Retail Therapy

I go through phases where I want to throw the complete contents of my closet into the back of my SUV and drive to the local Goodwill donation center.

Generally this closet ennui occurs mid-week, when I feel as if I've exhausted every possible outfit permutation. As I contemplate getting rid of my tired attire, I also imagine what might replace my heaps of sweater sets and pencil skirts.

Problem is---what I usually dream of are the least practical ensembles possible. Case in point, dreaming of a red gown (because clearly I could wear any of these numbers to Trader Joe's or to teach my classes):




Images borrowed from Buzz, FashionInspiration, Flickr, ImageShack/AudreyHepburnComplex, Img, & Fashion-More.

Inside the Blogger's Studio

Even though James Lipton borders on cantankerous as he haughtily interviews actors, I consistently enjoy the bit at the close of Inside the Actor's Studio when he asks each person the same series of questions. He indicates that this questionnaire originated from Bernard Pivot, a French talk show host (though initial credit is generally applied to novelist Marcel Proust).

Each time Mr. Lipton squirms in his seat and asks his guest identical questions, I find myself playing along. Thusly, here we go:

1. What is your favorite word? periwinkle
   
2. What is your least favorite word? slice
   
3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? color
   
4. What turns you off? people without passion
   
5. What is your favorite curse word? cluster $@#&
   
6. What sound or noise do you love? Missouri rainstorms
   
7. What sound or noise do you hate? kid t.v. shows
   
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? radiology
   
9. What profession would you not like to do? airline gate agent
   
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? Just in time for dinner

PS. For a real hi-lar-ious treat, watch Will Farrell's take on Lipton via SNL.

Taste Treats: Cupcake Edition

It would seem that America has experienced a cupcake Renaissance. Back when I was a little sugar-loving towhead, cupcakes were the stuff of elementary school birthday parties, not chi-chi-fou-fou events and fancy-pants bakeries.

I'm guessing this cakey craze all started back in 2004 with Sprinkles and those delectable $3.25 treats topped in thick, scrumptious frosting and elegant sugar dots. Since then, cupcake stores seem to be populating street corners faster than Starbucks.

I have to wonder if this trend will last. Are cupcakes to the 2000s what fro-yo was the the 1980s? I know this question keeps you awake at night. Hopefully all the charming little cupcakeries won't go the way of TCBY.

Every now and again, a girl needs a little cream cheese frostin' to make it through the week. Am I right or am I right?


Let us stop and have a moment of silence for the fabulous person who invented the cupcake.

If you find yourself in want of even more cupcakiness, be sure to visit CupCakesTakeTheCake.

Images borrowed from Sprinkles, MyModernMet, CakesandCups & GluttonyIsABliss.