Smoking Jacket

Tanks-Target, Robe-Vintage, Jeans-JCrew, Shoes-Payless, Necklaces-EmersonMade, Juicy,
Bracelets-Juicy, Maui, gifts,  Watch-Coach, Earrings-F21, Ring-BCBG

Guess what? It's casual week at work for the next two weeks! Loves it. Anytime I get to wear whatever I want to work, life is good. I found this men's robe at a vintage store earlier this fall. Every time I wear it, I feel like I belong in a 1950's movie. It reminds me of men's smoking jackets from that era. Back when I was in high school I used to scour the vintage stores for men's silk pajama bottoms. I had them in every print imaginable. I wore them to school as pants all the time. Imagine them tightly pinned and rolled at the bottom. Yep. That was how I rolled and I thought it was HOT. Who doesn't love a comfy pair of pj's that double as pants? This girl does. Might have to bring that style back-minus the pins and rolling.

Retail Therapy

I did a bit of retail therapy this past weekend and scored big time! Don't you just love this Marc Jacobs zebra coat? I had been eyeing up June resale in Mpls for some time-I used to work out two doors down, but every time my workout was done, the store was closed. When my Lucky magazine arrived at my door this month, Mpls was featured as the shopping destination. Lo and hold, June was listed. That did it, I had to check them out.  Boy am I glad I did. It was like being a kid in a candy store. Louboutins? Check. 3.1 Philip Lim? Yep. Chloe handbag? Oh Yeah. DVF Dresses? uh huh. Did someone say Chanel? YES! You name it, they had it. Unfortunately, most of them weren't in my size. But then I came across this little number. You all know I'm a sucker for animal print. When I tried this baby on, it was a perfect fit, and a STEAL!  I can guarantee I will be a regular here. You never know what you might stumble upon. I'm still eyeing the chloe handbag- it's gorgeous and the perfect price. Maybe next trip if it's still there.

I Heart MPLS

Blouse-Equipment, Jeans-JCrew, Shoes-Vince Camuto, Hat-Macy's, Bag-EmersonMade, Flower Pin-H&M,
Necklaces-Target, EmersonMade, Bracelets-Target, Maui,Gift, Watch-Coach, Earrings-F21, Sunnies-Chloe

On Friday last week, I took pictures of my friend Jessica. She wanted to have some classic skyline shots done of her in Minneapolis before she moves to NYC. One last goodbye if you will. Since I had the day off and the weather decided to cooperate, we ventured to the Stone Arch bridge to snap some pictures. I'm no professional by any means, but I still think they turned out cool. Imagine what I'll be capable of once I actually take some classes to learn how to use my camera.

L.A.M.B. Stripes

Tank and Blouse-Target, Blazer-JCrew, Pants-LAMB, Shoes-Target, Necklaces-Tiffany & Co, Target,
Bracelets-Nomination, gift, Rings- NY&Co, Watch, Michele

These are my "I'm going to kick some ass" pants. I love them, but they are a bit loud to wear to work. The way I was feeling, I didn't really care. We had been dealing with a major issue all week that was requiring all hands on deck.  The day I wore these pants, it boosted my confidence and we were able to resolve what we needed. Do you have an outfit you put on when you need that extra boost of confidence?

I want to say thank you to all my friends and family who were there for me last week. It was rough going at times, but you were so thoughtful and supportive. THANK YOU! The weekend turned out to be extremely therapeutic. Tears were still shed, but I can now talk about Riley without completely losing it. It was good to get out and be social, as hard as it was.Hope your weekend was just as good. Happy Monday!

Riley Roo I love you!

Warning....this is a sad post. It was the only way I could deal with my sadness this evening. We unexpectedly had to put my baby girl Riley down tonight. When I got home from work she was skiddish, lethargic and having a hard time breathing. I took her to the Vet ER immediately, spent 2.5 hours there while they ran every test only to be told she needed a specialist at the U. She had fluid around her heart and they couldn't tell if it was a tumor or not. When we left the ER to take her to the U, she walked outside away from the car and just laid in the grass. She looked up at me with such sad eyes that seemed to say she was done with this and wanted to just lay down and go to sleep. It literally broke my heart. We were able to coax her into the car and then we sped across town to the University. She could barely get out of the car. Once we got in the doors, she just laid down and wouldn't move. They had to lift her up into a wagon to bring her to the back to be examined. They called in a cardiologist, who then confirmed my worst fears...it was a tumor that ruptured and there wasn't much more they could do for her. She was in pain and I couldn't take those beautiful eyes looking up at me with such sadness.  Ramesh and I said our good byes while she laid calmly on the gurney. I could tell she didn't want to fight anymore and knew it was her time to go-even if I wasn't ready. This was by the far the most painful thing I have ever had to do. I've only had her a few years, but she was my baby girl and I loved her with all my heart. I haven't stopped crying yet. I am lucky to have had this time with her and I know she had a great, full life. I am also fortunate enough to have another wonderful dog at home that I love just as much, but it still doesn't fill the void that is left by my sweet sweet Riley Roo. RIP Riley. We miss you so so much and will never, ever forget you!

Fatigued Animal

Shirt-Store in Maui, Skirt-BCBG, Sweater-Target, Belt-Target, Shoes-DV Dolce Vita, Bracelets-Gifts,
Juicy Couture, Maui, Watch-Coach, Necklace-EmersonMade, Earrings-Limited

Monday came way too quickly. My blog post title is both describing my outfit and my state of mind at this point. I could have really used a weekend from my weekend. Don't get me wrong, I had a great weekend. But getting up today was BRUTAL. Top that off with meetings back to back all day (I didn't even have time to eat lunch) and then finally leaving the office at 5:45 only to come home to finish what I didn't accomplish at work. UGH. Someone pass me a bottle of wine stat!  I'm glad I'm taking Friday off this week, if only to sleep in. Ha! Why are Monday's so bad? I think it should be mandatory 3 day weekends with Mondays off. But then would Tuesday's become the new Monday? Hmmm things to ponder as I try to get myself to bed early.

Father's Day {Card Post}

Happy Father's Day! I got to spend some quality time with my dad today. We grilled at our place and then hung out in the back yard for the afternoon. It was a great way to spend the day. Hope you all had a great Father's day too!

Materials:

Paper: Royal Velvet (PTI), Pacific Vineyard (PTI), Stampers Select White (PTI)

Stamps: Enjoy the Ride (PTI), Wonderful Words Additions (PTI), Framed (PTI)

Ink: Versa Mark, Frost White (Colorbox), Night Sky (VersaMagic)

Other: Enjoy the Ride Die (PTI), Wonderful Words Die (PTI), White Embossing Powder (Filagree), Navy Ribbon (Joann's)

June gloom

Blouse-Banana Republic, Sweater-Banana Republic, Pants-JCrew, Shoes-Seychelles, Scarf-Target, Necklaces-Target, Watch-Coach, Bracelets-Local, Gifts, Earrings-Limited

Who knew MN could experience June Gloom-I'm only used to it in CA. It's been overcast and rainy most of the week, which is putting a damper on enjoying time outside. I hope this blows over by tomorrow. We're having a going away party for our friend Jessica and plan to do some grilling. She's moving to NYC in July and this is her big sendoff. I'm super excited for this new adventure in her life. Then we have Father's Day on Sunday and plan to do some grilling with my dad. Do you have big plans for the weekend? What are you doing for Father's Day?

Card Post {Anniversary Card}

I'm a bit late sharing the card I made Ramesh for our one year anniversary celebration. I'm not a sappy card person, so I decided to make him a simple card using the same theme as the invites I made for our wedding (you can see those here). It was simple, to the point, and let him know exactly how I feel.

Materials:
Paper: SF White (Papersource), Black and White Paisley (Papersource), Black (Papersource), New Leaf (Papertrey Ink)
Stamps:Wonderful Words Additions (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento)
Other: Bigz Top Note Die (Stampin'Up), Wonderful Words Die (Papertrey Ink)

Backyard Shenanigans

Blouse-JCrew, Sweater-Limited, Vest-JCrew, Jeans-JCrew, Shoes-Born, Scarf-Target, Necklace-EmersonMade, Earrings-F21, Bracelets-Gifts, Local, Watch-Coach

Yesterday I shared with you that we spent the weekend in the backyard and how much I loved it at night, so I thought I'd share a few photos from the evening. Ramesh cooked coconut curry shrimp (his specialty) and chicken and we had a few friends over. The champagne was flowing and the conversation was hilarious -note the promotion of organic tomatoes...don't ask. I love summer in MN. It's the best time of the year. It could have been a tad warmer, but I'm not complaining...after all it was too hot to handle earlier in the week.

Lilacs

Dress-Ralph Lauren, Tank-Target, Shoes-Born, Necklace-EmersonMade,
Earrings-F21, Bracelets-Local, Maui, gifts, Bag-EmersonMade, Flower pin-H&M

 
Last weekend we worked on the backyard, and I went to town digging up flower beds and planting pots. When all was said and done, I still felt like the backyard needed something.  That something turned out to be a dwarf lilac tree. I love the smell of lilacs in the spring, and now I'll be able to enjoy them in my own back yard.  We had friends over this weekend and it was just divine hanging out back there. I hung soft white bulbs along the fence for mood lighting and everything looked beautiful. This is going to be the summer of the backyard, I can just tell. On a side note- my hair is looks like this because it was 103 degrees out and I couldn't take blow drying it that am! Not to mention I'm in dire need of a color...off to go make that appointment now. While I'm at it, may need a trim too.