IN HER SHOES: INSIDE THE LOOP

My latest featured lady really needs no introduction. She is the voice behind Inside the Loop and Shrimp and Petroleum. Courtney is blog royalty. Not only does she have an amazing following with both of her blogs, but even Lucky magazine took notice and did a feature on her.

 

To me she is the definition of effortless style. She has the best taste and sense of style and is always more than eager to share it will all.

 

She is also an amazing friend. She was the first person ever to comment on my blog and for that she will  always have a place in my heart. When I asked her to share a day in her life she jumped at the chance and got me all the info in a flash.

 

Due to some bad planning on my side I wasn’t able to post this right away. So sorry about that Court!

 

Please sit back, relax and enjoy a day in Courtney’s life from 3 weeks ago.

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I'm pretty much living in the future since we're 12 hours ahead of everyone back home, so I thought I'd share just how great Friday will be!

7:15AM: Wake up, roll over and wish husband a Good Morning. He's extra sluggish today so I do some steam rolling and tickling and he gets up and at 'em. Grab my morning juice, aka the laptop, and check emails. I'm an avid morning and night emailer since we've moved to Malaysia; it's the only time I can catch my favorite people online!

 

8:30AM: We share a car so I do lots of carpooling. Drop JJ off at work and head to yoga. Three days a week I work out with a few friends and do a little bit of stretching and a LOT of laughing!

 

10:30AM:

 

Meet JJ for Teh Tarik and Roti Bakar. I have no doubt butter, kaya and bread is counterproductive to my workout, but oh well. We meet for "brunch" at this little hole-in-the-wall at least once a week and it's my absolute favorite! And judging by husband's face, it's his favorite, too [if you read my blog, you have seen this face before. I finished my entire mug of teh tarik—Malaysian black tea with condensed milk—and my innards are now bouncing off their walls!

 

11:30AM:

Head home, shower, dress and get cracking. I write a monthly column for a magazine that's sent to all Americans living in Kuala Lumpur. My November article on cocktails made from local fruits is due in a few days and I'm still in "research" mode. Truth be told, this is the best phase of them all when dealing with hard-hitting cocktail journalism. I make a list and hit the stores.

 

Noon: Went to the grocery yesterday and requested figs from the friendly owners. They arrived today and are positively gorgeous! I refrain from buying the entire lot as I pick up four of the beauties, along with some fresh mint, and I'm out the door.

 

1:00PM: Still need local rambutans and mangosteens so I run to Puda wet market. Quickly make the rounds and annoyingly can't find what I need anywhere! I'm going to have to call the "van lady" to see if she can round some up for me. Bonus of van lady: curbside delivery! I spot my shrimp vendor as I'm heading out and her stall is teeming with gorgeous shrimp. No way can this Louisiana girl pass that up! Her prices certainly aren't the biggest steal by Kuala Lumpur standards, but it's not too shabby when you have four happy helpers offering their peeling services. I quickly nab 2 kilos and have them packed on ice for the hot ride home.

 

  

2:15PM: Head to the rooftop deck and water the plants. It's afternoon sun and I'm likely to kill my darling plants, but I can never remember in the morning.

 

 

I grin at my tacky lil' gnome who reminds me of home—and that's always a welcomed moment around here!

 

3:00PM: It's Friday during a short work week [Monday and Tuesday were public holidays] and because it's a slow week, JJ finishes up a bit early. He's in need of new swimming goggles, so I pick him up and drive to Suria KLCC, a shopping mall inside the famous Petronas Towers.

That took all of 5 minutes, so we grabbed fresh squeezed juices and chilled. I'm currently obsessed with green apple and lime. Slurp!

 

  

4:45PM: Look up and notice we're having a super special blue sky moment, so I couldn't resist snapping a shot of the Towers. Our sky is perpetually white, smoggy and hazy, so this is certainly a rarity.

5:15PM: Take sweet Burks for a walk around the block and my mood is instantly lifted. She all but turns backflips when I grab the leash for a little walk. How can you resist that freckly face?

5:45PM: Well, I've made it past 5, so it's high time to test my "research." Whip up the clove simple syrup and puree fresh figs. The fig and clove mojito is a winner and I wonder how it will stand up to tomorrow's strawberry, lemongrass, vodka number. I'm not a lush; I'm merely testing them for the article's sake. Sort of my friendly civic duty if you will.

6:30PM: We de-vein and skewer some of the fresh shrimp and throw them on the pit with grapefruit, Thai spices and a dash of Tony's [you don't think I'd leave that out, do you?]. Now I'm off to get the side dishes going, jot down notes about the mojito and kick up my leopardy feet .  Happy Weekend!

 

  

PS - Today I literally ran all over the city's markets, malls and more, so I have to tout these sandals I won on Camila’s fab contest. Thanks to Chickdowntown's generosity, they are some of the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn and I haven't taken them off for a solid week now. My feet are happily spoiled rotten!

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A big thanks to Ms. Courtney! I loved reading about your day and all the adventures you are having in your new home! How great are JJ and Burks for posing for those shots. Love it!

 

I was so excited when you won the give away, because  I was certain you were going to get an abundance of use with them. I hope they keep you company the entire time you are abroad.

 

Know that all us stateside heart you very much and are so happy that you are taking us along for the ride!

 

To check out more IN HER SHOES features click here.

 

Stay tuned for my Rubie Green event recap with pictures!!!