Ain't No Thing.

This made me laugh.  And it's all I have today. 

via the frisky

Birdlips.

Do you want to listen to Christmas music, but get sick of everything you've heard over and over again?  I've been listening to Pandora (don't really own Christmas music -- who knew?) and it seems to be a whole lot of the same thing after a while.

Birdlips has changed all of that for me.  Now I feel kind of cool listening to Christmas music -- didn't know that was possible. 

Go here to listen for yourself!

via refinery 29

Outfit Tuesdays: Holidaay.

Holidaay. by justagirlandherstuff featuring flat boots

There are ways to be festive, but not obvious.  I like something that isn't red per se, but still falls into the same family.  I'd be happy to wear this outfit around the holidays.  For sure.  

Beginners.

Run.  Go see Beginners immediately.  Seriously, it's that good!  I watched it twice in one day. 

Written and directed by Mike Mills (husband to Miranda July!), Beginners is partly based on his own story of how his father came out of the closet after his mother passed away.  But really it's about people trying to find love and not letting themselves get the in the way of their own happiness. 

It is a charming and sweet and delicate story that still feels fresh.

Go.

Now. 

[All the best films are Focus Features, yes?]

images via focus features

Friday!

The Nutcracker was fabulous, definitely better than last year.  And The Snow Queen DID NOT disappoint; in fact, neither did the Waltz of the Flowers.  I am now officially in the Christmas frame of mind, which I guess is good because it's a little over a week away.

I have some last minute gift stuffs to wrap up this weekend, a birthday party, and somes brunch.  Gotsa get those mimosas in -- I have a monthly quota, you know.  What are your plans for the weekend?  I hope it's filled with stars. 

Aaaaaaannnnnnddd I actually have links this week!  It's a Christmas miracle!

Without further ado, Friday Links, m'friends:

• A super great gift for Chicagoans.
• A reminder to live life at it's best: the top five regrets of the dying. 
• My friend, Gabe, fighting the good fight (and it looks like NPR wants to fight, too!).
• Speaking of NPR: 50 favorite albums of 2011. 
• And The New Yorker's 26 best films of 2011.  (I like me some retrospective lists.) 
• Since we're talking about movies... yo, yo, yo -- awards season is upon us! The Golden Globes nominees are out and I have A LOT of movies to see.
• Pumpkin Nutella Fudge Puddles.  'Nuff said. 
• A super purty holiday dress to wear before you eat all those pumpkin nutella fudge puddles.
• I'm sure you all already know, but Louis CK REALLY MAKES ME LAUGH and this video is so worth the $5.   
• Back off it, ladies.  Flowers in the Attic was my Twilight.  
• One last list: the best movies based on plays. 
  

image via pinterest

The Nutcracker!

Nothing gives me more holiday cheer than seeing The Nutcracker and I couldn't be happier that someone is willing to see it with me every year. [Hi, Katie!]  Tonight's the night and I couldn't be more excited. 

The Snow Queen has always been my favorite and I can't wait to see what the Joffrey does with it this year.  Who wants to bet I'll be teary-eyed? 

I'm a bit nervous because I've heard Waltz of the Flowers is a series of duets and trios as opposed to a large number, and I don't like when they do that.  Probably because I was always in the Waltz of the Flowers and the large number felt so pivotal to me.  There is so much build up in the music before that number and it only feels appropriate to see something grand parallel to the music. 

Whatever happens I'm sure I'll be filled with glee.  And more than happy to be that much closer to Christmas.  

images via time out chicago

A Place to Rest My Head.

I saw these pintuck pillows yesterday at Urban Outfitters and I can't get them out of my mind.  Especially since I saw them again (twice in one day!) on Down and Out Chic.  They look luxe and like they'd be a nice vintage touch to any living room or bedroom.   

Velvet!  Colors!  34!

And there are so many colors to choose from.  Which one would you choose?

image via down and out chic

Outfit Tuesdays: Black and Tan.

Black and Tan. by justagirlandherstuff featuring wedge boots

My internet wasn't working properly last night, so I threw this together this morning.  What do you think?

A Gift Idea.

What a wonderful Christmas gift!  You can make your own personal and custom view master for $25.

[Were they always called view masters??  I don't really remember that.] 

I'm not a gift guide girl (re: lazy), but I thought this would be such a great idea for a fun kid in your life, or just someone who appreciates nostalgia. 

Snow Weekend.

It's the first real snow of the season (quite late this year!).  And I can promise you I won't ever look this pretty running around in it.  Well, I don't usually make it a habit to run around in wedding gowns.  That's what that is, right?

Anyway, I'm linkless today because most of them are on my work computer and I forgot to send them home.  Next week, for sure!

Have a great weekend, pretty ladies!  Let's all go make some snow angels. 

image via pinterest

A Beauty in the Streets.

I am smitten with the black and brown combination.  This lady pulls it off so well because there are different variations of the same color, nothing is too matchy matchy.  Ya know, to use a technical term.

And the berry lips are just icing on the cake.

You know what else would look great with this outfit?  Those boots from yesterday! 

pinterest via the shiny squirrel

Never Gonna Happen.

Who wants to buy me a $500 pair of boots?

Frugal Outfit Tuesdays: Color Blocking.

Colorblocking. by justagirlandherstuff featuring platform sandals

What a weird combination of colors.  

I love it. 

My Brownie Disaster.

I attempted to make these ridiculously decadent brownies this weekend for my birthday party.  Yes, attempted.  Let's just say that chocolate goo tastes just as good.

In classic procrastinator-mode I didn't enter the grocery store until three hours before the party started.  I'm not sure what kind of goods Dominicks was handing out, but it seemed like the fire sale of the century.  I've never waited in line so long. 

Made it home.  Whipped them up and tossed them in the oven.  40 - 50 minutes I was told they'd be done.  Perfect.  One shower and a blowdry later we'd be good to go.  (I don't take fifty minute showers.)

Fast forward ninety minutes and I still had uncooked brownies.  HOT uncooked brownies.  I had ten minutes to deal with this catastrophe and get all the way across town for the party.  After screaming obscenities at my failed creation I decided to scoop it into my newly purchased glaadware to prove I had a reason to be late to my own birthday party.  A disappointing show-and-tell. 

When in doubt, throw on some sequins to distract everyone because no one really cared about the brownies, and had enough wine to dig at the goo. 

Friends: they're good for something. 

It's my birthday.

It's my birthday.

And I'll cry if I want to.

Seriously.

I've always wanted to be the girl who is so effortlessly chic about her birthday, but I have to come to terms with the fact that I'm not.  My birthday presents strong emotions that I don't feel any other time of the year and as much as I don't want to admit it, I'm a weirdo about my birthday.

It's something that came on later in life.  Though, it has very little to to do with age.  I've always wanted to be older than I am.  I'm the youngest of three and absolutely abhor when people refer to me as young, so I've waited a lifetime to be thirty (still a year away).

It's the pressure.  The idea of a "birthday" and how it needs to be So Much Fun.  I am fully aware that it is my own insecurities flying high that make me feel this way, but no other day makes me as crazy.  Unfortunately it's also the one day that people pay the most attention.  Me being crazy and people paying attention isn't necessarily the best combo.    

I refuse to let expectations get the best of me for my birthday.  In fact, I refuse to let expectations get the best of me this year.  I know that's slightly redundant, but this is my goal.  I fully recognize that my own unhappiness is in direct relation to my expectations.

This I shall change.

And next years birthday (30!!) will be the better for it.

photo via pinterest

New Bag-itis.

Well, well, well.  Isn't she a beaut?  At $53 I just may have to make her mine!

I'm a sucker for a cross-body bag; I just don't feel comfortable if I'm not hands-free.  It's like I have to be Ready for Anything just in case.  But let's face it, Anything doesn't ever really happen to me.  But it sure does make it easier to catch up on Twitter on my phone while holding on in a crowded bus.  You know, because that's what my life is like.  Don't hate the player, hate the game.

Wow.

Sorry. 

It seems to be the perfect size.  Normally I'm carrying a larger bag and end up shoving it full o' crap.  I NEVER need two magazines at once, why do I carry them around??  Maybe this one will give my back a break. 

And I like that it would be a chocolately brown against my black coat.  It's the little things. 

Outfit Tuesdays: Before It's Too Cold.

Before It's Too Cold. by justagirlandherstuff featuring summer handbags

This is my favorite season to dress.  Before it gets too cold and you have to bring out the sleeping bag coats, but just cold enough that it's apropos to wear leggings and bundle.  

I would like each piece of this outfit, thankyouverymuch.  Aren't those boots just killer?  And that bag?  Yes, please!

Paradise City.

Y'all!  My trip was relaxing and beautiful, and everything I hoped it would be.  Seriously, look at it!

The water was such a beautiful green-blue (not properly captured by my iPhone, of course).  The weather was perfect in the 70s, but the water remained too cold except for the crazies -- aka the kids and their devoted father.  I don't know how they did it!  Especially after the jellyfish we saw.

The sunsets were a sight to see.  That, and the bike ride with all eight of us.  Unfortunately I don't have a picture of that.  We played cards, tossed the football around (who knew my sister threw such a hard spiral?!), drank wine, and watched Charlie Brown.  It was magical.  Also: We are not the Cleavers, I promise.

  The sand was so white!  The whitest I've ever seen in person.  It was amazing how fast the temperature would drop once the sun went down and the sand would become shockingly cold.  Non sequitur: we saw two dolphins!

On the last night we celebrated my birthday (it's this Thursday) and Bronson was very excited about the birthday cake.  He made sure to tell me to make a wish, but NOT say it out loud =)

 I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!

I had planned on popping in last Thursday with an "I'm Grateful" post, but the house didn't have wifi, so my laptop became a stowaway.  Thanks for enduring the silence.

I do want you to know that I am very grateful for all of you.  Very grateful!

Leaving on a Jet Plane.

If the pinner was correct, this is where I will be this week.  I CANNOT WAIT!  By the time you read this, I'll be on a plane impatiently counting the hours until I arrive.

Have a very happy Thanksgiving, friends!  I hope you're able to spend it with family and friends and eat as much mashed potatoes as possible.  (They've always been my favorite.  I told the kids that I get half of them and everyone else gets to split the other half.  They think I'm kidding.) 

Catch you on the flipside, yo. 

Holiday! Celebrate!

I think Buster needs a Christmas present.  It's a Buddy the Elf hat!

Happy Friday, friends!  I'm very excited this week is over becausszzzzzzzz I am TAKING THE ENTIRE WEEK OFF next week!!  EEEEeeeee.  Think of me fondly while I'm basking in the warmth of Florida next week.  I'm so supah excited. 

What are your Thanksgiving plans?  We'll be making Thanksgiving dinner in a rental house, so send us good vibes for decent utensils and pots/pans.  Thankfully my parents will be able to drive there, so most important goods can come with them.  Like nine bottles of wine. 

Please excuse my absence next week while I take it easy.  Oh so easy. 

In the meantime, Friday Links:

• The weather forecast for my trip next week (simply because I want to brag).
• This creamy avocado pasta is quite possibly the easiest/fastest dinner I've ever made. 
• These boots are so casually rocker awesome and I want, want, want them. 
• Want some Christmas inspiration?  Next week IS the official start of the season.
• A hilarious yet spot-on description of the constant prejudices that still show up ALL THE TIME in our movies. 
• Oh my god!  This is my life, but only in better words. 
• A jaw-dropping article regarding animals and suicide.  (Also: Have I told you I'm terrified of whales?)
• A classy leather alternative to the ubiquitous Longchamp bag. 

Remember.

I cannot stop thinking about this since I first saw it. 

Lovely Lace.

DEAR GOD.  This is a dream wedding dress. 

The lace!  The back!  That sash!  And who paid someone off to have her veil blow in the wind like that?

Absolute perfection.

Jessie from the long and short of it

Outfit Tuesdays: Too Much Fun.

Too Much Fun. by justagirlandherstuff featuring a black quilted handbag

Too much?  Never!

Scarves!

If you've even just barely glanced at this blog since its inception you'd know that I'm obsessed with scarves.  And now it's Official Scarf Season!  Scarves like these are the only thing that'll temper a cool windchill.  Well, the only thing that will also make me smile.  Anything to keep away the SADs, right??

This Long Fantasy Fur Scarf is just the right amount of ridiculous.  At least I think so. 

This bright pop of color will help keep you cheery through the early dark nights.

My favorite!  A fun animal print that remains classy.  Plus, everything is made better with fringe.

This one may be TOO ridiculous, but I couldn't not post it just in case someone else thought it was adorable.

Pure Magic.

A copy of this photo was given to me by my first acting professor on the first day of college.  Hilariously enough I can't remember what he had written on it (stupid memory ruining my anecdote).  Perhaps imagination is real?  Or something like that.  Blerg.  [Anyone reading have Ric Murphy and know what I'm talking about??]

ANYWAY.

It always manages to make me smile when I run across it. 

The pinner says it's "the moment the dragon is slain, Guignol puppet show, Paris, 1963 photographer: Alfred Eisenstaed."  Whatever it is, it is pure magic.  

via pinterest

Teal Dreams.

What a simple and lovely dress.  A perfect Thanksgiving dress, yes?  (Especially since you could adjust the drawstring post-gorging.)

And it's $74!

via Down and Out Chic

Outfit Tuesdays: Stripes and Comey.

Stripes and Comey. by justagirlandherstuff featuring black sunglasses

Stripes and Rachel Comey: the ultimate blogger outfit.  

Unexpected Girl Crush.

It's been a while since I've done a Girl Crush post and I guess this seemed like the right time.  I know I will be going against some folks of mine who don't agree, but a girl must do what she thinks is right, yes?

I'd be lying if I said I was always on Kirsten Dunst's side.  As a woman who doesn't like to admit her inability to be on other women's sides, this is no easy task.  Sorry.  There was something about her that grated on me.

BUT.  I saw and re-saw and re-saw and re-saw Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and wasn't she GREAT in that movie??  She seriously was so great in that movie.  Er, but that's not my point.

What I like best about Ms. Dunst is her ability to be true to who she is.  Remember when she took some time to take care of her mental health?  Yes, I remember.  And I respect her greatly for it.  I also really love that she refused to change her snaggly smile (which I'm sure many folks in the biz probably advised her against).  There is something about how she manages to be who she is: a child actress turned full-time, yet she refuses to beat the Hollywood drum, and that captivates me.

There is talent.  There is heart.  There is a human there that I can respect.  And that, my friends, creates a girl crush.

Friday!

I was a busy girl this week and had a late meeting at work last night, so I'm terrifically under-prepared for Friday Links.  Soooooo... I figured I'd let you ponder on this thought over the weekend. 

How magnanimous of me, right?

Have a fun weekend, friends!

via pinterest

The Lady and the Tiger.

Without the tiger. 

Sorry.  I was really reaching with that title.  That's what happens when you pretend to be an adult and exercise, do laundry, and dishes all before trying to blog.  Woe is me, right? 

Anyway.   

What a pretty lady in a perfect fall outfit.  Thank you, Refinery29, for showing me her ways. 

Now.  Where do you think she got this coat?

Two Tone.

I so rarely use a clutch, but they always pop out at me.  This one is especially dreamy, don't you think?  It's the perfect neutral while not being blah at all.  You know, blah being a technical fashion term. 

Oh, and yeah.  Did I mention that it's on sale for $32?  Go forth and conquer!  Or just rock a fabulous bag.  Whichever.

Frugal Outfit Tuesdays: November.

November. by justagirlandherstuff featuring square stud earrings

This one popped up on me, but I remembered to make it "frugal" at the last minute.  Thank god, RIGHT?  What would you do without Frugal Outfit Tuesdays??

Kidding aside, here you go.


It's actually November.  Does that creep anyone else out?

The Cold War.

Why yoos gosta be so 'spensive, beautiful coat?  A toggle coat in wool-cashmere with thinsulate makes my heart go pitter patter, but the price tag leaves me cold.

Guess I will look elsewhere. 

Oh, yeah.  Happy Halloween!  Hope you had fun this weekend and rocked your socks off costume-wise.  I bet you did. 

Boo!

Happy Friday, friends!  What are you guys up to this weekend?  Any fun Halloween plans?  I've weirdly given up on Halloween in the past couple of years.  Maybe I'm getting too old?  I don't know; it's lost its luster.  But, please tell me all about your fun costume ideas!  I'll live vicariously. 

Friday Links:

• I never thought I'd be the kind of girl of who streams an album before you can buy it (not that into music.  there, I said it), but the NEW Florence and the Machine is out and I am dying.
• Speaking of music: Robyn is my new major girl crush.  For many reasons, but, at this point in time, mainly because she ROCKS THE DANCE FLOOR like I do in my dreams in this video.  Why can't I dance like this girl?  Girl makes even the electric slide look good!
• And then this video popped up in my life and and I love the song even more.  How can I download this onto my ipod?  Seriously.  How can I?
• The 25 best horror films of the aughts.  Who wants to watch them with me?  I just watched number 7 and I'm ready for the rest!
• Have you guys tried this supposedly universal blush?  I'm intrigued.
• An adorable collection of guys confessing what it's like to work up the nerve to kiss a girl.
• This blind dog has a seeing eye dog!  Just read it.  You'll probably cry.  I did.   

image via pinterest