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monday musings.

9.30.2013

>> Last week was a total whirlwind! I never thought I'd be able to be one of those people who says they LOVE their jobs...but y'all...I think I do! PS. How cool is our open plan office?! 


>> We spent Saturday in Lenox, MA (where I spent ages 3-11) exploring the annual Apple Squeeze with my mom. I haven't been back to this fall festival in at least 10 years and it was so fun to stuff our faces with all things apple. 

>> Sunday started off with a charity walk to support a friend who was just diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, then a trip to the grocery store...and ended with a delivery of homemade mac&cheese to a new momma (turkey corn chili for me and C). 

>> I'm so behind on all my blog reading now that I'm working full time. I spent a good portion of Sunday browsing my favorite blogs and pinning away. 

>> Really pumped about this new jacket because it's basically identical to the more expensive Barbour version. Oh hey student discount! 

>> I recently ordered tea from my Aunt's new tea business. I'm SO excited for it to arrive because I'm dying to try the Chocolate Chai.

>> This face mask will be arriving on my doorstep tomorrow and the timing could not be better. I'm on a big Origins kick right now. The added stress of this past week has been torture on my skin. 

>> I'm dying to get my hands on this sports bra from Oiselle. It's been sold out for forever because Running World magazine featured it. Hurry up and make more please!

>> I had every intention of posting my september beauty favorites and I just realized that today is the last day of the month.....soooo we'll see what happens this evening.

monday musings.

9.23.2013

>> Oh my gosh!! My first day was so amazing! I'm wiped out for sure but I love everyone I met, I love the work I'm going to be doing, and I love that I'm working for such an awesome organization! This week is Spirit Week which meant that today was Twin Day! My coworker, Morgan and I, dressed at Twins! 

>> I was THAT person standing in line at the AT&T store at 7am on Friday morning so that I could get my hands on two new iPhones for me and C. We were both making the jump from a 4 and a 4s so this was exciting stuff. The store opened at 8am and there were probably 15 people in front of me. I was in and out of the store before 9am. Overall, pretty painless!

>> If you're following me on Instagram, you already know that I chopped off my hair over the weekend! I've been lusting over the long bob since August but forced myself to hold out until Fall. Finally, I just couldn't take it and took the plunge. Last time I did this, I swore I would never do it again. HA! Oh well...and just when I thought I got the hang of using the curling wand...

>> I LOVED my stylist at JoBella in New Haven. She really understood me. I'm also really digging the products she recommended to me (this, this and this) to help me style my new do on my own. Listen to your stylist, people, and ask questions! It's really helpful to get their tips when you're learning how to do your hair on your own at home.

>> So other than new iPhones and a haircut, our weekend was pretty low key. There was football watching, coffee drinking, lots of walking, lots of eating, lots of couch lounging.


the wait is over.

I'm interrupting my regularly schedule programming aka monday musings to deliver an exciting announcement.... 




Today is my FIRST day at my new job! 

That's right people! FUNemployment is officially over. While we had a good ride, I'm ready to be working and contributing to society (and our income) again. 

I'm the newest Individual Giving Specialist at Teach For America's regional office here in New Haven. The office is less than a mile from our house. Score! I already love all the people and the open-concept work space. I'm so excited to be joining such an amazing organization and to be giving back to my home state of Connecticut. 

It's awesome to be starting a job that feels very fulfilling and challenging. I'm looking forward to working with lots of amazingly talented people. I can't wait to get to know some of the Corps Members in the CT region and see what's going on in their classrooms. I've always had a passion for education but didn't know how that would manifest. I honestly think I've found the perfect thing for me right now!

I have no idea how busy this job will be...but I'm guessing the posting around here will be a little more sporadic. I promise to do my best to keep all you faithful readers in the loop as much as possible. On that note, be sure to check the blog this evening as I'm hoping to post my regular monday musings and a little update about my first day!

monday musings.

9.16.2013


>> FUNemployment has made me a little lazy with my musings. I just realized I skipped last week! To catch y'all up, I spent last weekend (weekend before last?) back in Dallas at a friend's wedding, ate at Blue Goose, caught up with friends, splurged on makeup at Northpark, got a blowout at The DryBar, then jetted back to NYC for an SMU event. By Tuesday, I managed to get a cold.

>> I think I made a whopping six trips to Target last week and probably three trips to Ulta. I picked up this shampoo/conditioner combo and I have to say, I'm loving it. It really gives my hair some serious hold and body.

>> I also bit the bullet and purchased this curling wand. I've mastered curling my hair with my flat iron but I wanted something that would achieve loser waves. I'm useless with an actual curling iron so I thought the wand might be the better route. I like that the ends stay a little straighter. And the results!

>> C and I celebrated TWO months of marriage on Friday! To acknowledge the occasion, I splurged ($10 ha!) on Monopoly so that C and I have something to do other than watch TV. We also had an amazing dinner at Mory's (Yale/New Haven institution) and seriously scrumptious brunch at The Pantry (which is a 5 minute walk from our house!).

>> C also entered the Yale SOM Chili Cook Off on Sunday and prepared his "famous" spicy chili. He was so excited to share his recipe with his classmates who all commented that his chili was great! He ran out which is a good sign but sadly didn't win. Maybe next year! 

>> I've finally decided to use my time off more wisely by working on our wedding album. We used Artifact Uprising to make our guest book with our engagement pictures and we're using them again for the wedding album. So simple and straightforward. Love them!

>> I've got "gallery walls" on the brain because I've been working on ordering prints of our wedding photos to go in all the frames we received as wedding gifts. Additionally, C and I have been on an art kick lately...just meaning that we want more art. Where are your favorite places to buy affordable art? I always love Etsy!

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StitchFix #3 | Review

9.13.2013

I ordered my first StitchFix back in April (review here) and enjoyed the experience but only kept one item (a dress I've yet to wear because it needs a little altering). I thought it would be fun to order one for our honeymoon and I created a whole Pinterest board with things I wanted in my "fix". Total fail. They sent jeans and blouse-y tops that just don't work in Hawaii. I was pretty miffed so I took some time off. 

I realized I had some credit to use up and that I was in need a some cute fall clothes. I updated my profile and changed a few things. Then I put very specific notes about cozy sweaters and "basics" in my notes. 

To review, here's how it works. First, you fill out a style profile to help you stylists pick the perfect pieces for you. Schedule your "fix" for $20 fee. That $20 goes towards any of the 5 items in your fix. Receive your hand-picked goodies, try them on at home with your favorites pumps, belt and accessories. Log into you account online and checkout for the items you're keeping. (Bonus: you get 20% off if you keep all 5!). Send back everything else and schedule another "fix".

I was a bit skeptical when my box arrived yesterday but when I opened it, I was excited to see soft, cozy pieces. Here's what was in my box...



Willow and Clay Chunky Open Cardigan // $108 // This was the piece I was most excited to try on. I love chunky sweaters because they are so cozy and great for northeastern fall weather. I like the color and it's not something I'd usually pick out on my own. It's not similar to any other items in my wardrobe. At first impulse, I figured this would be the item I kept because I could apply my credit towards it which would make the sweater less expensive. The price is a little steep for my liking.


41Hawthorn Addison Striped Knit Cardigan // $48 // At first, I thought this might be cute. It's much thinner than the other sweater and has almost that shiny feel to it. Do you know what I mean? When I put it on, though, it felt like a grandma sweater. It doesn't really doing anything for me and I'm not a fan of the red and black color combo. The sleeves aren't fitted at all which just makes it feel stretched out. 


Splendid Striped Tab-Sleeve Knit Shirt // $84 // I love Splendid so I figured this shirt would be a winner. Side note, I ordered these Splendid wedges over the summer and love them. I didn't get to wear them nearly enough. I love the drapey, soft feel of this shirt. I also like that it's not super loose fitting or oversized. I could potentially see myself wearing it tucked into a pencil skirt. I really want to keep this but the price is a little steep. However, I do know the brand so I feel more comfortable spending a little more. (Excuse the wrinkles...)

Splendid Thessaly Short Sleeve Raglan Top // $84 // First of all, how is this shirt the same price as the one above? There's so much less shirt! I thought this would be a cute "transitional" top between seasons. However, I was wrong. You can see from the side shot that the top is quite short...if I wasn't wearing a tank underneath it, this would basically be a crop top. For some people, that works. It just doesn't for me. Also, there just isn't enough shape to this top. Lastly, I can see this being an item that I have to iron all the time. See how wrinkly it is already? 



Kut From The Kloth Leighton Twist-Front Sheer Blouse // $50 // Unfortunately, I knew this one was going to be a loser right out of the box. The only thing going for it...is that it's navy. I suppose it could work if you belted it because it looks better with some shape (see picture on the right) but I'm not one to wear a whole bunch of accessories. I can't see it working even if it was tucked in. 

Overall, this was a better box. I think I was able to convey my style more clearly and the items were all very close. I would possibly order another box in the winter. 

StitchFix doesn't know I have a blog and all the opinions expressed here are my own. However, I do get a little credit if you use my referral link!

Now I need your help...and fast! I have to send the items I'm not keeping back to StitchFix ASAP. Do I keep the blue striped top? Just the sweater? Leave a note in the comments! 

soup for the soul.

9.11.2013

I've been glued to the couch today nursing a stupid cold. Yesterday, it was dreary and rainy so I didn't feel that bad about it but today, it's 90 degrees and sunny. I'd love to be playing outside, taking a walk, but that just isn't happening. I've been toting a box of tissues everywhere I go. 

Even though it's hot outside, I'm craving some hearty feel good soup to kick this cold. This is the time of year when I usually make a big pot of Apple Butternut Squash soup and freeze it in little baggies for individual dinners. I also love making Turkey Corn Chili and decadent French Onion Soup. This Goat Cheese Tomato Soup is really calling my name...if only I had the energy to cook. 



Honestly, y'all, I'm ashamed to admit this, but when I'm sick with a cold, all I want is good old fashioned Ramen noodles (we called it "noodle soup" as kids). Oh how I wish we had one of those $0.59 packages in the pantry! 

I've also been gulping down this tea which not only tastes amazing but definitely makes me feel a teeny bit better...well that and some serious dose of Mucinex. 

What do you crave when you're sick? 

What are your favorite remedies?

Mocha Club | #iNeedAfrica

9.10.2013

I've known about the Mocha Club for some time now but kept finding excuses not to join. There are so many charities you can sign up to support these day with a simple automatic payment "going to Africa'. But how do you know where your money is going? How do you know you're actually making an impact?


Why Mocha? 
Small contributions add up to make a huge difference. YOU make a difference each month simply by giving up the cost of a few mochas. Not “into” mochas? How about tacos, manicures, ice cream, movie tickets...?

Why Club? 
The impact starts with you giving up a few mochas a month. The impact grows when you invite your friends. Use the Mocha Club’s invite tool (above) and ask your friends to join you, and they’ll give up a trip to their favorite sushi spot, movie theater, or however they spend their extra dollars.They tell their friends who tell more friends… you get the idea.

The Mocha Club recently launched a new campaign called #iNeedAfrica. I first read about it on this blog. I followed her trip to Ethiopia with #blogABLE and was so inspired. In the end, her big takeaway was that everyone thinks that people in Africa need US but in reality, we need them. Here's a great quote from their site that explains the new campaign.
"I’m not saying that Africa does not need our efforts. It absolutely does need our partnership. But for me, I’ve come to understand that I NEED AFRICA MORE THAN AFRICA NEEDS ME. Why? Because it is Africa that has taught me that possessions in my hands will never be as valuable as peace in my heart. I’ve learned that I don’t need what I have and that I have what I need. These are just a few of this continent’s many lessons. I came here to serve and yet I’ve found that I have so much to learn, and Africa, with all its need, has much to teach me."

   

The Mocha Club has partnered with Live fashionABLE to offer a scarf or t-shirt to people who join and support their efforts. This was just the push I needed to commit a few mocha's a month to try to do my part to help the people in Africa. 


Take a minute. Consider your budget. Read the blog. Read about the women who went to Ethiopia. Then, sign up. Give up a few coffees. A few manicures. It's really so simple. You can also join my team if you'd like!

book review // Inferno

9.04.2013


I love a good thriller/suspense book. I used to be addicted to basically all of Harlan Coben's books, I devoured The Girl with the Dragon tattoo series, and I'll pick up a John Grishim novel every now and then. I like a book that keeps me turning the page with all those cliffhangers at the end of the chapter. I read all of Dan Brown's previous books and definitely enjoyed them even though they can be predictable. C was saving this book for the honeymoon so I bought the Nook version and let him read it on his iPad first. 


This is your typical Robert Langdon thriller. It's based around Dante's Inferno It's slightly predictable with a big twist at the end. It keeps you turning the page for sure. Sometimes I get bogged down with all of Brown's historical references and descriptions. There were definitely parts of this book that I somewhat skimmed through because the information wasn't critical to the scene. Overall, it's a good read and worth picking up. I'm sure this one will be made into a movie (it has a great "movie script") and I'll probably end up seeing it. 


What are you reading these days?

monday musings.

9.02.2013



>> After we ditched our plans to spend time in the city on Saturday (while we were already on the train...), we ended up in Westport having an awesome lunch at Bartaco. It was so delicious but the weather left something to be desired...however the company was great! 

>> Sunday was very grey so we spent some time exploring the CT coastline and then made a stop at a precious little vineyard for a little wine and cheese. On our way back, I somehow convinced C to stop at the Le Creuset outlet so we could use a gift card that was burning a hole in my pocket. 

>> Last minute, we decided to run a fun little 5k just a few blocks from our house. There were SO many people...I'm talking like almost 2,000 people running the 5k and over 4,000 running the 20k. We enjoyed running through our neighborhood and I loved my little "celebrity moment" meeting this adorable runner and blogger. I also cheered on my new blogging/running friend Mary! She's so speedy!

>> Can we talk about "selfies" for a second? How come people manage to post really cute ones on instagram, yet all the ones we take are so freaking awkward?? Riddle me that people!

>> So pumped about snagging this dress at my local JCrew for a measly $37! Serious win. It's perfect for Katie & Jay's wedding this weekend back in Dallas!

>> I really wanted to use up some credit I had from Stichfix so I ordered another box even though the last one was such a disappointment. Hopefully, we'll have better luck with this one.

>> Squash. Like the sport. I have no idea how to play it but apparently everyone is doing it around here and the Yale gym offers a class. It's indoors which is great as the weather deteriorates and C and I can play together! We're totally going to give it a whirl!

>> Tonight, I'm looking forward to cozying up to C on the couch tonight with a movie and the rest of the wine from our vineyard visit before the week gets crazy all over again.

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