Blank that blank!

Blue-flowered cinched-waist top: Target / Blue babble necklace: H&M

Beige cowl neck tank: Banana Republic / Blue jacket: TJMaxx

Striped maxi skirt: Opitz

Veggies, neon yellow, my parents the rock stars, and one kick ass duvet.

It’s CSA season again! Our first box arrived last week, and oh-how-I-missed-it. We get our produce through Harmony Valley Farm, every other week for 9 months out of the year, and love it.

Maybe I’ll do something throughout the summer where I show you what’s in the box, and then how we used it? No promises, but I’ll try.

May 4th, What’s in the box:

Baby Parsnips
Sunchokes
Chives
Green Garlic
Overwintered Spinach
Black Radishes
French Breakfast Radishes
Sorrel
Stinging Nettles

Bonus: Some furry decorative stick things that I put in an orange scalloped tin vase in the corner of our living room!

Random veggie-filled dinner:

AND, we finally harvested our rhubarb this week! We planted it two years ago, but I guess you have to let it mature for a couple years before you can eat it. We have plans for cobblers and pies and breakfast breads, but for a quick weeknight treat we made simple rhubarb sauce and ate it with vanilla ice cream. It was easy-peasy:

1. Melt 2 Tbsp butter in a large sauce pan

2. Add 4 cups chopped rhubarb and 1/4 cup white sugar. Stir and simmer and cook down for about 10 minutes.

3. Enjoy the tart yet sweet treat!

No photo of the final product because it’s not too pretty- kind of looks like baby food- but it tastes good.

I can, however, show you the big rhubarb leaves (and three sets of eager feet/paws):

And, some very spring-ish outfits:

Neon yellow drawstring waist linen dress: J. Crew

Blue gingham button down: Old Navy / Peach shrug: Banana Republic Outlet

And again, my parents get another shout-out. They are in Louisville for the Derby this weekend and keeping us updated with funny texts. Skyline chili in Cincinnati, baseball games, flowery hats and photo booths.

I think it’s safe to say they are enjoying their emptynestdom!

Finally, have you seen this duvet in the latest Anthropologie section? I am in love with it. But per the usual, it’s a lot of $$$$$$. Blegh.

Oh, and a few gentle reminders to carpe diem before signing off.

I’ve gots to go carpe diem!

Unfortunately, not while wearing these my-latest-favorite pair of Kork Ease:)

Bye for real this time.

Not the cheerleading type.

Remember how I mentioned my colorful 30th birthday party that is just around the corner? Well, I think a birthday girl needs a birthday dress, and obviously mine needs to be a colorful one. I have been on the hunt for a couple weeks now, but no success yet. I’ll keep you updated.

Here are two that I tried on last night, while at TJ Maxx, after visiting DSW, where I had to buy some new running shoes for the half-marathon that I am running this weekend (it’s my 9th half!), which makes me a little nervous because I don’t exactly have a lot of time to break them in, but I digress.

Back to the dresses.

I know- like whoa!

I loved the first one- it’s from the “runway” section of TJMaxx (Nanette Lepore) but was still a bit more than I wanted to spend. And the second one, well, it was tight in the wrong places and kind of looked like a cheerleader uniform. Aye. The search continues:)

And a few outfits from this week- a bit better than last, but still not exactly sweeeeeeeet.

Embellished blue tank: Forever 21 / Black cardi: Gap / Black belt: White House, Black Market

Another embellished blue tank: Ann Taylor Loft / Poppy cardigan: Banana Republic

Cotton mustard cardigan: Opitz / Printed silk tank & braided belt: Gap

And finally, snacks like these massive brownies sitting around the office are not helping in my birthday dress fittings:)

A few mediocre outfits, a downtown dog, poached chicken, and party food.

I have not been dressing to my maximum potential lately. Feeling uninspired, frazzled at work, and not creative. Dressing to the minimum, more like it.

The good thing is that I recently brought out my Tom’s wedges for the first time- that’s always an exciting time. Maximumly exciting, if you ask me!

Angled Zipper Black Jacket: Nordstrom Rack / Zig Zagged Top: Gap / Toms Wedges: Nordstrom

Embroidered Flowered Top: Anthropologie / Peach Shrug Thing: Banana Republic Outlet / Black Skirt: Nordstrom Rack

Splattered & Ruffled Tank: Urban Outfitters

Plaid Linen Tank: Marshalls / Khaki Cardi: Ann Taylor Loft

Silky Cowl Neck Tank: Ann Taylor / Short-sleeved Black Cardi: Macys

Not loving any of these outfits. Time to kick it up a notch! Watch it, May.

In other news, Tilly recently took her first trip ever to DOWNTOWN. She visited a city dog park area, took a stroll across the bridges with the skyline in the background, and did a generally acceptable job of controlling her behavior. She was zonked for the whole next day- presumably because a night out in downtown takes a toll on even the toughest of dawgs!

Tilly leaving her mark in the downtown play area,

and the aftermath: immobile and hogging the entire couch.

who me?

Not me!

And finally, a little update on food and such.

Well, wait a second!, it feels pretty similar to my clothing. Minimum effort.

I have definitely had my moments of goodness, like this delicious bowl of veggies and pesto pasta,

and I even figured out how to POACH chicken. So easy, and so many possibilities.

I made some chicken salad (this one, to be exact), and mixed the rest with salsa to add to rice or a salad.

Poached chicken = Delicious and oh-so-versatile.

And if you haven’t been buying strawberries lately, start now. They are plump and flavorful and delicious and affordable! We eat ours plain for a post-dinner snack (aka dessert), add them to smoothies and more often then not, add them to our pre-dinner salads.

As for the not-so-good behavior, well, I have been hitting the candy jar at work again, and ate pretty much an entire container of caramel popcorn the other day. Not good, friends, not good. When things get tough,  I snack. Definitely becoming more aware of my reactions, but by no means an expert of avoiding the temptations or controlling the behavior. WIP, people. WIP.

And you know what April and May brings? The start of a couple mad months of socializing! Birthdays, dinner parties, cabin cookouts, nights out. All of which bring a plethora of food.

I went to THREE fun gatherings over the past couple of days, each of which was adorned with a large amount of festive fare. Beware. Be aware! But enjoy. In moderation!

The house pictured above was totally adorable and so well put together- and a great location by 50th & France and Lake Harriet. She even has winter and summer slipcovers- light linen for the summer and a darker gray velvet for the winter. Neat.

Corked and Curled.

Has anyone ever had a pair of Kork-ease shoes? I have been eyeing them for a couple of years and feel like it might finally be time to bite the bullet. They are a bit pricey, but adorable and well-made.

I’m particularly fond of the Blythe.

Check it:

I also like the shorter-heeled orange ones, and the blue peep toe slingbacks!

Not everyone’s cup of tea, but I’d like a sip of those sassy comfy shoes.

Here are some kork-ease in action (mostly from here):

As for the curled part, do you know what happens when you go to bed like this?

you wake up like this!

and head out the door in a ponytail:)

I’m so odd. Anything to keep a doldrum-of-a-week a little more exciting!

Looking Aztec.

This was totally unintentional, but I found myself in Aztec-inspired pieces three times this week. I must be feeling that tribal inspired edge. And doesn’t it instantly evoke dreams of far off vacation destinations and long lost civilizations?

I thought so too!

Brown Printed Top: Old Navy / Red Jersey Scarf: Gap / Copper Earrings: Banana Republic

Crazy Print Tank: TJ Maxx

Black Dress: Target / Cardigan: Gap / Printed Belt: Urban Outfitters

A run-on sentence about life, bright & white tops, a trifecta of bags and, meat.

First of all, Happy Friday. This week buzzed by in a blur of breezy runs, manic meetings, bathroom contractors and some dramatic conversations about the current and future state of my uterus (which is currently totally unoccupied, I promise). Future state: TBD. In my dreams it’s an effortless topic, and stuff just ‘happens’ when I let it. It’s such a romantic idea, but that’s not me. I want to be the very carefree sort but I’m not. I like to analyze things. A lot. Until I’ve exhausted every possible angle, I’m not done worrying about it. I try to be cool and calm, but that’s a front (and a not so well hidden one, most of the time). And the thing about this topic is that it’s totally unchartered territory, and it’s big. Big time emotional, big time investment, big time results that will change your life in ways you didn’t know possible.

I don’t like not having control. I want to know that when I do do things, I do them on purpose with a process and determination and answers. I want to prepare myself for the worst, so that if good things happen I am happily surprised. I don’t want to set myself up to be let down, so I stay down. But Bryan is the carefree sort. See, that’s why I married him, that beautiful blonde. He is the exact opposite of my temperament and is such a mystery to me. He can just let it be. Let it go how it goes, because that is how it’s supposed to go. And so open, and honest, and raw. And optimistic! Ever optimistic, but not in a fairy-tale way.

And that is good.

We are good.

I’m sure you are wondering why I am even talking about this, given the fact that we haven’t even wrapped up or touched on my latest rant about health and well-being, physically and mentally, but it’s all related into one big ball of ME. So you’ll just have to trust that my rants are serving a purpose, and I need to trust that all will happen when it needs to happen and how it needs to happen. I gotta believe that, right? I gotta.

Life is good. Especially now, when I say: here’s to the freakin’ weekend.

Onward.

See this bright orange/poppy/salmon sweater? I got it last summer, knowing it would be a fun Spring staple. I love the cotton cable knit, the gold shoulder zipper detail, and the punchy color. It’s extra cute with dark jeans, too!

Cotton Poppy Cable Knit Sweater: J. Crew / Gold Earrings: Target / Mix ‘o Bangles: H&M

And this top is one of my favorites- I bought it in Boston on one of my first business trips with my current job and it always makes me think of those early, nerve-wracking days in conference rooms with people (and work) you are unfamiliar with. But this shirt is the opposite of stifling and nerve-wracking. It’s so breezy and cool.

White Embroidered Top: Cynthia Rowley / Gray Floral Scarf: Birthday Gift (I think my mom got it somewhere in Stillwater) / Mix ‘o Bangles: H&M, etc. / Rubber band on wrist: Target!

Black & Beige Printed Tunic Top: TJ Maxx / Floral Scarf: Gift from an awesome bride for doing a reading in their awesome wedding (Shout out to LMS!) / Earrings: Patina / Leather Wedges: Aerosole

Also, this is random, but have you noticed the prominence of the “half-tuck?” Take a look in any recent J.Crew catalog and you’ll see it. Effortlessly cool and strategically laid-back. I like it, I like it a lot. I did see a comment questioning whether or not it looks like you just stumbled out of the bathroom, which is a very real concern. I’d say just make sure not to adopt the half-tuck WHILE actually stumbling out of a bathroom, and you should be okay. Right? Right-O.

Pop quiz: Which of the below image is an example of the half-tuck?

I knew you guys could figure it out! We are geniuses, geniuses I tell you.

And here’s another, to really nail it in:

Finally, this bag and this bag need to be added to my birthday list. The Brooklyn Industries one has been sitting in the shopping cart online for months after I saw a colleague with it and begged her to share the deets. It is so much cuter in person- perfect for work with plenty of fun compartments for various electronics, and with a bright orange interior to POP! Womp womp. I might just have to buy it for myself one of these days. This one is quite awesome as well (though less realistic and not-at-all useful for me).

Oh, and food! I’m doing fine. I lost a good 7-8 lbs during my “cleanse,” (most all in the first two weeks!) and while I haven’t lost any additional L.B.’s, I have been careful not to put any back on. I’m also quite excited to be eating meat again. Glorious meat, how I missed thee.

I’ve had my moments, but the learnings are pretty simple: eat less meat, less refined sugars and grains, and a bit less dairy. Eats LOTS and lots (and then eat more) of plant-based foods. Veggies, fruits, nuts, beans. And then more veggies. And fruit. And some whole grains. But don’t restrict yourself too much, and don’t be obsessive. Then, eat more veggies! Easy, right? In a way, in a way…

And finally, to make this officially the longest and most haphazard post ever, I like mint and stripes right now. The stripes are nothing new, but the mint is oh-so-of-the-moment.

Time is fleeting, my friends.

Do what matters! Act in the present and pursue progress to achieve a meaningful, fulfilling, and happy life.

How’s that for an ending:)

Dipped & Skirted.

Lots of outfits here- the highlights, in my opinion, being the mint skirted top and the cobalt dipped necklace. Also note another belted top, and lots of cropped black pants!

Kelly Green Embroidered Neck Tank: Banana Republic Outlet / Forest Green Cardigan: Target / Blue Bomber Jacket: Gap / Earrings: Kohls / Black Pants: Macys / Floral Scarf: Len

Black Cotton Dolman Sleeve Top: Gap / Cobalt Dipped Necklace: Nordstrom (BP Teen section!) / Silver Bangles: Gift from India / Striped Scarf: Gap / Army Green Jacket: Ann Taylor Loft

Mint Skirted Silk Top: Anthropologie / Oversized Sheer Cream Cardigan: Anthropologie / Leafy Earrings: Target / Cropped Black Pants: Nordstrom

Zig Zag Cropped Top: H&M / Purple Jacket: Gap / Cropped Black Pants: Nordstrom Rack

Red & Beige Silk Top: Michael Kors / Braided Belt: Gap / Ruffle Sleeved Jean Jacket: TJ Maxx / Earrings: Patina

Say bye to boots.

First of all:

{1. Mia, Nordstrom Rack 2. Born, Piperlime 3. Nicole, DSW}

{4. Miss Sixty, Nordstrom Rack 5. Mia, Opitz 6. Vince Camuto, Zappos}

{7. Steve Madden, Macys 8. Old Navy 9. Urban Outfitters}

I’m putting them away for the season! I’ll share some of my favorite spring/summer shoes soon.

As for this week, it’s been a weird one. I was in a funk from traveling, and my cleanse has been pretty much non-existent. I’m trying to decide if I should add another week on or just call it a game and move forward. We shall see, and I’ll keep you posted.

I didn’t really like any of my outfits this week, but it’s reality, people!

Blue Gingham Button-Down: Old Navy / Oversized Green Cardigan: Urban Outfitters / Earrings: Target / Jeans: Gap / Brown Mary-Janes: Opitz

Blue & Brass-Buttoned Cardigan: Opitz / Trousers: Marshalls / Black Flats: DKNY via Macys

Hoppy Easter to all!

Rrrrrroar!

For some reason, whenever I see someone wearing leopard print, I think ROAR! But in reality, I don’t think leopards roar. Do they hiss? Or meow really loudly, given that they are cats? Or do they actually ROAR? I don’t know.

Main point of the day: Happy Friday!

I love fridays.

Getting dressed today had it’s ups and downs. I really wanted to wear my red-orange wedges, and thought they would be lovely with leopard! And my green brass-buttoned blazer (not to be confused with this one. That one is boxy and had multiple buttons. This one is a single button and more currrrrvy and worn-in; aka better).

It started out promising:

Leopard tank: Gap / Army green canvas blazer: Filene’s Basement, Chicago / Earrings: Target / Jeans: Gap / Red lace-up wedges: Urban Outfitters

but then I felt like the leopard was a little too low-cut for corporate America, even on a Friday. And the tank has this weird sash-y bow on the shoulder that was bulking up under my wee-bit-tight blazer.

I thought this fun off-centered zippered jacket could fix the issues, but it just hid the leopard all together, and that would be tragic. There’s no hiding leopard!

Black off-centered zippered jacket: Nordstrom Rack

So then it was on to option two, a fun silky floral top that is longer and looser and less low-cut. Paired it with the same blazer, but with nude shoes because the red was just too much.

Floral tank: Gap / Army green canvas blazer: Filene’s Basement, Chicago / Earrings: Target / Jeans: Gap / Caramel scarf: H&M / Nude wedges: Urban Outfitters

Out the door with a skip I went.

The day I hit the candy jar, ate half a box of peanut butter cheerios, and sighed.

It was bound to happen, the day I said eff it all to heck, and decided to dig my dang hand into that office candy jar that taunts me with its colorful joy all. day. long.

On Wednesday of this week I thought, “OMG, it’s restocked! There are PAY DAYS in there, and I deserve a pay day. It’s primarily made of peanuts, and peanuts are allowed on this little adventure of mine. Oh, it also is full of added sugar and artificial/processed crap? Who cares! It’s peanuts!” So I ate one. Then, I thought YORK PEPPERMINT PATTIES. “York peppermint patties are probably the healthier of options- kind of like chewing gum. Just a little bite of mint freshy goodness. How could something like that do any harm?” And then I may or may not have grabbed a few ROLOS and STARBURST and headed back to my desk, where I proceeded to eat them all as my afternoon of spreadsheets and plans prodded on. Not cool, people. Not cool. At some point during this blur of an afternoon, I also thought it would be a good idea to break into my sample box of PEANUT BUTTER CHEERIOS, you know, because a good employee knows what their big new products taste like and given the power of word of mouth these days, I should be the spreading the word, yo.

Seriously. This all happened. It’s not a joke. I should’ve known. Have you heard that it takes three weeks to really develop a habit or new way of being? Well, this is week three. And I caved. Into a deep, dark and dingy cave.

Srsly, again.

The good news is that tomorrow is another day, and I am well aware of my tendency to cave and then instead of finding the light again, I dig a little deeper. No digging deeper this time. I’m gonna climb right out of that hole and cheer. Cheer for the veggies and cheer for the fruit, cheer for the PURE peanuts and for the fishies! Those are the things that make me happy right now. Dear pay day, you pay me nothing. Nothing but guilt, you delicious lump of sugared nuts.

Day 17:

8 am- Mixed nuts + prunes

11:30 am- Salad with tuna, lump crab meat, beans and hard-boiled eggs (yum)

2 – 4 pm- Maddening candy binge, as described above

8 pm- Salad and roasted veggies, popcorn

I’ve haven’t actually eaten the Larabar below yet- but I’m looking forward to it!

And an outfit:

Belted-waist oxford: Kenneth Cole / Green Floral Scarf: H&M / Bone Cuff: Gift from friend / Jean jacket: Gap / BIG earrings: NYC market

I love this shirt but don’t wear it much because it shows pit stains like no other. And I’m a sweat-er. No hiding that fact. But today I felt brave, and so far, so good. Also, today in the cafeteria a colleague asked me what happened to my wrist- she thought my bracelet was a medical BRACE! I told her heck no, this thing is trendy! Laughing ensued.

I also took my parents to the airport at 4:30 a.m. this morning, so I’m a little loopy (a good daughter, though). And I washed my hair last night, went to bed with wet hair, woke up, added a little texturizing gel stuff, and headed out the door. Hence the bit of frizz and bit of wave.

Finally, remember this:

Another day, another chance! Living life to the maxest of maximum max.

Day 15 & 16.

I can’t believe I’ve been doing this for 16 days! Seems like it’s been years:)

I’m hanging in there. Not cooking as much as I wish, but finding ways to persevere. Yet don’t be deceived- I have not been perfect (just today, in fact, I rediscovered the joy of Chocolate Chex. OMG. Plus my 3-ish “cheats” per week, which I have been taking full advantage of!). But I’m doing well enough to feel proud, and feeling good enough to continue on.

As a reminder, Week 1 was all about fruits, veggies, nuts and natural oils. Week 2 allowed for beans and fish, and this week, Week 3, allows for eggs and gluten-free grains. This is exciting, people! I haven’t really taken advantage of those additions yet, but have been eyeing some delicious recipes from here. If you have never scrolled through Heidi Swanson’s blog or cookbooks, stop reading this measly post right now and go check her out. Ahhhh-mazing recipes and photos. Seriously. Go.

And BTW, I’m not the only one who uses bananas to make ice cream.

Here’s my update:

Day 15:

8 am- Fruit smoothie with nuts & honey

11:30 am- Black beans & carrots

3 pm- Grapefruit (go buy some now- they are in season and SO good)

6 pm- Grilled salmon, salad with avocado, roasted parsnips, rutabega, carrots & red potatoes

Day 16:

8:30 am- Mixed nuts + prunes

11:30 am- Broccoli and roasted veggies

3 pm- Cup of Chocolate Chex (WTF)

7 pm- Salad with avocado & black beans, veggies

9 pm- Stove top popcorn

And a couple outfits for you too!

Cobalt + Turquoise Top: Nordstrom Rack / Black Cropped Pants: Halogen, Nordstrom / Turquoise Earrings: NYC / Gray Scarf: Gap

Stained Glass Tee + Black Cardigan: Gap / Gray Jeans: Nordstrom Rack / Black Canvas Wedges: Urban Outfitters

I also recently discovered the power that is dry shampoo. My hair is rather long right now (and I don’t plan on cutting it anytime soon), so washing and drying can be time-consuming. I use dry shampoo on the second day, and I actually like my hair better that way. The day of washing/drying it is almost too flat and smooth for my liking. I like a little wave and texture, yo!

PS- Get excited, I have some CRAFTS coming your way soon.

Sandals + Dresses.

Tell me these combos get you excited for the sunny days of summer.

I put them together for you all!

Get pumped, get tanned, get ready.

Summer is a’comin!

I like the 2nd and the last best. Must be something about the browns and the blues. . .

What’s your favorite?

All shoes from Piperlime & dresses from Asos. Except for the last dress- it’s from Emerson Fry.

PS- Bryan, when I’m sitting on the computer and forgetting to answer your questions (not on purpose!), it’s likely because I’m doing random things such as this. Putting together hypothetical outfits with unrealistic budgets and impossible fits. Some people watch reality TV, some knit, some play bridge. I do this sort of thing.

Dressed.

Love this outfit.

Chambray Button Down: Old Navy

Necklace: Chicos

Dark dark Gray Pants: Nanette Lepore via Nordstrom

Black Canvas Wedges: Urban Outfitters

It was a rainy day so I was going to wear it with this khaki short trench by Laundry,

but ended up going with my old standby: army green anorak from Ann Taylor Loft. Love that jacket.

Gray knit dress: Anthropologie

Black Blazer: Vera Wang via Kohls

Black Leggings & Mustard Bangle: Target

Brown Boots: DSW

Navy + White Striped Top: Old Navy

Jeans and Patent Green Belt: Gap

Earrings (my favorite!): a market in London

Nude Canvas Wedges: Urban Outfitters

Heather Brown Cardigan: Ann Taylor Loft

Dress and Leggings: Target

Brown Boots: DSW

Necklace: Chicos

I’m not typically much of a Chicos shopper, but my mom got me a vest from there for Christmas once. It was nice (thanks mom!). However, not something that I would likely wear much, so I returned it for some store credit, which I used to buy three great necklaces that I normally wouldn’t spend the money on. Win/win.

A Step Above Window Shopping.

Window shopping is appealing to me. But you know what takes it one step further? Dressing room shopping! Take that extra step and try it on. Even if you aren’t going to buy anything (read: your monthly shopping budget gets quickly reallocated to non-clothing items!). Just try it on.

I also realized it was a great place to capture an image (much less awkward than snapping photos in the store), so if you found yourself constantly thinking about the item and repeatedly looking at the photo, then perhaps it is something you should consider buying (and screw the budget!).

Luckily I made this realization after the J. Crew and Banana dressing rooms, so those items aren’t included. Another time.

Let’s start with Gap. They had some bad years, but I feel like things have been better lately. I’ve had some not-so-good experiences with quality, but for fun pieces that you are going to wear lightly to work, I like it.

This cardigan was on the sale rack for something around $22. It’s just about as much neon on top as I can handle, and I liked the contrast between simple librarian cardigan and boom! dancer neon pink. I think if I got it I might cut out the bottom ruffle- it was just a bit too much for me. So fun though.

Then came this lovely wrap dress, which wasn’t on the sale rack. I might keep an eye on it to see if it gets there soon- such a flattering fit and fun pattern for spring/summer. It was a thick jersey knit, so would work well year-round, actually.

$12 patterned tee from Gap. I like, I like, but I have too many already.

The below items are a mish-mash of extra photos- the navy blue and pink polka dot was a button-down from Gap, but pretty similar to another top I have. The white and yellow stripes was a simple flowy/gauzy top from Ann Taylor Loft, and the dress was a chambray from the clearance rack at Old Navy.

Ann Taylor Loft also had this cute knit blazer on the sale rack and I loved the material and the detail. A bit nautical and tailored- cute for work or weekends. I liked, I loved, I walked away.

Final stop: Old Navy. They have great stuff this year, people. Sure, some of it is kitschy or cheap, but again, for trendy items that you likely won’t wear much, I like it.

This dress was so cute on- it was lined linen and the fit was very flattering. I loved the bright blue color and the detail (pleating!). Again, not on sale, but I might have to check back soon.

And last but not least, this is the top that I just loved. A flowy and funky navy top with pink sailboats on it! I think I need it! Can’t stop thinking about it. Must have it!

Yikes. I nearly forgot the red jeans! These were at Ann Taylor. Too tight and too bright, but I definitely see the allure. Maybe someday.

So what do you think? Dressing room shopping for the win?