Birthday Recap

My birthday was a week ago, so I guess it's about time that I wrote up a recap of what I did, huh?  Well, here it goes:

I had a meeting at work in the morning that I couldn't really skip, so I went in for a couple hours.  Then I met John for a quick lunch at Which Wich (my favorite!) before heading to the salon/spa for a pedicure and massage.  Best decision ever!  I was so relaxed afterwards. Seriously, I want to get a massage every day.  I should at least do it more than once a year!

I heard a rumor that Gap was having an additional 50% off all sale, so I stopped in really quick and picked up a few things, and then ran home to get changed for dinner.  Then I picked up John from work and we headed downtown to meet his family for birthday dinner!  There's a restaurant with the most delicious smoked gouda mac and cheese, and we never go there, because it's kind of annoying to deal with parking downtown.  But for my birthday, we made an exception.  Dinner was excellent, and then we went over to their house for presents, dessert, and a quick game of Dutch Blitz.  As usual, I was sufficiently spoiled.

The other fun part of the day was just getting random calls and texts from friends and family.  It just made me smile all day long!

And I completely forgot to take any pictures the whole day!  Because I'm the best blogger ever.  Oh wait, opposite.  But as I've said before when I forget to take pictures of big events, sometimes it's important to just enjoy the day without trying to document everything.  I did wear a really cute outfit for dinner, so I'll have to repeat it and take pictures before it gets too cold! 

On Saturday/Sunday, John and I took a little road trip, and I did actually take pictures throughout the day, so I'll have to sort through those and write up a little recap on that soon as well.

Oh, and Happy Halloween, I guess.  I'll probably just pretend to not be home this evening, because I'm a Halloween Grinch.  So stay safe and have fun if you are out and about.  Or I guess stay safe and have fun even if you aren't out and about.

**This outfit is almost an exact replication of what I wore for John's birthday, which I also failed to take pictures of.  Seemed fitting to put it on my birthday recap with no relevant photos, right!  Plus, I was having a really good hair day in these pics. 

Cardigan: JCF (similar)
Top: Gap Factory (option, option, option)
Necklace: Old Navy (similar)
Skirt: Target (similar,similar)
Shoes: Target (flat version)

Black and Tan

This outfit is from a day when we had clients in the office, and we were also getting flu shots.  As I was trying to get dressed, I learned that most of my fall-business looks were not conducive to upper arm accessibility.  So I ditched my other plans and decided a sleeveless dress and a cardigan would be the best option.  I almost ended up wearing this exact outfit from June, but then I grabbed my black cardigan, and then I thought a fun necklace would be good to add a little color.  And then I wore different black wedges, because I like to live on the edge.

Dress: Old Navy (maxi, leather, lace)
Necklace: Lucky B Boutique (exact)
Belt: Steve Madden (similar)
Cardigan: Gap (similar)
Shoes: Gap factory (similar, similar)

October Shopping

Okay, the end of October is here, so let's look at the shopping recap.  I didn't shop at all in the first 3 weeks, and then I picked up one shirt at Target and honestly thought that would be everything for the month.  Then it was my birthday, and there were some crazy sales going on at Gap and Gap Factory, so I had to check it out.  I got a few things that had been on my list, and a few random splurges, but I am really happy with what I found! Here's the detailed list:

• Target black blouse: $5 (originally $30)
• Gap blue/white striped tee: $3 (originally $26)
• Gap bootcut jeans: $17 (originally $70) (similar)
• Gap factory navy boyfriend cardigan: $10 (originally $45) (similar)
• Gap Factory black/gray stripe boyfriend cardigan: $10 (originally $45) (similar)
• J.Crew Factory checkered cap: $10 (originally $37) (exact)
• Limited outlet navy/white striped dress: $20 (originally $90) (similar)

Total Spent: $75 (originally $343)

Normally, I get mostly clothes for my birthday, but this year I just got a few things (don't worry, my other presents were great!):

• pearl earrings
• Old Navy gray/teal polka dot infinity scarf
• WSU hoodie 

So there you have it.  I really really really need to take a load of things to the consignment shop, and another load to Goodwill.  Maybe this weekend I will finally get around to it!  As always, I'm linking up with Fran!

This is another example of an outfit that started out in my head a certain way and then ended up completely different.  It all started because Kate commented on this post that I should try wearing that blue/orange-ish skirt with something purple.  I immediately thought of this scarf with orange and purple on it.  It didn't look quite right with this tee and scarf, so I added the gray cardigan for some neutral hoping the neutral would subdue the situation.  I still felt weird, so I just grabbed my black skirt and called it a day. 

I still think purple is an idea I need to figure out with that other skirt.  I'll just have to try again some other day! 

Cardigan: Old Navy (similar)
Scarf: F21 (similar)
Tee: J.Crew Factory (exact in other colors)
Skirt: Gibson&Latimer (similar, similar)
Shoes: Old Navy (similar without captoe)

Winter Book Challenge

Well, after almost completing the summer book challenge, I'm going to try this again.  I think the categories are much harder this time, so there's a good chance I will be distracted by reading things that don't apply, but hey, it's still fun to try!  Details on Megan's blog.  The challenge starts on Nov 1st if anyone wants to join in!

5 points: Freebie! Read any book that fits the general rules.  Probably The Rosie Effect (411 pages), but I suspect I will read a few books that don't fall into any of the other categories. 
10 points: Read a book written by an author who has published at least 10 books. - Funny Girl: A Novel (464 pages)
10 points: Read a book of short stories - My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories(320 pages)
10 points: Read a book with a food in the title. - The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (274 pages)
15 points: Read the first book in a series that is new to you (so no rereads for this one!). -
The Eyre Affair (374pages)
15 points: Read a book that was originally written in a language that is not your native language. -
Love in the Time of Cholera (348 pages)
15 points: Read a book written by a local author (either an author from your state if you live in the United States, or from your country if you live somewhere else). - My Antonia (232 pages)
20 points: Read a "bookish book" (in which books play an important role-the setting involves a bookstore or library, a major character is an author, or a book that celebrates reading and books -
The Storied Life of AJ Fikry (260 pages)
20 points: Read a book with a direction in the title (e.g. north, south, east, west or any combination of those).  East of Eden reread (601 pages) or I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had: My Year as a Rookie Teacher at Northeast High (264 pages)
25 points: Read a book from a genre you don't usually read.  - Not sure yet
25 points: Read a book with a song lyric in the title. Be sure to tell us the song name and artist as well!  - maybe Peace Like a River(312 pages)
30 points: Read two books with a different meal in each title (e.g. breakfast, lunch, dinner, supper, brunch update: meals like feast, banquet, picnic will also count, but try not to get too "creative" with your meal words!). - Breakfast of Champions  (302 pages) and Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant (303 pages)

And a huge thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes!  I had a very nice birthday weekend celebrating!  More about that later this week.

Jacket: JCrew Factory: (exact)
Scarf: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Dress: Limited (similar, similar)
Shoes: Old Navy (option, option)

Graphic Tee Week - 30!!!

It's my BIRTHDAY!!  And I'm 30?  What?  So strange.  I'm not really worried about getting older, but it just doesn't feel like I can be 30 already.  Didn't I just turn 18 like five minutes ago???  I'm taking the afternoon off work and getting a much needed massage and pedicure, and then looking forward to a fun weekend of celebrating!

When I decided to do Graphic Tee week, this was the first outfit that I thought of.  I just love this tee (another of the $2.50 deals from Gap). So I wore it and loved it and saved it for my birthday post and graphic tee week finale!

Anyway, thanks to everyone that linked up!  You can still join in until Monday.  Make sure to check out all the other links and make some new friends.  Especially Priya, who totally killed it as my co-host this week!

Blazer: Gap via consignment (option, option)
Tee: Gap
Necklace: InPink (exact)
Jeans: Gap factory (similar)
Shoes: Old Navy (similar without captoe)

Graphic Tee Week: Weezer

Another band t-shirt, but I couldn't help myself.  These are absolutely my favorite tees.  It seems like band merchandise has gotten nicer over the years.  My recent concert tees are all super soft cotton, so I love them.  And I mean, this one features a robot in an argyle sweater playing a drum.  What more could you want from a t-shirt??  Maybe a blogger whose hair doesn't cover half of the design?

I went the more casual route with this outfit.  This probably wouldn't fly at most offices, but as I've mentioned before - mine is super casual, unless we have clients visiting, which is pretty rare.

Make sure you come back tomorrow for the grand finale of Graphic Tee week, which also happens to be my 30th birthday!  (send presents)

Tee: concert souvenir (exact)
Jacket: Target (similar)
Jeans: Gap factory (similar)
Shoes: Old Navy (similar without captoe)

Graphic Tee Week - Ben Folds

In addition to Cardinals t-shirts, I also have an unreasonable number of concert tees (mostly Ben Folds).  I just have to buy one at every show.  This one is from the most recent concert this summer.  I really like this one - the instruments and outline of musicians are just fun.  The only problem is that I forget I'm advertising my fandom, so sometimes people will be like "oh, you like Ben Folds?" and I will immediately think HOW DID YOU KNOW?!  Before realizing that his name is plastered across my shirt.  I'm so smart sometimes. 

Link up below!

Cardigan: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Tee: Concert souvenir (exact)
Skirt: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Shoes: Gap factory (similar, similar)

Graphic Tee Week - Cardinals

A pretty decent section of my t-shirt drawer contains St. Louis Cardinals tees.  Even more have come and gone over the years (and I'm about due for some new options - birthday hint!!).  I've mentioned before that Cardinals games were a big tradition for my Dad and me, for at least 10 years.  I wish we could still go every summer, but it's been harder since I've been a real grown-up.  Anyway, I couldn't let the week go by without working in one of these tees.  I was hoping they'd be playing in the World Series right now, but they couldn't quite make it.  So I'm voting for the Royals!

Since this is a sporty t-shirt, I decided to go the "opposites attract" route and wear my frilliest floral skirt.  I really loved this outfit, but I suspect others thought it was a bit weird.  I'm okay with that.   

Jacket: J.Crew Factory (exact)
T-shirt: some sports store at the mall
Skirt: Macy's (exact)
Shoes: Old Navy (option, option)

Graphic Tee Week - Do What You Love

Graphic Tee Week is here!  Get excited!  Be sure to check out Priya's posts this week, and remember you can link up with us every day! 

Most of my t-shirts are of the concert/sports team/vacation souvenir variety, but the ones I wear to work are usually of the more fashiony variety.  This particular one was a steal ($2.50) at the Gap a few summers ago.  I like it because it kind of just looks like a flowery design from far away, but if you look closely, it says "Do What You Love."  Matchy-matchy seemed like the way to go, so I played off the blue of the shirt and added this skirt, and then played off the orange/coral in the skirt to add the cardigan.

Let me just say that this might be my most-complimented outfit ever.  My co-workers were really onboard with this look.

Cardigan: Old Navy
Tee: Gap
Skirt: Gap Factory
Shoes: Old Navy (option, option)

Cobalt Copycat

This outfit was 100% inspired by Danielle's version with cobalt pants.  At the beginning of the school year, she did a series of posts about teacher style, including this one about pants!  I'm not a teacher and I never wear pants, but I still really liked her outfit ideas.  And that's the nice thing about outfit inspiration - we can make adjustments for our own style/wardrobe.  And a cobalt skirt is just as nice as cobalt pants!

In other news, one week until my birthday!   Not that I'm excited or anything. Oh, and next week is all about graphic tees!  I hope you all can join in.

Top: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Belt: Old Navy (similar)
Skirt: Old Navy (similar, similar)
Shoes: Gap

Third Thursday - Wear Pink

Well, October is flying by and it's the Third Thursday already, so I'm linking up with Bri again.  The theme this month is all about wearing pink for breast cancer awareness month.  Perfect time to debut my new pink skirt from Old Navy. 

I think most of us probably have women in our lives who have fought this fight.  Both my mom and my aunt have battled breast cancer in the last decade.  If I think about it too much, odds are that I or my sisters will also end up dealing with it.  I'm so grateful for the medical advancements of the past several years and hope progress will continue so eventually cancer will not be such a scary diagnosis.  In the meantime, make sure you take care of yourselves and go to the doctor regularly!

That's a serious topic for a not very serious outfit.  This is one of those outfits that I felt great in all day, but then when editing photos, I don't think it's doing my figure any favors.  Heels probably would have helped.  

Cardigan: Old Navy (similar)
Tee: H&M
Necklace: F21(exact, similar)
Skirt: Old Navy (this style in this color)
Shoes: Gap Factory

Book Review - One Plus One

via Goodreads

One Plus One is the newest novel from Jojo Moyes.  This is the fourth book I've read by Moyes in the past year.  My high expectations were somewhat lowered when I read my friend's review.  Sometimes expectations can really make or break a book for me.  I'm glad I wasn't expecting as much, so I wasn't disappointed.  I definitely enjoyed it, but I wasn't as captivated as I had been by her other books.

Anyway, this book follows a woman with a very complicated life, struggling to get by and hoping to make a better life for herself and her kids.  She then encounters a tech startup millionaire (I'm totally imagining Mark Zuckerberg here), who has his own interesting set of problems.  They are thrown together through an unlikely set of circumstances, and you can guess what happens.

I mostly liked the characters, but the plot just seemed a little more out there.  I just wasn't convinced that any of it would play out that way.

But I'll continue to read Moyes books.  I do think it's fun how she kind of alternates between historical fiction and modern fiction.       

Striped Blazer Remix

It's been awhile since I've done a good remix collage post.  And what better item to feature than my gray and white striped blazer.  Ever since John gave me this blazer for Christmas back in 2012, it's been one of my favorite things.  I've neglected it a bit this summer, but you can expect to see it in the rotation again for fall/winter.  Here are 8 other ways I've worn it over the years:

1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8

Blazer: Gap
Necklace: F21 (exact, similar)
Tee: Gap (similar, similar)
Skirt: Limited (similar)
Shoes: Old Navy (similar without captoe)

A Birthday Party

Several of my friends have birthdays in the coming weeks.  An unreasonable proportion of my college friends have birthdays in the late Sept-early Nov range.  So we always had lots of birthdays to celebrate this time of year.  Over the weekend, one of my friends had a kind of epic 30th birthday.  I skipped the roller skating rink, because I'm clumsy enough on my own..  Strapping wheels to my feet seems like a recipe for disaster.  So J just met up with everyone for dinner, which was at a bar with karaoke.  I wasn't brave enough to participate, but a few friends did and it was awesome.  And then a few strangers sang and it was very bizarre.  There was an eclectic mix of folks at this particular locale.  The best part - my friend gave our favor bags (just like in elementary school) that contained awesome things like slap bracelets and Lisa Frank stickers.  It was like 1993 all over again!  So fun.

Okay, the actual best part was hanging out with friends that I don't get to see very often.  But the favor bag was pretty great.  And I absolutely can't believe we are all turning 30 this year.  I still think of my college friends as "new" friends, but I guess we've known each other for 11+ years now.  Not so new anymore.  Funny how that happens.

Jacket: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Scarf: Target (similar)
Tee: Gap (similar)
Skirt: Gap (exact)
Shoes: Old Navy (similar without captoe)

Busy Week

Friday is here, which means we have survived another week.  It seemed really busy, but as I look back, I can't really tell you why.  Probably because I get all stressed out about getting a flu shot.  And my arm still hurts.  Ridiculous

This outfit is from a few weeks ago when John and I went on an impromptu Saturday evening dinner date.  It's gotten chilly enough in the evenings that I'm happy to wear my jeans again.  And this top really has stars on it, but they just look like polka dots from far away.  I probably say that every time I wear it. 

Cardigan: Old Navy (similar)
Top: Alfani
Jeans: Old Navy (similar)
Shoes: Target (same without patent captoe)

Fall Maxi Skirt

I'm not sure maxi skirts really make sense in the fall/winter, but I really don't want to put this skirt away for the next few months, so I'm going to keep wearing it.  I'll be honest, I really like this outfit, but I hate how my bun hair looks when I have to take pictures against a blank wall.  I should probably buy some hairspray to deal with those wispy frizzy pieces.  You read that right, I don't own any hairspray.  Hashtag curlyhairproblems?  Or is that just me?


Cardigan: J.Crew Factory (similar)
Tee: Loft (similar)
Skirt: J.Crew (exact)
Belt: Old Navy (similar)
Shoes: Target (flat version)
Necklace: F21 (similar, similar)

Book Review - Orphan Train

Orphan Train is probably one of my favorites of the year.  I hadn't heard about the whole orphan train phenomenon until I read The Chaperone earlier this year.  My favorite part of that book was the part about traveling to the midwest, so I was curious if there were other books about that topic.  Then I saw Orphan Train on the bestseller list and put it on my hold list at the library.  

This was another book that jumped from modern day to the past.  This seems to be more and more popular (or maybe I'm just in a phase where I read books like this?).  As with most of the books like this, I prefer the historical parts to the modern chapters, but I liked the modern chapters of this book much better than most.  Kline really made me care about both of the main characters.

The modern plot centers around a teenager in foster care who has been passed around for her whole life, and never had a home or really anyone who cared about her much.  She ends up meeting an elderly woman and helps her clean/organize her home, which is full of things that trigger old memories for the old woman.  So the chapters jump back to her early life, and we learn as we go what happened to her.

It's incredible to think about the things that were happening in America just 100 years ago.  I mean, a train full of orphans that they just give away to random people at the train station??  That's crazy!  

Happy Birthday, Husband

You guys, I get so sentimental around milestone days, like my husband's birthday (hint - that's today).  I've already shared my first memory of John.  My second specific memory is of his birthday that year.  I don't think we were super close friends on his birthday in 2004, but a group of people from the dorms was playing volleyball on the evening of the 6th, and the rec closed at midnight.  As we were walking back to the dorms, I decided that we had to celebrate John's birthday right that minute.  So I dragged him and another friend to IHOP for midnight birthday festivities (because we were really classy in college).  And then we got back to the dorms and stayed up way too late listening to music and making CDs (oh, 2004...).  No idea where my roommate was.  The next day, a group of us surprised him with ice cream cake from DQ.  I later learned that he doesn't really like ice cream cake all that much, but whatever.  It's the thought that counts.

Anyway, happy birthday to my favorite guy.  Here's to many more decades of birthdays together.  

And it's Tuesday, so you should also link up with Laura for Confident Twosday! 


Cardigan: Old Navy (similar)
Top: Gap (similar)
Necklace: F21 (exact, similar)
Skirt: NY&Co (similar)
Shoes: Old Navy (option, option)

Weekend Update

Well, it's Monday again already!  Happens every week...  But the weekend was pretty great, so I can't complain too much.  Since John's birthday is tomorrow, it was officially birthday weekend, so we celebrated on Saturday evening with his family.  So tricky - he got to open his presents 3 days early!  Other than birthday festivities, I mostly spent the weekend catching up on chores and reading.

The most amazing fall weather has finally arrived.  I would be happy if it stayed like this until December 24th.  And then Spring can arrive on January 10th.  Give or take a few days.  I'm not picky.

Necklace: InPink (exact)
Blazer: H&M (similar)
Top: Old Navy (exact)
Jeans: Limited (exact)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory (exact)

Miscellany

I don't have anything interesting to say, so I'll just tell you a few random things:

• I'm about 80% done with reading Edge of Eternity.  This has taken up the majority of my free time in the last week.  1000+ pages will do that.  I'm sure I'll write a full review when I'm done. 
• The rest of my free time has been spent watching season 4 of Walking Dead.  I don't normally like scary stuff, but this show is just so good.  Season 4 is much better than season 3 was.  The suspense is killing me! 
• I'm also pretty excited about Gilmore Girls being on Netflix.  I've never actually seen this show at all, but people have been telling me for 10+ years that I talk like a Gilmore Girl, and that I should definitely watch it sometime.  So I'll probably do that.  But there are 7 seasons, so it will probably take awhile.  
• Also excited about the new Weezer album coming out on Tuesday!    

So there.  This is what writer's block gets you.  

Jacket: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Top: Gap Factory
Skirt: Gap (exact)
Shoes: Old Navy (option, option)

Currently October

It's October 1st, which is just completely ridiculous.  How are we 3/4 through the year?  I'm joining in on the Currently game again this month, with Anne.  But the topics are tricky for me this time.  So,  
Smelling - I'm not smelling anything at the moment.  I should probably light a candle or something.  

Loving - the weather!  It's still been fairly warm.  I love this time of year when I can just wear a cardigan or light jacket and be comfortable!  

Planning - well, I should be planning something for John's birthday, but we always wait until the last minute to decide things.  I do have his presents purchased, so that's good.  

Baking - um, I'm not baking anything right now.  I'll probably bake a cake next week.  

Celebrating - BIRTHDAY MONTH!!  October kicks off 3 months of fun stuff.  John's birthday, my birthday, and then Thanksgiving and then Christmas!  And then basically 3 months of winter doom.  But at least we get to have fun before January arrives.  

I hope others have better answers.  Although, if you are baking something, you are probably smelling the same thing, so that would be an easy way to get 2 answers.  I should probably whip up some cookies and then re-answer those.  But then again, no.  Boring answers will have to suffice.

Blazer: Gap via consignment (option, option)
Top: J.Crew Factory (exact)
Skirt: Gap factory (similar, similar)
Shoes: Gap Factory (similar, similar)