Another Blog from Danielle

Anezi

2012-02-08T13:52:00.001-06:00

We already hit Marrakesh and Agadir, and next it was on to a smaller city - Cara's village, Anezi.

(And so continues my vacation blog posts. Sorry it is taking so long... Goal is to be done with all of them before Mardi Gras!)

After a couple of (smushed) taxi rides, we made it to Cara's village. Of everything in Morocco, this is what I was most excited for. Cara's been living in Morocco for almost two years. I've heard about her life there, read about it and seen pictures - but this was my chance to see it first hand. I was psyched. This is what I travelled halfway across the world for!

And Anezi didn't disappoint.

As soon as we got there, we had a 'dress like Cara day.' I knew we were going up in to the mountain villages (little neighborhoods they call 'do-hoirs') which are way more traditional. Up until then, we had been in Moroccan cities surrounded by more modern, Arabic culture. Anezi is a Berber village in the mountains and is much more traditional. Cara always talked about how she wore long skirts to make the people in her town more comfortable. She wanted to fit in; show that she understood their culture and traditions. I wanted to do the same. I put on one of Cara's long skirts, t-shirts and cardigans.... and looked just like her! (Really, when showing these pictures to Joe when I got back, he said if he squinted he thought I was Cara!)

We went up into the mountains to see the water towers that Cara and her site mate helped fund and build. They bring running water to the villages so that the women don't have to walk down the hill to the well. They've spent months writing grants and proposals and organizing the whole operation. It's amazing what they accomplished!

And the view - breathtaking. I've been in the mountains before, but never like this. Like most of Morocco, pictures won't do it justice. And the women would just follow us around and speak in Talsheet (their language) to Cara. They said we were beautiful and loved our pale skin. Ha! They walked us around the stone buildings that make up their neighborhood - What a departure from the marina of Agadir where we watched the sunset the night before! Instead of yachts, new condos and Zara, we were surrounded by mountains and crumbling stone buildings.

Then we went to Cara's counterpart, Lahcen's house and had dinner with his family. Let me tell you something - you haven't truly lived until you've had a traditional Moroccan meal (or gone off-roading in the mountains in a 1970s Mercedes station wagon. Interesting experience to say the least.) We had coffee, Lahcen came around and washed our hands, then we ate more bread then you would think is humanly possible. I stopped to breathe and Lahcen's wife told me to keep going in Talsheet! Are you kidding?! I have to breathe!

Then for dinner, we had tajines - A Moroccan slow-cooked meal with vegetables, prunes, lamb and egg. You don't use silverware; just use the bread to soak up all the juices first and then eat the rest with your right hand (right hand only. Your left hand is for... something else that may ruin your appetite). No plates, no napkins. Everyone eats out of the same bowl. And it was delicious! Except, I couldn't eat the lamb. They love the fatty part there... and I just couldn't bring myself to eat much of it.

Then we moved on to a giant fruit bowl to chose from for dessert and watched Awkward- yes, the MTV show- on Lahcen's giant flat-screen television. Seriously. It was nicer than most people's TVs here in America. Lahcen sent us off with a bunch of 'sexy' blankets (they are just really soft) to off-road back down the mountain.... in the 1970s Mercedes station wagon... in the dark.

The next day, we hung out at Cara's all day. We did laundry, caught up on emails and took a long nap. And Cara cooked - pancakes, chickpea burgers - this girl is good! It was a nice relaxing day before we hopped on the bus for our last stop in Morocco - Essaouira.

Oh, and I must mention the bathroom situation here. Pretty much all of Morocco had modern toilets (albeit, no toilet paper). Cara has a hole in the floor. Seriously. You squat over it. Do your business. And then fill up a water bucket and flush it down. Cara and Claire are totally okay with this method. I, on the other hand could not get used to it. I had to take my pants all the way off because everytime I would have pee splatter all over my legs. (Seriously, you'd think years of tailgating and late night walks home in Columbia would have taught me better.)

Target: On the Dot

2012-02-07T11:11:00.000-06:00

Ignoring the fact that I probably won't get anything from the Jason Wu collection and instead pining over looks from Target's latest On the Dot issue.

{that scraf}

{that ponytail}

{coral vs cobalt jean debate starts.... now}

2012-01-31T10:49:00.000-06:00

Just have to share on behalf of my sister, brother-in-law and baby bro:

On March 17, 2012, Chris and I, along with my brother, Will, are running in DC's inaugural Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon. Each of us have run many races for ourselves - I did the DC Half Marathon last year, Chris has run countless full marathons, and Will ran for his college cross country and track teams (Buzzzz, go Hornets! Right?) - but this time we have decided that we wanted to run to benefit others. We have chosen to run this race to raise money for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and are hoping that you all can help us reach our goal of raising $1500 for the organization.

The Special Operations Warrior Foundation provides a college education to every child who has lost a parent serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps during an operational or training mission under the U.S. Special Operations Command. They also provide cash grants to personnel seriously wounded in the line of duty so that their families can travel and be at their sides during their recovery without financial worries. This foundation hits close to home for Chris and I because as you might remember we lost a good friend last summer, SSG Jeremy Katzenberger, who was killed in action in Afghanistan. His now 1-year-old son will hopefully get to benefit from an organization like this one day. On top of that though, there are also so many of our family members and friends that have put themselves on the line for our country and this is just one way we can honor and support them.

$1500 might seem like a lot of money, but in reality it's only $500 per person. Or, only $38 per mile we run on race day. $38 a mile is nothing compared to the sacrifice the men and women in our military and their families make every single day.

Please help us honor and support our armed forces and their families by visiting our First Giving site for this event and donating to this cause. As everyone always says, every little bit counts.

Face Off Against Hunger.

2012-01-31T10:41:00.002-06:00

I'm so glad I work here. Find out more at facebook.com/Atomicdust.

Agadir

2012-01-27T10:26:00.001-06:00

After a day and a half in Marrakesh, it was on to Agadir! Agadir had none of the things I disliked about Kesh - less crowds, less heckling, more organized driving, wider roads. Plus, it's a pretty big French tourist destination, so I could actually read some of the signs and menus!

Agadir sits right on the Atlantic Ocean and pretty much looks like Florida. Apparently, there was a big earthquake in the 1960s and the U.S. helped rebuild.... there's even a JFK Blvd!

Our hotel was gorgeous! We ended up getting a really nice room with two beds and our very own bathroom! With toilet paper and a shower curtain! (Granted, the shower curtain was cut short and only hung down mid-shin, but whatever.)

The beach in Agadir was so pretty! This was my first experience seeing an empty beach when it is 60 something degrees outside...

The beach in Agadir is lined with a boardwalk with shops and restaurants, including this one with 'exotic' foods like pizza, hamburgers and Thanksgiving turkeys. At night, the boardwalk becomes the place to be. It felt like (a more conservative version of) the Jersey Shore.

We 'splurged' and took a tram ride around the city. What we thought would be a quick ride down the boardwalk and back ended up taking us all over Agadir, even passed the really nice all-inclusive resorts (aka where I will stay if I ever go back!).

This, my friends, is shawrma. It's sort of like a gyro with pickles. Claire refused to eat meat in Morocco, but we forced her to try the chicken shawrma and she liked it so much she insisted on coming back for dinner! On my second go around, I had a chicken burger instead - just ground chicken as the patty instead of beef- and it tasted just like Chick-Fil-A!

This is the door to the mosque in Agadir and it is just gorgeous. To me, this is so Morocco. The tiles, the wood, the color, the intricate details.

Can you believe this is Morocco? I was standing outside a Zara when I took this. We don't even have Zara in St. Louis! This whole marina area is these big, new buildings with retail space on the bottom and what I assume is residential up top. It reminded me of Branson Landing. And the docks are lined with sailboats, runabouts and even a few smaller yachts. The sunset was unbelievable.

Agadir lights up the beaches with stadium lights at night, and the effect is insanely beautiful. It creates such a stark contrast between the lit-up sand and the dark blue ocean. The mountain side says, 'God, King, Country' and is lit up at night. I think it's much prettier than our version - the Hollywood sign.

Stag? This Moroccan beer says it's made in Casablanca but it looks (and tastes) a little familiar...

Other Agadir highlights:

My first McDonald's experience abroad!
Amazing chocolate croissants!
The freshly-painted Agadir zoo
The big indoor market where I bought a bunch of souvenirs
The soccer stadium that also sort of looks like a quidditch field
Our makeshift cooler in the bathroom sink, filled with cold water and ice.

Mashed White Beans with Rosemary and Garlic

2012-01-26T10:01:00.000-06:00

I made this as a side to the boy's pork steaks last night. It was easy, I already had all the ingredients at home... and it wasn't terrible! Yippee!

Mashed White Beans with Rosemary and Garlic

2 (15 oz.) cans cannellini (white) beans, rinsed and drained
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed into small pieces (or a few sprigs of fresh rosemary)
1/3 cup chicken stock
Salt and pepper

In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil, garlic and rosemary over medium-low heat. Saute until fragrant.

Add beans and chicken stock. Increase to medium heat and stir beans. Continue to stir until beans begin to soften, approximately 5 to 8 minutes.

Using a wooden spoon or a potato masher, mash beans until they reach your desired consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste.

via

Inspired By: These Colors

2012-01-26T09:26:00.000-06:00

{navy, mustard, white and mint}

via

Embracing Trends

2012-01-25T14:35:00.000-06:00

I tried it. The whole different color nail thing. Claire and Cara and I had a long discussion about this in Morocco... I'm okay with it as long as the colors are more muted. And I prefer just having the left ring finger a different color. Maybe I feel like it's like wearing a ring? Marking a commitment? I don't know.

So I tried. I don't think I like it. As soon as I was done, I immediately wanted to take the polish off but I told myself I had to let it be for at least a day.... So I'm most likely painting my nails tonight while I watch Battle of the Exes on MTV.

Other trends I'm sporting today:

poncho-esque sweater
leopard flats
arm party, including an over sized gold watch
ballerina bun.... although that is not a trend for me. It's my life.

And here are a few other trends I'd like to try (someday).

{anything chevron}

{big, cozy infinity scarf}

{seriously pink lips}

{more sequins}

Follow all the style I love on Pinterest.

Returning

2012-01-24T15:03:00.000-06:00

jeans, grey top from Target. blazer from JC Penny. black boots by Chinese Laundry. scarf was a gift. silver bracelets, ring and necklace.

Well, I returned for Day 2. Thanks for all the nice and encouraging comments! I do like doing outfit posts... it gives me motivation to wear more than a white tee everyday.... but I guess I just get bored with it. Or feel like I'm being really conceited posting about myself everyday.

Does anyone else get like that?

Marrakesh

2012-01-24T14:14:00.000-06:00

Warning: My view of Marrakesh is jaded.

When I first arrived in Morocco, I thought Marrakesh was awesome. It had that gritty, raw hustle that I've found in cities like New York and New Orleans. Sure, it was dirty. And had too many motorcycles and not enough traffic laws. And had people begging for money and hassling you. But I really liked it.

Then I spent a week travelling around to other cities in Morocco, and by the time we had to return to 'Kesh' for our flight to Rome, I was dreading it. I wanted nothing to do with the square, the souks or anything inside the medina (inside the walls of the city).

That being said... I'll try to give you an unbiased, abridged tour of the highlights.

This is the view of Marrakesh from our roof. No matter how I thought I felt about a city in Morocco, it all changed when we would climb to the roof and see views like this. IT was just stunning. These stucco homes, adorned with splashes of bright blues, pinks and oranges, surrounded by mountains and desert. Photos can't do it justice.

The inside of our hotel (exactly how you imagine a Moroccan hotel, right?). Cara thought the tile was hooky.... I think she is just too used to it by now. I thought it was gorgeous. Most of the hotels have an open center, something I think we are seeing more of in American hotels nowadays too. Our room was just three twin beds, a sink and a mirror. There was a community bathroom on the next floor... with real western toilets. But no toilet paper.

The 'streets' in Kesh were about five or six feet wide. They looked like alleys. They weren't marked. But they were streets. Walking down them, you'd see little shops, restaurants, residential doors and cats. Lots of cats. I'm not sure how anyone finds their way around ('Turn left at the guy selling tangerines'?), but they do.

The Square at Night. It's basically carts and booths (and beggars) that set up and sell food, drinks, trinkets, anything really. Also, little known, or maybe well known fact: Morocco has amazing tangerines and oranges. Seriously. I tried eating an orange in Italy and it just didn't compare.

This is breakfast (and for us, dinner and snack) in Morocco. Panache, the smoothie looking drink is strawberry, orange and avocado and SO good. And in the foreground is lismissions (we have no idea how to spell it). My new favorite food on the planet. It's basically a bread-like pastry, sort of like a crepe, folded over honey. And it's freakin' amazing.

So. Many. Motorbikes. It's dangerous. And they drive wherever, however they want. Imagine walking through those tiny alley streets and having one come speeding up behind you. I felt like I was IN an Indiana Jones chase scene or something!

Marrakesh is known for it's souks - outdoor markets. It's basically Soulard Market on steroids. Again, they sell anything and everything. Food, oils, herbs, art, purses, shoes, knock off sunglasses.... you name it, they got it. The worst part for Westerners is that the guys sit outside their 'store' and essentially heckle you to come in. 'Oh, you're so pretty.' 'Hello, hello. America.' 'Very nice.' And then when you don't come in... they have less than kind words for you. The souks are awesome and you can get a ton of cool stuff there, you just need thick skin.

This was actually taken at a Carrefour - the equivalent of a Walmart Super Center in Morocco. They love their spices there.

Morocco made me wish I liked olives. They were everywhere. And smelled so good. And looked so beautiful. But alas, I still don't like them. I like olive oil though! I picked up a bottle to take home as a souvenir.

Other notables:

Kesh has an awesome mall that rivals malls I've been to in the States. It has a TGI Fridays, Virgin MegaStore and Domino's Pizza. It's insane.
Their airport is the cleanest of all the ones I visited during my travels. And it was the one featured in Sex and the City II.
Marrakesh is a tough city to travel to if you don't speak some Arabic. Other cities in Morocco have more French and more tourists... but Kesh doesn't. I wouldn't have been able to find out how much things cost or where the bus was going if Cara wasn't there. And there usually isn't anyone speaking English around for you to ask for help either. But, they do have a Club Med! You can go there.
Two words I used most often - 'Sho kran' means thank you. And 'la' means no.
Hoard napkins for toilet paper.

Tour Time

2012-01-24T09:20:00.003-06:00

Usually when I travel, I post a few pictures and a bulleted list of highlights. For Morocco and Rome though, I know that just won't cut it. I spent a good amount of time in four different Moroccan cities and three full days in Rome.

I think I'll do it Rick Steve's style and take you on a tour of the different cities/sites I saw. It will probably be something like this...

Marrakesh
Agadir
Anezi
Essaouira
Ancient Rome
Vatican City
Food/Drink in Rome
Outtakes

Here we go....

Back At It

2012-01-23T14:35:00.000-06:00

red jeans, scarf, gold watch from Target. striped tee from H&M. brown vest from Old Navy. boots by Bogs.

Honesty Alert: I was thinking about stopping my outfit photos. I just wasn't feeling it anymore. I was bored with what I was wearing, what I was writing... I didn't like reading my old posts and figured if I couldn't even entertain myself, how was I entertaining anyone else?

But then a couple friends told me they liked the posts and didn't think I should stop. And then Kayla announced another 21 10 Day Challenge. And I thought, what the hell. Let's give it another go.

Will it last beyond these ten days? Will it even last these 10 days? I'm not sure. (Especially since I think I broke my camera this morning. You'd think I would have learned that porch railings and wind don't mix.)

Oh yeah, and ignore the TORNADO behind me. Between moving all my furniture, Christmas, packing for a two-week vacation and returning from said vacation.... my house is a dis.as.ter.

Back in the US of A!

2012-01-20T15:34:00.001-06:00

I'm home!

Well, sort of. I'm in Newark, NJ waiting on a flight home, hoping the crazy wintry mix in St. Louis holds off until later this evening. After being up traveling for almost 18 hours and twelve days away from home... I'm so ready to be back.

I've never been so grateful for toilet paper, the English language, and not having to pay for things in coins. Also grateful for cough drops and Kleenex right now, as it appears I've picked some sort of cold in Italy. Think it is unacceptable to call in sick from work after missing ten days? ;)

Lots of blog posts/pictures to come in the next few days....

LIVE! From Morocco

2012-01-14T01:55:00.001-06:00

I'm just about a week in to my vacation and having an absolute blast. I went from crazy, crowded Marrakech to beach town Agadir to Cara's village in the mountains, Anezi. We've been traveling and seeing a lot, and still have Essa (sp?) and Rome to get to, so we decided to have a lazy day for laundry, naps, and snacking. Can't wait to share more photos and stories from this trip!

Packing Light

2012-01-08T18:01:00.001-06:00

You guys. Seriously, I have two weeks of life packed into a LL Bean backpack. Ridiculous, right? I did a good job of packing light on the Baltimore trip, but this is unreal. I really impressed myself.

I've got a TSA-approved one quart bag of liquids - shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, Febreze, dry shampoo, toothpaste, even tiny travel size makeup thanks to all those free samples from my sister!

I've got Sperry's and boots, two sweaters, a flannel button down shirt, a white tee, tank top, two pairs of jeans, a scarf, a light jacket and socks/bra/underwear. I tried to layer up as much as possible for the plane so I could pack less in the bag. but now, I'm sweating. Shoot.

I've got a gallon bag with all my chargers, headphones and European converter and adapter. My iPad, of course (hence this blog post). And my Rome map and travel guide that my sister and brother-in-law got me for Christmas.

And then there are things like a towel (apparently European towels are TINY), a shopping bag for souvenirs, an 'I # STL' water bottle from Loufest,, and, oh yeah, my passport.

I can't wait to share photos with you! But you've seen my packing list... Don't judge me if my outfit is ugly, my hair looks like shit, or I need bronzer.

Bon voyage!

Farewell My Friends

2012-01-06T19:24:00.000-06:00

I'm off to get my passport stamped in Rome and Morocco! I can't wait to tell you about cous cous, pasta, churches, sand and my birthday celebrations (here in the U.S. and on the plane to Rome) when I get back on January 23rd.

pinned

Pretty Little Empire at Forest Park

2012-01-04T11:59:00.002-06:00

Pretty Little Empire - The One (A Show Me Show) from Jarred Gastreich on Vimeo.

Birthday Brunch

2012-01-04T11:33:00.000-06:00

This year, I'm going to Fast Eddie's for (the day before) my birthday, but maybe next year I'll have a birthday brunch like this one.

Except with more bacon.

via

Cleansing

2012-01-03T11:02:00.001-06:00

My diet over the last week has been mostly coffee and candy with a few late breakfasts, Thai food and enormous family dinners thrown in. And my diet over the next two weeks is going to consist mainly of cous cous, gelato, pasta, pizza, wine, beer and coffee (Thanks Rome and Morocco!). So, yes, I'm going to need to do this Bon Appetit cleanse when I get back.

I'm actually looking forward to it.

Chocolate with Sesame Seed Bark

Black Cod, Kale Salad With Pine Nuts, Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Cider-Glazed Chicken, Fennel-Lemon Relish, Broccoli Rabe with Black Bean Oil

Mushroom-Sherry Soup, Chicken with Citrus Sauce, Roasted Squash

Broccoli Rabe

Steaks, Sweet Potatoes, Beet Salad

Pear Slices with Yogurt

Spelt Pancakes, Maple Applesauce

Low-fat Greek-style yogurt with hazelnuts and pomegranate seeds

For the full list of meals, shopping lists and recipes, check out Bon Appetit's 2012 Food Lovers' Cleanse.

2011.

2011-12-31T15:22:00.001-06:00

I find myself reading very few 'Best Of' lists this year. I don't know why. Maybe I'm feeling nostalgic for last year when I got to put 'I was on MTV' on my own 'best of' list. Ah, 2010. The glory days.

For real though, 2011 was a weird, roller coaster year. Call it growing pains. Being 24 is not easy. I struggled with my living situation, my relationships, and keeping the balance between work and life.

That being said, I'm trying to look on the bright side. Diablo Cody once wrote that the year was like a Sham-Wow - prone to occasional suckage, but mostly bright. 2011 was kinda like that.

I watched the Cards win a World Series, and getting my picture taken with a few of the players
I went on an amazing trip to Colorado
I found Pinterest
I started to do outfit photos
My mom got a new puppy
I watched some great friends walk down the aisle
I saw my Dad fly a helicopter
I spent many a weekend at the lake
I had an amazing summer in St. Louis
I went on my first grown-up fishing and camping trips
I joined the board of directors of the Lindbergh Schools Foundation
I visited with my best friends when they came in town to visit (now I just need to repay the favor!)
We moved in to a new office. However, I have a feeling that no matter where I was working from, coming to work at Atomicdust everyday would be an amazing privilege.
I went on a 'work' trip to Baltimore
The boy and I enjoyed planty of impromptu winery trips, movie dates and fancy dinners.

I'm ready for 2012. Bring it.

Holiday Hangover

2011-12-30T12:56:00.000-06:00

Sorry I've been MIA. We're off all week and my big plans of reading, writing and 2012 planning turned int me laying in bed, watching The Wire. All. Day. Long. Oops.

If you must know (I must! I must!), I had a very happy holiday. My whole family was in town, plus the boy's whole family, so it was a crazy week of family gatherings and lots of lunch/dinner dates. And presents, lots of presents. I got boots, a winter coat, loads of new socks, a blender, a couple books and so much more.... I'm pretty sure it was everything I asked for and more.

Now, I'm in Rome/Morocco planning/packing/freak out mode. Eeks.

Twas the Week Before Christmas...

2011-12-22T13:02:00.000-06:00

{shuffleboard rules at my work office party]

{red and green swirl cupcakes}

{that moment when you realize you won't be able to tell any of your presents apart}

{a 'to do' list for my 'break'}

{running on doubles this week}

I Must Learn...

2011-12-22T12:47:00.000-06:00

"I must learn: There doesn’t have to be a word for everything, you don’t have to talk so much, think so much, carry so much, care so much, reveal so much. I must learn: Take small bites, pause, breathe, savor."

via

I Really Really Love Where I Work

2011-12-16T15:34:00.002-06:00

Hey Universe

2011-12-14T16:47:00.000-06:00

sweater and jeans from Target. necklace from Spike the Punch. boots by Chinese Laundry.

I think the universe is out of whack.

Not only is it 60 degrees and rainy... in December... in St. Louis, but I took forever getting ready this morning because I was distracted by the Today Show's announcement of Time's Person of the Year and story on Ugly Holiday Sweaters; I think I need new tires because my car was skidding all over the road this morning; I accidentally took an almost two-hour lunch today, where I got egg yolk on my red jeans; and I'm wishing it was about 10am instead of 5pm because I still have so much work to do before today, and this week is over.

Seriously, universe. Go back to normal.

Accurate

2011-12-14T10:19:00.000-06:00

Be Awesome.

2011-12-14T10:17:00.002-06:00

"People always say, “Be humble, be humble, be humble.” When’s the last time somebody told you, “Be great, be amazing, be awesome?” Be awesome. BE AWESOME."
— Kanye West - Watch The Throne Tour, December 12, 2011 - Staples Center

via Gabi

At Least One Of Us Is Ready

2011-12-13T13:28:00.000-06:00

I'm so not ready for Christmas already.... Sure, I have most of my presents all bought and/or shipping. I've got all the bags/wrapping paper I need. I moved my annual holiday party to my parents' house so I don't have to clean or put up decorations (don't judge me). But the fact that the holidays are just about 10 days away? And then New Year's the week after that? And then Rome and Morocco the week after that?

Yikes.

Home Improvement

2011-12-12T15:25:00.001-06:00

black jeans from Target. jacket from Ann Taylor. boots by Steve Madden. scarf by Van Heusen.

The last two weekends have been filled with cleaning and moving... and cleaning again. Pictures to come, but I moved my 'TV room' up from my basement into my formerly-vacant front room; rearranged the furniture in my room; got a new shower curtain, rug and accessories for my bathroom; and framed a whole bunch of pictures (notice I did not say 'hang a whole bunch of pictures'). Needless to say, I'm exhausted.

Which is why I'm totally Grinch-ing it and not putting up Christmas decorations this year. Oops.

Seger

2011-12-12T13:58:00.000-06:00

I went to the Bob Seger concert on Friday. The boy is a big, big fan. And now... so am I.

Looking Forward to the Weekend

2011-12-09T14:41:00.000-06:00

dress, belt and tights from Target. cardigan from Old Navy. boots by Chinese Laundry.

Things I'm looking forward to this weekend....

Bob Seger concert tonight with the boy!
laying on my couch in my 75 degree apartment (yey for a fixed furnace! note the furnace filters in the photo above...)
a little home improvement - buying (and hanging) frames, a new shower curtain & a bath rug, kitchen rugs and area rug for the TV room
all so that I can out up Christmas decorations! I can't wait.

Happy Friday, folks.

I Had A Nervous Breakdown

2011-12-06T18:24:00.000-06:00

black sweater from Gap. jeans from Target. boots by Steve Madden. scarf from Weathervane (RIP. I loved that store.)

Last night, I had a nervous breakdown inside a Walmart.

I went there for a rug and to get fixings for dinner. They didn't have the rug I was looking for, nor did they have the fixings I needed for dinner. I filled my cart with things I didn't necessarily need or want. I tried thinking of other things I could make for dinner out of their severely limited grocery selection. I abandoned my cart about four times, intending to leave, before I finally parked it in the sock aisle and high-tailed it outta there. (Apologies to the poor worker who had to return all my items to their correct shelves all over the store...).

I'm not sure what happened. I've been second guessing a lot of decisions lately and I think that it really got to me. I didn't know what I wanted. I didn't know if the things I wanted were really worth it. I didn't know if I was even in the position to be saying I wanted certain things. (Is there a term for the equivalent of 'vague-booking' on a blog? 'Vague-blogging?')

And now that I'm thinking of it.... I might need to rethink how I categorize things on the blog. Turns out, pretty much every one of my posts is becoming a random rant.

This Weekend

2011-12-05T15:02:00.000-06:00

denim shirt by Miley for Walmart. black jeans from Target. boots by Chinese Laundry. messy hair courtesy a windy morning on the porch...

I hung out with friends at Pour House
I saw the Muppets with my parents
I shopped at STL Style and All Along Press for the Cherokee Street Print League Holiday Sale
I had beer biscuits and gravy at Benton Park Cafe
I played too many rounds of catchphrase
I moved my 'TV room' from the basement up to my front room
I drank coffee while the boy napped
I enjoyed a delicious three-course meal (and bottle of wine) at The Block

and I'd like to go back. Weekends just aren't long enough sometimes.

Sunday Dinner at The Block

2011-12-05T14:09:00.000-06:00

Important question: How long has The Block been open? And why on earth didn't anyone tell me about it?!

The Block is a new(ish?) establishment in Webster Groves that has a unique twist - it's a restaurant and butcher shop. And it's gooooooood.

We were starved, so what started off as a quick dinner before Sunday night TV started turned into a three-course meal and a bottle of wine. For starters, we had the potted pig appetizer. Pork confit + cranberry and apple chutney + bread + pickled veggies. Oh lord. So good.

Our entrees were heavy on the meat (of course). He had the chef's cut beef (which was a ribeye) with garlic herb fries, and I had the pork chop with sweet potato + bacon hash and braised greens.

You'd think we'd be stuffed, right? Of course we were. But we couldn't resist the bread pudding. Banana + walnut + chocolate and a little dollop of vanilla ice cream? How can you say no to that?

And I just have to add - I had read a few Yelp review before I went and people seemed to be blasting the beer menu, saying it was too short. I actually think it's pretty decent - maybe eight or so of the typical brews (Bud Light, Sam Adams, etc.) and eight or so local breweries. And a lot of people failed to mention that they have a pretty extensive wine list. Maybe the 'bar and butcher' part of the name throws people off to thinking this is more of a pub atmosphere. It's not. It's fine dining. I love beer.... but I most certainly enjoyed a glass of red wine with my pork chop.

Meat lover? Go to The Block. Thank me later.

New City Ordinance

2011-12-05T13:30:00.000-06:00

black top from New York & Company. black cardigan, olive jeans from Target. boots by Chinese Laundry. earrings from Apricot Lane. assorted silver bracelets.

Text from an old friend I got Friday afternoon...

'new city ordinance: gotta get down on Friday!'

Couldn't have said it better myself. This weekend gave me some much-needed family time, friend time, house-cleaning time and (perhaps most importantly,) me time.

Today (And Some Boyfriend Praise)

2011-12-01T10:47:00.000-06:00

white shirt is Liz Clairborne. black cardigan from Old Navy. jeans from Target. boots by Chinese Laundry. necklace by Van Heusen.

He's going to hate me for this... But I have the best boyfriend.

I've been distant. I've been crabby. I've been an all-around jerk the last few days. And he's been nice to me. He watches TV with me. He makes me laugh. He plays with my dog. He makes me delicious butternut squash soup and acorn squash with brown sugary goodness and toasts the seeds so that they taste like popcorn.

How did I get so lucky?

Yesterday (And Some Deep Reflection)

2011-12-01T09:57:00.000-06:00

dress, tights and belt from Target. cardigan from Tommy Hilfiger. boots by Chinese Laundry. necklace by Scarlett Garnet.

It's been a long couple of days. On top of being busy at work, it being 30 degrees outside and the holidays approaching, a good friend of mine lost her father last weekend.

It's made me think a lot of my own life, my own family, my own faith. Her dad was young, younger than both my parents, in fact. He was healthy. He was vibrant and full of life and he was taken too soon.

This past Thanksgiving, I was searching for an excuse not to go to our annual morning football game. I really just wanted to sleep in, hang out with my dog and boyfriend and not be rushed to get ready for the day. I ended up going (because the boy told me he had been looking forward to playing) and I remember thinking about how much the game meant to my Dad. And that, God forbid, if something happened to him this year, I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I had skipped out on one last football game with him just to sleep in an extra hour or two.

My friend's family plays football on Thanksgiving too. And that's the last time they'll get to play football with their Dad.

Making A List...

2011-11-29T15:36:00.001-06:00

Big news! I finalized my Christmas list today! Making my Christmas list is one of my absolute favorite things to do in life. Maybe because I like presents. Or because I'm a control-freak. Probably both.

The list was pretty simple this year. A summary:

dark brown boots
slippers
(fake) black uggs
new winter coat with toggles
tribal print cardigan
knee high socks
hiking socks
big gold watch
black and/or red scarf
a couple STL books
money for Rome/Morocco

I hope Santa brings me what I asked for ;)

sweater from Old Navy. jeans from Target. boots by Steve Madden.

Long Weekend

2011-11-28T15:45:00.001-06:00

How is it possible for a four-day weekend to fly by? The past few days have been filled with friends, family, football, and more than enough nap time. I feel recharged and ready for the holidays.... including a few DIY projects I've got my eye on before my annual holiday party in December.

olive jeans from Target. tee and vest from Old Navy. boots by Chinese Laundry.

Bird's Eye View

2011-11-25T15:47:00.001-06:00

I'm thankful for the stretch in these white jeans... because I ate more than enough on Thursday.

plaid top by Miley for Walmart. white jeans from Target. boots by Chinese Laundry.

Baileys' Range

2011-11-23T15:14:00.000-06:00

Okay, this is beyond overdue. I've been to Range now three times. I guess you could say I'm obsessed. The burgers are awesome. The decor is cool. They have a gazillion local beers. I'm pretty sure the rooster sauce for the fries has crack in it.

And I haven't even tried the ice cream yet.

Five favorite things:
1. The smells. Freshly baked buns. Roasted nuts. Ice cream. Having the kitchen right there really adds to the experience.
2. The Morocco burger. It's one of the 'face off' items, so there's a chance it will be switched out soon. If it's on the menu when you go, try it. You'll like it. (For the record: I've also had a Basic and Dave's Smoked Burger. Both were good, but nothing close to the Morocco.)
3. Rooster sauce for my fries. Seriously. Addicting.
4. Mason jars. Everywhere.
5. What's on tap. Six Row, Urban Chestnut, Schlafly, O'Fallon and six other local breweries are featured, along with one 'out of town guest.'

(For the record though, the service sucks. I've had this same issue at Bailey's other restaurants - Rooster and Bridge. Too bad the food, drinks and atmosphere are so awesome, I continue to go back.)

Pep Talk

2011-11-23T14:53:00.000-06:00

Raise your hand if you feel neglected.

[This blog's imaginary hand is raised]

I've barely posted and when I do, it's a short rant here and there. I've missed posting about my mom's birthday party, a surprise visit from my sister, a little camping excursion, my new boat, a party at work, Billy Elliot at the Fox and Lord knows what else.

Well loyal reader(s), this is my promise to try harder. Sure, I'm super busy, but I'm the good kind of busy. Great job, cool stuff on weekends, a bunch of parties/get togethers coming up, and of course, the splurge of a lifetime - a trip to Rome and Morocco. Not to mention, I now have red pants so I'm officially in the 'cool style bloggers' club'.

There is a club, isn't there?

jeans and scarf from Target. white tee from Express. blazer by Worthington from JC Penney. assorted silver jewelry.

Guess Why I Smile A Lot?

2011-11-15T13:27:00.000-06:00

Uh, because of this video.

Is It Nap Time Yet?

2011-11-14T15:01:00.000-06:00

Coming off a super fun weekend and having a hard time getting back in the swing of things. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I spent time with family, played with friends, stayed up too late and drank too much. And now I need a nap.

Tonight, I plan on eating dinner, snuggling on the couch and catching up on the Sunday TV I was too distracted to watch last night. Cheers. See you tomorrow.

Moves Like Bernie

2011-11-11T14:09:00.002-06:00

I have been waiting for this to become a dance craze! My prayers are answered.

Double Dipping

2011-11-11T09:32:00.000-06:00

I wore this Sunday.... and Thursday. Is that bad? There is just nothing easier than jeans and a striped tee, boots and a bun. And I'm a sucker for easy.

jeans and tee from Target. boots by Chinese Laundry.

Happy Veterens Day

2011-11-11T09:30:00.000-06:00

Wasn't my Grandpa Joe dreamy? Love the way he signs the note to my grandma. <3

To the Fox

2011-11-09T17:42:00.000-06:00

Heading to the Fox tonight with my mom to see Billy Elliot....

That's all I have to say today.

Goodnight!

dress, cardigan and tights from Target. boots by Chinese Laundry. gold ring, cuff and earrings.

Feeling French

2011-11-08T16:26:00.000-06:00

Bonjour!

Désolé. Something about this new 'do makes me feel French all the time. It's the Bardot-style bangs + half-up do, I suppose. Add in skinnies, flats, an embellished boxy top and red lips and I'm a full-fledged-French-speaking gal today, oui?

And sorry for the abundance of outfit posts (and not much else) lately. I've got a couple of pretty big posts on my 'to do' list - a letter of distaste to Taste of St. Louis, some thoughts on this year's Oktoberfest in Soulard and a review of Dave Bailey's Range in downtown St. Louis - but I just haven't had time. For now, you'll just have to enjoy looking at pictures of me. Over. And over. And over.

Until next time, au revoir.

black skinny jeans, top and flats from Target. assorted silver charm bracelets.

This Weekend

2011-11-07T14:28:00.000-06:00

got bangs
immediately regretted said bangs
had a date with my DVR
made a grocery list and clipped some coupons
deleted all the contacts in my phone (again)
dressed all fancy and went to a cocktail party
slept til noon, but it was really only 11am (thanks Daylight Savings time!)
walked to the park to watch a rugby match (and drink some Heineken)
maybe regretted the bangs a little less
had fried chicken for dinner while I watched Boardwalk Empire and Dexter. Sunday nights rule.

And in case you're curious about the bangs.... Not a great photo, but it's what I wore out my first night with the new 'do.

jeans and scarf from Target. jacket from Ann Taylor. boots by Chinese Laundry. black tank from New York & Company.

A Forgotten Outfit

2011-11-04T15:30:00.000-05:00

I was uploading pics from the weekend and found this stashed away on my camera from a couple weeks ago.

Man, I miss having cool photo locations. You think that's a reason to move back in with my parents?

jeans, flats and striped tee from Target. jacket from Ann Taylor.

Bang Inspiration

2011-11-04T15:29:00.000-05:00

I have these pictures pinned and printed out. I'm ready for bangs.

I think.

Thrifted... From My Closet

2011-11-03T11:36:00.000-05:00

I was at my parents' house last week looking for Halloween costumes and found this sweater... in a trash bag.... in the back of my old closet. Who does it belong to? Nobody knows.

But I took it home and washed it and claimed it as my own.

mysterious sweater. jeans from Target. boots by Chinese Laundry. gold cuff and ring. nail polish is Sew Psyched by Essie.

Picture Day

2011-11-02T17:11:00.000-05:00

We had surprise picture day at work today. Thank goodness I look halfway decent and actually straightened my hair this morning. I wonder if they can photoshop my chipped nail polish though?

Other things I did today:

resolved a whole bunch of flagged emails left in my inbox
activated my credit card
scheduled a haircut
still felt no remorse for the Old Navy shopping spree I went on yesterday
listened to Christmas music way earlier than normal thanks to my new She & Him holiday CD that came in the mail yesterday
bought tickets to see Billy Elliot at the Fox with my mom for her birthday
had my first froyo experience at Flying Cow in Midtown
crossed a bunch of things off my to do list... and added a bunch of new things for tomorrow

dress from Target. cardigan from Old Navy. boots by Chinese Laundry.

For A Living

2011-11-01T14:16:00.000-05:00

Never thought I'd like a silly car commercial so much (especially one that doesn't involve any Kanye playing...) but I'm just in love with this idea. 'For those who live life for a living.'

Printed

2011-11-01T10:53:00.000-05:00

I love all the tribal-print stuff that is coming out this fall. In fact, I've got quite a few pieces pinned to 'the list' that I hope Santa brings me. But I've got a question for you...

Do you think it's offensive to call things tribal print? Or Navajo-inspired?

I remember reading a blog post once about how offensive it is equating the prints with a culture... when sometimes they aren't accurate. But what else are you supposed to call them? Is it offensive if we say things are Asian-inspired? Or African? Or what about the whole movement to dress like a French girl?

top from Forever 21. blazer by Worthington for JC Penny. jeans and flats from Target. gold cuff, ring and earrings. polish is Geranium by Essie.

Oh, and excuse the pile of dirty dishes. That just means I cooked.

Apple-Stuffed French Toast with Honey Syrup

2011-11-01T10:52:00.000-05:00

Last night was another semi-successful dinner at Casa de Danielle. I made apple-stuffed french toast with a honey syrup (and bacon, of course)... It was super easy, I only slightly screwed it up and it actually tasted good.

I used this recipe as inspiration for the french toast....

Line a rectangle or square dish with bread, top each piece with apple pie filling (or whatever filling/fresh fruit you want to use), bits of cream cheese and cinnamon and then put another piece of bread on top.
Mix 6 eggs, 1 cup of milk, some vanilla and cinnamon in a bowl and pour over the bread.
Put in the oven (preheated to 375 degrees) for 35 minutes or until set.

(Just a side note: The casserole dish I was using was a little big for the four french toasts I was making, so I lined it in foil, put the french toast on top and then folded up the edges to keep the batter on the bread. Genius, right? But I didn't grease the foil at all, so the bread stuck to it, making it a total mess and ugly. Hence, no photos. Good effort.)

And then for the honey, I found this simple recipe using water, sugar and honey over medium heat; and I added in a little extra apple pie filling and a pinch of salt. It was kind of runny, but still a nice compliment to the french toast.

Bon Appetit!

Feels Like Autumn

2011-10-31T17:07:00.000-05:00

It's officially autumn....

Baseball season is over. I'm wearing a cable-knit sweater. And boots. The heat is on at my house. I wore my winter coat this weekend (and not just because it's Cardinal red). And this morning it was still dark when I woke up.

I like fall, really I do. Halloween, Thanksgiving, tailgating, cozy sweaters, Oktoberfest, pumpkin beer, fires... all great. But I'm not ready to be cold all the time and scraping ice off my car in the morning. Can we please rewind a little bit? Or at least pause before it gets any colder around here?

jeans and sweater from Target. boots by Chinese Laundry.

Motte

2011-10-31T15:06:00.000-05:00

"It's funny how you can turn a baseball cap around and throw on some D&G glasses, and all the sudden the intimidating-closer-with-a-97-mph fastball beard becomes a laid-back-grad-student-who-plays-guitar-in-the-quad beard."

So true.

via

Eleven in Eleven

2011-10-31T13:21:00.000-05:00

My Cardinals won the World Series. In case you didn't already know.

It's been a crazy ride the last couple of weeks and I can't believe it's all over.... and that we won. What blows me away is that this roster, these names, are ones that people will always remember. Freese, Carpenter, Pujols, Berkman, Craig, Motte... kids will grow up and remember back in 2011 when they were the best team in baseball. David Freese's walk off home run in game 6 will be played on highlight reels forever... and he's just a kid from Lafayette High School. It's nuts.

Speaking of nuts... RALLY SQUIRREL.

Rosie

2011-10-30T12:01:00.002-05:00

I've been wearing red for days, why stop now...
Happy Halloween! And Go Cardinals.

Impulse Buy

2011-10-28T10:31:00.000-05:00

This is a terrible picture, but I just bought this top at Target and I was excited to wear it for a little dinner/bowling/movie date.

For the past year or so, before I buy anything I think, 'Can I wear this to work.' And if I can't... I usually put it back on the rack. Not so with this top. It feels kind of good to buy something pretty just to buy it and not analyze how and where I can wear it and if it's a good value or not.

Impulse is nice (sometimes).

jeans, flats, cardigan and top from Target. assorted bracelets.

Bowling at the Moolah

2011-10-28T09:40:00.002-05:00

I'm no good, but I'll give myself at A for effort. Plus, the beers and atmosphere (and company) make for a good time.

Show Me the Clothes

2011-10-27T15:15:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, I got to lead a discussion on gender in blogging and social media at the Show Me the Blog Conference (shameless plug: check out my tweetable takeaways here). The best part was getting to mix and mingle with a bunch of local bloggers! I go to a ton of social media and marketing events, but this was a completely different crowd and I loved it.

I've been looking for local style bloggers to connect with for a while now, and thanks to The Sassy Peach's fashion blogging session, I got to meet a few! Economy of Style and Motor City Moxie were both there (and both from right here in STL!) and we planted the idea of having a style blogger meet up sometime soon. Are you a style blogger in (or around) St. Louis and want to join us? Leave a comment!

Also, I took the plunge (per Sassy Peach's advice) and joined Independent Fashion Bloggers. I hate calling myself a 'fashion' blogger.... because I don't think I'm particularly fashionable.... but until there's an Independent Take-A-Picture-In-The-Mirror-of-Your-Target-Outfit Bloggers group, this will do.

white jeans, flats from Target. black sweater from Gap. assorted silver and gold bracelets. nail polish is Slick Slate by Sally Hansen (and got lots of compliments!).

It Came!

2011-10-27T11:24:00.002-05:00

And in pretty animal print packaging with the cutest business card and candy! Yes, I said candy!

Thanks Elizabeth! Can't wait to rock it.

(And sincere apologies for this terrible photo. I was too excited to get my real camera out.)

Today I Feel...

2011-10-27T10:23:00.000-05:00

Like plaid, boots and a top knot. Like blurry RetroCamera photos. Like hot coffee. Like a heavier jacket. Like turning the heat on in my house.

plaid shirt by Miley from Walmart. jeans and trench from Target. boots by Chinese Laundry.

Go Cards!

2011-10-20T20:54:00.000-05:00

No Cardinals song will ever top this one.

Hello Kitty

2011-10-20T15:19:00.000-05:00

That's my parents cat, aptly named, Kitty. I guess Maverick isn't the only one who gets excited about me taking outfit photos...

I'm burnt out this week. Work, speaking at a conference this weekend, a big move, house sitting for two dogs and a cat, World Series mania (Go Cards!) and trying to stay up late to take full advantage of a big TV and a hot tub.... it's just too much.

I'm really enjoying all these new photo locations though.

top from New York & Company. jeans from Target. boots by Chinese Laundry.

100 Years of Coming Home

2011-10-19T14:04:00.000-05:00

Mizzou's 100th Homecoming was everything I wanted it to be... Harpo's, house decs, tailgating, lots of beer, lots of friends, lots of black and gold. And of course, El Rancho.

What do they put in the water in Columbia that makes me love it so much?!

Premature?

2011-10-18T17:40:00.000-05:00

Is it too early to be wearing a cable-knit sweater over a denim shirt? Considering the last two weekends I've been in shorts and t-shirts, it feels a little strange.

Hey, at least it's still warm enough for flats right? I'm not ready to switch to boots full time.

jeans, flats, sweater from Target. old denim work shirt, source unknown.

The Recipes I Used

2011-10-18T17:22:00.000-05:00

I cooked last night (how come every time I write that I want to put like five exclamation points after it?)... and it wasn't terrible. We had:

+ Garlic Balsamic-Crusted Pork Tenderloin (except I screwed up and bought a center cut loin instead... not the same thing)
+ Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Apple (except we used a splash of balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar)
+ French Bread with Garlic and Romano
+ glass of Malbec

#nom #nom #nom

A New Location (And A Nice Mention!)

2011-10-17T17:35:00.000-05:00

It's been so long since I've taken actual outfit photos that, apparently, I've forgotten how to pose... I look awkward. Anyway, I didn't move. I'm just house sitting for my parents and dead set on taking advantage of new locations for my morning photo shoots.

Over the weekend, I saw that Lacey of Oh My Goodness named me one of her favorite style bloggers - specifically for 'the Target lover.' So true. 90% of what I wear is from Target!So in honor of the mention, an all Target outfit for you today.

jeans, flats, tee, scarf, cardigan from Target. assorted bracelets and ring, as usual.

House Sitting

2011-10-17T17:02:00.000-05:00

I'm house sitting (slash dog sitting slash cat sitting) for my parents. It's sort of a nightmare and reminds me that I am so not ready for children and/or a puppy friend for Maverick to play with. My schedule this morning was something like this:

Wake up every hour because my parents' mattress is hard as a rock and I'm sharing the bed with two dogs and three cats.
Crawl out of bed 30 minutes early to account for the longer commute.
Let the dogs out. Go out in the chilly fall morning to feed them... barefoot. Brr.
Go downstairs and feed the cat. Freak out when I can't find the one who sneaks out the back door all the time.
Find said cat.
Let the dogs in. Maverick doesn't come. I freak out (that's #2, if you're counting). Go out in the yard, still barefoot, to find him. Cold, wet grass on bare feet in October is not the same as it is in July, FYI.
Shower and realize they are out of conditioner.
Brush teeth, wash face, dry hair, do my makeup... you know, the usual. But now, I have a cat standing on the sink meowing at me for water.
Get dressed. Realize I left a bunch of clothes out in my car. Make due with a cardigan, scarf and T-shirt to avoid going outside again.
Hit every stoplight on the way to work.

And all that without coffee.

One day down. Four more to go.

Super Bass

2011-10-17T15:25:00.000-05:00

Things I learned from this video:
1. Never underestimate the power of a friend by your side, or in this case, a cousin.
2. Pink tutus make everything cuter.
3. British 8-year-olds are better rappers than most Americans.

Coming Home.

2011-10-14T12:38:00.001-05:00

Inspired by: Jayma

2011-10-13T10:51:00.000-05:00

Poor Jayma Mays... I usually can only imagine her in dainty cardigan, brooches and A-line skirts. I pinned this picture a while back, impressed that she was able to look so clean, classic and wonderfully un-Emma-like.

white button down, jeans, flats and belt from Target. assorted bracelets and silver ring.

I Played Pinball

2011-10-10T09:23:00.000-05:00

And I won.

Thank you Silver Ballroom, for helping me find a 'sport' I'm good at while drinking.

Tradeshow Chic

2011-10-07T14:13:00.002-05:00

I've been to a lot of local conferences and meetings, but this week was my first official 'work trip'. I was only there for three days so my packing had to be very strategic (although, I still had to check my bag because I forgot to buy travel face wash, hairspray, etc to take through security).

The List:
2 bottoms (black pencil skirt + skinny jeans)
3 tops (a tee + striped tank + white blouse)
2 cardigans (solid purpley-grey and tan giraffe print)
1 black dress
1 blazer
2 pairs of flats (black + grey)
2 belts (classic black + skinny yellow)
2 sets of accessories (silver + gold)
1 scarf

And what I wore...

To the airport

skinny jeans, flats and scarf from Target. blazer is Worthington from JC Penny. striped tee from H&M. assorted silver accessories. (On the way home I wore the same thing, but the striped Whitney Eve tank instead of tee.... I like stripes, apparently.)

On the first day of the conference

dress, flats and belt from Target. blazer by Worthington from JC Penny. assorted gold accessories.

Conference Day 2 (Sorry, I forgot to take my mirror picture!)

top by Whitney Eve. cardigan from Tommy Hilfiger. pencil skirt from Gap. flats from Target. silver accessories.

Out to dinner with clients

white blouse, jeans, cardigan and flats from Target. gold accessories.

Conference Day 3 (or When A Fellow Exhibitor Complimented My Outfit)

pencil skirt from Gap. flats by Corso Como. blouse and belt from Target. gold accessories.

Missing: One night out, I wore the striped tee + blazer + skinny jeans + flats + a big silver necklace.... but I forgot to take a picture. It sort of looked like this and this combined.

Check out more pictures from my trip to Baltimore.

Good Morning, Baltimore

2011-10-07T11:35:00.000-05:00

You may (or may not) have noticed that I was MIA this week. I was up in Baltimore all week for a nursing trade show for work (and okay, maybe a little play, too). We didn't venture too far from Inner Harbor, but did get to walk around Little Italy one night before dinner and it was so cute. I could totally live there and get fat eating pasta at Italian restaurants everyday. Other than that, the week was filled with crab cakes, crab dip, Yunegling, references to The Wire and more nursing chatter than I can handle. I'll be happy to not hear about healthcare for a few days...

Baltimore Inner Harbor

Inner Harbor

My East Coast beer of choice

So not PC

Little Italy

Memphis BBQ.... at the airport. Not the Memphis trip I've had planned but it'll do for now.

Still Nothing

2011-09-28T09:18:00.000-05:00

I've been starring at this screen for like five minutes trying to think of something to say. Feeling uninspired....

Happy Wednesday, I guess.

That's all I got.

jacket from Ann Taylor. top by Heirloom via Swirl. jeans and flats from Target. necklace from mom.

Nothing To See Here

2011-09-27T09:48:00.000-05:00

Nothing to say that hasn't already been said. I've been neglecting this blog and watching too much TV instead. You can read about all that on Addicted to Television. My posts aren't exactly recaps or insightful, just rants. (But I guess if you read this blog, you're kind of used to that style already.)

Also, yes I did buy a new camera. But I'm a little too lazy, running a little too late and it's a little too chilly for me to stand out on my back porch for outfit photos. And you would miss seeing my messy bedroom, wouldn't you?

jeans from Target. striped tank by Whitney Eve. mustard cardi from H&M. flats by Corso Como. necklace from mom. assorted bracelets and ring.

I'm there.

2011-09-27T09:40:00.000-05:00

This morning on my drive to work, I noticed the clouds moving swiftly across the sky. Whenever I see them moving faster than usual, I'm reminded of lazy summer afternoons laying on our trampoline in the backyard. We don't have that trampoline anymore. Or the swing set. Or the sandbox. Or soon, the pool. We just got rid of our Regal boat. And before that, we had this mustard yellow boat that, at the time I hated, but now I look back on fondly. I've lost a number of pets over the years- Poncho, Bear, Grizzly, Tank and Cabbie. Oh, and multiple turtles named Woody. It's my Uncle Mik's birthday today. I was already thinking about him because of all the City Museum/Bob Cassilly news, and now, thinking about how time has passed and things have changed, I started thinking about him even more.

As I sat at that stoplight starring up at the passing clouds, thinking about all this, I suddenly felt very old. It reminded me of how my parents always talk about the good ole days. The toys they had. The pets. The friends. The old stories of a world so far off from mine.

I thought I knew my world. As a kid, I guess you think it will never change. But we don't have the trampoline anymore or the grey couch in the living room or our Regal that I loved so much. I just realized that life is passing me by. Not in a bad way, like I'm missing it or something. I'm living. Heck, I just blew my savings on a plane ticket to Rome in January. I'm definitely living. But life is flying by me.

I used to say that soon I would be like my parents, reminiscing about the good ole days. And this morning, I realized I already am.

Just Bought

2011-09-23T16:18:00.000-05:00

from Etsy. Thanks for the tip, Tall Girl Tales.

Thursday Thoughts

2011-09-22T17:49:00.000-05:00

Thank god for Hanes white tees. And my very ~~business~~ casual office.
Don't judge people in a professional setting based on age or what they're wearing. Just sayin'.
I'm interviewing for an intern at work and feel like such a grown up. Also, interviewing is just as nervewracking as being interviewed.
Facebook Timeline and changes to the way we 'like' things freaks me out - not for personal use, but professionally.

This became a pretty work-heavy post, didn't it? Indicitive of my life right now.

jeans and flats from Target. Hanes white tee. cardigan from Old Navy. assorted gold/pearl necklaces and gold earrings.

Outfits by Cellular Device

2011-09-21T18:23:00.000-05:00

Welp, I've gone and broke my camera again. Good one, Danielle. And the weekend before a Card's game + birthday + Taste of St. Louis triple threat....

Monday:

black top, skinny jeans and flats from Target. necklace (J'adore!!) from Scarlett Garnet.

Tuesday:

sweatshirt from Dad's college days at Rolla. shorts from Target. shoes by Sperry.

Wednesday:

Trying to be like this girl.
dress, blazer and flats from Target. gold ring, cuff and earrings.

Oh, By the Way...

2011-09-20T17:53:00.000-05:00

From Cara's Morocco blog:

My sister and best friend are booking their tickets to Morocco this weekend. We are going to do Morocco and then off to Rome for a few days. Rome will be my last big vacation before the end of my service and I couldn't be more excited!

Oh yeah, I'm the best friend. So excited I can't even handle it.

My Emmy's Best Dressed

2011-09-19T11:49:00.001-05:00

Zooey Deschannel. I had a premonition that she would wear pink and red and I was right. I'm starting my new psychic hotline as we speak.

Kaley Cuoco. Wish I had a less awkward photo of her. Also wish her shoes and bag weren't so matchy matchy.

Lea Michele. Duh.

Minka Kelly. I will not be watching Charlie's Angels, but day-um gurl.

Sarah Hyland. Young, fun. Age appropriate.

Check out some of my Emmy thoughts on Addicted to Television.

The Amazing Tucker Dress

2011-09-16T12:17:00.000-05:00

I bought this dress when Target re-released some of the Go! designs. I thought it was okay when it first came out, but it was after I saw so many other bloggers wearing it that I decided I should go ahead and buy it.

Good decision? I think yes.

Without the belt, the dress resembles huge, ugly, old timey pajamas. Belt it and you have a dress that goes with flats, sandals, boots; pair it with a cardigan, blazer; blouse it to wear as a top. It's insane. Today, I was going to blouse it (like I did here) but when I put my jeans on it just magically tucked in perfectly all on its own. I'm not sure how a dress that goes down to my knees can tuck into jeans without bunching up, but I'm not going to question it.

Tucker for Target dress as a top. flats, jeans and belt from Target too.

The Other Side of NYFW

2011-09-16T11:16:00.001-05:00

I wish I could keep up with all this Fashion Week nonsense, but I can't. I'm busy with work, our office is moving, I'm hiring an intern, I've got insurance / car repair / vet visits to deal with, a plane ticket / mattress / dog food / new pair of jeans to buy, and a calendar that is filled up til Christmas. Oh and my gym membership expired. Oops.

But can we just talk for a second about that unfortunately dressed pair in the background of this photo? See people. New York isn't ALL the glitz and glamour you imagine.

photo via Sterling Style

Bogart's

2011-09-13T18:16:00.000-05:00

Have you been to Bogart's in Soulard? You need to go. It's amaze-balls (I stole that word from Giuliana Rancic, FYI).

The deets:
It's BBQ. It's right across from Soulard Market. I hear they will deliver to iTap (win!). There's limited seating. They bring water bowls out for dogs (extra star for them!). They have weird, weird hours. It's better than Pappy's, in my opinion. I didn't think I liked ribs before I had theirs. Their Pineapple BBQ sauce is awesome. Their staff is friendly. They have Pepsi products. I hear the pastrami is good. Their baked beans are more spicy than sweet, not what I'm used to. The potato salad is more like egg salad. Their applesauce is hands down, the absolute best applesauce I have ever had. My choice lunch is the pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw and applesauce, and a Pepsi of course.

Summer Lunches

2011-09-13T18:07:00.000-05:00

Nothing better than lunch from the Cha Cha Chow taco trunk at City Garden. Reason #37 I'm not ready for summer to be over.

My 9.11

2011-09-13T17:55:00.000-05:00

Everyone is posting (correction, was posting) about 9/11. What it means to them. Where they were. What they hope for the future. But I couldn't bring myself to write something.... because I felt guilty.

I work in social media. Last week, I was (guilt alert #1) pre-scheduling posts for my clients to update on Sunday, in remembrance of the victims and such and I seriously found myself (guilt alert #2) wishing I knew what the 'official' hashtag for 9/11 would be. #sept11 #911? Isn't that terrible? I felt really terrible.

And then I kept hearing/reading all these touching stories and I thought back to what I was thinking that day in 2001... I was a freshman in high school and had just walked in to Mrs. Lorenz's history class. The TV was on and I (guilt alert #3) got excited because I thought we were going to watch a movie in class.

I, of course, was wrong, and instead we watched the footage on the news, watched the second plane hit and the towers fall. I don't remember much else from that day at school. I think they made an announcement over the speakers. I think we all were asking if anyone knew anyone that lived in NYC or worked in the towers. I know there was a rumor circulating that St. Louis could be a target.

But what I remember most (guilt alert #4) was that all after school activities were cancelled that day. I was on the dance team and we practiced pretty much everyday, so of course, I was psyched. I guess we were supposed to go home to our families, but a group of us rode in our friend's wood-panelled station wagon to Psghetti's and hung out instead.... like it was a normal day.

Isn't that terrible? I guess you have to cut me some slack. I was 14. I was in Missouri. I was so far removed from that world... or I thought so at least.

In the months that followed, there would be a lot of 'America' fan fare in my life - creating a giant American flag on the field at a Rams game; an American-themed dance routine that I performed about a million times (I will never listen to 'God Bless the USA' again without counting '2, 3, 4, flag' at the end). Those were some of my best and (guilt alert #5) worst memories of high school. I will admit, the first time I was on the football field after 9/11, hearing the national anthem, the wind blowing, silence all around us.... that's still a memory that gives me goosebumps.

But what did I do this year on 9/11(besides worrying about hashtags, of course)? I didn't watch any docs or go see the flags set up on Art Hill. I (guilt alert #6) went to brunch with some good friends from college, went to work for a bit, had dinner on Mokabe's patio, watched the True Blood finale. It wasn't just a normal day for me.... it was a good day.

You think people affected by 9/11 would want that? For me to have a normal day? A day that I didn't think about terrorism or homeland security or war? I don't know.

I do know that I liked what my sister Kristin wrote on her blog about 9/11 and what my friend Allison wrote on hers. We're all twenty somethings now, so our stories are similar.... but being 16, 14, and 12 seem a universe apart when you're that age doesn't it?

Brunch Rant

2011-09-11T14:26:00.000-05:00

I wore this to brunch at Half & Half in Clayton this morning with some college friends. First of all, if you haven't been there.... go. now. Stop what you are doing, cancel your plans. It was delicious. I had the brioche french toast. Boring, maybe. But it was delicious.

But second of all, be prepared to wait. Not just here, but anywhere you go for brunch. I saw people scoff at the idea of a 30 minute wait (and when you have the Clayton Art Fair going on around the corner to entertain you until your table is ready!). Seriously, people. Do you think you are the only ones who thought it would be a good idea to get breakfast on a beautiful weekend morning? No matter where you go to satisfy that coffee/mimosa/eggs/pancake craving... you are going to have to wait on a weekend.

And third of all, if you are a coffee drinker and have a chance to try Kaldi's Iced Toddy Coffee, do it. I had some this morning and it was awesome. Too bad iced coffee season is coming to an end (had my first Pumpkin Spice Latte this week. It's officially fall).

striped tee from H&M. cut off jean shorts from an old pair of Target jeans. flats from Target. assorted bracelets and ring.

Sunday Funday: Meramec Vineyards Edition

2011-09-11T14:14:00.000-05:00

If you read my City in a Jar guest post, you know I stopped at Meramec Vineyards on my way home from Springfield last weekend.

I make the drive to and from southern Missouri pretty often, and always wish I had some spare time to stop off in St. James to visit their winery. On Labor Day, we figured, what the heck. We've got all afternoon. So we looked up a few in the area, and settled on Meramec because they served food. Why stop off for lunch at McDonald's when you can have a pork tenderloin sandwich and a bottle of wine?

Now, I'll be honest, Meramec wasn't the best winery I've been to. I was sad to see it is right off the highway, so your scenery is pretty much just passing cars. I wouldn't drive out there for a day trip, but for a quick stop for lunch and a glass of wine it was perfect.

Back to the Start

2011-09-09T12:31:00.002-05:00

Love this Willie Nelson version of Coldplay's 'The Scientist.' The whole sentiment behind the video ain't bad either.

Stripes + Military + Bling

2011-09-08T17:28:00.000-05:00

I pinned this look from Sterling Style (love her!) forever ago and have been dying for the perfect weather to wear it. All summer it was too hot for a jacket, but now it is too cold for sandals. What gives? Oh yeah, I live in St. Louis.

In case you missed it, yesterday I was featured on City in a Jar sharing a recap of my Labor Day weekend and named one of Kayla's favorites for her 21 Day Challenge. That, plus my delicious gruyere/fontina/spinach panini and french onion soup for dinner last night and my first pumpkin spice latte of the season today and this girl is feeling much better today, thank you very much.

striped dress from Gap. jacket from Ann Taylor. flats from Target. random necklaces, bracelets and ring as usual.

It's PK Night!

2011-09-08T08:28:00.003-05:00

... also known as 'Pecha Kucha', for those of you who actually know how to pronounce it.

"Pecha Kucha STL represents our opportunity to refocus public dialogue onto what makes this city great: the personalities, the creative thinkers, the musicians, the urban fabric, the rich cultural heritage, the innovators and entrepreneurs right in our midst."

Scrub in Transition

2011-09-07T16:05:00.000-05:00

You can blame my lethargy on a number of things...

The long weekend.
The fact that I've run into a string of bad luck - leaving my dress at a hotel, forgetting to give the bride and groom their wedding present this weekend and instead driving off with their programs and guestbook in my car, a little fender bender that bruised the Neon and my ego.
This chilly weather. I'm like the only one on the planet who doesn't want summer to end just yet.
I have to start blowdrying my hair everyday (because of the aforementioned chilly weather).
This weird headache / sore throat I have. I only feel better when I'm talking about social media, eating pasta or drinking coffee. Go figure.

But on the bright side.... it's cool enough to wear scarves and my mustard cardigan again. Plus, I'm guest posting over at City in a Jar today (love those girls!) about three things that make me happy, so I better put on a happy face.

white Hanes tee. jeans and not pictured flats from Target. cardigan from H&M. scarf from Van Heusen. messy room not for sale.

Loving LouFest

2011-09-07T15:54:00.000-05:00

So you saw what I wore (on Saturday and Sunday) to Loufest, but I never told you how much fun it was! Live music, a lawn chair, cold beer, good food and good company and I'm set.

My favorite things about Loufest 2011:

perfect weather

Questlove's Dj set

Schlafly.... lots of Schlafly

Cha Cha Chow walking taco

the sunset while Cat Power performed on Sunday evening

bags at Schlafly's tent

can koozies with handles

shopping at Scarlett Garnet

And a few photos via Retro Camera app on my phone...

I Went to a Cards Game

2011-09-07T15:42:00.000-05:00

... like two weeks ago. I've been too busy to post about it (sorry!) but even though it's a little outdated, I couldn't resist mentioning it. Sure, I saw a winning game, ate a bacon-wrapped hot dog, enjoyed a couple cold Buds, but I also go my picture taken with some players!

You see, it was Social Media Night with the Cardinals and they were doing raffles for prizes - tickets, signed balls, the usual - but my ticket won for a picture with David Freese, Daniel Descalso and Jon Jay! They are even sending me an autographed copy! Eeeeeek.

{the famous photo}

{only in STL would you see a beer-shaped hot air balloon}

{bacon-wrapped goodness}

{my view}