Friday's Fancies: April Showers

It's Friday. I'm feeling fancy. So, what time is it in my world? You guessed it.. it's time for Friday's Fancies! This week's theme is centered around April showers. We all know those lovely showers are bound to happen, so we might as well be prepared. And of course, we want to be prepared in style. Now let's say for instance, that I had limitless funds to purchase gear to weather the rain in (pun intended). Here are a few of the items that would definitely be hanging out in my closet:

Rain Wear by morganstone

The trench coat and boots are both from Burberry. Since I haven't quite gotten to planting that money tree in my backyard, I will not be purchasing either of these. But hey, a girl can dream, right?! I definitely need a bubble umbrella because it seems like the rain never falls straight down from the sky; it's always flying sideways into my face. I chose the J. Crew turtle earrings because turtles like water (duh.), and I figured if there's anyone who would want to venture out into the April monsoons with me, it's these guys. And Starbucks. It's a no brainer, you guys. If it's raining and you have to go outside, you deserve Starbucks. Remember that.

If you ever want more info on the looks I put together, you can just click on the little link under the picture and you'll find everything you need! Or email me. I like emails.

What are your fashionable rain gear secrets??

(As a sidenote, xoxo, me now has a facebook page. If you wanted to "like" it, I would not be mad about it.)

xoxo,

me

Return of the Mac

Hey guyz! Yup, I totes spelled "guyz" with a "z". First of all, I have an update for you! xoxo, me now has it's own Facebook page! Who's excited?! ME. And hopefully you! If you "like" it, it will make me very very happy. Now on to the meat and potatoes of today's post...

Today, I'm meandering a bit off of the beaten path and getting a little techy on you. I hope you can handle it.  The reason being, I want YOUR advice on this. So read along and help a sista out.

I need want a new Mac. The Mac I have now is approaching his fifth birthday (yes, he's a boy), and sadly, I think it's time for us to part ways.  He is this version:

Real old school. I know. I swear it was cool at the time, though. 

Now, I know I could purchase a PC and life would go on. But I LOVE Apple products, and I LOVE how smart my MacBook is, and well, basically I'm going to get a Mac no matter what. I've done a little bit of research thus far, and I know that I definitely want a laptop. So, my choices are the MacBook Air or the MacBook Pro.  The main tasks I will use it for are blogging, photo editing, internet surfing, and maybe skyping with the 'rents should they be so lucky. I have Photoshop CS5 on my Mac right now, but I'm not sure that I'll be able to transfer it to a new computer. So, assuming that I can't, I need this new computer to have good photo editing abilities. For the sake of my piggy bank, I'm not going to buy a new MacBook AND Photoshop at the same time.

MacBook Pro

MacBook Air

I know that there are at least a few MacBook addicts out there that can steer me in the right direction here, so please let me know what you think!


xoxo,


me

Spring? Where did you go?

Last week, Spring had sprung. We were experiencing 80 degree temps and oodles of sunshine in the Northeast and it.was.glorious. Just as I was about to bust my spring and summer clothes out of storage, Mother Nature came along and pulled the rug out from under me. Now, we are experiencing 40 degree temperatures and wind. Not so glorious. I shouldn't complain. It was lovely while it lasted. Now I face the dilemma that I do every year: dressing for cooler weather when the calendar indicates that I should be dressing for Spring.  Here are a few pieces that can help you navigate through this iffy-weather time of the year: 

the trench coat.

I found this bad boy at Forever last week and wanted it SO badly. Of course, they did not have my size, or it would be hanging in my closet right meow. Seriously though, you guys. It's super cute and does NOT look cheap. Only $37.80! And if you're not feeling the yellow, it also comes in a reddish orange color.

the lightweight scarf.

 

I love lightweight scarves because you can sport them year round. They're great for keeping warm on a cool Spring day without looking too bundle some. Both of these are from Madewell simply because I'm obsessed with all of their scarves. Check it out and obsess with me, please.

bright skinnies.

Unless you're living under a rock, you've probably seen the bright skinny jeans everywhere so I won't bore you with an explanation for this one. I think we can all just agree that they're awesome for Spring and we should wear them. Kapeesh?

colorful ballet flats.

All shoes can be found on nordstrom.com

Sandals can be a little harsh on the footsies when temps are below 60*. Colorful flats will keep those toes warm while still incorporating the fresh spring colors into your wardrobe. Btw, if you follow me you'll see that the vast majority of shoes I blog about are flats. It's because I'm 5'10" and prefer not to make myself any taller :)

What are your tips for dressing for the calendar AND the weather? I'd love to know! :)

xoxo,

me

Mad for Mad Men Fashion

I've jumped on the bandwagon, my friends. That is, the Mad Men bandwagon.  I'm fully aware that the fifth season premiered Sunday night, but I'm a bit behind. Actually, that's an understatement. I'm a big bit behind and am currently watching season 1. Thank God for Netflix. Hopefully I'll be up to speed soon! Anywho, part of the fun for me is seeing Don Draper the fashion trends of the 1960's. As they say, history repeats itself and this stands true for fashion as well. I've used the inspiration shots below to put together my own 1960's inspired ensemble with a modern twist.

{via}

{via}

{via}

{via}

{via}

Mad Men by morganstone

What do you think? Would you rock the 1960's look?

xoxo,

me

The Concrete Jungle

Good morning, and happy Monday! I'm happy to report that I survived my second trip to NYC. It was a super fun weekend, but that city wears me out! We did and saw a lot, as one does when they are in NYC.  One of my favorite activities of the weekend was touring the 9/11 memorial. We did a guided tour, and all of the tour guides have a direct connection to 9/11. Our guide's husband was on the hijacked flight that hit the second tower. She shared her story with us, and needless to say, it was an incredibly moving experience.  This is probably one of the more depressing things to do while in Manhattan, but if you ever get the chance to do it, I highly recommend it. It's something that every American should see at least once. Here are some pictures from the memorial and the rest of the weekend.

9/11 Memorial





The Survivor Tree



I thought this park was gorgeous!

Before the NY Knicks game!

This is just the bf and me. Keepin it gangsta per the usual.

SOO that was my weekend. Now tell me...how was yours?!


xoxo,



me

March Madness: Your INDIANA HOOOOSIERS!

I'm participating in Friday's Fancies again, and fortunately the theme for this week is MARCH MADNESS! Why am I so thrilled about this, you ask? Because my team and beloved alma mater, INDIANA UNIVERSITY is playing tonight in the Sweet 16!! The Cats will be out for revenge after how our last encounter with them ended in December...





Of course I would love to see this happen again, but regardless of what happens tonight, I'll always be proud to be a Hoosier, and I'm SO happy that Indiana basketball is back!  Here's what I will be would like to be sporting to show my support.

March Madness

If you need some wardrobe inspiration for the games this weekend, head on over to {long distance loving} for some March Madness mania. 

And of course, GO HOOSIERS!!!!!

xoxo,

me

Empire State of Mind

Tomorrow I'm heading to NYC for the weekend. This is only my second trip EVER to the Big Apple, so I'm pretty excited! I have visions of the streets of New York dancing in my head...



{via}



{All images via weheartit unless otherwise specified}

"New York is to the nation what the white church spire is to the village - the visible symbol of aspiration and faith. The white plume saying the way is up." - E.B. White

What are some of your favorite things to do in NYC?

xoxo,

me

Flower Power

Spring has officially sprung, and I could not be happier about it! Not that we had a harsh winter by any means, but I'm not one to complain about 70 degree temps and sunshine. Along with sunshine and warmer temps, we are also greeted with blooming flowers when Spring hits. So let's celebrate this...

with these...!

Floral prints seem to be in this season, and accessorizing with the trend is a great way to work it into your wardrobe.  I usually wouldn't consider shoes to be an accessory, but at this price they might as well be.  These cute floral flats can be yours for the astonishingly low price of $14.50! And they're from Wet Seal. Who would've thought, right?! Happy frugal floral shopping :)

xoxo,

 

me



Fashionably Fit

My New Year's resolution this year was to run a half marathon. Am I crazy? Possibly. Seeing as though we are more than halfway through March and my body has yet to encounter a treadmill in 2012, I think yes, maybe I am crazy. I also think it's DEFINITELY time to start training.  Just as a cute new outfit might motivate one to go out on a Friday night, having some fun new workout gear just might motivate me to get reanquainted with the treadmill and/or a sidewalk. I don't need anything over the top. Nothing irks me more than the girl at the gym with full make-up on, long hair DOWN, and skin tight clothes on. Believe me, girlfriend. We all know why you're at the gym, and it's certainly not to work out. (rant end) Something cute and comfortable should do it.  I love yoga pants, but finding a pair long enough for my 5'10" body has always proven to be a challenge. Sure, lucy activewear and lululemon athletica carry yoga pants in lengths. But, guess who has two thumbs and doesn't want to spend close to $100 on yoga pants? This girl. So, I stick to capris or shorts.  Here's what I would like to "yog" (jog) around in in preparation for the B.A.A. Half Marathon in October:

The capris, tanks, and headbands are all from Victoria's Secret.  The shoes aren't the most fashionable find, but my calves and knees will wreak havoc on me if I don't have a good pair of running shoes.  Also, I swear by Camelback water bottles. My biggest complaint with nalgenes is that they leak, and this one doesn't! I love it! And of course, we can't forget the sunscreen :) Does anyone else have an upcoming fitness event to prepare for?

Also as a sidenote, there's a great giveaway going on over at Life's Little Indulgences. I recommend you check it out :)

xoxo,


me

Weekend Highlights

Happy Monday, my pretties! I hope everyone had a fabulous weekend and a great St. Patty's Day! I certainly did, and I'm still a little sleepy from all of the festivities :) The highlight of my weekend was actually not St. Patrick's Day, though.  The highlight of my weekend was signing the lease for our new place! You remember how I was going apartment hunting last weekend? Well, we found a great place in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston. I've been itching to share the news, but I wanted to make sure all of the details were finalized.  And as of yesterday, it's officially ours in just a little over a month! :) The lease has been signed and we have the keys to prove it:

As expected, there's no outdoor, swim-up kitchen with this apartment ;) BUT we do have a view of the Charles River! And that has to count for something, right?

As a side note, I found this little gem on Saturday. Pretty ridiculous, right?!

That's all for now, my loves.  Have a great Monday!

xoxo,

me





Fabulous {SPD} Blogosphere Finds

Heyyyy ya'll! Happy St. Patrick's Day Eve! Over the course of this week I have drained myself of all of the SPD knowledge and suggestions I have (which is clearly not an overabundance). So, for today, here are my favorite SPD finds throughout the blogosphere.

-St. Patty's Day DIY Party Inspiration

-Shamrock Pizza. What's not to love about that?

-Super cute decor if you're throwing your own fete.

-Is fancy festive nail art your thing? Check out this tutorial.

I'm also participating in Friday's Fancies over at {long distance loving}. If you're in need of a last minute outfit for tomorrow, be sure to check it out for TONS of inspiration!

I hope you all have a great Friday and have enjoyed this St. Patty's Day dedicated week! Have fun out there this weekend! And be safe! :)

xoxo,


me

Concoct a Cocktail: SPD Adult Beverages

I think it's safe to say that most people's St. Patrick's Day celebrations involve some sort of adult beverage.  If you're wanting to forego the green beer this year, and try out something a little more unique, here are some suggestions...

The basil gimlet, perfect for a gin lover

Everybody's Irish. That really is the name of the drink.

An Irish Martini. It's not green but it IS Irish!

And a non-alcoholic option: Make your own Shamrock Shake. YUM

Do you have any go-to SPD drink recipes? If so, I'd love to hear about them! :)

xoxo,

me

Bon Appetit: Mint Chocolate Thumbprints

When thinking about what kind of special SPD treat I wanted to make, I knew I wanted it to be festive, but I also wanted it to be tasty. like really tasty. I thought about doing cupcakes, because I LOVE decorating cupcakes, but geeeez who isn't making cupcakes these days? So, I am happy to announce, I have decided on... drumroll please... MINT CHOCOLATE THUMBPRINTS!! Was that too much? Sorry. I'm excited, and I like cookies. Here's how to make your own:

Gather these fine ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons of peppermint extract
2 egg yolks
16 drops green food color (talk about specificity. geez.)
2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup chocolate chips
3 tablespoons whipping cream
3 tablespoons butter
18 Andes mint candies (unwrapped & cut in half diagonally)

Got all your ingredients? Ok, let's make some MCT's.
First, preheat the oven to 350* and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.  In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of butter and the powdered sugar with an electric mixer. Beat on medium until mixture is light and fluffy.  Beat in peppermint extract, egg yolks, and food color until well blended.  On a low speed, beat in the flour, baking powder, and salt.  Shape dough into 1 inch balls and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. With the end of a handle of a wooden spoon, press a deep well into the center of each cookie.

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until set.  Reshape the wells with the end of the handle of the wooden spoon. Cool 2 minutes and move from cookie sheets to cooling racks. Cool completely (approximately 15 minutes).  In a medium microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips, cream, and 3 tablespoons of butter on high for 1 minute stirring frequently until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.  Fill each well with about 1 teaspoon of the chocolate mixture.  Garnish each cookie with a candy piece and let stand for 1 hour until the chocolate is set.   

I hope you enjoy this little treat as much as the bf and I did! What's your favorite SPD treat to make?

{Recipe found on Betty Crocker}

xoxo,


me

St. Patty's Day Decor

I am 100% guilty of going completely crazy when it comes to decorating for Christmas.  When it comes to any other holiday though, I fail. Maybe I expend all of my holiday decorating energy on Christmas and then have none left for the other holidays? Who knows, but as of right now the only hint of St. Patrick's Day decor in our apartment is the chalkboard. Clearly, I wrote "Happy St. Patty's Day" on it, but it's just a fortunate coincidence that it's green. Btw, I made that chalkboard. Stay tuned for a post in the near future with instructions on how to make your own :)

I would like to incorporate at least a liiiitle bit more decor before Saturday.  Here are some of my favorite decorating ideas for this Irish holiday:

Those are peas! How cute and simple is that?!
{apartment therapy}

DIY bottles for the kitchen.
{design sponge}

{miss lovie}

Love this for a mantel
{Lyndsey's craft spot}

So, enlighten me. What are your favorite ways to decorate for St. Patrick's Day?

Stay tuned tomorrow for some tasty green treats :)


xoxo,


me