Weekend Update

{Linking up with Sami, Leeann, and Meg!}
Linking up with the ladies again this week!

Friday night was very chill: Daniela stopped by and we just hung out. Low-key Fridays are the best kind of Fridays.

Saturday I went for a lovely run to Buckingham Fountain and back.

Chicago really is the best backdrop for a run. 

The rest of the day I fiddled with the wedding website and then we were off to Ribfest and our friends' housewarming party! The party was so much fun, but Ribfest?

That's a lot of people, folks. Ick.

It smelled amazing, though.

We played many college games at the party. Card games are still lethal and flip cup is like riding a bike.

I think those two sentences just made me sound old and lame.

Oh well. 

Sunday I went to brunch and passed Holy Name Cathedral on my way to Bloomingdale's for more Nespresso! 

I was planning on Mass at our church later in the afternoon, but I love checking out different churches and I am so glad that I did!

So beautiful!

The rest of the day I worked on the wedding website some more. I really enjoy "designing" it on my own in Blogger rather than through the knot or another site. Much more freedom, but also much more frustration. I'll be sure to share the link during a Wedding Wednesday post in the near future!

Looking forward to a (hopefully) quick week: we're heading to New Orleans on Saturday!!!!!!

How was your weekend? Did you check out any festivals?

Mary's Musing Monday

Hey everyone!

Yes it's been a week since I last wrote, but it was just one of those weeks. I traveled for work for the first time which was a great experience! Other than that (and spending time with the new cat!) it was an average week. But who wants to hear about the fact that I was always tired and always hungry? Not you!

So here's some happy: I am happily participating in Holly and Chelsea's "Make it My Own Monday" theme today. The idea is to find inspiration on Pinterest and create outfits with what's currently in the closet.

So I kind of did mine backwards. This Saturday Andrew and I met up with friends to listen to his college friend's band. It was a blast!!!! My outfit for Saturday night was inspired by someone I saw on the train months ago. Yep. Months ago. I loved her whole look from head to toe, so when I saw a similar dress at H&M over the holidays I jumped at the opportunity! I looked on Pinterest to see if there were other style options. I liked the chick from the L's version better, but here were my "inspirations," if you will:

Source: tobi.com via Mary on Pinterest

Source: tobi.com via Alicia on Pinterest

Not bad, but not what I saw on the L, either. The fashionista had on a faux fur vest over the dress, no belt, tights, boots, and plenty of baubles. Super cute. Alas, I do not have a faux fur vest (and probably never will because it would make my broad shoulders resemble football pads), but here was my rendition. Oh and this is 11 pounds lighter than the last time you saw a picture of me :)

Dress: H&M
Tights: Target
Boots: Macy's
New gorgeous brand new clutch on sale at my favorite boutique on my street: M2. I kind of salivated when I saw it. It had to be mine.
Necklace: H&M
Earrings: Francesca's
Bangle: Banana Republic Outlet
Watch: Michael Kors from Bloomingdale's

I think this may be my new "go to" dress, if not outfit. I was comfy all night, never had to suck in, and felt cute. And really, feeling happy is all that matters.

Wishful Wednesday

Wednesday is here! Woo! One more day closer to the weekend!

What are you wishing for today? Something in particular on your Christmas list? My number one is this gorgeous watch! Dear Santa...

{via}

Tortoise shell and rose gold just melts my butter!*

Have a good one, friends! :)

*I love that phrase "melts my butter" - I am borrowing it from Cassie, one of my favorite bloggers (especially for DIY projects!) on Hi Sugarplum! Go check her out!