EVOO and other random things

First off, Lisagh at Grosgrain Garage is having a virtual soiree and it is a fabulous event -stop by!
I know I've said it before, and so have many of you, but the more I read, the more I love this blogging network. I can't tell you how great it is and how it has helped me to feel connected, especially these last few months of moving and transition. So, Cheers to Bloggers!

2. Rachael Ray. Some people love her, some can't stand her. I fall in between. I used to be obsessed (think 3 or 4 years ago before she blew up). And I have to give her credit as to teaching me how to cook, or chop up garlic and onions in the skillet for a meal. Her meals were (and are) easy, simple and I could buy ingredients in the SC Bi-lo. Well, most of the meals were - we will exclude the Day old bread tomato stoup - that was definitely a failure. Anyhoo, I enjoyed sitting down, watching her 30 minute meals and for the first time, feeling like I was capable of cooking. And now? I love cooking. Then, I'll admit, RR got obnoxious. I was like, Girl, I can TELL you drink coffee 24/7!! And quit watching her. Recently, I got into watching her morning talk show and I think she's calmed down. I enjoy watching her live show and her sitting down with celebs because she is down to earth. And, she's a female cook who has a NORMAL body - this I love. She enjoys her pasta, cooks healthy and isn't obsessed. I appreciate that.

But what I really love? Are all of the wrap dresses she wears! (Obviously they figured out that those dresses are super flattering) but she has a fabulous plethora of them. And I really like this outfit she is wearing here. So, those are my thoughts on the RR.


3. I had a student ask me to write a recommendation for him and that really excited me. I felt flattered!

4. In an effort to bring down our credit card/student loan in a big way...I'm really AVOIDING shopping. Oh help! Actually, it has been fine so far because I've just been bumming around in jeans and sweaters. Well, except for my thermal long sleeved purchases at Old Navy (what, for under 10.00 I got 3 layering shirts I desp. needed!). I'm just going to wait around until later spring because I really don't NEED a darn thing. People probably think I'm crazy because I'm walking around Old Navy muttering to myself, "Do you neeedd this?" Ha. Also, I'm happy that Gap (as many of you have mentioned and purchased) is stepping up their game because their prices are more affordable for classic pieces. I am giving my budget a reality check and Gap can fit into it! (unlike J.Crew).

5. I watched the Lifetime movie, Queen Sized, with the girl from Hairspray, Nikki Blonsky the other day. It was good in Lifetime standards. But something that was curious to me? They set it in South Carolina. ANd mentioned it 23432 times. And yet, no one had a slightly Southern accent. And they all referred to the University of South Carolina as "South Carolina", not "USC" or "Carolina" (because we all know what the REAL university of SC is...:) as it is normally is referred. Just seemed strange to me, that's all.

6. Speaking of SC, after a phone call with one of my best girlfriends, who was headed out to Kiawah Island to visit a friend, I realized I was lonely for that neck of the woods!! I'll admit, I do miss the South at this moment. Probably just the cold weather and the phone call but Oh, I miss the lowcountry! However, I am really enjoying where we live and everyone is friendly - which def. makes me feel at home. And I'll probably be relieved when the South is sweating it out during the summer and we are nice and coooll. Oh, and our public library? Is pretty sweet. Only a nerd like myself could get excited about this but it is super close to our house, new, big, with a huggee selection of books (especially the Young adult because I do love to go back and read books of the teen angst variety) and has private "quiet" rooms for studying. Word.

7. Not too much on the agenda for this weekend. It is supposed to be freezing. Like in the negatives. Yikes! I have a feeling we will be hunkered down with warm tea, blankets and books. Which sounds just fine to me. Oh, and maybe purchasing some shelves to we can finally start to unpack the office and put stuff up. That's about it - have a WARM weekend.

For you Real Housewives of the OC viewers, re-cap of this week's episode.
Ok, Tamra turning 40 was interesting. To say the least. I think the best line was when Vicki said, "I think they call those tattoos Tramp Stamps!" Hahaha. Quinn and Billy? I can't quite figure out Quinn yet. And seriously? All of these women would look so much better if they just put a nice polo oxford on - they could even unbutton it but do you really need to be wearing tops that my friends and I would have MAYBE worn out dancing in college? Really?! Oh and George and Lauri - is this wedding for real? If I hear her say I want it to be magical I'm going to scream! Although, for some reason, I enjoy she & George together. I haven't watched any of the previous seasons (which I'm planning on doing!) but they seem good together. But, I think she could've held off on the plastic surgery. Way too much! Which just about describe their lifestyles anyway.