Saturday, July 31, 2010

What a Workout...

Every since I decided to get healthy and try to simplify my life, I have been going to the gym 3 or 4 days per week for at least an hour each. I find the gym to be my haven, no one jumping on me, whining, or demanding juice, just peace and quite and sweat, it gives me piece of mind. Wow, I never thought I would enjoy working out so much. Well today, just ten minutes into my intervals I received a phone call from Alex's pediatrician that she would like to see him in 30 minutes. So, I jump of the bike, speed home, change clothes, grabbed Alex and headed to the doctor...all while still sweating. At the pediatrician, we discover Alex has viral induced asthma. He had to use the nebulizer and have a breathing treatment...all while I was still sweating. I hated seeing my little baby so miserable. Sometimes I question my selfishness or my ability as a mom, but today when I hopped off that that bike and sped home to take care of my baby...my piece of mind and my workout be damned.


Thursday, July 29, 2010

Friend Friday

Katy from Modly Chic started a feature where she has bloggers share their opinion on specific topic. The topic for this week is blogger envy/jealousy.

1. How do you define jealousy?
I say jealousy is seeing something somebody has or is, mentally or physically, that you want to imitate or have for yourself

2.When do you find you experience a bit of blogger jealousy?
I think I feel jealous when I see others whose style I want to imitate or when other have clothes I want, but could never afford or wear on my body. I also have jealousy when other bloggers have lots of followers or comments all the time.

3. What types of blogs or which bloggers are you a little jealous of?
I definitely find myself being jealous of other fashion blogs where the girls have such great style. I covet some of the amazing clothes that they wear and they body they have to wear them. I have trouble coming to terms sometimes that I have a curvy body and certain clothes just don't work on me. Also I get jealous of others bloggers lives...all the exciting things they do their fascinating jobs.

4.From the time we are little we are taught jealousy is a bad thing, but it can also inspire us to be better. Have you changed the way you do things, the content of your blog, etc...
I have not really changed the way I do things, but I have been influenced to think outside my comfort zone when it comes to style and fashion. I have been motivated to try new things and clothes that I would have never felt comfortable wearing before...it is a good thing

5.What is the best way to overcome jealousy in the blogosphere and in life?
I am just trying to figure out who I am and just try to be the best version of me that I can be. In the end, all we can be is ourselves

Dirty Dozen

Worn to Work Thursday, July 29

Outfit #12 of 30





Top-Filter
Skirt-Banana Republic Outlet
Shoes-Some German Brand
Bracelet-H&M
I should have known when both of my boys woke me up at 5AM screaming "mommy let me out" that it was going to be a long, exhausting, not enough coffee to keep me going day.
Almost half way through the 30 for 30 challenge. While trying to figure out what to wear this morning, I realized that there are a few of my items that I have not worn yet...mostly blazers and jackets. I chose them because my fall back, safe and comfy style is a tank top, blazer or cardigan and a skirt. But over the last few weeks I have been trying a few new things...belting, tucking in, more fitted tops, not just tanks. So, now I am at a loss on how to style some of my items, but I am up for the challenge!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Eleven Mexican jumping Beans

Worn to Work Tuesday, July 28

Outfit #11 in the 30 for 30 Challenge






Skirt-H&M
Tank Top-Old Navy
Denim Jacket-Halogen
Shoes-ELLE


I finally got a tripod for my camera, so after work today I took it to the park to have some fun. I still do not have a remote yet, so I set the timer and just jumped in the shot....I am still not sure how to focus 100% with the timer.
Lately, I have been tucking everything in and wearing belts to define my waist. I am still a little self conscious about my body with clothes tucked in, but I like the way it smooths my silhouette. I also really liked the way the outfit looked without the jean jacket...especially in this 90 degree heat.

For lunch today we had the free burritos from Chipotle that I won yesterday. The very friendly manager at my Rogers Park location also give me free chips, salsa and drinks, so we had a fiesta in the conference room...mmmmm...

Monday, July 26, 2010

Big Red is Back!

Worn to Work Monday July 26th






Skirt-Old Navy
Tank Top-Old Nay
Cardigan-Ann Taylor Loft
Shoes-Target
Necklace-Martin & Osa

No, my outift was not from the 30 for 30 challenge, but some of the items I ipicked either do not fit, or need to go to the cleaners. So, tonight I am going to take inventory of my items and pick up my cleaning so I can get back on the horse and finish the last 2/3 of the challenge.
Today is a joyous day!!
Besides getting free burritos (see previous post)I finally have my car back. I was in a bad car accident in May. The car insurance company did a really crappy job handling my claim. There was so much damage that the car should have been totalled...but they decided they wanted it fixed. After about 6 weeks they told me it was totally fixed...except for a light on the dash board for the passenger airbag...they still had to order the part for that.
Fast forward to two days later...they tell me the part is in and it will take them an hour to install it. So, me and the kids sat in the waiting area for TWO hours...thank god they had a TV and toys there. After way too long they came out to tell me they cannot figure out how to get the light off even with the new part. Also, now the air conditioner is leaking!
So, it is now 95 degrees out and I am again taking the car seats out of my car and again putting them back into the rental car...what a sweaty hassle.
Fast forward to three weeks later and I am still in my Chey Malibu rental car and they just cannot figure out how to fix the dashboard light. They should have just totalled it in the beginning.
So today, 91 days later, I FINALLY have by baby back...Big Red...My Honda CRV
Sorry this was so long, but I needed to vent. Ahhhh....I feel better now.

mmmmm...burritos

While I was editing today's outfit post I received a call from Chipotle telling me I had won the business card drawing. FREE LUNCH FOR AN OFFICE OF 10!!!!
First, I am so excited because I never win anything...but I enter everything...You could have a room of 20 people and 19 drawings for winners, and I would be the one that never wins. Second, I LOVE Chipotle!!!. they have a location right by my gym, so maybe twice a week I go there all sweaty after I workout to get a burrito...I am sure they love me there! Also, there is one a few blocks from my office that we frequent at least once a week.
So excited for burritos for lunch tomorrow!!! mmmm....guacamole!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

10 of Clubs

Worn to Work Thursday, July 22

Outfit #10 of the 30 for 30 Challenge





Dress-Banana Republic Outlet
Jacket- Nordstroms
shoes-Kenneth Cole
Necklace-some storefront in Ixtapa, Mexico

Today I had a big meeting at work, so I put on a nice dress, blazer and my best and tallest heels. I know the shoes are not part of the 30 for 30 challenge, but I had to wear something but sandals, so I dug these out of the closet...much to me feet's chagrin... In case you were wondering, the meeting went very well. The perspective clients were not dressed up at all, jeans and t-shirts. So I guess I did not have to wear my "fancy" work clothes after all.
Now I am off to pick up some Mucinex for Jack's cough. All I can think about is the commercial for the medicine when the mucus is living in the person and watching tv!
Poor jack, he was up all night coughing and today he is miserable....another sinus infection with a temperature of 102

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Can I Have Nine Lives Too?

Worn to Work Tuesday, July 20

Outfit #9 of the 30 for 30 Challenge





Today was a very long day at work. We have a big presentation on Thursday, so I had a ton of things to do. Woke up feeling like crap, so I decided to wear these comfy pants today. I am not sure that they are totally flattering, but they sure are comfy.
Sore throat, burning eyes, headache....

Shirt-Banana Republic outlet
Pants-Ann Taylor Loft
Shoes-Me Too
Bracelet-Black Sheep

Monday, July 19, 2010

Is Eight Enough?

Worn to Work Monday, June 19

Outfit #8 of the 30 for 30 Challenge





I do not randomly go around posing with ladders, but I was very excited to see this one...This ladder is part of the construction of a new restaurant down the street from my office. There are only a few choices within walking distance, and most of them suck, so a new addition is very welcome!

Skirt-Banana Republic Outlet
Tank-Old Navy
Cardigan-Fox's
Shoes-Steve Madden
Jewelry-H&M

What did you just say....?



So, last week, I was standing in my closet getting dressed with my 1 1/2 year old son Alex sitting on the floor next to me playing with my bracelets....he loves to run around the house with an arm full of bangles...All the sudden he looks up at me and points and says "boobies".
And now he has a new favorite word....I am guessing his big brother taught him that!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Jo-Dee, Jo-Dee

Worn to Work Thursday, July 15





Skirt-H&M
Tank-Old Navy
Blazer-Semantics Norstroms
Shoes-Some German Brand
Jewelry- Macy's

Pardon the straggly hair and shiny face today. It is about 90 degrees and ungodly humid here in Chicago. I am just getting sweaty writing this! What is the point of taking the time to blow dry your hair straight, when as soon as you get outside it starts to curl up. Seriously, I could feel it curling as I was standing outside the doors to Jack's camp. Ahhhhhhh!!!

So, Jack was sick yesterday, fever 103. So the day was spent setting in between the two kids watching Spongebob. Alex on one side jumping around trying to climb over me so he can play with Jack. Jack is on the other side moaning and coughing. Alex cannot understand why he cannot play with Jack and Jack is screaming because Alex keeps trying to touch him. Needless to say, it was a long day.

I almost forgot...the post title, Jo-Dee, Jo-Dee....Today is outfit #7 of the 30 for 30 Challenge and Jody Davis was my favorite player for the Cubs in the 80's...he was #7.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Not Up For The Challenge

Wore to Work Tuesday, July 13




My office is a block from Lake Michigan, so sometimes we try to walk down to the lake to take outfit photos.




I was trying to do an action shot, but epic fail...

Skirt and Shirt-Old Navy
Shoes-Me Too
jewelry-Macy's and H&M

So today I did not wear any of my items for the 30 for 30 outfit challenge except for my sandals. I just was not feeling any of the pieces today. I was not really planning to do the outfit challenge in 30 days straight, so I am ok with straying today. I just want to wear the 30 outfits by August 27th. for curious minds, that is the day of my surgery (more about that at a later date. I know I wore this same outfit Saturday, but I really like the way it makes me feel, so I put it on again this morning.
Today is not a wonderful day...But my call from Alex during the middle of the day to say "hi mommy...cars go vroom" did make me smile!

Monday, July 12, 2010

666...

Worn to Work Monday, July 12

Outfit 6 of the 30 for 30 Outfit Challenge






I had a pedicure this weekend. Purple is my favorite color and I love the way my toes turned out.

Skirt-Ann Taylor Loft
Tank Top-Old Navy
Cardigan-Banana Republic Outlet
Shoes-Nine West
Jewelry-Black Sheep and Macy's

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Rugrat Free Weekend

Worn Saturday, July 10

Outfit 4 of the 30 for 30 Challenge




Dress-Banana Republic
Shoes-Target

I am sure everyone is thinking "But Randi, that dress and shoes are not part of the 30 for 30 Challege." But yes it is now. The dress replaces the blue printed skirt...the cleaners maimed the waistband and I have to fix it and am not sure when I am going to get around to it. Also, these shoes are replacing the nude strappy wedges...one of the buckles broke off.

I ordered this dress from Banana Republic after it finally went on sale plus I had a coupon. BR upgraded my shipping to overnight for free, and there was my dress Friday morning on my doorstep...like a birthday present from the Republic! So, I decided to wear this dress when we went shopping in the city Saturday. We had a great time and ate so much good food. At every restaurant, my mom told them it was my birthday, so we had a lot of dessert also. The best was the caramelized banana on vanilla Gelato with chocolate shavings...
What I wore to dinner



Skirt and Shirt-Old Navy
Shoes-Me Too
Necklace-Macy's

This is outfit is not part of the challenge...my mom bought it for me to wear to dinner.
I am so proud of myself for wearing the shirt tucked in. If it was not for all you other bloggers out there, I would not have thought to every wear it like this. I also have to thank my trainer for helping lose most of the baby weight and helping me find my waist again!

Worn Sunday, July 11

Outfit 5 of the 30 for 30 Challenge




Skirt-Banana Republic Outlet
Shirt-Filter
Tank-Old Navy
Shoes-Me Too

This shirt is another Challenge replacement. The purple t-shirt shrunk in the wash, so it is replaced with this navy tank with black floral detailing.

Sunday started off with more food and art. We had brunch at the Wolfgang Puck Cafe at the Museum of Contemporary Art...omelet with swiss, sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach and hash browns with caramelized red onions...mmmm.

I missed my boys after almost two days away from them. When I arrived back home, I was greeted with lots of hugs and kisses...and a diaper full of poop! The mini-vacation was over.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Happy Hot and Sweaty Birthday to Me

Outfit 3 of the 30 for 30 Challenge





Tank-Old Navy
Shirt-(worn as cardigan)-BR outlet
Shoes-Nine West
Necklace-Fox's

Today turned out to be a long hot day. I am not big fan of the heat so, it was not too much fun for me. After picking up Jack at camp, we to go ride the choo choo around the park...too hot!
The outfit remix had gotten me to think outside of the box about my 30 items. I usually wear this white top buttoned up as a shirt...but today I thought about wearing it as a cardigan...and I did.

Tomorrow I am spending the day downtown with my mom shopping and getting a pedicure. We are staying the night at a fancy hotel and having brunch at the Museum of Contemporary Art...I am very excited to spend time with her without the hassle of the boys. They are not the easiest to shop with...lets just say they like to crawl under dressing room doors....

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Two of Hearts

Worn to Work Thursday, July 8

Outfit 2 of the 30 for 30 Challenge







Shirt-Ann Taylor Loft
Skirt-H&M
Shoes-Random German Company
Jewelry-H&M and Target


Today is officially the first day of my birthday weekend!!! Yeah...!
In my family, we make a big deal out of birthdays, so I am all excited for this weekend.
I was not sure I wanted a big deal made this year as I am starting to feel old...I will be 34 tomorrow.

We went out for a Mexican Fiesta for my birthday lunch at work today...mmmm guacamole...
Then we came back and loaded up on sugar....cake and pretzel m&ms....have you tried them? They are the perfect combination of sweet and salty.


Tuesday, July 6, 2010

One is the lonliest number

Wore to Work Monday, July 6




This is outfit 1 of the 30 for 30 challenge.


Dress-Ann Taylor Loft
Necklace, Bracelet-Francesca's
Shoes-Me too
Bag-H&M

So, today when I dropped Jack off at camp, a think a few of the moms were whispering about how short my dress was. I work hard in the gym to make my leg muscles look, so why not sow them. I don't think my dress is too short, do you?...oh well

I am so very excited....I am going to pick up my car from the body shop today. My Big Red has been there for six weeks, since the accident,and I am getting very sick of my Chevy rental.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Remix it!!



So I am joining Kendi from Kendi Everyday and lots of other bloggers in her 30 for 30 remix challenge.
In case you are not familiar with the challenge...here are the details. I will pick up 30 items of clothing and remix them into 30 different outfits. I am not going to be able to accomplish it in 30 days...since there are days when I wear my gym clothes all day.
I think I am up for the challenge!!


Here are my 30:







And away we go!