Ch-ch-ch-changing
Just when you think life is taking a turn for the normal, something (or someone) comes along to shake things up. I think it's God's way of keeping us fresh. The funny thing is that I usually think I'm pretty fresh/hip/cutting edge BEFORE the shake-things-up part, but, alas, it seems I'll always have room for improvement.

Good fortune first came my way when my crazy neighbor got promoted to head shower nozzle inspector and moved to Wakini, Kansas, leaving a vacant apartment next door. Following the exodus of said pleated-khakis-with-dorky-belt-wearing crazy person, my daydreams of TDH (Tall Dark and Handsome) moving in kicked into full force to the point that I'd already named our first child Oliver. (Life goes really fast in fantasy land. I can see a boy in the produce section of the grocery store and fall in love by the way he checks for ripe apples. By the time I've gotten my mixed greens, we've had our imaginary first kiss. My bread - the proposal. My cheese - the wedding. And my ice-cream - our first child.) The daydreams eventually got out of hand when I baked a welcome cake for said phantom before realizing there was no where to deliver it. And then I landed back in reality to find the best surprise of all... Shop Girl moved in instead! And while it isn't going to be the smoochfest I had originally envisioned, it has had an enlivening effect on my as-of-late-rather-sedentary existence.

The first difference is that she made me break up with Ben and Jerry. She says we have a co-dependent relationship and I need to move on. Second, with my Saturday nights now free from cozy nights in with Ben and Jerry, I've once again found my party shoes and am back on the scene. It's amazing how quickly I went from Party Priss to Sofa Sweetheart, but I did. And lastly, to mark my return to the social scene, I had to go shopping. It seems my cable-knit sweaters and cool sneakers may be good for popcorn and movies, but they don't cut it for cocktails with the girls. Au contraire, such evenings call for sophistication, sassification and just-try-be-as-fashionable-as-I-am chic. It's all about lean slacks, tops with head-turning appeal and shoes that make a statement. Long and short: I'm back in my heels again. And let me tell you, it feels good.

I could only afford one outfit, so I'm relegated to one night out a weekend. I've settled on Saturday night, as I really need Friday night for pre-primping exercises. The old party priss, she ain't what she used to be. So, one night suits me fine. I'm on my third weekend now and am quite impressed with my prowess. Shocking really, this whole grown-up going out thing. Very mature. Amazing how much more interesting conversations can be when a girl has consumed fewer than three cocktails. Too bad I didn't know that in the college years. But no sense crying over spilt perfume. I have outfits to plan, skin to firm and hearts to break.

Look out world (or my tiny corner of it), someone's got her groove back.

she she me Sponsor: Nofo @ the Pig
Triangle girls, mark you calendars. On March 20th, Nofo @ the Pig is having a Sassy Saturday, and you don't want to miss it. Start off the day with a yummy mimosa and a fresh coat of nail polish from the Swiss product line, Mavala. (Nofo will have a resident nail guru on hand to give our nails a quick face lift.)

Once you're lacquered, take a peek at two fabulous new lines that they're bringing to Raleighwood. MarieBelle Chocolates is a chi chi line of sweets that offers the most exquisitely decorated chocolates that you have ever seen. Each piece is a beautifully painted gem and packed in an extraordinary signature blue box. Art and Chocolate? Could it get any better? The Nofo shop girls will be on hand to take special orders for Mother's Day. A fashionable box of MarieBelle treats is sure to keep you in your Mom's favor.

As if chocolate and early a.m. cocktails weren't enough, they will be showcasing a new makeup line, Pinkie Swear Cosmetics. Girls of all ages (teens, tweens, twenty-somethings and up) will fall in love with the pretty colors and fun packaging of Pinkie Swear. Created to give you a natural glow, Pinkie Swear is easily applied with your fingertips, making it the makeup for the women on the go.

Finally, Nofo will be debuting she she me's Spring 2004 Collection. There are sassy new T designs, eight chic new styles of stationery and gift enclosures to choose from. And we've revamped everyone's favorite beach towel and even added another.

Don't miss the 'shop and sip' Sassy Saturday at Nofo. 2014 Fairview Rd., Five Points, Raleigh. Call 919.821.1240 with questions. See you there.