#30DayClosetRemix - The End!

This is my last #30DayClosetRemix post! Aren't you glad?!

What did I learn from this oh so life changing Instagram challenge?

• Dressing in the winter is hard.
• Tights are dumb.
• Stealing from your husband helps expand your wardrobe.
• You can take too many selfies...that is a thing.

Wasn't that deep?

Here is the round up of my last outfits, enjoy!

Inspired by this pin. 

Shirt:  Old Navy

Sweater:  Gift, Shop Sosie

Jeans:  Uniqlo

Boots:  Gift, Steve Madden via Amazon

Earrings:  Gift

Blue on blue on blue. Mike bought me this cute little dress for v-day and while it's really super springy, I wanted to wear it that week to show him how much I like it. 

Sweater:  Gift, J.Crew

Dress:  Gift, J.Crew

Shoes:  Gift, Clark's

Earrings:  Thrifted

(I just realized that Mike bought me everything but the earrings...sugar daddy!)

Inspired by this pin. Felt very chic all day.

Sweater:  Uniqlo

Necklace:  Premier Jewelry

Tights:  Target

Shoes:  Dillard's

Skirt:  Gift, Windsor

It was rainy and gloomy and my day started out really weird so leggings and rain boots it had to be!

Top:  J.Crew Factory

Sweater:  Forever21

Leggings:  Ann Taylor

Boots:  Gift, Hunter

Earrings:  Gift, Etsy

I wore this to work for Valentine's Day and I felt pretty darn festive and cute all day.

Top:  Nordstrom Rack

Sweater:  Gift, J.Crew

Jeans:  Uniqlo

Boots:  Gift, Steve Madden via Amazon

Earrings:  Gift, Kate Spade via Keaton Row

I wore this outfit on Friday which turned out to be a day-long kick in the teeth. But my outfit was cute, so that's something.

Sweater:  Gap via IG shop

Jeans:  Uniqlo

Socks:  Urban Outfitters

Necklace:  Gift, OASAP

Inspired by this pin. This skirt is way too short to wear unless you have dark tights on, but I felt really cute and sassy all day. Totally one of my faves from this remix.

Sweater:  Uniqlo

Skirt:  Forever21

Tights:  Target

Booties:  Amazon

Necklace:  Gift, J.Crew

It was freakin' cold this day, but I was super cozy with my giant camp socks slouched over my booties. It was funny having that unique little touch hidden under my maxi skirt.

Dress worn as a skirt:  Gift, Forever21

Sweater:  Forever21

Scarf:  Gift, Etsy

Booties:  Amazon

Socks:  My husband's

Earrings:  J.Crew

THIS DRESS! This is the most expensive dress I've ever owned and now I know why it costs so much. it is crazy comfortable and flattering and just UGH. I wish the pictures better conveyed how amazing this damn thing is.

Dress:  Gift, Kate Spade via Ebay

Earrings:  Thrifted

Shoes:  Dillard's

Old Photos

I was stuck on the couch last night with the pug in my lap waiting for Mike to come sit down to watch a show with me and I got bored so I started going through the photos on Mike's phone. I realized that he has every single photo on there from when he first purchased the phone. And that's been years. And it only equals about 50 photos. That guy is the weirdest.

Flipping through them brought back some great memories and made me all nostalgic and mushy.

So I e-mailed some of my favorites to myself and here they are.

The photos start when Mike bought his phone when we were living in Chico, CA

Little Tuff when we first adopted him.

My first ever video game playing experience was with the lego games. Tuffy Liked to help.

Happiest dude alive with his little pug

Sometimes Tuff is weird.

And he loved "jungle pugging" running around in the tall grass.

Along the way, we went on some great trips.

Mike's first visit to the East Coast.

Disneyland!

And hey, mom and Ann were there!

And Vegas! (This drink made me so sick)

On a trip to my sister's we stalked Kevin from Top Chef for a wonderful minute.

Then we moved back to Ridgecrest.

And adopted sweet (and kind of evil) Gizmo.

My favorite picture of Tuffy ever.

And we bought a house (oh man I miss our house)

And met little Winston.

This guy.

This Sunday Currently

Currently I am...

Reading: Still reading the 4th Outlander book and The Hobbit...I need to finish one of those damn books so I don't say that every Sunday, but I've been working through lunch every day which is when I usually read.

Writing: This blog post of course, some e-mails, and not much else. 

Listening: To mike prepping Sunday dinner in the kitchen. This week, we're having Padma Lakshmi's lamb meatballs simmered in a creamy spinach sauce. It smells amazing already.I'm also listening to Gizmo chewing on a water bottle. We've discovered that empty water bottles are Gizmo's new favorite thing. And hello, free toy. He destroys those suckers and then he's tuckered out for a while. It's kind of awesome.

Thinking: That 2014 has not been on my side so far. I could really use a win 2014, thanks. (Side note: first time, I typed "I could really use a wine" HA)

Smelling:  The delicious meatballs Mike is prepping.

Wishing:  For my anxiety to go away, for good things to start happening, and for me to stop torturing myself over stupid things.

Hoping: Not really anything this week, kind of let a couple of hopes go, but we'll see what happens.

Wearing: Grey Forever 21 lounge pants, Mike's slippers, and a yellow and grey Gap sweater.

Loving: What a wonderful day we had yesterday, how amazing dinner is going to be tonight, the beautiful weather we've been having, and the fact that we have nothing to do today except work out, make dinner, walk the dogs, and just hang out. 

Wanting:  Some relief.

Needing: To get dressed so I can get my workout over with and start my day.

Feeling: Anxious but happy.

Clicking:  Twitter, Gmail, and Photoshop so I can convert all the photos we took yesterday of that engagement to jpegs.

A couple other things...

Can we talk about how much I love this guy and his crazy outfits??

As much as life has been kicking me in the junk lately, I really am thankful that we live somewhere where we can leave our apartment and in a couple minutes be sitting out on a patio, enjoying some local wine, and looking at at this view. 

Today

February has been one long crotch kick what with bad news popping up all over the place and the super cold and snowy weather, so when we heard that it was supposed to be in the high 50's today, we knew we had to get out and enjoy ourselves.

We worked out, Mike made me my favorite eggs for breakfast, we did the dog's nails (that's not part of the good day plans, but it worked out alright so we'll count it as a win), and then we put on some super cute outfits, and headed out for lunch and wine tasting.

Lunch at Lotus Kitchen was delicious as always and it's Calvert County restaurant week so it was a great deal. The first winery we stopped at doesn't have the most amazing wines, but we like some of them and it's on a really pretty property so it's always a fun visit.

Then we went to Running Hare for my first time and it's so so pretty and the wine was delicious. And during our tasting, we got to watch the whole process of a couple leaving, someone finding the woman's giant engagement ring in the bathroom, and them eventually coming back to get it. It was more dramatic than it sounds. And oh man was that ring giant.

After our tasting, we bought a bottle and sat outside to enjoy the sunshine and some views.  I cannot wait to come back here when it's all green and lush again.

When Mike put this on, he asked me if it was too much orange. I said not, but he was definitely going to get some side eyes today. Instead, he was told by someone in the men's room that they "enjoyed his ensemble" and another passerby complimented his shoes. Go orange!

I am like a toddler around random dogs. I stare at them for 5 minutes and then eventually ask their owners if I can pet them. I CAN'T HELP IT.

This one's name was Max and he had those deep, brown, "I'll love you forever" eyes and oh man.

On our way out, as Mike was snapping some shots of the landscape, I noticed a guy looking at him kind of intently. I figured it was because of Mike's kind of odd outfit today. After a minute, the guy signaled me over and asked if I was with Mike. When I said yes, he told me that he was about to propose to his girlfriend and asked if Mike would snap some shots. We of course said yes, and promptly hid behind them to catch them in the act.

The woman was so surprised and excited and they just kept hugging and kissing afterwards, it was a truly beautiful moment and it made me love this sometimes crappy world a little bit more. Thanks random strangers who asked us to be a part of your amazing moment, you made a lovely day even better.

Cool Chick With A Cool Job - Wedding Planner

Today's Cool Chick with a Cool Job is Brandi, a local wedding planner and all around cool chick who I met through our local blogging community. She basically has my dream job. Which, if she wasn't so darn sweet and awesome, I would totally hate her for and kick her in the shins. But she is actually pretty darn sweet and so excited about her career so I won't kick her shins, I'll just introduce her to you guys!

V:  What is your education/employment background?

B:  I completed my Wedding and Event Planning certification 2 years ago.  I also have 15 years experience in the Food & Beverage industry. That has definitely helped with the catering side while planning events!

V:  Is being a wedding planner something you've always wanted to do?

B:  I actually wanted to be a psychologist.  What changed my mind was searching for available jobs in that field.  I couldn't really find anything.  That's when I knew it wasn't meant to be!

V:  How did you get into this field?

B:  It was one of those "Ah-ha" moments!  The golf resort I worked for in Las Vegas hosted weddings and other events all the time.  I would always see them setting up all the pretty decorations and wanted so badly to be a part of it.  I had planned smaller parties and showers in the past so I decided to take the next step and started working on my wedding and event certification.  I then approached management at the golf course and asked to intern, run food...pretty much anything they would allow me to so I could get the hands on experience behind the scenes.  They were gracious enough to create a whole new position for me!  A few months later I was a full time Event Coordinator.  I learned so much and that is where I realized it truly was my passion to plan weddings.

V:  What made you decide to finally go for it and start your own business?

B:  My husband is in the USAF and it was a given that we would be moving to a new area eventually.  Once we made that move I didn't jump back into weddings.  I held an administrative job for a few months.  Being stuck behind that desk I felt like I was wasting my life and needed to get back to what I loved doing.  After many discussions with my husband I decided to put fear aside and take a leap.  Having the support of my friends and family definitely made that decision easier.  It hasn't been an easy task and I have learned a lot on my journey.

V:  What is your favorite part of your job?

B:  When I talk to a couple about their wedding and they are explaining how stressed they are about the planning.  My goal is to make sure they are relaxed and smiling by the end of our meetings.  It's the best feeling for me when I can take that weight off of their shoulders and they begin to enjoy the planning process instead of stressing over it!

V:  What’s the hardest part of your job?

B:  For me the hardest part is sometimes not being able to spend time with family.  For the most part, weddings and events happen on the weekends and sometimes you have to sacrifice a family event in order to work.  It doesn't happen often but in the end I'm still doing what I love to do!

V:  What does a typical day for you look like?

B:  I start my day by getting all of the administrative duties out of the way.  This does take a lot of time but it's something that must be done and can be an issue if you let it fall behind.  I always try to schedule my meetings with couples or vendors for the afternoon so that in the evening I can spend time with my family.  One of my biggest challenges day to day is the balance of business and family time.  It is also one of the biggest deciding factors on being my own boss so that I have the control over that balance.

V:  What advice do you have for someone who wants to get into your field?

B:  Try to get experience anywhere you can!  Working with other planners or caterers can really shed some light on the behind the scenes action of weddings and events.  You can take all the classes in the world but hands on experience is really what prepares you for the real thing!

Thanks so much Brandi! Check out her website and facebook and instagram. 

#30DayClosetRemix Week3

Oh Dear God, not another one of these?! Yes, deal with it!  (We're almost done)

This week was better!

I was pretty cold though, not gonna lie.

But I looked cute, so win?

These are great life lessons here, I think.

Hey look, an actual good outfit!  What?! This outfit is pretty much a copy of this pin except my skirt is work appropriate length and she's much thinner than me and whatever. Also I bought booties. Ugh. 

Sweater:  Kmart

Scarf:  Gift, Etsy

Skirt:  Gift, Windsor

Tights:  I don't know, but they were actually comfy and then I ripped them. Of course.

Booties:  Amazon

Socks:  I think they're my husband's?

Because I was home all day and couldn't care less.  Fun fact:  these leggings go up to my boobs, they are so g-damn long. (sexy)

Leggings:  Forever21

Sweater:  Gift, ShopSosie

I LOVED this outfit. And I was FREEZING all day. Worth it!

Dress:  Super old Banana Republic

Shirt:  Thrifted from the men's section

Earrings: Thrifted

Shoes:  Gift, Clark's

That is one dirty ass mirror, ma'am.

Dress:  Kmart

Sweater:  Forever21

Boots:  Gift, Hunters

So, they do these "fun Friday" things at work sometimes and I never participate because I'm a grouchy bitch at work here (long story) but last Friday was "wear a jersey" day and I figured it'd be funny to wear a Man U jersey when everyone else was wearing Ravens or whatever and also, it was a free outfit. Turns out, only 4 girls participated and no dudes and the British dude didn't even give me a fist bump for my jersey choice. Bust!

Jersey:  Manchester United, borrowed from my husband

Long Sleeved Tee:  Old Navy

Jeans:  Uniqlo

Boots:  Gift, Steve Madden via Amazon

Earrings:  Gift

Yellow makes me happy, tights make me cranky. I ended up somewhere in between this day.

Dress worn as a skirt:  Gift, Modcloth

Sweater:  Kohl's

Tights:  Target

Shoes:  Gift, Clark's

Earrings you can't see:  Gift

This Sunday Currently

Currently I am...

Reading: Still reading the 4th Outlander book and The Hobbit. Determined to get offline and read today, I've been slacking.

Writing: This blog post and some other random things I won't talk about on here.  Should be writing a grant that's due in 5 days, but waiting on my boss to write his bits. (ACK)

Listening: To reruns of Smash on Amazon, Mike playing his video game, and the pups sleeping on the couch. I will never not stop watching reruns of Smash, just so you know.(LET ME BE YOUR STARRRRR!!!)

Thinking: That I'm terrified of our appointment with the tax guy tomorrow. Pleeease let it not have gotten worse...please please please.

Smelling:  Nothing thankfully. I was smelling barf at 3:00a.m. this morning...poor pug.

Wishing: That life was a little bit easier. Just a little.

Hoping: That next week delivers in more ways than one. Got a lot riding on next week!

Wearing: Big ole' brown VS pajama pants, a grey long sleeved tee, and Mike's slippers. Sexy!

Loving: That we have House of Cards to watch today and absolutely nothing else to do. And that we have tomorrow off of work even if it is Tax Man D-Day.

Wanting:  Things to work out, please.

Needing: To go take a shower and do my hair because it looks nuts right now.

Feeling: Sleepy and stressy.

Clicking:  Reddit for randomness, Amazon for Smash, and J.Crew Factory for shopping the sale for the husband (two pairs of socks and a bow tie for $17? Okay!)

A couple other things...

Thursday was a particularly bad day so while I was in the bedroom pouting, my husband made me a cake and then let me decorate it to commemorate our life at the moment. It was delicious and depressing.

I will never not love taking pictures of my dogs sleeping.

My favorite letter now hanging on our bedroom wall.