Don't you feel that way sometimes?

I sure do. 

ps not in reference to Monday's post

pps found here

Summer Sandals.

Full disclosure: I do not like my feet.  I was a dancer for fourteen years.  A few of the years included pointe shoes.  Let's just say that I don't have the prettiest feet around.

I tell you my dark secrets because sandals like these always kind of scare of me.  I feel like I need a little something more going on to distract from my actual feet.  You see how much feet action is happening up there?  Major feet and not much else!

Though, I might get over my feet weirdness for these sandals.  The color combination makes my heart sing and I think they're the perfect summer sandal.  Don't you?

Outfit Tuesdays: On the Hike.

On the Hike. by justagirlandherstuff featuring lightweight socks

My Dad emailed me to tell me to bring my hiking boots on my trip.  Uhhh... I don't own hiking boots, Dad.  Will these cheap looking sneakers I bought years ago and never wore work?  They're gonna have to because lord knows I ain't dirtying any of my beauties.  

If I had my druthers, this would be my ideal hiking outfit.    

In Defense of Gwyneth Paltrow.

I’ve actually considered writing this post many times before, well, maybe more than twice before (does that constitute many?) and decided not to. Why? Well, because it took me a long time to decide if Gwyneth Paltrow was someone I wanted to defend.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think she’s in need of my defense. Nor do I think she would actually care for my defense. And maybe that’s why I haven’t written it. GP is so out of my league. Seemingly more out of my league than any other celebrity because she appears to have “an air” about her. Someone that likes her position, more than appreciates it, and will continue to cultivate an air of superiority.

But then, I’m not even sure if that’s true. Why do I think that? Yes, she writes Goop. Yes, I subscribe and half roll my eyes every time I read it. BUT should I fault her for being in a better position than I am? Fault her for the perks she has either been given because of her familial position or what she has made for herself? And, let’s not forget, I am the one who subscribes.

I wrote earlier about the world of women and how it’s easier to bash than praise. I’ve been afraid that that is what’s going on here. Am I just jealous? Am I more than annoyed because she seems to keep popping up everywhere, from Glee to the Oscars and this new-found music career?

Ultimately, that’s where I think my distaste lies, her subsequent music career post-Glee. I get it, you sang in a movie (or two), you sang for a tv show, BUT that does not a music career make. And your, for lack of a better term, apparent greediness to squeeze out another career for what, more money? more exposure? has left me with a bad taste in my mouth.

I know, I know. I said I was writing this post in defense of GP.

My not-so-sudden hesitation to dislike GP for the reasons stated above (and others not really worth mentioning due to your peace of mind, reading-wise) are tempered by other thoughts.

Why should a woman who has the possibility of extending herself in another creative field not take the chance just because others might find it gauche?

Wouldn’t you be proud of someone you knew and loved taking chances on something that they enjoy? I know I would be.

And that’s where my defense for GP lies.

I have grievances because she IS GWYNETH PALTROW and apparently (to me?) that means she wants more than she deserves. But, who am I to decide that? And why should I fault another woman for extending herself in an unfamiliar way, especially when it’s as public as this?

Answer: I shouldn’t.

Soooo, from now on I refuse to disparage GP in a way that isn’t founded in merit. (I still have a strong opinion about acting, after all.)

I’m interested: what do you think?

I'm on Vacation!

Happy Friday, friends!  I'm off to the North Shore tomorrow, not to be confused with the Jersey Shore.  VERRRRRY different things.  I'm soo excited! 

If you didn't get all the way through yesterday's post: I managed to pre-post for next week, so there is no need to worry your pretty heads... because I'm sure that's something that you'd REALLY worry about.  Right. 

I'm three quarters packed already!  I just need to add the toiletries/make-up/chargers and other last minute details and then I'm all good to go.  I. Can't. Believe. It.  I'm actually not only prepared for this one, but prepared early.  That's it, the world is going to end. 

What are you guys up to this weekend??  I hope it's fun and full of frolic.  I'll miss your little non-faces next week!

Catch ya on the flip side, yo.   

image via pinterest

All My Bags are Packed.

I'm ready to... wait.  My bags aren't packed AT ALL!

If you've been following this blog long enough you know that I am a terrible procrastinator when it comes to packing and things of the sort.

Well, to be honest, I don't actually leave until bright and early Saturday morning (an 8 am flight might just be the death of me!), but I've already pushed off my tentatively planned (read: falsely concocted in my head) schedule for the week.  There is laundry and cleaning and packing, OH MY.  Fast forward to me frantically doing it all at 2:00 am Friday night/Saturday morning.

NO!  It will not happen that way (I accidentally forgot to type "not" the first time I wrote it -- foreshadowing much?), I tell you.  It will not.  Wish me luck, friends!

All of this is to say that I am GOING ON VACATION!  Halleluiah.  You see, my momma retired this year and as a celebration a cabin has been rented on the North Shore of Minnesota.  Last time I was there I was eight years old!  I'm looking forward to kicking back, relaxing, and even making friends with a canoe.

But, you see, that's where it gets difficult... for me and you.  I've made the gulp-inducing decision to leave my laptop behind.  I figured the fresh air would be immediately negated by my crippling need to plug in.  Soooooooo, I am leaving you without posts next week for I am neither prepared enough to pre-blog**, nor savvy enough to procure guest bloggers for you.  Ack!  I hope you can forgive me.

I promise to regale you with stories of chipmunks and deer and skipping rocks upon my return! 

What?  No takers?

**UPDATE: It appears I AM prepared enough to pre-blog!  If by prepared enough I mean procratinating more on the packing front.  However, for YOU that means you can check in next week, the Ghost of the Blogging Future will be sending posts your way. 

image credit: Garance Dore via pinterest

Did you hear a click?

I found this video on swissmiss last night and couldn't stop smiling.

Frank and Rita are trying to take a picture with their new Mac and can't seem to hear it click.  Luckily for us they accidentally hit the video button instead.   

You know what's even better?  The video they successfully recorded of Frank singing Happy Birthday.  It is quite possibly the sweetest rendition of Happy Birthday I've ever heard!

Outfit Tuesdays: Night Out.

Night Out. by justagirlandherstuff featuring chain earrings

Sometimes it's nice to go all out.  

Maple Wooden Clock.

I am completely charmed by this wooden clock.  Wouldn't it be lovely on your coffee table or any vignette?  I think so. 

Happy Friday!

I bought some beautiful peonies from the farmer's market on Tuesday and they've certainly made me more cheery throughout the week.  There is something so wonderful and lush about a peony, yes?  And I'll take anything that will put a smile on my face while sitting at my desk.

Here's to farmer's markets and cheap flowers and summer!  That'll definitely make the week go by faster.

Chick-fil-A was a major success yesterday.  We ended up standing in line for only about eight minutes.  It was fantastic!  I've never seen a place so efficient and let's just say they didn't get that efficiency from their southern homeboys.  I remember wanting to murder some peeps one time because there were literally four people working and no one else in line and it still took fifteen minutes for them to take our order and get our food.  The fact that I had been traveling all day didn't help matters much, but needless to say my brother saw my least patient side that day.

Annnnnnnnd that's why I don't live in the South anymore.

What are y'all up to this weekend?  I'm hoping to get some things done around the house and enjoy some nice, not rainy, nor blistering hot weather.  Come on, Chicago, we can do this!

Christina Romeo.

I stumbled upon this Etsy shop from pinterest last night.  Thanks, Holly Becker!  The colors are so striking and rich, and definitely right up my alley. 

Christina Romeo creates and sells original mixed media and prints that are not only evocative, but visually stunning.  I was immediately drawn to them and must say there are more than a couple that make me uneasy.  I hesitate to use the words "creeped out" but I guess it's the point of art (if I don't say so myself) to cause a reaction, to make someone feel. 

These pieces certainly do that.  And more.

In totally unrelated news: a Chik-fil-A is opening up approximately three blocks from my work today.  I never thought they'd make it to Chicago and, I have to admit, a small part of me is sort of sad that it is no longer my special, southern treat.  But it's a part so small that it ain't stopping me from waiting in line today for lunch! 

Penguin Love.

And my heart explodes. 

I got home later than usual last night because I saw Super 8 (very cute and entertaining), but I didn't want to leave you hanging.  Pure adorableness it is.

via pinterest 

Outfit Tuesdays: Summahtime.

Summahtime. by justagirlandherstuff featuring a pink tee

Colorblocking is not something I'm usually drawn to, but especially in the summertime it seems like a simple, streamlined way to add interest to an outfit.  I added some texture with the natural bag because, lord knows, I can't have something be too simple.  

I'm actually really in love with this outfit and think it would be a perfect way to kick back this summer.  

Plus, you can never go wrong with pink and orange in my book.   

Neutral Base.

I can't stop thinking how wonderfully neutral this dress is; the color pairs beautifully with anything, especially the super trendy neon.  The pleats and draping make this girl swoon and the way the bottom is cut is oh so flattering to a lady's leg.

I say you can never go wrong with a simple base and this would be a perfect place to start.

Also, there is a Topshop opening not even a block away from my work.  Please help me god.  

Weekend!

Hey, I have a picture again.  Sweet! 

Remember how I told you it was 96 degrees in Chicago?  Well... it was 52 degrees yesterday.  Yes, that's right, a FORTY FOUR degree change in less than twenty four hours.  Chicago, you're such a crazy kook.  What are we going to do with you?

I finished the first season of Friday Night Lights.  Whoa, Landry!  I can't get over it!  (Wait, that might've happened in the beginning of Season Two -- I'm a fast mover with this thing.)  I also watched The Real Housewives of New York.  Boring, right?  Only more reason to go back to FNL.  Uh, I also found out that my co-worker knows Matt Saracen, er, Zach Gilford.  As in he went to high school with her son and they're still buddies, if you will.  I just about died, in the most embarrassing way of course.  Matt Saracen is not real.  Ma`tt Saracen is not real.  These are the things I need to remind myself.

What else?

Oh, yes!  It's Friday.  Let's have a good one, shall we? 

AND wish my sister a happy birthday for me.  It's her lucky day!!!  Happy B-day, sis!

image via pinterest

Power Failure.

No power last night meant no air conditioning, no blog posting, not even a fan running.  And it was a hot one, y'all; 96 degrees in Chicago is just mean.

I might be back later if I find something cute, but if my work week continues in the same fashion as the past couple of days I probably won't have the time. 

So, mañana it shall be.     

I'm Pictureless.

I've got nothing for you today because I spent last night doing two things:

1. Watching more episodes of Friday Night Lights.*

2. Making my own barbecue sauce.**

*I am OBSESSED!  My friends have been talking about FNL and Tim Riggins for quite some time now, but I finally bit the bullet and started in this weekend.  Should I admit that I've already watched seventeen episodes since Friday?!  Guess I just did.  For reals, I heart this show so much.  I fell for it immediately and was balling like a baby in the very first episode.  And, I know the ladies out there are cuckoo for Tim Riggins (and yes, he is quite dreamy in the I'm A Bad Boy And Yet Still [unrealistically] Totally Communicative About My Feelings), BUT I am a Matt Saracen girl through and through.  If anyone has a problem with that, I'm ready to draw fists.

**Why I decided to make barbecue sauce in 95 degree heat is beyond me, but I did.  I've had Let's Dish's recipe for Smoky Orange Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches in my que for quite some time and decided yesterday was the day.  I'd be lying if I didn't say I was proud of myself for making barbecue sauce from scratch, and it's the first time I've used my blender to make something other than a smoothie.  Score.

ps I am actually sans picture because after doing a preliminary google search of FNL I was too afraid the pictures were going to spoil something for me.  Must keep the hope alive.

Clear eyes, full hearts...  

Outfit Tuesdays: It's Hot.

It's Hot. by justagirlandherstuff featuring cargo shorts

It's hot.  That hot when you want as little on your body as possible.  You know that hot.  This is what you wear in that hot.

That's all she wrote.    

Flotsom Furniture.

The Flotsam Furniture Works is a shop I found on Etsy's homepage.  Aren't they the most simply beautiful chairs?  The best part is that I totally called this guy being from Chicago solely from the shots of the random apartment corner.  You can spot a classic Chicago apartment anywhere!

If I had an extra $500 and place to put one of these guys, I'd definitely make the top one mine.

Weekend!

Happy, happy weekend, friends!  I'm looking forward to hanging out and enjoying some beautiful weather.  I hope you're able to do the same.

If you're bored, I say you should go here to read an excerpt of Mindy Kaling's book, Is Everyone Hanging out Without Me?  I heart Mindy and think she is super rad.  Too bad the book doesn't come out until November, but at least we get a little taste.

(Mindy Kaling = Kelly Kapoor from The Office)

image found via pinterest 

Shoes of the Summer.

$58, y'all!  $58.  The only question is rose or natural?

Jane Reincarnated.

Do you guys remember the much lamented Jane? 

I grieved loudly when it went under many moons ago and was beyond ecstatic when I found out that Jane Pratt is back with her own online magazine, xojane.  I'm not sure that what the world needs is another online magazine, and frankly, I wouldn't consider it a magazine at all but more of a lifestyle website (and thankfully not in that bizarro magazine turned computer screen format that drives me bonkers).

Launched on May 16th, it appears to still be trying to find its sea legs.  And I'm okay with that.  I'll give 'em some time to work it out, but only if they lean towards less vapid content rather than more. 

What do you guys think?  Are you as excited as I am to have Jane Pratt back on the scene?

(And yes, I know Jane Pratt was responsible for the beloved Sassy, but I failed to glom onto that bandwagon.  Most likely because of age.)