Friday, December 30, 2011

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve

I have always had a geek crush on Joseph Gordon-Levitt since my days as an alien-loving Third Rock From the Sun fan.  I know, I know, I probably shouldn't admit that, but I'm going to own it.

I have found my ultimate geek crush fantasy.  Two of my favorite people singing one of my favorite holiday ditties.  I'd really love to one year be able to send this song to the apple of my eye, see his "you are a nut" smile, have him call me a dork, and then hear his really clever answer - something so clever I can't imagine yet what it would be.  Yeah, something else I probably shouldn't admit:-)

Which leads me to ask - what are you doing New Year's Eve?

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Flat Tired in Provo's White Christmas

I love the movie White Christmas.  But you know what I love more than the movie?  The stage production!

BYU put on an absolutely stellar performance of this show and you may remember I made the trek to P-town to enjoy it

What I didn't enjoy was getting a flat tire.  My southern gentleman friend (don't anyone go getting excited, I said friend for a reason) and I pulled into the law building parking lot only to see a semi-flat tire.  By the time we got our Creamery ice cream and headed to the Fine Arts Center, the tire was totally flat.  Boo.  Luckily, my friend and car efficienado, Andrew, lives in Provo and he came and fixed us up with the donut while we enjoyed the show.  Monday morning I headed to Big-O for a free flat fix.  I like free much more than I like flat tires.  

I suppose a flat tire is not of much consequence to most people, but this is only the second of my life - quite noteworthy for me.  How many flat tires have you had?
Pay no attention to the embarrassingly dirty car...

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Eating Christmas Trees

My little Conor girl enjoys helping me decorate for Christmas.
When she is finished, she likes to eat the Christmas tree.  Maybe not so much eat as chew on.
Gross. 


Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Coke Freestyle

Have you ever seen a Coke Freestyle machine?

I love these! 

Long story short, I once upon a time dated a man who wouldn't let me have soda.  I never even liked soda.  Heck, I drink about a gallon of water (or more) per day.  But when he and I broke up, I decided soda was for me.  Unfortunately, I've never gone back.  I still drink a gallon of water a day, don't worry! 

Anyway - Coke Freestyle lets you create over 100 combinations of your favorite flavors of sodas, all using a futuristic touch screen.  Sold.  My favorite, in case you are wondering, is Raspberry Diet Coke.

I'm so smitten, I try to get all my friends to try it too.  Last month, Dallas and I went to Noodles and Company for a little catch-up chat and I introduced him to my love.  We stayed so long that the restaurant gifted us free rice crispy treats as big as my face.  That's what I'm talkin' 'bout. 

Concentrating so hard...decisions, decisions

Monday, December 26, 2011

David Archuletta: Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

I cannot get enough of this adorable young man.  He grew up as the neighbor of one of my dear friends and even she has nothing but glowing reports of him.  I've only met him once, but I am so proud this young man belongs to the same church I do.  I think the entire LDS community feels this parental pride in the choices he is making.

Watch the video to hear his big announcement.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Christmas To-Do List

“This year, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again.”
Howard W. Hunter
 


Saturday, December 24, 2011

Sitting On Santa's Lap

How old is too old to sit upon Santa's knee? 

I don't worry about the answer to these types of questions when I see an authentic-looking jolly old Saint Nicholas.  I just smile and tell Santa my Christmas wishes.

This year, Megs and I went to This is the Place for their Candlelight Christmas celebration.  On our way out, they asked if we wanted to talk to Father Christmas.  YES!  Megs was a little more hesitant than I, but my excitement was utterly contagious and she gave in:-)  Father Christmas never got around to asking me what I wanted, he was more interested in where I graduated (BYU is the right answer, apparently) and what I was doing with my life.  I'm glad Santa is a supporter of education.  He clearly got around to asking Megs her wishes, as you can see the wheels in her brain turning in her photo. 

The best part may just have been that they thought we were sisters who were sending our photos home to our parents in Ohio.  Precious:-) 

I love Santa.  Do you?


Friday, December 23, 2011

What the Dickens?

Karen and Daniel and I decided to venture to The Dickens Festival at the Utah State Fairgrounds to support our friend Amber who was playing the Ghost of Christmas Past in their production of A Christmas Carol.  I had several other friends - Megan Tholen, Chris Kennedy, etc. - who were part of this event, so that triply worked out for me. 

The festival is fun, although it really isn't as "Old English" as you'd expect.  I felt bamboozled the first time I went.  Labeling a vendor's booth "Ye Olde Purse Shoppe" does not make it more authentically old English.  Daniel was happy just to have his turkey leg, Karen was happy to be supporting her friends, and I was happy just for the thrill of it all.  

The thing that really got to me about our little trip was the Ghost of Christmas Future.  I don't know what it was about this thing, but it gave me the goose flesh.  I snapped a picture of it going down stairs.  My best guess is that it is a man on stilts, wearing a skeleton mask and long skeletal fingers.  The photo below is at a funny angle, but creepy ghost man is truly feet taller than the woman next to him.  The bewildered looks on the faces of the people coming up those stairs?  Yeah, genuine.  And I would have been turning around and running the other direction.  Seriously creeped be right out.

What the Dickens?!

So super creepy

Brings a whole new meaning to "Looking at a woman like a piece of meat."  Don't mess with Daniel and his Turkey Legs.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

5th Annual "A Christmas Story" Pajama Party

Saturday the 10th was my 5th annual A Christmas Story pajama party.  And boy was it a hit!

The day before the event, I received a distressed call from my co-host, whose home at which we were having the soiree.  His grandmother had passed away and his entire family was coming into town.  There is no way you can predict this kind of tragedy and I reassured him that I'd figure it out and not to worry.  Enter Jacob.  He, upon hearing of my situation, gladly offered his home up and baked brownies.  Really, there is no way to repay someone for such a kind, selfless act.

I think the photos speak for themselves, way too much sugar, way too many pizzas, definitely not way too many friends.  All the people I love were in and out with such frequency that I had no time to take pictures once the guests started arriving.  Too bad, my red polka-dot PJs were adorable:-)

Buying Christmas gifts for people is a little overwhelming these days, so with the exception of a few, in place of buying gifts, I throw this party and feed everyone.  Clever, no?

Some have asked, "Why A Christmas Story?"

Because I grew up watching that movie with my family at Christmas time.  Because it is hilarious.  Because it was filmed in Cleveland very near to where my mother grew up and to where I spent most of my Christmases.  Because it is absurd.  Because it has a leg lamp.  I argue it does not get much better than such.

I hope each of your Christmas stories are just as wonderful this holiday season!






Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Wrong Number

Does anyone even listen to voicemail messages anymore?  I don't mean the ones you leave on others' phones, but when you call a phone and hear their voicemail before you leave a message.  Do you listen to those?

Clearly there are a couple of people out there whose friends don't.  Those same people don't know their cell phone numbers.  How do I know?  Their friends keep calling me.  They keep leaving really personal messages regarding health issues and work schedules and patients and church duties.  What part of a little boy saying, "Please leave a message for Aunt Rissy" do you not understand?

I have received so many wrong number calls that I have changed my voicemail message to state my full name very clearly, then say, "Again, you have reached..."  But I'm wondering if it will work.  After all, "Aunt Rissy" sounded nothing like the name of the people they were calling and leaving messages for.* 

What say you?  If you call a phone and the message states a different name than who you think you are calling, do you still leave a message?

*I have started texting these folks and letting them know they have a wrong number.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Curly Hair

I have naturally wavy hair.  This has meant that I can style my hair however I would like and it obeys, but it has to be styled straight or curly or frizzed or whatever it is.  Left to its own vices, you get this weird hybrid of curly, straight, wavy, frizzy, smooth - it is strange to say the least, but very pony-tail friendly.

In all of my performing years, I've had to curl these hairs hundreds of times.  Hot'n'Steamy steam curlers have been there through it all with me.  As of late, they curlers have fallen apart to say the least.  But my days of curly hair are not numbered.  

Because of the dirty-sounding name (yeah, you know you thought it), I daren't Google the brand of curlers I'd been utilizing, but I did manage to find replacements under the Caruso brand.

In honor of all of the time these curlers dedicated to making sure I never straightened out my life, I took a memorial photo.

May they rest in peace.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Employee of the Year!

I don't talk about work much.

In my life, there is a need to keep a divide between work life and personal life.  Work is busy, stressful, chaotic, and fulfilling, and I'm the type of personality who will not be able to stop working unless I force separation.  Sometimes, I tell friends how busy I am and I think a couple of them think I am fibbing because I'm so happy and bubbly and carefree outside of work.  I mean, how is a person like that so nose-to-the-grindstone professionally? 

Today, I'm going to talk about work and I'm going to let you in on something.

Every year, my company of about 80 internal employees and 20ish remote, does a little Christmas potluck where we eat, play games, and get a little envelope with some Christmas cash.  This year, in our November company meeting, our CEO announced that we would be doing an "employee of the year" award for the first time, awarding the winner an iPad2 3G.  My company has a remarkable ability to run at maximum output with a minimal amount of employees - every single person at this company is above and beyond average.  In spite of much office chatter, no one had a clue who the winner would be.

Friday was our holiday party.  We began by playing a game where you had to guess Christmas songs based on strange titles, "I am pontificating of a colorless holiday" would be, "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas."  English minor that I am, I rocked it - winning a back massage thing.  Next, we played a game where you fold a piece of paper in half behind your back and try to rip out a Christmas tree.  As terribly non-crafty as I am, I rocked that one too and ended up with a holiday mug full of taffy. 

When all was said and done, our second-in-command began sharing with us the details of "Employee of the Year" on behalf of the CEO.  He shared that the CEO feels several people in the office are deserving of the accolades, therefore, we had a list of finalists.  For each of the seven names that were announced, I thought, "Wow.  Definitely!  That person does so much with this company!"  He shared the final nominee, "And for her work with our webinars, and for making the product blossom with tremendous growth and success, Larissa Villers."  Can we talk about how excited I was just to have my name on that list?!  I was grinning ear-to-ear as the blood rushed to my cheeks.  I sat back to relax after that because I thought the fact that my name was even on the final list was the best award ever. 

He was holding a blue Tiffany box for our runner up.  I hooted and hollered for her, making note to stalk her and gush over her necklace.

Then it happened.

"And our Employee of the Year is Larissa Villers."

!?!?!

I never saw that coming.  Not a million miles away.  Every single person in our company works their tails off and anyone could have been awarded this honor and deserved it.  I work quietly in my corner, running my events, making them successful financially, educationally, customer service-wise, etc.  Everything typically runs so smoothly, I figured I mostly go unnoticed.  I was wrong.  Sometimes, I really enjoy being wrong.

I'm still floating around on cloud nine.  Saturday I upgraded the iPad from 16GB to 32GB and my Apple nerd friend (shout out to Dallas!) has been helping me with all the set up and functionality. 

I am so excited, humbled, legitimized, and appreciative.  Folks, hard work pays off! 

Ignore the jammies, pay attention to the iPad and pure happiness...
 

Friday, December 16, 2011

Fools

"Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain but it takes character and self control to be understanding and forgiving."
- Dale Carnegie

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Guest Blogger: Kids Say the Darndest Things

Today, I'd like to present to you the first of several guest-bloggers I hope to have here on Larissa Explains It All.  My feisty, fast-paced, fantastic Keri has put together this hilarious "out of the mouths of babes" tale for you.  What funny things have children in your life done? 


The other day, while at my sister Skinny's house, I noticed there were six stockings hung by the chimney with care.  I was puzzled by this, since there are only five in her family, so I asked her six-year-old about it.

"Chief, how come you have six stockings, when there are only five people in your family?"

He did the tiniest little gasp and then said, "My mom said I can't tell you.  It's a secret."

Don't tell your six-year-old highly classified State Secrets

Reeaaaalllyy...

When I asked Skinny about this, she told me that she wasn't pregnant, and didn't know why he had said that.  She also said she'd had those stockings since before her youngest was born.  I really have no way of knowing if Skinny is really pregnant, or if she's saving the surprise for Christmas.  But either way, I thought it was funny that Chief has possibly inadvertently told me a secret, by trying really hard NOT to tell me.

That reminded me of some other funny things told by kids to adults.  When Skinny was about 5 or 6, our mom was a single mom.  One day during church, several friends had mentioned that their mothers were going to have babies.  Naturally, Skinny announced that her own mother was also going to have a baby.

This caused a lot of talk amongst the ladies of the church.   Skinny's gossipy Primary teacher went up to our mom to "congratulate" her (really trying to find out the scoop on how my SINGLE mom had gotten pregnant).  Mom was mortified, and had to explain that she was indeed not pregnant.

When Spitfire was about three, we went to Sea World in San Diego.  We decided to pay the extra money to feed fish to the dolphins and pet them in the tank.  One of the dolphins had a missing eye - it was just an empty socket.

Just under my arm you can see his eye socket

When we got home from our trip, Spitfire was telling Grandma about feeding the dolphins.  She told her, "Mommy poked the dolphin's eye out!"*

WHAT!? Where did she come up with that?  I didn't do JACK SQUAT to the dolphin's eye!  I have no idea why she would say such a thing!  I am still baffled by it to this day.

This is not the missing eye-dolphin, but Spitfire was clearly traumatized by the whole incident.  I think she was afraid of his scary-looking teeth
*I promise, that not NOW, nor have I EVER, poked a dolphin's eye out!

If you've enjoyed reading this guest post and want to read more about Keri's adventures as a traveler, a nurse, a musician, an actress, a runner, and a mom, please follow her at Living Vi-Keri-ously.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

To Trust

"Never trust a woman.  More importantly, never trust a man."
A friend of mine posted this quote awhile back.  While I understand the intent is humorous, it saddens my heart a little.  
I like to think I am a very trustworthy woman.  I also like to think that there is a man out there with whom I can trust my life.  In fact, I know it. 
Yes, my trust has been violated by men and women I love.  I have been hurt to the point of wondering if I ever could trust again.  Yet, we are all blessed with a remarkable capacity to love.  We can choose to stay static, dwelling on the hurt and betrayal, or we can choose to move forward full of hope that we will be able to surround ourselves with those who will cherish us as we all deserve.  
I think back on my days in gymnastics.  I never would have progressed in my skills if I hadn't trusted my coach.  He gave me all the little tips I needed to prepare and trust in myself as much as I could, but that first time he asked me to jump in the air and flip backwards at break-neck speed/height, I needed him.  I could not do it alone and had to trust that he would be there to catch me if I fell.  If I didn't trust, I never would have learned to do a back tuck.  If I fell once and refused to try again?  Same story - I never would have progressed.
We can do great things alone, but together we can accomplish so much more.  
Trust.  Be trusted.  It's worth it.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Stuff by Melissa

Have I mentioned lately how much I adore Melissa Singleton

Well, I do.  A lot.  Not just anyone is cool enough to gift a light-up leg lamp (A Christmas Story) ornament to me!  And just when I thought she couldn't possibly get any cooler, I got in her car and saw a gaggle of these little darlings:

 

I know, right?!

She made them!  I probably gushed a little over-the-top and she probably just gave me one of each to shut me up, but I'm going to hypothesize that she probably just loves me a whole ton too.  I've been wearing my red one on my coat for four days now and I've already had at least a dozen people ask about my adorable flower.   She's even smart enough to include a clip so that you can wear them in your hair.


If you'd like to buy one of her creations, I'd highly encourage you to do so here. You won't regret it.  Really, her Etsy shop is here.  Go.  

Thank you, Melissa!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

It's a Marshmallow World

I have rather miniature ears to go along with my miniature head and miniature everything else.  Back in the day, I was rather distraught about highly uncomfortable earbuds and always ended up with the kind of headphones that hook over your ear and cause bouncy troubles while running. 
Upon complaining to my friend in a random gym encounter, he said, "I love Marshmallows, you should give 'em a try!"  Naturally, my first thought was of someone stuffing actual marshmallows in their ears and I knew that couldn't be right.  He told me where to find some and on my shopping list they went. 

I've been in love with their "form to your ear" foam from the get-go.  In fact, I snatch some up whenever I see them on sale.  I'm not quite a germaphobe, but something that resides in your ear can only last so long.

I know this is entirely new information (yeah, right), but I go to the gym every day.  Do you know the kind of nastiness this brings upon unsuspecting earbuds?  (Please say this like Chandler from Friends and it sounds much cooler) Frequent replacement is a requirement in my book.

Recently, I gleefully opened up my most recent shipment of a 1/2 off pair and went to stash them in the waiting area.  But wait...what was this?  The waiting area was already occupied by three other pairs.  Oops! 

Friday, December 9, 2011

Five: Number of Performances I've Neglected to Review

Have I mentioned I've been busy?  Oh, I have?  Well, I'll say it again - I've been busy!

Plug for my ginormous (guest list over 40!) "5th Annual A Christmas Story Pajama Party" tomorrow night (Saturday December 10) at Jacob's! (it was at Dallas's but due to an emergency situation, we've had to have a change in venue - please send some good vibes out to Dallas and his fam) Ample food and sugar comas for all - text or call if you didn't get the Facebook event invite or evite and want to come. 

Back to business.  I've seen five shows that I have neglected to review, two of which I promised I'd write about.  Thus, I give you my quick thoughts on each of the shows in a very non-review format.  Enjoy!

Sleepy Hollow at Centerpoint Legacy Theatre
You probably all remember my long, overdrawn account of auditioning for this show.  I am glad to report that it was everything I expected and all of the young ladies who played the parts performed to a much greater caliber than I could have.  Have I mentioned I still can't sing to my full extent?
One of my besties, Megan, decided to treat me to this show for my birthday!  I love Megan dates!
The well-known classic story is twisted in a way that ads intrigue and more excitement.  A few tweaks need to be made, abundant ballads always slow shows down to me, but this is well on it's way to being a Halloween classic all over the nation.  I wanted to see the show again, but it was closing week.  If you ever get the opportunity to see a production of this, I'd take it. 
The part that touched my heart the most was when a mother sang a song about her missing children - I don't think there was a dry eye in the audience (except mine, as my comfort level with crying is sub par). 


The Masque of Beauty and the Beast at Salt Lake City's Children's Theatre
My darling Megan performed the role of an evil stepsister in this production, so naturally I saw her twice:-)  You may be confused by the mention of a stepsister in Beauty and the Beast.  This production is actually based upon the original, non-Disney story and is all in poetic verse and without song.  I'd never been to The Children's Theatre before and found the way they stage their shows (audience on three sides) and the animation with which the actors need to perform, quite well-done.  Although not as aesthetically stimulating as Disney has brought us to expect from Beauty, there was much charm and talent and the little girls went crazy for it.  I finally got to see a darker side of Megan of which I thought the existence was impossible and I couldn't have been more proud of her!  She is an actress indeed.


A Christmas Carol at Centerpoint Legacy Theatre
I have to start with the disclaimer that I am not a huge fan of the whole Scrooge story.  I know, I know, this makes me entirely uncultured.  It's just overdone.  I mean, c'mon, there are many other Christmas stories aside from A Christmas Carol and yet the two largest theaters in the Salt Lake area do the show every single year.
That being said, Centerpoint Legacy chooses to perform the more entertaining, less traditional "Madison Square Garden" version of the show - complete with cabaret dancers (hopefully Dickens doesn't role over in his grave).  Children and families will love this show. The sets provided a new world to look at - at one point a two-story tall chair rises out of the floor in full decorative glory.  Then, the character atop the chair slides down a pole like a fireman - such fun!  One or two of the lead characters left some skill to be desired, but I'm guessing there was illness at play with at least one of them.  Dave Hill, as Scrooge, has me completely in awe - I will see any show he is a part of any moment any day.  The man is phenomenally talented and embodies the character.  The cast was almost an entire city's worth of people, with action happening in every corner.  Sometimes this made me feel a little chaotic, but overall I feel that audiences will enjoy this show and all the holiday spirit that comes with it.  
You can buy tickets here through December 22.

Scrooge at The Empress Theatre
I love Dennis Larsen!  He plays the character of Bob Cratchit with such sweetness and sincerity, you cannot help but fall absolutely in love with him.  With Tiny Tim upon his shoulders, he sings "Christmas Children" with all the velvet softness for which the crooners of old have set the standard.   
His counterpart playing Scrooge is also of noteable talent and earned his part well.
Now, the show itself is a little slow because of too many slow ballads, but the performers themselves do some fine work on that little Empress stage.  You'll be humming the tune to "Thank You Very Much" all the way home.
You can still buy tickets here through December 19th here.  Do it fast, one night is already sold out.

White Christmas at BYU
My favorite!!!
I loved this show!  This performance, in particular, was outstanding without a weak link amongst all the performers. 
I saw White Christmas two years ago for the first time on stage on Thanksgiving Day at the Marquis Theater in New York City.  What a way to bring in the Christmas season, amiright?  As if Santa waving at me at the end of the Macy's Parade wasn't enough. 
Last year, I saw this show at Pioneer Theatre in Salt Lake and I fully expected BYU's production to be at the bottom of the White Christmas trifecta.  Not so.  BYU's production was most definitely better than Pioneer's, save for a few obvious budget differences in sets.
The talent, the costumes, the colors, the warmth, the ambiance, the dancing(!!!) - I just can't rave enough.  I wanted to see the show again (and again and again...)  I knew they'd extended the run.  Sold out.  Every performance.  It was (closed last night) that good.
I'd tell you my favorite part, but that was pretty much the entire show.


In the next week, I have plans to see Candlelight Christmas at This is the Place, Oliver at the Dicken's Festival, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert with Jane Seymour and Nathan Gunn.

Lefty

Have you ever been guilty of doing something, but having no idea what it is, which results in someone else getting hurt or disliking you?

Once upon a time I had a friend and we went on a couple dates.  I'm going to refer to him as "Lefty," mainly because of this

Even after my unfortunate word vomit, the two of us were able to remain cordial - even friends (cause, c'mon, that story is highlarious).  But the winter months were cold, I didn't venture out much, and I began to steadily date "Kitty Crack."  What I'm getting to is that Lefty and I didn't talk anymore, but I had no perception that any sort of animosity existed, we just kinda drifted our separate ways.

A few months later, I sent a message inquiring as to if he had one of my missing forks because I invested in the good silverware.  I sent the same message to anyone who could maybe have wandered off with one of my forks after a well-fed visit.  His response?  "I don't have your stupid fork."  That was it.  Ouch!  I wasn't accusing him of anything, I was just asking.  I felt hurt, like I'd hurt him, and like I'd made some terrible mistake, but I didn't have a clue what it was.  I mean, if word vomiting like I had months earlier hadn't made him hate me, I didn't think anything would.  He had a movie of mine and I begged a mutual friend pick it up from him because I was scared like unto a puppy dog with her tail between her legs.

I have seen Lefty a few times since this went down over a year ago, in chance encounters.  And every time, his countenance visibly drops.  I'd go so far as to say that he physically cringes a little at the sight of lil ole Larissa.

I can't stand the thought of people not liking me, let alone being repulsed with me.  I try so hard to be kind to everyone and yet one mistake and I'm condemned.  I'd say I had a clue what I did, but that happened months before his repulsion began (and was actually more than a little funny).   Maybe word got around to him when another mutual friend said he was complaining about not being able to keep a girlfriend and I responded, "Oh geez, I can tell you why he's still single.  He'd rather hang out with his buddies than with girls and girls require more attention than that."  Yet, that was entirely straight-forward and I don't think, even if repeated back to him, it could be offensive.  Could it? 

I want to fix this situation, but I just have to let this one go...whatever happened or didn't happen is out of my control.  I hate knowing someone out there has this totally false and fabricated perception of who I am.  I respect this young man and his incredible talent very much.  We never dated (his choice), so I know I didn't break his heart.  Maybe my honesty was too harsh?  I guess I'll never know...

I learned long ago that the more you try to convince someone you aren't crazy or weird, the more they think you are.  I wish it didn't have to be so awkward. 

Live and learn.  Maybe some day, some how, it'll all turn around in my favor.  Meanwhile, I am confused.  And embarrassed.  Like if you walk around with your zipper down all day and are the last one to know why everyone is laughing.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

You are ALL Winners!

I may or may not have been cornered by two of my lovely blog readers last night and asked, "Hey, so when are you going to announce the winner of your little contest?"

Touche.  I seriously have been so busy I, um...ran out of time.

Some of the items in question for the contest have since been returned.  You know how when sizes are out of stock in the store so you order online and then it really isn't as cute as you dreamed it would be?  And then you realize you spent $500 and probably shouldn't have?

Yep, so there is your answer.  I spent $500.

I'm still debating about returning the two dresses I got for $65 each that originally retailed for $250 each.  What was that I said?  Yep, the two items with an original retail price that totaled just about what I spent were the green and the navy identical dresses from Anthropologie.  They are adorable sans cardigan, but with a cardigan?  I need someone else's opinion- I can't get the full picture myself. 


That perfume you all thought was so expensive?  $55 bottle for $15.  Go me.

The black and white coat?  $120 for $20.  I love Tulle brand coats and occassionally tulle.com does these ridiculous blow-outs with free shipping.  I'm in love with new coat.


Pink coat got returned - it thunderized my thighs in a way I never thought possible, this coming from a former gymnast.  Gotta love when people say, "Ohhh, you used to be a gymnast!  That's why you have such thick legs."  Um?  How is that okay?

The riding boots?  Two-for-one!  I wasn't fully convinced boots from a place called "Shoe Carnival" would be the party they imply (does anyone else smell popcorn when I say the word "carnival?"), but I love 'em!  Super toasty for the toesies and adorable -  I get compliments every time I wear 'em.

What does all this rambling nonsense mean?

WINNER: Janell is the closest, actually having said, "$500," but officially guessing under that.  She also gets snaps from me (really, I don't snap at people, it just flowed in the sentence as a diversion from the word "props") for identifying Anthropologie items.

WINNERS: The thing is, I want ALL of you who entered - Jeff, Aaron S, GingerStar, Janell, StephanieF, MeganS, Jersey, and JonS - to guest post!

Are you in?  Please say yes!  I follow all of your blogs because I love your writing.  I'd love some of that magic here on Larissaexplainsitall.  Maybe then I'd have to change the title to Larissandherfriendsexplainitall? 

What do my readers want to read about?  Good question!  I'm going to go with, "you!"  Some things I know for sure they are interested in is:  Funny random stories, dating, anything theater, fitness stories/struggles/conquerings, and inspirational stories.  You can bounce ideas off of me if you like, but the sky is the limit, folks!

You can e-mail your posts to the address in the "contact me" tab above.

I can't wait!!!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Dreams: Finger Pregnancy

Two nights ago, I had the most disturbing dream of my life (not involving the devil).

I had a finger pregnancy.

What's this, you ask?

Well, according to my dream, it is when an embryo is implanted into your pinky finger and you carry the baby to term there.  You'd be surprised, the baby bump was like unto the size of a mosquito bite bump, yet a full-size baby emerges upon operation.

How do you know you are ready to deliver?  Your pinky feels like it is going to bust.  In fact, when they come at you with those surgical tools and tell you you can't have anesthesia with finger pregnancies, you are totally fine with that - anything to alleviate the pain.  I felt the pressure of the slicing, but no pain at all.

Afterwards, I was so proud and looked at the doc and said, "Okay, doc, time to stitch me up!"  Then I had food and watched a movie with my family.  Not without, of course, trying to convince my older sister, "But I don't know who the father is, I'm a virgin!  I honestly have no idea how this happened!"

My sister let me know the baby was a healthy girl with perfect fingers and toes and I was very excited because the adoptive parents were getting all the perfection they hoped for.

Holy for random.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Glee Style Part 2

Remember this post

I still got it.  Actually, I got it worse.  You see, I fell in love with a certain dress whilst watching an episode of Glee awhile back and upon utilizing my internet sleuthing skills, came to find that Anthropologie was the source of my fashion passion.

Since then, I may or may not have been stalking the online sales.  Since then, I may or may not have watched a few more Glee episodes only to find that Dianna Agron's Quinn Fabray and I have astonishingly similar tastes.  I've also got a dress in common with Taylor Swift.  And my favorite?  I caught Zooey Deschanel wearing one of my dresses in the pilot of The New Girl! 

Even more my favorite?  On Saturday I was with my friend Daniel and he said, "The 1950s are so out."
I replied, "Except for me!"
He said, "Yeah, and Zooey."
Me, "Did you come up with that all on your own?"
Him, "Yeah!  You guys have the same style."

Score!







Yep, I have these dresses.  Sometimes I question my sense of fashion, however, I have the feeling I'm in good company here.