Friday's Fancies: Crushing on Chicago

Happy Friday, party people!

Today at long distance loving the theme is to recreate an outfit we've seen - and fallen for - across the interwebs.  Any look at my My (Wannabe) Style board on Pinterest will tell you that I have quite a crush on fall fashion. Sweater? Blazer? Boots? Belt? In various colors? Swoon.

How to choose just one look?

Well, I added another variable on Wednesday.

You see, our good friend from DC paid us a visit and we went to the Hancock Building for after work drinks. During sunset. Let me paint a picture.

OK well first I have to share the swizzle stick from Andrew's drink. It was in the shape of the building. So cute.

And now for amazing pictures from the best view in the city: the women's restroom of the Hancock Building:

The second one is my absolute favorite.

OK so back to Friday's Fancies, because that's why I'm linking up, after all.

I created an outfit inspired by my pins on my My (Wannabe) Style Pinterest Board as if I was going back to the Hancock for more sunset sipping.

Friday's Fancies Chicago Crush by mkrulia featuring leopard print flats

My fall color crush is wine. Funny, 'cuz I enjoy a nice glass in the fall, too (OK fine, I love wine year-round). I love wine pieces paired with leopard print as well. Hence, my outfit. Sure it doesn't look like anything from my board, but oh well, it has similar themes: jeans, cinched waist, leopard print, wine. Sounds good. 

So what do you think?

Have a great weekend!

Little Bit of Sass Thursday

We're one day closer to the weekend, which means it's time to sass it up!

Source: theentertainingelf.com via Mary on Pinterest

No! Not the cookies!!!

Source: 30.media.tumblr.com via Mary on Pinterest

Want. Need. Must wear.  Well, must get the body to be able to wear. Then, must wear!

Source: iwastesomuchtime.com via Mary on Pinterest

Giggle.

Source: dietcokeandasmoke.tumblr.com via Mary on Pinterest

Very true.  However, I feel like the second I could walk I strutted right into my mom's shoes.  Dress-up started at two, Kate.

Source: imgfave.com via Mary on Pinterest

God Bless a good photobomb.

Source: fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net via Mary on Pinterest

She has a point, you know.

And now, my favorite this week:

Source: art.com via Mary on Pinterest

I make pie charts daily. I can totally relate to this.

Way Back {When}sday!

Hello!

Today I decided to snap a few pictures from my freshman year scrapbook to share with you. These pictures are all from pledging! I was 18! It was fun to look through all of the pictures and think back to those crazy days.

So fun!

I'm linking up with Rachel from Can't Google Everything today.

Have a good one!

Little Bit of Class Tuesday

Hello!
As I mentioned yesterday, I wanted to share our side trip on Friday. On our drive along 70 we kept seeing sign after sign for Richmond, Indiana, promising a quaint little town full of antiques, unique furniture, and delicious food. Without asking or any hesitation, Andrew turned off the Interstate for the charming Richmond.
How did he know I wanted to go?
Lucky for me, Andrew and I share a mutual fondness for small towns: the people, the stores, the atmosphere, the comfort, and obviously the food. We weren't in a rush so we took a time out for an adventure.
So today instead of posting fabulous images of clothes I can't afford or of people I wish I looked like, please indulge me a little as I slow down for a minute.

We only stopped in Richmond for maybe an hour, but in that time we toured a few of the hot spots in the area. First was an eclectic General Store, equipped with an old-fashioned fountain, deli, wine shop, hardware section, and friendly staff. Upon the owner's suggestion (of course she chatted with us! She was curious why two Chicagoans were in town!) we walked around for a few blocks, stopped in a whimsical French bakery and were tempted by all of the delicious goods, obviously taking a couple to share with my parents. We then strolled to a three-story furniture store in an old warehouse. The medley of themes throughout the store enchanted us to check out every room and marvel at the random collections of art work. We were sad to leave and promised ourselves we would return another time for a longer stay.
I love to visit small towns: it reminds me to slow down every now and then to appreciate the little things. Even though this town was in Indiana it had a similar charm as downtown Lancaster where I grew up.
So how about you? Where do you go to get away from the hustle bustle of city life or just away from your current surroundings? Do you ever get off the highway on a road trip? If so, where have you been? And if not, why not? Slow down! :)

Weekend Update!

How is the weekend over already? It just isn't fair.
I started the weekend with a sore throat, which turned into a nasty cold. Wah. Andrew and I still made our trip to Ohio, though! A little cold won't keep me from Theta Nu's 95th Anniversary and Callie's Birthday! Nosiree! 
On our trip we stopped in Richmond, Indiana. More on that tomorrow because I loved it so much!
Here's my first of two collages of our weekend:

Top: It rained a little bit as we crossed into Ohio but it only made the trees look that much prettier to me! The skies were sunny for the remainder of the trip! When we got in on Friday my mom had some homemade Chicken Noodle Soup for us, which made coming home that much sweeter.

Middle Left: My parents have a cat named Fluffy. She is beautiful but wow is she mean! She WILL NOT let you touch her. I told Colonel Meow he should meet her (ps please go look at that Facebook account! HILARIOUS!). 

Middle Right: Andrew and I took a picture on the porch before going out on Saturday night. My family always takes pictures on the porch, like it's the first day of school. Lucky for Andrew, right?

Bottom Left: We stocked up on Conn's Chips and Yuengling since we can't get either in Chicago.

Bottom Right: Finally, the Porsche driver on our way home yesterday was apparently a C student.

Now on to Theta Nu!

We didn't make the parade and meeting Saturday morning. Sniffling in sweatpants while watching football were far more appealing for us than standing in the cold. I was sad to miss it, but really wasn't up for it!

That night, though, we went out! I saw some ladies I haven't seen in YEARS! It was great to catch up, reminisce, and give hug after hug. It was a pretty good turnout, especially since an entirely different group went to the parade in the morning. Yay Violets! 

(Yes, Violets are our sorority flower, and that is one of our nicknames).

The pictures above are from the Theta Nu event as well as later on that evening out for Callie's Birthday. We had soooo much fun! I can't wait for the 100th celebration!!!
The quote is from when I pledged, and was one of the many reasons why I pledged Theta Nu. I joined because they let me be me! It was awesome to be around a group of strong women who loved each other for who we are rather than what we look like. But, let's be honest, we are all very beautiful, too :)
P.S. recognize Callie and Holly? Yep, I have two awesome blogger sisters!
How was your weekend?
Today I linked up with Dana, Leeann, and Sami!

Friday's Fancies: Game Day!

Happy Friday, party people!

I am so excited for the Game Day Friday's Fancies theme at long distance loving today.

By now you all know of my love for the Steelers, so obviously that's the team I am going with for today's post.

OK if you didn't know I love the Steelers here's why: my parents are from Pittsburgh and raised us fans. We visit there often since my family is huge and it's a pretty city. Honestly one of my first memories is sitting in the basement with my family on my dad's lap while he yelled at the Steelers on TV. I've been a fan my whole life, through good times and bad times, Super Bowls and losing seasons. It's fun to cheer for them every week even though most of their games give me heart attacks!

It's OK if you don't like the Steelers. Most of my friends truly hate them. It doesn't bother me. Living in Ohio my Browns and Bengals friends always gave me grief and living in DC (close proximity to those gross Ravens in Baltimore) I got my fair share of jeers. Whatever, we can all agree that football is awesome, so that's all that matters!

Here's my game day garb and an inspired look. What? Black and gold is an awesome color combo! I couldn't resist!

Friday's Fancies Game Day by mkrulia featuring clip on earrings

Let's break it down.

I love a good jersey. I always get the Male Youth Large and it fits perfectly. You will never see me in a pink jersey. I just can't get behind them. I don't have a Polamalu jersey (like the one pictured) but I do have Ward and Bradshaw, which I love. I actually do have Terrible Towel earrings. Flats are key for me because if I'm at the bar I'm standing (and jumping, and yelling, and dancing). Oh and the Yuengling reminds me of the Steelers Bar in DC, so that's my drink of choice during the games. By the way, it sucks you can't get it in Chicago!

I thought it would be fun to do a game day-inspired look as well. I classed it up with some hot boots, gold clutch and a Dark & Stormy. Throw in some simple baubles, paint my nails red, and boom. Ready for a night out.

What's your favorite team or teams?

Have a happy weekend!

Little Bit of Sass Thursday

Hi there!

I know on Thursdays I normally post funny pictures from my Sassy Pinterest Board. Today, however, I actually have a sassy evening to share.

Last night I hosted a Ladies Night with some co-workers. One gal (another Mary, actually) has a secret bartending talent and all of us had to see her in action! 

We ran to the store after work, popped some frozen pizzas in the oven, and got to mixin'! 

Mixologist Mary (pictured center Left) showed us how to make the perfect Cosmo, Skinny Girl Martini, vodka martini with bleu cheese-stuffed olives, and - my favorite - a French Martini. YUM! She even showed us how to make the cute curly lemon peels!

A couple of those cocktails and this group of gals sure did get a little sassy! 

(Just ask Andrew and Ed, who sat shaking their heads and laughing nearby)

The dip pictured is the Taco Dip from Gina at skinnytaste.com. Check it out! I also served her Pumpkin Pie dip with apples and graham crackers. YUM.

We do love our little get-togethers. I'm not sure what we will do next but I know it will be a good time!

Do you have a favorite Ladies Night theme? Please share in the comments!

Way Back {When}sday!

Happy Wednesday!

Today I'm linking up with Rachel from Can't Google Everything to dedicate this post to my best friend, Callie. It's her Birthday today, too, so please go send her some love and enter her giveaway!

I sadly don't have any digital pictures from our pledging days, but here are a few from back when.

haha the top two pictures are pre-highlights days. Annnnd a couple of others are from my spray tan days. Ohhh memories.

The most recent is the bottom left, from my 26th Birthday/Grad School Graduation in DC when Callie came to visit!

Recent pictures will be here on Monday! Can't wait to see the Birthday Girl and our Theta Nu gals at Otterbein Homecoming this weekend! 

Weekend Update!

Hey there! How was your weekend? Mine certainly wasn't long enough, but it was full of football and relaxing so I can't complain.

Before I link up with the girls today, I have to promote my best friend's giveaway! Callie from Be Here Now is hosting THE BEST giveaway to celebrate her birthday. Go check it out!

Now for the weekend!

While I watched football and baked, I have to highlight two things from my weekend, one athletic and the other fabulous.

First, the athletic: in August I changed up my workout routine to a much tougher regimen. I'm finally seeing results but my knees have taken quite a beating. My knees have always been finicky but in the last few weeks they have just plain hurt. No bueno. Andrew suggested that I go to a sports medicine clinic to get them checked out. Who knows, you know?

Well, Angela at Athletico certainly knows.

Within miniutes of moving around, stretching, etc., Angela told me that I have Patellar Tendinitis in both knees, the worst of which is in the left knee. Not too big of a deal, but I have to tell my trainer, boot camp instructor, and class instructor that I need to cool it on a few movements for two weeks. Then, and this is the coolest part, she printed out an injury-specific sheet of exercises and stretches. It has the pictures, reps, and instructions. So helpful! I'm going back tonight to pick up a foam roller and stretchy band. Oh and I forgot to mention...

...it was FREE!

Yep! Athletico saw me for a free consultation. If my knees aren't better in two weeks I will go back and they will refer me to a doctor. So yeah! Worth it! If you are in the Chicago area there are quite a few locations. If you go to the Madison Ave. location, ask for Angela! She's wonderful!

Now for the fabulous portion of the weekend!

After my appointment at Athletico I passed the sweetest little vintage-inspired boutique on Madison called Decollage. Since it was a small and beautiful space, I suspected the boutique was like many others I have entered...meaning the clothing is out of my price range, but I walk in to drool anyway. Drool I did, but not only over the beautiful clothes, I drooled over the prices! I couldn't believe how affordable everything was at Decollage. I picked up a new shirt, chatted with the sweet lady working, and left very happy. I can't wait to go back!

Look how pretty the store is!

The rest of the weekend was full of football and fun!

After work on Friday I went and had a very relaxing mani/pedi. I came home to Andrew, a glass of delicious Traverse City, Michigan whiskey, and the Rat Pack blaring through the apartment. I just love nights like that!

Yesterday I baked Betty Crocker's Touchdown Brownies. I used the low-fat mix and made them small, so it's kind of guilt-free, right? 
Good tip: line the pan with foil and spray with cooking spray (I use spray butter). Then when it's cool, place wax paper on a flat surface, flip the brownies on the wax paper so the foil is on top, and peel off the foil. That way the brownies don't stick! Sorry if you already knew that tip, but I was very thankful someone wrote that in the comments for the recipe.

Whew, long post! Thanks for hanging in there with me! Tell me about your weekend!

Friday's Fancies: Falling for Fall

I am loving way too many things involving Fall fashion this year, so I'm linking up with {av} and all of the gals to share!

Friday's Fancies: Falling for Fall by mkrulia featuring isharya

Let's break it down.

I have been drooling over Marc Jacobs cross-body bags for at least a year. It would take over a year for me to pay for one so I will just keep dreaming.

I severely want a new jacket for the fall. My junky one has been fun, but I want to invest in a quality piece. This Mango side-zip number is making me swoon.
I hear J Brand jeans are the best, so I refuse to try them on until they lower the prices. I'll be waiting here in my Target jeans patiently for that glorious day.

Those boots are by Tory, so I don't think I need to explain why they are in this set. And the answer to your question is yes. Yes, Tory and I are on a first-name basis. I'm just waiting for some sort of friends & fam discount already.

I like to mix in colorful florals and accents in the fall, hence the accessories and plain t-shirt.

I'll keep dreaming, but hey, at least I have the watch in this set.

Go check out the other gorgeous Fall outfits at long distance loving today and have a fun weekend!

Little Bit of Sass Thursday

It's Thursday, I'm fully caffeinated, and it's lunch time.  What does this mean?  It means that I need to eat before I start to shake, and that I need to spread some sass for all of you on this fine day.

Source: lifeisasunset.blogspot.com via Mary on Pinterest

Words to live by, for sure.

Source: society6.com via Mary on Pinterest

I don't know, man, you kind of look like you're in a bit of a pickle. OH!
(Here's a fun fact: I am really good at making bad jokes and thinking I'm funny.)

Source: someecards.com via Mary on Pinterest

Doing this makes me happy.

Source: freefunnypixs.com via Mary on Pinterest

I don't care how old I get, fart jokes will always make me giggle.

Source: 25.media.tumblr.com via Mary on Pinterest

How did I never think to do this? Talk about a missed opportunity...that I will remedy in April 2013.
And now, my favorite this week:

Source: tumblr.com via Mary on Pinterest

I love this one because I am so guilty of making that stupid face in pictures. It's not attractive or funny, so why do I (and most other women) do this??? I think we need an intervention...or I should just listen to Andrew when he teases me for it and choose another face. A smile, perhaps? Novel idea.
Have you run into any sassy photos this week?

Way Back {When}sday

Two years (and two days!) ago, on my mom's Birthday, my sister had her baby! 

Here's the first time I went to visit when Lizzie was five weeks old:

And here she was yesterday, playing with the toys Andrew and I got her for her Birthday!

She's such a big girl, and don't even get me started on those pigtails! Cute!

OK and here's a video of her learning to walk...really it's a succession from crawling, to walking, to swinging, and all of the adorable smiles in between. It makes me misty-eyed every time!

Ugh. Tears. hahaha I miss that little tike!