During lunch yesterday, I made a v. important CVS run to replace my trusty Nivea Lip Balm (love!) that I ran out of in Syracuse over the weekend.  I’m hooked + simply cannot live w/o it – even for a day.  Unthinkable.

Apparently, I spend WAY too much money at CVS, because as I was checking out my reciept appeared with an attached coupon for $7.50 free CVS $$$ for being such a good shopper. “Hey, Big Spennnnderrr!”  Instead of saving it for a rainy day, I turned right around and picked up some mascara I’d been eyeing only three hot minutes earlier.  In order to take advantage of the entire $7.50 credit, I also threw in the first pack of gum I spotted that was within an arms reach.

Wrigley's 5 Gum

I consider myself to be sort of a gum aficionado.  After years of research and serious contemplation, Orbitz sweet mint flavor + Trident Layers (generally) are my personal favorites. 

This was my first experience with 5 gum. 

I’m pretty sure that it was designed for boys.  The pack of gum is the size of a money clip, and could easily slip into a guy’s back pocket.  You don’t pop the gum out of a crinkly foil wrapper or pull it out of a chunky pack, but instead 5 gum has sort of a fancy paper clasp that, when opened, reveals neatly lined up gum – like a pack of cards.  Its sleek black packaging with masculine designs reminds me of an Affliction t-shirt.

what's up? you from around here?

Boys:  Purchase this gum, throw on your overly-designed graphic tee + totally rad shades, slather on some hair gel + spike up that faux hawk (don’t forget your Axe deoderant), move straight to Dallas (do not pass go or collect $200), but DO watch this video:  http://www.30kmillionaires.com/

Or not.  The flavor that I picked up is called “Solstice.”  The first couple of pieces initially tasted a little bit like mint, and then more like peanut butter.  I couldn’t decide if that was awesome or gross, so I kept chewing.  Just now – half a pack in – I noticed the expiration date for the gum: 10/20/09.  Thanks, CVS.

Ick.  Orbitz fo’ life, yo.

xx, L

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Ever since the numerous (almost too many to count) Dallas Cowboys’ Super Bowl wins in the mid-90′s…

…I’ve only been watching the Super Bowl for one reason: the commercials.  Admittedly, I’m pretty much the worst person to invite to a Super Bowl party.  If asked, I will make food (last night I whipped up a hearty 6-layer dip), but I require complete silence during the commercials.  Or, I will nicely – but sternly – request that we rewind and watch them again.  Sorry, it is what it is.

I didn’t think that last night’s commercials were the best I’ve ever seen in my life, but I definitely had a few favorites.  Here’s a countdown of my Top 5 Favorite 2010 Super Bowl Commercials:

5 – Google: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-super-bowl-commercials/09000d5d816441a2/Google-commercial
This one made me feel all fuzzy inside.  (Or was that the chicken wings?)

4 – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-super-bowl-commercials/09000d5d81644114/Universal-Studios-Orlando-commercial
I “want to go to there” IMMEDIATELY.  Can’t wait until it opens in April!

3 – Kia Sorento: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-super-bowl-commercials/09000d5d81643d98/Kia-commercial
My favorite part was the robot doing the robot.  Brilliant.

2 – Doritos: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-super-bowl-commercials/09000d5d816448d0/Doritos-smack-commercial
This kid killed Slick.  “Keep your hands off my momma…keep your hands off my Doritos!!”

1 – E*TRADE: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-super-bowl-commercials/09000d5d81644636/eTrade-commercial
Every year, E*TRADE does my favorite Super Bowl commercials.  I just love the talking babies.  Lindsay, “the milk-a-holic…” was TBE (the. best. ever.)  AMAZING!

Not ranked commercials that I also really liked:

Alice in Wonderland: http://superbowlads.fanhouse.com/2010/disney-alice-in-wonderland/
Tim Burton is so visionary.  I can’t wait to see this!

Bridgestone Tires: http://superbowlads.fanhouse.com/2010/bridgestone-bachelor-party/
This one made me giggle.

I have to say that the best part of the entire Super Bowl didn’t even happen on CBS.  It was on Animal Planet: PUPPY BOWL 2010. 

Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl

I literally almost died watching this.  It started around 3:00 p.m. and was pretty much non-stop coverage of puppies playing in a football-themed pin in Discovery Studios – referee and all.  My favorite parts were when the referee threw flags for “illegal use of paws” and “unnecessary ruff-ruff-ness!” 

Puppy Bowl

Bunny rabbits were situated around the pin next to pom poms as cheerleaders, hamsters flew in a blimp and there was a kitty halftime show.  KITTY HALFTIME SHOW!  I don’t even like cats and I thought this was unbelieveably precious! 

Kitty Halftime Show

Watch Puppy Bowl VI highlights here: http://animal.discovery.com/videos/puppy-bowl-vi/

P.S. Did anyone see Kim Kardashian at the game?  I was looking for her the whole time and she wasn’t shown once.  Just saying…

xx, L

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In case you haven’t noticed, I have a little bit of a love affair going on with my home state.  Although I grew up in suburban North Dallas, I’m for the rodeo, Wrangler jeans (not worn by anyone I’m dating – but I like them on Texans, generally) and wild bluebonnets.  I think Kinky Friedman is one of the best men on God’s green Earth.  Visiting the Tony Lama store in El Paso brought a tear to my eye.  I’m sure that Austin is the greatest city I’ve ever lived in and I know that it will always have my heart.  I remember the Alamo – REMEMBER THE ALAMO!  (And yes, I know we lost it.)  I own a cactus.  I think burnt orange is sexy and my fitted cowboy hat is one of my most prized possessions.  Like a true Texan, I love the Dallas Cowboys and the Mavericks – when the teams are playing well, that is.  I’ve been known to sing “Deep in the Heart of Texas” in the shower, clapping and all.  I think cowboy boots are an essential part of a wardrobe.  I’ll happily smother salsa on anything I’m eating.  And, I love Texas country music.

Austin

Rougher than watered-down-Nashville-country-music, Texas country musicians really know how to rock.  In particular, I’m a big Pat Green fan.  He’s about as Texas country as they come: born in San Antonio, raised in Waco, educated at Texas Tech and toured with Willie Nelson.  His songs like “Southbound 35,” which references the drive I used to make between Dallas and Austin for school, “Carry On,” which suggests you should eat + drink your cares away at El Arroyo – one of my favorite Austin Tex-Mex joints and “Texas On My Mind” are a great comfort to me living in the South, where people tend to find my state pride irritating.  (I know they are just jealous.) 

Lady Bird Lake = Me + Stevie Ray

Pat Green’s concerts are packed in Texas.  In fact, he may just be the most famous country music artist you’ve never heard of…  Well, as luck would have it, Pat Green is preforming in Atlanta at Variety Playhouse on Thursday, February 25 @ 8:00 p.m.  Tickets are super cheap and it’s going to be a great show! 

Pat Green

Need a bit more convincing?  This should help – here’s the Q+DD on Pat Green:

I’m for wildflowers in the window
Mechanics you can trust
I’m for crackers in my chili
And leavin’ grudges in the dust

I’m for drive thru order takers
Who can muster up a smile
I’m for takin’ in that stray dog
That’s been hangin’ round for awhile

I’m for turning off the TV
Gettin’ off the Internet
I’m for learning all the words
To the Gettysburg Address

I’m for dusty pawn shop guitars
And boxers passed their prime
I’m for soakin’ up the wisdom
When an old man speaks his mind.

I’m for laid off factory workers
When the wolf is at the door
You don’t have to guess what I’m against
If you know what I’m for

I’m for Texas Margaritas
Gettin’ outta debt
I’m for havin’ faith in something
That hasn’t happened yet

For the shy kid in the corner
Afraid to ask the girl to dance
For the ex-con outta prison
Who just wants a second chance

For the inner city teacher
With her heart stuck in her throat
Can still see God in every child
And never gives up hope

I’m for dusty pawn shop guitars
And boxers passed their prime
I’m for soakin’ up the wisdom
When and old man speaks his mind

I’m for Detroit factory workers
When the wolf is at the door
You don’t have to guess what I’m against
If you know what I’m for

I’m counting all my blessings
When the wolf is at my door
You don’t have to ask what I’m against
You don’t have to guess what I’m against
You know what I’m for

 - Pat Green “What I’m For”

Pat Green

Goosebumps.  Everytime, goosebumps…  If you are looking for a fun, high energy concert, I encourage y’all to check out Mr. Green on February 25.  Plus, Variety is a killer place to see a live show.  I’ll be there clad in vintage boots, my cowboy hat and tight jeans (J Brand - not Wranglers, but whatev.) attempting to get Slick to two-step with me. “So, take me out to the dancehall/ Tap my foot down to the rhythm/ Tell ‘em to play that old song that we all love…” 

Just don’t forget:

xx, L

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Thanks to everyone for all the sweet birthday wishes!!

I had a really wonderful time celebrating the-sixth-anniversary-of-my-22nd-birthday in Atlanta and Dallas!  I think 2010 is going to be a great year!

Varasano's - Atlanta

Varasano's - Atlanta

Victor Tangos - Dallas

Park - Dallas

BIRTHDAY CAKE!

Now it’s time to start thinking about this girl’s special day on Thursday! 

Happy 20-something, Lauren! 

LK's B-Day!

Mark your calendars!  January is officially ours. 

xx, L

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Scrabble is so 2000-and-late.  Jenga’s popularity fizzled in the 90′s – and Uno, well, I guess Uno has always kind of been amazing…I will just leave that one alone.  But combined, SCRAJUNO, the trifecta of Scrabble-Jenga-Uno, is a force to be reckoned with. 

It’s like the peanut butter + banana + honey sandwich of old school gaming.  It’s no joke, either – certainly not for the faint-hearted.  And, it successfully kept little brother, Michael, and me (we are very proud inventors) entertained for a few hours – until Balderdash time – during our snowy white X-mas Day in Dallas.

"the weather outside is frightful..."

SCRAJUNO

How to Play

Set up all three games within close proximity of each other.  The oldest, and therefore the wisest, player goes first.  Start with Scrabble.  After your turn, calculate how many points your word(s) generated. 

-  If your word is between 0 – 10 points or is 3 letters long or fewer:  Remove 3 Jenga blocks from the tower and draw 3 Uno cards.  Play the Uno hand until a player wins or you’ve gone through the entire deck of cards once.

-  If your word is between 10 – 15 points or between 4 – 5 letters long:  Remove 2 Jenga blocks from the tower and draw 2 Uno cards.  Play the Uno hand until a player wins or you’ve gone through the entire deck of cards once.

-  If your word is 15 points or higher or 6 letters long or over:  Remove 1 Jenga block from the tower and draw 1 Uno card.  Play the Uno hand until a player wins or you’ve gone through the entire deck of cards once.

SCRAJUNO in all its glory

The game is more about speed than anything else – so create your Scrabble word(s), select your Jenga piece(s) and play your Uno hand(s) as quickly as you can.  Whomever wins two out of the three games making up SCRAJUNO is the overall winner.  The loser has to clean up and put away the games and is subject to cruel and unusual ridicule for the next 24 hours.

Pretty much, this is the best game ever created.  You’re welcome. 

xx, L

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