Jean Queen

I'm just going to come right out and say it, Hudson Jeans are the absolute best.  They are so comfortable and they make your legs look instantly slimmer.  I find myself consistently passing over all the other jeans in my closet in favor of my Hudson Jeans.  They come in a range of styles but my favorite is their dark wash boot cut jean seen below.  The jeans can be a little pricy but they are definitely worth it. 

Home Sweet Home

Since the weather in Chicago has become so cold it is hard to make myself go outside so I have been spending a lot more time at home.  All this time at home has made me really aware of the items I am lacking, so I did a little research and came up with a couple of items that would be great in any home.  I love the smell of mint and how refreshing it is.  This candle has mint as well as moss notes so it won't be too overpowering, but would give your home a nice crisp feeling.  The glasses below are so unique and would make drinking more interesting, plus the double glass prevents the glass from becoming too hot or cold to the touch.  Finally the candlestick holders.  These are a little pricy, and to be honest I am sure you can find better cheaper ones at a second hand store.  Regardless, candlestick holders would be a great addition to any table or mantle and you could paint them a bright color to add an extra zing.

Lululemon Love

I am working at the Lululemon Warehouse Sale this weekend in Chicago, and today I spent all day sorting and setting up for the sale.  I got to see all the products that are going to be available, and it is a lot of stuff! I found some favorites that I'm going to have to buy for myself.  Below are just some items that I'm loving and planning on getting.  The Scuba hoodie is really thick and would be prefect to wear around the house, running errands, and out running.  The Wunder Under pants do double duty.  They can obviously be worn as workout pants, but they also work as leggings.  They are thick and lift your butt so they are perfect to wear out with a long top.  Finally the tank top is just so cute and would add some style to any gym workout.

All Patched Up

I love elbow patches.  I like them on sweaters, but I really love elbow patches on blazers.  It kind of gives the blazer an equestrian vibe that I love.  Below is a cute checkered blazer with elbow patches.  I like that it is cropped so it does not have the full country club look but the elbow patches still give it a little something extra.  On the bottom is an inexpensive version of the elbow patch blazer if you are looking to save some money.

Red Hot

Sometimes you just need to go with a classic, and I am talking of course about nail polish.  My go to classic is red nails, but it is hard to find just the perfect shade.  I don't like my red polish to have any shimmer and it has to be bright red, not dark or orangey.  The best red I've found is OPI Big Apple Red.  It is just the right red and great quality.

Fit Tip

I have been slowly getting back into running after finishing the Chicago Marathon. Before the marathon I could run for hours and not feel tired, but now it seems to be that around the block is enough running.  The hardest part is getting out the door though, and I am sure that many people feel the same way.  One way I have gotten out the door and on the running path on the days I absolutely do not want to work out has been by taking my dogs with me.  Dogs love running, at least my dogs do, and when they see that they are going for a run they jump, howl, and wag their tails in excitement.  That enthusiasm is contagious and really helps me realize that is is so nice to get outside and run around.  So the next time you are dreading working out just bring your dog along and let them inspire you.

Buns of Steel

I know that by now sock buns are becoming very common and I'm sure many of you have either tried or know about them, but for the people who don't I thought I would share.  I found out about sock buns a while ago and finally successfully did one today, although to be honest I did have help from my friend, and it looked awesome.  Basically the look is like the one above, without all the frizz.  It is a big perfect doughnut shaped bun right on top of your head.  While the look is elegant and pretty, it is super easy and only takes five minutes max to do.  I found a great tutorial by Opening Ceremony where they show you step-by-step with pictures.  My only addition to these directions is to use a sock that is close in color to your hair.  The bright white and yellow sock they use would look terrible if your hair started to separate and the sock showed through.  Other than that, create these easy buns to look put together without any effort.

Song of the Day

The Black Keys - Lonely Boy

I really like how upbeat this Black Keys song is.  Their whole new CD is awesome. 

Winter Floral

Now that we are in the middle of winter, warm weather, flowers, and sunny skies seem to be so far away.  One way of beating the winter blahs and adding a springy touch to your wardrobe is by adding winter florals.  There is a definite distinction between florals and winter florals and it is important to have the right type of florals in your winter wardrobe so you don't look out of place.  Having a dark base color like black or blue and them bright or even darker colored florals as the print is one way to add the popular pattern into the winter season.  Above is an inexpensive but super cute shirt that has the dark base and floral pattern that make it a perfect addition to any wardrobe.  Plus the back is awesome and unique.  Below is a great dress that you could wear with tights and boots and socks to make a cute but warm outfit.  Finally the backpack is great for anyone in school who wants an easy but cute way to carry your books around all second semester.

Relax and Rejuvenate

Today I spent the afternoon in the most beautiful place in the world, Lake Tahoe.  It has been unseasonably warm and my sister, friend, and I took advantage of the great weather and made a trip to the lake.  It was so peaceful and quiet, and I mean extremely quiet.  

If you have the time this long weekend I would suggest going to somewhere beautiful and sitting still and listening to the silence.  It is a great way to recharge and relax.  And if you are ever in the Northern California/ Nevada area take a trip to Lake Tahoe, you won't regret it.  

Song of the Day

Chromeo - Night By Night

It's finally the weekend and there's no better way to get in the mood than with Chromeo.  

Enamored With Enamel

While out shopping the other day I saw these Vince Camuto bracelets (Pictured above and below) and loved them. After doing some research on the bracelets once I got home I found out that they come in a variety of colors, seriously all the colors you could imagine, and even patterns.  The bracelet is amazing. The colorful bangles would be great to add a boost to any drab outfit and I love how shiny they are.  If you aren't into such a bold bracelet I found a smaller less bulky bracelet.  The yellow bangle below has the same feel as the Vince Camuto bracelets but at about a fourth of the price. 

Song of the Day

Ou Est Le Swimming Pool - Dance The Way I Feel

I am going out for a friends birthday tonight and this song just gets me in the mood to dance.

Song of the Day

Peter Bjorn and John - Amsterdam

It is so sunny and nice out I can't help but listen to upbeat songs.  

Magnolia Baking

For my birthday a couple months ago my roommate got me a Magnolia Bakery cupcake and it was amazing.  I haven't had as good of a cupcake since, but when I was looking for a recipe to make I stumbled across the vanilla cupcake recipe that Magnolia Bakery uses.  The cupcakes tasted just like the one I had for my birthday, but instead of just having one delicious cupcake I had a dozen.  You can find the recipe here.