The Good Girl Gone Blog

I'm currently wearing an adorable top that I scored yesterday at Old Navy for around $5. I desperately wanted to find a photo of it online to share with you, but it must be so on sale that they're not advertising it.

Anyway, this photo is better for illustrating my point anyway:

I often get very impatient when I'm shopping, and don't feel the need to try on clothes. This top is a size xs, so I assumed it would fit. Well, it mostly does, except for the side area directly under my arms.

Look at all that extra fabric! When I first put the top on today and realized that the fit was off, I internally rolled my eyes at myself. I very often buy clothes that are just a tad too big, even if I've tried them on first. Fortunately, I've come up with many solutions for solving the problem. Remember this one? Haha.

I tried a similar tactic today and used bobby pins to secure each side of my shirt. It's temporary, but hey- it works...at least until I work up the motivation to whip out the sewing kit!

While most girls cite milestones such as their first period or their bat mitzvah as their entrance into womanhood, I always felt differently. As a teenager, I decided that I first became a woman when I acquired my very own library card. I used to (and still do) love going to the library, pouring over the shelves and grabbing as many books as I can. Though I think my mom used to limit the amount of books I took home per trip, once I got my library card, I could bring home as many as I wanted...but they were my responsibility. Sort of like children...just kidding :)

Today, I celebrated a similar milestone, but instead of becoming a woman, I became a grownup.

As I entered my cousins' house to dine and do laundry, I gravitated toward the kitchen and was immediately given a glass of wine- part 1 of grownup-ification.

I then cut some limes, curled up in a chair and read cookbooks. My cousin Jocelyn directed me to sit at the adult side of the table, and once we started eating, I accepted a piece of salmon. This may not sound like a big deal to you, but I've had fish probably a total of two times since I was a baby. (Apparently, I used to love eating flounder, which really upsets me, because I was always a huge fan of this guy.) My mother HATES fish, so we never have it in the house. I decided that trying (what I deem) a more mature cuisine was part 2 of grownup-ification.

And finally, part 3 of grownup-ification, as the children escaped excused themselves from the table, I remained, an important member of society...and of the conversation. If that didn't make me an official grownup, I don't know what will.

Oh and some of the girls used the phrase "sick nasty" which I had never heard before. That made me feel old.

Thanks everyone for the hearty congratulations! I'm super excited for AJ and Esty. I also feel like I neglected to share with you the positive parts of my weekend. On Saturday, Rachel and I hopped on a bus and went into Brighton to do some consignment shopping. We found our way to a really awesome boutique called Rescue. I ended up spending around $60 and left the store with:

• a brown marc jacobs cropped jacket ($25)
• Grey patterned BCBG dress ($12)
• A fancy, black and white patterned dress from White House/Black Market ($15)
• A polka dot halter top ($10)

I just added Rescue to my collection on springpad- check it out! And don't worry, I'll totally post photos of the outfits I build with these great designer (!!) pieces.

Also noteworthy: FANTASTIC lunch on Newbury St at the Trident Booksellers & Cafe. My mom actually recommended it to me, and she does't even live in Boston. Definitely try their sweet potato fries and portabello mushroom quesadillas!

Check it out!

To say that this weekend has gone smoothly would be a lie. I always find myself tangled in romantic drama, and this weekend was no exception. All I can say is, at least it's over, the drama has subsided and I can mope in peace.

Though I sort of feel the need to wallow in my own self pity, I can't right now. Rachel and I were about to make dinner when I heard a familiar musical jingle coming out of my room- I had a new voicemail. The message was from my stepfather, who said he had very exciting news to share.

I called him back immediately, and was told that I'm going to be a sister-in-law! (For the record, I already am a sister-in-law. My sister is married to a very nice South African guy.) For some reason, I confused sister-in-law and aunt and thought that my older sister must be pregnant. Nope. My big brother is engaged! Though I'm slightly disappointed that I'm not becoming "Auntie Alana" right now, I'm ecstatic about the engagement.

Clearly my brother is a stud, but how pretty is my future sister in law? They make such a gorgeous couple. Congratulations guys, i can't wait for the wedding!

Per Kboss' orders, I stayed home from work Friday to rest. Unfortunately, I wasn't the only sick kid- my 9 year old was home with a sore throat, so I took her to the doctor. Lucky for both of us, her strep test came out negative. Plus, I had the nurse practitioner check out my throat too. The diagnosis? Everything is fine, I just have a little cough.

After our visit to the doctor's office, my 9 year old and I headed to starbucks for some cold drinks and then back to her house to watch Twilight. I'm a little embarrassed to say I got sucked in to the movie's somewhat overdramatic plot. I will say that I'm not the hugest fan of Edward- he's so pale, his hair's a mess and his mouth looks like that of a kid who's just finished a cherry popsicle. And he broods. A lot. He's not really my type...though I now more than ever want to find a guy who makes it his mission to take care of me. I'm not sure if it's scary or absolutely wonderful. Go figure.

We also ventured to the Copley farmers' market where I bought 2 basil plants and a rhubarb stalk to make this. Only problem? The recipe calls for 10 stalks of rhubarb. I probably should have looked at it beforehand. Well, at least I'll know for next time!

Continue reading "Playing Hooky" »

Today was interesting. I woke up super early to go to work and was promptly told by Kboss that I needed to take cough syrup. Apparently, my hacking can be heard through walls and above the hum of the computer servers. Taking medicine was all fine and dandy, except for the fact that my cough syrup has no measuring cup, and oh yeah, makes me really tired.

So, I bonded with the nice green couch today. Curled up in Paul's sweatshirt, I took a half hour nap. In the office. Wow, that's classy Alana, very classy. Oh yeah, and then when I woke up and had to leave to go babysit, I kind of hugged my boss. Maybe it was because I was slightly delirious, or because she was being all maternal and telling me all the things I needed to do to get better. Or maybe it was because she's pregnant. I love pregnant people. Anyway, I hugged her and felt awkward. Yeah, she definitely thinks I'm hitting on her now.

I then discovered the recipe for the perfect May day:

1 sunny day
1 strawberry popsicle
1 free afternoon
2 little girls who need minimal supervision playing on the playground directly in your sight
1 hot football coach to drool over
1 perfect bench in the shade
1 adorable little boy climbing all over the bench to your right

Mix. Knead. Bake. Repeat.

And the best part? I get paid to do it. I love babysitting...

Hey guys,

I really, desperately want to post pictures of the new place and all the fabulous decorating I've done, but to be honest, I haven't even finished unpacking yet! My tiny room is a mess- all of the extra storage containers I used in my dorm room are unnecessary in the new apartment, because it has built in storage. Everywhere. Who would have thought?

Also, I haven't found the memory card reader I use to post photos, so I couldn't show you pictures even if I wanted to.

In other news, Rach, Arielle and I made our first apartment dinner last night: vegetarian chicken parm on whole wheat spaghetti with a side of broccoli. It was delicious and only took about 30 minutes. Rachel attempted to take some photos, but the lighting in our kitchen is horrendous. We're going to have to work on that because I would love to start food blogging.... we'll see.

Oh, and somehow I managed to burn three of my fingers last night, without even touching anything. I was minding my own business, taking a break from cooking and watching the broccoli spin around in the microwave. All of a sudden, the saran wrap covering the broccoli bowl started bubbling up (someone, I won't mention names....wrapped it around too tightly, which is one of the reasons I prefer to use wax paper...), so I, being the spontaneous person who wants to fix everything, promptly opened the microwave and attempted to remove the saran wrap.

Suddenly, hot steam enveloped my fingers and I screamed. Yup, I managed to burn myself without even touching anything. FML.

I think there's a life lesson here:

If something is in the microwave, it is most likely hot and you shouldn't touch it. Ever. Your fingers will thank you.

To Whom it may concern:

Yes, I know I'm tiny. I'm the smallest person in my family, standing at a wonderful 4 feet 11 inches...and 1/4. Yes, the 1/4 is important when you're under five feet. I also know that I don't look my age. I always make sure to show my ID at the liquor store and at bars before it's even asked for. Yes, I look young.

But 13? Come on lady serving wine at Hillel on Friday. Give me a break. I KNOW I don't look that young. Do 13-year-olds wear 3 1/2 inch peep toe heels? I don't think so. Do they occasionally show a bit of cleavage? I hope not.

Oh, and I know I'll love it when I'm older. You're definitely not the first person to mention it. Yes, I know I smile and give a little chuckle when you share that piece of wisdom, but I've heard it before. Actually, I think I've been hearing it since I was about 10.

So please, give me a break. At least tell me I look  19 17 16!

Sincerely yours,

Alana

PS- here is a photo of me from around age 13:

Yes, this photo is slightly embarrassing (I know you're staring at my pre-braces smile), but I'm proving a point here. And hey, I was kind of cute all decked out in my ski-headband and winter coat.