Fall: On The Way

As much as I have enjoyed this summer, I am just about ready for fall.  The cool mornings and everything pumpkin are almost enough to make me ready to switch out my sleeveless tops and sandals for cardigans and corduroys.  We have a low 70's weekend on the horizon and that, my friends, is getting me through the week.

I've been doing some quality online window shopping lately, as I need a bit of a fall/winter wardrobe update.  It's certainly a perk of having a fall birthday :)  I am pleased to see that bright colors are "in" for fall since I need to slightly steer away from my grey cardigan and sweater obsession.  Here are a few things I have my eye on:

Tops: Anthropologie - Bag: Anthropologie - Necklace: Anthropologie - Shoes: Piperlime - Pants: J.Crew

Last Tri of the Season

My 3rd and final triathlon of 2011 is in the books!  The race was Sunday, August 21st and it was a sprint course consisting of a 250 meter pool swim, 10 mile bike, and 5K run.  Overall, it went very well for a hilly course.  I even got the 2nd fastest swim time for my division :)  As usual, my T1 needs some work since this time I added a sports bra and top over my swimsuit top as well as socks and shoes.  My purchase of bike shoes is drawing near, which will certainly help with my bike times and strength.  I also need to practice getting off my bike and running more.  The first part of the run is the hardest since the geometry of biking and running is so different.  Once I hit the turn around for the run, I noticed a huge difference in how I was feeling and felt good the rest of the way.  It was a short and fun race that I'm glad I signed up for on a whim 5 days beforehand :)

Needle in a Haystack

Shopping for new purses, new bedding, and new shoes are quite similar experiences for me.  All of them are equally frustrating for someone as picky as me, very much like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

So, I am beginning the search for a new bag.  I want something eyecatching, comfortable, affordable.  I truly hate switching purses day-to-day, so I need for it to go with most stuff in my wardrobe.  Doesn't necessarily have to match, just 'go'.

I'm kind of blindly in love with this Transatlantic Bag.  It's pretty pricey and I've yet to see it in person, but the reviews say it's soft and it's most certainly eyecatching.  I wear a lot of grey, white, and navy, so I see it being fine with most of my stuff.  My usual pops of color are greens, reds, purples, yellows, and sometimes pinks.

The Thales Tote is cute, too.  Not as eyecatching, definitely functional, but I'm not sure I'd spend the full amount here.  I am a definite "try before you buy" purse person.  If it's a shoulder bag, it has to pass the test.

Any suggestions for finding a needle in a haystack? :)

Girl's Weekend!

Five of us girls from High School (a couple of us had gone to college together, too) got together this past weekend and had a blast!

We caught up over

• drinks and apps
• a nice dinner
• a long walk on the city's gorgeous greenway system
• bagels
• manicures & pedicures
• an amazing French bakery
• cooking out
• a delicious brunch  

It was such a wonderful weekend and so special to spend time catching up with these ladies.

We have since exchanged some of our favorite websites, so I thought I'd share them here, too!

Food:
www.gojee.com
www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/category/new-recipes
www.macheesmo.com/

Shopping:
www.dogeared.com/
www.vestique.com
www.fredmonkees.com
www.smartbargains.com
www.myperfectsale.com
www.etsy.com

Other:
www.plasticjungle.com
www.giftsin24.com