Juli Weiner just published a satirical look at silly bands and what they might mean in a relationship.

Unless you know somebody who works in graphic design or printing, you’ve probably never heard of Pantone Inc. No, it’s not the shampoo company. These guys are mostly famous for color swatch books that graphic designers use. Their Pantone Color Institute has been making news in the past few years as THE authority on color for their ability to forecast the color of the year for both fashion and home decor trends.

I can’t say whether they have psychic abilities to know what the fashion designers will use or if the designers follow the advise of Pantone. I do know that once they name the color, you’ll be sure to see it everywhere.

And what is the color for 2010? Turquoise! This bright and cheery shade will have you dreaming of ocean waves, boys on surfboards, and being on vacation… even when youre stuck in class.

So, here’s my piece of advice for you. Go ahead and flaunt your turquoise jewelry, sweaters, and scarves now. In the spring, you won’t be able to look anywhere without seeing this fun and vibrant blue hue on TV, in magazines, and in the stores. Your friends will just be jumping on the turq bandwagon and you’ll be able to say, “I was already doing that back  in ’09!”

As much as I would love to be, a domestic goddess I am not. I consider “homemade” to mean… “I made this at home” and that includes frozen pizzas. I have multiple scars on my hands and stomach (don’t ask) from various failed baking attempts. It kind of bums me out, because my friends are amazing in the kitchen.

At our last 80’s themed birthday party, there was a cake made to look like a giant Rubix Cube—seriously.  Therefore, I was more than a tad skeptical when my friend Heather suggested that I try making a giant cupcake for my friend’s birthday. Besides sounding like a daunting culinary task, I asked her, “Isn’t a giant cupcake just…a cake?”

Heather referred me to the Wilton Giant Cupcake Pan. It didn’t exactly come with instructions, but with a little Google magic I found out that making this cake takes two boxes of cake mix (Funfetti of course). I filled the pans 2/3 of the way full and let them bake for an hour. Apparently, you know they’re done when you can stick a toothpick in the cake and it comes out without batter on it. I found that a chopstick works just as well. I was pretty proud of the results.

It’s the worst thing that can happen to a fashionista. Weeks of planning an outfit—the accessories, the shoes, the hairstyle for the big event and you’re confident that you look perfect. You walk through the door, knowing how fabulous you look. But then, out of the corner of your eye….you see HER. And she’s wearing YOUR outfit.

These can be the situations in your life that could bring out the best or worst in you. You could steal a line from chick-flick classic, Clueless, and snidely ask the girl, “So was that you going through my laundry?”

Unfortunately, we live in the South. We’re required to like good barbeque, know college football, and have good Southern Belle manners. Sigh..and it’s the manners that get me every time.

So, rather than getting mad, paste a pretty smile on your gorgeous face. Complement HER on her amazing taste in fashion. Snap a fun, ironic picture with her and stick it up on Facebook. At the end of the day, you’ll be remembered for your great attitude over your great outfit. And next time, make sure you’re shopping at Sachi . You’ll be ensured of having a one-of-a-kind outfit and nobody can steal your thunder.