an update.

Ahh blog, I find myself to you yet again, apologizing for neglecting you and not writing as much as I said I would.

don't let the cute face fool you. she will shed anywhere.

Life has been... busy. And in between swiffering the floors, dodging (and trying to catch) catfur tubleweeds and neglecting laundry I've been strangely content.

The new job is going really well.  It's fantastic to be back in the financial district - and even more so to be around people again (people my own age - whoda thought?!). I love being able to walk to work every day - and even though I do have to dress up it's quite fun to wear skirts, tights, blazers, and blouses without people looking at me strangely and wondering (does she have an interview elsewhere coming in the office dressed like that?).

And while perhaps I haven't been to the gym as often as I should be (sorry, hips and thighs) or writing as much as I should, I just find myself really happy and at a good place for possibly the first time ever in my life. I am keeping up with my 1 a day photo 365 project, which is really fun. It actually makes me take a step back to find something that I may have previously overlooked and snap a photo of it as a reminder.

And every so often, I find something like this. And I remember. And remember. And remember. Just in case I ever forget.

Catch up.

Dear readers, I apologize for not updating this recently. Since I started working my new job I haven't had as much downtime as I used to have at the old office. Which is nice - I do enjoy being busy - but that means I don't get to write nearly as much as I would like to. Overall, things are going really good. It's been hectic this week with the CEO who decided to come by for an unexpected visit, but that's alright. I've been talking with more people and might move my desk to be near a group of girls who invited me to sit with them. So it's nice.

I'm currently loving this awesome shirtdress that I got from anthro on sale. I had been lusting after it for a few months and finally when it was marked down I swooped! I actually ordered two - one in red and one in the grey color and I can't decide which one to keep. BF said I looked like a fire hydrant in the red one so... lol. I think its one of those pieces that I can dress up and wear to work, too. I figure some cute tights, perhaps a pair of heels or wedges and a cute cardigan and I'm good.

I'm definitely in the market for a new pair of black flats. My current black tory burch pair has almost worn themselves thin. I'll most likely have them repaired, but I'd also really like to get a plain black pair with no medallion on them. I just want them to be comfortable enough to be able to walk to and from work in. So any recommendations that are cute, comfortable, and won't break the bank would be much appreciated!

Anyway - I'm sorry this post is so short and lacking but I have to send another email and get out of here because guess what - its just about 5 and that's quitting time!

Ode to the J Crew wool pencil skirt

I don't think I've ever known love for a skirt until now. Holy cow.

 

Sweater, buttondown - gap; belt, skirt - j crew, pearls - gift, tights - urban outfitters, shoes - tory burch

 

I apologize for the bathroom setting but I came to the realization today that the bathroom's full length mirror makes for a nice prop. I may have to work on different lighting.

I also apologize for the wrinkled shirt but it was toward the end of the day.

And I would like to make a big shout out to Kendi over at Kendi Everyday for giving me the inspiration and guts to try out the belt over the top of the skirt trick.

The new job is going quite well. It's amazing what a change of scenery and about 40 new people in an office can do to a girl. I'm really enjoying it (especially since I am off at 5. And I can walk to work again. Oh yeah, and the specialty's cafe next door). It's the little things that I realized I really missed - being able to walk to work with the BF, being able to walk to work in general, and having a bunch of people around. It's also different (but really fun) working in a huge building too. I kinda feel important.

And now, to be lazy until tomorrow.... ahhh.

ThreeSixFive project

Hello readers. I apologize for a lack of posts this week. Tomorrow I start my new job (yay!) and I figured that a few days off in between would do me some good. So I've been really lazy the past few days and have also been looking after Rosie who had to spend some time at the vet earlier this week.

As a result, I really don't have much to talk about - but I figured I would bring everyone up to speed on one of my projects for 2011. I decided that I was going to start an album of photos on my flickr called ThreeSixFive - basically, I take a photo a day for all of 2011. I'm trying to get away from it just being photos of Rosie (oops) and looking for smaller, overlooked things in San Francisco. So far I'm really having fun with it. They've mainly been iphone photos so far but I'm hoping to get out my big camera on weekends to mix things up a bit.

So here's my project - has anyone else started implementing new years projects or plans?

2011 - happy new year!

Aside from being uber excited about it being 2011 (and 11 is my favorite number) I'm thrilled that its a near year. I feel like I'm getting to start some things over and I'm even more excited about the new year than I was before.

While 2010 had a lot of changes and high points, I'm still ready to see where this year takes us.

In 2010 ...

I finally got to visit Filoli Gardens (and even better with my best friend, my Nikon D80)

We moved out of our north beach apartment and into our one bedroom in nob hill.

We adopted our cat Rosie

I quit my first real job and moved to the position I'm currently at... and then interviewed and got a new job (starting in a week!)

Dave got promoted at work

Mom and dad adopted Jake

We made some fantastic new friends in our apartment building

Traveled to Seattle for a long weekend (Dave's first time there!)

With that being said, I'd like to nail down some goals of mine for 2011:

1) write more. whether its in my hand written journal or here on my blog I'd like to start tapping into my creative side again.

2) get back into a gym routine. the holidays have left me with a bit of a food hangover and I'd really like to start feeling better about myself again.

3) watch my budget and save more. no more unjustified spending. i'm going to have a budget and stick to it!

4) take more photos. i'm challenging myself to take a photo every day. I've started a different set on my flickr for my 365 2011 project.

5) smile more, revel in life and enjoy the moment and what I have. learn to focus on what's surrounding me instead of what I don't have.

And I'm sure there's tons more but that's about it at the moment. Hope 2011 has been good to everyone so far!

My top 10 of 2010

At least, according to me.

I'm still kinda in disbelief that its already December 29th and another year is about to end. I'm eager and excited to see what 2011 brings my way - but first I thought I'd put together my top 10 things from the year 2010.

Drum roll please... and in no particular order:

Fashion + giving back = excellent.

1) Toms shoes. I guess I kinda joined the bandwagon late on this one, but I'm glad I did finally get there.  My first pair is in red (notice how I said first?) but I may go back for seconds on the navy ones, too. I also noticed on a section on the website that you can sign up to be a shoe dropper. If I had the time and ability, I'd totally do it!

2) Mobile food festivals. Whoever came up with the idea to bring a whole bunch of food trucks into one area, add music and alcohol is brilliant. We had the pleasure of going to one in Seattle and also hit up one in our hometown. I really liked being able to have a sampling of everything in one place. Not quite sure what my favorite has been, though.

who knew birds could be so angry?

3) Angry birds. Genius. Seriously - I can't get enough of this game. I've beat both the season and regular angry birds and I'm really hoping that an angry birds 2 is in the works. But thank you to the creators of this game for keeping me occupied on many public transportation trips and also on long airplane flights. I owe ya one.

4) Ankle booties. I finally mustered up the guts to get a pair from jcrew and I'm in love. They go with everything - and once I added in some arch padding they're perfect.

Take a walk on the wild side...

5) Leopard print anything. Okay, not anything  but... I'm loving the animal print trend.  If you're wanting to try it out, I got an awesome leopard print scarf from H&M for about 12.00 that really has helped me ease into the prints. Plus it looks fantastic with black! I also snagged a leopard print top that I think would look great under a boyfriend blazer with dark jeans. The last thing I'm craving is a subdued leopard print cardigan.

6) The new mac and cheese movement. Mac and cheese + truffle oil = a godsend. Reinventing the classic comfort food has suddenly let mac and cheese grow up from the good old blue Kraft boxes to something that I don't mind eating at a nicer restaurant.

7) Lace. There's something so feminine and gentle about adding some lace to your wardrobe. I recently picked up the above shirt at the gap's sale and I'm really loving it. It adds a delicate touch without being too overboard.

8) Greek yogurt. Another foodie trend (can you tell I like food?) that has become a breakfast staple at my office.  Greek yogurt mixed with honey and some low fat granola is a healthy breakfast that keeps me going. Plus its good for you! My favorite is the Fage brand (that I get in huge tubs at Costco for 5.99).

Skinny jeans plus heels a shirt is a great date outfit.

9) Skinny jeans. Who would've thought that I could pull these off? My favorite pair is from Banana Republic because they have stretch, feel amazingly soft, and wear really well. Plus they usually go on sale for great prices (not that you'd need more incentive to get them, though...)

10) Frye boots. I purchased my first pair recently after seeing them go on sale for a steal. And I am in love (more so once I get them on my feet). The Jane 14L's are stunning and go with everything. A boot jack may help in taking them off but I am so thrilled I was finally able to nab these.

Well for now, that's all folks. I'll probably make one more post on Friday with my list for 2011. Hope you are staying dry and warm where ever you are (I actually typed this from my office wearing mittens. ugh).

Post-vacation round up

Dear blog, I'm sorry I neglected you in times of warmer weather and beaches. Unfortunately I couldn't be asked to do much besides decide whether to sit by the pool or the beach. In remembrance of my vacation which is now sadly over I thought I'd put together a list of a few things that I love when traveling to warmer locations.

Rainbow sandals. You might be thinking holy cow that's a lot for a pair of flip flops - but let me tell you, they are fantastic. I've had the same pair for about 4 years now and I've worn them trekking through Europe, canoeing, and of course to the beach. They are durable, cute, and mold to your feet after they are broken in. I can't get enough of these - and of course with traveling on an airplane they make are easy to remove to go through security lines.

An awesome straw hat.What other than a beach ready straw hat screams vacation? Definitely a necessity when you're sitting in the sun soaking some rays and trying to read. Not only does it shield your eyes but it helps keep your head out of the sun (because scalp sunburns are never pretty). I actually picked one up just like this not too long ago at Norsdtrom in the BP section for around 7.00. Look around - you may find one on clearance during the winter!

A journal to write in. There's something about Moleskine journals that I just can't put my finger on - perhaps its the simple gleaming cover and neat lines, or the way your pen ink looks once you've finished with an entry. I'm particularly addicted to the red ones, but the black ones will always remain a close favorite. The hidden pocket in the back of these make the perfect place to store little trip mementos - boarding passes, stickers, or even a photo from  your vacation.

Maui babe browning lotion. Yeah, I'm pasty white as a ghost. What am I gonna do about it besides try not to burn, right? In comes the answer - Maui babe browning lotion. I tried this out a few years ago and ever since then I've been hooked. I apply it after I put on my regular SPF sunscreen and let it dry. It helps accelorate your tan (and smells mighty good too). Seriously - this stuff works. I have the tanned arms and legs from the past few days to prove it. I know that most ABC and other pharmacy stores in Hawaii sell this, and you can also order from their website. I haven't seen it at that many places outside of the Islands, though.

And last but not least (I think I always save the most expensive for last) would have to be a great camera. I personally adore my Nikon D80 (even though I most definitely pay that price for it). The camera is fantastic - aside from my car it is probably the best money I've ever spent. It takes amazing photos and I can easily switch lenses when I need to get a better shot. My personal favorite lens would have to be the 50MM 1.8f which takes glorious photos that I sometimes can't believe happen to be mine.


Anyway readers - that's my wrap up list. I'll be doing a top 2010 item roundup in the next few days!