Blog- The New Black

Do You Believe in Signs?

Fri, 25 May 2012 13:26:27 -0400

Maybe I’m superstitious, but I believe that things happen for a reason, and if you look closely there are signs all around us.

As you know, I’ve been going through some trying times, and this week is no exception. However, JPC just sent me a text with this picture:

He freed a trapped dragonfly and sent along a message that he sees it as a sign. Dragonflies symbolize a transformation of a past into a bright future. They represent renewal, positive forces, and harmony. It looks like this little winged fellow was just what the doctor ordered. Thank goodness he freed it; and thank goodness he sees the positive above all else.

~I hope this dragonfly brings some good luck and positivity to your day~

Some Pep In Your Step

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:11:27 -0400

After all the madness is said and done and all the feelings have been felt- its important to remember to put some pep in your step.

Go out during the week. Wear a party dress to work (with a blazer that you can remove after 5:00). Eat, drink, be merry. Most of all laugh. Remember it’s the little things that bring happiness.

What I Wore, The Silver Spoon Awards Edition: Sabre Sunnies, Zara Dress, gifted necklace, La Perla Pumps, Marc by Marc Jacobs Clutch

WHEN I PICTURE MYSELF AS A MOM

Wed, 23 May 2012 21:05:24 -0400

via melissabea:howdoiputthisgently:

Remember yesterday when I wrote a post about stress in my relationship?

Wed, 23 May 2012 16:21:33 -0400

Remember yesterday when I wrote a post about stress in my relationship? :

Well I added some words. Click through if you’d like to read it.

Time For Quiet

Tue, 22 May 2012 21:36:00 -0400

They say the hardest and most stressful things in a person’s life have to do with new jobs, moving, experiencing a death, or having a baby.

What if I told you each of those things (but one) have happened ten times over in the last two years alone?

I’ve been especially quiet on this blog this month. Honestly, I’ve felt a little defeated. The last thing I’ve wanted to do was share news here- maybe because so much news has been negative. My relationship with JPC has suffered, our foundation a bit shaky. We’ve had some battles, gone to sleep sad, and sometimes haven’t had the words to fix it.

I tell myself if we can get through this and still laugh and love each other we can probably get through anything. So here it is, for you and for me- as a reminder in case I forget in the future; a blog with a search bar works great for that.

In numbers:

- 2 deaths (his Grandmother, my Grandfather)

- 2 new jobs (one of each of us)

- 1 new business started (for him)

- 4 home offers

- 2 home contracts

- 1 home purchased (!!!)

- 2 apartments lived in

To say its been a whirlwind of change since we started dating would be an understatement. Sometimes I feel like I’m running through molasses, not getting anywhere. Though from the numbers its clear I’ve gone and grown plenty- and with another person no less, something I didn’t think I was capable of doing.

So here are the numbers- as a reminder.

Edited Update: Quite a few people (including both my mom and JPC’s mom, (hi moms!)) have asked if we are ‘okay’. Yes, we are ‘okay’, and THANK YOU for the kind words. THANK YOU for relating and reaching out- all of you. It makes my heart swell more than you know.

Honestly, I probably wouldn’t write about something on my blog unless I was already starting to work through it emotionally- I’ve learned in the past that posting in haste can result in some not so nice words, and as they say- the internet is forever.

However, much more than that- I wanted to share that my life isn’t always coming up roses. So many times we read blogs, tweets, and facebook statuses and everyone is always bragging about JUST.HOW.AWESOME. their life is. Yes, my life is pretty flippin’ awesome- I’m buying a house with the love of my life, but I wanted to give some perspective too. While awesome, things aren’t always easy and I’d like to think I’m not the only one that needs that reminder.

A bike ride to the lake to try and find some peace. And some...

Tue, 22 May 2012 19:03:03 -0400

A bike ride to the lake to try and find some peace. And some quiet.

Do What You Love

Mon, 21 May 2012 08:59:38 -0400

**As part of today’s Ohio Blogging Association’s All State Blog Swap, I’m happy to introduce to you Heather from Mile 26 and More. On this day, bloggers from around the great state of Ohio are guest posting on one another blogs as a way to help to get to know one another in our blogging community. For a full listing of blog swap participants, please visit Poise in Parma today!**

Let me now pass the keyboard to a fitness inspiration, Heather!

Hi, Friends! It’s Heather from Mile 26 and More!

Nadine asked if I’d blog about novices looking to up their fitness game and I was ALL ABOUT IT. This is right up my alley and something I am really comfortable talking about since I am a total fitness junkie/geek. :)

I started off as a recreational exerciser. I enjoyed it, but I never really found the activity that had me begging for more. That is, until I started running. It’s my #1 exercise love. And we’ve had a pretty exclusive relationship for 8+ years now.

And I can tell you with all my heart that our relationship is still going strong today because it’s something I 100%, without a doubt, LOVE.

I love the short, tough runs. I love the clear-your-mind long runs. I love the painful, but amazing ice baths.

I love the friends I’ve made from running. I love the early wake up calls on race day (kinda). I love the carb loading (really, really love!). I love it all.

So, if I can give you any advice on how to take your fitness game up a notch, here it is: DO WHAT YOU LOVE. It’s pretty simple. If you love zumba, find a studio you can’t live without, make friends with the instructors and other participants in class - and maybe even get certified yourself! If you love biking, call the local store in your area and ask if they have a riding group (most do!). If you love spinning, find the instructor you’re most compatible with and make friends. Make yourself known. You’ll be surprised how receptive people are to newbies!

But, most of all, find what you love and just do it. It will take you to some amazing places. :)

Thanks for having me, Nadine! Now can you teach me how do I tame my love of all things Lululemon? ;)

People often ask me if I feel safe biking around Cleveland. They...

Thu, 17 May 2012 10:29:00 -0400

People often ask me if I feel safe biking around Cleveland.

They ask not so much because Cleveland is dangerous, but like in many big cities, cycling as a way of getting around town can be a little scary to drivers who are unprepared to share the road with bikers.

I’m not at all trying to point fingers, sometimes when I’m driving its hard to see them or I feel like they pop out of nowhere!

But to answer the question- I feel pretty safe. Mostly because I ride an absolutely adorable bike that has a basket to carry all of my goodies. I mean- how could a driver feel road rage as I’m biking with my Mother’s Day orchid that I’m on my way to deliver to my very own mom?

Note: I usually wear a helmet, but sometimes the top knot can’t be compromised ;)

Let's Take A Trip!

Mon, 14 May 2012 21:39:57 -0400

To be honest, as hectic as my life has been lately one thing I can always make room for is travel. The jetset bug has had a tight hold on me for quite some time and while I long for simplicity, schedules, and the ease of a routine deep in my bones I know that life its not for me. So while my schedule and budget don’t allow for my usual type of gallivanting, I needed to look near instead of far for my next travel adventure.

Falling Water, what I would dub Frank Loyd Wright’s most influential piece of architecture, is just a day trip away from Cleveland. So why not pack a bag, rent a glorious classic convertible, and head off for the 3.5 hour journey?

Before you go, be sure to pick up a copy of Loving Frank and indulge in this truth-y novel about the elicit affair Wright was involved in during the 1930’s. Nothing like a brief history lesson before a field trip!

Of course, a beautiful home deserves an equal beautiful visitor so make sure you wear something comfy for the car ride, but stylish enough for your photos.

Day Trip: Falling Water

JPC went on a family trip to Falling Water as a child, and apparently had plenty of fancy adventures that I wasn’t privy to as a wee lass. This trip will be my first time up close and personal with the architect I spent years studying. Check back for our personal photos and a post on journey soon!

Sometimes You'll Date a Wolf in Valentino Clothing

Fri, 11 May 2012 09:37:04 -0400

Sometime or another you’ll date a man just because he’s rich.

You’ll meet him at a party for a store opening that you attended with a friend. His friend will ask your friend for drinks and you’ll tag along to play wing woman. You’ll make small talk with the wolf for manners sake, but you wont be interested. You’ll be thinking about the man you’re seeing who just left for New York City on a business trip. He promised he’d take you this time and he didn’t. You’ll be so obsessed with this fact that you’ll tell the wolf.You’ll leave and go home. You’ll forget all about the wolf in the Valentino suit because you’ll be too busy remembering the man who left you behind while he went to New York City.

A few days later you’ll get an email at work from the wolf. The email comes to your work account because you couldn’t bother to get more personal than a business card. He’ll invite you on his boat for a summer kick off party. You’ll go because sometimes at 22 the most important thing is knowing a man with a boat in a Chicago summer.

You’ll start to date the wolf with the boat because you think you should. He’ll take you to drinks and dinners. He’ll call and plan. He wont try and sleep with you because the guise of a gentleman means much more than a midnight tryst. He’ll kiss you at your door and you’ll start to trust him.

You’ll fall into a comfortable routine of take out and nights in. You’ll fall harder. You’ll think its an adult relationship. He’ll take you on trips in a private plane that you’ll talk very publicly about. You’ll brag about all the things he does for you. He’ll laugh at your jokes. He’ll tell you his secrets.

You’ll start to get comfortable so you’ll start to act selfish, because that’s what 22 year olds do. He’ll start to play games.

He’ll pick you up late, smelling like booze from a long day at ‘work’. He’ll stop answering calls. He’ll make you dinner to make up for it. He’ll disappear some more.

He’ll take you on a trip to tell you he’s seeing someone else- something you already knew but didn’t want to admit. You’ll ride again on the private plane, but this time for a public break up. You’ll try and win him back because sometimes at 22 winning is more important than losing. You’ll lose anyway. You’ll cry. You’ll drink a lot and cry some more. You’ll get over it.

Sometime much later you’ll get occasional notes from the wolf to see how you are. He’ll be through several similar relationships like yours. You will never again have a relationship like you did with the wolf. Sometime in life you’ll think money can make you happy. Sometime later you’ll realize it wont.

{ The Sometimes Series is an essay series by Blog-The New Black. Click to read the first, titled Sometimes You Meet The Man of Your Dreams in a Bar}

Lashes For Days

Tue, 08 May 2012 20:40:00 -0400

Alright y’all, now that I’m done spamming you with photos and bragging rights from Palm Springs, lets get back to the regularly scheduled programing. Its time to address some hard hitting issues like mascara.

I read in an article from Seventeen magazine when I was about thirteen that Halle Berry’s live and die by beauty product was the green and pink tube of Maybelline Mascara. At that very moment in my pre-teens I decided that if it was good enough for Halle Berry it was good enough for me. I was a pink and green tube diehard until I graduated from college. I mean hello- Maybe she’s born with it… maybe its Maybellineeee.

College was an exploratory time… so I figured why not explore some new mascara? That’s when I discovered the beauty that is Chanel. I loved my Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara for quite awhile- I still purchase a tube here and there. Its a great staple- it lasts long, it coats beautifully, and it really volumizes your lashes like you want it to.

Eager for my next fix I purchased the Diorshow. Beauty enthusiasts talked a big game about this product, so again I couldn’t wait to try it out for myself. I can confidently say this is the worst beauty product I have ever used. A $25 tube of mascara should nearly work so well that you should look like a batty eyed babydoll at every moment. This product is crummy. It crumbs off on your face, it smudges, and you have to put on a thousand coats just to look decent.

Enter my final mascara in the bunch- The L’Oreal False Lash Mascara aka the mother-effin miracle worker. Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner people. This mascara brush may look wimpy, but it packs SERIOUS punch. Look at the pictures to prove it- my lashes have two coats applied and they go for miles. The product stays put- almost too well. It is waterproof, which is not a typical need of mine, but it makes a big difference and there is zero flaking off.

I tend to like to get right to the point with washing my face and since this product is waterproof it does add an extra step to my evening wash up routine. Anyone have a favorite waterproof make up remover?

Currently Craving: These Theyskens’s Theory pumps. Work...

Tue, 08 May 2012 16:06:53 -0400

Currently Craving: These Theyskens’s Theory pumps. Work wear with a certain je nais se quoi.

Just a little shopping PSA for all those moving into new homes...

Wed, 02 May 2012 10:54:47 -0400

Just a little shopping PSA for all those moving into new homes (like myself!) or just looking to redecorate!

The first issue of Architectural Digest was delivered today, and...

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:54:17 -0400

The first issue of Architectural Digest was delivered today, and included the perfect edition- the celebrity homes issue!

I couldn’t resist throwing my name (and money) in the ring...

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:49:21 -0400

I couldn’t resist throwing my name (and money) in the ring for this. Sure, I could only donate a few bucks…but the cost of a fancy coffee for the chance to meet Obama AND Clooney? Done & done.

Sunday finally rewarded us with some nice weather and an excuse...

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 22:58:00 -0400

Sunday finally rewarded us with some nice weather and an excuse to take a break from the real world and head over to a nature preserve to take a time out. The hike was beautiful and we were lucky enough to see some creatures big (floating turtles that looked like dinos) and small (baby snails!). It was a nice afternoon escape for JPC and I since we’ve had quite a bit on our plates lately.

Nature...You're Doing It Wrong

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:17:00 -0400

There is way more to Palm Springs then just Coachella. The city itself is an amazing vacation destination and I can’t wait to go back to check out some of their chic and kitschy hotels, shops, and of course spas! While on our trip we took some time out from partying to take the tram up to Chico Canyon on the worlds largest rotating tram.

To say that Lauryn and I were under-prepared for our trip into nature would be an understatement. We were planning on getting drinks and dinner later that evening and dressed accordingly for cocktail hour, not hiking hour.

The journey up the mountain, a total of 8500 feet was surreal. The desert is beautiful and from that angle it is absolutely breathtaking. What we weren’t ready for? The 40 degree temperature drop once we reached the top of the mountain. The park was covered in SNOW and greenery- it was a completely different climate that we crossed into over the span of 10 minutes.

Despite being unprepared we made the best of it and took our time with Mother Nature. It was perfect. I would love to go back one day and wear proper hiking gear, pack a picnic, and spend hours on the many trails exploring.

Majority of the photos are Courtesy of JPC’s Instagram (since I have yet to abandon my Blackberry).

Coachella Day 3: Dressing For Life After Death

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:09:00 -0400

As I write this my eye lids are pulling down on my face like two giant weights so bear with me. Day 3 at Coachella was what dreams are made of. 85 degrees in the desert with the sun shining and not a cloud in the sky is how Indio should always look, and will always look to me.

I donned a breezy nude button up dress for the occasion, knowing the it would cut right through the heat. While buttoned up, the dress was flirty and fun showing just the right amount of skin with two side slits on my waist. A mullet dress (is this a thing now?) was all business in the front and party in the back with a flowy train.

Lauryn’s nude and aqua sandals were fun and functional after two days of killer booties. I missed a chance to snap a signature outfit pose with the Ferris Wheel, but fell in love with the Red Bull Speakeasy and had to snap a pic with one their ‘bootleggers’.

I came, I saw, and I danced my face off. A pop of coral lipstick and purple nails gave this outfit the zing it needed and complimented my Santigold dance circle perfectly.

My Sabre shades were also a nonstop accessory along with my vintage spoon ring and newly purchased Stella & Dot stackable rings.

The highlight of the night? To see Tupac rise from the dead and throw down with Snoop. A epic performance and a surprise of a lifetime. The moment he appeared the crowd went NUTS. Other special appearances from Wiz Khalifa, Eminem, 50 Cent, and Warren G weren’t too shabby either ;)

Want an inside peek at other Coachella events and my faux hipster outfits? Check out Coachella Day 1 and Day 2 by clicking their respective links.

JPC and I moved into the new temporary apartment tonight. I’m trying to se it more as a step...

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 22:58:50 -0400

JPC and I moved into the new temporary apartment tonight. I’m trying to se it more as a step toward our ‘real’ home and less of a bump in the road.

What moving down the hall looks like, or as JPC likes to call...

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 15:08:00 -0400

What moving down the hall looks like, or as JPC likes to call it- look at my human mule.