Frugal is the New Black

As you may well know, one of L's secret not-so-secret obsessions is the Dollar Menu. She likes to consider herself somewhat of a "Dollar Menu-aire."

(This all happened after she gave up McDonald's/BK/Wendy's when trying to live a "healthier lifestyle" after graduating college. She would go to Panera for lunch, thinking she was eating healthy, until when she actually read the nutrition facts for a delcious, yet carb- and fat-infested sandwich from said chain, and figured, "Hell. Why not just get a nice juicy Whopper Jr. instead? Same calories. And yes, I would like fries with that!")

Anyways.

Got a craving for a little sweet treat, but don't want to dish out $4 + for a Blizzard or a three-scoop sundae from Friendly's?

Allow L to introduce you to the McDonald's Dollar Menu sundae: deliciously creamy vanilla ice cream topped with rich hot fudge.

It comes in just the perfect serving size to satisfy your craving and you won't get the pangs of guilt when you're done.

And, for a dollar? Can't go wrong, friends, can't go wrong!

(Also, L has heard that McDonald's lattes "rival" Starbucks...this is definitely on her "TO-TRY" list. Post will follow!)

Dear B & L

Subject: Semester Abroad

Dear B & L,

I'll be leaving in a few weeks to study in Italy for three months. I've made my lists (and lists of lists!!!) and finally managed to cross off every - save one, rather important - detail: what to pack!

I've never been one for the "college sweats" look (more likely to be found in a pair of pink pumps than Reeboks!), so when looking into my closet, I'm slightly baffled as to what looks to leave behind!

I know there are some classics I can't leave home without (LBD and fav pair of pumps are a must!), but I was wondering if you had any advice to keep my suitcases from weighing in as a heavyweight champion at the bag check.

I've got to leave room to bring back shoes, right?? :)

Help!

Perplexed by Packing

---

Dear Perplexed,

First off, congrats(!) on having an opportunity to study abroad!

And second, we definitely sympathize! It's so hard to "live out of a suitcase" for a weekend getaway, let alone for three months.

The weather in Italy is going to vary from September through November, with September being in the "dry" season, October the temperatures dropping, and November heavy with rain.

So, with that in mind, you're going to want to pack lots of items that enable you to mix-and-match. Think a cami that you can wear by itself with skinny jeans in early September, but then you can also pair that cami under a cardigan in October.

Have no fear! B & L have put together a quick checklist for you:

TOPS

4-5 camis

cardigans

light-weight long sleeved tshirts
short sleeved t-shirts

2-3 dressy tops for dinner and clubs

BOTTOMS

Jeans - You will want a couple pairs of dark jeans since they are versatile. You'll be able to wear them with your dressy tops for evenings or they are easily paired with short sleeved tshirts for class.
Dress Pants - for those upscale places that won't allow jeans.
1 or 2 pairs of shorts for the warmer months

DRESSES
You will want to bring a classic, simple black dress in case your school takes you to a play or you need to wear something fancier then dress pants and a dressy top.²

Also consider bringing 2 other dresses that can go from the end of the season into November. Think: Belt it!

OUTERWEAR

Fleece Jacket

Rain-appropriate Jacket

SHOES

Remember that the streets in Italy are going to be more rustic than here in the States. That in mind, think: flats and wedges. You're going to want to be able to walk, and enjoy the sites: not be hobbling down the unpaved road because you're insistent on wearing pumps. (Yea, yea "beauty is pain," don't be foolish though!) Find 3-4 pairs that will work with your wardrobe.

MISC

3-4 pieces of jewelry that you won't mind if something happens to

tote bag: use it to carry your books and then also while site-seeing

umbrella

camera with extra memory card

webcam (if you don't have an Apple laptop)

directions on how to skype your family members

---

1. B has studied abroad and had some major difficulty with packing as well - and definitely packed way too much - you don't want to be in that position!

2. B brought a black dress when she went abroad and was so thankful when she realized she would have an opportunity to use it.

3. Plus, if you only take 3-4 pairs, you will give yourself room in your suitcase so that you may fill it up with goodies from your shopping trips - afterall you are in Italy! L's heart is racing at the thought of Milan...the Mecca of Fashion!

Thirsty Thursday

A Midsummer Night's Dream

As summer winds down (sigh) enjoy a Midsummer Night's Dream while you are concocting last minute activities to fill your last days of summer.¹

Ingredients:
5 Strawberries
1 tsp Strawberry Liqueur
1 oz Kirschwasser Cherry Brandy
2 oz Vodka
Schweppes Russian Tonic Water

Instructions:
Put the strawberries into a blender and mix.

Pour strawberries over ice in a shaker.

Add the Strawberry Liqueur, Kirchwasser Cherry Brandy, and Vodka to the shaker.

Shake well.

Pour into a highball glass.

Add the Schweppes Russian Tonic Water to fill the highball glass.

Enjoy!

Drink recipe found on DrinksMixer.com

---

1. Too bad, so sad B & L are back to the grind in law school. But that won't stop them from enjoying this drink - hey, they have to start planning Winter Break, Spring Break and next Summer!

Workplace Do's and Dont's

Using your company's e-mail system for your personal business: Definite "Don't!"

Do not send risqué e-mails to Mr. Right Now (whether he is in your office or not) via your company's e-mail system.

Reserve your corporate account for just that: corporate business. You don't want your boss reading about how amazing your date was on Friday night, do you?

Or, just as bad, you don't want your higher-ups knowing you're wasting time forwarding a "funny" chain-letter type e-mail to all 20 of your closest friends? There certainly will be nothing "funny" about the meeting you'll likely have with your boss when she lectures you on the importance of "time on task." (Forget about sympathy from her when you have to stay late on a Friday to meet your deadlines!)

Also strictly prohibited in this category are risqué text messages, especially no picture messages(!), sent through your company's BlackBerry or other mobile device!

Trust B & L: there are definite ways for your boss to get into your e-mail account!

(And, no(!), "clearing your history" does not put you in the clear for using work computers for your personal business either!)

Loves It, Hates It

When someone is going to straight up tell you the truth: "Loves It!"

There are usually a few friends or family members who can sit there and tell you straight up what everyone else is thinking, but no one wants to actually tell you.

It is really refreshing to:

1. Hear the truth - even when you don't want to hear it; and
   
2. Know there are people out there who you trust and know will tell you how they feel - no secrets.
   

Hearing what another honestly thinks of a situation -- especially when it is from a trusted person-- is definitely helpful when you are trying to figure out your dilemma at hand. Or, just having someone tell you that you need to pause and look at things from several different perspectives will definitely make you stop, re-evaluate, and correct where necessary.

By the end of the conversation -- even if you wanted it to end better it actually did-- you feel thankful that your trusted confidant was there to make sure your head was on straight before you make a major mistake.

Cliché, but true, honesty is the best policy.

Lifestyle

B & L totally have a date to see "Post Grad," starring Alexis Bledel (the sweetheart from Gilmore Girls)!

"Post Grad" is the story of a girl who, like many of us, had to move back home after graduating college -- in with her parents and with out a job.

It seems to be a cute rendition of what most of us are going through: trying to find the right job, the right guy, and the right path in life. (And, a carefree way to spend an afternoon and to remember that we're not the only ones trying to figure it all out!)

Check out the official trailer below, from YouTube:

"Post Grad" opened Friday, August 21 here.

Will you go see it?

What was I thinking?

B went to Anthropologie for the first time with C and T.

She was browsing the store and found herself in the back with all the bath products (you know the bubble bath, soaps, soap holders etc.).

Suddenly, B looks down and sees this replica wine bottle. Her eyes widen as she quickly thinks to herself - Same size as a wine bottle. Cork and label. Looks like a tasty white. Could it get any better?

B turns to T with her eyes lit with excitement and says: "Wow. I didn't know Anthropologie sells wine! This is great!!"

T looks at B with bewilderment and says: "Ummm.....B that is not wine. I don't think they sell wine here. It would probably be illegal if they did. That's has to be some sort of bath product."

With B's excitement gone and her smile turned down a little bit she looks down and actually reads the bottle. Yep, it's forming bath liquid.

What a disappointment.

Dear B & L

We're happy to introduce a new feature to Counsel Confidential!

You've submitted your pressing fashion and life questions. Here, B & L will respond and be sure to add comments if you want to know more or have any other questions! Thanks!

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Subject: Missed Opportunity

Dear B & L,

I couldn't take a pic without looking like a creep, but I just saw a girl wearing see-through white pants on the T..but not bad enough, she was wearing floral pattern granny panties that were very visible!

That has to be one of your fashion "no no's" right?

-Concerned

---

Dear Concerned,

Oh goodness, yes! That whole situation is a definite no-no!

Now, a few points of interest we need to address:

1. Depending on your office's dress code, anything sheer is likely inapprorate for the work place. A sheer blouse coupled with a coordinating cami underneath might work in some situations; but to be safe, or unless you are completely certain, shear is better left for the weekend.

2. GRANNY PANTIES?! Oh no, no, no, no, no!

Yes, we ladies seek comfort in our undergarments. They need to not only cover our unmentionables, but also be functioning. (haha, L's "old lady speak.")

Yes, a thong can get annoying, dental flossing your cheeks all day, but our fashion victim could have very well adorned her bottom with a pair of seamless hipsters, cheekies, tangas, or bikinis if she can't handle a thong. These are less intrusive than the thong, providing more coverage.

More importantly, seamless undergarments won't create any VPL (visible panty line!) and are key items for your wardrobe.

3. Not only is seamless key, but the fashion victim would have been in the "wrong" if she chose white undies underneath her white pants. (Let us not even go to the floral! Ugh!) Nude/fleshtone shades are KEY when wearing white/lighter colors. They virtually blend in, leaving the focus on your work, not on your, uhm goodies.

Another mistake ladies often make is pairing a light colored brassier underneath a black top. Of course it's usually done when a picture is taken, and the next day Fashion Victim's face, black top that now appears shear and her white boobs are shown when the photo is posted or e-mailed around!

Just follow this simple mantra when getting ready: Dark under dark, stay away from too busy prints, and nude/fleshtones under light colors!

Hot Mess or Fashion Success?

A purse that can match a Christmas tree: "Hot Mess!"


Depending on the style and coloring used, a plaid bag could be pulled off. Unfortunately, the bag above F-A-I-L-S.

The coloring is too much, which makes the person using this bag look like she/he is trying too hard to achieve a Holiday/Christmas look. When someone you know takes a Holiday season to the next level where it's dictating her fashion it's time to step and be that trusted friend. Sit her down give her one of those "Honey, No" talks.

While being festive during a holiday season can be cute and fun - taking it to this level is just plain wrong.¹

---

1. While L agrees with B that the little bag is awful, she thinks it would be just darling over your shoulder at your Ugly Sweater party!

Thirsty Thursday

Arizona Sunset

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz White Tequila
• 1 oz Triple Sec
  
• 1/2 oz Rose's Lime Juice
  
• Creme De Noyaux
  
• 4 oz Orange Juice

Instructions:

Slowly pour Creme De Noyaux over ice in a tall-stem cocktail glass until some settles on the bottom.

Next, add the White Tequila, Triple Sec, Rose's Lime Juice, and Orange Juice into a shaker with ice.

Shake well and then pour over ice.

Garnish with a straw and either a slice of lime or orange or a cherry.

Enjoy!

Recipe from Drinksmixer.com.

Classroom Dos and Don'ts

Do: Keep a balance.

With law school well underway it's about time B & L address a very important question many first years have - is there any time to have a personal life outside of law school?

To this B & L answer - "yes-- but it's all about a balance."

Don't spend all your free time focusing on and trying to maintain a full social life. You're in law school for a reason. Remember why you decided to come to law school in the first place. You need to be willing to put in the time to do well in your classes and don't get too side tracked.

It's not important to worry about the personal lives of your fellow classmates, or who received what grade on their midterm, or who's up all night writing their appellate briefs for Legal Writing. You will soon realize what social aspects and activities are important. Afterall, you did already go through Freshman year for undergrad!

However, keep the work-school-life balance because you don't want to drive yourself crazy!

Workplace Do's and Don'ts

Some days are just definitely "one of those days": You wake up late, you miss your train, you spill coffee down your shirt and haven't found the time to pick up a Tide pen to store in your desk drawer, you get stuck in traffic, Bossman has piled more work on your desk, because he does not understand that there are only so many hours in the day...you get the idea.

What would really quench your thirst? A late lunch, complete with a nice icy cold [insert your favorite beverage here].

Resist the urge!

Do not get sloshed during lunch hour! Trust B & L, the day you decide to down margaritas for an hour before you go back to cubicle city is the day your boss will call you in her office for an important meeting with the Vice President of the company who's account you're trying to close.

Or worse, that promotion you've been working towards? Forget about it. It's going to your office Frienemy. Hate her.

Lifestyle

Now, this post is a definite toss up between a "Loves It!" and a Lifestyle post: L just downloaded the "ShopStyle" app for her iPhone: definitely loves it (!) but L uses ShopStyle too frequently for just a "Loves It!" shout out.

For all us tech-savvy fashionistas that have come to use ShopStyle for clothes, accessories, shoes, and home goods, you're going to love the app!

You can browse through hundreds of items, by Brand, type of Clothing, Handbags, Shoes, Accessories or Jewelry. Once in your selection, you can narrow down the search by style, items that are on sale, price range, and even enter in key words.

So, you need a new pair of heels for your date on Saturday? No problem! Browse through ShopStyle app on the T ride home and order them right then and there on your phone! (Also great for stealthy at-your-desk purchases without going on the company computer!)

How easy!

Snaps!

B & L would like to extend Snaps! to G who is living out her dreams and moving to ITALY in the beginning of September.


Although B is going to miss G dearly she is so proud that G is achieving her goals, living her life to the fullest, and continues to transform into an amazing person.¹

---

1. Keep up the transformation! Grab the world by its balls!

Water Cooler

Preface: Alright - as many of you now know, Guidos are somewhat of L's "guilty pleasure." She loves 'em! There's nothing that gets her going more than the orange skin, spikey hair, and big (tatted) muscles. However (! and this is a big however), it is merely entertainment.

Well, today at the tanning salon, a guid came in to tan. Normally L loves it when they come in -- they make her laugh because they're all dressed up with a gallon of hair gel in, their very best Ed Hardy/Christian Audigier/Affliction t-shirt on, just to strip down, sweat, and catch some homemade UVs. ¹ They're just hysterical.

But, not today. The wannabe guid came in.

Why is he a "wannabe guid" ?

Because he is 40 YEARS OLD, apparently trying to recapture his youth! He comes in, yelling at you - not in a malicious way, he just, well, talks in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS.

He's always adorned in his sweaty wife beater, highlighting his "guns," and gold chains around his neck. He probably drinks about three glasses of water from the water fountain in front of the desk before he goes to tan. (Probably because he just sweated out most of his body's water en route to the tanning salon from the gym.)

Today, he came in, I chuckled at the usual appearance and exchanged yelling conversation, and then he left after his tan.

Not more than ten minutes after his departure, he called L on the work phone to ask if he left his keys there. She takes the phone with her, looks, and then tells him "no."

I guess the appropriate "thank you," was to ask L if she had a boyfriend, because that's exactly what he did!!

Uhm... it is clear that you are well more than ten years my senior, sir. And frankly, I do not want to go deaf from listening to you yell for more than ten minutes. Thankyouverymuch.²

L gave the standard response, "oh I do, and he would probably be pretty mad! ha ha But, thank you!" (Said with the Orbitz smile you can see through the phone so as not to offend.)

After that incident, L texted B so she could share the beginning of the deets:

Text Message

---------------------

To: B

From: L

So the 40 yr old wannabe guid just called me on the work phone to ask if I had a bf...story to follow

Text Message

---------------------

To: L

From: B

OMG!!!! hahahaha These things only happen to you!

I think I'm a meathead magnet!

Does anyone else (not living in the tri-state) attract Guidos like bees to honey?

---

1. And if it isn't Goose it's good in L's book!

2. Having dated a number of guids, they're fun for the first few months, but after hearing about their special diets, their gym routine, some new HGH supplements they want to try (over and over), it gets really old, really fast.

Loves It, Hates It

Kim K.'s new blonde 'do: "Hates It!"

Ugh.

As you may know, Kim is one of L's girl crushes. Top 5 even. Maybe even in the top 2...Ok, OK, she's pretty much numero uno.

L will admit, she has been trying to let the hairstyle grow on her. Now if you look at Kim quickly she looks like either:

(a) Jessica Alba;

(b) Jennifer Lopez; or

(c) Guilana Ranic

BLA

Kim's hair, eyebrows, and skin tone all practically blend in together.¹

L loved Kim for her curve-a-licous body, and sharp, defining features. Her dark, flowing mermaid hair, complimented by her sharp eyebrows set on her creamy complexion...sigh.

B & L really hope this is just a phase!²

---

1. B completely agrees with L. Seeing Kim for the first time with her new "do" made B wish she could turn back time to erase the moment Kim scheduled that hair appointment.
2. Especially because Megan Fox can be so trash sometimes! And Megan doesn't have her own show that L can watch pretty much daily on the E! network to satisfy the cravings ha ha

Hot Mess or Fashion Success?

Dressing like a clown and you're not getting paid to entertain tiny toddlers: "Hot Mess!"

Now, this candid would have been categorized under a BOSTON UNCOMMON, except we were in Newport¹ -- so it's even more of a Hot Mess!!

Now, when you think Newport, you think the July and August J. Crew catalogue, bocce games in Brooks Brothers, not Bozo the Clown. Her outfit was a lot louder in person and she was walking away fast, so this is the best L could get.

The bottoms were definitely handmade out of panels of fabric...panels that should have never left the fabric store!

This is probably the reason young children are afraid of clowns.

---

1. A town where they don't even know that wine has ever come in a box!

Frugal is the New Black

Forever 21 - Fabulous Find!

Forever 21 generally has some cute, trendy, inexpensive outfits. You can get shirts, dresses, pants, jewelry and a lot more.

Normally, everything is inexpensive so the store in itself could be "Frugal is the New Black" material; however, on the Forever21.com website there is tab named Fabulous Finds.

"Fabulous Finds" gives the customer the choice of tops, dresses, jeans, etc. all under $15.00.

Granted, some of the choices are not the cutest options¹; however, there are a couple that make taking a look at this tab worth it because, let's face it, if you can find a cute dress you can wear a couple times - maybe out on a couple dates - for $13.50 (pictured below) - why not check it out?

Pictured above is the "Draped Short Dress" which comes in coral (pictured), purple, yellow, jade, and black.

---

1. Some things go on sale for a reason!

Thirsty Thursday

Sex on Ice

Ingredients:

1/2 oz. vodka

1/2 oz. light run

1/2 oz. Razzmatazz

1/2 oz. melon liqueur

1/4 oz. strawberry schnapps

1/4 oz. Cheri Beri Pucker

2 strawberries

1 tsp. sugar

ice

Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender with crushed ice and blend until the drink has reached your desired consistency.

Pour unstrained into a cocktail glass.

Garnish with whipped cream and a cherry.

What was I thinking?

Setting: B was driving a co-worker, T, back to her house after a work function.

B stops at a stop sign. Her GPS tells her to turn left onto T's street. After the GPS tells B to turn left, T tells B to turn left as well.

B responds: "Yep. Got that. Turn left. Thanks."

She then proceeds to turn right. All of a sudden T starts yelling "wait, wait!"

B stops her car, laughs, and says "I just took a right, didn't I?"

Update: B did the SAME thing two days later!! Except this time she confused the right from the left!!

Hot Mess or Fashion Success?

A cougar beyond her prime yet not realizing it: "Hot Mess!"

Outfit of a 19 year-old, face of a 60 year-old.

Trying too hard? YES.

Not pictured: the hipslung jeans Gramma was sporting, complete with tan-colored designs and rhinestones that went up the length of her legs, the gaudy Claire's accessories that adorned her arms and ears, and let's not forget Gramma's enormous rack hanging out of her shirt!

Now, don't get me wrong, I love the hair bumpit as much as the next girl from New Jersey, but there comes a time when you just have to say "goodbye" to ridiculous volume¹, look yourself in the mirror and come to the realization that you need to dress your age.²

Hot mess!

---

1. Unless, I guess, if you're a Texas housewife. Unfortunately no where else in the U.S. would understand it.

2. Class, on the other hand, is something you're born with. She could have had a little chance here if she didn't raid her teenage granddaughter's closet before she left the house!!

Loves It, Hates It

"Look for Less" Columns that are not "inexpensive": "Hates It!"

B was recently checking out how to get a singer/actress's outfit "for less." Granted, the outfit she wore was probs way more expensive then the whole outfit's total (and was not B's taste at all, but she just loves reading the "Look for Less" columns to see if there's anything good in them).

The problem came when the total of the clothing piece, shoes, and necklace came to $254.45. The big piece, the actual outfit, was considered "less" because it was $178.50 instead of $255. The shoes and necklace were reasonably priced, but couldn't they have found an up and coming designer who makes a similar shoe but can't charge $57.95 because he/she hasn't established him or herself?

Honestly, B probs wouldn't want to go out and buy the actual outfit (it's a completely different story when it comes to the shoes and possibly the necklace); however, if a number of your readers would not be able to afford to purchase the "less expensive" outfit then how could it make the "Look for Less" column? Shouldn't the prices be somewhat reasonable for the "average person" to afford?

Generally speaking, B does not spend $254.45 on one outfit (granted there are some exceptions but those are few and far between). B is a law student with a law student's salary, not an attorney's so it would be nice to read one of these columns and know that B could actually afford to purchase every piece of the outfit - that is if she actually chooses!

Loves It, Hates It

Having your male boss take notice of your designer watch: "Loves it!"

Having you male boss then joke and ask you if you matched your nail polish to the watch: "Loves it!"

Having your male boss then tell you he bought his wife a Hermés bangle because "she just doesn't wear a lot of jewelry, so [he] wanted to get her something simple, but quality:" "Loves it!"

L's boss at her grown up job speaks her language!

Have you had a similar situation as L, where you can joke around, but definitely get the job done? Or, have you ever felt like you were just not on the same level with your boss or your co-workers? Let us know!

What was I Thinking?

Setting: B is BBMing¹ with her friend J while doing some card shopping in Papyrus.

In conversation, J types "That's ludicrous!"

B doesn't recognize that J spells the words "ludicrous," as in the actual word², but rather, automatically thinks of Ludacris the rapper and starts to turn around while at the cashier looking for him; not once, not twice, but three times B turned looking for Luda in Papyrus!

Suddenly B realizes:

1. J spelt it L-U-D-I-C-R-O-U-S not L-U-D-A-C-R-I-S and
2. Even if J did see Luda, she is in a completely different section of Boston right now communicating with B via BBM, there is no way she would see him if he was near J!

So, B finally pays the cashier and strolls down Tremont Street laughing and shaking her head completely ignoring all the random looks because, honestly, she just looked for Luda in Papyrus-- like she is really going to be bothered by people looking at her for laughing on Tremont Street?

---

1. That's Blackberry Messaging for all you that aren't addicted to the "Crackberry."
2. Defined: idiotic or unthinkable, almost to the point of being funny

The Usual Suspects

The "Facebook Friend-er"

This person will likely not speak to you before, during, or after class, but they certainly will "friend" you on Facebook, or whatever social networking site is "hot" at the moment. Their non-communication with you does not end once you select to "add" or "confirm" the virtual friendship, rather the silence is still present. Awkward.

This situation happened to B & L during their first week of 1L. They were sitting in the classroom, likely gossiping about the latest celeb hookup/breakup/scandal, when a guy in front of them turned around and verbally asked to be Facebook friends with the duo.

Probably thinking the same thing, exchanged in a "uh, we don't even know you" glance, they politely declined, insisting that they both do not use Facebook "hardly ever," and insisted that the requester would just probably judge them. Note: B & L are the judgers.

(And, we did just receive a lecture from one of the Dean's regarding that we were not of the "Facebook generation" anymore, but instead more of the "LinkedIn" crowd. A piece of advice neither have yet to follow.)

This request was successfully averted. However, it did not put an end to other silent-to-your-face classmate requests. (I guess we're good enough to be virtual friends, but it would kill you to offer a "hello" when we pass in the hallway before class?)

Thank goodness for "Limited Profile!"

Exception: When Facebook becomes a topic of conversation with some cuties remember to Facebook friend said cuties otherwise it will look bad! Note: You actually had a good conversation before bringing up Facebook. Be Smooth.

Lifestyle

B & L are currently utilizing the remainder of the summer, now that Summer Session is OVAH¹, to get our lives in order.

Our new role model²: the law school's Dean.

Every time we see her, she is always just so put together: from her coordinated outfit - complete with designer jewelry and heels - to the eloquent way she can hold the room's attention when she speaks (and, not just for her status, but because she really has something to say) down to her perfectly manicured nails (french tips no less!³).

B & L have taken note and shall⁴ aspire to be similar, getting our affairs in order.

Who is your professional role model? Let us know!

---

1. Said, of course, in Tricky Dick's Boston accent.
2. Mish O. is still at the top, we just have new inspiration.
3. Quote from the famous movie, Legally Blonde, "Never underestimate the power of a woman with a law degree and a french manicure." ("Harvard" omitted.)
4. Said in the positive.

Water Cooler

Literally, almost.

Pictured below is the view directly across from L's cube at her grown up job. It took her about three weeks to take notice what was going on in there-- after all, the cubes all look the same, and she feels like a little mouse walking through the maze of it all week after week.

But then, this happened:

Yea, I'm pretty sure he was sneaking a sandwich out of his MINI FRIDGE!!!

Really, who has a mini fridge in their cube? (And why can't I have one?)

Is this even ok to have??

Maybe next week he will have a mini microwave, you know, to reheat his sangies.

What would you put in your mini fridge?

Thirsty Thursday

A Day at the Beach¹

Ingredients:

1 oz. coconut rum

1/2 oz. Amaretto

4 oz. orange juice

1/2 oz. grenadine

Instructions:

Shake together rum, Amaretto, and orange juice in a shaker filled with ice.

Strain over ice into a highball glass.

Add grenadine and garnish with a pineapple wedge and a strawberry.

Enjoy!

---

1. Because, really, we can all use one!

Snaps!

B & L would like to extend Snaps! to the Pop Royalty - The Newly Anointed Dutchess, Ms. Britney Spears, for receiving 7 VMAs Noms and the Newest Pop Princess, Miss Lady Gaga, for receiving 9 VMAs Noms.

Lady Gaga ties only with Beyoncé for the most nominations this year!

MTV was smart this year and nominated two well deserving artists - B & L will be watching.

Check out other VMA news here.

Loves It, Hates It

Eminem's New Song - The Warning: "Loves It!"

Ever since Eminem has hit mainstream, B has been a fan, so it should come as no surprise that she would think his new song - "The Warning" - where Eminem disses Mariah for her alleged diss track "Obsessed," was great.

She first heard about it when L texted her all the deets (L obviously knowing B would be totally interested in hearing this!). As soon as B got home she was not disappointed. Afterall, Eminem has built his career on dissing others (and making it funny at the sametime!) as well as having some serious songs, such as "Toy Soldiers."

Well "The Warning" does not disappoint. It definitely brings the DRAMA and shows why Eminem is the top selling artist of this decade (that's the 2000s).

Lifestyle

Have you been meaning to try that trendy restaurant that you've read about or hungrily listened while your girlfriend raved about it? Well, get your appetite ready, because both Boston and Worcester Summer Restaurant Weeks kick off this month!

What is Restaurant Week?
Many of the restaurants in the area participate by offering us a prix-fixe menu, where you can choose an appetizer, main entree, and dessert to sample the restaurant's cuisine.

It's a good way to check out a restaurant you have been interested in, and you won't be afraid that you'll break the bank. A lot of the restaurants will have a menu on-line so you can see if anything whets your appetite right away! Keep in mind that many will also have other dishes not necessarily listed on the web.

BOSTON
DATES:
Sunday, August 9 through Friday, August 14
Sunday, August 16 through Friday, August 21

PRICES:
Three-course Prix-fixe Lunch Menu: $20.09
Three-course Prix-fixe Dinner Menu: $33.09

ONLINE:
http://www.restaurantweekboston.com/
You can narrow down your search by neighborhood and even reserve a table right on-line!

WORCESTER
DATES:
Sunday, August 3 through Friday, August 14

PRICES:
Three-course Prix-fixe Lunch Menu: $14.09

Three-course Prix-fixe Dinner Menu: $20.09

ONLINE:
http://www.worcesterrestaurantweek.com/
The site is not as intuitive as the Boston one, and you may have to navigate to the restaurant's web page via the link above to determine if dinner and lunch are offered.


RESTAURANT WEEEK TIPS
>Make sure to make your reservation early.

>If you're going to lunch, be sure to check the time for when lunch ends and dinner begins.

>Look for wine-pairing menus to compliment your experience.

>Try a dish that you may normally not order.

>Indulge!

Be sure to share any recommendations in the comment section!

BOSTON UNCOMMON

Boston Uncommon is generally reserved for some victim or victims who decided to not do a double take before leaving the house; however, in life, there are always exceptions.

Below is one of those exceptions.


Now don't get us wrong: B & L are all for declarations of love. It is sweet (and appreciated!) when your guy will tell his friends how much he cares for you or when he shows you how much he loves you, but this one seems to be taking things a little too far.

It makes you wonder why did the husband get a bumper sticker declaring his love when there are so many other ways to do it? Did the hubby need a little reminder? Or, is the wife that untrusting that she needed to put the entire public on notice that her husband has a wife and he loves her?

Loves It, Hates It

Kim and Reggie Splitting Up: "Hates It!"

We don't know about you, but when a couple make it longer than a year in Hollywood or in the "lime light" that's a big deal. When that same couple seems to mesh well with each other (and not just posing for the mags)- another big deal. Finally, when that same couple seems like they will actually stay together - a VERY big deal.

So, when it that same couple seems to split of all sudden (here, shortly after a trip to Africa) it's depressing.¹

Here's to hoping that somewhere in the short future there will be a new couple that B & L can latch onto and watch as they start their budding relationship (and fingers crossed to getting engaged - and hopefully B & L never have to hear about confirmed divorce proceeding from the pretend couple's respective camps).

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1. B has not felt this way since Holly and Hef split - even if they didn't fit all the same criteria as Reggie and Kim. And Kim has been L's girl crush forev's.

Loves It, Hates It

People who can't drive in the rain: "Hates It!"

It's summer, the sun is suppose to be out. B is suppose to be getting her glow on to compete with L's tan (ugh, the hardships of being fair skinned). When it rains (which it does in summer - Thunderstorms, baby!) people are suppose to know how to drive while observing the fabulous light show in the sky.

However, this summer seems to be nothing but gloom starting with days of rain and ending with no one knowing how to drive! Honestly, we live in New England. It rains and it snows. Regularly. The roads are not perfect, never have been, likely never will be. So, we should know by now how to drive in imperfect conditions!

So, why is it people stop in the middle of road when it is raining? Or randomly slow down when a raindrop hits their windshield? Or go 35-40 mph on the highway?

It's just rain! It's water! We aren't in the Wizard of Oz. You aren't a wicked witch!¹ You won't melt! And should I forget, you are in a car!!

Granted, there is hydroplaning when the roads are very wet, etc.; however, most of the time there has been drizzle with off and on showers. If you are still concerned, you can decrease your speed-- but to 35 mph? On the highway? That's just going a bit too far.

Hopefully the rain will end and we will just have to deal with the occasional thunderstorm that decides to roll our way because, honestly, B & L really want drivers that know how to operate a car behind the wheel again!

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1. There are a few c-notes that may qualify!

Thank You!

Hi Friends,

We both want to extend a huge "THANK YOU!" to our readers, both those here in the U.S., and our international readers- from Turkey, Japan, the UK, France, and South Africa!

As always, we love your comments and appreciate any e-mails that you send to us! Questions about fashion or life? E-mail us!

Happy reading!

xoxo

B & L