b l o g o r e l l i

Free Wi-Try

Smoke 'em if you have 'em...of course I'm referring to the burning fast new iPhone 3Gs and their quick depletion from Apple stores' stock. In the meantime, those lucky enough to score a 3G can surf for free at one of the 17,000 free wi-fi hotspots just announced by AT&T for iPhone owners.

"Once in range of an AT&T hotspot, iPhone users simply need to attempt to access any webpage via their handset's built-in Safari web browser. This will trigger an AT&T 'Get Connected Now' login page that will ask users to input their iPhone's mobile number and agree to a set of terms of service before granting access."

May I suggest doing an iced doubleshot while enjoying your free hotspot? Cho claims this addictive coffee drink is the "peppermint mocha of summer 2009" and I wholeheartedly agree!

iPhoners, find the closest free wi-fi location right here.

Men Will Be Boys

Yes, this show lives up to its phenomenal buzz. Luckily, I programmed our dvr in time to record the entire first season from Sunday's Mad Men Marathon. Watching while working late nights on store merchandise prep for the SEOM has provided a much-needed distraction at times. Isn't it odd, though, that seeing such a glut of smoking and boozing makes me not want to partake in either of those activities I previously loved so much?

Check the men (and ladies) out...
Season Two premiers this Sunday, 9pm, on AMC

BONUS! For all those Angel watchers out there, Connor (Vincent Kartheiser, actually) is back on the small screen, and slimier than ever.

Butter, Three Ways

I successfully survived both my first wearing of the Butter by Nadia dress and my first wedding with The Prof's muy grande familia...both events went off without a hitch.

After some experimentation, I decided on a style from the instruction card. The Prof helped me with the back section and we were ready to go. Initially, I was a little worried about "the girls" making a surprise appearance, but dang it if that 72% rayon/ 28% spandex mix doesn't hug the bod in right tight.

We attended the ceremony and the time had arrived to celebrate at the reception. Style #6 (halter with twisted center back) received rave reviews, and when I revealed the dress's switchable nature, many partygoers (and The Prof himself) came up  with the idea of me switching the configuration during the reception. Never one to turn down the chance to please a crowd, I obliged, going into the bathroom and working up Style #3 (knotted straps, cap sleeves) about mid-reception. Again, the dress did not disappoint.

By the end of the night, I was three g+ts and dress styles in, modeling #10 (a Grecian-esque one shoulder arrangement.) No one got any pictures of that one, and I'm sort of glad...because a certain drunky someone caught said amazing dress in the car door on the drive home. However, I did get up and go to work the next day, so the old gal's still got it.

Beginning:

Middle: 

 

End (clearly not me, but this is the style):

Curb Appeal: Owner's Pride

Of course, once I write a little "adieu" to the Curb Appeal series, I find two things to post in that category. Harumph.

Even though we've mostly ceased looking at apartments and/or real estate, I always remember how a lot of properties claimed to "shine with owner's pride." One thing that I loved to do at my apartment in 'DaVille to show my "renter's pride" was fire escape gardening.

The other day, on a trip to Home Depot, I realized that I hadn't potted any plants for our porches yet this season, and to be honest, missing the chance produced a slight void in my Spring/Summer routine. I quickly remedied the situation by picking up a bunch of herbs to plant in a divided wooden crate that I bought at the thrift store (which I think originally housed wine bottles since "Napa Valley" was burnished into the side.)

The box (with holes that I drilled in the bottom for drainage):


With the herbs:


All done!

One thing I'd eventually love to have is a wall-mounted garden, like this one (complete with instructions) featured on Craftzine.com:

Or this delightful arrangement that I saw in Orvieto while visiting Italia in 2006:

Curb Appeal: Appliances Not Included

The final (for this season, most likely) house that The Prof and I saw earlier this week had great details from 1905 but lacked the space for things like a full-sized fridge. If we have this conundrum again, I'll look straight to vintage repro models, especially those with European proportions (a.k.a. slimmer width.) A definite contender for my complete suite of dreamy kitchen appliances? Fridges, dishwashers, and ranges from Big Chill in a variety of fun enamel colors.

(I feel obliged to mention that you can usually find actual quality vintage appliances for cheap with a mere quick search on your local craigslist.)