favorite 2014 holiday commericals

This year, these were my top 3 favorite holiday commercials.

1. Kohl's. Boy sees reindeer.  watch
   
2. Surface Pro 3.  Catchy tune.  watch  
   
3. Wells Fargo.  I love snowmen; these snowmen are giving.  watch  
   

a few of my FAVORITE things, part 6

Moist Flushable Wipes - The one good thing about ManFriend is that he introduced me to these amazing wipes...I thought wipes were just for babies...but nope, this Costco brand wipe aren't too wet and aren't huge and they are flushable.  It is nice and refreshing after a poop or a quick cleaning after sex.

Samuel Adams Porch Rocker - this seasonal beer was part of the Sam Adam's variety pack I picked up.  I knew I liked the Summer Ale, and there is something about sitting on a porch drinking a beer that sounds enjoyable, so I had to try the Porch Rocker...and I loved it, which is surprising since I really don't like lemon in my beer.

Benadryl Itch Relief Stick - I am so happy I found this little stick...it works wonders to stop the itching feeling of mosquito bites and/or other things that make your skin itch.  

Quinoa - I started eating quinoa about a month ago.  My mother tried this recipe with quinoa, tomatoes and spinach and I just can't get enough.  

Weight Watchers Blueberry Swirl Greek Yogurt Bar - At only 2 points each, you can't beat the flavor of these delicious frozen yogurt bars.  (they come in peach and chocolate dulce de leche, divine triple chocolate -> I haven't had any other flavors)

A few of my FAVORITE things: Apps

I have an iPad, iPod and a [android] smart phone.  But I really don't take advantage of all the Apps out there.  I just don't see the need or want to waste my time playing those silly but addicting games...I like to think I have better things to do with my time.

But there are a few Apps I love:

Shazam - Ever wonder what that song that is playing on the radio is?  Well, just Shazam it.  Click the Shazam button when the song is playing and within seconds it can identify so many songs.  I think I only encountered one song on the oldies channel it couldn't identify...not bad.  It does not work necessarily in a loud bar or even at a concert - I've tried just to see if it would work.  This is my most used App, mostly because I am just so amazed.

Flight Board - This app wasn't free, but it wasn't expensive.  I travel a little, but this has been really handy especially because when I bought it we had a snowstorm and so many flights were cancelled and when I called the airline I was more informed.  It is laid out just like the boards at the airport...and living near 4 airports, I could easily look / find information for all of them.

Talk - Since I have gmail, the Talk app is fantastic - Instant messenger with contacts.

NBC/ABC/CBS - watch full episodes of most shows they broadcast.

My Fitness App - great way to count calories.  There is even a scanner function so you can scan a barcode and wohla, it is entered into your daily diary.  After playing around in the App a little - you realize how easy it is to use.

FitBit - you need the device, but the App is free.

ColorNote - I love lists.  ColorNote allows has two options - notes and check-off lists.  You can even change the color of the note so when you see the main page, it is all full of color.  Some of my lists:  "I Never" (for my 2013 Resolutions) and "Wines I Like" because I can never remember - and I barely remember to update this when I drink something I like when I am out and about.

A few of my FAVORITE things: TV Shows

It's time for another edition of my favorites...and since I've been stood up a lot this month, I've watched a lot of TV so it got me thinking about some of my favorite TV shows.

In no particular order, the shows I currently watch:

The Following - A serial killer and his followers.

The Middle - About a family and its everyday life, and the lengths parents go to for their kids.

How I Met Your Mother - About a guy on his quest to finding his wife...but before we learn about that we hear the story leading up to her and all his friends over the years.

Castle - A writer works with a police officer and helps solve crimes.

The Big Bang Theory - A few geeks and their lives.

Revolution - Life after no power and family.

NCIS - (the original) - federal agents of the Navy and them solving murders.


All time favorites (no longer currently running)

Lost - a plane crashes on an island and the survivors try to get off or figure out how to survive out there...if they are even alive.

24 - a 24 hour period of excitement watching Jack Bauer run after terrorists.

My So Called Life - An important show during my teenage years.  A show about a girl and her crush and school.

The Brady Bunch - A single parent with three children marries a single parent with three children.  About their life.  Sometimes I think of my family as a Brady Bunch family.  We do a lot of things together.

The Golden Girls - Four "old" ladies living together and their drama.

Friends - A group of friends, their life, and the coffee shop.

Ally McBeal - A woman finds herself working in the same office as the first love of her life - and all her insecurities, challenges and triumphs.

Six Feet Under - OK, I'll be honest, I missed the last season, but I was addicted before that.  A family who owns a funeral home and their drama.

Sopranos - I didn't watch the last season of this either :(  but the first seasons had me hooked.  A NJ mob boss and his families.

Somebody that I used to know

I really love the song "somebody that I used to know".  What a great screw you song.  Don't we all feel this?

This is my favorite part:
Now and then I think of all the times you screwed me over
But had me believing it was always something that I'd done
And I don't wanna live that way
Reading into every word you say
You said that you could let it go
And I wouldn't catch you hung up on somebody that you used to know..

When I hear this song, of course the first person I sing it about is SI.  He is someone that I used to know...he is a completely different person now than he was when I knew him...just as I have changed too.  There is no way I would ever want to know him now.  If I didn't know him, and went on a date with him, he probably wouldn't make it past date #3, if that long.  And I am sure I wouldn't live up to his standards either.

Of course the best thing is that it has been a long time and I don't think about him regularly at all.  I mean, sure sometimes I compare other men to his personality or how comfortable I am with him or my favorite part was that we could talk about anything and nothing for hours - and I haven't found those qualities yet. 

So cheers to all the people from our past that taught us lessons, taught us about ourselves, and was a part of our lives.  If it wasn't for all the people that I used to know, I wouldn't be the person that I am today...and for all of you, I am grateful because I think I am a much better person now than I have been...better things are yet to come. 

"Somebody That I Used To Know"(feat. Kimbra)

[Gotye:]
Now and then I think of when we were together
Like when you said you felt so happy you could die
Told myself that you were right for me
But felt so lonely in your company
But that was love and it's an ache I still remember

You can get addicted to a certain kind of sadness
Like resignation to the end, always the end
So when we found that we could not make sense
Well you said that we would still be friends
But I'll admit that I was glad that it was over

But you didn't have to cut me off
Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing
And I don't even need your love
But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough

You didn't have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records and then change your number
I guess that I don't need that though
Now you're just somebody that I used to know

Now you're just somebody that I used to know
Now you're just somebody that I used to know

[Kimbra:]
Now and then I think of all the times you screwed me over
But had me believing it was always something that I'd done
And I don't wanna live that way
Reading into every word you say
You said that you could let it go
And I wouldn't catch you hung up on somebody that you used to know

[Gotye:]
But you didn't have to cut me off
Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing
And I don't even need your love
But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough
No you didn't have to stoop so low
Have your friends collect your records and then change your number
I guess that I don't need that though
Now you're just somebody that I used to know

[x2]
Somebody
(I used to know)
Somebody
(Now you're just somebody that I used to know)

(I used to know)
(That I used to know)
(I used to know)
Somebody

Lyrics copied from AZ Lyrics

A few of my FAVORITE things, part 5

 

Chicken Vegetable Pizza

Last weekend I splurged on a pizza...chicken vegetable.  I ordered the medium pie knowing I would eventually eat it all.  The pizza dough was delicious (there is no sauce) and was topped with chicken, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, and cheese. 

I am not a huge fan of tomatoes, but it works really well on this pizza because the juice from the tomato really adds a sufficient flavor without making it overbearingly tomatoey taking away from the other ingredients - like sauce would have done.   I ate a few slices cold the next morning and warmed up the remaining slices at lunch.

$8 - $19 depending on size 
Harrison Pizza  you can even order online!

Dairy Bars
I tried this delicious treat for the first time at the local carnival, and it soon became a favorite.  I've only had the coconut and pistachio so far because they are just so delicious that I crave them...but there are tons of other flavors (and other products).

Oh, best part?  These pops are only $2.50 each!
Paleteria Fernandez




Sephora Cream Lip Stain
I've had a really hard time finding lip color that I not only like, but that stays on and that does not dry out my lips. 

I happened to be in Sephora to claim my birthday gift and I found this lip stain.  I love it.  I can't wait to go back and maybe even try another color, although I love this one (#5 Infinite Rose).

$12
Sephora

Neutrogena Sun Screen
I really like the Hawaiian tropic sunscreen - but only at the beach because it smells like coconut. 

On days when I am going to a little league game or just spending time outside, I don't want to smell beach delicious.  My cousin told me she used the Neutrogena sunscreen and really liked it, so I had to try it. I too loved it.  It goes on nice and smooth, does not smell, and dries really quick without making you feel sticky.

Prices vary
Neutrogena

Lifestyle Board

Back in October my book club decided we were going to make lifestyle boards.  The first quadrant (top right) is career and ambition, the second is family and entertainment, the third is travel & leisure and the fourth quadrant is nostalgia.

Essentially you are selecting pictures that represent items in the categories (example: I might have a skyline of NYC but it might represent a large city or certain games - but it represents any board games, not necessarily one or two of them).

When we started out I thought the hardest quadrant would have been nostalgia, but I was wrong, the hardest part for me was my career & ambition.  I really don't know what I want to do, sure I want to volunteer more, but what else? I struggled with this for months.  The easiest quadrant for me was travel & leisure, and I still didn't have enough room.

This exercise was fun and really made me think.  I recommend that you make one too.

A Nice Restroom

Who designs public restrooms?  I am so tired of walking into this decent size room that has really small stalls...When I walk into a stall and I have to scoot around the toilet just to close the door, and worry that my leg pant will pick up urine - the stall is too small.  And why is this?  The 'lobby' of the bathroom is usually quite roomy, and it could easily be reduced to make your personal time in the stall more enjoyable.

There have been a few public restrooms that I have really liked - They usually are a bit roomier and have full length doors.  Here is an example from the bathroom at the Inn at the Biltmore Estate.



The only thing that needed improvement in the restroom was since the doors are full length you can't check underneath to see if it is taken, nor do you want to knock on the door - and bother the lady inside.  What needs to be done is similar to the airplane - when you lock the door, it says 'occupied'.

My restroom experience was much more pleasant and I was able to take my time and do what needed to be done, in such a nice environment.  Why can't more bathrooms look like this?

a little about Frank Lloyd Wright

In 2003 or 2004 I was introduced to Frank Lloyd Wright's work, a brilliant architect whose fame was designing homes from the landscape.  I've seen the below ones...and now make it a point to look to see if there are any where I travel.

Falling Water
Built from 1936-1939 for Edgar Kaufman Sr. in Southwest PA. In 1963 the house was entrusted to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.  It is one of the only houses that with the setting, furniture and artwork all there.  (Yes, FLW designed furniture for his houses too). 

info:  http://www.fallingwater.org/


Kentuck Knob
Kentuck Knob is close to Fallingwater.  It was designed for the Hagan family who loved Fallingwater.  FLW was 86 when he was solicited for this house, so it is one of the last houses he designed.  The house was completed in 1956.  It was open to the public in 1999.

info:  http://www.kentuckknob.com/

Graycliff
The Martin family had this house built between 1926-1931.  It went up for sale in 1997, but local residents wanted to preserve this home instead of demolishing it.

info:  http://graycliffestate.org/

Frank Lloyd Wright house
After looking at houses FLW designed, it was interesting to see the home where he lived for

info:  http://oprf.com/flw/

Other Chicago houses
Since FLW lived in Oak Park in Chicago, it is no coincidence that over 25 homes were designed by FLW between 1889 - 1913.  Walking the streets in Oak Park you can easily spot the Prairie style architecture - interior light, low spaces, earth hugging buildings.  While I've been to Chicago numerous times, I haven only walked the streets and looked at the houses from the sidewalk; I haven't made it out there yet for the annual house tours (many of the houses are still privately owned, but they open their doors once a year).  One day.

Usonia
Usonia is a private community located in Pleasantville NY.  The American Institue of Architects hosted an annual tour that I finally signed up for.  I have quite a bit of pictures, however they are for "personal use only" and can not be published under any circumstances.  And since I want to remain somewhat law-abiding, I will not post MY pictures.

Roland, who has lived in Usonia just a few years after it's inception in 1945 provided our small group of 17 with some great first hand knowledge of the area, the houses and the community.  Originally this 100 acre area was set to have 55 houses; and the houses were on circular plots.  However, only 47 houses were built;  3 of those houses were designed by Wright (including Roland's house) and the others were overseen by Wright.

The road going through the area was small, windy and tight.  The community was designed as a co-operative and was originally marketed as reasonably priced houses; however as with anything...the costs were more than originally thought.  Usonia is short for FLW's United States Of North America (with an i in there) and evolved from the prairie style by taking it one step further- single story home on concrete slab with radiant heating and still no basement, attic or garage (unless you begged him like Roland did for a basement).

The tour in October was a perfect time to enjoy the autumn while walking to the different houses - it made me appreciate FLW's architecture even more because you can really see how the landscape influenced the houses.

Here are some great links to articles on Usonia
Popular Mechanics July 1951  Pages:  72-77, 226, and 228
NY Times: Green before it had a name
Roland Reisley wrote a book about Usonia 
What is a Usonian?

Other People's Pictures of Usonia:
David Cobb Craig (source for the following)

Don't think you've heard of FLW still? Maybe you heard about this small little museum in NYC: The Guggenheim Museum.

Source - Oh crap, I already closed the window.  Anyway, this is NOT my picture

Other:
Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation
Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy
List of FLW homes on Wikipedia


While it is a novel, I really enjoyed Loving Frank by Nancy Horan.  It was a great historical fiction book about Mamah Borthwick Cheney, the lady that stole FLW from his first wife.

My favorite male celebrities

People are always asking what actors I think are good-looking, and I have a hard time with this, because I can't seem to ever remember, aside from George Clooney that is.  But there are other people that at times catch my eye.  The guys listed below are consistently good-looking in my eyes - in NO particular order whatsoever.  I didn't include the guys that are good looking in one movie but then not in the next...that just gets too confusing.

George Clooney
Ah, George Clooney has been on my list since I saw One Fine Day in 1997.  He has gotten even better looking as he is aging. I really love the way a guy looks around this time of their life.


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Nathan Fillion
I started to watch Castle last year, and I think he can be quite adorable and charming. An 'average' guy.


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Josh Radner
I've been watching How I Met Your Mother since it started, and I think Josh Radner is cute and has a witty personality...or maybe I like Ted; I don't really know much about Josh.


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Mark Walburgh
Remember Marky Mark?  I don't so much.  Mark Walburgh first stood out to me in Rockstar, but I've seen him in other movies or even a 60 minutes episode about him and - as like George - the older he gets, the better looking he gets.

Matthew McConaughey
I'm not sure what I like about Matthew...maybe it is those piercing blue eyes? The smile? I normally think of him with medium length hair (with blond in it) but when I was searching for pictures to post - I found a few pictures with short hair..and at first I didn't even recognize him, he looks way more serious...but still good looking.


long hair

short hair

Richard Gere
Another 'classic'.  Richard Gere has a great smile and squinty eyes.

Hugh Grant

An unlikely choice...but when you see a good picture of Hugh, can you really say that he isn't somewhat cute?  Maybe in a class clown kind of way, but sometimes his looks combined with that accent is enough to make me say aahh.

Harrison Ford
When I think of Harrison, I think of a stereotypical American Man.  Man is the key word there - he seems like the kind of guy that would do all that hard house/yard work, have great sex, and hug you until you popped.  I think Harrison is very good looking, he has nice skin color, nice eyebrows, a good nose.  Good features and strong  name.

Michael Weatherly
NCIS is more fun after this guy grows on you.  He has a great smile, nice eyes, and seems so easy-going and relaxed.

John Stamos

Had a crush on him watching Full House - and he hasn't changed much since!  Great dark hair, nice eyebrows.

Matthew Fox

First time I saw him was on Party of Five.  Then there were a few other things - but LOST made it more clear that Matthew Fox is a hottie.  Love either his rugged look or his clean cut look.

Chris Noth

Big brown hair, thick eyebrows, dark eyes, sexy sly smile.

(star sighting:  2/19/2014...he looked much older in person, but still attractive)
(star sighting:  2/25/2014...he looked a little younger this week, still attractive)

Dennis Quaid
I kept going back and forth adding him.  But he is a cute everyday man. 

So what do all these guys have in common?   Who are some of your celebrity favorites?

...and yes, Brad Pitt is missing. I've never had a thing for him.

A few of my FAVORITE things, part 4

HelluvaGood Dip - The year I discovered this dip (French Onion), I think I gained 10 pounds.

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Hawaiian Tropic - What a fabulous smelling sun screen.  Additionally it gives me a great, even tan.  Someone recently said my tan didn't look like it was from the North East.

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Trader Joe's Savory Thin Mini Edamame Crackers - I tried these for the first time in June and couldn't wait to get another bag.  At first they have a 'different' kind of taste (many people who I've let try spit it out), but that taste becomes addicting.  The small crackers are the right amount of crunch and the right amount of salt (or maybe a little too much).  I can't wait to get another few bags.

Nutella - The first time I had nutella it was in a crepe with bananas...I didn't like it.  Then I tried it a year or so later with strawberries and ice cream and I fell in love.  I bought a small container of it and started to spread in on cooked flour tortillas (my easy/cheap/no ingredient panini).  Costco sells two decent containers for like $8.50 so I just stocked up.

Wine bottle dresses - When I was in China, I  bought a few of these really cute dresses to go over wine bottles.  I love seeing these on my bookcase, not only does it remind me of my far away travels but also I love my orange dresses.  These made really cute gifts.  



The American President - so it might be strange that one of my favorite movies is The American President.  But Michael Douglas and Annette Bening are fantastic.  The storyline is rather simple but I like it.  I tend to alternate in throwing it in the DVD player when I need something in the background.



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Yo Quiero Taco Bell

Sometimes I get overwhelmed by too many choices; especially when there are so many choices I like.  Take for instance the menu at Taco Bell.

This week I went through the drive through - but panicked because someone was soon behind me before I got a chance to really think about what I wanted to try.  Going in would have been smart - but when it is empty the cashiers stare at you wondering why it takes you so long to decide what you like.  If you go into fast food restaurants, for the most part you know what you like/want so it shouldn't be so difficult a decision.  I stuck with the 'usual' but threw in an extra item just to expand.

I love the double decker taco supreme.  But they added this new cheesy sauce to it. I didn't like it as much as the original.  The original is amazing.  A soft shell smeared with refried beans and a hard shell stuck to that filled with the usual taco fillings - meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato and sour cream.  It is filling.

My other item I like to get on occasion, but don't too often because it is so bad - is the Chalupa Supreme. I love the chalupa shell.  Soft but chewy.  Yum.

This time I also got a volcano taco, which wasn't wonderful, although it did have good flavor.

But since we are talking about things I like at Taco Bell...I think it is worth mentioning the crunchwrap.  This huge flat wrap is so filling, I don't need to eat anything else. 

I don't eat fast food often, but when I do, I tend to choose Taco Bell.  There is just something about it.  It isn't by any means the best tacos...I eat those at home.  But it is good and cheap.  There are so many other things I want to try off their menu eventually - what are some of your favorites?

Because I Said So

Do you have a movie that resembles your life?  I found mine in October.  We (my sisters and I) had a movie with mom night for her birthday.  I rented the movie Because I Said So from the library not knowing what to expect although it looked like a good girly movie.

The movie has Diane Keaton playing the mother and Mandy Moore who plays the daughter, Millie.  The mother meddles in the daughters life, trying to get her to find a mate and be happy so that she doesn't end up alone.  The mother put an ad out and meets these potential men to screen them before deciding which one her daughter will date.  Millie starts dating the one her mom picked (with out knowing it) and she meets this other guy that the mom does not like.  She dates both of them for a while...and I won't give away the rest, although it is predictable.

OK, so my mother has not set me up with anyone...but the way that she gets involved can be a little paralleling.  The mother has nothing but the best intentions, but sometimes can be a little too much to handle, although they have a special relationship.   Millie's sisters and the mom all are very open about all aspects of their lives.  I love having sisters, and we do talk about EVERYTHING well, three of the four of us do.

Millie & I are also similar because we are the only single ones in the family and the rest of them want constant knowledge of our dating lives.  Which is why I love this movie.  It makes me feel better about my life...and that there are some parents that are more overbearing than mine. 

That being said, after last year, when I went on a few dates with this guy that was a little refined & had some money...but had a teeny tiny pecker and wasn't that attractive.  Anyway, the WHOLE family was involved.  After that I realized if I was going to date someone, I would have to do it on the sly.  I hate keeping things from them, and sometimes not being truthful about my whereabouts (I don't lie - I omit) is really hard.  I get all quiet. I don't say anything...and sometimes a smile says way more than I mean it to.  When is a good time to mention a new person you are dating?  At least I don't have to worry about that right now.

If you decide to watch the movie, enjoy & think...hmm, maybe that is why Denise has issues!  haha.

Game Review: Apples to Apples and Blokus

I love games.  Not mind games, but the traditional old fashioned fun kind of games.   Growing up with three sisters was fun as we got older (me in high school, older sisters in college).  We spent some nights playing scrabble or rummy 500.  We'd play games for hours.  A lot of iced tea, some snacks and a whole lotta competition.  Now ten years later we don't get to do it as often, but now that their kids are getting older, it is a bit easier.  Over the next few weeks, I will write about a game or two that we have played over the years and my favorites and maybe you'll start playing too.

The first featured game is Apples to Apples by Out of the Box Publishing but Mattel took it over.  In 1999 Mensa International awarded this game one of their 5 annual game awards.  The game is designed for more than 4 people. Everyone is dealt some red cards (depends on how many are playing).  Every round there is a reader, that reader selects a green apple card.  The green cards have a verb written on them.  The green card is read out loud and each of the other players look through the red apple cards, which are nouns, and pick one that is the best fit.  The reader then shuffles the submitted nouns and then reads them out loud.  He picks out the red card he likes the most. It is very subjective..and it is best to know things about the other people.  Once the reader selects the best card, the green apple card is given to the person that submitted it.  The goal of the game is to get x number of green cards.  

This game is also made in a junior version (it is a green box) with words/people the younger kids will know.  We have played this game so many times, and love it.  The directions say it is played for 30-60 minutes, but depending on the level of fun and the people...it can go longer if you want it to. There are also a few variations you can try too.  It is a great travel game also since you don't need a board or pieces or dice or anything, just the cards. 



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 The second game for today is Blokus.  This is my absolute favorite game.  I saw it in a special game store in 2004 and thought my Dad would love it.  I was right!  I bought the Trigon version (which in my opinion is better than the square).  So how it works...it is easily played with 3 or 4 people.  Each player gets the same shaped tiles but in a different color.  The play goes clockwise and on each turn you place a shaped piece on the board - the piece needs to touch the tip of another one of your pieces.  A tip...not a side.  The object is to get all your pieces to fit.  You accumulate points (which are bad) with how many sub-shaped piece there is (not an actual piece, but how big that piece is).   Blockus was invented by a guy named Bernard Tavitian who is highly educated.  This game won a bunch of awards including the 2003 Mensa award.  The game is fabulous, and the more you play the more strategy you develop.  Depending on who you play with, the game changes.    My nieces and nephews really like this challenging game too.  It is fun for people of all ages.

Many people I have recommended these games to have loved them, and I know you will to.  So now go out and buy these games and have fun!

Baby it's cold outside: My favorite things - Winter Edition

To get to work, I walk 8 minutes to the train.  Wait 5 minutes and then take the train for 44 minutes.  I then walk 20 minutes to work.  That is my commute, it takes about 1 hour 15 minutes door to door, one way.  In the autumn and spring, my commute is nice and relaxing and sometimes in the summer I get off the train a stop earlier and walk 1.5 miles home...just because.  But in the winter, my commute can get tough. 

I walk in it all...rain, snow, sleet, wind, down pouring rain, heat - you name it.  I only took the subway to work twice in 5 years (once when I hurt my ankle and once when I thought there would be a lot of snow, but there was none).

My office tends to get really hot in the winter from the blasting heat that I always have my window cracked a little.  Wearing short sleeves in the winter is common (and sometimes long sleeves in the summer when the AC is on).  But getting to work in a short sleeved shirt? Not easy.  Last winter NYC was cold and windy. I would make bets with myself when I was walking how far I would get before I couldn't feel my toes/fingers/ears anymore.  It didn't snow too much, but the cold wind is brutal for walks.  So this year, I was going to be 'smarter' about my commute attire. 

source (similar but older version)

I have some decent looking coats, but in all honesty, the warmest of them is a plain black one.  I wear that even though it isn't 'pretty' or professional...it is just a plain coat.  It is warm, but it isn't perfect - so I have been wearing an underarmour zip-up that really helps against the wind.  This ultra thin extra layer has been a lifesaver for me - and I originally picked it up in the summer thinking when I rode my bike it would be nice to wear (I haven't ridden by bike in years).  I am OK that I wear two jackets and sometimes a sweater (the underarmer under the sweater) - my chest hasn't been cold yet!

Next area to tackle is the legs.  I wear normal pants.  A few of my pants are lined but most of them are not.  I wear these same pants all times of the year.   I wear either trouser socks or knee highs, so there isn't much additional foot protection either. Naturally my legs get cold because the only thing protecting them is some cotton or whatever it is pants are made out of.  This past summer I knew leg warmers were coming back...so when I was at a flea market, I picked up a pair to try.  They are thin but long - so I slide them up to my knees under my pants and wear them to work.  You can barely see them, and it makes a huge difference.  I need to buy a few more pairs!

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For my hands, I have been really bad and haven't worn gloves too many times.  When I do, on a normal cold day I really love my Totes/Isotoner gloves.  They are slim and I can move my fingers easily.  When it is super cold I wear these really thick gloves that look like ski/snow gloves.  They are not ideal since they are huge, but they do help with that extra protection when you need it - and I got them at Costco 6 years ago for like $15!

As for scarves? Well, I learned how to knit after my breakup.  More on that another time...but I have a TON of homemade scarves. My favorite is a thicker wool woven big, and made really long, so it keeps me warm all over my neck.

My last favorite winter item is my LL Bean boots.  When I moved to NJ I bought these for our winter house chores (shoveling, etc).  I barely used them since I moved out so quickly and they remained in storage for 2 1/2 years.  But when I re-found them, I fell in love all over.  They took a while to break in - especially the 'tounge' part, which was rubbing my leg the wrong way. But once that corrected itself, they have been wonderful.  I walk through anything in them - massive puddles, mounds of snow, you name it.  They have good traction when its slippery too.   The only downside to them is they are huge / heavy. But considering the benefits, I don't mind.