tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130Mon, 03 Dec 2012 04:08:29 +0000obsessions, musings, and whatever else strikes my fancyhttp://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (alr)Blogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-7074878526319022120Tue, 07 Apr 2009 06:21:00 +00002009-04-06T23:48:16.148-07:00Wow, it's been over a month since I wrote here. What can I say - I'm a busy bee and also just enjoying pregnancy. But here are a few updates:1. The Mister and I went on a little weekend getaway a few weeks ago, to a small coastal town, and loved every moment. We stayed in a spacious suite complete with wood burning fireplace, deck, trail access to ocean bluffs, and delicious breakfasts. We saw http://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2009_04_01_archive.html#7074878526319022120noreply@blogger.com (alr)54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-1397113788272237291Sun, 22 Feb 2009 23:10:00 +00002009-02-22T15:31:22.765-08:00There are a few cult favorite beauty products out there such as Clinique's Almost Lipstick in Black Honey (I think they discontinued this line EXCEPT for Black Honey which speaks to its popularity), Maybelline's Great Lash mascara, and Shu Uemura's lash curler.NARS' blush in Orgasm is probably the most famous blush and boasts to be universally flattering on all skin tones. I have been fascinated http://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2009_02_01_archive.html#1397113788272237291noreply@blogger.com (alr)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-7443360889953617354Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:12:00 +00002009-02-13T10:23:35.191-08:00Dining on Turkish appetizers and desserts - dolmas, cevizli ezme, baklava amongst othersTangerines - the big bags of Cuties at Trader Joe'sCupcakes - but thankfully these are on their way out of my obsession radarLooking for my fave earrings which I haven't seen in monthsFantasizing about a weekend getawayBabycenter.com, sleeping with extra pillows, elastic waist bands - yes, I'm pregnant...whichhttp://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2009_02_01_archive.html#7443360889953617354noreply@blogger.com (alr)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-3313599124273083106Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:23:00 +00002009-01-20T10:45:23.834-08:00It’s official - 12pm est, Barack Obama is our new president! When Barack Obama won the election to become the 44th POTUS, I felt a sense of renewed hope and possibility for our nation. I know there are a lot of haters out there, but I hope they will give Obama a chance, recognize he is human and no one is perfect, stop interpreting his views inaccurately, and realize coming times have got to be http://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2009_01_01_archive.html#3313599124273083106noreply@blogger.com (alr)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-6830880857334527385Fri, 16 Jan 2009 06:47:00 +00002009-01-20T12:05:19.234-08:00I didn't plan anything for my birthday this year but thought it would be worthwhile to acknowledge it. It's hard to believe a whole year has passed since my big 30th birthday bash! It has been a fabulous year full of great friends and great fun - probably one of my best ever. So it's true, life gets better and better and the 30s are indeed the new 20s.I'm not doing anything fancy this year http://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2009_01_01_archive.html#6830880857334527385noreply@blogger.com (alr)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-8707243497276579394Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:50:00 +00002009-01-06T18:59:44.935-08:00 For the first time in seven years, I finally bought new glasses thanks to the fortuitous timing of having two consecutive jobs that included VSP insurance in 2008. I have an exceptionally wide face so when I went shopping for glasses there were literally THREE pairs that fit out of hundreds. The first two were hideous and the silver lining is the pair pictured above.At first, I wasn't too keen http://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2009_01_01_archive.html#8707243497276579394noreply@blogger.com (alr)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-575851535926965986Tue, 30 Dec 2008 02:35:00 +00002008-12-29T18:38:47.324-08:00Just when I thought I was going to coast into the New Year, home free and chillin', we decide to visit our family in Southern California last minute. Okay, so it's for my mother-in-law's birthday and they asked us to come down (less than a week from the day of, mind you). We have got to stop doing these last-minute flights because they are expensive. Plus, it takes up three of my vacation days ofhttp://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2008_12_01_archive.html#575851535926965986noreply@blogger.com (alr)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-5019670109882997065Thu, 25 Dec 2008 18:08:00 +00002008-12-25T10:27:05.530-08:00M*E*R*R*Y C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S!I wish you a happy holiday of cheer, merriment, love, and lightness.The Today Show has been talking about the Christmas story, religion, JESUS and not in a PC-heavy or ironic way. It is nice to see the meaning of the season embraced so publicly.In this natural time of looking back before looking forward, I think about how at the beginning of the year I thought 2008 http://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2008_12_01_archive.html#5019670109882997065noreply@blogger.com (alr)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-8314816816470248274Sat, 20 Dec 2008 04:38:00 +00002008-12-19T21:04:30.435-08:00I love Christmas, it was my favorite holiday. It still may be. But, it's no secret that the season is tangled up in major consumer culture, materialsm, and political correctness. Add to that pre-vacation pushes at work, sugar overload, and fun parties that take place weeks before the actual holiday. What I have at the end of a whirlwind first three weeks of December is exhaustion. But perhaps it http://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2008_12_01_archive.html#8314816816470248274noreply@blogger.com (alr)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-1260128729502517272Tue, 09 Dec 2008 05:18:00 +00002008-12-08T21:43:07.746-08:00Chrismakkuh comes early in the form of holiday parties.12/4 - Over the Rhine concert in SF was totally worth trekking to the city on a work night. It was really strange hearing the band talk so openly about Christmas, sing Christmas songs (albeit more melancholy style ones), and have a World Vision booth there - this is SF we're talking about. It was awesome.12/5 - The Mister's holiday party tookhttp://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2008_12_01_archive.html#1260128729502517272noreply@blogger.com (alr)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-8729459250105454796Thu, 27 Nov 2008 08:37:00 +00002008-11-27T01:02:54.485-08:00It's Thanksgiving already, and all I can think about is...how tired I am!But I'm thankful for:1. Health2. Family (primarily the Mister)3. Friends4. Home5. PetsAnd the many awesome things that have occurred so far in 2008 -- like turning 3-0, several fun times w/ girlfriends (my faves notably being dancing and tea), getting a beauty writing gig, getting a better job, traveling, and the day to day http://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2008_11_01_archive.html#8729459250105454796noreply@blogger.com (alr)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-1882362288199482050Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:54:00 +00002008-11-14T01:56:03.422-08:00I go through phases of restlessness. They often come in times of mild bouts of depression. I've never been diagnosed with clinical depression, but in college my counselor said I should have been when I was in the fourth grade. Alas, I've stumbled through the past thirty years okay but with waves of lows. This is not a case of cause and effect. Really, I don't have complaints about my life and http://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2008_11_01_archive.html#1882362288199482050noreply@blogger.com (alr)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-8445972198585540051Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:36:00 +00002008-11-10T22:34:58.638-08:00Meditating on this today. It's not new, but it is powerful and timeless to me.For lyrics, click here.http://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2008_11_01_archive.html#8445972198585540051noreply@blogger.com (alr)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-3597622084566731610Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:42:00 +00002008-11-10T22:51:10.540-08:00"Yes we can" - YES WE WILL. YES WE DID.Yes, in this lifetime.Yes, right now.Yes, Barack Obama is our next president.Obama didn't just win a campaign, he didn't just become president-elect. He inspired people to hope again, made us remember that change is within reach, made us CARE. He shows us our country's bright potential. This victory has revived so many weary souls.We will never forget http://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2008_11_01_archive.html#3597622084566731610noreply@blogger.com (alr)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-4597181351908549141Tue, 28 Oct 2008 05:36:00 +00002008-10-27T22:57:01.323-07:00I didn't grow up going to rock concerts - opera, plays, jazz, symphony, sure, but not le rock - so I was rather deprived in that way. I went to a few small random shows in college and that was cool but not really my flavor (particularly that patchouli layered over B.O. scent that permeates in Santa Cruz). In recent years I have gone to more live shows and as I bought tickets online for Over the http://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2008_10_01_archive.html#4597181351908549141noreply@blogger.com (alr)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-8894194778737776885Mon, 27 Oct 2008 05:44:00 +00002008-10-26T23:12:15.628-07:00I had a lot of freshy fresh fun this weekend, and it has breathed a little bit of new life in me. Even though I'm naturally an introvert, I do need people to help me get out of my head, to laugh with, to express and process feelings, to enjoy life, to dance. The Mister, an extrovert, has been a great influence in bringing me out of my shell and showing me through example what value it is to be http://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2008_10_01_archive.html#8894194778737776885noreply@blogger.com (alr)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-1508969092356440369Sat, 25 Oct 2008 19:24:00 +00002008-10-25T13:30:49.828-07:00I've been in a sort of funk lately, and finally am getting some clues as to why. As many people experience, exercising and eating well contribute greatly to feeling good. They also help prevent depression and boost energy levels.For the past month, I've been more tired and irritable than usual. Things that normally don't bother me - or thought I had moved past - creep under my skin. I found http://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2008_10_01_archive.html#1508969092356440369noreply@blogger.com (alr)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-6523770024835200026Wed, 08 Oct 2008 04:10:00 +00002008-10-07T21:20:38.078-07:00My library has a kick-ass selection of music and I have been taking full advantage (i.e. The Duke Spirit, Ray LaMontagne, The Raveonettes, Edith Piaf). Today's goodies in no particular order:Stars - Set Yourself on FireCat Power - JukeboxDuffy - RockferryThe Red Violin soundtrackThe Piano soundtrackThe New Pornographers - ChallengersRatatat - ClassicsGlenn Miller - The Lost RecordingsAll this http://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2008_10_01_archive.html#6523770024835200026noreply@blogger.com (alr)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-5934046178708560128Fri, 03 Oct 2008 02:43:00 +00002008-10-02T20:32:53.008-07:00Well hello there.Last I left you, I was off to go on an adventure. I left the very busy month of August with idealism and brightness for my first trip overseas.I have been back since mid-September and have not had the energy to update. So to catch you up on so many things, a post full of lists is what I leave you today.Peru/Argentina - a.k.a. my first time overseas. This trip was more hard work http://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2008_10_01_archive.html#5934046178708560128noreply@blogger.com (alr)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-5220458605482653846Wed, 20 Aug 2008 02:50:00 +00002008-08-19T20:26:16.283-07:00Life has been quite a whirlwind lately, and I am so looking forward to respite. I found that I was overloading myself this month -- lots of extra work, continuing with the Sparkle*Shelf gig, and still having some social life (very important).In an attempt to get my life back to zen (and I use that term very loosely), I have decided to put the Sparkle*Shelf gig on hold until October and not obsesshttp://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2008_08_01_archive.html#5220458605482653846noreply@blogger.com (alr)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-6996482506173174558Sun, 10 Aug 2008 00:05:00 +00002008-08-09T17:28:17.243-07:00SERIOUSLY?!So Real Cru got the most votes?! Did anyone else see Super Cr3w's Superman routine and Fanny Pak's Get Your Freak On number?! So Real Cru is boring. Not very innovative and no crazy tricks.This is what I HATE about shows that require viewer votes.Super Cr3w and Fanny Pak should have been top 2. Props to both - they both brought everything to the 80s challenge.But please don't let So http://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2008_08_01_archive.html#6996482506173174558noreply@blogger.com (alr)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-2953666014801529570Fri, 25 Jul 2008 01:46:00 +00002008-07-24T18:59:47.386-07:00I've been busy and unmotivated to blog lately, partly because I don't really blog about work with a few exceptions yet work is what is keeping me busy. I'll just say this: I started a new job on July 1 and I love it. I do not dread Monday mornings, start getting gloomy on Sunday nights, count the minutes until I get to leave. These are all good things. Also good are warm/smart/cool people, http://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html#2953666014801529570noreply@blogger.com (alr)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-159402202591906456Sat, 05 Jul 2008 05:29:00 +00002008-07-04T22:36:26.714-07:00SUPER CR3W.I think Super Cr3w needs to battle with Jabba Wockees. Did you see them do their Superman routine?SC and Fanny Pak are my faves this season.http://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html#159402202591906456noreply@blogger.com (alr)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-1225167277402279181Sun, 22 Jun 2008 02:01:00 +00002008-06-21T19:10:31.670-07:00Why were Fanny Pak and Distorted X in the bottom two? They were both way better than a handful of the other crews! Ugh, that's the downside of reality shows that depend on audience voting.Did anyone else hate the pop-ups? I wanted to see the entire routine and hear the music, but that pop-up obstructed a good chunk of the bottom left corner.Vote off the cheerleaders, save the show.http://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2008_06_01_archive.html#1225167277402279181noreply@blogger.com (alr)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940851097197912130.post-2214795050577638593Thu, 12 Jun 2008 05:58:00 +00002008-06-11T23:07:01.202-07:00One day, nearly two years ago I sensed this and blogged it on MySpace: Thursday, August 31, 2006 infinite stretches of land and sky "You will findhttp://freshminthotpink.blogspot.com/2008_06_01_archive.html#2214795050577638593noreply@blogger.com (alr)2