La Ville-Lumière

Remember when Paris was tugging on my wanderlust heartstrings? Simultaneously, as serendipity would have it, my friend Hanban from college was preparing to be relocated to the City of Lights for a three-month-long work project. Through a series of a several phone conversations and a ginormous string of emails, I'm very eager to announce that I'm going to Paris for a ten day excursion with my friend J, and Hanban has graciously agreed to host us!

My passport came in the mail two days prior to purchasing our plane tickets (insert sigh of relief here), and when we finally purchased the plane tickets, I was overcome with joy. It was the kind of joy that I hope to experience if I ever get engaged or something...I am excited to share more about the trip planning in posts to come, but we're still deciding on exactly what we want to do. I keep asking friends who have visited Paris in the past: 1) What did you love about it? 2) Is there anything you did/saw while you were there that you wouldn't do on a future trip? and 3) Did you have regrets about not doing/seeing something while you were there?

Honestly, I am most ecstatic about just being there. As a side note, I am weirdly excited about taking a bateaux tour of Paris. Like, I want to ride a boat on the Seine every day we're there, and I don't even like boats (but I had fun on my river tour of NYC a few years ago).

Image: by Kelly Anderson-Staley via Conde Nast Traveler

How does everyone have a friend named Kat except me?

Yesterday Miss Smart and I drove back to Charlottesville from Lebanon, and amid the hilarity of the countless, random conversations we had in four hours, she started in on a tale that went kind of like this, "Oh oh, and when I was in Austin [blah blah blah], my friend Kat and I [blah blah blah]..." Stop right there. What is the deal with everyone having a friend named Kat? I know several friends who have a friend named Kat, and Kat is usually the coolest person they've ever met. Kat goes to yoga with her. Kat wears the coolest clothes and the coolest shoes on planet earth. As far as Miss Smart's Kat, I have no idea what's actually cool about her because I derailed her story to throw a pity party about the lack of a Kat in my life. I'm out of the loop; so it's official, I'm in hot pursuit of a BFF named Kat (and she can't be small and furry and purr like a Honda engine because I'm allergic).

Miniature Adventures

On my 25th birthday last fall, I decided that this was my year for adventure. I didn't know exactly what that meant, but I thought I needed more adventure in my life, no matter how big or small. I've never been a daredevil, nor do I hold out hopes for becoming one, but when I think of adventure, traveling is a subject that comes to mind. My first traveling adventure of my 25th year (other than a few weekend trips home and up to D.C.) was down to Naples, Florida with a friend of mine. I'd call it semi-spontaneous, since we bought our plane tickets on a Wednesday and flew down the following Sunday. For St. Patrick's Day weekend, I rode my first Greyhound bus up to D.C. (because I was too late in purchasing a reasonable ticket on the northbound train), and I'd definitely call it an adventure. It wasn't bad, but it was just something new for me. I have an upcoming traveling adventure to share, but I will tell at a later date once everything is ironed out.

Other "adventures" have been general garment-sewing, eating kale for the first time, diving back into almond-consumption (Don't judge me because I've had a lingering fear of food allergies for the past three years. I'm hoping to add cashews and pecans back into the mix because I have missed them.), learning some conversational French, and on Thursday night (aka, why I'm writing this post), trying out Bikram Yoga.

A few weeks ago, my friend K. and I decided that the next time we got a good Groupon-esque deal for a cool yoga class, we were going to do it. Not long thereafter, Living Social sent us a deal for Bikram Yoga, and we bought it. Here are the facts: "Bikram Yoga is a twenty-six asana series designed to warm, stretch and strengthen muscles, ligaments and tendons" (Source). The class lasts for 90 minutes, and the room is heated to 105 degrees before you even walk in there to park your yoga mat.

Initial Thoughts:

I was apprehensive about the class for a few reasons. The only yoga class I had taken prior to Thursday was in college. During said class, I burst into laugher when the instructor said to "focus on the sun" because we were in a windowless room lit by fluorescents. My accompanying friends vowed to never take a yoga class with me again because they couldn't concentrate. Needless to say, I was nervous about sitting on a yoga mat beside of K. and not being able to take the class seriously. Also, the 105 degree aspect freaked me out a little bit, as did the precautions from all friends who have tried Bikram, such as, but not limited to: The day of the class, drink more water than you have ever drank in your entire life. Oh, and maybe add some gatorade in with that...Don't eat three hours prior to classtime...Don't close your eyes unless they say it's okay to close your eyes because closing your eyes makes you super dizzy and nauseous. I was scared, y'all.

The Actual Experience:

We signed in about twenty minutes before class and decided to go get a good parking space. In the fifteen minutes in the 105 degree room prior to class commencement, I thought I was going to die. Since you're not allowed to talk once you enter the room, K. and I looked at each other with terror in our eyes, mildly shook our heads at one another and followed the look of terror with a big grin and chuckle because seriously, what on earth possessed us to take this class? When the instructor came into the room, I was already sweating. Today I'm wondering why on earth K. and I went into the sauna so early.

Class started and then it hit me, Wouldn't all the yoga experts in the room laugh at me when I fell over or couldn't do a pose? The answer was no. The instructor was great; she told us the goal of the first class for newcomers was to be able to stay in the room for the full 90 minutes. Small goals, I like it. Then we started doing poses. A scary part of the class for me was when the instructor said, "Okay, now we're entering the cardiovascular segment of the class." Uhm, I'm already cardiovascular over here in the back, lady. I got a little anxious and had to give myself a pep talk because my heart was already racing, but in the end, I got through the entire class. I had no concept of time during the class, with the exception of wondering when it was going to end, and just when I thought I couldn't do anymore yoga, the instructor said, "I'd like to congratulate our newcomers in here this evening, you've made it halfway through the class..." Whhhhhatttt! Are you kidding me? But she continued, "...just kidding! We're almost finished!" That was music to my ears.

Post-First Bikram Class Thoughts

I learned that the body can do some really cool stuff when the muscles are scalding hot. I remember having thoughts like, Whoa, I can't believe I can do this! I also laugh at my worries about people laughing at me in the class because I couldn't concentrate on anything other than my breathing and the instructions. 

When K. and I walked into the 105 degree room for the first time, my initial thought was that I would be super excited to leave the super hot room when the class was over. Upon completion of the class, however; I didn't want to leave my spot on the floor. My body hadn't felt that great in a long time; the work paid off, and I felt wonderful. I went back to my second class yesterday evening, and it was even better than the first day because I wasn't so blown away by the heat. My bod is still sore, but it's a good sore. I'm excited to go back to my next class!

Well, Bikram Yoga is just another mini-adventure on the books for R. Recently I wondered, Why shouldn't every year be my year of adventure, heck, why shouldn't every day be a new adventure? I'm relearning how to enjoy every single day instead of focusing on the future so much, and I'm liking the results of that line or thinking.

Can we talk about my new favorite meal?

On Saturday I bought a rotisserie chicken. You can catch me buying them quite frequently in the spring and summer months because the last thing I want to do is turn on the oven in my cottage, which lacks central air. 

The whole reason I bought the rotisserie chicken was because I had a hankering for some chicken salad. When the warm weather arrives, I crave the stuff; therefore, I considered my refrigerator to be in a state of emergency on Monday when the temperature hit 70 degrees and there was no chicken salad to be found. In an effort to properly welcome the 80 degree days we've been having, I made chicken salad, which consisted of chicken, green grapes, halved, celery and my mom's secret recipe for chicken salad dressing.

To supplement my chicken salad, I threw the following into a skillet with some olive oil, and seasoned it with minced garlic, pink sea salt, black pepper, and a teensy bit of butter (because butter makes everything taste better):

Yellow onion slices

Orange bell pepper, sliced

Handful of fresh spinach

Feta cheese

 

This vegetable stir fry (Is it a "stir fry" if there's no soy sauce involved? Maybe that's a stupid question.) is going on the regular rotation for me this spring. I've not been feeling very inspired in the culinary department lately, so I got really excited about my new, simple meal. I love finding joy in the small things.

Sometimes I get homesick for food...

I got super jealous when my parents told me that Gran had fixed her fried chicken for Sunday dinner, where everyone in my family gathered to celebrate Papaw's birthday. So as an ode to Gran's famous fried chicken, last night I decided to soak some chicken strips in buttermilk, dredge them through a flour concoction with pink sea salt and black pepper and fry them up. They weren't as good as hers, but they made me think of home.

Friday, I'm in Love

My no-plans-low-key weekend morphed from, "Oh hey [insert friends' names here], I'm making soup beans and cornbread for dinner on Friday, want to come over?" to a southern-themed dinner party, where friends who show up in flannel-checked shirts or don a southern accent get extra points (and by extra points I mean an extra scoop of ice cream to go with Java Lady's blondies). In any event, I finally get to use a pack of bandana plates that have been in my pantry for quite some time, and I'm pretty excited about it. Hopefully we'll throw in some portraiture hilarity just for kicks and I'll be able to share photos on here. I wish I had a horse tied up out back for our photo-taking shenanigans, but cowboy boots and home-canned goods will have to do for props. Lonesome Dove will be playing in the background, and I hope the dinner is a success (aka, I hope my friends like it) because I love soup beans and cornbread. I'm suddenly wondering how dinner turned from southern to western themed with cowboy boots...ahh, probably because my dad loves Lonesome Dove, my mom makes the best soup beans and cornbread ever, which is the ultimtate southern food in my opinion. I'm just now wishing I was making fried chicken to accompany this fare.

Also, I'm in my first-ever book club. We have our first meeting on Sunday to discuss The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka. I have to say, I wouldn't have chosen the book to read on my own because its premise is about Japanese mail order brides back in the day (not that it's a bad premise), but I think the writing is pretty great!

Anyway, have a lovely weekend!

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Operation Sew-Myself-a-Shirt-Dress Has Commenced...

When I found out that the creator of Oliver + S patterns had collaborated with Simplicity to create some patterns for women's apparel, I was ecstatic. Although I've never sewn any Oliver + S patterns, I love the design, and they make my baby fever spike every time I look at them, no big deal. Enter Lisette's Traveler Dresses pattern by Simplicity:

It's no secret that I love dress shirts, so what could be more appealing to me than making my own shirt dress! I started cutting out the pattern pieces for version C of the Traveler Dress yesterday, also known as our first snowy day in Charlottesville this winter. I took a break to bake some cupcakes because snowy weather always makes me want to build a cake (anybody else love Napoleon?). 

Back to the dress, though. I got some great green Italian cotton fabric at B & J Fabrics in New York back in September, and my original intent was to use it for version A (the blue dress pictured above); however, I have decided to try the fuller skirt version (the white bodice with floral skirt version pictured above) because it'll be more flattering for my figure. I intend to make it in one color rather than the contrasting fabrics shown above. I love the small details in finished garments, so I'm looking for some killer buttons and want to use a contrasting fabric for the inside of the button placket to give it a little R. flair. Big plans, folks, big plans. Also, let me state one of my fears: the collar. I've never made one, but I am intimidated. Another fear: sleeves. I do not consider myself to be a proficient sleeve-sewer, so I'm hoping to use this pattern to overcome this deficiency.

For the Traveler Dress, I am making a muslin. I have made garments from Simplicity patterns within the last few months and was disappointed with the fit. Before, I just went by the size that corresponded with my measurements, but in my experience, Simplicity patterns add too much ease for the finished garments (and to me, it makes the garment look frumpy, which is the opposite of my goal). I know many experienced seamstresses recommend making a muslin prior to snipping your precious fabric, but I guess I had to learn the hard way. For the muslin, I am going down two sizes from what the size chart says I should use, so I will update on my progress. It may take a little longer, but hopefully I'll wear the finished product very happily.

Images: 1, 2

Happy Valentine's Day!

 That's right, that's a snapshot from Twilight, but you probably already knew that. After being adamantly opposed to the whole Twilight Saga, I watched the first movie on Sunday night with Java Lady, and...I liked it. Besides the hilarious vampire banter and corny one-liners, it wasn't so bad. I know I'm three years late, but whatever. I'm admitting this in honor of Valentine's Day, and I kind of want to watch the other movies in the saga as well. Team Edward gets one point from me thus far.

Here's what I'm listening to today, in honor of this lovely occasion:

1. "Use Somebody" performed by Laura Jansen (This cover is sooo sexy.)
2. "Kiss the Rain" by Billie Myers (If you don't at least secretly love this song, please leave my blog right now.)  
3. "Emmylou" by First Aid Kit (It's so sweet, but has anyone else been noticing several of the Johnny and June references in songs these days? That's right, I'm calling you out Heidi Newfield and Katy Perry.)
4. "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer (My favorite part of this song is the harmonica at the end because I think harmonica playing is sexy, which leads me to my next selection...)
5. "Baby, I'm in the Mood for You" by Bob Dylan (What a classic. I feel like I say that about every Bob Dylan song...)

 Go eat some chocolate (no smooches required) and and have a great Valentine's Day!

Can we talk about my favorite dog ever...again?

I took my roommate down to the homestead this past weekend, and we visited the farm for a few hours on Saturday. My dad dressed her up in all kinds of farm garb (read: Carhart-esque coveralls) so she could ride in the tractor and all that jazz. It was nice and rainy, so coveralls were very appropriate.

Do y'all remember Butch? Well, we got to see him too! It's no secret that he's my favorite dog on planet earth. I was trying to get some snapshots of him tending the flock, but he loves me so much that he couldn't stand being three inches apart from me! Can we talk about the deliciousness? Best dog of all time. I'm still trying to figure out a way to sneak him into my car and head up to Charlottesville without anyone in my family noticing. This dog makes me melt, people. 

 Here he is hanging out with his flock of mommies-to-be:

Beach in the winter, anyone?

The Sunday prior to Christmas, I took a vacation and rolled down to Naples, FL with a friend of mine. I had never been to the beach in the winter, but oh, am I so sold! I wanted a change of pace  and to skip town for a while. I took a couple of books on the trip (Jane Austen's Emma, and Justine Picardie's biography about Gabrielle Chanel), but every day when we hit the beach, I couldn't read because it felt so laborious. So I did what I needed to do the most: rest. I stretched out on my towel like a flapjack and got some quality shut-eye with the help of the Gulf's hum. It was 80 degrees the day before winter solstice. I'm missing the beach today.