Return of Materialism!

Hello good readers! As I've brought my fingers back to the worn down keyboard on my laptop, I have decided to also bring back an old feature of this blog: Wish List Wednesday. Partially because, why not? Also, on July 5th I start my first day of work at a real big-person job. Health Benefits? Salary! GASP!

In that light, I have to somehow figure out somewhere to live in Madison, Wisconsin and how to get all of my stuff there. While this task is daunting to say the least, the opportunity to decorate is delightful. The next few weeks of Wish List Wednesday are thus dedicated to frivolous home goods that I won'be be able to afford for a while, but heck, we could all use some pretty wishful thinking.

This week, I give you.....(drum roll).......

CHANDELIERS!

For some silly reason, ever since I was a little girl, even in my tom-boy stages, I wanted some form of chandelier in my room. While lighting is practical, chandeliers certaintly aren't. You've got to admit, they are pretty though. Below are two ones I've been lusting over from Pottery Barn.

First one: flowers are pretty.



Secondly, I think I have a thing for nature inspired pieces



Stay tuned for next week's dose of silly materialism!

Wish List Wednesday!

Yes, I do know it is Thursday, and so it is incorrect for me to be posting a Wish List Wednesday entry, however I was attempting to keep up with commercial consumerism. While the consumerism was not able to make its way to the written word, it was acted out yesterday with my Mom and I Christmas shopping for six hours. Actions speak louder than words, and six hours is a long time. That's one fourth of the day, two full finals at RPI, between two and four full length feature films, three (non-engineering) classes at RPI, and in general a decent chunk of time.

In order to continue the Wish List Wednesday trend of branching off my Christmas list, in this fourth week of Advent, I was originally going to post goggles, and silicon swim caps. Maybe even a uniquely printed swim suit! In reality though, I know a very small portion of my readers actually care about the intricacies of aquatic apparel. With that in mind, I chose to give you this:



And just for those boys and girls who have been extra special good this year:


You should all know by now, that while I do love cats, I am always going to be a dog person at heart. Bonus points to figure out my favorite breed of puppy. <3

Wish List Wednesday!

We are now in the second week of the Advent season and onto the second installment of my Christmas List themed Wish List Wednesday postings. Last week's items were a mix of nerdiness and domesticity. This week marks a departure from both of those areas, unless awesome technical nerd knowledge is employed in super-charging some of the items below. This week's featured item from my Christmas list keeps going off and on the list. Please feel free to let me know if I should make it a permanent fixture or not.

The item in questionable standing on my list is the Nerf N-Strike Stampede ECS gun. My eyes first laid upon this glorious wonder over Thanksgiving Break as Nick and I were wandering around NYC and landed in F.A.O. Schwartz. While the Nerf gun serves no practical purpose, besides demolishing my housemates, you simply cannot deny the awesomeness. This automatic baby boasts a firing rate of three darts per second.



Continuing with items that are not on my list, but have related associations, I selected two other toy listings which have little practical purpose, but just make any nerdy child smile. Next time I have $250 to drop for no reason, I'll look to this Star Wars Republic Dropship with AT-OT Walker Lego Set. Who doesn't love Legos?



Lastly, I have to admit I still have stuffed animals with me at college. The ones here are small in number and significant in my life. That being said, I am still a sucker for cute fluffiness, and I always enjoy visiting the penguins at the Oregon Zoo no matter how smelly the area is. Who can't resist a stuffed penguin?



In conclusion, I appreciate that a part of me will always be a spunky seven-year-old. Happy Holidays and to my college companions, I hope we all make it through finals and exams!

Wish List Wednesday!

For the next few weeks, I have decided upon a theme for the Wish List Wednesday posts I publish. Although I am 21 years old and a senior in college, my mother still requests that I make and send her a Christmas List each year. I do understand, after so many years, it becomes hard to guess what someone might like, especially if they are away from home for ten months out of the year. Thus, for the Wish List Wednesday posts, I will list one item on my Christmas list and then two things that could accompany it. As I age, my lists seem to get smaller, so I will not be skipping out on many items by only doing this format for four weeks. I also really like that I will have four posts to correllate with the four Sundays of Advent.

The first item is actually on my Christmas list. I first saw them in a magazine and couldn't believe that such a thing actually existed. These Star Wars cookie cutters from Williams Sonoma are awesome.


There really shouldn't be much more to say than these are awesome, and that it is obvious why I desire them.

Secondly, this item continues more along the lines of my enjoyment and love of Star Wars than my passion for baking. Williams Sonoma really appears to be doing something right this holiday season in all kinds of awesome with this apron.



Lastly, the third related item is based upon my overall passion for cooking and baking. I cannot wait to get a job, move into my first "adult" apartment, and receive my grandmother's mixer with all the crazy pasta attachments. If I do not get it, or my mom does not want to wade through the storage bin, then I would really love a KitchenAid mixer.



The candy apple red color just adds to my materialistic lusting.

With the completion of my first Christmas list themed Wish List Wednesday, wow that sounds like a materialistic mouthfull, have a good day all and may cheery warmth fill your hearts!

Wish List Wednesday!....Not Quite

Apparently today is Wednesday. Normally the progression of Wednesday into Thursday makes sense, however, since tomorrow's Thursday is Thanksgiving, my mind has been a bit more preoccupied in the business of not thinking. How can one be preoccupied by not thinking? This phenomenon is not the same as "spacing out", but rather a symptom induced by public transportation during the holidays. When I travel for the holidays, normally flying between the coasts, I get in a zone of "get there, get on, get done". I am an experienced traveler, having been flying regularly since I was three. I'm a veteran, a pro, a jaded old man in a sea of inexperienced travelers, which is perhaps why I tend to become irritated quickly with ignorance and rudeness traveling. Adding the peppermint topping to my holiday cake of annoyance is the fact that it's the holiday season; have some courtesy and goodwill towards your fellow man already people.

The modified Wish List Wednesday is thus: a few simple tricks and tips to making yourself courteous during travel in the holidays.

1. Your personal bubble applies to all senses. While no one is a fan of others approaching uncomfortable closeness (hogging the arm rest at the movies, breathing down your neck in line, crowded parties), it bears mentioning that your personal bubble, or personal space, applies to more than just physical touching. If you insist on listening to the newest Rhianna tune, or cannot live without hearing the metallic clash of a sword playing on your Nintendo DS, that's fine. Just remember that not everyone shares your taste or interests, and kindly plug in some headphones.


2. You are not the king of the castle. When waiting for your mode of transportation, be it bus, train or airplane, you will most likely be carrying some form of baggage. Let's face it, checked baggage fees are worthy of blood pressure spikes, however, that does not give you the right to sprawl your belongings everywhere. If you are carrying extra bags, do not rest them on both seats to the sides of you in a waiting area. Chances are, there is someone out there who is also tired, weary and could use a chance to sit down. They are most likely to be too tired to bother asking you to move your belongings as well, so please, keep your belongings close to you and not in the space of others.

3. Be prepared. This last tip of note mainly applies to the airline experience, since that is my most common method of getting to a destination during the holidays. Unless you have been living under a rock in America for the past ten years, you should be well informed by now of the toiletries under 3.4 ounces in a plastic bag and shoe-less rules of going through airport security. With that knowledge in mind, be aware, be prepared and act accordingly. Do not decide to follow the rules at the last minute and unpack the entire contents of your carry-on at the table at security. Airports are stressful enough as it is, so get in, get out, and try not to aggravate your fellow weary traveler.

Having arrived at my destination of scenic New Jersey by train for the Thanksgiving holiday break and having a good laugh at all the travelers in Penn Station, I wish you all safe travels this holiday season and a happy Thanksgiving.
<3

Wish List Wednesday!

It is that time of the week again for another Wish List Wednesday. I recently realized that there are four and a half weeks of classes left in my Fall semester at R.P.I and my current feeling about it can best represented as thus:


This emotional sentiment comes from the compounding of the overall funk that I've been under recently combined with the fact that today was just one of those days where I woke up and really just wanted to hit the snooze button for the seventh time and not actually get up.

Under the latter pretense, the focus of this week's Wish List Wednesday is for pajamas. Along with being cuddly comfort that covers your body, pajamas may grace my wish list for Christmas. Below are three items which make me really want to just lounge around my apartment with a mug of hot chocolate with Bailey's and over-sized marshmallows. First off, despite being sometimes overpriced and having silly poses, I do enjoy Victoria's Secret merchandise, so it should be no surprise that this first set is on the list.



Secondly, while this isn't actually the classic pajama set, it's still part of the cozy ideal. Also, I have a thing for rubber duckies and it's cozy so who can argue the cuteness?



Lastly, it's cute and bright and I love plaid. That and I am getting a bit tired composing this post.




All aboard the Bedtime Express! Sleep sleep!

Wish List Wednesday!

November is officially here and although it is freaking me out a bit that we only have five weeks left in the semester, it is perhaps a good thing for many aspects of my life. The leaves have turned, fallen, and are transforming into a mushy slippery goo that threatens to kill me every time I walk back to my apartment. The cold has dipped down to temperatures in the 40s that feel like the 30s. My hands are cold, but thankfully my hair is not to the freezing point yet.

In that respect though, the cold is coming. Water Polo practices lasting until 11 pm will leave my head as an icy mess. Sadly, my favorite ski beanie has decided that our long, loving relationship must come to an end. After a camping trip, he left me and is either laughing at me from some corner of my apartment, blowing along the Aiderondack's or is on a mountain somewhere in Boulder, Colorado. Nevertheless, I have had my mourning period and now must move on before my hair does freeze.

The initial internet wanderings have led me to the following candidates.

This pom pom style hat makes its way to the list because of the bright colors. My last beanie of many years was a gray knit with red and orange circles, and what can I say? Old flames die hard.

Secondly, knits are always a favorite over fleece.

The second knit is also here due to color choice. I tend to wear a lot of black when I ski, so I like to break it up a bit.

Lastly, all I really have to say about this hat is that it's fun to toe the line between the light and the dark side.


Hopefully a suitable cap will find its way into my heart and onto my head in the near future. I really do not enjoy icicles for hair.

Wish List Wednesday!

Today is October 27th! There are four days until the official date of Halloween, however, festivities for me start this year on Friday the 29th. Certain things are better in three's and apparently Halloween celebrations also fall under that category. In the spirit of Halloween, this week's Wish List Wednesday is devoted to costumes that truly go above and beyond the call of duty.

First up, we have the costume that could have been. A friend of mine is being a very realistic Link from the Legend of Zelda series, and thus I was really really tempted to be Sheik.

This costume was the basis for what I would have constructed. Hopefully I'll have a job next year and more time and money to attempt this.

Secondly, perusing the internet I found our next amazing costume. Many Transformers costumes have been attempted, carried out and done, however, I do enjoy giving credit where credit is due.


The last costume of awesomeness comes from pop culture. I enjoy Lady Gaga, partially due to her music and partially because of her crazy costumes, so I applaud the individual below.

While it initially does not look that hard to construct, props for the creation of the red lace hat.

That concludes this week's Wish List Wednesday! What are you being for Halloween?

Wish List Wednesday!

Wish List Wednesday will occur this week! Huzzah! However, the post will go up for publication when I am at work today since there is maintenance being performed on Blogger, and I have already had a bit of difficulty in posting. Image overload might be a bad idea.

More excitement for your Wednesday nights!

Wish List Wednesday!

It's that time again folks since I'm back into the swing of things with school, blogging, and sickness! Nothing says back to school like being a walking ball of congested mucus! Every year in college, it never seems to fail that I get sick in the middle of September; I don't know why considering I eat a balanced diet, work out regularly, and try to get 6-8 hours of sleep every night. Karma and my stress just like to work against me I guess.

Anywho, I am sick. Very very sick. I missed my geology I lab this morning. I do not miss class. I do not like missing class, and in short this is an abomination to my soul. I woke up feeling horse, tired, congested, with a sore throat, painful chest cough, mild headache, and a feeling that my whole body ached. Being sick sucks. Therefore the theme of this Wish List Wednesday is designed with an aesthetic towards the medicinal.

First off, if money was no option and comfort was in mind,

Who wouldn't want a fainting couch? Laying around just got more glamorous.

Secondly, one could argue that this doesn't need to be on a wish list, since it is listed at $7.80 and I can purchase it in the store, but I don't have a car. I feel wretched. We're going to go with it.

The "Tao de Fruit" tea from Teavana is one of my favorite herbals, and at the rate that I'm consuming tea, a greater stock is always welcome.

Lastly, at home we have several Pendleton blankets. For those of you who haven't heard of them, they are the most comfortable, warm, and sturdy blankets known to man.

It is a goal of mine in life to have a cedar chest full of these.

With the conclusion of this week's Wish List Wednesday, here's hoping that I don't die tomorrow.

Wish List Wednesday!

Standardized large tests are the bain of my existence. By 2010 aren't we supposed to have helmets which just suck the information and knowledge out of our heads? I dream of the day when test anxiety goes away.

Well lookie there, I made a rhyme.

Trying to stay on the positive, let's move along with Wish List Wednesday.

Last week was shoes, and I figured I'd go on an accessory kick. That being said, hats are the focus of this week. First we start with something simple. Hats of simple but structurally sound construction design can add a lot to an outfit lacking that certain something, with that being said, this cloche, a small wide-brimmed hat seems to be a nice top to the fall.


Next along in headgear highlights, the seasons shift to winter for this hat. I have a large place in my heart for all things warm and fuzzy, and this piece by Diane von Furstenberg seems to be one of the highlights of that category.


IT'S SO FLUFFY!

Lastly, I leave with a formal note with thisfascinator. While it is a miniature hat, four feet of a tulle train is just too exciting.


Have a good week folks. I hope it's a bit better than my day was.

Wish List Wednesday!

Bear with me folks, yes I do know that today is technically Thursday but in my defense, the post was started and saved yesterday. I just forgot to publish it. I had a very busy Wednesday with my final research presentation, starting work on my research paper, actuarial studying and bowling. Somehow I stayed up for 18 hours. I don't know how, but I did.

Moving on!

In light of being done with my research presentation, the focus of Wish List Wednesday this week is SHOES! Wait what? What do shoes have to do with macroeconomic mathematical modeling? Apart from getting into a lengthy discussion about price levels and inflation with supply and demand, labor forces and what have you, the bottom line is this: after a big accomplishment, I like to indulge in a pair of awesome shoes. The end of last summer's research gave light to the birth of my red booties. That being said, here are some examples of awesomeness that get my female irrationalities really going.

I have always wanted to try wedges, but something always stops me when I see them in a store or online. I used to think that they were preposterous and ridiculous, so perhaps that inhibition is still inside me? Either way, if I get over that hurdle, these N.Y.L.A. wedges, available in different colors too, look amazing.

Just have to figure out how to walk in them first. If I can tackle Econometrics, I can tackle wedges right?

Next up, some of you who know me well, are aware I love boots. I live in boots from September till April or until it becomes too hot. I've even worn them during this past summer, however, I do not own a pair of black boots that I wear regularly.

They're over the knee boots. What's not to love?

Lastly, these purple heels are just too cute. Yes, a 5" heel with a 1" platform is a bit daunting, but I've got a thing for suede, as evidenced by my selections above.


Opinions on the proper shoe splurge anyone?

Wish List Wednesday

It's time for another round of Wish List Wednesday! Yes, I am aware that it is Thursday, but due to my mini vacation and subsequent absence of blog posts since Saturday, I have decided to do two, or maybe even ::gasp:: three entries! Today! Time to start off with the easy visual stuff of WLW.

First off, it's summer. The East Coast is currently in a heat wave. I am landlocked and really really really don't like it. Did I mention my distaste for East Coast humidity? Frankly, I just want to get my booty to a beach and why not do it in some thing new and cute?

This cute little bikini is on my list for two reasons. First, the suit helps me visualize water which mentally cools me down, and secondly, I haven't bought a new suit since the summer after senior year at JHS.

Moving along then, the second item is on a sad note of mourning. Yesterday when going to do my workout, I reached into my bag only to find that my goggles had broken cleanly along the plastic nose piece. Thus, a time of mourning is also an opportunity for new life.

These TYR goggles look similar to my old babies, but we shall see if they can truly fill that sacred place in my heart.

Lastly, the theme of this post seems to be water related activities. I have heard about and read about this kind of contraption but haven't tried it out.

The idea of being able to listen to a playlist while going through my swim workout has always seemed alluring, but the irrational threat of sparks and short-circuiting in my ear in the water is also a big deterrent. That caution factored with the price level of any sort of underwater mp3 device leaves me to think it'll stay on a mystical wish list for a long time.

Hope everyone is staying cool!

Wish List Wednesday

It's that time again folks! Wheeee internet capitalism subject to my childish whims!

First up, this one's really more for necessity than desire. Although I guess I desire it too...anywho, as a swimmer I need a new suit goddamn it. I'm over due on buying a new one and tired of double suiting with my decrepit drag suit.


Moving onwards, with the 4th of July weekend coming up and the actual holiday being on Sunday, the remaining two items pay tribute to our nation. Tribute is in a cute fashion of course.



Lastly, a different twist on an old favorite. Yes my sweet tooth is still slightly running a muck, but last night was steered towards bread, steak and wine, so this tasty treat is perfectly within reason.



These "American as apple pie bars" also look much more reasonable than me devouring a pie.

Wish List Wednesday

After having already published a post of somewhat quality content, I can in good conscious publish happy-consumerism-time, aka it's Wish List Wednesday. I also vow to get back into the swing of things and blog more than this past week. Writing on Tuesday, Wednesday, Sunday and Wednesday feels a bit unfulfilled, and not to be too hard on myself, but almost a little pathetic. With that note of self-loathing, let's continue onwards!

Things that I've found on the internet that are awesome:
First off, these earrings are ridiculous but hey so am I.

I like feathers.

My sweet tooth has been really active this week which isn't good for the whole losing weight in the summer thing, but nostalgia makes me want these cupcakes, especially the German Chocolate cake pictured below from St. Cupcake in Portland, Oregon.


Who doesn't like cupcakes?

Lastly, while it is unavailable, I've been lusting after this threadless tee for what seems like a small eternity.



Cows are just funny. That's all for this episode of KT's consumer lusting!

Wish List Wednesday

While the majority of the content in my blog is original work and ideas, like any writer I am going to want to replicate a great idea. Thus, I am replicating Chelsea's "Wish List Wednesday". I think it's a cute idea, and after my bleh post of yesterday, I could use some happy consumerist desires.

Things I've found around on the internet that need me to love them:
The hippy in me wants this tunic:


And yes I probably would wear it with braids in my hair and leather sandals or boots and look ridiculous. Flower optional.

These sunglasses will probably be my splurge at the end of the summer as a reward to myself:


Who doesn't love classic Ray-Ban's?

Lastly, this camera:

Because who says hipsters have all the fun? Besides, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. I am from Portland after all. I'm allowed to be an eccentric hipster with hippy flair in your face :P