Mary's Musing Monday

At first I started to write a "Little Bit of Class Tuesday" post. Wishful thinking I guess that the week would be swift. Is it the weekend yet?

If you could go on a trip this weekend, where would you go? My friend Turk will be here this weekend, so I'm happy to be here, but I'd take a trip somewhere warm any other weekend!

Maybe to one of these places, perhaps?

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Mary on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Mary on Pinterest

Source: 1kindesign.com via Mary on Pinterest

Yeah I think I could handle that. Who's with me?

11 Facts

Well hello!

I am THRILLED that Michelle from Sweet Musings tagged me in her post last week! I loved learning fun facts about one of my favorite bloggers and am tasked to do the same for my readers! Check out the rules and then please read my answers below.

Rules:

1. You must post these rules.

2. Each person must post 11 things about herself on her blog.

3. Answer the questions the "tagger" listed for you in her post, and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.

4. You must choose 11 people to tag and link to them in the post.

5. Go to each blogger’s page and mention that you have tagged her.

Questions:
1. Valentines Day, like or dislike?

Oh I wish I could answer this with a simple answer. When I was single I outwardly hated the holiday and was inwardly insanely jealous of couples. I would justify eating chocolate to my heart's content, because that was my true love at the time. Then I would get drunk with my sorority sisters and it made being single fun. Now that I have Andrew in my life I think it is a fun "holiday" of sorts, but it really isn't any different than any other day. He's awesome and shows his love every day (I apologize if you just vomited). So really Valentine's Day is now an excuse for us to order heart-shaped pizza and for me to wear red.

2. What is your all-time favorite movie?

That's a tough one. I love escaping in movies, whether terrible or phenomenal. My best friend Mo is the biggest movie buff and works on movies now in L.A.!! Thanks to her influence, I simply cannot choose just one. Let me be a loser and classify my favorites according to random genres that I classified:

Favorite Chick Flick: Mean Girls
Favorite sports movie: The Blind Side or Hoosiers...or any sports movie.
I can't get enough of them.
Favorite comedy: Anchorman
Favorite holiday movie: Elf...or Love Actually...or The Holiday...or Holiday Inn!
Ahh! Can't choose!
Favorite musical: Lullaby of Broadway...or Singin' In the Rain... or Moulin Rouge... or...
Favorite classic: Sabrina (with Audrey)
Favorite 80s movie: The Breakfast Club
Favorite 90s movie: Forrest Gump...or, let's be honest...Clueless. So great.
Movie that always makes me cry: Stepmom. Every.Damn.Time.
Favorite pre-Pixar Disney movie: The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and The Lion King.

I could keep going, but won't. Mo, what do you think of my choices?? :)

3. Who is your favorite designer?

You can find me fawning over Michael Kors and Kate Spade any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Example A: My watch
Example B: My wallet

4. What is your ideal vacation destination?

Spain or Greece or France or...anywhere across the pond.

5. What is your guilty pleasure?

OK fine. I confess. Lately it's The Bachelor. I am in a fantasy league with some co-workers so I have a reason to watch it, but yeah. I curse myself for watching it and yet I can't wait to see who the ugly weird bachelor will send home tomorrow. I just shuddered.

Source: google.com via Supermom2three on Pinterest

6. What color will you be wearing most this spring?

I'm dreaming in pastels and neutrals...

Source: etsy.com via Mary on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Mary on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Mary on Pinterest

Source: observando.net via Mary on Pinterest

7. Do you carry a clutch or huge handbag most often, and what does it look like or who is it by?

Ha. I WISH I could carry a clutch everywhere I go. Unfortunately I carry my life with me in the form of receipts, stray pieces of paper and coupons, and just random junk. At least it's all lovingly tossed in my gorgeous Michael Kors bag that Andrew got me for our first anniversary. It's a beautiful camel-colored leather bag with gold accents, big enough to fit my laptop without appearing over-stuffed.

8. What are you currently reading?

The Help! I am truly enjoying it. As much as it pains me to set it aside, I try to pause at certain moments and reflect on the content. It can certainly be hard to swallow at times. I can't wait to see the movie once I finish.

Source: compare.ebay.com via Jessica on Pinterest

9. If you were only allowed to wear one item of makeup what would it be?

One? I feel bad for anyone who had to see me that day. It is hard to choose between mascara and concealer but I think I would go with concealer. And a hat. And a scarf. And sunglasses.

10. Favorite nail polish brand and color?

Essie's Chinchilly! I wear it all of the time! I used to solely buy OPI, but Essie doesn't chip as quickly. I am also a Deborah Lippmann fan, but her bottles are too pricey and at too few stores for me to be a loyalist.

11. How would you describe your personal style?

Wannabe cute. My inspiration comes from trendy people I see in the city and from pinterest. I attempt to emulate the looks but fall short most of the time. However, I think I have a good eye, love color as much as I love classic pieces, and will think of any way to justify a purchase. I guess I try to be trendy preppy with my style, but I am a Value City-minded shopper for life (may the company rest in peace).

My turn to ask the Q's! Can't wait to read the A's!!!

Questions:

1. If you could live anywhere at any point in your life where would you live? Of course it can be where you currently reside!

2. Are you a morning or night person?

3. How do you keep in touch with friends who may not live near you?

4. Pop or Soda?

5. Do you plan everything, are you spontaneous, or can you balance both traits?

6. Favorite way to spend a Friday night?

7. Favorite way to unwind?

8. Coffee or Tea?

9. How would you describe your style?

10. Where and when did you spend your favorite weekend getaway?

11. When was the last time you did something for the first time?

My Tags:

Callie from If You're Bored Then You're Boring
Holly from Running in Stilettos
Christina from Hungry Meets Healthy
Sarah from A Buckeye in Badgerland
Ashley from The Shine Project
Cassie from Hi Sugarplum!
Chelsea from Hello Miss Chelsea
{av} from Long Distance Loving
Lauren from Aspiring Kennedy
Megan from Style Me Swanky
Meredith from His & Hers
Beth from Tres Bien Ensemble
Danielle from Breakfast at Toast
Lucy from Lucy the Valiant
Mo from My Blonde Year

Thanks for reading this long post if you made it this far! And thanks again to Michelle for thinking of me in her tags! Please visit her blog - she is amazing!

Until next time...

Source: smashinghub.com via Corey on Pinterest

Mary's Musing Monday

Hey everyone!

Yes it's been a week since I last wrote, but it was just one of those weeks. I traveled for work for the first time which was a great experience! Other than that (and spending time with the new cat!) it was an average week. But who wants to hear about the fact that I was always tired and always hungry? Not you!

So here's some happy: I am happily participating in Holly and Chelsea's "Make it My Own Monday" theme today. The idea is to find inspiration on Pinterest and create outfits with what's currently in the closet.

So I kind of did mine backwards. This Saturday Andrew and I met up with friends to listen to his college friend's band. It was a blast!!!! My outfit for Saturday night was inspired by someone I saw on the train months ago. Yep. Months ago. I loved her whole look from head to toe, so when I saw a similar dress at H&M over the holidays I jumped at the opportunity! I looked on Pinterest to see if there were other style options. I liked the chick from the L's version better, but here were my "inspirations," if you will:

Source: tobi.com via Mary on Pinterest

Source: tobi.com via Alicia on Pinterest

Not bad, but not what I saw on the L, either. The fashionista had on a faux fur vest over the dress, no belt, tights, boots, and plenty of baubles. Super cute. Alas, I do not have a faux fur vest (and probably never will because it would make my broad shoulders resemble football pads), but here was my rendition. Oh and this is 11 pounds lighter than the last time you saw a picture of me :)

Dress: H&M
Tights: Target
Boots: Macy's
New gorgeous brand new clutch on sale at my favorite boutique on my street: M2. I kind of salivated when I saw it. It had to be mine.
Necklace: H&M
Earrings: Francesca's
Bangle: Banana Republic Outlet
Watch: Michael Kors from Bloomingdale's

I think this may be my new "go to" dress, if not outfit. I was comfy all night, never had to suck in, and felt cute. And really, feeling happy is all that matters.

New Addition!

Happy weekend!

I grew up with a cat, and ever since college I have wanted one of my own. Luckily, Andrew loves animals and had a cat (and dogs!) growing up. He agreed that a cat would be fun to have. Of course both of us love dogs, too, but we don't have the time or money for a dog, so we decided a cat was the best way to go for us. We went to PAWS, an incredible no-kill shelter, and picked out our cuddly new pal. We went in thinking we would get a kitten, but fell in love with this sweetheart instead!

Our friends advised us to let the cat pick us, not the other way around. Well, none of the kittens were interested in us so we went into a room with older cats. One cat walked right up to Andrew, sat in his lap, and wouldn't let him go. He then came over to me and did the same. Even though many sweet cats caught our eyes, it was a pretty easy decision.

We named our new buddy Teddy, after our favorite of the racing president mascots for the Washington Nationals. We went to a game a week when we lived in DC, so even though we are lifelong fans of the Pirates (me) and the Tigers (Andrew), the Nats will always have a special place in our hearts.

So far Teddy has explored our place, hid under the bed, and slept in our laps while we watch football (it was wonderful to watch the Packers lose, btw). He's so sweet and cuddly. We just love him!

Friday's Fancies: Color Crush

Happy Weekend!

This week on {av}'s Friday's Fancies we are all creating dream outfits around a color we are all crushing on currently. Lately on pinterest I have pinned nearly every picture with a nude/neutral/pastel combo. Here are a couple of examples:

Source: polyvore.com via Mary on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Mary on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Mary on Pinterest

Source: polyvore.com via Mary on Pinterest

...and so on.

I am not one to wear nude colors, but for some reason they are calling my name. Enter my polyvore creation for this week's fancies.

Friday's Fancies: Color Crush by mkrulia featuring a green shift dress

I centered two outfits around a gorgeous nude coat. As a blonde I am not sure I cold pull it off, but who knows? Instead of pastels I punched up the neutral with bold colors in the green dress and blue clutch, because that's how I add some sass to a classy look. I'm thinking soft curls for either look, bronzer for the one shoulder and classic makeup for the green. I drool over both pairs of shoes and both clutches on a regular basis. Someday, friends, someday. haha :)

Have a great weekend and head over to Long Distance Loving to see more color crushes!

Little Bit of Snow Thursday

The snow started to fall today and a co-worker said it looked like a snow globe outside. Some of the outer offices look out over the southwest portion of the Loop with views of Sears (Willis, whatever) Tower. It really did look like a snow globe!

On my walk from the L this evening, I snapped a few pictures of the first Chicago snow. (OK fine there were flurries before tonight, but no accumulation like this.)

I was going to post sassy photos, but I think these are pleasant replacements. Hope you're all staying warm!

Stay Strong

The past few days I have read some heartfelt blog posts from blogs I follow and heard some hard-to-digest news from back home. It seems like many friends of ours are going through rough patches. I appreciate everyone who bravely post their stories and pray for your continued strength.

As I reflected on everything I've read, I recalled a brief encounter earlier tonight. I walked home from the L, felt exhausted from a long day, and noticed someone pass me in tears. I couldn't do anything but send up a quick prayer for her for whatever was going on. It definitely made me think how true it is that you never know the battle others fight. So what if I'm tired, you know?

Keeping all of these events in mind, I'm forgoing my usual "Little Bit of Class" theme with images of classy items to instead send happy thoughts and prayers out there. You never know who may need them.

OK fine, here's a picture of a puppy.

Source: dailypuppy.com via Mary on Pinterest

Did that put a smile on your face? :)

Make it My Own Monday

Happy Monday!

Today I'm linking up with Holly from Running in Stilettos for her fun Make it My Own Monday theme (and sending happy thoughts to her buddy Chelsea). For this theme you are encouraged to pick from your pins on pinterest to inspire an outfit with your own clothes. Unfortunately I wasn't conscious of it this past week, but it was definitely on my mind for New Years Eve! As you may remember from my Friday's Fancies post, I was all about sequins and glitter to ring in 2012. Here are the three pictures I chose among many sparkly pins since I got a sequin skirt over the holiday. I wasn't sure how to style it because I don't have a loose, silk blouse like the pretty ones pictured, but I went with the look anyway.

Source: Uploaded by user via Mary on Pinterest

Source: theglitterguide.tumblr.com via Mary on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Mary on Pinterest

And here's how I adapted the model look from the above pins for my chubby figure:

I love that sequin skirt from H&M that I picked up while home in Ohio shopping with some sorority sisters. The heels and tights are from Target and the top is from Forever21. You can't really tell, but the top is sheer, and I had a black tank under it. I went with a long and plain necklace from The Limited, a belt from J. Crew, a small clutch from my favorite local boutique, and lots of curls and make-up. I liked the ensemble, or at least how big the girls look in that shirt.

Earlier that day I took a "Before" picture. On Tuesday, January 2nd Andrew and I got back on Weight Watchers. In this short amount of time I've lose 6 pounds, feel great, and started P90X. I hope next year at this time I won't be taking "before" pictures again. I'm excited for the "After."

Please make sure to check out Holly's blog!

Little Bit of Sass Thursday

Some good ones this week from Pinterest. View more on my "Sassy" board!

Source: Uploaded by user via Mary on Pinterest

Source: thechloeconspiracy.com via Mary on Pinterest

Source: houzz.com via Mary on Pinterest

All of these put a smile on my face. P.S. I want that broad's outfit.

The weekend is upon us, friends! Will it be a sassy or classy one...or a little of both?

Little Bit of Class Tuesday

Happy Tuesday!

Keep it classy in 2012!

Source: Uploaded by user via Mary on Pinterest

Source: fromme-toyou.tumblr.com via Mary on Pinterest

Source: oscarprgirl.tumblr.com via Mary on Pinterest