Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Happy 4th! Bang, bang!!!

I know it's technically the 3rd, but I most likely will not be blogging tomorrow. So, I wanted to wish everyone a very happy Independence Day! I plan on eating my weight in BBQ, having a few cold ones, watching some fireworks and singing "I'm Proud to be an American" at the top of my lungs. 


In other news, have you entered to win a $50 gift card from Shabby Apple? If not, what are you waiting for?! Head on over here to enter. AND... want to better your chances of winning? Hurry on over to Sara Montana Says and enter her giveaway for a $50 gift card to Shabby Apple. Hers is only open for the next 13 hours, so you better hurry! 

What are your plans for the 4th? Any crazy traditions? 

Monday, July 1, 2013

Not Too Shabby Giveaway

Hey all! I have been a terrible, terrible blogger. I started my new job a little over three weeks ago, yay! Since starting my job, I've been working on getting into the swing of things, so blogging has definitely been on the back burner. I'm going to try to be better about balancing everything, including blogging.

Lately, I've been doing A LOT some shopping for new work clothes and summer attire. I am trying to be good and buy things that will work for both every day and work and also stay on a budget. I know most girls are on a budget like me and love a good bargain, but I know EVERY girl loves a free gift card! That being said... I am happy to announce that one lucky winner will receive a $50 gift card to Shabby Apple.

If you haven't heard of Shabby Apple, you are missing out! Shabby Apple is an online dress boutique that specializes in vintage and retro dresses. Click here to check out some of their amazing dresses.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Gondola

Eye Candy

Joyride

These are just a few of the MANY things I'm loving from Shabby Apple right now.

Have you shopped at Shabby Apple before? If so, what is your favorite item?
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Need... Want... Love

With my new job starting soon, I've been making a list of business casual clothes that I need for work. And with summer almost here, I've been making a list of clothes and shoes that I really need want. And with all this needing and wanting, I've come across some things that I LOVE (but will probably never be able to afford)! 

NEED:

I really need a cute, black blazer for work. 
Lauren Conrad Boyfriend Blazer from Kohl's found here

WANT: 

Sundresses, maxi dresses, maxi skirts, etc... 
Over Analyzed Maxi from Kiki La'Rue found here

LOVE: 

A pair of designer shoes
Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Jewel Satin Pumps found here. I have been in love with these shoes ever since I first laid eyes on them in Carrie's amazing closet in Sex and the City. 

These are just a few of the things on my need, want, love list! What are some of the things on your list?

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Maash'd Up!

Last week, Brian and I decided to go have a couple drinks outside. On the walk there, we walked by a boutique, Maash Boutique, that I had been anxious to check out. I asked Brian if we could go in and he said of course. Everything, I mean EVERYTHING, in this store is ADORABLE and so affordable! I'm pretty sure I tried on almost everything in the store, but ended up buying an adorable black & white striped maxi skirt and a blue top to go with it. Brian and I went out for dinner and drinks Friday night to celebrate my new job, so I decided to wear my new outfit.



Seriously, how cute is this outfit?!? 

I see many shopping Maash shopping trips in my future! If you live in the Chicago area, you should definitely check out this adorable boutique. 


Friday, May 17, 2013

I'm a big kid now....

For the past few months, I have been searching and searching for a job. I had a few interviews right after moving here and I even got one job offer, but I just didn't feel like it would have been a good fit (plus it was about an hour commute). Let me tell ya, the commute here is RIDICULOUS! I was nannying at a house about nine miles from here and it was taking me 45 minutes to an hour to get there. So after commuting to these interviews and the nanny job, I decided I was only going to look for jobs a couple miles from the apartment or downtown where I could take the train. I'm loving this public transportation stuff! 

Last Friday, I had an interview at a company downtown. The building is right off one of the train stops and also about 1/2 a mile from Brian's work, so I was already pretty excited about the idea of working there. I interviewed with two different people and one of them said twice that they felt like the interview went really well, but they still had some interviews set up. I felt so comfortable in this office and talking to the people that I immediately knew this was the job I wanted. I left the interview and text Brian "I WANT THIS JOB!" We were both glad it seemed to go so well and that I was so excited about it, but I didn't want to get my hopes up. They told me they were hoping to have it narrowed down by the end of next week to the beginning of next. I still applied for jobs every day, just in case. 

Wednesday, I got an email from the company saying I was and strong candidate and asked if I could give them references to call. I immediately responded with two professional references, a personal reference and a reference letter from the owner of the previous company I worked for. A couple of hours later, both my professional references told me they had been called. I was SOOOOOO excited, but still very nervous. Brian kept telling me I got the job and he said he thought they were gonna call after 2 pm the next day with an offer. I wanted to believe him, but also didn't want to be too optimistic. 

Yesterday, I knew it was going to be a LONG day waiting and hoping they would call. At about 2:50 pm, I suddenly had a voicemail (no idea why the phone didn't ring). I checked the voicemail and it was the guy I interviewed with asking me to give him a call. I called back and no answer, so I left a voicemail. I decided I was going to call back at 3:15 if he hadn't called back by then. At about 3:10, he called back! He said they thought the interview went well and they would like to make me an offer!!!! He made the offer, I of course accepted right on the spot!!! I officially accepted and signed the offer this morning. You are looking at the new Administrative Assistant at GreenTarget!!!! I'm so excited and feel like a big kid with a big kid job in a HUGE building downtown. Brian said I'm a city girl now, but I will always be a country girl at heart! You can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl, right?!? 

Happy Friday!!!! 

Friday, May 10, 2013

Interview Attire

I didn't realize how hard it was going to be to find a job here. I feel like I keep applying and applying and rarely get an email or call. This week however, I had a phone interview yesterday and am on my way downtown for an interview right now. I also have an interview lined up for Monday! Wish me luck! 

Yesterday, I went out shopping for a black blazer and the only one I found that I really liked was $45 at Kohl's. I really debated getting it, but after much searching through the sale racks I found the whole outfit pictured above (minus shoes) for $45. Score!!! 

Please say a little prayer or cross your fingers that I find something soon! 

Happy Friday!!! 

Monday, May 6, 2013

Cinco de Drinko Weekend!!!

We Americans use any excuse we can find to drink. I'm certainly not complaining though! Especially when the drink of choice is margaritas. 

Instead of going out this weekend and spending WAY too much money, Brian and I decided to stay home and make our own margaritas and tacos. Friday night, I made strawberry and strawberry-banana margaritas and we played canasta and watched Roxanne and Soul Man (we love 80's comedies). Saturday, we took the dogs for a long walk since the weather was so nice. Saturday night, we watched the Bulls game and made tacos and raspberry margaritas. Sunday, we cooked breakfast, went for a walk and then made mixed berry margaritas. We were really on a margarita kick!!! It was a nice, relaxing weekend. 




The Perfect Frozen Margarita Recipe

Fill blender with ice to about the 4-5 cup line
Add about one cup of your favorite frozen or fresh fruit
2 shots of tequila
1 1/2 shots triple sec
1 shot club soda
1 shot sweet n sour mix
1/2 shot simple syrup
juice of half lime
blend 

So easy and sooooo good!


Have a great week!