LIFENOSH

INTRO TO LIFEnosh!

Well, hello and welcome to my new microblog titled LIFEnosh. If you've been reading my blog, STYLEnosh for the last 3 years, you know the focus of that site has been on fashion, shopping, and developing personal style. Now I'm creating LIFEnosh to share some of those quips, musings, and what the ?!?!? moments that go beyond your wardrobe. My goal is to keep to six main topics: Home, Work, Mind, Body, People, and yes, Style. To me style, or personal style to be exact, is easily incorporated into some part of the other five categories so it shan't be ignored. Yes, I used the word shan't. I'm a wee be tired so I think I'm developing some pseudo English accent by way of the Midwest.

Anyhoo, this is the beginning of something exquisitely new and unlimited. Well, at least to me. Oh, and definitely share your views. Please note a few tenets this micro setting will abide by like being open-minded and implementing some element of rational thought. That's not asking too much. So welcome to LIFEnosh, where the motto is skip fatty snacks. Nibble on fashion, healthy food and an extraordinarily delicious life!

THIS WEEK'S MADCAP WRAP-UP: SALES, NEWS + EVERYTHING ELSE

Image: lordandtaylor.com

I am intrigued with the notion of not getting a diamond ring when you become betrothed. And one man, and some women apparently are making a strong argument for it too. If you only browse the article at Jezebel, be sure to read the comments. There are plenty of creative ways to show your love and pending commitment.

And over at Yahoo! Shine, a user posted an interesting question: How many bras should you have? If this question leads you to the realization that you don't have enough, you want to head to Vickies this weekend where you can take an extra 20% off clearance undies. Use promo code SHOPVS20. Offer good through Sunday.

Feeling generous? Consider buying one or more of the FEED Guatemala bags sold at Lord & Taylor. Each purchase will yield a donation by FEED to UNICEF's nutritional programs in Guatemala. Doing good and looking good. Gotta love it!

Have a superb weekend!

THIS WEEK'S MADCAP WRAP-UP: SALES, NEWS + EVERYTHING ELSE

It was short holiday week for many of us and I'm still trying to determine if it went by fast or slow. Anyhoo, it's Friday and I'm beyond ready for the weekend. So what happened this week that may have slipped your radar? Here's a recap.

A New York state senator takes on sagging pants by putting up billborad against the youthful fashion offense. Click here to see the sign. I don't if the message will sink into the thick skulls of kids. But I appreciate State Senator Adams for generating the discussion. (from nytimes.com)

And in keeping with the theme of debatable topics, Urban Outfitters is selling a t-shirt that simply says, "Eat less". I can't decide if it's a brilliant political move or tacky quip. What do you think? (from huffingtonpost.com)

The Limited launches its weddings and events collection. You'll not only discover wedding and bridesmaid dresses (which are quite wearable for other occasions too); but there's also a nod toward graduation dresses as well. And how timely. All dresses are currently 30% off.

Nordstrom is still in the midst of its Half-Yearly Sale. Get acquainted with top designers at up to 50% off.

WHY I TREAT EVERY NEW BIRTHDAY THE WAY A FIVE-YEAR OLD WOULD

If you're around me for at least six months, then you undoubtedly know how much I love my birthday. I'm not talking about casually mentioning to co-workers at 4 pm that it's my birthday and I'm about to hang out with some friends. No, that just won't cut it for me. In the not so distant past, I used to send out email reminders to all my friends one month before my big day. Over-the-top? Maybe. Annoying? Perhaps. But I get so enthused and energized about the day I was born, I genuinely can't help but get ecstatic about it.

So why do I treat my birthday like a kid who's expecting a bike or the latest video game on their b-day? I never thought about it before but talking to my sister Joy helped me realize that most people dread their birthdays. (NOTE: She likes her birthday too but she's quick to note that she's not as fanatical as me.) So here's my assessment of why I love, love, love my birthday.

IT'S MY SPECIAL DAY   Although I realize that I'm not the only person born today (Happy Birthday to Jessica S. Woo-hoo!), I always felt like it was my special day. No one has to be prompted to get excited about a new car, a shopping spree, or a big, fat raise. So why not celebrate, big or small, the day you came into the world?

YOU GET STUFF  And I'm not only referring to gifts here. You also receive lunch with friends who you never see enough, birthday cards (which I open on my actual birthday), and the free gift called attention. When you're a ham, that last gift is the best one.

AND THE OBVIOUS  I'm still here! Breathing another day is always welcomed in my book. Rather you're 25 or 55, celebrate simply because you can.

Final Thoughts...

If you're not excited when the calendar hits your birthday, ask yourself why. Are you displeased with who you are or what your doing at this point in your life? I get it. Most of us feel like we haven't quite lived up to our potential. I'd say that's even more reason to ooze exuberance on your day. Because when you wake up on yet another birthday, you officially have another chance to make whatever you want happen.

 

HAITI IN NEED: WAYS TO GIVE

We've all been watching the horrific situation unfolding in Haiti after Tuesday's earthquake. If you're looking for a way to help, here are some things you can do to lend a hand.

Red Cross  Text 'Haiti' to 90999 to donate $10. The money is added to your cell phone bill.

Yele Haiti   Text 'Yele' to 501501 to donate $5. 

Salvation Army  Visit their website to make a donation.

You can also volunteer at your local Red Cross chapter or give blood. 

Thanks!

WHO HAVE YOU BEEN IGNORING?

I have a confession to make. I'm a horrible friend. I am known across at least five states as the person who doesn't return calls. It took me three weeks to return a call from one of my close friends. And I didn't call him back until I saw his facebook update stating that he had a bad day. And I've yet to phone a friend back who called me on New Year's Eve. (Sorry Staci.) 

So what is my problem? Why don't I stay connected with the very people I claim are essential to my world? Well, I'm not really sure. But I have a theory. I have some pretty big goals to tackle this year. Notice I said to tackle, future tense. In other words, I have a lot of unfinished business that needs to be handled. I'm starting to believe that I don't like chatting with my friends if I have less than flattering news to report. Who wants to hear about my debt, high gas prices, or the inflamed joint problem with my feet?

Not that I do a whole lot of calling when I'm making three times my money or amidst the process of creating my wildest dreams. At least when things are moving forward I'm more apt to generate a conversation or two. But when you state something is important to you, shouldn't that importance be reflected in how you spend your time?

So basically, I need to do better. I'll guess I'll start with returning phone calls within 2 days of receiving them. (Hmm..that eerily sounds like a company's customer service policy.) Oh, and thanks for all of those Christmas cards. I do really appreciate it even though I haven't called to say thank you!

How do you keep in touch with your friends and family?

WHY NOT FOCUS ON YOU?

I was strolling the Oprah site the other day and discovered an introductory video for the new Oprah Winfrey Network, aka OWN. Not only was I enthused about the video itself, but I got absolutely giddy when I saw the words, "Because it's not just about what's next on tv. It's what's next...for you?" You have to watch it. If you don't get amped and ready to go out and conquer your world, then I guess you're just too cool.

Not me! I'm completely energized by the notion of what's next for me. Because that's the very question that's driving my actions these days. So what do I want? A LOT! But I'll settle for a finished book. I've been talking about writing a book for two years. And this year, I am actually going to do it. (NOTE: Yes, part of it will focus on fashion but I have a little twist I'm putting in the mix, which makes it more of a lifestyle book.) My goal is to be a published writer who actually makes a living from my writing. This book will finally lead me in that direction.

So what's next for you where work is concerned? Are you staying put at your current job? Or are the voices whispering for you to take a leap of faith and go out on your own this year? Are you dripping with anticipation for what you'll do next?

Image by rubencolorado on morgufile.com

THE FANTASTIC YEAR THAT WAS 2009

I'm completely done with 2009 bashing. The "worst year ever" and all that jazz. I spent half the year unemployed and I've removed any notion of my 401k maintaining value in the future. But can those misfortunes really be blamed on the previous year?

Maybe. While there was a lot of unscrupulous behavior to divvy up between one corporation or another, I'm focused on my ingenious choices. Did that action make sense? Did I really need to buy another dress (or two). So I really can't afford to place external blame. I don't know. I guess I feel like I should wash my own car before I write wash me on someone else's dirty vehicle.

So I'm reflecting on last year's challenges and triumphs. And I'm using the last 12 months as a way to learn from my rich experiences and not wallow in the uncomfortable parts. Well, maybe a little wallowing but none today. Now that 2010 is here and moving forward, so am I.