Top Three Tuesday: Reasons to get outta town

It's Summer. The time of year where, when growing up, you were out of school and potentially at summer camp/taking a family vacation.  Enter adult world: i.e. life in a cubicle.  No more summer vacation.  WHAT?!?!?

I know, it's crushing really.  Gone are those blissful days but at least you now have a paycheck and can use your vacation days as you like. I shall stop complaining.

This weekend I'm heading out of town with my family (yes...all fourteen of us...that's mom, dad, both sisters and both their husbands, all 7 nephews, and myself) to the hill country.  The last time we took a family trip, there were three existing nephews, so this should be fun :)

My top reasons to get outta town:

3) The need for a change of scenery.  It's good to get away from work every now and then.  Get outside, get some fresh air, sleep in a little, ignore your daily routine, and focus on important things like carbs and wine.  There are several benefits to getting fresh air daily.  To include a few: it's good for your digestion, improves heart rate and blood pressure, makes you happier (hey! that's great!), and sharpens your mind. 

2) The need for sun.  First of all, my skin is too pale for my taste, and for a little longer, I'm going to focus on my tan.  Increase your vitamin D intake and catch some rays, but be sure to wear sunglasses (like that's a problem for me...I love buying them!).  There are several benefits here, too! One includes reduces risk of up to 20 types of cancer-heyyyyyy! Other include boosting your immunity, improving your metabolism, and sleeping better.

1) The need for sleep. I get way too caught up in my daily routine of work out-shower-get ready for work-rush rush rush-get to work-work-errands-more work-potential social engagement-sigh of relief-go to bed that I need to literally leave the premises in order to relax.  I won't be getting up for my work out and instead I'll focus on getting caught up on sleep. 

There are several benefits to sleep (obviously). Did you know that sleep deprivation increases risk of a car accident? Yikes.  More sleep helps clear your mental clutter, and improve your memory.   It also reduces displaced aggression, and makes you want to eat healthier (maybe that's why, when I'm tired, I want to eat bad food!) and I also believe it improves your skin and appearance.  When my parents go on their vacations, they come back looking like they've had a face lift!

I can't wait to start working on all three! :)

Manic Monday: Music to get you started

Why is this such a hard Monday? I'm not quite ready to be at work... so I listened to this non stop in my car this morning.



The girl in the video looks like a total bad ass in her cropped leather jacket!!

Finally Friday: Dreams are Strange

I had the strangest dream last night.  I dreamt I had taken out my contacts, maybe to swim or something.  When I went to put them back in, I put the left one in with no problem.   However, the right one grew to the size of my whole hand...and as I struggled to put it in my eye, I folded it up and it was now the size of a dinner plate!

I realize this is strange... and believe me it had me very concerned. What I love is that, upon arriving to work, I googled "dreams about contact lenses" and what I have found is somewhat close to a focus group related to these dreams.

What was interesting is, after finally giving up, I noticed there was already a contact lens in my eye!  The large contact lens (probably a beach ball by then) had several scratches and tears as well.

Some of the comments are fantastic!

Now that you think I'm insane....have fun judging me and/or researching your crazy dreams! :)

Top Three Tuesday: Independence Day Clothing

Whether you're cooking out, going to the parade, or hitting the pool, here's what I want to celebrate!

3) A patriotic bikini. Now, this would only be purchased/worn when the day comes that I have too much money.  As we are not there yet, I would have to go search the sale rack at Old Navy for a similar suit.  All in all, you have to admit it's cute!

2) Blue gingham shorts. I actually have these on today, but honestly if you sport anything gingham (like either of my two men's shirts from yesterday's post), you're golden.  Lightweight cotton, eye catching pattern, and appropriate colors for the occasion.

1) Striped tank dress.  This I bought on promotion, and with my discount, and have worn it obsessively since. Wear with a chambray, scarf, t shirt, or cardigan...you can't go wrong!

Don't forget to grab your hat, and get outdoors!

Manic Monday

So I am NOT ready to be back to work today.  Would love a Monday off, so that it doesn't actually feel manic.

Anyways...I was in the mall on Saturday, killing time before seeing a movie (not Magic Mike...Snow White and the Huntsman...but don't get me wrong, I still want to see MM asap). I went into JCrew to exercise my discount (from working at Madewell) and was really disappointed with the women's button down shirts.  Just because we're girls doesn't mean we only want pink, especially since I rarely want pink at all.  I've been on the hunt for a great black/white or navy/white gingham button down but just couldn't settle for this one:

and this one wasn't in stock:

so I wandered over to the men's section and got this guy:

and as a splurge, this guy:

and I have to say, I'm ten times more pleased with the men's quality and selection than the women's.  I got an xs in both shirts, and may shrink them a tiny bit, but a little sleeve rolling and waist tying and we're good to go. I'm wearing a black long "mullet" skirt with the colorful gingham button down today.   Perhaps I should sport it again on Wednesday...Stay tuned for some Fourth of July looks that aren't obnoxious... :)