Ugh.... I have been M.I.A. the past couple of days, because I am home sick. Boo! I am hoping to be back at it tomorrow, so will be sure to pick up with Friday Favorites as planned. My apologies for the lack of blogging this week!
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
My Name is Ali, and I Am An Online Shopping Addict
I wish there were some humor behind the title of this post, but, sadly, this has become a bit of a reality for me as of late. Mostly, I blame it on my friends and husband. Without their influences, I would have never signed up for any of the following: Rue La La, Gilt, Ideeli, Haute Look, ShoeDazzle, Jewel Mint - I think that is all of them.... If I am being entirely honest, I should probably throw Express, Urban Outfitters and Victoria's Secret on that list as well, but only when they are having good sales! See how I attempt to justify my actions? Peer pressure....I am far too sensitive.
I am most definitely a repeat offender on Rue La La and Ideeli. I feel I get the most bang for my buck on these two websites and they really provide, in my opinion, an array of options and price points for my personal style. From funky clothes, handbags, jewelry and shoes to classic looks for work and business meetings, these two really capture nearly everything I am looking for in an online shopping resource.
Whereas Gilt is more so used for my husband and brother when I am looking for gifts. I feel like this one has great male options, but not as great of female buys. Of course, a great find comes up here and there, but for the most part this one is under utilized on a personal level. Still a great resource, but not my top choice.
ShoeDazzle is a recently discovered diamond in the rough. They just got rid of their monthly membership policy and now everything is accessible for free. When I got wind of that, I signed up no questions asked. I recently purchased two pairs of shoes and I am - in general - satisfied with what I bought. My only comment would be on the overall quality of the shoes. They are a little bit shittier than what I would have expected from Kim Kardashian, but for $39.99 I really should have no complaints whatsoever. You get what you pay for, and this is a great resource for cheap, fun looks that leave you with plenty of money in your wallet to purchase something nicer in the future. A "quick fix" would be the best way to describe ShoeDazzle for my personal use.
...this somehow turned into a review of deal websites and that was not my intent. You can see how they all hold a specific purpose though, right? I digress....
As great as these outlets are to have on hand, I have completely fallen victim to their sole purpose - create and establish a newly discoveredneed want as the shopper reviews the available sales from one day to the next. Then, when the realization that I am able to afford these incredible deals that are being offered without blowing my monthly budgets, I suddenly have five new items in my cart and ready for checkout. I am able to fuel my love for fashion as the daily deals allow me to broaden my own unique style, all the while keeping up with the latest trends and landing great designer buys for next to nothing. Simply put, I. GET. PLAYED.
I feel it is worth mentioning that I have 0% credit card debt and would NEVER live beyond my means. Having said that, I am now downgrading this to more of a hobby rather than an addiction, really(spoken like a true addict). But just as with any hobby, if it is something you enjoy and it is taken away from you, or you are placed on a restricted practice without notice, you go through a bit of withdrawal. Which brings me to today... My husband has given me the challenge of not spending any money on clothes, handbags, shoes, jewelry, etc. from now until after we return from our 4th of July trip on July 7th. NOTHING.
Is it just my own paranoia and fear of blowing it or does that seem like an extremely long time?!
I have no doubt in my mind that I am capable of successfully executing this task, but as I see the daily emails and alerts for the sales on all of these various deal websites passing me by, I am wondering if it is truly worth it? I am pretty stubborn, so there is always motivation there, but mostly my motivation is stemming from the fact that I have no more available hangers in my closet to accompany any new purchases at this time. And I am pretty low on available space for any shoes as well, so there is also that.
So what will I have learned from this little exercise when all is said and done? While I am fully aware of and can appreciate the practice of savings, I have also learned that now is the time to clean out my closet, donate to Goodwill and/or Salvation Army and create some change....and available hangers....and space for growth....both figuratively and literally!
I am most definitely a repeat offender on Rue La La and Ideeli. I feel I get the most bang for my buck on these two websites and they really provide, in my opinion, an array of options and price points for my personal style. From funky clothes, handbags, jewelry and shoes to classic looks for work and business meetings, these two really capture nearly everything I am looking for in an online shopping resource.
Whereas Gilt is more so used for my husband and brother when I am looking for gifts. I feel like this one has great male options, but not as great of female buys. Of course, a great find comes up here and there, but for the most part this one is under utilized on a personal level. Still a great resource, but not my top choice.
ShoeDazzle is a recently discovered diamond in the rough. They just got rid of their monthly membership policy and now everything is accessible for free. When I got wind of that, I signed up no questions asked. I recently purchased two pairs of shoes and I am - in general - satisfied with what I bought. My only comment would be on the overall quality of the shoes. They are a little bit shittier than what I would have expected from Kim Kardashian, but for $39.99 I really should have no complaints whatsoever. You get what you pay for, and this is a great resource for cheap, fun looks that leave you with plenty of money in your wallet to purchase something nicer in the future. A "quick fix" would be the best way to describe ShoeDazzle for my personal use.
...this somehow turned into a review of deal websites and that was not my intent. You can see how they all hold a specific purpose though, right? I digress....
As great as these outlets are to have on hand, I have completely fallen victim to their sole purpose - create and establish a newly discovered
I feel it is worth mentioning that I have 0% credit card debt and would NEVER live beyond my means. Having said that, I am now downgrading this to more of a hobby rather than an addiction, really
Is it just my own paranoia and fear of blowing it or does that seem like an extremely long time?!
I have no doubt in my mind that I am capable of successfully executing this task, but as I see the daily emails and alerts for the sales on all of these various deal websites passing me by, I am wondering if it is truly worth it? I am pretty stubborn, so there is always motivation there, but mostly my motivation is stemming from the fact that I have no more available hangers in my closet to accompany any new purchases at this time. And I am pretty low on available space for any shoes as well, so there is also that.
So what will I have learned from this little exercise when all is said and done? While I am fully aware of and can appreciate the practice of savings, I have also learned that now is the time to clean out my closet, donate to Goodwill and/or Salvation Army and create some change....and available hangers....and space for growth....both figuratively and literally!
Happy {Belated} Memorial Day!
I hope everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day yesterday! While the BBQs and relaxation time were great, I hope we all remembered the significance of the day and took some time out to give thanks to the men and women of our armed forces - and paid tribute to those who have fallen. For keeping us safe and preserving our freedom, we salute you!
Friday, May 25, 2012
Friday Favorites
It is so funny, I can tell the past couple of weeks have been pretty busy at work, because I am totally slacking a bit on the blog posts! I went from daily coverage to every other day or so. I am sorry! I admit, I have felt pretty guilty about it too. I guess it is refreshing to know that I am holding myself accountable, right?! Here's to the start of a great weekend with Friday Favorites:
WeddingsReceptions - Two of our dear friends are getting hitched this weekend and we are so excited! The wedding is here in Chicago and the weather is supposed to be beautiful. Hot, but gorgeous. We will take it! I am so very thrilled for them, but I also cannot wait until the reception to take full advantage of the open bar and display my latest and greatest moves on the dance floor!
- Running - Finally! I am back into gear...I think. I started training for the Half this week and I am feeling good. I have taken a little break from weight training to get back into running mode and so far it has been a success! Now I need to start sprinkling strength sessions back into the routine...soon enough!
- "Non-Holiday" Holiday Weekends - I love holiday weekends where you are able to just stay home and relax, having no obligation to travel like Thanksgiving or Christmas. I realize that sounds horrible and heartless, it was not meant to. I love my family, but my husband and I are so on the go with work and travel for work, it is nice to be able to sit back and relax every once in awhile!
- Aloe Vera - Last weekend my husband and I went on a very lengthy bike ride along some trails while we were in St. Louis. 25 miles later, turns out I had not applied the appropriate amount of sunscreen and had sustained a bit of a sunburn on my back and arms. The worst part? My hands! The top of my hands were fried from where I had been gripping the handle bar.
- Rescue Me - This was one of my favorite shows a few years back. I somehow found myself behind a couple of seasons though and it was next up on our Netflix que this week. I did not realize how much I missed it!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Marathoner In Training
OK....maybe just a half marathoner, but it still counts! Seriously, where has 2012 gone? I signed up for a half marathon as an attempt to jump start my motivation in getting toned up for spring, and I realized yesterday it is only 9 weeks away. Oops! Looks like I better start training....
The good news is that I actually really enjoy running. The even better news is that I am actually a pretty decent runner - especially long distance. The best news is that I already have a half marathon, quite a few 10 & 15K's and a triathlon under my belt - so I know exactly what I have gotten myself into. The bad news? The bad news is that I have allowed myself to get incredibly out of shape over the winter.
OK, I may be exaggerating a little as to exactly how out of shape I am. I could go out and run 5 miles right now if I had to, but it would not be fun. I somehow managed to get myself into ridiculous shape for a triathlon back in 2010 and that work ethic carried over through our wedding in June last year. After the wedding? Well....after I got used to the relaxation on the honeymoon, lets just say I was not as into working out all the time and I started cutting back. Then winter hit and it was all down hill from there - 5 days a week turned into 3 days a week and here we are....
I dove right into a training program this morning though and now I am ready to rock. I tend to be pretty disciplined when it comes to training for races or events like this. It helps keep my head clear, my stress levels down and it provides an end goal that I push myself to achieve. I suppose I can chalk all of this up to a childhood filled of competitive swimming - endless 2 a day practices, dry land work, etc. Any way you slice it, for whatever reason a focused training regimen always comes naturally for me. I am super competitive too, so that never hurts on race day to keep the adrenaline pumping.
I always like to start the race well behind what my pace group should be (they normally will have pace groups with signs to follow in order to stay on pace to meet certain times), that way no one will pass me and I can work my way up from behind. I did this during my first half marathon and it worked out well. So well, in fact, that I did not even turn on my iPod throughout the entire race! I was so focused on weaving in and out of people that I barely even noticed I had no music until I had practically finished the race.
It is such a great feeling when you are competing like this and you are feeling good. No cramps, no feeling of death, nothing. You have trained properly and are fully prepared to kick ass. I only hope 9 weeks is enough time for me to get back to that place....fingers crossed!
The good news is that I actually really enjoy running. The even better news is that I am actually a pretty decent runner - especially long distance. The best news is that I already have a half marathon, quite a few 10 & 15K's and a triathlon under my belt - so I know exactly what I have gotten myself into. The bad news? The bad news is that I have allowed myself to get incredibly out of shape over the winter.
OK, I may be exaggerating a little as to exactly how out of shape I am. I could go out and run 5 miles right now if I had to, but it would not be fun. I somehow managed to get myself into ridiculous shape for a triathlon back in 2010 and that work ethic carried over through our wedding in June last year. After the wedding? Well....after I got used to the relaxation on the honeymoon, lets just say I was not as into working out all the time and I started cutting back. Then winter hit and it was all down hill from there - 5 days a week turned into 3 days a week and here we are....
I dove right into a training program this morning though and now I am ready to rock. I tend to be pretty disciplined when it comes to training for races or events like this. It helps keep my head clear, my stress levels down and it provides an end goal that I push myself to achieve. I suppose I can chalk all of this up to a childhood filled of competitive swimming - endless 2 a day practices, dry land work, etc. Any way you slice it, for whatever reason a focused training regimen always comes naturally for me. I am super competitive too, so that never hurts on race day to keep the adrenaline pumping.
I always like to start the race well behind what my pace group should be (they normally will have pace groups with signs to follow in order to stay on pace to meet certain times), that way no one will pass me and I can work my way up from behind. I did this during my first half marathon and it worked out well. So well, in fact, that I did not even turn on my iPod throughout the entire race! I was so focused on weaving in and out of people that I barely even noticed I had no music until I had practically finished the race.
It is such a great feeling when you are competing like this and you are feeling good. No cramps, no feeling of death, nothing. You have trained properly and are fully prepared to kick ass. I only hope 9 weeks is enough time for me to get back to that place....fingers crossed!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Fearful Flyer
I hate the airport. I hate airplanes. I pretty much hate anything that has to do with the overall flying experience, to be honest. Except, of course, the only silver lining being that you get to where you are going in no time flat. I am always beyond thrilled when the wheels of the plane hit the ground, bringing me (safely) to my destination, but then again, there is always the uneasiness of having to do it all over again that sets in shortly thereafter....
Last night, I had a very short return flight from St. Louis. This is legit no more than a 50 minute flight from gate to gate, tops. This should have been the easiest of travel experiences....
{enter thunderstorms}
It should be noted that I am always on edge when flying, so I suppose you should take what I say with a grain of salt. I am not so overly paranoid that anyone would be able to notice, but I am pretty much on the verge of an anxiety attack throughout the duration of the flight - specifically take off. I just feel like we are not supposed to be up there. I know it is insane, but it is just one of those things that has no real explanation. Everyone has their fears, this one is definitely mine.
I have a set protocol that I must follow for every flight: lucky orange underwear, I wear every piece of jewelry that my husband has ever given me (who knows?!), I have to have a window seat - either on the wing or as close to it as possible (right in front of an exit row is my preference), I always order a water when the flight attendant takes drink orders (unless it is a special occasion and a cocktailor two is often involved) and I always pay close attention to the safety presentation/video prior to take off. In fact, it actually really bothers me when people talk and do not pay attention during this routine formality - and it is almost always the asshole sitting in the exit row who is clearly not going to be capable of getting all of us off the plane in the event of a water evacuation! Typical.
However, I have discovered that when I am fully informed of what is happening around me, I can always deal with the excessive turbulence, the sudden changes in speed and/or altitude, the various unexplained noises, etc. All because I know exactly what it is and what is causing it. Perfect example: United allows you to listen to air traffic control - I absolutely love this! I will listen to them throughout the entire flight if I can, knowing exactly when we have requested to ascend or descend and the reasons why. It is when I know nothing, and when something is clearly not right, that panic ensues.
Last night's flight was off to a terrible start from the get go. We were on the plane, ready to leave, when they shut down the airport runways due to lightning within a 3 mile radius. This was fine, I was fully informed and knew exactly what was causing the delay; however, when the lightning became visible and they allowed us onto the runway for take off, I was more than a little confused. We were unable to take off previously due to lightning within 3 miles around us, but when it was directly overhead this was deemed safe enough for a giant metal object to project itself directly into the electrical outlet? Brilliant.
Take off was bumpy, but we were told this would be the case. This was all to be expected given the weather conditions, but I made sure to be on constant watch as we entered the lightning filled clouds that surrounded us. If I am going to get electrocuted, I at least deserve to see how it plays out! We were advised that we would be heading a little further west than originally planned and would then loop back around to Chicago to avoid the storms, but it would likely be a bumpy ride. Perfect, bumps and everyone is aware of the situation - no reason to be alarmed. So once we hit 10,000 feet, I turned on my iPad and started reading as I bounced around in my seat....as planned.
About 5 minutes later, a loud *THUD* was heard (and felt). This would not have bothered me had it happened while hittingturbulence a bump in the road, but this happened when nothing was going on. Immediately, my mind started reacting, attempting to process what had just happened. Did we get struck by lightning? Did the engine drop? WTF?! I took a look around at the others on the flight to see if they, too, were concerned - this is a tactic I often use to calm myself if I feel like something is going wrong. Before I could analyze the expressions of my comrades, the pilot came across the speaker and said, "Guys, we are pulling a Jasmine (I swear this is what it sounded like, I have no idea if this is the actual word he used). Everybody just sit down and stay in your seats until we get to Chicago. Flight attendants, you too, just sit down and stay in your seats. Don't worry, we will still get you there on time." Right away, we increased speed tremendously and - I swear to you - I have never travelled this quickly in a plane before.
Sure enough, we landed right on time. Bumpy as all hell the whole descent as we made our way through the lightning and rain, but we made it there on time nonetheless. Bravo! I am most pleased that the main concern wasour safety that we arrive on time, and that our pilot made the executive decision to give air traffic control a big F you rather than flying around the electrical storms. Now....can someone please tell me what the hell happened?!
Last night, I had a very short return flight from St. Louis. This is legit no more than a 50 minute flight from gate to gate, tops. This should have been the easiest of travel experiences....
{enter thunderstorms}
It should be noted that I am always on edge when flying, so I suppose you should take what I say with a grain of salt. I am not so overly paranoid that anyone would be able to notice, but I am pretty much on the verge of an anxiety attack throughout the duration of the flight - specifically take off. I just feel like we are not supposed to be up there. I know it is insane, but it is just one of those things that has no real explanation. Everyone has their fears, this one is definitely mine.
I have a set protocol that I must follow for every flight: lucky orange underwear, I wear every piece of jewelry that my husband has ever given me (who knows?!), I have to have a window seat - either on the wing or as close to it as possible (right in front of an exit row is my preference), I always order a water when the flight attendant takes drink orders (unless it is a special occasion and a cocktail
However, I have discovered that when I am fully informed of what is happening around me, I can always deal with the excessive turbulence, the sudden changes in speed and/or altitude, the various unexplained noises, etc. All because I know exactly what it is and what is causing it. Perfect example: United allows you to listen to air traffic control - I absolutely love this! I will listen to them throughout the entire flight if I can, knowing exactly when we have requested to ascend or descend and the reasons why. It is when I know nothing, and when something is clearly not right, that panic ensues.
Last night's flight was off to a terrible start from the get go. We were on the plane, ready to leave, when they shut down the airport runways due to lightning within a 3 mile radius. This was fine, I was fully informed and knew exactly what was causing the delay; however, when the lightning became visible and they allowed us onto the runway for take off, I was more than a little confused. We were unable to take off previously due to lightning within 3 miles around us, but when it was directly overhead this was deemed safe enough for a giant metal object to project itself directly into the electrical outlet? Brilliant.
Take off was bumpy, but we were told this would be the case. This was all to be expected given the weather conditions, but I made sure to be on constant watch as we entered the lightning filled clouds that surrounded us. If I am going to get electrocuted, I at least deserve to see how it plays out! We were advised that we would be heading a little further west than originally planned and would then loop back around to Chicago to avoid the storms, but it would likely be a bumpy ride. Perfect, bumps and everyone is aware of the situation - no reason to be alarmed. So once we hit 10,000 feet, I turned on my iPad and started reading as I bounced around in my seat....as planned.
About 5 minutes later, a loud *THUD* was heard (and felt). This would not have bothered me had it happened while hitting
Sure enough, we landed right on time. Bumpy as all hell the whole descent as we made our way through the lightning and rain, but we made it there on time nonetheless. Bravo! I am most pleased that the main concern was
Friday, May 18, 2012
Friday Favorites
Floral Print - I bought the cutest pair of floral print sandals from ideeli. I was always so anti-flowers anything, but I am digging this trend when done right - meaning, a little goes a long way!
In-Laws - I could not ask for better in-laws. I am so very lucky that my husband's family is so much like my own. This weekend we are in St. Louis celebrating my mother-in-law's retirement with the whole fam!
Pools - There is nothing better than having access to your own, private pool on a scorching hot day.
Fridays Off - 3-day weekend, need I say more?
The Suburbs - There is something to be said about being able to sit on a very large porch, drinking and listening to a symphony of frogs croaking. A nice change of pace from our city way of living, for sure.
Happy Friday!
In-Laws - I could not ask for better in-laws. I am so very lucky that my husband's family is so much like my own. This weekend we are in St. Louis celebrating my mother-in-law's retirement with the whole fam!
Pools - There is nothing better than having access to your own, private pool on a scorching hot day.
Fridays Off - 3-day weekend, need I say more?
The Suburbs - There is something to be said about being able to sit on a very large porch, drinking and listening to a symphony of frogs croaking. A nice change of pace from our city way of living, for sure.
Happy Friday!
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