The Good Girl Gone Blog

I have the hardest time saying no to this face. Zooey has pretty much taken over my life. Whether I'm dropping tons of $$ at the vet (who is so, so dreamy...he's like my McVet), waking up extra early to walk her or bringing her to work, pretty much everything I do somewhow involves Zooey.

She's been really great so far- the only problem? She has a phobia of men. This makes me particularly sad because it means she was probably abused in the past by a scary  man. Also, it means that Zooey barks and puts on her scary face whenever we're around guys. It's so weird to see her transform from a sweet, tail-wagging, bundle of adorable to a scrunchy-faced, snarling animal who tries to bite your ankles.

Even still, we're working through Zooey's issues. As my parents said, if I ever want to date again, I need to figure out a way for Zooey to feel comofortable around men. I really  hate yelling at her, so this training thing is going to be hard.

Any suggestions?

It's Thursday. I'm wearing pink. It's been too long and I think I missed it.

  Zooey loves pink as well. I mean, she is my dog.I'm Wearing:
Top: Loft
Skirt: Target
Shoes: Armani
Belt: Primark
Headband: CVS

So who knows where the quote is from?

 

Meet Grace (who is trying on a super cute nautical dress at Goodwill)

And Megan (who was not supposed to buy anything!)
I met these lovely ladies for the first time last Saturday in Fell's Point. Megan kindly organized a mini fashion blogger meetup starting with pizza at BOP and ending with some browsing in thrift stores. Thrift stores? Talk about typical fashion blogger activity! It was very hot out, but very fun.

I know this is a very Alana heavy photo post, but I thought Sophie did a fabulous job with these pictures.

I'm Wearing:
Skirt (as dress): Ayin Ha'shlishi, Israel
Shorts: Target
Belt: H&M
Shades: c/o GA press office, London
Shoes: DSW
Bag: Coach

Around the G3B + Zooey apartment, Sundays are always cleaning day. Now that I have a dog, Sunday clean up days are increasingly important. Let me tell you, there is dog hair everywhere. Even though you don't necessarily see it right away, it shows up in the vacuum canister. It's disgusting, but it's not Zooey's fault.

Usually, I pay special attention to the bathroom: I swiffer the floor and disinfect the toilet. I clean out my bathtub. Sometimes, if I'm feeling especially motivated, I'll wipe down the sink.

This Sunday was a little different though. Instead of just cleaning, I went grocery shopping! Not knowing exactly what I was looking for aside from a box of Berger Cookies, I grabbed two sweet potatoes, a package of wonton wrappers and a container of ricotta cheeseand prayed I'd be able to turn it all into ravioli.

And guess what? It kind of worked!

 




Ingredients:

• Wonton wrappers
• Sweet Potato
• Ricotta
• Red pepper flakes
• Fresh Rosemary
• Olive oil
• Freshly grated rosemary asiago cheese

I'd be more specific, but I didn't really follow a recipe. It was good, although not fabulous. My motto? Practice makes perfect!

What a great trip to Florida. I spent 3 days relaxing on the beach, enjoying the water and searching for sea life. I ate tons of food, drank lots of beer and took a bunch of fun photos.
Eric and I spent the first morning exploring the sponge docks. There were tons of tacky beach stores selling sponge related items. Also notable- the entire area looked like a tacky little Greece. Too fun! We also went to a special glass blowing exhibit with Eric's parents.
Eric's family was extremely friendly and welcoming. They were already making fun of me after knowing me for a few hours, and I took that as a good sign. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with them and hope that they'll have me again in the future.

I'm Wearing:
Top: Target
Skirt: Primark
Shoes: NY&Co.
Shades: c/o GA press office, London
Necklace: made by my friend Elana

I think it's safe to say that people operate in patterns. Whether for good or bad, we find ourselves making the same mistakes often with only slight variation. Sometimes it's something as simple as ignoring the fact that yes, avacado does make you sick, but still eating it because you like how it tastes. Afterward, your stomach will hurt (duh), but it's as if you simply forgot because you just wanted to enjoy that avocado.

Other times the patterns we follow are much more severe. It could be alienating the people you love for stupid reasons, or giving someone a second (or third, or fourth) chance when you know they don't deserve it.

I think we all do it- whether in our careers, with our friends or with our hearts. I've been thinking a lot about these patterns lately. I find it interesting when I make connections between past and present actions, and that I only realize I'm repeating myself after the fact. 

Does anyone else experience this? What kind of patterns do you follow?

Though I had a fabulous time in Florida this weekend, I definitely missed Zooey. I'm pretty sure I called and asked about her at least twice a day. I asked Eric's mom if what I was feeling was normal for a "first time mom." It took her a minute, and then she finally realized I wasn't talking about my secret, illegitimate love child, but rather my cute, silly puppy.

It's partially because I missed her, and partially because she's just so pretty, that I decided to include her in today's photo shoot.

  Yes, Zooey is significantly younger than me and I supply her with food, water and a roof over her head, but I'm hardly her "Mommy." Please. There is only one Mommy in my life, and she's my Mommy. Zooey is more of a little sister, or a good friend. She also makes a great accessory :)
The outfit below includes pieces of today's work look. I stripped off my belt and sweater and opted for regular old flip flops to walk Zooey, but then decided to put my heels back on for the photo shoot. Man, today was a hot one!
I'm Wearing:
Top: Forever 21
Skirt: R&J Couture via Loehmann's
Shoes: Aldo Sale Store
Shades: c/o GA press office, London
Zooey: MD SPCA

I'm off to spend a long weekend in Florida with my friend Eric and his family. I am pumped! Sure, the weather's not supposed to be that great, and we're sort of dealing with a MAJOR OIL SPILL in the South, but I'm ready to make the most of it. I mean hey, we're talking a real beach and getting to hang out with one of my favorite boys.

I ordered this cute travel makeup set the other day from Zappos. Can you believe it's Stila and only cost me $10? These things usually cost $60+ and Zappos never charges shipping! Read about Stila's new travel collection here. (I blame my bud Anna R. plus a job that involves me looking at great sites like Zappos all day for this purchase.)

But seriously, I love it!

Confession: I wore this ballet-inspired skirt today because I wanted to write a post called "Twinkle Toes." I wanted to write a post called "Twinkle Toes" because I've been sporting sparkly toenail polish for the past two days. Unfortunately, you can't actually see my sparkly toenails, but believe me they shine!
Can you at least try to imagine the sparkles? Pretty please, with sequins on top?I'm Wearing:
Skirt and belt: H&M
Tank and sweater thingy: Primark
Shoes: Madden Girl via Burlington Coat Factory (??)