Goldteef

On Beauty

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:01:00 +0000

My love for Garance Doré knows no bounds. Not only is she an amazing artist (that's her drawing above), but a thoughtful and funny woman. She had a write-up about the difference between feeling and looking beautiful that I just loved. The comments were the best, too.

So go over and take a gander. I'd love to hear your take on the subject!

Horrible Humans

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 13:02:00 +0000

Yesterday was a tough day, wasn't it? It reminds me (again) that the world is full of pretty horrible humans. I say humans instead of people, because people wouldn't injure and kill other people. People understand each and every one of us is an important part of a family, a circle of friends, a thriving system. People don't treat other people like disposable pawns or faceless, nameless victims. People treat other people like they matter.

I don't think these horrible humans are in the majority, no way. But I do think these horrible humans have the power to freak us out on a national level. Fear is such a powerful tool and its use was in full effect yesterday. It breaks my heart to remember the happenings in Boston are daily occurrences in some parts of the world. But yesterday we heard about it because fear was in our neck of the woods.

The knee-jerk response is to fight back, isn't it? That's not going to work, though. That is what horrible humans want. We need to reach out to one another and remember we are people. We need to remember that horrible humans were people once, too. They probably have people who love and care about them. It this an immediate solution? Of course not, but I do know it is the change we need to see in the world.

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Music Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:05:00 +0000

When Tame Impala's new album came out last year it was on constant repeat for a good two weeks.

It's the perfect "anytime" music, really.

Here's to a good week!

Thesis Defense Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:14:00 +0000

All I really want to do is take a sheik-style Ruby nap right now,

but today I will be defending my thesis!

Link Love and Lovelies will be back next week!

Wish me luck!

Just remember...

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:53:00 +0000

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My Hair Spirit Animal

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 14:42:00 +0000

How amazing can this woman look? While I know she can't be my face and body spirit animal (wouldn't THAT be nice!), I do think we share the same face shape and hair texture. Of course, my hair is skewing a lot more grey as of late, but her perfectly messy, ombréd coif seems a good fit for me.

But HOW do you get that perfect bedhead?? The hair-gods want to know!

Music Monday: Bradford Cox

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:08:00 +0000

I can't tell you how excited I am for Bradford Cox's new project to come out. He is psychotic and talented and sad and brilliant and tortured. So essentially the perfect songwriter. Here he covers Leonard Cohen, another sad and brilliant and tortured soul.

Here's to a week that flys by! I defend my thesis on Friday...eek!

Friday Link Love and Lovelies

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:02:00 +0000

Happy Friday! I haven't been more glad to see a weekend in awhile! Even though my weekend will be filled to the brim with school stuff, I don't care...this week was brutal.

Here's a clip of a new documentary about Marina Abramović. I talked about her a few years ago when this installation was live. This clip is one of the most powerful things I've seen on film. Intense, I know!

Here's some links for your weekend! Wish me luck and productivity!

~ He will be very missed.

~ Into it.

~ Everybody just needs to give Kim a damn break.

~ Loving this attic remodel...and that hassock!

~ Cute photo booth backdrop.

~ LOVE.

~ I've always wondered!

Easing Through the Week...

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:07:00 +0000

If you haven't noticed, I've been trying to get my infernal checklist completed this week. Let's just say it's been quite the challenge. I've been trying to also let myself ease through the week by not putting too much pressure on myself in other aspects...ahem, like doing the dishes or laundry!

It feels a lot like a marathon I've been running nonstop for two years, now. Not only am I exhausted, I am SO ready for the finish line! Wish me luck!

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Little Escape

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:33:00 +0000

This is the cutest collection of commercials by Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola.

I'm in love with Léa Seydoux!

Enjoy.

To do.

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:55:00 +0000

Well, I think Spring has finally arrived! Along with it comes a monumental checklist. I thought I'd post it here to have a little more accountability in ticking things off the list!

Finish thesis presentation.
Finish THESIS!
Clean out my pantry.
Take the pups on more walks.
Finish my clinical rotation.
Finish leadership presentation.
Finish leadership paper.
Defend thesis.
Breathe.

Do you have a spring cleaning list?

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Music Monday: The Rolling Stones

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 14:50:00 +0000

This weekend I had the opportunity to watch Crossfire Hurricane. It's a great documentary about the Rolling Stones and the crazy rock star lives they have led. After finishing the doc I came to a few conclusions:

~ Nothing beats a young Mick Jagger.

~ Keith Richards looked about 75 when he was 20, so he really has aged well when you think about it.

~ Being a rock star is tough work.

~ I don't listen to enough Stones.

So for music Monday here's one of my faves. Here's to a good week!

Friday Link Love and Lovelies

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 15:04:00 +0000

Oh boy, do I ever need a vacation! I only have TWO WEEKS left before my thesis defense and things are not moving along as smoothly as I had hoped...I guess they call that life and to deal with it! I am more than just a little nervous about this if you haven't noticed from my last 89 posts about being stressed out. I promise to be more upbeat here in a week or two!

Anyway, I am looking forward to celebrating Sissyteef's birthday this weekend at a local Chinese food restaurant called the Mandarin. It's apparently world-famous! Today marks an exciting shift for her as she moves away from one job and towards another adventure! Hope you have a nice and relaxing weekend!

~ Getting a short hair itch...!

~ Mental vacation to any of these beaches.

~ These kind of things make me ever so sad I'm gluten free...

~ Would you drink a cocktail with a marshmallow? I would!

~ How fun!

~ Oh, to be a farmer in Scotland sounds so amazing sometimes!

~ Annnnd you're welcome.

xo.

On Setting Boundaries...

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:47:00 +0000

I know we've broached this subject before, but I thought it was important to revisit. Mostly because I am realizing how guilty women are made to feel when they say "no."

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but do we women start policing each other and how much we've sacrificed with our jobs, families, and relationships? I feel this, "Well, I did it so you should have to now," mentality permeating my everyday life! I know I sound naive, but I've had the privilege to work in some relatively martyr-free environments in my day...and I think it spoiled me!

So how do I draw my proverbial line in the sand without seeming like a laze or unambitious? Is there any happy ground? I feel (many, not all, of course) men are given respect when they say something conflicts with their schedule, but a rationale must be given from a woman. What gives and how do we fix it?

Wishes Wednesday: Cute Sweaters!

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:37:00 +0000

If you know me, you know my obsession with Madewell. They have consistently classic and sweet styles that I can see myself wearing for years. Their new lightweight sweaters are killing me they are so cute!

I mean, come on!

French Pharmacy Finds

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:54:00 +0000

One of the things I am still kicking myself over is not taking any time to explore a few French pharmacies while Shug and I were in Paris. Yes, yes, we spent our days filled to the brim with fun and red wine, but I love exploring drug stores in different countries to see what beauty products they have to offer!

Luckily, Amazon is making the world smaller in a much better way! I have a few staples I use religiously now that come straight from the aisles of a French pharmacy. The first find is the amazingly moisturizing Ducray Ictayne Creme. It is non-comedogenic and sooooo nice for parched winter skin. I usually slather this on at night over a serum to wake up to soft and super-moisturized skin.

Avibon is a thick and tacky gel that is rich in vitamin A. I use this alone at night and after about a month saw some reduction in fine lines and discoloration. It is THICK and produces a great barrier to moisture loss. This is also a great winter cream, but I use it year-round.

Finally, a light moisturizer I found for daytime is Embryolisse Hydrating Creme with Orange Extract. It is just the right amount of moisture for under makeup and leaves your skin with a slightly dewy finish. While it doesn't have SPF it doesn't break me out and my skin loves it!

I have other beauty finds from around the globe I'll talk about it a different post. Do you have anything in your beauty arsenal that comes from across the pond?

Music Monday: Grimes

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 14:24:00 +0000

I'm sure you've heard of Grimes.

She hails from Canada and makes all of her own beats and music.

She's also totally cray...which is often paired with genius in some form,

so I'm pretty ok with that.

This song can't not get stuck in your head. Just watch!

Here's to a Monday that flies by!

Friday Link Love and Lovelies

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:36:00 +0000

Just look at that stinker, Tucker. He may be the smartest dog I've ever met! He's also the most mischievous...He's always nosing Ruby out of her snuggle spot and opening the bathroom door when you are trying to pee. He also gets really bent out of shape when Shug shows me any physical affection. He whines and grumbles even at at hug! He's a stinker, I told you!

This weekend has me held up working on my thesis defense. I am literally locking myself in my house until it is completed! So wish this prisoner some luck AND motivation!

Here's some lovelies for your weekend, I hope you aren't locked in like me!

~ The cutest 500 square foot apartment...for a family of 4!

~ Say it isn't so...Dewy-4-Lyfe.

~ French pharmacy must-haves.

~ Would you be brave enough to wear this?!

~ I'm having REAL trouble with Rory Gilmore marrying Pete Campbell.

~ I'd use these baskets year-round!

~ Speaking of Easter, these natural dye eggs are amazing!

What I've Been Loving Lately...

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 14:26:00 +0000

I've been wearing this arrow necklace nonstop since the holidays!

This chambray shirt has a cute little star print that I've been rocking under a cardigan for clinic days.

I have been living off of this Sweet Rose Tulsi tea. It's relaxing and apparently has amazing antioxidant powers!

What has been on heavy rotation for you, lately?

Wishes Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:44:00 +0000

This wishes Wednesday has something that I just received for my birthday from Shug...and a plea for the next six weeks to fly by. Never in my life have I wanted the clock to tick more quickly. In six weeks I will be done with school!

This Hello sweatshirt is soooo soft and I see myself wearing it with skinny jeans now and maybe with some white cutoffs with the sleeves rolled up in the cooler months of summer. OKAY! Now, hurry on up, summer!

About Girls

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:48:00 +0000

Have you been watching HBO's Girls?

All I can say about the season finale is...wow. But "wow" in the kind of way your friend would say to you after you did something monumentally dumb...in the cafeteria...in front of the whole school. *If you aren't caught up, I'd advise to skip this post from here on out!*

First of all, I grew up on the weekly escapades of the four friends in Sex and the City. I was a teenager when I started "learning" about what being in your 30s was all about. Not only was Sex and the City a total fantasy world, it never got really ugly. Yes, the characters had to deal with some serious stuff, but these issues were always handled in next season's Balenciaga and a great coat of lip gloss. Girls is the antithesis of Sex and the City. The camera never wavers from these girls, even when all you can do is look away yourself.

The season finale found (most) of the girls right back where they had started at the beginning of the season, but much worse for the wear. Marnie, hardly the self-made woman she set out to be, ends right back up in her ex-boyfriend's arms...who is now rich and successful and all of a sudden meets Marnie's qualifications for a "man." Jessa has run off for another spirit quest and Hannah, oh dear lord, Hannah is a total wreck.

The only girl I feel that has broken out of her rut is Shoshanna, who was extremely one dimensional in the first season. This season we find her gaining confidence and having insight well beyond her years (and her peers, for that matter!) When she tells her 30-year old boyfriend as she is breaking up with him that she, "can't be the only thing [he] likes," I was almost shocked at the profound nature of that statement. Shosh has been given the comic relief bit for too much of the show and I was so glad she was finally gifted some meaty material...even if it still had to be peppered with a million "likes."

But Hannah. We have to talk about Hannah. AND Adam. These are textbook cases of misery loving company. Hannah, who seems to be on the upswing for half of the season, bottoms out with the ear cleaning that was heard round the world. Her obsessive-compulsive behaviors are back with a vengeance and isolate Hannah even further from the only things that truly sustain her. Hannah really is nothing without an audience and we see this sad state progress as fewer and fewer of her friends and family have time for her manipulative ways.

What makes me feel for Hannah is that I truly believe a part of her does not know that she is manipulative. Hearing her druggie neighbor tell her she is self-involved stings because this is the first time we, and probably Hannah, have heard this point-blank.

And, to the rescue, comes Adam. Who HAD what seemed like an amazing, communicative girlfriend, but he throws that away as soon as the codependent Hannah "facespaces" him. I get that this last scene was a cliche, but I still was so grossed out by the return of shirtless-Adam. This is the Adam that feeds off of Hannah's manipulation and self-obsession. This Adam ain't healthy.

So, what are your thoughts on this train wreck? Can't look away? Neither can I! And I can't wait for next season!

Music Monday: Warpaint

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:06:00 +0000

Warpaint.

Love them.

Here's to a good week!

Friday Link Love and Lovelies

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 14:17:00 +0000

Well Spring Break sure flew by! I got about 10% completed on my to-do list, too! I'm not going to beat myself up over it because sometimes you just need to take a breather. This is my last school break before graduation in a couple of months and I couldn't be more ready to finish up this program!

Spring Break sure was fun since I was able to hang out with Mummateef and Sissyteef! We went to lunch at my favorite little Vietnamese place, Oh Mai. If you get a chance you must try it! Sissyteef wanted to stay for dinner she loved it so much!

This weekend I am hoping to work on my research, take more photos of inventory for WrenRetro, and go to barre class with Bestest Best. What plans do you have for the weekend?

~ Cutest collection of raindrops.

~ LOVE this new blog.

~ Thoughts on these major ear cuffs?

~ Gonna make this and use it forever!

~ Famous writers' habits.

~ Love this banner...and the thought of a cake day!

~ Amazing, hypnotic miracle.

Beauty Black Magic: Infotone Hydrating Mist

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 13:59:00 +0000

I feel like I may be going a little coocoolala. I have been spraying plain old water on my face and I have been seeing some amazing results. Like, results all sorts of potions and lotions couldn't really get a handle on in the past.

I have always been skeptical of the bottled waters sold for the face. Evian and Avène have cult followings. Both tout healing and wondrous properties like healing eczema or calming rosacea. I once used a 100% pure water spray an esthetician forced on me a few years ago and the half-full bottle found its final resting place in the recycle bin. I just didn't see any difference in my skin with this extra step.

Fast forward to a face that is super-stressed from school drama. My skin is splotchy and red, with some stress breakouts, to boot. I don't know what possessed me to order some Infotone Hydrating Mist (stress shop much?), but after about three weeks of using this everyday I have started to notice some great changes in my skin! My tone has really evened out and become less red and my stress blemishes seem to be healing much more quickly. I definitely didn't see these kind of results with the elixir that esthetician duped me into buying years ago, either.

So, here I go with the real coocoolala part....Infotone claims, "Each mister contains a non-toxic and 100% natural ceramic bead infused with Aistiva's patented BioT™ technology. BioT™ allows simple spring water to activate skin's natural healing ability resulting in clear, youthful, and glowing skin." Erm, excuse me? A magic bead that heals my skin with what? Magic vibrations? You also can refill the bottle for up to a year and this bead will apparently fuel the new water with the same magic.

I know. I am rolling my eyes at myself! But, damn, if that magic bead hasn't given me some better skin! If the placebo effect is wrong in this case, I don't wanna be right.

Have you ever had a beauty product or ritual that you are convinced can't work, but does wonders for your skin? I don't want to be alone in this, people!

Living on the Cheap with Celiac's Disease

noreply@blogger.com (Wren) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:41:00 +0000

Sometimes going to Whole Foods can be like a trip to Disney Land for a gluten-free gal such as myself. These days there are endless options in the aisles of wheat-free fare...gluten-free burritos, ready-bake pizzas, cake mixes, even crackers that look like Ritz! Almost ten years ago, when I first received my diagnosis, this kind of heaven was just a dream.

But heaven comes at a price...If you've perused the shelves at your local Whole Foods or organic market, gluten-free foods, especially the ready-to-eat kind, can be 5-10x as much as the wheat-enriched varieties. This isn't an issue for some, but many if us have to be careful with our paychecks...I, for example, have the grad school monster eating up a hefty chunk of our resources.

I'm here to tell you that you can eat gluten-free and do it on the cheap. But cheap come at a price, as well, and that's your time. But if you have time on Sundays to prep a little food, you will have grab-and-go gluten-free options to last you the whole week!

Are you ready for some tips? Here we go!

1) Shop the periphery of the store. All of the "whole" foods that you will need for a healthy and balanced diet are most often gluten-free, too! These are also the less expensive items, since you will have to prepare them.

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2) Buy organic when you can, but there are somethings that are ok to buy that aren't. Eggs and milk are no contests in the 'Teef house. We always buy these organic. I use this little guide to help me know what is a no-no or not.

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3) Buy in-season. Oh, you want fresh cherries in November? Not gonna happen unless you are paying a pretty penny for it. If you have a hankering for cherries year-round, buy them when they are in season and freeze a bunch for shakes, smoothies, or baking. Some things are available year-round, like onions and potatoes, so don't worry too much about buying these in season.

4) Stay away from pre-packaged gluten-free foods. Gluten-free bread? $5 a loaf. Gluten-free crackers? $6 a box. Gluten-free mac and cheese? $3 a box. Are you getting the picture? If you are craving these items, go ahead and purchase, but know that this is a splurge! There are a lot of great gluten-free recipes that you can make at home, for pennies on the dollar.

5) Stock up on your gluten-free flours. Now this will be an investment starting off, but you will have a gluten-free arsenal that will allow you to make all of the goodies from #4 that you abstained from buying. Must-haves in my pantry are: coconut oil, Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Baking Mix, garfava flour, arrowroot flour, potato starch, brown rice flour, and gluten-free baking powder. You can make pretty much any gluten-free baked good or treat you are craving with this basic foundation...except for you, gluten-free mac and cheese!

6) Get cooking on Sunday! Make a big batch of some gluten-free meal and portion it out for your week as lunch or dinner. Hate leftovers? Make something that can be gussied up quickly in different iterations. Make a stir-fry that could be served over rice, wrapped in lettuce leaves or corn tortillas, or served over savory oatmeal. Which leads us to #7...

7) Learn to love savory oatmeal. You can make this in a jiffy and it has about 1000 iterations. It's also dirt cheap and delicious.

8) You don't need to buy gluten-free cookbooks, there is a plethora of recipes online. But IF you do want to spring for a cookbook, I would highly recommend Babycakes two cookbooks. I have yet to be disappointed with a recipe and the treats I can whip up are crowd pleasers, be you gluten-sensitive or not!

9) Never underestimate the power of a hearty salad. A bunch of veggies thrown on a pile of greens with a little cheese and dressing can really hit the spot, especially of you are tired and short on time. Leftovers also go well on a bed of lettuce!

10) Allow yourself some leeway. If you didn't get around to making that big batch on Sunday or you just MUST HAVE that brand of gluten-free mac and cheese, IT'S OK. Know that you are human and sometimes a ready-made oven-bake pizza is what you crave! (And if you want to know, Trader Joe's has a gluten-free pizza for only $4!)

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