You had me at PBJ

For the last week, I've bounced from South Carolina to Maryland to Nevada to Maryland and will now trek back to my Southern stomping grounds. I've managed to dance until my tendons hurt, live like a scavenger,  save the day for a noted jazz musician, create a Jersey-centric alter ego named, "Gigi," and perhaps most impressive, fall in love. Or pre-love, if there is such a concept. My weary legs will calm down as I temporarily put my dance shoes on the shelf, and once home, I'll resume a normal meal schedule. Having done a good deed, I sashay off with my cape, and give Gigi the slip (until her anonymity is needed again). The pre-love which began with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich at a dance conference in Reno? I am at a loss on how to dispose of that one. My heart feels as devoured as the sandwich, but with little chance of anything becoming of my snack-size romance, I'll likely be left hungry. Nom Nom, Sniffle Sniffle Nom.

Image by Bill Keaggy, found on flickr

Faces, Places

Back from a whirlwind trip, I still feel as if I'm not quite home. It was a bit frantic, slightly magical, at times tricky, seldom boring, and overall delightful. And now I have returned with my camper, a home for the weary , complete with wheels. What more could a girl ask for? I'll post some details and photos later but until then, listen to Lena Horne and drink strong tea.
(collage left by yours truly, Audrey Hoffman)

Have Jeep Will Travel

RoadAudrey from VoteAudrey on Vimeo.

Happy Easter and Off on Spring Holiday

Hope you all had a lovely Easter weekend, reflecting on the holiday and its significance, spending time with friends and family....

I made it to church and only 15 minutes late. My sister has a 2-seater and decided that her boy toy was more important than flesh and blood, so I had to drive myself and stop for petrol of course. No matter, my dress was fabulous (shame I didn't get to curl my hair, though, or don a hat).

I didn't snap a picture in of myself in my lovely Easter dress, so here's a picture of the handmade vintage gem on the left. (That's a model, not me - although I have lost a bit of weight lately, I'm no woodland nymph). Dress fit perfect, as I was able to fill it out quite nicely with my curves ;) Cheers to Hot Vintage of New Orleans for getting it to me in record time, so I could sport it for Easter!

Tomorrow, I'll be off to Edisto, hopefully getting a bit of sun on my pasty whiteness. I'm sure the Vitamin D is necessary. I won't have internet for days, which always puts me into a bit of a shock. There's plenty of crafty things I need to tend to, and of course the "quality family time" bit, so no worries. Sis is bringing the boy toy, so I'll to wear brassieres under my night gowns and otherwise behave.

I miss my open-chats on this blog, but as PrettySwell.com rounds out, more time for musing surely must follow. Until I return from the beach, here's a few recent obsessions/suggestions//links/blah-blah-blahs for your perusal:

GO GREEN

As in Green Wing, a bit of raunchy raucous Brit humour now up on Hulu. Perhaps I enjoy it because I enjoy most Brit comedies or because I was once rather unfortunately hospitalized at St. Mary's in London.  No matter the reason, if you fancy Coupling and The Office (the real one), chances are this will have you smitten too.

WHAT A GEM(MA)
Didn't plan to get off on a UK tangent, but I won't fight it, as it were. If you like pugs not drugs and cute illustrations, you'll be keen on Gemma Correll.  I may tell her how tidy her art is, if I can muster the courage.

TIDY THAT
Maps are curious creatures, no? I mean, they potentially offer a wealth of information or a crock pot of bullocks. And if you didn't realize how vast the field of maps are, hike over to Strange Maps.  The blog regularly posts everything from the bizarre, obscure, figurative, and archaic, all in map form. Possibly one of the cleverest (and most emulated) map renderings in history, the Underground (aka Tube) map. Also worth note whilst you get your Brit-bearings: Sherlock Holme's flat.

Enjoy, love, and let's hope I leave the beach a tad golden. 

You can Find me in the A...

Off to Atlanta early AM...should be asleep but can't seem to stay still. I'm sleepy but wide awake all at once.

There'll be plenty of good food, friends and traffic, no doubt.

Whilst I'm in transit, don't forget to check out the stuff over at Tweetplate. Four new Valentine's Day inspired free Twitter backgrounds are now up for your romantic viewing pleasure. (Well, they're not all lovey dovey....)

Ahh, we meet again.

It's been over a year since I was in Baltimore. And yet somehow I forgot it was time to return, thinking next week I would trek the almost nine hour drive to Charm City. Always eager to migrate, yet dates escape me but time won't. I must pack, and more than clean underwear.

Happy Trails Ahead . . .

Okay, so I'd like to go ahead and make an announcement, but I'm going to wait until "the deal is sealed." (This lame-o that dated a friend of mine uses phrases like, 'sealing the deal' but there's never a deal, nor a seal.) Just know I'm feelin' pretty darn good right about now...aside from my contacts which are older than this radio.

However, according to my formula:

Vintage pastel radio = cute
Vintage protein-laden soft contacts = painfully uncute

I've got some some saline solution, but it's a nose spray. You know, for when you get all stuffy and just want to clear out the gremlins. If it's just saline, I should be able to quickly rinse my contacts with it, right? Well, better not risk it. Too much "happy" at stake. Here's a clue: It's Teal and Has 2 Wheels.

I need a vintage travel trailer, like, now.

I'm going insane with retro camper fever! I prefer it to the much feared swine flu, however. There are a few that I am actually considering, once I get more specs and do a nifty "pros & cons" list. To the left, one that got away. Some have gotten snatched up, others had too many issues, and still many just didn't feel right. I need to have the "Happy Camper" vibe. I think I'm close, really close.

And it's going to be a beautiful thing....

The Great Desk Escape

Tired of staring at your Swingline stapler? Need to cope to endure your nine-to-five? Take a mini-vacation at your desk! Oh, sure the concept is pathetic and cheesy, but trust me it helps. Rejuvenate periodically throughout the day because the alternative is drooling on your keyboard.

Enter the Zen Zone

Plants improve your quality of air and maybe even quality of life. I like attractive, self-contained hearty types, who refuse to die despite my blatant neglect. With good jobs and --oh wait, sorry, talking about plants, not men. Right...so here are three picks from Bonsai Boy of New York that are affordable, zentastic and office appropriate. (Images link to products)




Aromatherapy

Some offices are really anti-fragrance, even touting your scent as a potential killer of a person you don't know who has severe allergies. No burning candles as you burn the midnight oil! It's time to be stealth. I've been a big fan of essential oils since college, when I received a starter kit from a friend. Years later, a manager gifted me with a mini-kit of personal oil blends (diluted for skin contact) with promises like, "Energizing," "Relaxation," "Clarifying," et cetera. Place a dot on your pulse points (underside wrists) and you can alter your mood without having an office altercation. (If you'd like some recommendations, leave a comment and I can recommend brands/mixes)

Clean Space

I'm the creative type, so you know I'm uber messy. Especially mid-project--total chaos! If you throw yourself into your work like I do, consider these fun organizers, like an easy toss-in tray, magnetic paperclip holder, or file/magazine holder. (I'm digging that last one because it reflects chaos, yet is meant to corral just that...genius!)



And when all else, fails...grab the caffeine!

If you simply can't relax and you've started to drool, it's time to grab everyone's drug of choice, caffeine. Even though this drug is perfectly legal and consumed by masses, you don't want to appear like a fiend in front of co-workers. If you've already had half a pot of coffee and it's not even noon, consider alternative delivery methods for dosing. Caffeine can now be found in soaps, breath mints, and yes, even tasty jelly beans! (Please do not fee to children or pigeons)
I don't know about you, but for me fruit punch flavor + caffeine equals a good time.

3 Budget Travel Tips to Stretch Your Dollar and Imagination

Think traveling this year is out of the question? You may be surprised to find some of the best travel deals around during this economic lull. The money may be limited but the opportunities aren't if you plan well. Here's three tips for your traveling stimulus:

1. 2nd Tier Destinations: Think of this as getting the Monopoly community chest card, "Second Place in a Beauty Pageant." These spots won't be as mainstream, but they're definitely winners. Budget Travel lists Austin, Texas as budget hot spot for 2009. Lots of festivals means fun while new discount carrier flights equate cheaper tickets. Add Asheville, NC, Chattanooga, TN, and Savannah, GA to the list of gem cities.
   
   
2. Accommodown: Always ending up at a business traveler's hotel? Why not opt out of amenities you're not using, and pick accommodations that fit your particular needs? Research online to find out bed and breakfast locations where you can email the proprietor and negotiate fees and what you'll be needing during your stay. (Bonus: Many are also pet friendly) Cabins and condos also provide seclusion and a better value for longer stays. Eating out can eat into your budget, so consider shopping for fresh local produce and utilizing the kitchen to trim fat off dining costs.
   
   
3. Open Agenda: If you have some wiggle room with your vacation leave, you can score the best bargains. Set up a separate folder within your email and label it "Getaways." Save the info you get on destinations there, and even if you can't pounce on a certain offer, you'll notice trends in pricing. Sites like Kayak.com and Farecast.com help compile data from multiple vendors and let you know probabilities of rate fluctuations during the coming days. Make sure you factor in international fees for flights out of your home country, as must searches show the base fare without tax and fees. (Not so much for national travel, but can really add up for certain destinations beyond our borders) And don't neglect the rate of exchange, as your currency may go further.
   

It's a bit like math sprinkled with magic and an adventurer's heart, but budget travel can and should be had. Spend a little bit of time researching and your pockets will thank you.

Travel Wear

Ladies, here's 3 surprising essentials:

The Metallic Kicks
I love a good metallic shoe, because it's a neutral that will go with most colors in your wardrobe. Even on a business trip, a good walking shoe will be welcome at the airport, hotel gym or quick nature excursion.

Stretch Leggings
Initially, I was not keen on the "legging look." However, for travel, these are pretty essential. Great for working out, lounging or worn under a tunic, they add versatility and can even be used to layer for warmth on an unexpectedly chilly evening.

Convertible Dress
Worn as a tube dress or a skirt, you've already got two great options. On the beach? Use this as a slimming cover-up. Meeting up for a quick bite before an evening out dancing? Throw on a light blazer for dinner, and then take it off when things heat up on the dance floor. Tube styling makes it perfect for a short or long necklace.