10 things I can't live without...

I'm copying Lindsey's Lingerings a little here, and also creating a more cohesive list of something I've already started. Can't help it. Reading Lindsey's was so interesting...I really think asking someone a question like this gives you an amazingly thorough glimpse into the person they are. So here goes...

1. Smith's Rosebud Salve. I've already posted about my obsession with this stuff, so I won't go into it. See below if you're interested.

2. Fancy underthings. Even when there was no one around to see them, I literally couldn't stop myself from purchasing nice lingerie. Nothing ridiculously trashy or anything, just things a little nicer than your average cotton pair. The standard argument is that wearing nicer underthings makes you feel nicer in general, and I have to agree whole-heartedly. Even if I'm just in jeans and a tee shirt, I feel a little more fashionable, a little more adult, a little more TOGETHER if I know there's something matching and nice underneath. And now that there's a fella around, I think he probably appreciates my splurging on lingerie more than if I were splurging on face masks or something.

3. Concealer. (Preach it, Lindsey!) I definitely inherited my Dad's dark circles. Mine have been the bane of my existence for years now. Even when my skin is clear, I still have never been able to walk out of the door bare faced lest I scare small children. It's a pain. I constantly bounce from brand to brand, trying every formula and expense bracket imaginable. Looks like, based on recent things I've heard from friends, that next I'll be trying Vincent Longo and Bobbi Brown.

4. Coffee. If I don't have a cup in my hands within half an hour of waking up, my day goes nowhere good. But aside from the whole morning headache avoidance necessity cup, there really is just something so mentally and emotionally soothing about the perfect cup of coffee. I recently read that having a good cup of coffee can serve as a mood booster. I definitely find this to be the case. Before I left the job that was making me miserable (more on that later) one of the things that got me through the day was a latte delivery from my honey or the chance to slip away for half an hour to meet him at Rivertown (our favorite local coffee shop) for a cup. When I was studying for the bar exam a couple of years ago, I found that I was miraculously more focused, productive, and cheerful about the whole thing when I had a cup in one hand. And for years and years, one of my oldest friends and I have scheduled late morning "meetings" when we're both in town to catch up over a cup of coffee at one of our houses. I suppose I associate the drink with good friendships, support, etc.

5. Charlie the Indoor Pony. Speaking of emotional support...yes, I would definitely be lost without my crazy Airedale terrier/son. Charlie has supported me through law school, job searches, bad jobs, heartache, you name it. He always knows when I'm not doing so hot and comes straight over to rest his furry head in my lap. With Lindsey here yet again...having a pet is a mental health MUST. Not to mention, studies now prove that children who grow up in homes with furry pets are significantly less prone to developing allergies.

6. Fitted blazers and jackets. I miss them all summer long, and when fall and winter roll around, my go-to outfit always involves a blazer or jacket. They're just the perfect solution...they cover what needs to be covered while still creating a slim silhouette, they take casual jeans and a top to a slightly dressier level, and they make for a perfect layer to shed when necessary in overheated indoor climates. I have a black skinny wale corduroy blazer that I would seriously cry over if I misplaced it. Seriously.

7. My Mac products. Yes, I'm THAT girl. Addicted. I have an older iBook G4 that certainly isn't the newest snazziest model (far from it) but it still is a dependable part of my everyday life. I have an iPod mini in green that needs a new battery but that I still refuse to sell or dispose of, in spite of the fact that last Christmas I got an iPod classic, which now serves as the perfect portable road trip playlist, dance party soundtrack, and work out accessory (if I ever get back to working out, that is). And now I have a first generation iPhone that I got on the cheap from my (also Mac addict) father when he just haaaad to get the iPhone 3G. I'd convinced myself that I did NOT need one. Now I find that I use it constantly, and rarely just to chat. My most addictive features as of late? Tetris to play when I'm waiting somewhere without alternate entertainment, Shazaam (which, dangerously, can listen to a song you're hearing on the radio, tv, etc. and search it and give you the artist, song....AND link you to the iTunes page to purchase it...), Weatherbug to let me know precisely what the Grove will be like...

8. Nars Laguna Bronzer. I'm pale. Scary pale, and since I refuse to tan my face in the hopes that I'll look ten years younger than everyone who did in a few decades, I have to have something to match my face to the slight tan I develop on my arms and (sometimes) on my legs. This bronzer is perfectly portable, makes my skin glow, and gives me the perfect shot of natural color without looking like I've been baking in a tanning bed. I use it everyday, all year.

9. Sunglasses and/or scarves. If I don't have at least one of these on my body, I don't feel normal. Who knows why.

10. My faith. I'm not a regular church-goer, and I'm certainly not the strictest Christian you've ever met. But I deeply believe that God works in my life and pushes me gently in the direction I'm supposed to go. Without that belief, frankly nothing would make sense.

Big House Pink

Better late than never...I believe I promised I'd touch base when I got around to trying out the Big House Pink, and finally I have. A few weeks ago, but still.

Let me reiterate that I am NOT a wine expert, and this being the case, I have to admit that, even knowing a bit about rose, I just assumed that the Big House Pink would be sweet. And there IS just a little bit of sweetness on the backside of it, but "sugary" would in no way be an accurate description. It was just highly crisp and fresh and tart. Of the three I'd have to say it's not my favorite, but in hot steamy summer months, it will occasionally hit the spot.

Now, when I get a chance, remind me to fill you in on Michelob Ultra's Raspberry Pomegranate Beer. No, I'm not kidding.