Goals Update: August

I'm not going to lie... this summer has been fun.  And it's been going by really quickly.  I feel like I say that every month, but it's really true.  And I know the month of September is not going to be any slower.  Slower because I have a lot of fun stuff going on in September that I really want to enjoy.

1. Complete at least 2 items from my 101 IN 1,001 LIST each month - Just one this month.  Also, I noticed that I have not been posting as much this year as I have in previous years (side note).  I'm going to try to be better at that.  In any case, I will be completing several things on my list in the month of September.  I'm really looking forward to it.

2. GET IN SHAPE - Based on my letter to myself from earlier this month, this is not happening.  No excuses (because I have been making several for myself).  This needs to happen.

3. EAT BETTER -  This is about the same as usual.  Lots of veggies.  A little better portion control.  I need to make a better effort to pre-plan and prepare meals in advance - especially for lunch.  Also, I need to be better at curbing my cravings, specifically my sweet tooth.

Happy birthday Liam Wiley House!

One year ago today, Lauren and Kevin became parents and I became the aunt of a nephew.

Liam is a smiley guy who laughs at everything and makes the most hilarious faces.  Definitely takes after his parents!!

Happy birthday little dude - I don't get to see you as often as I want, but I love the time I get to spend with you.  :)

First "non work" event

Last night was the first event I organized that was not directly related to my job.  Well, excluding birthday parties or showers or my own personal events I may have done.

As I mentioned, I have been talking and working on some things with the pinup studio.  It has been really exciting conversations and I was looking forward to the first event we were going to put on.  We got it together a little late, so we really only sent out invites a week before.  Within 3 hours of sending out the invite, we had filled out 25 guest limit and had started a waiting list.  Of course with last minute cancellations, my guest list was a crap shoot - okay since I knew we wouldn't be pressed for space.

I manned the door - as any event professional would - and welcomed everyone and made sure they put their name in for the raffles.  We had good turn out of 40 ladies!

It was really fun to just have a casual cocktail party.  They revealed their new deal that is coming up in the fall and gave away some deals and wine.  I think the ladies left feeling excited about what the studio has planned for the future and looking forward to future events.

Me?  I got home after 10pm and wanted to crash.  I am pretty tired today, so it will be an early bedtime to make up for it. :)

Any old Tuesday

Today we have our first cocktail party at the pinup studio.  I'm looking forward to it, but I'm also exhausted.  And, it's crazy humid out today...  good times all around.

And WOW, my bun looks huge in that picture.  I swear it's not that big in real life.

More artwork

This past weekend, I headed up to Milwaukee again to visit with Lauren and Kevin and see Liam for his birthday.  It's amazing that both him and Brody will be a year already!

While I was up there, I stopped by MEM's house to say hi and pick up a frame to use and then swung by Grammy and Papa's to say hello.

I have had this idea for some artwork in my dining room, but as usual, have been second guessing myself.  (What is wrong with me... I am never not head strong in my decision making)

So, of course, I couldn't wait to get started.

Here is what the picture from MEM's house looked like.

I saved the poster for her and just wanted to use the frame.

I didn't get pictures of this whole process, but I used some high gloss white spray paint that I had left from previous projects.

Then, a few months ago, I bought this box of pantone postcards on Amazon.  My plan was to use these for art work - sort of like paint chip art that is so popular right now.

It took a couple hours while the frame was drying to figure out how I wanted to assemble the postcards.

After I had them laid out in a way I liked them, I went through and taped them all together so they wouldn't slide around.  Then, I taped them onto the piece of foam board that was in the back of the original artwork.

Here is the finished piece...

And the finished piece in its new home.

I'm really happy with it and it makes me feel better that after over a year, I finally have some artwork in my dining room.

Is this week over yet?

I am the only one that seems to be having the week from hell?  It is crawling by and my mood seems to be getting worse as the week goes on.  Also, I'm getting really lazy.  This morning I barely put makeup on (I used to excuse that my skin needed a break - totally justified) and I only dried the roots of my hair (because come on, my hair needed a break too)!

Also, the dress I am wearing today I am wearing out of comfort.  It is one of two dresses I have ever purchased from Target... not that I don't WANT to buy dresses from Target, but because nothing EVER fits right at Target.  Nothing.  Ever.  I can buy shoes, accessories and cardigans from Target.  That's it.

Anyways, I saw this on a friend years ago and immediately went out to buy it.  I don't wear it often, because the waist is a little too high (shocker), but it has earned the price I paid for it.  So I keep it around for occasions like this.  Days when I don't really care and I just want to be comfy.

Since moving to Chicago, I have developed a really judgy hobby of analyzing and critiquing people's outfits/style when I am walk Samson around my neighborhood.  I have seen some crazy things.  The other day, I saw this guy.... with this backpack.

Seriously.

Also, why I'm on a random tangent.  I just finished ready Mindy Kaling's book, Is Everyone Hanging out Without Me?  (And Other Concerns), and this particular page had me laughing out loud in my bed.  She was talking about one night stands.  How she has never had one and doesn't understand why they are preceived as something everyone must do.

I laughed especially because she is so easily distracted and come on... that bit about not wearing underwear - hilarious.

If you are a single, 30-something (or really any woman looking for a quick distraction), I suggest this book.  It is a super quick read and there were several parts I just laughed out loud with.

And there is your random post for the week.  Tomorrow some of my grade school girlfriends are coming over for a casual dinner and hang out and then on Saturday, I am heading up to Milwaukee for Liam's 1st birthday party.

Is it September yet?

When Sh*t gets real...

*Alternative title: Why being a grown up sucks.

I'm sure you noticed that about 90% of the time on this blog, it's all sunshine.  Outfit posts, funny/bad dating experiences, my foray into decorating.  The truth is, I sensor myself here.  I sensor myself because I am afraid to share some things with the family and friends that I know are reading this.  Why?  Good question.  Maybe because airing my frustrations and concerns is scary.  It's documented.  It's not like I told it to you in conversation and then can deny it later.

While my decision to move back to Chicago could not have been better, this past year has not been all roses and nights out with the ladies.  There are large parts of it that suck.

At the beginning of the summer, I started to feel really off.  I felt noncommittal about everything.  Nothing made me feel excited anymore.  I just felt blah all the time.  I also was feeling increasingly frustrated with my friend situation in Chicago.  Realizing that I cannot solely rely on a few select friends to keep me entertained (because they also have other things to do)... I started to feel really down.  In a discussion I had with Brooke, I realized that maybe I am a bit depressed.  I know myself enough to know when something isn't right... and something definitely isn't right.

This summer has helped a bit, getting out and doing things.  But it's not back to normal.

I'm sure some of this has to do with just general life stress.  And maybe addressing those stresses will help alleviate my issue... and maybe it won't.

I am taking steps to handle those stresses in my life and focus on things that will help take my life in the direction I want it to be going.  And if that doesn't work, then I have my regularly scheduled doctor's appointment where I can talk with her about how I have been feeling.  And figure out where to go from there.

A letter to myself

Dear self:

Okay.

So, you have really enjoyed your summer this year.  You have done fun things.  You got out of your apartment. You feel better about how you used your free time than you did last year.  It's been a great summer.

But some things definitely slacked because of it.  Mainly, working out.

Let's be honest, there have been multiple times where you have looked in the mirror or just felt crappy and thought - ugh,  I need to get in shape.

So... no more waiting.  We need to make things happen.

This summer was about getting out and having a good time with family and friends.  This fall is going to be about you.  We are getting back in shape.  No more wishing you looked better... we are making it happen.

You have three weeks left of summer and then vacation.  After vacation, we need to make a workout schedule and stick to it.  No more complaining about how tired you are.  No more wasting your gym membership.

We are making this happen!


Motivating you in love,

Me


*I will share my workout schedule (with hopefully some help from Lauren).

Finally, some art in the bedroom

I don't know what my problem has been with decorating this place.  As my mom could attest (based on the number of "ugh, I don't know"s that I utter when we are out shopping), I've been having a hard time committing to decor ideas/purchases for my apartment.  Maybe its the fact that everything is costing me money right now and I'm trying to be cautious of how I am spending my money.

Also, I blog/internet stalk a lot of websites.... a lot.  About a year ago, I found Brittany Fuson Paper online and love her adorable fashion illustrations.  Let's me honest, I LOVE all kinds of fashion prints.  I have a whole pinterest board just for fashion prints and I already have some Inslee By Design prints in my hallway.

So imagine my excitement when I see a post on facebook that Brittany Fuson was having a half off sale on a bunch of her prints.  That was enough to push me to order four of my favorites.

My initial thought was the buy wide mats in various colors to play up the colors in the illustrations and then buy some simple white frames.  After cruising around Michael's, I decided that I was just going to go simple white mats and silver frames.

I think my decision was better than my original plan.  The white mats and silver frames make the prints stand out more and will be easier to transition to future homes/spaces.

I love them and I love how artwork in my bedroom is finally (over a year later) making it look like I actually live there.  It takes it from an apartment to my home.

Now, if I can just buy a real mirror to hang instead of the makeshift one I have.  Oh, and if I can finally find some throw pillows to make my bed look more pulled together.

*I also have some ideas for artwork in my dining room (the last space that really needs something) and also in the bathroom to make it a little less utility.  Maybe another year from me.

**I kid about the year.... hopefully.

Has this week been shitty for anyone else?

Because it has sucked for me.

How is it possibly only Thursday?!

Yesterday, I had one of those days where I wanted to punch everyone.  It was rough.

Then, I had a rescheduled meeting with Heather about event planning.  I grabbed a bottle of wine on my way out the door because it was that kind of day.   My meeting with Heather went really well (and the wine certainly helped my mood).  It was nice to have a fun, creative discussion with a woman I admire for her creativity.

The rest of this week is pretty slow for me, which I am excited about.  Lots of lounging on my couch and getting some stuff done around my apartment.

*This post really doesn't give you anything important or exciting.  Just popping in to write something.

Easy Breezy Tuesday

Man, I am tired.  I am still trying to catch up from my weekend in Atlanta and last weekend up in Milwaukee.

I really had a good time up at the Wisconsin State Fair, eating and drinking all of my favorite things....

We had so much fun that we wore Liam out...  Poor guy might have gone one too many times to the fair.

And in a totally unrelated story... this is what I am wearing to work today.  Its supposed to be a high of 70 which is perfect to get another wear of my white jeans before its September.  The shirt is new from Express that I picked up this weekend and I LOVE it.

And Leslie, I picked up several new great things at Gap and Express this past weekend that will make it on my packing list.... TBD. :)

Thinking about packing 30 days before I actually travel

Yesterday I had a pretty hilarious conversation with Leslie (Hi Leslie!) about packing for my upcoming trip to Barcelona and Paris.

I realize that I have spoken much about this trip (yet) on the blog.  Mostly, this is because I'm so freaking excited about it and if I talk about it all the time, this will be the longest 30 days of my life.

So, I'm not talking about it too much - but it is quickly approaching.  And thinking about the packing is making me nervous.  Which is what Leslie and I started talking about.  I promised her that as it gets closer to the trip, I will post details about the outfits I plan to wear (because I will NOT look like a tourist - I refuse!).

In the meantime, there are a few things on my blog that would be good outfits/items to pack.  Like....

This outfit - with different shoes.
The Jardin skirt - either the blue or the purple - or both
Definitely this skirt - because its awesome!
This jacket and pants - because they are versatile
Of course this sweater - and blazer probably
Probably this top - it's easy to dress it up
And definitely something like this - layers, layers, layers


So at least there are my starting ideas.

One year - the permanent deletion

Almost exactly one year ago, I wrote a post about the final closing of my house and my last relationship.

Words cannot express how nice of a year it has been not having to deal with my ex or that house.  In the back of my mind, I was constantly prepared for a random email about a problem in which I would have to communicate with him.

In truth, it never happened (A-freaking-MEN!).  So today, I did what I have been looking forward to.  I officially deleted his contact information from my phone.

I'd like to take a moment to recognize this achievement....

Conferences, conferences everywhere

Sorry for the random absence, although I guess recently I haven't posted every day so you probably didn't even notice.  :)

This past weekend and through Tuesday I was down in Atlanta for a conference with my peers.  I always enjoy attending conferences as an actual attendee as opposed to working it.  I stayed with Sara from my old office and had a great time.  It was nice to catch up with people I haven't seen in a while and make some new friends.

I'm pretty tired so I'm looking forward to heading up to Milwaukee this weekend to visit with Lauren, Kevin and Liam and go to the State Fair (fried food and cream puffs, oh my!).

And just to round out this incredibly pointless post, here is an outfit pic.   Is it Friday yet???

*shirt - Ann Taylor, skirt- Jcrew, shoes - payless

Birthday Pinup Shoot

If you remember, almost two weeks ago, I mentioned briefly a birthday pinup shoot.

A little back story for you.

I have recently been speaking with Heather, who is the owner of Vavoom Pinups (website has music) about helping run some events for Vavoom.  Four of us "vets" were invited to participate as VP Contributors and help really beef up some of Vavoom's activities and presence in Chicago.

During this meeting Heather started talking about some future ideas she had which lead to me mentioning (not so subtly) that my birthday was the day after our meeting.  And thus, the impromptu Friday birthday shoot was born.

Since it was my birthday shoot, I decided to pick up a few birthday related props.  First were a bunch of balloons from Party City.  *Side note, I need to buy balloons more often.  They just make you feel happy!

Then, I stopped at Molly's Cupcakes on Clark to get a few fun looking cupcakes.  I also had some confetti and candles at my house to use.

As I mentioned last time I did a shoot, the first thing you get to do when you arrive is get your hair and makeup done.  Being the last person of the evening and know having chatted with Sara, the hair stylist a few times, it was nice to have a nice time just chatting with the girls. I snagged a couple of pictures of the getting ready process.

 They had some new water glasses at the studio - how adorable are they?!

 This is Sara perfecting my 'do.  I'm sure she would be thrilled by this picture.  Sorry Sara!

After my hair and makeup were done, I was just sitting and chatting waiting for the girl before me to finish and for Heather to put out a few fires for the next morning.

The shoot was a ton of fun.  By the time we got started, it was just Heather and I left in the studio.  We took a few shots with the balloons, a few shots with the cupcakes and then I put on my black high waisted bikini for a few final shots just to round out the shoot.  There was TONS of laughing and I had a really great time with the shoot.

It's amazing how much more comfortable I was with Heather the second time around.  Not that I wasn't comfortable the first time, but the second time was different.  Also, it's addictive.  So there's that. :)

After the shoot, Heather and I sat and looked at the pictures (and got another good laugh in).  She touched up a photo while we were sitting there talking, which was really interesting to see their process.  I ended up leaving the studio around 12:30am that night.

Here's the photo she touched up while I was there.

photo by Vavoom Pinups

#56 - Travel First Class

I can't believe I forgot to post this..... I did get to travel first class for the first time.

Thanks to my mom and her awesome miles program, I was able to fly first class out to my trip to NYC!

I tried to grab a picture, but what was I going to take a picture of?  Plus, it's not cool to exploit first class people... seriously.  :)

Goals Update: July

I don't know what happened, but July went by so quickly, that I didn't realize I didn't post an update until August 2nd.

1. Complete at least 2 items from my 101 IN 1,001 LIST each month - I did this one and this one (almost forgot about the second).  I know a few more will be accomplished in the next couple of months.  Also, in looking through the list, there are some I'm just not interested in accomplishing anymore.  I guess that can happen when you write a list almost two years ago.

2. GET IN SHAPE - Fail.  Totally fail.  I need to get back into this ASAP.

3. EAT BETTER -  Well, I did that cleanse which was interesting (to say the least).  I have been eating pretty well (with exception to my trip to NYC).  The great bonus to the cleanse is that I seem to eat smaller portions before I get full.  I'm hoping I can contain that and not get back to where I was before.