Rainy Days

Apologies for my lack of posting -- I have been so busy with work and school lately! I feel like I am on auto-pilot, just cruising through without stopping until May 9. If I can just make it to May 9. The beautiful spring days make it a little better, when the sun is out and shining. But the rainy days make it tough (and make me tired!). And here is what I have to look forward to this week:

(Image via weather.com)

Promising, eh? Maybe I wouldn't dread it quite so much if I had a cute rainy day outfit like this:

(Image via)

In the meantime, I'll just keep on trucking through (and maybe do a little online shopping for a happy skirt to wear on a dreary day).

I'll leave you all with a few of my favorite rainy day quotes that I've come across lately!

“If you want the rainbow you’ve got to put up with the rain.” – Dolly Parton

"Anyone who says sunshine brings
happiness has never danced in the rain."
~author unknown

No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow. ~Proverb

Simply Loving....

Um...yes please. Swoon.

Price tag: $138 -- no, thank you. But I loooovvveee it. Seersucker...perfect for spring and summer...with jeans, white chinos, white linen skirt, or any color shorts. And in blue and white, it's perfect for my office (we are casual enough for something like that).

Also think this belt is simple, clean, utilitarian....

All from EmersonMade. Check out their adorable flower clutches, too. (I think I've blogged about them before.) After seeing her creations, I secretly want to try to learn how to make fabric flowers. (Well, guess that secret is out.)

I saw Country Strong last weekend and love some of the songs from the soundtrack. Check the one out below called "Timing is Everything."

Maybe I just think his voice is attractive :) But the songs "Chances Are" and "Give In To Me" are also good if you like the one above. (Guess I should mention I've been in a sort of mellow mood this week?)

What have you all been loving lately?

Simply,

MJ

Maybe it's just me...

....but NO thank you.


I'm sorry, they may be comfortable, but is that look flattering on anyone? I, for one, look short enough as it is without someone making it look as if I have stubs for legs and a stretched out torso. (It looks a bit like a distorted mirror in a funhouse, don't you agree?) I think I'll pass on this trend.

Simply,
MJ

Just a Dream...

So I am totally feeling this song right now:

Nelly - Just a Dream

Maybe it's because I've always been a Nelly fan. (You're missing out if you have never heard my version of Hot in Herre.) I think it's because he is from St. Louis, and that is kind of where my roots are with my dad's side of the family. Anyway...definitely am feeling this one :)

I have a day or so at home this weekend, then a wedding in Paducah! Kendall and I went to get a gift tonight, ended up dropping a few $$$ at the MAC counter, then a few more $$$ at Sephora. Luckily tomorrow is pay day. I told her I better look freakin' gorgeous tomorrow. I picked up some fluid eyeliner, lash primer, new mascara...my eyelashes seriously look LONG. And I got some lip tint and gloss. I'm still debating on switching to Bare Minerals for my foundation -- thoughts from any of you on that?

Hope you all are living the dream this week :)

Simply,

MJ

Scene from the Weekend

I haven't had much time to post lately (out celebrating my roommate's birthday last night and worked til 10 tonight)! But I wanted to post a scene from last weekend. Mostly because I'm totally in love with the new dress I got! It was one of those occasions where I spent the whole afternoon searching, and as I was leaving the mall I looked through the rack of sale dresses at Macy's one more time. Low and behold, this guy magically appeared! Originally $98, I got a pretty sweet deal...I think it was like 40% off, then maybe 10% more with Macy's card, then corporate was taking like 20% off your Macy's bill, so I ended up spending right around $40 for it!!! Granted, I literally had like 40 minutes to shower, shave, fix my hair, apply make up, get dressed and accessorize because of my mall detour. And for those of you who know my routine, a 30 minute shower and shave alone is a feat. But I pulled it off, believe it or not! The dress was slightly big, but I "MacGyvered" the straps a bit and made it work.

Anyway, this pic was from dinner Saturday for Lindsey's birthday (a friend of my roommate -- the girl next to me). We ended up having all these August birthday's at the table, so don't you know we had a round of somberos and tequila shots!

So how late into the season is too late to wear this dress again?

Simply,

MJ

Need To Want Less

(This about sums it up. Someone should tape this to my forehead.)

So, I am guilty. I am in a buying mood lately, and today I caved and bought myself an "early birthday present." It's a Kate Spade "Camelia Avenue" Posy Vase....I saw one similar to these at Macy's (in clear glass) when I was hunting for a bridal shower gift and thought they were just adorable. (I believe Sarah and Southern Charm bought one for the bride-to-be!)

So when they popped up on the Rue La La boutique for $19.00 I just HAD to have it. I got the VERY LAST ONE! I think it will be perfect on the shelves above our credenza at the apartment or in my office. (You can click on the link above if you want to join Rue La La! It's where I also first saw my Invicta watch that the beau ended up getting me for Christmas.)

Last week I may or may not have ordered a new bathing suit -- but for $20.00 I couldn't resist. Just hope it fits. And yesterday Dad mentioned going to look at new phones this weekend! Yippee!

There are also a few pairs of Ray Bans that I have had my eyes on...I'm hoping maybe one comes my way for my birthday! In the meantime, I have been stalking them on eBay.

Found here.

Found here.

If I Had a Million Dollars...

...or even just $220 dollars to spare, I would buy this:

Image from Here

It's bright, feminine, floral, flatters the hips and enhances the chest with the ruffles...oh, and did I mention that I think it is B-E-A-utiful?

(While I put this on my "Want" list, can I also add the abs to go with it? Thanks.)

Simply,
MJ

Retail Therapy

It's raining. Again. I love when the 10 day forecast calls for rain everyday. {Not.} I'm beginning to feel like I live in Seattle. Last Sunday was rainy, and I was home alone, so of course decided that a little retail therapy was in order. {Like I needed to spend the money.} So a little recap:

- I bought 2 dresses from Macy's -- one for work, one for play. Justifiable (?) -- one was 65% off, the other was like 70% off.

- I bought new black work pants from the Loft -- they were on sale, too. (This one really is justifiable. My current black pants required that I wear heels, which I just can't do everyday. I need to invest in some of MIML's "training heels" for daily wear. Not to mention the pair of short black pants I had were linen and made not one, but TWO cycles in the dryer before I realized my mistake. The pants were quite literally 4 inches shorter than the lining. Ooops.)

- I bought a new short sleeve sweater from the Loft. Not only was it on the clearance rack, but I got like 4 compliments on it yesterday. Totally justifiable. (On that note...is XXSP a real size?!?!? Guess so, because I bought it.)

- I bought new jeans. Skinny jeans. They were on sale for $29.50 at the Loft (if that makes it justifiable) and I had been wanting straight leg jeans after seeing how adorable MIML's and KB's were. They didn't have a straight leg pair, but had a "modern slim" style. Close enough, right?

- Have yet to remove tags from said skinny jeans. They intimidate me. Although I really, really think I like them. I think. Maybe. I need a little reassurance.

Where are my stylish friends when I need them?

Simply,
MJ

Have You Seen These?

When I picture "pre-portioned" plates, I usually picture those divided ones that keep your mashed potatoes and gravy from running into your macaroni or green beans. But there are lots of new dishes on the market to help people portion out their food. Am I just crazy for thinking that these things are kind of cool? These Slimware plates look like normal servingware, but the design helps you portion your meals properly. Makes me go, "Why didn't I think of that?!?"

{Image from website}

These Measure Up Bowls are another "so obvious I should have invented that." They help you measure out food (without getting your measuring cups dirty) and control portions on a daily basis. Perfect for counting calories, dieting or maintaining a healthy weight.

{Image from website}

I seriously wish I had the funds to buy some of these dishes! I think being conscious of exactly how much you are eating would be a good tool -- no excuses for overeating. Eventually you would be able to "eyeball" what a normal/recommended portion should be. No more daily binge eating (hello sorority house dinner buffet)!

So the moral of the story is -- I need to come up with an invention like these. And I'm a huge nerd for thinking these are cool. Thanks for reading.

(P.S. Both of these things I found from the blog Buttoned Up)

All About the All-Stars

For all of you who think I am crazy and laugh at my purchase of Converse All-Stars, please click the link below:

The Look for Less - Style Me Satuday: Converse

An ENTIRE blogpost on a FASHION blog about CELEBRITIES who love their chucks. (Is it ironic that I was wearing mine on Saturday when the post was written? I think not...)

I'm just ahead of the fashion curve and you didn't even know it :)

Simply,
MJ

Simply Loving....

"The way to know life is to love many things."

And right now, I am simply loving these things....

These return address stamps found here.

If only I had a permanent address, I would buy one of these. It would also be a great house-warming gift or wedding gift for someone! I do know of a few weddings coming up...hmmm.....

This navy Romona Keveza dress worn by Glee's Lea Michele at the Grammy's.

I would love to get my hands on this dress and wear it for a special occasion. Heck, I would even wear it to sleep at this point, if that was my only excuse to wear it. It's a littly sassy without being risque. And Lea looks stunning in it.

Converse All-Stars (a.k.a. Chuck Taylor's)

(image from planning...forever events )

I don't know why, but I just want a pair right now. There is just something quirky and classic about them. I could picture them with a sweatshirt or t-shirt just to run errands in or go to a sporting event. Don't judge me :)

Claddagh rings.

They have a Celtic origin, and mean either "With these two hands I give you my heart and crown it with my loyalty" or "Let love and friendship reign forever."

Maybe it's my Irish roots (there are a disproportionate number of redheads in my family) but I think these rings are neat, and they have been around for centuries. They aren't diamonds and pearls (which will always hold a special place in every girl's heart), but even Jennifer Aniston has been spotted wearing one. Again, kind of quirky - I must be going through a phase.

That's all for now....just a few things I've been lusting after lately!

Simply,
MJ

It's Friday Night

"Even my emotional baggage is Coach." - Unknown

I came across that quote today and liked it. Not that this post is about emotional baggage or anything. It was just a quote-worthy quote. But on a semi-related note:

A. I came across this guest post on Corporette today on what entry-level professionals should wear to work. I thought it was interesting. As a new grad, I don't have an extensive work-appropriate wardrobe yet. (Okay, maybe I have more to wear to work than I let on...but still...). I work in a fairly laid-back office when it comes to dress code...as in I have never seen a dress code...so I often try to buy pieces that will be appropriate as I climb the corporate ladder. I thought this lady's advice was helpful. I actually was pleased with my outfit today - a black button down, berry colored straight skirt (looks like a wool blend, but it's acrylic), sheer black hose and black pumps. I wish I had thought to take a picture to share.

B. I've decided that being single is going to lead to a well-stocked kitchen and a very clean house. Because it is Friday night and I cleaned, went to the grocery, and stopped in the liquor store. In sweatpants and an old, sloppy, faded hooded sweatshirt. And pink plaid rainboots. With VPL (aka visible panty line). Don't be jealous. (I think I dress sloppy to run errands these days because of the man that I am almost certain took my picture with his cell phone in the Wal-Mart parking lot last fall.)

You might ask, "Why, MJ, are you at home cleaning on a Friday night? Don't you have friends?" The answer is simple. I have to work tomorrow because of a Board of Directors meeting. And that leads to my next point...

C. My best friend from home is coming in tomorrow! After the board meeting, she is coming to the UK vs. Arkansas game. I'm very excited to see her. I think this is the first time she has visited me in Lexington. And she is also the driving factor behind the cleaning, grocery shopping, and liquor store. I had nothing to offer her except water and tortillas. (That may be a slight exaggeration, but not by much.) I picked up some wine, some beer, and made a corn and black bean salsa tonight so that I can be a good hostess! I'm very excited for her to come. While I don't miss the boy necessarily, I miss the companionship. Having friends in town is a pleasant distraction.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

Simply,
MJ

Break Up Therapy = Retail Therapy

I forgot how expensive being single is...or maybe I'll admit that I just used the break up excuse to go all out this weekend. Either way, I spent a pretty penny. But, I'd say it was well worth it! (Especially since I'll get a little overtime this weekend!)

Saturday: Went out to dinner with two friends. Ordered filet mignon for myself and finished off 2 bottles of wine between the 3 of us. Proceeded to go downtown afterwards, which always results in the $15 cab ride back to the house.

Sunday: Last minute road trip to the Cincinnati Premium Outlets. With 6 friends from 4 cities getting together, it was a fun day. I ended up coming home with 2 shirts from J.Crew, 1 shirt and 1 dress from Banana Republic and 1 cardigan from Gap. Ate out for 2 meals, then rented a DVD. Already started putting together outfits for work this week.

Monday: (No work today!) Ran errands. Which results in some shopping. I did finally find pegboard hooks for a little craft project I had. All my costume jewelry is now neatly displayed on the wall! I also bought a poster frame for my 2000th win poster. A few side trips and wandering off the path resulted in a couple extra purchases. But they were all on SALE! I got 2 pairs of jeans from The Loft (BOGO sale item 50% off, so I paid $30 total...they were final sale $19.99 each), and 1 cream cardigan ($9.98), 1 skirt ($13.98...its berry colored and work appropriate!) and 1 kelly green sports bra ($3.74) from Target. I can never resist a good bargain...

On the bright side, I didn't have to pay anything for copies of my shoulder MRI and x-rays, and the guy at the watch stand in the mall fixed the loose pin in my watch band for free!!! They were the ones to originally take the extra links out, so he said it was just a store repair.

I still think I'll wait until payday to check my bank statement.

Simpy,
MJ