Because they are so very may-jah.
November 30, 2007
November 29, 2007
Tagged!
Connecticut Charm has tagged me, and since I've got nothing more interesting to say, why not?
First, here are the rules:
1. Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 random and or weird things about yourself.
3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Weird/Random things about me:
1. I can't stop editing things...I've been known to correct take-out menus, church bulletins, ads, etc. It's a sickness, really. And it's not as if my grammar is perfect, so I don't know who I think I am to be correcting everyone else.
2. I am afraid of birds. Specifically, I am afraid of their gross, claw-like feet. I cannot imagine why anyone would allow one of these creatures to live inside their house!
3. I have terrible posture. Every year, my new year's resolution is to improve my posture. I think sitting in front of a computer all day has been really bad for me.
4. I love making lists. I think that's why I like doing memes, because they are generally list-like in nature.
5. My elbows are double-jointed. Mr. TC is totally freaked out by my elbows, it's hilarious.
6. My preferred dinner, when no one else is home and I can eat what I like without regard for balanced meals, is usually vegetables and cheese. Could be any veggie, could be almost any cheese. But that's what my favorite thing is.
7. I am deeply offended by white chocolate. It isn't chocolate, it is gross and too sweet, and really should stop masquerading as my favorite sweet.
I think most of the blogs I read have been tagged, but if not, go for it!
First, here are the rules:
1. Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 random and or weird things about yourself.
3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
Weird/Random things about me:
1. I can't stop editing things...I've been known to correct take-out menus, church bulletins, ads, etc. It's a sickness, really. And it's not as if my grammar is perfect, so I don't know who I think I am to be correcting everyone else.
2. I am afraid of birds. Specifically, I am afraid of their gross, claw-like feet. I cannot imagine why anyone would allow one of these creatures to live inside their house!
3. I have terrible posture. Every year, my new year's resolution is to improve my posture. I think sitting in front of a computer all day has been really bad for me.
4. I love making lists. I think that's why I like doing memes, because they are generally list-like in nature.
5. My elbows are double-jointed. Mr. TC is totally freaked out by my elbows, it's hilarious.
6. My preferred dinner, when no one else is home and I can eat what I like without regard for balanced meals, is usually vegetables and cheese. Could be any veggie, could be almost any cheese. But that's what my favorite thing is.
7. I am deeply offended by white chocolate. It isn't chocolate, it is gross and too sweet, and really should stop masquerading as my favorite sweet.
I think most of the blogs I read have been tagged, but if not, go for it!
November 28, 2007
Hump Day
First, I am so glad that you all are enjoying the holiday tunes. I spent an inordinate amount of work time compiling it, but I do love my Christmas music. And I have found that listening to it (on my headphones, of course) makes the cube much more palatable.
Second, I am tired. We were painting our kitchen until 1 a.m. last night. It needs another coat, but I have Mr. TC on that while I'm at the office today. Yawn. The walls were a horrid yellow (TCP tip: do not pick out paint colors when you are pregnant and insane), but now will be a lovely shade called...Wine Barrel. And no, that is not why we chose the color.
So, because I am lazy, today you get a meme that I stole from Hello Darling!
A: What accessories do you wear everyday?Pearl studs, wedding and engagement rings, watch.
B: What is your beauty routine?AM:PM: Dude, I am doing this because I am lazy, so I am not writing it all out. Suffice to say that it involves Purpose soap, sunscreen, and lots of fricking eye cream, because I am old.
C: What was the last item of clothing (for yourself) that you purchased? DKNY sweater tights
D: Do you use a dresser, closet, or both? Closet. No room for a dresser but we have a huge walk in.
E: What type of earrings are in your ears right now? The aforementioned pearl studs.
F: What type of figure do you have? Muffintop. Meh.
G: Do you wear glasses? Yep, but not all the time. Just at work.
H: What type of handbag do you carry? Currently a big Freitag tote. It's huge and waterproof and great for schlepping to work.
I: What is your ideal style? Classic. Preppy. (Shocking, no?)
J: What jewelry are you wearing right now? See above, plus a Tiffany round bead bracelet and the Mikimoto necklace Mr. TC got me in Tokyo.
K: Do you wear knee-hi stockings? On occasion, but I kind of hate them.
L: Do you *have* to wear matching lingerie? Nah.
M: Do you wear makeup? Yes, can't leave the house without mascara, because I have light eyelashes and look rabbit-y without it!
N: Do you wear nightgowns? In the summer, when it's really hot.
O: What outerwear do you put on when going out on a typical winter's day? JCrew coat, leather gloves, cashmere scarf and hat.
P: What is your favorite perfume? kate spade.
Q: Is your motto "quality over quantity" when it comes to clothing and accessories? I'm trying. But sometimes it's hard to resist the instant gratification of a cheapie.
R: Do you wear rain boots? I have a pair of Pucci ones that I wear to work, but I need to get a flat pair for when I'm running around with TCP Baby. The Pucci ones have a heel.
S: Do you wear socks or slippers when your feet get cold? I live in my LL Bean wicked good slippers.
T: Do you have a set of travel luggage? Yes, LL Bean with monogram.
U: What is your daily uniform? Don't have one.
V: If you are married, did you wear a veil with your wedding dress? Yes, per TCP Mom's request.
W: Do you wear a watch? Yep. A plain, metal Swiss Army.
X: What item of clothing always makes you feel extremely beautiful? If I knew the answer to this, then I would have a daily uniform!
Y: What is your favorite type of yarn? Cashmere, of course
Z: Do you prefer zippers or buttons? Buttons
Second, I am tired. We were painting our kitchen until 1 a.m. last night. It needs another coat, but I have Mr. TC on that while I'm at the office today. Yawn. The walls were a horrid yellow (TCP tip: do not pick out paint colors when you are pregnant and insane), but now will be a lovely shade called...Wine Barrel. And no, that is not why we chose the color.
So, because I am lazy, today you get a meme that I stole from Hello Darling!
A: What accessories do you wear everyday?Pearl studs, wedding and engagement rings, watch.
B: What is your beauty routine?AM:PM: Dude, I am doing this because I am lazy, so I am not writing it all out. Suffice to say that it involves Purpose soap, sunscreen, and lots of fricking eye cream, because I am old.
C: What was the last item of clothing (for yourself) that you purchased? DKNY sweater tights
D: Do you use a dresser, closet, or both? Closet. No room for a dresser but we have a huge walk in.
E: What type of earrings are in your ears right now? The aforementioned pearl studs.
F: What type of figure do you have? Muffintop. Meh.
G: Do you wear glasses? Yep, but not all the time. Just at work.
H: What type of handbag do you carry? Currently a big Freitag tote. It's huge and waterproof and great for schlepping to work.
I: What is your ideal style? Classic. Preppy. (Shocking, no?)
J: What jewelry are you wearing right now? See above, plus a Tiffany round bead bracelet and the Mikimoto necklace Mr. TC got me in Tokyo.
K: Do you wear knee-hi stockings? On occasion, but I kind of hate them.
L: Do you *have* to wear matching lingerie? Nah.
M: Do you wear makeup? Yes, can't leave the house without mascara, because I have light eyelashes and look rabbit-y without it!
N: Do you wear nightgowns? In the summer, when it's really hot.
O: What outerwear do you put on when going out on a typical winter's day? JCrew coat, leather gloves, cashmere scarf and hat.
P: What is your favorite perfume? kate spade.
Q: Is your motto "quality over quantity" when it comes to clothing and accessories? I'm trying. But sometimes it's hard to resist the instant gratification of a cheapie.
R: Do you wear rain boots? I have a pair of Pucci ones that I wear to work, but I need to get a flat pair for when I'm running around with TCP Baby. The Pucci ones have a heel.
S: Do you wear socks or slippers when your feet get cold? I live in my LL Bean wicked good slippers.
T: Do you have a set of travel luggage? Yes, LL Bean with monogram.
U: What is your daily uniform? Don't have one.
V: If you are married, did you wear a veil with your wedding dress? Yes, per TCP Mom's request.
W: Do you wear a watch? Yep. A plain, metal Swiss Army.
X: What item of clothing always makes you feel extremely beautiful? If I knew the answer to this, then I would have a daily uniform!
Y: What is your favorite type of yarn? Cashmere, of course
Z: Do you prefer zippers or buttons? Buttons
November 26, 2007
2007 Holiday Kick Off
I don't know about all of you, but I'm still recovering from the holiday... TCP Baby was sick all weekend and managed to infect both me and Mr. TC, so it's rough getting back into the swing of the work week. But a Peppermint Mocha (my god, it's like drinking a Frango mint!!) and my holiday playlist are helping to improve my mood. I'm determined to get into the holiday spirit right away this year (in direct defiance of Mr. TC's annual edict of "no Christmas anything until December 1").
I've got about eleventy-billion sale emails in my inbox. Apparently, today is the big day for internet shopping. I better get on that!
I've got about eleventy-billion sale emails in my inbox. Apparently, today is the big day for internet shopping. I better get on that!
November 21, 2007
Overheard on the Third Coast at 7:50 a.m.
I'm blatantly ripping the idea off from Lisagh and Ladybug's Picnic, but I had to share this conversation...
TCP: Does this outfit look okay? With these boots? (TCP is wearing pants tucked into boots.)
Mr. TC: Yeah, you look great.
(pauses)
How are you getting to work today? You taking the el or riding a horse?
Bastard.
TCP: Does this outfit look okay? With these boots? (TCP is wearing pants tucked into boots.)
Mr. TC: Yeah, you look great.
(pauses)
How are you getting to work today? You taking the el or riding a horse?
Bastard.
November 20, 2007
A Very TCP Thanksgiving: The Table
In my book, cooking a delicious meal is only half the battle. If you don't present it properly, it just won't taste as good. I love to use my formal china and silver, especially for Thanksgiving. I have lots of friends who still have their china all in boxes, years after they received it, but not me. I'll use any excuse to put it on the table.
The table linens are a mixed bag. Technically, my formal linens are Waterford Crosshaven Table Linens, a classic honeycomb pattern in platinum. But I usually mix things up, and this year I'll be using some of that (napkins, maybe a few placemats), along with my plain white tablecloth, a gorgeous beaded runner that Mr. TC brought back from a trip to India, and a Williams Sonoma linen runner that has a Thanksgiving scene.
My china is Waterford Harcourt Platinum. It's a very simple, classic design of platinum and white.
The crystal is also Waterford, Wynnewood Stemware.
My flatware is Reed & Barton silverplate, in the English Gentry pattern.
The table linens are a mixed bag. Technically, my formal linens are Waterford Crosshaven Table Linens, a classic honeycomb pattern in platinum. But I usually mix things up, and this year I'll be using some of that (napkins, maybe a few placemats), along with my plain white tablecloth, a gorgeous beaded runner that Mr. TC brought back from a trip to India, and a Williams Sonoma linen runner that has a Thanksgiving scene.
I usually do lots of (unscented) votives, in amber glass, but this year I'm scaling that back--toddlers + candles = disaster! And gourds throughout the house and table. I wish I had a photo of my tabletops in the past, but by that point I am usually too frazzled with cooking to take pictures! (Did anyone watch How I Met Your Mother last night? The scene where Lilly is running around frantic while Marshall is staring into space is pretty much how it looks at Chez TCP on Thanksgiving. Mr. TC and I were laughing so hard that we nearly fell off the couch--especially since I was hard at work polishing the silver in preparation for Thursday, while he was playing poker online!)
November 19, 2007
A Very TCP Thanksgiving: The Game
While the TCP clan hardly resembles the Kennedys (despite my best efforts), we do share an affinity for football. Many of Mr. TC's fraternity brothers live on the Third Coast, and every year they gather for the annual Turkey Bowl. I don't think they have missed a year yet--even when in Rome, they bought a soccer ball to have a European football game! There have been games called on account of weather, concussions, and lack of participants, but they always show up to play. The preparation is intense--layering, boiling mouthgards, etc.--and the after parties are always a good time. With snow in the forecast, TCP Baby and I will be sure to bundle up and bring the thermos of hot chocolate for this year's epic battle!
November 15, 2007
A Very TCP Thanksgiving: The Food
It probably will not be a huge shock to learn that I'm a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to Thanksgiving. I have a set program of events that I want followed every year, without fail. (You can imagine how thrown I was the year we spent Thanksgiving in Rome. Very good friends were getting married the next day, so we spent Thanksgiving 2005 eating pizza and pasta at the rehearsal dinner! We had such a great time, but I honestly forgot that it was Thanksgiving for most of the day.)
The night before, we order pizza or sushi. Because I am NOT cooking dinner. And we watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving while we get started on some of the things that can be made up in advance. Lots of chopping is done...TCP Mom and I took a knife skills class one year, so I generally put her to work.
The next morning, we put on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. We graze on bagels and Bloodies while the serious cooking gets underway. Here's what on the menu this year:
- Cheese tray and Carr's crackers
- Artichoke dip
- Stuffed celery and various other relishes (olives, little gherkins, etc.)
- Herb roasted turkey with apple cider gravy
- Oyster and chestnut stuffing (a hybrid of about 80 different recipes)
- Green Bean casserole
- Pecorino Romano mashed potatoes
- Sweet potatoes (my mother in law is bringing this)
- Corn pudding (still kicking around a few recipes here)
- Apple crisp with vanilla ice cream
- Pumpkin pie
A few of my secrets? I rely heavily on Williams-Sonoma, their turkey herbs, and their premade gravy...shhhhh! Hmm, what else? Don't use other crackers, Carr's really are the best. Don't bother trying to make a highbrow version of the green bean casserole--if your family is like mine, they want the Campbell's mushroom soup and French's fried onions and nothing else will do. If you're on the Third Coast, I highly recommend that you try The Cheese Stands Alone or Pastoral for great cheese. In a pinch, Trader Joe's always has a good selection too.
Mr. TC generally handles the wine selection, so I don't have to much to say about that, other than have plenty on hand if your spending four (!) days straight with family like we are. This guy is recommending Oregon Pinot Noir to go with your turkey. I'm no expert, but that sounds pretty tasty to me.
If you're looking to the internets for inspiration for your own menu, Slashfood has a ton of posts in honor of Thanksgiving. For a gourmet angle, check out this article with tons of recipes from Bon Appetit magazine.
More to come....
In honor of National Philanthropy Day, I'm posting about the Junior League of Chicago's 36th Annual Gazebo Holiday Market~ The Ultimate Gift with Purchase Event. It's November 16 & 17, 2007 at the River East Art Center, 435 East Illinois Street. It's a great cause, with great shopping--lots of preppy faves! Here are all the deets:
Preview Party, 7pm - 11pm, November 16, 2007
Join us for the Preview Party on Friday! Enjoy cocktails, music, hors d'eouvres, a raffle and of course shopping! Be the first to browse through nearly 50 vendor booths before the full day of shopping commences on Saturday. Preview Party Admission: $65 in advance, $75 at the door. Party Tickets available for purchase online now!
Gazebo Holiday Market open shopping, 10am - 5pm, November 17,2007
Saturday Shopping Admission: $7 or $10 (includes JLC shopping tote)
I'll be
November 13, 2007
I wonder what the membership requirements are...
Are you aware that there is a Corduroy Appreciation Club? God bless the Manolo for telling us about such things.
Speaking of which, I'm in the market for a khaki cord skirt...to wear with The Boots, of course. There was a cute Vineyard Vines one at Filene's, but of course it is gone now. Seen anything good lately?
November 12, 2007
Better Today
I don't know how all of you are managing the post-every-day thing. I couldn't do it. I barely make one a week! Thanks for all the sweet comments after my ranting last week. The Rage has subsided. I just got back from a two hour lunch on the company, and that always helps one's outlook on life. Although now I'm so full that I am in dire need of a nap.
A link to share...I am in love with this outfit on The Manolo's website. It's such a cozy and classic fall look. Perfect for November.
Not much else going on. Mr. TC is finally back on the third coast after an extended work trip to Asia. He was gone forever and missed our wedding anniversary. But since he was in Tokyo, among other places, he made a little pilgrimage to Mikimoto for my anniversary gift. The boy knows what I like!
I'm looking forward to The Hills tonight, of course. I think there is a major smackdown brewing between our girl LC and Heidi. Awesome. Although I have decided that Lo is my favorite--an episode sans Lo is never as good as one avec Lo. She knows how to bring the snark.
And am knee-deep in Thanksgiving planning. It's my favorite holiday, and this is the fifth fourth year we've hosted it. (Forgot--two years ago we were in Rome for Thanksgiving. Ah, Rome. I wish I was there right now!) More on Thanksgiving later, once I get my plans in order...
November 07, 2007
Rant-a-go-go
People are chapping my hide today.
Yeah, I'm talking about you, Restoration Hardware. Thanks for pretending like Mr. TC's birthday present was in stock when I ordered it, back ordered when I called to find out where it was, and now, three weeks after his birthday, I find out it is discontinued!!! So now I need to re-figure out his whole present, almost a month later.
And I'm talking about you, Celebrity Baby Blog. I still have not gotten the shoes that I ordered in AUGUST after your recommendation. I'm going to get paypal to refund my money--this is just ridiculous. And while we're at it, I hate how you clog up my bloglines with old posts and have turned into 80% ads, 20% pics.
And you, Mr. Rude Man in my office. There is no need to respond to my perfectly pleasant question in monosyllabic grunts and dramatic sighs. I'm so sorry to inconvenience you with a ten second question!
Finally, you, crappy Starbucks mug. Thanks for tipping over this morning and flooding my entire desk, drenching files and permanently disabling my mouse. I love nothing more than a day filled with interaction with the oh-so-helpful IT staff.
I need to go home and go back to bed. All of the above, combined with a night of no sleep (not because of TCP Baby--oh no, Mr. TC's stupid dog was up puking all.night.long), does not make for a cheery TCP.
*******
One bright spot: I got my 2008 Prep by Month calendar, and it makes me so, so happy. Actually, I got two and sent one as a gift to Preppy Friend A. Must spread the love.
Yeah, I'm talking about you, Restoration Hardware. Thanks for pretending like Mr. TC's birthday present was in stock when I ordered it, back ordered when I called to find out where it was, and now, three weeks after his birthday, I find out it is discontinued!!! So now I need to re-figure out his whole present, almost a month later.
And I'm talking about you, Celebrity Baby Blog. I still have not gotten the shoes that I ordered in AUGUST after your recommendation. I'm going to get paypal to refund my money--this is just ridiculous. And while we're at it, I hate how you clog up my bloglines with old posts and have turned into 80% ads, 20% pics.
And you, Mr. Rude Man in my office. There is no need to respond to my perfectly pleasant question in monosyllabic grunts and dramatic sighs. I'm so sorry to inconvenience you with a ten second question!
Finally, you, crappy Starbucks mug. Thanks for tipping over this morning and flooding my entire desk, drenching files and permanently disabling my mouse. I love nothing more than a day filled with interaction with the oh-so-helpful IT staff.
I need to go home and go back to bed. All of the above, combined with a night of no sleep (not because of TCP Baby--oh no, Mr. TC's stupid dog was up puking all.night.long), does not make for a cheery TCP.
*******
One bright spot: I got my 2008 Prep by Month calendar, and it makes me so, so happy. Actually, I got two and sent one as a gift to Preppy Friend A. Must spread the love.
November 01, 2007
Etsy on a Cold Morning
Brrrrr! Temps dipped pretty low last night on the third coast. I actually broke out a winter coat this morning, as it was still in the 30s when I set off to walk to the el.
Now I'm at the office, mug of hot coffee in hand, trolling for some warm woolies. As usual, Etsy does not disappoint.
Hand knit toddler hat, monogrammed with your baby's initial, from onceuponahook. TCP Baby and I always love a monogram.
Fleece lined Earflap Hat from citefuzz. How cozy does that sound?
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