comeback special

to dog or not to dog.

2012-01-18T14:11:00.002-06:00

TG and I are in the midst of discussions about whether or not to get a dog. When my sister and I were growing up, we had two cats, a gerbil, a rat, a guinea pig, and a rabbit. Not all at once. Come to think of it, there were never more than two animals in our house at the same time. Now we have two cats. And I have had sole custody for that past 3 years. Stefanie has her own dog now. Todd had two dogs (at two different times) when he was younger. I have never had a dog. (Did you get all that?)

Number one reason why I have always said I could not get a dog: I am not responsible enough. I am not responsible enough to take care of an animal that needs more from me than to put out food and water, clean its litter box or cage, and give it excessive snuggling (a la Elmyra from Tiny Toons). To be honest, it scares the bajeezies out of me.

But I'm not on my own anymore. We're a team. And getting a dog is important to Todd, which makes it important to me. I always thought that when we found the right dog, we would just know. It would be the right time, and everything would just fall into place. Well, two weeks ago we found a dog that I fell in love with. We had seen her on their site previously and when I saw that she was still up for adoption, I immediately thought "It's a sign!" She was a beautiful, small, chocolate and carmel shepherd mix. So we went to meet her at an adoption event. She was the perfect size and very playful. She was gorgeous and smiled all the time. But the rescue group, although they liked us very much, decided to place her in a home without cats. It's understandable, but still it broke my heart. I really thought she was "the one".

The rescue group kept us in mind though, and only days later sent Todd an email about another dog they have in a foster home. He is a little bigger, maybe 50 pounds or so, and could still fill out a little bit more. He's a total mutt... shepherd, rottweiler, hound, pitt bull. Who knows. We met him last weekend. He's very cute and brown with soft ears. His temperment is near perfect. He is mellow and smart and quiet. He ignored the cat that was also in the store. But he just didn't smile at me the same way. He's shy. And that's okay, too. All of the volunteers kept saying what a perfect "first dog" he would be.

So now the panic has set in. This is a life changing decision. Having a dog is not like having cats. It's like having a child. Are we financially able to support a third animal? Do our schedules allow for us to give him the amount of attention and care that he will need? I just don't know if I'm ready.

If you have a dog, how did you know it was the right time to get one? How did it change your daily life? Be honest, I'm not looking for blind encouragement. I need the cold, hard facts folks.

Many thanks.

our house.

2012-01-09T17:36:00.007-06:00

Our house
Is a very, very, very fine house
With two cats in the yard
Life used to be so hard
Now everything is easy 'cause of you
And our...
La la lalala la la lala la...

batman. lester.

what the twelve?!

2012-01-09T11:25:00.010-06:00

2012? Seriously?! How in the world did it get to be 2012? Wasn't it just 1998? So weird. I'm starting to feel like an old lady.

I have a few ideas about how this year is going to go. I want to loose a little bit of weight. Just tone up, really. Two very special weddings are on my calendar this summer. There is talk of puppies and new apartments. And I am really inspired to travel. Well, let's face it, I'm always inspired to travel. But this year feels different. It feels important. Maybe as my life is changing, I'm realizing that I need to keep taking advantage of all this wonderful time I have. Time with my friends, and my family, and Todd. I've been feeling this way ever since my wonderful trip to DC last October.

So far on the ol' schedule I have a trip to Pittsburgh with my sister at the end of the month to visit my Gramma, a whirwind drive to Memphis with Todd and a weekend in NYC with two lovelies in February, a Marketing Summit in LA for work in March, Leah's bachelorette party in New Orleans in April (or March... or May...), an unplanned beach vacation with Todd in May, Cleveland wedding in June, and Michigan wedding in July.

The first half of 2012 is looking promising. (I better start saving my vacation time now!)

And to make this post a little more interesting, here are a few shots from '11 to ring in '12!

A Detroit wedding in May.
At Many Glacier in June.
Dora and I in happier times at my Mexican birthday dinner. (She didn't survive the night...)
Waiting in the Taco Line.
Rachie got married in November. (Isn't she beautious?)
Justin may have overstayed his welcome.
Ringing in the new year with beer that tastes like bacon. Seriously.
Happy New Year! May it be filled with adventure!

fall frenzy.

2011-12-05T17:16:00.000-06:00

So, I guess November happened. You wouldn't know it by reading my blog though.

Let me just break down my fall season for you:
Four days in Phoenix for Rachael's Bachelorette Party. Todd's 25th Birthday. Alterations appointment #1 for bridesmaid dress. Order shoes for wedding. Don't fit. Return. Todd's brother Matt, his girlfriend Sarah, and his friend Nate stay with us while in town to run the Chicago Marathon. My high school friend Evan stays with us the following weekend, while in town for a convention. Stefanie's 29th Birthday. Job offer(!). My 28th Birthday. Notify current employer of new job offer. Discussions. Lots of discussions. Alterations appointment #2 for bridesmaid dress. Accept new position. Give notice to current employer. Sad. Exciting. Weekend in Washington DC with these beauties. Just what I needed. Stef goes to Mexico. Water Stef's menagerie of plants. Try not to kill them. Think about writing Maid of Honor toast. Panic. Order two pairs of shoes for wedding. One fits. Success. Clean apartment for 4 days straight in preparation for Justin's arrival. Halloween. (I went as Rosie the Riveter.) Clean again. Write Maid of Honor toast. Laundry. Justin arrives. Rachael's wedding weekend spectacular: Rehearsal/Dinner, drinks at the hotel, sleep-over, WEDDING DAY, drinks at the hotel, brunch, family hang-out time. A whole week of more Justin. Another wedding for a high school friend, just outside of Chicago. Send Justin home. Last week at old job. Two days. First day at NEW JOB. Thanksgiving. First full week at new job. Weekend in Milwaukee. Now.

Okay, you're up to speed. I'll do a better job of filling in the gaps later. As soon as I have a moment to breathe. So maybe in January.

P.S. IT'S CHRISTMAS!

heart and soul.

2011-10-25T11:20:00.005-05:00

Sometimes there are people that you can always count on to bring you back up to where you need to be. Maybe you're feeling blue, or stressed, or manic, or overwhelmed, or straight up depressed. Just not feeling "you". But you see these people - for a drink, or a day, or a whole weekend - and you forget about everything else. You are at your best. You feel smart and successful and hilarious and like you could do anything or nothing and be totally content.

. Stay . Shay . A .
I spent last weekend in Washington DC with these beauts. I've known these girls since the first grade. We're pretty much the same now as we were then. Yeah... that's probably accurate.

We ate, we drank, we danced, we sang. We were straight up hooligans.
And we laughed for 48 straight hours.

One of the best weekends ever....
"We are BAAAAAACK! We are getting Doug BAAAAAACK!"

the sweetheart slingback.

2011-10-13T15:00:00.006-05:00

A coworker told me today that she has been in 12 weddings. Twelve. Like, a dozen. (Not a baker's dozen. A regular dozen.) Twelve is a lot. I am only on my third, with a fourth on deck for summer 2012. So far, I've made out pretty well in terms of my required dress. (And, honestly, isn't that the main concern when agreeing to be in someone's bridal party?) I can't really give an example for the first wedding I was in because it was for a family friend in 2002, I was 18, and really had no involvement prior to showing up for the rehearsal. The dresses weren't great (sorry, Ily!), and I wore black strappy shoes with a square heel. But I mean, this was the era when a "formal" hair-do involved cornrow-like twists across the front of your head. For a post-millenium wedding, it worked. And will still probably be the fanciest wedding I ever attend.

Weddings 2 and 3 were/are for my high school buds Kate and Rachael (respectively). I blogged quite a bit last year about preparing for Kate's Christmas-y extravaganza, but I haven't been quite as chatty about getting ready for Rachie's day (which is coming up in just about THREE WEEKS!). Both girls are totally classic, and also awesome brides who were pretty much open to anything that made their ladies feel comfortable and pretty. Here's a little side by side comparison:

dresses: the dessy group | black shoes: guess | grey shoes: nine west
Sweetheart necklines and peep-toe slingbacks anyone? Ha. I knew they were similar, but didn't realize how almost exact the details were until I put them side-by-side like that. Down to the pleating across the bust! It just goes to show that some styles can fit many personalities. In both wedding parties there are girls of all shapes, heights, and *ehem* bosoms. These dresses look drop-dead gorgeous on all the ladies. For reals, yo.

As for Number 4, the wedding of my good buddies Dan and Leah, we'll get to choose from a color palette and a couple styles. (I'm sticking with the Dessy options, since I am clearly a preferred customer already. My color choice is "meadow", btw.) Here's my top 3:

And look! Only one has a sweetheart neckline! (Who wants to bet that's the one I choose??) And just for s and g's, how about these nude beauties for my feet:

You know. Just to keep things consistent. (And yes, every girl has chosen a different color for shoes. And yes, that is the nude patent version of the pair I bought for Kate's wedding. They're ridic comfortable.)

made for each other.

2011-10-10T12:15:00.005-05:00

Todd: I need a shower.
me: me too. I really needed one this morning.
Todd: me too.
me: but I put my hair in a pony tail with a headband instead.
Todd: I wore a tshirt and a lot of deodorant.
me: I forgot deodorant...
Todd: hahaha. stinky.
me: we are so pretty.

P.S. Sometimes we do actually shower. Also, sometimes my face is not so pale that it blends in with my white tshirt.

toddler.

2011-10-03T17:19:00.010-05:00

It is this little boy's 25th birthday today!

Can we just talk about how adorable he is for one second? (Please note the Mickey Mouse hat. True love.)
Happy Birthday, Bub!

game over.

2011-09-27T12:48:00.007-05:00

A pink-less bachelorette party. Sh!t is about to get real for Rachael.

it's the real thing.

2011-09-14T15:00:00.007-05:00

I have a Coca-Cola problem. It's a chronic condition I have been ~~fighting~~ totally embracing for most of my life. It's delicious. And refreshing. (As they say.)

via
My taste for this beverage is known throughout the lands. At my peak, (middle school and high school - when caffeine consumption was apparently my form of rebellion) I was probably drinking 6 cans a day. Yes, a full six-pack. One for breakfast, one for lunch, two after school, one for dinner, and one before bed. It's sad (awesome), but true. I probably should have started buying stock in the company as soon as I learned that two days worth of milk money bought me a Coke instead.

And don't ask if I would like a Pepsi, because I would not. Pepsi tastes like watered down Diet Coke. And Diet Coke is not real Coke. (Sorry Coca-Cola Co., it's not. And don't even get me started on "Coke Zero".) Here's a hilarious side tangent: Just the other night, I was at dinner with my sister at a new restaurant that opened on Division Street. Our waiter came over to take our drink orders, and I said "I'll have a Coke, if you've got it...", half expecting the "We have Pepsi, is that okay?" response. (see above) Instead, he said in a sing-song-y voice "Oooohhh, we actually have agave nectar cola, is that okaaay?" ... My sister claims I laughed in his face. I ordered a beer.

While I have (painstakingly) worked my daily intake of The Pause That Refreshes down to... wait for it... ONE per day* (I KNOW), our relationship is still real. It's the real thing.

via
*Okay, sometimes I have more than one. But fountain sodas shouldn't really count. If they don't have their mix right, it's mostly soda water anyway... right?

a special day.

2011-09-09T17:50:00.007-05:00

Happy 1st Birthday, Ellie Z! Our littlest lady. We're so glad you're here.

I love you Mom! I miss you every day. I love when people tell me I remind them of you. (I bet you already knew that.)

P.S. I'm really liking that short perm my mom is rocking in that photo... too 1986? I think I could do it.

a bag a day.

2011-08-31T16:04:00.004-05:00

I was perusing pinterest (as one is prone to do in the middle of the afternoon when you just cannot look at another spreadsheet/contract/report for one more second), when I came across this idea that my friend Abby had repinned (originally from here). It's a genius idea to break down the monumental job of decluttering your house into manageable daily tasks. One space per day. One bag per space. Brilliant.

I proposed the idea to Todd, and he liked it. So we're going to give it a shot! We plan to start next Wednesday - after the holiday weekend. And since we don't have kids, or a full size house, we probably don't have 40 spaces to clear out, like the original post had. (We did come up with a surprising 30, though.) We're also personalizing it a little more by adding a few tasks that need tackled, in addition to tossing things out, in order to declutter our apartment.

So, without further ado, here is our "30 spaces. 30 days." list:

30 spaces. 30 days.

Day 1 - Entryway.
Day 2 - Hang art on entry wall.
Day 3 - Living room – bookshelves: books.
Day 4 - Living room – bookshelves: movies and games.
Day 5 - Bathroom – cabinets and shelves.
Day 6 - Bathroom – under sink.
Day 7 - Hang art on bathroom wall.
Day 8 - Storage closet – upper shelf, Christmas décor.
Day 9 - Storage closet – coats and boots.
Day 10 - Storage closet – linens.
Day 11 - Storage closet – tools and misc.
Day 12 - Office cube bookshelf – music and scripts.
Day 13 - Office cube bookshelf – art and photography.
Day 14 - Office cube bookshelf – office supplies.
Day 15 - Remaining office space. Add leaf to table.
Day 16 - Kitchen cabinets – dishes and glassware.
Day 17 - Kitchen cabinets – pots and pans.
Day 18 - Kitchen shelves.
Day 19 - Kitchen cabinets – food and spices.
Day 20 - Kitchen drawers and under the sink.
Day 21 - Refrigerator.
Day 22 - Remove shelves above stove. Hang pegboard.
Day 23 - Bedroom – side tables.
Day 24 - Bedroom – dresser tops.
Day 25 - Bedroom – bags and accessories.
Day 26 - Bedroom – bookshelf.
Day 27 - Bedroom closet – upper shelves.
Day 28 - Remaining bedroom space.
Day 29 - Hang mirror in bedroom.
Day 30 - Jeep.

I'm not going to guarantee anything. But this project just seemed like it was worth a shot. Todd and I both want to get out apartment under control. And after our joint yard sale with some friends last weekend, we now have the other half of our office space back! We're feeling good and ready to tackle more of our mess.

Wish us luck!

two year special.

2011-08-24T12:44:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday comeback special!
We're TWO today! Two years of blogging and I still feel a little bit like a beginner. But here's to another year of learning and ~~over~~ sharing!

image above via here

sweet nothings.

2011-08-23T16:00:00.005-05:00

Faint of heart, please proceed with caution. These delovely little charms will knock your sock off. So hilarious, I could not resist sharing them with the world.

The "about" page of the In God We Trust website references designer Shana Tobor's "irreverent, often dark-witted, humor." (Kindred spirits? Mayhaps.) And I am loving their Sweet Nothings brass necklaces. Engraved with sayings that run the gamut between sweet and sinful ("With Love", "Willing & Able"), endearing and inappropriate ("Sweet Tits", "Finger Bang"), cheeky and profane ("Big Butt and a Smile", "Eat a Dick"). They had me dying of laughter, and of course thinking of my guys. (I really know how to pick 'em.) xoxo

this necklace is "really fuckin cute".

oh, hey august.

2011-08-04T11:56:00.006-05:00

So, apparently July is over. That's news to me. What a busy month. We were out of town every weekend except last, and even then I snuck out to the burbs for a tea in honor of Rachie, the bride-to-be. And I guess we weren't technically "out-of-town" for The Fourth, but Todd and I did spend the entire weekend at The Coachhouse (home to our friends Dominic, Dan, Leah and Dianna), going to the beach, swimming at the pool or laying in the park across the street, and barbecuing. Lot's of barbecuing. My favorite. (Sorry no pictures. We were busy having way too much fun!)

We ran home to Ohio for about 36 hours the next weekend for my Aunt Sandy's 60th birthday. We visited my grandma and then had a barbecue at Sandy and Rick's pool (just like when all the cousins were little). Todd manned the grill which made me smile. He fits in so well. And then Sunday morning, before we all got back on the road, we had family pictures in honor of this little lady:

. Elise . Ellie . EZ .
Couldn't you just die? She's absolutely the cutest. Todd and I also got to exercise our babysitting skills 2 weeks ago. He was a champ. Baby-whisperer, for sure. (And don't even ask, because no it did NOT make by uterus ache. I am happy playing with other people's babies, for sure.)

The next two weekends we were in Milwaukee. First for Todd's dad's birthday, and then again to visit with Todd's brother Matt, who was in from Minneapolis. I always enjoy going up there. There are always so many wonderful things to eat. (Todd's mom is a master in the kitchen.)

It's totally bumming me out that it's already August. It's funny that I still see my year like I did when I was in school. The way our seasons are at work, we're busiest from September/October through May/June. So September is always a bummer, because summer is "over" even though it may still be 80 degrees outside. I guess I better make the best of August!

i think tomorrow is a say-something-hat day.

2011-07-06T16:10:00.005-05:00

I need a sun hat. After spending 3 consecutive days at the beach/park/pool last weekend, I have decided that yes, a fabulous wide-brimmed sun hat is indeed a necessity. I've been trying them on in every store I happened into for the past few months, but nothing has quite struck me yet. So I have turned my search online-wards.

1. Jessica Simpson Large Bow Sunhat - Norstrom - $38 - The red details and bow are very feminine. Perhaps too feminine for a girl who jammed her finger catching a football in the park last weekend? Perhaps. I think this one is better worn with a dress than a bathing suit.
2. Natural Cut Out Floppy Hat - Topshop - $44 - The cut-outs and smaller bow are very cute, but I think the brim would let too much sun through and defeat my purpose for wearing it. And I'm not big on black - is that weird?
3. By The Sea Hat - Roxy - $28 - One of my favorites. Casual, classic, beachy, cheap.
4. August Large Floppy Straw Hat - Nordstrom - $40 - I love this olive green option with a slightly western-style crown. However, my dark hair absorbs all heat and sunlight, so the idea is to have something light on my head to reflect the rays. Sorry green hat...
5. San Diego Hat Company Ultrabraid Belted Hat - Zappos - $48 - I LOVE this classic look. I feel like I would need to get large Jackie O sunglasses and a retro-inspired one-piece swimsuit to go along with it.
6. Juicy Couture Stripe Straw Hat - Nordstrom - $78 - I love stripes. And coral. Perfection. A little too rich for my blood though. (Psst! It also comes in turquoise! And white!)
7. Lurex Carwheel Hat - Zara - $20 - Another inexpensive, classic beach hat.
8. Echo Braided Floppy Hat - Zappos - $38 - Also a favorite. This one is classic with a twist. The braided detail around the brim makes me feel like I'm not buying the same hat as every other girl.
9. Ombre Floppy Beach Hat - American Eagle - $20 - BAM! Saved the best for last didn't I? Oh, Ombre Beach Hat. Won't you please come home with me?

Which one would you choose??

(Bonus awesome points if you know the quote that is the title of this post.)

swimtime.

2011-06-30T11:50:00.002-05:00

When we were little, the pool was THE place to be everyday during summer vacation. When we were old enough to go by ourselves - no grown-ups! - it was even better. (Granted, there were dozens of other parents there, who knew our parents and were probably secret spies to make sure we were behaving/not drowning. But that was beside the point.) We would throw our towels over the handle bars of our Huffy bikes and pedal our hearts out until we reached the bike rack outside the fence that surrounded the pool. Then we would proudly show our season passes, that were really just laminated pieces of paper that said "Worthington Pool" with a big '90 or '91. (Man, that seems like yesterday.) Once you were in, you made your way to "the hill" - that's where all the cool kids laid out on the grass. It was over by the high dive. NBD. The concrete was HOT, so you were always dashing from grass to pool to grass to pool to concession stand to pool to grass.

Lunch was pizza, and Airheads that only cost 10 cents. The concession stand was like an endless supply of all the candy you could ever want - all for a dime, a quarter, or the really good stuff, which was 50 cents. I think pizza was a dollar fifty. They had Flav-o-Ice, which we would let melt half way and then suck the syrup-water out of the tube. Sometimes you couldn't tell if a kid's lips were blue from the popsicle or because they had been in the pool all day.

The life guards were pretty much the coolest kids you could imagine. They were always so tan and wore awesome sunglasses. (The black plastic wayfarers with the neon sides, FYI. And yes, those are cool again.) They were nice to us kids, even though it must have been an annoying job. But they would play nice. Every hour, on the hour, one of the guards in the office would make the announcement "It is now time for the X-o'clock rest period. Would all boys and girls please clear the pool for a ten minute break." We would all groan and sit anxiously on the edge of the pool, watching the adults breathe a sigh of relief and manage to swim a few uninterrupted laps before ten thousand children cannon-balled back into the pool. And sometimes - if you were REALLY lucky - after rest period was ending, the lifeguards would let you and your friends scream "SWIIIIIIMMMMMMTTTTIIIIIIIIMMMMMME!" into the loudspeaker to signal that it was time to get back in the pool.

If it rained, everyone crowded into the concession area until it stopped. If it stormed, we called home - on a payphone, for a quarter - and one of the moms came to pick us up. (The bikes would be there waiting for us when we came back to swim the next day.) If it was a perfect day, after they called for the whatever-predetermined-o'clock rest period, we would reluctantly exit through the huge turnstile and pedal our way home for dinner. The absolute worst was as you were riding away, you could hear them call "SWIMTIME!" and all the inevitable splashes that followed.

Whenever I go through a huge turnstile like that in a subway station (...or eat Flav-o-Ice or Airheads or those weird two-toned chalky suckers, or see a high-dive or someone in a red swimsuit with a killer tan...) I instantly flash back to summers at The Pool.

pun-derful polish.

2011-06-16T11:25:00.011-05:00

What's in a name, right? Well, when it comes to super-cute, pun-tastic names for things that I buy, I'm a total sucker. I'll spend an hour perusing ModCloth and LOL-ing (L-ing-OL?) at the names they come up with for all of their merch. Same goes for nail polish. Big time. (P.S. I'm back on the no-nail-biting train! Hooray!) These are my latest faves from Essie.

haute as HELLO.
I chose to capitalize the "hello". That's how I think it should be. You may have also noticed this shade on my toesies in Tuesday's post. I have since changed it to...

tart deco.
I realize now that these two corals look almost identical on the computer. They do not, however in real life.

absolutely shore.
What's that? A beach pun?? Sign me up. And since I'm already on the Essie bandwagon, I thought I'd try their stop-biting-your-nails polish too. Which, of course, is also cutely named.

grow faster.
No seriously. Grow faster. I want another mani/pedi.

images via essie.

in the nude.

2011-06-14T17:32:00.007-05:00

I'm in weddings. That's kind of my thing now. Just FYI. Having a wedding? I'm your girl.

I'm not being sarcastic. I L-O-V-E weddings. So for reals, if you want me to put on a pretty dress and buy new shoes and bear witness to your nuptials (that sounds totally dirty), I am so there. Bonus points if you're someone that I love, like my Rachie (November 2011) or this girl right here (July 2012). Both of whom requested nude shoes. Hence this lovely new pair I purchased today at lunch. Hooray 40% off sales and $10 off coupons! So even if I find another pair closer to the actual wedding date(s), I can still keep these for my summer wardrobe. (Because they made my legs look awesome in my shorts.)

Does it look like I have cankles? I promise I don't...

gimme some moore.

2011-06-02T15:25:00.001-05:00

Holy moly. Miracle of Miracles. A functional camera bag that does not look like a camera bag!

kelly moore bags via green wedding shoes
That delight is a little thing they call the B-Hobo Bag by Kelly Moore. I am loving it in walnut, (got to have it in a basic!) but there are eight, count them EIGHT, other color options. Jeeze louise. And just take a gander inside:

Do you know how long I have been waiting for something like this? She has 5 different styles in tons of colors. I would have killed for something like the Libby Bag when I was in school. (She even has a messenger bag for dudes called the Kelly Boy Bag, which I totally love, especially in the mustard color.)

Love love love. Want want want. Need need need.

sweep those clouds away.

2011-05-13T16:30:00.004-05:00

Hello summer! As expected, Chicago has completely skipped over the season of spring and gone straight for summer. Fine by me - I just wish it would start earlier in the year!

In case I have not mentioned it previously, I have declared this the Year Of The Dress, and it is in full force this week! (Yes, skirts are counting for YOTD. Anything that's not connected between the legs is progress for this all-jeans-all-the-time girl. Actually, even shorts are a step in the right direction.) 3 dresses and this lovely skirted ensemble in 6 days. My friend Di and I hit the outlets on our way to Michigan last weekend, so I needed to showcase some of my new goods. Picture this look, but my skirt is chartreuse. (J.Crew Factory only features the coral option in their online store. P.S. did enyone else hear my head explode when they started offering their factory merch on the weekends?!) And my Vera scarf is actually greens and blues. However, after showcasing this substitute color scheme, I may have to order my skirt in a second color and start a hunt for a similar Vera scarf to the one pictured. Oh summer, I love you.

And I have to mention these sandals by BASS. My mother had these for my whole childhood, and as soon as we grew into them (maybe even before) my sister and I would always steal them. I don't know what happened to Mom's pair, but I found these shopping at the outlets last fall and could not go home without them. I got the tan (Mom's were brown) and they are the most comfortable sandals in the world. The best part of this whole story is the style name of the sandals... Sharon. Just like my momma. Sometimes I wonder if that's why she bought them in the first place!

morning people.

2011-05-11T10:19:00.006-05:00

I am totally not one. In fact, people that get up with ease and sip coffee in their pyjamas while reading the newspaper at their kitchen table kind of freak me out. Who has time for that?! I'm more of a get-out-of-bed-15-minutes-before-it's-time-to-leave kind of person. I rarely eat breakfast, and when I do it consists of several girl scout cookies and a coca-cola, while sitting at my desk. (Have I mentioned this before? I may be repeating myself...) But today, my friends, I have hit a milestone. I had a morning. In my own way. Here's the play-by-play because I know you want it:

5:45 a.m. - Wake up. (GASP! I KNOW!)
5:55 a.m. - Eat a Luna Bar. (What? No Coke??)
6:00 a.m. - Gym. (Are you dying yet?!)
7:15 a.m. - Leave gym.
7:45 a.m. - Drop Todd off at work downtown. Drive around desperately looking for something that is open this early. (Shopping? Pedicure? Nothing??)
8:15 a.m. - Give up and park by my office. Roll down windows. Lean back and relax in the delicious summer weather.
8:17 a.m. - Fall asleep. (Obvs. Come on. It's me, we're talking about.)
9:15 a.m. - Wake up. Walk to Starbucks for an iced chai. (Actually, I shuffled to Starbucks. My legs are like Jell-o. I also went to the gym Monday night. GASP! I KNOW!)
9:45 a.m. - At work. Bright eyed and bushy tailed.

I'm sure you are riveted by all of this very specific information. But I had to get it out there. To remember for all time. That I actually woke up, worked out, and liked it. This is evidence that could be used in a court of law... you know, in case I ever sue Todd for making me get up at 5:45 a.m. again.

lightning levity.

2011-04-05T16:20:00.011-05:00

We've been having some rain lately. (Which is generally okay by me since it's not snow.) The other day this "rain" actually turned into a pretty big storm, and knocked our power out right as I was getting ready for bed. Now, for the most part, storms don't usually bother me... it really depends on the time of day, what I've eaten lately, if I've just watched a particularly unsettling TV show or movie... (unless someone throws in the word "tornado", then you'll see a grown woman seeking shelter in the bathtub.) Anyway, during this recent black-out I got a little nervous. Okay, I slept with a flashlight. As I lay there in terror, Todd said "What are you going to do when we have kids??" And I immediately remembered this sequence of cells from Hyperbole and a Half's latest post, "The Scariest Story":

I imagine this is the type of child I will have. The one clawing at her parents bedroom door. What goes around comes around.

(P.S. You should totally read all of the stories over at Hyperbole and a Half. Pure gold.)

totally nautical.

2011-03-04T15:49:00.003-06:00

I don't know if I've mentioned this before (like 800 times), but I love boats. And the sea. Large bodies of water and floating vessels. We had a boat when I was little. It was awesome. (We don't have one anymore. Not as awesome.) Now I just have to pretend. And dream about the next opportunity I will have to be on a boat. So imagine the day dreams that would be inspired by this wall paper by Mini Moderns!

via Design*Sponge
I'm envisioning the washed blue color behind our built-ins in the family room. With natural wood shelving and dark olive walls...

Yes, please.

oh, hello march.

2011-03-01T13:56:00.006-06:00

I sure hope you bring with you weather warm enough for me to wear something like this:

j.crew liberty shirtdress
Even if I have to wear tights... and a cardigan... and a scarf... that's okay. I probably will anyway. Just please, no more coats.

I have high hopes for you March. Don't let me down.

freckle-faced haynes, the dog-faced boy.

2011-02-21T18:03:00.002-06:00

After closely examining the photo in yesterday's post, I have concluded that I need some major Vitamin D action on my face. (And the rest of my body for that matter.)

Freckle-face, activate!

domestic partners.

2011-02-20T20:57:00.000-06:00

It's getting close! One week from tomorrow, Todd and I will be officially moved in together. "Shacked up" if you will. (I'm sure my dad loves that term.) That's right. Our books are combined. Our laundry is mingling. (Too much? But still true.) And the greatest part? We can get a joint Costco account! I know. I know. The excitement of bulk goods is overwhelming.

We bought a rug last week. (Not from Costco, from Home Goods. Love HG.) I don't know why I feel like that is symbolic of this milestone, but I kind of do. And it was on sale! About now you're probably thinking back and saying to yourself "Oh yeah... I remember... Didn't she start this blog to talk about projects she was going to do around her apartment?" Yes I did. Thanks for the reminder! Well, now that I have my main man ~~on me like glue about cleaning and organizing our home~~ here to help me clean and organize, I'm super excited about turning this blog back around and sharing projects large and small. (Like eventually unrolling the rug that we bought last week...)

I was hoping to have something more exciting for this post, but I guess I don't. So here's another gratuitous photo of me and the Toddmeister. (I've never actually called him that... but it felt appropriate for that sentence.) (Also, does it make me more cool or less cool for using the word "gratuitous" two posts in a row? I'm thinking more.)

This image is pretty accurate. Bring it on, Future.

4x4: be havin' and BHLDN.

2011-02-15T16:14:00.013-06:00

This 4x4 is completely gratuitous. While those that came before have been all about cuteness for cheapness (here, here, here, here and here), this is all about drooling over BHLDN. My buddy Kristen warned me this day would come. "Anthro is launching a bridal line," she said. Uh oh. Lock up the pocketbook. (I should get a pocketbook.) And then yesterday, the email came. The launch was here. 4... 3... 2... 1...

pick out a white dress Clockwise from Top Left:
Cascading Goddess Gown; Tulle Era Dress; Burnished Organza Gown; Tierred Tulip Gown
fancy feet Clockwise from Top Left:
Brocade d'Orsay Heels in rue - $350; Firework Fringe Slingbacks in ivory - $240; Agave Peep Toes in champagne - $350; Torsade Peep Toes in sesame/aqua - $180
party people Clockwise from Top Left:
Starburst Pleated Shift in dusty purple - $200; Gin Fizz Shift in cloud - $450; Savoy Dress in navy - $220; Beribboned Dress in sunshine - $200
head and shoulders Clockwise from Top Left:
Primrose Bolero in dusty rose - $220; Silk Coil Hat in light grey - $120; Feather Bolero in blush - $350; Baguette Halo in crystal - $140
I am in no way affiliated with BHLDN - I just pretty much love everything about their vintage nuptial stylings. And their jewelry. Don't even get me started on their jewelry. I would need a whole other post. (I really shot myself in the foot with the 4x4 restrictions on this one.)

catch the fever.

2011-02-14T21:57:00.004-06:00

Love is contagious. Pass it on!

Happy Valentine's ya'll!

(Pay no attention to the awkward laugh/kiss in the upper right corner... we really do love each other. Promise!)

v-card.

2011-02-08T17:47:00.007-06:00

I'm excited. Like, super excited. Why? Because it's Valentimes! (As in "time for Valentine's Day".) Definitely my most favorite of holidays - I don't care what anybody says. Attached, betrothed, hitched or single, I have always and will always LOVE this day. Because it's all about the love, people. A special day to tell all those special people in your life how special your love for them really is. Special.

Although previous incarnations of my celebration included boxes covered with wrapping paper and doilies, breakfast with my family before school (Dad always had roses for all 3 of his ladies), wearing my "Somebody in Ohio Loves Me" t-shirt (this tradition stays) and carrying a red gift bag filled with candy to share, the classic exchange on this day o' LOVE is of course The Valentine. A card with a sweet message to say "I love you".

Um, how cute are these? The correct answer is this: SO cute! The otters are my favorites. I'm sorry to post such a tease (they're almost all sold out!) but these wooden valentines from Mod Cloth were too adorable not to share.

When it comes to love, honesty is always the best policy. So I am totally into these v-cards that tell it like it is.

from up up creative on etsy. (click for bigness)
And oh by the way...

it's true.

that couple.

2011-01-21T15:14:00.004-06:00

Here's a peak at what Todd and I received from our respective families for Christmas 2010.

gray j.crew peacoats and classic l.l.bean boots What?

penny porkers.

2011-01-20T13:36:00.008-06:00

There are coins all over my floor. Todd has a charming habit of dropping coins (and reciepts and paper bits) from his pockets right out onto the floor... and leaving them there. This must have started long ago, because he seems to be used to it. There have been times that I stayed at his apartment and needed bus money/toll money/milk money for the day, and found at least $3.00 in change on the floor of his bedroom. It must happen when he drops trow. Though I've never had the same problem and I've been taking my pants off for over 20 years. (Not like that, creeps...) I often wonder how much money has been lost in his lifetime through the Loose Change on the Floor policy. It reminds me of the Clean House: 2010 Messiest Home in the Country episode when they found almost $2000 in loose change and lost cash in the family's home. That could be US! (Hopefully minus the "Messiest Home in the Country" title.)

It was Todd's idea to find a way to collect all of our loose change in one place and use it for our travels. Hmmm... if only someone would invent some sort of object in which to place your loose change... What's that you say? They did?! Stop the presses!

As with anything else, I'm very particular about the piglet who will grace our shelf. He must be large enough to hold lots of change, he must NOT be pink and/or plastic, he must be cute and he absolutely MUST have an "exit" hole... if you know what I mean. I will not commit pigicide just to get him to spill his coin guts.

The little guy below made a cameo in a gift guide post on design*sponge before the holidays, and I fell in love. I mean, a cork snout and a wooden bead tail?? Adorable and functional. He's for sale on Velocity, and comes in two sizes - small and large - for $20 and $30 respectively.

This next guy I saw at Target. They have this pig in every color and costume imaginable. (Did you guys see him dressed as a mummy last Halloween?? Too cute.) But when my sister and I saw him dressed up like a chalkboard, he was almost too cute to resist. And for only $12.99, I'm still questioning why we didn't pull the trigger.

And then came the hybrid from Ladies & Gentlemen. The cork-snouted chalkboard pig. Bestill my heart! Get out of here with that. And look at his pointy feet. Oh jeeze... but as with most hybrid animals, he comes with a hefty price tag - 60 big ones.

Last but not least is this bright Mexican Piggy Bank. I'm not sure what makes him Mexican, really. The Etsy seller is in Florida. But maybe she's from Mexico. Whatever the case, he's very cheerful. A bit smaller than I'm looking for, but he charms me with his droopy ears and pointy feet. (Again with the pointy feet!) For $34, he's handmade to order using a vintage mold from the 1960's. He also has a brother who's white.

I'm loving all of these guys, but I think I'm leaning towards Numero Uno clear-glass cork-snout pig. I think I will like seeing all of the coins filling his belly. It will also give me satisfaction when I'm able to point to him and say "Hey Todd! Look at all the coins that are not on the floor!" Yes. That will make me feel good.

hello again everybody.

2011-01-07T16:10:00.002-06:00

image via cubby-blue

Holy Cow. I'm back. What just happened? Oh, let's just recap, shall we...

Begin: Friday, December 17th 2010 at 5:00am - on the road.

Three days full of driving and blurred Christmas-wedding-madness. Did that even happen?

Three days back at work, and three nights of crazy-lady-apartment-cleaning-mayhem.

One half-day at work, and then an immediate dive into 3 and a half days of travel-agent-family-Christmas-planner-hotel-hostess-with-the-mostest-insanity. Was Christmas even one of those days? It had to have been.

Two hours of hysterical-post-stress-breakdown.

Two days of juggling visiting-friend-time and nauseous-sick-time.

Four days of new-years-traveling-fun with the bf, bff and bfb (best-friend's-bro).

Two days off to allow for complete-body-meltdown.

End: Wednesday, January 5th 2011 at 10:00am - back to work.

The most stressful three weeks of MY. ENTIRE. LIFE. Hands down. No contest. I really hope the holidays never turn out like this ever again. The wedding was beautiful, my family all enjoyed our Christmas in Chicago, and I loved spending time with Todd and the Nee Bros in San Fran. But it didn't feel like Christmas to me. Or New Year's for that matter. It didn't feel joyful or festive. It didn't feel like the holiday season, which I usually like to celebrate for a good three months. And now I'm back in my routine and feeling a little out of sorts. I have forgotten what it feels like to have absolutely nothing on the horizon. No events, no holidays, no travel. I just get to be regular for a while. And concentrate on just MY stuff. Like MY apartment, and MY life, and MY boyfriend moving into MY OUR apartment! (That's right - you heard it here first! Or you already knew because we told you in person... either one.)

I feel like 2011 has big changes in store. Is it the "Space-Age" yet? I'm ready for flying cars and personal robots. (Like Rosie from The Jetsons, not killer robots that rebel against humans.)

tis the season.

2010-12-10T17:24:00.003-06:00

'Tis the season for lots of list making. (Fa-la-la-la-la La-la-la-la.)

To say I have a lot on my plate would be the understatement of the century. For the last month or two, my life has been consumed with planning and/or preparing for several events:
a bachelorette party (the day after Thanksgiving), a wedding - in which I am a bridesmaid (the weekend before Christmas), coordinating Christmas in Chicago for 10 out-of-town family members and 5 locals (this is the first time we've ever done Christmas outside of Ohio), and having two of my visiting cousins stay at my apartment (which still has a little bit of that just-moved-in/storage-closet feel to it).

I have grocery lists, Christmas shopping lists, house cleaning lists, packing lists, wedding lists, party planning lists, activity lists, phone number lists, task lists, lists of my lists (okay, that one was an exaggeration...)

Last night I knocked out a number of things around the house, but this weekend is bound to be a doosey. Especially because I ruined my cookie dough and have to start all over instead of just having to cut/bake/decorate. I used a new recipe this year... serves me right for cheating on Paula Deen. I mean, what was I thinking? Ms. Deen starts pretty much every recipe with two sticks of butter. How could any other recipe be better than that? (You could be making steaks and I'm pretty sure she would start off with "Okay, take y'er two sticks of butter and grease the gri'll with 'em...") I love you Paula Deen.

Paula Deen's Monogrammed Sugar Cookies
(pssst! I use two teaspoons of vanilla and NO almond extract. And I add an extra egg.)
But I digress. With all of the hullabaloo that has surrounded this holiday season, I have really had a heckuva time getting in the spirit. I have my tree up, I strung garland, the stockings are hung on the bookshelf with care... I'm hoping this weekend will be extremely productive (Todd is out of town, so I won't be distracted by him and the kittens laying around the house), and that by Monday I will be overcome with excitement for the weekend nuptuals and our first family holiday-on-the-road!

P.S. I've just made the determination that all of the pressure that I have been putting on myself lately is going to flood out of me in tears at Kate and David's wedding. I am going to be so happy/emotional/relieved that I'm going to become a puddle of salt water. (Note to self: Add waterproof mascara to Packing List.)

bluster busters.

2010-12-06T16:33:00.005-06:00

I have a super-top-secret-insider-scoop for you. This season marks my seventh winter here in the Windiest of Cities. That makes me seven times smarter about cold weather than I was when I moved here from Columbus (via Pittsburgh). Over the past seven winters (which usually last from Nov/Dec all the way through Mar/Apr), I have tried out many different underlayers, overlayers, inderlayers, everylayers, in order to beat the ~~heat~~ frigid cold that bites as soon as you step outside. Last year, a miracle happened. I found the magic combo. You better believe it.

Patagonia Capilene Bottoms (Level 2 - Lightweight) and Smartwool Socks (Crew height or higher). The Level 2 bottoms are thin enough to wear everyday, even under my skinny jeans, but that Capilene hocus pocus keeps you warm all day without making you sweat like a maniac when you go indoors. (FYI - They make tops too, which I will often don for snow-play and exceptionally wintery days.) And oh, Smartwool, how I love thee. I have both the Margaritas (left - wearing them now, btw) and the Popcorn Cables (right). I love that they give me options for weight/cushioning depending on my choice of footwear.

So there you go. The solution for all your cold-weather woes. If you're still confused, here are some simple instructions:
Layer 1: underpants.*
Layer 2: Patagonia Capilenes.
Layer 3: Smartwools. (Note: Layer 2 should be tucked in to Layer 3. This is of vital importance.)

And now you know what I'm wearing under every single outfit from November through March. Over-share? Nah. Best winter advice ever? Yup.

*Underpants can be of your own individual choosing. I go for boy-shorts usually. Now there's your over-share.

the one hundrdeth.

2010-12-02T17:25:00.004-06:00

No, this post is not about one of my FRIENDS giving birth to her brother's triplets. (I'm totally Monica, btw.)

This is the ONE HUNDRETH post, here at comeback special!

And what a feat. I am but still a humble little blogger, and having 100 posts under my belt is definitely a huge milestone. Hopefully this little blog o' mine (I'm gonna let it shine...) and I will keep growing towards bigger and better things. Thanks to whoever keeps reading this little guy! (WHOMever...)

And yes, my pop culture references begin and end with '90s sitcoms.

(P.S. I heart MS Paint.)

dear santa... p.s.

2010-12-01T16:45:00.006-06:00

I know I already told you what I wanted for Christmas, but just in case you needed a couple more ideas...

These Bean Boots will keep my toes nice and toasty in the Chicago snow.

And this heather green Pendleton wool camp blanket that I spied at REI last night is very practical for winter drives in my Jeep.

Snow blindness is a very serious disease, but luckily it is fully preventable with these sensible eye savers from the good people at Ray-Ban.

You know... just in case you needed a few more ideas...

Thanks Santa! You're the best.

the giving of thanks.

2010-11-24T10:46:00.006-06:00

In the spirit of Thanksgiving tomorrow, I thought I share a few things that I am thankful for that happened in the last year.

This year, I am thankful for...

the ability to travel, even on a tight budget. This past year I have taken two trips to NYC and spent a whole week in Puerto Rico.
old friends - the ones who never let you down and are always there for you, no matter how long it's been since you've seen each other or spoken on the phone.
dinners with Dianna, Leah and Todd. (Sorry, Dan and Dom - sometimes you're not at home. And Todd cooks for us.)
getting put on salary at work, and for getting benefits, and a fancy new title - even though I still basically do the same work, I'd rather be a Manager than an Assistant. I'll take it!
my buddy Kristen being the toughest and bravest girl ever, and for her making a safe and successful transition into the next stage of her life in New York City.
new friends - the ones who you meet and find out you have more in common with than you ever thought possible.
my very first apartment that is all my own. Even though it still looks like I just moved in.
my pretty fingernails and finally kicking a 27 year habit.
Todd. He's more helpful to and supportive of me on a day-to-day basis than I think he realizes. I'm very lucky to love and be loved by such a wonderful person.
(almost) weekly family dinners with the Chicago chapter of the Wutzler Family.
our newest addition, and the leader of our family's next generation, Elise Ava. She has proven to be the toughest little girl I've ever seen. This year, I am most thankful for her.

And that's just a sampler platter. If you want the whole feast, I can provide it for you on request.

Happy Thanksgiving one and all!

and again.

2010-11-19T15:24:00.005-06:00

I told you I geek out whenever I see things with my initials! Too bad I won't be able to shell out $94 for this vintage wicker wine jug. Lucky for me, pictures are free! (And worth a thousand words, FYI.)

a letter to the man.

2010-11-18T15:33:00.004-06:00

Dear Santa,

I need a new purse. Like a good purse. Like a really good purse. Enough of this dilly dallying with sub-par bags that only meet some of my requirements because A) they're cheap, B) they're trendy... and cheap, or C) did I say cheap? I need a purse to which I can make a full commitment. I'm not the kind of girl who needs a different bag for every outfit. I'm a creature of habit. I have one pair of sunglasses. I carry one bag. I mean, I am usually wearing a version of the same thing every day. Dark wash skinny jeans? Check. Top-siders, All-Stars, or Cowboy boots? Check. T-shirt and cardigan? Check. Scarf of varying sizes and weights? Check. The Perfect Bag? *sigh*

This is where you come in, Santa. Here are my criteria:

leather. Leather, leather, leather.
brass hardware. None of that shiny nickel crap.
structured bottom and sides. I usually have papers of some sort in my purse (catalogs, pay stubs, love letters, etc.) and floppy bags = big mess o' crap.
medium sized. Big enough to hold said "big mess 'o crap", but not so big that it encourages additional extraneous crap. The perfect travel size.
one strap, or the option of one strap. Double straps = one slidey-down strap. I hate that slidey-down strap.
zip-top. A must when you live in a city, and when traveling. Zips keep wandering hands from grabbing your valuables. They also prevent huge spills of your big mess o' crap all over your back seat when you toss your purse willy-nilly into your back seat.
good sized top opening. Big enough so you can see everything without having to dig around in the dark abyss.
no huge brandings. A small horse drawn carriage, or printed buckle here or there is okay. I just don't want someone else's initials all over my stuff.
if there is a longer shoulder strap, it should be detachable. Okay, now I'm just getting picky...
one or two exterior pockets are a plus. For easy access to keys and/or phone. But not too many... then it just looks bulky.

So there you go. For your convenience, I have done a little pre-holiday scouting. Here are two options I'm drooling over.

The Kristin Pleated Satchel from Coach. Either in Emerald or Coral. (They call it "Tearose"... The teal is sold out. But, oh the teal!) Obviously green is my fav color (obviously), but it may be more condusive to all four seasons. The coral is a bit spring/summer.

OMG, the kate spade Darien Gloss "Joyce". In Oyster. Yum x1000. I'm pretty sure I almost bought this exact bag at the outlet. And it's ON SALE! Hurry Santa!!

Thanks in advance for at least considering it. I promise to take care of it and be totally devoted to my one true bag. You're the best. (I can't believe I didn't pick a brown one either!)

Love,
Stacey

here kitty, kitty.

2010-11-18T13:25:00.004-06:00

I just came across this image for J.Crew weddings...

Oh jeeze. I'm dying. Add to cart.

nerd alert.

2010-11-17T16:11:00.006-06:00

This adorable stocking on the Lands End website has my initials on it! (And my sister's, and my mom's...) That means I get to keep it, right?

I admit it - I get really excited when I'm browsing catalogs or websites and see something with my name on it... or the name of someone that I know... first name, last name, initials... whatever. It all fills me with glee. And in this case, Christmas cheer!

Thus concludes my nerdiness for the day. (Well, that's probably not true...)

matte or patent.

2010-11-16T16:04:00.004-06:00

Ah, yes. The age-old question...

I picked up my bridesmaid dress last night, and now I'm on the quest for shoes! Kate requested that we wear black shoes in the style of our choice. Do I already own several pairs of black shoes? Yes. Am I going to let that stop me from looking for a cute new pair? Definitely no.

So I was perusing some options online, and here's what I've been looking for:
For the dress that we're wearing (emerald green, floor-length chiffon, sweetheart neckline, strapless) I decided to go for something sleek and classic. But still fun. Along my search, again and again I found myself wondering "These are so cute, but should I get them in matte or patent?"

I love a good pair of black patent leather high heels. There's something about them; when you put them on, you automatically feel sexy. But are they always appropriate? I feel like patent leather high heels have a history... a "stigma", if you will. Like a red dress. Or fishnets. Combo the three together, and you've got yourself the classic "bad girl" ensemble. But worn separately, they could add just the right amount of "edge" to any look. Right? I think so too... (P.S. I would totally rock the red dress/patent leather heels look, if I had the chance... Maybe minus the fishnets, though.)

But I digress... bridesmaid shoes! Black, sleek, classic, fun. Versatile, re-wearable. I found these on endless first, but went over to Zappos, because they had my size in stock.

Love the cutouts on the sides. I have another pair of pumps from Guess, and was surprised by how comfortable they are. (Although the ones that I own don't have a 1" platform and a 4 1/2" heel...)

So? What do you think? Matte or Patent?

little black dress. (or gray. or red!)

2010-11-10T16:58:00.008-06:00

As I may have mentioned several times before, my beary vest friend Kate is getting married in December. Being the over-enthusiastic bridesmaid that I am (I love weddings! I've even dabbled with the idea of wedding planning as a future career... anybody know anybody who needs an assistant??), I'm already looking for the perfect dress to wear for the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner and welcome cocktails the night before The Big Day. I don't often get dressed up in the winter months (here in Chicago, we usually hibernate between November and April), although I love the look of a pretty dress with tights, a wool coat and cute scarf.

I am in need of a little black dress for just these types of occasions, but apparently my tastes gravitate more towards the little gray dress, a la this number from J.Crew (where else?)?

If I wanted something closer to black, it also comes in a darker charcoal color. But me and heather gray are like peas in a pod. And with a flashy belt or necklace, and dark gray tights... and oh! Gray shoes! Sign me up.

Of course, as anyone who has ever had a wedding, been in a wedding, or attended a wedding could tell you, they are quite a shock to the old pocketbook. And though my love for J. Crew knows no bounds, my bank account certainly does. So I scouted out these less expensive, but equally lovely options from LOFT:

And a red dress to honor the Christmas wedding? DUH! Love it. (It also comes in black, should I choose to go the more demure route.)

The bridesmaid dresses come in this week (fingers crossed), and we're about 5 weeks out from The Big Day. Let the frenzy begin!

it's the most wonderful time of the year.

2010-11-03T15:34:00.012-05:00

That's right. I'm one of those people. The people who love the Christmas season so much that they start listening to holiday music on November 1st.

And this season is extra special because my family is celebrating here in Chicago this year! We're gathering at a hotel downtown, and I want to make sure that it still feels warm and filled with the holiday spirit. So I'm scouting out ideas for simple (Read: inexpensive) decorations to make/gather/bring to deck our rented halls. Here are a few ideas from Martha that started my imagination gears turning.

This favor tree was one of the first to catch my eye, if for no other reason than it's simplicity. Since everyone (else) is traveling this year, we won't be exchanging gifts. But as soon as I saw this tree I envisioned cookies hanging from ribbons in lieu of the gift boxes! Last year was my first adventure into from-scratch cookie baking and it went pretty well. I'm really excited to re-work the recipe this year, and would love to be able to share my efforts with my family and create a make-shift Christmas tree at the same time.

Martha never ceases to amaze. This cotton ball tree is simple, cute and easy. I definitely had grandiose dreams of bringing my 5 foot Christmas tree to the hotel to decorate, but decided that may be a bit much for our first go-round. I'm definitely tucking this idea away for the future though.

These mini felt stockings are the perfect travel size. I had been thinking stockings would be a great way to add a cheerful sense of family, especially if some members are unable to make it. (We'd still have stockings for them of course.) I don't know if I'm up to crafting 20 stockings, but there's a dollar store down the street that just started stocking their holiday goodies.

How adorable is this baby sock advent calendar? I'm dying over here. And what a great way to get your kids socks for Christmas without the usual "Greaaat... Just what I wanted..." response! Though, with 25 days on an advent calendar, I would hope that the treat in the 25th sock would be the 26th sock to complete the pair. Perhaps an adaptation of this will appear for our family holiday this year. And perhaps everyone's matching sock will appear on Christmas morning!

The gears are turning folks! Happy Holiday Season!

images via martha

the big city of brotherly beantown apple love

2010-11-02T15:23:00.012-05:00

What? Almost two weeks and no post! I know all of my one reader is going bonkers. But I am back to share some visual delights from my recent trip to NYC.

A couple weekends ago, Todd, Dominic, and I all went to New York to visit ALL OF OUR FRIENDS. It seems that there has been (in Dom's words) a mass exodus these last few months to Brooklyn in particular. Okay, so really just like 4 of our favorite ladies. Plus my long-time favorite lady - but comparatively speaking, she's an old-timer, having lived in Manhattan for 3+ years already. (Sheesh! I can't believe it's been that long.)

The trip was wonderful, but admittedly stressful. It's hard to get to see everyone when you're only in town for a few days. We were all over the place - Brooklyn, Soho, Midtown, Downtown, China Town, Central Park, Staten Island, Upper East Side. In just about 72 hours. I did get the jeans I wanted at Uniqlo (two pairs), but that was not even close to my favorite part of the weekend.

This was:

That's my long-time love, Shelby (we've known each other since 1st grade? 3rd grade?) hangin' on my main man, Todd. They're, like, bffs. And that makes me more happy than all the candy at Dylan's Candy Bar. And that's a lot of candy.

Also highlighting my whole weekend was this sassy lady, pictured center:

That is my buddy-love Kristen, flanked by two of our bests, Dominic and Erica. Kristen and I used to live together, until she deserted me and my two cattens to live in a box in Brooklyn. No big deal. (Her sass can also be seen pictured here.) I am very excited that she is loving her NY life, but I do miss her face around the house. That's for sure.

We had a hilariously random trip. Here are my top five moments/events:

1. Eating the biggest pulled pork sandwich ever at South Houston in SoHo, to which Kristen said "I'm so glad you ordered that." Apparently messy foods are my trademark.
2. Shake Shack. Seriously. Best thing ever. Especially on a beautiful night, sitting with some of your favorite people, eating, drinking, and laughing. Lots and lots of laughing.
3. Sunny Sunday stroll through Central Park, and sitting for a while by the Reservoir.
4. Seeing Promises, Promises on Friday with Todd and Shelby - even though Todd hated it. He knew he would hate it, but he knew I really wanted to see Sean Hayes, Kristen Chenoweth, and Molly Shannon. Way to take one for the team Bub. :)
5. Staten Island Ferry. Totally random. But ended up being the best time of day for it. Staten bound trip was still daylight. Manhattan bound trip was right at dusk, so we got to see sky change and the lights of the city turn on. (See below for photographic evidence.) I love any activity that makes you stop and enjoy your surroundings and the people you are with.

Fin.

his+hers

2010-10-21T15:48:00.008-05:00

A month or so ago I found the perfect bedside table. I have so much dark, black-brown Ikea furniture that I wanted something to contrast that. Originally, my thought was something mirrored, like this:

Of course, Todd knew me better than that and simply said "You'll hate it in a few months." And although I whined "But it's so girlie! I don't have any girlie things!" all the way down the aisle of our local Target, he was totally right. So I waited patiently for the perfect table to present itself. And then one day, I came across this lovely table. Simple, natural, wood. I pictured a few hardcover books, a simple lamp and perhaps a basket underneath to catch the wayward catalogs that pile up on the floor on my side of the bed.

So I bought one. But just one. And ever since, Todd has complained, "Where's MY nightstand?" Well he finally got his, and we picked up two of these seagrass milk crates on sale last weekend for underneath. Mine is already full of catalogs, sharpies and my slippers. Todd's is currently housing a few stray pages of scripts and a cat.

Now ~~we're~~ I'm just waiting for the right moment to strike on this lamp base/shade combo:

I love the way nothing is matchy-matchy (technical term), but it still feels put together. And with the duvet I got from Crate and Barrel?! Oh, jeeze. Big girl bedroom to-the-max.

all items pictured are from Target, and are available in-store

speaking of good jeans...

2010-10-20T13:21:00.005-05:00

How appropriate, after my last post, that I should receive this very exciting email in my inbox...

Granted, I don't live in Columbus anymore. But it is where I hail from, and this means during my trips home (which are much more common than my trips to NYC), I'll be able to peruse the Madewell selection in person, instead of drooling over it online. *sigh* It's the little things...

she's got good jeans.

2010-10-15T16:25:00.005-05:00

Everyone knows - men and women alike - that a well fitting pair of jeans is like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. And riding there on a unicorn.

Jeans just don't fit regular bodies the way that they fit the models in the advertisements. The best looking jeans on a model can make you feel like an elephant when you try them on. Likewise, that weirdo pair that you grab from the clearance rack on a whim could be your diamond in the rough. The thing is that you just don't know until they're on your body. Shopping for jeans is not something that should be taken lightly. I like to make sure to go on a day when I am feeling particularly pretty, and have actually made the effort to put make-up on. Nothing makes you feel more disgusting than the unflattering lighting in a fitting room, so I like to spruce myself up a little more than usual to counter balance that. My other trick is that I always wear shoes that I can kick off easily, because I know I am going to be trying on A LOT of jeans which means taking my shoes on and off about a million times.

That being said, I have found my pot-o-gold jeans. It's true. Last January, I was in New York City with some of my favorite ladies and they took me into a store I had never even heard of before called Uniqlo. Against all better judgment, (I was not on a denim mission that day, and was still hesitant towards the skinniest of jeans. Also, I was there with two of my girlfriends, whose cuteness I will never be able to compete with.) I tried on three pairs of skinny jeans. To my extreme shock, I tried on the skinniest jeans I had worn since the early 90s, and - if I do say so myself - DAMN my ass looked good! Success! And for only $30! Double success!

I have an excursion to NYC planned for the near future and already have my $30 set aside for another pair of these. With a possible stop at Madewell to pick up these high-waisted beauties on the right.

UJ - 3D Denim Tapered Skinny
Alexa Chung for Madewell - Christian Skinny Jeans

hippo, hurray!

2010-10-08T17:51:00.004-05:00

Holy. Moly. The next time I have 400 extra dollars laying around, I am buying this little guy. I mean, look at him... he's smiling at just the thought of my feet propped up on him end of the day, or a fatso catso curled up on his back!

handcrafted leather hippo footstool

yes, capiz.

2010-10-08T17:33:00.004-05:00

I'm not usually crazy about capiz chandeliers. That was, until I saw this beauty:

via house of turquoise

i've got a feeling.

2010-10-01T15:42:00.005-05:00

There's nothing like a couple new pieces to make you want to look a little cuter on a Friday. Paired my new skirt and necklace (which i shared with you guys last night!) with some old stand-bys and WHAMO! I'm all dolled up to celebrate the first day of Fall. Sure. Sure. Fall technically started a week ago, but I refuse to give up Summer until October. Now it can be Fall.

sparkle and shine.

2010-09-30T22:22:00.004-05:00

Picked up some pretty at J.Crew after work today! You may recognize this gem [pun intended] from the J.Crew jewelry 4x4 I did last month! Thanks to their awesome sales and a 25% off coupon, I scooped it up and brought it home!

4x4: LOFT is tops... for under $60

2010-09-28T17:07:00.016-05:00

This week's 4x4 goes out to a little lady named Leah, of Bitemarks. She loves her some LOFT.

the "tee" in beauty Clockwise from Top Left:
Woven Front Tee in iron grey - $44.50; Pearl and Chain Necklace Tee in salt&pepper melange - $49.50; Watercolor Portrait Graphic Tee - $29.50; Sequin Bib Tee in fresh navy - $44.50
button up your button down Clockwise from Top Left:
Self-Tie Button Down in frosted purple - $44.50; Painter's Smock in mint whisper - $49.50; Button Down with Pleats - $44.50; Mixed Yarn Dye Shirt - $34.99
not-so-baby pinks and blues Clockwise from Top Left:
Chiffon Overlay Top in mint whisper - $44.50; All Over Sparkle Tank in cement grey - $59.50; Ruffle Front Top in opal grey - $49.50; Pleated Bow Blouse in ribbon pink - $49.50
sweater weather Clockwise from Top Left:
Woven Bow Cardigan in oak brown melange - $59.50; Knife Pleat Cowl Neck in opal grey - $34.99; Sequin Cascade Cardigan in dove heather- $49.99; Dolman Sleeve Scoop Neck in vintage blue - $44.50
I am in no way affiliated with LOFT - I just love their simple and modern styling. (And great sales!)

on-the-go-blogging test.

2010-09-23T00:30:00.003-05:00

As I mentioned last week, I recently upgraded to a phone worthy of this decade... century, even. This is my first test-post using my blogging app to see what this puppy can do. Featuring, the two and only, Lester and Batman!

Update: The app I have is pretty easy to use [Blogaway], but it won't let me select text size, enter html, or position the photos center. I had to go back in through the web to make this entry match the format of the rest of my posts. Does anyone out there know of a better blogging app for Android phones?

herman miller giveaway

2010-09-22T15:36:00.005-05:00

I just HAD to let you all know about this giveaway from Herman Miller (that I found out about via atomic indy)!! All you have to do is enter your email address, and you could win any of the fab mod prizes up for grabs each week. The final drawing is on November 2nd, when you could win one of five hand-painted Eames Rockers.

I'm drooling over this peacock, by artist Andrew Holder...

Like it. Love it. Gotta have it. A peacock was a very prominent part of my dream last night. I'm taking that as a premonition. I promise if I win, I will give you a good home.

Click HERE to give Herman your email address and check out all the other goodies you could win!

4x4: endless possibilities... under $100

2010-09-22T10:35:00.009-05:00

On The Road Shoes: Women's Trouser Flat by Steve Madden - $70
Shades: Picchu Navigators by Carrera - $95
Watch: Men's Dress Watch by Armitron - $53
Bag: Artist Circle Weekender by The SAK - $99
Night and Day Shoes: Mirren Pump by Nine West - $89
Shades: Rectangular Sunglasses by RALPH by Ralph Lauren - $48
Watch: Mesh Strap Watch by Peugeot - $60
Bag: S9-72 Shoulder Bag by Melie Bianco - $51
Saturday Night Flavor Shoes: Watching the Clock Peep-Toe by Seychelles - $90
Shades: Venetian Vibe by Tommy Bahama - $72
Watch: Round Brown Strap Watch by Nine West - $39
Bag: Kaylee Flat Tote by Melie Bianco - $98
Little House in the City Shoes: Mamie Bootie by Seychelles - $78
Shades: MMJ 143/S by MARC by Marc Jacobs - $85
Watch: Gold-Tone Black Leather Watch by Armitron - $26
Bag: Paisley Convertible Clutch by Sydney Love - $48
I am in no way affiliated with endless - I just love their great deals and steals. And what better way to spice up your wardrobe for fall than with some choice shoes and accessories?!

give my creation... LIFE!

2010-09-15T17:13:00.007-05:00

image via google
Whew! Almost two weeks away from this little guy. I have been ~~pretty busy~~ completely overwhelmed at work, leaving very little time to think about blogging. But I'm happy to say I have made another LEAP into the 21st century by finally caving in and getting a smart phone. I bought the Samsung Epic 4G [Sprint] when it came out a week or so ago - upgrading from a slider phone that resembled a Star Trek communicator. So far I like it a lot. I'm addicted to this Swype feature it has on the touch-screen keyboard. Maybe it's old news at this point, but it's pretty much the craziest thing I have ever seen. I feel like I have a tiny robot in my pocket. My old phone didn't even have a keyboard - I was still entering texts with the number buttons. I also downloaded a blogger app (for blogging on-the-go), but I haven't quite figured out how to use it yet. All in good time. I still can't believe how far I've come since I started this blog... (she types, as she closes the html coding for this post!)

factory girl.

2010-09-03T11:12:00.008-05:00

I went to school in Pittsburgh for a couple years after high school. There were only a handful of good things that came out of the time I spend there. First, a few wonderful friends. (#1@PPCshh!) Second, hot pretzels and my insane DDR skills. And third, The Andy Warhol Museum. (Andy Warhol was born in Pittsburgh, and The Warhol is the nation's largest single-artist museum.)

Anytime I felt lonely, or bored, or lost, I walked across the bridge to The Warhol. I would spend a few hours pouring over the rotating exhibits and films, and the permanent collection (that I had seen dozens of times before). It is so much more than self-portraits and Campbell's Soup cans.

I love the "Silver Clouds" installation, and think about it often. I always tried to go on a slow day, mid-week, so I could stand quietly alone in the room and think about where I wanted to go next. Ultimately, these clouds led me to Chicago.

On the weekends, the basement of the museum turns into a Warhol workshop, where you can create your own silk screen pop-art. And now you can click here to create your own online version.

If you ever find yourself at the confluence of the Allegheny and the Monongahela rivers, I wholeheartedly suggest a visit. (I also learned the words "confluence", "Allegheny" and "Monongahela".)

heartcover.

2010-08-26T17:46:00.008-05:00

I'm in love with hardcover books. Especially the classics. They look beautiful and smell like old libraries. And I love the noise the fabric covers make when you rub your fingernails across them. New-age hardcover books are just not as pretty - glossy photos of the author? No thanks. Someday I would like to have a hardcover copy of all my favorite books (aka the books I've actually read cover to cover). These would start my collection nicely. (Nevermind the fact that these first editions can sell for upwards of $1,500 each!)

all images via google
And although I have never read the vintage cookbooks pictured below, I have GOT to have the one on the left.

The Complete Round the World MEAT Cookbook

lakeside adventures.

2010-08-25T12:03:00.004-05:00

Sorry friends, no 4x4 this week. I just got back last night after a weekend away with my fella, and I didn't want to throw something together at the last minute. (But you can click here, here or here to catch up on the last few weeks!)

As you may have figured out (or already known), I grew up in a little place we like to call OHIO. So, to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city, Todd and I headed back to my home state for a some classic Ohio summertime activities. That's right, we headed to Sandusky for a few fun-filled days that included trips to Cedar Point and Put-in-Bay! On Saturday, we hung around the historic downtown area - we had lunch, went to a couple resale shops, and even to a carousel museum. Sunday was Cedar Point, where we rode coasters all day - I screamed so much that I lost my voice for two days! Todd had never been to Cedar Point, so I was excited to show him what a REAL roller coaster park is. We had such a fun day, and stayed until they kicked us out. Monday was much more relaxing, with a ferry over to Put-in-Bay and driving a golf cart all over the island - to the winery and lighthouse, past all the lake side homes, to Perry's Monument. We didn't take many pictures this weekend, but we did get this nice one with a view of neighboring Middle Bass Island in the distance.

We caught the ferry back to Sandusky in the early evening and went in search of more adventure that included go-carts in the rain, playing Deal-or-No-Deal at an arcade, and dinner at the Olive Garden. Possibly one of the best dates I've ever been on. We came home yesterday, and took our time driving. It was such a nice, leisurely weekend, and a good way to put a cap on the summer. (Is it really almost September??)

one year special.

2010-08-24T10:08:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday comeback special!
One year ago today I apprehensively started this little blog o' mine. (I'm gonna let it shine.) While we're still growing and exploring this crazy world of blogging, it's been so-far-so-good, if I do say so myself.

image above via here

habit breakers.

2010-08-20T15:20:00.001-05:00

Carrie bravely posted yesterday about her troubles with a bad habit. (Check out her blog - Ruby - when you have a chance!) Well, Carrie, I can relate. "Hi, my name is Stacey, and I'm a nail-biter." I posted once before about my gold-bottled, stop-the-biting weapon of choice - Sally Hansen Nailgrowth Miracle. Though I am not brave enough to post photographic evidence of said bad-habit, I am proud to say that I have been growing my nails for TWO WEEKS! That's right. You heard it here first. I commented to Carrie that I needed to get some polish STAT before my work days got the best of me and my nails, so at lunch I ran out to CVS and found this:

Do not be deceived by its drug-store appearance. This little bottle has a surprise inside!

image from here
The flat-and-wide contoured brush is the key! As someone with very little nail-painting experience (You don't paint 'em when you bite 'em...), I have to admit that I giggled joyfully to myself when I test-painted my thumb nail in the store. (As a side note, I never realized how many people blog about their nail polish. It has made me realize that pictures of peoples nails kind of give me the heebie-jeebies.)

At any rate, I scooped up two colors ("Commander in Chic" and "Pink Slip" - you should know by now how much a love clever, punny names for things.) and have been painting an re-painting my nails for the last 24 hours. It's comparable in price to OPI and Essie, and comes in some lovely colors for fall - like "Fairy Teal", "Plum's the Word" and "Right Said Red". !!!

take me to the lake.

2010-08-20T14:06:00.004-05:00

4x4: Anthropologie at home under $50

2010-08-18T11:46:00.012-05:00

This week's 4x4 is all about adding a little boost to your boudoir. Full size rugs too expensive? Find a fun bathmat to wipe off your tired tootsies at the end of the day. Can't afford Anthro's bedding? Pair the pillowcases with a plain pair of sheets for a pretty POP of personality. (How's that for alliteration?) Bedside accents or new hardware for doors/walls/dressers are small changes, but totally effective.

A Little Bird Clockwise from Top Left: Eye of Time Desk Clock - $34; Sunbird Pillowcase Set - $48; Tea House Doorknob - $38; Carved Starling Doorstop - $48
Plum Passion Clockwise from Top Left: Capri Blue Mercury Candle - $25; Belina Pillowcase Set - $48; Wire Initial Hook - $18; Gravity's Grasp Treasure Box - $20
Honeycomb Home(r) Clockwise from Top Left: Melon Knob Hook in green - $18 each; Honeycomb Pillowcase Set - $48; Seagrass Coasters - $16; The Odyssey - $20
Back in Black Clockwise from Top Left: Hello, Goodbye Knob - $42; Leaf Medallion Pillowcase Set - $48; Castile Rose Bathmat - $38; Magnifying Sconce - $48
I am in no way affiliated with Anthropologie - I just love the style of their housewares. Classic, eclectic, vintage, urban and modern - all at the same time.

i see your point.

2010-08-16T11:26:00.008-05:00

I hinted last week at a new hobby I picked up, and I finally have finished projects to share with you! So the story goes like this... two Fridays ago, I was planning on a quiet evening at home and stopped at JoAnn Fabrics on my way home from work. (I thought I'd see if they had anything to help organize my art supplies/photos/life.) While wandering through the aisles, I came across these adorable "Learn-To-Sew" needlepoint kits. (My mom had bought kits like these for my sister and me when we were little.) Well the kitten on the package reminded my of Lester and I though "YES!" and decided to tackle the kit and personalize two of them to look like Lester and Batman. Here is what I started with:

black frames, "Learn-To-Sew" needlepoint kit, kitten colored yarn
And what I ended up with are THESE!

Batman and Lester
I know. I know. Crazy-cat-lady. But how cute?! And just picture them on a gallery wall mixed in with other artwork and photography.

I wasn't able to share the final product until now because I stopped half way through these to start another needlepoint project for Todd's cousin's baby shower that I attended yesterday. I was inspired by how ~~easy~~ good I was at this new hobby of mine that I decided to take it one step further. I bought a sheet of plastic canvas (that's the grid that you work with), a couple additional colors of yarn, and marked off three 5"x5" squares on some graph paper and went to work.

I searched online for needlework patterns, but couldn't come up with anything good. So I looked at a few embroidery images and created my own patterns for a trilogy of sea creatures (with optional bow for the octopus):

There was definitely some trial and error involved, but I was really pleased with them when I was done. And they were a hit at the bridal shower! A couple women actually thought I had bought them at Pottery Barn Kids. (I can feel my head getting big already.)

I already have a couple more projects in mind - I sketched out some woodland creature silhouette patterns last week. Perhaps those will be for Baby Z!

ready teddy.

2010-08-13T10:36:00.011-05:00

IT'S A GIRL!
Just to reiterate, I am not the one who is pregnant. (Thank goodness. Because I am so not ready for that.) What I am ready for is being the best aunt ever to my cousins' LITTLE GIRL! As I mentioned Tuesday, we were anxiously waiting to find out the gender of J&A's wee one. (I knew she was going to be a girl!) Baby Z will be making HER way into the world this December, and I cannot wait to ~~dress her up~~ dote on her. I may or may not already be shopping for the perfect baby-sized teddy bear, like these two from jellycat. (Baby Gap carries some of the "bashful" jellycat animals in their store and they are so incredibly soft and adorable. If they had the bear in stock, he probably would have gone home with me... for Baby Z of course.)

jellycat bashful bear - medium
jellycat edward bear - medium
Kids amass tons of stuffed animals over the years (I know I did), but I feel like every baby should have their special bear. My Teddy, given to me when I was a baby by my aunt, still sits on my bookshelf in my Chicago apartment.

4x4: J.Crew jewelry under $100

2010-08-11T10:28:00.002-05:00

For the neck... Clockwise from Top Left: Knotty Pearl in gold - $78; Bow-Tie Crystal in dusty blossom - $78; Glisten Grasp in vivid aqua - $95; Twirled Metal and Crystal in brownstone - $49.50
For the wrist... Clockwise from Top Left: Crystal Steps in black diamond - $65; Stoneset in green tea - $68; Crystal Milano in crystal - $60; Braided Chain and Pearl in antique gold - $78
For the ears... Clockwise from Top Left: Crystal Parade in metallic silver - $68; Pearl Jewel Box in natural - $68; Crystal Mosaic in metallic blush - $65; Beaming Blossom in gold - $58
For the fingers... Clockwise from Top Left: Porcupine in dusty blossom - $50; Crystal Trinity in pale buff - $45; Fiver in green tea - $58; Carsisi in baked squash - $55
I am in no way affiliated with J.Crew - I just love their jewelry. And pretty much everything else that they sell.

excitements.

2010-08-10T15:48:00.003-05:00

Where did the weekend go?

Oh yes, I spent it relaxing in my cozy new sheets (which I'll share with you whenever I get my boudoir finished), picking up a new hobby (Oh yes! I'll share this, too, soon enough!), and taking an impromptu day trip with my man to visit our friend Tia in Sullivan IL, where she is currently in a production of HAIR. She's a New Yorker now, but came back to do a few shows at the summer-stock theater there.

I'm excited to share my new hobby, but that will have to wait until I have a finished product to reveal. Let's just say... it borders on crazy-old-lady... according to Todd.

Also exciting - my cousin and his wife find out the gender of their baby today! My money is on a girl, but I seem to be the only one who thinks so. She's due December 22nd, so I have 4 months to complete a few baby-themed projects I've had in mind. Todd's cousin is ALSO pregs - due October 17th (the day before my b-day!) - and her baby shower is this weekend. Thus, my new hobby (are you getting excited?) has taken a turn towards the babes for the week.

Tomorrow, I'll be posting another 4x4 - like this one from last week. Yet another excitement, because this will be my first recurring post theme. Look for more 4x4s - featuring styles, steals and deals from my favorite sites and stores - every Wednesday!

just like old times.

2010-08-05T10:32:00.004-05:00

FINALLY. I got Justin back to Chicago. (Cross it off my list!)

Almost four years ago, he deserted me in windy, cold Chicago to move to the hot, dry climate of Phoenix. Since then, he's been back several times. Mostly in the ~~winter~~ snow. He has expressed that from now on, he will only return during the summer months. I can't say that I blame him.

We ate alot, got pedicures, ate some more, did touristy things at Navy Pier, ate again, had a slumber party, looked through pictures from high school (obviously), watched Friends (double obviously), ate even more...

Here we are on the ferris wheel at Navy Pier with Rachie. We look just as sweet as we did in high school... right?

4x4: ModCloth under $50

2010-08-04T11:47:00.009-05:00

Perfectly Pastel With Bated Breath - $49.99; Green Scout - $47.99; Patoral Hide and Seek - $49.99; Bust A Move - $47.99
In The Navy Botan-avy - $47.99; Superstripe - $47.99; Mary Queen of Spots - $49.99; Huntington Park - $47.99
POP Of Pattern Inviting Elegance - $49.99; The Dynamite - $47.99; Seventies Luau - $44.99; A River Runs Blue - $47.99
Chambray Is The New Black Glam's Labyrinth - $49.99; Lead The Way - $47.99; Tussie-Mussie - $49.99; Riverwalk Landing - $49.99
I am in no way affiliated with ModCloth - I just love pretty dresses and good deals. And the cute, and often hilariously "punny", names they choose for their items.

before&after: bathroom

2010-07-29T10:48:00.007-05:00

It's been almost a month since The Big Move, and I finally have some progress to share. In case you have forgotten from this post, here is what the bathroom looked like when I went to see the apartment, before I moved in:

I took down the existing metal rack and the extra towel rod, which was hung way too high for any normal person's use, and replaced the weird spiral bulbs with proper vanity bulbs. (I still kept it eco-friendly, and splurged on these babies at Home Depot.) Maintenance came to fix the broken bathroom mirror (finally, two days ago) and gave the whole bathroom a fresh coat of white. As I have previously mentioned, I hate white walls. However, I've decided that bathrooms may be the exception. First of all, I'm too lazy to try to paint behind a toilet. Second of all, if any room should feel almost sterile, it should be the bathroom.

So, without further ado, here is what my bathroom looks like now:

TA-DA! I don't think I've ever had such a tidy looking bathroom in my life. Believe it or not, I didn't remove anything from the room before taking these photos. I love that everything has it's place, tucked away, out of sight. I'm sure it won't always look like this, but at least I know it can. It's a much more subdued color scheme than I originally had in mind (click here to see my inspiration board for the space), but I am loving the green and neutral (grey, brown, white) combo. It feels much less busy and much more calming. The only things I may change in here are the plastic handles on the doors below the sink. I'd like to get stainless to match the handle on the étagère. But that's a quick fix I can do anytime.

Stay tuned for more reveals as I get the rest of the apartment under control!

style stunted.

2010-07-28T16:19:00.005-05:00

You wouldn't know it from my pseudo-preppy, J. Crew heavy wardrobe - but I have long coveted the fashion stylings of the 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's. Anything worn between WWII and the Civil Rights Movement. I used to search AOL (is that how we found things before Google?) for "swing dresses", "rockabilly" and "pencil skirts", long before they were hip for my generation. Definitely long before they were age-appropriate. Imagine my twiggy 12-year old body trying to fill out something made for a 36-24-36! (Note: I would still struggle with that first 36, but that's why they make padded bras.)

Somehow, as I got older, I never executed the styles I had been dreaming of ever since I watched White Christmas for the first time and saw my first Shirley Temple movie. I'm not sure why not. There are girls out there who seem to execute is so well. From the hair to the glasses to the shoes. They've got it right. (Like my b-fri Lindsay - I've never seen blunt bangs and high waist shorts look so cute.) What about me? Well, it all just seems like so much work! Do you know how long it must have taken women to get ready back then? I barely give myself time to brush my hair, let alone style it into something attractive. And make-up? It's hard to find time for more than a little powder and some mascara. Skirts and dresses mean you have to shave your legs, right?

I've been secretly perusing the dresses, skirts and accessories on a site called Daddy-O's since I was about 14. I've never ordered anything, but I think my next wardrobe splurge is going to be one of these:

Sydney dress by Stop Staring

Temptress dress by Stop Staring

After watching the Mad Men premiere, and checking in with Lindsay again on her new blog, I'm again itching for a nostalgic fashion fusion in my wardrobe. I even wore a cutie-pie dress, pearls and heels to work today. Maybe I'll even update this post with a picture later... (after I brush my hair and put on a little make-up, of course!) Baby steps.

So what do you think? Could I pull off the Sydney? What about the Temptress?

bridal showering.

2010-07-26T16:01:00.006-05:00

Another bullet point crossed off my summer to-do list!

Kate's Christmas in July bridal shower was two weekends ago in our hometown, and I kept forgetting to post about it. Friday was spent at a few wedding appointments, including a dress fitting where Kate's sister, aunt and I got to see her in THE dress for the first time! (Sorry folks, no photos. Not before The Big Day!) We also had cake for breakfast, which is one of my favorite pastimes. David (the groom) met with the cake guy afterward about a groom's cake that apparently made Kate's mom and aunt cry because it was such a sweet idea. We'll have to wait and see!

Bridesmaids 5 and 6 (Mallory - Kate's college friend - and Cynthia - David's college friend) couldn't make it to the shower, since they live further away. But the other four of us held down the fort at the Christmas-y extravaganza!

Eileen (David's sister), Emily (Kate's sister and Maid of Honor), Kate (The Bride), Me (Kate's BVF and bow tie-er), and Peggy (David's sister)

And I love this one of me and Kate, after she had been showered and just before her adoring public had to hit the road.

Notable background items (from left to right): Billy (the youngest Tull, wandering through the flowers), Kate's sweet ride, my sweet ride, and The Tull Van (They have seven kids!)

I also crossed off another bbq bullet point, because Todd, Dan, Dom and I had an awesome one during their "bro" weekend (their girlfriends were out of town) a few weeks ago. Apparently, I am a "bro". I have a most excellent picture of the three of us visiting Todd at work and taking a boat cruise to watch some Saturday fireworks, but Dom hasn't scanned it in yet. Trust me. It's great.

I'm a little disappointed about the rate at which these bullet points are being crossed off. The Big Move really put a damper on my summer festivities in June and July. But August is right around the corner. Bring it on!

public service request.

2010-07-22T16:13:00.004-05:00

Please, as a public service, stop referring to jean shorts and denim leggings as jorts and jeggings.

You know how some words just make you want to start smacking people in their faces and shoving dictionaries down their throats? Yeah, these do that for me. Fashion companies are actually using these words for advertising! They're not real words! I love jean shorts as much as the next girl, but I will NEVER refer to them as... that word. Blech. Stop combining words. I don't call my silk blouse a slouse, or my cotton comforter a... cotomforter? What about a jean jacket? Is that a j-jacket? It's bad enough that bling and unfriend have made their way into Webster's "Big Book of Words". I beg you. Do not pass these down to our children and our children's children. They're already bound to be embarrassed by our generation as it is.

(While we're on the subject, perhaps the jegging should go the way of the skort. Clothes nobody should ever wear or have to see people wearing, and words nobody should ever have to hear or say.)

color counseled.

2010-07-20T16:45:00.027-05:00

I just took a quiz on Careerpath.com called Color Career Counselor, where you choose colors in order of preference to determine which career you are best suited for. I must say, I wasn't expecting much. Just another online personality quiz to kill some time with. Although, they do make the following claim:

The Dewey Color System® is now the world's most accurate career testing instrument.
This report based on your personality traits indicates your two most enjoyable day-day-day occupation skills. It’s a summary of the full report, the Color Leadership Evaluation 5.0.

Well, I have to admit, I laughed out loud when I got my results.

Best Occupational Category
You're an ORGANIZER

Keywords: Self-Control, Practical, Self-Contained, Orderly, Systematic, Precise, and Accurate

These conservative appearing, plotting-types enjoy organizing, data systems, accounting, detail, and accuracy. They often enjoy mathematics and data management activities such as accounting and investment management. Persistence and patience allows them to do detailed paperwork, operate office machines, write business reports, and make charts and graphs.

ORGANIZER CAREERS
Suggested careers are Administrator, Secretary, Printer, Paralegal, Building Inspector, Bank Cashier, Private Secretary, Statistician, Operations Manager, Financial Analyst, Bookkeeper, Medical Records Technician, Developer of Business or Computer Systems, Clerical Worker, Proofreader, Accountant, Administrative Assistant, Banker, Certified Public Accountant, Credit Manager, Store Salesperson, Actuary, Dental Assistant, Business Education Teacher, Food Service Manager, IRS Agent, Budget Analyst, and Underwriter.

ORGANIZER WORKPLACES
Your very careful, conscientious, conservative nature gives others the confidence to trust you with handling money and material possessions. Structured organizations that have well-ordered chains of command work best for you.

Suggested Organizer workplaces are large corporations, business offices, financial lending institutions, banks, insurance companies, accounting firms, and quality control and inspection departments.

They had me at "Organizer." And in case you were curious about my 2nd Best Occupational Category...

2nd Best Occupational Category
You're a RESEARCHER
Keywords: Independent, Self-Motivated, Reserved, Introspective, Analytical, and Curious

These investigative types gather information, analyze and interpret data, and inquire to uncover new facts. They have a strong scientific orientation, enjoy academic or research environments and prefer self-reliant jobs. Dislikes are group projects, selling, and repetitive activities.

The keywords are creepily accurate, and I can definitely pick out a lot of myself in those descriptions. Except for the parts where it says I am conservative, enjoy mathematics and have a strong scientific orientation. I'm pretty sure I almost failed high school chemistry.

Consult your Color Career Counselor here!

home state advantage.

2010-07-15T15:57:00.004-05:00

Heading back to The Buckeye State.

white out.

2010-07-14T12:22:00.003-05:00

They're painting my apartment today. Except the bedroom (which will be painted on another day), because last night I panicked when I envisioned little white kitten paw prints all over the floors. Batman and Lester are holed up in the (still navy/baby blue) bedroom today while the rest of the place is being spackled, primed and painted. I'm going to return home tonight to a blank canvas. Great because the red/baby blue/water damage situation will be taken care of. But now I'm feeling anxious because I HATE WHITE WALLS. And now all of my walls (except my yellow kitchen) will be white. My sister thinks I'm crazy. She loves white walls. But white walls look unfinished to me. Temporary. Like no one actually lives in the space - they're just keeping their stuff there.

image via here
Here's hoping I feel inspired and motivated when I get home tonight - and not hopeless and uncomfortable in my own apartment.

christmas in july.

2010-07-13T11:08:00.011-05:00

As I have mentioned several times before, my beary vest friend Kate is getting married in December! The bridal shower is this weekend, and the theme is "Christmas in July" - in honor of their holiday nuptials. So I have pulled together a few Christmas-inspired gift ideas for anyone else with a holiday bride, holiday-themed party, or maybe you know someone who just needs a little Christmas cheer.

Clockwise from Top-Left:
3-Piece Cooper Vase Set - Crate and Barrel - $24.95 - The brushed stainless steel adds a frosty element to the gift. These would look lovely with small sprigs of holly berries and pine.
Lacoste Crocod'il Solid Towel Set in Chili Pepper - Zappos.com - $43.00 - Maybe I'm partial to these towels (I have them in green)... But they're very fluffy, and with the little croc emblem on the corner, there's just a touch of green popping off those bright red towels. Package them in a reusable green storage bin, like one of these from The Container Store.
A La Mode Pie Dishes - Crate and Barrel - $4.95/$14.95 - Who doesn't love red in the kitchen? Grab a couple of the individual dishes and print out a few of your favorite pie and/or casserole recipes for a personal touch.
Wood Boxes with Lacquered Lids in Poinsettia - West Elm - $14.00/$29.00 - The color is called "Poinsettia"; it was obviously meant to be. These functional boxes could also serve as wrapping for smaller, more personal gifts. In the larger one, include a photo frame or a personalized journal to document memories from their honeymoon or their first year of marriage. In one of the smaller ones, maybe a gift certificate for their favorite restaurant. Stack them on top of each other and tie with an ivory ribbon.
Classic Century Salt and Pepper Set - Crate and Barrel - $38.95 - A personal favorite. I envision these sitting on a Whoville dinner table, right next to the roast beast.
Stewart Apron/Potholder and Mitt Set - Crate and Barrel - $12.95/$16.95 - Pair these olive green treats with some red kitchen utensils, much like the ones listed next.
Giada De Laurentiis Nylon Tool Set - Target - $19.99 - See above. Giada has some great cookware at Target right now. A lot of red and ivory items - perfect for our holiday theme!
Beaded Jewelry Box - Pottery Barn - $59.00/$99.00 - I love engraved gifts. (I've been known to go overboard with them.) But there's something so special for a bride about seeing her new initials, and a lovely silver jewelry box is a beautiful gift for any season.
Faux-Sheepskin Throw - Pottery Barn - $99.00 - Every newlywed couple needs something cuddly to curl up under while roasting chestnuts on an open fire. And if, hypothetically, your bride happens to have a stuffed sheep who has seen better days and may not have a place on the marriage bed, this would be a wonderful way to honor said sheep and give your bride a good snuggle substitute. Hypothetically.

Kate, I know you read this. Don't be surprised if one of these gifts is actually yours by Sunday. But also, don't be disappointed if none of them are. xoxo, BVF.

work with what you got.

2010-07-06T16:55:00.007-05:00

I'm in.

Finally, I am in my new apartment. Not unpacked, but in nonetheless. Now the real work begins. For a rental, I think this one would qualify as a "fixer-upper." There is definitely some maintenance that needs to take place. Some water damage around the windows, a broken bathroom mirror... but thankfully, the property management company will take care of those things. They will also be taking care of getting the apartment painted back to "rental white".

I hesitate to even post the pictures I am about to show you. Whoever it was that painted this apartment previously... lets just say... they were no Picasso. As a disclaimer, I would also like to say (a) that these are not my belongings, and (b) please do not judge my photographic skills based on these shots.

Here is the bedroom. I have only three words: navy blue ceiling.

A nice size, but awfully dark even with the... ehem... baby blue accent walls and trim. (In case you were wondering, yes, the inside of the closet is also baby blue. How did you know?)

Second bedroom/guest room, which for me will serve as a dining room/office. It's just off the kitchen and has two pocket "french" doors.

Yes, these are photos of the same room. (Notice the futon.) And, you guessed it... baby blue inside this closet too. The same baby blue as the bedroom? Of course not. Because one needs a variety of baby blues in their home.

Now, I've never been much of a clean freak or germaphobe, but for some reason... yikes. I'd like to douse this place in bleach. Maybe it's because I plan on staying here for a while and putting a lot of effort into making this a nice place to live. I just want a clean start, and don't want to look at a window frame or a corner and say to myself, "That is definitely not my dirt." And there is no better motivation to clean than photos of somebody else's filth in your new bathroom.

If you look pass the mess (which is now gone, obviously), you will notice a missing mirror panel, terrible bulb choices, a boarded up window, along with the terrible red paint job on the wainscoting. (Again, not the same red as in Bedroom No. 2, of course.) At this juncture I should also mention that my towels are bright green. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Shower. (The red has got to go.)

The kitchen and entryway are fine. (Again, kitchen just needed a thorough scrub-down.) And the living room is a lovely shade of grey, but will have to be painted white again after the water damage is fixed.

So this is my new ~~home~~ project. Wish me luck - I'm diving in.

signature look.

2010-06-29T17:24:00.009-05:00

Why hello there L.L. Bean Signature...

Where did you come from?

To say that I need this purse would not be an exaggeration.

hot legs, you can scream and shout.

2010-06-17T16:51:00.007-05:00

I used to wear jeans all. year. long. Okay, it's 90 degrees and 150% humidity today and I'm sitting here in jeans. Adorable, skinny, cuffed, light-washed Levis. But this year, I find myself totally drawn to cute shorts and short skirts. Perhaps it's because my legs are still holding onto some post-Puerto Rico color. Perhaps it's because I've been rocking the elliptical so hard this year. Lies. Regardless, my summer wardrobe could use a boost with these cutie-patootie (Rosie O'Donnell, circa 1997 anyone?) options.

Posie a Question Skirt - ModCloth - $47.99

Surf Tweed Charter Skirt - J. Crew - $79.99 (on sale)

Okay, maybe I chose these because they are what my sister affectionately refers to as "Stacey Green". But still, so cute. (Maybe a more logical purchase in the "Drift Grey" they also come in.)

Chino Tennis Short - Martin + Osa - $39.50

And, of course, Ye Olde Stand-by. (I purchased these earlier this season and L.O.V.E. them. Buy them a size up for that true "boyfriend" fit.)

Boyfit Denim Bermuda Shorts - AE - $39.50

leader of the pack.

2010-06-14T12:06:00.009-05:00

We are in full-on packing mode at our apartment. (Okay, Kristen is way ahead of me. But I have an extra week...right??) I absolutely hate the act of moving. There is so much stuff to be done that it's hard to know where to begin. So I've put together this handy guide with a few pointers from someone with a little experience in the field. (I'm talking about me, folks.)

go slowly. start a few weeks before moving day by packing items that you don't use regularly (for me, kitchen goods). then work your way towards those items you use on a daily basis (for me, clothes).

clear a space. make a spot in the corner or along an empty wall where you can begin stacking up packed boxes and furniture pieces that are ready to go. this will give you a visual separation of what is done and what is left to do.

wash everything. run a few extra loads in the dishwasher and the laundry. you'll be much happier unpacking those wine glasses and spare linens if they're not covered in water marks and cat hair.

size matters. use a variety of box sizes. lighter things like pillows and blankets are easily carried up and down stairs in one trip packed in larger boxes. but smaller and heavier items like books and kitchen supplies should be packed in smaller, more manageable boxes. it's a bit like Goldilocks... find the box that is just right.

categorize. i know most people pack "by room", but when you're still renting apartments you really only have a few categories:
1. kitchen - everything from pots and pans to cookie cutters to flower vases. most breakables fall into this category. except for some miscellaneous "tchotchkes", probably. and it may sound like a waste, but go get some of those foamy dish sleeves. a co-worker gave me some that she had leftover and man those things are great. time savers and space savers.
2. bathroom - if you're like me, this category will probably fit into one box. mostly toiletries and shower organizers.
3. linens - keep 'em all together. get some large boxes and pack everything from dish towels to bedspreads.
4. clothes and accessories - if you're anything like me, this will take the longest. don't get overwhelmed and pack with the like: scarves, jewelry, sweaters, tanks and tees, pants and shorts. and trust me, invest in a wardrobe moving box - the kind with the metal hanging bar. they range in price from $7 - $12 each and are definitely worth the investment. also, make the most of your duffels and suitcases. if they can move your clothes to you vacation destination, they can sure move them to your new home. they're also great for toting all of your other totes.
5. everything else - i'll say it again, pack with the like. i know everyone says "don't pack all your books in one box. it'll be too heavy." that is why I encourage using multiple box sizes. file boxes are perfect for packing books. keep other similar items together also: photos and frames, dvds, records, electronics, papers and files, craft supplies (you have those too, right?), those miscellaneous "tchotchkes" I mentioned previously, etc.
keep one box open. if there's a spare box lying around, tag it "miscellaneous" and leave it open until the last moment. this will come in handy for cleaning supplies, extension cords and any other items that may have been overlooked.

There you have it. Six no-brainer steps that will simplifying the moving process.

I may not be a professional, but after moving 7 times in 8 years you could say I've gotten the hang of it.

like a moth to a flame.

2010-06-08T16:28:00.007-05:00

I've been all about lighting lately. The design bug has definitely bitten hard now that I've signed a new lease. There is much painting to be done (Step 1), but all I can think about after that is taking down those ugly white ceiling fans (Step 2).

Sure, I am still renting. But now that I am on my own, I don't plan on moving again unless this place turns out to be a total lemon. So I take the fans down now, store them, live happily, and put them back up when the time comes.

There is one hanging in every room, minus the bathroom. And while I understand the practicality of the ceiling fan, particularly in the summer months, I much prefer something with a little more personality. A little something like the Böja ceiling lamp from IKEA, perhaps?

Or even this cute little guy from Home Depot. I see him living in the kitchen or above a work space.

And to beat the heat during the summer months, I'd much prefer something a little more aesthetically pleasing. Like this retro box fan by Deco Breeze, available in 12 different colors on Amazon.

jiggity jig.

2010-06-02T17:19:00.003-05:00

Check it off my to-do list: I got an apartment!

top left - that's me!
In my neighborhood of choice, and walking distance to my favorite bbq restaurant in the city. Also walking distance to the gym and on the third floor, so I'm sure to not get fat from eating a solid diet of coleslaw and pulled pork.

It should be noted that although I am very excited about my new place, I am not excited about moving. Because when I move, that means Kristen moves. To New York. Not to the bedroom down the hall. As they say on facebook... dislike.

great (summer) expectations.

2010-05-27T13:30:00.015-05:00

Memorial Day weekend is already here. (Unbelievable, I know.) And I'm determined to make something out of the 3 short months of beautiful weather that Chicago allows each year.

That said, here are my grand (and some practical) plans for the next few months:

. ~~find my new apartment (!)~~
. ~~bbq~~, ~~bbq~~, bbq
. weekend camping trip with all the friends (yes, Leah - even you.)
. have security installed in my car (no repeats of last summer's fiasco, thankyouverymuch)
. road trip to Cedar Point with Todd (any any other takers)
. Saturdays at the beach
. ~~make Justin come visit now that it's warm~~
. get a bicycle (? - I'm not yet convinced of this idea)
. get a bike rack for the Jeep
. weekend in NYC to see Shay and to check in on Kristen (and to see Promises, Promises)
. paint my ~~(hypothetical)~~ new apartment and attempt other nesting projects
. ~~weekend home for Kate's dress fitting/food tasting/bridal shower~~
. head back to the gym
. camp down at the dunes and go to the drive-in movie theater in Valpo, IN
. spend a day on Dom's boat in Michigan (he doesn't know this yet.)
. Cubs games: friends, beers, sunshine, hot dogs
. go to some of the Movies in the Parks

Totally do-able.

I'll be crossing them off as they are completed.

opening night.

2010-05-26T12:34:00.005-05:00

Todd's latest show opens TONIGHT at the Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater. So I threw together this little ensemble for the evening's festivities.

opening night. by staceyerin

That's my new Tranquil Flow Tunic that I got on major sale at Anthropologie last month. (Originally $118!) I am in LOVE.

the vera best.

2010-05-20T15:51:00.007-05:00

I have long been a lover of Vera Neumann, and all I really know about her is her signature and her printed scarves.

image from theluckyfish esty shop
I have several beauties that I scored at resale shops and thrift stores in bold and bright colors and graphic designs. They are some of my favorites that I own and the first thing I look for when I walk into vintage boutiques. So you can imagine how big my eyes got when I discovered a whole line of Vera inspired items on the Anthropologie website. How this had gone unnoticed before is beyond me. I'll take one of everything. Especially this:

sketched danios dress by we love vera
Is $1700 too much to spend on a rug? What about when it looks like this:

waves rug exclusively at anthropologie
I love when a vintage style icon is given new life. (Jackie O? Meet Michelle Obama.)

always the bridesmaid.

2010-05-19T17:52:00.003-05:00

Siri Vivien Leigh Dress
Off to our bridesmaid dress appointment for Kate's wedding! Tonight we're on a mission: we're looking for THIS EXACT DRESS, but without the price tag. Wish us luck!

hot diggity dawgs.

2010-05-17T14:33:00.002-05:00

I'm on a first name basis with the guys that own and work at the hot dog place down the street from my office.

Franks 'N' Dawgs opened earlier this spring, replacing a sub-par italian beef place (called, of all things, What's The Beef?). Honestly, anything could have moved into that space and I'd have been happy. We have a lackluster selection of walkable lunch options, so when something closes you cross your fingers that it's place will be filled speedily. (We're still feeling the sting from the October closing of the Jewel's-version-of-Whole Foods grocery store Urban Fresh that now sits vacant right across the street.) So when I noticed the paper had been taken down off of the WTB windows after what seemed like only a month, I stepped right in expecting to find yet another Chicago style beef or hot dog counter-service restaurant.

Let me tell you friends, this is no ordinary Chicago style hot dog joint. In fact, they do not even serve a classic "Chicago" dog. Not being a huge fan of the pepper-onion-relish-tomato-mustard-covered... thing... I was excited to see options with names like "Cheese Head" (sheboygan sausage, caramelized onions, grilled portabellos and smoked gouda), "Dirty Dawg" (andouille sausagewith dirty rice, hush puppies and cherry tomato relish) and "Spoiled Brat" (brat, red cabbage, beer mustard and red pepper relish). Most of their sausages are made in-house and the (deliciously crispy and buttery) buns were designed especially for them by a local bakery. And the fries (oh, the fries...) are cut and fried up fresh.

But I haven't even gotten to the good stuff yet. Every month their chef (yes, they employ a head chef to create their gourmet dogs) features a new creation, most of which I've seen have made their way onto the daily menu because they are just too delicious to forget about. One of these happens to be in my Top 2: affectionately called the Turdawgen. That's right. It's the Franks 'N' Dawgs version of that meal-within-a-meal, the Turducken. Turkey & date sausage, crispy duck confit, herb garlic aioli, house pickled onion relish and pickled carrots. Chew on that for a minute (pun intended). Note: My other fav is the Dirty Dawg.

But wait! There's more. Franks 'N' Dawgs has a heart too. Each month they feature a "Charitable Dog" and donate a portion of the proceeds to a selected charity. (That's how the Dirty Dawg came to be in March, with proceeds going to PAWS.) They've also got a vegetarian option called the FU (marinated tofu, grilled eggplant relish & portabello with salsa verde) which sounds mouth watering even to a meat eater like me. Of course they still offer plain dogs and chili dogs. And nobody scoffs at me when I order a plain dog and go straight for the KETCHUP. (I don't like mustard. So sue me, Chicago.)

Franks 'N' Dawgs is located at 1863 N Clybourn Ave (just north of North Ave.) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago, IL. I'm telling you, you won't be disappointed. I may or may not have sampled over half of their menu. Their service is terrific and the restaurant is always clean. I pop in almost daily for (at least) an afternoon soda and a brief chat. I think this place might be my CHEERS... where everybody knows my name.

all images from Franks 'N' Dawgs

mini boats get huge air.

2010-05-14T15:04:00.009-05:00

One of the GREATEST things we did on our vacation was a snorkel trip with Mini Boat Adventures. In the ~~weeks~~ months leading up to our trip, I spent hours reading articles on PuertoRicoDayTrips.com (An amazing resource put together by a local couple who basically spend their days discovering and writing about awesome things to do/see/eat in Puerto Rico.) While searching for good off-shore snorkeling sites, I came across an article titled "Mini Boats, Big Fun!" I read on...

I'm really not a big snorkel-tour person. Usually they take you out on large boats, are super crowded and require you to wear life-jackets in the water at all times (Um, how am I supposed to swim down and look at the fishies up-close-and-personal if I'm wearing a life-jacket?). Not so with Mini Boat Adventures. As soon as I read the phrase "pilot your own mini boat", we may as well have just booked our reservation that moment. The tour takes you out in a convoy of 6-8 13 foot inflatable hard-bottom mini boats, each with a capacity of 4 people. But, if there are only two in your party (like us), then you get YOUR OWN BOAT! Nobody cramping your style here. After you arrive and check in, they give everyone a brief 20 minute overview of the islands you will be visiting and how to operate your boat.

Now, I've driven a boat before. I mean, I was driving our boat when I was 5 years old. Piece of cake, right? Well, apparently when your boat is only 13 feet long and the waves are 4 feet high out in the middle of the ocean, there is a bit of a difference. The idea of the tour is that one of the guide boats is in the front and the other boats follow inside each others' wake to break the waves a bit. Well, heading out of the marina Todd and I were in last position and the few boats in front of us were taking a while to get the hang of it. So the rear guide boat waved us around to go catch up with the first few boats who, by this time were little orange dots in the distance... no wake to ride in. We were hitting waves head on, splashing water all over. Not to mention the fact that we had all the weight in the back of the boat, so every wave we hit sent us soaring straight up into the air. This thing handled like a jet ski! Finally, we figured out that if Todd sat in the front we would level out better in the air. The first few minutes were pretty hairy, and I think at one point Todd firmly believed we were going to die in a freak mini-boat accident. But we got the hang of it, and by the end of the trip Todd was driving at full speed across the sea back to the marina. (I was so proud.)

The snorkeling (Oh yeah, this was a snorkeling trip, wasn't it?) was fantastic. The islands they took us to were just beautiful and they gave us time at each one to go ashore and explore a little bit. We stayed in deep-ish waters, probably 15-25 feet, and the visibility was excellent. (Bonus: No life jackets necessary, except when driving the boats of course.) And I finally got the chance to try out my birthday present that my dad got me last year - the Olympus Stylus Tough 6000. This puppy took GREAT pictures, in and out of the water. I'm usually a Canon/Sony kind of girl, but I was totally impressed by this camera. And we had the best time swimming down for a few action shots. And it can even take videos under the water. (Even if we weren't taking it under water, this was the perfect camera for a boat. There was no stress about keeping the camera dry. I can vividly recall my mom saying "Don't splash me! I'm holding the camera!" and "Don't push me in the pool! I'm holding the camera!")

I have to say, I was so proud of Todd on this trip. He took to the water like a fish. Between swimming down to the bottom to look for lobsters hiding in the coral and captaining a boat for the first time in his life, I'd say this experience was quite the milestone. And my heart was all aflutter when he said those four little words... "Let's get a boat."

life's a beach.

2010-05-12T13:08:00.015-05:00

Planning this vacation was not exactly a piece of cake. It's no exaggeration when I say I started planning our trip to Puerto Rico last November. Originally the idea was to go in January for a winter getaway. Then it was pushed to February, then March, then finally we were able to schedule it for May. All the while I was spending every spare moment searching for the cheapest flights (on our ever-changing travel dates) and scouring sites for the perfect place to stay. We I decided that since we were staying for a full week, it would be more cost effective to find a small vacation rental in lieu of a hotel. And, to be honest, I prefer that over a big fussy hotel anyway. But there were still all kinds of other questions: Did we want to stay in San Juan, or would it be too touristy? What other do the other cities have to offer? How close can we get to the beach? Do we want a place with a kitchen so we can cook some of our own meals to save money? I must have looked at dozens of places, and Todd's inbox was flooded with the options I kept sending him. Eventually I became so overwhelmed with the delays and the starting-overs that I was ready to throw in the towel and cancel the trip. In swooped Todd, and within minutes he had sent me a link to a little place called Coqui del Mar. And we never looked back.

image via Trip Advisor
With only 6 units, this guest house is quiet and private. The main building has two stories, with two units on the first floor and two on the second. (There is a third unit upstairs where the managers, Neal and Noyda, live full time.) Behind this building is a smaller one story building with two more units. There are two small shared patios, (one of which is shaded by a large mango tree - pictured below), a bbq, an outdoor shower for rinsing the salt and sand off after hours at the beach, and bikes, beach chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards for guests to use. We stayed in Unit C - "La Luna" - in the rear building. It's a nice sized studio unit with a kitchen, a couch and a queen sized bed. The perfect amount of space for the two of us to settle into for a week.

The neighborhood, Punta Las Marias, is just east of Old San Juan. Far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the cruise ships and resorts, but close enough to things like gas stations and grocery stores for our first visit to the island. We were literally one (very short) block from the nearest beach, which pleased me very much. Coqui del Mar id two houses behind the wite and red one you see in the picture below.

If you ever find yourself in the San Juan area - whether for a few days or an extended stay - I highly recommend considering Coqui del Mar. For more information and photos, check out their website (photos of all the units are on their Reservations page) and their listing on TripAdvisor.com (which is how we Todd found them in the first place!)

You can also read our review of Coqui del Mar on TripAdvisor.com!
uncredited photos are my own. click the images for a larger view.

85 degrees and sunny skies.

2010-05-11T12:30:00.007-05:00

I'm overwhelmed by the idea of a single "post-Puerto Rico" blog entry, so I think I'll spread it out over a few days and write about some of our adventures and the wonderful place we stayed.

The trip was just what we both needed. And I'm happy to say that even though we had a computer in our room, email checking was rare and facebook was non-existant. Our cell phones worked, but mine stayed locked in the safe and Todd's was used mainly for getting us un-lost during our many island road trips. I didn't think about work or apartments once. We spent our mornings sleeping in, and our afternoons at the beach and/or exploring. It only seemed to rain in the early morning or late at night. And I soaked in as much ~~warmth~~ HEAT and sunshine as possible. (Which was a good idea, especially because it has been 50 degrees and rainy ever since we got back.)

This photo was taken somewhere between Luquillo and San Juan on the northeastern corner of Puerto Rico on our way back to the apartment. We had driven out to find a strip of food kiosks that I had heard about. There were about 60 food stands lined up between the highway and the ocean. We went to #52 - "Mi Favorito". I had two empenadillas (one lobster, one conch) and Todd tried the blood sausage. (I did not. I couldn't get past the word "blood".) You can read more about the Luquillo "kioscos" here.

It was only the second day and already we looked settled into beach life... Who am I kidding? I was settled in the moment we stepped off the plane.

calla lovelies.

2010-04-29T10:16:00.003-05:00

Moments after I published yesterday's stress-post, Todd walked into my office with these flowers. And sushi... "I know you have a lot to do tonight and I figured you would forget to eat dinner."
He loves me a lot. I am very lucky. Breathe.

midweek meltdown.

2010-04-28T17:45:00.003-05:00

This is how I feel today.

Except with more tears. I may have mentioned previously, that I have a lot to do this week. Well, it is also dawning on me that I have a lot to do when I get back. I want to keep a positive vibe going in this blog, but you'll have to excuse this one post. I'm an optimist, but every optimist needs an emotional release now and then. So, here's hoping I can manage to get myself to relax and enjoy the one thing I've been looking forward to... sunshine and a week away at the beach. (Yes, those count as one thing.)

island of tropical breezes.

2010-04-26T12:54:00.006-05:00

It's getting close! This time on Saturday we will be flying over the Atlantic Ocean, getting ready to land on the island of Puerto Rico. That means I have the next 4 evenings after work (Friday will be spent celebrating my Pal's birthday) to do all of my laundry, pack, get my hair cut, get waxed, get the kittens packed up for their week at my sister's, deliver the kittens to my sister, clean out my car, and make a trip to Target for last-minute necessities (travel shampoo/toothpaste/cute new beach cover-up/etc).

I'm ready for a break and a tan. Todd keeps reminding me that this will be his first "real beach vacation". I keep reminding him to bring sunglasses and lots of books to read. He gets antsy just sitting around, but I am determined to get him to relax. We have a couple exciting things planned (snorkeling and a zip-line through the rainforest!) but my biggest plan is to lay on the beach and soak up as much sunshine and salty air as humanly possible.

See you soon palm trees.
image from here

gonna get a clean house.

2010-04-22T17:18:00.009-05:00

I love Clean House. Niecy Nash is a hoot and a half.

image via here
This show - guilty pleasure though it may be - has a major impact on how I look at my own living environment. So does Hoarders. I have a legitimate fear of ending up on Hoarders when I am older. I've always held onto stuff... ticket stubs, old wallets, EVERY note I ever passed in 7th and 8th grade... stuff that I'm afraid to get rid of because "it means something" and "when I get older, I'll be able to look at this scrap of paper/tiny plastic object/eggshell from the first time he made me breakfast in bed (Rachel and Ross, anyone?) and remember this exact moment in time". When Kristen and I moved to our new (soon to be old) apartment last summer, I was smacked in the face with the quantity of STUFF I had accumulated. And I told myself "It's time."

As I unpacked, I started separating out things that I had no use for anymore. I donated quite a bit of housewares and clothing to my local Goodwill and I started to feel really good. It was amazing how much lighter I felt. And honestly, unless I look at the detailed list I made of all the items I've let go of, I couldn't tell you what I'm missing from my home. And I don't feel like I've lost any of my memories either. Though I will admit that every so often, after dropping off a car load of goods, I have to call my sister and/or Todd for a little moral support.
(Find your nearest Goodwill donation center.)
So I've made some progress. But now that I'm faced with another move (to a yet unknown abode) I'm starting to take inventory. And there is still SO MUCH STUFF. I look around and all I want is for it all to be organized by Niecy and her crew. I've been reading some great design blogs lately (check out the 'design' blog list on the right), and envy their organizational prowess and execution. (It's really the execution that I have the most trouble with.) But I think the bug has bitten and I'm feeling inspired to make this next home be all it can be from Day One. Stay tuned for some design inspiration and maybe even a play-by-play of the... wait for it... EXECUTION!

For now, let's just keep our fingers crossed that I have enough boxes to pack up all of my STUFF.

bite me.

2010-04-16T15:33:00.014-05:00

In light of the beautiful weather that we are experiencing, the fact that Todd and I will be jetting off to beautiful Puerto Rico in two weeks, and the positive attitude that both of those facts have put me in, I am taking on several life beautification projects. Starting with me - because who doesn't like to be pampered?

So, prior to our trip I will be heading back to Sparrow in Logan Square to get a summer cut. I went there for the first time in February and Susan did an excellent job fixing a botched haircut I had gotten elsewhere last November.

Although I have lived in Chicago for 6 years, these were my first haircuts in the city. When I was able to, I would wait to get my haircut at home in Ohio. Anyone that lives in the Columbus area should go see Beth at Cut, Color, Style in Old Worthington. She's THE BEST. Tell her Stacey sent you.

Sparrow is operated by two stylists, Susan and Bathsheba. My sister and I have both been to see Susan (she gave us great bangs), but both do some great cutting. (For proof, check out their blog.) These are my go-to hair inspiration photos. (Love Maggie Gyllenhaal and Ginnifer Goodwin... hmm, perhaps I'll go a little lighter, like Ms. Gyllenhaal did in the upper left photo...)

images from here, here, here, and here
Also, I'll be getting waxed. (You heard me. I went there.) I've been getting waxed for a few years now. Not regularly, but enough that I feel comfortable blogging about it apparently. I've been to Continuum Studio in Andersonville probably four times in the last two years. I've never had a preferred esthetician, but everyone I've seen has been really great and professional. Chatty enough so that you don't feel like a stranger is poking around down there, but not so chatty that you feel like you're getting waxed by your crazy cousin. It's a smaller salon, but very private and quiet. I've been to other boutique-style waxing salons in the city and have always come out feeling a little dirty. Like I just got waxed at a drive-thru. And yes, you have to grow your hair out for a few weeks in order to get the best results. Lucky for me, I hate shaving anyway. Thus the resulting smooth legs for a few weeks with no effort on my part is totally worth the 45 minutes of pain. (And yes. It hurts as bad as you think it will. But it's over pretty quickly. Trick of the trade: Soak in an oatmeal bath after wards to soothe your tender skin, help prevent redness and remove any excess wax.)

Lastly - and this one is all on me - I'm going to attempt the impossible. I'm going to try to stop biting my fingernails (again). I know, it's a gross habit that I should have outgrown years ago, but I didn't. And in the grand scheme of bad habit, I'd say this one is pretty mild. It's not like I smoke or do drugs or drink excessively. And I have tried quitting since I was a teenager. I've tried all the tricks. But there has been only ONE that has been successful: Sally Hansen Nail Growth Miracle. Yes, that little gold bottle at the drug store.

I'm telling you. Nothing else works. It says to apply every other day, but I put a nice thin layer on my nails everyday. I'll be totally glam in no time. Then I'm going to rock it like this:

image from here
How '80s Fab are those?? Let the summer beautification commence!

turn and face the strain.

2010-04-12T11:50:00.007-05:00

There have been some unexpected ch-ch-changes happening lately. My roommate Kristen has made the decision to move to New York City. Around the same time, our other girl friend, Erica, announced that she was offered a new job and will also be making the move to NY. These events threw me into a whirlwind of emotions for about a week. I had to be supportive and helpful, all the while my heart was breaking at the thought of losing them and having to move all over again.

Kristen and I have lived together for three years. (And I lived with my sister for the three before that.) We had been planning to renew our lease at the end of May, but now instead I will be on the search for that perfect one bedroom apartment that will make me feel like the grown-up I always wanted to/thought I would be by now. It's going to be a big adjustment. And it's hard to find a nice one bedroom in the city... that I can afford... that isn't in a high-rise or complex... in the neighborhood I want... that has everything I'm looking for. Okay, so maybe I'm being picky. But I've lived in some really nice places with huge potential, and I was never able to get them past cluttered-living stage. This is my moment. I'm going for something along the lines of this:

image from pottery barn april 2010 catalog
I think I might be in the wrong part of the country...

copy kitten.

2010-04-08T16:14:00.008-05:00

image via here
As an itty-bitty-baby blogger, I am very cautious when it comes to my posts. I worry about unintentionally copying another blogger's style. I am still relatively new to this outlet and do not want to step on any creative toes. I am not sure where this little blog will go in the future, but I am enjoying getting its cyber paws on the ground. Since day one I have been admittedly intimidated by the blogosphere, but have made HUGE strides thanks to some really great blogs I have happened across.

This world is much like any other - you have your crazy bloggers, your mean bloggers, your preachy bloggers, your fake bloggers, your TMI bloggers, your wanna-be bloggers and your honestly great bloggers. The key, as in life, is to associate yourself with people you can connect with and learn from, and leave the rest to their own devices. (I would put myself in the "wanna-be" category, with the hopes of growing up to that last one there.) I am learning all kinds of "web stuff" as I go and will continue to figure out how to translate my life aesthetic into my blog aesthetic.

So thanks to anybody reading this for humoring me and/or inspiring me.