Lunchtime Blog Post: Weekend Instagram Shots

This weekend was fantastic and oh how I wish it was Friday so I could go back to it.

Fun rings from vintage stores in Wicker Park. I strolled around for a while before I got a haircut!

Tada! That's a whopping 4 inches shorter! So weird!

Saturday was full of lounging and hanging out with Teddy.

Sunday night watching the Oscars on the couch.

Is it Friday yet?

All images via my Instagram

Mary's Musing Monday

At first I started to write a "Little Bit of Class Tuesday" post. Wishful thinking I guess that the week would be swift. Is it the weekend yet?

If you could go on a trip this weekend, where would you go? My friend Turk will be here this weekend, so I'm happy to be here, but I'd take a trip somewhere warm any other weekend!

Maybe to one of these places, perhaps?

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Mary on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Mary on Pinterest

Source: 1kindesign.com via Mary on Pinterest

Yeah I think I could handle that. Who's with me?

Mary's Musing Monday

Happy 2012!

This post is not about listing my resolutions. Sure there are things I want to do in 2012, but they are not worth mentioning since I feel like I would be "preaching to the choir."

Instead, I just want to share a sentiment I read on Gina's blog (aka the best food blog EVER!!!! In my humble opinion, of course) ...she said, in reference to holiday (over)eating, "don't be too hard on yourself."

Honestly I couldn't agree more. I am guilty of overeating, but I'm not mad about it, even though Weight Watchers starts (again) tomorrow and I hate how I look. I am happy. 2011 was fun. I would do it all again, no matter the outcome. So I challenge all of us to please take Gina's advice: don't kick yourself for enjoying those extra servings of stuffing or indulging in cookies and cupcakes, don't be embarrassed by your disorganization or spending habits, and please don't be mad about your infrequent gym trips. We all knew what we were doing. It's fine. You're fine. We're all fine. 2012 will be awesome. Go with the flow and smile. Everything will work out :)

Source: blogs.babble.com via Mary on Pinterest

Mary's Musing Monday: The Ooops I Did It Again Edition

So what if I just channeled a little Brit for my title. I did it again, though: I fell off the wagon. Which wagon? Well, it seems to go hand-in-hand for me. When I start to get lazy about my eating habits, I feel too lazy to write in the blog because I am ashamed that I, yet again, couldn't stick to keeping track of my points on Weight Watchers. A co-worker actually said today that I am looking skinnier and skinnier, which was sweet. Lies, but sweet ones.

So there you go. My musing this week is about how I struggle to keep up-to-date with my blog and how I love to eat. I said many a time that I would write no matter if I gained or lost on my weekly weigh-ins, but I haven't been able to bring myself to the scale in the last few weeks. It just gets so depressing. Have any of you ever tried to lose weight time and again? It's not that Weight Watchers is hard or that it doesn't work. It's an awesome and healthy life style, but I just ignore portion control. I recently read a fellow blogger's post about her struggles, and she inspired me to get back in the game. Mimi's post on her blog Irresistible Icing had the best graphic:

I'm going to stop saying that I want to lose weight. I'm going to start writing regularly. I'm going to keep track of my points. I will get on that scale on Friday and face the facts that I am chunky. No matter how much yoga or Butt Bible I do or how many times I attempt to run (I HATE my knees!), I will never get rid of my weight until I manage my portions, say no to baked goods, and avoid bad carbs. Sigh...I wish I just didn't have such a love for food. I've done it before, though, so I know I can do it again! :)

Mary's Musing Monday

Good Monday, Readers!

After being sick at the end of last week, I am bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready for Labor Day Weekend on Lake Michigan! My only obstacle is this week haha - must get through it first. A couple of things are keeping me going, though:

1) The sound of jackhammers Friday night were music to my ears, even though I had a headache and was sick. Why? Well, it meant that Saturday morning I actually showered. Yes, a real, pitcher-free shower. Hot water too! The City of Chicago Water Department completely re-routed the street, dug two giant holes, and fixed the pipes leading into the building! Andrew and I were beyond happy that our incessant complaining paid off. Below is a terrible picture of the process. They were on our street until after midnight, but it was worth it to be able to shower and finally wash our dishes!

2) I just read on one my favorite blogs My Two Cents (...before I spend it!) about Essie's new Fall line. I want every color, but I think Power Clutch, Carry On, and Very Structured are particularly saying my name. I guess this isn't something that's getting me through the week, but it makes me excited nonetheless.

3) Andrew and I have made anniversary plans and I'm so excited for our presents to each other: a silly $10-limit surprise gift; a long weekend to DC and Pittsburgh to visit friends, family, and see a Steelers game; and purchasing and framing pictures from this incredible Etsy store: there is a deal for five cities, and wouldn't you know it? Between us we've lived in five! Check out Bird Ave's store - it's so awesome!!

4) Last night Lizzie and I had a fun video chat. I love how she responds to what I'm doing. Here are a few screen shots. Sorry if you already saw these via email or Facebook. I'm just a proud aunt. I printed one of them to have at my desk, so all I have to do is turn my head to the right, see the picture, and smile. She's so cute!

How are you going to get through the week? Any fun Labor Day plans?

Mary's Musing Monday!

So yet again no vlog, but I have the perfect reason! I was indeed on screen, just chatting with my niece instead of with all of you. Here's my weekly musing: can you believe how big she is?!?! She waved to me!!!

Mary's Musings Monday!

Good Monday, readers! I have nothing to muse about, really, so there's no need for me to vlog today. Plus, I'm too busy eating my Weight Watchers-friendly Chipotle burrito bol. Well, it's as friendly as you can be, but I saved my points for this. For 12 points I have black beans, rice, carnitas, pico, fajita veggies, and some delicious Tabasco. YUM! Sorry for the blurry picture but I guess I was just really excited about eating it. #thisiswhyimfat

Mary's Musings Monday!

Hey everyone! Today was my first day on the job. It was quite a whirlwind but I enjoyed every minute of it! The office is a beautiful old warehouse with exposed brick throughout the space. Love! The commute takes about an hour but it's worth it. I would talk about this on a vlog post, but I just worked out and look a mess, which doesn't matter to me, but I'll spare you having to see me dripping in sweat. However, here is a pic of my first day outfit. What do you think? I am aware that I am pale but I refuse to say "no" to neutral pumps and a white blouse. Blinding, fabulous...same difference.

I can wear jeans to work when we don't have clients in the office, so I think this casual look will work well until I can fit into those dark skinny jeans I am longing to wear :)

Mary's Musings Monday!

I just couldn't think of anything to say via vlog today. It is so hot here that my brain is mush and I am afraid to move lest I sweat even more. It's so mushy, in fact, that I'm entertained by watching The Hills on the TV Guide Channel. That's right, there is an endless scroll of other options on TV flowing right under the terrible show, and yet I am sitting here, sweating, and watching it. Pathetic.

Mary's Musings Monday!

Mary's Musings Monday!

Check me out in The Red Eye!!

Also, check out Sun Savvy!!

Mary's Musings Monday!

Hola!

Mary's Musings Monday!

Hola friends! Here's the link I mentioned in the video: http://marykrulia.wordpress.com. I'm looking forward to your advice!! :)

Mary's Musings Monday!

Mary's Musings Monday!

Hi friends!

Mary's Musings Monday!

Hi there!



Sorry for the video looking awkward, but I was too exhausted to sit like a lady and instead sprawled out on my bed.

Thanks again, Cassie! :)

Mary's Musings Monday!

Hello everyone! I hope your week is starting off happy and full of sunshine. Below is my weekly musing, with some child screaming in the hallway outside of the conference room where I am filming this video.

Mary's Musings Monday!

Well I'm a little late in posting today so I will spare you a vlog entry. My random thought I would like to share occurred after I arrived in New York City this weekend. We were walking out of the subway station when a seemingly respectful elder spit on the steps. Gross! Why? Why would someone think that is OK? I could have stepped in that!

Anyway, that was my random thought. We had an incredible time this weekend and I am still recovering!