Timewasters

Posted on August 27, 2012 by rachelmarlena

So all last week I was sick (hence the absence) and pretty much alternated between naps and mindlessly surfing the internet. Not so great for making progress on revising a paper or work, but fantastic for my newest internet round-up. Sooo many things to show you guys and most of it is funny so you are welcome for making your Monday that much better.

No Way Girl is so ridiculous I can’t even pick a favorite. But JMOD sent me this and I just…cannot. See more here.

When I first heard about the Redneck Games I thought for sure it was a joke. But no, this is a real thing. Shit just got real, y’all!

Horseshoes

I was surprised to see that this year’s games did not include the wet t-shirt contest. Georgia’s trying to keep it classy.

Laura found this and posted it on Twitter. OMG the comments…dying.

“Let’s go out and drink whisky and PBR, smoke cigarettes and just be cool somewhere…” Sounds like a winner. See the full roundup here. And in case you want more ridiculousness, here is “in town for business” (so creepy!), those who think Daylight Savings Time is an excuse to hookup, sex before work (zomg), “you help me put together my IKEA furniture and I’ll…compensate you,” and gamer love. I think I like the roommate ads even better though.

This is my favorite…”This place has windows so you can see outside and shit. WHATSUP NEIGHBORS!”

I’ve also found so many YouTube videos.

The Fifty States Stereotypes made me laugh because so many of them were true (although to be honest, I totally didn’t get Louisiana…)


“Can you not do that, please?”


“I hope the other team scores I feel bad for them!”


I’m going to stop there but seriously you could watch “Shit [blanks] Say” all day…there are that many videos.

I saved the best for last because seriously I was dying. So much to love here. “Songs where you get tickled are so exclusive.”


Okay…that is all I have for now! What is your favorite? Found anything amazing around the web lately? 

Posted in Lagniappe | 1 Comment

I Knew You’d Be Lovely

Posted on August 16, 2012 by rachelmarlena

I don’t often post about what I have read because it is way too boring for the blog or something 10,000 other people have read and written about. But I am always reading. When my friend Aaron told me about the following and I read the description on Amazon, I was a little skeptical. For one it is a collection of short stories. I like to engross myself in a book, feel as though I have come to know the characters, and end with a sense of letting go of a long-lost friend. A little cheesy, a little over the top but whatever, it is what I do. You don’t get that with short stories. Except with these, you kind of do!

Each story features a character at a sort of crossroads, but not a dramatic, suspenseful, weighty crossroads. The type of crossroads that you don’t realize you are at until years later when you look back and think, “that was the moment that made all the difference.” There is a bit of humor and a bit of sadness, but most of all there is hope. Hope that things will work out, both for you and the character. Hope that, despite evidence to the contrary, the universe just might be working for you. Hope that even the most mundane things can become wonderful if you let them.

I don’t know what else to say about it. It is short, it is engaging, and to quote Nicole Krauss, “it moved me in a way one hopes to be moved each time each time he begins a book.”

I definitely recommend it.

What are you reading these days? Anything I should check out? Have you read I Knew You’d Be Lovely? 

Posted in Lagniappe | 5 Comments

Business Casual Chic

Posted on August 8, 2012 by rachelmarlena

As I write this, I’m totally in jorts and a Chi Omega tank top (chic…) but during the work week, particularly when I am not working from home, I tend to dress up a bit more. None of my work has specific dress codes, which is really nice, but I find myself more productive and taken more seriously when I look professional, or at least professional-ish. I know there are many definitions of business casual, and some of these pieces might not be appropriate for your workplace. But remember, you can always do things like throw a lightweight jacket or cardigan over a top to make it more conservative.

Shop these blouses, clockwise from top left: Tie-neck top in dot, $118; Lafayette Wrap Blouse, $178.90; Asymmetrical Tiered Jersey Top, $48; Drape Neck Jersey Top, $78.90; Keyhole Blouse, $168; Tie-neck 3/4-Sleeved Blouse, $49.50. 

Now on to bottoms. I may get some serious flack for this, but slim-cut trousers or crops are the way to go. Not capris that cut you off mid-calf (can anyone really pull these off?) but just-above-the-ankle crops. Something about flared leg trousers remind me of Hillary Clinton in a pantsuit. Unless you are super leggy, they are not all that flattering. Hopefully you are able to wear bright colors at your office, but if it is super conservative stick to black, pinstripe, herringbone, etc. Another option is the skirt of course. At the knee or just below, this can be really cute. It is all about the silhouette. Some options:

Edge-waist Ankle Pants, $59.90; Broken-in Straight Khakis, $49.95; Marisa Skinny Ankle Pants, $69.50; Cafe Capri, $158; Muse de Cluny Skirt, $34.99; Converging Petals Print Skirt, $39.99; Wrap Skirt, $278. 

Shoes. As much as I would love to wear flip-flops and flat, strappy sandals every day, this is not business casual except in the most relaxed of workplaces. I have thrown in a mix of pumps, flats, and wedges, and you can take your pick based on personal preference. A nude pump goes with nearly everything and really elongates your legs, and nothing is chicer than a pair of cap-toed flats (so Audrey!). If you think it would be appropriate at your workplace, bright colors and patterns make any outfit so much chicer. Think royal blue suede, black and white polka dot, or leopard print.

Shop the look, clockwise from top left: Michael Michael Kors York Peep-toe, $125; Aaden Mid-heel, $275; Tod’s Gommini Moccasin, $425; Mila Ballet Flat, $138; Lucky Brand Gable, $99. 

Okay so you have the outfit or maybe you are fortunate enough that you can wear plain v-necks to work but you want something a bit more. The key to making your outfit go from a bunch of separates to a chic ensemble is accessories. Obviously a great bag is nice, but it isn’t like you are going to be walking around the office carrying your bag. Also cute belts count as accessories, so don’t be afraid to belt a skirt and top combo at the waist.

Yarnz Nautical Bow Scarf, $74; Murfee Scarf Rain or Shine, $118; Pearl Focal Necklace, $79.50; Kenneth Jay Lane Basketweave Cuff, $110; Trina Turk Eclipse Ring, $85. 

Where do you shop for business casual clothes? What are your favorite ways to make the look chic? I’d love to know!

Posted in not common essentials | 4 Comments

Just This

Posted on August 6, 2012 by rachelmarlena

…a little reminder for your Monday (buy the print here). Also, I’m having fun over at Elembee’s today. Check out my crushes, wish list, and what I am currently up to. Happy Monday! xoxo

Posted in Lagniappe | 2 Comments

The Best of the Web

Posted on July 30, 2012 by rachelmarlena

Happy Monday, Boston Not Commoners! Did you have a good weekend? I had a to-do list a mile long, but I managed to get a lot done and have fun too. I thought to make the day pass a bit faster we would do a little round-up. It has been awhile. I know this is usually reserved for Fridays but oh well.

Refinery 29 recently did a round-up of fabulous hostess gifts. Why have I never thought of games before? Genius!

They quit updating so regularly but have you seen Kate Middleton for the win? Too funny.

Coffee ice cubes.

I’d make a mess of it, but I love this chevron wall.

 

Is it too late for me to send out moving announcements?

And finally, Cameron has done it again and delivered us with one of the most fabulously ridiculous videos I have seen in a while. This is absolutely NSFW by the way.

 

What have you been browsing on the internet lately? Found anything awesome? New sites? New music? I’d love to know!

Posted in Welcome-First Blog | 2 Comments

Let the Games Begin!: Hosting an Olympics Party

Posted on July 23, 2012 by rachelmarlena

Hey there! The summer Olympics are coming up and what better way to celebrate than with an Olympics themed party? There are so many options here. You could do an Opening Ceremony Party, Closing Ceremony Party, or host parties for your favorite events (gymnastics anyone?) Let the games begin!

   Decor:  Decorate with paper flags from your favorite countries or go patriotic and do a cluster of American flags. Gold medals can be picked up cheaply from party supply stores and you could also hang sporting equipment. Alternately, go with a London theme and hang posters from across the pond, British flags, etc.

 

Food and Drink: Again you could go two ways here. Get in the spirit of the locale and do fish and chips, as well as traditional pub food. London beers for drinks. Or go international and have cuisine from all over the world – Greek, Chinese, Pizza, Mexican…the possibilities are endless. You could also theme drinks based on who is playing. Ouzo for Greece, red wine for Italy, Sangria for Spain, etc. etc.

Flaming Olympic Torches, anyone?

For fun I found a few Olympic themed cocktails from around the web:

1 oz Gosling’s gold rum
½ oz amaretto
3 oz pineapple juice
Splash of grenadine

Shake in a cocktail shaker and pour over a tall glass of ice.

3 ½ oz Jefferson’s bourbon
1 ½ oz Pallini Peachcello
2 dashes angostura bitters

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Strain into a martini glass.

1 oz Pallini limoncello
1 ½ oz Alize Gold Passion
½ oz lime juice
½ oz cranberry juice

Shake ingredients and serve on the rocks.

1 oz Boru vodka
1 oz Celtic Crossing
1 oz Brady’s Irish Cream

Shake ingredients and serve over ice in a rocks glass.

To make the party adventurous you could host a little Olympic games of your own, relay races and tug of war for the more stout of heart, beer pong for those who just want to party. Have guests come dress as their favorite Olympic sport and let the games begin!

Are you hosting an Olympics party this year? Watching the games? What is your favorite event? I’d love to hear!

Posted in Not Common Lifestyle | 3 Comments

Lightweights: A Week at the Beach

Posted on July 18, 2012 by rachelmarlena

I have done beach themed lightweight posts before but as it is summer, the message bears repeating. Beach weeks are some of the easiest trips to pack for, as they are so casual and you don’t wear a lot of clothes at the beach, but they are easy to overpack for. Often you think you need a dressier outfit for every day, when you really only leave the beach house twice. Or you pack five workout outfits and make it to the gym all of once (true story). In addition, most beach houses and condos have laundry facilities, so you can always throw a load in the washer. Let’s review the rules shall we?

  1. Pack in a color combo. Everything matches that way, and you can wear things more than once in different ways. Also important, pack to match one color of shoes (black or brown).
  2. Three pairs of shoes. Tennis shoes, sandals or flip flops, and one dressier pair for nights out. Done.
  3. Pack less than you need. Seriously lay out everything you want to bring and only pack half to two-thirds of it.

Got it? Here is what I’m bringing.

Grey Maxi Dress, $138

Cover-up, $33

Polka Dot Dress, $168

Fedora, $80

Olympic Tee, $29.95

Gingham Shirt, $75

Striped Tee, $22.95

Color Block Bikini, $63 (top) and $59 (bottoms)

Becca Swimsuit, $70 (top) and $58 (bottoms)

Norts, $18.97

Chi O Tank, $29.50

J.Crew 4″ Chinos, $45

Sunglasses, $150

Lululemon Crops, $72

Cool Racerback, $39

Boat and Tote, $39.95

Espadrilles, $79.95

Sandals, $36

Tennis Shoes, $82

Sunscreen, $9.89 (pack two!)

That’s really all you need! You’ll be living at the beach and pool, so swimsuits, cover-ups, and a beach bag are essential (don’t forget a towel, sunscreen, and magazines!). For casual evenings shorts and tees are cool and comfy. A few sundresses round out the mix for evenings out.

What do you bring to the beach? Are their any essentials I left off? I’d love to know! 

Posted in Not Common Travel | 2 Comments

Color Combo: Navy and Coral

Posted on July 16, 2012 by rachelmarlena

I love love love navy and coral together, particularly in the summer. Navy is such a great base and the coral really pops against it. It looks stunning on clothes and even better in the home. A few of my favorite pieces from around the web.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

What’s your favorite color combo? Any of these pieces catch your eye? I love the Marimekko bedding and coral striped shirt. 

Posted in not common essentials | 2 Comments

The Best of Craigslist

Posted on July 11, 2012 by rachelmarlena

Refinery29 recently did a round-up of Weird Craigslist posts which got me thinking: Boston and Shreveport have got to have some funny ones up! I was not disappointed and thought we could all use a laugh. As a general rule, Shreveport was much much creepier than Boston though I can’t say I am surprised.

Wooden Sea Bird, $85 Because really, who doesn’t need a two feet tall one of these? 

“You caused me to crash my jet ski into the boat.” Awesome.

Awkward City.

I don’t even know what to say to this.

“This is a high vibrational space for a high vibrational soul.” What does that even mean?

I couldn’t make this up if I tried.

Sounds like a catch!

Granny needs her pictures back! I feel sorry for Granny but I’m SO curious. What disease does she possibly have that you contracted by handling her belongings?

Yeah because I’m definitely going to answer an ad looking for a “lonely lady out there needs a guy.” That sounds like the Craigslist killer.

I believe this is called squatting. Or permanent camping? That would be an easy one to explain to the kids…

I don’t even have words. Which was your favorite? What is the craziest thing you have found on Craigslist (or do you even both looking)? 

 

Posted in Lagniappe | 2 Comments

Picnic Essentials

Posted on July 9, 2012 by rachelmarlena

Hey there, Boston Not Common readers! Sorry it has been awhile. I kind of fell off the blogging wagon back in April/May and I am just now getting back to it. Thanks for hanging in there with me. I am happy to report I have several blogs stewing, so stay tuned. In other blog news I am not sure why my pages are not working. I think something happened when I renewed my domain name. In any case I’m working on getting it fixed, just bear with me!

Now that we are done with blog housekeeping, I want to discuss one of my favorite things about summer: picnics. Sure, you can have indoor picnics in front of the fire in the winter, and crisp autumn picnics with hot chocolate can be divine but summer is true picnic season. There is something so lovely about packing up a lunch and some loved ones and heading over to the local park to just chill out. I’ve rounded up my picnic essentials for you.

First up, you need something to sit on. Granted, you could just bring an old quilt you have lying around but they make so many cute picnic-designated blankets these days. All of these options are great for picnics and plenty big enough to lounge on. I’m partial to the Vera Bradley one (#3, $35) but Target (#1, $17.99) and Bed, Bath, and Beyond (#2, $19.99) make great finds as well.

So granted, you could just throw all your picnic goodies into a re-usable shopping tote but picnic baskets are just so much more festive! I love the idea of the pre-made baskets with all the essentials included (like #1 and especially #2) but it can be so fun (and much more economical) to find a cute, empty basket (#3is from Amazon of all places, but I found mine at Target) and filling it with cute melamine plates and bowls from Target or Pier One, which usually only run about $2 each. Rather than glasses, why not pick up some cute stainless steel water bottles? There will be no spills and they are much easier to take on an impromptu walk.

So you have a blanket, you’ve decked out a picnic basket, now what are you going to eat? A few years back the New York Times did a fantastic piece on picnic foods and while my picnics tend to be a lot simpler, I love some of their ideas. You can see the full list here.

For picnic foods you want things that can be eaten easily, are best served room temperature or cold, and that can be packed up in a flash. I love fruit and cheese to start (especially red grapes and Havarti), sandwiches on Hawaiian rolls, chips, and homemade cookies for dessert. It is such a simple menu but one that is a total crowd-pleaser. I saw a genius tip in Real Simple to wrap rubber bands around each sandwich then write on the band what type of sandwich it is. No more confusing tuna salad and chicken salad, or turkey and ham. If your park allows it, a bottle of wine or pitcher of mixed drinks are fantastic. I love Rosemary Gin Fizzes for picnics. Simply boil 1 cup of water with 1 cup of sugar and several sprigs of rosemary until the sugar has dissolved. Discard the rosemary sprigs and combine the syrup with .25 cup lemon juice, 1 cup gin, and 1 bottle of Prosecco (if you want it to really pack a punch) or 1 liter of soda water (this is a daytime picnic after all). You didn’t hear it from me, but if the park does not officially allow alcohol just pre-mix the cocktails and put them in your water bottles. No one will catch on unless you start dancing the funky chicken at 2 in the afternoon with no music.

Speaking of music, you might consider bringing your iPod or iPhone to this little tete a tete. I’m not going to tell you what kind of music to bring because it is totally preference but make sure the lyrics are somewhat family friendly (you are going to a park after all). If you are the active type, consider bringing a frisbee or football for a fun game after you eat. Athletics not really your thing? If it is not too windy, bring a deck of cards. Gin rummy, Phase 10, or Uno are all fun games to play. You could also bring checkers or chess if you have a set.

What are your picnic essentials? Do you have a go-to spot or go-to meal you always bring? Anything I forgot on the list? 

Posted in Not Common Lifestyle | 2 Comments