So What Wednesday

I'm still in the Sunshine State of Denver until the end of the week, so this post is short and sent from my phone. 

Here's my big SO WHAT...

If I'm not so what-ing? I'm just going to tell you the posts I have on tap for my return since I'm still in my homeland. SO WHAT?!

I can promise some awesome posts like:

   • My Merry Christmas and Happy Whatevs

   • Why I Can Leave Colorado

   • More Reasons I'm Not Ready for Kids

   • I Should Be Sainted for Bridesmaid Shopping the Day After Christmas (Alternatively titled "Don't Eat Like You Got the Tip On a Famine")

Less than 3,

Ana

So What Wednesday

Linking up with Shannon at Life After I "Dew" and saying SO WHAT!

So WHAT if...

• I completely reconsidered and repacked my bags for Denver after I tracked my package from Rue LaLa? They are to die for Ariat Legend Cowboy Boots and must be worn to blend my life of country western and New England prep with my Lilly Pulitzer carry-on. It looks fab. Trust.
• I'm having dreams slash nightmares about seeing a former friend while I'm back? We have mutual friends and I know interaction is inevitable, but I just hope that it's not tense. Let's be honest, I can make conversation with anyone...including crackheads on the corner so they don't shank me...so I know that I can make the talking noises, but I just hope my emotions don't get the best of me and all those hurt feelings surface again.
• I get little perturbed when people ask what's going on in my life on my status as if they missed the big announcements statuses? I mean, really. I'm moving to DC. It's old news. Keep up, lurkers.
• I really have a false sense of importance? See previous So What.
• I have 10 things on my work To Do list? This is more important. Priorities, people.
• I read blogs, but don't comment all the time? Sometimes I only have time to read, not comment, verify a word and submit. Sorry, I'm a lurker and I know it.
• I am excited for a white Christmas? I'm landing in a snow storm and balmy temps in the teens tomorrow. BRRRRRRRRR!!
• I am dreading a cold Christmas? I mean, I dig this 60 degrees here in DC, now if we could just make some movie magic and have snow, too.
• Did I mention I am excited about my boots? 'Cause I am. Just wait for the pics people.

Go link up with Shannon!

Teleworking

As of late, I have been loving this whole teleworking policy to work from home. Why does this rock my socks off? I tend to learn the hard way how gluten is in some foods. Like Doritos. Those asshats put wheat flour on the nacho cheesy corn chip deliciousness. Also? That shizz has MSG in it.

Guess who needs to be quarantined? This gluten-intolerant dumbass.

Anyway, it's nice to roll out of bed, work in sweatshirts and yoga pants, get free coffee from the lobby, have Home Alone playing in the background. Kind blows your mind, right? Yeah, working in an office isn't what it's all cracked up to be.

Except when technology hates you. I get the irony that I am, in fact, using technology to blog, but what it takes to get into the network for my office without lugging about my work laptop is that I not have, well, good technology. I have a Mac. And that, my friends? Is not supported by the (Un)Help Desk. I wasted almost an hour trying to get access BACK into my email (I already had it) just for them to tell me they can't help me. Two seconds after hanging up, I fixed the issue with amending the version that loads.

I should also point out that working while you're not tip-top also sucks. A LOT. At least I didn't have to field too many calls or emails. Well, aside from forgetting that my boss was out and had to email someone else while I couldn't access email to see who was in charge for the day. Weird how a TECHNOLOGY Division cannot depend on TECHNOLOGY.

Whatever. I saved nine hours of sick leave.

So What Wednesday

Linking up with Shannon at Life After I "Dew" for another So What Wednesday.

So WHAT if...

• I really struggle getting off of the elevator on the right floor? I also forget to hit the floor button and most commonly press the wrong floor. Today? Up to 4 because I didn't press 3, rode up to 7 with the other lady in the elevator, back down to 4, got off thinking it was 3, then had to get on another elevator where I pressed "Ground Floor", then finally got up to 3.
• I will not use the stairs at work? We've learned what happens when I interact with stairs. It's just best that I don't go there. Click that link and pay special attention to the comment from "Anonymous"...that's my dad.
• I really cannot handle that Bawbwa Wawaas wants to make the Kardashians part of her "Most Interesting People of 2011"? I like to watch a little of one of their many shows, but I don't want Babs to dedicate part of her special to people who are already easily accessible.
• I have short-timers?it's when you're on the final countdown to leaving your current position. The problem? That I have several projects that I must complete before I leave and they all require input from team members and committees of sorts...
• I drank my dinner last night? I needed a glass of wine...or six...
• I'm just realizing my elevator mess this morning was probably a residual of the former.

A Day in the Head of Ana

Sometimes, I think I could be institutionalized based on the things that run through my head. Or have my IQ drop. A lot.

Here are some of the thoughts that ran through my head on Monday. Well, the ones I remember.

• Of course you didn't set your alarm to wake up, but the one to leave. Get up and move it, sister.
• I really need to tweeze my brows.
• I swear my mind knows I'm going to oversleep when it has me set out my clothes the night before.
• What ring made those marks on my finger?
• Oh. That's a band aid.
• You don't own a ring that fits your index finger.
• That really is a bad place for a cut. 
• Ow.
• Pat yourself on the back for remembering to grab your nail polish for touch ups.
• You are totally to be congratulated for the Bronco's win since you were cooking yesterday when they scored.
• What was I doing?
• Effing WebSense.
• G damnit, Lotus Notes, your one job is to send and receive emails. DO IT.
• No really, Lotus Notes, I would chuck you onto the side of the road if you weren't connected to everything else.
• What was I doing?
• Alright, Help Desk, update your hold music.
• Is that another snag in my tights?! Damnit.
• What was I doing?
• Ugh.
• Is that a cape?
• Someone should tell him he's lost in his wizarding world with those University of Indiana sweatpants. 
• The Hoosiers should depants him for besmirching their legacy.
• He clearly needs a parent figure or girl to tell him "NO".
• Really? You want a vanity plate "PUGLVER"?! Are you sure you're not gay?
• Yeah, I think you might be. 
• Not that there's anything wrong with that, but even gay guys wouldn't let you get that vanity plate.
• Oh dear lawd, I have to ride this insanely long escalator. Don't hyperventilate.
• It's ok. Just look down. Don't look up.
• Oh lawd. Vertigo. Look down, look down!
• I love working from home. 
• UGH. Why is my download speed so slow?
• Effing Comcast.
• I really don't like working from home.
• I need two screens.
• Ugh.
• What do I want for dinner?
• How about a half recipe of no bake cookies.
• I bet I could sub ingredients to make them healthier. 
• Nope. I cannot. They taste like burnt tar.
• Good thing I got the real ingredients.
• Ew. How do you clean tar out of a saucepan?
• UGH.
• I should blog.
• Is that a mark from a ring on my finger? 
• Nope. Still a band aid.
• What was I doing?

It's one of those Mondays. Surprisingly, I have a day chalk full of meetings today and I am donating blood. (Yay me! Universal donor, O-, wha wha!!) Should be a fun and potentially woozy day.

Holiday Home Stretch

Since I'm going back to CO for Christmas, I have to balance my shopping with shipping. I like to have all of my shopping done and everything wrapped a good week plus before Christmas. Coming home via airplane with baggage means that I have to consider packing goodies in with my clothes. Which, if you've seen a Christmas card, you know it's cold. Which means I have to pack layers, scarves, gloves, hats, and coats. Granted, I don't have to pack all of my outdoor gear, but it's hard to know what Mother Nature will throw at you for that long of a stretch in Denver.

I digress.

I have shipped off all the gifts that I can, but will have to carry-on some special pieces. Which I can handle, I think. I mean, I'm not exactly the easiest bag handler.

Also? I am checking two bags. I know this because I'm nesting my luggage. That means that on my way home, I'll have 4 checked bags. Seem excessive? Well, I'm not paying for this trip thanks to my work contract and the contract rate, I get 2 bags free and I'm filling up my bags with homewares and what not since I don't want to pay shipping for all of that stuff out to DC. Clever, huh?

Since I have most of my shopping done, I have a hostess gift, some groceries, and a white elephant gift left, those are easily attained all in one place. I'm pretty proud of myself that I don't have to put everything in my suitcases...but I have to wrap everything as soon as I get to CO. urshdusfuhauauwfh (That sounds a little like a zombie moan in my head.)

Here's some more holiday cheer...

Union Station in DC.

Elliott & me circa 1989 with some Elf Ur Face.

Harry & me Christmas 2010, with some Elf Ur Face.

Denver City & County Building. Please note the snow on the ground.

Lazy Winter Dinners

You know what I love about the winter? Easy meals. You can throw anything in a crockpot, casserole dish, or microwave plate for some meals that warm the belly and warm your house.

As of late, I am eating acorn squash. For 15 minutes on high, I get a delicious little veggie serving with a little indulgence of maple syrup or splenda and cinnamon. Yum yum yum.

If I had my crock pot out here in DC, which, really is my mom's so I guess I don't really have one, but you know what I mean. Anyway, I would throw in some chicken, some stock, some potatoes, turn it on and go to work. Here are the basics to crockpot gold:

Meat
Soup/Stock
Potatoes
Perhaps some veggies

Done and done. Mix your flavors and your soup/stock and you've basically created delicious every time.

Side note: make sure that you actually turn on the crockpot before you leave. Not that I'm telling you from experience, or anything, but let's just say it was a sandwich night and a waste of a roast. Womp womp.

What are your go-to winter meals?

So What Wednesday

Linking up with Mrs. Dew at Life After I "Dew" to say SO WHAT!

So WHAT if...

• I'm undefeated in the arguments I have with people...in my head? I use logic and reason and they have nothing to say back.
• I'm on a blogging role this week? Sometimes, the mood just strikes you and you can't help it.
• Even though I complained about the fact that DC doesn't exactly have winter weather, I'm not complaining that I just walked into work without anything more than a sweater? I dig the mild weather since I can only imagine how quickly it would get grey and ugly here with snow.
• I totally complain about my glasses rub my headband? It jolts my vision, and me being me, I think I'm having a mini-seizure before realizing what is going on.
• I am still talking to THAT ex? Yeah. I know. I know. But sometimes I get to exact my passive aggressive revenge via reply texts. It's the little things, my friends. That, I actually have pity for the kid when he admits that there's "no need to be in Denver anymore". Yeah. That's because he doesn't have me there. Boom.
• I am congratulating myself and cursing myself for being so clever with my Christmas gifts? It's something special to DC and breakable, so naturally now I have to transport them with me to Denver on the plane. There goes my carry-on space.
• I wish that Pandora would play more boy band Christmas music? C'mon. You know you sing along with "Merry Christmas Happy Holidays" with JT, JC, Joey, Lance, and Chris.
• So what if I had to google that random last member of *NSYNC? Admit it. You forgot the dread head's name, too.
• I have one heck of a laundry list of to-do's for the new year? Find a place to live, ship my furniture and remaining home goods, give up all my old court stuff, become legit in the new court, and work in two offices.
• I may or may not be able to rival those "bump" pictures of you preggo eggos out there? THIS IS NOT A PREGNANCY NOTICE, but rather, I have enough Beyonce to mimic and confuse the hell out of people at formal events when I order hard alcohol and rub my belly. A parlor trick that is not for getting or keeping a boyfriend, but seriously hysterical.

Spreading Christmas Cheer

Everyone has those movies that will put them in the Christmas spirit. No matter the time of year, I feel cozy, loving, and Christmas-y whenever my favorites are on...and yes, I will play these in the dead heat of summer to feel cool with the snow. (Legit works. I also use Deadliest Catch episodes for the same effect.)

This year, I'm needing some help to get in the Christmas spirit. I don't want to invest too much in the decorations as I 1) don't have a place to store them, and 2) already have a full spread in Colorado. Not to mention I'm also a little low on the Winter Wonderland that is Colorado when it snows.

Without further adieu, here are my favorite Christmas movies to get me in the Christmas mood! (Nod to my first choice with a little rhyme action.)

Seasonal Adjustment Disorder

I know it's called Seasonal Affective Disorder for people whom never see the sun in the winter, but I am having a severe, self-diagnosed case of SAD - Seasonal Adjustment Disorder.

You see, in Colorado, it gets cold in December. In fact, the first weekend of December is the Parade of Lights which also coincides with the coldest days on record. (Check it. Overnight lows in the SINGLE digits this past weekend.) Add the the cold temps the fact that the fluffy white stuff falls from the sky and blankets the grey world in a glistening white blanket. It's so much fun to frolic in the snow.

Granted, I have these sentiments right now because I have yet to see snow since March 27, 2011. How do I know the date? It was the weekend I moved to DC and it snowed a dusting that morning and was melted by 10am.

If I were in Colorado, I'm sure that I would be twi-ranting about winter drivers, cold weather, and slush that makes for a dirty Bruce. (Bruce is my car in Colorado. I know I haven't talked about him lately, but we're not really talking right now since it's been 3 months since we've seen each other.)

So, blogosphere, how does one prepare for Christmas when there's nothing to make me break out into song that, "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!"

I've been playing Christmas music intermittently because I don't want to overplay my favorites. I have set up my Charlie Brown tree. I have started to make my list for everyone. I have made plans with my friends in Colorado for my trip home. I am playing Christmas movies that I love.

But, seriously, y'all, I'm having a tough time putting together that in 16 days I will be boarding my flight to Denver and in 19 days I will be waking up to Santa's bounty under the tree. Like, legit cannot figure it out. I think that I need to get my online shopping done so that everything arrives on time. That? Would be embarrassing.

How do you prepare for Christmas without snow?

Oh, Colorado, you do have a Christmas card look about you.

Keystone

From my old bedroom window

Post blizzard frolicking with Mr. & Mrs. E.

My mom's car. Everyone, I'd like you to meet Sue B.

'Tis the Season

On this, the first Friday of December, I thought I would spread a little holiday cheer to start the weekend and the season.

Merriest of merry to you and yours!

My Charlie Brown tree. Four ornaments and four Christmas plates thanks to my Grandmother sending out all of her old  stuff to the grandkids.

Harry-dolph with his Christmas green mohawk and antlers

Izzy the Elf (sister dog as she's my dad & Sharon's)

Sidney the Elf (legit sister to Izzy)

Philadelphia - City of Brotherly Love

Post-Friendsgiving, my friend Liz and I took a day trip to Philadelphia.

Liz's friends were running in the Philadelphia Marathon, so we got up at 4:30AM, you read that right. After celebrating Friendsgiving until after midnight, we got up and rode the train up to the City of Brotherly Love. It's a two-hour ride, which was a nice nap before we had to function.

We made signs that said, "Do it for the cupcakes!", "Keep running! People are watching." and "RUN! Zombies behind you!"

The last one was the most popular with the runners. There were a lot of smirks as they realized I was being funny. Which, lemme tell you, if I'm running for more than 5 minutes, I need things to keep my mind from thinking too hard on the whole running aspect.

After the race, we walk around town a little, went to Independence Hall, saw the Liberty Bell, and shopped a little. We would have don't the obligatory Rocky Steps, but the course for the marathon crossed in front and made it difficult to access.

Pass and Stow made this bell. Thanks, National Treasure for that trivia nugget.

Iconic.

Legit City Hall. Denver, take note.

Independence Hall

Friendsgiving DC Edition

Go on over to my DC blog for a recap of the Friendsgiving DC Edition!

Click here:
Adventures in the District

How You Doin'?

Try not to say it like Joey when you read that title. I dare you.

Now try to get it out of your head.

You're welcome.

Moving on.

Here's some things that have been going on as of late.

• I had someone ask me if the wrinkles in my forehead were from my kids. Thanks, asshat. I have zero children and just because I might look like a post-baby body and at an age where I could reasonably have a kid without starring on Teen Mom does not mean I have a kid.
• On the same note, I have looked into Botox.
• I have also started wearing my glasses all the time. I'm not blind, but I have an astigmatism (which is on the other axis than what everyone else has so the contacts don't work, but thanks for the suggestion) that makes me squint. A lot. So I'll be getting a new perscription and getting a back up pair of glasses.
• Why am I bummed about wearing glasses? I like to nap and I rub my eyes when I'm frustrated. Add to that I have an OCD for clean glass. Like, don't even think about touching my windows with my fingerprints. Point with your nail. Back to the glasses. I can never get clean enough glasses and I'm paranoid about falling asleep in them.
• I have the lowest maintenance hair cut. Legit can let it air dry and it still looks good.
• I seriously don't know how I would live without DVR. I know there's plenty of good TV out there, but since it's on after my bedtime, it's nice to watch it when I want and still get my zzzZZZzzz
• I'm what is known as a Late Majority when it comes to social media. Except for facebook. I've been on that for 7 years. When it was still just colleges. And no pictures. No tagging. No status updates. Yeah, it's like before there was internet or cell phones.
• Why do I think I'm a Late Majority when it comes to social media? Finally got twitter, now I can't live without it. You hear everything there first. It took me forever to get Pinterest, now obsessed. And I just got HeyTell thanks to Shannon. Yeah, we took our cyber friendship to a whole new level.

What's new in your world? I mean, I know Thanksgiving was last week and I'll make a post about that, but still, how you doin'?

Did it again.

Boom.

So What Wednesday

It's that time of the week when I say SO WHAT, but a thankful version in honor of Thanksgiving Day. 

(Granted, if this were not an email, I would link to www.lifeafteridew.com, but you're going to have to do the work with cut & paste.)

So WHAT if...

• I'm thankful to have a couple of days off? Granted, I could be more productive at home, but being forced to relax is nice. 

• I'm thankful I cannot eat gluten? Pumpkin pie, pecan pie, baklava, stuffing, green bean casserole, rolls, and gravy are off limits. 

• I'm thankful I can modify all of those recipes, but don't? No need to make Thanksgiving more involved. 

• I'm thankful I'm not cooking the meal this year? I'm only in charge of the yams because I can make it taste like Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls & Icing.

• I'm thankful I'm still not feeling well? Last week was bad, felt better by Friendsgiving, but I think that was more of eating my body into submission. Now that I'm back to normal, it's back to hating me. 

• I'm thankful that this not feeling well will make my portions smaller? No need to eat my weight in mashed potatoes.

• I'm thankful for blogs and tweets to occupy me? Being a slave to technology to keep me company and giggle. 

What are you saying SO WHAT to this week? Link up with Shannon at Life After I "Dew"!

💗 Ana

How to Find My Blog

Using blogger lets me track some stats. Like where people read my blog - shout out to Canada, Russia, Japan, Germany, UK, France, Ukraine, Iran, Slovenia, and Latvia! Some stats are the type of browsers readings use, referring sites, and referring URLs.

My favorite by far, though is "Search Keywords". They kill me.

Laura over at Between the Lines did a post where she responded to the search terms. I died. Seriously, there's some gems out there that people search for and then click on the link to your blog. Here are my favorites:

best thanksgiving
Well, duh. I have some pretty epic Thanksgivings. You read about Friendsgiving on Tuesday and about previous Friendsgivings. Complete with recipes.

short hair style pinterest
Why yes, I did pin my hairspirations and may have tweeted about it. You're welcome.

flats vs heels
Age old debate. Prevent gnarly feet while staying comfy v. a fantastic leg extender slash butt perker. It's tough.

h&m dress caffeine
No words. Other than I posted about my love H&M dresses and the title of my blog. Whatever gets you here.

"cut my hair" "super short" "love it"
Nice use of quotes, but FYI, google technology would mash all of those up anyway. Also, I would like to say that my bob is not "super short" considering I can still pull the top-half back and out of my face. But I love love cutting my hair, so there's that.

caffeine and cocktails
I'm sorry if I disappointed this person if they were coming here for recipes of cocktails with caffeine. Look through my archives and you'll see some of my selections.

effer
Yeah. As in mother effer. I'm not sure what this person was looking for with this search, but I'm proposing it to Oxford as a new word.

and now my personal favorite...


easton corbin butt shot
Legit. Search. Keywords. I mean, Easton does have a great derriere, no doubt, but really? That's what gets me traffic? I don't even know what to do with that. Other than post the two pics I have of Easton's backside from the H2O tour with Brad Paisley from September 2010.

See cute? And Darius isn't too bad either.

This? Not so cute and detracts from Easton.Yikes. 

So, for those of you out there that are searching for me, you can go ahead and "Follow" me. You can get it to a reader, an RSS feed, or email. Just so you know. Although, I love the entertaining ways you find me.

So What Wednesday

You know the drill, hook up with Shannon at Life After I "Dew",  and say, "So What!"

So WHAT if...

• I'm already listening to Christmas music? It puts me in a good mood. So, why not?
• I'm ridiculously excited for Friendsgiving and Thanksgiving for the side dishes and desserts? As my co-worker puts it, it's all baby food. Which makes it easier to eat and fit more in my stomach. Athankyouverymuch. And, as tweeted yesterday, I may or may not have taken mashed potato hits off the pastry bag when making Twice Baked Potatoes. It's like healthy whipped cream. Don't hate, appreciate.
• I'm not impressed with Occupy DC? Every time I walk past their tent town in McPherson Square, I've never seen a person that was standing with a sign, passing out flyers, or exercising free speech by "preaching" or yelling their needs/ideals/complaints. Also, if they look to captivate an audience, I would suggest that they rise during the morning commute because once we're in our buildings, we can't see or hear you. Basically, to me, you look like you're camping. Just sayin'.
• I'm in some serious need of some country music? I can only get so much without having a radio or a commute that let's me get internet radio. See also: I need some line dancing and cowboy boot wearing.
• I'm a brunette? Oh wait, now that I'm dark, I can see exactly how much I shed all over my white bathroom. Seriously, how am I not bald?
• I'm social media-ed out? OK, I've got fb, twitter, this blog, my DC blog (Adventures In the District), pinterest, and others. Legit spread thin. Somethings have got to give, so I rotate my attention.
• I'm pretty sure I'll be living in skirts this winter? With my Hunter boots, tights/leggings, and fleece boot liners, I'm going to move my fall wardrobe through the winter. Not to mention the accessorizing makes it a whole new outfit, right?
• I have finally found a nail polish that encapsulates my impulsive self with nail color? It's a deep wine color called Mr. Right Now. Never a truer shade named or created.
• This is the extent of my productivity at work?

Highly productive, no?

• You don't get that picture of workflow? You clearly don't appreciate the musical stylings of Stanley Burell or Robert Van Winkle. FYI: that's MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice.

Friendsgiving/Thanksgiving Menu Planning

Y'all, my favorite holiday is next week. I can't believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner!

Thanksgiving is my favorite because it signals the start of the holiday season and serves as a dry run for the main event that is Christmas. Not to mention that Thanksgiving turkey tastes so much better than Christmas ham. (Note to my future, change from Christmas ham when I host Christmas.)

This year, I will be spending Thanksgiving in Michigan for the last time as my dad is finally relocating to Dallas. So thankful that it's the last winter in Michigan. My dad is part of the duo that taught me how to cook. (The other being my 91 year-old Grandma). So since he's got Thanksgiving cooking on lock, I'll be the sous chef that preps meals, but in no way will be accountable for how anything works out. Which is fine with me.

To sate my need to cook, I'm bringing the Colorado tradition of Friendsgiving to DC. Friendsgiving is the potluck version of Thanksgiving the Saturday before Thanksgiving that you celebrate with your, you guessed it, friends. At this point in our lives where my friends and I are getting used to cooking all the time outside of Mac & Cheese and Ramen, we can recipe swap and learn tips and tricks for different dishes. One of the dishes that I tried at last year's Friendsgiving has replaced Green Bean Casserole in my menu.

You may remember Friendsgiving 2010 from my previous post. (Also, go there for my Legendary Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe.)

I thought that I would share my favorite my Tator Tot Green Bean Casserole recipe.

Tator Tot Green Bean Casserole
1 lb. ground beef
1 onion (white, medium)
1 can green beans
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 pkg. tator tots, divided

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease your casserole dish and lid.
2. Brown ground beef and onion in skillet.
3. Combine cooked ground beef and onions with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and 1/2 of the tator tots.
4. Pour mixture into casserole dish.
5. Top with remaining tator tots.
6. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove lid (love that it comes off clean when you grease it) and let tator tots get crispy (about 10-15 minutes)
8. Serve and enjoy!

This recipe is great since I can make it GF with GF cream of mushroom soup. Granted, that can of soup pushes $3/can rather than Campbell's or the generic gluten-filled version, but whatever, I want to eat and not die.

What are some of your favorite dishes for Thanksgiving? Do you host or attend something similar to Friendsgiving?

Let the holiday season begin!

Time to Winterize

It's time to get ready for those cold dark days of winter. Some people curl up with a book next to the fireplace, some escape to the slopes for a frolic in the winter wonderland, some people put snow tires on their car. However you winterize, you hunker down and get ready.

How do I get there? I winterize my hair. Sometimes that means that I go icy blonde. This year, it means that I lop off my dead ends and go back to something that somewhat resembles what I guess to be my natural color. (I'm not too sure what my natural color is because I haven't seen it in over a decade.)

So far, I'm loving the carefree haircut. Legit easy to style. And thanks to my new and faboosh stylist, I didn't get a stacked bob which would add work to the morning routine. I also love that I have people taking second looks because they can't believe that it's me. Got to keep 'em guessing.

What I love about this cut and color change is that I have been re-energized in my everyday routine from makeup to ensemble to accessories. I had fallen into a rut and needed to be zapped out of the funk. Well? Let's check that under done and done.

Granted these pictures were taken 3 weeks apart, but I did my best to recreate the after.