It's officially spring! The high in Chicago today was 28! I'm so ready for the weather to cooperate with the calendar, it's not even funny. It was actually colder this week than it was for much of December and January. The just-sprouted plants are going to crawl back into the dirt. I've been in a springly state of mind lately, though, to help make up for the disappointing reality: all I want to do is wear dresses and eat radishes, and I dream about drinking at roof-top bars.
My birthday was this past weekend, and it was low-key and lovely. I spent it downtown, mostly wandering in and out of stores and window shopping, because nothing really grabbed my attention. I saw Oz the Great and Powerful which I thought was well done, and not too silly for being a remake. I got my nails done. And I ate at The Gage, a gastro-pub that I've been turned away from twice before because it was too busy. I had fondue, fish and chips, and butter cake, all of which was good, but not all that flavorful. But, worth the calories.
I recently came across this website on Pinterest, and I can't stop looking at the outfits. It's giving me lots of ideas for my own wardrobe, but really, I think she's going to run out of ideas soon. The biggest thing I'm learning from this website is to have some really good basics that can be worn with lots of other things. My current pair of work pants (only one pair!) are old, out of shape, and not flattering anymore (I have my suspicions to if they ever were flattering...), so new work pants are first on my list. It's amazing how hard it is to find a simple, professional pair of black pants.
Happy spring, hope it's warmer where you are!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Sunday, March 10, 2013
It's Suddenly One Hour Later
Happy spring forward Sunday to you! I'm not a huge fan of the time changes--either in spring or fall--because one makes me feel lazy in a slow way, because I have an extra hour to accomplish things, and the other makes me feel lazy in a rushed way, because I now have one less hour in which to accomplish things. However, it's only just past 9am, which is still an ok time to be lounging around, even though it's suddenly one hour later.
I wish I could say that I've started dating some cute new guy, or hitting the gym extra hard, or suddenly found a better social life, to explain my absence from this blog, but alas, none are true. The biggest explanation for my lack of posts is work, and the fact that I can't seem to think of anything to write about.
My birthday is coming up, and I can't even seem to think about it or plan anything to do. Maybe I'll have a brainwave this week about how to celebrate my day of birth.
The good news is that spring is right around the corner. Though there are still piles of snow lying around, green shoots are popping out of the ground and the trees are budding. This makes me quite happy. I'm ready for warm days and breezes and al fresco dining.
I wish I could say that I've started dating some cute new guy, or hitting the gym extra hard, or suddenly found a better social life, to explain my absence from this blog, but alas, none are true. The biggest explanation for my lack of posts is work, and the fact that I can't seem to think of anything to write about.
My birthday is coming up, and I can't even seem to think about it or plan anything to do. Maybe I'll have a brainwave this week about how to celebrate my day of birth.
The good news is that spring is right around the corner. Though there are still piles of snow lying around, green shoots are popping out of the ground and the trees are budding. This makes me quite happy. I'm ready for warm days and breezes and al fresco dining.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Resolution Update #2
Resolution #1: Be good to my body
Result: 133%!
A. Go to the gym once a week: 3/4 (75%)
B. Stretch once a week: 3/4 (75%)
C. Drink a glass of green tea once a week: 10/4 (250%!)
Resolution #2: Be more mindful
Result: 50%
A. Write in my journal once a week: 4/4 (100!%)
B. Meditate twice a month: 0/4 (0%)
Resolution #3: See one movie a month in theater
Result: Success!
On the last day of February I headed to my new local theater to see Amour. It was lovely, sad, heartwarming, and intense, all at once.
Resolution #4: Buy once piece of clothing per month
Result: Success!
I bought two cute dresses this month, a tie, a bunch of (much needed) new underwear, and some new work pants that I'm still iffy about.
Resolution #5: Read three books a month
Result: Success!
In February I read Time For Andrew: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn, a book I've had since I was much younger; Criss Cross by Lynee Rae Perkins, a Newbery Medal winner, and an overall lovely book, exactly the type of story I wish I could write; M is for Magic by Neil Gaiman; and the last in the Hunger Games triology, Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins.
Resolution #6: Keep track of my finances via Excel spreadsheet
Result: Success
I recorded all my spending, and it totaled to too much last month, ugh. I MUST STOP SPENDING MONEY ON FOOD.
February Goal: Visit Adler Planetarium
Result: Success!
I headed to Adler After Dark a few weeks ago with a coworker, the Planetarium's after-hours professional mingler. It was alright: there were a lot of people, mostly younger and in couples, but the theme was Chinese New Year, so there was some traditional dancing and fun drinks. I didn't really get a chance to actually see any of the exhibits, but we did see one of the shows that explained constellations. I will probably need to go back at some point to learn more about actual astronomy, but at least it was a decent first experience.
Result: 133%!
A. Go to the gym once a week: 3/4 (75%)
B. Stretch once a week: 3/4 (75%)
C. Drink a glass of green tea once a week: 10/4 (250%!)
Resolution #2: Be more mindful
Result: 50%
A. Write in my journal once a week: 4/4 (100!%)
B. Meditate twice a month: 0/4 (0%)
Resolution #3: See one movie a month in theater
Result: Success!
On the last day of February I headed to my new local theater to see Amour. It was lovely, sad, heartwarming, and intense, all at once.
Resolution #4: Buy once piece of clothing per month
Result: Success!
I bought two cute dresses this month, a tie, a bunch of (much needed) new underwear, and some new work pants that I'm still iffy about.
Resolution #5: Read three books a month
Result: Success!
In February I read Time For Andrew: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn, a book I've had since I was much younger; Criss Cross by Lynee Rae Perkins, a Newbery Medal winner, and an overall lovely book, exactly the type of story I wish I could write; M is for Magic by Neil Gaiman; and the last in the Hunger Games triology, Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins.
Resolution #6: Keep track of my finances via Excel spreadsheet
Result: Success
I recorded all my spending, and it totaled to too much last month, ugh. I MUST STOP SPENDING MONEY ON FOOD.
February Goal: Visit Adler Planetarium
Result: Success!
I headed to Adler After Dark a few weeks ago with a coworker, the Planetarium's after-hours professional mingler. It was alright: there were a lot of people, mostly younger and in couples, but the theme was Chinese New Year, so there was some traditional dancing and fun drinks. I didn't really get a chance to actually see any of the exhibits, but we did see one of the shows that explained constellations. I will probably need to go back at some point to learn more about actual astronomy, but at least it was a decent first experience.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Oscars 2013
Awards season is finally winding down, but saved the biggest and best for last: the Oscars. My boyfriend Seth Macfarlane hosted, and while he wasn't that funny, he sure looked good.
AND he can sing and dance
I wasn't blown away by any of the night's fashion, but see my favorites, below.
Amanda Seyfried
Amy Adams
Halle Berry
Jennifer Lawrence
Naomi Watts
Sandra Bullock
I have a girl crush on Jennifer Lawrence, and have been reliving her trip to the stage via posts on Buzz Feed:
I was more impressed, however, with the party dresses:
Jennifer Lawrence at the Vanity Fair party
Natalie Portman at the Vanity Fair party
And, just because she looked smokin' hot, here's a picture of Jennifer Lawrence at the Independent Spirit Awards:
Monday, February 11, 2013
Grammys 2013
OK: I love all these looks, though quite different, but of all the award shows thus far this season, I thought the Grammys were the most interesting.
Rihanna
I am SO HAPPY she went with this pretty, classy style. Lately she's been sporting some crazy outfits, but I like her pretty like this
Beyonce
I love that she didn't wear a dress! This is definitely more casual, but I love it, sort of like her version of a tux
Kelly Rowland
Yes, it's see-through in the wrong areas, but overall I think it's a pretty dress. Though the dress could have been prettier if the the cut-outs were a fun color. But come on, it's the Grammys, not the Oscars
Screen Actors Guild Awards 2013
I felt the SAG Awards were pretty mundane, fashion-wise, but here's what made my cut:
Jenna Fischer
Michelle Dockery
Jennifer Garner
Friedo Pinto and Dev Patel
Claire Danes
Anne Hathaway
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Resolution Update #1
A new year of blogging about resolutions! Here's January 2013:
Resolution #1: Be good to my body
Result: 58%, not such a good start to the year
A. Go to the gym once a week: 1/4 (25%)
I didn't buy a membership until the last week of January...
B. Stretch once a week: 3/4 (75%)
C. Drink a glass of gree tea a week: 3/4 (75%)
Resolution #2: Be more mindful
Result: 113%! A great start to the year!
A. Write in my journal once a week: 5/4 (125%)
B. Meditate twice a month: 2/2 (100%)
I can already see that meditating twice monthly is going to be much more manageable than once a week. While I did it twice this month, my heart wasn't in it either time. I'd really like to be able to get back to good meditation.
Resolution #3: See one movie a month in theater
Result: Success!
Last month I saw Silver Linings Playbook. It took about 45 minutes for me to get really invested in the characters and the plot, but then I enjoyed the last half of the movie. However, I am surprised that Jennifer Lawrence is winning all the awards for her portrayal of Tiffany; I didn't think it was an award-winning role, but there you go.
Side note: a theater just opened half a block from my house, so I imagine that I will be seeing LOTS more movies this year.
Resolution #4: Buy one piece of clothing per month
Result: Resounding success!
I bought a lot in January: two going-out handbags, a much-needed gray cardigan, cute black leather wedges, that unfortunately hurt my feet (still hoping to break them in!), a black summer dress and purple work shirt (on huge sale!), socks, and, finally, a cute wool skirt from J.Crew that was on final sale but doesn't fit. Sad face.
Resolution #5: Read three books a month
Result: Success!
In January I read Wildwood: The Wildwood Chronicles, Book 1 by Colin Meloy. I hated this book. I was intrigued by it, but ultimately, it had way too many children's-book tropes (talking animals, lost babies, different worlds, magic, and on and on), and the book itself was looooong, and even though a lot techinally happens, it's boring. The dialogue was also poor. Apparently it was written by the Decemberists' lead singer, so it's no wonder it was long and rambling--most of their songs are.
I also read Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, and enjoyed it. It was different than the first book, and left me intrigued about what happens in the third book.
Finally I read Three Lives to Live by Anne Lindbergh, a book I've had since I was a tween. It's about a small family that is interruped when a girl time-travels through a laundry chute. It sounds weird, but I find it sassy and fun, with interesting time-travel and duplication questions, and a book that continues to hold my attention as an adult.
Resolution #6: Keep track of my finances
Result: Success!
I tracked my spending in January, and added the name of the store, which made it much easier to remember what I spend money on. Dining out was still my biggest category, and I hope that it is less in February.
January Goal: Go ice-skating
Result: Success!
Last weekend I took a friend and we went ice-skating on the Midway. It was a beautiful, sunny day, about freezing, and there weren't too many people on the rink. While we only skated for about half an hour, it was enough, and I had a lot of fun. With more practice, I think I could learn to be a semi-graceful ice-skater; as it is, at least I didn't fall, though came close.
Yearly Goal: Save $100 per month
Result: Success!
I saved a total of $210.
Resolution #1: Be good to my body
Result: 58%, not such a good start to the year
A. Go to the gym once a week: 1/4 (25%)
I didn't buy a membership until the last week of January...
B. Stretch once a week: 3/4 (75%)
C. Drink a glass of gree tea a week: 3/4 (75%)
Resolution #2: Be more mindful
Result: 113%! A great start to the year!
A. Write in my journal once a week: 5/4 (125%)
B. Meditate twice a month: 2/2 (100%)
I can already see that meditating twice monthly is going to be much more manageable than once a week. While I did it twice this month, my heart wasn't in it either time. I'd really like to be able to get back to good meditation.
Resolution #3: See one movie a month in theater
Result: Success!
Last month I saw Silver Linings Playbook. It took about 45 minutes for me to get really invested in the characters and the plot, but then I enjoyed the last half of the movie. However, I am surprised that Jennifer Lawrence is winning all the awards for her portrayal of Tiffany; I didn't think it was an award-winning role, but there you go.
Side note: a theater just opened half a block from my house, so I imagine that I will be seeing LOTS more movies this year.
Resolution #4: Buy one piece of clothing per month
Result: Resounding success!
I bought a lot in January: two going-out handbags, a much-needed gray cardigan, cute black leather wedges, that unfortunately hurt my feet (still hoping to break them in!), a black summer dress and purple work shirt (on huge sale!), socks, and, finally, a cute wool skirt from J.Crew that was on final sale but doesn't fit. Sad face.
Resolution #5: Read three books a month
Result: Success!
In January I read Wildwood: The Wildwood Chronicles, Book 1 by Colin Meloy. I hated this book. I was intrigued by it, but ultimately, it had way too many children's-book tropes (talking animals, lost babies, different worlds, magic, and on and on), and the book itself was looooong, and even though a lot techinally happens, it's boring. The dialogue was also poor. Apparently it was written by the Decemberists' lead singer, so it's no wonder it was long and rambling--most of their songs are.
I also read Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, and enjoyed it. It was different than the first book, and left me intrigued about what happens in the third book.
Finally I read Three Lives to Live by Anne Lindbergh, a book I've had since I was a tween. It's about a small family that is interruped when a girl time-travels through a laundry chute. It sounds weird, but I find it sassy and fun, with interesting time-travel and duplication questions, and a book that continues to hold my attention as an adult.
Resolution #6: Keep track of my finances
Result: Success!
I tracked my spending in January, and added the name of the store, which made it much easier to remember what I spend money on. Dining out was still my biggest category, and I hope that it is less in February.
January Goal: Go ice-skating
Result: Success!
Last weekend I took a friend and we went ice-skating on the Midway. It was a beautiful, sunny day, about freezing, and there weren't too many people on the rink. While we only skated for about half an hour, it was enough, and I had a lot of fun. With more practice, I think I could learn to be a semi-graceful ice-skater; as it is, at least I didn't fall, though came close.
Yearly Goal: Save $100 per month
Result: Success!
I saved a total of $210.
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