A Girl's Best Friend

Just returned from an excursion to see Sex and the City 2 with my mom and sister, and I was struck by a train of inspiration. Amidst truly philosophical and existential topics discussed in the film, such as marriage, motherhood and fidelty... one crucial concept jumped out at me like the gay population for Liza Minelli at Stanford and Anthony's wedding. The key to true happiness and success, the one thing I've been lacking for all these years, is most simply... great shoes.

Not just good shoes, or decent shoes, or even reasonably priced shoes.

I'm talking hard core, red-soled, 4-inch works of art for your feet. It was apparent to me during the movie that Sex and the City isn't a moiving film about feminism and friendship and "finding yourself". It is just a vehicle for us die-hard fashionistas to gawk and gaze and drool over the gorgeous Louboutins Carrie wears to aforementioned wedding, or signature purple peeptoe platforms that the girls use to distinguish Charlotte from a crowd of burka-clad women.

Let's face it Diamonds, you are no match for the more functional accessory. Shoes are truly a girl's best friend.

And I'm positive Sarah Jessica Parker would have to agree with this sentiment. Oh, and Alex? I could not care less about your attitude towards said individual! Remember the midterm!!

In light of this, I have endowed upon myself a search, quest if you will, for a great pair of shoes to wear to the wedding of two of my best friends, at which I am fortunate enough to hold the title of Bridesmaid. (Congrats Katie & Paul! I love you both!) Stipulations: they must be silver (to match the dress) and they must be heels (so I am not dwarfed by the other taller bridesmaids... I'm looking at you, Amanda!)

So I look to you for inspiration, miss Carrie Bradshaw (Preston?), O Sultan of Style, O Goddess of Gorgeous, O Fictional Figurehead of Fashion. Guide my poor, deprived size 7 feet to the perfect shoe and help me to gain the confidence you, Charlotte, Miranda, and (especially) Samantha so inspirationally possess. For it is only then that I can be assured of my own fashionality. (Yes, I do believe I just created that word. Diction cannot cage me!)
I pray to thee.
Amen.

"...and the livin's easy."

The most miraculous thing happened to me the other day.

I woke up in silence, without the persistent wasp-like buzzing of a space heater. I put on shorts and flip flops. And, most importantly, I did not have to shovel mounds of snow to back out of my driveway. All of these small but noticeable changes led me to the most exciting epiphany since my joyful introduction to Starbucks back in 2006: Summer has come to Northeast Ohio.

I must preface this with a confession: I am a most stereotypical girl. The perfect day for me is driving around aimlessly in the sunshine with the sunroof open, radio blasting, giant obnoxious Aviators covering my face. Summer is a thing of beauty to me and should be duly appreciated.

So, in homage to my favorite season (and at risk of likening to Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music), here are a few of my favorite things:

1. Eating on the Patio. Go to your favorite restaurant, request a table outside (if available) and soak up the sun. Some suggestions: Qdoba mexican Grill on Wilson mills, Brio Tuscan Grille in Legacy Village, and The Winking Lizard in Lakewood.
2. Bonfires. Nothing beats s'mores, perfectly charred hot dogs and flickering firelight. Just try not to catch anything on fire.
3. 99 cent Sweet Tea at McDonald's. 32 ounces of pure bliss. Go get one right now!
4. Drive-Ins. Reminiscent of the 50s, this is one of the best ways to spend a warm summer night. Mayfield Road Drive-In in Chardon is my personal go-to. They show a double feature every weekend. Check out this week's feature on their website.
5. Late dusk. Who doesn't love having more hours in the day?
6. Summer Releases: The best movies come out may through August; and the perfect way to cool off is to sit under in an air conditioned movie theater. Flicks to look for: Robin Hood, The Karate Kid and Get Him to the Greek.
7. Nelson's Ledges Quarry Park. Located about an hour southeast of Cleveland, Nelson's Ledges is a beautiful lake surounded by tall rocky cliffs. It's perfect for camping, hiking and swimming. Day admission is $5 and camping rates are $10 per day. For more info, visit their website here.
8. Crickets & Fireflies. Compete to see who can catch the most fireflies in a jar to the soundtrack of a chorus of chirping crickets.
9. Walking Everywhere. What better way to get you beach body ready? Walk to a cafe, take your dog for a stroll, or grab a buddy and wander around. Saving on gas is also a huge perk!
10. Vans Warped Tour. An annual, day-long music extravaganza involving mosh pits, sun burns, overpriced bottled water and wonderfully underpriced merch from around 40 bands. Warped brings such bands as Motion City Soundtrack, Anarbor and Reel Big Fish (to name a few) to a city near you starting June 25. Find out when at their site here.

This summer take some of these activities, add a few of your own, and make some sun-soaked memories that will last you a lifetime... Or at least through the winter.