yay it's summer!

It's been a minute since I posted but wanted to give it a go again. It has been an amazingly nice summer so far. Kicked it off with a wonderful trip to Nice, Aix-en-Provence, Paris and Dublin. Each city was so cool and amazing in its own little way. Can't wait to start planning my next Europe trip. Here are some pics from France:

New stuff

Okay, here are some IRL pics of some items I picked up from J Crew and Gap recently. I think the anchor skirt is a keeper and I love the chicken sweater. Gap blazer--meh.

J Crew anchor skirt,  J Crew chicken sweater

Mixing skirt up with polka dots

 

Gap piped blazer--I think this is going back--don't love it and I don't see it as a versatile piece. 

Late summer wish list

I have strangely been uninspired fashion wise the past couple of months. However, I think my groove is back---found a bunch of cute items that I 'm thinking of pulling the trigger on. Here are a few from J Crew that I like:

Also, in Philadelphia, I spotted a Burberry bag that I LOVED. It's strange as I've never really been attracted to the typical Burberry plaid but the details and style of the bag were gorgeous. Here's a pic:

I love the bowling style and the fact that you can use the double handles or wear it cross-body style with the longer strap. 

Finally, it was my 10 year anniversary yesterday! Kind of can't believe it---been some rough patches but he still makes me laugh every single day. 

2002--day after we got married

race we did in 2009

More recent pic

Early mid-life crisis?

Wow, it's been quite some time. This topic has been on my mind for months but wasn't exactly sure how to approach or discuss it. I think I have definitely experiences some form of "is this it?" mid-life crisis the past year or so. When I turned 25 and 30, I did not relate at all to others who felt like they needed to be married, with kids, further along in life, etc. I pretty much felt the same and approached these birthdays in an easygoing manner. However, the past year has been an upheaval. From having major doubts about my marriage, whether to have children, to generally being happy in life, I have been questioning every aspect of my life. I also finally took the advice of others to talk to a therapist; it was somewhat helpful, but not the end all solution by any means.
I made some overarching changes to my  life but even those did not really give me a sense of completeness or resolution. I am feeling better in general but, I'm wondering, has anyone else felt this so intensely? Also, I realize that I have a job, my health, wonderful friends and a loving partner so I have absolutely nothing to complain about or be unhappy with. If you have felt it, how did you get over it? How did you really figure out what you want out of life?
It's not exactly happy hour conversation and I've been afraid to bring it up with work friends or even really close friends. I would love to hear some feedback.

I'm back....

It has been way too long but this year has been crazy to say the least. Summer is here though so I am determined to blog more regularly. Have several goodies in the mail on the way and will post pics when they arrive. Until then, here are some of my new favorite post secrets. 

 

 

 

 

Birthday time!

Tonight, I'm headed to Manhattan to celebrate my deal friend Sara's birthday. We are starting at Flute Bar, a champagne place and then headed to a comedy show. I am beyond excited. How do you like to celebrate your birthday or friends' birthdays?  It is nice to have a quiet dinner with significant other or best friend but it is also so fun to really go all out and celebrate with a bang.
As far as gifts, how do you decide? I have made it my personal goal to not do gift cards at all for anyone for birthdays. I really have been trying to find something that suits them and tailored to their personal preferences.....but it's hard! I do find it fun though looking for the perfect gift for that special someone.
What are your weekend plans?

Wsup skanks

I have been in such a non-inspired blogging mood the past month but a friend keeps pestering me so here goes. Another blogger has this very cute "fill-in-blank Friday" post on her blog so I copied this from her.

1.   My current obsession is    everything from ZARA, stripes and sweaters with expressions in French. 

2.    Friends   make me happy.

3.  My greatest strength is  the ability to buck up and get stuff done and deal with life when perhaps things may get rough  .

4.    My tendency to focus on the negative   is my greatest weakness.

5.  My life is  good and a work in progress. When I feel like I have got this thing figured out, I go and surprise myself by how little I actually know. 

6.  In high school I was    a kid who had a toe in many group ponds. At times, I ran with a fast crowd,cool crowd,  nerdy crowd, weird-o crowd, jocks, etc. I think it gave me an appreciation for having a diverse set of friends. 

7.  When I'm super tired , I find simple things ridiculously funny.