I wouldn’t call myself a movie buff but I do like to wind down and kick back with a good flick every once in a while. Over the weekend, I watched about five different movies (and I saw Black Swan–which requires an entirely different post all together).

I always love a good ’90s comedy and after watching Father of the Bride II on Sunday, I am still quoting it left and right. And I can’t stop laughing!

Happy Wednesday to YOU! I hope your week is going well so far. The best part? We’re just two days away from the weekend!

This week, I’m mumbling about lots of stuff. From food and travel to shopping and social media, my brain is buzzing with great goodies to share.

Drum roll please…

Fall Sales

The Social Network

Doggie Lobster Halloween Costume

Orzo Pasta

Mexico

From top to bottom:

- I have been finding the BEST deals on great items for fall lately. In the past week, the GAP and Banana Republic have been extremely good to me–transforming me and my wardrobe into quite the fall fabulous pair.

- Last weekend I saw The Social Network and I must admit, I was fully expecting a Mark Zuckerberg hate-fest (more-or-less). In reality, it was actually quite interesting and taught me a lot more about the site we all frequent multiple times a day. I like these behind-the-scenes, how-everything-began type of films.

- This will be Loui‘s first Halloween with us and clearly, he needs a costume. After a little searching, we stumbled upon the doggie lobster costume and let me tell you… IT’S AWESOME. We love it. He hates it. Whatever.

- I recently bought a container of whole wheat orzo pasta and love it! It’s so easy to make and tastes divine. Right now I’m finishing up my leftovers of Greek-inspired orzo with cucumber, feta, cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives. Deeeeelish.

- Last but certainly not least, I’m daydreaming about my upcoming trip to Mexico! Boyfriend and I just booked our winter getaway to the beach. I can’t wait to have fun in the sun, bury my toes in the sand, jump into the ocean, relax, drink frothy umbrella drinks and spend quality time with my man.

What are you mumbling about this week?

- L

I’m not a huge concert junkie. I see a few shows a year (if that) and that’s usually good enough for me. But last night I saw Sara Bareilles in concert and I must admit, I may be a changed woman.

I just recently started listening to her music–well rocking out in the car while singing at the top of my lungs is probably more accurate. For as long as I can recall, I haven’t come across a singer/songwriter who has created such beautiful music that I can connect with.

You see, I didn’t buy Sara’s previous albums. I never listened to her stuff besides when it happened to come on the radio. But then I previewed a few songs from her most recent album–Kaleidoscope Heart. And consequently purchased the entire thing.

The album is real, honest, insightful, lovely and filled with delicious pieces of warmth that are good food for the soul.

In today’s music scene, it’s not very often that you find an artist with no need for huge amounts of technology, crazy costumes or choreography. I walked away from last night’s live performance feeling blown away by her natural talent, sense of humor, simple style and most of all–the words that she sang so effortlessly and beautifully.

If you have a chance to see her live, it’s a must. And if nothing else, at least buy her new album and sing with me in the car. Deal?

- L

Today marks the first day of fall. It may still feel like hot Texas summer weather, but yep, it’s true. Fall is here. Good news?

Fall TV has started!

Granted, I’m not a huge TV person. I watch “my shows” and that’s about it. Sure, I love the days when I can curl up, cover myself in comfy blankets and be a couch potato in front of the TV–but that rarely happens.

But with the imminence of cool weather, it’s time to break out the thick socks, hot tea and sweats. And up until just a few months ago, I was operating on ’80s Nintendo cable (I wish I was kidding). Thankfully, I’m now 21st century with the help of modern cable and ready for some fall couch potato time.

Are you as excited as I am?!

Here are some of the shows I’m watching this year:

Dancing with the Stars

Grey’s Anatomy

The Event

Modern Family

The Biggest Loser

Parenthood

While I’m sad to say goodbye to summer, I’m ready for cooler weather, frequent trips to the coffee shop, bundling up under the covers and my fall wardrobe. Time to pack up the swimsuits and store away the flip flops. Fall has fallen.

What shows are you watching this season?

- L

To most of you, this comes as no surprise. And for those of you who know me well, you have probably experienced my perfectionism in some form or another.

What initially got me thinking about this was my friend Meg O.’s recent post in which she briefly discusses her perfectionism. For her, it’s about excessive organization. For me, it’s that and much, much more.

Ironically enough, I read Megan’s post just hours after watching two episodes of Hoarders.

Here’s my story.

I’m a perfectionist in nearly all facets of my life–everything has a place, a purpose and an order. Take for example, my apartment on Monday night. I was sprawled out on the couch with throw pillows, blankets and doggie cuddles while watching Hoarders. The show ended and I immediately popped up, cleaned up, folded the blanket, placed the pillows back in their assigned seats, adjusted the magazines and remotes on the table in front of me, turned off the lights and headed into the other room.

Would it have killed me to just leave it be until the next morning? Yes.

You see, I’m the girl who makes her bed every morning (even on the weekends), folds and hangs her clothes immediately after they leave the dryer, plugs in her laptop when she’s finished using it, puts her shoes back in their boxes, never leaves dishes in the sink and always pulls the shower curtain closed.

For as long as I can recall, I’ve always loved organizing. Growing up, my girl friends would play outside in the yard, ride their bikes, do art projects, play with their dolls, swim, etc. And while I too enjoyed all of those activities, another thing I would do regularly was organize.

Yep, to this day, my family and I laugh about how I would go up to my room and organize things. I guess I was a weird kid.

The irony of it all

And now, I watch shows like Hoarders where people have the complete opposite problem. Their homes and lives are a complete mess–and organization (and oftentimes cleanliness) is virtually foreign to them. I don’t know why I watch these shows. Half the time I get completely grossed out and the other half of the time I get so sad, wanting to reach out and hug these people through the screen and clean up their lives and homes.

What this has all taught me

Over time, my unique sense of order and organization has turned into something much bigger. While at times it can irritate others or seem a bit excessive, this perfectionism has had many positive effects on my life as an adult.

I’m super productive. I love Post-It notes and to-do lists. I swear by AP style and cringe at the sight of spelling errors and incorrect grammar. I thrive on a schedule. I turn in work assignments and projects on time, or early, and never settle for anything unfinished. I’m always on top of my bills, paperwork, car inspections, oil changes, grocery runs and other opposite-of-fun, grown-up type things. I’m not saying I deserve any credit for this–if you’re an adult, being responsible comes with the territory–but for me, it also happens to come naturally.

So, I suppose for me, this clean-freak mentality began a long time and there’s simply no turning back.

I’m a perfectionist. The end.

I’m definitely not perfect–in fact, I’m far from it. But we all have our quirks. And well, this is mine.

Now tell me friends… What are some of your quirks? Any other perfectionists out there?

- L

Congrats on getting through the week! It’s FRIDAY!

Honestly, I’m pretty surprised I made it to Friday without pulling all of my hair out. Check out what this week has included:

- Houston heatwave (slash thunderstorms).
- Work overload. <– understatement
- European vacation preparation.
- Reality TV deprivation.
- Enormous lack of sleep.
- Never-ending to-do lists.
- Zero time for workouts.
- Bills.

Sounds pretty unbearable, right?

I did, however, manage to sneak in some fun this week and meet this lovely lady for some tasty wine and snacks. And let me tell you, boy did I need a drink. We went here and truth be told, this place never disappoints. If you live in Houston, GO THERE. Oh, but avoid the ketchup at all costs–they make it in-house and even the waiter told us to steer clear of it. To put it gently, it’s nothing like Heinz. Otherwise, BIG thumbs up on the menu and wine. Delish.

Can you believe it’s almost AUGUST? How are we already in the eighth month of the year?

Hey 2010, SLOW DOWN.

And since I love, love, LOVE the summertime–and this weekend’s going to be 100+ degrees (no, I’m NOT kidding)–I plan on enjoying every last bit of summer outside (with occasional dips in the pool and trips for snow cones) while it lasts.

So what’s on this weekend’s agenda?

- Margaritas + fajitas.
- Loui + dog park.
- Loui + grooming.
- Sun + pool + friends.
- Haircut.
- Dinner and movie date with good gal pal.
- Friend’s engagement brunch.
- Shopping for European vacation.
- Finish current book: Eat, Pray, Love.
- Anything else my little heart desires.

Oh, and I’m seeing Dinner for Schmucks on my gal-pal date because it looks HILARIOUS.

What do you have planned for the weekend?

Whatever you do, I hope it’s FABULOUS. Cheers!

- L

I absolutely adore fashionista Carrie Bradshaw, the feisty Meredith Grey, the ridiculous Michael Scott and FBI Special Agent Mark Benford but lately, all of my TV attention has gone to one show: PARENTHOOD.

If you aren’t already watching it, go to hulu right now and watch the last episode, or two or three. I’m telling you–you’ll love it. Why?

It’s real.

The family. The smiles. The problems. The arguments. The love. The issues. The scenarios. The hate. The serious talks. The laughter. The questions. The tears. It’s ALL REAL.

Two parents have four kids, who all have kids of their own. The whole family lives in the same town and everyone’s always meddling in every family member’s business–and always offering advice (whether solicited or not). It’s honest and takes a deeper look into the reality of family life than any reality show on TV–the funny part is, this isn’t a reality show at all–it’s completely scripted.

Yeah, it’s just five episodes in and I’m already 100% hooked. And while I desperately wish I was getting paid for this endorsement… (heck, I love this show so much I’ll do it for free)…

WATCH PARENTHOOD ON NBC – TUESDAYS 10/9C <– Trust me, you’re life won’t be complete without it.

And if you STILL aren’t convinced this is the show for you, it has Lauren Graham (aka Lorelai Gilmore) and Craig T. Nelson (aka Coach Hayden Fox) in it. Mmm hmm, that’s right. COACH.

- L