Little Luxuries and Happiness

Let's chat today. I know, I normally just post what I'm digging lately, but I thought I'd take a moment today and share something a little more thought provoking...

Lately, I've been working a ton, and I'm learning it's okay awesome, to treat myself with little luxuries and take in those special moments nice and slow because well, it's the little things that make us happy in the end.




Have you read January's issue of Real Simple yet? There's an article about measuring happiness, and it's fantastic. I personally love the last bit regarding the psychology of happiness (with the most adorable puppy picture ever on the opposite page) because the author, Meg Wolitzer, explains how she prefers the little things to keep her happy, as opposed to the big things (i.e. massive salary, trips to Africa, that Chanel clutch, you see where I'm going). Whether it be making her bed daily (a small accomplishment, but a luxurious accomplishment, nonetheless) or sitting down with her husband uninterrupted after a stressful day with a glass of wine, this is what makes her happy.

So where was I going with this? Well, I agree wholeheartedly with Meg, and I thought I'd share my little luxuries that have given me a little spark of happiness on those gloomy days over the past few stressful months.

that awesome smelling candle on my console


a good cup of coffee


a charming, single strand of Christmas lights


a yummy glass of wine


fresh flowers


nice shampoo


and lastly, a good magazine.

What are your little luxuries that make you happy?

Happy Thursday! We're almost done with the week (and this makes me happy)!

Brand Whore + Real Simple

So the girl sitting directly in front of me on my way to work this morning was wearing this.

David Yurman ring

this.

Gucci bag

and this.

Beautiful Burberry trench

It was disgusting.

and I loved it.

I'm normally not a brand whore (I really don't care for Gucci), but I friggen love Burberry trenches and David Yurman anything. My Limited/J.Crew/Nordies combo spruced up with some "fun tights" had nothing on this sister's ensemble.

Anywayyyy Guess who got her new Real Simple?!

I'm already a couple pages in and loving it. For those of you who've picked up your issue, be sure to read the holiday mishaps. They're so funny!! The mishap about how the woman's oven door blowing off is the funniest.

Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about a giveaway. Some of my fave bloggers are having giveaway right now so I'd prefer not to have mine at the same time as them!! Also, mirror diy pics to come!

Have a great Tuesday!

InStyle, Real Simple, US Weekly, oh my!

What's your fav mag??

Do you only pick them up when you're traveling? When the cover is your idol? Well let me tell you, I've found that I have been picking them up lately on the weekends when I know TBF and I will be watching football or if I'll be doing a wee bit of traveling. You might be thinking, why would you want to focus on something else if you're going to be watching football? Well, I think it's because I like to be semi-productive when I'm sitting in front of the tv. I digress, my ability to not allow myself to relax and to always be doing something is for an entirely different post.

Onto the fun magazines!

InStyle, the fashionable magazine.

I'm really enjoying InStyle right now. Yes it's full of ads but it also has some pretty great info in it. The style section is very inspiring because it's full of everyday pieces. I cut out most of the sections, put them up in my closet and I swear my office wardrobe has become so much more fashionable without even having to go purchase anything! I think I'm going to get a subscription...thoughts?

Real Simple, the responsible magazine

What about Real Simple? Hello new uses for old things sections! Although everything may not be super practical, I love the creativity anyway. I started this subscription last month :)

Us Weekly, the juicy gossip magazine

And how could we forget US weekly? What I call the most legit gossip mag compared to its competitors. Yes? I'm thinking about getting a subscription to this one, too. I feel like I spend so much money on this mag a year!

I will be traveling this weekend (for the Illini homecoming football game!) so I'll need some good literature in front of me :) What's your favorite magazine lately?

Happy Hump Day!

Another Smorgasbord Post...

I know I've been MIA. Let me explain...

After a nice, long holiday weekend, my mind was officially asleep at the start of the week and I was having issues getting back into work-mode. I’ve had to think twice about the simplest things…coffee is my BFF lately.

Holiday recap: TBF and I left Chicago after work Thursday and ran into some serious traffic downtown but then coasted on home to central Illinois from there. We made a pitstop in Champaign to make an exchange (no not drugs, but a makeup bag and contacts) with my sister-in-law. It was only a pitstop because it was her and my broski’s 4 year wedding anniversary. Her car had some gorgeous flowers in them…we Freck's have nice taste..

Anyway, we spent majority of the weekend on Papa Freck’s boat and then out on “the square” in my hometown with fam and friends to have a good time and say hello to some old friends. Even though it was overcast most of the weekend, it was still a great getaway and break from the fast paced city. It’s back to reality now though: early mornings, corporate 9-5 days and shoving in a workout here and there.

I’m getting really excited about moving in a couple weeks!! Correction: I’m dreading the actual move, but getting really excited about settling into a new place and decorating it. As some of you are aware, I have a lot of paintings to hang and decorate with so I’m hoping to find a creative and clean way to display them all. I still think this type of collage is the best idea:

The first picture displays a good strategy where they taped the same size paper as the pictures to show how it will look on the wall. Another strategy is to lay all the pictures on the floor before you hang them!

I like the idea of mixing letters and pictures into the mix…thoughts? I don't want it to look super duper busy. I want it to still look clean.. I still need to refurbish TBF’s dresser, where has time gone?!

My sunburn is slowly healing.

Does anyone love this? I want to “get stranded”..

Love.it.all.

You know what I also love? Recently I had din din and drinks with H, and she told me about her favorite dry shampoo from Sephora. Meet my (and your) new love:

Yes, I know it's a bit pricey, but I LOVE IT! Sephora, $21 for the bigger can

I used to use baby powder all the time, but it's difficult to get the white out of my blonde hair. I can't imagine how the brunettes do it! This stuff has gotten me through two days without washing my hair (sorry, tmi for those of you who shower every day, like one of TR's, but for people with weak hair like me, I can't wash it every day if I want it to be strong!!) I definitely recommend it or the powder version which is $19. Thanks, H!

That's all for me this evening...

Happy Hump Day tomorrow!!!

Feel the burn.

Freck is slappin on a little SPF.

I've recently stumbled onto a less than kind freckle. If you don't like my blog. Don't read it. It is that simple. Don't try to judge me or think you know anything about me. You don't. Thanks

Freck

Speaking of SPF, I went on the architectural tour on the Chicago river this weekend and I am now a lobster. We were running late so I threw on a strapless dress sans SPF and happily strolled onto the boat. I started feeling a little hot but at that time I didn't really think about it. Well, after the margs at our late lunch wore off, I was not a happy camper. I spent the rest of the evening feeling pretty nauseous...awesome...



I did get to watch the Real Housewives of New Jersey reunion part 1 and 2!!! It was awesome! Did anyone else get to see?


On another note...I'm so excited for a short work week!

Wedding Bliss

One wedding down, two to go.

The wedding on Saturday was beautiful! The colors were pink and black, and the bride (and groom!) were stunning. TBF and I had a blast dancing the night away (yep, he's not afraid to dance in public which is awesome). I met a girl who looked like she had a "bump it" on and I asked her if she did (she didn't but she has one at home!) and we were pretty much BFF's for the rest of the night on the dance floor.

Here are their gorgeous center pieces and their "Sweet Shoppe" which was a table filled with yummy candy! It was so cute, what a great idea!


Can you tell I love weddings??

Anyway,

Alright ladies (and gents), I'm wearing the Ann Taylor dress next weekend yes I'm sure you're friggen tired of hearing about it, I'm kind of tired of talking about it..

but I need advice, I'm not sure what kind of shoes to wear. I tend not to wear strappy-sandalish heels, but rather, basic, simple and classic pumps. Any color ideas? Other shoe ideas? I was thinking a basic black pump (totally not summery) or a nude pump? hmmm...AND I was thinking of getting a sash to go around the waist because the dress is kind of loose in that spot..any color or fabric ideas?

Off to the grocery store, Target (I really want a straw fedora hat...thoughts?)

Urban Outfitters, no, that's not me.

..and to the hardware store to get my sander and paint for the dresser I'm going to refurbish! Has anyone refurbished a wooden piece of furniture before? Any tips? I'm really excited to get some cute Anthropologie knobs, but I digress, that's all for another post.

I'm off! Have a lovely Monday! It's beautiful today in the city!

Help, I Need Speakers...

Speakers.

They're foreign to me. Yes, they're simple items that make sound louder, but I don't know what's best for my mac. As some of you know, I'm having a little birthday party tomorrow, and I need some speakers.

Here are a few I've selected, let me know which one you'd get...

I think I've posted these twice already...$40 Yes, I know they're not super practical, but they're really fun and they're only 40 bones!!


Kind of blah looking speakers for $21.99


These look a little fancier...but just as blah...speakers aren't very cute..$49.99

Thoughts??

Holy Mackerel!!!

I have 1,000 views!!! 

Hooray! That makes me feel pret-ty darn good my fellow followers. Thanks for following :)

I know some of you have been bloggy wogging for awhile, but this gal started at the end of last year so I feel this is a bit of a landmark for me. So awesome :) 

So anyway...

As some of you know, I love The Superficial..it's kind of a guilty pleasure. However today when I saw this entire ode entitled The Superficial: Wait, WTF is That? I couldn't help but feel bad for everyone they pointed out! Take a look for yourself. 

Bad Superficial! Don't make fun of these gals who can't help it if they have some physical flaws! Boo!

TR and I are hangin out and watched The Muffin video...always a stupid, but funny video to watch :)

Ok...a Really stupid video...but you laughed at least once, didn't you?

TR and I went to Anthropologie today, we both agreed that it's SUCH a relaxing store. She found a great black dress that was for sale. I loved all of the new dresses...

$168, simple and cute.

$168, different than what I'd normally purchase, but cute!

I want a DIY project where I can use these knobs...

Tomorrow's hump day!!!! YAYYY!!!

Is it spring yet??

So as I was trudging through the snow and ice this morning on my way to work, I started pondering my wardrobe for my spring break to HOPEFULLY Sandestin, FL. I sure hope plans work out, I'm concerned I'm turning into a cranky-pants due to the lack of sun in my life lately.

She's cranky because of the lack of sun lately, too.

Anyway, when I got to work, I sat down in my lovely cube and lo and behold, stumbled across an email from J. Crew about their giant sale and found some perfect items for the Florida weather. Then, I realized I should share that the majority of my wardrobe consists of...





...many simple and classic pieces that have gotten me through college. Over time I've learned that as long as I buy good quality pieces, I'll save money in the long run... A VERY hard realization to come to considering I see the plain shirts (a staple in my wardrobe) at Target for a steal at $11.99. Anyway, I love the plain and simple shirts at J. Crew, Martin + Osa-although it's my new love, and Banana because the quality shirts have really gone the distance throughout the years of terrible washing machines at school, traveling, parties, moves and the everyday wear and tear.

J. Crew.

The simple long sleeve and short sleeve tees are so easy to mix and match with different wardrobes. I personally love the boat neck and scoop neck style because I feel it's the most flattering.

Where else?

I tend to layer my cami's and shirts, sometimes pairing fun colored cami's underneath to dress the tee up a bit more. Also, accessories can really dress up the shirts.

Check out how J. Crew dresses up this simple white tee and cute shorts with a necklace that really makes the color in the shorts pop. Love it, so simple and easy and perfect for Florida weather!!!!

Oh! And I think I want a huge hat for Florida, too. Not only are they cute, but they'll protect my pale skin from getting burnt.

Look how massive Samantha's is in Sex and The City!


Nordstrom

I was thinking this would be more my style...

I know this doesn't really doesn't have to do with my vacation wardrobe or my current wardrobe but...

My ode to black..
I usually stick with a black top, a fun pair of earrings or necklace, jeans and heels when I go out. This is because I don't go out as much as I used to..eek I sound like I'm 85 but hey, it's hard to find time when I have a part time job and like to be sitting in my cube by 7:30am, I'm going to school full time and graduating in May with classes starting at 8:15am downtown, and I've become a wine girl where I love to sit around with my roomies, friends and/or boyfriend and sit, laugh and enjoy my wine in my comfy clothes. The black top may sound boring, but it's a great fallback on the nights when you're not feeling so hot about your body since you didn't make it to the gym that day. Thank you black shirts, dresses, and skirts...you are my savior.

Martin + Osa



with heels...

Jcrew


and a fun necklace...


Forever 21

I've noticed I can't really wear pastels because I'm so pale and they completely wash me out. So the rich colors are what I try to focus on...and black :)



I have a focusing problem..



I'll keep everyone updated on the spring break plans. Does anyone have any fun/cheap and warm places vaca plans this spring??