jamie ann

I should have just rescheduled.

But I was stuck in traffic and running late so I missed my regular stylist. I could either wait another couple of weeks or see someone else.

Guess which one I did?

NEVER SEE SOMEONE ELSE.

Little bit of a back story: I keep my hair long. Very long, usually about mid-back or longer.

I’ve been told I have great hair so I’ve taken that and ran with it. And I think I do (when I put the effort in to making it look good instead of wrapping it up in a bun on top of my head).

So it’s kind of a security blanket for me. Maybe if people think I have pretty hair they won’t see the rest of me. The rest of me that I’m so uncomfortable with.

Chances are if you see me, I’m probably wrapping my hair around my fingers or fiddling with it one way or another. It’s what I do when I’m anxious or have something on my mind. Like I said – security blanket.

Anyway, I seen someone else. And now my hair is short. Anyone who sees me, will think I’m crazy for saying it’s short. It’s just past shoulder length.

But for me?

That’s short.

I can barely pull it in a bun without it sticking out everywhere. My pony tail is so short. It doesn’t feel right when twirling. It slips through my fingers too fast.

I feel kind of naked. And I don’t like it.

Moral of this story is: if there is bad mojo flying around on hair cut day?

ALWAYS RESCHEDULE.

The other day I was asking about cute coffee shops and cafes that had WiFi on Twitter. I was going to be meeting some girls and wanted a comfortable place to talk and get some work done. And as always, my internetz comes through for me.

Psuedostoops suggested Sip on Grand so after a little Yelping, I decided this was the place I wanted to try.

Sip Coffee House
1223 W. Grand

First of all, it is a house. Two stories so there is plenty of room and it’s open and airy but still cozy. Lots of windows so there is a ton of natural light. No dark corners for angsty hipsters to act like they are better than you. The patrons were a mix of yuppies and hipsters from 20s-40s. Big comfy couches and table space. Miss matched coffee mugs on shelves. A wall full of magazines. There is a small outdoor patio in the middle of the house and then there is the porch in the back.

The baristas were super cool and friendly. If they internet went down, they hurried to fix it. They understood my something-that-is-super-yummy-doesn’t-taste-like-coffee babble and suggested one of their blenderz because they “kind of taste like ice cream”. Now that is how to get a non coffee drinker to buy a coffee drink! (even if it was $5.50. Ouch!)

Lots of seating and outlets.  I went on a Monday around 10:30 and it wasn’t crowded so I didn’t have to fight for a spot. The internet was a bit spotty but they were on top of it every time it went down. They have food as well but I didn’t get to try any. Next time because there will definitely be a next time.

Maybe I’ll move to the west loop so that can be my coffee shop.

Or just live there.

Whatever.

What better way to wrap up a great weekend at BlogHer than with a video blog?

Especially if it is a drunk* video blog with Jessica, Katelin and myself**.

There is talk of being classy, stealing babies***, meeting Tim Gunn and loving people.

BlogHer 09 from jamie lovely on Vimeo.

* Basically I won’t shut up when drunk if you haven’t caught on to that. But I very, very rarely get drunk.
** I promise my boob is where it should be. I’m not quite sure why it looks like I pulled a Janet Jackson at the Super Bowl. Boobs are in check.
*** For the record, we don’t really want to steal people’s cute babies. Just borrow them for a bit because they are adorable.

P.S. Our BlogHer08 video blog can be found here.

Dude.

This was a whirlwind of a weekend. But it was absolutely amazing.

Last year was my first year attending BlogHer, but I’m not going to lie, I was still pretty overwhelmed. Thursday afternoon, I walked into the Social Luxe party alone, did a quick run around the room and had to step out to take a breather. Lots of women, noise and so much going on. I was freaked for a second. The lack of cell and internet reception made it hard to connect with other people I might know to get a little more comfortable. But I sucked it up and made some friends!

I attended a few sessions but I walked out of some because they didn’t seem like the description. Or a lot of the ones I wanted to go to were too crowded or you couldn’t hear. I think last year may have had some better sessions. But I really think they need some bigger rooms, especially for sessions you know will be popular like those about branding or humor.

The exhibition hall was way bigger than last year. There were some really great booths there this year. I particularly liked Suave and Disney because duh, hair product and Mickey Mouse ice cream bars are the way to my heart. The food this year was a major upgrade. No crappy boxed lunches in 09. Woo! But the lack of water was awful. Tons of Pepsi products, which I love, but a girl needs some water too! (Note to self, bring water bottle next time.)

I got a massage in the MicroSpa. That dude worked the shit out of my shoulder. He told me he could tell it was jacked up so he spent extra time on it. And really? I’m going to have to work massages into my budget every now and then because I just felt so amazing after.

There was the Wienermobile which was fucking awesome. Tara and I got to take a ride around Chicago and harass tourists with the intercom thing and horn. It was amazing and so is Tara. I’m so happy I met her!

I met Tim Gunn. I’m pretty sure I literally squealed right before our turn. I was so scared and excited but he was probably the nicest person ever. We discussed Project Runway Allstars!

It was pretty great having BlogHer in Chicago. I got to do a few things that I’ve never done in my 25 years here. I took a carriage ride down Michigan avenue to the Hancock for a Nintendo Enthusiast dinner. Went up 95 floors to the Signature Room where we had an amazing dinner. The view was amazing. My table was amazing and watching lightning from 95 floors up was amazing.

Then I met Edward at the MamaPop party all decked out with my glow sticks and twittered about it and all you bitches went nuts. So here is my proof, me and Edward:

(dazzled drunk Jamie kissy face)

The next night, I walked the red carpet with my BlogHer crew at BowlHer (not BLOWher), rocked a hot pink boa and hit the open bar hard.

As if that wasn’t enough? It was time for the CheeseburgHer party in the Presidential Suite. This meant more wine and cheeseburgers. And of course, McDonald’s bag hats. For the second year, this has been my favorite part of BlogHer.

(this was taken on my iPhone but is pretty accurate. That night was hazy, blurry and filled with McD’s bags and hot pink boas)

My favorite part about blogging and BlogHer is the connections I make and the relationships that are built. My two partners in crime for the weekend: Jess and Katelin (stay tuned for a video blog from us soon!). New friends: Beth, Heidi and Tara, let’s all move to the same city. The best date ever, Maggie. Chicago gals that I don’t see enough, Allie, Suz and Angie. Yvonne is probably the coolest person ever and I love her so much. I wish we could have chatted more. Some official BlogHer ladies: Jeanne, Elisa and Jenny who I’ve been talking with for a long time so it was great to finally meet. And Gwen Bell was so so great even though I was totally awkward and didn’t know what to say around her. It was just amazing meeting people I admire and respect so much.

Everyone else I stumbled upon, drunkenly talked to, excitedly introduced myself to, speed dated, everything… I could go on forever and link everyone in the world but it was great meeting everyone! You know who you are.

Best part of a weekend with 1200 women?

No drama. No bullshit. Just respect and fun.

I was not interested in any of nonsense and just had the best time.. So thank you for that, ladies!

P.S. We will be hitting NYC for the conference in 2010 and I’m determined to have an even stronger 20 something presence there. So if you’re interested, let’s get the ball rolling and make this happen!

P.P.S. I was awful at taking photos. Once everyone else get some uploaded, I’ll steal some and make a BlogHer photo post.

* For the record, I don’t say it’s Christmas just because of the insane amount of swag. Everyone is all “wah wah BlogHer isn’t about the swag, you greedy bitches”. It’s the one time of year, your other (blogging) family gets together, learns things, has a big party, shares stories and gets drunk. Just like your normal family gatherings. AND the presents don’t hurt but swag is obviously not the reason why I go to BlogHer.

BlogHer last year was a great experience for me. I met so many friends and amazing people that I respected so much for putting themselves out there. I learned so much and realized that maybe I could do this, really do this. I couldn’t be more grateful for the experience I had in San Francisco last year. This year BlogHer is bringing it back to Chicago. I’m thrilled that everyone is in my city!

Tonight we kick it off with a couple parties and dinner with some favorite girls and tomorrow the conference starts.

Are you attending BlogHer? Shoot me an email or DM to make sure we connect while I’m there. I can’t wait to meet everyone!

If you want to know what I’m up to while I’m there, what sessions I’m in, who I’m hearing speak, who I’m drinking wine and eating cheeseburgHers with and if I successfully stalked Tim Gunn make sure you follow me on Twitter.

@jamielovely

P.S. You can keep up with the conversation by using #BlogHer09.

Things you should not do:

• wake me up at 6:30 to borrow my cell phone for a phone call you don’t even make
• vacuum downstairs before 7AM
• be my neighbor who decided to pull out fence posts with his Jeep and repeated hit the gas trying to get said fence post out at 6:30AM.
• let your yappy dogs outside at 5AM so they can bark nonstop outside your neighbor’s (MY) window for an hour.

The past two days have been like this. I was woken up way too early by ridiculous things that were not necessary when I didn’t have to be up for a few more hours.

I really enjoy my sleep. I need sleep or I’m a complete bitch. It’s true. And once I’m up, I’m up. I can’t fall back asleep. So not enough sleep, of course, doesn’t start my day off right and then if I have to deal with bullshit all day?

Let’s just say Jamie hasn’t been so lovely this week.

The chipper and happy people who are bright eyed and bushy tailed at 7AM need to just stop or keep that nonsense far away from me. I’m thrilled you’re a morning person but I would be more thrilled if you stayed away from me. I do not want to talk to you about your new project or that new dress you bought on sale before 9AM. Once I’m fully awake, I’m more than happy to talk about your cat, Fluffy, and your dinner plans.

(And there is the revving of the engine again. Dude, you’ve been trying to get the post out for two hours, the effing fence post is not coming out!)

So for the record:  you shouldn’t talk to me until I’m fully awake because you will either 1) be completely ignored or 2) more than likely be dead and buried by a murderous look and a “seriously?”.

Obviously, there are exceptions to this rule though.

Like this weekend, I’ll be at BlogHer. So many friends and people I want to meet will be there and there will definitely not be enough time to do it all so I will be squeezing as much in as possible. So don’t worry BlogHer roomies, I’ll be in the best mood ever this weekend.

And probably more than slightly drunk.

(can someone buy me these bookshelves?)

I think it’s time for another installment about my bookish whims. I’ve been a little bit busier since my last post about books so I haven’t read quite as much as I would like.

First off, I returned the second and third Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum books without reading them. I got a couple chapters through book two but I just wasn’t feeling it. At least I gave them a shot.

Same goes for the Heather Wells series by Meg Cabot. I knocked out the first one but was very unsure why a book about a fallen broke pop star turned dorm RA turned mystery solver was called Size 12 is Not Fat. So off the other two went unread back to the library.

Of course, with Harry Potter coming out there was definitely some Harry Potter in the past few weeks. This time it was the Deathly Hallows.

Then I felt I needed something light with no murdering Potions professors and pining girls who are always in love with the wrong guy. So I went with a YA book of mine by Noel Streatfeild. Ballet Shoes is a favorite from when I was younger but I couldn’t find it so I went with the follow up, Theater Shoes.

And what do you pick up after a YA book about dancing and theater?

Obviously, vampires.

In the past three days, I’ve knocked out the first three Sookie Stackhouse books: Dead Until Dark, Living Dead in Dallas and Club Dead. I suspect I’ll be done with the next by tomorrow. These are a little more grown up than Twilight. Sex, murder and synthetic blood. Definitely no “vegetarian” vampires here.

I’ve got some Jane Green novels on deck after I wrap this one up. I don’t think I’ll get my hands on the rest of the Stackhouse novels for a bit because of stupid waiting lists at the library.

As always, I’d love your thoughts if you’ve read any of these books and recommendations are always welcome! So what are you reading right now?

Well I haven’t just yet. You see, I’m in quite a predicament here.

What do you do when your dress is adorable but too short to wear on it’s own? What do you do when in the past you’ve repeatedly screamed from the rooftops that LEGGINGS ARE JUST NOT FUCKING PANTS. STOP WEARING THEM AS PANTS.

Do I stand on principal and refuse to wear this cute dress even though it’s has pretty purple print and shows off the girls quite nicely? Or do I suck it up, throw some leggings on under that bitch and rock it anyway?

All while eating some serious crow.

(and wearing my adorable new sandals)

I mean they definitely won’t be worn as pants. The dress is just a bit too short like if I were to bend over, it would be all OH HEY JAMIE’S ASS, THANKS FOR COMING TO BLOGHER. And then I’d have to make a blog for my ass since everyone will obviously see it and duh, if you’re going to BlogHer you need a blog.

AND

Tim Gunn will be there. Do I really want to face a “this worries me” from him once he catches a glimpse of my outfit? I mean it’s Tim Gunn. What he says goes. Or maybe Tim would say MAKE IT WORK. But would I have made it work, with leggings? Does Tim Gunn look down on leggings? Or maybe he would be like, THIS GIRL IS WEARING LEGGINGS! FASHION MAKEOVER ASAP! and then he takes me shopping and we become BFF.

Obviously, this is serious business.

To legging or not to legging?

Help a girl out.

Usually if someone says something I don’t like, I have witty comebacks. I bet you didn’t know that.

Here is a few examples:

Person: Hey Jamie, you look tired today.

Me: Your face looks tired today.

or

Person: Be careful driving home.

Me:  YOU be careful.

Person: But I’m not going anywhere ….

See what I did there? Obviously, I have the humor of a 12 year old. I’m easily amused and think I’m fucking hilarious. Whatever.

ANYWAY!

While browsing my favorite celeb gossip site reading a post about Britney, I came across someone who decided to talk shit. We all know this is just wrong because hi, Britney is amazing.

Anyway, someone commented back to them with:

“I’m going to crucio your fucking ugly ass.”

If you aren’t familiar with Harry Potter, this probably means nothing to you. But if you are, you know how amazing this is.

Next time someone decides to act up -

CRUCIO.

I love it.

P.S. I’m so excited for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. I’m hopefully going to see it tomorrow!
P.P.S. You now know exactly how big of a geek I am by this post. Throwing out fictional curses as witty retorts.
P.P.P.S. Shut your laughing face.
P.P.P.P.S. CRUCIO.

I really wish I liked sushi.

And coffee.

But for some reason, I just can’t do it. It would be great if magically did one day.

When sushi is suggested, I’m all how about something that is a little more well done and wasn’t just flopping around in water? I just can’t do the raw thing.

Speaking of raw food, I was watching Wife Swap the other day. (Ya, ya, guilty pleasure. Shut it) So these two moms switched lives and one of the families was on an all raw diet. Not just veggies and all that but raw meats too. Like they ate raw chicken and beef! I kind threw up in my mouth a little.

Yeah, so back to sushi. It’s pretty. But I’d be the girl who ruins your sushi night out. I’m the sushi buzz kill.

I apologize in advance.

Then there is coffee. How convenient would it be if I just liked coffee? I need caffeine though so I go with pop. But there is a hell of a lot more calories and sugar in a can of Pepsi than there is in a cup of coffee. That alone is a great reason to suck it up and drink it.

But no, instead I’m the weirdo drinking pop at 10AM to wake the hell up!

Then there is the coffee dates, coffee runs and business meetings over coffee. I’m totally missing out here. Coffee causes some serious bonding and here I am all coffee and bond-less and running to a vending machine to get my fix instead.

And seriously, how professional would it be to be like on a business meeting and they are all oh, what can I get you? And I’m all a small hot chocolate. And they are like DUH, we don’t have small. We only have TALL or VENTI and I’m like JUST GIVE ME THE SMALLEST EFFING HOT CHOCOLATE BECAUSE I’M A 7 YEAR OLD.*** I DON’T SPEAK YOUR LANGUAGE, SNOOTY BARISTA!

Yeah, that would make me really look awesome.

Maybe I still need to find my mocha frou frou drink. You know the kind that is basically all sugar, artificial flavors and whip cream and they just say coffee is in it but it is really just crack. Why else would you spend $5 on a latte everyday?****

* sorry to any of your raw meat eaters out there, I still love you but cook your food so you don’t get salmonella** and die
** I don’t know if samonella is what you get from eating raw meat so I googled, “dying from raw meat” and I guess you get parasites and that’s fucking sick
*** I was going to say 12 at first but there are totally 12 year olds who drink Starbucks Wandering around with their Ugg boots and mini skirts. Even THEY drink coffee.
**** CRACK.