Goals Update: June

Sunday will be the first day on July, which means the year is technically half over already.  I can't believe how quickly time is flying past.  Do you ever feel like you just can't keep up?


June had glimpses of being a productive month, and then it wasn't.  But then it was again.  Bouncing back and forth has made me a crazy, moody mess.


The bank approved the offer on the house, but then they wouldn't finalize the paperwork until we were default on the mortgage.  So, we didn't pay June.  Then I hear that it shows we paid June.... lots of back and forth emails and still, as of today - June 29th, nothing.  Which means we will be  paying the HOA in July, not paying the mortgage, and hope that the bank finally gets their act together.


In June, I also found an apartment I liked.  After two weeks of back and forth about filling out an application, I did.  Then I was told I was approved and we set up a time to fill out the lease.  Then the day of the lease signing, I was told I filled out the OLD application and I needed to complete the new one.  Now I'm still waiting to hear that everything is okay and we can move forward with the lease.  The plan was to take over the current tenant's lease as of July 15th.... which is soon.  So an answer would be awesome.

I think my anxiousness to close the door on that part of my life has caused me to be very impatient.  So fingers crossed this stuff gets resolved soon.  Like today... :)


Anyways, the point of this post, the goals update...


1. WORK ON MY 101 IN 1,001 LIST - I was certainly trying.  I have a couple of books to finish reading that were recommended by friends.  I should spend some weekend time trying to figure these out and get back on track.  I may re-evaluate some of those goals and change them to things more important now, but we'll see.

2. SAY "YES" MORE OFTEN - Not a lot of instances for me to take advantage of this has come up, but I anticipate this will change in July.

3. SAVE, SAVE, SAVE - I gotta tell you, not paying a mortgage in June allowed me to save $1,600 without blinking (and thanks to my parents letting me crash at their place).  Thank goodness too, because when I do eventually sign a lease that's pretty much going right back out of my pocket.  The good news, the apartment I found was much cheaper than I was preparing to pay, so I will be able to continue to put away money.  


Who's ready for July (aka the month of my 3-0 birthday)??? :)

101

It's supposed to be 101 today.

Today's look was purely decided on STAYING COOL.  I had concerns with wearing this dress to my old office because it was too short, but the relaxed dress code here makes me feel more comfortable.  To try to reduce that "babydoll" effect, I paired it with wedges and a top knot.

It's all about easy and breezy. :)

*dress - JCrew, shoes - BP from Nordstrom, necklace - from Melissa

Navy and Yellow

I LOVE how comfortable (and cute) this tank top is from Gap.  I should've bought it in a few colors.

This is pretty nautical/preppy for me.  And I'm super comfy.

*skirt & cardigan - JCrew, shirt - Gap, shoes - Steve Madden

I picked these shoes up randomly when my mom and I made a pit stop into Famous Footwear.  I had been keeping an eye out for nude peep toes and these were on the clearance rack.  I love that they are just a little different with the glitter heel.

Perspective

Nothing helps wipe a bad mood like a finding a nice outfit and looking great.  At least it's a good distraction.

*skirt/shirt/cardigan/bracelet - JCrew outlet, shoes - payless, necklace - Very Jane (a great knock off to the JCrew bubble necklace)

Weekend Wrap up

I would officially like a do-over from this last weekend.  My work trip did not go well and I headed home feeling deflated.

I really miss how respected I felt at my previous place of employment.  Here, I feel like I am constantly struggling to prove that I know what I'm talking about.  I'm still trying to get a grasp of what exactly my responsibilities and I feel lost.

The people are great - and it's really nice to work in such a flexible environment but my self-esteem when it comes to work has taken a serious downgrade.

It didn't help that this weekend was filled with short, arrogant men who had no interest in treating me like anything other than their young paralegal.

I was going to actually spend this blog talking about my work frustrations and lack of confidence right now, but I don't really feel like it anymore.

The only redeeming part of the weekend was getting to visit with Lis, Justin and Kayla yesterday for a while. Kayla was so giggling, you can't help but be happy.

I'm really looking forward to having some fun this week and upcoming weekend.

Industry Event

I mentioned before about my black-tie optional event and trying to find an outfit.  Well, that event was last night.  

You may also recall that I have "attend a black tie event" on my 101 list.  I'm actually not going to count this one.  I would like that black tie event to be something for fun (not that this event wasn't fun).  Anyways...

I went to the event as a guest of Vancouver and I had a blast.  I managed to grab a few quick shots of the finished outfit before my dad rushed me out the door.

 *Dress - Nordstrom, shoes - some tiny little mall shop - no name brand

*grabbed a closer shot of the makeup in my dad's car (better lighting)!

Sorry for the short post, I'm heading to Dallas for the night in a few minutes.

Maxi

This is my first attempt with a maxi dress.  Thankfully, the yellow at the Gap seemed the be longer than any of the other colors.

*dress - Gap, Cardigan - Jcrew, belt - Target, shoes - Victoria's Secret (old)

Hot, Hot, Hot

For the last two days, it's been over 70 degrees at 5:30am while I'm out walking Samson.  It feels almost as humid in the apartment when we get back.  There is zero percent chance that I will be drying my hair while it is this hot out.

So....  wet hair in a top knot it is.  My mom is calling this my "summer do" because every day when I get home, I throw it up into a knot.  To be honest, it's lazy and I don't want to think about hair on my neck when it's so humid out.

Three cheers for the top knot being at least sort of in style.

*outfit by Jcrew - shirt and skirt from the Factory store, sandals are old

More popcorn tricks

I've heard from several people that read this blog that they have tried my popcorn trick I talked about earlier and love it.  It is seriously amazing for anyone that loves to have popcorn (which is most of the women in my family).

A couple weekends ago, my mom and I ventured out to the Evanston Farmer's Market.  While we were there, my mom found this "Microwave popcorn" at one of the farm vendors.  So what is this?  It's essentially one of those dried up ears of corn (with the kernels) that you frequently see in fall decor.  What they said you do is pop it directly into a brown paper bag and throw it (the entire kernel) in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.  Then TADA!  Popcorn.

Here's a few photos I snapped when making it yesterday.

Placing the whole ear of corn in the brown paper bag....

After 2-3 minutes.... kernel is almost completely clean (and super hot)...

I add some salt and butter and it is good to go.  Honestly, my mom and I are somewhat obsessed with it.  It has a heavier texture than traditional microwave popcorn and has more of a "corn" taste... I know that sounds ironic, but that's the best way to describe it.

If you have a farmer's market near you, I recommend stopping by and seeing if anyone carries it.  My mom and I are stocking up (6 ears for $5) each weekend....  

How is it June 18th already?

I cannot even comprehend how it is June 18th already?  Seriously, we are officially less than a month away from my birthday (which I've always unofficially considered the middle of summer).  I feel like I still just moved here.

This weekend was pretty low key (sorry Dad).  My mom and I did manage to head out to the suburbs to visit my grandparents.  They recently moved out of the home I remember them living is my entire childhood and into an apartment in the town over.  Their apartment is nice but it was is hard to imagine them living somewhere else.

It was HOT yesterday (and supposed to be even hotter today and tomorrow), so I tried to dress for the weather.

I bought this dress from JCrew during a clearance sale over a year ago (maybe two) and this was the first time I wore it.  Plus my new fedora from Target.

*dress - Jcrew (old), shoes - Gap, hat - Target

Happy Friday!

I've noticed that some people post their "week by pictures".  I think I want to try this.  Stay tuned... maybe I'll remember to talk enough pictures next week.  In the meantime, some randoms for your Friday!

Fried Pickle Chips from Weiner and Still Champion - Awesome!

My favorite summer color combo right now - yellow and royal blue. (new tank top from Gap - super comfy)

Vacation

The last couple of days, my mom and I have been talking about using a week of their interval and taking a vacation for my birthday...

Now I've been restless dreaming about vacation.  (I know, we were just in Hawaii in October, but that feels like years ago)

doesn't that look wonderful?  That's not really what we would be doing...

source

I'm just thankful it's Thursday.

Love him.

Enjoying sitting by the lake

Changing Tastes

It's funny how foods that you absolutely hated when you were a kid become some of your favorite things when you are older.

Most recently, I have discovered that I love brussels sprouts.  I can't believe I actually just wrote this.  Yes, I really like brussels sprouts.  I love them roasted with a little salt and pepper.  They are delicious.  Sometimes I just want to have brussels sprouts for dinner and then I remember this episode of Big Bang Theory and think that may not be the best idea.  (please watch the video, it's hilarious and it won't let me embed it in my blog post)

When I make them, I spread them on a baking sheet, drizzle olive oil on them, sprinkle with salt and pepper (and sometimes garlic powder YUM) and roast at 425 for 20 minutes.  Delicious.

Here are a couple of recipes I pinned that are pretty easy.  I'm going to try the shredded brussels sprouts with bacon soon!

Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic

source

Shredded Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

source

Multiples of the same

When I was younger and on a shopping trip with my mom (and probably sisters and grandma), I remember learning early on that if I found an article of clothing that I really liked and it was a good staple item, that you get it in more than one color.

I do this A LOT!  I have the same cut of cardigan from JCrew in 4-5 colors because it's my favorite style.  I buy short sleeve shirts in multiple colors and sometimes even shoes.

Last week I realized that I had a $50 card from JCrew sitting in my purse about to expire.  Not one to waste $50 at JCrew (because that stuffs expensive), I went searching through the sale items to see what I could find.  It didn't take long.  On the second page, was my favorite jardin skirt - in blue - on sale for $60.  (You can see my previous outfits with my purple jardin skirt here, here, here, here and here).  Clearly, I was not passing up purchasing the blue one.

It arrived in the mail yesterday and I am not one to waste a new piece of clothing! :)

*skirt, belt and sweater - JCrew, shoes - Payless, necklace - Old Navy

This skirt makes me happy.

The "fashion mullet"

For the longest time when the "high-low" hem came out, I was skeptical.  It seems silly.

But over time, it's been growing on me.  I bought this dress from Target when I was up in Milwaukee a couple of weeks ago because it was pretty cheap and looked comfortable.

The jury is still out on the high-low hem for me.  I think it's going to depend on the article of clothing.

*dress & Belt - Target, cardigan - Jcrew (old), sandals - Gap (old)

Weekend Redux

After spending 7 hours in Nordstrom on Friday afternoon (not just shopping for me), I was able to find a dress I could wear to this black tie optional dinner later this month.

source - obviously I'm not a skinny, small-chested blonde, but you get the idea.

It was not at all what I had set out to wear, but it's a really nice dress and it's pretty versatile.  Which is a plus!

After shopping, we headed out to the Navy Pier Beer Garden to watch Mike & Joe play.  It was a little weird to watch them play AFTER college, since they seemed to play there frequently.

On Saturday, I was planning on seeing an apartment with my dad.  Unfortunately, I got a call while we were on our way saying they had received an application for the apartment that morning.  So frustrating!! For the rest of the afternoon, I worked on invites for Lauren's baby shower.  I didn't feel like going out that night so my parents and I went to see Snow White & the Huntsman.  It was alright, kind of long in the middle.  Charlize Theron was amazing, but Kristen Stewart was uninspiring.  I don't have high hopes for her as an actress.

On Sunday, my mom and I spent most of the day shopping.  In what was supposed to be a few quick stops turned into over an hour at Joanne Fabrics and then a handful of stops after that.  Luckily, we were successful in all of our trips.  I finished up Lauren's invites that evening just in time for the True Blood season premier - my favorite way to spend Sunday nights!

The clouds parted...

...and the sun shined down on me today.

You guys...

The bank accepted the offer on my house!!

THE. BANK. ACCEPTED. THE. OFFER. ON. MY. HOUSE!!!!!!

I'm a little bit in shock that this actually happened. I wanted to cry from relief in my office.

This has been a really long process - since October - with its own shares of ups and downs.

There are still details to work out and the actually closing date, but this is the biggest news that I've been waiting to hear.

Happy Friday indeed.

Happy Friday!

Today is going to be a good day.

I'm done with work at 1:30pm.

I'm heading downtown to do a little shopping on Michigan Ave.

I'm hanging out at Navy Pier this evening watching Mike & Joe in the beer garden.

It's going to be a good Friday.

Also, remember when I posted this nail inspiration?  Well, I found some neon yellow nail polish...

I love it.

Happy Summer

Summer is rocking out to some great 70s classic rock with your giant sunglasses on.

That is all.

Summertime in Chicago

Summertime in Chicago is the time I've been waiting for the most.  There are so many fun things to do in the city when it's warm.

Yesterday was my first night of doubles beach league.  I gotta say... riding my (dad's) bike along the lakefront to the sand courts down in North Avenue beach was about as summer-in-Chicago as you can get.

It makes me excited to be home... and excited about all the fun stuff I will get to do.

The volleyball itself was rocky, but it will get better.  Transitioning from indoor to sand is difficult.  Good thing I will be playing two nights a week pretty soon.  (This better help with my exercise/get in shape plan!)

The only shot of the courts I managed to grab last night.  I was dog-tired.

A little love

Continuing a streak of amazing outfits - Emma Stone.  Hair. Makeup. Outfit.  Awesome.

I heart you Emma.

*2012 MTV Movie Awards - source

Primary Colors

This weekend FLEW by!

It was nice to hang out with the family up in Milwaukee on Saturday for Renata's 8th grade graduation party.  The weather was amazing.  Melissa and Justin left directly from the party to their wedding, so I was left with Kayla.  Overall, she was pretty good.  She was fairly clingy at the party (didn't even notice mom and dad left) and by 5pm, she was dragging.  We got into the car (a half decent drive - meaning she left half of it and the other half she whined for food from the back.  Way to go parents, leaving my snack-less in the car!)

Once we got home, she ate a very tiny bit, took a bath and got ready for bed.  She went to bed fairly easy (waved bye-bye to me and then cried for a second) and really didn't wake up again until 9ish.  I gave her milk (that she refused before bed) and she fell back asleep pretty easily. 

Aside from one wake up around midnight (which M&J tell me she probably was crying in her sleep), she was good.

My sleep, on the other hand, was terrible.  I blame myself because I was mostly worried that any noise she made (and she is a noisy sleeper) that she was going to wake up.

On Sunday,  my dad and I drove around and looked at apartments.  We didn't get to see as many as I hoped with the Chicago Apartment Finders, but I may have a second visit later this week.  We saw a really cute one bedroom in Andersonville that I liked.  I'm emailing with that woman this week but she also has some other interest.  This finding apartments in Chicago right now thing is pretty cut-throat and I'm not feeling very competitive about it.  Maybe it's because I haven't seen a place that I have really wanted.  I liked this place, but I don't really want to fight between two other women for it.  We'll see what happens.

Today I have my first game for the summer beach league.  I'm nervous and excited.  It will be a lot of fun (and some old teammates are playing too - Brooke and Megan) but I haven't played beach in a few years.  I'm going to be rusty.

Since I haven't done a outfit post in a while, here's my "primary colors" outfit for today.  I love this bright yellow cardigan and my cobalt blue skirt. 

*Skirt & Sweater - JCrew Outlet, shoes - Nine west outlet (old)

Summer Plaid

You know what happens when you have Friday afternoon off of work, you just bought some new nail polishes, and you've been browsing pinterest?  This:

Yep, I'm calling it my summer plaid.  Not sure how long it will last, but it's fun for now.

Inspired by this pin.

Have a great weekend everyone!  I'm seeing my Milwaukee family tomorrow and babysitting Kayla for an overnight.  This should be interesting.

Hunger Games

I know this is way late to the game. I wanted these as soon as I saw they were even something I could buy.

Browsing through the Ulta sale rack, I find these gems! Guess who's super excited?!

Skin Care

For as long as I can clearly remember, I've always washed my face regularly.  Almost every day, I end up washing it twice - once in the morning and once before bed.  On occasion, I may only wash it once, but that is not on days that I wear makeup.

Having oily skin (which I HATED as a teen and am growing to appreciate now) make me prone to breakouts and sitting around/sleeping with makeup on was a big no-no!

I by no means use anything special.  I showed you my skincare products in this post earlier.  My drugstore/grocery store face wash is not ground-breaking.

Two weeks ago, my mom and I stopped into Sephora so that I could pick up some hair tonic (love this stuff).  They were having a promotion on the Clarisonic Mia system.  So my mom offered to buy one for me.

I had never really been interested in the cleaning systems.  I didn't really understand the hype.  But how could I pass up such a nice offer!

It's green - of course!

The Clarisonic Mia is apparently the smaller, more travel-friendly version of the famous facial cleaning system.

I have to tell you... I LOVE IT!

For the last two weeks I have used it to wash my face at night - after a day of wearing makeup.  And my skin feels awesome.  It's so soft and feels super clean.

If you are looking for something to help with your skincare routine, I suggest the Mia.  Online it looks like there are still some places offering discounts on the system.

*I feel I should state that I am no way being paid to endorse this product.  It's something new I've been using and wanted to share it with you all.