Avery Babe

World meet Avery. Avery meet the world. 

Avery is a purebred Australian Shepard. She is my boyfriends, Daniel, dog. The two of them are obsessed with one another. She gets very jealous when I kiss him, lay with him or we show any kind of PDA or love towards one another. She wants him to herself, and I completely understand, I'm the same way. 

(Sorry for the blurry photo but you get the idea, they are in love)

Just like Daniel picked out Sophie, I picked out Avery. I chose very wisely. Her brother was crazy when the two of us pulled up, he reminded me of the dog from Marley and Me with his behavior. We got Avery babe, as I lovingly call her on Christmas Eve. We went a few days before to look at her, sleep on it since it was kind of a whim and then we went back for her. But how could we say no to this face? It's been 2 years since this little lady has been in our lives and those have been the best 2 years...

Once we got her in the car it hit us, she didn't have a name and we were the ones who had to name her. We just started saying names like Emery, Holly (we really tried this one because I thought it was so fitting since it was christmas eve) and others until she looked at us. Finally we said Avery and she looked. Her fathers name was Avery, and having just took her from her family to join our new loving family we thought it would be a nice way to honor her first family. 

Avery is the only dog I know that will let you hold her anyway you want, she will let you use her as a pillow and she will lay just like a human in bed. 

She is also the only dog I know that will actually watch TV. I'm serious she has "her" shows that she loves. Anything with a dog is fair game, animal planet, Trailer Park Boys and King of the Hill are just some of her favorites. 

She loves to play. Tennis balls, especially the ones that make the squeaker noise are her favorite. She's not the best with her toys, she likes to destroy them but she is very protective of them. Also, her and Sophie are BFF, the two of them can play for hours. 

Avery is one of the best dogs I know. And I give all the credit to Daniel for teaching her everything she knows. While she is obsessed with him, she has her days when she is obsessed with me. My favorite thing about her, is she's a smiley dog. She seriously smiles. And every time you walk in the door she does this really cute butt shake that makes you just smile and love her more. 

She may be a bigger dog than Sophie but she is such a loving and friendly dog. I don't know anyone that has met her and not liked her. And, she loves to lay and be lovey. I will always pick her up like a little babe.

Oh and one more thing...more like a general warning. If you go to the bathroom, make sure you close the door all the way. Because she will push her nose into the door and open it leaving you embarrassed. Same when you take a shower, close the door all the way...or she may join you....

Sophie Trophy

World meet Sophie. Sophie meet the world. 

Sophie is the one on the right, lets not get weird. The stuffed animal on the left is baby. It goes everywhere she goes. Don't touch it. I'm serious she loves the thing.

Excuse me for 2 minutes while I sob because my babe isn't as small as she once was. That picture was 4 years ago. I have had this little lady in my life for 4 years. My boyfriend actually pointed her out to me, and I'm so glad he did. At first I wanted her sister, who at the time was just known as "purple" the breeder put colored collars to keep track of them. But then Daniel said, "Look at the small red one running around, she's cute and active, you want her, not the purple one that is just sitting there". And he was right. I not only wanted her, I needed her. I fell instantly in love. Sophie Lil Mae Scarlett came home with us that day. She is a purebred West Highland White Terrier. 

Sophie has many nicknames. Her nicknames come from people in my life and hers and they all fit her, it's hilarious. My sister, Jackie and brother-in-law started the name, Sophie Trophy. Sometimes she can act like she just won a beauty contest. My brother-in-law, Mike, loves that she has a mohawk on her nose. 

My mom and I started to call her Doopie Do, it stems from me always using the polish word "Dupa". If you're polish and you know what it means, good job. If you're not polish, or you are and unaware of the meaning of the word, it's your butt. Some days she's a real pain in my dupa but boy do I love her.

Oh, and warning. She will steal your socks and hide them on you. May the odds be eva in your favor trying to find them. You're better off just buying new ones, or waiting for her to take her daily nap and snagging them back once you located them. 

My house always looks like there is a toddler living in it. There isn't and hasn't been since I was the toddler. It's honestly Sophie. She plays so much, rips out all her toys and then gets tired of playing and leaves me with the mess. Sometimes I accidentally pick her up thinking she's a toy. It happens when you're on auto mode. 

She is a big lover. She has to touch you when you sit on the couch or lay in bed. She will give you a million kisses a day whether you have walked in from being gone all day or if she hasn't seen you for a short period of time. She loves to love. It's my favorite thing about her. 

This little lady has my heart. I am so obsessed with her, as you can see. 

What about you? Are you a dog lover, cat lover, overall pet lover? Obsessed with your pet to the point you think some days they are human? I would love to know!

Wardrobe Wednesday

I'm not a big outdoors person. I prefer to spend my time inside, I'm a homebody. And I excel at it. But days like today, when its the perfect fall day I didn't mind spending some time outside. You see my dog Sophie (have I introduced you all to little Sophie? Oh my! I don't think I actually have...now that's a post worth waiting for!) she loves to sit outside. Sometimes she tricks you and stands there and gives you the "look", you know the look like what? you're making me go outside but you're not coming look. Say look again. So today I spent some time outside with her and decided this was a great place to take pictures for this weekly feature!

I apologize greatly. I got this charcoal top at American Eagle Outfitters about 2 years ago and since then they do not have anything that looks remotely close to it. I tried to google, I tried to research for you all, but I just simply can't find it.

But! Fun Fact. My Favorite human-turned-vampire and I share the same shirt. That's right, Bella Swan-Cullen and I are BFF who buy the same shirt in different colors. 

To make me not sound like a super creep, I swear I bought this shirt BEFORE the movie. But when I noticed she had it on in white, I may or may not have leaned over in the theater to my sister and excitedly said "Omg I so own that shirt!". This shirt is a great every day shirt. I use to work at American Eagle, this shirt came in other colors. 4 to be exact. I'm so glad I got it in the grey because it goes with everything. 

Update: As I was getting ready for class, my shirt got caught on a knob in my room. I didn't know...I moved, I heard that dreaded rip. We all know where this is going. Bella and I no longer have the same top. I had to throw it out because it had a HUGE rip. Cue the sadness. 

But, we are going to pretend that I never ripped my shirt on my dresser knob and continue on. 

I am not a sneaker person. I own 3 pairs. These are one of the 3. I tend to wear boots, sandals or flats, but wanted to change it up today.  I wouldn't even count these as actual sneakers. Keds is a great brand, they have very comfortable shoes. I love that they also give you the option to customize sneakers if you want. 

I live in denim. I'm such a denim lover, and I believe that there really is a fit for everyone. Right now I tend to go towards skinny or straights but I don't mind a bootcut. These skinnies are my go to skinny, they are so comfortable and I don't feel like I'm wearing jeans they are that comfortable. Lucky Brand Jeans have the best jeans in the market hands down. And I'm not saying that because I work there, its true. All of their jeans are comfortable, stylish, and they wear really well over time. 

So what about you, do you have a favorite denim brand? Have you ever ripped your shirt from rushing and not paying attention *sadly raises hand*? What footwear do you prefer? Let me know below!

Double Feature: Wardrobe Wednesday

I'm back, I'm back, I'm back!

Sadly, my vacation with my sister is over. We went to Disney Oct 13-17, so I apologize for not blogging during those days or when I returned home. I was quietly sobbing in my pillow that I was back home and not in the happiest place on earth anymore. My sister is one of my best friends, so to say we had an amazing, fun and laughter filled trip wouldn't even begin to scratch the surface. We. Had. Such. A. Great. Time.

So since last wednesday I was in Disney, Epcot to be specific. I'm going to show you what I wore last week and this week. Two outfits in one post?! It's a wild life I live I tell ya...

While I was in the United Kindgom (sigh, if only I actually really was...one day) in Epcot my sister and I explored the country along with all the others in Epcot. In fact, we actually visited Epcot 3 days out of our 5 we were there. It's our favorite park. These telephone booths are my all time favorite place to take photos in the UK. 

I know what some of you are thinking who have been to Disney. How can you wear flip flops with all that walking you do? These Nike Flip Flops saved and I mean SAVED my feet. They have this cushy bottom that is almost like memory foam that just molds to your feet. It was also 89 degrees, you're crazy if you think I was going to put on socks and sneakers. 

My skirt and Tank Top I got one week before we left even though I already had my outfit chosen. Funny thing, that pre chosen outfit got the boot and this skirt and tank got packed. I do not regret my decision at all. I would do it all again that's how much I love this skirt. It was breathable, light and well cute. The tank top would probably have gotten packed regardless. Also, we were having dinner with Cinderella and Prince Charming that night, I couldn't meet let alone dine with my favorite couple in denim shorts. I just couldn't. 

That photo makes me beam with happiness...because in just one week I went from wearing that to wearing this...

             

Today was all about trying not to freeze. My body is still trying to get use to the drastic weather changes. Weeping aside, I do really love this crisp cold fall weather we are experiencing. 

That houndstooth Scarf was actually a christmas gift from my Aunt a few years ago so I'm not quite sure where she got it. But it's warm and cozy and right now that's all I want. 

Wraps. Let me explain my love for a great wrap. Oh, and I mean sweater wrap. Although, a sandwich wrap is also good. But that would just be weird to talk about in this post. Sweater wraps people! Get one! They are like a comfortable, cozy and socially acceptable version of leaving your home with something that can be a blanket. 

Black Leggings are a great way to stay comfortable but you can dress them up and dress them down. For awhile people were all AHH! Leggings as pants. But you know what I have to say? If you love them, work it. 

                        

My UGGs can be found on my feet about 85% of the time during late fall, winter and early spring. Yes, I did actually calculate that. They are a great investment piece in your wardrobe and if you live where I do, you will use them. I have had UGGs that have made it through 6 of our winters before I had to say Buh-bye to those babes. Well. Worth. The. Money!

Ah, vacation! Moment of silence for the bringing out of my UGG boots. Seriously, hand me another pillow to weep in. I went from 89 degree weather to 42 degree weather. #buffaloproblems 

Is there anything in your closet you're kind of upset you had to finally bring out because of the weather? Or quietly weeping in your pillow because you are no longer on vacation? Any good wrap recommendations (sandwich wraps encouraged as well as sweaters)? Leave comments below!

Have a good day!!

Wardrobe Wednesday

How is it Wednesday already? I feel like this week is going by very fast. Actually, I feel like that lately with everything. How is it already October? How is it already Mid Term Week? How is my Disney trip with my sister 4 days from now? AHHHH!!! So excited...for my vacation and wardrobe Wednesday of course!

Sweater weather is my favorite weather. This early fall, cold days with crisp air and leaves changing more and more each day is what I love to dress for. I love to layer but keep it light while doing so. And that's exactly what I did today.

I wear scarves a lot. I own a lot. I have a whole dresser drawer FILLED with just scarves. It's insane I know but some people buy socks, some buy belts, some buy just black tops. Apparently, I buy scarves. Interesting...I never actually thought about that...no more scarf buying for this little lady!

Also, during my freshman year of college I went through this phase of buying purple. I own so many purple clothes, I was just drawn to it. This past spring I did the same thing with the color Mint. It happens. Just accept it, let it happen and hope that some of it doesn't make you look bigger than you are. 

The black skinnies I could write a whole post just about how much I love them. Every woman should own a good pair of black skinnies. You can dress them up, you can dress them down. For awhile I didn't jump on the colored denim train, I was the person who was watching all my friends get on the train, as I stood there waving goodbye in my version of colored denim, black skinnies. But fear not, I finally joined my friends on the train and i'm so glad I did. But let me teach you a lesson about colored denim- be tasteful and be thoughtful. Those yellow denim capri's may look great in the store, but you must you MUST not buy them. Just back away slowly... and be glad you still own your pair of black skinny jeans. 

Leather riding boots. Enough said. Okay no but seriously, these were what I like to call an "investment" piece. You know the piece in your wardrobe you save up your money for and when you get to the store you still question if you should do it because the price is burn your eyeballs scary. If they are 100% genuine Italian brown leather riding boots, DO IT!! I have totally gotten my monies worth, they have survived two buffalo winters (thats saying something right there) and they go with everything. Don't believe me? Challenge me, I would be able to make at least one week of outfits using these boots.

Enough of my chatter...it's shopping time! Here's where you can get my look or close to it:

Top- Target, I may need to get one in every color. 

Scarf- Lucky Brand, I couldn't find it online but I know we still sell it in the store!

Skinny Jeans- Lucky Brand

Riding Boots- Lucky Brand, I got mine 2 years ago and since then the company has stopped selling my exact pair, but apparently this website sells them so enjoy! And enjoy the price point as well!

Disclaimer: All of these opinions are my own. I have not been paid to speak about these brands, or given these clothes to blog about. They are just clothes that I have bought because I simply like them.

The 10 on TV

I watch a lot of television shows. When the fall lineup came out this year I actually made a list of the shows I watch, the time they would be premiering and the network I could watch them on. I watch so many shows that some overlap, so I purchased Hulu Plus. I found that since I cannot convince my parents to get DVR (and trust me I've tried, my sister has tried, it wasn't happening) I had to do something because I was missing all my shows. I also purchased Netflix, but that takes forever to update and when they "update" let's be honest sometimes it's not always what you wanted to update, and you're still waiting for them to update the latest season of your favorite show. So Hulu Plus is a good alternative if you missed one show, they update overnight. 

I am very good at knowing celebrities and the entertainment industry. Many times you can find me having a conversation about the latest episode of something, a newer movie or commenting on how this actor was in one show and now they are in another. I try to watch a lot of different shows but some I get really invested in compared to others. So I would have to say that I will give most shows a chance but if I don't like it, I don't like it, sorry I tried.. but you can find me talking about celebrities like I just went out to lunch with them, wait...you don't do that? 

Spoilers. Oh man, do I love a good spoiler! I know that's probably unusual. But I live for them, especially with some of my shows. I love to know what's going to happen next and see how it plays out.

That's why I love TV shows. I get so invested in the characters, in couples, in story lines, and the overall feel of the show. Everyone has that one show where no matter what you're doing you drop everything to watch it and make sure you pay attention and then there are other shows where you have it on and if you miss a part because you're doing something on your phone or talking to someone in the room it's not the end of the world. 

So I challenge you to make a list of your Top 10 "drop everything and watch these" TV Shows. It's totally harder than you ever thought it would be. It took me a good ten minutes. I had a list on paper and the one show I swapped out was Mad Men for The Vampire Diaries only because I just started to watch Mad Men. So I don't know how invested I truly am. OH!! And I just started to watch Dexter...And these are not in order by any means...it's really hard for me to have an all time favorite show. It changes daily. 

This is my list...

1. One Tree Hill

2. How I Met Your Mother

3. Greys Anatomy 

4. Friends

5. Boy Meets World

6. The Vampire Diaries 

7. Revenge

8. Chicago Fire

9. The Big Bang Theory

10. Pretty Little Liars

...you know whats horrible, is I feel like i'm missing so many shows and I am. I feel like looking at this list you could probably gather the type of person I am and what I like. Isn't that kind of interesting?

Once Upon a Time is good too. I could go on for hours! I'm going to stop while I'm ahead though because soon this post will start to look like the TV Guide.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post by Hulu. Hulu does not know who I am, well their billing department may since I am a member, but they did not pay me to blog about this or give me anything free to mention their service. 

Disclaimer!

I would just like to put out a general disclaimer...

I am learning this whole blog thing. I will get it eventually. In the meantime I apologize if it feels like I'm stumbling around, maybe you don't notice it (if thats the case great) but if you do, hand me a flashlight. I'm all about helping one another and sharing knowledge. We can all learn from one another.

So if you find a way that I can change something for the better or even give me a guideline in how I can do something to better this blog, i'm all for it. I'm not afraid of critiques, I went to art school. But I ask that if you do critique be nice about it, I won't have this become a stomping ground and place to air out dirty laundry.

Some posts may be more honest than others, I'm all about being real and not just someone behind a computer screen posting away, although thats essentially what I'm doing.

In regards to Wardrobe Wednesday (which you can check out here, here and here) all opinions are my own. I'm not being paid to blog about these clothing companies, they don't even know who I am. I haven't been gifted the clothes in hopes that I would blog about them. I have just simply bought these clothes on my own time with my own money because I like them. Simple as that.

Photos, Videos, Quotes, Media, etc. so far have been all my own content besides this post, ( Red Carpet Emmy Special) in which I just got the images off google. A public site. Like I said, I'm learning and siting of course is one of the top things on my list. Giving credit where credit is due. So if I don't site something correctly or at all, let me know! If there is a different way to give credit than the way that I do, great, how do I do that?

I'm actually really passionate and excited about this blog, I have high hopes and plans for this little one( pun actually intended). I have taken this assignment given to me in my social media marketing class as a sign, a sign that I finally needed to have a blog and one to be proud of. I have always toyed with the idea, but was never ready. But I am now, and I hope you are too...

Thanks.

Wardrobe Wednesday!

I have to say I look forward to posting this blog feature every week. Some nights I find myself staying up late and planning how I can make this feature better and better each week. I'm new to this blog thing so thanks for staying with me along this blog journey as I learn the ropes...so lets get to it!

This wednesday is a little bit different than others. My last three weeks of life have been a little busy with my last year of college, work and now I have an internship/service learning with a great organization in my area. When I started this new opportunity I was given a challenge that many working people face, dressing "business casual".

When I was told business casual, no jeans...I said "okay!" and then quickly grabbed my computer and googled business casual. I'm not even kidding. I live in jeans. I work in retail, I work for Lucky Brand Jeans. A high end denim brand, so when I say I live in jeans, I mean it. I own 32 pairs of jeans. Yes, I've counted. So this was a challenge for me to find something that was business casual.

Yet, I'm surprised with how many clothes I own that work in this category. I just had to get creative, and wake up 20 minutes earlier to actually look more put together than normal. Oh, and that 20 minutes is huge, ask anyone that has known me for more than a year and they can tell you I'm not a morning person.  I joke that my primetime is between the hours of noon and seven, but i'm totally serious. It's when I operate best.

I'm not a total fan of my outfit today. But in keeping the honesty on my part I decided to still blog about it because today is after all wardrobe wednesday and we all have days we hate our outfits. My outfit on Monday however was super cute. Better planning on my part next time...enough of my rambling...

Oh man do I look tired, and sorry for the blurry picture. Like I said, i'm still learning and that goes for my photography skills. Let's not even talk about my hair, I don't live in the windy city so I'm not sure why my hair looks as if I do. This is my business casual outfit...finding black dress pants that actually fit me was a challenge. I'm a very petite woman. On a good day Im 5'1". So length is always a problem for me. Those black pumps are so comfortable, and don't even get me started on shoe shopping. I have a size 5 foot. When I find good shoes, I dance in the store. I'm not kidding, I will probably embarrass you with my excitement.

I apologize this photo is sideways, I spent an hour in iPhoto cropping, editing and making sure it was "blog ready" and it came out like this every time, so maybe this is just how it wants to be. I love this purple cardigan. Cardigans are my peanut to my jelly, my spinach to my artichoke dip, my ying to my..ya get it. I think I have as many cardigans as denim, I haven't counted yet though. The tank top I actually purchased for my birthday in July and thought I would only wear it once, that's not the case. This was a great purchase. 

Time for the good stuff, where I got it...

Cardigan: Target. Oh how I love target. It's a love hate relationship though. You walk in for one thing and then bam! you black out, swipe your card and walk out with a new cardigan, shoes, soap, a movie and probably forget why you even stepped into target in the first place.

Tank Top: Charlotte Russe. Im so sorry I can't find my tank top, it's not even in sale! But this is a nice substitute.

Pants: BCBG. These pants, are so comfortable! Sometimes dress pants can be a little uncomfortable but these oh mama they feel like you have sweatpants on and lets be honest when were going into the office we all wish we had our sweats on.

Black Pumps: Nine West. These pumps I could walk for in days, and that's saying a lot for heels. I have never had a bad experience with Nine West footwear. It's all so comfortable and I've had shoes last more years than any other company.

Always remember to buy things you enjoy and buy them because you wanted to and not because it's the trend of the year. Go ahead and buy that stuff too, I do it. But investing in key classic pieces like a simple black pump, or cardigan even black skinny dress pants will get you farther than your camo printed belt. Nothing against camo. There is a time and place for that but not for business casual.