BooBoo's.  I have to post this real quick and get the heck out of Dodge.  In 15 minutes, I will officially be on vacation until next Wednesday, and honestly, I am doing the fullblownhappydance over this!  I have a packed weekend, but nothing is more importante than the ridiculousness that is going to happen tomorrow.  I am not going to reveal my hand on what is going to go down, but bet your partypants, it's going to be Uh-Mazing!  I should also mention that my old man and famdamily are coming into town for the holiday.

Wearing: Skirt: Banana Republic (swapped).  Heels: Piperlime.  Belt: Banana Republic (swapped).  Top: Victoria's Secret.  Droolry: Do I even have to tell you?  You know Mikey has been attached to my wrist everyday since he became my velvet mafia sidekick in February.

I know I have mentioned it before, but there are a lot of new followers so, I should bring you up to speed.  I work in the creative department of an ad agency.  I am one of 5 women in a department of 35.  My roomie says that my job is being the rules commission of the frat house.  That statement never proved more true than when the following song started blaring through the department speakers and no one thought it was inappropriate:

Also, there was a very long discussion about dutch ovens today.  I dryheaved.

And this, my friends, is why I need a vacation!

Holiday!  Celebrate!

Angie

I Wanna Go...

Holla Hellcats.  The sun came out and so did my legs.  Guess what else happened?  I got locked on the roof, like a dingdong, whilst taking these photos. I didn't have my phone with me and the company that occupies the office space where the roof access is, was empty. The first thoughts that raced through my head were, "OMGOMGOMGOMG, I may pee or have a panic attack." Then, I seriously was thinking I was going to have to pull a spiderman in my 5 inch platforms or go all "Hangover" style and have to live up there.  Ultimately, I just wish I had a bottle of vino and was able to stay up there for the duration... 

 Wearing: Dress: Forever 43. Blazer: Zara.  Heels: Aldo. Jewelry: Stolen from Mr. T.

I was watching the new Britney Jean Spears video today and as I was about to rub sandpaper all over my corneas, and then pour salt into my eyeballs, I realized that it has been far too long since I have done a good music video breakdown for you, and what better way to get me back on track than by addressing this one.  Seriously, she gets the WTFwasthat Award because I am thoroughly confused.  I have said it a million times, BJS is a deity around THYMWYA, however, you can take a girl out of Louisiana, but you can't take Louisiana out of the girl...And this 'aint the antebellum part of Louisiana I am talking about.  I am talking the Bon Temps area where Crystal lives. (True Blood reference).

OK, for starters... Holy1998 with the "Half Baked" reference!  I am fully aware that 1998 was the year she became famous, but, areyoucereal?  And, I am positive she got all of those clothes from the Charlotte Russe archive closet and snatched those extensions out of Avril Lavigne's domepiece. 

Was this filmed on the set of Back To The Future?  

Is she saying that it's OK to flash kids and the PoPo?

Is she the popstar version of catwoman with that microphone whip?

Does anyone else find it ironic that the movie marquis is featuring "Crossroads"?  Is she secretly telling me that there will be a sequel?

And finally the AHHHHHHHHHHH, ICAN'TTAKEANYMORE!!!!! Give me a bamboo shoot for my eyeballs moment: A leche facial!!!!!!  

Ugh, my brain hurts from trying to understand this.  There isn't even one jazz hand or backup dancer.

  Oh Brit.  As the President of the SF Chapter of your Sparklegem Fan Club, I think I am legally bound to tell you the truth.  Guuuuurrrrrl, that video sucked.  But we are friends BB, and sometimes friends have to just be honest and tell the other one the truth, even if it hurts.  That is how friendships become stronger. It's ok, I heard your cameltoelo is still the main attraction of your concert.  So, high5 to that!

I love seashells.

Angie

PdotS:  Don't forget to enter my giveaway for your chance to win a dress hand selected by me from LuLu's.

ZOMGZOMG, I Am Giving Things Away.

OK kiddo's.  It's raining here in SF in June.  This is not OK nor is it normal.  So, it's going to be super real around this piece today.  When it rains, I can't wash my hair because if I do, by the time I get to work I look like Diana Ross on a bender.  Today was weirder than Al and these pictures were taken at the end of the day.  Friendlies, this is what I look like after getting caught in the middle of a closed door yellfestfreakout sesh lead by my CEO.  Clearly, I had to tie my hair back and wear my kickyoass shoes so I could fight someone if I needed to. 

 Wearing: Shoes: Aldo.  Top: y&i. Jeans: Gap

As you all know, I was lucky enough to go to the Swap LuLu's event here in SF last Thursday.  Like a ding dong, I forgot the camera at work, but here is a brief synopsis of what went down:

- I got on the wrong bus going in the wrong direction and arrived flustered 45 minutes late 

- I met some really amazing local bloggers including Elisabeth, Eli, Amanda, and Santina.  All of these women are just as fab in real life (IRL) as they are on their blogs.

- LuLu's gave all the bloggers a hand selected piece of clothing.  Elbows were thrown.  Something fell over.  It was insane.  This was an immediate indication that if I wasn't aggressive, I would get chewed up and spit out.  I am positive you all know me well enough at this point to know that this is not my style.  I promptly put on my game face and got ready for the battle royale that was going to happen in the main swap.

- When the swap happened it was super intense and you had to move quickly and without conscience or you'd lose an eye.  I told some girls in line, it was nice meeting them, but once those curtains opened I was out of there because I meant business and I wasn't going to be taking no cray cray from anyone.  

Here are the goods I walked away with:

Before the swap, LuLu's told us that they were going to be hiding over 100 of their items in the swap.  I made it my mission to grab as many of these items as possible.  I am not kidding you, I was basically like Tom Cruise dangling from the face of El Capitan plotting this whole thing out.  

Lucky for all you readers, I am scrappy because I found the following items and I am giving them to two lucky readers (because I am basically the fairy godmother of spreading the sparklegemawesomeness).

Sorry for the craptastic iphone photos, but the dress on the left is a white and red polka dot Ark & Co. shirt dress, and the one on the right is actually a pale pink Miss Minuet party dress. 

So, if you want either of these dresses, you are going to have to do a little sumpin'.

1 - Leave a comment on this post of which dress you would like.

2 - Like The Hotness Your Momma Warned You About on Facebook.

3 - Follow me on  Twitter and tell me which dress you want. 

4- Follow this blog with Google Friend Connect

Contest is open until next Tuesday and each action is worth one entry.  I will announce the winner next Wednesday, so best of luck!  If you have any questions or want more photos of the items, LMK.

What do you think, B?

Yeah, I thought so!

Sparklefest.

Angie

Come Monday

I have to say, I really didn't want today to happen.  I was perfectly content with my birthday continuing until forever.  So much so, that I slept in until 8:15 this morning, which is outrageous.  You see, I had the most wonderful night with The Mister last night, and I didn't want it to end.  We had probably one of the top 3 meals I have ever had in my life.  He surprised me by taking me to the Michelin rated restaurant, Boulevard.  Course after course was just facemeltinggood!  Foie gras, ravolini with pancetta and morels, lamb t-bone, butter fish and prawns, tiramisu with sambuca marshmallows, a chocolate plate, and handmade bonbons.  I am still in a food hangover.  This was our "me and you, just us two." birthday celebration.  The celebration 'aint over yet, y'all.  I have some mayjah fashion coming up for you stalkers for my sparklegemawesomeness glitteriffic epic 3.0.

Wearing: Dress: Anthropologie.  Belt: Banana Republic.  Boots: Steve Madden.  Earrings: LuLu's.  Turband: American Apparel. 

GFY comment of the day made by my resident Frenchman: "Gurl.  You look like a gypsy."

I am sure it comes as no surprise to you all that I used to be a total wildchild.  My early and mid-twenties were a hotmess.  I ran around like a pure ridiculouscrazy person. While I can still summon up FunAngie when necessary, it's only a couple of times a year these days instead of every Thursday through Sunday.

When I was 24 I moved from Tampa to Colorado Springs.  Talk about a culture shock.  I went from opposite ends of the trashbag spectrum.  I had one good friend that I worked with in CS, at this ridiculous ad agency that did local car dealer advertising (think: "SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUNDAY!").  We are still friends today.  We have both grown up a lot, however, some of the funniest times of my life were had with this dude. It scares the piss out of me that he is going to have a child to be responsible for in a few months.  Thankfully, he found the best girl on the planet so, she won't let either of them die from his shenannigans. Anyhow, he wanted to add something to the 3.0 contributions.  Y'all, here is my boy Patrick.  He is a complete a-hole (I say that with affection.).

"I remember the first time I partied with Angie...years ago. And I couldn't help but take this photo of her because I had never seen anything like it before. At the time I thought she was beyond 30, but now I understand she is just turning 30! Could have fooled me! 

She is the life of the party and no one, I repeat NO ONE, wears clogs and a football helmet with such grace! 

I love you Angie and I hope you have a great 30th birthday! Try not to pee on any unsuspecting people!  "

Do any of you have friends that you would love to beat the everliving tar out of?  Just punch them one or eight times in the face? Clearly, I do.

Fire Flame Spitter.

Angie

Angie 3.0 Featuring Pearls of Wisdom from Momma

OK, so, today is the big day.  I am no longer as Britney said "Not a girl. Not yet a woman."  Today I am 30, and all that entails... So, in order to give today the recognition it deserves, the one woman who brought me into this world, (and according to her has the authority to take me out of it), is giving us all her pearls of wisdom.  A couple of things to keep in mind about my mom:  

1. We have a saying in the South that says "A woman that will tell you her age will tell you anything."  Momma is very proud of her age, and when asked, she will tell you anything you need or want to know.  

2.  My mother is a GRITS and she raised me as a GRITS.  (That stands for Girls Raised In The South for all of you on the other side of the Mason Dixson line)

3. Birthdays a bighugeginormous deal in my family...Especially with this woman!  She believes you should celebrate for the entire month, so, I come by this birthday enthusiasm honestly.

4. She told me not to touch her words, so, that means no sassmouth commentary from me in this post.  Sorry y'all.

"MY THOUGHTS ON CHAPTER 3.0 

Okay Young lady. I always say “don’t ask unless you really want to know” So here you go.
AND For the record this was my favorite chapter in my life so far - I hope it turns out to be your favorite chapter TOO!

Mother to Daughter - Be YOU - Do Not ever try to be what other people think is perfect -You are Fantastic - Enjoy every chapter of your life - Live in the moment - Live without regrets - ALWAYS Trust your gut - Always be nice to your brother - Always share good wine with great friends - Yes this is when all the problems of the world are worked out . And It’s okay not to be the life of the party every once in a while.  Remember the Johnny S. rule “it’s perfectly acceptable to eat dessert first”. Oh yeah.. Remember what Papaw told us… No! Not kick their butt and ask questions later … Take GOOD care of your teeth and your feet as you will really rely on them in the last chapter of life.  (Wear the flats more than less - trust me on this one) I am paying the price for those Candy’s with the Bongo skirts to the pool with you & Anthony  Gravity will not be your bf in this chapter nor the next but judgment & wisdom will!  In this chapter it’s well worth the trade! 

Family - God help us… We can’t pick our family (But you can pick your mother-in-law) SO ….
 #1 Always love your family - show respect & don’t be rude to family – with that being said…. Accept them as they are … you don’t have to be responsible for them like you do Ziggy. (This rule applies to family only) With that being said you don’t have to love everyone but remember your manners if you meet rude people practice what my mother always said “If you don’t have anything nice to say - then say nothing” This works well in business too! 

#2  You are an adult and can excuse yourself from any situation you are not comfortable with (this rule applies to all aspects of life)

Friends - True friends are a gift from God - These we get to pick so choose WISELY - Only tell your Truest of True Blue friends ALL your secrets as True Blue Friends last a life time - And they will keep your secrets just like Ziggy - Some friends are for only a season but leave us with valuable lessons in life - always learn from them.  Always give as much in a friendship as you take.

Men/Boyfriends/Future Husband - Choose Even Wiser -This is the part where you get to pick your mother-in-law.  There are lots of nice guys that make good boyfriends - doesn’t mean they are the right one… just means they are Mr. Right Now…  Hold out for your Soul Mate!!! 

Choose a man to marry that is your best friend like your brother is to you - Makes you laugh till you cry and loves you without being dressed to the 9’s but makes you feel like Grace Kelly when you do - Pick someone who sees all the things in you that Grandpa sees in you– Who thinks you can accomplish any & everything - this must be from the first date and forever!   Make sure he loves you like Grandpa Loves and Honors Grandma! You must feel safe with him like when you were little and laid on Grandpa’s belly.  Yeah just like that!! 

Work - Remember as you go forward Balance not silence is Golden. Continue to lead by example and keep treating others as you want to be treated.   I am so proud that you always do your best.  Your Name, Character and Reputation will always be your most valuable asset. 

With some help from God I made you beautifully if I say so myself - SO Keep enjoying being YOU!! You are on a wonderful path ~ staying the course and follow your heart & stay true to who you are and it’s okay to grow as go."

 Thank you Momma.  I love you so much!  Thank you for bringing me into the world and raising me into the woman I am today.  

Birthday Girl Hugs!

 

Angie 3.0 Featuring My Aunt Kim

Hi Friends!  With just a few hours until my sparklegemawesome 30th birthday, I thought I would drop in and do a quick post before I started poppin champagne like I won a championship game. The following advice comes from one of the most influential women in my life, my Aunt Kim.  The following email exchange happened between us.  I hope it makes you as happy as it makes me.

Wearing: Skirt: H&M (this skirt will be remixed very soon).  Shoes: Dolce Vita. Shirt: Pika 88.  Vest: Levi's, thrifted.

 "Hi Aunt Kim.  My 30th is coming up in a few weeks ( I am really sorry, if that made you feel old just then, it makes me feel old too).  I am going a special feature on my blog by reaching out to people I love and respect and asking for any advice or things that I should look forward to by turning 30.  I was wondering if you would be willing to give me any advice that I could feature.  Obviously, you have taught me some of my best life lessons and have helped to mold me into the woman I am today.  Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated, so that I don't have to subsist on tequila and xanax for the next 45 days."

" Ang,

You asked me for some advice on turning 30.

For the most part I think I'm best at giving advice in the moment rather than circumspectly.

I don't like to think about it because then I feel like I'm some wisdom filled woman telling people how to live there lives, I am not.

There is a rule Johnny and Jada will tell you I set for them when they were young. It was more of a rule than advice I would like to think.

NEVER GET MARRIED BEFORE YOU TURN 30! Why you ask?

Well I believe the first two decades of your life are about growing up, living with your family, Mom, Dad, sister, brothers, just being a kid, playing and enjoying life, getting thru 12 years of school, making friends, etc. etc.

The next decade is about moving away from all of that, going to another 4 years of school, being on your own for the first time in life and just discovering who you are, what you want to do, where you want to reside, the seek and discovery decade.

But the next decade is the most important one to me, my favorite decade.

 

Welcome to who you are. This is the decade where it all comes together.

The last 3 decades you were forming and shaping your life and now this is where the mold

dries.

This is when you know who you are, hopefully who you want to spend the rest of your life with, this is where you feel concrete and stable, this is where all you worked for finally takes shape. This decade is about confidence and putting the plan for the rest of your life to  work.

This, in my opinion is the best decade to get married and have a family. That's why I tell my kids to wait for this time to do those things. You need the past three decades for yourself, to grow and perfect who you will be at 30. In your 20's you can't know this yet.

Angie I love the person you molded yourself into. A beautiful, confident,independent and I know when the time comes (in this decade) an amazing wife and mother. I have loved watching your journey and I am so proud to call you my Niece, my friend.Enjoy your 30's, there is so much to look forward to, watch and see."

A humongous thank you goes to my Aunt Kim for this.  She has always been one of my biggest fans and supporters through everything.  She is also one person that undoubtedly I would trust my life in her hands...even if it does involve a tequila shot or few. 

Signing off as 30-eve for the last time.

Angie

What is Making You Smile Thursday, Featuring My Bubbers

Happy what is making you smile Thursday's, lovebugs.  I hope that the final hump to your week is going well.  I am heading to the SF Swap Lulu's event here momentarily but I wanted to bring you the amazingness that is WMYS Thursday before I do so.  I also, wanted to bring you a heartfelt note from my brother.  For all of you new readers, this is my brother.  He is basically my everything.  I love him more than anything on the planet, and it's appropriate he is featured on What Is Making You Smile Thursday because he makes me smile the mostest.  So, take it easy, people.  He is single, but you have to deal with me in order to get to him, and as you all know, I am a handfull.  There is no commentary for this one...It is what it is, because this is the one person in the world who knows me for me and has been through everything and will continue to be right by my side through it all.

Wearing: Dress:  H&M.  Shoes: Jessica Blimpson.  Bag: Prada.  

" I think back to my childhood, and a quote comes to mind that sums it up : "Comedy is just tragedy, but with time added." 

And as Angie is celebrating her Nth birthday, I've had a chance to reflect on how much you have grown and succeeded, and how much of a positive influence you have been on my life. 

Your courage, and persistence, and ability to call people out on BS has been thoroughly ingrained in my psyche.  

I see our Mother's protective instinct, and sass in you. I see our Father's theatrics, singing, and stubbornness.  

And if I think back to what moments my sister and I have shared, they mostly involve a retelling, in dramatic movements and exclusive language held to just brother and sister. 

 I loved our thrift store shopping sprees, and cheerleading  tryouts. Our trips to the beach, and summers in Kentucky.  

Our afternoon acrobatic sessions in the summer, and Gator Tailgates.  

You have saved my butt plenty of times, and more than I would like to count.  

We can quote line for line at least 10 movie titles. Johnny Blue Jeans. 

 I loved our rides in the camry's and the sentra's and the civics, and also in my beat up pick up stick shift. 

I love you a lot. You have been my number one fan from day one, and will continue to hold that spot for the duration. 

Thanks for keeping me in check, and never letting me slack. And also for teaching me the difference between Bull Shit and Bad Ass. 

Anthony doubles as Forrest Gump..Just for the record.

 ** just for the record it is really hard to express in words and writing how much you have meant to me, and the impact you have had. It is also a little awkward telling you and your blogosphere all this personal -ish. But whatever. The world knows now!"

And Just for Anthony, this is what makes me smile today...We have a thing for Pirates. 

"I'm Rick James, bitch!"  

 (That was Anthony's answer for his AP English exam for his senior year in high school...Just sayin)

Smangelina

Angie 3.0 Featuring One Of My IRL BFFL's, Amanda

Hi Soul Sisters.  I hope you are all enjoying the features I am doing this week.  They have been and will continue to be extraveryspecial to me.  I promise, I will try to keep these as funny as possible, because, let's face it, I am shooting glitter and rainbows from my fingertips, and the soles on my shoes are all melting because I am perpetually walking on sunshine in this last week of being 30 eve.  I have gone from hyperventilating and rocking in the corner to being so excited, I can barely sit still. I was so excited that I went to Tutti Melon and got some fro yo with coconut, peaches, and pineapple. My friend said that it "tasted like Key West and all it was missing was rum".  To which I replied "My Fro Yo does not taste like a drunksweatymess Queen drenched in Banana Boat Tan Accelorator!" (Because that is what Key West tastes like?)  So, in the words of Flava Flav,  hip hop HOOOOOORAY.  Ho! Hey! Ho! 

 Wearing: Blazer: Zara (Does this linen blazer make me look like Don Johnson?).  Dress: Anthropologie (olllllllddddd).  Boots: Steve Madden.  Belt: Thrifted.  Jewelry: Mikey + 2.9 lbs of bracelets.

 If someone said it was a happy little tale, someone lied.  But let me assure that this like any story worth telling is about a girl...This girl.  My best friend.  You see, Amanda and I became friends when we lived in Denver and worked in Boulder. Though distance now separates us, technology won't let us be further than an IM or text away from each other (and that happens most days).  I have come to realize that Amanda is one of those foreverfriends that we are blessed with in life. Though we don't see each other often, when we do, it is like no time has passed.  I have come to lean on her not just as a friend and confidant but more like a sister.  She knows when I am being crazy, rational, when I am with the wrong guy, when I am with the right guy, and she knows when and how to give me the most amazing advice in the world.  We have laughed about things so hard that we can't breathe.  We have cried together.  We have been each others rock, and know when to push the other in the right direction when needed.   I really can't begin to express my deep affection for her.  She is the strongest woman I know and simply, the BEST!  And, since she is the best, I asked her to give me advice about turning 3.0.  Here is what she has to say.  My commentary in parenthetical bold.

"Hi Friend - 

When you you sent me the initial note....I read the note.  Forgot the note.  Relooked at the note.  Closed the note.  Thought about the note…and then, as it always goes for me, it never left my mind…

What would I say to someone who was turning 30?  More importantly, what would I say to one of my best friends who has worked by my side until the weeeeee hours of the morning, listened to me when no one else would, offered support when no one else did and whose friendship never skips a beat.

Having just turned 30 myself, very indiscreetly, I took some time to reflect and came up with a list of things that I have learned, over my years, and things that I try to remind myself of…sometimes not as often as I should.  Take them with a grain of salt but know that they all come from love….

Be loud.  Be the loudest person in the room to the one person you care about the most. (No problem)

Appreciate Life.  You never know when it will be taken too soon. (Love you, Ali, thank you for you and your sister's friendship)

Work.  Work your ass off.  It does pay off; it just sometimes takes a while. (Clearly!  You are a killer!  Come work with me again!)

Smile.  Remember this the most when you can’t. 

Own a Pet. You will never truly understand unconditional love until you have a little buddy to snuggle with. (Hooray for the bubb even though he takes up the entire bed)

Love your family.  Family is who you decide them to be, most of the time they aren’t biological.

Cry.  A good cry is hard to come by but one of the most therapeutic things you can do.

Always buy fabulous heels.  You will feel amazing in them, even if your jeans are to long for anyone else to see. (Don't mind if I do!)

Live by the water. Listening to a foghorn at night is one of the most comforting and calming sounds you will ever hear. (Someone should take their own advice!!!!)

Find yourself alone on a Friday night.  You discover the most about yourself when you are alone.

Words can make you happy.  Whimsical. (Facetious...What?  It's my favorite word)

Life is hard.  It isn’t easy and it throws you curveballs.  It’s the people around you, and the character you build, that will give you the strength to survive.   (FACT!)

Listen.  You learn the most when someone else is talking 

Remember the good, the bad and the ugly.  Over time they will become memories that you will laugh about.

Believe.  Believe in true love.  It happens, I know.   (This makes me smilehuge!)

Have faith.  In something… (Does Britney Spears count? No?  Ok.)

Take up golf.  It will payoff when we have our Country Club memberships and are sharing our life lessons at 50 on the 16th green. (Fine, but I am not wearing those silly madras shorts that make my knees look fat!)

Feel Beautiful.  You have been here for almost 30 years and each person, who you have come in contact with, is blessed for having met you.  You are fabulous!

Happy SOON to be birthday my friend.

Love you always. (Love you more!)

Amanda "

Alright, that made me cry.  Don't sideeye me.  I hope that you each are blessed enough to have a friend like Amanda is to me.  

BFF Hugs.

Angie

Angie 3.0 Featuring My Aunt Kathy

I hope you are all having a wonderful Tuesday, sugarboogers.  The weather here still continues to be purefabulosity, so, that meant that I get to continue to utilize the other half of my closet.  Just to note, the following exchange happened between The Mister and I last night:

Mister: "Can you do me a favor tomorrow?"

Me: "Of course!"

Mister:  "Quit looking at your feet in your pictures."

Me:  "OK.  It's not like I am a model or anything!"

Cereal y'all, it's staggering that I have fooled anyone into thinking that I know what I am doing.  I can barely walk down the street without getting my heel stuck in a grate.  So, just for The Mister, the first outfit post ever without me looking at my feet!!!!!!  Can I get an Amen!

 Wearing: Dress: Banana Republic.  Shoes: Zara.  Jewelry: Stella & Dot.  Lipstick: Chanel, Dragon.

Well, I warned all y'all yesterday that my fan club was rolling into THYMWYA, and today all you honey bunny's get to read a note from my Aunt Kathy.  She is my mom's best friend and I grew up thinking she was the coolest because she had a rockin 80's wardrobe and would let me jam out to Bon Jovi as loud as possible in her Fiat.  At 6 I would watch her and my mom get ready to go out dancing and ask her if I could have her wardrobe when I grew up.  She would tell me that I would have an amazing wardrobe and I wouldn't want to wear her clothes.  As a young adult, I would watch her run one of the largest title company's in Florida and I would tell her that I wanted to grow up and run a company like her.  She would tell me that I probably shouldn't stay in Tampa and that without a doubt I could run whatever I wanted to.  She was right about that.  My Aunt Kathy is one of the most special people in my life and the friendship that she and my momma have is enviable.  I hope everyone has a forever friend like that.  I know, I have been blessed with a couple. Ladies, Gentlemen, pigeons, here is my Aunt Kathy.  

"In reference to turning 30, this will be one of the best years of your life.. You have always been one of the most mature and ambitious young women I have known. Not to mention your beauty inside is just as beautiful as your physical appearance on the outside. You have that certain "something" that most people don't have that makes you special-just like your mom. Getting out of your twenties really just means one thing - people seem to take you more seriously because you're considered an adult. I know the person that you are and have never cared about other peoples perception of you because you have always been comfortable in your own skin. Never take that for granted- that's another gift you have. Even so, don't discount the magnum and xanax - a party is a party! I LOVE YOU and MISS YOU!!!!!!!!! Kathy"

(Just to note. When I asked Kathy for advice on turning 30, I told her I was having a divaliciousfreakout and was thinking to self soothe with some xanax and a magnum of wine.)

 The biggest of thank you's Kat! That was some fantastic advice, and you better believe that I will definitely be celebrating...I may leave the xanax for another time though.  I love and miss you too! I wish I could give you a great big hug.  

Precious As Pie.

Angie

PdotS:  Did y'all see my feature on The Wear To Go Girls today?  I took them on a fun little field trip to The Haight.  Please go check them out and say hi.  They are the most sparklegemawesomest!

She Is Just An American Riding A Dream

Happy Monday Punkin's.  GUESS WHAT!!??!!  It is 87 degrees outside right now at 4:30 pm on June 20th.  Summer finally decided to show its' sunshiney face and all I want to do is hardfrench it's LIFE AWAY!  You heard me!  I said Hard. French.  I am talking full blown makeout sesh. I am thiclose to asking Summer if he wants to hang out for awhile and get in a long term relationship...However, I know Summer and my Boyf San Francisco don't exactly get along.  They are like the Jets and the Sharks, with less pirouettes, and SF brings a gun to the knife fight.  What can I say, I have a thing for bad boys, and I committed to that BMF Frisco wholeheartedly two years ago.  (I am really hoping that you all got that West Side Story reference.)

Wearing: Dress: H&M.  Heels: Vintage (real snakeskin because honeybadger don't give an ish.).  Bag: Prada.  Yeah, I am the one person who just throws around her Prada bag on the streets of SF.  As my dad would say "This is why you kids can't have nice things.  You treat everything good like crap!" (just a note, that was always more directed to my brother than me because for a period of about 3 years, everything that kid touched broke.  Including every power yard tool my Dad owned)

Obviously on a day like this, I had to pull out the absolute brightest thing in my closet, which undoubtedly is this sparklegemawesome dress.  Not only does it make me look ubertan, but I look like a construction cone with a swirl of strawberry ice cream on top (which didn't aide in me nearly getting hit by a cab...It wasn't like the guy could miss me). It was so unbelievable out that my friend and I walked down to the Ferry building for lunch and sat outside.  There I am doing the Dorothy skip down the street and some lady was walking behind me with her friend and said "Don't you think that outfit is a little too bright."  I turned around and she was wearing navy blue trousers with a key card on her belt loop.  Clearly, she could take a hike (hag).   Haters gonna Hate.  Aint' that right NeNe?

Do y'all like this view?  Not a shabby lunchtime locale, eh?  Too bad today is Monday and I have to actually do something to earn my living that doesn't include swinging from a pole.  Which means that I had to be a productive and responsible member of society and not ditch work immediately after lunch.  Trust me, all I wanted to do was go home and get Zig, and take him to the beach.  The good news is, I went on our rooftop lounge and got a lot accomplished.  And by a lot accomplished, I mean, I got a tan.

So, it's 6 days until my 3.0 and the Angie Fan Club rolls into The Hotness Your Momma Warned You About tomorrow (not to be confused with the SF Chapter of the Britney Spears Sparkle Club, which I am still the president of).  My most favoritest people on the planet are making guest appearances, so, fasten your seatbelts for that one.

All you SF readers, don't forget that the SF Swap LuLu's event is happening this Thursday.  Be sure to buy your tickets here and enter THEHOTNESS in the discount code for 25% off of your admission. I hope to see you all there.

Hot Hot Heat.

Angie

Happy Father's Day, Daddy

Hoooooray to all papa's out there.   I am really blessed to be surrounded by some great dad's, but, obviously, none is more special to me than my own.  Here is something sweet and sappy just for the big guy.

Hi Daddy.  Happy Father's day.  I want to thank you for some things. Thank you for teaching me that laughter is the best gift you can ever give anyone.  To not ever be afraid to be a ham.  When all else fails, sing a song (loudly).  Thanks for embarrassing the everlivingshit out of me when I was in high school just so I didn't get too high on my own horse.  Thanks for no matter what, always having my back.  Thanks for listening to me when I tell you that something doesn't feel right in my gut.  Thank you for teaching me that the best times that a Father can ever have with his daughter are often in the morning over copious cups of coffee.  Thank you for teaching me that if a man can't grill with charcoal, he probably isn't worth my time.  Thanks for not yelling at me when I dropped your birthday key lime pie on the floor.  Thank you for yelling at me at 15 when you caught me smoking.  Thank you for teaching me how to be an acrobat in the pool and not to be afraid to fly through the air.  Thank you for making me do yard work with you...even if your machete scared me.  Thank you for taking me fishing all of those times.  Thank you for instilling in me the love of football and how to root for the underdog, even if they wore sorbet orange uniforms (TAMPA!  BAY!) Thank you for making me laugh so hard about the littlest things that they became the most memorable. Thank you for all the roadtrips.  Thanks for not letting anyone get rowdy with me.  Thanks for having the loudest voice in every stadium EVER, so I would never get lost. Thank you for making sure I got every bead I wanted at Gasparilla.  Thank you for the dimples.  Thank you for Grandma and Grandpa and all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Thank you for Ant and Rissy. Thank you for teaching me that Crystal hot sauce is appropriate to put on everything.  Thank you for the countless pancake Saturdays.  Thank you for reading me "Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs" whenever I ask you to. Thank you for teaching me how to make meatballs and sauce, braciole, ribs, and pasta. Thanks for being harder on Anthony than you were on me growing up.  He needed it a lot more than me.  Thank you for understanding me even when I don't understand myself.  Thank you for our honest relationship.  Thank you for apologizing and fixing us.  Having you in my life as not only my dad, but my best friend has been one of the best blessings on my adult life...It gives me pride and joy to call myself your daughter.

I love you very much.

Angie Smangie.