mackinac

Hello, all. It's amazing what a little time off does. A little trip up to Mackinac Island the weekend before last got my staycation off on the right start. [A few facts about the island: it's located in the North of Michigan, just off the shore of the Upper Peninsula just to the east of where Lake Michigan feeds into Lake Huron; 80% of the island is a national park; and no automobiles (except for emergency motor vehicles) are allowed on the island, so island transport is limited to walking, horsepower, or bikes (and snowmobiles in the winter).] I've always loved being near the water so being on an island  was heaven for me. The weather was beautiful, time moved slowly, and I could not have had a better time. I'd love to share some pictures below.

my little sis on the ferry ride in

 enjoying the sun

 boats in the harbor

 one way to get around the island: horse power

 beautiful flowers on Main Street

On our second day there, we took a morning bike ride around the island. All 8.2 miles were right by the water, and the roads seemed infinite. We stopped for a minute to skip some rocks on a rocky beach (above). It was definitely my favorite part about the trip.

We had a lovely stay at a charming bed-and-breakfast: Haan's 1830 Inn. The owner, Nick, was really nice and accommodating, and I can't recommend it enough. It's not the most modern of buildings, it being from circa 1830, after all (but it does come with wi-fi and air conditioning), but the rich decor and interiors, the welcoming proprietors, and the included breakfast of great coffee, hard-boiled eggs, cereal, fresh bread and bagels, and made-from- scratch, to-die-for scones, apple cinnamon muffins, and coffee cake were more than enough. I was looking for a relaxing stay, and it was nice to not have the distraction of a tv or a swimming pool. 

Now that I'm home, my internet continues to be down, but fingers crossed, everything will be up and running tonight. 

I hope you all had a lovely Fourth of July, and happy Tuesday!

recharging

mackinac bridge

These past two weeks of being sick has been a much needed wake-up call. I've always been one of those people who don't stop until they're forced to. After a week of chugging along at less than 100%, my body decided enough was enough and amped up the misery. I went from having an annoying cold to a nasty cold with a hacking cough to a full-on sinus headache, with a fever, a biting cold and a relentless, painful cough. I finally gave in and left my work at noon on Monday (the 24th). As soon as I unlocked the door to our apartment, I headed straight for the couch and crashed. I slept the rest of the day. 

I felt much better the next day - the pounding pain behind my temples was gone - so I went into work, only to have my boss ask me if I was okay. She said I sounded horrible. I said I felt much better than the day before, but maybe I could take a day off sometime when it wasn't so busy. Then she said something that surprised me: she asked if I would consider taking the first week of July off. I said "the entire week?". She said sure, why not? The office had the Fourth off anyway, I was already scheduled to take the 28th off for a quick family getaway to Mackinac Island, why not just extend the vacation? I said I'd think about it. 

I went back and forth about whether or not I could afford to take it for the next couple of days, until I finally sat down and faced the facts. I hadn't taken more than a random day off since December. I had gone six months without taking time off for myself. The 2 single days off I had taken since December hadn't really been days off. I took a day off in February to catch up on laundry/groceries. I took a day off in April to accompany my sister to her college visit day. It was now the end of June. Suddenly, I realized that I had been feverishly attached to my job at the expense of everything else. I think I was compensating for the fact that my guy is still searching for permanent work, and I tried to double my efforts, so to speak, at my job to gain back a sense of security for both of us. But that extra stress and effort came at the cost of self-care, and I willingly allowed it until my body pushed back. I got back to my boss and told her I'd take her up on that week off.

It's now July 1, and I'm back from our weekend trip to Mackinac Island. The island was just as lovely as I remembered it to be when we visited 5 years ago. I've always felt incredibly peaceful around the water, and I spend a long time reflecting on the island. I'm now back in Chicago, at the start of my weeklong staycation. Our internet and tv are actually on the fritz right now, and the earliest service appointment we could get was for this Friday, July 5. At first, I was annoyed at the inconvenience, but now, after sitting down in a cafe and nursing an iced coffee while I type this post, I feel as though the service disruption is actually a good thing. I can walk away and get out and enjoy our neighborhood. I can read all those books I've been putting off. I can make what internet time I can get (inside a Starbucks) more meaningful and purposeful. I've been given this chance to disconnect and recharge. I'm going to try to make the most of it.

My plans for this week are to get back to basics, to get "caught up", yes, but to do that slowly and meaningfully. It's nice to step off the treadmill for a little bit. I'm working on posts that make me happy, and hopefully, that's reflected in the blog. I can't wait to go through our pictures from this weekend and leisurely relive the memories as I edit and work on a post that will do justice to the beauty of Mackinac. I'm working on getting back into my workout routine that has sadly fallen by the wayside for a month now. I'm working on not working on anything that can't wait. I'm working on me.

I'm off to enjoy the beautiful Chicago weather and sunshine. I hope you're having a wonderful Monday, and thanks for checking in.

recent purchases

here

 Hello, all! I am not fully recovered yet from my sinus headache/cough/cold/mild asthma bug, but today is the best I've felt in over a week. I still have wicked coughing fits, but the interminable headache is gone, as is the overwhelming congestion. Progress.

Lately, it's been hard to remember what it feels like to not be sick, but my recent purchases are evidence that, yes, I once felt good enough physically to have gone on a little shopping trip with my sister.  

What I bought:

Express holographic pumps (sold out) || I'd been wanting silver pumps but didn't want to spend too much money. I finally found this pair on major sale for $24. The quality is decent. The heel is a bit steep (4") but these aren't shoes I'd wear all day anyway.

Clarins Splendours bronzer and eyeshadow palette || My obsession with Clarins started with this lipgloss. After hearing great things about this collection here and here,  my curiosity was piqued. These are definitely a splurge. I haven't tried them yet - the design is so pretty that I'm afraid to touch it! When I do, I'll definitely do a post on them.

Gap leopard print sandals (sold out online) || These sandals are currently unavailable online save for a random pop-back, but I found mine in store, so definitely check stores near you if they catch your fancy. I wanted a sandal that was no fuss but was slightly dressier than a flip flop. I was going to go for the simple black pair for a neutral sandal, but leopard's a neutral, too, right?

 Banana Republic x Milly elephant shorts || With an in-store promo and an additional 10% off for using my BR card, these shorts came to $25. I had given up on ever finding them in store in my size once they sold out online, so I was excited to not only have found a pair but for such a great prize. I've already taken them out for a spin and making plans to do so again. If you can't find a pair at a BR store, there are some on eBay.

Banana Republic x Milly elephant makeup case || This, too, was bought with a promo for ~$25. Super adorable, but I'm undecided as to whether I'm keeping. I have other makeup bags, so I don't really need it. That being said...ELEPHANTS. I love them.

Old Navy knotted-back dress || This dress was a surprise purchase. I didn't have high hopes for it when I picked it up off the rack, but I tried it on anyway, and I'm glad I did. A casual dress that draws attention to curves in the best possible way. The length is good, and it drapes nicely on me. This was bought during Old Navy's one-day dress sale for $8. 

It feels good to be back. Thanks for checking in.  

under the weather

Hello, friends. I am still fighting off a vicious cold/sinus infection. I've been drinking my weight in tea and OJ, but my head still hurts and I'm feeling no better. I hope to get back rolling soon, but honestly, I don't want to do anything but sleep right now.

I hope you're doing better than I am!

Happy Monday!

image via

on my wish list

here

Hello, everybody! I apologize for being MIA, but I came down with something on Sunday night, and I'm still recovering. It's been a not fun couple of days for me. On the plus side, all that time in bed meant lots of reading, and of course, internet surfing. I saw these new arrivals at Coach and was immediately intrigued. I love their new website design (so chic), and they have new pictures shot by The Sartorialist. How great are these colors for the summer? They'd be great in the fall as well - I'm loving that deep raspberry color, and of course, the grey. These babies are now on my wish list.

What's on yours?

crossbody || phone wallets: robin's egg blue, black, grey || satchel

this weekend

I am so happy that the weekend is here! James and I are headed out to breakfast/brunch at our favorite diner tomorrow. He's getting a haircut, and I'm looking forward to reading on the couch with a cup of coffee. It's also Father's Day this weekend, so we're heading to my parents' to spend some time with my dad on Saturday, and of course, watching the Blackhawks (me) and Bruins (James) hash it out in Game 2 of the Stanley Hawk finals. Sports, brunch, and just chilling...sounds perfect.

What are you up to this weekend?

p.s. I saw this image on pinterest and I couldn't stop looking at it. Such style, no?

playoff hockey will be the death of me...

 In case you're not into sports and don't know, my hometown Chicago Blackhawks are in the Stanley Cup Finals against the Boston Bruins. Yup, the Bruins, from Boston...where James is from. Needless to say, watching the game last night was an awkward place for both of us. Whereas we've been cheering for our teams together this entire post-season, that became impossible last night. Our living room was eerily silent, save for simultaneous exclamations of "Get the $%&?-ing puck out of there!" (James/me) and "Go to the $!%&-ing net!" (me/James). Things got more tense as my third period elation as the Hawks tied it up at 3-3 gave way to the anxiety of overtime to the double anxiety of double overtime to the downright exhaustion of triple overtime. I'm half torn between the exhiliration of watching truly amazing hockey played by two teams I respect and the sheer stress of the possibility of every game being like this.

Playoff hockey is bar-none, the best playoffs in sports. It may very well be the death of me, but I'm too tired and happy to care... :).

gift guide: father's day

here

My dad is a really hard person to shop for. While I am too often tempted by something new, he doesn't go shopping unless he really needs something, and while he may admire or want something, he often doesn't have the compulsion to actually buy anything. When the women in my family do get him something for his birthday, Christmas, or Father's Day, he often says we should have just saved our money instead of spending anything on him, which makes me want to give him more things because he always puts our needs before his. I'm definitely getting him a card, but I haven't figured out an actual present. Perhaps a nice dinner or a DVD set of a tv show he loves but no longer airs. In the meantime, here's a little guide of sorts for those of you who are in need of ideas for Dad.

one ||  for the dad who always gets caught in the rain. the black is sleek, while the bamboo handle gives it a dapper touch.

two || for the dad who loves his toys. if you're splurging, go for the tablet; for a little accessory, go for the case (in monogrammable leather).

three || don't forget the card. if you think of nothing else to give, give him the words that tell him exactly how much he matters.

four || for the dad who loves the water (and comfort). the navy is as classic as it gets.

five || for the dad who loves steak, a good set of steak knives is a must (as is a good steak).

six || for the dad who's a caffeine junkie. easy and convenient, he can have his cup of joe in minutes.

pssst...

!!!. yes. get excited. more info here.

recent purchases

here

I must have had summer days on the beach on my mind  when shopping this past few weeks. The 4th of July is right around the corner, and when I saw this tank top, I was sold. It's a bit kitschy, but so what? :). It would go great with cut offs and fireworks. I've recently become converted to the versatility of denim vests, and this one looked so crisp in white. I was so excited to try this coverup from J.Crew only to have it be completely unflattering on me (doesn't it look adorable on the model, though?). I sent it back and tried this one instead...it's perfect, with just the right amount of peek-a-boo and coverage going on. Definitely size down - I'm quite busty so I usually size up to an XL to accommodate, but the L was comfortably snug and fit better in the waist than the XL would have. Of course, looking great at the beach requires some sweat...how cute are these tanks?! I ordered them with some shorts and capris last week (when I was taking a break from wedding frenzy...thank God for online shopping), and now I'm ready to get back to a regular work-out schedule. When I was reading my blog roll this morning, it was so fun to see other bloggers (here & here) talking about Old Navy's active wear...I guess great minds think alike. :). And lastly, a splurge...I'd been wanting a white bag but couldn't pull the trigger on other options I had been considering (like this one). But then I saw this beauty. It was still more than I wanted to spend on a high maintenance bag, but Bloomingdale's was having their friends and family sale and I had a rewards card and gift card that I'd been stashing, so this came down to about $115 after taxes. Still expensive for sure, but a lot less than I would have paid otherwise. 


What are your recent purchases?