Saturday, December 12, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
I read the Satorialist's mind!
Today I was thinking how I'd love to get some menswear-inspired oxford flats (brogues) - probably in a cognac color. I dress pretty preppy most of the time, so I think they are very much my style. So I made a few polyvores today:
So then tonight I see this on The Satorialist! This girl is so chic! I'm definately getting some now!
So then tonight I see this on The Satorialist! This girl is so chic! I'm definately getting some now!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Cyber Monday Selfishness
Well, I'm not one of those crazy Cyber Monday or Black Friday shoppers - my family is not that into Christmas gifts and I despise waiting in line - but I did buy myself a few items yesterday.
New York and Company is not a store I normally shop in, but I'd seen some cute tops on their website that I was interested in. I wanted to get a few fun graphic tees that were girly with flowers or bows on them - these two shirts were on sale for 9.99 a piece with free shipping:
After reading reviews about the tops running large on GiGi's Gone Shopping i decided to order a small in both tees. I hope that was the right choice and they fit!
I also went by Walmart after work yesterday and snagged a couple of the Miley/Max Azria ruffle tops I'd been eyeing. I think $12 a piece was a good price for a trendy item - but they are a great price for a trendy item that I plan to wear even after the ruffle phase ends. I've always liked girly clothes and had plenty of ruffles before they got super popular. This is just my chance to scoop them up!
I decided on black and plum:
I'm actually wearing the black one today! It's very comfortable, but I sort of feel like I have a chest full of ruffles - like ruffly chest hair or something! Haha!
New York and Company is not a store I normally shop in, but I'd seen some cute tops on their website that I was interested in. I wanted to get a few fun graphic tees that were girly with flowers or bows on them - these two shirts were on sale for 9.99 a piece with free shipping:
After reading reviews about the tops running large on GiGi's Gone Shopping i decided to order a small in both tees. I hope that was the right choice and they fit!
I also went by Walmart after work yesterday and snagged a couple of the Miley/Max Azria ruffle tops I'd been eyeing. I think $12 a piece was a good price for a trendy item - but they are a great price for a trendy item that I plan to wear even after the ruffle phase ends. I've always liked girly clothes and had plenty of ruffles before they got super popular. This is just my chance to scoop them up!
I decided on black and plum:
I'm actually wearing the black one today! It's very comfortable, but I sort of feel like I have a chest full of ruffles - like ruffly chest hair or something! Haha!
Anthropologie Stormy Seas Necklace - look-alikes?
Anthropologie has this amazingly beautiful necklace called the Stormy Seas Necklace which has come out in a few different colors. Like sky blue, pale yellow and this pretty minty green:
The necklace is $48. Which I imagine might be worth it - but, I'm still looking for some alternatives.
Forever 21 did a pretty good imitation in pink for $10.80 but it's no longer available.
Just today I stumbled upon a version from Fossil that is really pretty in a dark teal:
But it's $65 - more than the Anthro price!
Here is the Anthro necklace in yellow in action.
Anyway, I know no one really reads this blog - but I need some leads on some cheaper alternatives to the necklace! I am even willing to find some beads and make my own!
The necklace is $48. Which I imagine might be worth it - but, I'm still looking for some alternatives.
Forever 21 did a pretty good imitation in pink for $10.80 but it's no longer available.
Just today I stumbled upon a version from Fossil that is really pretty in a dark teal:
But it's $65 - more than the Anthro price!
Here is the Anthro necklace in yellow in action.
Anyway, I know no one really reads this blog - but I need some leads on some cheaper alternatives to the necklace! I am even willing to find some beads and make my own!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wearing today!
This is my outfit today. I just got the boots - LOVE them. I've been hunting them for awhile and the last pair at Target just happened to be a 7 1/2 and I had to buy them. I love that they go with black and brown. They will really go with everything. I was inspired to buy them after the glowing review from Kim at Anthroholic - they look awesome with all of her outfits. I'm so excited!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Fall is flying by
I can't believe how quickly this fall is going. I think the fact that Neil and I have been so busy with work, school and watching football that the weeks just keep on flying by and now we are a week away from Thanksgiving.
I'm trying to decide whether to take the whole week of Thanksgiving off and head to my hometown a few days before Neil can come down. I'd love to be able to visit some friends and spend more time with my family that week. I'm trying to move things around in my schedule now, so we'll see if it actually happens!
I can't wait to have a nice long break! I am working 7 days this week! On top of my normal 9-5s I work Saturday 1-5 and Sunday 1-10! So I will be more than ready to head out Monday morning for a week at "home". It's been a while since I've been home - sometime mid-summer - so I'm excited to visit.
I also can't wait to enjoy some Thanksgiving meals and leftovers and just spend quality time relaxing with the fam.
Now I just need to get this week done so I can go home and celebrate!
I'm trying to decide whether to take the whole week of Thanksgiving off and head to my hometown a few days before Neil can come down. I'd love to be able to visit some friends and spend more time with my family that week. I'm trying to move things around in my schedule now, so we'll see if it actually happens!
I can't wait to have a nice long break! I am working 7 days this week! On top of my normal 9-5s I work Saturday 1-5 and Sunday 1-10! So I will be more than ready to head out Monday morning for a week at "home". It's been a while since I've been home - sometime mid-summer - so I'm excited to visit.
I also can't wait to enjoy some Thanksgiving meals and leftovers and just spend quality time relaxing with the fam.
Now I just need to get this week done so I can go home and celebrate!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
35 Questions
I saw this on another blog (Kelinda Kelinda) and thought it looked fun!
It's basically 35 questions that reveal a little more about me:
1. Where is your cell phone?
In my cute black and yellow Vera Bradley wristlet (the color palette inspiration for my blog redesign, apparently!) which was a birthday gift from my mom.
2. Your hair?
Is blonde, but a bit darker than normal thanks to some lowlights I got at the salon today. It's a little longer than chin length and is in the process of being grown out!
3. Your Mother?
Is amazing. She is recently retired and is entirely too busy for a retired person! She is an accomplished knitter, frequent volunteer and contributor to the community, a wonderful gift giver (see #1), and a great confidante, role model and friend. Love her!
4. Your Father?
Is hilarious, smart, silly and the man of many many hobbies. He is into everything - antiques, coins, Civil War, cars, genealogy, radios, gardening and this list goes on! He always has an interesting fact to tell me and is one of the most calming presences in my life.
5. Your favorite food?
One word. Chocolate.
6. Your dream from last night?
Can't remember any from last night, but many of my dreams have to do with me being pregnant or having a baby! Oh and my husband said he had a dream about finding a $1 off coupon on Coke products and was excited that we'd be able to get free Coke Zero. I find this hilarious that he is getting so into couponing with me that he is dreaming about deals!
7. Your favorite drink?
Hot drink? Chai tea lattes. Cold drink? Sweet tea. Alcoholic drink? Blue Moon.
8. Your dream/goal?
To continue to learn and grow and be flexible with whatever life throws my way. My ultimate goal is to do everything with love and be happy - as cheesy as that sounds.
9. What room are you in?
My office at work. I'm on my dinner break - but not hungry yet! I work from 2-10 tonight.
10. What are your hobbies?
Reading, shopping, decorating, neglecting my half-done craft projects.
11. What is your fear?
Hmm. I'm not really afraid of much, but probably the big ones - death of loved ones and being alone.
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years?
In 6 years I'll be 32. That still sounds young to me, so I'm really happy about that! I hope to have at least one child, maybe two. I hope my husband and I have flexible jobs we love that give us enough time and money to spend with each other and our little family.
13. Where were you last night?
At the gym, then to Five Guys for burgers with my hubby. Yes, I see the irony.
14. Something you are not?
I am not indecisive. I'm proud of my decision making skills and I stick to my guns pretty well.
15. Muffins?
Bran or blueberry.
16. Wish List items?
Other than clothes, of which there are too many to mention here, I'd love to have a big tea package from Teavana with all the stuff to make yummy tea!
17. Where did you grow up?
In a small town in Ohio, that's all I have to say about that.
18. Last thing you did?
Um. Walked over to the campus printing center with a coworker.
19. What are you wearing?
Jeans, gray long sleeved tee, black tunic sweater, black tweed flats and a cerulean blue scarf.
20. Your TV?
Is a new HD flat screen. We are so content with our free HD channels that come in on our rabbit ears that we just cancelled our cable package yesterday!
21. Your pets?
Don't have any, aren't getting any! I'm allergic to most animals, and don't have time or the desire to own a pet right now. I love other peoples pets, though. And I have fond memories of my dog growing up, Chevy - an awesome Cocker spaniel who died when I (and he) was 14.
22. Your friends?
Are fun!
23. Your life?
Is pretty good. I really can't complain. I have the most amazing husband ever, a good job that I enjoy most of the time, and I'm pretty happy!
24. Your mood?
Content. I'm feeling a boost from a new haircut and the chai latte I just drank.
25. Missing Someone?
I really do miss Neil when we are apart - I'm always thinking of funny things to tell him.
26. Vehicle?
Is yellow, small and cute.
27. Something you're not wearing?
Gloves. Because I'm inside. Duh.
28. Your favorite store?
TJ Maxx.
29. Your favorite color?
It's always been light blue but I've been loving purple lately.
30. Last time you laughed?
I've probably laughed a lot today already. I'm pretty giggly in general.
31. Last time you cried?
This week's Biggest Loser episode. The time before that? Last week's Biggest Loser episode.
32. Your best friend?
Is my husband. We are pretty much the same person - it's scary and awesome.
33. One place you go to over and over?
Chick-Fil-A. We go there every week, I swear. It's ridiculous.
34. One person who emails you regularly?
Most of the email I get is work related. I really don't email too much otherwise.
35. Favorite place to eat?
We really don't go out to eat much (other than Chick-Fil-A, see above), but I love sushi, so I'd probably say any good sushi restaurant!
Whew.
It's basically 35 questions that reveal a little more about me:
1. Where is your cell phone?
In my cute black and yellow Vera Bradley wristlet (the color palette inspiration for my blog redesign, apparently!) which was a birthday gift from my mom.
2. Your hair?
Is blonde, but a bit darker than normal thanks to some lowlights I got at the salon today. It's a little longer than chin length and is in the process of being grown out!
3. Your Mother?
Is amazing. She is recently retired and is entirely too busy for a retired person! She is an accomplished knitter, frequent volunteer and contributor to the community, a wonderful gift giver (see #1), and a great confidante, role model and friend. Love her!
4. Your Father?
Is hilarious, smart, silly and the man of many many hobbies. He is into everything - antiques, coins, Civil War, cars, genealogy, radios, gardening and this list goes on! He always has an interesting fact to tell me and is one of the most calming presences in my life.
5. Your favorite food?
One word. Chocolate.
6. Your dream from last night?
Can't remember any from last night, but many of my dreams have to do with me being pregnant or having a baby! Oh and my husband said he had a dream about finding a $1 off coupon on Coke products and was excited that we'd be able to get free Coke Zero. I find this hilarious that he is getting so into couponing with me that he is dreaming about deals!
7. Your favorite drink?
Hot drink? Chai tea lattes. Cold drink? Sweet tea. Alcoholic drink? Blue Moon.
8. Your dream/goal?
To continue to learn and grow and be flexible with whatever life throws my way. My ultimate goal is to do everything with love and be happy - as cheesy as that sounds.
9. What room are you in?
My office at work. I'm on my dinner break - but not hungry yet! I work from 2-10 tonight.
10. What are your hobbies?
Reading, shopping, decorating, neglecting my half-done craft projects.
11. What is your fear?
Hmm. I'm not really afraid of much, but probably the big ones - death of loved ones and being alone.
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years?
In 6 years I'll be 32. That still sounds young to me, so I'm really happy about that! I hope to have at least one child, maybe two. I hope my husband and I have flexible jobs we love that give us enough time and money to spend with each other and our little family.
13. Where were you last night?
At the gym, then to Five Guys for burgers with my hubby. Yes, I see the irony.
14. Something you are not?
I am not indecisive. I'm proud of my decision making skills and I stick to my guns pretty well.
15. Muffins?
Bran or blueberry.
16. Wish List items?
Other than clothes, of which there are too many to mention here, I'd love to have a big tea package from Teavana with all the stuff to make yummy tea!
17. Where did you grow up?
In a small town in Ohio, that's all I have to say about that.
18. Last thing you did?
Um. Walked over to the campus printing center with a coworker.
19. What are you wearing?
Jeans, gray long sleeved tee, black tunic sweater, black tweed flats and a cerulean blue scarf.
20. Your TV?
Is a new HD flat screen. We are so content with our free HD channels that come in on our rabbit ears that we just cancelled our cable package yesterday!
21. Your pets?
Don't have any, aren't getting any! I'm allergic to most animals, and don't have time or the desire to own a pet right now. I love other peoples pets, though. And I have fond memories of my dog growing up, Chevy - an awesome Cocker spaniel who died when I (and he) was 14.
22. Your friends?
Are fun!
23. Your life?
Is pretty good. I really can't complain. I have the most amazing husband ever, a good job that I enjoy most of the time, and I'm pretty happy!
24. Your mood?
Content. I'm feeling a boost from a new haircut and the chai latte I just drank.
25. Missing Someone?
I really do miss Neil when we are apart - I'm always thinking of funny things to tell him.
26. Vehicle?
Is yellow, small and cute.
27. Something you're not wearing?
Gloves. Because I'm inside. Duh.
28. Your favorite store?
TJ Maxx.
29. Your favorite color?
It's always been light blue but I've been loving purple lately.
30. Last time you laughed?
I've probably laughed a lot today already. I'm pretty giggly in general.
31. Last time you cried?
This week's Biggest Loser episode. The time before that? Last week's Biggest Loser episode.
32. Your best friend?
Is my husband. We are pretty much the same person - it's scary and awesome.
33. One place you go to over and over?
Chick-Fil-A. We go there every week, I swear. It's ridiculous.
34. One person who emails you regularly?
Most of the email I get is work related. I really don't email too much otherwise.
35. Favorite place to eat?
We really don't go out to eat much (other than Chick-Fil-A, see above), but I love sushi, so I'd probably say any good sushi restaurant!
Whew.
Planning for Christmas already?
We go to a big Christmas party every year at my fabulous gay uncles' house (actually one of them is my husband's second cousin). Anyway - they are an awesome couple in their 40s who have impeccable taste in decor, music and food which is totally a gay cliche but its true in this case. Their holiday party is a huge event with over a hundred people with full costumed performances on the stage in their basement and it is just an awesome time - something I look forward to every year.
Well, their party this year (which is exactly one month away!) is Broadway-themed and I'm slated to sing a few songs on stage - so of course I'm already planning my outfit. I want to look festive and fun - and since I'll be performing and mingling with lots of people I don't want to be too hot in my outfit - so chunky sweaters are out.
I blogged about my new zebra top in my last post - and I'm thinking it might be perfect for the occasion if I can dress it up and "Christmas-ize" it a little bit. It will be cool enough because its short sleeved, but I'll be sure to bring a cardigan; and its crazy and ruffly and zebra so it fits exactly the mood of this party.
Here is my initial thought on the outfit for now:
I definitely want to add red to the outfit in some way - I thought the belt was just the touch it needed. Too bad I don't have a thick wide belt! I'll probably also wear dangly earrings and a sparkly bracelet.
I'm sure I'll change my mind on the outfit a few more times - but I'm definitely thinking the zebra top is the right choice!
Well, their party this year (which is exactly one month away!) is Broadway-themed and I'm slated to sing a few songs on stage - so of course I'm already planning my outfit. I want to look festive and fun - and since I'll be performing and mingling with lots of people I don't want to be too hot in my outfit - so chunky sweaters are out.
I blogged about my new zebra top in my last post - and I'm thinking it might be perfect for the occasion if I can dress it up and "Christmas-ize" it a little bit. It will be cool enough because its short sleeved, but I'll be sure to bring a cardigan; and its crazy and ruffly and zebra so it fits exactly the mood of this party.
Here is my initial thought on the outfit for now:
I definitely want to add red to the outfit in some way - I thought the belt was just the touch it needed. Too bad I don't have a thick wide belt! I'll probably also wear dangly earrings and a sparkly bracelet.
I'm sure I'll change my mind on the outfit a few more times - but I'm definitely thinking the zebra top is the right choice!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Just wanted to brag: This weekend's great deals!
We live in the suburbs near an outdoor mall with lots of stores about a minute away. You might think this would be dangerous to my wallet, but actually I think I save money because I can easily go back to a store and see if something has been marked down. I'm also very aware of sales and promotions that are happening because I'm just in these stores a lot so I can really wait to buy when I can get the best deals.
Here are some of the deals I snagged this weekend:
I had a 50% off coupon at Payless so I got these plum moccasins, for $8!
They are really comfy and will go with a lot of my fall clothes. I love purple, so I had to have these! We also bought a pair of shoes for my husband.
I was also looking for a pair of boots - so I went to TJ Maxx, my favorite store ever, and I got these very comfortable, on-trend slouch boots for $30! They are brown Report Mileys, which I believe are a season old but retailed at $60 or $70. I wore them today to work and they are so comfy and fit easily over jeans and also look good with skirts and dresses.
I also picked up this top from TJ's, its a little wild and not my normal pattern - but it was $10 and really fun so I thought I'd give it a try. I thought I could wear it with a black pencil skirt and cardigan to dress it up or wear it with skinny jeans and my black patent booties to go out!
I'm also really getting into couponing, and I got some outrageous deals at CVS and Target this weekend.
With the help of sales and coupons for a total of $6 I got 4 boxes of cereal and 3 jars of Skippy natural peanut butter at Target!
Then at CVS, I actually profited $1 when I got 6 Dove deodorants after coupons and ECBs (Extra Care Bucks - CVS instant rebate coupons).
We also made 2 trips to Kroger this week, once Thursday and once on Sunday night. Each time we only spent around $40 (half of what we used to spend for a week), but got double the amount of stuff! I saved over 60% of my bill for each trip, and got a lot of free items!
I'm having a lot of fun saving money, and it really is a must during this economy. I'd glad I'm getting to hone my coupon skills before we have a baby so I can get it all figured out now while I have extra time!
Here are some of the deals I snagged this weekend:
I had a 50% off coupon at Payless so I got these plum moccasins, for $8!
They are really comfy and will go with a lot of my fall clothes. I love purple, so I had to have these! We also bought a pair of shoes for my husband.
I was also looking for a pair of boots - so I went to TJ Maxx, my favorite store ever, and I got these very comfortable, on-trend slouch boots for $30! They are brown Report Mileys, which I believe are a season old but retailed at $60 or $70. I wore them today to work and they are so comfy and fit easily over jeans and also look good with skirts and dresses.
I also picked up this top from TJ's, its a little wild and not my normal pattern - but it was $10 and really fun so I thought I'd give it a try. I thought I could wear it with a black pencil skirt and cardigan to dress it up or wear it with skinny jeans and my black patent booties to go out!
I'm also really getting into couponing, and I got some outrageous deals at CVS and Target this weekend.
With the help of sales and coupons for a total of $6 I got 4 boxes of cereal and 3 jars of Skippy natural peanut butter at Target!
Then at CVS, I actually profited $1 when I got 6 Dove deodorants after coupons and ECBs (Extra Care Bucks - CVS instant rebate coupons).
We also made 2 trips to Kroger this week, once Thursday and once on Sunday night. Each time we only spent around $40 (half of what we used to spend for a week), but got double the amount of stuff! I saved over 60% of my bill for each trip, and got a lot of free items!
I'm having a lot of fun saving money, and it really is a must during this economy. I'd glad I'm getting to hone my coupon skills before we have a baby so I can get it all figured out now while I have extra time!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
I'm busy enough without a baby!
For the past couple weeks I've felt like I've been battling against the clock and a never ending list of work, home and personal things I need to get done. On top of that, I'm trying to eat better and get into a good exercise routine, but I've been eating a little too much Halloween candy and not getting to the gym nearly enough. It's really frustrating!
My work schedule has been really weird and in a 14 day time span I've worked 3 days until 10pm including one Sunday. I came in at 1pm most of those days, but it still really throws off my schedule in every way possible - sleep, eating, workout, cleaning, everything! To make things more complicated, my husband is in class until 10 every Tuesday and Thursday night for his MBA program. This makes for a lot of time apart, which we frankly aren't used to.
We are one of those annoying couples that you see holding hands all the time and we are kind of clueless to how we look when we are out in public! We genuinely like going to the grocery store together (especially now that I'm getting really into couponing) and we typically try to go to the gym together too. So, since he started going to school there are many days we don't see each other until 10 or 10:30, and we only get to eat dinner together twice during the week.
Anyway, all this busy-ness and not getting enough time together has been kind of freaking me out. If we are this busy now - what is it going to be like when we have a baby with this kind of schedule?
I just hope we start adjusting better to it and it starts getting easier. And I know that this is temporary and the two years of his master's program will be done before we know it. But still, it's stressing me out. One temporary solution I've thought about is really trying to slow down on the weekends. Sometimes we are so booked on the weekends with friends or company in town or whatever that we never get anything done around the house or get much down time.
So, hopefully the winter will be a little less crazy and we can spend more time together at home!
My work schedule has been really weird and in a 14 day time span I've worked 3 days until 10pm including one Sunday. I came in at 1pm most of those days, but it still really throws off my schedule in every way possible - sleep, eating, workout, cleaning, everything! To make things more complicated, my husband is in class until 10 every Tuesday and Thursday night for his MBA program. This makes for a lot of time apart, which we frankly aren't used to.
We are one of those annoying couples that you see holding hands all the time and we are kind of clueless to how we look when we are out in public! We genuinely like going to the grocery store together (especially now that I'm getting really into couponing) and we typically try to go to the gym together too. So, since he started going to school there are many days we don't see each other until 10 or 10:30, and we only get to eat dinner together twice during the week.
Anyway, all this busy-ness and not getting enough time together has been kind of freaking me out. If we are this busy now - what is it going to be like when we have a baby with this kind of schedule?
I just hope we start adjusting better to it and it starts getting easier. And I know that this is temporary and the two years of his master's program will be done before we know it. But still, it's stressing me out. One temporary solution I've thought about is really trying to slow down on the weekends. Sometimes we are so booked on the weekends with friends or company in town or whatever that we never get anything done around the house or get much down time.
So, hopefully the winter will be a little less crazy and we can spend more time together at home!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Baby Bucket List
There are a few things I'd like to accomplish before we have a baby. I'm sure I'll be adding a lot to this list in the next year - but here are the main things I'm wanting to do:
Before I get pregnant:
Before I get pregnant:
- Get in a good workout/diet routine again, lose 15 lbs
- Pay off my credit card, ~ $900
- Narrow down baby names to 3 for each gender
- Eat better, take vitamins, prenatal care
- Finish the basement, fix up other things around the house
- Save at least 8 weeks of vacation days
- Finish the quilt I started in June 2008
- Keep learning coupon tricks, stockpile items
- Go on one more big vacation
- Eat at a really nice restaurant
- Learn to knit baby hats and socks
- Organize photos in albums
- Take a photography class
- Save at least $1000 for baby clothes, maternity clothes and other impulse buys
Baby Name Bonanza
I will begin this post with a warning: I am a little obsessed with baby names!
I have loved names and naming since I was a teenager and I bought a baby name book for $3 at a flea market. Since then I've purchased 4 or 5 more books on names and I've read and posted regularly on baby name message boards.
I realize it's kind of a weird hobby, but I love coming up with combos (first and middle names), sibsets (names for siblings that "go together") and of course dreaming up the perfect names for my future children. I also know a lot about naming trends, popularity, etc. I even read my baby name books before I go to bed!
Since we are getting closer to actually having a baby sometime soon, I'm really starting to try to refine my name choices and get down to ones I can actually imagine using.
I do have some qualities I'm looking for in a name. Nothing trendy or creatively spelled. Must be a real name with meaning. I prefer names that are short or can be shortened into a cute nickname. I want a classic but not boring name - I have a very common last name so it has to be a bit unique. No names with bad associations or are the same or close to kids we know.
Here are my favorites right now:
Girls
There are a few boys names that I love but can't use for a variety of reasons:
Evan - bad association
Miles - bad association
Griffin - our best friends have a dog named Griffey
Kieran - acquaintances have a son with this name
Eli - I work with a female Eli (nickname for Elizabeth)
Kai - bad association (though I love the name Caius with the nickname Cai)
Oh well, this is definitely a work in progress - I'll keep you updated as we get closer to a name. I haven't found the one that I love yet. Right now the front runners are:
Owen Sebastian and Lila Madeleine
Here are some of my favorite baby name sites if you need some inspiration:
Message boards
Behind the Name
Babynames.com
Sites and blogs
Baby Name Wizard
Name Berry
SSA Baby Name Popularity
I have loved names and naming since I was a teenager and I bought a baby name book for $3 at a flea market. Since then I've purchased 4 or 5 more books on names and I've read and posted regularly on baby name message boards.
I realize it's kind of a weird hobby, but I love coming up with combos (first and middle names), sibsets (names for siblings that "go together") and of course dreaming up the perfect names for my future children. I also know a lot about naming trends, popularity, etc. I even read my baby name books before I go to bed!
Since we are getting closer to actually having a baby sometime soon, I'm really starting to try to refine my name choices and get down to ones I can actually imagine using.
I do have some qualities I'm looking for in a name. Nothing trendy or creatively spelled. Must be a real name with meaning. I prefer names that are short or can be shortened into a cute nickname. I want a classic but not boring name - I have a very common last name so it has to be a bit unique. No names with bad associations or are the same or close to kids we know.
Here are my favorites right now:
Girls
- Adele
- Lila
- Maia
- Felicity
- Clara
- Finn
- Ezra
- Colin
- Owen
- Graham
There are a few boys names that I love but can't use for a variety of reasons:
Evan - bad association
Miles - bad association
Griffin - our best friends have a dog named Griffey
Kieran - acquaintances have a son with this name
Eli - I work with a female Eli (nickname for Elizabeth)
Kai - bad association (though I love the name Caius with the nickname Cai)
Oh well, this is definitely a work in progress - I'll keep you updated as we get closer to a name. I haven't found the one that I love yet. Right now the front runners are:
Owen Sebastian and Lila Madeleine
Here are some of my favorite baby name sites if you need some inspiration:
Message boards
Behind the Name
Babynames.com
Sites and blogs
Baby Name Wizard
Name Berry
SSA Baby Name Popularity
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Loving Fall
Summer is my favorite season, but fall is a close second. I thought I'd share my top 10 things I'm loving this season.
- Chai lattes. About 2 months ago I stopped drinking coffee, but I've found that a vanilla chai latte is just as enjoyable as my previously beloved pumpkin spice latte to warm me up in the colder weather.
- Patterned tights. I'm loving this trend - I am really only into the subtle geometric patterns so far, but cute hosiery is definitely easing me into colder temps in style!
- Scarves. One of my favorite accessories. I have a lot of lightweight pashmina scarves and I love sporting them all through fall and winter.
- Football. I'm starting to really become a football fan. I cheer for the hometown Cincinnati Bengals and the Steelers because of their QB fellow Miami-grad Ben Roethlisberger.
- Fall colors for decor and fashion. I've gladly traded in my lemon yellows and hot pinks for dark plums, rusty oranges and chocolate browns. It's fun to switch it up.
- Lotion. I have really sensitive dry skin so I'm holding tight to my lotions and creams to avoid any problems this winter with dry skin!
- Candy corn. Never was a fan of this stuff until I found out about combining it with peanuts. So yummy! Tastes like a payday candy bar.
- New TV shows. We don't get many channels with our HD rabbit ears - but I'm loving the new seasons of Amazing Race and Biggest Loser and my favorite new show GLEE!
- Trying new recipes. I've been cooking a lot of casseroles and other new dishes for fall. It's fun to experiment with new meals and I'm hoping to break out the crockpot soon.
- Snuggling. I can never seem to get warm in my house so I love snuggling up with my husband in bed or on the couch. He may not have a lot of body fat but he's the comfiest snuggliest person I know!
Bitten by the bug
My husband Neil and I are high school and college sweethearts and have been together since we were 16, and married for 3 1/2 years. We've been talking about when we might start a family for awhile - we've actually been saying "in a couple years" for almost 4 years now!
To be honest, we've bounced between waiting until we're in our early 30s to start or to try to get pregnant as early as next year. This summer, we had pretty much settled on waiting a few more years - since I just turned 26 in September and Neil just began a two year graduate program and is not working full time. Well, this all changed after a quick weekend trip to Alabama to see our dear friends Mike and Angela and their new baby Anna.
Me and Anna.
Anna was born around Easter so she was not even 4 months old when we went down south to meet her. We had an absolute blast with our friends - we tried to get them out of the house without the baby and let them have some adult time with us. But to be honest, I loved every minute of being with baby Anna! She is an extremely good baby - rarely cries, will let anyone hold her, sleeps through the night, and just is happy and smiley all the time. She is what some people call a "trick baby" - she tricks you into wanting one because she is so good!
Neil and Anna.
But I loved all of it. I loved playing with Anna, holding her, feeding her, seeing her wake up after a nap, everything! I talked a lot with my friend Angela about her pregnancy, the birth, being a mom, just the whole experience, and I started immediately getting a little bit of the baby bug!
While we were packing up the car to head back to Ohio, I was really sad to leave Anna because I knew I was going to miss so many milestones and so many things until the next time we see her. Neil and I started our drive and after talking about how much fun we had we both agreed that we really wanted to have a baby!
Mike and Angela didn't make it look easy necessarily but they made it look possible. We know there are a lot of sacrifices when you have a baby at our age - not going out as much, etc.. but I could tell how absolutely in love they are with their daughter and how much their relationship had grown because of her.
After the trip we had started talking a lot more about our timeline and what we were both thinking in regards to starting a family. We have an idea about when we might start trying which we don't want to reveal yet - but I think we both are definitely on the same page about having a baby "in the next couple years"!
Really excited!!
To be honest, we've bounced between waiting until we're in our early 30s to start or to try to get pregnant as early as next year. This summer, we had pretty much settled on waiting a few more years - since I just turned 26 in September and Neil just began a two year graduate program and is not working full time. Well, this all changed after a quick weekend trip to Alabama to see our dear friends Mike and Angela and their new baby Anna.
Me and Anna.
Anna was born around Easter so she was not even 4 months old when we went down south to meet her. We had an absolute blast with our friends - we tried to get them out of the house without the baby and let them have some adult time with us. But to be honest, I loved every minute of being with baby Anna! She is an extremely good baby - rarely cries, will let anyone hold her, sleeps through the night, and just is happy and smiley all the time. She is what some people call a "trick baby" - she tricks you into wanting one because she is so good!
Neil and Anna.
But I loved all of it. I loved playing with Anna, holding her, feeding her, seeing her wake up after a nap, everything! I talked a lot with my friend Angela about her pregnancy, the birth, being a mom, just the whole experience, and I started immediately getting a little bit of the baby bug!
While we were packing up the car to head back to Ohio, I was really sad to leave Anna because I knew I was going to miss so many milestones and so many things until the next time we see her. Neil and I started our drive and after talking about how much fun we had we both agreed that we really wanted to have a baby!
Mike and Angela didn't make it look easy necessarily but they made it look possible. We know there are a lot of sacrifices when you have a baby at our age - not going out as much, etc.. but I could tell how absolutely in love they are with their daughter and how much their relationship had grown because of her.
After the trip we had started talking a lot more about our timeline and what we were both thinking in regards to starting a family. We have an idea about when we might start trying which we don't want to reveal yet - but I think we both are definitely on the same page about having a baby "in the next couple years"!
Really excited!!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
My Fall Wishlist
- Plaid top - Plaid is huge for fall, so I'm hoping to find a cute long sleeved plaid top. I've seen some with a ruffle, which would be fine for me. I'm loving the ruffle trend too - so plaid and ruffle together are even better!
- Black pencil skirt - This is a basic that I definately need for fall/winter. I have a couple pencil skirts that I love, but not one in basic black. I'd love to find one at a good price that is lined.
- Comfy sweater - I need replacement for this great sweater that my mom got me a few years ago that is just about worn out - its cream, cozy and warm with a fuzzy hood. I'm keeping my eye out for anything super comfy and bulky for winter.
- Plaid scarf - Here we go again with the plaid. I have a lot of scarves, but only a few patterned ones. I thought plaid in a bright color would be cute with my black winter coat or with a cardigan. I'm looking for hot pink or purple.
- Ruffle top - This particular top is a Miley Cyrus for Walmart top - and it's actually really cute IRL. I'd like to snag one of these since its only $10. It comes in red, cream, and black and probably some other colors I'm forgetting. I think this will be a good layering piece for under cardigans this fall.
- Black skinny jeans - I'd love to find a pair for less than $25. I definately want a very skinny leg, but the hardest part is finding a high enough rise so that they are flattering. Definately on the prowl for a pair of these.
- Gray winter boot - Since I cannot afford Uggs nor do I particularly like them, I'm looking for a non-Ugg cozy winter boot. I've been watching the price on a pair at Target. I definately want them tall and gray since they will go with all of my winter coats.
- Black blazer - I have a ton of blazers, but none in solid black. I want a very traditional cut, lined, 2 or 3 button blazer that is preferably under $30!
- Brown tweed cap - I have a newsboy cap like this in black, but I think I need one in brown as well!
- Taupe flat boot - I'm planning on buying these exact boots from Zappos. They are Steve Madden, and I think a pretty good deal for $80. I'm planning on wearing them with jeans and dresses.
- Crisp white shirt - The quintessential basic. One that I do not have. Plan on wearing this with pretty much everything I own.
- Black flats - I have a pair of black mary jane flats that are cute, comfortable, but they are getting scuffed and worn out. I'd like to get a simple pair of comfy everyday black ballet flats.
- Metallic mocs - I have gold ballet flats, but I'm hoping to find a flat moccasin style shoe in bronze, gold or pewter for fall.
- Drapey cardigan - I have so many cardigans, but many of them are cropped, and not exactly on-trend at the moment. I'm searching for a few lightweight drapey cardigans in neutral colors that i can wear open or belted.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Decorating for fall
I got the urge to decorate this weekend - so I bought a few new accessories and knick knacks to make my house feel a little more like fall.
I focused mostly on the mantle - I bought some leaves and berries swag for $5, some fake pumpkins for $3 and added those to some other things I had around the house already.
It's still not perfect, but I'm going to look for some other things this week - I might change things up and use a couple of lanterns like these:
And I'd love to create a garland to drape underneath the mantle like these beauties:
from Stop Staring and Start Sewing
from Taylor Design
from all sorts
I'm thinking this might be a good project for this coming weekend!
Stay tuned for more fall decorations - the dining room centerpiece is still in progress!
New necklace!
So, I went shopping today for fall decor and I was really trying to focus on a hunting down a few specific items and not get distracted by clothes, shoes or jewelry. I found a lot of great stuff for my house (more on that soon) but I did find an awesome necklace for an incredible price at Kohls.
This necklace was originally $22, and I got it for $6! But I would've been willing to pay more - it looks so much like this pearl cluster necklace from Jcrew, just with more browns and bronze stones:
I'm so excited to wear it with all of my browns, creams and tans this fall and winter!
This necklace was originally $22, and I got it for $6! But I would've been willing to pay more - it looks so much like this pearl cluster necklace from Jcrew, just with more browns and bronze stones:
I'm so excited to wear it with all of my browns, creams and tans this fall and winter!
Friday, October 9, 2009
A mighty fine life, indeed.
While trying to come up with a cute name for my blog I couldn't really find anything that sounded just right. "Lindsay's Life" sounds absolutely boring, and I'm pretty sure that's what I called my first website I made on geocities when I was 13. So that was out. I tried to come up with some titles that incorporate my last name but they ended up sounding like an advertising slogan for a certain beer company.
So, how did I settle on "A Mighty Fine Life"?
Well, one of my favorite movies of all time is Newsies, the Disney musical about newsboys in NYC at the turn of the century. I have fond memories of watching it in the movie theater when I was 8 or 9 and absolutely loving it - dancing and singing to all the songs. Since then, I've seen it over a hundred times. It doesn't hurt that gorgeous Christian Bale is in it!
The opening song "Carrying the Banner" is one of my favorites because it introduces all the characters - well, one of the lines in the chorus is "a mighty fine life!"
I thought it summed up what I think about my own existence - very lucky and happy with where I am with a nod to a fun little movie I love!
So, how did I settle on "A Mighty Fine Life"?
Well, one of my favorite movies of all time is Newsies, the Disney musical about newsboys in NYC at the turn of the century. I have fond memories of watching it in the movie theater when I was 8 or 9 and absolutely loving it - dancing and singing to all the songs. Since then, I've seen it over a hundred times. It doesn't hurt that gorgeous Christian Bale is in it!
The opening song "Carrying the Banner" is one of my favorites because it introduces all the characters - well, one of the lines in the chorus is "a mighty fine life!"
I thought it summed up what I think about my own existence - very lucky and happy with where I am with a nod to a fun little movie I love!
Let's get it started
Hey there. Well, I'm starting a blog. I've actually done this a few times before! I created a short-lived blog about my daily fashion choices which quickly fizzled. I realized I didn't really want to take a photo of myself everyday, and I wasn't quite sure anyone else wanted to see one! I also started a blog a few years ago to help support my goals for exercise and weight loss - and I eventually lost interest in that blog too.
So, I thought I'd be more interested and more interesting in writing in a sort of all-inclusive, no holds barred type of blog. Without any restraints I will hopefully be free to blog about whatever I feel like on any given day. My interests are kind of all over the place - so don't be surprised if I touch on any of these topics:
So, I thought I'd be more interested and more interesting in writing in a sort of all-inclusive, no holds barred type of blog. Without any restraints I will hopefully be free to blog about whatever I feel like on any given day. My interests are kind of all over the place - so don't be surprised if I touch on any of these topics:
- I love fashion, and I follow about 30 different daily fashion blogs. These are incredibly creative, fashionable women who somehow make the time to look fabulous and take great pictures of themselves everyday! I'm inspired by them, and plan to share some of my thoughts about fashion and maybe even a few outfits on this blog.
- I am a librarian and I love reading. I tend to blow through quite a few books per month, and I'd love to share my thoughts on recent books I've read, all time favorites, and share reading suggestions. My favorite genre is definitely memoirs/biographies but I love good fiction and young adult books too!
- My husband and I have owned a home for about 3 years - so I have a lot to say about the joys and pitfalls of being a homeowner. Our house is only about 7 years old, so no big renovation projects yet, but I do a lot of decorating! We are hoping to finish our basement in the next year - a huge project!
- We are hoping to become a family of 3 in the next couple of years. I've been obsessed with baby names forever, but have just recently developed an interest in all things baby! I've been researching just about everything there is about fertility, pregnancy and motherhood.
- One of my goals before trying to get pregnant is getting back into shape. I go through phases of being really gung-ho about healthy eating and exercise OR not really caring at all. Right now I'm trying to get myself in gear and get serious about being healthy. I'm hoping to drop 15 lbs before next summer.
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