White Elephant Gifts

1. Sharknado DVD $10, 2. Moose Drink Cozie $16, 3. Toilet Bowl Coffee Mug $10, 4. Like/Dislike Facebook Stamps $10, 5. Handerpants $5, 6. Soap shaped like food $7, 7.  Thumb Wrestling Ring, $7

I love white elephant parties. And, to be clear, I mean the gift exchange parties where people bring the most asinine gifts. Definitely not those gifts that people can actually use. If you are looking for some pretty awesome and totally useless gifts, ThisIsWhyImBroke.com and Amazon are going to be your best bet. You can find just about anything your weird imagination can dream up.

What is the best White Elephant gift you have received or given?

Gifts for the Beauty Queen

1. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette $50 / 2. Chi Orbit 3 in 1 Tourmaline Ceramic Curler $100 / 3. Clarisonic Mia Cleansing Device $100 / 4. Sally Hansen Salon Pro Gel Nail Colors $10 / 5. GlamGlow Gift Sexy Set $70 / 6. Beauty Blender Makeup Sponge and Blender Cleanser $25 / 7. Channel Ultra Wear Lip Colour in Light Rose $35 / 8. Forever 21 Makeup Bag $10

I am fairly certain that any girl in your life has a little beauty queen in them. They may not do their makeup or hair every day (I'm guilty of that), but most women do care about their appearances. And it is always really nice to get a friend a little luxury that they may not get themselves. Take for instance, the Naked Palette and the Channel lip gloss. Both are purchases I was hesitant with at first because of the price, but in the end they were definitely worth the extra bucks! I guarantee that both will become staples in any makeup routine. Plus, its nice to say you got someone something from Channel! The Beauty Blender and makeup bag are perfect for anyone and you don't even need to know anything about their makeup routine! For those looking to get that flawless complexion, then the Clarisonic or the GlamGlow will be right up their alley. I love giving nail polishes as a little stocking stuffer or just that something extra, and gel polishes are very popular right now. If you are willing to spend some extra money on your beauty queen, then the Chi 3-1 curling iron might be the perfect gift. It's currently on sale at Ulta, and I may just have to get one for myself!

What is the best beauty gift you have gotten?

My Black Friday Haul

Hey y'all! I'm back from beautiful Aruba. As much as I would rather be sitting on a warm, white sand beach right now reading my book, I am very happy to be home.

I will be sharing some pictures from our honeymoon with you soon, but today I wanted to share with you some of my Black Friday purchases! Just because I got home last night doesn't mean I didn't take MAJOR advantage of some sales. Come on, you should know me better by now.

My 1st Black Friday stop was Gap/Banana (all of my shopping was online, FYI). Gap had 50% of everything (now 40% off thru Sunday) and Banana Republic had 40% off everything (still offering 40% off thru Sunday). I couldn't help but pick up some Winter staples for both B and me.

Gap Moto Jacket / Gap Men's Slim Fit Jeans / BR Shimmer Vee / BR Fur Vest / BR Slim Fit Chinos

My 2nd Black Friday stop was at JCrew Factory. They are also offering up to 50% off everything until Tuesday, so I was able to snatch up some fun pieces for the holidays.

Tissue Turtleneck Tee / Sequined Mini / Cameo Chandelier Necklace

B also stopped by Amazon looking for some great deals on some gadgets. He didn't fine anything, but he did happen to notice some pretty amazing deals on Kindle ebooks. I bought a few books I have been meaning to read, each less than $7.50. Some of their best sellers are as low as $2.00!! Seriously, if you have a Kindle, this is a great time to stock up!

Catching Fire / The Book Thief / Killing Kennedy / Sycamore Row

Others you may want to check out: Gone Girl ($3.50), Divergent Book Series ($3.50 - $7.00), Inferno ($4.00), Game of Thrones Series (complete set $10.00)

The last early Christmas gift I got were new exercise shoes. I have had my old Reebok cross training shoes for a few years now, so they are pretty beat up. It was about time that I got a new pair. Reebok was offering their Crossfit Nano 2.0 shoes for $75 (orig. $110), which are perfect for my home workouts which are interval based.

Did you pick up anything good this Black Friday?

10 Pieces Every Woman Should Have by 30

I recently came across this post over on Who What Wear, and I decided to take my own inventory of how I am doing with this list. I have about a year and a half until I hit 30, so I have some time to complete any of the pieces I am missing.

1. A Trench Coat

I do own one trench coat, but it is green and I got it on sale at the Gap about 5 years ago, so I don't think that counts. One day, I would love to own a Burberry trench coat, but I doubt that day will be before I'm 30.

2. A Respectable Luggage Set

Thanks to our wedding registry, I do own a nice luggage set. Check that off the list! We registered for the DVF luggage, mainly because it is lightweight, yet durable, and it is not black or navy like all other luggage sets.

3. A Made-By-You Vintage T-Shirt

I have a ton of t-shirts left over from college. One of my favorites is the very first Baylor shirt I got while visiting campus as a senior in high school. But, my absolute favorite is a shirt that my dad wore when he was a student at Notre Dame, so it really is vintage. Unfortunately, I can't find it! I am sure it got tucked away during our last move, but I am going to be really upset if I lost it. 

4. A Gift To Yourself

Well, I have probably gotten myself lots of gifts over the years. I like to buy myself new purses or shoes for my birthday. But none of those things have been terribly expensive. Maybe for my 30th birthday I will get myself an extra special gift.

5. A Signature Accessory

I don't own or wear a lot of jewelry on a day to day basis. It was even a struggle at first to remember to put my engagement ring on after a shower. At this point in time, though, my signature accessory is the necklace that B got me on our first anniversary. It is the one thing, other than my wedding rings, that I wear every day.

6. A Go-To Interview Blazer

JCrew

I don't go on interviews very often, which I guess is a good thing. If I had to go on an interview tomorrow, I can't actually say that I have an interview blazer. The only "work suit" I own doesn't quite fit me anymore, so I should probably update my interview blazer.

7. Solitaire Diamond Earrings

Tiffany and Co

I know that B thought about getting me earrings as a wedding gift, but he didn't go through with it. (Don't worry, what he did end up getting me was even more awesome). Maybe the earrings will be gift I give myself on my 30th birthday. Kill two birds with one stone (or two)!

8. A Sexy Set of Lingerie
Well, this is none of your business. But I did just get married and have a lingerie shower, so you can jump to your own conclusions.


9. A Designer Wallet

Does a Kate Spade wallet count? If it doesn't then I choose this one. I'm not sure I would want to spend an arm and a leg for a wallet because mine get pretty beat up. Why spend $500 on something that is just going to get pen marks and lipstick stains all over it?

10. A Lipstick Shade the Suites You

I'm not a lipstick wearer, but I have recently found the best shade of lipstick for me. I love it! I bought it to wear for my wedding, and since then I have convinced 3 other people to buy the same shade, Rose. It's just universally flattering. And this Chanel lip gloss is pretty amazing. It stays on no matter how much eating, drinking, or kissing you do!

Can you think of any other pieces a woman should have before she turns 30? Or are there any listed above that you don't think are necessary?

Saturday Shopping

coat/ sweater/ bag/ jeans/ boots/ booties

About half way through the summer I start looking forward to Fall. I am sick of the heat and just want to be cuddled up in a big sweater with a cup of hot cocoa. I think wedding planning has distracted me from important things, like updating my wardrobe for the Fall (I hope you know I am being sarcastic...sort of), but I have finally gotten around to making my Fall wish list: light colored coat; a big, chunky sweater; a studded tote; coated jeans; over-the-knee boots; and booties.

Mad for Plaid

Jacket/ Shirt/ Scarf/ Pants/ Skirt/ Dress/ Shoes/ Bag

If floral was my go-to print for Spring and Summer, plaid will definitely be my go-to print for Fall and Winter. I am looking forward to dusting off my tartan JCrew shirt that I got last Winter as well as adding a couple new plaid items to my closet.

What is your go-to print for Fall?

Tory Burch Wish List

Let's be honest, Tory Burch is not a place I shop often (or ever...?), mainly because its a little pricey, but you know I can't pass up a good sale! And if I hadn't had just spent my entire life savings on the wedding I would really be tempted to pick up a little something for myself. So, if you want to give yourself a little something nice (you know you deserve it), you need to check out the Tory Burch Friends & Family sale for an extra 25% off!

If you need some ideas, scroll through some of my favorites!

Recreated Outfits

Pinterest is an amazing way to find inspiration, but one of my biggest pet peeves is when the pinned picture doesn't link back to the source. This is especially frustrating when it's a cute outfit and I can't find out where to buy what they are wearing. 



For instance, take these 3 outfits, so stinkin' cute, right? Well, too bad, because I can't find their outfit details anywhere. Lucky for me (and you, maybe), I like to brower-shop (aka window shop online) to relieve stress, and boy have I been stressed. So I spent a little time looking for the exact or similar pieces to make up these cute outfits.


White Leopard

Shirt: P.A.R.O.S.H, Skirt: Zara, Shoes: JCrew, Clutch: Claire Vivier, Sunglasses: Bond

I don't know why I never thought of pairing white and leopard together before, but it looks so chic. I love it. I will definitely be investing in a leopard print top this fall and pairing it with white cords and boots, or a white skirt like this one from Zara. 

Golden

Skirt: Zara, Blouse: LOFT, Shoes: Michael Kors, Bag: Ann Taylor

I have been drooling over this gold skirt for months. But where the heck do you wear a gold skirt? I love this look because it's almost work appopriate. Almost. You would have to work in the fashion or design industry to get away with this in the office. But, this would be a great look for a holiday party. And, boom! That is how I talk myself into a gold metallic skirt. Thankyouverymuch.

Leopard & Plaid

Jacket: Piperlime, Jeans: 7FAM, Booties: Calvin Klein, Bag: Valentino, Scarf: Gap

I have seen this outfit pop on Pinterest multiple times from different people. Again, why knew plaid and leopard would work together so well. I think it works because ultimately it's just an all black outfit with pops of color and pattern. I wouldn't mix a plaid skirt and leopard blouse. Or would I?

Would you wear any of these outfits this Fall? If so, which one? Are there any other outfits you have found on Pinterest that you love and can't find the pieces for it? I will have so much free time after October 11...I could find them for you. :)

Wedding Gifts

One of the best parts of the lead up to the wedding has been all the gifts we have been getting. Who knew plates and silverware could be so exciting? But seriously, we are running out of room for everything. First world problems, right?

But this post isn't about wedding gifts for us. That's boring. This post is about wedding gifts for the rest of the wedding party. Because if there is anything better than getting plates and silverware, it is giving jewelry and whiskey stones.  

Here are some of the ideas we have been throwing around for the ladies and gents in our wedding party. Since I know a couple of my bridesmaids read this, you may or may not be getting any of these items. ;)

jewelry/ makeup bag/ flip flops/ jewelry case/ monogrammed shirts

 

shirt/ socks/ cufflinks/ pocket monkey/ whiskey stones

Have you ever gotten a really great bridesmaid or groomsman gift? If so, what was it...I would love so more ideas!

Saturday Shopping

Thanks to this wonderful holiday we call Labor day, there are an abundance of sales this weekend. You know I can't say no to a good sale!

New sale items added to Nordstrom and Shop Bop.
40% off your entire purchase at Banana Republic using code BRWEEKEND.
Up to 40% off at Gap.
20% off everything at Asos with code Summer4Ever.
Extra 30% off sale at JCrew using code HELLO30.
40% to 50% off everything at JCrew Factory. 
Up to 30% off Tory Burch using code LABORDAY.
50% off all sale styles at ShoeMint.
30% off your entire purchase at Ann Taylor, and an extra 40% off sale items.
50% off select items and extra 50% off sale items at LOFT.
Extra 50% off sale items at Club Monaco.
20% off everything at Kendra Scott.

Splurge or Save

After a stroll through the mall this weekend, B told me he always finds shopping with me so entertaining because I, as he says, "have champagne tastes on beer money". For someone odd reason, I always gravitate towards the expensive things. Like my mom says, "we have good taste". Fortunately, I do have that rational side that prevents me from ever buying those expensive things. Before I do, I think to myself, "instead of this ONE pair of shoes, I could by TEN pairs!" So I have yet to ever drop a serious amount of money on any one item. 

But I still have champagne taste. So how can I fulfill that taste with beer money? While going through the mall this weekend, I actually found some awesome and inexpensive alternatives to some of the splurge items I wanted. 

AIRBRUSH MAKEUP

Dior Airflash Foundation/Sephora Airbrush Foundation

CAPTOE TRANSLUCENT SHOES

Christian Louboutin Un Bout/BCBGeneration Cynthia

ISSA DRESS

ISSA Twist Front Dress/Issa for Banana Republic Wrap Tie Dress

LEATHER BIKER JACKET

J.W. Anderson Leather Biker Jacket/H&M Imitation Leather Biker Jacket

TRIANGLE STATEMENT NECKLACE

Lulu Frost Galaxy Necklace/ Bauble Bar Warrior Triad Necklace 

One day I will own a splurge item. I will need to send that rational side on vacation for a while, though.

What is one item you are willing to splurge on?

Linking up with  Weekend Shenanigans, This Weekend I, The GFC Collective, Less Laundry More Linking, Share It Link Party, Taste of Tuesday, Google Friend Conect, The Pin It Party, Pinterest Power Party,  Style Sessions, Trend Spin Linkup, I Feel Pretty, What I Wore Wednesday, Random Wednesday, Wildcard Wednesday, Three-fer Thursday, Tucker Up, GYB Networking Party H54F, That Friday Blog Hop, #backthatazzup, 

Picnic at the Park

The weather actually cooperated with us this weekend and we were able to have a little picnic on Saturday like I had planned. We packed a lunch, rented a couple bikes and headed down to Freedom park where we settled in next to this pond. It was beautiful, albeit a little warm, and there were hardly any people around. We loved just being able to sit and relax outside.

1. Friday night, B and I stayed in and made another pizza. This weekend it was BBQ chicken inspired by Amie. :)

2. We have been taking advantage of the nice evening weather and taking walks around town. 

3. Saturday morning I made a trip to the grocery store for some food for our picnic and found the most amazing coffee creamer: Somoa Girl Scout Cookie flavor (caramel and coconut). Sunday I went back and got the Thin Mint flavor.

4. Charlotte, like some other big cities, has bikes to rent that you can just pick up and drop off at any designated bike rack around town. We are lucky enough to have one right by our apartment so we picked up some bikes and rode to the park. 

5. B found us a picnic table right by the pond where we had a great view (above) where we enjoyed our paninis, carrots, and dessert.

6. The real reason I dragged B out to the park was get some wedding stuff done. We came up with a pretty good to-do list and timeline to get everything done.

7. I ran to the mall to check out some sales, and I found a beautiful green silk skirt at Ann Taylor for $19 when it was $118. Pretty stoked about that purchase. 

8. Sunday after church B and I grabbed a healthy brunch: egg white and veggie omelet with fruit and toast.

9. Sunday marked our official "2 months til the wedding" panic excitement!


How was your weekend?

Linking up with Weekend Shenanigans, This Weekend I, The GFC Collective

 

Shopping Saturday

I don't need to be doing any shopping these days. With the wedding right around the corner and all of our money going out the door, I think I can live with what I have.

BUT

If I someone were to force me to go shopping, I've picked out a few of my recent favorites for heading into the fall season. You might notice a trend: leather. Or faux leather.

1. Asos Leather Peplum Top
2. Club Monaco Moto Jacket
3. Viv Vegan Leather Mini Dress 
4. Frye Short Boots
5. BR Leather Mini Skirt


And if you, like me, accidentally find yourself at the mall this weekend, here are some sales you might want to check out:

50% off at LOFT
40% off at Ann Taylor, Club Monaco
35% off at Gap
30% off at Banana Republic
25% off BR's Issa Collection
20% off at Old Navy

Happy Shopping!!

I'm Back!

Hey kids! Have you missed me? Did you even realize that I was gone? If you did, I'm sorry I wasn't  around much the past week. My week in Dallas was pretty hectic, but I had a lot of fun. I got to meet one of my friend's new baby! And I had two bridal showers: one thrown by my boss and one by B's mom. I definitely felt loved!

But, needless to say, I am so happy to be back in Charlotte. I felt like I was gone for a lot longer than a week. B had a crazy week too, so we made sure this weekend was pretty low key, mainly just catching up on some chores, wedding stuff, and relaxing.

1. My flight on Friday was out of the brand new Terminal A at DFW...and let me tell you, it was nice!! It even had a Salt Lick, which is an amazing bbq restaurant based out of Austin! Of course I had to stop and grab lunch there. Diet be damned!

2. It felt really good to be back home in Charlotte and to see B. We were both so exhausted from the week we pretty much crashed as soon as we got back to the apartment.

3. There were, however, a stack of RSVPs and some wedding gifts waiting for me! Pretty exciting!!

4. Saturday, B and I escaped the torrential downpours and saw Despicable Me 3-D. It was cute, but I liked the first one more. So far this summer, the comedies we've seen rank as follows: 1)This is The End, 2)Despicable Me, 3)The Heat.

5. The movie theater was right next to a Nordstrom Rack (how convenient), so I popped in just to check out the goods. And I am so glad I did!! I found a Kate Spade purse I wanted to get myself last Christmas for over 50% off!! It was the only one left so I snatched it up and never let it go!

6. B and I made a stop at Costco to pick up some dinner: salad, chicken, and wine.

7. Sunday morning I went running for the first time in months!! It has either been to hot or too wet to go running this summer, but I really wanted to get outside. I pushed myself to do 4 miles, which isn't bad considering I haven't run since May.

8. I wore my new favorite dress and my new sandals (also a Nordstrom Rack purchase) to church.

9. B and I stopped at one of our favorite stores after lunch where B found a bear foot rest he apparently cannot live without. Never mind that it will definitely not go with anything in our apartment.

How was your weekend?? Did you see any fun movies?

To make up for my absence last week I have a lot of fun posts this week: a cookie recipe, and outfit, and a peek at our invitations! Be sure to check back!

Shopping!

Today is June 1st. Do you know what that means? I can go shopping!!!

After a moderately successful "no-shopping month", I am jumping right back into the saddle and hitting the mall today. Here are some somethings on my list...

Anyone else hitting the mall today?

Shopping Binge

May was my "no shopping" month. So, I have gone without buying anything new (with a few exceptions) for 22 days. Not like I am counting or anything. It has been hard enough, but I am not making it easy on myself, either. I have been trying to quench my shopping thirst by doing some browser shopping. Which, in retrospect, was a bad idea. Now I have about 18 things that I "need". And it seems like most of those things can be broken down into two categories: floral and white.

Blazer,  Sweater , Bikini, Earrings, Jeans, Skirt, Shorts

Top, Shorts, Jeans, Shirt, Shoes, Bag  

Best of all, none of these pieces are over $100!

Lord help me on June 1st. 


Linking up for I Feel Pretty, What I Wore Wednesday, Random Wednesday, Wildcard Wednesday, Trending Pretty

Non Wedding Dresses for the Bride

Who knew getting married required more than one dress? Not this girl, that's for sure. I mean, I guess I knew I would need some other outfits for pre-wedding events, but I have been so focused on THE wedding dress, I never thought about any others.

Now that we are about 6 months away, all those pre-wedding events are now right around the corner, beginning with the bridal showers. I will probably also need a dress for the bachelorette party, then the rehearsal dinner, and possibly even for the send-off or any post-wedding events.

Honestly, I will probably try limit my dress buying to two and wear them for multiple things, but it doesn't hurt to look at dress options for all four events, right?

For the Shower...
...I don't necessarily want to be limited to white dresses. I will be wearing plenty of white. I think a fun sun dress or shift dress will be perfect. I will definitely be keeping it conservative and preferably just above the knees. I don't want to give anyone a show when I am bending over to pick up or open gifts.

For the Bachelorette...
...I like the idea of wearing a white dress to set me apart as the "bride". Also, the bachelorette dress can be a little less conservative than any other dress I might wear since I will just be out with my friends.  

For the Rehearsal...
...almost any dress will work, depending on what the plans are for rehearsal dinner. Our rehearsal dinner is looking like it will be kind of formal, so I am looking for a dress that's a step up from a sun dress, but not as formal as a cocktail dress. Preferably in white.

For the Send-Off...
...I might just wear my wedding dress since we are not leaving for the honeymoon right after the wedding. But I do think we will be going out with our friends afterward, so I will NOT be wearing my wedding dress to the bars. I would, however, like to wear something bridal looking but something that will let me breathe!

How many non-wedding dresses did you end up wearing when you got married? Do you have a favorite dress?

Linking up for The Pin It Party, The Bloglovin Collective, Thursday Thoughts, Pinterest Power Party

To keep up with my non-wedding dress window shopping, you can follow my Window Shopping Pinterest board

Happy Feet

Philosophical question of the day: If a blogger has a great weekend, but there are no pictures to prove it, did it exist?

That is the predicament that I am in.

Ok, there are a few pictures.

Friday, (1) I might have gone a little overboard with the gold spikes for dinner. (2) A new restaurant opened up down the road from us, so we decided to check it out. (3)The weather was beautiful that night, so after dinner we went up to our rooftop patio with a glass of wine and the iPad to play some Scrabble. I know guys...it got a little crazy.

Saturday morning, my best friend came in town from San Francisco. We really only had one objective for the weekend: wedding shoe shopping. After a nice lunch, we hit the mall and got to straight to work.

1/2

My favorite shoes of the day were these Jimmy Choos. I mean...obviously. Who wouldn't love a pair of Jimmy Choos? No, I did not purchase them, but, man, it was nice to walk around in them for a while. I'm also loving these, these, and these for wedding shoe options. It was kind of amazing to be in the Neiman Marcus shoe department and see these women spend so much on shoes. One woman came up to me and said to me while I was wearing the pair on the left, "Are you getting those? They look so great on you and I need a pair to wear to a wedding. I think I am going to get them!" She hadn't even tried them on yet! Oy!

Sunday, despite drinking 3 bottles of wine between the 3 of us the night before, my friend and I got up and went for a run. We also walked all around town, grabbed some lunch, did some more shopping - basically wore ourselves out.

But then again, I don't have any pictures to prove it, so maybe it didn't happen.

Except for the shoes. The shoes DEFINITELY happened.

How was your weekend?

Linking up with Weekend Shenanigans, This Weekend I, The GFC Collective, Mingle Monday, I Heart Bloglovin

Guest Post: How to Feel Like a Runner

Today while I am in Dallas, I have Bri taking over for me! If you don't already follow Bri, run, don't walk over to her super cute blog!

She has an adorable new baby daughter, Ella, and like most new moms she was looking to shed some of that baby weight. This is when she turned to running. If you want to see how much running has transformed her body, check it out here! It's truly amazing! And even though she inspires me to run more often, apparently there is a trick to "faking it". And I am all for faking it until you make it!!

She has hair now... follow me on Instagram & I'll prove it!

Hello, I'm Bri Bliss & that little peanut I'm holding onto is my daughter, Ella. I blog over at Back to Bliss & I started blogging on New Year's Eve, as part of a resolution to keep better track of my life. (Or at least that's what I told my husband... I really just want to be the next Skinny Runner & a stay at home blogger.) New Year's was as good of a time as ever to get started and once I started, I just couldn't stop! Like I said, my blog was originally supposed to be about my day to day life as a mother, teacher, and runner. But somewhere along my journey, I decided that I just couldn't ignore my passion for fashion, and started posting my outfits weekly, along with my favorite things.

one of my most recent outfit posts... I can't get enough of colored jeans!

So now that you know a little bit about me & my blog... I'm going to share an epiphone that I had about running the other day. I only started running about 6 months ago. At that time, I could only run 2 minutes before walking. Less than 10 days from now, I'm running my first half marathon. I've come a long way, but I don't always feel like a runner. The other day though, I was about half way through my 7 mile run when I looked at my reflection in a store window as I passed. I hardly recognized myself, I looked like a real runner. That's when I realized the secret of running - fake it til you make it. If you look the part, you'll have confidence. So, I'm obviously headed out to buy more athletic apparel, so that I can keep looking the part. Here are a few things that I have my eye on right now...

1. Ruffles With Love Tank $24 - I own another version of this tank & it is so comfortable. When I saw that Vanessa is now offering this design, I just had to order it! Admit it, you didn't read those words, you immediately starting singing the song.

2. Run: Breeze By Skirt from Lululemon $74 - Yes, this skirt is expensive. But, I have one from Lulu and it is hands down my favorite. Mine is white, so I'd love to add this light pink version to my collection. Yes, I collect running skirts... I own 9 of them. Do not share that fact with my husband. 5 of them are black, so he can't tell the difference.

3. Gap Fit Breathe Striped Tank $17.99 - I actually already own this tank in another color, but I love it so much that I want this version too. It's incredibly soft, and it's long enough that it doesn't need to be pulled down every 5 seconds. (Real runners don't have to worry about wardrobe malfunctions.)

4. Under Armour Women's Coldblack Run Hat $24.99 - I've been really into my running hat lately, mainly because I can't stand running with sunglasses on. The key to a good running hat is making sure that it's made of moisture wicking fabric. That way, you won't have sweat rolling down your face on a sunny day and you can wear it to stay dry on a rainy day. Added bonus - if you're concerned about safety, this flourescent color will make sure you're highly visible!

see... the hat really makes me look serious

So now that you know the secret to my running success, what are you waiting for? Head to the mall, then get out there & fake it!

 Linking up with The Bloglovin Collective, and Thursday Thoughts

Table for One

This weekend I was all by my lonesome. B was off in Georgia for a bachelor party. Don't feel sorry for me, though, I took this opportunity to get some stuff done.

1. I made a long to-do list, and only accomplished half of it.
2. Saturday morning I got up and climbed to the top of the Duke Energy building for Race to the Top.
3. I climbed all 50 flights in 12 minutes. And let me tell you, that was harder than any run I have every done.
4. After the depressing week we had last week, I decide to spread some smiles through my Old Navy sweater.
5. I spent some quality time at the mall. I was only able to accomplish part of my shopping list.
6. I came home inspired to finally organize my closet. I pulled out a bunch of stuff I no longer wear and am selling those items on Poshmark.
7. Sunday, I spent some quality time in the kitchen. I made lemon scones, quinoa blueberry muffins, and portabello mushroom burgers.

How was your weekend?

Linking up with Weekend Shenanigans and This Weekend I