Date Night!

 We celebrated Jamie's new job! Sushi was our obvious choice..perfect choice. We had to order the angry birds roll. It was delicious. We felt nostalgic after dinner and stopped in Krispy Kreme (they still exist), and watched those famous doughnuts being made! It's amazing how you become mesmerized by repetitive machine tasks. We loved watching the doughnut rise, deep fry, glaze and get filled. I didn't eat any (for fear of a heart attack) but just watching made me feel satisfied. We love date night!

Enchanted

I'm enchanted with Ruche's new lookbook! Check it out! This is my favorite dress!

Gossip Girl

Jacket: Anthropologie, Sunglasses: UO, Necklace: SUUBI, Sweater: AE, Dress: Francesca's Collections, Tights: Target, Boots: UrbanOg

The other night at dance, some of the girls were having a little gossip session in the dressing room. Someone brought up a girl that used to be in their class...I am new so I have no clue who they are talking about. These girls are so sweet, but apparently this "ex-dancer" was just too much for them. After just a few moments Z said "we really shouldn't talk about her..this is not nice". A few more random comments were said and then everyone was quiet and agreed that we all needed to be nice.

Way to go, little Z, way to go!

Her simple words really changed the conversation and possibly even people's thoughts. I know I will certainly be more careful with my words from now on.

Freeze

Glasses: Cassette, Necklace: UO, Top: H&M, Pants: Aerie, Shoes: Blowfish

Today was so windy. It was not a fun day to take pictures, or be outside, or be outside without a coat. I did all three. Yikes. At least I have chicken chili simmering on the stove and the most beautiful pink yarn that knits so  smoothly and this little blog with a new background. Those things make up for my bitterness towards the weather. 

Birdie's

Scarf: Knit by my sister, Top: Target, Belt: AE, Skirt: H&M, Tights:Aerie, Shoes: Blowfish

Jamie and I tried out the cutest coffee shop in Milwaukee. It's about time we got some perfect steam and  coffee roasted in store. Birdie's in Milwaukee is my new favorite coffee shop. I had a white mocha with pomegranate. Yep! Want to find me? I'll be there.

Lovely Lace

 Hat: Francesca's Collections, Vest: Vintage, Top: Anthropologie, Necklace: Eddie Bauer, Brooch: Vintage, Jeans: F21, Flats: Thrifted

A big Happy Birthday to my dad! Here's to another great year!

We celebrated with a delicious roasted chicken, rainbow carrots and potatoes. Then we all went out for ice cream. yum!

 He was so surprised to get a gift card for a new bike!

One foot in front of the other

Feathers & Necklace: Francesca's Collections, Sweater: Alloy, Belt: Aerie, Dress: F21, Tights: Target, Boots: Urbanog

 Sometimes taking one step is the hardest thing we could ever do. No matter what we are walking towards or away. Sometimes there is hesitation in our minds, and it feels like our feet are glued to where they are or maybe other times in reckless abandon, we run as far as we went towards a goal or away from where we were.

As I was walking today, I realized I generally think about where I am going, to work, to dance, to coffee, but I don't often think of where I just was, at home with a cozy blanket and book, in my car, locking the store and turning off the lights. I forget about those moments, only thinking of what's next. 

I can't change my view of life, or force myself to relish the past. But today, I am noticing how I perceive things. Take some time today just to notice. Do you walk towards new, or away from old?

At the Ballet

Dress & Shoes: Francesca's Collections, Bracelet & Necklace: Aerie, Tights: Target

Last Friday night (not as crazy as Katy's), I went to the ballet! Yep, I was drooling. Not in a bored, sleepy manner, more so like how can I ever look like them, dance like them, be them (creepy)?? Can't I at least be friends with them? Don't worry, I didn't stalk any of them, I couldn't because I had to get back on the school bus that drove us there. But I did see one of the dancers outside and then I tripped...smooth. On the upside, my dance class today was AMAZING. We had a stretch and strengthening class in place of jazz and that was A-O.K. with me. 

A little inspiration...

Glasses: UO, Cardigan and Belt: AE, Skirt, F21, Tights: Target, Shoes: Thrifted, Necklace: Francesca's, Flower: Knit by my sister

Just a little something I am thinking about today.

"Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter." - Francis Chan

What's Missing?

Dress & Tights: Francesca's Collections, Top: AE, Belt: F21, Shoes: Target

Today, I am really missing two places: NYC and S. Africa. In NY, helping the NYDC and seeing change come to NYC. In S. Africa, being a part of a family that is changing lives, one little one at a time. These two places really changed my life and today, I wish I could be in both places at once. But, I'm not in either place. I'm here..in Wisconsin. I have to remind myself of that a lot, to live here and not in my dream world...wherever that may be. I love being with my family, I am just living in a place where I feel like my life isn't making much of a difference. This is my choice and my perspective though. Life is beyond wonderful here, healthy food and living, dancing until my hearts content, and family. I'm choosing positive and grateful today. Are you?

Our Actual Day...

Well, Jamie and I woke up yesterday with everything ready for a short road trip to Chicago. Only one thing stood in our way, my sinuses...wah, wah. I was feeling very sick so we had a quick change of plans and decided to build this:

 We created the coziest blanket fort complete with our couch, mattress and every pillow in our house.

It took us three tries, the third-time really was a charm! We watched movies, played board games, munched on some arabic take-out and soup! 

We made a quick stop to pick up some French Macaron's and we had some lunch. 

It was such a lovely day!

Happy Valentines Day!!

This picture is one of our engagement pictures. Jamie and I will be upholding our tradition and going to Chicago for Valentine's day. Our day will be filled with french macaron's, coffee, ice skating and possibly the art museum.

I love you Jamie!


Don't forget to vote for me for the "Next Style Blogger Contender."

Thanks!

Hope your Valentine's Day is filled with love!

The Lady in Red

Hat: Francesca's Collections, Sweater: Alloy, Top: Francesca's Collections, Pants: Target, Shoes: Thrifted, Belt: Aerie

 We had to wear for a contest at work, so I figured, why not? Red it is! The challenge was called "are you RED-DY for Valentine's Day?" I'd say I'm "RED-DY!" Well, now that the cheese is over... I have to say this outfit was not as horrible as I thought it might be! I actually like the red on red. 

We made Love Bug Cupcakes today with pretty pink frosting. Aren't they cute? You're hungry now aren't you? Me too.