I love this place.

Okay, maybe it's because I've been moving all over the country, but I just tried Zoes Kitchen for the first time today. It's amazing. You should go.

I was drawn in by the smart font surrounded by my very favorite colors, and I wasn't disappointed. It's healthy fast food that's actually healthy. Think delicious, vinegary slaw with no mayonnaise.

It's right around the corner from Governor's School - dangerous for my wallet, but not my lifespan.


                                                                     xo,

                                                                           Lauren

P.S. They sell beer and wine!

October!

October is for...

...cold weather. But I think of what I was wearing this time last year in Cleveland compared to what I'm wearing now, and I do a little happy dance.

...a film I really, really want to see. Elmo=Love. So sweet.

...good news. And this time, a little chicken dance.

...hilarious radio ads for getting chased by Chainsaws in the woods.

...remembering the potential of a good pair of tights.

...Pumpkin Beer, Pumpkin Cake, and Pumpkin Cornbread. Why not?

xoxo,

Lauren

Pan What?

People have been talking about Pan Am with dubious anticipation: can it even touch the prowess of its obvious predecessor, Mad Men?

I don't even care to find out. No thank you. As a Mad Men latecomer, I'm knee-deep in Season 4, dreading the day when I, too, have to wait for March 2012. My love for Mad Men keeps me from yoga and sleep, and it's worth it. It's every bit as good as the amber-colored liquor and tight pencil skirts that it so glorifies. As far as I'm concerned, there's only room for one '60s Era Masterpiece in this town.

I'm busy with a new city, new job, and even planning a wedding, but the things that plague my mind are 1) WILL Peggy's blossoming feminism get her fired? 2) Will Joanie ever leave that skin-sewing jerk for Roger? 2) Can Don and Betty please be dysfunctional together forever?  3) Will Sally Draper lose her mind? And is Betty Draper going to MURDER someone?!

The rest of you might have been asking these questions a year ago...but not me. I waited, which wasn't such a bad idea -- because now the best part of my day is seasons 1-4, in marathon gratification. Thank you very much, Netflix.

Sept 23 = First Day of Fall

Friends,

My littlest brother is visiting for the week! Okay, he's way taller than I am now, but I stand by my nine years of seniority with unapologetic fervor. This weekend, we rode a tractor and picked a bushel of apples at Justus Orchard. It was so much fun! I had my hopes up for Hot Cider, but since the sun came out, I had Slushy Cider instead. I do not regret it.

Now I have just the excuse I need to revive last year's Apple Cake. I recommend you do the same. And if you need a few extras, take them from my refrigerator.

Packing Heat

via Pink Wallpaper Design

Last night, I unpacked my suitcase for the first time since the end of April! It felt great.

I am ecstatic about the chance to settle into a city that's friendly, interesting, and [unlike our Vermont home] clean. Yay!

Herbie's happy, although he trembled in terror at the sight of his new doggie neighbor. It's just a Chihuahua, but poor old Herb's nerves always get the best of him. 

Appropriately Labeled