My favorite date night location is the Strike and Spare in Hendersonville. It has laser tag, bowling, skating, traditional arcade games, and bumper cars! It’s a perfect one-stop-shop for anything that interests you (and your date)! You can also try a paint-your-own-pottery place that I think is super dope. There’s also a similar place in Franklin if that’s closer to you. Another epic destination for a date night (or day) is Sky High Sports! Even though I’m over 21 it’s still one of my favorite places to have fun in the city.

You also can consider organizing a traditional game night at someone’s home with friends. You can play card games, Taboo, Pit (my personal favorite), Guesstures, Pictionary, Scategories, Cranium, among other board games. Another option for a game night with friends is using a game system like a Kinect or Wii. Games like Just Dance 4 and the Michael Jackson Experience always make for memorable moments!

Carpe iuventutem! =)

That would be the coolest thing ever considering Project Runway is one of my favorite shows! I’m hoping the show isn’t cancelled before I can get decent enough to try out for it! Lol. My goal is to practice all this year and maybe have something ready for sale by late next year some time… Hopefully. I’m still practicing with elastic and button closures so I’m not sure how realistic that goal is but I’m dreaming big anyway! =)

Hey love, hey! =) The long version of this answer can be found here but the short version is simple:

I shop everywhere!

I love mixing pieces from a lot of different retailers to get my own look rather than looking like a robbed a poor-unsuspecting mannequin. Whenever and wherever I shop I typically look for 4 things:

1. How much do I HAVE to have it: This is kind of self-explanatory but the first thing I look for are things that stand out to me visually. I like pieces that give me the ‘warm and fuzzies!’ If you don’t absolutely LOVE it in the store, you’ll most likely never wear it once you get it home. Seriously.

2. Style-ability: How well does this item play well with the other pieces in my closet. I try to purchase things that I can usually wear with at least 5 other things in my closet.

3. Quality: Is this thing going to fall apart after one wear/wash? How long am I going to be able to enjoy this new found fabulosity in my closet?

4. Price: I usually try to equate the ‘price per wear’ before I purchase something new. If a dress is $100 and I know I will wear it at least 10 times, I consider that a pretty reasonable investment because I would pay $10 just to wear the dress once. I choose my ‘price per wear’ depending on how well the item meets the other 3 criteria. I don’t know if there’s an ideal ‘price per wear’ for everyone so feel free to pick one that feels right for you. =)

Hope this helps!

Wow, thank you! =) I’m 5’3” flat footed and just shy of 5’6” in most heels. I’m not really sure how much I weigh because I don’t own a scale, but last time I stepped on one, I was 126 pounds. I’m pretty sure when I’m not gorging myself with Chipotle and going on frequent sporadic Nutella binges I should be probably somewhere around 115- 120 for my height. Oh, well! YOLO. =)

For those who remember my must-have summer essentials posts (found here and here), I find it only fitting to extend the same courtesy for the Fall season. In the interest of full disclosure, I should state upfront that I’m not really a fan of Fall and Winter. The whole world going pitch black at 3:30 p.m. just isn’t really my thing. And to add insult to injury the whole snow, sleet, rain, hail, layers, and frostbite isn’t for me either. Cold weather in the South is the epitome of inconvenient. Trust me. However, not to worry. Free candy on Halloween, football, Thanksgiving, free candy, apple picking, Thanksgiving, and free candy, oh and Thanksgiving will sure to keep me in high hopes as leaves lose their luster and everyone retreats into hibernation. Did I mention I’m really excited for free candy and Thanksgiving? Anyway, here are a few apparel pieces that I will look to this Fall season to keep me in good spirits.

The Quintessential Trench Coat:

A trench coat is a seasonal necessity mostly because it goes with virtually everything. Skirts, shirts, slacks, stilettos- the works. It’s a great way to shield yourself from the elements without the cumbersome addition of a full-fledge coat of sorts. If the classic color is a little too conservative for your personal taste, feel free to try the same staple in a colorful alternative. I bought this cobalt blue hued concoction in college to keep things young and polished while still showing some personal flair.

Desert Boots:

After I tuck away all my ballerina flats and flip flops, these are my next go-to grabs in terms of footwear. Desert boots are tricky to keep clean, but I wore these all last season and they held up well. The neutral hue not only complements nudes and shades of black/grey, but also pairs nicely with brighter colors and richer hues.

Printed Oxfords:

Don’t get me wrong: I believe in button-up shirts year round, but particularly in the Fall season. As mentioned, I have a slight vendetta against coats coats always seem so burdensome so I try to avoid them if at all possible while I can. Button ups add a style dimension with the collar and at the same time enable you to ‘protect ya neck.’ (Yes, somehow Wu Tang always manages to remain relevant to this tumble log. Go figure.)

Neutral Shade Sweater Dress:

I’m a firm believer in convenient clothing. Nothing fits my fancy more than slipping on one item, a bangle or two, and bolting out the door! A sweater dress is a great way to keep your style simple and still show some effort. The key to making this sweater staple a success is FIT! A sweater dress should complement your frame without showing every single nook and cranny. What makes the sweater dress great is its ease of wear. If you have to hop, skip, twirl, and double dismount into your sweater dress- you have a problem. Keep it tasteful and flattering.

Vermin Vest:

Ah, yes! The vermin vest. (Le sigh) This is probably the most controversial among the seasonal staples because everyone has their own opinion of fur/faux fur. I don’t have any strong personal convictions regarding fur pieces one way or the other. My mom abhors this vest as she says it looks like muskrat. And to be honest I don’t care as this muskrat is the coziest thing in my closest! It goes over letterman jackets, denim shirts, hoodies, button ups. I wear it with neon colors, neutral shades, pale pallets- the works. If you’re hesitant to purchase a pelt piece of your own- I would recommend either option:

1. Buy one from a vintage store (and take it to a fur coat cleaners because it will most likely smell like moth balls) or

2. Play the waiting game (find a retailer that has an option you like, and stalk the item until the season is over and buy it for cheap). 

I’ve taken both routes and been satisfied with both options!

“Bronzer” (Well kind of) :

If you’re like me, as the sun bids us ‘goodbye,’ so does your summer complexion. I’m obsessed with bronzer so I found that contouring powder is a perfect Fall/Winter alternative. Look for mineralizing powders in the same shade as your bronzer, but without the metallic flexes and shimmer tones. It should be a matte shade to look more natural and blend better. I’m currently loving this mineralizing powder from MAC in ‘Deep Dark.’ If you want something with heavier coverage, you can also find blush powders in neutral tones. When I’m not wearing this mineralizing powder, I use the blush “Clove.” (also made by MAC)

I hope this helps!

XOXO,

Fresh With Depth

My boyfriend and I met during our junior year in high school at a basketball game through a mutual friend. Surprisingly, it was hate and disdain at first sight. =) Seriously. We couldn’t stand each other. But then we met again our freshman year in college, and although I secretly hated his guts- he was handsome with sharp wit, and an impeccable smile. Needless to say, it was only a matter of time before my contempt turned into indifference and the indifference somehow morphed into adulation. It’s crazy how life works! Because we didn’t have that initial “love-at-first-sight-reach-for-the-stars-over-the-fence” kind of meeting, it forced us to genuinely get to know each other as friends first. He never attempted to impress me or win over my affections, and I was the same way.

We had a lot in common as friends, so we always had something to talk about. The guy was blunt, stubborn, sarcastic, argumentative, opinionated, and passionate, and I wouldn’t dare have it any other way. Every guy I had met before him always seemed so calculated and manufactured. I think what keeps our relationship strong is we’re not afraid to say what we really mean and challenge each other. It keeps things fresh and exciting. Every day is an adventure- even 6 years later. There’s something about my man and the way he carries himself that makes me say ‘WOW!’ I knew my boyfriend was The One because he is the only man I know who is smarter than me- and if anyone reads this and tells him that, I will deny it. I swear. Sure, our relationship isn’t perfect. Please believe we’ve had our trying times just like everyone else, but we fought through them! There’s something about the raw and uncut honesty, wit, insight, and support he provides that will always keep us together.

The best advice I ever got about love and romance came from a Valentine’s Day card my 8th grade teacher. (Don’t worry, she gave cards to everyone in the class and she wasn’t a creeper for those of you who have seen Billy Madison) My teacher was an unmarried 40-something with 3 cats at home but Valentine’s Day was her favorite holiday because she said it always reminded her of the real meaning of love:

 ”In matters of the heart, don’t settle for someone you can live with. Wait for someone you can’t live without.”

I haven’t Facebook stalked her to find out how her story ends, but I believe the crazy cat teacher lady had it absolutely right! Find the guy that makes you say ‘WOW!’ just by being himself. It’s not easy, but it’s definitely worth it! All the best to you, doll! =)

Xoxo

Thank you ever so much! And I hate to be the bearer of bad news but being a writer is synonymous with taking a pretty awesome vow of poverty. Most of the things around my apartment are from Target, Ikea, and Urban Outfitters. I thrift for apartment digs the same way I pilfer for apparel gems. The only things I splurged on in the whole place are my mattress and TV… because well I’m a sucker for good sleep and mindless melodramas. =)

Yes, I did receive your message! I’m so excited- you have no idea! You have the best boyfriend ever. I wish you both all the best success! I’m drafting the response now. Hopefully, I can upgrade it out of my draft box sometime today or tomorrow. Please stay tuned- I’m so sorry for the delay! =)

Exceptional question! I should preface this response by saying- I’m a lackluster dancer, and the reason my breakdance moves are ‘closet’ is in the interest of sparing the innocent public. So by ‘best’ move, I’m just going to assume you mean ‘least bad.’

Unfortunately for me, picking a ‘best’ dance move is almost like trying to pick a ‘best’ word. So many to choose from- and I love to use them all depending on the occasion and audience. 

However, if ever I find myself in a dance battle of epic proportions, most likely I’ll pull the “worm” out of the arsenal first. I’ll be completely honest with you- the day I discovered I could hit the worm backwards was the moment I pretty much felt invincible. 

Please don’t think less of me. Lol. 

Thank you so much for your kind words! They made my day! =) I believe strongly that everyone has style. Style is more than just the clothes you wear or how you accessorize- it’s how your presence and personality permeates from the inside, out. If you believe in your style then my dear, you have all you need! 

I’ll be completely honest: I pretty much fell ass-backwards into my own style aesthetic. I think my fashion taste was a direct result of finding things to flatter my shape and make me feel my personal best. I’m only 5’3” with stubby legs, so I started looking for pieces that made me feel tall and feminine. And dresses and skirts make me feel tall and lean. Seriously. Even to this day, I avoid pants like the plague because it gives me an instant ‘oddy body.’ 

I was also very self conscious about my shoulders and arms through my teenage years because they seemed almost disproportionate to the rest of my frame. Then enter stage left- my discovery of oxford button up shirts. Eureka! I found ways to always keep my face, neck, and waist center focus. When I abandoned all my trouble spots into an abyss of apparel, I found I was much more relaxed. It just felt right. To this day I pretty much live in collared shirts and floral dresses/skirts. 

As I get older, I’ve learned to take more risks and wear whatever I want just because well- I have no reason not to. Patterns. Prints. Patterns + prints. Colors. More colors. And more colors. I love it all. But my bread and butter remains the same.

The key to finding your own style is finding pieces you feel comfortable in. What’s your sartorial sweet spot? What do you wish you could wear everyday? What items do you find yourself wearing all the time? Once you establish what look you love, start acquiring more pieces like it. When you’ve built a nice little assortment of feel-good favorites, then branch out and take some risks. What have you seen other people wear that inspires you? How can you take that inspiration and make it your own? 

No matter what you wear, not only should it feel like you, it should also fit you too! Fit can take any outfit from zero to fabulous in a manner of milli-seconds. My personal mantra is “everything that fits, flatters.” Make your clothes do the work for you. Know your best features and present them in a way that people know you’re attractive, respectable, interesting, and genuine. If you believe in your style, I promise others will too.

May the steez be with you! =)

I know, I know. I’ve been the worst lately! I’m sincerely sorry about that! I’ve taken on a few new projects recently that have kept me pretty busy. =( I created a “Link Loophole” that I shared here so feel free to send me links whenever you want! I’m actually checking freshwithdepth@gmail.com right now so I can respond to those questions sometime this weekend. Please stay tuned! I hope it’s worth the wait! =)

Thank you so much! I was very fortunate to be there. It was pretty swanky to say the least. I’m not sure if you’re from the Nashville area or not but we have a limited assortment of higher end retailers here. Nordstrom is one of the first to carry such a wide assortment of such esteemed designers. I felt almost like a “label groupie” as I perused the lavish displays gazing over the work of brands I’ve just stalked read about. 

There wasn’t much to the event itself. It was mostly people meandering through the shiny and sparkly store with childhood smiles and anxious wallets, snatching whatever was in sight. Those who weren’t there for the fashion, definitely occupied themselves with the food. There were tasty hors d’oeuvres served (mostly cold) and a few pasta plates for the pickings. But my favorite part of the night were the dessert canapes! There were trays and trays of sweet surprises just waiting to be devoured. They had these mini apple pie morsels that tasted like Heaven had an affair with my taste buds. Yup- it was just that graphic and satisfying. I had four. Please don’t think less of me. 

For those not interested in fashion or food, there was lots of live entertainment to keep even the absent-minded adults entertained. They had a live band playing as well as live models on each floor displaying the latest luxury lines. I thought each of the models did an exquisite job. It was definitely a night to remember. =)

This is probably one of the nicest compliments I’ve received in a while and I really appreciate it. Thanks for your readership. It means a lot to me. So much so- that I don’t mind telling you (and whoever else reads this) that I live in Nashville, Tennessee but I consider Denver, Colorado home! =)

Last week, I had a former work colleague, who is now employed by Facebook, reach out to me concerning the site’s latest changes. Considering my underwhelming and mostly negative response, this person quickly refuted that Facebook is in the process of making additional changes to enhance their user experience and appease any initial dissatisfaction. According to this colleague, social media buffs, and Mark Zuckerberg himself, Facebook is officially done with these flimsy ‘botox injections,’ and has now opted to go under the knife for a full-fledged facelift. No more Kardashian-style maintenance for FB- they’re going all out Heidi Montag.

According to Mark Zuckerberg in his announcement at the company’s f8 developer conference, Facebook will soon be adding a Timeline feature to their site. This Timeline turns your profile from a single column rant of friends’ misspelled musings and plastic-red-cup cropped pictures into a two column storybook of your entire real social media life. Seriously. The social media mavens from Mashable have summarized the much anticipated dreaded changes in a few quick bullets (found here):

1. You’re going to get a Timeline — a scrapbook of your life.

2. You don’t have to just ‘Like’ something — now you can [verb] any [noun].

3. Facebook apps need only ask permission once to share stories on your behalf.

4. All “lightweight” information is going to the Ticker.

5. You can watch TV and movies, listen to music, and read news with your friends — all within Facebook.

Now before anyone thinks that I’m wearing my ‘Negative Nancy Pants’ today, let me say a few things to preface this rant: I like Facebook- kinda. I do. I really do. As an early adopter since July 2005, I’ve seen the social medium meander from it’s awkward childhood years to it’s current state. Over the years, I’ve watched with tearful eyes and begrudging gaze as the innocent “girl next door” became the “hot babe of the block.”

I remember FB when it had some standards. You had to wine and dine this dame with a college email address and could only share pseudo-intimate information with a few, select friends. I pledged my allegiance and unabashed love to FB daily during my freshman year of college. I was there in the trenches before status updates, high-schoolers, parents (and their awkward and overzealous friends), profile tabs, applications, the ‘Like’ button, and the NewsFeed. I was a member of “TheFacebook.com” for bloody sake! But behold, the lady is now a tramp.

As the site has ‘evolved’ so has my apprehension and distaste. And I find my list of reasons to limit my Facebook loitering to be expanding exponentially thanks to these recent announcements. Here’s a brief summary of my grievances that have only been exploited with this pending development. 

1. It’s the Internet-

Facebook is driven entirely by the content added by its users. Meaning- the more content you share, the more Mark Zuckerberg lines his already portly pockets. And while I don’t have anything against sharing content with the general public (obviously- as I blog from my ‘Soapbox of Judgement’), let’s not forget one small thing here: IT’S THE INTERNET! When you upload content to the Internet, you have no way of controlling EXACTLY how far your information will travel. The Internet was created with the premise that information can go anywhere, instantly!

You don’t know how many times your Facebook content appeared on someone’s feed as a ‘Top Story’- or how many of your friends took time to click through your 192 photo album chronicling your pet turtle’s funeral service and interment. You know not the number of caring souls who read your note dedicated to social reform, or browsed your event invitation dedicated to advancing the “Fight Against Sobriety.” Unless of course, people voluntarily leave some trace of a “Like” or comment. You don’t know exactly whose eyes will fall on what you share. To put it simply- Facebook is every stalkers delight. If you’re naive enough to think that Privacy Settings really stop a man/woman on a mission, dream on!

Just when you thought you couldn’t share anymore with the collection of strangers from distant lands known as the ‘Internet,’ Mark Z and his grubby little pockets want MORE? How much more exactly? Your entire life. How convenient and thoughtful of them! The new Facebook layout wants your entire life story. Baby pictures. Childhood memories. Every location you’ve ever lived. Ever concert you’ve ever attended. What you watch. What you read. What you listen to. Your whole life. On the Internet. Now, before you think no one cares enough to find that information fascinating, let me caution your skepticism. Everyone has been Facebook stalked. Conversely, everyone has gone on a Facebook stalking recon mission of their own. Every girlfriend in the known free world has stalked an ex. Not only that, every woman in the world has searched Facebook for her current/future/imaginary lover’s ex. Every girl. And gents, before you break up with your lady for being a stalker, any woman that denies this fact is a liar and cannot be trusted.

Think about it. What’s the first thing you do before you meet a new person? Search for them on Facebook! New employees. Potential employers. Roommates. Colleagues. Mentors. Musicians. Interns. Classmates. Dates. Everyone. So what they have privacy settings? More times than not, if you’re focused and FB savvy, you can circumvent what loopholes you need to get enough information. And this new ‘Facebook Timeline’ is just an open invitation for the creepery to continue. 

2. Facebook ‘Friends’-

Let’s define this thing called ‘friendship,’ shall we? What exactly constitutes a Facebook friend? Is this someone you know personally? How personally? How friendly does one need to be to petition for Facebook friendship? I’ll be completely honest. I have over 1400 Facebook friends and I couldn’t list the full names of 400 people if my life depended on it. But we’re ‘friends’ nonetheless. We went to elementary school, or rode the same bus in middle school, or sold GirlScout Thin Mint cookies that one summer in third grade. Maybe I sat behind you in band in high school or we had that one class together that one semester that I don’t remember. I mean- my Facebook friends’ list is a shabby compilation of brief life moments that I shared with people- most of whom I’ve probably never exchanged audible words with. To me, accepting a FB Request is more so saying ‘We’re not completely strangers,” rather than “Hey, we’re actually friends!” It’s like a casual, and ever-so-slight head nod to say “Yeah, I think I’ve seen your face sometime in my life.”

Obviously, the more content that we were encouraged to share, the more I used discretion on accepting Friend Requests- particularly when the ‘Download’ and ‘Share’ features became available. But still. You can’t keep everyone out. I guarantee everyone has at least 67.4 courtesy Facebook friends that weaseled their way into acceptance either because they share an alma mater or enough mutual friends. Are you really going to decline the FB request from someone with 432 mutual friends? We’ve bound to have walked the same patch of dirt sometime in our lives, right? How do I muster the courage to say ‘not now.’

I’ve said all that to say this: whom are you really sharing all these new and improved scrapbook developments with? Are these people you’re genuinely, sincerely, and completely friends with? Really? Do you know who I catch up with on Facebook? People I don’t catch up with in real life. My closest Facebook friends aren’t really my closest friends. The people’s walls I frequent the most are probably the people I text the least. You know why? Because if you’re my REAL friend- I don’t need Facebook. I’m going to call you. Or text you. Or hang out at your house. You don’t need to see my baby pictures or childhood humiliations. You know why? Because if you’re my real friend, you know the four-eyed, girthy, childhood version of me, with the two bucked front teeth, is buried quietly in the dark recesses of my brain for the sake of my dignity. 

3. It’s not real life-

Facebook is pushing the ideology that it wants to become even more intrusive, eh- I mean intimate. They are so graciously giving you an opportunity to show your true personality to the Facebook community. This is the chance you’ve always wanted! Just imagine: a private collection of everything you’ve ever done in life for only your nearest friends to see. Why should the World Wide Web deter you from reaching your true happiness? I mean how would you ever possibly remember the intimate details and moments of your life if FB wasn’t there to hold them for you? Thank you, Mark Z. I hope these recent site developments expedite your petition for Sainthood! 

After all, Facebook is giving the people what we want. We want to share, and reshare, and overshare until we’re all blue in the face. But, before you worry about being inundated with crap you don’t really care about- Facebook has promised to keep all the small stuff secured in the Ticker! Only relevant and pertinent information from here on out, right?

Wrong. I don’t need Facebook to show my personality. The truth is- if you want to know me, there’s nothing my Facebook page can do to facilitate that process. No matter how much I overshare. Currently, the only thing listed on my FB profile is my birthdate and my relationship status. I keep my relationship open to keep the ‘Ay Bay Bay’s away and my birthday posted because no one would remember otherwise, and well- I really enjoy birthday wishes. (Yes, I know. I’m shallow. Whatever.) I don’t share my current location, school, work, hometown, interests, music- none of that crap. You know why? Because if you want to know any of those details- you can reach out to me personally, and I’ll tell you. 

I had a heated argument with a friend recently who asked why I don’t share more details. She asked what am I going to do if I ever get pregnant, or engaged, or have some other awesome life changing event! How can I experience life without the constant reassurance and adulation of Facebook ‘Likes.’ And I told her the same thing I’m telling each of you: I don’t need Facebook to dispense details of my life on my behalf. When I get engaged, guess what? I’m calling my friends! (Or berating them at their doorstep with the ring if they live close enough)! I’m sending hand-written PAPER announcements. (Pause for dramatic effect) And when there’s a bun baking in my oven someday, a long time from now, you wanna know how I’m going to tell my nearest and dearest I’m knocked up? Invite them over to my house and tell them in person! And then of course send hand-written PAPER announcements! 

The point is- Facebook isn’t real life. No matter how much information you disseminate to the masses, nothing will ever compare to getting to know the real you- not the FB Timeline Scrapbook version of you.  If you want to share your life so bad- share your life with the people who actually help you live it. Pick up the phone and call your grandmother. Text your bestfriend. Skype your former roommate. Have lunch with your girlfriends. The day my entire real life can fit into a two-column screen hosted by Facebook is the day I know I’m not really living. And my friends, if you too find yourself in that predicament following the Facebook Apocalypse, I invite you to log out, get off your keister, and go have an adventure. A real one.

Xoxo,

FreshWithDepth

Allegedly and much to my dismay, Tumblr no longer permits users to post links in any ask box, but I’ve created two loopholes to get past that problem:

1. Send me your link using the “Follower Feedback” option. (Simply select ‘Submit a Link’ from the drop-down menu.)

2. Email me your link at freshwithdepth@gmail.com.

Hopefully this helps! =)