Well hello there!

Yikes!  I haven't written since May 7th.   Sorry about that!

I guess I hadn't had much to write about so I just figured why bother.  And honestly, I didn't really mind it.  I basically forgot I had a blog.  Maybe that's an indication?  We'll see.

So here's a little update I have for you:

JOB:
Still none.  I'm still job searching daily and applying to things that I am qualified for and am interested in.  But it isn't a lot.  I'm still waiting to hear from this head hunter about a job he contacted me about in April, so we'll see.  I really hope something comes up soon because I am honestly bored with not working and really tired of not having any money.

FOOT:
The foot is good.  I got the all clear from my doctor last Thursday so I won't be seeing her again unless I want her to remove the toenail completely because it's bothering me.  The nail is slowly growing in and she says that I won't really get the whole thing back, so we'll see.  I'm really more worried about what it looks like than I thought I would be.  At least I can fully function.

GYM:
I started back to the gym last week.  I waited a week longer than I wanted to because I was afraid I was going to do something to my toe.  But it's honestly been great.  I haven't been running or jumping yet, but soon.  I'm not really in a rush, especially since I'm not playing volleyball right now.

DATING:
Nothing much was happening on this front for a long time.  Guy #2 basically pulled excuse after excuse, so that was that.  Last week I went out with a new guy from Match.  He is very nice.  We went out again last night - so we'll see.  He's fun to hang out with, but I'm not sure I really feel attracted to him.

I snagged an outfit photo before my date last night

OTHERS:
This month has seemed really busy.  One of my old teammates got married two weeks ago and a bunch of my teammates were in town to celebrate.  We had a great weekend reconnecting and just having a blast.  I snagged a couple photos from the pretty crazy week.

 Me and Tera take a selfie

 Sprangers, Tera, Amanda, Me and Brooke

Then there were shots and fishbowl drinks - and things got crazy!

 Amanda and I heading off to the wedding

 Wedding attire - Sprangers, Amanda, Tera, Me, T, Brooke

 A little Sunday Funday in the cab ride home with Amanda and Brooke

 Finally, I took a leap of faith and entered a pinup contest with the MOTOBLOT event.  Shockingly, I made it to the top 20!!!!  That means I have to be onsite for the event on the 14th of June for audience voting.  EEEK!  I'll be spending the next couple of weeks practicing my pinup poses, picking out what I'm going to wear and figuring out my hairstyles!

Who wants an outfit post?

I will admit, being unemployed and finally back from surgery has made Megan a very boring girl.  :)

Last Friday marked one official week of being out of the boot.  It's a great feeling and I'm really looking forward to getting back into some regular shoes.  So far, I have been wearing flats, keds, sperrys or tennis shoes.  With Marie's wedding coming up next weekend, I'm trying to save all my heel time for then.

I finally took the CAE exam last Friday.  It was stressful and mentally exhausting and now I have to wait 6-8 weeks to find out if I passed or not.  Talk about stressful.

Now that I don't have to feel like staying at home to study, I am trying to get back out and do things.  Thankfully, my friend Jes is really great about inviting me to free things, like seeing the premier of Neighbors last night with her and a few friends.  So, I took the opportunity to take a little outfit photo, since lately it seems I don't get out of my sweats (or take a shower).  Go me. (ahem)

Since I lost some weight (right around the time I was let go from work), my jeans have all not fit very well.  This pair used to be SUPER tight.  Now they are like slightly baggy in the butt skinny jeans.  Come on summer, so I don't have to wear pants anymore.  The sweater I got while shopping on my last trip to San Fran.   Also, HAIR AND MAKEUP people.... HAIR AND MAKEUP.

While I am still working to find a job (please GOD soon), I need to remember to shower and make an effort to get out in public.  It really would help with my mental health.

Your Monday filler - An Outfit Post

It's been a while since I've posted an outfit post.  Mainly because this dismal winter weather has really reduced my interest in making an effort to get dressed for work.  My jeans and oversized sweaters have gotten a workout this winter.

Today it is supposed to me in the mid 50s!!!  So I am taking some springier clothes out to breathe!  Also, I'm trying to wear some normal shoes before my surgery.  Two-three weeks in a walking boot is not going to be enjoyable for me.

*shirt - Express, Jeans - Gap, shoes - Target, Scarf - Old Navy (old)

Hello blog

For a second there I completely forgot I had a blog.  I traveled again last week for work, and now I have over a month of no travel.  I can't wait.

Since it's been a while since I posted any outfit posts, I snapped a quick picture this morning.

I love when I can find ways to sneak in wearing my workout pants to work.

The sweater is a new purchase from a boutique in San Francisco that I bought over the weekend.

So here's an outfit post (not sure why its so blurry) to hold you over while I work on a blog post about my date last weekend from Match.

*boots - old navy (old), sweater - Ideeli boutique, pants - target

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone!

I'm openly admitting that I was/am not happy about having to go back to work.  I really enjoyed my 10 days off.  It was very busy at times, but I enjoyed that.

I wasn't planning on doing anything for NYE, but my friend Jes invited me to be her date to the party at the Palmer House.  I figured, since I have not ever been to one of those big hotel parties, I should give it a shot.  Plus, I have a good time hanging out with Jes.

I threw an outfit together - and tried to work it with my newly darkened hair.  :)

It really was an interesting party - though we only stayed for a couple of hours.  Celebrated midnight and then headed off to another bar where Jes's friends were hanging out.

Cookie Party Recap

Sorry I am overdue with this post.  It's been a busy couple of days since the party.  Samson and I had a rough Sunday and I stayed home on Monday to keep an eye on him.

Anyways, the party was great.  A good mix of people and most came and stayed for a pretty decent amount of time.  I'm glad so many of my family could come out and a few friends who happen to be in town at the perfect time!

I tried to snag a few photos of the layout before everyone arrived - and an outfit shot, because I know at least one of you would ask...

In my cleaning frenzy that morning, I had to move all the wrapped presents from the floor of my dining room to under the tree (really where they belong).  I definitely think gifts under the tree completes the whole "Christmas tree" feeling.  Only downside - less of my cute tree skirt was showing! :)

I borrowed the drink bucket from my parents again which works out perfectly to stick cold bottles of wine and beer in.  That way people don't have to grab stuff from the kitchen.  It's not showing in this picture, but you can see it in the background of the photo of Samson.

The buffet that I DIY from the Ikea shelves, is the perfect place to layout the drink section.

This year I made a few more appetizers than I did last year.  Surprisingly, I still had a lot of cookies leftover after the party.  My family will be happy I still have some for next week.

Finally, this is officially becoming Samson's spot during parties.  He provides him the escape from people's feet, but also gives him prime location to scout innocent party goers who are willing to give him treats.

As soon as I put the cookies out he started camping out there.  My guardian.

As for what I wore, it was kind of spur of the moment.  I like this shirt because it's festive without being obnoxious.  That being said, there were quite a few Christmas sweaters at my party.  I may have to think about that for next year.

After spending countless hours watching youtube tutorials on vintage hairstyles and all the makeup application tutorials, I feel pretty confident that I can get a very vintage look without too much work.  It's definitely becoming my go to look for parties.

 The shirt I got last year from Express; skirt is old from Macys.

Finally, a closer look at the hair and makeup thanks to a goofy Instagram selfie.

Oh - hey, an outfit post

It's been a while.  And I'm generally been too distracted to bother getting dressed for work.  Call it the cold weather, or my general work frustration, or something else.

I know there is an ebb and flow where I want to make an effort at work because it mentally makes me feel better.  And then I get lazy and just want to be comfortable.

So yeah....  there you go.

This is a fluffer post. :)  But who doesn't love fushia tights?

*boots - Old Navy (old), tights - Target, skirt - INC (old), sweater - Jcrew, scarf - Old Navy

December already...

It's crazy - December comes so quickly each year.

I was planning to write a longish - emotionally centric - post about the holiday time, but then I wore my new coat and felt it deserved a post.

So the emotional post will have to wait until later this week.

In the meantime, VINTAGE COAT!!! :)

Also, I had this alternative wreath idea pinned for over a year and decided this holidays, I was finally going to do it.

Here is my version:

I promise I straightened it after taking this photo. :)

Johnny Cash day

I don't wear all black very often, but when I do... I feel super moody and alternative.  Even if I can barely exude alternative.

:)

Happy hump day!

*shirt - Express, skirt - Macys (old), shoes - Shoemint

Yeah, leather leggings

I have been on a hunt for leather (or fake leather) leggings.  It's been a lot harder than I thought.  Either they are CRAZY expensive or I think they look ridiculous so I don't even bother to try them.

All these companies making leggings with stripes of leather or bands of leather have been nice alternatives.

Towards the beginning of the summer, Sprangers and I took a try to Express and I found this pair of leggings.  I liked them on, so I bought them.

Well today was the first time I bothered to try to wear them - I actually still had the tags on them.

So today, outfit by Express.  I LOVE this shirt, though I have a problem keeping the button closed on the top.

Wanted: Cozy Sweaters

Sorry I haven't been posting much.  Aside from feeling really busy, I also don't really know what to write about.  Maybe I'm over this whole blogging thing?  It has been three years.  Guess I'll see how I feel over the next couple of months.

It's gotten colder here suddenly and I have to admit that my closet is not prepared.  I need more sweaters.  I seem to only have 3-4 thick, cozy sweaters.  Don't get me wrong.  My closet is teaming with cardigans and tissue thick sweaters.... but big chunky sweaters?  Hardly any.  So I'm on a mission.

I've been taking pictures of my outfits this week, and just forget to post them.  So here is my outfit from yesterday and today.   Enjoy. :)

Ugh.... Monday

After my babysitting weekend, I am exhausted.

Kayla didn't sleep well, so I was up a good portion of the night trying to negotiate her to sleep and eventually prying my hand from her death grip and barrel rolling across the floor to get out of her room. :)

Even with a quick nap yesterday and a fairly early bedtime last night, I'm still tired.  This is going to be a long week.

Also, its officially becoming fall weather when it is pretty cold in the morning.

Today's outfit was strictly an effort to stay warm, be comfortable and still look presentable for work.

*jeans - Gap, shoes - Sole Society, sweater - Express (old), tshirt - Victoria's Secret, scarf - Gap

Warning - boring post ahead

You guys - work sucks right now.  My meeting planner just gave me her two weeks notice last week so now I am doing double duty.  When we have our biggest meeting coming up in a month, an incentives trip we are coordinating travel for (at the same time as the meeting), and then three meetings in the first three months of 2014.  Yeah, I'm feeling stressed.

So posting may be lighter than I intended for it to be.  Sorry.

Here's an outfit post to make you feel better.  :)  The weather has been cool at night but then gets into the 70s during the day - so fun to try to plan for!

*skirt & sweater - Jcrew (old), shoes - Nine West (old), necklace - a cute boutique shop in Milwaukee

Hit or Miss

Okay, I know this is two days of outfit posts in a row, but it's my blog and I do what I want to. :)

I am giving this outfit a shot today.  I'm not sure if I like it or not - I think it might be a miss.  But I committed and I am giving it a full day.

Also... crazy hair today... crazy hair.

On a completely unrelated note, the world's best ice cream place, Jeni's, is finally open in Chicago.  It is so exciting AND it is only a block away from where I play volleyball on Thursdays.  I celebrated the start of league with ice cream for dinner.  And it was delicious.

The flavors I had were salty caramel (my favorite), whiskey pecan and sweet corn and blackberry.  I know that last one sounds not so great - but it was delicious.

Dusting off an old favorite

I think I bought this dress the first year I started working.  Its BCBG and at the time buying a dress for over $100 was making a big investment.  I did it because its a classic wrap dress that I figured wouldn't go out of style anytime soon.

I was so smart back then. :)

It's been a while since I've worn this and it's a great fall transition dress - especially when it's going to be almost 80 and it's October.

*dress - BCBG (old), shoes - Target, necklace - old

A little reminder

Today is a day that reminded me how much better I feel mentally and emotionally when I make an effort to get dressed for work.  Not defaulting to jeans or something a bit more casual.  Doing my hair and makeup.  It makes a difference.  I need to remember this feeling for the rest of fall/winter.

Plus, I really missed you pencil skirts.  I am not exactly sure why I didn't wear you much during the summer - too hot maybe?  But I'm glad you are back in my regular rotation.

*sweater - Gap Mens, skirt - Jcrew (old), shoes - Nine west (old), necklace - jcrew knock off

Also, I forgot to tell you about my no-chip manicure experience.  I did a lot of research before I went on vacation, because I wanted something easy for my nails that I wouldn't have to worry about while I was gone for two weeks.  So after all my research and finding a location near me, I got my first no-chip the Saturday before we left.  The salon I picked had over 50 colors to choose from (which was refreshing from what I read in my research).  I picked a shimmery grey/green color.  It lasted a legitimate two weeks without chipping (just the typical grow out) and it wasn't until Monday of last week that I started to pick at looser parts.  So it was time to make an appointment to go in and get it properly removed (the one important piece for me).  In my craziness of coming home and leaving right away last week, I decided that if I was going to make an appointment to go get it removed, maybe I'll just get one more manicure for another two weeks and then I have more flexibility on scheduling a time to get it removed.  This time I picked a really deep hunter green color that really looks more like black in the dark and dark teal in the daylight.  I like it (see pic).

No-chip is definitely easy to deal with and the place I found took care to remove it properly so I didn't see any damage to my nails (I was checking).  I can see using this for special occasions or reasons (like vacation) that I would not want to deal with it for a few weeks, but I won't be doing it regularly.  Aside from the expense, I do like to change out my nail polish more frequently.

Outfit post and new hair style?

Last week during random blog trails, I stumbled onto an old post on Love Maegan about DIY overnight curly hair.  While I knew it wouldn't turn out exactly like hers - come on, I do NOT have that much hair - I wanted to at least give it a shot.

So late last night, I washed my hair, dried it almost completely, and set it in the little knots for bed.  The knots were pretty tight.  I would probably do them looser next time.

In the morning, I got ready and then pulled out all the knots and finger combed them like Maegan did in her tutorial.  It looked a little crazy - very much like I imagine naturally curly hair is like - which achieved what Maegan said the intent was.

 See, crazy.  You know I love you internet, that I am putting this picture up.

After some messing with it in the car and a few hours to let it settle at work, here is what it looks like now.

So, overall, not bad.  I would probably do fewer knots with more hair in them next time and probably looser twisting, but I don't mind the craziness of it now that it's relaxed a bit.

Oh, here's the finished outfit for today.

Outfit Post

I have to admit... this is probably the first year that I am REALLY looking forward to fall weather.  Don't ask me why this year is different, it just is.

Anyways, here's a welcome back with an outfit post.

Vacation posts coming soon!

Packing for the big trip

Okay.   I'm not going to lie.  Packing was stressful.  I spent all of last night trying on outfits and then an hour this morning actually putting things into my suitcase.

So here is what I am bringing.

5 pairs of pants:

2 Skirts, 1 Dress:

Shirts:

7 Blouses:

4 Sweaters:

3 Jackets:

2 shorts, 1 bathing suit, 5 scarves:

Not Pictured: 5 Pairs of shoes - two tennis shoes, one black flats, silver pumps and tan booties (the booties I am wearing to travel)

So there it is... minus toiletries.

Here is what it looked like in my first layer of packing (shoes included):

And then with everything in it.

The only things NOT in there are the blue jacket (because I'm carrying it on) and my tan booties that I will be wearing.

With my toiletries, I should still have space should I buy anything.  I also am bringing a small duffle bag as my carry on so I can not wrestle with a bunch of things during my flight.

So..... I am 98% ready to go.  After getting ready tomorrow morning, I should be all set. :)

Hump Day!

I got really crappy sleep last night.  I went to bed at a reasonable hour, but then was wide awake and restless at 2:45am.  It didn't help that while lying there I could hear my upstairs neighbor moving around.  Why was he up at 3am????  Also, I have seen him and he is smaller than I am, yet manages to sound like an 800 lb man.  Plus, every morning his alarm/phone goes off shortly after mine does and I can hear it vibrating so loud that I think it's my phone.

Needless to say, I eventually fell back asleep and then my alarm went off at what felt like 15 minutes later.  I'm going to need a lot of coffee today.  And I have a committee meeting downtown, so I needed to look a little more put together than I have recently (Admittedly, I've been really lazy getting ready for work).

Not sure why this photo has some weird "glow" to it.  Weird lighting in my bedroom this morning.

*Dress - JCrew (old), sweater - Jcrew (also old), shoes - Target