you're the inspiration

Anyone else feeling super inspired by the Olympics these days? My goodness, I found myself crying I don't every single time someone did something amazing - ok not that bad but pretty close. I've been very into cycling this weekend as I kept catching the major road races- both men's and women's and I was hooked. I am waiting for the neighbors in the apartment next door to knock and tell me to stop yelling at the TV. I've also been very impressed with the swimmers- they have been amazing! I feel like I have no excuses when it comes to going out for a run now, these people spend hours upon hours a day working out- I can manage to get in an hour or two.

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little secret

I recently started scoping out some fall fashion choices, just to get a sense of what I'd love to get my hands on in the next few months to fill out the closet as the cooler weather is approaching (I write this as it's been regularly hitting high 90s, so cooler weather is wishful at best). I absolutely loved these three items from Victoria's Secret - this henley long sleeved is weekend perfect.

I am not even sure I'd find a place to wear this amazing sequined dress, but it's sparkly and super cute.

I do have a love for the ever prefect sweater- the cardi. I like the length of this one, particularly with a shorter skirt or a pair of leggings.

eye of the tiger

Happy Weekend Dear Readers!
I am looking forward to a local weekend after two filled with travel, the only downfall is that I won’t have a shortened work week next week. I am a bit excited though to catch up on some sleep, get in some gym time, and not spend time at Newark Airport (don’t worry, I’ll be there in less than two weeks). I am also looking forward to some Olympic coverage – as I love the stories that make me want to cry, so someone best have a great against the odds story for me.  I love the swimming and I get flashbacks to swim meets of years past (my last competitive swim was 2004), and think you should check this video of the USA Swim Team – I swear it’s the chlorine fumes that make them crazy. Enjoy your weekend!


(Olympic Lego photo from The Brick Blogger)

this woman's work

Last weekend, my mother, sister and I went to Concord to see Orchard House from Little Women and the Concord Museum. Typically, we shop when I come home to visit, but lately I’ve been feeling tapped out on summer clothes and desperately want to be in fall weather and those seasonal clothes. I was more than pleased to take in a little culture over the mall. I will say I much preferred the pace of the museum over the Alcott house, because that one was self-guided, and the Alcott house’s tour leader was terrible and that had far too many people allowed on the tour.  Though I did love looking into the rooms of the Alcott/March girls and remembering the book and maybe a little too much of the movie.

some enchanted evening

A night catching a movie on the pier in Hoboken - with a great view of Manhattan in the background. Couldn't resist sharing the view with all of you.

somebody's watching me

The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian was one of those books that I could not stop reading, even when I knew I really should be sleeping or paying more attention while on the train. The plot weaves around a young woman, Laurel, living in Burlington, Vermont who has survived a very traumatic event in her life, and a box of photos left behind by an elderly homeless man once he passes away. As she unravels the stories behind the photos, the story twists and turns as it unfolds - this is one that you should not read the last pages because the flip is that good. As I started to pick up on the underlying story, I had to keep turning back to see if I would have interpreted the story differently. I also liked the reference to my school, Saint Michael's College - even if it was short and sweet (go knights!).

a bird dog

My favorite dog- Miss Macy. She was ever so loving this weekend- couldn't wait to snuggle and always wagging her tail. She was definitely trying to be all coy in this picture- but that little white face! That little love  dog-girl, one of the best parts of being home.

safety nets here

Happy Friday Dear Readers! I am heading off again this weekend for some time in my hometown of Westborough, Massachusetts. It’s been about 4 months since my last visit to see my family and I am excited to do some things around town and the area.  A few things on the agenda include a trip to the Concord Museum, a few lunches out, snuggling with my favorite dog, and I am hoping for pancakes for breakfast one day (maybe both if I am lucky!). What are you up to this weekend? Is there anything you love to do when you head back home?

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she's got legs

Wedges, wedges, wedges... my favorite type of shoe for making me feel like those tall girls.I always want to be taller, but bad feet make heels for the long run hard to do. These nifty little shoes give the height without as much pain, not to say I can wear them all the time - but much longer then a pair of stilettos.  What's your favorite summer time shoe?

all around my hat

This picture was taken last weekend while in Atlanta- for a self portrait it's really not too bad. I was surprised how much I liked wearing the fedora as well - hats aren't typically my thing unless I desperately trying not to burn my nose. Have you found any hats you love?  

some flowers

I thought these flowers were so pretty- the pinks and the purples of all shades just made me smile when I found them at the grocery store. I had to take a little picture to share!

back in black

July is a great month of sales- which means I keep thinking I am going to stop shopping and then I find something at a great price point that I will wear over and over again. I spied this dress from The Gap not too long ago, and could just tell that it was going to be one of those multi-season items - good for summer since it's one piece, but paired up with boots and tights will work well into the colder temps. I also love the simple style and ease of this dress, which means it can be worn with all sorts of accessories.

swimming, swimming in the swimming pool

Happy Friday dear readers. Hope you have a lovely weekend ahead of you. I am heading off to Georgia for the weekend to visit some friends and hang out by the pool here.  There’s definitely something about a rooftop pool to make me swoon. I am looking forward to cocktails and swims all weekend long. What are you up to this fine summer weekend?

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recall our last summer

I can officially start my countdown to summer vacation - only 30 more days. I am sure time will fly in the next month until I am back to Cape Cod and the hazy lazy days of August. I am looking forward to pancakes for breakfast, walks along the beach, reading in my chair by the water all day, and glasses of wine out on the porch at night.

splish splash

I love that retro swimsuits are back this season - I love seeing 1950's and 1960's styles pop back up. Makes me want to pop in a copy of Shag into the DVD player and go down to Myrtle Beach with the girls (does anyone else remember that movie?). It's true what they say, everything comes back in style at some point. I bought two of these suits from J Crew, because I loved the rouching and the sultriness of the deep v in front, while providing coverage I want in a suit.

tiny bubbles

Summer to me is all about easy going beach reads - well that and the book I have been reading that's got some more depth is a hardcover massive book that's better suited for home. I picked up a few bargains from  Amazon for my commuting, since I could easily toss this in my purse and I loved other books by this author, I figured why not? Cocktails for Three by Madeleine Wickham was a pleasurable read. I liked that the story bounced between three best friends (I think I like different point of views based on prior books, I've read) who each are dealing with different major events in their lives. One is a new mom, not coping as easily as she feels she should be, one is dealing with her married lover, who is pulling away, and the other is dealing with a person from her past, that her father's actions wronged.  Though a quick read, it was cute and worth the time on the commutes to unwind after work.

roam around the world

Last weekend in the brutal heat, I completed my first ever 10k. On a lovely flat run, as approaching the finish line the Unisphere fountain was up and running (and giving an amazing cool down breeze when I ran by it). I snapped this picture as I approached - not to bad for being on the move, while taking pictures right?

dazed and confused for so long

Dear Friday-

It feels like this is our second rendezvous this week, thanks to our dear friend the mid-week holiday. Twice this week you’ve felt like Tuesday, and I am truly glad you are really here now – this work for two days, day off, work two more days, then back to the weekend is confusing.   Though, if we could make that the regular work week, I probably could get on board with that, and then a Tuesday would feel like Friday every week, but then there would be two Monday type days.  Until next week Friday!

Love,

Jill

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under the sea

I asked my sister the other day if she had started to pick out baby names yet, nothing yet - and well I won't be sharing names until November. I was teasing my mother though we should call the baby Seth, because she absolutely has never been able to say that name - is it fair to torture Grandma? This baby has given new light to my favorite place to find unique gifts, and things for anyone on Etsy. I found these super cute onesies from the shop Zobows. I particularly like the fact that you can pick the sizes, and from all my friends that are moms tell me- buy big, since you tend to get a lot of newborn items as gifts.

it's independence day

Happy July Forth! I had a very patriotic breakfast a few days ago, so I couldn't resist posting a photo of amazingly colorful and delicious fruit. This holiday is always fun with fireworks and cookouts, and just taking a day away from work. I hope you all have a lovely day with friends and family enjoying freedom and fun.

it's family, you accept them

Arrested Development is one of my most favorite television shows- I find it just so funny, and can still watch the three seasons on repeat- it was definitely cancelled well before it got appreciated. I am eagerly awaiting the updated series that will lead into the movie (fingers crossed for next summer). The sheer awkwardness of the family just keeps me smiling, but I do love how they always come together for each other even when the shenanigans ensues. Do you have any favorite shows that are no longer on air? 


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get it started

Happy July! I cannot believe it's now the second half of 2012. Time flies - because I swear it was just the start of the year. I decided to set some goals/list of things to do for July.

1) Keep up my jogging - I have made some progress but I have a long way to go
2) Eat more veggies - particularly for dinner
3) Go see Moonrise Kingdom before it leaves the theater (looks so cute)
4) Try a new restaurant that I haven't been to before
5) Have more frozen drinks because its hot and summer


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