Thursday, September 24, 2015

Thank God it's Thursday

Somehow, it doesn't feel real that we're almost to the end of September, and yet, you won't hear me complaining, because I've been waiting for September 24th to roll around since May 5th. 
If you find yourself wondering what's so special about September 24th, allow me to explain. Today is the day Shondaland makes its triumphant return to our living rooms with the premiere of Scandal Season 5, How to Get away with Murder Season 2, and I guess Grey's Anatomy Season a billion, if you're into that too. 


If you're not obsessed with Shondaland and specifically Scandal, you might want to stop reading now because the rest of this post is going to make little to no sense very quickly.

 However, if like me, you're already counting down the minutes until tonight's Scandal and How to Get Away premieres, here are a few ways you should definitely spend your day preparing for tonight's viewing extravaganza:

1. Shirk all responsibilities 

Instead, binge watch Season 1 of How to Get Away with Murder, which is amazingly now on Netflix! If you've never seen it before you'll be all caught up by tonight. If you have seen it before it'll be a good refresher because let's face it, what even happened on that show? 

Also bonus, watching these 15 episodes will be way easier than trying to watch 244 episodes or 170.8 hours of Grey's Anatomy. Trust me, my best friend has been making the attempt for what feels like years on my Netflix account, a commitment I'm nowhere near ready for, no matter how much I love Shonda. 

Moving on to Scandal related preparation...

2. "It's handled"

 If you're forced to do some kind of work today, tell everyone "it's handled" when they ask you to do something.


3. Wear white

Yes it's after Labor Day, but when has that ever stopped Olivia Pope from wearing all white everything? Better yet, wear a white pants suit to work today. Sure, you'll look a little overdressed, but if someone asks you "why are you wearing that?" just respond "are we Gladiators or are we bitches?" Trust me they won't ask again.
 


4. Watch this SNL skit 

You'll die laughing while you remember why you're obsessed with Scandal. 



5. Share your excitement 

Steal your friends phone and change your name in their contacts to "Publius." Proceed to text them all day using nothing but Scandal Gifs. 



6. Prepare to snack

Make sure you have popcorn and red wine ready to snack on during tonight's viewing. Even better, make Olivia proud and just have it for dinner. Both your wine glass and bowl of popcorn must be comically oversized or it doesn't count. 


Finally don't let anyone tell you that you're "too excited" or "it's just TV." 
If someone says that to me today.... I think Sally Langston said it best in season 3 episode 10, when she screamed at Daniel Douglas, "YOU ARE THE BURDEN THAT I CARRY ON MY BACK AS I MAKE MY WAY TO SALVATION." 


So just say that. I don't think it's an overreaction at all. 

Thursday, September 3, 2015

5 Non-Aggressive Ways to Welcome Fall

Fall fever is absolutely a thing and although turning our calendars to September feels like it should be the start of the season, fall doesn't officially begin until the 23rd. So where does that leave us? In the awkward summer to fall transition period, that's where. Personally I'm craving full blown fall, but breaking out the scarves and flannel and apple cider is more than a little aggressive.... especially given this week's weather forecast is upwards of 88 degrees. 
So, if you're as excited for fall as I am, here are a few ways to get into the spirit now, without seeming over the top eager. 

1. Light Candles

Just because it's still scorching out, doesn't mean your room can't smell like pumpkins and cinnamon. I am personally dying to check out all of the new fall candles at Bath and Body Works! Seriously what do you think "sweater weather" smells like? Anyway, if there's one thing I'm sure of, it's that nothing says fall like a room that smells like artificial butter cream icing
Which brings me to my second suggestion... 

2. Get Baking
Baking fall treats in early September is way more socially acceptable than rushing out to order a pumpkin spice latte. In fact, let's all agree to wait until fall officially begins before we jump back on the pumpkin bandwagon. [Side Note: I'm sorry I chose a pumpkin filled picture of last year's Thanksgiving baking.] 
Instead, I'm thinking of oatmeal cookies and snicker doodles, which I've always considered fall/winter cookies, especially since they'll make the whole house smell like cinnamon. 


3. Watch a Movie
Just because you can't enjoy crisp air and changing leaves just yet doesn't mean you can't live vicariously through fictional characters. Movies set in fall are the perfect way to get excited for the season. If you need some suggestions, try When Harry Met Sally, Dan in Real Life, Dead Poets Society or Ferris Bueller's Day Off, all guaranteed to give you that autumn vibe.
Just promise me you'll refrain from Halloweentown and Hocus Pocus for a few more weeks.



4. Paint Your Nails

Although darker makeup is always a fall trend, it's still way too early for that dark plum lipstick. Instead, start with a darker nail polish. Orange and dark pinks are especially perfect for the transition from poppy summer colors to more muted fall tones. 

Insta Dri by Sally Hansen in Snappy Sorbet, Expresso (my personal favorite) and Coco A Go Go
5. Plan an Apple Picking Trip
While it's still too early to pick out a pumpkin, did you know Apple picking season actually started on August 29th? That makes September the perfect time for a fun excursion! Also when you return from the trip, you can revisit suggestion #2 and bake a delicious apple pie.




Well, I hope you enjoy the awkward transition period. I know I should appreciate these last few weeks of summer, but truthfully I'm more than ready to welcome fall with open arms. 
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