500th Post

Congratulation's Verbaledudette! You have reached your 500th post! It has taken you five years to reach it, but goodness - you did it! Let's eat cake to celebrate!

It is freezing in my apartment and I have recently discovered that the building across the street has a new male resident. I know this because I can actually see him brushing his teeth in nothing but a white towel around his waist in a full lit bathroom directly in eye line from my desk window. I have my christmas socks that my mother sent me on, a long sleeve, and a thick man sweater. Oh and pants. It is almost abusive to have a old heater in our room that doesn't work but makes noises anyways. It is mocking our shivering chatters.

I started to pack up a bit today. Paisley was doing it, and in chain reaction, Kayleigh, Savannah and myself joined in the process. It is odd packing a little bag to come home. It is odd not taking everything. I am packing a vacation bag to come home and that doesn't seem right. This isn't my home, yet why am I leaving most of my stuff in the closet and drawers?

I cannot wait to get on that plane next friday. It could not come soon enough.

Verbaledudette's Gift Guide: Day 20 - Upstate Handmade Quilt

Hand-sewed, dyed, and loved, from New York, no one will have anything like it. There are multiple patterns and colors and designs and choices. You get to create your own! Do not have time to sew one for your child leaving to college? New baby? New apartment? Get them a quilt!

http://www.youreupstate.com/2012fw/SHOP/2012fw_shop_quilt.html

xo

499

There is nothing more embarrassing then sitting in the dorm common tv room, sobbing at the latest Parenthood episode, and it's only fifteen minutes in. Alright, there is probably more embarrassing things, but for the moment, this is defiantly the worst.

Today I went to ocean beach with Emme and Paisley. It was just what I needed to make it through the next ten days (ten days until i am home!) The beach was foggy and the air crisp and the company plesent. I made a little video of our adventure.

https://www.facebook.com/audreyrotermund/posts/533183583361427?notif_t=like

Verbaleudette's Gift Guide - Day 19: The Soup and Sandwich Duo Tray 

Today I am cold to the bone, my stomach kind of hurts, and all i want is tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich served on the same plate. Get one for everyone in your family! Turn dinner dishes into one! It's classy for the new soup and sandwich party you have always wanted to try out. 

It can be yours at: http://www.polyvore.com/soup_sandwich_ceramic_tray_duo/thing?id=25633205

A few last announcements: happy birthday to my bunk mate Phoebe! And also, today's post is my 499th post. Whew! Tomorrow is a big day! 

Sleep well! 

xoxo 

i never used to win anything

Guess what?! Tonight I am going to a concert after winning a pair of tickets through a concert app! Two tickets (each at a 60 dollar value) to Antibalas - a Brooklyn based afrobeat group. I have invited my friend Jordan and although we are not allowed to bring cameras - i have a feeling we will party hard. I never used to win anything - but now look at me! Two winnings in the last two months!? Oh San Francisco, you do love me.

Verbaleudette's Gift Guide: Day 18 - Tiny Tape

In my house, the minute you open goodies (anything from candies, to chips, to nuts for salads) people always get their fingers in the bags and eat it all before you even get to think of having it again. I have a new solution! Tiny tape will nicely remind those little sneakers to stay out of your things! What a perfect gift for yourself from Santa! (And it's European - so it is the best instantly.)

http://www.aintrocketshop.co.uk/product/tiny-crime-scene-sticky-tape

Also - a quick update on my finals. I presented my event photographs in class today and everyone loved it. Also, I am pretty confident about my Digital Final Exam today. It seemed pretty easy - which hopefully is a good thing.

Well, I got to dance on off to my show! Special Guest list here I come!

xo

oh goodness, epic fail.

I haven't posted since last tuesday. That means that you haven't known what to buy your loved ones for nearly a week. I apologize for that and I promise to get you caught up and back on sleigh in no time.

I must first tell you that the concert I went to (two door cinema club, the gaslight anthem, of monsters and men, metric, the shins, and jack white) was absolutely to die for. I feel so fortunate to have seen so many talented artists for a reasonable price and with the lovely friends I have made here. (Gabrielle - please know I wish more than anything that you were here for it.) Also, I must brag that today I bought three pomegranates for $1.50 at the farmers market. Success.

Now - let's get the party started:

Verbaledudette's Gift Guide Day: 13 (wednesday)

Lucky Lucky 13. I am proud to introduce something that I would love (hint hint) to have - the Fujifilm Instax Mini Polaroid Camera

This cute little polar white camera instantly pops out your images in small pocket sizes! What a great way to remember the night or get artsy with mini photographs. SAVE THE POLAROID.

http://www.amazon.com/Fujifilm-MINI-7s-White-Camera/dp/B001AK1DOG

Day 14: (thursday) The Starr X

When I was growing up, we used to have one of these on the chopping block. There is nothing like watching Father pop a beer open off a stationary opener. It is classy, and is an easy way to invite everyone into the kitchen. No more wondering where you last put the bottle opener - because it's on the wall!

http://www.mollyjogger.com/collections/frontpage/products/bottle-opener

Day 15: (friday) A Recycled Holiday Sweater Skirt

I do not know about your mom, but my Mother is a school teacher. And being a school teacher means she gets to where those cheesy holiday vests we all loved growing up. My father even loves them! (Totally sarcastic on that last line) So what better gift to grab for your favorite holiday sweater wearer but a skirt to match!

http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/recycled-holiday-sweater-skirt

Day 16: (saturday) "Diary of A Wimpy Kid: The Third Wheel" by Jeff Kinny

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" is easily going to become a children's classic. The latest book of a series about a young kid trying to survive school was recently released. If your kids (or children relatives/friends) have not read these books and watched the movies - it is a must. Promote reading and fun Parents!

Day 17: (sunday, finally!) "Beasts of the Southern Wild"

This film is breathtaking to watch. It's cinematography is simple, yet stunning and the lead little actress will make you cry. The story follows a little girl, in the deep swamps of the Bayou as a storm approaches (I gathered it as Hurricane Katrina,) and her will to survive, save her family, and keep the tradition of the south alive.  A must see, a must buy.

Whew. Thanks for sticking with me. Less than two week until i come home! I cannot wait!

I am going to leave you with this image of three drunk irish santas we met on the bart ride home from the concert. big city life. : )

xo

taxidermy for children

Verbaleudette's Gift Guide Day 12: Lego Taxidermy Deer

What more could you want than a Lego deer head hanging from your wall above the fire place? Really, there is nothing greater that giving your children the satisfaction of hanging something they proudly did on the wall. Plus, it is animal friendly and safe. Instead of getting your kid that gun (that we all know he will shoot either your eye our or his) get him the safe, user friendly alternative to hunting. Get the satisfaction of taking home a deer head - without the deer!

http://shop.davidcole.me/products/unofficial-taxidermy-deer-lego-kit

Tomorrow night I am attending an exciting concert series called the Not So Silent Night in Oakland. The line up includes: Jack White, Of Monsters and Men, Metric, The Gaslight Anthem, and Two Door Cinema Club. There could not be a better line up & and the only reason I am telling you about this randomly after talking about plastic taxidermy is because I want you to be incredibly jealous of the music eargasm I am going to have tomorrow night.

: )

Ciao.

stay gold

Tonight I was walking around down in the shopping district, shopping of course, and when I reached Union square I noticed there was a giant heavy metal menorah next that had been placed next to the even bigger christmas tree. Walking a bit farther, I cam across two men and two women dressed in early 18th century costumes caroling for a group of tourists with I (HEART) San Fran shirts. Oh, big city life.

I got my hair cut today, which was much needed. Even though I took four inches off the longest layer and another two off of my bangs - no one noticed. To my knowledge, my roommates still do not know I did it. Haha. I do not know why I am telling you this.

My friend Jordan bought me gold nail polish because I once complimented her gold nails. I was a little skeptical at putting it on at first, but it is now my new favorite! Such a fun color (plus, it is the fastest drying nail polish I have ever had.) Thank you Jordan!

After a sleepless night stressing over getting my final project done for my Fundamentals class - I have changed it. Hopefully it will work for the better. It is just sucks when time and resources are not on your side. One day, Audrey. One day. : )

Verbaleudette's Gift Guide: Day 11 - Custom Made Ukuleles

Ukuleles have become all the range. Go onto the YouTube and everyone and their mom's are playing a cover to the recent pop song on the ukulele. Why not get your kids a special something to make their acoustic covers stand out beyond the rest? Designs are unlimited and made hand made by some guy in North Carolina.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/celentanowoodworks?ref=seller_info

Goodnight. xo

cried in class today, twice.

Today was a great day. I had an amazing class this morning where we all shared a moment of tears, lots of hugs, and good art. The pieces were so moving and inspiring that we couldn't help ourselves. After class I did a three hour photo shoot with Savannah trying to emulate the talented Russell James for my master's of photography project. : ) It was perfect.

I have been slacking on the gift guide. I didn't do it yesterday, and now today is really tomorrow, so technically I am due three gifts. Let's get to it:

Verbaleudette's Gift Guide: Day 8 - Boskke Recycled Sky Planter

For those garden, plant, nature, tree hugger, people in your life (Or the ones who think it's cool to be eco friendly) get them something to hang their favorite plants in upside down! But really, it is incredibly artsy and unquie. It would work on a patio, in the yard, or even above a kitchen table. SImple & cute.

Website: http://www.boskke.com/blog/tag/sky-planter-recycled/

Day 9 - Brooklyn Slate Chalkboard Cheese Board

I simply love Brooklyn Slate. Their designs are always classy and chic for everyday household items. The board simply speaks for its self. It is simple & perfect for that newly wed couple, or maybe your daughter just bought a cool flat with brick walls in downtown New York. Or maybe Uncle Jerry who just loves cheese and chalk! (if this doesn't tickle your fancy, seriously just browse around the website. Such fun stuff.)

website: http://www.brooklynslate.com/products/slate-cheese-board

Day 10 - Lens Mug

It is exactly what the title says - a camera lens converted into a mug. It may seem like an absurd idea, but this screams wonderfully awesome to a photographer like me! No, no, I am not just posting this to hint (but if any of you are lost for idea.. hint hint) It is seriously something like you have never seen before! Imagine the looks your gift receiver will get when they ask to get their soy vanilla latte in that at Starbucks!

website: http://photojojo.com/store/awesomeness/camera-lens-mug/

Well, i best be getting to bed - I have a field trip in History tomorrow! Big day!

Also - 16 days until i come home! : ) Yippie!

xoxo

i have the room to myself

My music is loud, my hair is pulled up into a bun that is highly unattractive, and I am singing occasionally off tune while dancing around my stool when I feel like it. I also think the dog in the room across the street from me is also feeling this enthusiastic alone time, for he is running around in circles chasing his own chair by the window. I am sure Baha Men's "Who let the dogs out" is his song of choice.

Last night the roommates (and myself) brought in the holiday season by having a December First celebration. This was not only to escape our current studies, but also because we knew the weeks to come are going to be treacherous with final tests and projects. At the beginning of November, we drew names out of a hat for secret santa. Last night, the night began with secret santa gifts. Phoebe was my SS and she got me a new camera strap! It is adorable. I was Paisley's, giving her a large book of movies she must see (because she is a movie addict.) It was fun to see how well we knew eachother. Each gift was so personal. Living in such close quarters with someone has it's benefits.

We then all got our umbrella's and ventured in the rain down to Fisherman's Wharf for the New Zealander's (and Paisley's) first IN & OUT burger experience. Let's just say they were not disappointed. The evening ended with the movie Rent. I could not stop singing a long to every song. Oh how I love that musical.

To sum it up, that is exactly what I needed to brush away a bit of homesickness and start off the holiday season. I am ready for Christmas!

Which brings me to Verbaledudette's Gift Guide: Day Six - IDEA Microgem Headphones

It's a headband! No, it's earrings! No, its earbuds! NO, IT"S ALL THREE. Get these simple, little, yet sweet, pair of headphones for that chic chick in your life. They match anything, look cute, and work! no more walking and loosing those buds out of your ear, place it on your head, swish your hair over it, and TADA it disapears. Don't let your holiday gift list go without listening fashionably this year.

http://www.acgears.com/headphones/japan-imports/idea-microgem-headphones

Sleep well! xo

welcome december.

Well hello December! It is good to see you!

With that wintery month officially rolled in, it now feels right to celebrate the holiday season and I get more and more excited to go home. Oh how do I miss my family so much.

Since I was a slacker, Verbaledudette has two gifts to share today. Gift Guide: Day Four - "The Book Of Skulls" by Faye Dowling

It is literature, art, and culture all in one. Exactly what you need to give your trendy teen friend, scene kid sister, or classy father. Pages and pages filled with one of the most recognizable symbols (and one of the most popular.)

To make it better, it is only $10.00 at Barnes and Noble. 

Verbaledudette Gift Guide: Day Five - Burroughs Beard Oil

We know that we just finished mustache movember, but some of you ladies still have those boyfriends who prefer their chins covered all year long. Or they are a lumber jack. Get them something to clean up those scraggily hairs and make it smell delicious when you lean in for a big kiss under the mistletoe this holiday season.

This flask shaped bottle can be found here.

Have a wonderful rest of your night! xo