Green is the new Black...

...Polish that is. When the black nail polish craze came out a few years ago, I was quickly bored with it. I wear enough black- I didn't think that I needed to follow suit with my nails. Nail lacquers quickly changed to incorporate darker colors for those who need variety (OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark anyone?). This fall, green is all the rage for the phalanges. OPI's Here Today... Aragon Tomorrow is a lovely emerald green. It has a nice slight shimmer and in the sun light it radiates the mossy hue that you want. This is a nice way to update your look for the fall for a few bucks.

Take the risk and go green with this gem.

-ani

A second look

I haven’t given Payless Shoes the time of day that I should have. Well shame on me! After reviewing their fall collection I was amazed. Seriously people, they have drool worthy shoes. I am so obsessed with these purple booties by Payless own brand and suede grey pumps by Abaete’ for Payless. A major plus is that the price is right and I won’t feel guilty buying a few pairs. Watch out world, I’m giving everyone a second chance (and looking good while doing it!).

P.S. Won't these purple boots look cute with my skinny jeans?
-ani

Seriously, what took them so long to invent this?

I rarely see an ad in a magazine that impacts me so much that all I can think about is getting that item-until, I saw a little ad for Band-Aid® Friction Block™ Stick. It is a genius defense system that wards off rubbing and irritation from wearing your Christian Louboutin heels. The stick is superbly small so you can throw it in your purse. Also, the formula is invisible so you can wear your D’Orsay heels with out anything showing! (Unlike regular Band-Aids that do show when you are wearing open toe shoes.

I love it when smart people get together and create problem-solving products like this one.

-ani

iTunes iLove

Any song that has the words “boom sha-la-ka" is a song I want to listen to. Lucky for me Boom, sung newcomer Anjulie, has those very words. Anjulie has a sultry-vintage voice that Corrine Bailey Rae and Duffy brought to the masses a few years ago. Boy, am I glad that this sound is in! Pop this tune in on your i-Pod for a road trip when you get sick of your shuffle mix.

boom...sha-la-ka..... la-ka.....boom.....boom

-ani

ani-cdote has an e-mail address!

e-mail anicdote@gmail.com to have your name put on the *new post* list! Just send a note with your preffered e-mail address you want ani-cdote updates sent to!

-ani

Panic in the kitchen

I hate it when I look in my fridge and I see nothing to eat. At that point, I am probably too lazy to run to the grocery store, or I am not in the mood for any fast food. However, last night I took a quick inventory of what I already had, and found I could make some really good meatballs for a sub!
What you need:

• 1lb ground meat (I had turkey on hand)
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese (if you don’t have this, just add another ¼ cup of bread crumbs)
• ¼ cup BBQ sauce (Or any kind of sauce, like marinara)
• ½ cup any kind of shredded cheese (I used sharp cheddar)
• Add any kind of spice that you want (Chile powder, Onion powder, Garlic powder) for a little kick

Mix ingredients together, you may need to play around with the ratios.

• Make the meatballs any size (I like tiny ones for sandwiches)
• Broil them for 6 minutes on each side
• Fill up a saucepan with part water, part BBQ sauce- equal portions
• Simmer meatballs/BBQ sauce for 20 minutes

Voila! This is soooo easy and it takes no effort. Plus, if you make a double batch you can freeze the rest for a later date.

Mangez!

-ani

Mentioning the Unmentionables

We all know the super giant lingerie company, Victoria’s Secret, rules the world when it comes to bras and undies. You can always find them in a mall and a very accessible online. However, I stumbled upon some fabulous skivvies a few years ago when I left all of my undergarments at home on a trip. Where, you ask? The Gap- no, seriously. They have great sleepwear, lovely bras and lacy, hot underwear that are top quality. My patronage to the Gap Body store is always 100% satisfaction in cut, color, pattern, and wear n’ tear. Check out a Gap Body store or go online to gap.com to check out their cute stuff! And let’s face it, I want to see what a normal girl looks like in the merchandise- not a super model.

-ani

Replace THESE with THAT!

Dump out all of your hand cream, lipgloss, lipstick and do-dads from your purse. Toss them aside and replace with Rosebud Salve. This is the perfect I-do-it-all salve that has a slight pink tint and the most heavenly smell. I carry this everywhere and I won’t switch purses with out it. Plus, it comes in a cute vintage tin that can be used later for buttons, change or jewelry! You can pick this little space saver up at Sephora or Urban Outfitters.

-ani

Hey is for Horses

Saddle up, partner! Equestrian accessories can really polish any kind of outfit you have on. That is why the Death and Texas weekend bag is a must have for the complete equestrian look- with out the horse. The bag is great for a quick weekend get a way, with out looking like you are hauling luggage around. The combination of materials are classic with brass, leather and soft cotton. This is what I would consider a staple in any cowgirl’s wardrobe. You can purchase this and other fantastic bags at www.dntx.etsy.com . (Check out DNTX's Handlebar Bag and The Clutch - you will be obsessed)

Happy trails (and shopping) to you!

-ani