Life Lately & Friday Favorites

(this pretty much sums things up)

This week was pretty typical: I worked, I'm happy I was able to hang out with lady-friends at Tuesday's swap, I finally got back to the gym after two weeks off (which was rough, but incredibly necessary to take the edge off the stress I've been feeling lately). Exercise has become an essential ingredient in my well-being, and when I don't go running or get to the gym at least a couple times a week, I get...cranky. I need those endorphins.

Well-being. This is something that I've been thinking a lot about lately. Our schedules are jam-packed these days, and with the cat-issues we've been having, I've been craving peace. Peace of mind, peace of body, and peace and quiet. What used to be my relaxing morning-time has become 45 minutes of cat-shuffling and feeling badly for whoever is meowing. I've been looking into meditation centers around the city, and think I'm going to try and start going at least once a week. Also, yoga. Judging by the knot between my shoulder blades, I think I could benefit from some yoga. These are all things that I need to make time for, but honestly, it's hard to find the time. There are so many things that I want to fit into my life, but it feels like there isn't much room at the moment.

Thank you to everyone who has left kind words and thoughts as to the status of our cats. And I'm sorry I keep talking about it, but this has seriously disrupted the...synergy (gross word) of our household. For the past two and a half weeks we've had to keep them separated, because Zeb attacks Zephyr when they're downstairs together. We've tried everything from the plug-in, to different sprays, to calming treats, to slowly re-introducing them. So, we brought them both to the vet on Tuesday- which was awful, they used to be so chill!- and Zeb has been prescribed...Prozac. Yep, the poor thing is just too stressed out about life as a cat. So hopefully this will help get things back to how they should be. Because we can't move apartments right now (which, believe me I would love to do), and other than re-homing him, the pills are all that's left.

Anyways, fun things to look forward to this weekend. The trees are gorgeous (Pittsburgh, you really are pretty). The weather is perfect. And I'm working on that thrift-tips post for next week!

Friday Favorites & Life Lately

This has been one heck of a week, man. I've been hovering on the edge of getting sick for a few days now, and I'm pretty sure the only thing keeping me going is a steady stream of hot tea with honey (and maybe a dash of whiskey at night) and lots and lots of coffee. So I've been working from home (and coffee shop, and library) for the past two days (on Wednesday and Thursday), trying to negotiate with a very stubborn sore throat. Oh, and also because of catpocalypse...on Tuesday night, Zeb must have seen and/or smelled one of the many strays in our neighborhood, which resulted in a MASSIVE EXPLOSION of agression towards Zephyr. Let me tell you, those pheromone amalgam diffusers work wonders, after a day and a half of not recognizing each other and having to be separated, we plugged the diffuser in and BAM, they both chilled out and were conked out for a few hours. Hating your sibling takes a lot out of a cat.

So all of this has lead to it being kind of a stressful week, life-wise. I'm not sure what I'm up to this weekend, but I can tell you, it probably won't be much. I would love to get outside and see something new, I've been craving nature lately like mad. We're definitely feeling more at home in Pittsburgh and really enjoying the city- especially compared to how we felt six months ago- but something that I'll always miss about home is being able to drive north for the weekend and have somewhere free to stay. It's a lot easier to get away and go for a hike or go to the ocean when you have family to crash with. I have a couple of short trips to visit friends planned in October though, which I'm looking forward to.

My goal for this weekend, other than getting back to balance and SLEEPING, is to really get a handle on this here blog. There are so many changes that I've been wanting to make over the past year, but just haven't made the time to actually implement them. If you haven't noticed yet by the many times I've written about it, I get distracted. Usually I get distracted by sunny days and nice weather, I hate feeling cooped up inside, but also hate being upstairs in the office at night away from things. Such is life I guess. Anyways, right now, all I want is sleep. Sleep would be so good.

Wow. That was a whole lot of words to basically say, I'm tired, the cats had a fight, and I hope I don't get sick....How was your week?

Here are a few things that brightened up a very stressful week:

I'm very excited to welcome Bali ELF as a sponsor this month. If you're not familiar with this brand BaliELF is based in, you guessed it: Bali. All items are made to order by hand, using vegetable dyed leathers, you pick the color and interior. The Vagabond duffel might just be the perfect travel bag yet. Receive 10% off your order with the code ORCHID.

I'm really loving maxi skirts for fall and Spotted Moth has added some adorable options to their new arrivals lately. I love the fall colors of this striped skirt.

This sequined dress from Ruche has such a lovely silhouette. I'd wear it now with a collared shirt underneath, and for a holiday party later on with bolder accessories.

Lulu's is stocking up on cold-weather clothes! I absolutely love this faux-leather skirt, it would look perfect with a grey sweater, tights, and flats.

InfinEight is back from vacation and fully stocked! Absolutely loving this bronze and burgundy necklace.

Speaking of fall colors, this velvet maxi from Bluesville, USA might just be the perfect shade of burnt sienna! Receive 15% off your order with the code orchidgrey.

I am so excited for my friend Mandy of The Curvy Blogger, who launched her Kickstarter this week! She's starting a clothing line called Zaftig for sizes 10 and up. The first dress, seen in the video, looks amazing!

I found this article via A Cup of Jo and couldn't help but repost. This woman and her thoughts on her personal appearance is incredibly inspiring, and the apology from the person who initially insulted her is surprisingly inspiring as well.

After Thrift Shop, I didn't think I could possibly love Macklemore and Ryan Lewis more. And then he released this.

Remember when I was volunteering at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum? Harold Burnham, the boat-builder next to the museum received a National Heritage Fellowship. They sailed the Ardelle, which was launched last year from Essex to DC, and the Washington Post wrote about it.

The earrings in this shop are so unique and beautiful!

Another Etsy shop that would have all my money, if it were possible.

I'm a little bit obsessed with velvet this season, loving: these insanely awesome pants, this geometric mini, and this cute shift.

Have a safe and relaxing weekend!

Life Lately & Weekend Favorites

via

A day late, dollar short. I was too busy setting my hair on fire in a friend's bathroom last night to get this post up on time. Yep classy gal that I am, I bent over to drink out of the sink not realizing that my bun was resting lightly in the flame of a candle and....WHOOSH! Like something out of a bad movie, I stood up and looked at myself in the mirror and...my hair was slowly smoldering! It's actually not that bad from what I can tell, but man, embarrassing. SO embarrassing. So friends, if you've managed to not set your hair on fire this week, you're one step ahead of me.

The past couple of weeks have felt really, really crazy. Not stressful necessarily, but busy enough that once the weekend hits, I'm exhausted. Chris has the day off tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to finding a flea market and enjoying the day outside with him.

Here are a few things I'm loving this week:

I love these studded booties from Spotted Moth.

This jacket from Ruche looks so cozy, I love the faux-leather tie waist.

This flared midi skirt from Lulu's is so pretty, I love the styling too.

Love this 70's maxi from Bluesville, USA. Receive 15% off your order with the code "orchidgrey"!

I can't get enough of this squirrel print top, and this cute kitty tank.

I have my eye out for a new fall coat, I'm loving this one, this one,and this one.

I'm saving this little style guide for autumn inspiration.

I'm loving all the fall recipes over on A Beautiful Mess.

This is the most adorable cat video. Seriously, watch it, it's amazing and incredibly sweet.

Have a great weekend!

Life Lately and Friday Favorites

Oh Friday, I am so happy to see you. This week was one of those weeks that felt about 6 months long, it just dragged while also being incredibly busy. It felt like every single second was spent doing something. I'm feeling list-y today, so my life lately will take the form of a "Currently" post inspired by Danielle. So, currently I am:

Thinking about:
How we're coming up on our one year anniversary of living in Pittsburgh. This time last year I was in the midst of applying to the job I have now, and trying my best not to freak out completely and jinx myself. This year has absolutely flown by, in some ways it has been easier than expected, and in some ways much harder. When I think about how long it's been since I've seen my family, it always surprises me, and I think I'll always feel conflicted about living so far away from them. I think maybe a longer post about this is in order. I have many feelings.

Craving:
SO. MANY. FALL.CLOTHES! Ugh, I have been trying my best to not spend money on unnecessary items lately, and I'm finding that it's damn near impossible when beautiful, cold weather clothes are passing over my desk five days a week. Coupled with the "I could thrift that" mentality, the vicious cycle just keeps repeating itself. So I've been trying to stick to lists, I have a short (yeah, I know "short"...who am I kidding?) list of things I want to purchase, both new and thrifted. And I'm going to try to stick with it, along with purging the items in my closet that I no longer wear or need (this may be the most difficult task of them all). I'm determined to remain mindful of what I add to my wardrobe. Also, pumpkin spice lattes. I had one this morning, and now I only want more. And donuts. I've had two. I basically opened Pandora's box of treats this morning, and it won't shut.

Anticipating:
A taco and movie date this evening (I think we'll see Lawless). The cool weather forecast for this weekend. A possibly rainy day tomorrow spent at the library picking out new books, at the coffee shop reading those books, and just maybe an early morning trip to the thrift store. Having some time to call friends and family. Running in weather that doesn't make me want to die. Fall, in general.

Missing:
Fall in New England. We're lucky that Pennsylvania enjoys some pretty nice foliage, and I know that basically all the things I'm about to list exist here too, but nothing beats home. I want cider donuts, the Commonground Fair, walks along cold beaches, and apple picking. Actually, two of those things don't exist here, I'm validated.

Reading:
Nothing! (yet) I finished In One Person and I'm so glad I stuck with it. It took me about 50 pages to get into it, but by the time I turned that last page I had found a new favorite. I'm now in the market for a couple new books, any recommendations? 

Making me happy:
Two healthy cats (knock on wood). Our freshly rearranged living room. The crunch of leaves under my feet as I run. Donuts. Wine. Cheese. Other people's dogs. The prospect of Tacos. You know, the usual things.

Here's what caught my eye from around the web this week:
Spotted Moth has a ton of new arrivals. I especially love this tie-waist blouse, perfect paired with jeans.

Love these wedge booties from Ruche. I feel like Blowfish is kicking it up a notch this season. Have you entered to win free dresses for a year yet? Better get on that!

This chevron dress from Lulu's is so cute, perfect as-is now, and with tights later.

This necklace from InfinEight is like wearing a rainbow, so pretty!

A pretty paisley mini dress from Bluesville, USA. Receive 15% off with the code orchidgrey at checkout!

Annie reopened her shop and it's chock full of vintage beauty! I snagged this insanity as soon as she listed it. Enter "HELLOAGAIN" at checkout for 20% off your purchase!

This week in cat merchandise: cat ring. cat dress. cat sweatshirt... this movie.

I'm dying over Michelle's cat illustrations, it seems we were basically the same person at 10 years old.

The perfect slouchy sweater.

These leather-look leggings would be perfect under that slouchy sweater.

It's official, I want a pair of wedge sneakers in my life. These will do just fine. In fact, they would go well with those leggings... a few more options.

Velvet shorts. Get in my closet.

Love Andrew Moore's photographs.

How to relax and eliminate stress at home. Something that I am not so good at.

Have I told you lately how much I love Dolly?

Color Me Rad

How do I sum up the Color Me Rad race other than to say...it was rad! For years I've been telling myself- and everyone else around me- that running was off the table because of my arthritis, but I've recently redefined what I believe possible for myself and have been running/jogging outside of the gym for the past few months. I won't be running any marathons any time soon, I'm just happy to get out of the gym and feel I've reached a happy medium of running outdoors (so nice after being inside at the office all day), and lifting weights at the gym, indoors. This race was the perfect introduction to 5k's- it was fun, I was surrounded by energetic and happy people, and it was a great gauge for my endurance...plus, there was the added bonus of being pelted with cornstarch pigment. So that was awesome. I'm really excited to run more, and would love to do Run for Your Lives, but it's tomorrow and I'm not sure I'm up for that tomorrow. Maybe next year. Have any of you ever done it?

Anyways, I don't have a ton of pictures because everyone I was with was on my team and running. I joined up with a few co-workers, and one thing we all learned was to take one car next year! The traffic was INSANE. Also, wear sunglasses. I'm so glad I wore sunglasses.

Are you excited for Labor Day weekend? I'm super stoked to have a whole two days off in a row with Chris, we're planning on going on a polka cruise (seriously), and maybe a longer hike somewhere as long as the weather holds up.

Life Lately

Happy Friday everyone! Do you have fun weekend plans? It looks like Pittsburgh is going to have some beautiful weather, and I can't wait to get outside and enjoy it. This weekend I'll be running the Color Me Rad 5k (so excited!), volunteering on Saturday night to help with hair and make-up for the Gilda's Club Fashion Show hosted by ModCloth, and visiting Mandy at her yard sale. Between all that, I would love to get some thrifting in, and maybe go on a hike (or even just a walk through Frick Park).

August has been a stressful month, between going to the doctor for myself and having to bring both cats to the vet (Zeb had to go yesterday- he's fine), I feel a little wound up and touchy. I'm looking forward to September's cooler days, and maybe getting out of town again. I don't have any fashion week plans, every year I tell myself to stay home, but now I'm starting to think it might be nice to just go to New York for a couple of days to get away (and go to Beacon's Closet). With my stress level so high, I've been relishing the early mornings lately, getting up at six when it's still a little grey outside, making coffee, and watching the fog burn off with a cat close by.

So, this weekend will be all about getting centered, getting caught up on sleep, and just generally getting back to myself. Every Friday I feel as if I come to you sounding like a frazzled, insane person, and well, that's not entirely untrue.

Friday Favorites and Life Lately

The Good:

- Our one-year wedding anniversary is on Monday!

- I have finally stared to enjoy reading In One Person. It took about 50 pages, which I've heard (from where?) is what you should give a book before deciding one way or another that you love or hate it.

- I've been running a lot lately, now that the weather has cooled slightly it's easier to get out after work, which is something I never thought I would do. After I found out about the arthritis in my knees a few years ago, I pretty much gave up on running and just hit the gym, but I think because of all that strength training, I'm able to actually run much easier now. We have some huge hills in our area, and it feels amazing to run to the top- I'm not saying that I don't have to huff and puff to get to the top, because I do, it's a struggle- but I still get there. And when I get there, it feels really good to swear loudly and throw my arms up in the air like Rocky. Because if you can't do that at the top of a beast of a hill, where can you? I think it's a really good thing to be forced to redefine your limits, to set new goals.

- I also managed to wake up at 6:30am most days this week! I did not do this on my own however, I have Zebediah to thank, who comes in around 5:45 each morning and puts a paw on my face.

The Bad:
Migraine.

The Ugly:
I posted a couple of pictures to Instagram of the unexpected- and miserable- trip to the vet's office that Zephyr and I took. This was no vacation. He should be fine (fingers crossed) he has/d a UTI that I think we caught early enough (they can be incredibly dangerous in male cats), but man, cat drama. I realized on the way over, as he yowled loudly from his crate in the backseat, that he's never been separated from Zebediah before, they've always harrowed the vet together as a team. It didn't go smoothly. This cat was easily the loudest one in a waiting room filled with spastic dogs. And, my apologies if this is TMI, but- UTI be damned- he also peed in his crate on the way home, so adding insult to injury (for the both of us), this already sick cat earned himself a bath as soon as we got home. We have to watch him closely over the next few days, but he seems to be doing better.

The Beautiful:
It's official, I'm obsessed with fall. An inevitability about this time of year: no matter how hard I try, I get sick of all my summer clothes halfway through August. I'm looking forward to the transitional season around early September, when I can play around with layering, but it's still too hot for that. In the mean-time, I'm pinning lots of inspiration images, to keep in the back of mind mind for those cold-weather days.

I am so excited for slouchy sweaters, more maxi lengths, and lots of boots and loafers. I'm completely enamored with this midi-skirt from Ruche. I love these simple gold bat earrings from Spotted Moth. This polka-dotted sweater from Lulu's would be perfect with jeans.  Love this black and gold triangle necklace from InfinEight. This crochet cardigan from Bluesville, USA would be perfect for right this minute (get 15% off your order with the code "orchidgrey"). I am super obsessed with this jumpsuit. And these boots make me swoon.

Have a good Friday!

Friday Favorites...On a Saturday

 via

I'm not sure if this image could really get much better. Pewee Herman, Cindy Lauper, mega mixed prints. Golf. Suffice to say, it makes me really happy. I'm posting this visual explosion in lieu of my usual Instagram or cat picture because I just got back into town after a glorious, technology free ten days in Maine and New Hampshire and my phone stayed off for almost the entire time. I was too busy for phone pictures, too wrapped up in reuniting with my amazing family to tweet. It was the perfect vacation. And I'm totally exhausted and incredibly sunburned. As much as it would have been great to stay up there through the weekend, I'm thankful to have two days to decompress before going back to work. I'll be sharing some pictures from our trip on Monday, in the meantime here's what else I've been up to:

Reading:
I'm switching between In One Person by John Irving and A Girl Walks Into a Bar by Rachel Dratch. I picked up both from the library before we left for New England, with the intention of reading them on various beaches...which turned out to be delusional. I've barely cracked the spines of both, but I'm excited about them! Yes I am!

Eating:
So many crustaceans.

Regreting:
Not wearing enough sunscreen.

Anticipating:
Getting all my film developed (and keeping my fingers crossed it comes out). Also looking forward to styling up my thrift finds from up north. Only came back with three, but so excited about them!

Coveting:

This pretty maxi dress from Ruche

This beautiful blue dress from Spotted Moth 

This awesome dual-tone tote from BaliELF
Receive 15% off with the code ORCHID
 
 This pretty galaxy print skirt from Lulu's.

These pretty penant necklaces from InfinEight

This cute mod mini from Bluesville, USA
Receive 15% off with the code orchidgrey 

// These are the perfect transitional boot for fall, would look so cute with a flow-y dress now, and jeans and a bulky sweater later on.

// I love the 90's silhouette of this striped maxi dress.

// Perfect fancy earrings.

// Speaking of perfect earrings.

// I love this cat print.

See you Monday!