Moving Day Treasures

{we heart it}

This weekend, Matt and I did the "big" move, shuffling our stuff a couple hundred feet to a different unit, downsizing from a two bed/two bath to a one bed/one bath.  In addition to pulling out our hair about how everything was going to fit in our new place, we got some great laughs over the crazy, silly, and sentimental stuff we found amidst the rubble...

My very first OU shirt (tear!)...
945 bobby pins.  You think I'm kidding...
An Anthro candle I had stashed away for a special occasion...
My muscles (which are now sore noodles)...
A large stash of Glamour, Lucky, and InStyle magazines that in are desperate need of my reading attention...
A random ankle brace.  Matt's humorous response and short lived plea to keep it: "I might hurt my ankle someday!"
Three separate stash piles of broken-but-I-swear-I'm-gonna-fix-it jewelry...
My notes from both semesters of grad school statistics.  Hello trashcan!
Four half-read and never finished books next to my bed...
Over a dozen unburned Christmas candles.  I prepare in advance for a cinnamon scented Christmas...
Matt's haven't-been-worn-since-high-school ski pants.  If you save pants for 10 years without wearing them once, you are close to being submitted for an episode of Hoarders...
My 35 page grad school meta-theory paper that I wrote in 24 hours and got a big red "100" on.  Don't judge me if I kept that for days I need a self-esteem boost...
Old love letters from Matt (swoon!)...
My P90X gear.  Good thing that kick lasted a whole three weeks...
4 unopened bottles of Windex, compliments of Matt always "swearing" we're out...
A cute Juicy blazer I'd completely forgotten about.  Hooray for "new" clothes...
Britney's fabulous 2008 Rolling Stone cover.  Oh how I love her...

But the best find of the day?

Spice World on VHS. Hell yeah.

What "treasures" have you found during a move? :)

Wedding Etc.

I realize that by now, you might be tired of me talking about my best friend's wedding last month.  I've already blogged about the bachelorette party and the wedding, but I have a few more pictures from wedding weekend events that I wanted to share.  Last round I promise! :)

Thursday before the wedding, Jordan and her mom hosted a high tea for the bridal party.  We wore pretty dresses, sipped tea with our pinkies lifted, and nibbled on pretty bite-sized desserts.

The only thing I loved more than my new dress was the fact that it let it me wear my favorite pair of shoes ever.  Fuchsia Stuart Weitzman peep toe heels!

Jordan's rehearsal bouquet made by yours truly!  Ok, who am I kidding?  My dear friend Melissa did most of it the night before as I had a near panic attack looking at all the loose ribbons from Jordan's showers wondering what the hell I'd gotten myself into.  Thank you Melissa, it turned out beautiful, blinged out and everything!

Me and my man :)

Hard to believe we've been best friends for 13 years!
UPDATE: A few people have asked about my dress.  Its Tadashi Shoji from Nordstrom.  Its a little over the top in the sequin department, but all the more reason to love it :)

The pretty bride-to-be :)

In front on Perkins Chapel the night before the big day.  The four of us never fail to have a good time when we're together.

Almost married, eeek!

Richenda, Jordan, and I representing CHS Mustangs :)

Our table at Iron Cactus for the rehearsal dinner.  Quick story about Matt's toast at the rehearsal dinner: When Matt and I got married, Ricky gave a toast at the rehearsal dinner and presented Matt with a hilarious t-shirt that on the front said "Groom" and on the back it paid homage to my super confusing hyphenated name, saying "Mr. Hyphen-Davis."  (My last name isn't really Hyphen-Davis, but you get the picture.  I still feel weird about putting my full last name on my blog.)  So for payback, Matt poked fun at Jordan's obsession with rhinestones and monograms, giving Ricky a bright green shirt monogramed with "Groom" and bedazzled with a million rhinestones.  It was perfect (and yes, Ricky wore it the whole next day lol!)

Two days later, after the wedding madness was over, we got to have brunch with our dear friend Miguel.  He lives about an hour and a half outside of Dallas, so he was kind enough to drive up and spend the afternoon with us before we flew back to Chicago.  Seeing Miguel and hearing him and Matt laugh always warms my heart beyond belief.  We miss that guy!

Ok, so that's the last of wedding stuff, I promise!  Hope your Thursday is fabulous, the weekend is almost here, woo hoo!

Closet Confessions

Yesterday, while procrastinating horribly on some freelance work, I was doing some internet hopping (the modern girly girl's version of internet surfing) when I stumbled across Bluefly's Closet Confessions feature.  Instant obsession!  They profile some of the big name celebs as they take viewers on a behind the seams tour of their coveted closets.  (Hahha, get it...behind the seams/behind the scenes...I am sooo funny!)

I started out intending to watch only Giuliana Rancic's and before I knew it, I was clicking through some of fashion's heaviest hitters.  Thankfully, these videos take a more fun and lighthearted approach to celebs' closets, so you're left feeling 95% inspired/happy and only 5% jealous.  (You can't help but be a teensy bit jealous of their fabulous threads!)

You can see all the Closet Confessions here, though my favorites are definitely Giuliana, Kimora Lee Simmons, Kelly Cutrone (super cute with her daughter), Nicky Hilton, and of course, Bethenny Frankel.  (I recommend watching Bethenny's last because she'll have you in tears laughing over her honesty.)

So if you're looking to do a little procrastinating/internet hopping, have a peek at Bluefly's page.  But don't blame me if you spend more than a few minutes there...

*ps: I was not paid or compensated for this post, I just saw it and wanted to share :)

Blind Date Brunch

I went on my first blind date this weekend.  True story.  And despite all the horror stories I've heard about blind dates, this one was pretty fantastic.  The conversation was great, the food was fabulous, and I spent about 90% of the meal laughing hysterically.  See, told you, a blind date gem I had.  But this wasn't a romantic blind date (that'd be pretty weird considering I'm married and all), this was a blogger blind date!

Erin and I have been followers of each others blogs for a while and after a lot of commenting and emailing back and forth about Chicago events, recommendations, and must sees, we finally decided to meet up in person.  (I realize that to some people, especially non-bloggers, this might seem a little creepy, but we were both fairly certain the other wasn't a serial killer, so the creeper factor was seriously reduced.)

Both of us had been dying to try Hot Chocolate, so we scheduled a Saturday brunch and met up in Wicker Park.  Even though we'd both been drooling over the menu for a few weeks, it was so hard to decide what to order.  Everything looked so good!

Erin, her fabulous necklace, and her yummy french toast.  So nice to finally put a face to the blog :)

Cheers to non-creepy blogger first dates!

Homemade donuts?  Yes please.

Me, my quiche, and my almost empty Bellini (shocker.)

Outside the restaurant before doing a little shopping.  (It wouldn't be a blogger meet up without at least a little shopping!)  PS: If you're wondering why we're both bundled up beyond belief its because Chicago is season-challenged and can't the memo that spring is supposed to be here.  Parts of the city got snow on Saturday.  Sheesh.  Get with it Chicago.

So to all of you who've had terrible blind dates, my condolences.  Because my first blind date was a total success.  Lots of laughing, more than a few "omg, me toooo" moments, and a big hug goodbye.  A second date is definitely in the works :)  Thanks Erin for a fabulous brunch!

PS: Has anyone else done a blogger blind date?  Was it awesome like mine or totally creepy lol?

27...and A Year in Review

Today is the day, the big 27!  My morning started off perfectly with a sweet smile and a "happy birthday" from Matt and a million emails, texts, and FB messages.  Because I'm a big fan of reflection (and because I did this post last year and loved it) I'm celebrating 27 by taking a look back at all the things 26 threw my way.

I celebrated my 26th birthday with some of my best friends at a Texas vineyard and had a blast sipping wine, nibbling on fancy cheese, and laughing till my face hurt.

I spent the year with some fabulous students and tearfully said goodbye as we all moved on.  But not before a celebration and some obsessive picture taking :)

Matt and I flew to Arizona to see his family and celebrate his birthday before our big cross country move.

The biggest adventure of 26 was certainly our move to Chicago!  After two full cars, a jam packed U-haul, and two and a half days on the road, we arrived in our new home!

Matt and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary together.  (I can't believe we're already coming up on our second, eek!)

We flew to New York for the fabulous wedding of one of Matt's childhood friends.  The wedding was breathtaking, and we also got to squeeze in some sightseeing and family time with Matt's brother.

We explored Chicago and fell in love with our new home.  The Windy City is so beautiful and I'm constantly pinching myself to see if we really live here.

I fulfilled a long time bucket wish list to see Sarah McLachlan in concert.  It was beyond amazing.

My little brother flew back from Spain and came to see me in Chicago!  My love affair with picture taking at The Bean was already in full swing :)

Matt and I traveled back to our grad school stomping grounds so he could get his university ring and I could propose my dissertation.  Success on both fronts!

We experienced a true fall, and I fell head-over-heels in love with the season.  We went apple picking, and it became one of my top 3 favorite things we've done since moving to Chicago.

Our best friend Miguel came to visit and we celebrated his birthday with our first trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo and an insane amount of good Chicago food.

Matt's sister Julie and her family came to visit us, and we got to do one of our favorite things, play tour guide!

We spent Christmas in Chicago with my family and had our first white Christmas in years.  It was one of the best Christmases I've ever had and having my family in Matt and I's new city was the best present of all.

We survived our first Chicago winter complete with a blizzard and 2+ feet of snow!

Prayers were answered as Matt landed a full time position in Chicago.  Best news of 26 was certainly the fact that we get to make Chicago our long time, permanent home.  We celebrated and continued to say "Oh my gosh, I can't believe we get to stay here" all throughout dinner :)

After completing a million applications, interviewing all over the place, and enduring way too many hours of "what if" stress, I found out that I matched for an internship position at an incredible spot.  Blessed is not even the word.  One step closer to those three little initials!

My best friend got married and I flew back to Dallas for showers, bachelorette parties, and of course the big day.  I loved being able to share so much of the experience with her.

My brother came back to Chicago for a spring break visit, and like any obsessive big sister, I was thrilled to have him in town and spoil him Chicago style.

To say 26 was a year of blessings is an understatement.  I also learned a lot about sacrifice, conquering fear, and trusting God's plan.  Throughout it all, I've been surrounded by incredible people (including you!) who have supported and encouraged me.  And honestly, that is the very best birthday present a girl could ever ask for!  Thank you for the bottom of my heart.

PS: In this post, I asked what yall were looking forward to about April, and oh my goodness, there are SO many exciting things going on!  Weddings, trips, babies, visitors...I am so excited for all the fun things happening and I can't wait to hear all about them on your blogs!

Girls Birthday Weekend

This weekend I enjoyed an early birthday celebration with my dear friend Christie.  I spent the entire weekend with her and it was one of the loveliest weekends I've had in a very long time.  Here were a few of the highlights...

Barefoot Contessa cupcakes...
Crabcakes at caffe De Luca...
Pink sprinkles...
Paper Source cards...
Frushi at Orange...
Shopping on Clark...
Laughing at creeper guys and our bad luck...
Presents with pink bows...
Matching tanks from Urban...
Sunny weather (finally!)...
Girlie pillow talk...
Makeup lessons...
Old school Hayley Mills in Moonspinners...
Saturday night Thai takeout...
Trying hair tutorials via The Daybook...
Adele on repeat...
Talking about nothing...
Talking about everything...

Having a dear friend who knows how important birthdays are to me (and has been celebrating them with me since third grade) and did everything in her power to make my weekend special and memorable...

That's the best.

Thank you Christie.  You are the best birthday celebrator a girl could ask for :)

April Showers Bring...

{we heart it}

MY BIRTHDAY MONTH!  (I bet you thought I was going to say May flowers.  Pssh please, I'm way too self-absorbed in my birthdayness to even think about May.)  In addition to my fabulous day of birth (April 12 if you're curious) here are a few other things I'm looking forward to about April...

Days where the temperature is above 50 degrees...
(Seriously, all you people frolicking in your sunny springness are borderline getting on my nerves.  We're still wearing coats in Chicago and I'm starting to get pretty peeved about it.)
Bright nails... 
(I kick started this one today with OPI's Dutch Tulips.  Love love love!)
Sunny evenings...
Picnic season...
(Yes, I've declared it an official season.)
Straw fedoras...
Anthropologie candles...
Leaving the porch door open in the evening...
Orange dreamsicles...
(Thanks Miranda!)
Dinners on the grill...
Jeweled flats...
The DVD release of the latest Harry Potter...
(yes, I realize this makes me a nerd, and I'm ok with that.)
Pedicures...
Birthday snail mail...
Patio happy hours...
(We've got our first one scheduled for Thursday, and I don't care how cold it is, we're sitting outside, dang it!)

What are YOU looking forward to about April?  Besides my birthday of course :)

My Best Friend's Wedding

How is it Monday already?  I feel like Friday just got here!  Though Matt and I didn't have a particularly thrilling weekend, it was definitely just what the doctor ordered.  Quiet and restful, filled with movies, snuggles, and a few too many chocolate chip cookies :)  A few weeks ago I was in Dallas for my best friend's wedding, and now that I've finally finished sifting through all of the pictures, I wanted to share them with you.  I actually didn't take nearly enough pictures, because there weren't too many moments I wasn't crying, hugging my BFF, or busy doing my maid-of-honor duties.  But luckily my friend Melissa and her hubby Brian snapped away all night, perfectly capturing how much fun we had!

The beautiful bride!  At this point, I was standing at the front of the church (bawling like a baby) but I love this sneak peek picture that Melissa captured.  So sweet.

At the reception with my lovely parents.  No matter how old I get, they never fail to make me feel special.

Me and my dear friend Melissa.  Melissa was my big sis on the drill team and one of my very best friends in high school (and still is today.)  She and her husband have hosted me the past few times I've been in Dallas, and can I just say, the Hilton ain't got nothing on them!

Out of the dancefloor.  PS: I'm not sure whose dance moves are crazier, mine or the lady in leopard to the left of me :)

Me and my man :)  PS: Matt was a groomsman, and it was kinda fun walking down the aisle and seeing him standing up there.  Flashbacks to our wedding day :)

Out on the dancefloor doing the Cupid Shuffle.  Check out my cutie patootie dad (and my crazy husband next to him lol!)

I never hesitate to strike a pose.

Cake time (and ohhh that cake was yummy!)

The parentals, in case you were wondering where I get my good looks ;)

No matter how long its been since we've seen each other last, we always seem to pick up right where we left off.

Giving my toast (which turned out even better than I'd hoped for!)

Some of the guys...Matt, Eric, Matt

How sad is it that this is the ONLY picture I have of my best friend and I at her wedding?!  Seriously, sad.  (PS: In case you're wondering, Jordan did a mid-reception dress change into a leopard and peacock party dress, so fun!)

Jesse (the dancing machine), Steven, and Kendall.  (PS: Kendall all the pics of you and Jesse are blurry, your dance moves were just too good!)

We barely left the dancefloor all night.  The band was absolutely incredible!

And the newlyweds are off!  Such a fabulous and special day, and I'm so happy I got to stand by Jordan's side on her and Ricky's big day!

And even though we only managed one picture from her actual wedding day, we have this picture from the day Jordan took her bridal portraits (mentioned in this post.)  A big thanks for Stefani at TRU Identity for sharing this special picture with me.  I love love love this picture and it makes me SO happy to know my best friend got the guy of her dreams!