3 Cheers for 3 Years!

Today is our third wedding anniversary—woo to the hoo!

Since we have another triathlon this weekend, we started our morning right with a quick 3-mile run. Lately it has been difficult to climb out of bed to hit the pavement but today Justin bribed me by saying I could have my gift this morning instead of tonight but only after we finished the run, so when my alarm went off I only hit the snooze button once...ok maybe twice.

Once back, and completely drenched with sweat mind you, he handed it over gave me my present—the Louis Vuitton Neverfull—and I about peed my pants from elation.

I've been dying for this one-size-fits all bag for at least a year and every time I got close to forking over the dough, I would change my mind and spend the money on something we needed (the repairs for our air conditioner, the repairs on our Jetta, the hardwood floors, etc.). Nonetheless, my husband probably got so sick of my longing comments that he bought it himself is the bestest.

What I love about this bag is that it is so large it can carry my purse contents, lunch and snacks, as well as my laptop and other necessities I'll need to have on hand once the fall semester starts. Buh-bye carrying around multiple bags!

Anywho, once I was finished with my so-happy-I-look-like-I-have-to-pee dance, I made Justin his present. I'll be the first to admit that it doesn't live up to a LV bag but I'm sure your taste buds and most men might disagree. Recently I came across a deliciously-enticing recipe on the Picky Palate for (get this) cinnamon roll sugar cookies with cream cheese frosting. Since the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, I immediately knew I had found our anniversary day breakfast.

If you follow the recipe you could probably pull these off in a couple hours, including chilling time, but I knew I wanted them hot this morning so I made up the dough last night, readying them for the oven in the morning. Jenny from Picky Palate recommends chilling them in the fridge before devouring but we enjoyed them hot from the oven and they were divine.

Later this evening we will continue celebrating by stuffing our faces with more good food at Shinto, a local Japanese steak and sushi house. Cheers!

Banana Republic Fall Jewelry Displays

During one of my recent lunch stops at the gigantic, 4-floor Banana Republic store on Michigan Avenue, I couldn't help but notice the new fall jewelry displays because they reference two of my loves: home DIY (paint roller covers) and reading (books).  And the jewelry isn't bad either!

If someone is looking for an excellent way to organize bracelets or necklaces, this is the way to do it. Do I see an inventive necklace tree or jewelry stand in the future?

I also loved the way they used stacks of old books and papers, compressed together to post brooches and pins in. This is a great sculptural alternative for a cork board.

Or you could just lay your baubles across a blank or monochromatic book cover.

I think these are very fitting for the fall season, especially with schools welcoming back students and a new wave of fall DIY projects. What do you think?

Rain Rain Go Away

Even though the rainy season should almost be over (fingers crossed), I finally received my long-awaited birthday present, Hunter rain boots. The problem is that I can't seem to decide which color I want: pillar box red or the classic Hunter green?

Fortunately, I ordered my boots from Zappos, where they allow returns up to 365 days from your purchase date, and they pay for the shipping both ways. That convinced me to order both pairs and debate the colors in person, but I'm still undecided.

The red pair have a gloss finish compared to the Hunter original which is matte and they are striking, no one can miss me walking down the street in these babies.

But, who can go wrong with a classic? (And did I mention they're green?!)

So, I ask you all, which color should I keep?

The glossy lipstick red or the classic Hunter green?

Hey four eyes!

That's right, I got new glasses.

And since it's been 4+ years since I've bought new ones, I had to share them with y'all.

What do you think?

Fall Fashion '09

I have been hearing everyone welcome in the fall season, but yesterday, it actually felt like fall to me. At lunch I went for a walk down Michigan Avenue and it was crispy-cool enough that I didn't feel hot with my coat on, and the sun was out providing great casts of light shining through the gaps in the building skyline.

Also, I saw wonderful new fashion for the fall season. Here are some of my new favorites.

1: Urban Outfitters - Pins and Needles Open Stitch Beret (on sale $19.99)
2: Fred Flare - Grey Texting Gloves ($22)
3: Old Navy - Belted Trench Coat ($49.50)
4: Kate Spade - Boerum Hill Mikkel ($345)
5: Fred Flare - Bent Feather Ring ($36)
6: Frye Boots - Jane Stitch ($298)

(wink-wink, Christmas is right 'round the corner, wink-wink)