I spend a lot of time reading my google reader fees. I get stressed out when the unread items get above 100 but they always are because I subscribe to so many blogs. So I'm getting rid of some, well I'm saving the titles here so I can see always go back to them if I find I'm missing out on something.
Racked Chicago: I thought I wanted to know the sales, but I'm getting way too much info. It gives me the urge to shop anyway which I don't need when I'm decluttering.
Coconut & Lime: I like the thought of cooking a lot, I have a shelf of cookbooks, but how often do I actually cook something new and if I want to can't I just look up a recipe then.
AdoreDaily: She's beautiful. She's stylish. Her blog is inspiring, but I need to do less watching and more creating.
Design Blahg It's snarky and it's about design. What could be better.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
My 100 item challenge
All over the minimalist blog world there seem to be 100 thing challenges where people try to reduce their belongs to 100 things. Anyone who knows me knows that I am nowhere close to being a minimalist. I love fashion, home decorating, and dream of having a library lined in books. But I also know that I have enough, more than enough actually. So Im starting my own version of the challenge to rid myself of 100 things in the next 100 days
Thursday, August 25, 2011
On the Move
I'm moving again! I can't believe that in just under a year I will have moved my whole household twice. It certainly makes you realize how much stuff you have! Despite subscribing to many a minimalist blog, I have yet to subscribe to the lifestyle. I just love pretty things too much :)
In this move, I am making a effort to throw away/give away more things than usual, but it is never enough. I'm definitely going to have to streamline if I have to move again.
In this move, I am making a effort to throw away/give away more things than usual, but it is never enough. I'm definitely going to have to streamline if I have to move again.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Money Mondays: Tracking my net worth
These days I don't budget more on that in a later post, but I do obsessively monitor my networth. Why? For me its hard to motivate myself without a goal. For me it's easy to save for a down payment or a new car, but just saving just because has never worked for me. So I started checking my networth once a month. I must admit I like just watching that number grow and trying to out do my growth from the previous month (admittedly that's often out of my control given how the market has been).
Some people have taken it to the next level using sites like Net Worth IQ, which not only let track your networth but compare it with others. I just K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid) and just use excel and keep it private.
How about you? Do you like watching your networth or it something you don't bother to calculate?
Some people have taken it to the next level using sites like Net Worth IQ, which not only let track your networth but compare it with others. I just K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid) and just use excel and keep it private.
How about you? Do you like watching your networth or it something you don't bother to calculate?
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Open House Sunday
I'm not in the market to buy right now, but I still love to look. Here are my top open houses choices for Sunday August 14.
507 N Ada: I love the large windows and the update kitchen. Not sure about the cement walls but that's why I would go check it out. Linda Levin of Jameson Sotheby's International Realty has the listing and the open house is from 11 to 1.
5320 N Kenmore: I love porches for spying on the neighborhood. Lots of windows and walk in closet. Hello this could be perfect if you like the neighborhood. I would take the opportunity to check out the place and to explore neighborhood which has a walkscore of 91! Liane Pruchnik of Koenig & Strey Real Living has the listing and the open house is 1 to 3.
507 N Ada: I love the large windows and the update kitchen. Not sure about the cement walls but that's why I would go check it out. Linda Levin of Jameson Sotheby's International Realty has the listing and the open house is from 11 to 1.
5320 N Kenmore: I love porches for spying on the neighborhood. Lots of windows and walk in closet. Hello this could be perfect if you like the neighborhood. I would take the opportunity to check out the place and to explore neighborhood which has a walkscore of 91! Liane Pruchnik of Koenig & Strey Real Living has the listing and the open house is 1 to 3.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Open House Sunday
I've been obsessed with HGTV for the past few years, and now we have started househunting ourselves. Most Sundays are spent cruising the open houses in the South Loop neighborhood. I thought I would start posting my thoughts on the places we see to remind myself of the units, and perhaps give tips to whoever else out there looking.
Today we saw 1169 S Plymouth #510. It was a bit 1980s fabulous. Nice sized closet, but the bathrooms need updating and the mirror walls in the living room would have to go. The building hallways could stand to be more welcoming and the assessments were not cheap. The kitchen is tiny but the living area is well-sized.
We also checked out another unit in the complex, but in a different building. This is a two story unit with a good size living space. They have done a good job updating the kitchen, but again the paint colors would need changing. This unit has an oversized master closet that wraps around behind the upstairs bathroom. Downsides: No laundry in the unit, parking isn't for sale and isn't available immediately, small outdoor space and despite being two-stories lacks the townhouse feel and definitely feels like a condo.
Today we saw 1169 S Plymouth #510. It was a bit 1980s fabulous. Nice sized closet, but the bathrooms need updating and the mirror walls in the living room would have to go. The building hallways could stand to be more welcoming and the assessments were not cheap. The kitchen is tiny but the living area is well-sized.
We also checked out another unit in the complex, but in a different building. This is a two story unit with a good size living space. They have done a good job updating the kitchen, but again the paint colors would need changing. This unit has an oversized master closet that wraps around behind the upstairs bathroom. Downsides: No laundry in the unit, parking isn't for sale and isn't available immediately, small outdoor space and despite being two-stories lacks the townhouse feel and definitely feels like a condo.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Fashion Friday: Suede Oxfords
I bought these shoes in the fall. Here's how I would style them for work in a business casual office.
Theory dress, 204 GBP
Duffy cashmere top, $175
J Crew blouse, $78
American Eagle Outfitters tunic, $20
Red blazer, $342
L Agence wool blazer, $339
Alexander Wang cropped blazer, $403
Balenciaga layered skirt, 420 GBP
Marc by Marc Jacobs slim pants, $139
Sam Edelman leather oxford, $110
Jvin faux leather handbag, $1
Salvatore Ferragamo pocket tote, 851 EUR
Camilla and Marc Camilla and Marc Whitewash ruched mini dress, 450 GBP
Charcoal Navy Check Cropped Wool Blazer D&G, 326 EUR
Duffy cashmere top, $175
J Crew blouse, $78
American Eagle Outfitters tunic, $20
Red blazer, $342
L Agence wool blazer, $339
Alexander Wang cropped blazer, $403
Balenciaga layered skirt, 420 GBP
Marc by Marc Jacobs slim pants, $139
Sam Edelman leather oxford, $110
Jvin faux leather handbag, $1
Salvatore Ferragamo pocket tote, 851 EUR
Camilla and Marc Camilla and Marc Whitewash ruched mini dress, 450 GBP
Charcoal Navy Check Cropped Wool Blazer D&G, 326 EUR
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
Home: Pet Crate in Credenza
I recently read this New York Times piece about the lengths people go to design their homes around their pets. I know its old but we are just getting a dog today!For me its not so much that I want to pamper our pet, although I do want him to have a place of his own. Its just that pet equipment is just so ugly!
Our new dog is crate trained already. I've been thinking about how we can incorporate his crate into our living. I would love to fit it into a credenza like This IKEA one, which has doors he could open himself with pressure.
There has to be something out there like this right?!! Where could it be?
Our new dog is crate trained already. I've been thinking about how we can incorporate his crate into our living. I would love to fit it into a credenza like This IKEA one, which has doors he could open himself with pressure.
There has to be something out there like this right?!! Where could it be?
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Bridesmaids by Asos
Went to another wedding this weekend. Even though I am so far away from getting hitched, I can't help but think what I would do for mine. Being a bridesmaid is honor, but it sucks having to buy an expensive dress that you would never pick out yourself. So I've looked for affordable options, I have never ordered from Asos but they have an abundance of dresses under $100 and right now have free shipping. I'll definitely have to keep it in mind when I do get engaged.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Fashion Fridays: Loving It!
With the weather finally turning nice I'm craving graphic pieces. As always there's a little high end mixed with some cheap finds from Forever 21.
Sasha Ruched Side Dress :: Wren :: Women's Stores :: Boutiques ::...
$226 - boutiques.refinery29.com
$226 - boutiques.refinery29.com
Monday, February 21, 2011
Beginning French
I love to take classes and sign up for activities. It's how I meet people. It's how I keep myself from wasting hours watching HGTV and Real Housewives. It ensures that I get out of my bathrobe on snow days. Well, I signed up for a beginning French course at Alliance Francaise. So you'll be seeing what French tools help me most as I try to recall those years of high school French.
So far, I have found Imagiers's videos to be very good, so check out his youtube channel
Last week we worked on countries of the world. My pronunciation has always been poor so I wanted to practice those words again. Here are some good youtube videos to practice with.
So far, I have found Imagiers's videos to be very good, so check out his youtube channel
Last week we worked on countries of the world. My pronunciation has always been poor so I wanted to practice those words again. Here are some good youtube videos to practice with.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Fashion Friday: Steal and Splurge!
Today I saw the strangest thing in the Roosevelt el station. Even though its less 30 degrees outside, at first glance, I thought I saw a man with no pants on. On further inspection it turns out he was wearing teeny tiny shorts! He seemed nonplussed by the weather and I couldn't help but stare. Seems like other folks are as desperate for summer as I am. His outfit inspired this Steal/Splurge for what I'll be wearing lakeside as soon as the weather hits......60.
STEAL: Ever since I was a little girl I've craved the yellow polka dot bikini and these bottoms seem unique and fun!
SPLURGE: Even if its beautiful you have to cover it up sometime and this will do nicely.
STEAL: Ever since I was a little girl I've craved the yellow polka dot bikini and these bottoms seem unique and fun!
SPLURGE: Even if its beautiful you have to cover it up sometime and this will do nicely.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Money Mondays: Saving on 7
Today over at Simple Dollar, Trent is talking about how to save money on the 7 most common bills. Here's my take on these 7 items.
Energy: I'm a renter so I don't do any long lasting improvements on my properties. The three best ways I've found to save on this are (1) power strips: put as many energy suckers as you can on power strip so you can easily click it off, (2) sweaters: turn down the thermostat, this is a hard one for me because I love being warm. So I pile on the down blanket, put on my sweatpants and keep the thermostat turned down. I also try to drop it down another few degrees when I'll be out of the house for the day and turn it down to 50 if I will be out of town. (3) rent newer and smaller properties: the largest utility bills I have ever had is when I rented older spaces. I love the character but the lack of insulation and old windows, don't help much.
Mortgage/Rent: I admit I'm not as good about this because I'm all about location. Biggest tip is to not be wow'd by bigger or flashier spaces, just get what you need especially as a renter, you don't own those granite countertops anyway.
Water: Even though I'm a renter I change my shower heads, and after years of paying for laundry by the load, I'm trained to wait until the washer is full before running it. (If you can skip drying, you save energy too!) Also put a water filter on your faucet and drink it rather than bottled.
Internet: Shop around! Jump ship whenever you can for promotional deals, its worth it.
Cell phone/telephone: Ditch you land line and go cellphone only. If you aren't getting a discount on your cell phone plan you definitely should. Almost everyone can get one through a club, organization, alma mater, or their company. If you can swing a family plan with others it can be cheaper. (They don't actually have to be family) Use google voice for international calls.
Insurance: Have it even if you are renter. Again look for discounts through organizations you are involved with, alumni associations, and your employer. Constantly shop around and then negotiate with your current provider if you aren't prepare to switch.
Car payments: I have always bought my car used and paid in full, but there are still things that crop up. One thing that keeps cost down is keeping up on maintenance and walking or using public transport when possible.
Energy: I'm a renter so I don't do any long lasting improvements on my properties. The three best ways I've found to save on this are (1) power strips: put as many energy suckers as you can on power strip so you can easily click it off, (2) sweaters: turn down the thermostat, this is a hard one for me because I love being warm. So I pile on the down blanket, put on my sweatpants and keep the thermostat turned down. I also try to drop it down another few degrees when I'll be out of the house for the day and turn it down to 50 if I will be out of town. (3) rent newer and smaller properties: the largest utility bills I have ever had is when I rented older spaces. I love the character but the lack of insulation and old windows, don't help much.
Mortgage/Rent: I admit I'm not as good about this because I'm all about location. Biggest tip is to not be wow'd by bigger or flashier spaces, just get what you need especially as a renter, you don't own those granite countertops anyway.
Water: Even though I'm a renter I change my shower heads, and after years of paying for laundry by the load, I'm trained to wait until the washer is full before running it. (If you can skip drying, you save energy too!) Also put a water filter on your faucet and drink it rather than bottled.
Internet: Shop around! Jump ship whenever you can for promotional deals, its worth it.
Cell phone/telephone: Ditch you land line and go cellphone only. If you aren't getting a discount on your cell phone plan you definitely should. Almost everyone can get one through a club, organization, alma mater, or their company. If you can swing a family plan with others it can be cheaper. (They don't actually have to be family) Use google voice for international calls.
Insurance: Have it even if you are renter. Again look for discounts through organizations you are involved with, alumni associations, and your employer. Constantly shop around and then negotiate with your current provider if you aren't prepare to switch.
Car payments: I have always bought my car used and paid in full, but there are still things that crop up. One thing that keeps cost down is keeping up on maintenance and walking or using public transport when possible.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Fashion Fridays: Steal and Splurge
In these posts, I bring you what I'm craving these days. The best sale item that's tempting my pocketbook and the one that'd break my virtual bank.
STEAL: Booties
Nine West Women's Drina Bootie - Free Overnight Shipping on New Styles, Free Return Shipping: endless.com
I have a love affair with booties right now. Maybe in reaction to my craving the over the knee boots for Christmas. Endless has tons of boots on sale right now. I like these because the platform mitigates the heel.
SPLURGE: Leather Dress
Elizabeth and James. Available at Shop Bop and Neiman Marcus. Totally not practical and even on sale its $172. But I love it anyway!
STEAL: Booties
Nine West Women's Drina Bootie - Free Overnight Shipping on New Styles, Free Return Shipping: endless.com
I have a love affair with booties right now. Maybe in reaction to my craving the over the knee boots for Christmas. Endless has tons of boots on sale right now. I like these because the platform mitigates the heel.
SPLURGE: Leather Dress
Fashion Fridays: Coldest Day Yet
Today is by far the coldest day I've experienced in Chicago so far. But one thing I've learned is with good long underwear and proper boots, you can still look fabulous and be warm without bulk. So what am I wearing to the office today....
Sunday, January 16, 2011
January Reflections
Many people start the new year with loads of energy directed at the resolutions they've made. For me, January has become a time to sit still, stay in, and set goals for the new year. It helps that the frigid weather and the massive workload always seem to hit me at this time. Now the month is half over, let me put down my simple goals.
(1) Be Healthier: Exercise more often, Eat more Fruits and Vegetables, and sleep better hours.
(2) Be Richer: Only spend money on necessities and enriching experiences, Skip the obligatory outings and do things I truly love, Make sure to spend time, energy, and $$ on those I love most
(3) Stress Less: Sleep more, Cuddle more, find fun activities to enrich my life and Stop sweating the small stuff
(4) Give More: Find ways to give more time and money to the causes and people near and dear to me
Vague goals never happen so over the next few days I'll start posting the detailed break down of how I'm going to get these accomplished.
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