rainy day cravings

Rain, rain, and more rain = Chicago the past two weeks. Don't get me wrong - I actually love rain. I love the way the grass smells after a light rain; I love watching rain pour down as thunder booms and lightning flashes. Rain(storms) suit me perfectly because they go so well with coffee, crumb cake, and a good read - all things I love. But when all you want is spring and green and signs of life, nonstop rain is a little depressing...especially when you can't stay in and snuggle under the covers all day. Also, rain makes me have cravings...for all things warm, cozy, and delightful (and often calorie-laden). 

I'm dreaming of these:

 .:. blueberry streusel cake .:.

.:. strawberry cream cheese croissants .:.

 

.:. hot chocolate .:.

 .:. a comfy bed .:.

images via one || two || three || four || five

rain, rain...

here


It is pouring in Chicago today, and the one block walk I took to get from my car to my office had me so grateful that I had an anorak and an umbrella with me (I have two umbrellas, one of which resides permanently in my car for the inevitable day that starts out blindingly sunny and devolves into a full-blown tropical storm). Other people commuting to work were not as lucky to have an umbrella handy (my guy included), so in case you were in the market for a new one...here are some (fun/pretty/sartorially-approved) practical options. I've actually been looking out for a larger umbrella since the two I own are the short-handled variety... #6 is definitely up my alley (red! stripes! would keep me from getting wet!).

Which would you choose? 

one//two//three (currently sold out)
 
four (modcloth has tons of other options as well)//five//six

seven (comes in other colors, too)//eight//nine