I've Found It!

As a coffee convert I have problems finding coffee drinks that I like that aren't too "coffee" flavored. 

I used to DESPISE coffee, but after ditching my Freshman/Sophomore morning Diet Coke (even though new studies suggest that it doesn't cause cancer!!) I decided that it was time to suck it up and make myself like coffee. Plus it's much better for you than any diet (or regular) soda. Much fewer chemicals. 

So, I'm working up to the stronger drinks. Currently I can take my coffee REALLY milky and sugary. Let's face it, my coffee is really more milk and sugar with a splash of coffee. I really like Starbucks' skinny iced cafe vanilla. But today was 50 degrees so I had to find a real "coffee drink" for the first time. 

I went with the Salted Caramel Mocha and WOW was it good! The perfect balance of sweet and coffee. I'm so happy with it! 

Unfortunately due to my exceedingly low tolerance for coffee I'm WIRED right now and probably will be up for another few hours... Oh well, lesson learned...

Keep it classy,

~E

Before the dawn

My mom always says that "It's always darkest before the dawn" whenever something rough is going on. No matter what is happening,

 whenever I think of that phrase I get a little glimmer of hope. 

Something, anything, to get me through whatever is going down.

So when you're feeling down, just remember,

It's always darkest before the dawn.

Life does go on.

Keep it classy,

~E

Anything you can do...

Heard the phrase "anything you can do, I can do better"? (Annie Get Your Gun anyone?)

Well boys, anything you can do a girl can do... in heels. 

I took the chance and went to school in heels today. 5 inch heals. 

It really wasn't that bad. 

I got those shoes from a vintage store... $8 for Cole Haan! 

Really, one of my better buys.

I got a bunch of complements and on a grocery store run I even got hit on by the bag boy. 

While I am almost 5' 10" I still enjoy heels sometimes. And even though I'm not wearing heels to homecoming for practical reasons, I do need to have some shoe fun sometimes!

So while everyone else did (or did not) enjoy my shoes, really they were for me. I'm not trying to toot my own horn or anything but I looked really good. 

I paired my H&M blue rugby stripe sweater with my indigo Joe's Jeans (FAVORITE PAIR OF JEANS EVER) and a pearl necklace. I felt good and had a decent day because of it.

So remember everybody, people might think that you're dressing up for some occasion or another, but as long as you're happy that's all that matters. It's like red lipstick, it's more for you than anyone else (Confession time: I put on bright red lipstick while doing homework to stay motivated sometimes)

Keep it classy,

~E

Halloween!

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I absolutely ADORE Halloween.

And this year is no exception.

Just this weekend Mother and I were bored... What did we do?

Why we baked cookies of course!!!

But not just regular cookies, we made HALLOWEEN COOKIES!!!

Oh My Goodness! We had so much fun!

We cut out ghosts of all shapes and sizes and spooky spiders and pumpkins!

And we had a ball decorating together! She iced and I sprinkled and they look so good! 

It was a great time using all the sprinkles we've accumulated over a few years. I love the different colors of icing and all the various sprinkles and colors!

Take a look...

Keep it classy,

~E

Vote For Chloe!

Hello Woods Ladies!

Don't forget that Homecoming Voting is currently going on and one of my girlfriends Chloe is up for Junior Rep! 

So do The Classy Tuesdays a solid and go and vote for the classiest candidate around!

Because Chloe is the only candidate around who is Classy Tuesdays Approved! 

Keep it classy,

~E

Ann and Michelle- First Ladies of Style

No matter who you like for president, there's no denying that both Ann Romney and Michelle Obama are exceedingly classy ladies. If I could vote, I'd vote for Michelle's arm's and Ann's age appropriate style. Both ladies would make an excellent first lady I'd be proud to be behind. 

 

 

To my readers who can vote, stay informed and the same goes to those of you who can't, because this is an excellent opportunity to get ready for when you can. So listen up America, because this is history in the making. 

Keep it classy,

~E

Thank You RuPaul.

You can learn some pretty important life lessons in the most unexpected of places.

And you've read the title of this post correctly, today, I'm thanking RuPaul for some important things.

RuPaul, you've taught me that every girl (biological or not) needs needs only four things...

1. Charisma

2. Uniqueness

3. Nerve

and 

4. Talent

Charisma- Every girl needs self confidence, and she needs to show it. Never forget that the happiest girls are the prettiest girls. Show that you ARE the happiest not to mention the prettiest. 

Uniqueness- Girls also need to remember that standing out is way better than blending in. Always be your own person and do what you want to do. Never fall into trying to be "cool" just rock you.

Nerve- It takes nerve to be your own person and be unique. You have to loose your inhibitions and take risks on the path to being your own person.

Talent- There's no substitution for talent. You have got to identify and then flaunt what you've got. Never hide it behind someone else's light. 

I hope that you all take these four lessons to heart.

Keep it classy,

~E

Lessons Learned.

Everyone knows that Junior year in high school is the critical year.

It's when everything takes a huge step up in difficulty and stress.

Colleges look hard at junior year course rigor and grades. Also, it's when people have to really start thinking seriously about their futures, what they want to do, and what they can do. 

If I could go back to my Junior High self I would say that Freshman year is going to be hard, and it's just going to get harder. But you have to study. I didn't, and now I'm forced to face the consequences. In order to get into my top choice school this year just got a lot harder. School is going to have to take a bigger part of my life. 

But you know what, I'm going to take it in stride. My social calender is going to get smaller, two hang outs with friends and two with family a weekend. Homework is going to be lots more important and Netflix is getting deleted from my phone. 

I'm ready to own my own stupidity and move on. It's also time to readjust my goals and priorities. Am I really happy? Is this going to help me in the future?

Anything that contributes to a no is going to have to go. I'm not looking forward to it, but something has to give.

Keep it classy,

~E

Post Script-

This whole thing was inspired by Legally Blonde where Elle says (or sings) that she needs to "dream within reach" and not "stray beyond". I refuse to compromise what I dream. Goals are set for a purpose, not to be upset when they aren't achieved. 

Guess What I've Done...

This weekend was an absolute ball!

I spent it at my dad's and on Saturday we participated in an "Urban Adventure Scavenger Hunt" downtown in Houston!

We had so much fun! Really we did! I was supposedly a 5K but due to our poor planning we 

criss-crossed the city a few times. We tracked it on an iPhone and it turned out we did almost 7 miles. 

The whole point was to complete a photo scavenger hunt and do it in the fastest time possible. Our team, well, we weren't even close to the fastest time. But we really didn't care we made a 20 minute pit stop for drinks (non alcoholic for this under 21) and running was almost completely out of the question. Mostly we walked, or power walked sometimes... 

It doesn't matter anyway. We were greeted at the finish line with lots of water and a large cheese pizza. Life was pretty good. 

And I'm putting together a team for a 5K Mud and Obstacle run on the 27th. So if any of my local readers want to join the team shoot me an email! theclassytuesdays [at] gmail.com

So stay fit my friends and keep it classy,

~E

But does it work?

Last birthday I was awoken to two of my best friends breaking into my room and waking me up with flowers and bagels. Now I'm not complaining, but they did make fun of me for almost a month about my face when I really registered what was going on. While a typically expressive person, I attempted to hide my face from my friends for one very good reason, zits. 

Everyone gets them. And everyone tries their best to get rid of them as fast as possible.

It just so happened that I used my most desperate but successful method the night before my birthday. 

Toothpaste.

That's right, toothpaste. The stuff you brush your teeth with. If you place an itty-bitty amount on that pesky (un popped) zit before bed then BAM! Wake up in the morning and WOW! It's almost all dried out! 

My friends made fun of me for weeks until one of them had a break out. I suggested the toothpaste route and lo and behold, the next morning she gave me a hug and said "I'm sorry I made fun of you". Needless to say, I was highly entertained and felt more than slightly vindicated.

So take it from a girl who knows, those old slightly stupid sounding cures for things actually work sometimes. So don't count them out until you've tried it.

Keep it classy,

~E

Keep It Cozy

I wish it was colder here, so my wish has gone virtual... 

I'm dreaming of coats and snow....

Just go with it.

Keep it classy,

~E

Dream Closet

I'm still dreaming of fall... 

So I designed my own dream closet for fall. 

Isn't it fabulous?

 

Keep it classy,

~E

Fall Fancies- Music

 I do love music, and this fall really has me on a mellow mood, I thought I would share it with y'all. 

Enjoy!

Keep it classy,

~E

Happy Hundred!

Well Kids, we've arrived! 

It's officially The Classy Tuesday's ONE HUNDREDTH POST!!!

I couldn't be more excited!

Really, I've come a long way since last November, (celebrating one year next month) and while not every day has topped out in readership, overall I'm pleased with how running this blog has turned out. I feel responsible for something important, something bigger than myself. Having YOU as a reader has really been a splendid experience, and it's YOU that keeps me going. And I can't think of a better way to celebrate than observing Classy Tuesday!

And for Father/Daughter dinner tonight father and I are headed out for a dinner at on of his friend's restaurants where his friend the chief will be dining with us. It's all very exciting. I do have a splendid dress I'm wearing today. It's one of the great things I got a the scholar shop back in August. It's BCBG and I adore it. 

Unfortunately the brief glimpse of fall we experienced yesterday (low 60's!) is over, and we're back in the 70's. Ugh. C'est la vie. (non sequetor- that's my new phrase) 

And in the spirit of reminiscence here's a few photos from the beginnings to now. 

It's funny looking back at what we started off as to now. And it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling. Like an especially emotionally satisfying hug. 

Keep it classy,

~E

Changin Seasons, Changing Self.

It's officially cracked 50 degrees out so I'm calling it fall. 

And looking at my calender it's been fall for a few weeks now. 

And I'm excited about it, really I am.

I love fall and cold weather. It's my favorite time of the year. 

But I'm a bit disappointed in myself. I feel like I didn't live in the moment enough this late summer. Since summer ended I've simply existed, I haven't thrived and lived every moment to the fullest.

So this fall I'm promising myself that things are going to be different. I'm making it my new policy to stop complaining so much and focus on the now. When someone asks me 20 years from now how high school was I want to be able to say that I made the best of my high school career. 

Doesn't everyone want to be able to say that they loved those 4 years? I know I do.

Live it up and keep it classy,

~E

Crimes Of Fashion

We all know the basics of how to look good when we want to.

And I think that everyone has their own fashion pet peeves. 

For fun I thought that I would share mine!

So... 

A Comprehensive List Of Eleanor's Fashion Pet Peeves.

Beginning our list at number five... Clashing.

I really despise when people clash their colors. We had a physics sub the other day and she broke at least three of my personal rules... The leas of them being the clashing of not one, not two, not three, but FOUR different colors of navy blue. She wore navy pants, a navy cardigan with daisies embroidered on it, a navy cami, and navy sketchers shape ups. A better thing to do would have been to break the labor day code, put on some white pants, a pink polo, the same sweater and grab the super cute Madwell polka dot keds! So easy, and no more clashing!

Next at number four... Athletic shoes as real footwear.

It's really not that hard people, just grab a super cute pair of lace ups like the aforementioned Madwell keds!

Number three.. awkward hems.

That one pair of old jeans that fits you perfectly in the waist but is just an inch or two too short and you decide to wear them anyways thinking that no one will notice, I have news for you, I notice! Either cuff 'em or chuck 'em because that strange hem that is too short to be on purpose but to long to be an anke show is not attractive on anyone. I LOVE cuffed jeans, what's wrong with that? Nothing I say! Just make it look like its on purpose and you're all good!

Number two... Peak-a-boo sweaters.

Listen up! If you're showing skin between buttons then it's time to remove that item from your closet, send it to goodwill, give it to your little sister or brother, put it in the scrap fabric pile, whatever, just don't wear it! No one wants to see that, I promise!

And topping my list... Camel Toe. 

It sounds funny, people make plenty of jokes about it, but no matter what, it's a huge problem. It's not classy, nor does it look good on anyone. If your pants are riding up the front then you have a HUGE problem! Incidentally I did stumble across this hysterical video about camel toe. It's 90's and blunt. Exactly my thing. Fanny Pack- Camel Toe.

Keep it Classy, 

~E

Paul, Sir Paul.

I just gained something new to look forward to.

On November 14th I'm headed to go see Sir Paul McCartney perform live!!!

I'm so very excited!

I do adore the Beatles!!

Keep it classy,

~E

It really is all that great.

With a job a paycheck follows.

After a paycheck you spend some and save some. 

I've been responsible so far with my paycheck, but lately I've made some really great purchases that I've been looking at for a while. Some of them I've even posted about...

So here is The Classy Tuesday's Guide to Great Purchases!

6. Tugs-

Finally I have a chance to grab myself a pair! Man are they a great investment! I never have to worry about where my sunnies are and they are stylin' while still exceedingly functional. I love wearing them with purchase number 2! I seem to always get a compliment whenever I wear them out!

5. Lilly Agenda-

Cute and functional. It's a win win! I love my Lilly agenda in May Flowers. It's so incredibly cute and perfect for forcing me to stay organized but classy at the same time. I really do feel wonderful when I pull it out. Not to mention the happy florals and patterns keep me motivated and joyous while still on track!

4. Kate Spade Lap Top Sleeve-

Oh how I love it! Kate Spade can really do no wrong... It's polka dotted and protective and terrific. Really I'm incredibly happy with it. I use it all the time transporting my laptop to and from houses and Starbucks study sessions. LOVE LOVE LOVE!

3. Class Ring-

You've already seen it. Basically, I'm in love. I wear it every day.

2. Ray Bans-

I've wanted some for years. Finally they are in my grasp. I am really a happy girl. Not to mention the discount I got on them because I work in the same shopping center as the sunglasses store! They really were perfect. Also, I got the tortoise shell wayfarers so they go with practically everything. Huzzah!

1. Frat Collection T-

You've probably seen it, I've worn it a ton, the entire world practically knows of it's existence. Basically I'm just the happiest girl in the entire world over it. Really it was totally worth the shipping cost (almost $8) and the wait period of two weeks. If you haven't taken a look at The Frat Collection yet then you should totally go check it out! It's a wonderful investment!

p.s. AIDS foundation Houston is a wonderful organization to donate your 10% to!

Keep it classy,

~E

Manicures For The Greater Good.

So on Tuesday I went for a manicure.

It wasn't the best I've ever gotten, but I'll keep heading back. Because there going to get a lot better. 

How do I know?

Because my nail technician was a wonderful girl named Alexa who is working on acquiring 1,500 hours of practical salon work to earn her cosmetology licence. I was her first practical manicure! It was so exciting! We both had a blast chatting it up as she did my nails, which really do look good. 

Here's the skinny on the program, 

It's run through ORHS but TWHS and CP both also go there. It's run by a licenced cosmetologist and teacher who helps Juniors and Seniors who aspire to earn their cosmetology licences by the time they graduate high school. Students are required to total 1,500 hours of lab work on real clients and friends. The craziest thing to me is that the students who take their practical exams are required to perform so many different tasks, manicures, facials, highlights, bangs, braids, cuts and the list keeps on going. Alexa is the lab's color specialist, however the girl who did mother's nails was the nail art specialist... It's so cool!

The best part for me is that students get practice and the cost of your service is put directly into the program, for supplies and things for the students to practice with. My manicure was $8. At the salon it would have been at least $15, possibly $20 or more. Alexa got practice and I got a mani. Where is the negative?

So if you live in the area or you know that your local high school has a cosmo program, swing by and see when the lab hours are. You might be surprised how appreciative they are of your time and their use of you to practice.

I can't wait to go back and see what else the girls can do! 

Keep it classy,

~E

It's Over!

Today I am ecstatic over something ending. 

Can you guess what it is?

Ke$ha's spirit quest is over! 

Her new song was leaked late September 29th and I've been listening to it on repeat for the past few days! Huzzah for Ke$ha!

While I do really enjoy her new song, I'm not huge on its title. It sort of... not exactly what I need to be listening to because of the last few weeks.

(Die Young can be found here)

That being said, I'm digging the easily dance-able beats and the way you can simply grove.

Not to mention the sentiment that we should all make the most of today because we never know what is going to happen tomorrow.

I'm basically loving all over this song. Not to mention the lyric video is clever. All the fonts are pretty cool. Also, the new music has prompted me to go and re-discover my Ke$ha music collection, which is actually not as bad as everyone seems to think it is. 

I'm loving me some Ke$ha.

That is all.

Keep it classy,

~E

Happy October!

I'm so glad that it's October finally!

My favorite month!

Pumpkins, and a little bit of the creeps every so often, scary movies and decorations!

Can you blame me?

Not to mention that it was only 80 degrees today!

And I have always and will always enjoy trick-or-treating and dressing up! Last year for our Halloween pep rally I was Audrey Hepburn from Breakfast at Tiffany's!

HAPPY OCTOBER Y'ALL!!!

Keep it classy,

~E