Goal-setting and staying busy

blouse and cami: secondhand
capris: Target
sandals: BCBG via TJ Maxx
necklace, bracelet: Etsy
Photo-taking is weird. I am at a complete loss as to why the first photo is so crisp, but the third one is so grainy. They were taken at the same time, with the same settings, same focal points, everything. What's up with that? Any speculation?

I'll be honest; I'm racking my brain for something interesting to say about this outfit, but I've got nothing except that it was stupid-comfortable and I probably need more patterned and/or lace-edged camis in my life. Especially now that layering weather is here!

Anyway.

I've been thinking lately about goal-setting and keeping busy. As I said in my last post, winter's imminent arrival means I have to make a plan for things that will help stave off my SAD/winter depression. I've been brainstorming some home-improvement projects that, aside from helping me complete a 26-in-26 item, will also help keep me busy. And a busy Emma is much less likely to be a depressed Emma. Lethargy, man. It's my mortal enemy.

I'm also meeting with a trainer today, for the first time ever. I probably won't have the budget wiggle room to do regular personal training sessions, but a friend of a friend has her own personal training business, so I figured it would be worth my time/money to sit down for a little coaching session. We're going to talk about my goals and how I can best achieve them. I don't think my goals are all that difficult (increase flexibility, increase upper body strength without getting bulky linebacker shoulders, get a slimmer waist/flatter stomach)...my issue is that every time I come up with a new workout regimen, I inevitably stop doing it after just a week or two. It's really frustrating, and I'm not sure how to change that habit. How do you guys change habits/convince yourselves to stick with a workout plan?

Just dance

cropped sweater: came with a dress from Burlington Coat Factory
cami, heels: Target
cropped slacks: The Limited
necklace: H&M
So I was going to write about this outfit and its colors and how bright they are, compared to what I usually wear. But I'm tired. I'm not sure where all of Monday's energy went, but it is gone. I'm tired, and not in a way that a nap can cure. I don't know where it came from, but a little bout of general blah-ness is settling into my bones and making me want to watch bad TV and eat junk food until I hate myself a little bit. Or a lot, I'm flexible on that.

But I'm not going to do that! I recently started taking dance clases, and they're honestly one of the best things that have ever happened to me. I actually discovered the studio through a freelance story I was researching, and I instantly did the worst thing a journalist can do and got emotionally involved. I've been going to classes once a week ever since. Tonight is hip-hop :)

So, that's the sad-story-happy-story I have for you today. I'm feeling depressed as hell for no reason, but I'm going to fix it by dancing for 90 minutes. Best. Solution. Ever.

Warm weather, where art thou?

shirt: secondhand
cami: Old Navy
skinnies, boots: Target
necklace: VeryJane
This is a weird batch of photos. The first one looks almost like a magazine spread, I think. The second was too awkward (but it was literally the best of the worst) so I had to crop it all crazy. And the third is the only shot in this entire outfit shoot in which I actually managed to keep my eyes open in the glaring sun.

These were taken the other weekend, when we got a little teaser for warmer weather. Matt and I made the hour-and-a-half trek to Ikea, and we had the sun roof open the whole time. It was beautiful. Today, however, is the first day of spring and the high was around 35. What??

I would take solace in the fact that Matt and I are going to South Carolina to visit my sister and brother-in-law this weekend, but alas, it looks like the crappy weather might follow us there. Fingers are crossed!

Yesterday's absence is brought to you by cheese. Because that's normal.

So I was all set to write a post for yesterday evening. I edited photos, got them uploaded, and was just about to start writing, when...fondue happened. And some other things, but I'll talk more about that on Fiscal Friday this week. So anyway, blame cheese. Cheese is the reason why I didn't post yesterday.






button-down: old, don't remember
cami, necklace: Target
slacks: secondhand
flats: Payless
bracelet: H&M
So last weekend was a lot of fun. I got to hang out with my bloggy-turned-real-life friend, Kellyn of The Church Mouse, who just moved here from Texas. I showed her a little bit of the city, we got brunch, and we went thrifting. (I scored an AMAZING faux leather moto jacket. Can't wait until the temps are above freezing again to wear it!)

Speaking of warmer temps, Ohio had a nice little "heat wave" last week, with temps in the 40s, 50s and even 60s! It was glorious. I took these photos outside simply because it was warm enough to do so, but I failed to realize the post-work light would be less than ideal for photos. Womp womp.

(P.S. to all you Columbus-ites: Don't forget to enter my giveaway! It ends this week!)

Now, it's back to the dismal 20s and 30s that are more characteristic of Ohio in January. Le sigh. At least it hasn't snowed again (yet).

Good choices

vest: thrifted
cami: Old Navy
jeans: Target
heels: Franco Sarto via Marshall's
necklace: old, don't remember
bracelet: H&M
I wore this for a night out on the town with my friend from work a few weeks ago, back when weather was warmer and less rainy. It was her birthday, so she and I, and a few others, all raged appropriately. Or inappropriately, depending on how you look at it.

Just before I walked out the door, I took off those 4-inch heels and threw on my leopard-print flats. In retrospect, it was the best decision I made all night. I am a bit awkward in these heels when I'm sober, and I knew there'd be a good deal of walking involved. I was right.

Hey, so did you enter my giveaway yet?

Happy Election Day!

long-sleeve t-shirt: old, don't remember
cami: Old Navy
cropped pants: New York & Company
heels: Target
necklace: Figleaf boutique
hair flower: H&M
So if you live States-side (and maybe even if you don't), you know that today is Election Day. I voted last week...early voting being one of the few conveniences of living in a swing state. I'm not too sure whether the convenience outweighs the incessant and annoying political ads that have been bombarding my shows and appearing on every billboard everywhere, but oh well. I'll take what I can get, I suppose?

In other news, I'm really, REALLY looking forward to a long weekend this weekend. It'll be nice to get the chance to clean my house, finish up a freelance project and still have time to chill. Plus, it's supposed to hit the low 60s this weekend...that's practically summer this time of year!

Plan B

Sometimes, outfits just don't work out. Like yesterday, I wore a dress with a white Oxford layered under it and a belt. I was getting ready to take my outfit photos when I turned to Matt and asked, "Does this make me look pregnant?"

Naturally, he got pretty wary right away. I assured him it wasn't a test, and I just wanted to know if I should refrain from taking pictures. We agreed that I did, in fact, look a little preggers. So even though I wore that dang outfit all day, it'll never appear on the blog. The outfit I changed into, however, will likely show its face around here in the next few days.






lace shirt: Forever 21
cami, shoes: Target
short-sleeve Oxford: New York & Company
skirt: thrifted
necklace: The Limited
This outfit here is another great example. I was so excited to bust out this lace top again, as I haven't worn it on ages. But once I got it on, I noticed that there were little strings hanging off of it...everywhere. At first I just tried to trim them down, but then I realized that the shirt itself (which is made of this elastic-y, stretchy material) was unraveling. So, with a heavy heart, I took some photographic evidence and put the shirt in the trash. Sad.

The Plan B outfit wasn't bad, per se, but I spent the whole day thinking about the shirt I had to toss. I guess that's what happens when you pay eight bucks for a shirt at Forever 21. Rest in peace, lace shirt. You will be missed.

Internal debate

I don't often post weekend-wear, simply because on the weekends I'm usually found wearing sweats/workout shorts and an old show t-shirt from my high school days as a thespian. Not really blog-worthy. In fact, I'm not even sure where I wore this last week...might have been at a cookout/drinks to celebrate a friend's birthday. But I suppose the "where" doesn't matter as much as the "wear." (See what I did there? My cleverness astounds me sometimes.)

lacy tank and top tank: Old Navy (?)
shorts: DIY'ed from an old pair of jeans
shoes: Target
bracelet: don't remember
earrings: Leslie's Baubles

So lately I've been thinking a lot about posting frequency. The recent 30x30 challenge (I swear, I'll stop talking about it someday) had me posting every single day, including many weekend days. Before that, I was posting 3-5 times a week.

Now, I'm in the habit posting every single weekday, and I worry that it's too much. Too much time on my part (because I don't already have enough on my plate), and too much of me forcing my photos into your RSS feeds every day. I know a lot of bloggers post every single day, but they also have far better style and photo quality than I do.

So, I turn to you, readers. After all, this is just as much for you as it is for me. What do you think? Should I cut back on the post frequency? Or do you like my random babble every day? (Be honest. I won't be offended, I promise.)

It's only Thursday?

Does anyone else feel like this week is just dragging along? And if so, do you also find it ironic that it's really been a short week, since most people had Monday off? Yeah, I thought so.

I think that for the next 30x30 challenge, I won't post outfits the day I wear them. It's too stressful trying to get up early enough to shoot photos, edit them, upload them, write about them and post them. Homegirl likes her sleep. Which is why today, this post is being written during my lunch break, instead of before I leave for work.

items: 8, 17, 26
cami: Marshall's
necklace: The Limited
bracelet: NYC Canal Street shop
rings: American Eagle and gift from my mom

I think I'm officially hooked on the trend of painting one nail differently. If you couldn't tell. I did a little mani-pedi last night while Matt was at the climbing wall with one of our friends from OU. I would have gone, but my head was still hurting a bit and I figured, let the guys have their guy time. Aren't I a good girlfriend? Haha

Also, I think I'm still on the fence as to whether or not I like these shoes. I've never worn them with shorts before, because they're so heavy. What do you think?

Also also, go enter my giveaway if you haven't yet :)

Everything's coming up roses

Ah, long weekends. They are pretty bomb, if you ask me. My boss let us leave work a little early today, so I popped over to the Park of Roses to give my new tripod I whirl. It worked really well! I felt kind of silly, sneaking furtively around the park to find locales where people wouldn't see me. First photo shoot in public, you know.

items: 8, 15, 28
cami: Target?
necklace: gift from my grandma

I also took a few nice photos of the roses themselves. I love that my camera has a macro setting for closeups like these. It's the next best thing to having a big-girl camera, if you ask me.

Well, I'm off to finish laundry/eat dinner/head out for some Fourth of July weekend festivities. Monday's going to be the real party, though. Matt's boss has a house with a perfect view of the Clintonville fireworks, so we're going over there for drinks, dinner and slip'n'slide. Yup. We're doing slip'n'slides :)

Lazy Sunday

I love weekends because I get to just lie around the apartment in my PJs all day if I feel like it. I hate weekends during the 30 x 30 challenge because I'm forced to get dressed at some point, and presumably go out into the world so the outfit "counts," in my book.

Most of Sunday I just kind of loafed around...did a little freelance work, watched a marathon of the original Star Wars on TV with Matt. In the evening, we went over to his aunts house for a combination Father's Day/aunt's birthday/grandparents' 68th wedding anniversary party. Then Matt told them about my recent birthday and I got folded into the celebration as well. I love his family.

Anyway, this is what I wore!

items: 1, 28
cami: Old Navy
necklace: DIYed

I feel like I should be honest about these photos. I didn't technically take them yesterday. Yesterday was rainy and overcast and gross all day. These are from a week or two ago. Yes, I recycled an outfit. But you know what? The first time I went to the Arts Festival with my aunt, this time I hung out with Matt's family. No one ever knew the difference. Until just now, when I told you all about it.

Stop by again this afternoon for outfit photos from today! Gotta catch up after my posting laziness this weekend ;)

Happy Father's Day!

To all the dads out there, including my own: thanks for all that you do :)

I love my dad. He's genuinely one of the smartest people I know. Any time I need clear, unbiased advice, he's there. Any time I need financial guidance (or assistance, haha), he's there. My dad gave me the inspiration to go into journalism when I had no clue what I wanted to do with my life. I can honestly say that without him in my life, I wouldn't be the person I am today. Thanks, Dad :)

And thanks to you, readers, for all the birthday wishes! It was a great night...Matt's and my friends did a three-bar crawl, and we closed down the final one before heading back to our place to chill a bit longer. Great birthday. I cheated on my 30 for the outfit, though, so I won't be posting it. Nothing special, anyway...just some short shorts and a low-cut top ;) haha

But this is the outfit I wore yesterday. Well, let me clarify: this is the outfit I wore for a few hours yesterday evening. Most of yesterday was spent in my PJs, recovering from the festivities of Friday. I missed the Pride parade and festival, which was really disappointing, but it rained the whole time so I can't have missed too much. (That's what I'll keep telling myself, anyway.)

items: 5, 15, 28

lace cami: Aeropostale

scarf: Arden B

necklace: thrifted

I wish this had a bit more color to it. Shame on me for not thinking to include a colored T in addition to the plain white one. But the cami matches the scarf and shoes really well, and my toenails are orange, so that's nice. And I decided to punch up the visual interest a bit with some lipstick, which I never wear. Might be hard to see in the photo, but those were some hot red lips!

Oops...

Well. When I selected my outfits for this challenge, I was thinking in terms of the 80+ degree weather we've been having the past week or two. So I picked mostly shorts, skirts and other warm weather staples.

Yesterday didn't get above 73. Today probably won't either. And while I'm absolutely LOVING the general feel of the weather (and being able to leave my windows open instead of running the A/C), my legs aren't really appreciating the whole temperature thing. And I refuse to wear pantyhose in June. Ew.

The only two pairs of long pants I put in my 30 are jeans and black skinnies. Not really work appropriate, unless it's a Friday. Thinking about taking out some of the shoes and replacing them with a pair or two of slacks. It doesn't count if I haven't worn it yet, right?

items: 10, 20, 27
cami: Old Navy
bracelet: street vendor in the Short North
necklace/ring: gifts

I know what you're thinking, too. No, the cami isn't in my 30. But in my book, it only counts if you wear it by itself, not as an accent piece. That's why that black tank is in my 30...I intend to wear it as a shirt, not as an undershirt.

Also, I kinda hate these pictures. The bright early morning sun kind of messed with them...will probably reshoot this afternoon. Look for better photos this evening!

I'm baaaaack!

Whew. That's all I can really say now, haha. Before I go into details, I just want to say THANK YOU so much to the ladies who commented with their support and caring words. Mandy, Kara and Sharde: you guys made me smile. A lot.

Last week was such a huge emotional roller coaster for Matt and I. I was stressed to begin with because I put off my freelance work until I realized I had one week to do a month's worth of work (though I know that's entirely my fault). Then funeral stuff took all of our energy on Tuesday and Wednesday (that's all the more detail I'm offering there). Thursday was Matt's birthday, so we had a much-needed night out to blow off steam. Friday was exhausting because we went to bed late after being out half the night, and then we went to Matt's cousin's graduation party (congrats, Robbie!) and saw some friends.

This weekend, I've been doing nothing but freelance work. And a little shopping. Matt's gone camping/climbing at the New River Gorge--I was supposed to go, but I had too much work to do, which sucksss--so I was bored and engaged in some retail therapy. I did pretty well, between Ragorama (this amazing consignment shop that I've somehow neglected for the past 11 months), Old Navy and Target. I got two dresses, a shirt and four pairs of shoes. Yes, four. I had virtually no summer shoes other than flip flops, and let's face it. No matter how casual my office is, I can't wear flops every day. Look for photos of all those in the next few days/weeks!

Wow. Sorry for the rant, guys. Guess I had a lot to get off my chest. Here are some pretty pictures :)

Shirt: thrifted
Tank: Zenana Outfitters via Marshall's
Shorts: The Limited
Necklace: don't remember :(
Booties: Paprika via Burlington Coat Factory
Clutch: Laura Arens

I wore this to the bars a while back. Been hesitating to post it, because it deviates pretty far from my usual style. But I still like this, for a bars outfit anyway.

Best news? These are my last outfit photos with my old camera! From here on out, we're looking at awesome and gorgeous shots from the new camera Matt gave me for my birthday (which actually isn't for another three weeks, haha).

Also: See that mirror? My dad made it for me for my college graduation gift. I love it, because he made it. I just think that's awesome :)

TGIF

Can we just pretend it's Saturday? I'm exhausted. Probably because I didn't eat enough yesterday...carrot sticks, Sun Chips and a protein bar do not a lunch make. (It's a long story that involves both my regular lunch AND the random backup microwave meal in my desk being absolutely disgusting, and my being too busy to go out and get food. I'm not dieting, I swear.)

Anyway. It's not Saturday, so I can't just go back to bed...it's off to work in a bit. And outfit photos as well. At least those make me smile.

White button-down: New York and Company
Yellow cami: Forever 21
Pencil skirt: H&M
Shoes: Xhilaration via Target

Are these photos too big? Too small? I'm experimenting with loading them via imgur, rather than Blogger's image tool because it's annoying. What do you think?

I don't have too much else to say today, so here's a little blast-from-the-past, Myspace-esque quiz thing that Jill of Spoils of Wear did the other day, that I liked.

Age: 22
Bed size: Full. Or double. Whichever is smaller :(
Chore you hate: Most of them, but especially cleaning the bathroom.
Dogs: None, but I'm working on it...just have to convince Matt!
Essential start of your day: Coffee
Favorite color: Emerald green
Gold or silver: Silver, but gold is growing on me.
Height: 5'8"
Instruments I play (or have played): Clarinet for several years in junior high and high school, trumpet for a couple in HS.
Job title: Assistant Editor. Freelancer (on the side).
Kids: Oh, no. No, no no. Not yet, anyway. Not for a long, long time.
Live: Columbus, Ohio. I had a big debate on whether or not to reveal my location, but there are nearly two million people living in/around Columbus. I'm pretty sure you'll never find me.
Mom’s name: Kim
Nickname: Hey, you. Yeah, I don't really have nicknames. People call me Em sometimes, but not often enough for it to be a nickname.
Overnight hospital stays: When I was 4 or 5, they thought I had leukemia and I sent my very-upset mother home to get my stuffed bunny. Turns out, it was a weird virus.
Pet peeve: Bad grammar. People who are ignorant/inconsiderate/hateful. People who use "gay" and "retard" as insults.
Quote from a movie: "Ah know becauhse...Ah know becauhse...becauhse Ah don't love him lahke Ah love you!" I don't even know what that's from, but I love it when my mom quotes it. Hysterical.
Right or left handed: Righty tighty.
Siblings: Abby, Ellen and five minors whose names I won't mention because that's apparently something to avoid online. Yeah, I'm the oldest of eight kids. We all have the same parents. I'll wait while you pick your jaw up off the floor.
Time you wake up: 7ish
Underwear: Really? I know I blog about style, but I'm not going to talk about my underwear.
Vegetables you dislike: Most of them. I'll eat celery, carrots, potatoes, corn, green beans, peas. Some of those aren't even veggies.
What makes you run late: Traffic or something on TV/Internet. I absolutely hate lateness (falls under the "inconsiderate" pet peeve thing) so I'm rarely late.
X-rays you’ve had done: Had one on my arm after I fell into a dumpster a few years ago. Not fun.
Yummy food you make: All of it? Well, that's not true. Sometimes I fail miserably. But most of it.
Zoo animal: I like anything with an underwater viewing area. Swimming animals are fun.