What I Wore: Spring Has Sprung

I tweeted this morning that I was super excited that Spring had finally arrived-this means peeps toed shoes and bare legs with dresses! See what I mean-exciting! (Also, wow I haven't done a What I Wore in a whiiiile!)

Here's the full outfit and me smiling like a fool over how nice the weather is.

I really like this dress for how comfortable it is. What I do not like about this dress is that I have to wear a tank top underneath it because there is A LOT of bosom room! Room that I cannot fill. Look how saggy it is.

It might not look that bad in the above picture. But check it out now when I stretch out the extra fabric.

Yeah that's not going to happen. Ever.

Dress: Tommy Hilfiger, Purchased at Macy's

Shoes: Banana Republic

Sensibly Sassy Meets Harry Potter

Last week I revealed that I was tackling the Harry Potter series-for the first time. While I know I may be the last person on earth to read these books I didn't expect as much response over the fact that I am reading these books. But I got a text from one of my best friends exclaiming her excitement and comments from others wondering a)how I am liking the series and b) how I went so long without reading them.

I must admit that for the longest time I thought that I might be a little too cool for Harry Potter-you know all the talk about witches and wizards was a little too young for me. Friends and family still encouraged me to read them even though I maintained that I was fairly certain it wasn't my type of book.

Well, Jon had decided to read them the series a couple months ago. After he had finished reading the first of the series I decided that since it was in the apartment I might as well give it a try. So I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone because and I thought it was cute. A sweet, well written kid's book. I decided to keep reading after the first one because it was such an easy read. Before I knew it I was three books in and texting Jon things like "I love the dynamic between Ron, Harry and Hermione-I hope they are friends forever". I know, that's creepy. But I was hooked.

Right now I am reading Order of the Phoenix (NO SPOILERS PLEASE). I hear that the last two books are by far the best so I am really excited. Have you read Harry Potter? Did you like it? Which one was your favorite of the series?

Music Monday: Motown

One of my all time genres of music is motown, hands down. I'm not sure if it is the sugary sweet lyrics or the matching outfits of the singing group but it mooooves me! I can't help it, if hear a motown favorite of mine I instantly start swaying and singing along. Motown is a one of the types of music that my grandparents helped me appreciate when I was growing up so its got that going for it too.

The music is sweet and simple but I think that is part of its charm, its easy to love. Here are some of my favorite motown favorites.

Do you like motown? What is your favorite genre of music?

Acne Update: 100 Days of Accutane

Disclaimer: The following post is purely my experience using Accutane and is in no way an endorsement or professional medical advice. I am not affiliated with Accutane in any commerical or professional capacity. Please talk to your doctor should you have questions/concerns about Accutane.

Not nearly as cute, hipster or fun as 500 Days of Summer but hey its all I got.

I can hardly believe it, but today marks 100 days since I started on my journey to rid my face of the all powerful acne! It seems like just yesterday I took my first blood test and took my first pill in an effort for clearer skin. But no look at me, triple digits baby!

Symptoms I have noticed:

-My lips are still really dry, I have gone through 2 lip gloss tubes, one rosebud salve tin and one tinted lip gloss.

-My joints ache up the wazoo. If I sit for too long I ache upon standing especially in the hips.

-My skin is dry. When I get out of the shower and dry off my face I have to be extra careful because if I rub the towel too hard on my face it burns quite a bit.

oh and a new addition to my acne arsenal

This my friends is Spironolact. I was prescribed good ole Spirny because while my overall acne was being treated by the Accutane there was still these large boils that kept popping up near "that time of the month" (Sensibly Sassy first, I don't think I have ever talked about my period on here. Fear not, this will probably be a last as well. Look at that pimples and periods all in one post!). SO ANYWAY. It turns out that the type of acne that I just mentioned isn't affected at all by Accutane....of course it isn't. I mean really. So now I am on Accutane for the all over acne and Spironolact for the other big ole hurty mountainous pimples. Spironolact isn't all that bad and it seems to be working with a quickness. The only not so desirable side effect is that it lowers my blood pressure so I have to get up slowly or else I get wobbly with a side of tunnel vision. For someone that likes to wear heels, this could be disastrously embarrassing.

Oh and I switched to the pharmacy at Target and they are super nice and look how cute their prescription bottles are! (I honestly can't tell you how many times I have shoved said bottle in Jon's face and said, "Look how cool it is!!!")

One Of The Cutest Things EVAH!

I am reading the Harry Potter Series right now, for the first time (more on that later). But I just finished reading Goblet of Fire so we watched the movie adaptation of it last Saturday. I was pretty into the movie, but I looked to my left only to see that the other two guys I live with were much more invested in it than I was.

And for the record, neither of them knew I was recording this.

Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants.

I have made a lot of changes to my eating habits over the last year or so. I have been meaning to write about it so here we are. Over all I would like to think I am a pretty healthy eater, but it has taken a really long time to get that way. It's not to say that I was eating total garbage but I wasn't exactly mindful about what I was eating. I figured that if they sold it in a store it has to be ok to eat, right? For the most part yes, this was true. But I had a serious love affair with Cheez-its, like-I could eat a whole box while watching one episode of Oprah-serious.

Jon has long been a really healthy eater, it's pretty impressive, and to be honest, a little annoying at times. It was so easy for him to ignore processed foods and dig into his veggies like it was the best thing he ever ate. It frustrated me to no end, in my head I wanted to eat healthier, but in my stomach I wanted that bowl of pasta and let's not forget about those cheez-its and possibly some pastries too.

One day Jon brought home a book he really enjoyed called Food Rules by Michael Pollan. It was short, to the point and made perfect sense. Something clicked for me.

Eat nothing your grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.

Eat nothing with unrecognizable ingredients.

If it came from a plant, eat it; if it was made in a plant, don’t.

Eat only foods that will eventually rot.

Eat only junk food that you prepare yourself.

Above are just some of the "food rules" I read about in the book. See what I mean? Simple. I was intrigued so I read Michael Pollan's other book, In Defense Of Food.

This book really put the wheels in motion for my eating revolution. The saying on the cover of the book is "Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants." And something about that saying clicked with me. I started to look at my meals and snacks differently. I started grocery shopping only around the perimeter of the store, I try to make our meals colorful (have you ever noticed how healthier food is more colorful?) and trying new foods, like Swiss Chard. Not only is my new way of eating better for my body, but I FEEL so much better. I've got energy and I don't have heartburn as often (something used to struggle with constantly). Now this is not to say that I am a perfect eater. There are sometimes where my food choices aren't entirely healthy. We may remember this:

Or this:

But those moments are few and far between. Plus my new way of eating isn't about denying myself of anything. Its about shifting the percentages of healthy foods vs. indulgent foods. And after a while the healthy foods really started to become preferable to manufactured foods, really they did. And the indulgent foods become even more decadent once you haven't had them in a while. In my opinion its a win/win.

Share a recipe with me!

Music Monday: Disney Songs

Before there was Hannah Montana or Justin Bieber Disney cartoons were music to kid's ears. The stories of the cartoons always had a sad tinge to them but the music always made me giddy as a, well, a school girl.

I am not sure what got me thinking of Disney songs, but I got on a kick the other day and youtubed some of my favorites. Interestingly enough, I still knew all of the words! Here is a montage of some of the best ones:

What is your favorite Disney song?

heartache

It's been a week since the horrible news about Japan broke. My usual morning routine consists of watching the TODAY show and this week was no different. But this week as I got ready I just couldn't shake how much my heart broke for the people of Japan. I was filled with anxiety and fear as I watched and that being said I knew it was a minuscule amount as compared to what the Japanese people are going through right this very moment.

I really wanted to write about it because I don't want it to seem as though I don't care-because I truly do. But it turns out I don't know what to say. This world is filled with so many beautiful moments that make me thankful to be here, but sometimes its scary and hard to make sense of. That's how I am feeling right now-scared and trying to make sense of it all. So there ya have it, trying to stay positive, trying to keep things in my life in perspective but as I do that my heart still aches for those that are suffering.

#10 The Last Item I Purchased

I've been really into American Idol this year. I think the new judges add some oomph to the show. Another thing I am loving about American Idol is Jennifer Lopez's outfits and makeup! More specifically her red lip stick.

I always thought that red lipstick was reserved for fairer skin types like, say, Betty Draper.

But after seeing J.Lo with the crimson smile I figured I could give it a try too! So I used a Sephora gift card I had and bought some Sephora, Always Red Cream Lip Stain.

I was skeptical at first but once I put it on...I kind of loved it!

It's amazing how a little lip color can make you feel so different. Dare I say it....Sassier.

Yes, a lip color has raised the sassy quotient. Alert the presses!

What is the last thing you have purchased? What boosts your sassy quotient?

Sassy Sidenote: Internet Tutorial

Hey all!

I am teaching Jon's sister, Taylor, how to blog. I think we are doing ok. We took this picture this afternoon. A couple things about it:

-She does not normally sport a mullet

-Her head does not normally look that large (yes, it does she just told me to type that)

-I'm not wearing makeup so it looks like she is babysitting me.

That is all.

Oh and my head is a skittle-tropical flavor thankyouverymuch!

Sassy Sidenote: A Pupdate of Sorts

I swear this picture isn't staged...Frank truly has a penchant for sticking his arse in my face when I try to pose with him. He did it here and here too!

Oh, and I think this might be an ideal present for my parents.

It's funny because it's true.

A Blogger Brunch

On Sunday I ventured to Danville to a yummy little place called The Peasant and The Pear to meet up with the lovely Sara, (and her hubby Brett and their adorable little man George), Sarahand Steph-whom I had met in real life twice before.

After the introductory hugs etc we sat down like we have had dozens of brunches together before. We chatted about babies, Real Housewives and shoes. It went by so very fast which must mean we were having a really good time.

I even got some one on one time with the most famous baby boy on the internet-It's George McG himself! He was playing it strong and silent-boy knows how to play a table full of ladies.
And then for the actual meal itself, I had a brunch pizza. It was more like the brunch had me. I had a scant two pieces of this beast before tapping out. It was so good, but boy howdy did it pack a punch.
How was your weekend? Do you brunch? What is your favorite meal?

Music Monday: Plan B

Before I even begin to introduce you to this next artist, I have to give Jon full credit for introducing me to this next musician. So now that that's out of the way let me introduce you to

Plan B.

I love his modern spin on Motown, which happens to be one of my favorite music genre's ever. I want to call Plan B a male counter to the likes of Amy Winehouse. See what I mean?

I haven't heard much about Plan B in the U.S. but I do hope more people catch on to his unique yet familiar music.

#9 My Favorite Part of the Day

There are so many parts of my day that I enjoy (drinking a cup of tea while putting on my make up, coming home to a happy puppy, listening to podcasts while cooking dinner etc) and I am so thankful for that. But my favorite part of every day, wow what a hard question, but I have to say that those quiet moments right before bed are something I look forward to and treasure.

Our routine goes a little something like this:

All three of us (Frank, Jon and myself-if you are reading this blog for the first time Frank is my dog, Jon is my boyfriend-I don't have any brother-husbands ala sister-wives craziness going on here) climb into bed. Jon and I hem and haw over who is going to clean out Frank's folds on his face (glamorous I know). Afterwards Frank will make himself comfortable in between us (and quickly begin to snore) and Jon and I will lay there and chat for a while. Sooner or later Jon and I will pick up the books on our nightstand and read for a bit.

Nothing fancy or too exciting. But to me it means the world. There is a quiet sense of accomplishment-our love evolved from giggly high school sweetness to something entirely more grown up and serious-we are each others home now. And fate/future/god and whatever else willing we will hopefully have a lifetime more years of sleepy conversation and goodnight kisses.

Funny enough, my cousin Cassie (who just started a blog of her own ) also says that bedtime is her favorite part of the day. Do you feel the same way? If not what is your favorite part of the day?

A First And Definitely Not A Last

Have you ever been to a movie by yourself?

Before this past Sunday I would have had answered no to that question and honestly it was never something that had crossed my mind to do. I had been to movies with Jon, with friends, my mom-you get the idea-but never by myself.

Jon had plans for Sunday morning and I found myself wondering what I wanted to do that day. Remembering that the Oscar's were on later that day I realized that I hadn't seen The King's Speech. So I decided on a whim that I would go see it, by myself.

Now it might sound silly, but I was kind of nervous. For what? I wasn't sure. I bought my ticket (which was only $5 because the movie started before noon!), a small bag of popcorn, and some Reese's Pieces-I was ready! I sat down and had to keep reminding myself that I should slow down on the popcorn if I wanted it to last past the previews-I always have that problem which is why I hardly ever get popcorn.

The movie itself was really good and uplifting, which I am thankful for because how awful would it be to crying while watching a movie alone. But overall, the experience was really nice. It was a little like taking myself out on a date, we had a good time.

Have you ever seen a movie by yourself? What did you see?

Have you seen the King's Speech?

Smile For The iphone, now with Instagram!

I mentioned last week that my old iphone 3GS bit the dust, hard. I was holding out for as long as I could but my old iphone made it apparent that an upgrade was not only very much wanted but intensely necessary.

I was shocked into happiness upon realizing that the new iphone 4 blew my old phone out of the flippin water! New phone means new aps!! So far my favorite new app is Instagram. Basically, you take pictures like normal and then you make them look all fancy with the different settings you can apply to your pics.

Here are some, ok all, of the pictures I have touched up using Instragram.

Another one of my favorite apps? WORDS WITH FRIENDS (basically it's Scrabble-but you know they can't use the Scrabble name-copy writes and what not)!!! I am not really a very good player but it sure is fun. If you want to play me I'm, wait for it... SensiblySassy