Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
After messing up the date about ten times today at work, I think I have finally accepted the fact that it is December 22nd, 3 days before Christmas! If you are anything like me, your tree is decorated, your presents are wrapped, and you are ready to hit the buffet and mistletoe and get out of your office. My girlfriends and I spent much of the weekend trying to solve the great mystery of what did we do with ourselves over our unending college breaks? Oh, how naive we were to the fleeting "vacations" of the real world...
A refreshing update from your usual Hallmark catch phrase. I'm assuming these are meant to be sent in good humour, but I'm already browsing their Valentine's Day selection... Ex's beware.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
I'll be taking a blogging vacation for the week, too much work and many holiday preparations! Enjoy the holiday season with family and friends... be back soon!
Friday, December 12, 2008
As promised on Wednesday, here is your Cinderella transformation from business casual to holiday haute. How cute you'll look under the mistletoe!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
This rainy, chilly weather puts me in the mood for one thing- holiday baking. Next week my office is having it's annual "Holiday Cookie Swap", so I wanted to do a trial run of my cookie of choice so I don't have a baking fiasco and show up with a burnt/flat/gross plate of treats to share. I conducted an extensive search online to find something different than the usual sugar or chocolate chip because there's supposed to be about 40 people sharing.
1/2 cup(s) unsalted butter
1 cup(s) packed brown sugar
1 large egg(s)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup(s) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup(s) whole wheat flour
1/4 tsp table salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
Preheat oven to 400°F.
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream butter, sugar, egg and vanilla extract. Add remaining ingredients and beat thoroughly.
Scrape dough out of bowl and onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Roll dough into a log, about 2 1/2-inches wide; completely wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate until firm, at least 20 minutes or up to overnight.
Cut dough into 1/8-inch-thick slices and arrange on several large ungreased cookies sheets about 1- to 1 1/2-inches apart. Bake until lightly browned around edges, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Allow cookies to cool on cookie sheet for about 1 minute and then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Yields 1 cookie per serving.
Add some spice to these cookies by sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg into the batter.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Despite the balmy weather in Boston today, I know that many of you have been planning outfits for your holiday parties. In the effort of being true Recessionistas, I know it is important to have an outfit with what I like to call "recyclable pieces"-that can make the smooth transition from the office to a classy party on a budget. Most of these items are available on the cheap at your local mall or online and the shoes were too good to pass up for a splurge. That's what Santa is for, right?
Today I'll give my top picks for a daytime outfit that will shine in the office, and check back on Friday for the Cinderella transformation for out on the town!
Black Sequined Cardigan (Old Navy, $29.50), Pants (Forever21, $24.80), Navigation Linen Ruffle V-Neck Tank (Jcrew, $39.99), Lace Triangle Scarf with Fringe (Urban Outfitters), Miu Miu Grey Suede Cap-Toe Bow Pumps (Bluefly, $408), Earrings and Headband (Forever21, $4.80), Merona Large Hobo Bag (Target)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
It's officially the time of year when you should have started your Christmas shopping, which means it is also the time of year when more annoying toy commercials start to pop up and I'm happy that the majority of people on my Christmas list are over 20.
My Christmas Wishlist (circa 1990, ish)
-Cabbage Patch Dolls
-Barbie Dream House and pink Barbie Corvette
-My Little Pony
-Easy Bake Oven
Thursday, December 4, 2008
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Grab your warmest coat, your closest friends and a warm cup of hot chocolate-the official Boston Common tree lighting is tonight!
The event takes place from 6-8 when Mayor Menino and Santa Clause himself will flip the switch for the 46 foot Christmas tree from Nova Scotia and the other elaborate displays. You can catch the smooth sounds of Brian McKnight while your there (not my favorite artist but I'm sure he'll be able to belt out some carols) as well as some other local celebs.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
In case this year's theme of glamorous goddesses encourages you to shop, today's the last day of Vickie's extended Cyber Monday Sale, 20% off your entire purchase. For a backstage look at the show's fittings, sets and after parties, CBS.com has a very visual sneak peek section.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Monday, December 1, 2008
The "holiday" was originally schemed up years ago under the assumption that people would be browsing their computers Monday at the office for all the Black Friday deals they missed out on due to turkey comas, babysitting family members or simply avoiding the Black Friday crazies at 4 a.m.
For those of you who choose to shop from the comfort of your couch, today's your day. Lucky for you I've made a cheat sheet on great deals to check out today and even into Wednesday. Just about every site online is offering free shipping and check out the official Cyber Monday website for the creme of the crop in deals and coupons.
The Gap. Inc. family:
15% off at the Gap with promo code GAP15
10% off at Banana Republic with promo code EXTRA10
20% off at OldNavy with promo code SAVENOW
20% off at Piperline with the promo code MONDAY
Free shipping on any purchase at the Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy, with promo code ONEDAY.
20% off ELuxury's "Little Luxuries" top picks for luxurious holiday gifts from posh designers.
Additional 30% off sale items at JCrew with promo code EXTRA30.
Extra 15% off everything at Bluefly.
Decorating a new place? Extra 40% everything at Designer Linens outlet.
30% off everything and free shipping at Ann Taylor LOFT.
40% off regular priced items and 50% off sale items plus free shipping on orders of $100+ at Bloomingdale's.
Spend more and save more deal at ShopBop with promo code THANKS2U.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
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My usual Tuesday night routine is to watch my TiVod Gossip Girl, but since Gossip Girl did not air this week I settled for watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.
I had low expectations for the holiday classic that I've seen many times before. Charlie Brown serves his friends pretzel sticks and jelly beans amongst other delicacies and then they all realize the true meaning of the holiday (unforeseen I know, I prefer the Christmas version with the reject Christmas tree).
After the classic Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, ABC broke out a Charlie Brown film I've never seen before, The Mayflower Voyagers. Living half an hour from Plymouth, Massachusetts, it takes an impressive story on the pilgrims to catch my attention. I have seen the Plymouth Rock and Plymoth Plantation on far too many school field trips. For all who live nearby, I'm sure you can relate that the area loses it's historical significance after a night of Margaritas at the Cabby Shack down the road.
But, The Mayflower Voyagers, as cheesy as the name sounds, was an simple recap of the story of the pilgrims and the hardships they endured on the first Thanksgiving. When I think Thanksgiving, I think food and shopping. So it was nice to have a little reminder of the historical significance of the holiday. Those days of dressing up as Pilgrims and Indians just aren't around any more (they are actually banned in most schools I believe) and sometimes you just need a classic American cartoon to get the message through.
In case you missed the special, it's on again tomorrow at 8 p.m. on ABC. I'm a pretty big advocate for holiday movies in general, so I was happy to find this holiday TV schedule guide as well!
Monday, November 24, 2008
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I’m all for chic lit., but I try and find a balance between reading trashy romance novels and non-fiction for when I commute to work each day. I’m currently reading Veil of Roses by Laura Fitzgerald and it’s the perfect happy medium. It’s a light, girly read that I’ve been able to fly through, while still educating myself on women’s lifestyles in Iran.
The story is told by Tamila Soroush, a 27-year-old Iranian woman who moves to Tucson, Ariz. to stay with her older sister, Maryam. Tami is only visiting for 3 months care of her temporary visa, and must find a Persian husband in that time so she can stay in the States. There’s a chic lit. style love story too, think Bend It Like Beckham with a much older, mature couple and no crazy soccer antics.
Through reading about Tami, I’ve learned how courtship and marriage evolve in the Iranian culture, from flirting in internet cafes to terrifying arranged marriages. I’ve also began to appreciate the small comforts that are not afforded to young woman in Iran. It has been eye opening to learn how an Iranian woman experiences our everyday habits, such as going to Starbucks or Victoria’s Secret or going out dancing with friends.
The timing for recognizing small pleasures that are too often forgotten by woman in the U.S. couldn’t be more precise with Thanksgiving right around the corner! Curl up with Veil of Roses in your post turkey coma and you won’t be disappointed.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Oh and editor-in-chief Robin Hauck just got voted as one of the Globe's 25 Most Stylish Bostonian's, so you know you're in good hands.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
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Today is the Great American Smokeout. The campaign asks that smokers give up cigaretters for just 24 hours.
One out of 3 smokers die from smoking. Think about your friends who smoke, now imagine 1/3 of them dying from their habit.
You can do anything for just one day.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
"It’s hard to tighten your belt when you’ve always had an elastic waistband"
0 comments Posted by Rachel at 2:15 PM
On yesterday's drive into work listening to Matty in the Morning, I was impressed by guest Lauren Beckham Falcone, columnist for the Boston Herald. Lauren was upbeat, intelligent and down to earth-just the company I like for my morning coffee and commute.
Below is Lauren's comical yet interesting take on the shoppers that she's seen lined up at the local malls and why they are still vying for deals. I think she hit it on the nose.
And that’s outside. Inside? Teeming with shoppers throwing elbows for a bargain iPod Nano.
Checkout lines are the new bread lines.
At Banana Republic at the Chestnut Hill mall this past weekend, there was a 15-minute wait just to try stuff on. And Bloomingdale’s was booming, with Big Brown Bags stuffed with boxes and baubles, thanks to a 20 percent discount atop a 40-percent-off sale.
Define “cash-strapped,” please?
The thing is, no matter how scary our bank statements get, we cannot stop shopping. The consumer generation doesn’t know how to do anything else. Meandering around the mall is America’s daily exercise. Yes, the high-end section of the Natick Collection is choking, with its luxury stores and their over-the-top price tags, but if you can’t afford the Prada, there’s a Payless right around the corner.
And as God is our witness, we’ll never go without a food court corn dog again.
Rather than rein it in, we just change where we ring it up. Recessionistas are an actual, sought-after demographic. The reformed label-lusting set haven’t curtailed their devil-may-care spending, they’ve just traded in their Saks card for a Marshall’s Visa. Discount stores are thriving, with Wal-Mart and BJs posting gains when everyone is in the red.
And now we have “returnistas” - those who buy, panic and return. It’s the retail version of “I didn’t inhale.”
Like the lush who kicked the booze for a few weeks, people who avoided the malls in September are rewarding themselves with a buying bender - on bargains, yes, but a good deal is just a gateway drug.
It’s hard to believe - especially when you’re 10 deep in line to buy a kid’s coat at Gymboree and listening to “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree” for the zillionth time - that retail sales plunged by a record amount last month, down 2.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted $363.7 billion, the largest decline since such studies began in 1992, the Commerce Department said.
Yet consumer confidence rose unexpectedly, according to a survey released last Friday. Give credit to tumbling gasoline prices. Or maybe folks were buoyed by the fact that the Coach bag they coveted was sold out.
And heaven forbid you lose steam during a spree. At Simon malls, not only can you catch Santa, shows, movies, sales, free valet and preferred parking for carpoolers, you can chill at the Rejuvenation Stations, complete with soft-seating lounge areas with big-screen TVs, free coffee and beverages and a concierge service.
Sure, spending is great for the economy. I bought a flat screen just so the terrorists wouldn’t win. But even when we should be saving, cutting back and doing without, we’re searching for sales, standing in line and slowly, but surely, racking up our credit cards, even if it’s in smaller increments.
For Americans long used to instant gratification, the bottom line is this: It’s hard to tighten your belt when you’ve always had an elastic waistband.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
[Photo: Boston Winter Night by Philocrites on Flickr used with permission under Creative Commons Copyright.]
Today’s Globe announced the massive plan, which is still a work in progress, to revamp the Common. The proposed main draws will be a dog park and a full-scale commercial restaurant. Other ideas include a grand entrance to the common, perhaps with a redesigned visitor center and a parade of international flags leading to the site.
Officials want the initiative to be primarily supported by private fundraising (Ah hem, Beacon Hill yuppies, cough, cough) so yea! for none of my few tax dollars being contributed either.
"I would like to see some real nice little refreshment carts out there where people could pick up food," Menino said in an interview. "But I don't want to see liquor at the Boston Common at all. You've got kids playing there; it's a family atmosphere, where people can walk through."
I think we all know that there are enough brown bag drinkers in the park as it is, but if Menino is thinking more hot dog and roasted nuts stands I do not consider that an improvement. Take a hint from NYC, Menino, it won't kill you.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
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I hate to follow up yesterday’s post on job losses with another Debbie Downer topic, but last night at my company’s Q4 meeting we got the official news I’ve been dreading. Time to pack away my party dress I bought in August and forget my plans of sipping on company bought champagne: our holiday party has been cancelled.
I suppose I should be focusing on our CEO’s more optimistic announcements that we won't be having any lay-offs or pay cuts, but I’m giving myself one day to pout. I love Christmas and all the cheesy, over commercialized, over the top festivities that go along with it. So what better way to celebrate than to go all out on your office’s dime?
At least the news didn’t come as too much of a surprise, given the trend of a no frills holiday season for most offices and many families. Many NYC bashes have taken big hits, and I’m sure the cancellations in Boston will unfortunately soon follow.
Woman’s Wear Daily reported that Marc Jacob’s cancelled his annual masquerade holiday party, which had been scheduled for December 10th at the famed Rainbow Room in NYC with a "Rock and Roll Circus" theme. Marc Jacob’s holiday soiree is known for being an over the top event, W Magazine described the glamour of last year’s event:
“Masked revelers at Marc Jacob's annual holiday bash at Gotham Hall took the Venice Carnival theme to heart, partying as if the city of canals would be underwater by morning. Gondoliers hit up the champagne fountain, French poodles flirted with one another and women strapped on corsets so tight they could barely speak”.
Bank of America, American Express, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs are all cancelling or cutting down on the festivities too. The Estee Lauder annual Christmas party and the famed Conde Nast (publishers of The New Yorker, Vogue, Glamour and Vanity Fair) lunch at the Four Seasons are also not being scheduled. Viacom, whose parties are normally hosted by divisions such as MTV and Paramount Pictures, is opting for a more than fair trade. They’ll be getting two extra paid days off in lieu of the usual holiday party.
For those of us that have fallen into the hands of Scrooge, we are not alone. Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a global outplacement firm, found that 77 percent of companies are planning holiday office parties this year, down from 90 percent in 2007. The firm also found that one in five companies is scaling down its usual year end party.
In the spirit of the holiday season and giving, I suppose it wouldn’t be appropriate to fulfill my dreams of ice sculptures and gourmet hors d'oeuvres at Top of the Hub. I’ll make due with a more modest celebration and be happy that my office isn’t cutting any of its charitable giving. But I’m not returning my party dress yet, just in case ;)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
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You can dispute whether or not we are in a true "recession", but it's undeniable that a lot of people are uneasy about the future of their jobs.
Just this morning when I was walking through Harvard Square, I passed by a few construction workers on their coffee break. I overhead one of them say "Yea I'd be better off investing in a Santa suit and walking around going 'ho! ho! ho!". The thought of him resorting to working at a mall and listening to some little kid's Christmas list did make me laugh, but I got to thinking, how many people are going to end up taking unusual jobs veering away from their original plans?
We all had our dream jobs for after college. Mine was to be a high-end public relations specialist, which really isn't that different than writing for a glamour magazine or planning couture fashion events or creating T.V. ads for exciting new products. They are all virtually unattainable in today's economy. A lucky few may end up at Elle, but for most of us we found a happy medium between something we like doing and something that pays the bills.
But don't fret if Nina Garcia isn't knocking on your door. Did you know that the average person changes careers (not jobs) an average of five times in their life? So if the industry you're in is in a slump (or if you just hate your job), there still may be hope for a promising career change in the future.Boston.com featured a story last week entitled "Recession-proof? The economy's effect on hot jobs". They highlighted a number of jobs that The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicted would grow rapidly between 2006 and 2016. Despite recent troubles in the economy, they managed to come up with 15 careers that are "recession proof" (Santa suits aside). A few of note were Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists (your always going to have messed up kids) and clergy (more people praying to God to get them out of debt!).
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
We have all seen the photo, but few know its' history. According to CitizenSugar.com , on August 15th, 1945, the couple joined thousands of people celebrating in Times Square after Japan surrendered. Shain says a sailor suddenly grabbed and kissed her — the precise moment a Life magazine photographer caught it on film. Life never found the couple, but had many claimants. None were confirmed and the pair remained a mystery.
Monday, November 10, 2008
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This weekend I opted for a relaxing Saturday night, celebrating my younger cousin's 13th birthday with our family. I was expecting a quarter-life crisis hanging out with a bunch of teenyboppers as the old working girl, but things turned out surprisingly well.
After a long dinner, wine and a huge slice of birthday cake (with ice cream of course), I was feeling great. Late night, I even got into some insightful and serious conversation with the birthday girl and her fellow 13 year old friends. I heard all about their weekend plans, complete with their love life synopsises and the juicy details from the prior evening's middle school dance.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Calorie Free Beer and Why Some Things are Just Too Good to Be True
0 comments Posted by Rachel at 11:38 AM
[Photo: Beer O'Clock by Ben Harris-Roxas on Flickr with permission under Creative Commons Copyright.]
This is where the kicker comes in that MGD failed to mention, MGD 64 only has 2.8% alcohol while the average light beer has 4.2%. And we all know where the Tequila in your Margarita stands.
I suppose that at a long day at a football game or a party you may opt for something that you can drink a lot of before getting a solid buzz, but this is America. What hard working citizen looks forward to casually enjoying a few beers for sake of flavor. Oh, and just try and pass these things off with your most loyal consumers Miller, the college kids of America. They'll laugh in your face. We're in recession here. There's no way their going to pay for 2 beers when they can get drunk off of one.
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