Lucky & Dior Pretty Party

This weekend was pretty awesome. Thanks to my partnership with Lucky, I was invited to host a Lucky & Dior Pretty Party for myself and 10 guests. While the final guest count ended up lower than that, I still had a blast. I got to meet some local bloggers for the first time, Faith and Lindsay, and spend a girls night with some of my close friends, Anne and Stephanie. It was a night of make-up, shopping, and delicious cupcakes.


Dior Counter, Tysons Corner Bloomingdales. 



Faith, Anne, Lindsay, and Stephanie

A small army of Dior experts were there to walk us through the importance of good skincare products and to help us perfect the smokey-eye look. I was the model and while it looks like I was not enjoying myself in the following picture, do not be fooled, I loved every minute of it.




Lindsay getting her eyes did

Right before lips, we enjoyed some delicious cupcakes from Cakelove in DC. (They were amazing... so so amazing.)


mmm.. cupcakes


full kabuki

Finally, at the end we headed down to the counter for a little subsidized* shopping courtesy of Lucky. While I easily could have walked away with everything if there was no budget or SSF to go home too, I limited myself to their serum and eye cream. A total change of direction from what I pictured myself buying before the night began. (I was thinking mascara and maybe foundation).

You: "But Grace, you're too young for eye cream"
Me: "You are never too young for eye cream! Prevention ladies, prevention."



Long story short, it was a freaking blast.
Thanks to all that attended and of course to Lucky and Dior for making it possible!

How was your weekend?

*full disclosure: Lucky provided myself and each guest with a gift card that could be used only at the Dior counter. This gift did not in anyway influence my decision or perception of this event. 

A Guy Thing

Before I even get into this post I am going to admit something. SSF and I used our mini vacation to the Outerbanks (to meet with wedding planners eeee!) as an excuse to go shopping. I know, it's true. I've turned SSF into a lover of fashion. Maybe that's taking it too far...let's just say he loves clothes now.

Anyway, there is one big difference between SSF and I that makes his shopping binges relatively excusable. They only happen 1 or 2 times a year. So while there is some initial sticker shock he doesn't spend a dime on clothes for another 6 months while I accumulate clothes all times of the year. And when I say he I actually mean I don't spend a dime on him for the rest of the year. (We cut a deal he pays groceries--I pay for clothes, I'm just kidding.. kind of.)

Is this a guy thing? I feel like it is. I don't have much of a history with boyfriend to compare it to. Its incredible. He can go months without buying something new all the while I start experiencing withdrawl symtoms after about two weeks.  I think I've done a pretty good job at controlling my impulses but compared to his willpower it's nothing.

While I admire his strength it also drives me crazy that he will let things like shoes fall to ruin because he is too stubborn to replace them.

So what do you think, is this a guy thing? Raise your hands if you have a boyfriend (fiance, husband, life partner etc..) that has similiar shopping habits to SSF. I want to know! Or tell me what your siginificant other does that is totally " a guy thing:"

Monday, Monday.

Ahhh.. another weekend. I swear these things go by far too fast. I can't really complain though when my biggest problem is feeling a little lost in my own sense of style. I seriously have not been this happy in a long time. SSBF and I had a relaxing weekend. We worked in our garden, went to see Jonah Hex (his choice) and then went to the bookstore.It's been a loooong while since I actually read a book. The decision came down to a classic; "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand or an all too common for me economics book called "Naked Economics" by Charles Wheelan. I went with the classic.

SSBF laughed at me when I threw this blazer on to go to the movie, mainly because it was 90 degrees outside. Jokes on him though because this blazer is gauzy and lightweight. I didn't feel any hotter outside and in the movie theater I actually remained a comfortable temperature. Why I really wore it though is because I loved how the striped patterns complemented one another. (Pardon the blurriness, my camera unlike me, hates stripes). I was also feeling slighty under dressed in my tank and shorts. I think that means I'm getting old.

I'm sure you noticed a slight change to the upper righthand corner of the blog. It's in anticipation of a post I have coming for you guys later this week. And let me tell you it is exciting! I really can't wait to share it with you all. But, you have to wait until then:)

Blazer, Banana Republic Outlet $20
Tank, Target $15
Shorts, Gap $19

debating a life sucked out the energy

When we first moved to Maryland SSBF and I would take little day trips to go hiking. It was almost 3 years ago that we went to Mt. Catoctin and Cunnigham Falls. With nothing else to do today, SSBF came up with the idea to go back. Seconds after he mentioned it I was reaching in his side of the closet looking for his most "mountainy" shirt. He vetoed a few before I styled this one enough to be acceptable. My problem is that the sleeves always look HUGE on me. (Nothing a little rolling can't fix) Even though its spring the weather today reminded me more of a fall day with a crisp breeze so I opted to channel a little more autumn in my outfit with the plaid.

 It was a coincidence that he mentioned going back to Catoctin after I spent the night before reminiscing through our first couple years here by reading through some posts on my old blog. One thing that bummed me out about reading it was realizing not that much has changed since then. Besides the fact that we bought a house I still do most of the things now, that I did back then. Which was primarily complain about my job, gush about my cats, and wish my credit card and student loan debt would just disappear.

I know I am being simplistic by saying nothing has changed, because in reality I am in graduate school, much more realistic with my financial situation, and on the verge of something in my career. I just don't feel like I have grown much at all in the past few years. It's strange to feel like I have been sitting still while life keeps on moving. I have this urge to just go outside and run. Not quite away, but in a direction that will make something happen. Anything. 

The next couple weeks are bound to be interesting with my semester wrapping up and some changes happening with work. I am looking forward to a month off from class to be able to spend a little more time focusing on my blog, and SSBF of course.  

*Shirt, Old Navy (borrowed from SSBF)

*Vest, Kohls

* Shorts, DIYed from an old Gap pair

*Boots, Rocketdog via DSW

P.S. The small hole in my tights is courtesy of Dolce (my cat). I guess he wanted me to go for the distressed look.

Crazy Cat Lady Post

I know. This is totally random. But if you kow me you know I love my cats probably more then some humans. Typically in the morning when I am getting ready Dolce will lay in my bedroom on top of my slippers. He does it every single morning. Normally he is alone, but yesterday Chloe decided to join him.

Last night, SSBF found these two holding paws too. Seriously.

And who says cats don't have personality?

I promise more fashion to come.

quick trip to philly

I've been dying to wear an outfit like this ever since I saw Julie of Orchid Grey rock the Dynamite Dress from Modcloth. Check out how she styled it here.

SSBF was grumpy today because I was going to Philly and he had to finish the laundry for me so he took limited pictures of me. haha.

We only live 2 hours from Philly but the drive to there is almost always dreadful. Not only does Delaware charge you $8 in tolls to simply drive through it for 30 minutes round trip but there is often construction, congestion, and simply terrible drivers littering the road. The only good thing about the drive up there is getting to see three different city skylines. When I a kid I used to tell my dad that I wanted to become a photographer and dedicate a book to photos of city skylines. I don't know why it is I love them so much but anytime I drive by one I tend to get lost in the visual.

The reason for going up there is always worth the drive though. Today was my best friend Kristi's baby shower. I've known for Kristi what feels like a lifetime and was just in her wedding last March.

We were such crazy teenagers growing I can't believe how much both of us have settled down. When I was driving up there I couldn't help but think about how much her friendship has meant to me over the years. The funny thing about Kristi and me is that we always seemed to find each other. When we first met we were like 8 and played on a softball team together. Then after 6 years we ended up on the same SEPTA bus going to high school a block way from each other.  Finally, Junior year of high school we applied for the same job at Gap. After the third time I think we realized we were meant to be friends. Kristi will always be with me. She has to be, her name is the tattoo on my foot.

Even though Kristi ruined it by having the baby via an emergency C-section on St. Patrick's Day (jkjk) it was a lovely afternoon. Mom and baby are doing well and I am looking forward to meeting little Cameron Mari very soon.

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

*Boat neck Tee, J.Crew

*Dress, Old Navy

*Scarf, Target

*Sandals, Target

Odds and Ends

Well, we put the finishing touches on our entry door project this weekend. We bought some new address numbers and a new light fixture in nickel to match the hardware on our door. These finishing touches took the better part of an afternoon to complete because a few unforeseen circumstances.

First, the numbers we originally bought from Home Depot involved drilling pretty big holes and some caulking, basically a little more expertise then either of us possess. Then came the light. SSBF took the original light down only to find the person who put the last one up had half-assed the job completely. So in attempting to put the new light up it kept ripping the screw that held the bracket out of the brick! After two trips to Home Depot, an extra screw, adhesive, and some waterproof sealant we finally got the bugger to stay... for now.

On another note I've decided I can finally call it Spring because SSBF and I had our first taste of Rita's water ice this weekend. If you have never had Rita's and live in these states you must go and quickly. It is the best Spring/Summer treat. I personally recommend the Mango Gelati. For all the rest of you, just keep it in mind when visiting those states.

Other then that it was a pretty low key weekend. SSBF and I went for a walk around our neighborhood on Sunday. We have tons of little walking paths in the community and there is this little bridge that we always drive by, so I had him take some pictures down there.

Nothing too special. Sunday was probably one of the nicest days temperature-wise we've had so far. I've seen some people in some seriously Summer outfits, which I have no real problem with.  I just prefer to be conservative, play it slow, savor Spring if you will. That, and I'm kind of obsessed with this scarf right now. You can't really tell because of how bright the sun is but my tee is actually a faded yellow. It is also one of my favorites.

It was just one of those quiet weekends where I got to spend a lot of time with SSBF and we got some things done. It was relaxing, and wonderful... Why did it have to end?

*Scarf, Old Navy

*Boyfriend Cardigan, J.Crew

*Tee, J.Crew

*Tank, Old Navy

*Jeans, Old Navy

*Boots, Forever 21

ahhhh, day off.

With SSBF on spring break I decided to take a couple days off work this week to get some things done around the house and catch up on some of my school work. Today we headed out to River Hill Nursery in Clarksville to finally pick out some foundation plants for our garden. Well, actually we went there knowing next to nothing about what we wanted and had a few of the people there point us in the right direction. We ended up with 4 shrubs, a small tree, and some perennials for both the front and back yards.

That is the back of subbie all loaded up with the our new plants. It was fun going to a privately owned nursery, most of the employees were really helpful and well versed in gardening. Apparently there is a lot more to planting flowers then I originally thought. Like for example it is a good idea to plant flowers that bloom at different times to keep the color going throughout the year. Also, a perennial will come back every season, but annuals you need to replant every year.

By the time we got home from the nursery (after a quick stop) at Home Depot we only had time to put the flowers in out front. The ones we put in will bloom orange and yellow and eventually will spread out to about 18 inches wide (which is why we left so much room in between). We will probably head out again sometime this weekend to get some more to fill in the gaps.

The entire time we were outside today, whether it was out back or front, we had a little audience. They are such snuggy bums. Dolce (in the front) was the most curious, and quite brave. He ventured outside for a few minutes to sniff around.

I had SSBF take a few pictures of the outfit I wore, but the area we took them in was riddled with shadows so they didn't come out very well. Between Home Depot and River Hill we spent about $350 today on plants, a hose, a hose storage box, gardening gloves for me, a small shovel, and weed killer. With the shrubs costing the most at about $35 a pop.

Now about that homework.....

*Twill Blazer, Gap

*Sequin Tank, Old Navy

*Boyfriend Jeans, Gap

* Shoes, Keds

Better Late then Never

I've been meaning to do this post for about a week now except with work and school and exciting car trips it kind of got pushed to the back burner. But after a lead time of about 3 weeks (shorter then we thought) our brand new entry door was installed!

Just as a reminder, this was the old door:

Annnd.. the new door:

And a view from the inside:

I just love it. It is amazing how much that one little upgrade changed our entry way completely. Our next project will be replacing those black address numbers and sprucing up both the front and back with some aforementioned landscaping. While we could have saved money on the install by calling around or even (gasp) installing it ourselves I think what we paid in labor to have Home Depot subcontract the work was worth it. (Mostly because I'm lazy).

What do you guys think of the door?


On another note, I've attempted to look at some landscaping books to try and get an idea of what would work in our region and what looks good together etc, but to be honest I know next to nothing about it and I tend to get bogged down and overwhelmed in the details. SSBF imagines I will look something like this in my attempt to garden:

haha, I wish!

photo credit: j.Crew April Catalogue.

Thank God I'm A Country Boy (Girl?)

I have been in a very weird mood the last two days. I would say a mix of on edge and short tempered, not a good combination for customer service. At work I was two seconds from losing it when people kept streaming in well past 12:00pm (when we close, read the freaking door people!). So when SSBF asked me what I wanted to do today the answer was something low key, that involved very little interaction with others. Something not typically easy to accomplish where we live.

Since we have been wanting to do some landscaping around our house we decided to make a drive out to a nursery in Carroll County. We spent a little time at the nursery and then continued on our drive down route 26 until we ended up at SSBF's elementary school, Liberty Elementary. Which was where we took these pictures. Yeah, that cornfield-- next to the school. I always tease SSBF about being a country boy. He denies it, but I think these pictures sealed the deal. Side note: "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" by JOhn Denver is the song the Orioles play during the 7th inning stretch, coincidence?

I was pretty adamant about taking pictures with the silo in the background, SSBF didn't like the wires in the shot, he apparently didn't like the silo either because he blocked it! I am grateful that he is letting me take pictures of him though.

All in all we were probably in the car for about two hours, just driving and taking in the sights while listening to the radio. It was the most amazing and relaxing two hours I've had in a long time. It was nice to just drive and not have to worry about due dates, homework assignments, credit card payments and Enterprise. I was almost sad when we got all the way to Fredrick on the back roads only to get on the highway to come back.

Oh well, I guess we all have to come back to reality at some point.

On Me:
*Button-down, Old Navy
*Boyfriend Cardigan, J.Crew
*Belt, Banana Republic
*Khaki Shorts, J.Crew
*Scarf, Old Navy
*Boots, Rocketdog

On SSBF,
*Flannel Shirt, J.Crew
*Sherpa Jacket, Gap
*Jeans, J.Crew

Spring In Ellicott City

SSBF and I spent our first day of spring walking around in Historic Ellicott City. It was a gorgeous day and although I know SSBF would have rather stayed inside to watch the basketball games he was kind enough to oblige to my wishes.

This time last year SSBF and I were actually hoping to buy a house in the Ellicott City/Oella area. It is just a 15 minute drive from where we live now, but unlike Columbia that has been commercialized and franchised to death, Ellicott City has a quaint little shopping district full of antique shops, posh restaurants, and small businesses. Its a great place to wander around for a day.

I probably could have got away with wearing this dress sans leggings but as much as I am ready for winter to be over, I'm not quite ready to give up my layers yet.  

SSBF was a real sport today, in addition to making him go out during all the March Madness, I made him take pictures in public AND hold my handbag. He even let me snap a rare picture of him (after much prodding of course) What a sweetheart. It was an wonderful day. Although I am having a little shopper's remorse for a purchase I didn't make. You see, I came across a black Movado envelope clutch in one of the antique stores for $22!. I didn't get it though in light of all the purchases I had made earlier in the day. I wonder if I can cancel one of my orders....

*Dress, Target

*Cardigan, Old Navy

*Leggings, Target

*Boots, Forever 21