Food, Shoes, Booze: March 2012

Although I will be traveling a boat load this spring and as such I can nary afford a new wardrobe (that’s right, nary), I made a few splurges in the name of Birthday goodness that I am excited to share with the class:

The J. Crew schoolboy chambray blazer

I heart outerwear, I heart chambray. This was too many of my favorite things NOT to be justified with an excuse like a ‘stressful day’. I’ve actually been wanting this piece since last summer. She’s beauteous, no? Pricey, but hopefully this will become a staple that will last many years to come. Give or take the Canadian tuxedo styling. Jenna Lyons can make anything look so chic.

Forever 21 Cut-Out Romper

Dressy/easy fabric plus an interesting cut-out design on the collar PLUS a comfy backdrop upon which to accessorize? Plus at F21 the price is always right. This was too perfect for my upcoming trip to Vegas, I couldn’t resist.

Gap Colored Jean Leggings <- Link is to similar, since the item isn’t up anymore

My birthday is on St Patrick’s Day! Since I was 7, I’ve relished wearing ~~relish colored~~ green themed ensembles on my favorite of the whole year. I am excited all day long, and everyone everywhere is in a jolly fun-loving mood. What could be better? This year I saw these bad boys at GAP and after searching in vain at every cheapy store for a similar shade, (cobalt clue abounds, as does yellow. Surprisingly green is a little more rare)… I caved and got their uber comfy jegging pants.

(not pictured online, so I borrowed an image from Zara)

On leap day I ran out of gas amid a three hour spree of unlucky exasperation (late, lost, forgetful, etc.). Words cannot express how relieved I am that nonsensical day of misfortune is behind us. There were plenty of other cheerful things that happened right around then though, so allow me to catch up!

My poppa and I got to hang out a lot thanks to his KC friendly work schedule. We even got to go to one of my neighborhood’s funky eateries. Below are snippets from our trip to Farmhouse in the river market.

Also I have been watching a lot… I mean A FLIPPING LOT of basketball lately. Such are the duties of a dutiful coach’s lady. Although the season is over now and John has moved into his life consuming recruiting activities, there were plenty of dramatic moments as the season came to a close, including four overtime games. By the way, overtime is excruciating and anxiety filled. Just win or lose already, don’t heighten everyone’s emotions just to crush them! Below are samples of the same picture I took during one OT (in an attempt to update a friend unable to be in attendance). True story, my hands were shaking.

In other sports related news, John and I had a super bowl party for 2. Dressing the football part of course, with plenty of dip (the only time I will allow that delicious but mysteriously chemically Velveeta into my kitchen)

Also, third time was the charm for Ethiopian food as the local Blue Nile Cafe finally found it’s way to my taste buds. It just goes to show that you can trick your brain into liking spongy mushy spicey interesting goodness.

I saw an extended (limo?) suburban/truck/transformer at a stoplight. It blew my mind. Can I rent that for special occasions? Don’t worry Oprah, my vehicle was not moving!

I joined Jaclyn, Kara and Audrey for a trip to KC’s new Kauffman center for performing arts! We saw the ballet of Romeo and Juliet! The venue was amazing, the company was amazing, the dancing was amazing! It slightly reminded me of seeing Hamlet the ballet in September (in Moscow!) but mostly it made me miss the actual beautiful words of Bill Shakespeare. I mean watching the scene where she’s (gracefully) leaning over the balcony, you can’t help but say along ‘Romeo, Romeo, where for art thou Romeo!”… I promptly went home and watched it (Leonardo Dicaprio version). Be still my heart!

Emily and I celebrated Mardi Gras by watching the PBS special on Bill Clinton (me-ow!), watching the Glee mid season finale (Quinn!) and eating a creepy baby cake. I brought dates with cream cheese and honey. Best comfort food ever!

Do you know what’s not comforting? This guy:

Perhaps the best news of all though, is in relation to a little impromptu trip I’ve got planned. In just five short weeks I’m going on a quick trip to the emerald isle!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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My buddy Stokes is teaching in England right now and I am joining her to do a bus/hostel 6 day tour of Ireland while she’s on spring break. In the very near future you will find me on a cliff somewhere making a lot of references to the princess bride cliffs of insanity (and also being super terrified to get close to the edge of anything). In the near near future you will find me with my nose stuck in this book:

In grown up news I had to get a new license this morning. Gone is the dewy, fresh faced (and highlighted) girl of 26. Also, I tried to tell them I don’t need my glasses to drive…. except then she made me take a vision test. Didn’t see that one coming. Nor did I see the top row of letters. FAIL. Now somewhere next to height and weight it also says ‘four eyes’.

A recent highlight of my life was getting together with my family for some Dynasty action. We’re on the fifth season now. Below is a dramatization of those events:

Contempt: