Just Dance.

I just discovered this really cool site called: Picnik that enhances your photos in so many different, and unique ways. You can add text, color, shapes, frames and tons of other stuff. I highly suggest you guys check it out, but be careful because it's kind of addicting.

Anyway, here's a fun pic of Liz and I from my birthday night. We went and had the most yummy dinner at an upscale Mexican place right by our apartment (seriously, when do we not use an excuse to indulge in a good margarita), and then went to a kareoke bar and sang our little hearts out.

I requested one of my favorite songs at the moment, and told Liz that we just had to sing it together. (Of course, I didn't tell her what it was until I heard the beat bumping through the speakers).

It was none other than Lady Gaga: 'Just Dance.' I grabbed her hand and we ran up to the stage and started singing and dancing. But, what seemed like out of nowhere, the lyrics started to speed up and we just couldn't keep up. Turns out, there's a lot more to the song than just the chorus, which I only seem to belt out, and it may not have been the best choice for a kareoke song. But, all in all, it was a great night and I am loving being 23 so far. I can't wait for what this year is going to bring. If it's anything like my 22nd, it will be full of surprises :)

Love & Lipstick,
Emz

R&R

For the first time in a long time, I actually want to stay in on a Friday night. The past few weeks I'm usually jumping around the apartment screaming, 'TGIF' by Thursday night, but tonight a change has come over me.

I actually want to stay in and clean my room and do laundry. In fact, I'm looking forward to it, and I'm really looking forward to clean, warm sheets. Yes, I have officially reached lame status I am sure, but I don't care. In fact, I feel kind of liberated. I might even treat myself to a bubble bath and paint my nails and toes fire engine red! Dream big, people!

I hope all of you guys have a wonderful Friday night whatever you may be doing, and I must say I am quite excited for the Super Bowl this weekend. Mostly, because the game is being held in my home-town, and I don't think so many celebrities have ever been in Tampa at one time. It's kind of cool, and I actually have an excuse now to partake in a real Sunday Funday, Austin style. Cheers!

This one gets me....

EVERY TIME! Either I watch too much TV, or Overstock.com overplays this too cute for words advertisement. Regardless, if you haven't seen this commercial, check it out, but you might want to grab a Kleenex first.

One step at a time.

Today was supposed to be a good day. I was finally supposed to get my Texas drivers license. Key word being 'supposed' to.

I got up early, took a shower, did my hair and makeup (I even curled my eye-lashes, which is very rare for my normal 'day' look), devoured an egg-white omelet, chugged two cups of coffee and was out the door in record speed.

I showed up at the driver's license office with all of my paper-work and was ready to to take my new picture. (Needless to say, I was very excited because I am currently 16, sans makeup, and sans know-how of a blow dryer in my current license). One minor problem. I had not yet registered my car in Texas, nor received my new plates, nor had the lil Herbster inspected. Appareantly in Texas, you have to do all of these things before you can even step foot into your neighborhood driver's license office.

I refused to let these minor details get in the way of my main goal for the day. I rushed back to the apartment to find a car inspector and called Geico to make sure my car was insured under a TX policy. (I seriously surprised myself today with all the big girl steps I made all by myself).

I pulled up to the grass-roots car inspector, signed my name on the clipboard outside, and waited for 10 minutes on a picnic-table for one of the guys to take my lil bug for a spin.

Fun Fact #1 O' The Day: every car owner in TX has to get their car inspected once a year to make sure it passes their gas emission tests....kinda nifty, huh?

This was my "go green" effort for the day. Anyway, Herby passed with flying colors, and next stop was to get him registered at the Travis County Tax Assessor's Office and pick up his plate(s). Yes, people, I said: plateS.

Fun Fact #2 O' The Day: Down here in TX we drive with not one, but two plates on our vehicles.

One on the front, and one on the back. Who knew? I've been here for a month and somehow never noticed that. "Cool," I told the lady as she handed them over to me. "You're new to Texas, aren't you?" She asked. "How could you tell?" I said with a little grin. A couple hundred dollars later, and I was outta there, two plates and all. Last stop of the day: my third and final trip to the Driver's License office, or so I thought.

I walked in and the line was not too shabby. "Phew!", I thought. At this point, you could say, I was just a little impatient and sick of waiting in lines. It was finally my turn, and I gave my new friend all of my paperwork. My registration, inspection receipt, copy of my insurance, SS card, and driver's license. "You were quite the busy bee today. My goodness!" she said, "This seems to be everything." "Oh, but wait, I'm also going to need a passport or birth certificate from you. It's a new homeland security regulation that we just implemented this year."

I flashed her my million-dollar smile and asked her if my college ID card would suffice. "Oh, honey, I wish I could accept this." My final stop of the day, and I failed....miserably. I seriously walked out of there with my head hung low, but my mom assured me she would get my passport to me as soon as possible. Surprisingly, though, there was a silver lining:

Fun Fact #3 O' The Day: Even if I had taken my picture today, I still wouldn't have received my new license for three weeks!

So, at the end of the day, you win some and you lose some, right? Even though I didn't accomplish my main goal of the day, I learned more today than I ever could have imagined. My bank account may have suffered a little bit, but at least I am one step closer to feeling like a grown-up. Next step: EMPLOYMENT!

"Everybody wants this, everybody wants to be us."

This is my favorite scene from The Devil Wears Prada, which just aired on FX. I love it because it defines Anne's character, Andy, and she realizes that in fact, this not the life she wants. It reminds me a lot of my time in New York, especially dealing with bosses who shared a similar caliber and personality to Meryl Streep.

My Horoscope

If Today is your Birthday:
"Your birthday this year occurs just after a New Moon, suggesting a time of new beginnings and fresh energy. You are instinctively starting a new phase in your life. It's time to give your life a makeover and to branch out into the untried."

It's kind of creepy just how perfect this horoscope is, and how well it applies to me!


Me & Lauren last year celebrating our 22nd! Miss you bunches!!

Look what I found in the mail

BIRTHDAY SURPRISES & PINK, GERBER DAISIES!!!

You take my breath away....

And, not in a good way....just sayin' J-Simps looks like she may have packed on a few lbs. I bet Tony Romo would share some helpful tips on exercises??

Happy Weekend!!

....and Happy (Almost) Bday to me!!! I can always count on fifty to get me in the mood!!

Daily Jabber

Me: Liz, wanna come work out with me downstairs?
Liz: I don't know, I mean I don't think it's a good idea. I don't want to mess up my spray tan.
Me: (eye-roll) Lame.

It really is 'Just Like A Circus.'

Check out a diagram of Brit Brit's stage lay-out from perez's site.

He states: "Well, it reveals that Spears will be performing her Circus show in the round. And, unlike most "in the round" shows, where there is seating on the floor, it looks like Britney will have 3 rounds/rings for her show, like a real circus. And those stages seem to occupy the entire floor!"

Pretty cool, huh? I want to get tickets to see her in Dallas sooo bad!!!

Birthday Blues.

Ok, so forgive me on this Friday morning, but I kind of want to complain or rant a little bit. As some of you may know, my 23rd birthday is quickly approaching. I know, I know that this should be an exciting time, right? But, it's not, at least for me. Maybe it's because I'm in a new place, and don't have all my friends here to celebrate with, or maybe I'm a little blue because it's on a Tuesday, but when I really delve into my subconscious, I know the real reason why I'm not so Happy about this Birthday.

It's the number thing: the big 2-3, but what does that even mean? Am I supposed to have it all figured out by now? Am I supposed to feel older and wiser? Am I supposed to have a firm grasp on the meaning of life? I sure as hell hope not. I know that age is just a number, but I feel like the years are flying by and I'm just not quite ready to grow up yet. And, the scary thing is: I know I have to grow up. I don't know, I probably sound immature and need to face the facts that getting older is just a part of life. The only thing I care about is staying (and looking) young at heart. Hopefully, by Tuesday I will be ready to embrace (ahem 23) with an open smile and blow out my birthday candles with pride. Until then, I'm going to live it up these next few days of being 22 and sip bacardi like it's my 21st birthday.

Bump it up!

Hilarious. You guys have got to check this out, and yay for figuring out how to post vid's.

Just for fun.

My 'social' NY bestie sent me a fun questionnaire today that he is using for research. Keep y'all updated on where this ends up!! :)

Name: Emilie
Age: 
22
Neighborhood: 
Union Square, Upper West
Occupation: Aspiring Fashion Journalist, Blogger

Who's your favorite New Yorker, living or dead, real or fictional? I’d have to say Carrie Bradshaw, which I know is horribly cliché, but honestly, whenever I had a question about an outfit, boy, job, or any other random thing, like something to do or somewhere to go, I asked myself ‘What Would Carrie Do?’

What's the best meal you've eaten in New York? Wow, this is a tough one. Even the hot dogs on the street are delicious, in my opinion (I know Seanny is probably wincing at this comment, but seriously they are and they taste even more wonderful at 3 in the morning). But, if I had to pick, I guess I’d say the cheeseburger at 21, or the tacos I always get at Dos Caminos, or my make-it-yourself salad at JustSalad. See, I can’t pick.

In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job? Well since I don’t exactly have one yet, my full-time job is getting a job. Oh, and updating my blog like a kid with ADD, or like Seanny ☺

Would you still live here on a $35,000 salary? OMG! YES! The jobs I was applying to there were offering more than $10,000 less.

What's the last thing you saw on Broadway? Legally Blonde: The Musical! Omigod, omigod you guys!! Amazing!

Do you give money to panhandlers? Once to a mariachi band in the train. I usually never do, but they made me smile and tap my foot the entire ride back uptown, and reminded me of my summer in Acapulco.

What's your drink? Lately, it’s champagne when I’m out because it only has 60 calories per serving, and I love the bubbles. But anyone that knows me knows my go-to classic is Captain and Diet. I have a couple, and I’m good to go. Also, I’m a big fan of Lemon Drop Martini’s.

How often do you prepare your own meals? Lately, quite often.

What's your favorite medication? ADVIL, and when I’m congested and awful sick and can’t sleep, NyQuil.

What's hanging above your sofa? A cute, cartoony map of Downtown Austin that my mom gave my roomie and I. Who knows how long it will stay, but for the time being, it’s fun to put little tacks of where we have visited so far and where we want to go next.

How much is too much to spend on a haircut? I can’t remember the last time I just got a haircut, usually it’s a highlight, lowlight and cut which I won’t share the price of for fear of not knowing when I can afford it again. But, I guess for a good cut only, I wouldn’t pay anything more than $45.

When's bedtime? Sometime in the A.M., which I really need to work on.

Which do you prefer, the old Times Square or the new Times Square? That’s like asking if I prefer Spam or Velveeta Cheese. I avoid both like the plague.

What do you think of Donald Trump? “You’re Fired.” That’s all I got.

What do you hate most about living in New York? Who is your mortal enemy? Towards the end, I started to resent going anywhere because it felt like anytime I left the apartment to go on an interview or meet a friend for drinks, I had to plan out my route in advance and then figure out the fastest way to get there. It was a feat in itself before I even stepped out the door. My mortal enemy is whoever decided it was a good idea to close down ALL express trains on the weekends (which usually spans from thurs-mon).

When's the last time you drove a car? Yesterday to the Post Office, I love my lil Herbster.

How has the Wall Street crash affected you? I could only order one strawberry marg at Tortilla Flats, instead of two…haha no, but really, after a few months, I realized that New York was a place I like to visit, but I didn’t necessarily know if I wanted to live there anymore. My wallet thanked me for that decision.

Times, Post, or Daily News? The Post—Page Six is one of my guilty pleasures.

Where do you go to be alone? Usually, on a walk or I went and wrote in the park.

What makes someone a New Yorker? When you no longer need to bring a subway map with you, or your hopstop directions, even if their just in your purse or back-pack for no one to see.

I may have left, but the sunshine followed me.

Tampa's High tomorrow: 62
Austin's High tomorrow: 82

Coincidence?? I think not!

MISS YOU MOM!!

Don't Mess With Texas

"I come home with my head held high. The presidency was a joyous experience, but as great as it was, nothing compares with Texas at sunset. Tonight I have the privilege of saying six words that I have been waiting to say for a while: It is good to be home."--President George W. Bush

Paging: Blair Waldorf

What was the highlight of Inauguration Day for me you might ask?? It most definitely was Aretha Franklin and her amazing head-piece. Who knew she was such a fan of Gossip Girl? LOL. Ellen looked fierce on her show yesterday, too.

The camera cord is here!!!! REJOICE!

hah...one of my fave pics from our few weeks in Austin. Enjoy!!! :)

Switchin' things up a bit.

What do you guys think of the new pic?? As some of you may know, I'm a chronic picture-changer. My facebook default photo is usually up for a month and then I get bored and am on to the next one. This usually occurs after a major taggage of photo's from one of my besties, which I actually expect to occur at any moment from Liz who just received her camera cord from Tampa. Yikes, I hope you guys are ready for documentation of our ridiculous last few weeks in Austin.

Anywho, I was going through old photos, and I stumbled upon this one from Spring Break two years ago (time of my life), and wondered why I'd never thought to include this in my blog. I like the dress, love the shoes (thanks for letting me borrow, Nat), obsessed with the couch and Oh. Em. Gee, the wall behind me is like, totally pink, but not just any pink, MY blog-pink! How much more perfect can you get? I have a feeling this one is going to stay up for a few months.

Current Status:

Loving Life!!!!

I hope you guys are having a stellar week so far. It's only Tuesday, and I already feel like I've accomplished so much so far. Also, my 23rd birthday is a week from today!!! I really can't believe it...just saying 23 out loud seems unnatural to me. I'm sure it's going to take a little adjusting to remember how old I really am when people ask. I guess the good thing is though, I still feel as young and often-times immature as I did at 18. I don't know if that's necessarily a good thing, but I wouldn't mind staying Forever Young =).

Track of the day: "Come On Get Higher"--Sugarland.

Thoughts??

Personally, I think Michelle's dress/jacket combo is MUCH better than her election night number, but I'm not in looove with it. I don't know if I would have gone with bright yellow, especially in the middle of winter. And, please tell me those are not green pumps she is sporting? Paging: Rachel Zoe. I can just imagine her saying, "I die. She looks bananas....literally."

I wasn't first in line, but...

I agree with Elizabeth Hasselbeck:

“I will get in a long line of supporters … for this president,” she said.

In Loving Memory.

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase"--MLK

So Presh.

Wanna know what you can get me for a belated birthday gift? One or all of the items from MAC's Hello Kitty collection, which debuts in stores February 10th. You can bet I will be first in line. The pink studded compact will go just perfectly in my leopard print, Hello Kitty purse. Off to Google the closest MAC....

SundayFunday

Liz and I are having a lazy day. We had Taco Cabana for lunch, which is a drive-thru authentic Tex-Mex restaurant, and much to our delight, Wedding Crashers is on. I forgot how much I love this movie, and it always reminds me of my brother and dad. It's one of their favorites, too. Hope you guys had a nice weekend, and enjoy your day off tomorrow.

All My Single Ladies

Beyonce will be singing for the Obama's first dance at the Inauguration Ball, and she let it slip that she will perform the hit 'At Last.' I'm a little disappointed, though. I was really banking on her serenading the Obama's to 'Single ladies.' Seriously, how amazing would that have been? I can just see Michelle gettin' down with Beyonce and pointing to Barack, "I got gloss on my lips, a man on my hip got me tighter in my Dereon jeans." Oh well, I guess the White House has to keep it a classy affair.

I love taking risks......when it comes to fashion

It's the coldest night of the year, so I decided tonight was a good excuse to rock one of my Christmas presents: leg warmers. I just wiki'd how to wear them (yes, sometimes even self proclaimed stylista's have to research how to wear trends they've never sported before). I've included a picture for your viewing pleasure, and I legitimately almost pulled something trying to get my darn leg in the shot, but nonetheless, hope you guys enjoy. I'm wearing a sweater dress from Forever 21, purple tights, black heels and black warmers.

TGIF!

I'm sure I will appreciate this expression much more once I have an actual job, but lately, searching for a job has felt like a job in itself. By five o' clock everyday, I am about ready to close up shop (my lap-top), put my feet up and pour myself a glass of wine. I quickly remind myself though to keep going because once I hear the words "you're hired" all of my hard work will surely deserve a glass of Chardonnay, if not several.

But, since it is Friday I have an excuse to hit up 6th street tonight, right? I'd say I deserved it. I mean who knows, I could run into the fashion editor of The Chronicle and ask her what she thought of my resume. It's all about networking, and I'm always up for meeting new people. Hope you guys have a fab weekend and stay warm!

I'm not a playa

I just crush a lot. This jam by Big Pun is currently playing on my I-Tunes Party Shuffle, and I literally stopped drying my hair to jam out a little. I forgot what a great classic this was. I swear, I really surprise myself sometimes with my eclectic taste in music. First it was the Jo Bro's, then the Bee Gee's and magically Big Pun just sneaked his way into my playlist. Watch out Samantha Ronson, I'm about to give you a run for your money....


"Hot tub, poppin' bubbly....."

Going to get waxed....

at a new place, today. Liz went this week and said they did a really great job. I'm not nervous at all. I have a high tolerance for pain. Ok, I'm nervous, and I'm not even getting anything below the belt ripped off. Yikes, I just made myself wince a little.

On a lighter note, Haley just texted me, and her tour bus is driving into the city as we speak! I can't wait to see her and give her a big hug!

My superstar BFF

So my extremely talented and best friend, Haley is coming into town tomorrow! She is currently on the road with the Jesus Christ Superstar tour, and they are stopping in Austin for two days. Liz and I are going to see Hales perform tomorrow, and I am so excited to see her and meet the cast! From what I've heard, they like to party after the shows so we will definitely have to show them a good time in Austin! Break a leg, sister!!

We got big girl couches!!!

Yay, Liz and I no longer have to sit on blow up furniture while we huddle around my 12-inch TV (which is really meant for my bed-room, but clearly I'm sharing at the moment so we both don't miss one second of reality television.) Please tell me you guys saw Real Housewives of Orange County tonight? It was extra ridiculous, and I loved every second of it! Clearly, tequila makes Gretchen's clothes fall off....

Anyway, we deflated our inflatable, Gator chair and air mattress faster than you can say new tan micro-suede couch and love seat, and smiled at each other at least twice during Vh1's 'Tool Academy.' It took two very long and grueling weeks of searching, emailing, re-searching, calling, and more searching to finally get our latest additions to the 'crib.' Our apartment is really starting to come together and is turning into quite the bachelorette pad. I promise as soon as I set up my new camera, I will post pictures, and Liz's mom is mailing her the computer cord she left at home, so get ready for lots of pics chronicling our couple weeks here. XOXO.

So far, everything tastes better in Texas....

Hola from Tejas!! Forgive me for taking FOREVER to post about my journey to the big state. These past two weeks have been kind of crazy and so much has happened that I thought to make it easier for myself, (and you guys to read), I would make a list of fun facts/juicy nuggets of info that will hopefully keep you guys satisfied for the time being.

1) My mom and I drove 900 MILES two days after Christmas to Beaumont, Texas. I had no idea we were capable of driving that many miles in one day, but once we got that pedal to the metal, there was no stopping us until we reached the state of Texas. We stayed in a real, classy joint (hah!), but much to our pleasure, there was a Carabba's within walking distance of our motel, and you can only imagine how amazing it was to enjoy wine without having to worry about driving home.

2) The next day, we woke up bright and early and found Herby safe and sound in our secure location. (Naturally, I was a little worried he might be broken into because my entire life was crammed into space bags in his back-seat). We set out to drive the measly four hours to Austin, which was a piece of cake compared to what we had just been through. Seriously, five states in a day, who does that? We made a quick pit stop in Houston (Emz's place of birth) to see some of our cousins and then were on our way.

3) When we finally arrived in Austin, we decided not to unpack everything. We just wanted to get it out of the car, and then my mom and I checked into her hotel at the Omni and ordered in room service. It was just what I needed to make the trek to Ikea in the morning. I got my bed, dresser, first piece of art-work (a black and white portrait of Miss Audrey Hepburn), cute bobbles for my very own bathroom (I have never, ever had my own 'powder room' so you can darn well guess the thing is pink'd out and as girly as I want it, damnit), and basically everything else you can imagine you would need for your first apartment. Thanks, mom!

4) My mom spent her last night with me in my apartment and left the morning of New Years Eve. I was so sad to see her go, but I know her and my dad will be back soon. They have a special place in their hearts for Texas.

5) New Years was amazing. Thanks to Liz's sister, Allison, we had a VIP table at Maggie Mae's on 6th street and bottle service all night. Oh, and I got my first, real New Years kiss. Sorry guys, but that's all the details I'm going to give at the moment...hehe.

6) The boys here are really nice. You know when you see a really attractive guy and you automatically tag him as a "player" or a "womanizer," as Brit would say. Well, lets just say, Liz and I have been proven wrong on various accounts. I guess you really can't judge a book by its cover, and even if you've been wronged in the past, it doesn't mean that all hotties just want to get in your pants. (haha Emz's dating lesson of the day). Or maybe, it's just Texas. I swear this state breeds a different type of male, dare I say, a better male?! Don't kill me, boys.....

7) The food here is really good. Like, really, really, freaking good. The roomie and I have taken up a new hobby of trying to find the best queso in Austin. It's our favorite guilty pleasure and has been quite the feat to undertake in Texas, where it all tastes exceptional, (especially after a couple margaritas).

8) As far as the job search, I have to keep reminding myself that we've only been here for two weeks and these things don't just happen over night. I've sent my resume to numerous publications in town and even hand-delivered a few, and as of now, I've gotten a couple bites. I'm just playing the waiting game and doing a lot of wishing, hoping, and praying. But, I feel like 2009 is going to be my best year yet. It's already brought me so many surprises, and I'm excited to see what's in store for me.

Alright, well it's getting late, and I have to get up early and go check out some couches we found on craigslist. Currently, Liz and I have been chilling in front of my 12-inch TV on blow-up furniture. I know we will remember these times forever when we had to rough it a little, but I am so excited for our new adventure, and can't wait for some of you guys to come visit.