Spring Has Sprung
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(03.28.08, 4:59 PM)
April is right around the corner, but it seems the April showers are coming our way just a little too early for me. I love weekends, but not when you're stuck in the house because of all the wetness outside! I know I could brave the elements, but my hair reacts rather comically to any type of humidity. I'll have to occupy myself in other ways for the next few days - I've actually heard the Frist is allowing families to come and view the exhibits free of charge. What constitutes a family, I wonder? Me and my fiance are family...maybe that will do! It would be great to see the Monet and Dali exhibits. I need a little more culture in my life!
Not So Fast Food
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(03.26.08, 9:16 PM)
Lately, the trend in food has been gourmet-to-go. People don't always have the time to wait for a table, wait for the waiter, and wait for the food to arrive. They don't want to sacrifice quality (and taste for that matter), so instead of heading to the nearest McDonald's, they opt for this type of eatery. Tonight I went with some friends to Pei Wei, the kid sister of Asian chain PF Chang's. All in all, the Mongolian shrimp and lettuce wraps that I ordered were good. Everything came in large portions, and tasted extremely similar to the same dishes found on the menu at PF Chang's. However, they had similar price tags as well, and I couldn't help but wonder if it was worth it. As I handed over my credit card to the busy cashier, the fact remained that I was paying table-service price for a counter-service experience. And while a very good value for convenience sake when you're in a rush, it wasn't worth it when you want to linger and chat only to have people impatiently waiting to clean your table for the next group.
Easter Best
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(03.24.08, 08:30 PM)
Remember when you were little and each year your mom bought you a pretty little pastel dress with a huge bow on the back? Well, I do anyway. I had the saddle shoes, the curls in my hair, and the cute little tights. And I loved every minute of it! I almost wish it was acceptable now to wear that...but I have a feeling I would be laughed right back into my condo. Not only that, but I definatley wouldn't be worthy to write this blog for NFocus!
Gucci Gucci Goo
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(03.20.08, 8:17 PM)
Flipping through the pages of Bazaar, I kept noticing that it had to be the best smelling magazine I had ever read. Really, the most gorgeous scent was coming from somewhere and I couldn't figure it out. Finally, after getting halfway through I came to the ad for the latest perfume by Gucci. Uncreatively named Gucci by Gucci, I felt the need to run to the nearest department store and buy a huge bottle. Of course I didn't, but I already know it's my new favorite. It just might be replacing the Coco Mademoiselle that's been on my dresser for years.
Bronzed Beauties
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(03.19.08, 8:48 PM)
I know warmer weather is upon us. I'm excited about that, believe me! Everyone I know has started to hit the tanning beds in order to have a nice base for their shorter sleeves and skirts. But I have to wonder, with everyone going organic, green, and natural, where does that leave us with our skin? I'm no exception to the rule by any means! I love a deep, dark tan as much as the next girl...or guy for that matter. But if the options are an electric tan or an orangey glow from a cream or spray, I'm not sure which poison I would rather pick. I've been in the brozing beds, which are actually really fantastic and supposedly has far fewer burning rays than their lower level, and much less expensive counterparts. I think I'll risk the extra dollars and get a bronze, not a burn. After all, I would love this skin to look as vibrant in my 40s as it does my 20s!
The Morning After the Party
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(03.18.08, 7:36 PM)
Last night on St. Patrick's Day, we celebrated in true Irish spirit. You know the drill; dark pubs, green beer (not that I'm sure they actually do that in Ireland), and even a few bites of Fish and Chips. We hopped from place to place, looking for the best spot to show off our heritage. What I didn't notice about the night that has always been a force to be reckoned with, were the police. Where were they? Apparently they were waiting on tired, partied-out troopers on their way to work the next day. I couldn't even begin to count the number of flashing lights I noticed on the sides of the interstates and highways this morning during my own trek into the office. Do people stay out ALL night for this holiday? Maybe I'm out of the loop. Perhaps they were simply aware that people would be hitting snooze and then having to rush to work. Thank goodness my alarm is out of arm's reach or I might have another bill to add to the list!
St. Patrick's Day Festivities
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(03.17.08, 1:12 PM)
Some people may call it cheesy, some might say it's just an excuse to drink to the point of oblivion, but I can't help myself for loving St. Patrick's Day! Of the people I've come in contact with, it seems that there are more people celebrating this day than they even did for Halloween, with different shades of green turning up everywhere I go. Dan McGuinness was already celebrating when I arrived Saturday night. All the staff sported green wigs, and they had already broke-out the dye for the beers. I wasn't complaining though, all the fun made people get into the spirit and the night was a blast!
A Wedding Story
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(03.13.08, 09:09 AM)
Two friends of mine got married awhile back, and to make their fairytale romance complete, they were featured on TLC's A Wedding Story. It ran again last night, and I just couldn't believe how beautiful she was surrounded by all the candles in the cathedral, or how happy he looked just to be committing his life to her. The show showcased their lives since meeting, from finding each other in a pumpkin patch in Minneapolis, to flying across the country for a year of long-distance love. (Is this too corny for anyone? I can't help it...it's too sweet!) Renee happens to be a singer/songwriter, and Tom is the smitten guy that finally packed up and followed her to Music City. She actually wrote many of the songs that were in her wedding. Unlike most of us who settle for a few over-played classics, she stepped out of the box and wrote a song for Tom, and it was featured on the show! So, with all that said she's started her own company. And guess who's getting married soon? ME!!
A Presidential Visit
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(03.12.08, 1:07 PM)
I work by the airport, which means that after Airforce One touched down, all roads were closed and we were trapped within a 1 mile radius. I'm not going to get into an entire political debate on who should win and who should shut up. There is enough of that on talkshows, news channels, and publications. But I found it quite amusing that he didn't speak much on the topic of McCain, and he hardly stayed long enough to give his speech. He did, however, mention once again his strong feelings about the U.S. staying in Iraq.
Spring Fever
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(03.10.08, 12:43 PM)
I'm sure everyone is in the same position I am. It's March, we've just set the clocks forward an hour, and I've bought new spring clothes. But I can't wear them! I could wear them into the office I guess, but it's always cold here, so a cardigan would have to be put over my pretty new tops. Is this weather finally over? It's a lot better today than it was this weekend, anyway. March definately came in with a bang, but I'm tired of boots and sweaters! Bring on the warm weather, and with that the promise of flowers on the trees.
A Lost Art
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(03.06.08, 3:22 PM)
Recently a friend has temporarily relocated to another country. Since calling would be outrageous, we've decided to exchange letters...you know, the old fashioned way of communicating. I text and email all the time, but usually that consists of a few short sentences. I didn't realize how much I wanted to say in the letter, and how long it took to write everything! By the end, my hand was blue with ink smears, and my fingers were cramping. I had forgotten what it was like to be in elementary school. One thing I noticed when browsing the bookshops and stationary stores, was that they didn't carry a lot of paper. Not note cards, and not note pads, but actual full-size sheets of paper that I could compose my novels on. I have too many words to fit on the cute Kate Spade note pad paper I saw everywhere, but I didn't want to use plain-jane notebook paper, either. For now that's what I'm sticking with, but sending everything with adorable stamps.
Workout While You Shop
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(03.05.08, 2:56 PM)
Victoria's Secret is now selling a new "FitFlop" fitness shoe. It appears to be a sporty-style of sandal, available in black, red and gray. The draw to buy these, since they aren't the most attractive things on the market, is that they claim you will get a workout while you walk. Too good to be true? Most likely, but it's a great theory. The brand is FitFlop, and they say you will burn calories and tone legs with every step, strengthening the muscles in your feet, legs, rear, stomach and back. That's a big promise! More reasonably, they also claim they absorb shock on your feet, knees and back, and that they can help improve your posture. It could be worth buying a pair just to see if something this simple could work when running around doing errands!
Prescription for a Doctor
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(03.04.08, 4:06 PM)
When going to a salon or spa, it's a trial-by-fire type of experience. Sure, you might get a recommendation from a friend, but when it comes down to it, you just have to suck it up and hope for the best. A doctor is a different ball game to me, though. You can't just hope for the best when going in for LASIK. You really have to know that this doctor is qualified and has a good resume to back them up. A website can only tell you so much, and it will obviously be skewed in the Doc's favor. I know the Nashville Scene does their "Best of Nashville" poll every year and I actually do use those recommendations on occasion. It would be nice to have something similar from another publication, as well. All for diversity's sake.
A Room with a View...but Little Else
Posted by Mandi Coleman
(03.03.08, 09:57 PM)
Sunday I went house, or I should say condo, hunting. I found some really great spaces. Some of them were holes, some of them seemed like warehouses. I noticed a trend with them all, though. There wasn't any closet space. I don't consider myself to have a TON of stuff, but when it comes to closet space, I really need at least 1 walk-in! My favorite by far was located right off West End. The view was gorgeous, and the amenities in the complex were so nice I would probably never even use half of them. Hardwoods, granite, huge garden tub...it was adding up to be the one. Until someone pointed out that my clothes hamper wouldn't fit into the bedroom closet, and if that's the case then my hanging items didn't stand a chance!
Opinions posted by individuals are their own. This site is not responsible for them.
All other content is copyright 2007 by Village Voice Media.
|
