Crazy Crazy Crazy

Us.

2012-02-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

Two years ago (almost to the day), after months of not seeing one another, Brad and I decided to become friends again (after a first shot at dating when I was still in college). I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss him or wonder about him that whole time we didn’t really talk. Little did I know, things would turn out this way.I have never felt so lucky or blessed in love before.
And, again, it’s been two years and we are still in this sweet, happy place.
Not perfect.
But happy. Supportive. Goofy. The best of friends. Confidantes. Home.

I want to pinch myself sometimes.

Happy Valentine’s Day/"Anniversary” to my best friend!

Happy Valentine’s Day to my family and friends, the sweetest people in my life. I love you all!

And Happy Valentine’s Day to you readers out there!

WKND

2012-02-13T10:00:00.000-05:00

I’m already anxiously anticipating next weekend (especially since I have 3 days off!). This weekend was like a sample taste. With what little time I did have, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. A great double date with one of the cutest couples ever over wings, delicious dinner with an amazing group of lovely people, an attempt to see Chronicle that resulted in sold out seats and heading to the bar instead.
Panera Bread with some cute ladies. All in all, a solid time.

We did see Chronicle, on Sunday instead of Saturday. What an intense film. I am a huge fan of “Found Footage” films (Cloverfield, Paranormal Activity, etc.), and this one goes on the list. The movie is heavy and sad, I will say that, but it was a breath of fresh (really cold) air that left me gasping and dry-eyed from being unable to blink or look away. I’m super sensitive, so it put me in a mood.
But if a film can do that, it means it was worth the money and the time.

Here’s to a great week!

Dinner Last Night: Chili Night

2012-02-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I kinda did this meal once before (this time I used beef)…but it’s such an easy, comforting meal. And it’s only uses one pot. Less dishes to wash! How can you complain? I’m still working on the perfect chili. I need to work on the heat factor, and I’d like to utilize my own spices instead of always buying the easy McCormick’s pack. Don’t get me wrong, it’s tasty! But it’d be fun to play with the flavor and heat, especially since I often feel there’s some sort of element missing…

I also made baked potatoes for the family as well. Such a filling, satisfying, comforting meal. Perfect for a winter night.

I can’t believe the weekend is already here! That’s probably because I didn’t work on Monday, so the week flew by. I have a short weekend, though, due to work on Saturday morning. Otherwise, it should be a nice, relaxing weekend. Very different from the last few. Plans include: wings and pizza with Brad’s cousin and fiancé, movie night with friends I’ve missed oh-so-dearly, and quite a bit of vegging out.

See you on Monday!

J’Adore

2012-02-09T10:00:00.000-05:00

Lana Del Rey and her album Born to Die. I understand a lot of people/critics dislike her. This means nothing to me at all. I personally think her and her music are absolutely gorgeous. I cannot stop listening.
Tucking into comfort food which, in my case, revolves around soup and cheese.
Nail Blogs. My favorites are Little Nails and Nailside. They are such a great source of inspiration for nail art and nail polish, and obviously I love reading about things I love!
The February Photo a Day challenge for Instagram. It’s fun to take random photos each day and see the many others people post.
Sinking right into a good book. I am on my 4th Emily Giffin book, and I can definitely say she is one of my favorite authors. She really evokes emotion and touches on some serious relationship issues in a very understandable and
often-relatable way. Don’t write her books off as girly fluff.
Planning Thursday night dinner for the family. Trying to keep the menu exciting!
Quaint weekend plans with people I love.

Sight-Seeing

2012-02-08T10:00:00.000-05:00

So, in Boston, I’ll admit I didn’t even cover half of the bases most people probably would on their first visit. There are many historical stops I didn’t see, areas I didn’t get to venture into. But what can you do? I will say this…what I did see was absolutely beautiful. Brick roads, trees and tunnels decorated with beautiful lights, a cotton candy sunset over the dock, and one truly breathtaking skyline.

I was maybe moved to tears on Saturday night, after seeing all the sights.
I’m such a crybaby.

Boston

2012-02-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

I can finally tell all y’all blog readers that I was in Boston for a long weekend! The reason I couldn’t before is because I went with Brad and his parents as a surprise for his brother’s birthday! It was tough, considering I love Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc… but I couldn’t run the risk of ruining a surprise party! It was my first time in Boston and I had a total blast. There’s still so much more I’d like to see, but we got a lot done in a short amount of time. And there is absolutely no doubt that Brad’s brother was completely and utterly shocked to see his family at his surprise birthday party! I have SO MANY PICTURES…these will have to do for now.

I’ll have to share more with you throughout the week…I took about 500 altogether. What a lovely weekend!
Time to get back in the swing.

Dinner Last Night: Cheesesteak Stromboli

2012-02-03T10:00:00.000-05:00

Since it has become my duty to make dinner on Thursday nights, I think Dinner Last Night will be a regular Friday feature here on the blog. I’m not savvy enough (yet?) to come up with my own recipes, so a lot of what I’ll make will be based off recipes I find on blogs or Pinterest or
Food Network. I decided this week to make cheesesteak stromboli because a co-worker of mine brought it up. How can you go wrong?
This meal was so quick and simple. I decided to make a sort of antipasto tossed salad for the side. It didn’t have as much as I would normally like to see in my antipasto, but it did the trick.

This was a super easy and tasty meal. I used Pillsbury Pizza Dough in the can. I placed a few slices of American cheese first. Then I cooked 8 SteakUmms and placed those on top. I didn’t take a picture, but I also added a nice layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Then I folded and pinched and baked it in the oven for 15 minutes. So simple.

I made my salad by combining some banana pepper rings, onion, salami, and slices of cheese, topped with red wine vinaigrette.

By the way, it’s Friday everyone! I am so ready for the weekend. And I have Monday off. I can’t complain.
Have a great weekend, everyone!!!

Etsy Lust List

2012-02-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

Just some things I’ve been lusting over on Etsy…

Super cute Bow Lo Bolo Tie by Norwegian Wood

A beautiful, hand-crafted lace bodysuit by Emma Highfield

Festive Bunting Stainless Steel flask by Whimsy and Ink

A fun print of one of my favorite films by Monster Gallery

Remember to click the pictures for direct links and check out all these shops!

A Time for Love

2012-02-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I don’t find Valentine’s Day to be on the list of important holidays. It makes for some really cute cards and pretty red and pink decorations, but it’s not something that should rule relationships. However, I know we will be reminded and surrounded by its presence for most of this new month (BTW, February already?). What I do find important is expressing and embracing love in our everyday lives.
For those that are lucky to have a beloved, the little surprises, bumps, and triumphs along the way are what stick in your mind.
Not the forced roses or chocolates or jewelry on Valentine’s Day (though it’s a sweet gesture).
But love isn’t just romance. It’s family. It’s friends. It’s your pet. It’s your hobby. It’s your passion. It’s your life.
So I say, let’s embrace the beautiful things we are so very lucky to love in our lives no matter what.
And not just this month…every day.

Prohibition Taproom

2012-01-31T10:00:00.000-05:00

Here’s a fun fact about my family. When deciding where to eat on a trip, the decision usually gets made based on what restaurants have good beers on tap (and great prices as well). That led us to the Prohibition Taproom on Sunday.
I absolutely adored the place. Even before ordering food or drinks, I fell in love with the atmosphere. It’s so simple and cozy.

I enjoyed just one beer, Furthermore Fatty Boombalatty. And it was delicious!

As for food, they have the usual bar fare, but it’s all very tasty! Their grilled cheese sandwich changes everyday, and Sunday’s was jack, bacon, arugula and pepper served with a little salad and some extremely tasty fries. Brad had a delicious kielbasa and pierogi plate that was on special. It’s such a wonderful little place with different deals and drinks on a daily basis. I really hope to make it there again soon.

Sweet Little Weekend

2012-01-30T10:00:00.000-05:00

Wow, this one went by too fast. That’s usually what happens when I work a Saturday shift though. Without Friday night partying or date night and Saturday morning to sleep in, I sort of feel like everything is in Fast Forward without much time to chill. It didn’t help that this weekend was packed to the gills with activities. A farewell-for-now dinner with friends, work, movie theater date (We saw The Artist and it was adorable…everyone clapped at the end and it was such a great moment!), quick casino trip, Philadelphia for the car show and beer and food. I’m surprised I fit it all in under 48 hours!

Some photos I took with the iPhone/Hipstamatic:

Though I’m not ready for Monday already, hopefully it’ll be a good week. And, bonus, I have a three day weekend coming up! Very exciting.
Here’s to a great week, everyone!

Dinner Last Night: “Brinner”

2012-01-27T10:00:00.000-05:00

I don’t know about all y’alls, but this week has been painfully slow. And, yes, it’s Friday, but I have work tomorrow. So. Boo. To top it off, another one of my friends is moving out of state for a job. I’m super excited and happy for him, but it’s a bummer nonetheless.

Anyway, I have been craving a good breakfast and, since my sister and I both said we’d contribute to dinners more often, I decided to make “brinner” for everyone. I think breakfast is always delicious, but there’s something about eating it after 12 PM that makes it that much more enjoyable. And it’s always simple. Eggs, bacon, sausage, and some pancakes. Ya can’t go wrong.

It’s been a while since I did a Dinner Last Night post, but I hope to bring it back regularly!

And as for the weekend, enjoy!
I’ll be doing a farewell dinner with friends, seeing The Artist with Brad, and heading to the Philly Car Show with my family.
Sounds like a good one to me.

One Track Mind

2012-01-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

All photos from my iPhone. You can see where my priorities lie (and where most of my paycheck goes).

Operation Organization–Part Two

2012-01-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

Once again, I embarrass myself on this website. (Whatever, it’s real life, and I’m making improvements!)

Hello, and welcome to one of the messiest, if not the messiest, part of my room! I’ll credit the mess to my excessive shopping and extreme lack of storage. I actually had a bigger closet in my on-campus apartment in college, believe it or not. But let’s not forget the main reason I’ve let everything get so bad in the first place…laziness.

For a while, I’ve wanted a garment rack. Before this little Tupperware pile began, most of the clothes there were on what I called a “makeshift closet.” It was a wire hanger that was stretched to hang over the top of the closet door and had several other hangers hanging from it. Needless to say, it eventually stretched out, everything fell off, and I just couldn’t do it again. Off to Bed, Bath, and Beyond I went.
In addition to the garment rack, I decided to get a nice shoe rack as well. I was still utilizing one of those compartmentalized shoe holders that you hang from the closet with Velcro straps. It was okay, but it left a lot of my shoes without a home.

The end result:

I’m so glad to finally have a garment rack. It’s just a simple one that was easy to put together. But now I can display my favorite items without having them get all squished and wrinkly in the closet. Bonus: There’s more room in the closet! I also took the opportunity to get a bag of clothes and shoes ready to donate. There’s still a lot more to go through, my dresser and armoire, but at least those things are put away.
I needed to clean up the huge mess infiltrating the floor.

Ultimately, there’s a lot more work and organizational skills I could utilize to make the best out of my tiny closet space.
But I’m proud of the work I’ve done now.

I’m not sure when Part Three will commence. The next thing I’m on the hunt for is a bookshelf or some of those organizational cubes.
I need a place to display my collection of books (duh) and DVDs. Don’t worry…you’ll see that mess soon enough.

A Love Letter…to the Keurig

2012-01-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

I will be the first person to admit that I am far from adulthood. I have a 9-5 full-time job, health insurance, my own car, and loans and bills to pay. However, I own a heck of a lot of Hello Kitty paraphernalia, sleep with a stuffed Elephant when I’m not with Brad, read and re-read the Twilight Saga (and watch the movies), and, if I had to live on my own (because I don’t, I live at home with my parents), I’d survive solely on grilled cheese sandwiches and sugary cereals. I usually have to remind myself that I’m in my 20s. I’m still in a pubescent, awkward, teenage state of mine (though I am convinced that you don’t really grow out of it for quite some time…).

It may seem strange, but I always associated coffee with adults. The thing is, this caffeinated beverage fueled “olda folk” as they headed to their day-to-day life and the usual grind. I sat and watched my family drink coffee and thought it smelled bitter. I often wished I had
over-milked and over-sugared tea. But as you grow, so does your taste palate.

Over the few adult years I’ve had, I’ve learned a lot of lessons about taste and appetite. You’re willing to try more as you grow older (or at least I am). I’ve eaten a chicken heart. I’ve tasted frog legs. (I wouldn’t do either again, but that’s not the point, guys.) The deal is, I’ve become more adventurous. There’s more to beer than Key Light. There’s more to wine than Franzia.
You think this is silly, I’m sure. THIS IS ABOUT THE KEURIG MACHINE.
Some of you have been drinking coffee since you were a teenager (or earlier?).
Guess what? I didn’t. Anyways, let’s get to the point of the story.

Dear Keurig,

For years, I had heard about this wondrous and exotic machine that made a perfect cup of coffee with the simple press of a button. I didn’t care, though. I didn’t drink coffee. I didn’t really drink caffeine. I was raised on decaf, so I stayed away from coffee. A girl ridden with heart palpitations and thyroid complications, it was what was best. And the anxiety. Did you know caffeine heightens that? It does.
But suddenly, Keurigs were at my disposal. First, they showed up at work. Then Brad’s family bought one. And suddenly, for Christmas, my family had one! And what else was there to do but pop in a K-Cup, press down the handle, pick my cup size, and watch (and smell) a delicious cup of coffee pour in a matter of seconds. I learned that there was more to coffee than the usual stuff you’d get at the gas station or diner (though that can be good, too). There are so many flavors available to use , and in these one-time-use portions that make it so easy to pick and choose and be non-committal. Because of you, I know I like flavored coffees or a nice medium roast doughnut-shop style cup. I like to experiment with flavored creamers (Shout out to International Delights Cinnabon limited edition…) and less and less sugar (I don’t see myself goin’ straight black anytime soon). Because of you, I can treat myself to a hot cocoa or cider anytime I please. Because of you, I can set a cup with a green tea bag below your spout and having boiling water in about a minute, instead of waiting for a teapot to boil.
(Oh, and you also have tea K-cups, you lovely machine you!)
The invention of the Keurig has introduced the wonders of coffee into my life.
Okay, so I often can’t have more than one cup without getting insanely jittery or anxious (I think a lot of people feel this way?), and I do drink decaf if I’m feeling a little Colombian and Cinnabon cream at night. But what’s wrong with that? I know I like coffee now, one of the primo adult beverages around, and that makes me feel just a bit more “grown up.” So…I love you, Keurig. You rock.
Don’t stop what you’re doing. And certainly don’t quit adding flavors to your ever growing list of K-Cups!

Sweet, Snowy Weekend

2012-01-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

I had the perfect little weekend. I helped celebrate my friend Dana’s 25th birthday with Mexican food and drinks. It snowed Saturday morning, and while I’m not the biggest fan of the white stuff, I had nothing to do but cuddle and enjoy the view. Spent the rest of the weekend enjoying some tasty meals and good company. And I slept in. A lot. Mondays are getting hard again. After a nice stint of long holiday weekends, I have to get used to the usual grind. Though I do have two long weekends coming up in February. Gotta keep looking ahead!

Here’s to a great week!

Here we go…

2012-01-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

Despite the fact that it was only a 4 day week for me, I’ve been dying for the weekend. Maybe it’s because I had a taste of extra freedom and I want more. I dunno. This weekend is pretty open for the most part, and the plans I do have involve people I love. So I’m pretty ecstatic.

Not much else to say here, except that I wish you all a very happy/fun/relaxing/exciting weekend!

Outfit: Creature of Comfort

2012-01-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

For me, winter is one of the hardest times to stay fashionable. I have such a low tolerance for cold weather, and that keeps me from being too adventurous. It’s funny…I went to parochial school growing up and spent day after day in a skirt and knee highs and barely complained. Now I layer up in thermals and sweaters and it’s all very boring (and often never enough). Which is why I asked for this comfortable yet chic sweater for Christmas. I’ve found myself drawn to golds and mustards lately. The colors themselves are so warm, it’s hard not to feel extra cozy. The fun, slouchy, mullet-esque shape keeps it fresh and steers it away from being too dowdy. This isn’t one of the most fashionable or original outfits you’ve ever seen, but it did the job for a simple Wednesday night. Chinese food for dinner, shopping for organizational tools for my room, and ending the evening by visiting Brad’s roomie on his bartending gig and having a couple of beers. Not too shabby.

The shoes were also a Christmas present from this past year, thanks to Brad! They are fun and super comfortable. Little leopard booties.
The necklace was another gift from my man, from the previous year. I simply adore it.

Sweater – Sosie/Denim Leggings – PacSun/Booties – Forever 21/Necklace – Betsey Johnson

Operation Organization–Part One

2012-01-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

Warning: The following photo is very embarrassing for me and probably disturbing for you.

Since I had Monday off, I decided to start attacking one of my little resolution/life changes – Organizing. I actually did this around the same time last year and, while I made a bit of a dent, everything fell right back into (the wrong) place. I could blame a lot of things.
Not enough storage space. The closet’s not big enough. I don’t have time. I spend 75% of the week at Brad’s place. But the truth is…well, it’s sheer laziness that holds me back. While I may spend time at Brad’s, my bedroom is still my place. And it’s become more of a burden than a sanctuary. A place I just sleep in. There is nothing inspiring about it, cozy or comforting about it. As you can see above, I let clutter infest my life. And, while it is embarrassing to display this on the interweb for anyone to see, it needs to be seen. Because I’m a normal human. Well, scratch that. An extremely lazy human. Who needs to clean up her act, in so many ways.

After a couple of cups of coffee, I played happy tunes and set a timer for 20 minutes to see how much I could get done with this tiny but significant space of my room. I kept resetting the timer, as I was still very much in the mood to get everything done (and because 20 minutes wasn’t enough and all the stuff you see above was on my bed, a counter-productive tactic that needed to be fixed). And here’s what I did:

There’s still a lot going on here, but everything has it’s place now.
No empty medicine bottles or papers that are months old and are no longer necessary to have.

I had a lot of cute little prints and pictures that were hidden by all the junk.
Usually I would just balance them against things on my dresser, but it was time some of these things were put on display.

Same thing with my instax film. I have SO MANY PICTURES and they are just in a little pile. I need a cute place to store them.
I decided to pick out my favorite ones and display them, to give my room a more personal feel.

And now that my dresser is organized, I can show you the cute lazy susan-style nail polish holder that Brad made for me for Christmas. It is the cutest thing in the world, and the perfect way to display my favorite colors. And now I can actually spin the thing.

I’m also keeping extra nail polish and nail thingees in this cute tin I bought for $2.50 at Target. Also utilizing my Hello Kitty jewelry box (another Christmas present, from my coworker) to stash earrings and necklaces that were in the boxes they came in, all piled up.

And, last but not least, my cameras are finally back on display. They were covered with crap. The camily is back!
For now, I’ll be displaying my soon-to-be-read books at the corner of the dresser until I get a bookshelf. There were so many books, paperbacks and hardcovers, crowding the middle of the dresser. I can’t wait to pick up some things that will truly help organize my room and show off the little collections I have at the same time.

‘Til then, this is all that’s been done. But I’m proud of the little bit of progress I made, and I can’t wait to show you more!

Life as a List

2012-01-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

My current life, in list form…

I am in love with the Keurig coffee maker. I was never a big coffee drinker, and I suppose I’m still not. But making the cup-a-day I usually drink has gotten easier, and I’m so down to try all different coffee flavors with the simple press of a button. (Plus, the hot cocoa, cider, and tea are just as tasty!)

It’s amazing what a fresh coat of nail polish can do to my mood. As a girl who spent the last many years with bare nails, I can’t believe how happy painting my nails makes me or how naked I feel without colorful nails.

Getting mail is an instant mood-booster. Not really bills, obviously, but Netflix movies, magazines, and the packages I order never fail to make my day so much better.

On that note, I love buying used books on Amazon. I don’t care what they look like. I’ve saved a lot of money on my books, and there’s something about getting a hand-me-down that makes the book that much more special.

Though I am so ready to move out on my own (not financially, though, which is the only thing stopping me), I will definitely miss movie nights and laughter with my family everyday.

With celebrities that I love, I am either super-jealous or super-happy when they couple up. In this case, I’m actually both (but I’m jealous because I love Emma Stone, not Andrew Garfield…I have a total crush on her!). They are so cute together!

Reading a book, for me, is a lot like summer romance. You know it will end. It’s finite. But you do it because it feels right and you are in complete adoration of what’s in front of you. And when it’s over, it’s bittersweet. You’re happy that you were involved in such a lovely thing, but sad that it is over.

Wine and Cheese

2012-01-16T12:33:00.001-05:00

This weekend was sort of quick, although I am writing this blog from home, sipping on French Vanilla coffee, enjoying a day off from work.
Basically, it was a blur. Brad and I got dinner with my sister and her boyfriend Josh, which was a lot of fun. And then my friend Jenna came over for a wine and cheese night (which we had been wanting to do for ages) that maybe got a little crazy at the end.
Regardless, it was a fun time and, as always, I can’t wait for next weekend.

Hope y’all had an excellent weekend and let’s have a great week!

Friday the 13th

2012-01-13T10:00:00.000-05:00

How is it already Friday? And the 13th of January? This month is basically halfway over. I’m left wondering where the time went.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited that the weekend is here. But this past week was a blur…the days all blend together.
The plans for this weekend? Work (boo hoo), sleeping over Brad’s, a wine and cheese night, and Golden Globes watchin’ with my sis.
Did I mention I have off on Monday? Well, I do. Making the Saturday shift easier to deal with. Heck yes.

Some photos from the iPhone this past week…

Currently reading The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides…captivating.

Brad and I watched Super 8 and took a quick break so he could make amazing nachos.

Made amazing Chicken Egg Drop soup with my man.

The lineup for this week’s nails.

A successful first spin at my Yonanas!

Have a great weekend!

Etsy Lust List

2012-01-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

Since my last Etsy Lust List post, Etsy has become one of my regularly viewed websites. My Favorites list keeps growing and growing.
I haven’t made a purchase since before the holidays, but I’m hoping to land one (or more) of the following items in the near future.
It’s hard to do that, though, when you really need to watch your money (and the items move SO FAST)!

Fabric Bow Necklace from daileedose

Pennsylvania Dutch Hex Sign Sweater Clip from Roseview Cottage (They have amazing sweater clips!)

Mister Owl Pocket Watch from Barberry and Lace

Vampire Teeth Double Finger Ring from Haus of Bizarre

Anatomical Heart Brass Necklace from House that Crow Built

Winter Survival Guide

2012-01-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

Now that it’s January, that means that NEPA is staring some long, dreary, freezing cold days right in the face. So, in preparation, I’ve decided to put together a list of what I believe is necessary to making it through the blah days of my least favorite season.

Since a lot of your days/nights will be spent indoors (unless you are into winter sports and activities, unlike me), it’s important to keep a nice stock of the cozier things in life. I deem necessary…

Reading Materials – Books, magazines…whatever you choose! It’s so important to step away from the computer and delve into your mind.
Your Favorite Shows and Movies (DVD or Netflix) – We all have our favorite TV shows and movies that we can watch repeatedly and will always get us out of a sun-deprived funk. Make sure you have yours readily available!
The warmest, coziest blankets and sweats you can find – I can’t believe I used to make fun of Slankets. They are one of the greatest inventions for consistently cold people like me! And don’t forget snuggly hoodies, thick socks, and the softest sweatpants ever, so you’re in perfect R&R mode during snowy days.
Hot beverages (and soup!) – Hot cocoa. Green tea with honey. Coffee. Whatever floats your boat. You’re gonna need it to warm up! And I don’t know about you, but soup (which is always a favorite for me) is amazing this time of year. Get all your veggies and proteins in a can or get creative and make your own. So filling and so heartwarming.
Hobbies – Whatever yours may be, you’re going to need something to keep your mind away from the gloomy days that winter brings. For me, painting my nails has become a weekly ritual and a bit of an obsession. I look at nail blogs, try and come up with different color combos, and then, of course, paint my nails! I also enjoy blogging. You may try knitting or paint or write or whatever you so choose!
Keep that mind busy!
A sunny disposition – I find that this is especially hard during the winter. The sun appearing throughout the day gets rarer and rarer, and it doesn’t help that I work 8 hours during the day and drive home during sunset. I truly believe the sun is a big contributor to our happiness. So, find ways to stay positive and remember, cheesy as it is, that the “sun will come out tomorrow” or…well, eventually!

Necessary honorable mentions one shouldn’t forget!
Gloves/Mittens
Thermals (especially for outdoor activities)
A charged cell phone , in case of storms
An ice scraper/snow brush for your car

Nails and Ales

2012-01-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

Time for Round Two of Nails and Ales!
This feature allows me to show off two of my favorite things…my nail polish endeavors and the different beers I try every so often.

Blue Moon is one of my favorite beers, hands down. So I was excited to try this seasonal ale.
The flavor was much stronger than the traditional brew, but I enjoyed it a lot.

Samuel Adams’ Chocolate Bock is ridiculously good. I don’t think I could drink more than one, but it would be an excellent dessert beer. The cocoa flavor was there, but not too sweet or overpowering. This came in a Samuel Adams holiday pack, and each beer was tasty in it’s own delightful way.

Lionshead is not a new beer for me, or even a fancy beer. If you can see in the picture, it is made in Wilkes-Barre, PA, aka right near home. Drinking this transports me right back to college and memories of crazy nights with great friends.
At about 15 bucks a case, you can’t go wrong. The matching nails were a happy coincidence.

Holiday nails and a holiday ale! This is a tasty, Christmas-y treat! The first sip is a festive flavor punch.
This was the one and only Fezziwig I got to enjoy. But I think that’s what keeps it so special.

Woodchuck Hard Cider is one of my favorite drinks EVER. And I’m not just talking in terms of alcoholic beverages. It’s not heavy on the alcohol content and it is just too tasty for words. The classic Amber flavor is my go-to, but I’m game to try every flavor. This particular cider is called Crisp, and is considered a session cider. It’s not a personal favorite of the flavors, it kind of reminds me of a green apple
Jolly Rancher. For me, that’s a little too sweet to enjoy. I did have the winter cider, though, and it’s beyond tasty.

The Best Two Days of the Week

2012-01-09T10:00:00.000-05:00

This was my first “normal” weekend in three weeks. Thanks to the holidays, I enjoyed a couple of three-day weekends. Personally, I think we should always have three-day weekends. But whatever. Since the holidays are over (sad, but true), it was back to open, free weekends with very few plans. I like those relaxing types. A successful date night with Brad, lunch and shopping with my sister, an impromptu gathering with friends over a few too many drinks, and a sublimely lazy Sunday. Yes.

Some photos from date night (terrible quality, dark place, iPhone photos…sorry!).

Happy Friday!

2012-01-06T11:47:00.001-05:00

It may have been a short week, but I still found myself itching for the weekend. Thankfully, it's here!

After the craziness of the holidays, I find myself pretty plan-less this weekend. Instead of being sad, though, it's a total relief. Now I can just follow my heart and do whatever I want (okay, WE want...since I'm spending it with Brad!).

We are kicking off the weekend with a little date to Rustic Kitchen. So excited. It's my treat, they have delicious food, and we can really use a quiet date night, just the two of us.

Have an awesome weekend!!!

Down Time

2012-01-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

Considering the holidays were just upon us, you might be surprised to learn that I haven’t really spent as much time at home with my family as I would’ve liked. “Family” dinner with friends, enjoying the company of our long-distance friend Ed, cuddling with my boyfriend over the holidays, New Year’s Eve partying and recovering. I feel like I haven’t been at home at all. So I decided to spend the last couple of nights at home. Mostly doing laundry and organizing my room (remember, it’s one of my “resolutions” for the year…), but also enjoying beverages from the Keurig (like a hot apple cider I maybe spiked with some white wine), Chinese from my favorite takeout spot, dog-sitting Artie, and getting back into nail art (Huge thanks to Little Nails, a fairly new blog that is SO lovely and inspiring!).

Lana Del Rey

2012-01-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

When it comes to music, I can be a little picky and finicky on the first listen. A couple of months ago, my sister was playing Lana Del Rey on YouTube and trying to introduce me to it. Guess it wasn’t the right time for me. Cut to last Thursday. Maria starts playing the few videos
Lana Del Rey has and they stuck with me. I’ve been playing Video Games and Blue Jeans repeatedly (annoying my boyfriend along the way).
I just love the beautiful lyrics and music and her wonderful voice. Can’t wait for her album to come out at the end of the month.

Outfit: Business In Front/Party In Back

2012-01-03T10:00:00.000-05:00

Introducing my New Year’s Eve outfit. This ASOS playsuit (similar one here) was one of my Christmas presents and I positively love it. I have a soft spot for rompers and I probably always will. They are such a fun variation on a dress. Mine has a secret…

I loved this piece from the start, but the open back sold me. It’s a fun little surprise. I’m a little shy about showing skin, but a backless piece is an interesting way to do it, and maybe not as risqué as some other flesh-revealing outfits. I paired my outfit with my some of my favorite flats, a new pair of sweater tights, and my Hello Kitty Bow Ring. That was another present, and I find myself wanting to wear the ring all the time and start a collection of two-finger/brass knuckles-style rings.

Playsuit – ASOS/Tights – Hot Sox/Ring – Fred Flare/Shoes - Target

Fresh Start

2012-01-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

Hope your New Year is starting off well!

I’ve been thinking a lot about resolutions lately. Obviously I would be, because it’s that time of year. The thing is, I don’t really care for them. I’m not necessarily down talking them, but I guess I’ve always believed in changing things at your own pace. Not at January 1st, with so much pressure and expectation. And, okay, maybe I do believe that most of the time, the resolutions don’t really work out. But that doesn’t mean that I am against changing your life for the better! For the past few weeks, I’ve been writing down things I’d really like to do/change. Not necessarily right this second, because it’s the first few days of the first month of a new year. But because I feel like they would benefit my life if I finally approached them with an open mind and arms. So, here’s a list. Cuz maybe if I put them here, it’ll happen.

Keep reading! I went through so many books last year, and there are a bunch more I want to read. But I usually only read at work. The thing is, I’d really like it to trickle into my downtime and help keep me away from technological overload.
Utilize my cameras frequently! I still absolutely love every camera I own, but towards the end of 2011, I relied heavily on my iPhone. Why wouldn’t I? It basically is several different cameras in one adorable little package. But I miss waiting for film to develop, miss editing photos. I miss going out on adventures to take pictures. I lost my photographic passion towards the end of the year, and I’d really like to get it back.
Stay social! Towards the end of 2011, I was getting out a lot more. Seeing people I hadn’t seen in forever and developing better bonds with the people in my life. I want to keep this going. It also reminds me that I’m 24 (well, 25 this year) and, with few responsibilities holding me back, this is the time to live it up! (Though I’ll always try and live it up, no matter how old I am).
GET TO BED EARLY! This one is super important. Most days I wake up grumpy and wishing I had more time to hit the snooze. But a lot of that has to do with the sheer fact that I stay up much later than I should (I need to wake up around 7 and I tend to go to bed around 1. I know 6 hours might work for some people, but it doesn’t for me). I am happier, feel healthier, and pleasant all around when I get a full night of sleep.
Eat better/Exercise. Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. I’d be lying if I said this didn’t have a little bit to do with vanity (who doesn’t want to look better in their clothes?), but a lot of this has to do with my health. When I was hitting the gym with Brad a few times a week, my attitude really perked up, along with my stamina and strength. And eating healthy is just a smart thing to do. Will it stop me from pigging out on wings and having one too many plates at the Chinese buffet? Not all the time. But on a daily basis, I need to be smart about what I put in my body and how I treat it.
ORGANIZE. I am embarrassed and ashamed of what my room looks like. I am honestly a lazy person. The fact that I’ve kept this blog going for nearly 3 years is a miracle. I often wonder why I hate being home…it really has to do with the fact that I don’t have a cozy space to call my own. Yes, I have a bedroom with a closet and a television. I also have boxes all over the floor, and those boxes are topped with clothes, and those clothes are covered with more clothes. I need to seriously tackle my room, once and for all, and KEEP IT NEAT. Find a system that works and use it everyday. It may take an extra 5 minutes everyday, but it’ll be worth it.
Work on a better financial situation. I’m not where I would like to be financially. I don’t make a lot of money, I still live at home, I drive a Buick that’s almost as old as me (though I do love that gray, rusting boat of a car) and falling apart slowly, bless it’s engine. I would really like to live on my own, to maybe be able to buy a new car. I don’t expect nor need to be rich. But it would be nice to be making enough money to pay my bills and live comfortably on my own. I’ll be turning 25…I’d like to feel 25 haha.
Make room for “Me Time” and speak up about my feelings. Maybe these could be two separate things, but I think they go together. Basically, I feel like I have to be a bunch of different versions of myself for different people. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be there for people, but I usually lose myself in the mix. I just think it’s really important to relax and take care of yourself so you can be at your best.
Out with the old and in with the new. I could lump this in with organization but it belongs on it’s own. As I mentioned before, my room is a mess. And, the thing is, a lot of it has to do with my clothes. I have SO MUCH. And, while I love it all, I have to be honest with myself and give away the things I no longer wear. I think the reason I started to buy a lot more clothes in the recent past is because I’m over a lot of the clothes I have. There are things in my closet and drawers that I got back in college. I believe there are a few things that have been in there since high school. A lot of these things never see the light of day. They need to go. They need to be available to people who could truly use them. Not that I don’t want a nice big closet filled with beautiful clothes, but that’s just the thing. It needs to be filled with the beautiful things I actually want to wear. So I have to say goodbye.

Anybody have any good resolutions or hopeful life wishes?

Best of the Year: October - December

2011-12-30T10:00:00.000-05:00

October

I kicked off October by going to Wine Country (aka the Finger Lakes in NY) with Brad and some of his family. It was the perfect beginning to a great month. It’s one of my favorite places. It was only my second time there, but I don’t plan on it being my last, and I certainly want it to be an annual (or biannual) trip. Once I got back, it was time to get into the swing of fall festivities. Pumpkin patches, farmer’s markets, and preparing my Halloween costume (if I had my druthers, I’d wear it everyday). Another high point was photographing engagement photos for my friends Crystal and Alex. It was a beautiful day and such a pleasure to go through each beautiful picture filled with love.

November

It’s hard to believe November was last month. These past few months have gone by so fast.
It was a total blur, filled with tons of Artie-sitting and late nights with friends. And, of course, ringing in the holiday season with Thanksgiving.
My boyfriend also moved out of his parents’ house and into his friend’s, which led to me meeting the cutest poodle, Cali.

December

Well, here we are. December went by way too fast. Christmas was here and gone, New Year’s is approaching, and time has flown. But it has been a great month. Late nights with good friends, meeting one of my favorite musicians, an ugly Christmas sweater I can barely remember, a beautiful Christmas…wow. I can’t wait to see what the final weekend of this month/year brings.

Have a safe and VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR! Be safe! See you next year.

By the way…what are you doing New Year’s Eve?

Best of the Year: July–September

2011-12-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

July

July was definitely one of my favorite months of the year. Summer was in full-effect. I also had my week long vacation, and Brad and I had our first little beach-y escape together. We were blessed with beautiful weather…sunshine and warmth that lasted well into the night. Brad and I went halfsies on an underwater camera which helped log a lot of memories. I also discovered the easiest and tastiest soup recipe that has been repeated a few times, and wrote a love letter to my swimsuit (one of my favorite purchases of the year).

August

In August, I began to take measures in improving my life. Nothing too crazy or memorable happened as I eased my way back to normality. Things I can remember? Brad beginning his Primal Blueprint lifestyle and purchasing a pair of Vibram Five Fingers, which kicked off a nice steady pace of healthy food and exercise (which did eventually die down, but we are desperate to start again!).

September

September was an EXCELLENT month. Things looked up for me immensely. In fact, this was also probably another favorite month this year.
A lot of people told me I had come out of my shell (one that I had created with my anxiety and stress) and noticed a change in my mood. I started to go out more, expand my little group of friends, put things in the past, and act like a fun 24 year old for once. My first amusement park trip with Brad, a brewery tour with my favorite people, Oktoberfest at the casino with more favorite people, Brad’s birthday, and lots of yummy and different foods from the primal diet.

Almost done with the year…for real!

Best of the Year: April - June

2011-12-28T17:54:00.001-05:00

This was the portion of the year when things definitely started to look up.

April

The first weekend in April was one of the best weekends of my life, not just the year. I will not forget it. The month did hold a bit of a down note, as one of the most important members of my group of friends left for the Air Force in the middle of the month. It would be 8 months until I saw him again, and who knows after that. But the weather continued to clear up (despite a snow storm on April Fools Day) and everything really began to bloom.

May

May is usually one of my favorite months. It might be because of my birthday (and this was a nice one, spent with my family and Brad, eating my favorite Mexican food and gambling at the casino), but I think I’ve always related it to change. When I was still in school, things would be winding down, preparing everyone for summer. It’s a happy month overall, with sunshine and warmth dominating the weather forecast. I also discovered Sally Hansen Nail Polish strips, which revived my love for nail polish, something very special to my daily/weekly life now.

P.S. I finally cut my hair. I am better with shorter hair. And it just kept getting shorter.

June

Now things get good. So many days spent by the pool, drinking summer-y cocktails and ales.
Long and lazy summer days, even if I did have to spend a lot of them at work.
In other news, my awesome sister graduated from the Art Institute of Philadelphia and we had an amazing meal to celebrate, I rediscovered my love for reading in a big way, and my sister did an awesome job with one of my outfit posts (which have become a more regular establishment on the blog over the year, and also the photos were taken in June but posted in July).

Best of the Year: January–March

2011-12-27T17:39:00.000-05:00

Being completely honest, this year got off to a rough start. Some changes were made at work, I had a lot of (mostly) stress-related health issues (this girl got shingles!), and I was a mess in general. Regardless, the year was still a good one, with a lot of memorable moments along the way. I thought I’d break ‘em down for ya in a four post series. Why not?

January

Despite the bitter cold of winter (which we endured well into April), January was a good month. I started off the year with my boyfriend, sister, and her friends and we had a magnificent time! The rest of the month was filled with little dates, good times with my friends and family, and a visit to see my friend Lauren at her humble abode in Long Island to finish off the month.

February

If I recall, February was when the stress really got to me. But there were still so many great moments. Playing catch up with my dear friend Lauren, celebrating my first full year anniversary/Valentine’s Day with Brad (a date night filled with fantastic food and funny memories), and weathering the many winter storms that blew our way.

I also came across one of the best music videos of all time. I can still watch this and be totally enthralled.

March

March was the beginning of better things.
March means my sister’s birthday and the first inklings of Spring, so I had sunshine and various activities and tiny road trips to keep me busy.

That’s the first 1/4 of the year 2011. Trust me, it gets better.
Also, it’s so strange to see that I had long hair in the beginning of the year. Feels like a distant memory…

Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T10:00:00.000-05:00

They say that, as you get older, Christmas just isn’t the same. There’s no denying the truth of that, but that doesn’t mean that Christmas has gone down the tubes. In fact, I’ve truly been enjoying these December 25ths. Sure, there isn’t Santa Claus or humongous family gatherings (everyone is sorta parting ways, as life will do that), but there have still been so many lovely treats and surprises.

My dad is kinda the best Santa ever. He bought the family our first flat-screen TV, Blu-Ray DVD player and a Keurig coffee maker!
None of us were expecting that, and everything is fantastic. I adore these special times with my family.

2 more days!

2011-12-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

The weekend is here. And I don’t care if Christmas is 2 days away, it really begins tomorrow!
I’m excited. Excited for a 3 day weekend. Excited for holiday celebrations. Excited to exchange gifts. Excited to eat delicious foods and drink some wine and listen to Christmas music and cuddle and gaze at the tree. It’s FINALLY REALLY HERE!!!

(Tell me this song doesn’t just put a little warmth in your heart and a tear of joy in your eye…)

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all who celebrate!
Happy Holidays!

I will be back on Tuesday. I want to enjoy as much of the holiday as I can!

Three. More. Days.

2011-12-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

The closer Christmas gets, the more excited I become! Not only am I done with presents, I’ve begun wrapping them. I spent last night watching Elf (one of my absolute favorites, a modern-day classic in my opinion), wrapping gifts for my friends, and doing some festive nail polish. While I was at work, my sister (who is on winter break from classes) baked cookies. So I ate a bunch of those, too.
The Holiday Spirit IS FINALLY HERE (for me)!!!

Three more days! (And only two more days ‘til Christmas Eve/Saturday/weekend!)

Things I’ve Learned/Realized This Holiday Season

2011-12-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

Photo of the Christmas tree through my tumbler.

As the days dwindle towards Christmas, I’ve come to realize and learn a few things this holiday season. As I get older, Christmas changes for me. I have a feeling the way things are now is the way they will be for a while. And that’s not a bad thing.

Keep a list of the people you want to buy presents for/what you might buy them/what you bought them/who’s done and who’s not. This has been really helpful in allowing me to keep from going crazy. I wish I could buy so many things for so many people, but I have to be smart with my insufficient funds. (I know this, because I didn’t really always listen to this rule.)
Online shopping is super-easy, effective, and ideal for me. I love that I could search in the comfort of my own home. I love that I could find original things (Etsy…) that I couldn’t find in any shopping mall or chain store. The whole world is open to you with the internet. This will probably continue to be my primary form of Christmas shopping forever.
For me = Giving > Receiving . While I did have a few things on my Christmas list, it was way easier (and more fun) for me to pick out presents for my friends and family. I don’t expect much this Christmas, but I’m so okay with that.
Upon watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” I’ve realized I am very much like dear old Charlie Brown. It’s so hard to get into the Christmas spirit these days, when everything has become so commercial and so beyond the true meaning. I know that my favorite part of Christmas Eve/Day will be the time I spend with my family and my boyfriend.
I’m dreaming of a White Christmas. I largely dislike snow/winter unless I don’t have to do anything (i.e. drive around, scrape the car, shovel…), but there’s something about a snowy Christmas.
I can’t get sick of Christmas music. Seriously. I thought after about a month of listening to it all day at work, I’d be annoyed. But I can’t get enough of it. I mean, you only really get to listen to it for about a month anyway. In fact, I’ve been avoiding listening to “regular” music, just to stay in the spirit.
The song “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” is seriously creepy. I know this made it cute, but when closely listening to the lyrics…well…EW.
NO MEANS NO. (Actually, that Elf clip kinda makes it creepy too. But in a cute way!!!)

Happy 4 days!!!!

Outfit: Saddle(shoe) Up!

2011-12-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

I wore this outfit last week for my little sushi and martini date with Brad. I thrifted this skirt sometime before Halloween, and it’s been sitting at Brad’s ever since I gave it a good wash. I’m glad this is one of the things I kept at his house. It pretty much goes with anything. The Houndstooth pattern can be a little dizzying at times, but I love the swing of the skirt and the easy black-and-white palette. I definitely got the idea to pair a mostly black and white outfit with green tights from one of my favorite blogs, A Beautiful Mess. This is not the first time I’ve used the color combo and it most certainly won’t be my last. It is a reminder, however, that I need to go out and buy tights of every color.

It just occurred to me that I have had these shoes for almost 2 years. I’ve worn them countless times. And yet, this is the first time they are showing up on the blog. You can tell they are a little beat up. I should definitely give them a good buffin’ or something. For a while, I was obsessed with finding a great pair of oxford or saddle shoes. When I saw the Sophie Shoe by Vans, I automatically fell in love. Luckily, they still make these! I’d highly recommend them if you’re in the mood for a modernized pair of saddle shoes.

Sweater – Old Navy/White Blouse – H&M/Necklace – Fred Flare/Skirt – Thrifted/Tights - Target/Shoes – Vans

Apologies for the not so fabulous picture backgrounds here and there. It’s so hard to shoot outfits when it’s pitch black by 5 PM.

5 Days! Here’s a cheesy Christmas song I loved growing up, by my then-favorite band HANSON!
Don’t mind the cheesy Zac Hanson photos, it was the only video I could find that wasn’t a live performance.

Just Around the Corner….

2011-12-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

Christmas is now officially less than a week away! Where has the time gone?
This weekend was a very short, very crazy, very fun blur. I spent all Sunday like this…recuperation mode.

This whole week will be dedicated to keep up Christmas spirit. Music, tree gazing, lookin’ at decorated houses, wrapping presents…the whole gambit! I’m so excited, and yet I still feel a little unprepared and in need of a holiday boost.
One awesome present my friends and I are getting is our friend! My friend, Ed, left us to join the Air Force in Texas. I haven’t seen him since April. I am so excited to see him again…mostly we will just do the usually hanging out and watching funny shows and movies and, of course, getting Mexican food! I just can’t wait to get him back in the gang…even if only for a little while!

I figure that, for the week, I will include some holiday music in my posts, just to help keep you in the spirit! Sorry this is a photo-light post. That’s not like me. But I didn’t do too much that was photogenic. Expect better posts the rest of this week!

Happy 6 days, guys!!!

This Past Week…

2011-12-16T19:13:00.001-05:00

The week maybe started off with this…

…but it slowly, surely got better. I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather back and forth all week. Honestly, a lot of it probably has to do with the hustle and bustle that has begun to consume my life. It seems rare that I spend as much time sitting in bed at home as I used to. Nothing wrong with that, though. I’d trade that for good times with good friends, food, and general merriment anytime.

Things that made the week better: Christmas shopping (I wish I had more money, I love giving presents), sushi and martini date night with my man, wing night at the Anthracite Café, and maybe one too many Stegmaier Winter Warmers (I love seasonal brews!).

Tomorrow is my last Saturday shift of 2011. I already know half of my Saturday schedule for next year, and I’m not gonna think about it right now. I’m just excited that after tomorrow, I will have two 3 day (HOLIDAY) weekends to look forward to!
Life is good.

Outfit: Cardigans, Converse, and Comfort

2011-12-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

I think one of my favorite places in the world is the big Salvation Army I frequent. I have found so many incredible articles of clothing there. And there isn’t a time I go where my arm isn’t sore from carrying all the cool things I find. I purchased this oversized cardigan last Wednesday, when I was hunting for my ugly Christmas sweater. I definitely picked up a few more items you’ll see later on.

I’m definitely a big proponent of Converse sneakers. I believe everyone should own at least one pair at all times. I myself have 3 (High Tops>Low Tops). Magenta, green, and the CLASSIC black, which gets the most wear. I don’t wear them as religiously as some people (I think it’s cool that a lot of people have to get a pair annually/bi-annually due to hard wear), but they are comfortable and go with everything. Basically, you are automatically cool if you own Chucks. I don’t care who you are. Your awesome-factor will climb the charts. Just saying.

Cardigan – Thrifted/Tee – American Apparel/Jeans – PacSun/Sneakers – Converse

Filling Inspiration

2011-12-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

So, you all use Pinterest, right? You don’t? Ok, well, you had better fix that right quick. It’s the best site to find and save things that inspire you. I have quite a few boards going, but most pins end up in either my style board or my food and drink board. I love food. So much.
But it’s easy to get uninspired and stuck in the same old eatin’ routine. Not with Pinterest, though! I am continuously amazed by the delicious, innovative, and oft-easy (and healthy!) recipes I find floating through the site. I thought I’d share some of my favorites here.

Rainbow Rice Noodle Salad

Steph’s White Bean and Sausage Soup

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos with Black Bean Pico

Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Cheddar

Roasted Parmesan Green Beans

Baked Eggs

Hungry yet?
If you click on the pictures, you’ll get a link to the pin on my Pinterest board.
If you click on the title below the photo, you get a link to the recipe!

Outfit: May Your Days Be Merry and Bright

2011-12-13T10:00:00.000-05:00

This past Friday, I wanted to stay cozy yet cute for a night out. I recently purchased these pants on ASOS. I was having second thoughts, but when I went to check sizes and colors again, the product was no longer in stock. So I maybe bought the last pair? Whatever. They are an amazingly bright pink color that’s even more shocking in person. Slouchy pants are a hit or miss. I’m unsure how I feel about all the slouch going on in this outfit, as I look more like I dug it out of the bottom of my hamper (I didn’t, the sweater was folded and the pants were actually ironed before I put them on…). I had to wear a pair of knit leggings under the pants…not only are they incredibly lightweight, they are kind of sheer too. Despite all of this, I will be wearing them again. Don’t you fret, my pets.

I topped off the outfit with some of my favorite pieces of jewelry. My elephant bling is in constant rotation these days (you’ve seen it before here, but I’ve worn it plenty of times since), but a new addition is this connector ring from Strange Days Jewelry on Etsy. I know the creator and was anxiously waiting for her to add new stuff to the shop. As soon as she posted pieces, I scooped this beautiful ring up. I love it.
Such an interesting piece. Please check out her store and see for yourself!!!

Sweater – Old Navy/Trousers – ASOS (Vero Moda)/Shoes – Target/Necklace – Ruche/Rings – Strange Days Jewelry

Ugly Sweaters, Lovely Friends

2011-12-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

I had an excellent weekend (yet again), chock full of fun times with my favorite people. Crystal and Alex held an ugly Christmas sweater party on Saturday, which Brad and I prepped for on Wednesday by digging through so many racks at the Salvation Army in search of the perfect cheesy jumpers. Walking into a room filled with tacky sweaters is some of the most fun you can have. And the pictures are priceless.

I can’t believe we only have a couple more weeks until Christmas. The holiday season is flying.
Thank goodness I’ve had some amazing people to spend it with so far.

Sayonara.

2011-12-09T10:00:00.000-05:00

I don’t know what it is. The early nightfall? The massive decrease in temperature? Slushy wet snow? This week was very…funky. And not in the good funky way. Each day at work, I found myself bored out of my mind, staring at the clock, and waiting for 4:30 PM. Luckily, the time has come. I’m very excited to say sayonara to the week and welcome the weekend with big, wide open arms.

At least there have been things to look forward to to get me through. Tonight, Brad has a decent chance of winning a trip to Florida (right place, right time last Friday). And Saturday night, I will be spending time with my dear friends, rocking a delightfully tacky Christmas sweater and enjoying seasonal brews. So excited to get into the Holiday spirit with the gang.

And, even though the week was tough…there were some redeeming moments too.

The tree is up at our house!!!

Cute puppy Artie, getting cozy in Maria’s Missoni for Target blanket.

Sweet Anniversary flowers from my dad to my mom!

A little lovey doodle I drew at work…I’m not usually artistic, and I’m not saying this is great but it’s the best I’ve ever done haha.

Wednesday nights with boyfriend made even better with amazing meals.

Here’s to an excellent weekend! Let’s all enjoy!!!!!

Outfit: Bundled Up

2011-12-08T18:51:00.001-05:00

Wednesday night was an icky, dark, rainy, cold mess. The unfortunate thing about the winter is I’m horrible at dressing for the cold. I’m trying to branch out and purchase more sweaters, instead of covering all my short sleeved tops with the same old cardigans. This sweater literally fell into my hands at the Salvation Army, with a pink tag on 50% off Pink Tags day. I figured it was fate. It’s pretty big, so I’ve gotten used to belting it, but it’s super comfy and it was a steal.

I’m trying to prevent getting sick of jeans by avoiding them for as long as possible. I only have a couple of wearable pairs.
I suppose I could get more, but why would I when my closet is chock full of different shorts and skirts?
This outfit isn’t perfect, but it kept me warm on a crappy Wednesday night. That’s all I really asked for.

Sweater – Thrifted/Shorts – ASOS/Tights – American Apparel/Booties – Forever21/Pashmina – Gifted from a college roomie

Etsy Lust List

2011-12-08T10:00:00.000-05:00

This year, I’ve been doing my Christmas shopping online. I admit that it can kind of break the holiday spirit a little. There’s something about all the decorations and Christmas music blasting in the mall and various stores. I definitely don’t miss the large crowds and messy inventory, though. Plus, I can get more creative with my online shopping. And a lot of it has been getting done on Etsy.

I’m almost embarrassed to admit that I’m fairly new to Etsy. I’ve checked out a few shops on the site here and there, but I never made a purchase until a couple of weeks ago. Needless to say, I’ve become rather addicted. There is so much to love about the site.
Supporting small and super creative businesses, often affordable prices, and amazing customer service.
I can’t wait to receive all the little trinkets I’ve purchased for my friends.
’Til then, it can’t hurt to look for some things for myself…right?

Autumn Kiss Necklace, by Tina Tarnoff

Elastic Harness from Norwegian Wood

The Carousel Necklace, by Barberry and Lace

Animal Hood, by Olivia Royale

Le Red Fox Stud Earrings, by Le Animale

Stemless Wine Glasses from Modern Madness (all things mustache!)

Max and Sherri

2011-12-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

It was due-time for another crush. This one just so happens to be on an adorable and musically inclined married couple. When I initially bought the tickets for the Max Bemis acoustic show, I was all about seeing him perform some of my favorite Say Anything tunes. Say Anything was pretty much my favorite band back in my college years, and …is a Real Boy remains one of my favorite albums of all time. I’ve seen the band a couple of times before, but I was really excited for this intimate setting (and yes, I definitely teared up once or twice). I knew of the band Eisley and of Sherri Dupree-Bemis (you can follow her on Instagram @sdupreebemis to see so many adorable pictures!!), but seeing them sing together live cemented my love for this duo. All the pictures here were taken from Sherri’s Flickr or Tumblr.

They are just too cute!!!!

Outfit: Jeans and Tees

2011-12-06T10:00:00.000-05:00

I know very well about dressing in my “Sunday Best,” but I am partial to dressing down and staying casual on Sundays. Last Sunday (the 27th, not the 3rd) was insanely gorgeous, no coat weather. So I stuck with a nice, light and fuzzy sweater and one of my favorite Threadless tees. You do know Threadless, right? If you don’t…well, you had better fix that. They have so many great tees and they often have great sales as well. Going with my current obsession with The Muppets, they have an excellent array of tees dedicated to our favorite felt friends.
Another thing I love about Threadless (aside from comfort and great prices) are their subtle pop culture references.

Can you guess what my shirt references? Shirt name is Off the Reservoir. (Answer at the bottom of the post…)

No casual and carefree outfit is complete without a comfy pair of sneaks. I’ve had these Nike high tops for two years now and they are still in mint condish. Ok, so maybe I don’t wear them all the time. That’s probably why. I have lots of shoes. I need to keep it circulating. Whatever.

Sweater – Old Navy/Tee – Threadless/Denim Leggings – PacSun/Sneakers – Nike

Answer to above question: Reservoir Dogs! I love the way they executed the concept.

Weekend Accomplished

2011-12-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

This weekend was one of the best I’ve had in a long time. Drinks with friends. Staying up until 6 am talking and laughing. Traveling to West Chester for the Max Bemis/Sherri Dupree-Bemis acoustic show with some of my favorite people (and realizing they are one of the cutest couples ever, ever, EVER). Meeting Max Bemis for a split second. Good food, good beer, GREAT company. Sleeping in. Too many cups of Crème Brulee coffee. Etsy Christmas shopping. Couch cuddling with my man. I had a really hard time saying goodbye.
But, I have made some incredible memories and there is ALWAYS NEXT WEEKEND!!!!

All photos from the iPhone!

It’s weekends like this that remind me how many amazing people are in my life and how wonderful all of it can be.

WANTED: WEEKEND

2011-12-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

I don’t know about y’all, but this was just about one of the longest weeks of my life. I found myself wishing for 4:30 every single day, and the clock just ticked along. That is a painful thing. I’m SO EXCITED that the weekend has finally arrived! And it will be a good one, filled with friends and fun. Tonight, I’ll be out and about with some excellent people, and then I’ll be catching up with long distance friends on Saturday to see Max Bemis live! I am thrilled. So, TGIFF (Thank God it’s FINALLY FRIDAY!!!)!

December, Already

2011-12-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

We have made it to the 12th and final month of 2011, guys! I can’t believe December is actually here. I can remember New Year’s Eve/Day like yesterday. Where does the time go? Honestly. But, believe it or not, here we are…24 days away from Christmas (Oh come on, like that’s not really the only reason December rules). I can wholeheartedly say that I’m not excited for winter. It gets bitter, startlingly, and absolutely freezing cold in NEPA, and I don’t really like being cold. I’m cold even when it isn’t cold out. So, you can imagine my disgust with the winter. But I suppose I’m okay with a snow shower here and there, if there is cuddling and hot cocoa involved.

And despite my fear of time flying so fast and the impending doom of seasonal change, I’m excited that the holidays are here. I’ve already purchased a few presents and I’m continually on the hunt for more (giving gifts is BY FAR my favorite part of the season). Christmas music is playing 24/7 on local radio station Magic 93. Lights and decorations are strung and lit up. And I definitely might have choked back tears when finishing trimming the tree at work a couple of days ago…

Here’s to a new month and a fulfilling and exciting holiday season!

Outfit: Slouch and Shine

2011-11-30T18:17:00.001-05:00

I wore this outfit on Saturday. It is super-comfortable, but I believe the slouchy, shiny trousers keep the outfit from looking too bland or everyday. I bought them for a steal at Old Navy and I think they are amazing. Even if they wrinkle within 5 seconds of wearing them. I topped it off with two standby closet faves…a silly-soft top from the Gap and a wraparound sweater from Forever21.

I decided to break out the hair pin I bought at the Art Star Craft Bazaar last week from Giant Dwarf Design. Not going to lie, I geeked out a little when I saw she had a table. I’d been admiring her pieces on Etsy for a while, and I first saw her work on Elsie from A Beautiful Mess. I also bought little heart pins as well. Nothing like sparkles to pick up an outfit. Not too mention my nails.

To say I’m obsessed with the Muppets Collection of OPI nail polishes would be an understatement. I have Excuse Moi and
Rainbow Connection and I don’t plan on stopping there. If I could get every glitter polish from the line, I would. I am continually entranced by my sparkly nails and the way they gleam in the light. Not so good for an easily distracted mind like mine.

Sweater – Forever21/Top – Gap/Pants – Old Navy/Hair Pin – Giant Dwarf/Shoes - Target

Nails and Ales

2011-11-30T10:00:00.000-05:00

I was going through my Instagram photos recently (you can follow me @mikeylynn !) and noticed a trend…
As you may know, I am in love with painting my nails with different polishes and trying new techniques and styles. What you may not know is that I also really enjoy a good beer now and again (and again). My father is somewhat of a connoisseur, so I’ve been attempting to branch out and try some really tasty (or not-so-tasty) and unique beers and microbrews.
So, while scrolling through the photos, I noticed a lot of pictures in which I’m holding different beers, showcasing both the bottle and whatever my nails are rocking at the time. It made me laugh, but it just might make for a new regular feature here on the blog!

Notes on the beer:
Rogue’s Dead Guy Ale was good, but I could probably only handle one. Strong flavor!
Sam Adams’ Cranberry Lambic is a new discovery for me, and it’s an instant favorite. Would’ve been perfect on Thanksgiving!
Sam Adams’ Oktoberfest is a classic fall brewski. A must have.
Troegs Mad Elf Ale is delicious…but dangerously so. At 11% ABV, I was giggling 1/4 of the bottle in. Proceed with caution.
Dogfish Head makes some great beers. I don’t enjoy a lot of hops (IPAs are usually a no-go) but this one was easy to handle.

To be continued…

Outfit: Make Over Your Monday

2011-11-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

I had the Monday-est Monday ever today. As in, I was exhausted when I woke up because I had bad dreams all night. As in, I woke up later than I wanted to. As in, I was almost an hour late to work because I locked my keys in the car and eventually needed Brad to go out of his way to drop me off and have my sister bring me the spare keys. As in, nothing really went my way.

Brad and his housemate Lou have been planning to go to Doc’s Oyster House for their Buck a Shuck deal for about a week now. I’m allergic to shellfish, but I went along for the ride (and had some pretty tasty nachos and a beer to ease my woes) anyway. Since we were going out, I was desperate to deck myself out a little and pick up my spirits. Basically, completely make over my Monday from an exhausting and frustrating day to a fun, easygoing, happy day!

I’ve been hankering to try this little shirt-skirt tactic ever since my sister did it months ago. I finally purchased a large-enough shirt from the Salvation Army with a fun and colorful print that could really go with any color top. After looking up the perfect approach, this shirt was also (like my Monday) made over into a skirt! I love how effortless this is, and how you can completely change one item of clothing into another within seconds. Might I just add that it was incredibly comfortable, as well?

Tee – Old Navy/Shirt_Skirt – Salvation Army/Locket – Flea Market/Booties – Payless

If any of you have large, over-sized shirts (steal one from your dad/brother/boyfriend/husband too!), I highly suggest you try this!

Currently Obsessed…

2011-11-28T10:00:00.000-05:00

I love to share a list of my current favorite things with my readers…usually, I feel like I’m sharing my knowledge of some pretty amazing things that maybe you guys don’t know about and will like as well! So, here it goes…things I really love right now.

Stash Pumpkin Spice Tea. It’s decaf and a perfect, comforting way to end any evening.
Comedic Memoirs (Could that be the genre?). Mindy Kaling, Mike Birbiglia, David Sedaris (the king of these), etc…
Distractingly sparkly nails (see these), even if the polish is a massive pain to remove.
Planning and purchasing Christmas presents. The best part of Christmas is giving!
Parks and Recreation (but that is always).
Jason Segel (but that’s also always).
This SNL sketch. Kristen Wiig is pure genius and this never fails to make me laugh.
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On. If you haven’t watched this or this, you are doing yourself a great disservice.

Holiday Hangover

2011-11-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

It’s Friday! Most people I know have the day off and are celebrating a long weekend with family and friends and nothing but free time. Not only do I work all day today, but I also have to work tomorrow, too. Bummer. (I’ll deal with it, though, because I have 3 day weekends ahead for both Christmas and New Year’s!) Thanksgiving was really nice. Growing up, it was always a big ordeal, with everyone getting together and hopping between my mom’s family and my dad’s. These last couple years have been super low-key, and we’ve been doing dinner at home, just the 4 of us. I always enjoy seeing the whole gang, but it’s so nice to have a quiet dinner with my mom, dad, and sister.
We usually aren’t in the same place at the same time.

Another fun part of eating at home is that my sister and I made our own dishes. Maria made sweet glazed carrots and I made a mashed potato casserole. Everything was so tasty! It was worth all the waiting for the bird!

Also, Brad came over and we saw The Muppets! I had been waiting forever to see this. Do yourself a favor and check it out.
(I totally cried. But I’ve cried at the last few movies I’ve watched…I’ve cried at the last few everythings I’ve watched…)

This One Simple Thing…

2011-11-24T09:28:00.001-05:00

I don’t know about you, but I definitely see a heart in this sky. This was taken last year.

There are so many things to be thankful for in life, and it’s customary to really take the time to recognize these things when Thanksgiving rolls around. I did some thinking, and realized there is one thing I am truly thankful for, but it pretty much covers every base. And that, my friends, is LOVE. Lately, I am so aware of the importance of this one simple and often uncontrollable thing.

To be clear, I’m not just referring to the romantic, sweep you off your feet type of love, but every single aspect of love.
The supportive and unconditional love of my family.
The acceptance of who I am I receive from my friends (which is requited, by the way).
The companionship and comfort of a beloved pet.
And, of course, the butterflies and heart swells I get from my amazing boyfriend.

It has come to my attention that watching or reading about or experiencing love in anyway has been enough to move me to the happiest tears. What is life without love? And, luckily, I have it in all forms of my life. I am truly blessed and, therefore, truly thankful for the amazing people in my life who give me love and whom I can give love back.

There are plenty of other things I am thankful for…but this one thing has trumped them all.

OPI Obsession

2011-11-23T10:00:00.000-05:00

Until recently, it had been years since I painted my finger nails. I’d occasionally paint my toenails in the summer, but that was it. This year, I fell in love with the Sally Hansen nail polish strips, and it expanded my horizons. It’s become my favorite weekly wind-down activity to paint my nails. I especially like to try different designs and color combos. But, it’s also become a bit of an obsession/addiction…and a slightly costly one at that. I love Sally Hansen and Wet N’ Wild nail polishes…they are cheap and come in an amazing amount of colors. HOWEVER…I am sort of in love with OPI polishes. Sure, there are more expensive polishes on the market, but 8.50 a pop can run up a rather large bill.

It also doesn’t help that OPI does special collections. I have been freaking out trying to find the Muppets Collection polishes, specifically Rainbow Connection. I was lucky enough to find one of two bottles left at Ulta.

I may have shrieked with glee when I left the store.

Colors I’m currently wearing: Jade is the New Black + Rainbow Connection

The Essentials

2011-11-22T10:00:00.000-05:00

I know I did an “In the Bag” purse-edition post once before. And maybe this is kind of similar to that, but I wanted to get a bit more in depth. I decided to focus on what I believe are essential items that every gal should carry with her at all times (though I totally understand the use of a clutch or even just a pocket when going out for the night). I’ve learned the hard way what I need/don’t need to have in my purse, and I think I’ve finally figured out the perfect mix of things I need to keep close to feel normal/fix issues quickly/stay prepared!

Let’s start with the most important things. I don’t know about you, but a day without lip balm is sort of the worst. If I can’t de-chap my lips at any given moment, I am a super grump. So I make sure to have one on me at all times (and a refill when it’s getting low, before it runs out). I also like to keep a lipstick in my bag. This Rimmel brand is a bright red, so it doesn’t get worn a lot, but it’s nice to know I could kick it up a notch if I so desired. At the top of this little group, I have a pill case. I usually try and keep it filled (though it can only handle so much) with some kind of pain reliever. Any pills you need or use frequently, this is a discreet and neat way to keep them close at hand so you never have to worry! I also am a big proponent of eye drops. I use Refresh Natural Tears, which come in little disposable, one-time-use dispensers and can be used with/without contacts. They are amazing. Topping off the group is a great hand combo. I’m not the biggest hand sanitizer freak around, but I am always so thankful when I have it and have made a point to keep it in stock. The Nivea Crème can be replaced with whatever hand lotion you like. However, this stuff is amazing. The tiny tin costs .99 cents and a little goes a long way. It’s sort of a miracle worker. I hate when I’m out and my hands go from freezing cold to crackling, or a public restroom has a super-drying soap. It goes hand-in-hand with my lip balm theory. If any part of me is dry or uncomfortable, I will have a terrible day.

Notebooks and pens are a recent addition to my bag, but I’d be lost without them. There’s always a moment when someone (me, usually) needs a pen. I keep two different lightweight notebooks in my bag as well. The Hello Kitty one is just for fun, a place to write down blog ideas, wish lists, party brainstorms. The bigger one beneath that is a journal of sorts, a place to keep track of my moods and write out my issues.

I find it really important these days to have reading material on me at all times. When work is slow, when I’m in a waiting room, whatever. It’s just a good thing to have. I am at the tail end of Mindy Kaling’s book (it’s adorable and funny, of course) so I’m showing it off here. Music is also super important. Most days of the week I am driving around 40-60 minutes total (whether to and from work or Brad’s), and I’d go crazy if it weren’t for my fully loaded Zune. The headphones are always with me, though they came with my iPhone. I use them pretty much everyday, so I can talk and text and tweet or whatever all at the same time. They have a built in microphone, so they are the best. Obvious but oft-forgot items are sunglasses (even in the winter…especially then, the sun glaring off the snow is soooo bright), chewing gum, and some throat lozenges. I get a tickly throat after singing loudly (alone in my car, all the time) or talking a lot and this helps soothe the discomfort.

Last but not least, the tech portion. I showcased my phone here, but basically I think everyone should have a camera on them at all times. It doesn’t have to be your phone (it’d probably be even better if it wasn’t), but you never know when memories will unfold. Yes, my phone is helpful in so many important ways, but I love that it takes great photos and video and I can capture sweet things at any given time. And finally, a flash drive. I’m so glad I started to keep mine with me. It’s easy to share music or photos with anyone because of this.

So there you have it! Michal Lynn’s suggestions for the essential purse/bag necessities.

Bits and Bobs of a Weekend

2011-11-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

I’m coming out of this weekend just a wee bit exhausted, but that’s usually the sign of a great time. Friday night was Breaking Dawn with my friend Dana (loved the movie, cried a few times, don’t want to wait a year for the next one). Saturday morning, I headed to Philadelphia with my sister to get brunch and meet up with my friend Nicole to check out the Art Star Craft Bazaar. We went from Philly to home (2 hr drive) where we could visit with my uncle, aunt, and 5 year old cousin, who were in from Pittsburgh. And Brad moved into his friend’s house this past week, so I spent my first night there. Needless to say, it was a great weekend. Sad to see it end. But it’s Thanksgiving week! I only get Thursday off, but Thanksgiving is a great holiday, and I can’t wait for Christmas season to kick in full force afterwards!
I’ve already done a bit of shopping for presents, but I can’t wait to do more. Gift giving is one of my favorite things.

For now, here are some little photos from the past few days!

Here’s to a great Holiday week, guys! Let’s have a good one.

This Past Week…

2011-11-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

Can I just say, with all the force in my vocal cords and the passion in my heart, that TODAY IS FRIDAY?!?! I think I speak for a lot of people when I say that it has been an especially long week. And the worst part about it for me? I had off on Monday! It’s only been a 4 day week for me, and it was still a drag. Bah. But here we are, the weekend straight ahead! And a good one it shall be. I’m kicking it off by finally seeing BREAKING DAWN PART 1 (I say that like it’s been out for a while, but I’ve been in new Twilight Saga movie withdrawal for over a year)!!!! I am a total nerd about these books/movies and I’m so stoked to finally see Bella and Edward get married and…do married people things. WOOOO! Saturday will be pretty great, too. Maria and I are headed to Philly for half the day to check out a craft fair and then the “love of my life” Jason Segel will be hosting SNL! With musical guest FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE! Do you guys understand how important and amazing and made for me this episode is? My main crush and one of my absolute favorite musicians in one place at the same time. DYING. But anyway……

Here are some photos from the past few days.

Have an awesome weekend, everyone!

A Weeknight Date

2011-11-17T18:13:00.001-05:00

Monday night, to wrap up my long weekend, Brad and I went to Pearl for half-priced martinis and some sushi. I got a coupon on ReferLocal, which is a great site for local restaurants/salons/whatever with awesome half-priced deals. This was only my 4th time eating sushi and I still don’t know how I feel about it. I’ll tell ya this, though…the martinis were fabulous.

I especially love the names of the martinis. As you can see, it’s not just a drink menu, it’s the Tao of Abundant Martinis.
Serendipity, Zen, Dharma, Karma…the list goes on. And each one we had/shared was absolutely delicious.

Kindling the Fire: A Debate

2011-11-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

As Christmas gets closer, I am being repeatedly asked what I would like for gifts. I’m quite good at making wish lists, but as I’ve gotten older, they’ve gotten simpler, shorter, and maybe a bit more hefty in price. But that’s not the point here. I’ve recently started to wonder about the pros and cons of asking for a Kindle (I’m an Amazon girl, through and through, so I haven’t really considered the Nook…).

As far back as I can remember, I’ve loved reading. My grandparents would give me money, or I’d save up my allowance, and end up at Waldenbooks instead of the clothing or toy departments that most of my family expected me to be in. There have been plenty of times throughout my life that reading fell by the wayside, but I’ve recently really gotten into it again. And I plan on keeping that way. I always make sure to have a book readily available after I’m done with whatever I’m currently reading. Needless to say, I have a lot of books lying around. And since I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon, there will be lots more to come.

I am all about technology. I’m writing this on my laptop, listening to music, with my iPhone by my side in case I need it (for something important, of course, like phone calls, texting, or playing Words with Friends, whatever…). My life kind of revolves around technology. I embrace it. I use it as a way to express myself (as you can see here). I love that it keeps me in touch with people I would otherwise never see. I love that I can read blogs and get inspired. I love that I can shop or pay bills at the push of a button. Life is easy.
And with a Kindle, reading would presumably get a little easier as well.

Where I live, we are slightly lacking in book stores. All the little mom and pop shops and Borders’ closed. We have a
Barnes & Noble, but I happen to think that the books there are extremely overpriced. I occasionally will buy one at Target, but they don’t have as big of a selection as a bookstore would offer. So I started to turn to the used books section on Amazon. I picked up a number of books for just a penny a piece (ok, there’s shipping and handling too, but it’s a huge savings still…plus, recycling!). I have yet to be disappointed by the condition of a book. There were a few with water damage, and I did find a few notes in one…but that was actually fun. It adds to the allure of buying a used book, in my opinion. We are all just sharin’ here.

There are pros, for sure, in owning a Kindle. The instant gratification would probably be number 1 in my mind. When buying used books off the site, you can be waiting anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to receive a book in the mail. With the Kindle, if I see something I want to read, I can have it downloaded in the time it takes me to blink an eye (if I blinked a little slower than usual…). It’s light, I can adjust the size of the font if I need to, and I can cart around as many books as I damn well please without breaking my back. When I move, I wouldn’t need to worry about carrying tons and tons of heavy books. I wouldn’t have to worry about losing them, lending them and never getting them back, or, God forbid, have them go up in flames.

HOWEVER, I feel as though the Kindle isn’t for me for so many other reasons. I like to hold a book, to flip through the pages, to see how much I’ve accomplished or how much I have left to go. I, like many others, love the smell. They are always acceptable (I read at work, and I don’t know if I’d be allowed to use the Kindle). Books are always available. Brad brought up a great point, that books don’t need to be recharged. Books don’t crash on you or need updates. Books have pretty covers, can serve as decoration on a shelf or coffee table, and they can be passed down with friends and families.

As I write this post, I realize that I’m still quite torn. But when it comes down to it, I am all about a literal book. I guess if I happened to somehow receive a Kindle in my life, I wouldn’t be disappointed. But there is just something about owning the book, flipping the pages, placing your bookmark, dog-earing favorite spots…it doesn’t compare.

Lookbook Inspirado

2011-11-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

My closet is full of some really great pieces. Unfortunately, I don’t get to dress the way I want to every single day. (I have to wear a uniform to work, and by the time I get home…I just want to wear sweats.) Another issue? Not always knowing how to put the puzzle pieces together to create a really great outfit. I know I have it in me, but sometimes, especially after long stints in Danskin comfy pants and hoodies, I sort of start to lose my touch. I think it’s 50% confidence and 50% comfort that makes a great outfit.
In my experience, you can’t have one without the other.

But when all else fails, Lookbook.nu is an excellent site to check out for outfit inspiration. Here are a few of my favorite looks at the moment.
Click the photos for a direct link to the page/more info.

Outfit #3 is my favorite of the bunch. The hat, the slouchy sweater/blouse combo…the POLKA DOT SKIRT. I’m dyin’ here.

Outfit: Colorful Grunge

2011-11-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

I wore this outfit on Thursday night, which was really like my Friday night. I am already getting sick of wearing jeans all of the time, which I only do because I worry about staying warm. So I decided to wear these thick leggings I purchased from H&M earlier in the year. I love the mixture of cotton and a pleather-esque material. It adds a little something to an otherwise ordinary pair of black leggings (and yes, I do on occasion where leggings as pants…I am just breaking all of the fashion rules on here, you guys).

I’ve owned this flannel since my college days. I bought it junior year, from the men’s section of Old Navy. I never see the point of buying boyfriend shirts from the ladies’ sections of stores. JUST GO RIGHT TO THE SOURCE. It’ll be way better, promise. I will love this shirt forever and wear it until it is a worn out scrap, which might never happen because I think flannel is the superhero of fabrics.

My hot pink patent leather Dr. Martens are definitely high on the list of my favorite shoes ever. A Christmas present from a couple of years ago, I can hardly wait to break them out of my closet every year. I know, I could probably wear them year round. But I like to save them for the fall and winter. I believe that everyone should own a pair of Dr. Martens. You’ll surely find a pair you like.
You can thank me later.

I found this bottle of blue hairspray from last Halloween and decided to try it out. I can’t believe it actually shows up on brown hair. I now want to buy every possible color and give myself random streaks on occasion. It’s fun! Last addition to the outfit was this owl ring I recently purchased and am completely in love with. It’s super cute, no?

Flannel/Tank – Old Navy/Leggings – H&M/Boots – Dr. Martens/Ring – Claire’s Boutique

Weekend.

2011-11-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

I’m still off enjoying the last day of a long weekend. My original plans of visiting with a friend/attending a concert were foiled by exhaustion and a mini-mental breakdown on the way there. Such is life. It was still a nice weekend, but I do wish it would’ve worked out the way I initially had hoped. When it comes down to it, my health ultimately won out. Better to rest up and get strong for next time.

But enough of that. Here are some nice little moments I was able to enjoy from the weekend.

New ‘Do, New You

2011-11-12T11:28:00.001-05:00

My hair has been on an interesting rollercoaster ride these last few years. My senior year of college, I did something I had always wanted to do: get a pixie cut. It took a lot of getting used to/help styling it (you wouldn’t think, but it is very easy to screw that short hair up) and ultimately, I let insecurity and low self-esteem drag me down and tried very hard to grow it out. And it did get longer. But then, I realized that that wasn’t for me. Long hair was something I had once, out of sheer laziness and dependence on my mom to make appointments (which she wasn’t doing, as she had bigger fish to fry). Since I lobbed all of it off, I have been a short hair girl. I always will be one. Maybe my hair will get long again. Lord knows I admire beautiful long hair. But being the low-maintenance (read: lazy) girl I am, the shorter hair just jives with my lifestyle/morning routine. This cut in particular (inspired by this photo on my Pinterest) had me a little scared, because it is the shortest I’ve gone in a long time and the closest to a pixie without actually getting a pixie.
But I went for it, and I’m happy I did.

Cutting your hair off is a very freeing experience. I’d highly recommend that everyone do some form of it at least once in their life.

11-11-11

2011-11-11T10:58:00.001-05:00

Not only is it Friday, it’s also Veteran’s Day and 11/11/11. This is kind of a whole lot of excellent going on.
Today is sort of like my Saturday. And I still have 3 more days off. Needless to say, I’m going to lose track of the days very quickly.
But I have another 4 day week next week. That’s good news, y’all.
Here are some pictures of little things from the past week…

This eerie sky happened during an otherwise pitch black rainstorm. I was driving and just HAD to pull over to take a picture. It was coincidental that I ended up in a graveyard to really add to the creepiness. Plus, Florence + the Machine was blasting in my car. I’d call that serendipity.

No, I didn’t really dye my hair blue. I found this old hair spray stuff from last Halloween and finally decided to try it. I love that it actually worked on my brown hair! I want to buy cans of different colors and put streaks in my hair randomly.

Here’s to an excellent weekend for all!
And a special thanks to all those who have served/are serving our country. Thank you so much for protecting our freedom, keeping us safe, and being braver than I ever could. (Special shout out to one of my best friends, Ed, who is currently in the Air Force. MISS YOU!)

When in doubt…puppies.

2011-11-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

Last night was pretty uneventful. Laundry, painting my nails, eating a humongous bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios. Maybe a two hour nap in there… Anyway, the highlight was definitely dogsitting Artie. My sister and Josh went to a concert in Philly, so my family was left to care for our favorite long-haired chihuahua/dog in the world. Enter me getting a little snap happy with Instagram. He’s just so darn cute.

In other (good) news, today is my Friday! We have off for Veteran’s Day (I’m glad that banks/credit unions still honor these important and oft-overlooked holidays), I don’t have work on Saturday, and my request for Monday off was a approved.
4 day weekend/mini-vacation, here I come!

Behind the Scenes of my “Black Swan” Costume

2011-11-09T10:00:00.000-05:00

I am still coming down from the fun I had dressing as the Black Swan for Halloween. It is, by far, the best costume I’ve worn in my life (so far). I put way more effort into this than I ever have for pretty much anything like this before. It wasn’t from a bag. I bought separate pieces and visited craft stores (I largely dislike craft stores). I thought I’d share some pictures from the “making of” process, which involved lots of feathers, fabric and hot glues, and Brad’s ability to sew.

I can’t thank The Sorry Girls on YouTube enough. If I hadn’t found their how-to videos, this costume probably wouldn’t have had a chance. Before I found it, I was staring at a leotard and a bag of feathers, utterly overwhelmed and confused. My favorite part might be the crown, which I also learned about from their channel. Instead of settling for an (expensive) tiara I’d never use again, I got to utilize hot glue sticks I already had and it looked so much like the actual crown in the movie. Loved it.

The makeup was another favorite part. There were LOTS of tutorials on YouTube to choose from, but I found this one from Dezired Beauty to be the most helpful and beautiful. I’ve done it so many times that I don’t need to refer to the video anymore.
I so wish I could do my makeup like that everyday…le sigh.

As appreciative as I am for the YouTube videos, I couldn’t have done it without Brad.
He tolerated the feathers that ended up everywhere, the tulle wrapped around everything, the hot glue melting away on paper plates, and the fact that I have no idea how to sew at all.
Without him, I probably wouldn’t have been able to get it done without having a minor nervous breakdown.

Outfit: Simple Sunday

2011-11-08T10:00:00.000-05:00

We’ve all heard the phrase “Sunday Best” and, don’t get me wrong, I am all about dressing up whenever and wherever. But usually, Sundays are a detox day. There’s sleeping in and eating breakfast until noon in pajamas, and maybe getting out for some groceries or shopping for random goodies (for me, lately, it’s nail polish). That’s what this weekend was about. I won a couple bucks at the casino the night before, and decided to stock up on some new nail shades and a little brush for making dots and lines. But that’s besides the point.

I decided to wear something trusty and super comfortable. Enter this outfit. The shoes (you’ve seen them before here) are the newest piece of this puzzle. Everything else has been around for about a year, and will stay in my wardrobe for as long as they stay in tact.
Jeans, tee, drapey sweater…can’t go wrong. No siree. The sweater was a pretty cheap find at TJ Maxx (I want to say 10 dollars), but the tee is American Apparel. While I like a lot of American Apparel items, I HATE the prices. I can get a v-neck for 10 bucks or under at any store anytime. However, they totally end up being worth it. They last forever, and get better with wear. (I have an acid wash tee that’s been to London and back. The little holes and tears that have accumulated over time have just made it more loveable.)

When I wear an outfit as simple as this, I like to throw a little accessory in the mix. I recently got this Russian Doll necklace at Claire’s for less than 5 bucks. It opens. It occurred to me later that maybe there was once something inside it (like maybe a smaller doll charm, since that’s the Matryoshka way), but it was on sale. So I shan’t complain.

I also wanted to use this post to show off my new Fall-to-Winter jacket, an anorak from Target. I’m slightly obsessed. I’ve never been good at adapting to the cold weather change/buying sweaters or long-sleeved shirts or coats. But when I saw this, I knew I had to have it. I tend to wear longer shirts and layers, so the length was important (This mullet-esque sweater would not look good under a cropped jacket, in my opinion). The inside is a beautiful and cozy warm flannel. I love the drawstring, which allows me to look like a have a bit of a figure under the bulk, and the hood has a detachable fur trim. Worth every penny.

Sweater – TJ Maxx/Tee – American Apparel/Jeans – Bullhead (Pac Sun)/Shoes – Bass/Jacket – Target

Never mind my Barry Gibb hair in the top post. I’d blame it on the wind, but I am in desperate need for a cut.

“Weekend Update”

2011-11-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

When I work Saturdays, the weekends are even shorter and sweeter than usual. It’s important to not let lost time bring me down. The highlight of the weekend came with Brad’s aunt’s birthday party. Did you know it was the first surprise party I’ve ever been to? It was Margaritaville/5 o’ clock Somewhere/Jimmy Buffett themed, so Hawaiian prints were necessary.
Can I just say how much I love theme parties? Apparently, we will be attending a 1950s themed party next weekend, and I have tons of theme ideas for when I have my own place to throw parties. Parties are already great, but making people dress up/down is that much more fun.

Also…cake pops are pretty much the bomb (I went there).

The reason this week will be a good one? It’s only 4 days! That’s right, I have a long weekend straight ahead. And it’s one of the best kinds, because I have Friday off (Fridays are an hour longer where I work…bleh). So, even if it’s a rough week in general, I have that to look forward to. Brad even asked for the day off. We are both getting haircuts and enjoying some time to ourselves.

Here’s to a great week, gang!

Food This Past Week…

2011-11-04T10:00:00.000-04:00

This week went by super fast. I can’t believe it’s Friday. Heck, I can’t believe it’s November! The one prominent part of this week was food. Panera lunch Monday afternoon, Mexican on Monday night, Steak and Ale on Wednesday, and Domino’s on Thursday. (Not exactly health-conscious, whatever.) I have a work shift tomorrow, but after this, I only have 2 more left this year! And to make the situation even easier, I have a 4 day week next week (and hopefully the week after that, if my day off gets the final approval!). All good things. All good things.

Hungry yet?

Have an excellent weekend, all y’all! Here’s a cool cover song to kick off your days.

In the Bag: Makeup Edition

2011-11-03T10:00:00.000-04:00

I decided to take you on a journey through my makeup bag. I recently purchased this cute makeup tote from Target (6 bucks, heck yeahhhh) and it’s a huge step up from the stupid, clunky box I was using before that would always open and spill things.
There are four clear sections that keep everything super organized and easily accessible.
Bonus: I can detach the middle pouches for traveling!

Everyday Use

When it comes to my everyday makeup routine, it’s short and simple. I’m often rushing to get ready for work in the morning but I’m
low-maintenance anyway, so it works out! The products I use are meant to make me look awake and subtlety enhance my features.

From Left to Right:
EOS Lip Balm (I keep one accessible at all times)
Rimmel’s Match Perfection concealer
Maybelline’s Colossal Volum’ Express mascara
Bare Minerals Tinted Mineral Veil, Warmth, and blush in Avant-Garden

EOS Lip Balm is something I’ve raved about in the past, and I still stand strong by it. It’s not waxy and the flavors/scents are yummy yet subtle. I don’t like to go beyond a lip balm on work days…too much upkeep. I recently ran out of my Bare Minerals foundations (I buy a sample kit that’s only supposed to last a month or so, and it usually takes me almost a year to go through because I basically use them for spot treatment only), but I’ve had a lot of luck with Rimmel concealers in the past and this is no different. As for my mascara, I am always changing that. I do not discriminate with mascara. All I care about is voluminous lashes…though I usually complain they aren’t thick enough even with mascara on. This one is doing the job for now, but when it runs low, I’ll surely have a completely different one in the bag.

These are the Bare Minerals products I still have and use daily. The Tinted Mineral Veil adds a little extra color to my skin. And I love the perfectly pink Avant-Garden blush. I wouldn’t have those products if it weren’t for my mom. As for the classic Warmth powder, it takes a while for me to go through a compact…I use it everyday, but only a light dusting for a slightly sun kissed glow.

A Little Extra…

From Left to Right:
Essence Long Lasting Eye Pencil – Easy Going, Touch of Glam, Cool Down, and Go Wild
From Top to Bottom:
Cover Girl Natureluxe Gloss Lip Balm – Tulip, Coral, and Cabernet

On the days I know I’ll be seeing friends or going out or being social in anyway other than work, I like to kick it up a notch. It’s a little notch, but a little goes a long way. These eyeliners are way more fun than eyeshadow (and they don’t crease!). I am especially fond of the Purple and Blue sticks, they get the most use for sure. As for the lip balms, I am obsessed with these. They are the perfect stepping stone to lipstick, which can be intimidating for someone who’s usually very natural. I’ve worn them all, but Cabernet gets the most use. It’s super dark in the tube, but it puts a nice rosy color on your lips that brightens the entire face without the woes of it bleeding into cracks or moving onto the teeth. Highly recommend all these products above. They are inexpensive and worth every penny.

Special Occasions

From Left to Right:
NYX Eye/Eyebrow Pencil in Gray
NYC Brow/Eyeliner Pencil in Black
Bare Minerals Big and Bright Eyeliner in Black Coffee
Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara in Black
Rimmel Lip Liner in Nude
Wet n Wild lipstick in Stoplight Red and Smoking Hot Pink

This section of my makeup bag is maybe only reserved for special moments like dinners and dates and weddings and other moments that require a little extra effort. The eyeliners have made their way up the ranks on a few random nights, but lipstick is a once in a while thing.
The lip liner is necessary for keeping the highly pigmented lipstick in it’s place. I love how cheap and wonderful these lipsticks are, but I wouldn’t have purchased them if it weren’t for this excellent article on HelloGiggles. As for the mascara, I have used it on occasion, but my favorite thing to do on fancy nights is layer both this Bare Minerals mascara and the Maybelline one from above for super thick lashes.
It’s pretty excellent.

So, there you have it guys! I am by no means a beauty expert, but I am quite happy with the makeup I have (and continue to purchase time and again) and would highly recommend all of these products! Hope you enjoyed your peak into my makeup bag!

Some Things I Love Right Now…

2011-11-02T10:00:00.000-04:00

Guys, it’s freaking NOVEMBER! We are in the 11th month of 2011. Halloween is over. Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner. I’m in complete disbelief. Time truly is flying. Luckily, life has been pretty great as of late. And I always feel it’s important to put the positive things into perspective and make a list of happy, lovely things (as so many of us bloggers love to do).

Just got done spending a week in domestic bliss with my boyfriend…hope for the future!
Yummy hot coffee to warm myself up on a chilly day
Shows that have me laughing out loud (see here and here and here and here)
Little treats (like necklaces and “fun money”) from my mom…I’ll never grow up at this rate
Mexican food and Margaritas on a Monday night
Watching my circle of friends grow and change
Planning my next nail painting adventure for Thursday (Desperate for some Muppets colors from OPI!)
My Halloween costume, which Brad made 10x better with this photo shoot he did of me
Cozy naps, which have been happening a lot lately
Getting the month’s new magazine issues (and the occasional package) in the mail

Outfit: Blue on Blue

2011-11-01T10:00:00.000-04:00

I wore this outfit last week for a night of tacos, mulled wine, and pumpkin carving. (Pretty awesome night, if you ask me.)
Full-on denim was another one of those fashion faux pas controversies that became popular/acceptable as of late. I think we just need to accept the fact that THERE ARE NO RULES IN FASHION/RULES ARE MADE TO BE BROKEN.

I wouldn’t wear the same shades of denim, so I guess that is following a rule of sorts. I’m not into the “redneck tuxedo” look, but some people can pull it off, maybe? Not me. This is a great, cozy outfit for a fall evening. I bought this large denim shirt last year in the men’s section of Salvation Army. I love it. I feel like an artist or something when I wear it. Like I stole my dad’s old work shirt (or someone else’s dad…but paid for it) and decided to use it for all my creative and fashion-friendly endeavors. Another fashion “rule” to break…shop outside your gender. Even when I’m not out thrifting, I scan the men’s section for v-necks and cozy sweaters. I’m all about unisex.

Shirt – Thrifted/Denim Leggings – PacSun (Bullhead)/Belt – Forever 21/Necklace – Claire’s/Boots – Chinese Laundry

A Weekend to (Barely) Remember…

2011-10-31T10:00:00.000-04:00

Halloween is today, but I had to celebrate this past weekend, as “real life” takes over on Mondays. It was an excellent weekend. I dressed up both Friday and Saturday, but Saturday was the less awkward of the two. More people in costume. Yay!
Not that I cared…I loved being in costume and I wish I could do it more often. Who doesn’t like to play dress up?

Top photo taken by Robert E. Hanlon at Rodano’s.

I didn’t bring my camera and had to rely on my iPhone. But we were too busy having fun to take many photos anyways.
But let’s not forget the craziest part of the weekend, the snow. We spent most of Saturday watching the flakes fall in our pajamas until we were ready to go out. I didn’t really appreciate the cold, wintery weather (especially in terms of my costume), but it was nice to stay cozy and warm indoors and watch the huge flakes fall (I think we got about 6 inches?).

Hope everyone had an excellent weekend. Here’s to a great week! And, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!