Category Archives: Random

Back in grade school, American girl dolls were the quintessential toy every little girl just had to have. They were more than just your average doll (i.e. you weren’t allowed to cut their hair or pull off their arms because they were an actual investment – $100 per doll!) plus they attempted to teach girls across the country about important historical events and build self-esteem at the same time.

So when my cousin needed to pick up a doll for a relative, I was more than excited to go with to the infamous American Girl Place on Michigan Avenue. Being back in the store was over-the-top and completely self-indulgent, but also incredibly fun. With a doll hair salon, photo studio, hospital and cafe, it was more than enough to fulfill any little girl’s dream. But the best part? There is now an American Girl Pet Place. AND there’s a cute little dog named Pepper (available for just $20) who looks just like my Frasier. I died.

If you really want to have a good laugh, check out this article and see what your American girl says about you.

Wrapping a present.
Who would make such hideous pink flowered, wrapping paper?
Sorry cousin, it’s your gift.
This was all there was.
Brushing the dog > wrapping gifts.
Why, though, does this dog not enjoy being brushed?
He looks 9340283 better with soft fluffy hair, over scraggly wiry hair.
The average cost of a small Dunkin Donuts iced coffee should not exceed .99. Ever.
A friend today claimed coffee is the worst thing you can put in your body, including alcohol.
She says she heard this from a doctor.
I believe her, and him, but why is coffee so delicious? Especially Dunkin Donuts coffee.
It just tastes better.
Guilty pleasures.
Iced coffee and bad TV.
Does anyone remember the TLC show, I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant?
This was the topic of many fits of giggles at dinner this evening.
I think we made the older gentleman sitting next to us get up and leave.
But, seriously, come on. It’s just too funny.

Although, I don’t think that’s what TLC was going for.
It wasn’t destined to be a classic anyways.
One day I would like to be a regular at a favorite restaurant.
To talk about silly things that have nothing to do with anything, eat good food, leave bad tips (like I think I may have accidentally done tonight), and still be invited back.
Like the kind of regular you only find in TV shows.
Like Cheers.
Or Friends.
Or How I Met Your Mother.
Or Gilmore Girls.
Definitely Gilmore Girls.

More often than not, I’m drawn to black and white photography over color. To me, black and white photos are not only classic and timeless, but far more dramatic than color photos. Not to mention that before black and white became more chic than color, it was the only option.

Black and white is about being transported to a different time and place; a completely new era. And that’s exactly how I felt once I saw these new photos my uncle put up in my grandma’s room at the nursing home.

This week has been the week of reality TV for me. On Tuesday, it was The Voice. And today it was Swamp People and Mob Wives.

I swear I’m really not a reality TV freak, but lately whenever I’ve turned it on, I can’t turn away. It might have something to do with the fact that I’m an insanely nosy person and I enjoy creeping in on other people’s lives. And even though I know that most reality TV isn’t completely true and 100% real, watching shows about other peoples’ problems makes me feel better about myself. Hahaha how depressing. But oh so entertaining.

[photos courtesy of vh1.com and history.com]

These past two days in the Chicagoland area have been scorchers. Like, breaking records from 1896, so hot you begin sweating as soon as you walk out the door, your dog can’t even make it around the block, gang bangers in the hood walk around with no shirts on hot, scorchers. And just my luck, the AC in the Jeep decided to not work properly. Thankfully, after yesterday’s meltdown I learned the value of a dress and wore one today instead of skinny pants that uncomfortably cling to your legs.

While heading out yesterday and today to deliver flyers for an upcoming event at work, all I could think about is how wonderfully lovely it would be to spend a day at the beach. Laying in the sun–most likely being annoyed by the sand that I can’t keep off my towel–and splashing in the water, complaining about how cold it is. Yay for summer. Good thing it’s supposed to be back in the 50’s next week.

[image from getty images]