11..., Lifestyle

11… Ways Life Is Being Nice to Me Right Now

Enjoying a quiet moment in a peony garden in Iowa. | Dress | Earrings

Life is a cluster fuck right now; there’s no better way of putting it. COVID has done a number on people, economies, jobs, politics, society, the world. You name it, it’s been touched by COVID. This year has felt like the longest, gloomiest day ever. COVID is the single most pervasive thing I have encountered in my entire life. Sex, money, and power might be more pervasive, but it’s a close race. 

Last week, I wrote about eleven shit things going on in my life right now. Optimism and positivity do not come naturally to me. I’m an upbeat person with a morose soul. I’m trying to keep things happy inside my head because I have six fuzz balls depending on mommy to not spiral into a well of sadness. They need and deserve a happy mommy who can talk in a high pitched puppy voice coming from her heart and not faked.

Here are eleven ways life is nice to me.  

  1. I have six amazing dogs that make me feel more loved than I’ve ever felt in my entire life. Love just pours out of every possible opening of my soul for these dogs. I wish I had six bodies and all the money I could possibly need so every inch of my body and second of my time could be spent loving them. Alas, I have work to do so I can pay for their extravagant eating habits. Taking in a rescue and four puppies was borderline bonkers, but it is the best decision I have made. It’s been the best thing I have ever done for my soul. I love them. 
  2. I own a house. Yay for housing. That one was touch and go for a while, which was rough. We’ve been in the house for three full months, almost four. It’s still a mess, but it’s ours. Eventually things will get done, but I’m enjoying watching the puppies grow into dogs in their home. No more moving! For a while at least.
  3. Not traveling. I hate writing this one, but in its own way, not traveling has been a good thing. I’ve been able to concentrate on my family and dogs. I miss being on the road and the trips I was supposed to take, but I will never get the puppy months back. Scotland and all the other places will still be there. The money I would have spent on trips has gone to the dogs or kept safe for travels at a later date. I’ve been able to put some roots down in the new area of Houston I live, which I was never able to do because I was always off on another adventure. 
  4. Dancing has always been a part of my life. I love it. I trained to do it professionally for a long time. Obviously, that didn’t pan out. I haven’t danced in years and years and years. Partially because of money. Partially because of time. Partially because I was never anywhere long enough to find a dance studio. Well, I’ve been able to start dancing again, and I’ve found some really lovely new friends!
  5. I have always loved big picture windows. I never thought about or wanted to buy a house, so I always admired other people’s beautiful windows. Our house has these awful original windows from the 70s. They’re not pretty, and they’re really not energy efficient. Replacing windows is expensive. We can’t do the whole house at once, but we decided to put new windows in the living room and a new sliding glass door in the dining room. Wow! I love it. They’re big and beautiful, and they make being stuck at home so much better aesthetically. Oh and it took a HUGE chunk out of our electric bill!
  6. Work is slow. I miss having oodles of work to do. It seems like a bummer, but it’s a blessing. Having less work to occupy my time has allowed me the ability to raise my dogs and provide them with a stable and healthy environment. I have the time to make sure their needs are met. I’ve been able to get to know them and pay attention to their individual personalities and nuances, which has enabled me to catch health concerns long before I would have if I would’ve had my usual work load. Slowing down has been a gift to me and my dogs. 
  7. I’ve done a lottle retail therapy. There have been some seriously good sales because of COVID, and I took advantage. I didn’t need to, but I did. And someday, I’ll get to wear these super cute clothes I just bought again. Also I finally found a computer bag I like, so I don’t have to put my computer in my purse anymore. Woo!
  8. Having a ginormous couch is the best thing ever. Fuckers it was expensive. I hate spending money, but buying a giant, comfy couch was a really, really excellent use of money. I’ve been dealing with health issues, so I’ve been clocking in some serious couch hours. It’s big enough for the entire family to sit on, and it’s blue. Wins all around. 
  9. I have learned so much about pop culture. I really hate being unproductive, but I also really love it. I miss getting shit tons of things done and going everywhere and doing all the things. But I also love not getting to. Being at home and binging Netflix/Hulu/Disney+/Amazon. I’m super unproductive in a tangible way. The blog is floundering. My work is slow. Boy am I catching up on pop culture! I’ve learned so much useless crap about the world and generation I live in. Who knew about Memes? Apparently everyone, and now I do too!
  10. Cooking and baking is something I love to do. But I’ve done exactly almost none of that during the pandemic. Instead, I have been embracing the exhausted mom-life and supporting local places through delivery. And now that I live somewhere more conducive to ordering in, I have loads of options! Just last night, I had amazing pot roast that did not require me spending hours in the kitchen cooking. 
  11. I have spent more consecutive time with my boyfriend than ever before. I think I still like him. We’ve definitely had more tête-à-têtes than usual, but that’s because we’ve had more concentrated time together, even though we’ve lived together for four years. Gotta love COVID!

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

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Books, Fiction

Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Worth A Read Maybe
Length 448
Quick Review Becky is back to her shopaholic ways, and it’s Christmas time when everyone is a bit of a shopaholic. 

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How my face would be if I had to shop being followed by paparazzi. | Christmas Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella | Sparkle Booties | Purple Satin Skirt | Sweater | Scarf | Earrings | Glasses |

I haven’t read any of the other Shopaholic books by Kinsella, so this was my introduction into Rebecca Brandon née Bloomwood. Honestly, I can’t tell if Kinsella has created a series to critique the consumerism of today’s capitalist society or if she’s creating a hardcore shopping fantasy incarnate in Becky for women to live through. Both? I have my preference. Anyways… Christmas Shopaholic is the newest installment in the series. 

Rebecca Brandon née Bloomwood is married to Luke. They have a young daughter Minnie and live outside of London near her parents. Becky works in her best friend’s shop. Luke does financial stuff. I won’t get into the plot because it’s very well done. Kinsella manages to throw a ton of subplots together in a way that truly mimics the complexities of life. Although, I’m not sure the characters are as believable. 

Being up front and honest here. Rebecca, Becks, Becky – whatever she goes by – would irritate the ever living crap out of me. After reading Christmas Shopaholic, I don’t think I can read any more of these books. The title says it all; Becky is a true shopaholic. I don’t mean she likes to shop, I mean it’s a condition. She should see a therapist. I found her to be completely delusional about everything. She truly isn’t a bad person. She has good intentions. She’s just an idiot in many ways. She makes me cringe in just about every social situation. I also don’t know why she always has to introduce herself to everyone as Rebecca Brandon née Bloomwood. Is it a way to show she’s a feminist? Does she really like her maiden name? Is she trying to sound continental? I DON’T KNOW. 

Another baffling thing is the marriage between Becky and Luke. I don’t know how her husband puts up with any of it. It seems like a really odd pairing anyways. A man who is very good with money and business married to a woman who finds an excuse to buy literally anything. When there isn’t something to buy, she comes up with a reason to buy something. The two together seem like a recipe for divorce and not at all an opposites attract situation. I kept wondering what Minnie, their daughter, would grow up to be like.  

That being said… There were tons of really great moments. Kinsella makes poignant observations about sexism, classicism, family, holidays, consumerism, and more. I don’t think I can read any more of the Shopaholic series because Becky is not my cup of tea. I do think there are some really great parts about Christmas Shopaholic that override my disdain for the character. It’s a good book to curl up with and enjoy cookies this Christmas. 

Memorable Quotes
Online ordering isn’t really shopping, it’s “procuring.” You procure stuff online. You don’t get the buzz of actually stepping into a shop and seeing all the gorgeous stuff, feeling it, stroking it, being seduced by it.”
“Whatever the Grinch can steal, that’s not Christmas.”

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

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Title: Christmas Shopaholic
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Publisher: The Dial Press
Copyright: 2019
ISBN: 9780593132821

Travel, Travel Guides

Fredericksburg Travel Guide

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Wearing our matching Don’t Mess With Texas shirts. | Skirt | Shoes | Bralette | Watch

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Dancing on Enchanted Rock. | Yoga Pants | Sports Bra | Cat Ear Headband | Shoes | Watch

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Posing because I can in Fredericksburg. | Dress | Pearl Earrings | Watch

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I found Hidden Valley. | Jeans | SpideyMan Tee | Shoes | Sunglasses | Watch

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Taking a bow after being after being a weirdo.

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Stopping to smell the flowers at Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg, Texas.

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Queen of the mountain… rock… batholith!

Early in the summer, I was telling my bestie, Amanda from Amanda Bee’s Floral Design, how I’ve lived in Houston for almost three years and haven’t seen or done much in Texas outside of the city and Galveston. She decided to fulfill my lifelong dream of planning a weekend trip to Fredericksburg for me. Did I mention she’s amazing? 

A few weeks ago, we loaded into the car and picked up our friend, Judd, in Austin on our way for a three day galavant to Texas wine country, I mean hill country. Fredericksburg has become a destination for girls’ weekends, bachelorette trips, and couples’ getaways. It’s a picturesque little town an hour outside of Austin full of shops, wineries, restaurants, history, and outdoor activities. 

 

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Watching the bats go out to hunt.

Where I Stayed
Peach Tree Inn & Suites is cute and within walking distance of downtown. It’s not like a hotel, it’s more like a bunch of teeny apartments with bathrooms, kitchenettes, and seating areas. The three of us stayed there very comfortably. It’s also pet friendly, but we didn’t bring Beau. 

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Getting into the fall spirit surrounded by pumpkins at Wildseed Farms in Fredericksburg, Texas.

What To Do
Enchanted Rock is pretty awesome. It’s a granite, dome batholith. It’s definitely worth the $7 entrance fee and the climb. The view is terrific. I mean, it’s amazing. You can see for miles. You’re also in Texas hill country, so the hike is a little bit of an adventure.
Old Tunnel State Park is home to bats. Twenty minutes outside of Fredericksburg is an old railway tunnel inhabited by a gazillion bats. At sunset, they fly out to go hunting. You can watch this amazing, natural spectacle from a high platform for free or from a closer perspective for $5 admission fee. The bats are worth the trip, but the view is also worth it. You can also hike and enjoy the outdoor activities.
Shopping abundance will greet you in downtown. From pet stores, candy shops, restaurants, kitchen stores, home decor, jewelry, artisans, and more. You can find just about anything.
Wildseed Farms is great if you love plants or you’re looking for a really cute and unique Instagram spot. This nursery is huge and has tons of flowers, seeds, decor, and a butterfly garden. There’s even a vineyard on site. I was traveling with florists, so we spent a good amount of time here. Not that I minded.
Wineries I’m not a drinker, and we didn’t hit any up this trip. But most people don’t visit Fredericksburg without getting their wine on. Vineyards are truly everywhere. You can find one without trying. Promise.

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Practicing my jumping skills on top of Enchanted Rock.

Where To Eat
Fredericksburg Brewing Company has all the brews you could want and a menu full of authentic German food. It’s pretty delicious and has huge portions.
Pasta Bella makes their own pasta, and I loved it. We all got different things, and I definitely had a fork full of each. The back room is decorated with old bicycles, which was cute and unique.
Old German Bakery & Restaurant will definitely have a waiting list for breakfast, so I suggest getting there early. They don’t have a ton of authentic German breakfast options, but you can find German pancakes.
Sunset Grill has a great American brunch menu. We went there right after climbing Enchanted Rock, and we were starving. The inside is cute, but we comfortably sat on the shaded outdoor patio without dying of heat.
Java Ranch Espresso Bar & Cafe carries their ranch theme throughout their decor. They have decent coffee and a relaxing atmosphere if you need to put your feet up after a hard day of shopping….

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So many gorgeous nooks to Fredericksburg.

Known For
German Heritage Fredericksburg was settled by Germans, and their influence is noticeable from the architecture to the names to the German bakeries.
Pecans You can find pecans and pecan paraphernalia all over the place. I honestly have no idea why other than they’re a Southern and Texas thing. But I’m not complaining because I am obsessed with pecans and always have been.
Peaches I’m not a peach person. I love the way they smell, but I don’t like eating them. If you’re into more than just the emoji, this is the place to be during peach season. They’re everywhere. Dedicated peach stores line the roads, no joke.
Wine There are a ridiculous amount of wineries and vineyards here. You can find automotive, German, Tuscany, horse, and more themed vineyards. I don’t drink, but I wish I did.  

bisous und обьятий,
RaeAnna

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Style

Cruise Swimsuits

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1| Rhinestone Sunglasses Amazon |2| Caged, High-Waisted Swim Bottoms Target |3|  Split Front Beach Pants Asos |4| Mini Heart Bikini Top Asos |5| Mini Heart Bikini Bottoms Asos |6| Tropical Print Dress Asos |7| Scoop Back One-Piece Target |8| Straw Hat Madewell |9| Ring Detail Halter Bikini Top Asos |10| Crochet High Waisted Bottoms Asos (Low Rise) |11| Crochet Tie Top |12| Bardot Black One-Piece Asos |13| White Mesh Top |14| Lavender Sunglasses

When I was young, I couldn’t wait to be old enough to wear bikinis. Then, I got old enough and didn’t love them so much. I felt exposed. Then, I got even older, and I just don’t give a fuck anymore. I love swimsuits because they mean I’m at the beach or by the pool. My apartment has a pool, and I don’t spend as much time by it as I should. When I first moved to Texas, I had very few swimsuits. Now, I have a whole bunch. It didn’t stop me from buying a few more for my cruise last month, though.

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Crochet Top | Crochet Bottom | Both from Asos.com

I found several from Asos and JustFab and Target. I love one piece swimsuits; being as tall as I am, they are kind of hard to find. So I have a renewed love in bikinis. I’m a huge fan of high waisted bottoms because I can binge on shitty food and not feel totally exposed. Here are all the swimsuits I brought with me on my cruise. I definitely overbought, but that’s fine. They are all on sale, and I adore all of them. Truly. They look so cute!

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Lifestyle

Merry Month Past Christmas

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There’s just something about a sleigh and a Christmas tree that makes me happy. | Standing in Von Maur at Valley West Mall in Des Moines. | These BCBGeneration Pumps are the literal best!!!

Christmas was one month ago. The holiday season has passed. I’m finally going through all the pictures I took over the holidays and finishing reading my Christmas list. I was so busy traveling, moving, and working during the first three weeks of January, so pretty much nothing else was accomplished. I had planned on writing a post about my favorite holiday traditions before Christmas. I failed. So here it is a month later. Let the spirit live on!

I have spent every holiday season in the Midwest – either Iowa or Chicago – outside of the Christmas of 1999. I’m big on traditions. I like them. They make me happy. Of course traditions have changed and varied over the years along with where and who I spend them with. I’m gonna talk about the traditions I have in my hometown with my family.

Von Maur is the Macy’s of Iowa. At least, I think it is. It’s a high end department store with several locations around Iowa. My favorite location – I have been to many – is at Valley West Mall in Des Moines. It’s two floors full of pretty things. The decor has not changed at all in my life time, but that doesn’t mean it’s not luxurious. Personally, I think their dedication to Christmas decorations is what everyone should aim for. In the center of the ground floor between the two escalators, a tree is set up every Christmas. A black grand piano is always there along with couches and chairs for shoppers to rest their feet. Growing up, my family would always go to Von Maur to sit and listen to the pianists play Christmas tunes. They were almost always elderly and so very kind. More than anything, they were phenomenal pianists. I still love listening to them play. This past year, I was in Iowa for Christmas, so I took myself and Dylan on a mini shopping spree to Von Maur and listened to the Christmas carols.

As Des Moines has changed over the years, I have started going to the East Village more and more. I now love heading there at Christmas time because it looks so beautiful covered in snow. This past year, there was no snow. Not only the was the wind bitter, but so was I.

Christmas Eve in the Rekemeyer family has always been pretty formulaic. I have helped bolster this formula by insisting certain things are traditions after I enjoyed it the year previously. You just can’t mess with tradition guys!!! Growing up we would always head to the 4:30 church service, followed by dinner, then a movie, and on our way home we would drive by Christmas lights. My mom used to make my brother and I Christmas jammies, so we would get to open them on Christmas Eve before heading to bed. As I got older, my mom and I started going to midnight mass at church, which is candle lit. That became a tradition after one year because I liked the singing. This past year, we did all of those things, but everyone was too tired to go to midnight mass, so I took Dylan. I’m not at all religious, but I like going to see the people I grew up loving and see so rarely now I live across the country.

On Christmas morning, my brother and I would wake up before the sun. A rule about not waking Mom and Dad up before 5 (then 6 a few years later) was instituted. William and I slept in the same room until I was eight, so we would play board games and talk about what we wanted. When we got older, we would always share a room on Christmas Eve in his bunk beds for old times’ sake. Although the no waking Mom and Dad up rule went out the window when we were teenagers because they didn’t have to worry about it. We’d have breakfast and hot cocoa in front of a fire while opening presents. We would open them one at a time, William went first because he was the youngest, then me, then Dad, then Mom, and back to William. It was great fun. Christmas lunch always varied in size depending on if people needed people to spend it with, and we’d finish the day with Christmas movies in our jammies by the fire.

This past year, nothing changed much. William and his wife stayed at my parents’ house on Christmas Eve and I teased them I would sleep in between them with their dog Frank. I didn’t, but I thought about it. Beau stole my breakfast, which was the last piece, so I gave her a stern talking to. We opened presents and hung out by the fire. A few people came over for lunch, and we finished the day with Christmas movies.

Things don’t change much on Christmas for me. I like progress and change in every other part of my life, but the consistency and traditions are something I crave at the holiday season. As I get older and have more money in my pocket, things will start to shift, but for now as the poor twenty-something I am, this is good.  

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The BCBGeneration black patent leather pumps are one of the best footwear investments I’ve made. I found them at Saks Fifth Off Fifth for $49, which is a great deal because they’re not that cheap anywhere else. I wear them all the time. So comfortable and durable.