Weekend Recap

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Our anniversary was a good night and definitely a fun way to celebrate five years of happiness together. After a grueling 2-hour drive of bumper-to-bumper traffic (from Milwaukee to Chicago), the mister was exhausted and ready to relax.  But instead we had to immediately leave for the ballet, without food or drinks or anything to get us by.  It turned out okay and we had a great time watching dancers glide across the stage.  While I did not enjoy the costumes on the ballerina's, the show itself was delightful and I'm glad we can check the Joffrey Ballet off our to-do list.  Some highlights of the weekend include::

• Discovering that our cheap seats at the ballet were really some of the best in the house
• Post-ballet tapas and sangria at Azucar, which included a window seat to watch the snow
• An entire Saturday spent at home in our pj's
• An entire Sunday spent at home in our pj's, with the exception of the 45 minute walk we took around the neighborhood for fresh air and exercise
• Delicious food aside from the tapas, which included "chicken" pot pie, almond milk milkshakes, cheese souffle and baked oatmeal
• The Oscars!

How were your weekends?

Best Dressed :: Cate Blanchett and/or Mila Kunis

Cate Blanchett looking as gorgeous as ever in a Givenchy Couture gown

Mila Kunis looking absolutely perfect in her Elle Saab Haute Couture gown

Last night may have been the first time I actually sat and watched the entire airing of The Oscars, much to the dismay of a certain someone (I won't name names, but you know who you are).  I'm glad I did though, if only to make snarky comments of how James Franco certainly must be super high, or how awkward and cruel it was to make Kirk Douglas inch his way out on stage to present the award for Best Supporting Actress.  To his credit, he was very entertaining and seemed to somewhat enjoy himself.  But  part of me couldn't help but think that having him come out on stage just wasn't right.  I digress.

I know that a lot of people don't agree with me here, but Cate's Givenchy dress had me at hello.  First off, the color.  Swoon!  The perfect shade of lilac balanced with the yellow struck a chord with me.  I appreciated the eccentricity of this gown and how well it fit not only her body but also her personality, no?  No matter what the critics say, I love it.

As for Mila, do I even need to say anything?  This gown is gorgeous, it fits her body like a glove and it gives off just the right amount of sex appeal while still maintaining class. Well done, Mila.

Some other contenders include ::

Amy Adams, donning a sparkly navy L'Wren Scot gown.  This color flatters her, and I love that she chose emerald jewelry to accompany the gown.  While something about it reminds me very much of my junior prom dress, I still love it and will give her a 'well done, Amy' for sure.

Sandra Bullock redeemed herself in my eyes by wearing this fiery red Vera Wang gown.  It showed off her perfectly polished figure and her presentation of Best Actor was delightful to watch.

What/who were your faves?  Did you watch?  Are you as excited about The King's Speech being the ultimate victor as I?   Are you as bummed about Exit Through the Gift Shop losing as I? I mean, if Oprah would have called Banksy's name, imagine the possibilities!  

Images via here and here

Have a happy weekend!

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I've been looking forward to this weekend for awhile now.  It's the first one in awhile that we're actually staying in town!  I know that a certain someone could really use the rest and relaxation after a hard few weeks of work and travel.   Tonight, to celebrate our dating anniversary, we're going to the Joffrey Ballet!  We're seeing A Merry Widow (not the best title to pick considering we're celebrating a happy relationship) and I'm very much looking forward to it.  Afterwards, we'll get some late dinner and drinks and have a merry evening together.  The rest of the weekend is up in the air, just the way we hoped.  I'm excited to see some glitz and glamour on Sunday evening, how about you! What are your big plans?  Whatever they are, I hope your weekend is full of happiness!

Five Years!

Five years ago, the love of my life kissed me for the first time.

It also means that we got engaged 2 years ago!

Here's to many, many, many more kisses!  Happy anniversary (or "faux" anniversary as he has started calling it)!

There's NOTHING the matter with Kansas!

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Last night, Rachel Maddow hosted The Rachel Maddow show live at Free State Brewery in Lawrence, KS.  First off, that is awesome.  Second off, I love the crap out of Free State Brewery.  Third off, Lawrence, KS rules.

"The next time that someone says 'what's the matter with Kansas?', I'm here to tell you NOTHING is the matter with Kansas." - Rachel Maddow

The episode covers the very controversial topic of abortion, but she sheds a light on it that everyone should listen to.  I'm so proud!  If you've got 13 minutes to spare, take a listen.

http://www.clicker.com/tv/the-rachel-maddow-show/what-s-not-the-matter-with-kansas-1365897/

Lusting for :: Thakoon

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{spring 2011}

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{Thakoon addition pre-fall 2011}

I watched The September Issue last night, thus sparking my overwhelming love for the designer, Thakoon.  I can't get enough of the pre-fall looks, especially that all red number.  I love how the pieces are so young and playful and that he's not afraid to incorporate bold colors into the mix.  

Have you seen The September Issue?  I really liked Grace and found myself feeling for her each time one of her ideas was coldly rejected.  Oh and poor Sienna!  

Lusting for :: Beklina Accessories

I'm loving the colorful jewelry found in the new-to-me shop, Beklina.  Such perfect pieces for spring, yes?  The turquoise and red bit on the earrings really tugs at my heart strings.  

Getting to know Mo

I was tagged recently by Jillian of Cornflake Dreams to answer some questions about myself.


What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Perfect happiness to me is feeling content with the way my life is.  Even if I don't meet all of my goals and aspirations, if I'm happy then that's all that matters.


What is your greatest fear?
Since I lost my father at such a young age, and my grandparents passed away before their time, I'm afraid that everyone close to me will do the same.

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Which figures do you most identify with?
Those who are passionate about the well being of everyone.  


What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I'm a procrastinator, which means that I'm late nearly every time I have to be somewhere.  At least in the morning...


What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Selfish people who don't have the decency to help another person out, offer a smile in return for mine, or those who refuse to try and understand someone else's point of view.


What do you most value in your friends?
I love that I can laugh for hours on end with most of my friends.  That they'll always be there for me. Oh, and that I can dance like a total goofball without any judgment ;)


What words or phrases do you most overuse?
Moo.  Mow?  - But really, that's just with my husband.  I think i say niiiiiice too much, maybe.


What is your favorite journey?
This is kind of hard to answer, because I've had a lot of amazing journeys in my lifetime.  But I think the one I most cherish is moving to Chicago by myself.  I knew a handful of people here (that I'll love forever and ever) but I didn't know them that well.  That all changed and so did I - I really learned a lot about myself and definitely gained an immense amount of confidence in return.  If I can move to the big city on my own and make it work - I can do anything I put my mind to.


What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
This one is tough, so I may have to copy Jillian's answer and say honesty.  She's absolutely right when she says it's not always right when people's feelings are involved.  The truth hurts, but sometimes it's not always necessary to hear it.


What is your favorite occupation?
If I knew the answer to that, I'd be a satisfied Mo.  But I have serious respect for the kinds of occupations that make a difference, that do good for the world.  


What do you dislike most about your appearance?

It's a tie between my terrible skin and my ill-proportioned body.  I have a small lower half and a much bigger upper half.  It totally grinds my gears.


What is your greatest regret?
I'm not even sure.  There's nothing jumping out at me right now - I mean, I've done things I've regretted but nothing that I deeply regret.  I've taken the low road in one too many situations that affected others close to me but everyone is guilty of that at some point.  

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What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Well that would have to be Mr. David Badger, my husband.  The sweetest, most caring tall man I know.  Friday makes 5 years of holding hands, saying "moo", wonderful home-cooked meals, snuggling and so much more with that guy.  Time sure flies!


Where and when were you happiest?
I think back on all the different times in my life...and so many of them have a fair race for this answer.  I think back as a younger kid, spending the weekends at my grandma & grandpa's house with my cousins and having the time of my life.  I think back to the summer after my first year of college when I had the house I grew up in all to myself.  I think back to moving to Chicago and having so much to explore on my own.  I think back to last summer and quitting my job (!), going to California with everyone I love (!!) and getting married (!!!).  I think of right now...happily married and not stuck in a job I loathe and getting ready to buy a freaking house!  Sot it's hard to say.  

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If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Geeze, these questions are so tough!  Just one thing.  Well, I might have to say that I would change my debilitating fears of things in life - like driving at night in the rain (I had a panic attack behind the wheel the other night because I couldn't see.  I don't think I've ever had a panic/anxiety attack but it is an awful, awful feeling), calling strangers, navigating buildings I'm not familiar with, etc.  Silly, I know - and it only seems to get worse.


What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
Moving to Chicago, finishing college and getting a grown-up job.  I know that's not anything shocking, but it's big.  


What is your most treasured possession?
I inherited my grandmother's amethyst cocktail ring after she passed away in 2007.  I also have her and my grandfather's wedding bands.  The cocktail ring is something I've coveted since I was wee, and as she was on her death bed, she asked my mom to make sure I got the ring.  I wore it on my wedding day, to my college graduation, to the opera in Italy, etc.  I take it with me to special places because I love having a part of her there with me.


What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Death.  I've had to deal with it too many times and as I've said above, it's something I fear will keep happening to me too early with everyone I know.


Where would you like to live?
In the mountains so I can always smell that fresh mountain air.  In a perfect world, all of my family would be there too, just a stone's throw away.


What is your most marked characteristic?
At the end of my sophomore year of high school, one of my teachers awarded me with "Sweetest Disposition".  I know I have a sweet disposition and I wouldn't change it for anything.  People like me because of it.


What is your greatest extravagance?

The mister loves to cook, so I'm lucky enough to have eaten some pretty amazing meals.  Which also means we're extravagant at the grocery store.  Oh and I bought a brand new car when I was 18 because of some money I inherited from my father.  I traded it in for a used car after awhile because it just wasn't me.


What are the qualities you most like in a man?

I love a man who has a sense of humor, who is sensitive enough to show his emotions, cares about his family and friends and isn't afraid to let me cry or share my feelings. 


Who are your favorite writers?
I'm a pretty big sucker for John Irving and David Sedaris.


How would you like to die?
Definitely in my sleep, peacefully and not because of a disease.  But just because it was time.


Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Batman.  I've just always liked him.


Who are your heroes in real life?

My mom, who made things work for me even though she was single and living off a measly salary.  


What is your motto?
Uh...you can do it?  Yeah, cause if I put my mind to it, I can do it!


So this is the point where I tag other bloggers to answer the questions...so ladies, here's your chance to open up!


Erika of A Tiny Rocket, Amber of Amber Blue Bird, Jess of Avante-Garde Living, Natalie of A Little Blue Notebook and Erin of BklynStitch.


Thank you for reading this - it was hard to answer some, to expose myself in this way.  But I'm glad I did.

How To Be Alone

I thoroughly enjoyed this video and thought maybe you would too.  Thanks for sharing, Joy!

Lusting for :: Armchairs

With a move in our future, the possibility of finally buying grown-up furniture has me incredibly excited.  We've been living with hand-me-downs from my parents (which we've appreciated immensely, the furniture is decent but it's not our style) and cheap Ikea pieces for years now.  I can't even begin to imagine how it must feel to lounge around in expensive furniture that was bought to fit your home.  Since we don't quite know what our house will be like, it's impossible (and silly) to start shopping for furniture, but I can't help but lust over some fabulous options that are out there.  

As a sidenote, our cat LOVES to scratch on the side of our Ikea armchair, so I should be looking for chairs that he can't rip to shreds (so really, that rules out 2, 3 and 5, right?).  He also loves to latch on to the bottom of our couch and proceed to scratch his way to the other end while gliding his body across the hardwood floor.  Silly Gus.  He hates scratching posts, too.  But maybe in our new house we can build him a mansion of a scratching post and he'll only scratch that....right?  I can dream.

1. Urban Living Gervason - one of the most beautiful rocking chairs I've ever seen.

2. Jonathan Adler Mrs. Godfrey Chair - I love the shade of blue and the fabric itself is lovely.

3. Gus Modern Blake Loft Chair - My favorite shade for furniture

4. Design Within Reach Risom Rocker - also one of the most beautiful rocking chairs I've ever seen.

5. Unica Home Megan Chair - Simple design, comes in different shapes and sizes

6. Gus Modern Truss Chair - This one is one of my favorites, it's just so slick!