On Tap for April

I've been in a blogging funk. Have you noticed?

To snap out of it I've decided to join a little blog hop. I mean if I can't get the energy to create one post, why not commit to a full month's worth of work, right? Seems totally logical...

Arlee Bird came up with the blogging from A to Z challenge back in 2010. In the past few years it's grown leaps and bounds. This year, I was #1321 to jump on board and the list keeps growing.

Here's the beauty of joining the Blogging from A to Z Challenge, it kills 3 birds with one stone.

1. It's a way to light a fire under my bloggy bum and push me to get content published
2. I've picked a theme that will help me cross an item off my day zero listy list
3. I'll {hopefully} connect with a few new blogger buddies - which is always inspiring

Each day of April - except Sundays - I'll be posting a Chicago photo corresponding to that day's letter. By the end of April, I will be able to cross #59 "Take a Picture for Each Letter of the Alphabet" off my day zero list.

That would really be good because my 1001 days end in July and I'm only 24% complete. YIKES!

Have any blogging plans for April? Have I got an idea for you...

My Five Fall Faves

Like so many other women in the blogosphere, I *heart* Fall. Leaves, layers and lots of warm apple cider make it such a lovely time of year.

Don't you agree?


So when I heard that the incredibly talented Johanna of 101 Things I Love was hosting a series of guest bloggers sharing their Five Fall Faves, I jumped at the chance to participate.

The most difficult part of the exercise was narrowing down all the things I love about the season to just five faves.

Want to see what I chose? Head over to Johanna's beautiful blog and check out my guest post!

What are your Five Fall Faves?

Dreaming Together

Today I'm excited to have a post about dreaming over on Of Such is the Kingdom.

Source: flickr.com via Molly

It's like Whitney Johnson says, "We dream best when we dream together."

Is there someone in your life that encourages you to dream?

Chicago Spotlight

A few weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to win a giveaway on the lovely blog Project Soiree. The prize was this pretty little abstract painting that has finally found it's forever (or until we move) home in our place.

blog | shop

The piece was created by Sara, the hostess over at Project Soiree. I fell instantly in love with it but I took a little time finding the perfect place to display it. Wall space is definitely at a premium in our small space. But how could I not make room for a piece by a local artist? When I realized its size and color palate were a perfect fit in our bathroom, I excitedly hung it up. Now it makes me smile each time I walk by.

If you're interested in checking out more of Sara's colorful, abstract pieces, stop by her Etsy shop. 

Have you found the perfect spot for any new pretties at your place lately?

Taking a Moment

In all honesty, I'm still trying to wrap my head around what I experienced yesterday. I promise, promise, promise there is a blog post to come about Anna's birth.

I'm still processing it all.

Instead, today is just for thankfulness.

{and an Instagram Blog Hop}

"For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food,

For love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

a. Mornings look a little bit different around our house now.

b. Weather (sunshine, perfect temps, a little rain now and then) has been practically perfect in every way.

c. On our new friends, double date this week, dinner lasted 3 hours. I'd say that qualifies as going "well," how about you?

d. This mural made me smile.

e. Loving the straw hat trend - protection from the sun while still feeling hip. (Totally inspired by Charlotte)

f. This weekend we went to Maifest (our first "fest" of the year). Since day one, Chicagoans have been raving about summer time activities and they are all finally upon us! Yippeeee!

What "goodness" are you thankful for today?

Come join the fun! Today I'm linked up with:

I Believe...

• even when I think I can clearly see the path ahead, I'm still usually surprised by where it leads.
• communication is important. It can make or break relationships. And it often does.
• one can never see too many pictures of pretty dresses.
• dreams spoken out loud can be powerful things.

What do YOU believe?

Today I'm linking up with Heather over at Smart and Savvy Style. She's hosting her very first "I Believe..." link up. Click here to stop by and offer her some encouragement or to tell us what YOU believe. 

Dream Big.

"All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible."

-T.E. Lawrence

The lovely Jennifer of Simplistic Living graciously invited me to participate in her "dream big." series. Check out my guest post here.
What have you been dreaming about lately?

Happy Pining! (AKA My Mandatory Pinterest Post)

Remember a couple of weeks ago when I mentioned Pinterest? More specifically, remember that I was whining that I had been wait listed?  I had to wait a week after my request to get an invitation to join. I'll be honest, it tweaked me a little bit.

Well, it turns out that it's a fantastic website.  There I said it.  As much as I wanted to trash it because they made me wait a week to join, I just can't.  Pinterest is too, too much fun.  Seriously, the site is non-stop inspiration. Here's the deal.  Pinterest markets itself as a "virtual pinboard."  I consider it to be a virtual obsession.  Every time I open the site, I'm bombarded by pretty pictures, fashionable inspirations, appetizing recipes and inspiring DIY projects! The site is the simplest and most brilliant idea.  Using it has helped me to minimize my web bookmarks and I now have a way to discover, categorize and electronically store things visually.

Here are a few of my discoveries so far.

Source: flickr.com via Molly on Pinterest

Stenciled Hardwood Floors - Totally Chic

Creative Nail Art

Source: tnlocavore.typepad.com via Molly on Pinterest

Brown Butter, Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies? Yes, please.

Now, if I could close the website long enough to actually accomplish some of these inspiring ideas!!!

Have you caught the Pinterest bug? 

If you have please, please, please let me know what your user name is so that I can enjoy all of your pins.

Teeny Tiny Bump in the Road

The death of Barbara Billingsley (aka June Cleaver) has left me in a domestic mood.  I decided to try a new June Cleaverish task each day this week in her honor.

On Sunday I attempted, and successfully made, my first batch of apple sauce.
And yesterday I sat myself in front of the sewing machine!

I wrote about my desire for a sewing machine last year and was graciously loaned one by my sister in law.  Unfortunately for the last 10 months it has collected dust waited patiently for me to take a few minutes to learn how to thread the dang thing and put it to use.  June Cleaver week seemed like the perfect time to do it. 

Well, guess what?  I figured it out!

The story doesn't end there, unfortunately. Once I had mastered a few quick and simple stitches on the machine I figured it was time to tackle THIS skirt tutorial that I've had my eye on for months. I was feeling pretty excited and a bit full of myself.

Turns out my excitement was short lived.  One seam in and the plastic anchor that holds the bobbin in place came lose and somehow got mangled. This has rendered the machine unusable.

Don't give me that look, June!

Thankfully, I found a little locally owned repair shop online, called them this morning and the machine will hopefully be back in business in no time.  Just like June I'm not going to let a little set back stop me from taking my place in the house wife hall of fame. Wait, there is a house wife hall of fame right?  Otherwise what am I doing all of this crap for? I don't need the lousy sense of accomplishment I'm going for the recognition...

I'll keep you posted.

Do you sew or more importantly have you ever busted a sewing machine after one day's use?

Coming Attractions ... Elsewhere

GUESS WHAT TIME IT IS???

Remember all the fun of Spring Fashion Week and Summer Fashion Week?  Welp, it's time to bust out the Fall fashion and oooooh and ahhhh at all the participant's ahhhhhh-mazing style.

I've decided to play along, OF COURSE.  But, I'll be posting my outfits over at A Foreign Land's sister blog Leaving the House in THIS?!?  (You've visited Leaving the House in THIS?!?, right?  WELL WHY NOT? Get your butt over there right now!!)  I just really wanted to take a minute to invite everyone out there to participate.  Give it some thought.  You've got a couple of weeks to prepare.

Click the picture above and Emery at Moms are for Everyone! will give you all the important details. 

Now get to the outfit planning!

Book Club Bloggers - October

You know what I've discovered is the best part of belonging to a book club?  Getting to see a book through the eyes of the other participants.  There is just no denying that it is better for me to read a book in community than all alone.  I get so much more out of my reading experience.

So when I was offered the privilege of choosing this month's selection for the Bookclub Bloggers, I was tickled.  How much fun will it be to see one of my all time favorite books through the eyes of the other participants?

This month's selection is:

Interpreter of Maladies

by Jhumpa Lahiri

This collection of nine short stories is one that I've loaned to countless friends and family members.  A winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 2000, what I find most intriguing about the book is that it is Lahiri's DEBUT work.

I am so excited to read it again, and I'm hoping YOU (yessssss, YOU) will read it along with us.  Then since you've read it, you should participate in the Bookclub.  You don't HAVE to be a blogger to participate.  Charlotte, the head chick in charge, will be happy to help you non-bloggy types participate.

Click this button for all the information you could ever need:

In case you're looking for a little bit of info on the book, read this interview with Jhumpa Lahiri.

The book club members will be posting their reactions to and reviews of Interpreter of Maladies on October 29th.  You still have plenty of time to track down a copy and get to reading it.  My suspicion is that you will not be disappointed.  But, neither of us is going to know until you read the book. {subtle, right?}  I'm really excited for the opportunity to see this book through other reader's eyes.

What do you say?  Are you IN? 

The Social Network

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Believe the Hype.

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It's really, really great.

And I'm not just saying that because my boyfriend, Justin Timberlake, is in it.

(he was fantastic by the way)

The script is smart, the story grabs you from the very first scene (which I adored), and the characters are nuanced and brilliantly multi-dimensional. 

Whether it's true or not, The Social Network is an entertaining piece of film.

{the hubby pointed out that Zuckerberg made a $100 Million donation to the Newark School System that just preceded the movie's release... the timing was a total coincidence, I'm sure.}

For a more in depth and really fantastic review, check out Ashley's take on the movie over at She's Come Undone.

Down by the River

The tour of Chattanooga continues today with a glimpse of the Chattanooga Riverpark.

Before I start, I just have to say that I kind of feel like these pictures speak for themselves.  I’ve mentioned Lexi before, but I have to brag on her again.  She has really captured the beauty of the Riverpark and I feel like my words aren’t even adequate.  Obviously, I'm going to try.  But, I’ll totally understand if you skip my part and focus solely on her beautiful photography.

The Riverpark stretches eight miles down the Tennessee River from the Aquarium to the TVA Dam.  It’s not only gorgeous, but it’s meticulously cared for and has been an ideal place for me to begin my running career.  There’s a killer paved running/walking/biking trail that runs mostly along the shore. With its stellar views and intermittent public sculpture it makes working out – even running – a pleasure.  But, don’t misunderstand the park isn’t ONLY about the trail.

Yesterday we shot pictures at the Boat Dock.  There are also pavilions, a playground and lots of picnic tables and benches throughout to just relax and enjoy the ambiance.

I'm telling you, this place is really breathtaking.


Now, for the clothes…

Navy Cashmere Sweater: 2nd Hand J.Crew

Plaid Pants: 2nd Hand The Limited

Green and Gold Flats: Payless

Mikimoto Pearls: Family Heirlooms

Okay, now it’s time to head over and check out Miss Lexi’s new blog, Vessel Unto Honour!  Make sure and tell her what an incredibly talented photographer she is and that you appreciate all the research she’s doing to make beautiful pictures for all of us to enjoy.

Not Only a Vain Endeavor

Most of my life I've kept journals. My journals have been a way for me to work through issues, to learn lessons and to come to realizations about myself and my life. (a bit like this blog) Here's the issue... I RARELY go back and read those journals. Sooooo, sometimes I figure stuff out, write it down in the journal and then put the journal away. Which means the lesson is occasionally forgotten.

I fear a similar thing may happen with this blog from time to time.

Actually it kind of already has. A few months ago, I wrote this post. At the time I had discovered that getting up, getting dressed and feeling "pretty" helped to lighten my mood and kick start my day.

Fast forward 5 months and I'd all but forgotten that lesson. With a full time job as a homemaker and a part time job as a fitness instructor I began to spend my days looking (and being) a little grubby. That is why I decided to start a brand new blog. Leaving the House in THIS?!? is my little wardrobe accountability partner. It's a place where I intend to post pictures of clothes. More specifically, the blog will feature my clothes... with me in them, of course. I realized that I'm so fortunate because my wardrobe is more than just work-out wear and grubby-clean-the-house stuff. I have a closet full of fully wearable, occasionally fashionable, clothing. If I give myself a little accountability, maybe the clothes will come out of the closet and make their way onto my body ... and for God's sake maybe I’ll take a shower and do my hair now and again.

I know the world doesn't NEED another blog and you guys may not WANT another daily read. But, if you're curious, I'd love for you to stop by and check it out.

And as far as any other lessons that may have been lost, I'm starting an archiving project of old posts published on A Foreign Land. This is going to force me to re-read and probably re-learn a few lessons that I've all but forgotten since I started back in 2006. Fair WARNING: keep an eye out for some re-published posts. I hope this won’t be as painful as re-reading journals I kept in High School… the horror!!!

If you keep journals, do you ever go back and re-read them?

Hooray!

Okay, so this is me slinging a little truth your way. I feel a bit zapped after all the Summer Fashion Week festivities. Doesn't seem like I'm quite “in shape” to post 7 days a week. So, today I've been taking it a little easy.

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Of course, just because I'm tired doesn’t mean there isn’t cause to celebrate!
Kelly over at Kelly Leigh Gets Busy was kind enough to tag me with a blog award recently.
Hooray! Indeed!

She finds me versatile.
Now I get to tell you guys 7 things about myself that you don’t already know.  Hmmm. I'm going to tweak that a little – probably because I'm so versatile. (?!?!??)  See, A Foreign Land was a semi-hidden blog for a long time. I’ve already written about things but a lot of you weren’t around to read what I was saying. Therefore you don’t know. Right? Well, here are those posts again so you can catch up!

See, I told you I was taking it a little easy.

Seven Posts About Me… That you may not have read.
1. Sometimes I'm no picnic to be married to
2. “Time Traveling” changed my life
3. I'm almost as much of an attention whore as Bachelor Jake
4. I have a very diverse iPod
5. I haven’t been a Christian for long, but I'm so glad that I am
6. Sometimes I RANT about things that I have no right complaining about
(But since I'm aware I do it, doesn’t that make it less annoying and more charming? Are you sure?)
7. I have a flair for the dramatic

I'm planning to hand out my own bunch of Versatile Blogger awards to some of my other new bloggy friends in the near future.

And for now, many, MANY thanks to Kelly for this sweet recognition!

Give-a-wah?

I really didn't think that A Foreign Land (the blog you're currently reading) would EVER be a giveaway site. Don't get me wrong, I love to sign up for blog giveaways. I've even been fortunate enough to win a few that have put a big cheesy grin on my face. Plus, I understand the functionality of a giveaway. My reticence to host one wasn’t a judgment against them... But up until now, hosting a giveaway felt contrived or manipulative because my heart wasn't in it. I felt like I was bribing readers to be my "friends". You know, like, "I'll give you a present if you'll like me." But, when I found this little treat in my mailbox today, my whole attitude on hosting a giveaway changed.

Adorable? Right?

My girlfriend (who I've mentioned here and here) has started a new business, Lovewell Embroidery.  She embroiders key chains and travel mugs and baby items and you should really go see her Etsy shop.  I've been using a key chain prototype that she gave me for Christmas and have been getting compliments left and right. But, apparently now she's moved onto key chain design 2.0 and she was kind enough to send me an upgrade. She let me pick out the ribbon and thread and backing so it’s completely personalized. (An interesting side note: 4 of my close friends have all chosen the SAME ribbon without consulting one another. Weird, huh?)

Since I love mine so much (And since Amy is willing) I want you – yes, YOU- to have one too.

Translation: I'm hosting my first ev-ah giveaway.

Here are the rules:
(1 Entry) Be a follower of A Foreign Land and then visit Lovewell Embroidery’s Etsy shop to pick out your favorite item. Tell me what you fall in love with in a comment below.
(XTRA Entry) If you BUY an item from the shop or mention this giveaway elsewhere in cyber world you have a better chance of winning. Just make sure to leave a separate comment letting me know each thing you’ve done!

I’ll pick the winner in two weeks – Friday, July 23rd – so be sure to leave your email when you comment.

Good luck and may the best commenter win!

Blushing...

Recently, one of my favorite ladies - who also happens to be a blogger buddy - (and who I've mentioned here over and over again...) presented me with an award!  Miss Olivia over at Of Such is the Kingdom called A Foreign Land "A Blog with Substance."  How much of a compliment is that?

I'm tickled to be considered substantive.  Since often I feel like there's a whole lot of fluffiness at this address.  As part of this award, I am challenged to explain my blogging philosophy.  It has changed and grown in the past few months.  I figured I'd share this post with you again, just in case you missed it the first time. Here ya go:

When this blog started I was a real whiner.

I hated this city.
I desperately missed my friends and family.
I was unsatisfied with life.
And I was looking for an outlet for my angst.

So, I worked (and I use that word lightly because there wasn’t a whole lot of growth or change initially) all that out via rants and complaints here, on the Internet. My voice was harsh and bitter and a real picture of how I was feeling. I even chose the blog’s name as a dig toward my surroundings. I admit it, A Foreign Land was meant to be snarky, just like most everything else I wrote.

But during the last few years there’s been a bit of an evolution. I don’t think I'm as nasty anymore. There’s a kinder, gentler vibe at this web address. How’d it happen, you ask? It’s taken a few things to bring me here. Great advice from friends who MADE me stop blaming this city for the unhappiness in my life helped a ton. Great adventures with new friends that have made me embrace our time here, while we ARE here. Plus a pinch of personal growth has opened my eyes to a few things about ME. And I love that this blog has been (and will continue to be) a record of that growth process.

I guess there’s really no need to change its name because it’s still as true about where I am as it was the first day I posted. I'm still living in a foreign land it’s just that now I know I would be no matter what my zip code was. Seriously, there have been some HUGE changes in my life in the past few years. I was able to grasp that maybe a year ago, when I posted this. What’s foreign about “my land” is that I'm married, I'm sober, and I’m a Christian. It’s foreign that I take responsibility for my yucky stuff and I want to change it. It’s foreign that I love the not-so-yucky stuff about me because I'm a unique creation NOT because I'm trying to prove something.

So, readers, please know that the title “A Foreign Land” has been officially de-snarkified. It’s no longer spoken with condemnation toward my surroundings. Instead it communicates the awareness that I'm very FAR from certain how to successfully navigate this life that I’ve been gifted. I'm just taking it one day at a time and CHEERFULLY trying to negotiate my foreign land.

That basically is what this blog is all about.  My writing chronicles the path (chock full of mis-steps) that I'm navigating.  Some days I'm thinking about what I'm wearing or watching while other days I'm thinking about what I'm becoming.  And most recently, this blog has turned out to be a gateway to a community of other fascinating people!  Which, really is an extra added bonus.

Ok, so now I've gone on and on about me and A Foreign Land.  I believe it's high time to bestow an "A Blog with Substance" award on a few other talented bloggers.

My Place in This Blogging World: Since I happen to know the author of this blog personally, I can attest that she is the real deal.  Her honesty and transparency are both a blessing and an inspiration.

Hope Chella: This (sorta new to me) blog has been a real treat for my eyes.  It's full of images that she finds inspiring which she then posts to keep from "cluttering her desk".  I never know what I'll find when I visit, and since a picture's worth a thousand words, it's clear Hope Chella has a LOT to say!

The Daily Snapshot: I'm a little bit embarrassed of how many times I've starred this blog in my google reader.  Between recipes and book recommendations  (See What I'm Reading Now!!) she keeps me busy!  And she hasn't steered me wrong yet.

Now I'm excited to check out what these three have to say about their blogging philosophy. 

Ladies?

Summer Fashion Week - Coming Soon

Do you know what time it is?

Remember Spring Fashion Week hosted by Emery over at moms are for everyone!?

I'm tickled pink to report that the Summer edition is right around the corner.

Friends, here's what I'm thinking. You really, really, really should join in the fun too.

You have a bit of time to ponder participation and more importantly to start putting your outfits together.

The rules are really simple. Emery explains it best here, but I'll take a stab at it.

1. Take a photo of your beautiful self highlighting your fabulous fashion. 
2. Post your picture on your site for all the world to ooh and ahh over.
3. Visit moms are for everyone! and publish your post on her link list before checking out all the other fancy participants.
4. Do that each day for a week.

OK, ok, so you need an incentive?  Well, each link that you post represents an entry into a fabulous (as yet unnamed) giveaway.  Not that you'd do it for free stuff, right? 

Seriously though, let your love of fashion and your desire to make new blog friends and steal their mad styles convince you that Summer Fashion Week NEEDS you.

What do you think? Are you in? 

Thankful Thursday / Episode 54

True or False? Even though I arrived home on Sunday night, I'm still unpacking TODAY (which is indeed Thursday if you’re keeping score).

If you answered True, then you are correct.
The past four days have seen me slowly returning to the everyday routine. Yes, I do mean slooowly. Sometimes I wish I was like the handsome hubby, who when home is unpacked and back to “normal” in the first hour through the door. But, that just isn’t me. It takes a bit more time for me to get re-acclimated and settle back into the everyday grind. Switching gears can sometimes be a challenge after an extended trip. So even while experiencing the until now unfamiliar comfort of being back in Chattanooga, I still clung tightly to vacation mode.  My brain wasn't all that interested in returning to day in, day out life.  Please tell me you experience this too!

Well, I’ll tell you something that makes getting back to real life much more fun. It’s when there are packages waiting patiently for you to arrive home and rip into them.

Episode 54: “Today I am thankful for … surprises that arrive in the mail while you are gone.”

Before leaving for my big trip I was fortunate enough to win an honest to goodness prize on the internet. Andi over at Misadventures with Andi (a terrific blog that I read faithfully) organized an Eat, Pray, Love Giveaway. She collaborated with Julie at Writing Roads, Alisa at Project Happily Ever After and Edgy Mama at Brewgasm to host a fun blog contest/pilgrimage. At the end there were only a few who were victorious and it turns out random.org liked me that day. Fast forward just a smidgen of time… and much to my delight, I came home to find these books waiting for me!

I had nearly forgotten about my big win with all the vacation craziness occupying space in my brain. As you can imagine, it was exciting to discover the books tucked inside the Amazon box delivered to my door. I read Eat, Pray, Love a year or so ago and fell head over heels for Elizabeth Gilbert’s relaxed and unpretentious storytelling style. I couldn’t help but feel somewhat connected to her story. After all, hasn’t each of us experienced a moment where we have every material thing we need but still long for something more? Something deeper? Something with more weight? Eat, Pray, Love is an account of Gilbert’s real life quest for fulfillment beyond the material trappings of everyday life. I was swept up in her around-the-world adventure from page one. I'm excited to re-read it before the film opens in August. As far as the second book Committed goes… the subtitle is “A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage.” Excuse me Ms. Gilbert (or your publisher), will you please get out of my head!  I'll let you know if the book is as satisfying as its title. 

This week, my procrastination and reluctance to let go of vacation threatened to put a damper on my psyche. But the exciting package from Andi was a bright spot that made me smile. And can I just say that writing this post persuaded made me to hurry up and get my routine back in gear so that I have time to sit down with a good book. I guess that means I received multiple gifts in one package.

So, today I am thankful.

Starred for Your Reading Pleasure

When I was working full time I used to read blogs and dream about when I would have time to try the recipes, or read the books or attempt the DIY projects. I’d “star” each post in my Google reader having every intention to follow up one day. Well, I’ve now been funemployed for three months and ask me how many projects I’ve attempted. I’ll tell you how many, zeee-ro. It’s a sad, sad truth. In fact, until a few days ago I never even revisited my collection of “starred” posts!  Why oh why did I wait?  It was a goldmine.

It was a goldmine too good not to be shared.  So, I put together a little list.  Don't worry it's just oneish post from each month this year. You won't be here ALL day.  Plus, you'll need something to enjoy while I'm on the plane to NYC tomorrow. Feel free to “star” them yourself and take months to get back to them. Truth is, my intentions aren't completely altruistic.  Are they ever?  I also put this list together and put it IN WRITING for all of you to see and take note.  These are projects that I intend to tackle when I'm back in the groove of everyday normal life.  Anyone up for holding me accountable?

I present the following brilliant posts for your reading pleasure:

1.  Tomato Sauce with Onion and Butter from Smitten Kitchen on January 17, 2010 ~ I'm totally in love those curly spaghetti noodles! Any idea where on Earth I can get them??  I may be kidding myself, but this sauce seems like something even I could make with some success.  It also appears to be something that even the picky handsome hubby would devour.

2.  Be prepared to fall in love with this “graceful” navy dress from ModCloth that the Elizablog shared on February 13, 2010.  I'm kicking myself right now for not looking through these posts prior to packing. I mean can you just picture THIS for a night on the broad way? Talk about a gorgeous collar and an even more gorgeous price. Certainly there is another wedding or event in the near future that will require the attendance of this dress. …or more specifically ME wearing this dress.

3.  Do you have a closet full of fabulous scarves that you are sick of wearing the same way over and over?  Me too. Check out a different way to tie a funky knot on the Sartorialist. This one was posted back on February 26, 2010 and I’ve used this knot a couple of times since. Just one thing to say about it, when I tie this one on I look good.

4.  Donald Miller said if I read these Seven Books I’ll be a better writer. I believe him.

5.  Here’s a little ditty for those of us with limited DIY skills and an abundant desire to be fashionably edgy. This Safety Pin belt/choker/cuff that the endlessly creative …love Maegan shared on April 27, 2010 is fantabulous. Her majorly chic blog always – and I mean on a reg.u.lar basis - has super cute and easy DIYs. Though I haven’t tried this one, I have attempted others that she’s posted.  I can testify that the end results have garnered compliments and envious stares.

6.  How about this list of the Ten Best Documentaries according to A Cup of Jo that I found on May 21, 2010? I’ve watched a few already and as an überfan of documentaries I cannot wait to finish off her list! Are there any that you would add?  A Cup of Jo is a blog that I just started reading. Where have I been, right?  Her mega-blog is stylish and charming.  You should run over there and congratulate her on her brand new little one!

So, as you visit these links think of me boarding a jet plane before the sun rises tomorrow morning.  Never fear, I do not intend to allow you to miss me while I'm travelling.  Oh, come on.  Just admit it.  You would miss me.  But I would NEVER let you suffer in that way.  I promise.