And they call it puppy love....

This is my new sweet baby, Molly. She came to us through a pet rescue based in Tennessee and Connecticut called Companion Pet Rescue. She is originally from Tennessee and made a long trip to Connecticut, where we met her at the PetSmart in Meriden (shout out!! they were so kind and helped make our special day even better). We fell in love immediately - of course! Look at that sweet face and floppy ears. We are told she is a Beagle mix, although our vet also suggested she has some German Shepherd. We are curious to see how she changes and grows, since she is only about 14 weeks old. She is the smartest little pup I've ever met! She crates herself, she learned her name in 1 day and is already learning how to sit, come and lay down! She is getting along with our kitties, too! We are excited to start puppy obedience class and meet some new friends! 

Check out my Pinterest Board: Puppy Baby On Board if you're looking for some tips that I found helpful on training, puppy proofing and life with a puppy. If you love that sweet face and want more, you can also follow Molly on Twitter @SweetMollyD.

Happy Labor Day weekend! xx....m

P.S. You can also find me on Twitter @maybeitsfate

Afternoon Chuckle

Road Trip Recap: Chicago

En route to our first major stop, we stayed at a questionable Red Roof Inn in Westlake, OH. The staff was super nice, but the clientele left something to be desired. With assistance from the MasterLock security door jam and some deep breathing, we survived the night! We were surprised to find an absolutely adorable area with shops and restaurants, while attempting to find Michael Symon's B-Spot. Of course, we gorged ourselves on big juicy cheeseburgers and heavenly chocolate shakes. YUM! 

Once we arrived in Chicago we decided to go straight to Millenium Park and found the Hunger Games cornucopia! There was an orchestra playing in there at the time, so thankfully, we were spared the gore and bloodshed. I highly doubt I could run for my life, especially in flip flops. 

After enjoying the beautiful Lurie Garden, we decided to head back to Greektown, where we were staying, and hunt up some local/Mediterranean cuisine. We stumbled upon Santorini and enjoyed delicious Greek cuisine. We missed out on their signature dish: flaming cheese. Nearby we saw the waiter set down his tray and light a square block of cheese a-flame table side for two men that looked strikingly similar to John Malkovich. These kind gentleman even offered to share and insisted that it was the best item on the menu. After stuffing ourselves and a couple glasses of wine, we decided it was time to turn in.

Our second day in Chicago started with a riverboat tour through the city and into Lake Michigan. The weather was simply perfect and the sights were spectacular. We then walked across the city, ate lunch at Millenium Park and spent the rest of the day at the Art Institute of Chicago. We took in the incredible works of Monet, O'Keefe, Pollock, Van Gogh, Toulouse and more.

One regret - we forgot to have Chicago pizza!! One of the many reasons to return. xx....m

Road Trip Recap: Planning to Hit the Road

The absolutely most important piece of planning a road trip is that you must have an excellent travel buddy. You will be spending all of your time in close proximity to this person and you will have many hours in the car. Most of your trip you will be quite content and excited about the next destination, munching on trail mix and taking pictures of the beautiful landscapes. There will be periods of silly deliriousness brought on by lack of sleep, frustration with traffic or freaked out by the lack of civilization for miles upon miles. Seriously, how did the pioneers EVER make it to California?! Even with air conditioning blasting, snacks and drinks at the ready AND emergency supplies, there were moments that I thought, "If we breakdown, how will we survive?"

Well, I lucked out and my travel buddy, K, happens to also be my aunt and one of my BFFs. Since we share very similar taste in music, audiobooks, cuisine and can laugh at just about anything together, our trip really couldn't have been smoother. 

How did we plan this nearly 8000 mile trip? Here are some of our planning tools and supplies:

Planning

RoadTrippers.com - This is a great website & app, even if you are taking a weekend trip. You can find points of interest along your route such as Roadside Attractions, Restaurants, Accommodations, Photo Ops, Gas and more. Each point of interest is rated by the users on "Rad-o-meter" and some folks leave reviews. You can then print your directions our or access from the road - just be sure you have service. There are still many rural places that do not or have a very slow connection. 

TripAdvisor.com - Before booking any hotel, we searched through TripAdvisor to see what folks had to say. We wanted to be sure we weren't staying at the Bates Motel. 

Expedia.com & Booking.com were our primary booking websites. One issue - when Expedia sends you an email with your itinerary, there is very little information and when you click through, you must sign in to get the details. When you are tired and road weary, this can be frustrating.

Supplies

• Small Cooler - Keep beverages cold, healthy snacks (carrots, hummus, grapes). Refill ice at hotel.
• Seat cushions - We found these seat cushions at Costco for $19.99 and they were worth it! We both noticed that we weren't as stiff and uncomfortable as we should have been after a full day's drive.
• Snap-top sealing food storage container with small bags for trash 
• Shower caddy - We found this idea online and instead of a traditional 2 compartment caddy, K found 1 compartment somewhat flexible plastic caddies that worked fabulously. More often than not, we would have snacks in the car instead of getting a more formal lunch and could put the trail mix, almonds, and bag of grapes into the caddy and it fit nicely on the center console for easy picking. 
• Audiobooks - We listened to 6 audiobooks during our trip. Most libraries offer digital downloads of audiobooks these days, so can be a cheap option. 
• Extra sheets & blanket - Should you find yourself and your travel buddy in one double bed in a wigwam and want a sheet & blanket of your own, this will come in handy. 
• Beach towel - You never know when you'll get caught in the rain, put your feet in the pacific or step in some mud!
• Drinks, snacks and  a corkscrew - You will get a much better deal on drinks if you buy them in bulk. We picked up some bottled water and Starbucks Frappucino's at Costco to keep in the car and restock the cooler. This worked swimmingly. We never ran out of water and there was always a cold beverage on deck. You will choose healthier snacks in advance. I found that as we neared the end of our trip, I was drawn to more junk food. I'm not sure why exactly. It probably doesn't help walking by chips and candy while searching for the restroom at the gas station. 

Do you have any travel tips? If so, please share! 

Safe travels. xx....m

Brush that dirt off your shoulder...

Anxiety is a stressor to our systems. We may be complex, well-oiled machines, but we are only human.  When I'm feeling anxious, I try to remember particularly pleasant memories or play mellow, but still upbeat music. If you can, try to step out of your environment for 5 minutes - even if that means hiding in the ladies' room. Force yourself out of the situation. You can do it. I promise you, whatever it is you are dealing with will be there when you return. Your mood will improve and you will breathe a teeny bit deeper. Fresh air and a tasty beverage never hurt! xx....m

by alissascheller.
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Sites to See!

If you have 5 minutes, check out these 5 awesome websites. Have a fab Friday! xx....m

Pocket

This website/app/service is pretty cool. You can put a website or news article in your Pocket and read it later - without wifi! Syncing automatically to all the devices that you would like, you could add an article on your laptop in the morning before heading to the office, hop on the train and read on your way. 

Boxagon

OK, I was just introduced to Boxagon myself, but I like the idea. Similar to Pinterest, but more or less easier to get to products that you want. You can search the boxes or create your own, linking directly to a site that offers the product. For instance, if you check out my new Road Trip Essentials box, you can click through to purchase the awesome Samsung camera that I'm in love with.

BrightNest

As far as home owning goes, I would say I am fair. I don't go above and beyond. I'm a mild DIY-er and my husband can set up a home server, fix an angry XBOX and other techie things, but we don't know how often you should have the air ducts cleaned. When should we seal the driveway? Is that something that we have to do? BrightNest knows the answer. They will help by asking questions about your home or apartment and give suggestions. You can make a home maintenance schedule, find recipes, make your own reusable dryer sheets and get tips on how to be happier at home. Also, it is a pretty site. :)

The Skimm

Do you ever wish the real news could be delivered in a witty, conversational fashion? Here it is. You can sign up to receive a daily email basically skimming big stories, which will seem more like an email from Jon Stewart than Diane Sawyer and less politically focused than the Daily Show. I love it. I'm glad I found it - check it out.

Visual.ly

If you have ever been to my blog before, you have almost certainly seen an infographic from Visual.ly. I quite like the way they look and that there is often a tidbit of knowledge wrapped in a pretty package. This is a place you can easily lose 15-20 minutes poking around. 

by visually.

Totally Trippin'

Hey pals! Over the last 3 weeks, I have been road tripping across America and although I had intended to continue posting, I just couldn't pull myself away from the sights! There will be more detailed posts coming soon, but until then, here are some shots from the road. xx....m

Call your bookies! It's July.

Whoa, whoa, whoa! I'm talking about your pals that like books. This chicken is on the straight and narrow.

I thought it might be nice to start a virtual, no pressure, book club. Yes, I realize that you have one million other options for this type of "club", but I'd love you to join me! At the beginning of each month, I will post about a book I'm digging. Please feel free to post comments, start dialogues and give suggestions for future books. Your thoughts and insights are so very welcome.

 I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman by Nora Ephron is the book I chose for July. 

This is a great summer read, but even better as an audiobook. Read by the author, providing the absolute true voice and humor, this is an unabashedly honest narrative of the ever-present struggle of womanhood and the various stages of life. As I listened, it felt like I was becoming quite acquainted with the author and even as I'm typing this, I would like to refer to her as Nora, as if she and I are friendly. She has a wonderfully dry sense of humor and a very sincere way of paying homage to the people and things about which she cares most. As a younger woman listening to an older perspective, there were some things that I have yet to personally encounter and I am grateful for that, however, I still felt that I could appreciate her gripes or gratitudes. I always find great value in listening to the stories of those more experienced with life. Nora Ephron seems like a woman that could teach you a thing or two over a cup of coffee. 

Happy reading book chicks! xx....m

Pucker Up!

A little lipstick or gloss can go a long way. Even if you don't have the time or the care to put on any other makeup, a splash of color on your lips can take you from drab to fab. Just think how glamourous you might look in starlet sunglasses, bright pink lips and a jean jacket. Watch out Taylor Swift and Sofia Vergara! xx....m

Clean Out Your Cosmetics!

Ever notice your eyes water when you use an old mascara - it's probably because it's growing bacteria! Yuck! Keep your cosmetics clean and your face - especially those eyes - out of harm's way!

by HuffingtonPost.

Summertime and the living's easy

Hey pals! Happy Summer Solstice. Here are some fun facts about this day. Celebrating with our grill and some s'mores on the deck! xx....m

Slowing the Sands of Time

In the aftermath of a particularly chaotic period in my life about a year ago, the haziness of craziness cleared and I realized that I had essentially lost a year of my life. I wasn't sure how I managed to get from the summer of 2012 to the summer of 2013, in such a flash. I remember actually feeling like time was slipping through my fingers. I have been told by many that as you age, time begins to pass at a faster pace. This phenomenon has even been described to me as a spiral; life begins on the largest outermost ring and spins tighter and tighter each year. How can it be that time could fly by so quickly and I was still just 29 years old?

While I agree with Dr. Eagleman in the video above, that yes, you must continue to find fresh experiences to create a better memory book and solidify the timeline in your mind, it seems stress can play a role. During my year in the land of the lost, I was absolutely making novel memories and taking in new experiences, while simultaneously riding a tidal wave of stress. I had to make a conscious decision to take more control and slow down. When you are constantly rushing physically and mentally; thinking about your next 5 moves, their possible outcomes and what to make for dinner, it is hard to take a step back. To slow down is to quiet your mind. If even for a few minutes each day, I try to enjoy a little peace and quiet and just breathe. This might be while I am washing dishes or in the shower; I'm not necessarily sitting on the floor in the lotus position deep in meditation. If your mind is particularly busy, try focusing on a specific point. Sometimes I look out my window at the tree in my front yard and watch the leaves rustling. Other times, I might put all focus on whatever it is I am doing. The point is that you have to take control and allow yourself those moments of solace. Doing this should help clear the clutter in your mind and help you to see each day for what it is... a gift.  xx....m

It's OK to be peaceful...

Courtesy xkcd.com

Big Hair Don't Care: Tips & Tricks

1. There is no rule that states you absolutely must brush your hair every day. On rainy or humid days, my curls get a mind of their own. If you have curly hair, try this: Comb through your hair gently with wet fingers and then use a little bit of hairspray to further add definition. You might end up with a Donna Summer 'do - work it, hot stuff!

2. Dry or frizzy hair? Skip the shampoo and use conditioner only the next time you wash. Shampoo, while cleaning your hair, strips the natural oils and moisture in the process. While you're at it, you can use conditioner as a substitute for shaving cream as well.

3. Moroccan Argan Oil is amazing. I have natural curly hair and I find that no other product is needed. Evenly distribute a dime-sized amount through damp hair and it will leave you with nourished locks. I let my hair air dry, but if you blow out your hair, you will notice that oil adds extra shine and will hold better. 2nd day hair is even better - I use a curling wand and create old Hollywood curls in 10 minutes, only needing a little hairspray to set the look.

4. Running short on time? Try this adorable Rosie the Riveter look:

xx....m

Some Days You Give In

Photo courtesy of Buzzfeed.com

"I've never had a problem with the way I look. I'd rather have lunch with my friends than go to a gym." - Adele

We can't be perfect everyday. The paparazzi are not in my shrubs. I am not expected to pose for a swimsuit magazine. My thighs will never have that gap that you see on the models and actresses out there. I will always bear the cross of chub-rub. That is OK. When it all comes down to it, things could be a lot worse than having to size up because I am basically the president of big booty nation. I could have a pancake bottom, which is no fun for anyone. I am happy as I am. Looking back at old pictures, toddler to present, really drives the point home that I was born this way, baby. If I am being honest, I also enjoy ice cream and pizza regularly. Two heavy hitters on team tubby!

Some days, when I eat a spinach and kale salad and put some serious mileage on the treadmill, I get an exercise high and the crazy idea that I could get ripped like Beyonce and wear shorty shorts. I will drink more water, eat less carbs and pass on dessert. I could blow my hair out, put on a freakum dress and drop it like it's hot. Once it occurs to me that if I drop it, I might not get it back up for a hot minute, this wild fantasy passes. I remember that Beyonce is a rare specimen, highly regarded by most everyone. She woke up like this! I am not fooling myself. I am positive that in an extreme circumstance such as being on The Biggest Loser, one of the trainers would yell and scream at me, telling me to push harder because I was not slimming to their expectations. I will never be thin - again, that is OK. I would rather eat cake than kale. Happiness is not equal to perfection. xx...m 

Easy Like A Sunday Morning

Take a few minutes to relax today and breathe. The busy week has not yet begun, so revel in the sound of the birds chirping and the smell of fresh coffee. Try a quick 5 minute meditation exercise to start the day in a peaceful way. xx....m

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Eggs-ellent Idea!

I love eggs, from my head down to my legs... ;) m

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Hello has Heart

"Hello" is probably the quickest way to establish a positive connection with another human being... and sometimes animals! It takes 1-2 seconds to smile and politely greet someone when you walk into a store, join a stranger in an elevator or pick up your morning coffee. This simple act acknowledges that you see the person and not just a means to an end. Since many folks do not live by this rule, it is sure to help you to stand out in a positive light. For instance, I have made a point to always be kind and courteous to the gentleman that runs a gas station I go to on occasion. We always say hello and if it isn't busy we will briefly chat while I am purchasing an iced tea. One day, at the pump, I was washing my windshield and my wiper went wonky. The attendant came running out to help me. I was not in dire need of help, but because he knew who I was, he didn't hesitate. I have been getting gas at his station periodically for a number of years now. I still do not know his name, which I regret, but it is always a pleasure to see him. 

I have had a number of experiences like this and it makes life a little brighter. When I was a student in Boston, I took the 55 bus to work and became friendly with the bus driver, Michael. One rainy summer day, it was quiet in my neighborhood and I was the only one on the bus. Instead of stopping at the usual bus stop two blocks away from my building, Michael took me right to the doorstep, not a stop on the route. It was completely unexpected and to this day I can remember it quite vividly. Being polite and friendly to a stranger will better the both of you and just might cause a butterfly effect. Even without the little lucky perks that may blossom from a kind acquaintance, sharing a smile with someone can revitalize you. Check out more about how smiling can improve your health in this TED talk. xx....m

If not what than how....

Like many people, driving has the ability to clear my mind. I can quiet my overactive thoughts by whole-heartedly singing along with the radio or I can find myself in sporadic moments of clarity. Something about being encapsulated in a relatively safe environment, passing changing scenery, unseen and unheard by others creates a freeing mindset. F. Scott Fitzgerald's Nick Carraway would describe this as "within and without, simultaneously". While on a quest for dish soap and cat food, I took the scenic route and although the melodies of John Legend were seeping through my speakers, I found myself in a clear state. 

If not what than how.

I have been on a lifelong quest for purpose, despite myself. I am admittedly lacking any real religious faith, a specific passion or a unique talent - unless you consider recalling names upon request with few clues or a half-way decent memory a special talent. I've pretty much mastered the name game which I fully attribute to genes as well as years of practice. 

I am inspired by those who do for others. In general, the types of people I have considered role models have a deep sense of purpose or passion. The last decade of my life was spent in the company of brilliant, passionate people that give themselves over to their pursuit completely; an educational and influential experience, without a doubt. I thought that this lifestyle was also my trajectory. I have this inherent need to help others, so of course that should lead me toward a distinct path... right? I expected that I would miraculously become intensely zealous about a particular cause and succumb to this new world. I was part of that type of world. I joined in with others in their passions, but always felt there should be something more. Personally, I tend to thrive when I have a combination of selflessness and productivity, however, I have learned (perhaps the hard way) that you must save part of yourself for you.

During recent road musings, I have pondered if the problem is that I have been looking for some thing and not some how. Instead of focusing the last several years on finding what I am "meant" to do with my life; searching for a field that I feel ardent about, maybe I should have spent more time considering how I would like to live my life and how I can apply that in other areas. I would imagine that if I was destined for a certain vocation, the light would have dawned by now. With this revelation I also realize that I actually have done quite a bit of homework in the how category. My mind seems to be aligning with my heart. Almost all at once the persistent spinning of my internal compass has slowed and I am cruising in the right direction, wind blowing through my hair, doing my best to harmonize with the very talented John Legend. xx....m

What are Super Foods?

Happy Friday! Plan a weekend picnic and fill up on some super foods! xx....m 

by gryffin.
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Gaming for Good

What would you do if you had more time in this world? Isn't that the one thing everyone is looking for these days? The search for the fountain of youth is never ending. People are buying anything with acai berries on the label, eating Super Foods and drinking green chunky beverages with the hopes that these things will help them live a longer and healthier life. Why? What are we all hoping to do with that extra time?

Consider this question as you watch the video below. On my quest for a better quality of life, I came across this TED talk by video game designer Jane McGonigal. Don't be dismayed - this is not a video suggesting that you play Call of Duty all day. I wouldn't call myself a "gamer", but I do enjoy video games. I have a couple that I am mildly addicted to on my iPad and have enjoyed playing games pretty much as far back as I can remember. When I was very young, I would play Frogger on Atari at my grandparents' house, Super Mario with my cousin and my dad even had an old IBM that we had 2 games on actual 3 1/2" floppy discs. I can still picture the very square Vanna White clapping on Wheel of Fortune. I hope my time gaming has helped me cultivate the positive attributes Ms. McGonigal discusses. Give this video a try and you might be surprised! xx....m



    

Happy Mother's Day!

10 Reasons My Mom Is Awesome

1. My mom is a little bit rock and roll. Not only is she rockin' Led Zeppelin, Metallica and Pearl Jam, but she can bounce to some Dirty Money and Snoop Dogg. Respect!

2. She knows a thing or two about cars. One of my favorite memories is riding around in her red IROC-Z with the T-tops off blasting music in the summer heat. My old mechanic even asked if she was looking for a job after she correctly diagnosed my car trouble over the phone. 

3. When I was a kid, she owned a Janet Jackson-esque Rhythm Nation outfit that was THE BEST! We are a part of the rhythm nation - oh!

4. Somehow, I thought we were mildly wealthy until I was old enough to truly understand money and realized that she probably went without more often than not at certain times. 

5. She is one of the most caring people I know. She has always taken special interest in the well being of others. 

6. She is smart and does math problems because they are fun. That's right... I know. 

7.  If she is feeling the mood, she may break out in song; sometimes by singing what she is doing. If I am around, it may turn into a chorus and we annoy my poor stepdad. The sillier the better! 

8. She is beautiful and I have always hoped to grow into her looks. Still hoping! ;)

9. She is a hard worker and will master anything she puts her mind to. 

10. Including being a mother. She is the best mother a girl could ask for. That may sound cliche, but beyond all of the awesome things listed above, she has always been a loving, strong force in my life and I cannot thank her enough for being the amazing woman she is. 

Love you, Mom! xx....m

Hoodwinked Hubby #2

I have been quite successful recently in my quest. Hubby recently ate the ever infamous brussels sprouts!! How, you ask? Well, let me share with you a very quick and easy recipe I found on Trader Joe's website: Gnocchi with Bacon & Brussels Sprouts 

On that note, I would like to take this opportunity to confess my love for Trader Joe's. It's just hubby & I, so it is nice to find smaller packages of quick and easy meals at a reasonable price. I have also found that if you take a little extra time to look around their cheese section, you can get some great deals on fabulous choices. One of my particular favorites is the Trader Joe's Spanish Tapas Sampler:

CC Image courtesy of wynlok on Flickr

This sampler works great if you are in a rush and need to put together a dinner party quickly. Each type of cheese has four generous slices. Pair it with some olives, crackers, marmalade or honey and you have a nice cheese plate! 

Pour some wine and enjoy! xx....m

Tuesdays with Mellie

For some reason, I have never really liked Tuesdays. I would gladly take a hectic Monday over an average Tuesday. In trying to keep the glass half full, I am attempting to redefine how I feel about this most cumbersome day of the week. Hopefully, if I start the day with a particularly positive thought or enjoying some lighthearted reading, I can retrain my brain. I took a little time this morning to try and find some quick reads and came across a few rather amusing blogs that I thought you might enjoy:

Faces In Places: http://facesinplaces.blogspot.com

Things We Forget: http://thingsweforget.blogspot.com

Pleated Jeans: http://www.pleated-jeans.com

xx....m

Bask in the Sunshine

Spring is in full swing and the sun is shining! Step outside of your comfort zone and try a new pair of sunglasses you might normally overlook. Afraid to invest in a nice pair? Play it safe and pick up a low-priced pair at Charming Charlie or your local department store. You might be surprised by the compliments you receive! 

Styles I'm digging right now: Black cat eyes & Wayfarer in funky colors.

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Choosing Cheerful

Over the last couple of years, there have been a number of eye-opening experiences that have greatly influenced my life choices. It seems as though each has brought me to the same general theme: happiness. What does it mean to be happy? How does one achieve a greater happiness or at least better enjoy the present? I believe that, although it is not easy, you must choose the cup that is half full. It is so easy to fall into a negative pattern and focus on short comings, failures, fears and regrets. Dare I say, it can often feel like a snowball effect or addiction. Once you begin down the dark path, it can take great effort to see the light. To quote the inspiring Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project, "The days are long, but the years are short." It is so easy to get caught up in the hum drum of daily life and lose weeks, months or years that flash by in a blur. It is also within these little moments that we share together that something special can occur and resonate over time. How are we to balance between both when they can be happening simultaneously?

I am very fortunate to have a wonderful life. I have an incredibly caring husband, a tight-knit family and friends who are smart and funny. My closet is full, my home is warm and I have plenty. I am acutely aware that any or all of that could be gone in a blink, which is why I want to learn from others and find pleasures in the now. I have been reading about the quest for happiness and have been guiltlessly watching one TED talk after another. I will share more with you about my own "happiness project" as time goes on and the way I am choosing to live better now. Below you will find a TED talk from Shawn Achor, psychologist and CEO of Good Think, Inc. His speech is enlightening and entertaining. Enjoy and please share your thoughts! xx....m

Breaking News: Chocolate is a Miracle Drug

I'm not sure that is true, but I will pretend this is scripture and enjoy some dark chocolate in my pancakes! Join me. :)  xx....m

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Are we living the glass slipper complex?

"A woman carries her clothes, but the shoe carries a woman."

- Christian Louboutin

There is a running joke with my in-laws that I have more shoes than Foot Locker. My father-in-law finds it particularly ridiculous and has be known to burst into loud fits of laughter at the sight of my collection. In their eyes, I imagine they consider me to be a fuller brunette Carrie Bradshaw hailing taxis in stilettos, holding a croissant shaped minaudière. Along the fashion spectrum I would estimate that I fall somewhere between Ms. Bradshaw and the Drop Dead Diva. They have kindly given me shoe shaped jewelry boxes, an apron that says "Will Cook For Shoes" and a fabulous pink and black coffee mug with a lipstick design and an actual mirror embedded into the ceramic - I love that mug. It is one of my favorites. ;) 

All that being said, I do love accessories... most particularly shoes. I appreciate all types and would never turn a stray pair of size 8s away if they came knocking at my door. No matter how lovely or hideous... Shoes can change an outfit and your attitude. 

After suffering monstrous blisters, pain so deep in my feet my bones were sizzling and a rather unfortunate ingrown toenail (not fun or pretty!) I have learned that you really can find comfort and style. It does still happen on occasion that a shoe will feel OK at the store and then the next morning as if my foot grew 2 sizes overnight. I haven't quite figured out that mystery. Always keep your receipts! If it doesn't feel great at the store, it never will. One alternative to fixing the mistakes that are already taking up valuable real estate in your closet is to invest in a pair of shoe stretchers. They work if the shoe is just a little snug in a friction zone or if your feet are slightly different widths or shapes - most are!

This spring is all about ankle straps. They are sexy, sophisticated and will help keep your shoe in the right place! 

Here are 4 ankle strap shoes I'm loving right now:

1. New Look Wide Fit Savour Barely There from ASOS.com for under $40. I absolutely cannot get enough of the nude/blush color, which you can pair with almost any outfit.

2. Nine West Bezel from 6pm.com for $55. Pair with straight or skinny jeans and a white peplum top or a flirty dress for date night. 

3. Jessica Simpson Valleyy on Zappos.com for $98. What else can I say.... I am in love! :) My ideal outfit would be a white circle or chiffon pleated skirt and a blush, lilac or mint colored blouse. Top it off with a gold statement necklace and a Kate Spade Idiom Bangle. 

4. Anne Klein Elane on Zappos.com for $79. Spice up a skirt suit or get into a librarian get-up with a pencil skirt and blouse. Also, with a lower and thicker heel, they should stay comfy throughout the day. 





Two tips for the vertically challenged:

• Avoid flats with ankle straps. They will cut you down to size. Keep a slight lift, even if it is only 1". You will appear to have longer and leaner gams.
• If you choose a higher heel, check that the sole under the ball of your foot has a platform. This will keep your foot more level allowing comfort and ease maintaining a regular walking pace. A very high heel without this will leave you teetering on your tip toes and eventually you will walk like a stick person. Uncomfortable and not sexy. 

Happy Friday! xx....m

Hoodwinked Hubby

I believe that one of the many challenges in life includes regularly eating healthfully. With so many options for every meal it can be difficult to choose wisely, even when you are the wiser. Yes, you can choose to eat a whole bowl of pan-seared kale, only isn't it so much easier and more enticing to have pizza and beer? 

I am an equal opportunities nibbler and can easily chow down steamed cauliflower, sushi with edamame and practically any type of cheese. My husband on the other hand is a bit more selective. I am often trying to come up with or find new ways to trick my husband into eating fruits and veggies. I am not necessarily cutting out the calorie rich foods; he would rather starve than eat plain broccoli-!!!-(or tiny shrubs as he prefers to call them). I am enriching our meals by including real nutrients. As time goes on, I will be sharing helpful tips I am able to conjure up. 

Tip #1: Doll it up! 
Like many other aspects of life, presentation can be inviting. As the weather gets warmer, I often like to make big salads for dinner. On a regular dinner plate, this is not terribly exciting. 

CC Image courtesy of Robin Corps on Flickr

Make some edible art or separate each item into sections. This can look particularly posh and allow you to enjoy each ingredient before mixing it up. 

You don't have to be a 4-star chef, to do something like:

CC Image courtesy of Kurman Communications, Inc. on Flickr

It only takes a few extra minutes and honestly adds some fun to dinner. We picked up some oversized square bowls at Target, and it has made a huge difference. Hubby loves it when I put a nice salad together, usually with some type of bread treat tucked in one of the corners. He always praises the presentation and can't wait to dig in. Here are some more inspirations with larger bowls and regular plates:

CC Image courtesy of Eunice on Flickr

CC Image courtesy of Jules on Flickr

 

CC Image courtesy of David Pursehouse

If you have any suggestions, please share! The more the merrier.

Be well! xx....m