welcome to elaney!

Reader Isa,

Words cannot describe how much we love you.  Your shoes and socks combo, not so much. Thanks Reader Ace for making sure this fashion no-no was a no-more.

Love,
elaney (and interns)

It’s March, and we know what that means.  Lots of ladies running around trying to get ready in the morning with nothing to wear.  You are so sick of your winter clothes you don’t know what to do, and you have no idea what you wore last spring.  The few items you can find seem a little more faded and wrinkly than they once did.  There is only one cure for midseason blues…retail therapy.

We’re gotten distracted with winter, but we are officially Marching into spring by kicking off 3 straight days of fashion posts.  And we are starting with everyone’s favorite warm weather attire…the swimsuit.  Not feeling so sexy?  Check out Spanx’s new line of swimwear.  They are mostly one pieces and tankinis (btw, ladies, everyone to have 1 one piece – there are occasions when a 2 piece is not appropriate), but they have a few tiny bikinis too!  They aren’t cheap (around $180), but it makes you feel cute and confident, who cares?  Which ones do we like?  The ones with ruffles of course!

We have nothing more to say about the Bachelor – now that we’ve lost all faith in relationships.  Wasn’t it Jake complaining that nice guys always finish last?  Guess he wasn’t too concerned with nice girls.  So if you wanna vent, here’s the forum.  We’re done.  Ugh.

“The whole world is moving…and I am standing still…” -The Weepies

Standing still right in front of the Starbucks counter, that is.  Trying to make the decision…to waste not or to want not?!?  We have a love hate relationship with Starbucks.  When they put that little cup in your hand, it fits so warm and snuggly.  It’s saying, “elaney, let me warm your heart and soul this morning.  Let’s get the day off to the right start.”  However, Starbucks is so expensive.  And spending $3 on coffee a day is really unacceptable.  But oooh “when it touches your lips, it’s so good.”  So if you feel like being bad, please do tell.  What is your favorite coffee drink from Starbucks, or other overpriced coffee chain?

One of the most glorious things about spring is waking up in the morning with a smile on your face and a skip in your step.  This morning, despite being Day 4 sans Diet Coke, the day felt so full of potential.  It’s Friday!  The weekend is here!  Can’t get enough of Train’s “Hey Soul Sister” and life is good.   So elaney ladies…whether it’s Vandy beating UGA or the most beautiful day outside your window…what has you you smiling today?  And what music is on your “Happy Day Playlist?”

The Random Assortment of Music That Has Become…the Happy Day Playlist (of the moment):

“Us” – Regina Specktor
“Hey Soul Sister” – Train
“Evacuate the Dance Floor” – Cascada
“How Will I Know?” – Whitney Houston
“Imma Be” – Black Eyed Peas
“Motown Philly” – Boys II Men
“Arise My Soul Arise” – Indelible Grace
“The World Spins Madly On” – The Weepies
“If You Could Read My Mind” – 54 Soundtrack
“Baby Baby” – Amy Grant
“Let My Love Open the Door” – Pete Townschend
“The Right Kind of Wrong” – LeAnn Rimes
“Bad Romance” – Lady Gaga
“Haven’t Met You Yet” – Michael Buble (yes we realize how lame this is, but just TRY running to it.  guarantee your ponytail will be swinging before the chorus)
“Must’ve Been Love” – Roxette

We love recipes that aren’t that hard and make us look legit.  Try homemade ravioli!

Sweet Potato Ravioli

• 1 1/2 pounds red-skinned sweet potatoes (yams)
• 2 tablespoons (packed) golden brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 48 square wonton wrappers
• 2 large egg whites, beaten until foamy

Brown Butter Sauce

• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter
• 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme

Chopped toasted pecans (optional)