Monday Madness Link Up 9.28.15

Another Monday is upon us.



I wish I had something fun to share from my weekend, but I spent it lounging and doing multiple chores. My kitchen and master bath got good scrubs and it makes the house so much better!

Scout and I were on our on this weekend. Nick's left for his yearly guys only 4-wheeling trip on Thursday morning. The little guy (Scout) decided to kill a rabbit on Friday morning. So there I am at 7:15 on Friday morning in my scrubs in the back yard running around, yelling at Scout to stop and leave it, and then I'm screaming because this near lifeless rabbit is flopping at my feet. I'm sure the neighbors loved it. The icing on the cake is that Scout did it again on Saturday morning. I was able to get him way before he went in for the kill this time. Not cool.

My little killer.


Friday night I went out with my BFF from my MA program. It was great to grab dinner and drinks!

I feel like I've finally turned the corner and have gotten over the cold I had. I'm feeling so much better!

I painted my nails by favorite color - Ballet Slippers (Essie). And that was my weekend...


What's Hap'pinning' Wednesday: Fall Fashion

Here is Michigan it's c-o-l-d in the Fall, and I'm always looking for fashionable yet warm clothes every season. Pinterest has been a great inspiration this year and has helped me to shop for practical, yet stylish clothing. 

(Linking up with Jenn and Jessi today for What's Hap'pnning' Wednesday.)


Cute and Casual


Cute and Cozy


Lumber Jill


I love leggings!


Pretty and Polished


I always look to one of my style icons, Pippa Middleton, for inspiration (of course).

{via}



What are you wearing this fall?




Monday Madness Link Up 9.21.15

Happy Monday!


I woke up on Friday feeling a bit under the weather so I spent my weekend vegging out.

I watched a marathon of Worst Cooks in American on the Food Network and have decided that I need to apply to be on it. I'm a terrible cook. To me cooking is putting a frozen pizza in the oven or making something on the stove out of a bag.


I finished this book this weekend.


It was a cute story with an awesome setting. I just don't think the writing was very good.

I also watched the Matt Lauer interview with Joyce Mitchell. As you may remember that she is the prison worker who helped murder Richard Matt and David Sweat break out of the Clinton Correctional Facility back in June.



This interview painted her as a victim and she played the role. I think it's total crap. She knew exactly what she was doing.  Did anyone else see this?

Have a great week!

Good Reads: The List by Karin Tanabe


Goodreads Synopsis:

Meet Adrienne Brown, a twenty-eight-year-old Wellesley College grad who recently left her glamorous job at Town & Country for a spot at theCapitolist. Known simply as the List to Beltway insiders, it’s the only media outlet in D.C. that’s actually on the rise. Taking the job means accepting a painful pay cut, giving up perks like free Louboutins, and moving back in with her parents, but Adrienne is certain that her new position will be the making of her career. And it is—but not at all in the way that she expects. The Capitolist runs at an insane pace: Adrienne’s up before five in the morning, writing ten stories a day (sometimes on her BlackBerry, often during her commute), and answering every email within three minutes. Just when it seems like the frenetic workload is going to break her, she stumbles upon a juicy political affair, involving a very public senator—and her most competitive colleague. Discovering that there’s much more to the relationship than meets the eye, Adrienne realizes she’s got the scoop of a lifetime. But should she go public with the story?









My Thoughts: 



This is the best piece of "Chicklit" I've read in awhile, The writing was really smart - witty and quick. The main character of Adrienne was someone who you could really root for. As someone who studied journalism, this novel gives an accurate portrayal of the cut throat business of turning out stories and being the first to get the scoop. It was able to touch on the ethics of journalism without getting too heavy. It was nice that the girly-ness of designers frocks and high heeled shoes were woven into the serious and male driven setting of Washington, DC. The only thing I didn't understand was the relationship between Adrienne and Sandro. It seemed very out of place and unnecessary in a story that was otherwise wrapped up with a nice bow.





Fall Fashion Inspired by Pippa Middleton + Monday Madness Link Up

Kate may be the queen of posh and polished, but little sister Pippa reigns when it comes to cute and casual. Pippa can be seen all over London wearing it outfits anyone can make affordable and achievable. As the days of summer become shorter it's time to transition to a Fall wardrobe. Be inspired by Pippa Middleton!


The Friday Five 9.11.15




//1// I have been on the hunt for some new fall/winter clothes. I'm really picky about my clothes and really don't want to send a lot of money this time around. I'm happy to announce I made my first purchase yesterday! I bought this sweater...


and a mustard colored infinity scarf.

//2// As I featured on Monday, Ladies of London started up again this week and as we all know I'm very intrigued by British culture. I'm glad it's back. It's still on the DVR, but plan to watch it this weekend.


//3// My cousin pinned this peanut butter yogurt dip stuff.


It's actually from Little Cook in the Big City. Greek Yogurt + PB = protein city!

//4// I've been reading this book...


It's really good! Only 2 chapters to go!

//5// #MyLife



Have a super weekend and don't forget to come back on Monday and link up!




Wedding Wednesday: Confessions of a Bridal Stylist

When I quit my big girl job last January to go back to school I took on a part time role as a bridal stylist. In my role as a stylist I learned many tricks of the trade to make wedding dress shopping a positive experience for brides and their consultants.



//1// HAVE A VOICE
I couldn't believe how many brides came in and just didn't speak. I'd ask an opinion of a dress that she had it on and she would just stare blankly into the mirror. Bridal stylists don't know what dresses to pull or what direction to go  if you don't give feedback. It's ok if you don't know what you want. You can always start by telling your stylist what you don't want.



//2// COME IN FRESH
This my nice way of saying make sure you shower. You wouldn't believe how many smelly, sweating brides come in. Make sure to freshen up and use deodorant before your appointment. Those rooms are small and you and your stylist will be in very tight quarters together for the majority of your appointment.



//3// DON'T YOUNG CHILDREN
A lot of brides bring small family members thinking that these little girls will be an awe of the moment. They never are. These little princess are antsy and really don't comprehend what's going on. Wait until they are 7 or 8 and can really understand and enjoy the moment.




//5// BE KIND TO YOUR STYLIST
Things are always changing. New dresses and new sales pop up in the store every day. Be patient with us while we try to adapt to the day to day changes.



//6// BE MINDFUL OF YOUR APPOINTMENT TIME
Most bridal shops allow one to one and half hour appointments for bridal sessions. Most days stores have back to back appointments. It's really awkward for stylists to have to tell their brides to be that time is up. I loved my brides who would check in with me about how much time they had left.



//7// REMEMBER IT'S THE BRIDE'S DAY
Brides - it's ok for you to be selfish on this day. You're the one who is going to be wearing this dress and your dress will be immortalized in your wedding photos. Friends and family - it's her day. Just because you wouldn't wear the particular styles the bride is trying on doesn't mean it's not a lovely dress. It's about her style, not yours. I've seen so many friends and family members talk the bride out of her dream dress because it wasn't their cup of tea.



//8// WEAR CUTE UNDERGARMENTS
Your bridal stylist will see you in your skivvies. A cute panty and bra set will make everyone feel more comfortable.



//9// LEAVE THE ENTOURAGE AT HOME
Bring only 2 or 3 of your favorite people. There isn't room in the salon for every bride to bring a party of 5+ to her appointment. There isn't enough space and too many opinions become confusing for the bride.


//10// DON'T STRESS
Picking out a wedding dress should be a fun and memorable experience. If you feel yourself getting stressed, call it a day and come back another time.







Reading is Cool + Monday Madness Link Up

I hope everyone is enjoying their extended weekend!


For a second time I participated in Chaotic Goddess Swap's Books 'n Bloggers Swap. Let me tell you - these ladies host the best swaps in all of Blogland. This time around I was paired with Jessica from Writing Pearls.  Jessica is the sweetest and most genuine blogger around and I was glad we ended up together!


Not only did Jessica send me the three books that we were required to send to each other, but she hooked me up with some yumbo Italian candies and the amazing stemless wine glasses I'd been eying which  I promptly used to drink raspberry sparkling water she sent me!

Of course I was totally stoked about the books too!


While walking home from work one evening, Jeff Manning is struck by a car and killed. Two women fall to pieces at the news: his wife, Claire, and his co-worker Tish. Reeling from her loss, Claire must comfort her grieving son as well as contend with funeral arrangements, well-meaning family members, and the arrival of Jeff’s estranged brother, who was her ex-boyfriend. Tish volunteers to attend the funeral on her company’s behalf, but only she knows the true risk of inserting herself into the wreckage of Jeff’s life.Told through the three voices of Jeff, Tish, and Claire, Hidden explores the complexity of relationships, the repercussions of our personal choices, and the responsibilities we have to the ones we love.


In downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lou works tirelessly to build her beloved yet struggling French restaurant, Luella’s, into a success. She cheerfully balances her demanding business and even more demanding fiancé…until the morning she discovers him in the buff—with an intern.

Witty yet gruff British transplant Al is keeping himself employed and entertained by writing scathing reviews of local restaurants in the Milwaukee newspaper under a pseudonym. When an anonymous tip sends him to Luella’s, little does he know he’s arrived on the worst day of the chef’s life. The review practically writes itself: underdone fish, scorched sauce, distracted service—he unleashes his worst.

The day that Al’s mean-spirited review of Luella’s runs, the two cross paths in a pub: Lou drowning her sorrows, and Al celebrating his latest publication. As they chat, Al playfully challenges Lou to show him the best of Milwaukee and she’s game—but only if they never discuss work, which Al readily agrees to. As they explore the city’s local delicacies and their mutual attraction, Lou’s restaurant faces closure, while Al’s column gains popularity. It’s only a matter of time before the two fall in love…but when the truth comes out, can Lou overlook the past to chase her future?


When Amelia Tate is cast to play the Audrey Hepburn role in a remake of Roman Holiday, she feels as if all her dreams have come true. She has a handsome boyfriend, is portraying her idol in a major motion picture, and gets to live in beautiful Rome for the next two months.

Once there, she befriends a young woman named Sophie with whom she begins to explore the city. Together, they discover all the amazing riches that Rome has to offer. But when Amelia’s boyfriend breaks up with her over her acting career, her perfect world begins to crumble.

While moping in her hotel suite, Amelia discovers a stack of letters written by Audrey Hepburn that start to put her own life into perspective. Then, she meets Philip, a handsome journalist who is under the impression that she is a hotel maid, and it appears as if things are finally looking up. The problem is she can never find the right time to tell Philip her true identity. Not to mention that Philip has a few secrets of his own. Can Amelia finally have both the career and love that she’s always wanted, or will she be forced to choose again?

A couple of items:

1. Ladies of London Season 2 starts tonight!



2. Link up below. You'll feel much better once you do!

Friday Five 9.4.15




//1// Pets for Vets:   This charity is awesome for me and my fellow pet parents!



The Pets for Vets program is dedicated to supporting veterans and providing a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them with America’s veterans who could benefit from a companion animal.

//2// Carrie Underwood is my fitness icon.


This is her post baby.

Did you know she does her own hair and makeup for her shows so she can take a trainer on tour? So we all can't have a personal trainer, but like Carrie we can eat clean, make exercise a priority, and find a workout buddy (her's is husband Mike Fisher)! Carrie even has her own fitness fashion line called Calia by Carrie.


//3// Terry Dubrow is the most amazing reality star ever.

During the RHOC episode 'Racing to the Truth' interstitial Terry admitted to his wife Heather that he once had genital crabs. HAHAHHA. You had to see the clip. Hilarious.



 //4// My dog understands the words sit, stay, down, no, potty, pee-pee, nuh-nights, bed, up, daddy, mama and the phrases "get your ball" and "where's your ball?" He's a genius.



//5// A little medical humor...



Happy Friday!