My ABCs

When I saw Jenny in Ohio's post on the ABCs of Me, I thought it was a really cute idea. So here's a bit about me from A to Z: 

A. Age: 31. Yikes! I think that's the first time I've written my new age.

B. Bed size: Queen, the perfect size to cuddle with my man and the pup.

C. Chore you hate: Doing the dishes, or most anything kitchen-related.

D. Dogs: My little bug Maddie. So much attitude in just eight pounds!

E. Essential start to your day: A nice latte. I'm getting a bit snobbish about them!

F. Favorite color: White, white, white! And I also love a dark pink and any shade of blue.

G. Gold or silver: Usually silver.

H. Height: 5'7''

I. Instruments you play: I'd love to learn to play the harp.

J. Job title: Associate editor at a magazine

K. Kids: None yet but we're hoping soon!

L. Live: Wisconsin

M. Mother's name: Sue. We share Marie as a middle name, which I love.

N. Nickname: Katie Belle was one of my family's nicknames for me growing up.

O. Overnight hospital stays: A traumatic experience getting my tonsils removed when I was eight.

P. Pet peeves: This is pretty random but it bugs me when actors carry suitcases in movies and the bags are obviously empty. Ugh, throw some rocks in there or something! No one swings massive suitcases around like that.

Q. Quote from a movie: "Nobody puts Baby in a corner." Aaah, best movie ever!

R. Right- or left-handed: Right

S. Siblings: One younger sister, Nikki. She's the best.

T. Tattoos: None. I think they can look so cool, but they're just not me.

U. Underwear: I like them to match my bra. This makes me happy.

V. Vegetable you hate: Mushrooms, which is hard because they're often in vegetarian dishes.

W. What makes you run late: In the morning, it's lingering in bed too long ... or losing track of time on blogs. Both are quite wonderful!

X. X-rays you've had: I fractured my collarbone when I was six -- I got knocked down at a roller skating rink. How sad is that?

Y. Yummy food that you make: Banana muffins

Z. Zoo animal: Elephants, always.

How about you? I'd love to learn more. And I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

Simple and Sweet

I appreciate ruffles. I can admire bows and flourishes and frills in clothes. But truth be told, what makes me happiest in fashion are clean lines and simple shapes. So I'm loving these looks by EmersonMade. Black and white, some denim or tweed, a hit of a cute print or bold color -- swoon!

Photos from here. 

Ablaze

Well, fall certainly seems to have arrived in a hurry! We're just a few days officially into autumn and the sky is gray, the air is chilly and the trees are starting to tinge gold and red. It's the rich, gorgeous colors that are making me okay with this abrupt change -- the same hues carried out in these watercolors by Brandi Solomon of My Favorite Flower. Fiery oranges, blazing yellows and bold reds are such a highlight of the season, don't you think?

Photos from here. 

Happiness

I had such a nice birthday weekend. I went out with coworkers Thursday evening and girlfriends Friday night. But the best was spending Saturday and Sunday with my husband and the pup. We slept in, went out for a bit and then happily flopped back into bed at night. Since life has been so busy lately, this simple, sweet, low-key weekend was the absolutely perfect way to celebrate.

This photo brings a smile to my face every time I look at it. It captures that quiet moment between a couple when everything is right and nothing more is needed.

Photo from here. 

Birthday Weekend

It's really snuck up on me this year, but tomorrow is my birthday! Last year was a milestone -- the big 3-0, with a big bash to mark it -- so this year I haven't made many celebration plans. I'll do some fun things this weekend -- I'm just not sure exactly what yet! Birthdays are a natural time to reflect, and I feel so blessed. I love my husband, dog, family and friends. I have a good job and a comfy home. I'm happy and healthy. And I'm excited for what this next year might bring.

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

Photo from here. 

Nesting

As much as I love to travel and explore new places, it truly is wonderful to be home. I don't have any trips planned for a bit, so I'm looking forward to nestling back into my home. Especially as the weather cools, it will be nice to sink into the couch with my husband, our pup and a blanket and do nothing more than watch a movie.

This north London house, featured on House to Home, seems like a great place to get cozy. I like the Arts and Crafts elements with all those textures and, of course, some pops of bright pink.

Photos from here. 

Big Easy Days

I'm back from New Orleans, and what a fantastic trip it was! My friend and I are exhausted but we keep talking and laughing about all the fun things we did and all the amusing things that happened. We ate at so many different restaurants and walked all over the city. We shopped, rode a streetcar, took in incredible architecture, hit the town at night and spent a lovely afternoon lazing by our hotel's rooftop pool. Here are a few glimpses of our four days in the Big Easy.

Photos by me. 

NOLA

Today, I head to New Orleans for a work trip with my officemate. I've never visited the city before and I'm looking forward to exploring. Happily, the priority for both our assignments is checking out the city's dining scene, so in addition to eating and drinking our way through the next three days, I'm sure we'll take in architecture, jazz, art and shopping along the way, too.

Have a great rest of the week and a wonderful weekend!

Photo from here. 

So Right On

When it comes to style, I don't think it gets better than a good stripe, a cinched skirt or anything pure white. Throw in a blunt bang and pretty makeup, and I'm sure you can see why I'm swooning over these looks on Esther Adams, a Vogue fashion writer. Gorgeous, no?

Photos from here. 

Own It

Last night, three of my girlfriends and I got together. We sat outside to enjoy a warm evening, share a bottle of wine and chat. We laughed so hard remembering events from our past and updating each other on recent goings on. But one of my favorite parts of the night was when we talked about how we're liking our age. Now that we're all thirty, we understand ourselves better than ever before. Not that we have everything figured out -- not at all! -- but by and large we know what we like and who we are, and we're more accepting of the qualities and quirks unique to each of us. We're owning them.

This New York townhouse, featured on House to Home, seems to have that confidence. It's eclectic and interesting, and I get the feeling that the furniture, art and accessories all hold special meaning to the person who chose them. When you go with what feels right to you, things kind of work out, don't they?

Photos from here. 

Ease

This was a lovely weekend that brought a mix of activities. Burritos and margaritas with my husband at our favorite little stop on Friday. An art opening and sushi downtown on Saturday. Power washing the house on Sunday (my dad taught me how to do this and it was so much fun!). It was nice to have an easygoing approach to the weekend, to do whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted. I'd like to incorporate this mindset into the new week. I'm going to try to ease into things, and do them when the timing seems right, to be a little kinder to myself.

If I need inspiration, I'm going to think of these amazing paintings by Tracy Rocca. Aren't they incredible? In her artist's statement, she writes, "The imagery I use arises from, first, consistent observation and, second, a conscious effort to slow down." If this kind of beauty stems from a more ease-minded approach, I'm definitely on board!

Photos from here. 

Remembering

It's hard to believe September 11th happened a decade ago. As we reflect on the terribleness of that day, I'm struck with how quickly and abruptly so many lives were ended, all the plans and dreams that were cut short, all the things each that person left unfinished and unsaid, the chances forever lost to love and live. It makes me more than ever want to appreciate, truly and wholly, all that I have at this moment. Let's all hold our loved ones a little tighter this weekend and think of those who can't do the same.

Photo from here. 

Taking Shape

I'm crazy about these abstract geometric illustrations by twoems. Their colors are so vibrant while their forms are strong and sharp. They're kind of chaotic -- in a really happy, great way!

Photos from here. 

On Trend

I'm not the trendiest girl. Over the years, I've learned what styles I prefer and which look best on me. However, I'm always eager to learn what the fashion trends are each fall and spring, and I typically pick a few to incorporate into my wardrobe. This fall, there are quite a few I'm loving! And I was surprised to find nearly all of them represented at Zara. But what I think I like most is that the pieces -- no matter how on-trend they are -- all still look like Zara. They prove you can be current but still yourself. Here are a few that pick up some of fall's best trends:

Dots

Minimal

Lace

Color blocking

Navajo prints

Neon

Photos from here.