Great Gift Idea for Beach Lover or College Student

I just ordered my brother, Carter, a present for his 22nd birthday. Carter would never read this blog so I don't have to worry about blowing the surprise. Carter is a senior at Texas State and currently is loving the college lifestyle in San Marcos: floating the river, hanging out with this fraternity brothers, sleeping in and staying up late, etc.

When I found this product I immediatley thought of Carter. Reef makes a flip flop that actually has a bottle opener on the bottom of each shoe for sodas or any other beverage you may enjoy while on the beach or floating the river. Available in different colors for men and women.

Ladies, another fantastic product that Reef makes is a flip flop that has a compartment that slides out of the sole of the sandal to hold keys, cash, ID. Now you are never without the essentials without have to lug them around. Comes in different colors. Check out all of the style at http://www.reef.com/

Mama Mia - What a Great See-a!

Okay, so I really don't consider myself much of a musical fan. Yes, I really liked Chicago and Grease, but I did not see High School Musical, Rent, or Hairspray when all of those became so popular. Being in Paragould, Arkansas with my Grandma (love her to death), I had limited entertainment options. I was dying to see The Dark Knight, but really wanted to see that with Jason (plus I don't think my grandma would really appreciate the great work of art that I am sure it is).

So, we went to see Mama Mia. I was happy to see it, but was just kinda blah about it. Boy, was I wrong! It was AWESOME! I loved every single second of it; so much so that I went and bought the soundtrack and listened to it the entire 3 hour drive to the airport today. I hope to see it again so call me if you want to go. I am sure Jason won't be game.

Greetings from Arkansas

As I predicted a few posts ago, the Bachelor: London Calling, Matt Grant and and his "actress" fiance, Shayne Lamas have officially announced that they are kaput according to Yahoo. Well, duh, but thanks for fessing up. I even think they were blowing spoke up our you know what when they made an appearance on The Bachelorette Tell All. Oh, well, I guess they helped each other extend their 15 minutes of fame a little longer. Yahoo reports that they are not sure if Shayne gave back her 2.85 carat Tacori engagement ring. Maybe they can go spiltzies since you know Matt didn't pay for it either!

Sorry for not posting in awhile. Picture this, I am in small town Paragould, Arkansas visiting my grandma, who does not have Internet or even a power outlet that my laptop cord can fit into. I am sitting in a McDonald's I found with flies flying all around me looking desperate to check my emails! Everyone is looking at me funny! Maybe I am too dependent on the Internet? I'll be back in the real world on Saturday!

A New Product I Love!

I bought this new Maybelline mascara at Kroger last weekend for about $6.00. I have tried a LOT of mascaras in my life and this is by far one of the best. I have fairly long lashes, but I always want them longer. What I really find appealing is a mascara that can make my lashes look fuller since that is what I lack without being clumpy or cakey. It goes on so smooth! Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express (I bought Glam Black). Two thumbs up!

Do not get this confused with the Maybelline Define-A-Lash mascara below. I tried it a few weeks ago and hated it! So much so that I even busted out my single false lashes because I craved a more dramatic eye.

Maybelline Define-A-Lash Lengthening Mascara. Two thumbs down!
(They also make a Define-A-Lash Volumizing mascara which is okay (it is in a pink tube).

Great Summer Read

I just finished "How To Be a Single Girl-A Novel" by Liz Tuccillo. No, this is not a how-to, but while I was reading it people sure did ask why I was reading the book thinking I was reading a self-help book. The book peaked my interest because the author, Tuccillo, is a former writer of Sex and the City as well as the co-author of the book I loved in college, "He's Just Not That Into You." This is Tuccillo's debut novel.

I absolutely loved it and truly could not put it down. The premise of the book begins in New York City with the main character and her single girlfriends...but wait...it actually is different than Sex and the City! Out one night, the character realizes that she and her friends, while in pursuit for love, have completely lost their true identity and their minds (they end up hospitalized)! After the awful epiphany, the character has, she gets an amazing opportunity to travel the world and study single girls for an upcoming novel (oh yeah...she is a writer just like Carrie in SITC). She begins her journey in Paris (can you see the irony-Paris...romantic city). During her journey she witnesses and experiences love, hate, sadness, and female empowerment. You also are updated with stories from the single girlfriends back home in New York and how crazy their lives get with cheating, divorce, depression, dating, and cold feet. I highly recommend this book. Very real, interesting, and even thought-provoking. Most importantly it was fun!

My next read is "The Beach House" by one of my fave authors, Jane Green. I would love suggestions on other good books to check out.

Happy Reading!

Crave Cupcakes Make Houston Debut

Jason brought home a very special treat for me today...Crave Cupcakes! He knows how much I love Sprinkle Cupcakes, but knows that my rare visits to Dallas do not hold my cravings. Crave Cupcakes is just as good as Sprinkles, if not better! Jason brought me a Key Lime Cupcake and a Chocolate. Both were amazing (yes I sampled both) but the Key Lime was hands down the winner! Jason sampled the Banana Cream cupcake complete with chopped walnuts on top and his coworker enjoyed the dreamy Coconut cupcake.

Although I have only driven past their Uptown Park location I can tell they are filling that high-end gourmet cupcake niche that until now, only Sprinkles could fill. I can not wait to stop by and try a sample of my own choosing. Maybe they have red velvet!!!

I recommend making a stop this weekend at Crave Cupcakes in Uptown Park. Tell me what your experience was like! You can also visit them online at www.cravecupcakes.com

Bye Bye Hair!

Thanks for your input on my hair! I really didn't go with any of the options after the advice of my hair stylist, but I did a shorter version of what I already have. I love it! Tucker and Jason love it too!

More Than You Can Imagine

Houston has great shopping, but sometimes it can be overwhelming and hard to find a truly special store amongst the hundreds of shopping centers. More Than You Can Imagine is one of those Houston gems and really is more than you can imagine. The concept of the store of new and used designer clothes, new and used designer handbags (I'm talking LV, Prada, Gucci, Dior), shoes, jewelry, lingerie, denim, sunglasses and gift items. One of the best things I love about this store is you never know what you are going to find, but you know you will find something (usually a lot of somethings). The owner, Vicki Rizzo and all of her girls will treat you VIP and make sure you find just what you are looking for. If I EVER need a gift, this is where I go. You can find something for everyone (even guys) and every price range! I always know that whatever I give from this store will be unique and treasured. Plus they do free gift wrap that is gorgeous!

For all of you designer darlings, you can find great pieces that are like new, but without the guilt of paying full price. If you are looking for a specific piece you can let them know and if they ever get it in (they will) it's yours!

Trust me, this is the place to shop in Houston. We give it two thumbs up (Tucker gives his stamp of approval because the store is animal friendly too with a little yorkie named Olive who sometimes makes an appearance.

Happy Shopping!

C&T

More Than You Can Imagine

http://www.mtyci.com/

2817 Westheimer Road

Houston, TX 77098

Haircut-Calling for Opinions!

I am getting my hair cut this week and I need your opinion on what to do with it. I can either:

a.) Just get a trim (boring) (See me in the pic with my hair now...I'm on the right)

b.) Take off some length to get to a more "poshier" bob

c.) Add some layers and sideswept bangs and go for a more "katie holmes" look

d.) Keep the length, add the sideswept bangs and go for a more "reese witherspoon" look

e. Go really short like a la Jessica Alba (above)

Please let me know what you think asap by commenting! I'm going Thursday afternoon so I need quick help. Of course when I am done I will post pics!

Ashlee Simpson Bump Watch

I told you I would keep you updated! Word on the street is that she is expecting a boy. She is also addicted to maxi dresses and looking like a hippie witch.

Also, in the very important news: Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban gave birth to a girl and named her Sunday. In sad news, Drew Barrymore and Justin Long (the Apple guy) broke up. I'm pathetic...back to Business Law, my true passion.

Bachelorette Party!

Tune in tonight for the Bachelorette Season Finale-ABC, 7:00 central! I sure do talk a lot about this show don't I? I am just really into it this season! I will be in class during the finale, but I WILL stay up late and/or get up early to watch it. Let's discuss tomorrow!

Thanks to all who participated in the poll! If anyone is having a watching-party, let me know what you did and how you celebrated since I can't host one. Send me pics!

Real or Fake?

Usually I am up to par on all of the fashion trends; what is in and out, a definite fashion no-no, and a classic. The one thing that I still do even though it is COMPLETELY out of style is have fake nails: acrylic, solar, "pink and white," whatever you want to call it. I even get them square shaped which is even more fake looking. Month after month, I contemplate getting rid of them and even when I do take them off (about once a quarter), I always go running back to Nguyen, my nail girl. My justification for keeping them on are:

- I will bite my nails if they are real
- It is just a Texas-girl thing
- Even though they look fake or are out of style, they look better than my real nails

- Jason likes them

- I think they look pretty on other people

- In the professional world, it says a lot about who you are, by how your hands look and believe me, my real nails are awful!

- Most importantly, I like them!

My girl, Victoria Beckham is one of the only celebs who still has 'em!

So girls and guys, what is your take on this issue? Do you prefer your nails real or fake?

Puppy Love

If Tucker ever had a girlfriend, this is what I think she would look like. Tucker, what do you think?