Stupid Things That Bother Me, Part 1

Alternate Title: Why Utah should be the New Mid-West.

I don't usually get too irritated by the things that normal people my age do, like politics and fights with asshole boyfriends/girlfriends. I do, however, get really irritated over completely idiotic things. So, I thought I'd share those things with you. Please keep in mind that I'm sick and laying in bed right now. I'm half-asleep and I've been taking cold medicine since Monday. So, if this doesn't make any sense, now you know why.

So, the first completely ridiculous think that I get irrationally pissed off about is the Midwest. 

No, this isn't going to be a rant about how I hate living in MI and wake up every morning questioning why I moved here. It's also not about how I hate Wisconsin and like to pretend it doesn't exist. None of us have time to read that post. This is about the title "The Midwest."

Let's look at some maps.

via

This is what comes up as a result if you google "midwest." And I think most of us agree that this is what they teach us in grade school when we are learning about the map. Here is where we get into the part that irritates me. Look at this next map.

That region in the first picture is in the right half of the country. The EASTERN half. The half that I grew up in. There is nothing mid or western about it. Far-east? Yes. Mid-North America? Sure, I'll give you that. 

The middle of the western side of the United States? No. That would be Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and Idaho. Mostly Utah, though. It's smack dab in the middle of the western half of the United States.  

Please tell me someone else has realized this and that I'm not all alone in my geographic insanity.

Anyone want to petition to get the midwest title reassigned to Utah?

No? Okay. I'll go back to watching Weeds on Netflix and sleeping now.

Guest Posting....Kind of?

I'm posting over here today about spring break essentials for every budget. I'd love it if you'd check it out even if you're not going on spring break. Don't feel bad, I'm not going on spring break either. I'll be working. Yay?

Also, if you were wondering what school I go to or what extracurriculars I'm involved with, that blog should pretty much give it away. So, there's a little glimpse into my personal life I guess... I don't know why, but I love knowing stuff like that about other bloggers. But, maybe I'm just nosey.

Also, is it really a guest post if I am going to be posting there weekly/bi-weekly? No? Oh well.

Happy Valentine's Day to Each and Every One of You!

So, I had a post written up for today that I typed up a week or two ago. But, it came out sounding a lot more cynical that I ever intended it to, So...I'm pretty sure I'm not going to post it. But, I did want to stop in a wish all of you a happy valentines day! I hope you're enjoying your day and showing everyone that you love how much they mean to you, and showing yourself some love as well.

I'm not doing any of this, but not because I hate valentines day or anything. I just got busy... I went to work at 6:00 AM, then I got to give a super fun presentation about the emotional basis of moral judgements (that I may have cried over last night), went to classes until 1:45, then I went to return the shoes, then I came home and stabbed myself in the finger with a knife. Not intentionally, obviously. So, then there was a lot of drama with urgent care not being interested in checking out the stab wound on my finger that has some sort of tissue-like gunk sticking out of it. So, now I'm sitting at home, finishing off the 800 donuts that I bought this morning, catching up on my DVR (Hello, Chicago Fire), and hoping I don't die or lose a finger. Because as much as I claim to not be ashamed of my appearance, I can't promise that that wouldn't change if I lost my left index finger. Actually, it would absolutely change. And I'm 99% sure you can't get a prosthetic finger. But, I'll look into and get back to you...

Hopefully, you're valentines day will be much more fun (and less stab-woundy) than mine. Although, I'm really not sure how things can get much better than Chicago Fire, Target, and donuts (I assure you my life is not as pathetic is that just made it sound).

xoxo.

The Story of Prabal Gurung for Target and False Advertisment. (And a review of the collection)

Let's talk Prabal Gurung for a moment. 

Prabal Gurung is one of my favorite designers. I wrote a paper about one of his collections for a class sophomore year. That's how much I love his work. So, when his collaboration with Target was announced, I may have gotten stupidly excited. I would show you the texts I sent to MB (That's momma bear for those of you who don't follow my personal twitter) about it, but I'm too lazy and disappointed to look for them right now. 

I went to my local Target to scope out the collection. I got there a few minutes after 7:00, because

1. I live in south central michigan and no one here wears anything except UM and State sweats, so I assumed there wouldn't be much of a crowd.

2. I thought the store here was open 24 hours a day. It isn't.

I was the only one in the parking lot. I froze my ass of in my car for 45 minutes while texting MB and eating a mcgriddle (quit judging me). 

Prabal Gurung for Target by aklausmeier52 featuring a green tank

Prabal Gurung print dress / Prabal Gurung long sleeve cardigan / Prabal Gurung / Prabal Gurung printed blouse / Prabal Gurung green tank

So, needless to say, I didn't have to rush to grab 300 pieces and drag them into the fitting room with me. I grabbed two sizes in each piece that I was interested in and headed back to the fitting room to try clothes on at an I'm-too-tired-and-it's-too-early-to-be-shopping pace. I was pleased with the clothes, even though my local Target didn't have the pieces I was most interested in. The five pictured above are what came home with me. The clothes seemed to be good quality for Target pieces, but most of them did run a little (okay, some of them were a lot) big. Because, hello, I'm Aly and I'm not ashamed to admit that my boobs never fit into an XS. This has only happened once or twice before and it was at J.Crew, and we all know that they love their vanity sizing over there. 

Anyway, MB picked up some of the pieces that I wasn't able to find in BC at her local Target (because she's the best), and I ordered the black sandals online. These sandals were the one piece that I absolutely, without a doubt, would sell my eggs for wanted. So, I ordered them at 3:30 AM. Because I'm insane. They showed up at my door step a few minutes ago. I was so excited that I ran to the door and opened it (braless, in a t-shirt, hair-up in a messy bun, no make-up, wearing my glasses) in my IU sweatpants. Attractive, right? That poor UPS guy didn't know what hit him. 

So, I ran to my room to open the box, because, for Lord knows what reason, all 800 pairs of scissors that I own are strewn across my desk, dresser, and nightstands. And then, disappointment quickly robbed me of the shoe-high I was experiencing. Disappointment is a bitch.

Oh heeeyyyyy, false advertising. 

As you can see, those little straps on the shoes I received (right) clearly aren't what is pictured on Target's site (left).

Also, whatthehell, these straps are on backwards. On both shoes. If one of them was messed up I could be like, oh okay, manufacturing error. But whoever put this pair of shoes together was clearly dropped on their head one too many times as an infant. 

Plus, you see those fun little alligator-clip-like closures on the straps? They don't stay shut. Cue you falling out of your heels and onto your pretty little face if you try to strut around town in them. Also, they aren't round like in the picture, they are rectangular. They also are not silver, they are a steely, gun-metal gray. So, basically, Target flat out lied to my face. And yours, if you also bought these shoes. And I'm kind of pissed. But, I've been known to over exaggerate (See above paragraph about selling my eggs for Target shoes), especially when people lie to me. But, this is just cruel and deceptive trickery that Target is trying to get away with. And I'm not okay with it. So, Target will probably be hearing from me through every form of social media over the next few days. Because again, I like to over exaggerate and make sure that my point is heard.

Would you be pissed about this or am I just being Crazy Pants McGee over here today?

Also, if you ordered these shoes and they look just like they do on the website, want to let me know so that I can order another pair instead of just returning this one and complaining to the helpless store associate tomorrow afternoon?

I'm Back...Again?

So, I've been gone for a while. Like, almost exactly 11 months. Don't feel bad if you didn't notice, the things I posted here weren't that exciting or noteworthy. But anyway, I'm back now. And I think I might stick around this time, but I'm not making any promises. Partly because I hate not being able to keep the promises I make, but mostly because I suck at commitment.

Things around here are probably going to change a bit, or a lot, whatever. I'll probably still post outfits, and I'll definitely still post recipes. Mostly because I'm fairly certain that my mom is tired of me sending her pictures of my food and bragging about how great I am (at cooking, and in general). The recipes will not be sugar-packed brownies and cupcakes anymore though, because I am following a paleo diet 99% of the time now. During that 1% of the time that I'm not eating paleo, I'm sitting on the couch eating an entire bag of Glutino's gluten free chocolate covered pretzels and suffering from a sugar high. Which is why I had the genius idea to write this post at 3:11 this morning. Who needs sleep? Not me, apparently. Or my Dad, because he just accidentally called me. At 3:35 AM. So, at least I know who to blame for my insomnia now.

That got off topic quickly...

Anyway, like I was saying, things are going to change around here, I don't know if it will be a big change or a little change. What will change, without a doubt, will be the tone of this blog. I think the reason I didn't stick with blogging before was because I didn't feel like this blog was an accurate portrayal of who I am. I felt like I was trying to say things that I thought people wanted to hear. And anyone who knows me will assure you that that doesn't happen in real life. I'm the queen of telling people the truths that they don't want to hear.

As much as I would love to be a super-polite, poised, southern belle all the time, that's never going to happen. It's not in the cards for me. Seriously, you should meet my relatives, it's not genetically possible. And I'm okay with that. I'm sarcastic, witty, brutally honest, bitchy, and frankly, a little rude sometimes. But, in the greatest way possible. So, there will probably be some super-opinionated posts on here, and there will absolutely be a hell of a lot of sarcasm and cursing. And probably some late night, booze-fueled posts (Sorry, Mom and Dad), because that's what happens in my life. And because I can't currently have my usual middle of the night, long-distance, drunkfest conversations with one of my favorite people because she is doing other things with her life that make this, which happens to be one of our favorite pastimes, impossible for a little while. Holy run-on fragment, batman. You would never know that I did really well in all of my english classes.

Anyway, this was a really long post to say that I'm back. Hopefully you'll stick around for this little journey. And bring your friends along, and some wine (because I don't share). Or don't. I don't judge.

(Yes, I do. I absolutely do.)

 Jacket: Old Navy; Cardigan: Target; Shirt: Old Navy;

Jeans: Kohl's; Shoes: Target; Scarf: Target;

Earrings: The Mustard Seed; Bracelet: Max & Chloe (Gift)

  

Hey lovelies!

I hope you've all had a great month of so since we last talked! Life has been pretty hectic around here, so I decided that I had to cut blogging out for a little while. I've been spending my time trying to make some big decisions (which we all know I'm awful at), handling what my best friend has officially decided is her quarter-life crisis, and trying to stay on top of a crazy schedule this semester. But, neglecting this little blog of mine was really bothering me. So, I'm back, and working on scheduling every second of my time so that I can make sure I have time to blog on a regular basis again.

What have you all been up to lately?

xoxo

Wednesday Wishlist - ON

I'm starting something new here on the blog. It's part of my new years resolutions to blog more, and to have more structure and cohesion from week to week. On Wednesdays I'm going to list some of the things I'm obsessing over that week. Otherwise, the tabs stay open on my laptop until I have the extra cash to buy them. Which usually ends up not happening and then I am left with 60+ tabs open and a really slow computer. Plus, I love seeing what clothes/makeup/jewelry/shoes/etc. people are wishing would show up in their closets. I'll try to focus on one store or one style each week. 

This week: Old Navy. I went on their website to send a friend the link to a sweater I just bought, and somehow got roped in to looking at all the new arrivals. My wallet still hasn't forgiven me for how much I spent at two different Old Navy's Christmas week, so this probably isn't helping anything. But, I do have a $20 off coupon that I need to use soon.

1. Charmeuse Tab-Sleeve Dress
2. Printed Blanket Wrap Cardigan - Obsessed with this. It might be coming to live with me next week.
3. Pleated Ruffle Tank
4. Multi-Stripe Long Sleeve Tee - How cute are the multi-colored stripes? I love the contrast between the navy and the brown.
5. Printed Wrap Dress
6. Striped Dolman Sleeve Tee
7. Striped Intarsia Sweater
8. Faux Fur Shoulder Bag - I have no idea what it is about this bag, but I'm kind of dying over it right now.
9. Striped French Terry Shift Dress
10. Faux Snakeskin Flats
11. Character Lounge Pants - I love batman. And even though I hate pajama pants 99% of the time, I think I need these.
12. Color Blocked Tote

Let me know in a comment or e-mail if you like the idea for Wednesday Wishlist, and maybe I'll start a link-up for future Wednesdays.

xoxo

EBEW: Black and White

 Jacket: Steve and Barry; Sweater: Gift; 

Pants: H&M; Shoes: Corso Como

I'm so tired that I can barely form complete sentences right now, let alone properly dress myself. But, I wanted to participate in EBEW, since I hadn't in the past few months. This months challenge was to come up with a black and white outfit. I feel like I probably should have skipped this month. I'm not crazy about this outfit at all. I don't feel like myself without color on. And, I can't stand when I'm wearing all black, but the blacks don't match. I wanted to wear a black blazer, but I couldn't find either of mine. So I settled, and I think it shows. But, I've been up since 4:00 AM, and I'm running on two and a half hours of sleep, so I'm just happy with the fact that I remembered to put on pants.

xoxo

Black Cat

 Jacket: Target; Plaid: Old Navy; Chambray: Target, 

Jeans: JC Penney; Shoes: Corso Como; Bracelet: Gift/Max & Chloe; 

Earrings: The Mustard Seed; Necklace: Grandma's

(Please note that while all my snow has melted, the people that live behind 

me still have a yard full of snow and ice. I feel bad for them.)

Happy Friday, Chickadees!

Hope you're all getting a fun start on your weekends right now! 

I'm apparently being stalked by a black cat. It showed up while I was taking pictures today, and stayed in the yard for hours. I tried to convince it to be friends with me, but it wanted no part of that idea. Now, I'm not usually superstitious at all. When I see a black cat running through the yard, I pretty much just want to give it food and convince it to be my outdoors cat. But, I'm pretty sure when a cat angrystares in your window for hours on end, but runs when you try to get near it, that it is a bad sign. 

xoxo

Hibernation

  

  

Jacket: Target; Sweater: Old Navy; Jeans: Levi's (DIY skinnied);

Boots: Big Buddha (Gift); Scarf: No brand/Random shop in IL;

Earrings: The Mustard Seed; Ring: H&M

I hope you're all having a great week and an even better start to 2012! Here in MI, we started 2012 with a few inches of snow. The snow finally started to melt last night, so I decided it was probably time to go outside and take some pictures today. I like to avoid snow and icy roads at all costs, so I've basically been hibernating for the past few days. But not the fun kind of hibernating where you eat a ton of carbs and then sleep for days at a time. Not that I wouldn't really enjoy all that that entails, but sleeping is #1 on the list entitled "Things I'm Awful At", which is going to make those 8:00 AM classes that start on Tuesday a real big bundle of warmth and happiness. 

xoxo

December Cheer

I have a confession to make: I don't like December. Something to do with the combination of cold weather, snow, icy roads, presentations, final exams, and the holidays are enough to make me want to go into full-on hibernation mode. Which might explain why I haven't made an appearance here on the blog in three weeks. As I get ready to pack my bags and head to IL for the holidays, I have been trying to focus on things that are making me happy. So, I thought I'd take what I've been enjoying this week and share it with all of you. Hopefully this will bring a little joy your way if, like me, you are having a dreary December.

I love sheep. I can't explain it, but they are adorable and they make me ridiculously happy. I had a sheep pillow when I was little that I refused to get rid of. I lovingly referred to it as my "plillow sheep". That's right, I couldn't say "pillow" when I was little.

I can't stand Christmas music. I won't listen to it more than 24 hours before Christmas. I talk on the phone when I go to the store this time of year so that I don't have to listen to it. The list of Christmas music that I can tolerate is really short. The list of songs that I enjoy is even shorter. It includes N*SYNC, 98 Degrees, and Mariah Carey (Apparently I'm stuck in the 90's). And this song. I hesitantly clicked play when it showed up in my Google reader queue the other day, but surprisingly, I really like it!

Please note the 40+ temps and the lack of snow. I just checked the forecast for Christmas at my Mom's and it is showing a sunny, snowless, 40 degree day. I know everyone in the Midwest is hoping for a white Christmas, but I couldn't be happier about the lack of snow that is predicted for the rest of 2011. And, the fact that I haven't needed more than a sweater when I went outside the past two days is enough to make me forget that I don't like December.

What's making you happy right now?

xoxo

Tights on Thanksgiving

Coat: Fog by London Fog, Dress: Ross,

Tights: Target, Shoes: Missoni for Target,

Bracelet: Max & Chloe, Bag: NY & Co.

This was my Thanksgiving outfit. Word to the wise: don't wear tights on Thanksgiving. They are constricting and don't allow for the all you can eat marathon that is Thanksgiving. But, if you're on a diet or don't want to eat more than you would at a normal meal, then by all means, wear the most constricting tights you own. I would give anything to have this weather back. It may have been freezing that day and too sunny to take decent pictures, but at least it wasn't icy and snowing.

 The past 24 hours here have been a little hectic. If you follow me on twitter, you may have seen where I mentioned that I had a crazy, super dangerous drive home from campus last night, then my power went out as soon as I got home. Well, the power finally came back on at about 3:00 this afternoon.  But, before that, the alarm system here apparently had a low battery and started screeching bright and early this morning. And, I couldn't get it to stop. There was lots of confusion and a bit of anger involved. And I might have been thisclose to smashing it with a rubber mallet. But, after about an hour, the house was finally silent again. Or maybe I just went deaf from the ear piercing noise. Either way, the snow and ice are melting, the power is back on, and the alarm is in pieces on my counter. All in all, I'd say it's been a pretty eventful day.

Hope you're day was a little calmer and a lot warmer than mine was!

xoxo

Black Friday Recap

Happy Saturday Loves!

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving and are having an amazing weekend so far!

I went shopping on Black Friday, which is something I've never done before and really never had an interest in doing. But, I had an assignment for a marketing class that required it. So, I convinced my superfantastic momma to get up ridiculously early with me and head to the mall. All the stores (with the exception of the department stores) were supposed to open at 5:00 AM. So, we arrived at 4:15 ready to stand in long lines. Turns out, the mall had emailed all the stores and told them they could open whenever they wanted as long as they were open by five. So, long story short, we missed about 90% of the openings and 100% of the crazy shoppers that I needed pictures of for my assignment. 

I was kind of pissed that the mall told me that the stores would be opening their doors at 5:00, but this did not stop me from spending way too much. Mostly at Loft, who actually did open at 5:00.

So, it is officially the third day of the holiday season and I have already spent way too much money. Here's a little round up of my Black Friday purchases:

Loft: (Everything 50% off)

Scoopneck Pullover Sweater

Animal Print Henley Blouse

Stripe Button Down Back Sweater

Side Zip Hem Dolman Sleeve Sweater

Striped Long Sleeve Scoopneck Tee

Talbots: (Everything 30% off)

Sparkle Stripe Sweater

J. Crew: (25% off purchase of $150+)

City Mini

I also got the most comfortable crew neck sweatshirt 

ever, but I couldn't find it online anywhere.

Ulta:

Laura Geller Spackle Primer

(In Bronze)

Ulta Polish

(In Concrete Evidence and Taupe on a Rope)

Essie Polish

(In Too Too Hot)

Essie Super Duper Top Coat

Lake Forest Bootery: (Buy 1, get 30% off 2nd item)

(Links to Zappos)

Big Buddha Casi

Minnetonka Side Zip Boot

Yankee Candle: (Buy 2, get 1 free)

White Chocolate Mint

Do any of you go Black Friday shopping every year? 

If you went this year, did you find any great deals?

I'd love to hear your Black Friday tips/stories in case I go again in the future.

xoxo

Cherry White Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cookies

Good Morning Loves!

Hope you've all been well during my not-so-brief blogging absence! I've been getting dressed on a daily basis, promise. But, I haven't gotten home before dark a single time in the past two weeks. Don't believe me? On Monday I left for campus at 1:00 PM and got home from campus at 1:45 AM Tuesday morning. Fun Stuff, let me tell you. So, outfit pictures haven't really been my priority this week, having a constant supply of coffee has been though. And, now that I'm feeling a little bit more awake than the comatose state I've been in all week, I decided I should post something on this little blog of mine. But, then I realized I didn't have any unposted outfit pictures that I liked all that much. So, you're getting a delicious and healthy (until I added chocolate chips) cookie recipe instead. I hope you'll forgive me.

Cherry White Chocolate Chip Applesauce Cookies

Ingredients:

3 Ripe Bananas

2 Cups Rolled Oats

1/3 Cup Applesauce (I used the no-sugar added kind)

1 tsp. Vanilla Extract

1 Tbsp. Ground Flax 

1/2 Cup Dried Cherries

1/2 Cup(ish) White Chocolate Chips

Cinnamon (I didn't measure it. I just threw some in the mixer)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Using a fork, mash the bananas in a bowl.
3. Stir in the remaining ingredients.
4. Mix well.
5. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto a lined baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20 minutes.

Now, keep in mind that these aren't "Oh My Goodness! My friends are going to be amazed by how good these are" cookies. They are designed to be healthy. Now, with that in mind, they are really good for a healthy cookie. Especially since they have no added sugar/flour/eggs/butter. And they are great for when you are on a diet but you're craving something dessert-like that isn't going to wreck the progress you've made.

Let me know if you make them, or if you've ever made an applesauce cookie before!

xoxo

Falling Leaves

Sweater: New York & Co., Shirt: Target, Jeans: JC Penney,

Boots: Steve Madden, Bag: JC Penney (Gift), 

Belt: Anne Klein for Oroton (SG's), Bracelet: Max & Chloe (Gift),

Earrings: Mustard Seed, Necklace: Beau & Stella (Gift)

Hiiii guys!

It's been a while since we've talked. Two weeks, if we're being exact. Feel free to blame my marketing and consumer education professors for that. That's what I'm doing. I hope all has been well with all of you! I've been super busy with school and field work, and I didn't get home before 9:00 a single night last week. And you can't really take outfit pictures in the dark. But, I'm back for a few minutes anyway, before I head out the door to run some errands and probably spend way too much money at Target.

Soooo, I can't stop wearing this sweater. It has been sitting in my closet, barely touched, for probably 5 years now. But all of a sudden I just want to curl up in it and never take it off. I don't ever care that it weighs 300 pounds and visually adds 20, because it is that warm and comfortable. Please tell me I'm not the only person that this happens to once the colder weather rolls in.

Other bloggers out there: Do you ever get bored while taking pictures and start jumping and making ridiculous faces? No? Just me? Because that happened today. My neighbors probably think I'm insane.

Hope you've all had a good week!

Anyone have any fun plans for this weekend?

xoxo

eShakti Review

A little while back I woke up to an email from eShakti asking me to review a product from their online shop. I was thrilled to say the least. I had heard of eShakti before and I was intrigued by their "One size does not fit all and all sizes are not created equal" philosophy. eShakti offers a huge amount of amazing pieces available in both standard and custom sizes ranging from 0-26w. 

So, after spending way too much time looking through all the pieces they offered and emailing a ridiculous amount of links to my friends and family asking their opinions (then ignoring their opinions), I finally decided on a simple dress. I decided to do a custom-sized order and filled out all of my measurements, along with selecting a knee-length hem, on the order form. Because who doesn't want clothes made to their exact measurements?! However, when my dress arrived just over a week later, I took the dress out of it's packaging and knew that it wasn't going to fit. I tried it on, and sadly, I was drowning in it. However, the quality is amazing, and I'm in love with the dress. So, I am going to get it taken in and hope that it is still as great as I had originally hoped it would be.

So, even though my first experience with eShakti wasn't as perfect as I would have hoped, they were amazing to work with and I highly recommend them! The quality of their pieces is fantastic and I plan on ordering from them again in the future, but I'll probably stick to a standard size instead of doing a custom-sized order again.

The dress I ordered isn't available anymore, so you'll have to wait to see it until I get it altered. But here are some of the pieces from eShakti that I am currently loving:

eShakti by aklausmeier52 featuring low tops

Low top, $43
eShakti - Shop Women’s designer fashion dresses, tops| Size 0-26W..., $40
eShakti - Shop Women’s designer fashion dresses, tops| Size 0-26W..., $43
Denim pants, $50
eShakti - Shop Women’s designer fashion dresses, tops| Size 0-26W..., $60
eShakti.com | Monte carlo jacket, $70
eShakti.com | Floral cutwork cotton top, $60
eShakti.com | Post modern love tweed skirt, $50

eShakti2 by aklausmeier52 on polyvore.com

eShakti - Shop Women’s designer fashion dresses, tops| Size 0-26W..., $70
eShakti - Shop Women’s designer fashion dresses, tops| Size 0-26W..., $100
eShakti - Shop Women’s designer fashion dresses, tops| Size 0-26W..., $60
eShakti - Shop Women’s designer fashion dresses, tops| Size 0-26W..., $70
eShakti - Shop Women’s designer fashion dresses, tops| Size 0-26W..., $80
eShakti.com | Fall quartet of hues dress, $90

Let me know if you've ever ordered anything from eShakti, or if you're planning to!

xoxo

Weekend Recap

Hello Lovelies!

I went into this week with the greatest intention of posting almost everyday. But, I am literally drowning in school work right now. I have three exams in the next 36 hours and I'm not prepared for any of them. But, I needed a quick break from my marketing notes, so I decided to write up a quick post about what I've been up to this past week (besides studying and writing business plans).

1. Welcoming the cooler Fall weather by sitting around the fire pit at my mom's house last weekend.
2. My mom's company newsletter is called the buzz (I think), and since their office was featured in it a while back, they got these ridiculous, but seriously comfortable t-shirts. I stole it (because it is so soft) since my mom doesn't wear t-shirts.
3. Enjoying some neon blue nails to brighten my day since it rained all week.
4. The 40 mph wind gusts the past three days have left 99% of the trees completely bare. I hate that we only got to enjoy the fall colors for about a week.
5. (and 6.) Tigger has decided that since it is getting colder outside, she needs to sit on my chest whenever I try to use my computer. I'm not even sure how she managed to do this. I'm not okay with this.

Hope you all had an amazing weekend!

xoxo

Ross Grand Opening

Cardigan, Top, Jeans; Shoes: Target; Bag: JC Penney/Gift; 

Bracelet: Max & Chloe/Gift; Necklace: Beau and Stella/Gift; 

Earrings: The Mustard Seed; Sunnies: Kenneth Cole Reaction 

Hope you all had a good start to your week today! I spent it sitting in three classes, recovering from a weekend of too much shopping. And, while I may have spent way too much money this weekend, I enjoyed every minute of it. My mom is always saying that she wished there was a Ross clothing store close by, and this past weekend, several finally opened up in the Chicago area. So, I headed out to Illinois (yes, again) to go to the grand opening with her. After serveral detours (which my mother ignored), her check engine light coming on, dropping her car off at the shop, and returning to the house to get my car instead, we finally made it to Ross. Just not the one we had originally planned on going to. So, after two trips to Target and a very long trip to Ross, I now have even less room in my closet (which I didn't think was possible). Anyone want to come help me decide what to get rid of in there?

Hope you all had a good weekend!

xoxo

Present pt. 2

Bracelet #1: Mom's

Monogrammed Bracelet: Max & Chloe, gift from Pops

I'm in love with my new monogrammed bracelet! It was part 2 of my birthday present from my pops. It arrived bright and early Tuesday morning. And I really wish there was a video of me trying to get this bracelet on yesterday, because it was kind of ridiculous. You have to squeeze the bracelet and then kind of pop the monogrammed plate into place. And it's really hard to do by yourself. Or maybe I'm just not capable of putting jewelry on by myself that early in the morning. Thank goodness it was easier to do today; I think I'm getting the hang of it. 

Hope you're all having a good week!

xoxo

Weekly Recap

Happy Fall everyone! 

I know yesterday was technically the first day, but I forgot (because my brain is currently being taken over by entrepreneurship and visual merchandising nonsense). Fall hasn't really hit MI yet. Some days it seems like Fall is almost here, then the next morning it is 75 and humid. But that's pretty typical around here. 

Anyway, here's a round up of what I've been up to in the past week (In case you were wondering where I've been):

 

1. I've been drinking way too much coffee again, and enjoying every minute of it.

2. I got to spend last weekend with this cutie, and his brother (who doesn't stop moving long enough to get a picture).

3. My birthday was last week, and I was in love with these bags. The gold polka dots were shimmery! They reminded me of this.

4. Carvel football cake. Because I don't like birthday cake, but I do like ice cream cake and football.

5. The greatest, ridiculously unhealthy sandwich ever. There was probably 10 pounds of cheese and mushrooms on this thing. But it was delicious.

6. How fun is this bathrobe/towel thing (obv. intended for children)?! I kind of wanted to buy it for any child I might have many years from now. In case any of you want little shark (or pirate or monster) towel clad children running around, the towels are at World Market and under $20!

7. I've been making way too much of this "ice cream" lately. It's basically just dark cocoa powder, chocolate protein powder, a little bit of chocolate almond milk, and whatever frozen fruit you want (this one was raspberry). So good!

8. See that white pontiac on the top right side? It was taking up three spaces! The girl got out of her car, looked at it, shrugged and then walked away. Seriously?!

9. My mom ran in her first official 5k last weekend! I was so proud of her! She finished in the time she wanted to and ran the whole way. And she might kill me for posting this. Love you mom!

10. This pizza. Oh my goodness. It is so good. It is covered in fresh herbs, and kind of healthy. And super delicious. 

11. As soon as it drops below 75 degrees Tigger doesn't leave my side. She is such a little snuggler.

12. I've been buying this bulgur and cranberry salad constantly. I kept the lid this time so that I can get the ingredients and make it myself from now on. I'll let you know how it turns out!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend so far!

xoxo