Before, and now a new chapter has started.

Sometimes, I forget that we haven't known each other forever. That I haven't been there for every moment and every milestone. I forget sometimes that his family might view me as "that girl he's dating" and not as the Great Love of His Life, like I see him.

We spend a lot of time talking about The Future and what it might entail.... and equal amounts of time talking about how we are NOT going to rush through the right-now because the right-now is precious and awesome in its own right.

We decorated our first tree together last night and, despite the fact that I was quite ill with a cold (with a side of straight-up bitchy!), it was exciting to me to think of the next dozen Christmases together. Of traditions and the future and of buying something to replace this white-on-white Christmas tree. Don't get me wrong, it's beautiful and cute but... homegirl has distinct taste in trees and this is distinctly different.

On the other hand, this will probably end up being one of the most special and memorable trees we've ever assembled together. Because it is our first.

Six months, in the grand scheme of life, seems like no time at all. Barely a drop in the bucket. Only 1.9% of my life lived, thus far. And yet.

Most days, I feel like a crazy person. I feel out of control and like NO ONE must understand this feeling. That my heart leaps out of my chest when he walks into a room and my head can't even wrap itself around the wonder that is him.

Other days, it feels like the most natural thing in the world. Me and him, him and me. Us together. As natural as breathing, but as exhilarating as jumping off a cliff.

Six Months. Not a lot of time in the grand scheme of things, but plenty of time for the heart. Who knows what the next 6, 12, 24, or 104 months will bring? Not me. But I am definitely excited to hang around and find out.

{This is where I was going to subtly word-trick you into thinking I was preggers. Because everybody (no, just me?) loves pictures of me and babies. But then I remembered that I'm hopped up on cold medicine and that I'm not as clever as I should be at 9 am. To clarify: despite the fatface in Picture #1, I am indeed NOT preggers. FYI. Bring on the wine!}

Mr. RH: I'll take approximately 100 more six-months with you. Lots of babies (future), lots of fun times. Wine (asap, preferably). Laughter and tears (more of the former, less of the latter. But then again, with me it's more 50/50.) Lots of finding our own way through life. Together.

Happy 6 Months. May the next 600 months be just as amazing as the first 6.

A Christmas Tree

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:48:00 +0000

For the past million Christmases, I have been dying to cut down a live Christmas tree. Unfortunately for me, I have never been in the position to pay/bribe a man to come with and do the heavy chopping/lifting for me.

Enter Mr. RH.

I told him several weeks ago that I had a loong list of Christmas-y Activities that I wanted to complete this year and then I might have cried into my wine saying that we never get enough time together.

I had the flu on Monday so our original tree-cutting plans got scrapped - but fortunately, yesterday was the perfect day! It had snowed 6 inches the night before, but for an odd twist of fate there was no snow at the tree-cutting-farm. (Which turned out to be a stroke of GREAT luck.)

We hiked ourselves to the middle of nowhere to Miller's Tree Farm (Idaville, IN). The place was recommended by one of my dad's coworkers and I can't say I was disappointed. The people were nice and they had a TON of trees for the choosing.

I can't believe I picked one and we got it down in under an hour. I could have browsed for days!

When it came time to do the actual cutting.... I realized that this Christmas tree business was not all fun and games. Rookie mistake!

Poor Mr. RH, he definitely did... all of the work. It was hard! I could barely hold the saw straight! (Also, thank you to Mr. RH for only taking one photo of my ass. I was in a vulnerable position!)

We finally got the tree down and then I dragged it to the car.

Ok, FINE. I posed for this photo and then Mr. RH threw the dang thing over his shoulder and marched off into the wilderness while I contemplated how handsome he is. WHATEVER.

We browsed the gift shop for delicious snacks and I was jealous of all the cute Christmas paraphernalia.

I thought the sign above was pretty much destined for me, unfortunately it wasn't for sale.

And then Mr. RH and I packed the 7 foot tree into the Jetta and drove home with the trunk open. A perfect adventure for our first Christmas together.

In all seriousness though, how could it have been that six months ago I didn't even know his name? I feel so completely excited for Christmas this year, and for once I don't even care about the presents.

Can't wait to get busy trimming that tree! I feel like I'm behind, it's already December 1st!

VS Fashion Show

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:13:00 +0000

So, unless you've been living under a rock you know that last night was the annual Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on CBS. I look forward to this show for various reasons, but mostly because (in the past), I love Heidi Klum. Any chance I get to see my fake-life BFF is high on my to-do list.

Unfortunately for me, my power went out at about 9 pm last night, if not earlier. We got about 5 inches of heavy, wet snow and the power was on and off all night.

Fortunately, the power must have come on for a couple of minutes so I had about 15 minutes of show on my DVR this morning.

So here's the thing. I loved the VS Fashion show in it's heydey. When it was known for over the top Tyra and Heidi and their big smiles and bigger... cup sizes. When there were stories in magazines praising the VS girls' for their big smiles, big laughs, and big personalities on the runway.

What I saw in my 15 minutes of DVR surfing... wasn't that.

Granted, back in the day there was no high-def or screen shots. I can only imagine how much more pressure is added because of today's technology.

However, when I turned on the TV all I saw were pout-mouths and concave tummies. Victoria's big secret was all over ever single model: padded bras! A cup didn't runneth over no matter which way you turned! And the lack of smiles. Oy vey, have they not seen www.antiduckface.com? It's like they're uneducated!

Not to mention, I'm pretty sure they blurred out Adriana Lima's ass-cheek in multiple shots. (Not positive it was her, but there was definite blur used on someone.) I mean, they couldn't find a single pair of underwear that covered her ass? Or at least 1/2 of it?

And this is a total aside... but seriously, is there some magical camel-toe defender that all the models were wearing? I mean... do they band-aid their hoo-has together to prevent accidental camel-ing? I'm just curious. Seriously, that WAS an impressive lack of camel.

So am I just being a crotchety old woman (no surprise there) or is has the VS Fashion Show lost some of its luster? I mean, the show is absolutely better-produced than ever - every little detail is planned meticulously. But to me, it's just lost some of its sparkle. That magical little something.

Something that looks a lot like this:

And now that I have that picture on here... yeah, she does look a little scary-skinnier than I remember. Maybe I should stick to remembering the highlights in my head.

Did anybody else tune in? Thoughts?

Black Death 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:26:00 +0000

As I may have mentioned before, I worked this past Black Friday at 11 pm. Basically, I stayed up for 2 days straight while working my tail off at work. It all went surprisingly well, maybe I'll have to recap that another day.

On Sunday morning, I woke up at 4 am burning up. I couldn't figure out why it was so hot in my house and couldn't figure out why I was wiiide awake.

All I can say is that the stomach flu is seriously The Worst. I haven't had it since my junior year in high school (at least 7 years ago?!) and I had forgotten how awful it is.

I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving... and I shall be back tomorrow (hopefully feeling even better AND eating real food again) sharing all the fun I had on Black Friday.

Happy Monday, pass the ginger ale!

(And don't forget to do your country proud by participating in Cyber Monday... I'm nothing if not patriotic!)

Forever Wasting My Monies

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:05:00 +0000

Soo I think it's about that time again - time for me to blow over a $100 at Forever21 and have not that much to show for it, despite the fact that I received 29 items. 12 of which were the long tunic tank tops I blogged about before.

So, Forever21 had a jewelry sale a while back (30% off all jewelry!) and it's not like I had any willpower to begin with... unfortunately for us all, the F21 site is being 21 kinds of crazy this morning and I can't get to the items to link to them. So you're just going to have to bug me on twitter if you neeeeed to purchase any of these here awesome items. (So yeah, you're probably going to be just fine.)

First up, new skinny jeans! I know everyone has great Gap skinnies or something like that... but this is my 3rd and 4th pair of $10.50 skinny jeans from F21 and I could not be happier. My first pair need retired because they are almost 3 years old and are all faded and awesome.

I got one pair of the Dark Skinny Ankle Jeans for boot-tucking....

... and then the Fab Stitch Skinny Jean for everyday wear with flats/heels/whatever. Unfortunately the regular pair still has a HORRIBLE gapping problem at the waist. Or I just have to order 3 sizes up to fit my thighs. Either/or.

Next up: shirts of shame. So ugly I didn't even bother trying to make a photo of them look decent. They're awful. First, the Wild Lace Top. So wild it's hideous.

And then the soft dolman sweater. Dude, WTF is dolman and why won't it go the hell away? It's heinous.

And it sucks because the sweater was really soft too.

And then... I decided my life needed more belts. Lots of them. And this is how I learned that not all XS/S belts are measured the same...

See also: I like metallics.

Need another example of shiny love? Metallic Animal Spot Scarf. I'm so in love that I'm already devastated about the inevitable snagging that will ruin this scarf.

And then... there were accessories. I have no clue why I decided I needed a brooch... but no worries, the Pearlescent Bow Brooch will be there when I need her.

This braided rhinestone bracelet is cute... but I know my boss would love it for Christmas. Hard decisions....

I looove these Glittered Leopard Print Earrings, even if they are a teeny bit heavy. My ears would be stretchy at the end of a work day, for sure... (gross!!)

But then I tried on these Beaded Teardrop Earrings and realized that if I ever jump into a body of water... these bad boys WILL drown me. Look at THAT earlobe stretch. (omg, I just barfed in my mouth. Is this stretch talk making anyone else yak?)

Last but not least of the earrings... earring perfection: Rhinestone Teardrop Earrings. Unlike most F21 earrings, they aren't huge, heavy, or cheap looking. I have a feeling I am going to be wearing these a lot.

It might just be me, but there is something about Christmas-time that makes me crave headbands. Maybe I just like the idea of wrapping myself up as a present, but I think that one can't wear enough festive headwear during the holidays, especially whilst working retail and working hard to keep a smile one one's face.

However, I think I missed the mark on this first one. I bought 3 different colors. In my defense, it was only $1.

Yes, that is my face of shame, thanks for asking.

I sorry?

Fortunately, it wasn't all misses in the headwear department. This Rhinestone Flower headband is AMAZING.

But not as amazing as the Rosette Headband.... it's light and airy and feels like nothing on my head. If only it came in red...

Last but not least, the mac-daddy of my holiday headwear: the Glittered Bow Headband. So obnoxious it needs its own zip code (but in a good way).

As an update, yes I got my Kindle Fire yesterday. It charged all day yesterday and I just started playing with it an hour ago. Aaaand then came the technical difficulties. We'll discuss more at a later date, yes?

Happy Tuesday, lovelies...

Today's the Day? Holygod I Hope So...

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:52:00 +0000

All around the internet everyone is allll "omfg my Kindle Fire just showed up...."

Meanwhile I'm all like "Amazon.com, I will CUT YOU. Get my Kindle Fire here NOW."

Soooo.... today's the day. Maybe.

I seriously don't think I can wait any longer. I just wanna touch it!

Plus, it's been near delivery for a week now and I'm overrrr it. Gimmie.

Occupy Something That Matters!

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:24:00 +0000

Maybe I'm just jaded - or uneducated or dumb - but if I hear anything else about occupying Wall Street (or any other damn street) I'm going to lose my mind. I don't know how to articulate it any better than to say: I don't care. Feel free to occupy whatever the hell you choose but for the love of God I really don't want to hear about it. Anywhere. Twitter, the news. Any. damn. where.

Seriously.

Mr. RH was about to get a smackdown when he saw my tweet and texted me asking if I wanted to occupy Wall Street with him. NOT. FUNNY.

So, if you've been living under a rock (I have!), People Magazine named Bradley Cooper the Sexiest Man Alive of 2011.

If you are me, you will wonder... umm, what EXACTLY did Bradley Cooper do in 2011? Umm... yeah. Imdb.com hear my prayers.... they say in 2011 he was in Hangover Pt. 2 and Limitless. If you have never heard of Limitless raise your hand... waves arms wildly in the air.

So, yeah. Poor choice People magazine... let's see if people.com remains my #1 most visited website for long....

And then, I saw a Gawker.com article last night that restored my faith in humanity. My faith in the fact that people are good and hilarious and my kind of people.

Occupy People Magazine.

Tens if not twenties of people lined up outside the People Magazine headquarters to declare their message:

Bradley Cooper is just fine,
But Ryan Gosling is divine.

This year? Mr. Gosling has been in 3 movies and Crazy Stupid Love was possibly the sexiest movie I've ever seen.

Case and point? This photo. And his wardrobe for the movie. Holyshit.

{photo via}

I don't want to be scandalous or embarrass him, but I'm pretty sure Mr. RH got turned on by this movie and it wasn't from Emma Stone. Just sayin!

But really, who can blame him??

Ryan Gosling. The REAL Sexiest Man Alive 2011.

Occupy something REAL, friends. Celebrity magazines.

Wine Wednesday: Trashy Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:46:00 +0000

I snapped my Wine Wednesday pic last week in a rare moment of domesticity... but when I went back to look at it, I felt like it was a totally unrealistic depiction of my life right now. I have eaten french fries no less than 8 times in 2 weeks which.... I don't think has ever happened before. I crave junk food on the daily (hello stress hips!).

I was totally digging on this Barefood Sweet Red though - so much in fact that I couldn't even re-do the photos because I drank the whole bottle while considering alternate wine poses.

I know, hard life.

Therefore, I give you my 6:30 am on a Wednesday interpretation of my current feelings instead.

Taken with water because obviously I have a meeting in less than an hour. And a full day of work. I can't tell what my favorite part of this picture is... I think it might be my favorite bath robe. It's a toss up.

Hope life is treating you well.... please drink a gallon of wine for me. xx

Deep Breaths

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Ok, real quick I am just gonna take some deeeeep breaths. Have I mentioned that I work retail? And that the biggest day in retail (therapy) is.... 10 days away.

Black Friday 2011.

As a customer, I am not a Black Friday shopper. I have shopped on Black Friday, but I'm not a crazy who will line up at midnight or anything like that.

This year? My mall is opening up at midnight. Guess which manager is setting her alarm for 10 pm on Thanksgiving night? This girl!!

Actually, come to think of it, I don't know when I'm going to set my alarm for. All the anchors in my mall open at midnight and I'm a little confused as to when people are going to show up and start "waiting" for the big doorbusters. Will I be able to find a parking spot at 11 pm? I'm not even sure! I certainly do NOT have the option of being late.

Last year, I headed to the mall around 3:15 am (my store opened at 5) and it was busy - there were a couple of stores opening at midnight. This year is a whole different beast.

The scariest part is that no one can predict how many people are going to show up and when. We keep details of the store's traffic pattern from years' past - but this is the first year we're opening before 5 am.

Basically, all these words to say: I'm straight-up freaking out. I have NO idea how I'm going to manage to be well-rested enough to head to work at roughly the same time I'd be falling asleep for the night.

Not to mention the fact that I'm 5% grumpy that I will not be spending a second of Thanksgiving with Mr. RH's family. I know that I "chose" retail as my profession (it chose me!), but still. Not getting much time at all with family sucks, no matter the situation. Says the grumpy girl who gets a 4 hour Thanksgiving that starts at, oh, 11 am.

---------------------------------

On another, much-much better note: just days (or hours?) until this bad boy shows up. Oh hey, for the next week while I'm awake at all hours obsessing about work? I can play with my new toy. Win-win?

Does anybody know the point at which your body starts shutting down from lack of sleep? Did I mention that in addition to Black Friday I will be at work on Sunday until at least 2 am - but I'm guessing it will be more like 4 am?

Yeah.

Wine time? (Nevermind the fact that it's 6:10 am.)

Earth Shatteringly Important

noreply@blogger.com (Classy Fab Sarah) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 13:30:00 +0000

Ladies,
It's not very often that I reach out when I need help... because I'm one of those people who always says "No, I'm fine, I've got it under control" but I'm really lying.

Today, I need you.

Mr. RH has repeatedly asked me for a Christmas list. I nonchalantly replied that a diamond would suffice but he got all grumpy and said that wasn't a Christmas present but, honestly, who doesn't think that diamonds make appropriate Christmas gifts? Men, humph.

So then I got an awesome Christmas-y email. From TOMS. Yes, the ugly shoe people. You all know that I've had a mostly hate-hate relationship with TOMS (in fact I put them right on par with the ugliness of Uggs) but... then the came out with the wedge. And I wore it on one of my first few dates with Mr. RH and he thought I was smoking hot and GAME OVER.

So. Christmas email. New Holiday Styles. Color me overexcited.

But then.. the dilemma.

There are 4 contenders:

Houndstooth Wedge, $69
Snow Leopard Wedge, $69
Pewter Sequin Wedge, $89
Black Sequin Wedge, $89

Mr. RH loves snow leopard so those got his vote. I love houndstooth so I was drawn to those first... but then, SPARKLES!! The silver turn me on but I have the gray canvas wedges and wish I had the black... so black sparkles take the lead.

But do I need to pay an extra $20 for an extra-extra pair of TOMS sparkle wedges that I don't need to begin with? That is the question.

Actually, I have a couple of questions for TOMS while we're at it.

Why are your holiday wedges open-toed? We aren't all in sunny California and I reeeeally hate stressing about whether it's fashionably acceptable to wear tights with open-toed wedges. It's just so unnecessary.
Why did you not make this hot red Houndstooth in a wedge? It's like you hate me. We both know that women with size 8 feet should never wear the flat TOMS because I will look ugly and die.
Red Sequin Wedges. Just think about it. (Like Dorothy in Wizard of Oz but hotter!)

Soo... I need your help. Pick my wedges please or sentence me to a season of ugly, seasonally-inappropriate shoes.

Please. Help a sad sister out.