thoughtful thursday

Buy me here.

Two years ago I got a wool/cashmere blend scarf from Nordstrom, and it is hands down my favorite scarf. If you know me, you know that I live in scarves from now until the flowers bloom again. 

 I try to be frugal with my scarf purchases because I own more than I can count, but these scarves, at $88 a piece, are the best $88 you'll spend this season. They last forever, are SO cozy, and are the perfect weight. 

Have I convinced you yet? One more thing - they come in a zillion and one colors, and will complete all your fall ensembles.

my new best friend

french press

If you can believe it, I only started drinking coffee senior year of college. I guess 19 hours, 2 internships and lack of sleep will cause you to become a caffeine addict. 

Well, since then, I've been addicted. I don't care that people say coffee stunts your growth (I'm already short), stains your teeth (isn't that why they have whitening strips?) etc. I love it. 

My newest coffee obsession is a french press. I won't lie, I had absolutely no freakin clue how these bad boys worked until about 2 weeks ago, and now my life has changed. It's quick, easy, AND delicious. I still have a Keurig, but I have a feeling me and my frenchy are going to be BFFs for a while and Mr. Keurig is going to have to deal with it. 

What's your favorite way to drink coffee? Am I missing out on something equally fab?

good morning baltimore!

I'm off to Baltimore this weekend for a business trip, and I can't stop singing "Good Morning Balitmore" from Hairspray. 

#sorryimnotsorry

I haven't been here since 8th grade on a class trip, and I'm super excited because I remember my 13 year old self loving it! 

Any suggestions of what to do if I have downtime? 

tough choices

One of the main reasons I went to NYC last weekend was to find a rehearsal dinner dress. And that I did. 50% off from Rebecca Taylor. 

Winning. 

I won't share the dress yet, but I do need y'alls help picking out the shoes! I've decided that a deep purple/eggplan/deep red pump will compliment the dress perfectly. 

Nine West

Michael Kors

DVF

BCBG 

Which ones do you like best? I think I'm leaning towards the Nine West ones (now let's hope they're comfortable...)

salty

The main reason I love going to local craft/street fairs is to discover new designers, artists, vendors etc. 

One of the most unique vendors I discovered at the Renegade Craft Fair was Beautiful Briny Sea - artisan salt makers. So neat, right? 

I bought lavender, honey and rosemary. And they have seriously changed the way I cook. It's the only seasoning you need - with pepper of course. 

I highly suggest you email them (their site isn't up yet) and get your hands on some salt, ASAP. 

{info@beautifulbrinysea.com}

Oh, and did I mention they make a TRUFFLE salt? Yes, it's amazing.

fall fashion

Fall is my favorite season. Obviously. 

This past weekend in NYC I was in my happy place because the weather was perfect, and the shopping was even more perfect. I picked up a few pieces for my fall wardrobe, which I think I'll be wearing on repeat. 

Red Denim (they are a deeper, wine colored)

Black Blouse

Leopard loafers

Polka Dot Sweater

Aren't these pieces just perfection? What have you found lately? Do share! 

i'm in a...

...state of mind. 

I'm off to NYC for the first time since moving back to Chicago. I'm SO excited, but there is a teensy, weensy part of me that has a feeling I'm going to want to move back. It's beginning to feel like fall there (so I hear) and it's my favorite season. Maybe I'll be one of those really cool people who lives in one city and works in the other...that way I can get the best of both places...right? 

I digress.

I am seeing some of my faves such as Viv, Roxy, Tamra, and Christin! YAY for bestie reunions, how I've missed these girls. 

thoughtful thursday

etsy spotlight

This past weekend I went to the Renegade Craft Fair with Madi. 

Holy sensory overload.

As I wandered through all the booths, and admired the fine craftsmanship and artistry, I literally felt like I was walking through a real-life Etsy Store. 

Ah-mazing. 

I was also on a mission to find a series of art prints to put in my kitchen. 

Enter: 

Caitlin came all the way from Austin, TX to show her stuff, and I was oh-so-happy she did because I scooped up these three gems. They will live in my kitchen, and be a happy little bunch.

Don't you just love finding new Etsy artists. If you have any that I must check out, do tell! 

always remember, never forget.

I remember 9/11/01 like it was yesterday. 

This day is always particularly tough for my family and I as we lost a lot of good friends on that dark day. Innocent people going to work, who never came home. 

It's been 11 years, and I still get emotional thinking about it. I don't have much else today than to encourage you to tell your friends and family you love them, and say a silent prayer for those fighting for our freedom  and for those families of the victims of 9/11. 

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friday funny

The other day at work my co-worker was laughing hysterically at something. I was obviously ADD and had to know what it was. Note: we typically laugh at the weirdest stuff, and no one else thinks it's funny. 

However, I can promise you will be laughing on your ass in about 2 seconds. 

WTF is this?! 

Oh, it's that bike-harness-thing. 

WHAT?! The author of this article put it into far better words than I could:

Introducing the FLIZ, for people who love bicycles but apparently hate all the parts that make a bicycle go. And yes, it is an actual invention. Simply hunch yourself over into a horribly uncomfortable crouch, strap yourself into the complicated harness, ignore the puzzled stares and uncontrollable giggling of onlookers, and off you go — to essentially walk at a slightly higher rate of speed. 

The mere thought of seeing someone on this cracks me up. And yes, there is a video. 

Happy Friday! 

thoughtful thursday

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weekend recap

Happy Tuesday! 

Don't you just love short weeks? I certainly do. I had a lovely weekend starting by an impromptu trip to Milwaukee to see Carly! 

They really do love their cheese up there. 

Had delicious drinks at a southern/asian infused restaurant. 

My parents came downtown Sunday, and brought little Miss Penny. My mom also bought me some flowers for my apartment -- always lovely. 

And, as promised, I ate some s'mores :) 

Have a great week!