Half Summer/Half Winter Outfit

Yes, the title is a reference to Kourtney & Kim Take New York which premiered Sunday night on E! Scott, Kourtney's boyfriend & baby daddy, always wears very fashion-forward ensembles, and the sisters told him his outfit was half-summer & half-winter.

(Not pictured below, but you get the idea.)



[Photo credit: Life & Style magazine]

It wasn't until I got fully dressed this morning that I realized my outfit was too!

Needless to say, I was quite pleased with myself.

[skirt: forever21/cardigan: old navy/tank: express/belt: old navy/tights: target/shoes: payless]

I'm having a love affair with my high-waisted skirt. You've probably noticed that I won't shut up about it. Apparently high-waisted jeans & shorts are making a comeback, too. This is AMAZING news for gals with rectangular bodies like myself. J. Crew has expensive versions , but I checked out my fav cheaper sources to see if they had anything similar.

And boyyyy do they!

All for around $20. Hot dang.



[Photo credits: Forever 21.com]



P.S. That "no white after Labor Day" rule is malarkey! I'm not following it anymore. 

Who's with me?

Did I do that?

My husband and I had a series of Steve Urkel moments over the weekend.

Again confirming my superstition that bad things happen in threes.

3 3 3

Well, only two things happened over the weekend. And I'm completely dreading the third disaster which is inevitable. Okay, maybe "disaster" is a little overdramatic.

I'm a Leo, I can't help it.

You know that Ikea bed we stole took off my parents hands? Well, we were just flopping down on it for an afternoon power nap on Saturday and apparently, the old bed just wasn't in the mood to be flopped on. Because the metal center beam completely broke in half! At first we cursed, then we laughed, then we cursed some more.



We were having our friends, Devon & Paul, over for dinner and had tons to do. I was in crazy entertaining mode & needed a quick break, but we had to stop everything and make an emergency trip to Ikea. Either that, or sleep on the futon that night. No thank you.

We bundled up, hopped in the car and made it there in 20 minutes flat. While following all posted speed limits and rules of the road, of course...

We found the replacement beam and were overjoyed that it only cost $10. Those Swedes, don't ya just love 'em? Then we looked at our watches (a/k/a cell phones) and realized it was only 3-something. We totally had time to look around. Instead of just sticking to our list, we also left with 2 new rugs and a magazine holder for the bathroom.

Tell me you don't get sucked into Ikea and I'll tell you you're a dirty liar.

We sped home, patched up the bed and I still had plenty of time to do some prep work in the kitchen. Dinner/wine/dessert/games with our friends was delightful.

After they left, we (let's just be honest, I) started cleaning up. The day before, we noticed that our dishwasher (circa 1970) had some water remaining in the bottom after the cycle was done. Didn't really think anything of it. Maybe something was clogged, it'll drain out.

Rookie, apartment-dweller mistake.

I filled that sucker up with dishes anyway and turned it on. I was at the sink washing pots & pans and all of a sudden my foot was wet. Our dishwasher decided to dump water out all over the floor. At 12:30 am. Lovely.

I turned it off & ran to grab our old bath towels to soak up the mess. My brother Eric recently advised us to save our old towels for situations when our future children barf all over the floor, etc. He is SO wise.

Yes, I did that.

Ugh, what's next?!

Please let it be a hangnail or something.

The Friday Five!

Notice how I made it sound super interesting by throwing in the exclamation point?

You fell for it, didn't you.

Well now I better make it interesting.

1. Bizarre Weather



About an hour ago it randomly started blizzard-ing. Crazy wind, cars were pulling over, it was creepy. And then 10 minutes later it was like nothing ever happened. I hate weather, mainly because I can't control it. And I'm a bit of a Type-A personality. If you haven't already figured that out.

2. Heathers 

Cult classic. Hilarious. Morbid. Brilliant. Watch it.

Then watch it again.

3. Homemade Laundry Detergent

I made it twice & loved it. Then I got lazy and bought a bottle of Seventh Generation that was like $11. I used it up in a month and won't ever buy it again. Total waste of money and I don't even think it worked any better. This is the recipe I used.

Have you ever made your own?

4. Naan Bread

My husband and I have been really into Indian food lately. Tip: if you want to try Indian food, do not go to a buffet. I've made that mistake. Everything looks terrible and you can't tell what is what. Go to a more upscale restaurant that gives descriptions of each menu item. This is how we found what we liked! Naan is a great appetizer and goes with any meal, Indian or not. And a healthier alternative to boring old buttered rolls.

5. Sewing

   

Oh yeah, remember when I used to do that? Well now that I think about it, I was actually pretty good and I should probably dust off my sewing machine and see if it still works! I'm going to pray for a huge blizzard on Tuesday so I can dig into my bin of scraps and craft something awesome.

Awkward & Awesome... Friday! (just go with it)

Mr. Hall: Cher Horowitz? Two tardies.

Cher: I object! Do you recall the dates of these alleged "tardies"?

[Said you gave him a toothache.]

==================================

Yes, yes, it's Friday. But I'm gonna do awkward & awesome's anyways.

Because I can.

Awkward

- Starting off the day with a belt cinching my waist... then having to loosen said belt hours later after stuffing my face at the work luncheon.

- Opening my paycheck at my desk and having the CEO walk in as I'm looking at it. He clearly knows how much I'm making... but situations involving other people knowing your income just weird me out.

- Getting a thank you for a thank you. No, I'm thanking YOU. You don't have to thank ME for thanking YOU or we're gonna be here all day.

- Overhearing my boss say things like, "Oh, if that were the case, I'd have been all over it like stink on poop" and other ridiculous sayings of that nature.

- When I sneeze (for no particular reason) and someone near me says, "Stay away from me! I can't get sick!" Dude, not every sneeze is the indication of a communicable disease. Relax.

- A co-worker asking me if I know what a tickler is. Umm, thank goodness I played dumb & said no because she was clearly not talking about the same thing that I was thinking. Turns out she was referring to some old fashioned method of keeping track of upcoming events on your calendar. Now it's called Microsoft Outlook. Catch up. And never say tickler aloud ever again.

- People at the grocery store holding social hour instead of shopping. I don't care that your husband's mother is almost out of rehab for breaking her hip. You're blocking the cannellini beans.

- The word "hoarder."

- Making a simple, friendly comment to someone and having them turn it around into an awkward & depressing story about their life. Now I know that my co-worker wears sneakers in the winter because she had frostbite on her feet as a child. Not so she doesn't slip on ice in the parking lot. Got it.

Awesome

- I made three new recipes this week. THREE.

- It's Girl Scout Cookie season. And my niece is selling them. My whole foods diet is gonna have to take a chill pill until we finish these boxes.

- The City of Philadelphia finally arrested this scumbag. And that is putting it nicely.

(Warning: don't read unless you want to be seriously disturbed)

- Opening my paycheck and having it be more than I expected. Happy Friday, indeed!

- My husband's way with children. He is so sweet with our nieces. Makes me want to have kids. Someday...

- Receiving a kind & delicious thank-you gift for a job well done. I will create binders of commercial agreements for you any day, sir!

- The fact that the sun decided to make an appearance for the past few days. I've missed you old buddy old pal.

- We'll be in MIAMI next Friday. For three glorious days of sunshine and temps in the mid to high 70's. I can't wait to wear my new Victoria's Secret resort duds! Pictures will be posted. Obviously.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

And thank you for reading. You rock.

==================================

Play That Funky Music White Boy

I love coming home from work to this guy.

I'm so proud of my talented husband and I love his passion for music

And passion for dancing...

HA. HA. HA.
This is from the Carnival cruise we took two years ago. 

We need to take another one REAL soon!

I miss being in the middle of the ocean with absolutely no obligations except relaxation.
And maybe getting tan. I love me a good tan.

Recipe Wednesday BONUS! Greek Salad Dressing

 Greek Salad Dressing

I make this dressing all the time (and various versions of this dressing). 

It tastes just like what you'd get in a restaurant. I swear.

Get all retro and store it in a mason jar.

Ingredients

1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil (a really good kind)

2/3 c. red wine vinegar

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. dried basil

1 tsp. onion powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. dijon mustard*

Directions

Whisk together vinegar, spices & mustard. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking vigorously. You can do this with a food processor, which I prefer, but maybe I'm just a little wuss b/c it makes my arm hurt after a while.
(Maybe? Let's face it. I am a wuss after admitting that.)

*Even if you don't like dijon mustard, you can't skip this when making dressing. 

It acts as an emulsifier to combine the vinegar & oil. 

I love it on a greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes & feta cheese. You can also use it as a marinade for grilled veggies. Mmm... makes me miss summer real bad!

Recipe Wednesday: Chicken Fajita Salad

This is a quick meal that requires very little cooking ability. Measurements aren't really necessary for this one (except for the fajita seasoning) so you're gonna have to "eyeball it" as Rachael Ray would say. Like many of my favorite recipes, you can customize it to suit your tastes (and what you have on hand).

First, let out a quick Mexican celebratory yell - bry yi yi yi yi!

Okay, now that everyone knows what they're in store for, make the fajita seasoning.

I used this recipe mainly because it was the first thing that came up on Yahoo! search. I'm very particular. I didn't even have all the ingredients (like chicken bouillon) but it turned out great.  It's enough for a few meals, so mix it right in a small tupperwear container.

Ingredients

(besides those in the seasoning)

Chicken cutlets

Olive oil

Lettuce, or your favorite salad mix

Tomatoes, chopped

Onion, diced

Corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)

Black beans (drained & rinsed)

Salsa

Sour cream

Mexican-style shredded cheese

Tortilla chips

(You can add avocado, too, that would be yum)

Directions

Heat oil over medium-high heat in your saute pan. Cube chicken (or cut into thin strips) and cook until golden. Whisk 2 tablespoons of seasoning (for a pound or so of meat) into 1/2 c. water and add to chicken. Simmer until sauce is thickened & then reduce heat to low.

While that's bubbling away, assemble your salads. Lettuce, tomatoes, onion, corn, beans... go loco! If you're serving to a group, put out all the toppings in separate bowls & let everyone build their own. Serve tortilla chips on the side.

If you're feeling sassy, squeeze a fresh lime over the salads.

[Extreme close-up!]

Dinner in Mexico

Well... not exactly. 

Our local Mexican restaurant, Mas, was the best we could do to pretend we didn't live in freezing cold Pennsylvania anymore. It did the trick for a few hours.

[Pants: old navy/Shirt: forever21/Vest: pac sun/Boots: dsw/Bag: forever21]



Two outfits in one day?! Crazyness.

I get so tired of work clothes and I wanted to wear my

new green skinny cargo pants.

[Margarita for me... and beer for my husband.]

[Our dinner dates, Dave & Rachael]

[Love him & that bushy beard.]

Snow (Ice?) Day Attire

[Dress: target/Shirt: forever21/Tights: target/Scarf: old navy
Belt: goodwill/Breakfast: grapefruit]

So what do people normally wear on a snow day?

Or, an ice day as we experienced today.

Pants, right?

Not this girl. Because I've come to a delightful & life-changing conclusion.

Pants stink.

You heard me.

I. hate. pants. 

And for that, I will make NO apologies!

Tights are far superior in every way. Not because they keep my legs warm or anything. Far from it.

I'm talking about the ease in which they slide into & out of boots.

This is essential since I bring heels to work in my purse & change into them.

When I would wear pants stuffed into my boots, they'd be wrinkly & static-y for the rest of the day.

And it drove me bonkers.

But with tights... easy in, easy out.

Simple.

Let's Talk Bachelor: Episode 3

Didn't watch it yet? Well, hurry up!

You know you have a snow (ice) day today, and you don't have anything better to do.

Or maybe you're at work like me, in which case, you have my empathy.

Let's face it. This season would be totally boring if it weren't for Michelle. Although, now she's just coming off as more desparate than crazy. I feel sorry for her. She's 30, she has a kid, and she wants a husband in the worst way. The other girls? Let's just say they aren't her biggest fans. A few of them mentioned that they actually avoid her! Too funny.

At the beginning of the episode, I noticed how terrible most of the girls look without makeup on. They get SO done-up for their dates. They must have professional makeup artists & hair stylists on set. They have to.

First one-on-one date

Ashley S.

I've liked her from the beginning when she got the first impression rose. She's the cute nanny with the southern accent. Looks like the girl next door. Clearly, Brad digs it.

Brad takes her to Capitol Records where they recorded, er, attempted to record "Kiss from a Rose" by Seal. They stunk it up, but then got to see Seal sing the real thing. Ashley opens up to Brad about her father passing away and the irony of "Kiss from a Rose" being their special song. Then he gives her the rose during their rooftop dinner because she makes him feel comfortable. Is it just me, or are they ALWAYS on various roofs?

Side note: Girlfriend knows how to dress! Those black leggings & coordinating flowy top looked awesome on her.

The Group Date

Love Hurts

Before the date even begins, Michelle is all emotional because she doesn't want to share Brad with the other girls. Well then why did you come on this show?!

The ladies arrive to the set of an action movie that they'll be filming in matching, sporty attire. They were clearly forced to wear these outfits.

[Photo Credit: ABC]

They warm up and then practice scenes where they beat people up to rescue Brad. Some of them aren't keen on the idea of breaking a sweat & one of the women complains that "pit stains are not hot." Touche.

Shawntel stands out as the best butt-kicker & Brad takes notice. Perhaps this is because she kept going off-script to makeout with him.  Michelle cries to the camera crew some more and then says she wants her first kiss with Brad to be real. And slippery. (Vomit).

After the filming the group goes to yet another pool (probably on a roof) and they all jump in with their clothes on. Then somehow... they're all in bathingsuits. Camera magic. Brad kisses Chantel O. after she talks about her Dad passing away. Michelle acts like a total creeper by sneaking up on Brad & Alli when they have their one-on-one time. Then when she finally gets him alone, she runs a guilt trip on him about how hard it is being a single mom and they make out.

[Photo credit: ABC]

"Pretty soon it'll just be me & Brad in Tahiti, practicing making babies." (Michelle)

Brad ends up giving the rose to Shawntel & Michelle is not pleased.

================================

Back at the house, Emily brings the girls not on the group date to tears with the story of her fiance dying in a plane crash & finding out she was pregnant shortly after. And of course I cried. Again.

The girls compare Emily to an "Itsy bitsy Barbie doll with the soul of Mother Teresa." Exactly.

=================================

Second one-on-one date

Emily

[Photo credit: ABC]

Brad takes Emily (on a plane, oh the irony!) to wine country and they have a boring afternoon chatting. Brad asks her a lot of personal questions, which she completely avoids. Then they head into a beautifully decorated barn for a romantic, candlelit dinner. Emily finally opens up & shares her story. (Cue me crying for the third, possible fourth time over this story). Brad is very sweet and claims that it makes him like her even more. She doesn't seem to believe this. (Neither do I).

They share a nice, sweet kiss and Brad tells us that he could see himself ending up with her.

Cocktail Party

Before the cocktail party, Brad's therapist pays him a visit and they talk about being vulnerable, open & making the girls feel comfortable.

Brad is extra pumped for this cocktail party and it's pretty uneventful until Madison pops out her fangs and tells Brad she's thinking about leaving. He can tell she's just not feelin' it and is quick to tell her that if she wants to leave, she should. Ouch.

Michelle scores another chat with Brad and starts the convo off by saying "We're in a fight." Umm, is this the 8th grade? She tells him that she's mad that he's kissing other girls and doesn't want him to pursue anyone else. Hello, it's a dating show! Much to my dismay, Brad totally digs it. He's into her psycho, territorial ways. Whatev.

Ashley H. (who had the very first one-on-one date) is a little bummed out and tells Brad that if he doesn't like her, just send her home now. He makes out with her. You know, to reassure her and everything. Totally normal.

Final Rose Ceremony



[Photo credit: ABC]

Brad gives roses to Michelle, Chantel O. and then Madison interrupts and walks off set. Brad follows her and she tells him she's leaving. She says the show is more difficult than she thought it would be, and thinks other girls deserve to find love more than her. It was kinda sad. I felt bad for the girl.

Brad hands out the rest of the roses and sends home Kimberly & Sarah P.

Kimberly is all "I can go home and get a guy in 5 minutes." Well then, why didn't you just do that in the first place? Sarah P. is really upset. Tears. Eye-makeup running. The whole deal.

I hope this season gets more dramatic... I'm kinda getting bored.

Tim was clearly bored the entire time.

Keeping Up & a Monday Outfit

[Sweater: old navy/ Shirt: bitten by SJP/Skirt: gap/Belt: old navy/Tights: forever21/Heels: payless]

Ahhh, the good old "self-pic in the mirror."

It's the best I can do for now with my crappy '07 digital camera.

Our goal is to have a nice SLR by the time we have kids. Can't have those memories looking grainy & discolored.

This outfit was the best I could throw together on a Monday. The Monday after I consumed an entire bottle of wine. WHYYYYYYY?! I might go get myself a Winona Wino tattoo like Johnny Depp soon.

I used to hate the way button down shirts felt. But lately, I've become more accepting of them. And I seriously need a new cardigan. This one is from Old Navy circa 2006. Loving my new black tights though. They go with ev-er-y-thin-g.

===================================================

Currently Reading: Kardashian Konfidential

It keeps me entertained during my lunch breaks. And it's actually pretty cute! 

It's like reading a book written by the big sisters I never had.

I recommend it if you need a quick, fun read and don't feel like getting into anything deep or philosophical. And if you loooove the Kardashian/Jenner clan like me :-) 

Don't be ashamed.

Throwback

I love this guy.



[2006]

He is taking me out to dinner on Tuesday night for Mexican food.

And I can't stop thinking about it!

I'm gonna order the biggest margarita on the menu.

And eat stuff with alotta cheese.

And then my digestive system will hate me.

But you know what? It's okay.

'Cause Tim doesn't care if I'm gassy.

True Story

 

Tim look me out to dinner for our first date (Italian food). We were cuddling on my couch afterwards, and I fell asleep. Tim was admiring my beauty (ha) when all of a sudden...

I farted.

Yes, folks. I farted on our first date. In my sleep. Multiple times.

And Tim is such a doll that he thought it was cute, not gross, and asked me out again. It wasn't until months later that he told me. I was mortified.

But I knew he was a keeper!

Bundle of Fun

Have a bundle of fun this weekend.

I know I will!

The Friday Five

No more Fab Five Friday... it's now just "The Friday Five" because frankly, life isn't always fabulous. Can I get an Amen?

#1

This changing zodiac sign business.

Who really bases their life around their zodiac symbol anyways? Unless you're a palm or tarot card reader, it doesn't make a bit of difference what zodiac signs mean. You are who you are and only God knows how your life is going to turn out. End of story.

#2

Bad things happen in threes.

I have had this superstition for a while, and it always proves to be right (in my life at least). Yes, I know, I'm being a bit of a hypocrite by believing in a superstition and dissing zodiac signs. Just hear me out. In the past 2 weeks, I've lost my new gloves, free tickets to an event, and my debit card. The rule of threes doesn't just apply to losing things. People die in threes, catastrophes happen in threes, things go wrong with your car in threes... I'm serious. Pay attention to this and you'll be like, wow, Meg was right, that is crazzyyyyy.

#3

Coffee breath.

For the past few days, my coffee breath has also tasted like cigarettes. And I've never smoked cigarettes in my life! It's really grossing me out. Maybe it's this new french vanilla coffee from Target.

#4

Woven belts.

They have changed the way I dress. I look like I actually have a waistline when I strap one on. The best part? My favorite brown one is from Goodwill. $1.50. Wrap your mind around that.

#5

Waking up early.

It's really underrated. I just went through a phase of waking up 30 minutes before I leave for work and it was awful! I think that's what started my run of losing things. So this morning I woke up an hour early and it was amazing! I had time to unload the dishwasher, make coffee, kiss the Mister goodbye & take a few pics of my outfit.



[Sweater, Skirt & Scarf: old navy/Boots: dsw/Socks: gap/Belt: goodwill]

Why is she posting pictures of herself?

Does she think she's a model or something?

HA, absolutely not! That's what is so great about the whole "fashion blogging" thing. You don't have to look like a model to do it. Some of my newest favorite blogs are what you'd call "fashion blogs." I prefer calling it "personal style," however, because I know that I am in no way, shape or form, fashionable. I'm not wearing anything new, expensive or trendy. I don't know how to pose. And I'm not 5'10" walking a runway.

I've been in a style slump. I felt like I was wearing the same thing to work day after day. Dress pants & a sweater. Dress pants & a button down. Dress pants & a turtleneck. I would walk out the door feeling frumpy and this icky feeling would follow me throughout the day.

I decided to reassess my closet and kick my frumpy work attire to the curb. With the help of a few lovely ladies (who's blogs I read daily, see my Links page), I've started wearing the clothes I have in different ways, I've picked up a few essential pieces that I had been lacking, and I feel fan-flippin-tastic!

Posting photos of what I wear is also part of this personal transformation. It forces me to stay on track. I mean, I can't be posting pictures of any lame outfits. That's just embarrassing.

So no, I'm not trying to be a model. No, I'm not vain. I'm just trying to develop my personal style and get out of my boring routine of dress pants & sweaters.

Amen!

It's another... Awkward & Awesome Thursday!

First, I'd like to give a shout out to Sydney for coming up with the whole "awkward & awesome thursdays" idea... they are by far my favorite posts to write! And that Traveling Bag makes me want to be a purse-snatcher. You better hold on to that thing tight... 'cause I'm sure I'm not the only one eyeing it up right now.

================================================

AWKWARD

 - Being one of the only women at my office who attempts to dress nice for work. Since when is a fleece pullover considered business casual? That awkwardness should be on you, not me, lady! And yeah, I totally caught you playing free cell on your computer yesterday.

- Bathroom air freshener. It never really covers up the smell... and yet we continue to use it.

- When I try to relate to co-workers and end up making them feel terrible about their age. Maybe because I say things like, "Oh yeah, my Mom used to do that, too!" I'm sorry, I am 25 years younger than you, and we will never be able to make conversation about something that happened in the 1970's.

- My attempts at taking pictures of my outfits in the morning with my iPhone. I'm slightly embarrassed to even post them.

- Still needing my Dad's help doing taxes. Even while using Turbo Tax...

- Walking 3 blocks to my car the day after a snowstorm... in heels. I looked like a baby deer learning how to walk for the first time. Cars had to slow down for me.

- Having to tell the IT guy your password so he can log-on when something goes wrong with your computer. "It's umm... TimmyCuteButt32." (You force us to pick something with upper & lowercase letters & numbers and it's the first thing I thought of, okay?!)

- Leaving voicemails for people and still giving my maiden name. Sorry, Tim!

AWESOME

- I finally drink my coffee black. Cutting out those sugar & creamer calories feels gooooood!

- Rocking purple tights at work. It's not specifically forbidden in the dress code... so...

- ING checking accounts. Okay, a bit of a plug because my brother works there, but seriously, they are awesome. I can set up all of my bills to be paid online and then it gets done automatically on whatever day I choose. Bye bye late fees, writing checks & using stamps!

- Looking through old photos of yourself as a little kid with your husband and hearing him say, "We are gonna have the best looking babies ever!"

- BUT... the fact that we currently do not have a baby is also awesome. Sometimes we want one... and then sometimes we'll be out and we'll look at each other and say, "We couldn't be doing this right now if we had kids!" and then give a loud, triumphant laugh.

- The fact that the days are only going to get longer from here on out... slowly but surely there will be daylight when I leave work at 5 pm.

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Have a TREMENDOUS Thursday, my lovely blog readers!