stitch fix

Sunday Lately for this 30-Something:: Week 70

- Mel 6 Comments

Blogger Tribe_Sunday Lately It’s Sunday morning and the Blogger Tribe is collectively sharing their Sunday Lately posts. Sunday Lately is a weekly linkup hosted by the Blogger Tribe (lead by Angelica, Meghan, Nicole, and Katy). The prompts for May 01 (Week 70):: Completing, Visiting, Repeating, Writing, Scheduling.

Catch up and read all of my past Sunday Lately posts and join camp with the Tribe on Facebook!

Completing:: Even though we have bi-weekly cleaning appointments (and they were just here this past Thursday), I just completed mopping all the floors on the 1st floor because they all smelled like wet dog. WTH!? It’s like they cleaned a house before hours with dogs and used the same mop water. After two days, it didn’t dissipate, and I couldn’t take it anymmore.

Visiting:: Today, we’ll be visiting ALL THE HOME STORES. Ha! Now that we’re mostly settled in, we’ve figured out a few needs for our living spaces. Plus, we’ll be hosting our first out-of-town visitors this month!

Repeating:: Despite how bummed I am about not returning to Pittsburgh to run the marathon with friends this weekend, I need to repeat how I felt immediately upon running the PGH Half last year: I don’t EVER want to run that again. It’s difficult in this current moment because I was so excited to take on the full; but last year, I was miserable (I only signed up this year because I had won a free entry and wanted to join a few friends running their first marathon). But… I was really overwhelmed by the crowds. UGH THE CROWDS. And the weather is always totally unpredictable. It’s a conflict that I thought would be resolved with not training appropriately and moving away and separating myself from the city. Instead, it’s bubbled up emotions that I wasn’t really ready prepared for.

Writing:: I’m currently writing down some lists for a possible 30-day challenge project to take me through the next year. Because…

Scheduling:: It’s BIRTHDAY MONTH!!! Besides making plans for the BIGGEST DAY/LAST YEAR of my 30s, my scheduled Birthday Fix arrived a week early — and it’s seriously one of my favorite Stitch Fix boxes [affiliate link] that I’ve ever received (seriously!!!). I really feel like they curated it specially for me and my style (I asked for a Fix specific for my birthday celebrations, to include some new shoes and a pink dress and THEY DELIVERED).

Stich Fix Birthday Box WIN!
Stich Fix Birthday Box WIN!

The CUTEST Adrianna Papell floral dress, the Pixley green tropical print blazer that I asked for (over a white lace-up top that’s not really my style but ended up looking super cute on), and the Franco Sarto heels that I had pinned! I also received a pair of distressed Kut from the Kloth denim, which are my second pair from the brand — I really like how they fit me!

Sunday Lately for this 30-Something:: Week 68

- Mel 3 Comments

Blogger Tribe_Sunday Lately It’s Sunday morning and the Blogger Tribe is collectively sharing their Sunday Lately posts. Sunday Lately is a weekly linkup hosted by the Blogger Tribe (lead by Angelica, Meghan, Nicole, and Katy). The prompts for April 17 (Week 68), are:: Creating, Finding, Switching, Forgetting, Craving.

Catch up and read all of my past Sunday Lately posts and join camp with the Tribe on Facebook!

Creating:: This morning, I’m creating something for a Hangover Cure. WOOF. It was a VERY good bottle of wine though.

Finding:: I’m discovering a really different work culture here, in that a LOT of people start early (like, 7am early) and end early. My current shift is 8am-4:30pm, and I do have the option to adapt it to my schedule. At first, I was nervous starting so early (and because of my tendency to stay up WAY later than my bedtime), but if I start any later, I’ll be the last man in the dang parking lot! I asked the boyfriend, and he says it’s pretty similar at his company, too. I’m still finding myself adjusting at all the earlier TV schedules too. Let’s call it: Central Time Culture. If I eventually adjust, I might start working at 7:30 — just because getting out of work at 4pm sounds amazing.

Switching:: I’ve been cleaning up my Pinterest boards, in anticipation of receiving a Fix from Stitch Fix next month {affiliate link!} for my birthday. And WOW, has my style changed over the last couple years! It seems that I’ve come full circle though, switching back to my “signature style” of fitted jackets and cardigans over tailored pants or straight-leg denim (would you call that menswear inspired? Classic?). I would also like more hot pink for Spring, Stitch Fix. kthxbai.

Stitch Fix shoes 30-something
Have you received shoes in your Stitch Fix yet? I got these awesomely-bright Nine West flats this month – LOVE!

Forgetting:: Speaking of birthdays… yeah, it’s probably intentional that I keep forgetting that my birthday is next month. But since my boyfriend brought it up, we’ll be making some fun plans in downtown. I would truly like to forget how old I’m going to be — but I think turning into the LAST year in my 30s (*gasp*) is something to celebrate and not fret about anymore.

Craving:: Well, it’s PMS time for this 30-something, and my usual monthly All Things Sugar craving is at its peak. This also means that I’m probably going to have my period for my birthday next month. Ain’t that a bitch! -_-

Weekly Therapy: One week until Christmas!

- Mel

the week:
So many things have made me happy this week. Like, immensely, beaming, ridiculous goofy grin happy.

I haven’t baked cookies in FOR.EV.ER. And I finally had the chance for our office cookie swap this week (I made gluten-free butterscotch-and-dark-chocolate-chip cookies, bee tee dubs). Scrimmage practice was silly and exhausting fun. The giddy happiness of my run/yoga club buddies also rubbed off on me. I don’t know that anything was Christmas Spirit-specific, but it’s definitely a good lead in for the Santa’s Big Day next week.

PS: It started snowing this morning! Granted, I know it’s going to be 65 degrees on Christmas but it made me happy on my walk to work.

weekend:
Tonight is the last of the holiday parties until the actual holiday. We made reservations first at Marty’s Market, since we’re headed over to that side of the city. I’ve been to Marty’s for lunch and had a GREAT meal (and they were incredible about all my food restrictions/allergies), so I’m excited to see what they do for dinner.

As I mentioned above, my office is having its cookie swap today, and I have another tomorrow morning to coincide with the annual 12 Days of Christmas WOD at CrossFit. I haven’t been to CF since summer, so this will probably hurt real bad. But YAY, cookies!

52 books in 52 weeks:
#48 The Monopolists: Obsession, Fury, and the Scandal Behind the World’s Favorite Board Game by Mary Pilon — a long-winded history of the infamous board game (which the boyfriend and I played a couple weekends ago), with an interesting back story about the supposed inventor(s) of the game and Parker Brothers’ ploys at monopolizing (see what I did there?) the gaming industry.

#49 Walden on Wheels: On the Open Road from Debt to Freedom by Ken Ilgunas — a memoir on one way to get out of debt. I hope that I never have to resort to “vandwelling” to pay off my student loans! But it’s certainly a cautionary tale about the emotional weight of debt — with a little adventuring thrown in.

seven things, seven days:
1. I had a sense that there were trade/sell groups on Facebook for people wanting to sell off their Stitch Fix clothes [affiliate link!]. And sure enough, there are several. I sold six pieces already!
2. …and that reminds me how much that I need to get rid of these donate bags in the basement.
3. I think I’m done Christmas shopping! Can’t wait to start wrapping.
4. Starting next week (Wednesday), I have the rest of the year off!
5. I LOVE the idea of making a personal annual report! (Though actually doing it is another story.) {via The Muse}
6. Doctor’s Orders: Prescribing exercise to patients — YES, THIS {via wbur}
7. “It takes me 15 minutes to make coffee using a simple pour-over technique: boil water, grind beans, position filter, add grounds, pour water. This process keeps me occupied during the low-willpower period when I would otherwise check email or look at Twitter—both of which are likely to send me into a reactive vortex of unproductivity.” [emphasis, mine, because this is also my experience] How I Became a Morning Person {via Medium}

Weekly Therapy: overloaded

- Mel

the week:
First full week of my new job, and I’m (hopefully) filling into my role. I have business cards!

On the school front, I had to drop my first class in the program. I was feeling really overwhelmed with some of the course requirements — especially at already taking 16 credit hours. I’m hoping to get into another class that starts later this month, but my advisor has been completely MIA (which is a whole other unnerving thing in itself) and my student status is considered “overloaded.” STORY OF MY LIFE.

me_blue chair

weekend:
Friday night was the ballet — Beauty & the Beast — and then half marathon kick-off weekend! Wow. It’s here. So I want to take my weekend full of “down time” to be active and OUTSIDE. Because we are all excited about 30-degree temperatures in this place.

seven things, seven days:
1. First evening CrossFit session, and I felt BEASTLY. Maybe there’s something there.
2. One group presentation out of the way!
3. I had a volunteer info meeting this week, which I thought was downtown, so I didn’t drive to work. And then I realized said location was not downtown at all, but in Oakland. Woof, my perception of things.
4. Feeling SUPER meh about my last StitchFix box. Even with notes to my stylist about needing new work pieces and redefining my classic style, this Fix fell WAY flat — as in, not work-appropriate for me at all. Also: another really cheap bracelet for $30 kinda pissed me off. Also-also, they sent me the SAME dress I already purchased from another box, but in a different color. What the heck?!
5. There’s nothing like waiting for a package from USPS… and finding it face-down, frozen in the ice in your side yard. Yeah, they basically just tossed it over the fence without care or regard. SIGH.
6. Oh, hey, it’s OK to be an overbearing pet parent (and yes, there is some merit to the “crazy cat lady” title) {via Science of US}
7. I loved the message behind this post from the Greater Good blog: Be divergent, not perfect.

Weekly Therapy: the final countdown

- Mel

the week:
Feeling really sleep deprived, but inspired and grateful and hopeful about a lot of things (see what some new paint and some shopping can do?!). There are three weeks left in Fall semester before a two-weekish break. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can…

We legit opened up a mini bottle of champagne and toasted the end of this construction. I slept in until 9am on my day off this week. Ahhhhh.

weekend:
Off to Buffalo to do some early holiday gathering and socializing. I’ll also be running the Christmas Story Virtual 10K while I’m up there — for the full Cleveland experience, if you will.

seven things, seven days:
1. Any one else tired of their inbox this week? UNSUBSCRIBE.
2. But definitely not the reminder email about the Naked on the Run palette. MINE!
3. Received an early Christmas present at Thanksgiving — 16 (16!!!) champagne flutes. Err, I guess we have to host a brunch or NYE party now (or maybe we should have invited the neighbors over to toast our renovation). WHO WANTS MIMOSAS?!
4. Yes, I know, YELLING. I am nothing if not emphatic.
5. StitchFix WIN this week: a winter coat, black collarless blazer, lace-sleeved blouse, velvet-flocked animal print pants and another light sweater.
6. Well I guess I picked a good activity! Here’s to growing old and awesome and active! {via NY Times}
7. Benefits of being a curious person {via Huffington Post}

Weekly Therapy: this is Halloween

- Mel

the week:
Halloween always used to be one of my favorite holidays, but not so much in the last few years. I did throw a DIY costume (old school diner waitress) together for work since we were given approval to dress up — and I’ll do anything to get out of my uniform for a day! But I mostly just love to pass out candy, since I live in a neighborhood with actual trick or treaters (and the adults who check to make sure your glass is always full).

halloween_football

Oh, and the roof is leaking somewhere new. Happy two year-anniversary, house!

weekend:
Road trip to Columbus, to celebrate with our friends getting married! I hear that an Insanity workout is part of the festivities. And a lot of drinking. Will report back. I’m really looking forward to this one though.

seven things, seven days:
1. Mesmerized by (and drooling over) all the Jonathan Alder home collections that I cannot afford. *sigh*
2. Free Halloween lunch at work!
3. ALL OF THE KIT-KATS.
4. Signed up for the Pittsburgh Marathon Relay with my fellow CrossFitters! Got Weights?
5. Purchased all the items in my Stitch Fix box again (even though I didn’t like an included scarf — it was lousy and WAY overpriced — the box was cheaper to keep everything). I am feeling overwhelmed now with my new wardrobe, so I’m taking a month off.
6. Lessons learned: Why You Shouldn’t Text Your Arguments {via PsychCentral}
7. The past is past. I love this post from Gabrielle Bogan. Speaks to my heart right now.

Positively Awesome Cleveland Trip: Day Three

- Mel

Day Three, and the last, in the series of my Positively Awesome trip to Cleveland. Check out day one and day two before reading on.

Day Three was a much shorter itinerary than the previous two: breakfast, activity, then released to explore on our own (most of us had to return home; I had to go back to Akron to pick up the boyfriend). I started my day with another incredible Americano at Erie Island coffee. Ooh, first check out my new jacket from Stitch Fix [affiliate link!] — totally a winner for this crisp, late-summer day in Cleveland!

jacket stitch fix delivery box

Our group breakfast was at Bon Bon Bakery in the Ohio City neighborhood, and the brunch was FANTASTIC. The table shared an “appetizer” of doughnuts. For my breakfast, I went the sweet route with French toast (that had sweet corn on it; weird, but oddly delicious!).

french toast

Afterward, we went back over to University Circle/Uptown to visit MOCA — a place that I was really hoping the fans of Positively Cleveland would recommend! We may have offset the actual decision of going to the Rock Hall, since most of us had already been there. MOCA did not disappoint! Not only is the building itself a stunner, but the collections were impressive.

MOCA cle

I was mesmerized by the Norton Furniture guy video installation… and finding penises in the artwork — which is, naturally, my forte (I may be 14 at heart, but joke’s on you… I found one!). The postcard exhibit was one of my favorites, anywhere; and the iTunes hallway a close second (we entered the stairwell to a full-on rave dance party, apparently, which was a total sensory overload of awesomeness).

MOCA bloggers

Another fun thing: in various locations around this part of Cleveland are themed pianos — available to play! — as part of the Play Me, I’m Yours series. This one was one outside MOCA on the sidewalk. I love interactive art, and this was something very unique to see (and hear). An older gentlemen stepped up and played some ragtime music by heart, just as we were walking into the museum. That’s the stuff.

play me piano moca

While I would have spent the entire afternoon at MOCA, there was a second activity planned — a visit to the Cleveland Botanical Gardens (there were signs for a Sunday sundae bar, which we didn’t stay for… but OMG that sounds amazing). Walking around, was a good time to unwind and get to know my fellow Pittsburgh blogger on the trip, The Steel Trap. And erase all the terrible memories I already had of the CBG (no fault of theirs; I attended a wedding there several years ago that I wish I could scrub from my brain — again, nothing to do with the location itself!).

Alas…

sensory bed BOTANICAL GARD

And then, in exhaustion and contentedness, our blogger trip was complete. I stopped into CLE clothing on my way out for a couple books and CLE/browns-colors t-shirts (conveniently located at the corner of Euclid and East 4th downtown). Thanks again to Positively Cleveland for the amazing trip — I really had a blast — and I can’t wait to return to explore even more Cleveland awesomeness.

Random shout out to the Sound 87.7, which kept me entertained with an awesome mix of music on my travels into/out of the city.

Disclosure: Positively Cleveland provided accommodations, meals and admission prices for my participation in this socially-driven trip. All opinions herein are my own.

Weekly Therapy: rock me mama like a wagon wheel

- Mel

the week:
Do you do the unthinkable in the name of fitness? Like, waking up at 5am to go to a 6am Crossfit class? Two sessions in, and I am totally hooked (also, very sore). Also, also? I squatted with a bar for the first time in my life (many squats!).

weekend:
HOOTIE! Going to see Darius Rucker Friday night — my first time at Stage AE — AND we’re scheduled for the preshow meet-and-greet.

hootie

Then I’m on “assignment” for the Steel City Big Pour. And then it’s the infamous waffle brunch at Fathead’s the next morning; ah, the sweet nectar of KBS. And hopefully CBS. How did yet another beer week sneak into my schedule?!

Sunday also marks the Steelers home opener… if you’re into that kind of thing, Pittsburgh. 😉

seven things, seven days:
1. Two nights out this week with various neighbors. So much white wine.
2. We’re signed up for the home & garden tour (the latter portion; we’re definitely not ready to show the inside) in our neighborhood and were hosted to a wonderful dinner this week.
3. Adding to that, we’ve got a new plan for the garden — and one week to finish it. I feel like I’m on a home decorating reality show, for real.
4. Somebody in the neighborhood said they thought the gray trim on my house was primer. And now I can’t stop thinking about it.
5. I lost my D&G sunglasses at some point in the last two weeks. So mad. Not going to admit that the shopping therapy for a new pair made me feel any better (buyer’s remorse again).
6. No remorse over my latest Stitch Fix [affiliate link] though! Once again, I loved EVERYTHING in it.
7. Don’t Panic! But Psychology isn’t always a science … but it can be. {via Mind Hacks}

Stitch Fix: continuing my obsession with monthly subscription boxes

- Mel

This post contains affiliate links.

Fall is usually when I revamp my closet (my favorite season, at that), or at least notice how much I haven’t worn in the last year. And I truly hate shopping — online stylist services is where it’s at. I used Cake Style last year, and received a few boxes, to which I definitely found (and purchased) some great pieces. But overall, the entirety of the box was too rich for my budget (especially with all of these house projects… woof). But I still really liked the service and having a stylist at the ready for special events.

Enter: Stitch Fix

Thanks to an awesome referral from twitter for the heads-up on this company. With Stitch Fix I can pick my own budget comfort level. After filling out a style profile (I wish there was a place for measurements, however; probably the only thing “missing” from the questionnaire) and social media accounts, like Pinterest and Instagram, your personal stylist uses this background info to curate your Fix. The boxes only come when you say you need one. Each delivery costs $20, but that is applied to any purchase you make from the box. Anything you don’t want, you return in the prepaid envelope within three days.

stitch fix subscription box

I received my first box this week, which included five pieces that were stylish-but-classic enough for any 30-something — and one that even pushed me out of my closet comfort zone: an edgy light gray blazer (LOVE the striped lining!), off-white denim, cute vintage-inspired lace tank, a navy polka dot blouse and a mint-hued dress (this last piece is something completely different for me, but still in my color wheel).

My stylist Ishara did very, very well (thank you!). I’m going to have so much fun incorporating these pieces into my wardrobe — and watch for pictures after my special blogger getaway next weekend.

Total cost*: $262.50
30-something Approved!

*If you buy everything from your Fix, they give you a 25% discount, which makes it hard to resist buying the entire box –especially when the bill without one item would be practically the same. It’s almost like getting an item for free.

Disclaimer: Post includes affiliate links. See my disclosure page for more info.