"You shouldn't neglect your gums." (Julia Roberts, Pretty Woman)

CAPES [something empowering] Flossing not only prevents plaque build-up and gum disease, but it also helps fight bad breath. If that doesn't empower you (and you know who you are...) to floss more, then I give up.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Neosporin for cuts, burns, AND...blemishes. Oh how I wish I knew this in Junior High.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] 15 years into my addiction of caffeine and coffee, I find myself finally able to drink drip coffee. But it has to be iced...with cream...and 2 pumps of vanilla syrup (so much for simplicity).

I can always find a way to pack another pair of shoes.

CAPES [something empowering] It is quite magical to hear Lance Armstrong congratulate you on your personal best time for a distance run. Nike+ GPS iPhone application - I'll see you in the morning!

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] When I travel, I use contact cases to spare more luggage space. Instead of taking large items that I only need a tad bit of, I put a few pumps in my color-coded-cases. This way, I can justify bringing an additional pair of shoes.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] I leave for Sierra Leone in 2 weeks. This will be my second time to the great continent of Africa this year and second time to SL. But unlike my last trip to Africa and SL, my layover time has been compromised...unless I can figure out a way to get by customs and into the city of Paris and back to my gate in under 1 hour.

the tingle is free

CAPES [something empowering] An 81-year old Texan man gave the following advice to me on a westbound plane after telling me about how his wife had recently passed away: "You hear about people that want to bargain with God, and I get that, because I would give anything if I could only have 15 minutes with her to tell her all the things I should have...Tell those that you love what you think about them. Don't wait. Tell them now."

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Tea Tree Tingle shampoo/conditioner from TJ's. Chemical-free, sulfate-free (safe for dyed hair), and a salon-free price. Love.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] Palm Oil = a rapidly renewable resource. Goodlight tealights are sold at glassybaby, and are a good light to purchase if you burn through candles quickly - because you breathe what you burn.

learning to go with the flow...

CAPES [something empowering] If you're like me - dictating every moment with plans - then it's important to balance yourself and go with the flow. And yes, tonight I'm planning to go with the flow.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] Toilet seat covers can be used to remove any excess shine from your pretty face. Blot your T-zone, and you're instantly refreshed.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] James Vincent McMorrow and the Civil Wars captivated a packed Triple Door last night. Video clip is JVM's last song, "If I Had a Boat". He'll be back in September with the rest of his band...stay tuned.

My Summer Reading List

CAPES [something empowering] In the morning, as you get dressed and ready for the day, think about the attitude that you want to "dress" yourself in. If you wake up annoyed, try "undressing" that attitude before you walk out the door.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] I recently cancelled my cable because of the ongoing feud between Comcast and myself. I have a new-found love for Hulu Plus because I can handle $7.99 per month...and I doubt Hulu will increase the price by an obscene amount unannounced.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] My summer reading list includes:
The Brain that Changes Itself, by Norman Doidge
Everliving, by Christina Dudley
The Great House, by Nicole Krauss
The Help, by Kathryn Stockett
The History of Christianity, by Paul Johnson
Let Justice Roll Down, by John Perkins
Love Wins, by Rob Bell
Reviving Ophelia, by Mary Pipher
Real Boys, by William Pollack
The Street of Crocodiles, by Bruno Schultz

I'm not needy, but I have needs.

CAPES [something empowering] It's important to know the difference between being a needy person and being the type who allows others to take advantage of you. Know your limits. Allow yourself to have needs.

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] This wine, with this guy, at this restaurant.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] I love the following glassybaby colors together: Sea Foam, Chatham, Taxi, Kumquat, Chartreuse, Beach, Celadon, Whisper, Crayola and Tangerine...and yes, there are three different shades of orange in this combo.

Move over mayo...

CAPES [something empowering] "When I cannot bear outer pressures anymore, I begin to put order in my belongings...as if unable to organize and control my life, I seek to exert this on the world of objects" (Anais Nin).

COFFEE [latest trend or addiction] I hate mayonnaise, but love gourmaise. Boar's Head Pepperhouse Gourmaise makes mayonnaise so much more than tolerable.

THE COLOR ORANGE [something noteworthy] In my own "world of objects", I have been obsessed with simplicity and organization. This month, Real Simple featured this closet organizer, and I can't wait to purchase it. Also this month in RS, glassybaby was featured on the cover. Big deal. Huge.