spring scent

Confession: I have worn the same perfume almost exclusively for the past 11 years.

Angel by Thierry Mugler

I only need two fingers to count the number of times I have chosen not to refill the pretty star bottle right away and tried something new. Both of those perfumes were fine, but I always ended up going back to Angel. It is sugary at first, but when the liquid dries on my skin, the patchouli takes over and it's this perfect mix of woodsy/vanilla deliciousness. When I get stopped in stores by women who have to know what perfume I'm wearing, or when I walk into a room and people know it's me just from the Angel wafting in, I know I found a good thing in this scent.

That being said, I gave my empty bottle to my parents over Valentine's Day to refill as a gift (for Easter I'm hoping!) so have been without this divine perfume for over a month. For awhile, I wasn't wearing any smell-good-stuff at all. Then I remembered a birthday gift I received in January, Laura Mercier's Almond Coconut Milk Body Butter. It's sweet, but not overpowering, and it lasts subtly on my skin for hours and hours. So while I'm waiting for an Angel refill, this decadent body butter is an excellent substitute.

I always have an internal debate whether I'm cheating myself by not being more adventurous with perfumes, or if it would just end up a waste of money. For now, I think I'm going to continue sticking with what works with my pheromones.

Do you have a signature scent, or do you change perfumes with the season?

clearly loving

Pun intended. I have an infatuation with see-through bags and clutches lately. They're super sleek, and force you to be organized and minimalistic with its contents. Something I am not accomplished at. Maybe it's the non-creepy Peeping Tom in me (is there such a thing?) but another thing I love about these bags is seeing what other women deem mandatory when leaving the house.

images 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 (on sale!)

Side note about the Peeping Tom comment: I love driving at dusk. It's the time when a home's inhabitants haven't shut the blinds yet, and it's just dark enough to peer inside their house. It's the best when you see a family sitting at the dining room table or a book club pouring drinks. Something about seeing people I don't know doing things I enjoy, I guess. Blue Eyes says I'm a creep for doing this, and as I'm writing this I am starting to understand why...  

accidental twinsies

The fall wedding season is upon us, and while organizing a packing list for last weekend's wedding, I found myself with zero cool-weather dresses. In previous years, I would repurpose a summer dress with a shawl and closed-toe shoes, but this year I wanted to invest in a new, sleeved garment for the Wyoming wedding, and a St. Louis wedding in November. I headed to Nordstrom and went home with a beautiful navy lace Adrianna Papell dress. 

About a week earlier, someone else went to nordstrom.com and bought a pretty purple lace Adrianna Papell dress for a wedding in Wyoming.

accidental twinsies

entertaining our family with twins pics

that's the face of a thrilled daughter

That "someone else" was my mom. As previously mentioned, she's pretty fabulous and has killer style. I was taught (by her) at an early age not to buy a dress right before a special occasion, because there's a good chance someone else will be wearing it too. And then there we were, in the Rock City Holiday Inn with the same dress and no other options. Breaking our own rule really caught up with us this time. Luckily I styled mine with a pair of boots and gold jewelry while she wore pumps and hose. It was a source of much laughter at the family wedding as you can imagine. 

Moral of the story, shop weeks before a special event if you're wanting a new outfit. Or else you might be twinsies with your mom.

i feel smart

Hey heyyyy. This is going to be a short little bit of a post but I just wanted to let you all know I feel like I finally became a semi-legit blogger. See those cute little icons over there?

Me and my non-HTML savvy brain did that. And the links actually work! Obviously I can't take all of the credit for those baby quatrefoils/links/connections-to-my-life. Many thanks to Katie over at Lady Million for her very helpful DIY blog design posts. Seriously - I could not have done it without her. I tried.

So click on them and follow along or shoot me an email if your heart so desires. I'd love to hear from you.

updates

Today I am providing updates on the many ongoing projects and goals I've put in place over the last few months.

First topic of discussion: Fantasy Project Runway

This season is going about as poorly as last year. I drafted one awesome competitor, Sonjia, who is carrying my team. Andrea was a coward and left the show in the middle of the night, and Raul is the bain of my team's existence as he continually ends up in the bottom of the bunch, awarding me with negative points each episode. When he finally got kicked off a few weeks back I was thrilled he wouldn't drag my team points farther in the red. But as Project Runway has been known to do, the producers invited the man with the ugliest hair in the history of the show back, just to give Heidi Klum the task of saying auf wiedersehen to him for the second time last week. I just about poured a glass of wine over my head when I saw him back in the work room.

Second topic: Spending freeze

Five days in and $0 spent on clothes/accessories/shoes.

brunching @ Gram & Dun

$70 spent on brunch yesterday. Good thing I decided food & drink weren't part of the freeze.

Third topic: 2012 resolutions

1. Learn Spanish. Doing a pretty horrible job on this lately.

2.Work out three times a week. I'm averaging three work outs each week and really enjoying the classes offered at Woodside.

3. Go to church. Summer is tough on church attendance with lots of lake weekends. Probably now averaging 2-3 times per month.

4. Eat more veggies. I'm making a concentrated effort to up my veggie intake, but am not at the level I'd like to be at yet.

5. Read 12 books. I finished book one of the 50 Shades trilogy and can't imagine taking any more time out of my life to finish the series. I'm now over halfway through Mindy Kaling's Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? tome. So I've read 6 1/2 books in almost 9 months. Does anyone else slow down their reading over the summer?

I hope you all had a lovely weekend. And if you have any quick but enjoyable book suggestions for me, I'll take them! I really want to cross that resolution off in December.

freezing

A welcome cold front has moved over Kansas City the last couple days. I sat outside last night and actually wished for a sweatshirt (!). Although it has been cool, this is not the freezing I'm talking about today....

I've made the rather impulse challenging decision to go on a spending freeze for the next month. This isn't out of necessity, but really to see if I can muster the self-control it is going to take to not spend frivolously during my favorite shopping season. And if I add a couple hundred dollars to my savings, that'd be an added bonus.

you stop that, j. crew

History shows I'm not so good at not spending money. Last week I dropped $60 on this Chiefs pullover. I don't regret it because it's adorable & I only have one other Chiefs shirt to get me through the upcoming season, but this is the type of impulse shopping I do on the reg. Sales are typically involved, but even then I'm spending money on things I don't need, like more clothes.

History will also tell you I am not great at practicing anything related to self-control. Just last month I tried to go five days without red meat. I lasted three.

This exercise is a challenge to prove to myself that I have some degree of shopping self-control. Hell, maybe I'll get in the habit of being frugal.

Frugal as in 'let's spend less money more wisely', not 'let's never spend money again, ever'.

I'm putting it on the blog to hold myself accountable. The freeze is intended for clothes, shoes, and accessories (like this iPhone case I want so badly). The freeze does not include food or booze. A girl has to stay happy somehow while in a spending freeze, am I right? It also doesn't include beauty products, which as previously mentioned I get mostly from CVS and is not a huge chunk of my budget.

There is one caveat already - I have to buy my first pair of Spanx for a wedding this weekend. I felt a tad depressed by the fact I need Spanx until I read this article by LC.

So there you have it. Thanks to Morgan at xoxo, me for the inspiration. Wish me luck!

ho hey hump day

Tunes I'm currently enjoying while sifting and analyzing a chunk of spreadsheets and data (jealous?).....

the lumineers - ho hey
eels - mr. e's beautiful blues
foster the people - i would do anything for you
alabama shakes - be mine  *confession: totally thought the lead singer was a white guy. wrong. check it out.
jack white - sixteen saltines
dire straits - money for nothing
elton john - the bitch is back
the temper trap - love lost
little dragon - ritual union
of monsters and men - mountain sound
michael jackson - black or white

via

2012 resolution status update

Do you have drafts that have been sitting in your Posts queue forever? I just cleaned mine out and realized I never hit the Publish button on a post about my New Year's resolutions. Whoops - That's an easy way to get out of keeping them.

Only 5 1/2 months late, here are my 2012 resolutions:

I keep this framed scrapbook paper on my vanity (see those toothbrushes making their first blog appearance?) so I'm conveniently reminded of my resolutions every day. Here goes the status update:

1. Learn Spanish. 

I spent weeks stalking eBay for a cheap and legitimate set of Rosetta Stone CDs to no avail. Then in February, I received a promotional email for a 12-month online-only subscription for $20/month. Holy bargain! Seriously, have you seen how much those CDs cost? Since then I've passed one level (out of TWENTY) but regardless, I'm on my way to communicate with the locals at the two Mexican destination weddings I'm attending over the next eight months. Gracias.

2. Work out three times/week. 

Meh, more like once or twice on average. But hey - that's progress compared to this time last year.

3. Go to church more often. 

I'd say my monthly attendance would earn me a C if the Catholic church gave out grades.

4. Eat more veggies. 

This one is conveniently hard to quantify.....

5. Read 12 books. 

Now here's something I'm excited about! I bought the Kindle at the beginning of the year, which has made this goal much more attainable.

Complete: Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet | Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close | 30 Pieces of Silver | Bring on the Blessings

In progress: 50 Shades of Grey | I Will Teach You to be Rich (<---- you can make fun of me for this one but I'm enjoying it!)

Next on the list: The Happiness Project | Yellow Crocus | A Tale of Two Cities | A Distant Grief | The Girl Who Played with Fire | the next book club choice

How's everyone doing on their New Year's resolutions? What other books should I put in my Amazon wishlist?

better late than pregnant

Get your heads out of the gutter.... I'm talking about trivia here. BLTP was the name of our team last night at Westport Flea Market and I must confess, we were the WORST team in the bar. Maybe it's because all 5 members of the team grew up within 10 miles of each other (that would be almost zero diversification), maybe it's because this was our first trivia experience together, or maybe it's because we don't have photographic memories and perfect instant recall. Whatever the reason, last night we came in behind a team called "Napkin". Really? Pure disappointment on my face. I guess we should have expected it after we had to Google Funny Trivia Team Names because we were struggling so much in the creative department early on. I mean, I did throw out Team Floozy, however Blue Eyes and the other male on the team were having none of that.

But seriously, do you know what state this license plate is for? No cheating allowed!

the beginning of the end for team BLTP....

So my $5 went to some team called "And Dick Clark presents..." (too soon? I thought so). Other than being big time losers, I had a ton of fun, which is all that really matters, right? Even so, I am planning on redemption next week. Maybe we can recruit some all stars to join us.... any takers in the KC area? Only kidding.... kind of.

TGIF times a million!!

oops... I did it again

Sorry I'm not sorry for the b. spears reference in the title. I still love brit brit. But this isn't about her. It's about something I'm confessing to right here, right now: I broke my Lenten promise.... again. BUT, before you judge (you probably already are. See: title of post again in case you missed it) I have been on a mad hunt for a pleated accordion knee-length to maxi skirt since this entry, and I finally found one for a ridiculously low price (under $20!) and in something other than muted burgundy (vom) and black. Here's what's coming to mama in 1-2 days:

Zoo Accordion-Pleat Chiffon skirt

Cute, right? It comes in pink too for all you pink lovers.

leaving.... on a jet plane (again)

I have some really exciting (and quickly approaching) news I have forgotten to share: I am going to Napa Valley this weekend! Actually... I'm leaving in 4 short hours and still have some packing to do - ah!

Confession #1: I love wine. Like I drink it 5 nights a week.

Confession #2: I am an overpacker.

I'm going with three wonderful friends, one who just happens to be a certified sommelier. Coolest job ever. With her help, I plan on learning a lot more about wine, enjoy the beautiful scenery, laugh a ton with a wine buzz, indulge in delicious meals and make some unforgettable memories with my unforgettable friends! Ohmygoodness so excited.

Here's what I've packed so far.... the weather is supposed to be in the 50s which just might be my favorite weather to dress for!

This is going to look like a promotion for J. Crew......

J. Crew Dream Alexie sweater

 I got this sweater monogrammed! I was hoping for a large letter (thinking Laverne's signature sweaters from Laverne & Shirley) but it ended up being teeny tiny. Still cute, just understated.

J. Crew skinny jeans

Best jeans of my LIFE!!!

Frye Melissa Button boot

Also included are lots of scarves, my favorite Banana tan jacket, lots of black for going out at night (including this beauty from Michael Stars) and more jewelry than I'll ever be able to wear. Gotta be prepared!

OK - off to pack some more. Have a wonderful weekend everyone, pictures of Napa when I get back! PS: If there's anywhere we need to go - let me know!

trench lust

Yesterday was the day I finally did it.... I broke out the trench from the coat closet. Once that closet gets opened for the season, there's no turning back. After a beautiful and long fall (that never happens) it's finally starting to feel like your typical October here in the metro.

I have an affinity for outerwear. During a conversation with the ladies in Blue Eyes' family last football season, I asked which type of accessory they couldn't live without: shoes, jewelry, outerwear, or handbags. 2 votes shoes, 1 vote jewelry. I of course said outerwear, which based on their reaction was unexpected. Let's be real here, I love all those categories. But I love coats and jackets the most! If you were to peek in to the coat closet at my apartment, you would understand. My stuff takes up 75% of the space (sorry roomie!!!). And I've already brought home two new additions this season - a faux-leather & shearling jacket and a Cole Haan puffer.

PS Lucky is having a flash sale on.... guess what...  a Tulle TRENCH today! Just enter "luckydaily5" at checkout for half off. It's like I have ESPN or something.....

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you have a wonderful weekend planned and get to wear some fabulous coats out on the town!

treat time

You guys.... I just had the most yummy treat, and if I were trick-or-treating this year I would want my bag completely stuffed with these little nuggets deliciousness!!!

You see, every day around 3:30 I need my sugar fix and there is a much too convenient (and always full) dish of candy at the office. My favorite is SweetTarts, but today, right on the top of the pile, was a Snickers Peanut Butter square just asking to be plucked. After one bite, I knew my afternoon routine would change to be more satisfying, albeit significantly more caloric.

Seriously, if you haven't yet, I strongly suggest you try these! You might get mad at me because they are impossible to stop thinking about once you've sunk your teeth in to the caramel peanut butter joy! I'm off to find another one.......

album l.o.v.e.

I've already mentioned this band briefly a while ago, but I am so in love with them, they deserve their own post.

These guys are brilliant......

You've probably heard their first single "Pumped Up Kicks", released early in 2010 but just now hitting major radio stations. If you like the happy, catchy.... alright, addicting music with the interesting (read: dark) lyrics of Kicks, the entire album will be a thrilling experience for you.

Seriously, I like the whole thing. I can't remember the last time that happened. Not even old faithful The Black Keys do that to me. They're so awesome Weezer did a cover of Pumped Up Kicks at Lollapalooza last weekend. When Rivers Cuomo sings your song at Lolla, you've pretty much made it.

And to look past their musicality, they give back to the community. Just announced today, they are kicking off "Foster The Future" in partnership with The Do Good Bus. They'll work with a charity in each city on their North American tour and spend some time volunteering there. *Sigh*

Embarrassing story time: FTP came to Kansas City for a 7am acoustic show. My favorite radio station in town was putting it on: first come, first serve. Blue Eyes & I were PUMPED to see them (excuse the pun, it was intended). So excited in fact, that we woke up at 4:30 on a Tuesday morning, fully ready to play hooky from work for a few hours, drove to the Firefly Lounge, and parked in the empty lot. What? Were we that big of fans? Or do these early morning shows really not pull in a crowd? Something was seriously wrong.... so we pull up the radio station's website on the Blackberry and sure enough, the concert is at 7am on FRIDAY. I was so excited to see them perform I forgot to listen to the ad long enough to figure out when they were playing. And apparently Blue Eyes believes everything I say, which in most cases is good except when I pull a ditz move like that. As if that isn't bad enough, the worst part is by the time Friday morning came around, I missed the concert. Effff!

Next time, Mark Foster & co, I will make it to hear your music. Come back to KC soon please!

Negligent

So it has been more than a month since my last post.... What have I been doing, you ask?

Well, I went to South America. Buenos Aires, Uruguay, and Rio de Janeiro to be exact. Here are some pics, you all should  need to go!

Our view from the apartment in Buenos Aires, Palermo neighborhood

La Boca neighborhood in BA, this is the most "traditional" tourist area. I compared it to a much better version of the Midwest's Branson, MO. Lots of tango shows here.

This is what I ate a gigantic steak on. Love it.

Blue Eyes taking a stroll in Uruguay.

At the pier in Colonia de Sacramento, Uruguay

Beautiful Ipanema Beach

Copa, Copacabana......

Had to go see the Big Guy in Rio. Breathtaking.

After the trip, I bought a car. And the day job got crazy busy. That's what I've been up to. So, Sorry I'm Not Sorry I have been negligent, I'M BACK!

Update: Get in my Closet

Here's why I love Banana Republic.... The day after I post about their clutch I saw in the store but couldn't fork over $100 for without starving myself for a week, they send a 35% off all full-priced items email, plus free shipping. Love. Destiny. Needless to say, said handbag is now en route to my closet. I have an impulse shopping problem, and I like it.

Easter basket

When does one become too old for Easter baskets? This year, the Easter bunny left me a Neti Pot in my basket under the white tree at my parents' house. Consider two hints taken: 1) my allergic reaction to seasonal changes is unattractive and distracting 2) gone are the days of cute purses, jewelry or household items being gifted on Easter for this 25 year old.



Walgreens

 UPDATE: Although I am averse to the feeling of getting water up my nose - this natural remedy for congestion works like a dream. Thanks Easter bunny!

Lenten promise

Writing the first post on my first blog has been a little more nerve-wracking than I expected. So without further delay for something witty to pop in to my head, I'm going to write about how I broke my Lenten promise. Before you judge.... Look at these amazing shoes:

DSW


I went a full five weeks with no online shopping. Then I saw a tweet from the sales-from-heaven retail hub @ShopItToMe... 78% off Sergio Rossi right in time for wedding season?? Yes please.

Next year, I think I'll add something positive to my life instead of taking something innately good (but bad for my bank account) away.