Little Things for Monday

Mostly this weekend I was thankful for time at home, for having a home to decorate for Christmas, the simple pleasures of book, my sweet dogs, laughing with Matt. Here are a few things that caught my eye -- we will go with some pretty light fare for Monday after a holiday weekend. 

I found a link to the cutest video -- and I don't even really like videos.  However, the New York Times treated some second graders to a tasting menu at a Michelin star restaurant and I got really sucked in.  It's long -- but worth the time. 

I don't know why I am seemingly obsessed with the color red lately but these pants are in my head and they won't leave...

JCrew Tailored Wool Pant

The wedding is close. Less than two weeks.  (!!!!!!)  When I start to get worried about small details I want this to be my mantra: 

See -- short and sweet.  I've got 5% battery power and my charger is so far away I'm not getting up to drag it over. 

Happy Monday! 

~the engaged gal~

Catching Up + Thanksgiving Recap

Happy Weekend everyone! I have to say -- I only had to work 2.5 days last week and even though it will be a complete nightmare to go back to work until the wedding I have had the best time off.  I really think that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday -- the food is great and it just seems more low key and less stressful than Christmas.  I came home from work and started baking early and finished a book by the fire.  It was heavenly. 

First -- we started off the holiday with our half-marathon! I have not run the Atlanta Half course in several years and they have changed the course since I ran last time.  We had a really great race but I was battling some cramps and being depleted around mile 11 (mainly because we were speed demons right out of the gate) and The Housewife left me to finish a bit ahead.  With all the hills on this course it made the back half of the race very tough so I was still very happy to finish just under 2 hours and 15 minutes.  We hit some really great splits -- if only I could have held them the last 2 miles. 

I immediately came home and started cooking before a trip to my Dad's.  I tried two new recipes this year -- the chocolate mousse pie above and a butternut squash + kale gratin.  I got both recipes from Martha Stewart Living and they were all a hit.  The gratin was really easy and while the pie had a lot of steps none of them were too difficult. 

Friday I had a lazy day and when Matt got home we went to a local farm here in Alpharetta to pick out our tree.  I loved our small tree last year and wanted to get another small one -- but I wanted to up my game and get a flocked one.  They are definitely expensive but if you get a smaller one its not as hurtful to your bank account.  Also -- if we return the stand ours came in we will get a $30 gift card. If you are in the Atlanta area I highly recommend supporting local for your Christmas tree and nursery needs with a trip to Scottsdale Farm.  

Saturday was my final dress fitting and watching the GA v GA Tech game with the fam.  It's a nice tradition -- but I like it a lot more when the Dawgs don't lose.  Also -- I've been living in this plaid shirt from JCrew -- I am obsessed.  It's 30% off today if you care. 

So far today I've happily cancelled my Fly Barre reservation, had copious amounts of coffee by the tree, and am determined to finish up Christmas decor today while also trying to read 8 library books that are overdue.

Happiest of Holidays to all of our readers! 

~the engaged gal~

Monday Obsessions

Happy Monday, all! I hope you had a great weekend! Last week was not very productive other than doing a lot of work at the office but I think I just needed a break from house cleaning, exercise, laundry and My Fitness Pal.  Granted, the house was a disaster all week which doesn't necessarily relax me -- but some days you have to step back for a greater problem I guess.  The weekend was equally relaxing aside from getting prepped and ready for an organized week so here we are! 

JCrew Oversized Stripe Turtleneck $55

I love so much about this tee.  It had really high reviews -- but I always question the length and drape on a lot of JCrew stuff because I'm so tall yet also small across the shoulders.  I ordered a Medium - mainly because I've been trying for some slouchy-ness in all the things I have ordered lately.  I really like the medium -- but I kind of want to try the black one in a small. Just to see. This shirt so far is extremely comfortable, not too thin, a great length and a great price point (I got mine 25% off). 

buy here

I got my friends this as part of their hostess gift for my Bachelorette party -- but I really feel like I should have gotten one for myself, too.  All our travel mugs here have seen better days and this $14.00 mug from Shop Ban.do is super cute.  

buy here 

I don't know if I'll be able to afford it but because it was so damn cold this weekend I got really obsessed with wanting this sweater.  But the Old Navy lookalike is probably more of what I can afford these days.  Also, apparently I have a thing for turtlenecks this year. 

Madewell Cityblock Turtleneck Sweater $128

What are you wearing to stay warm?

~the engaged gal~

Monday Obsessions: Shoes + A Good Sale

It's not like any of these are really in the budget lately but I thought I'd give it a go at some regular programming.  

I did a bad thing -- I started cruising the regular JCrew website rather than the more affordable Factory collection.  And I am going through a major shoe fetish.  I just want lots and lots of pretty shoes lately.  Especially some nice work shoes/dress shoes. 

I need want all of these!

JCrew Ankle-Cuff Pumps

These JCrew Ankle-Cuff Pumps were originally $275 and are currently marked down to $199. You can also enter the code NEWSTYLE and get an additional 25% off your purchase.  

JCrew Etta Cap Toe Pumps

It took me a while to get on board with the Etta Pump.  But they just look so good on! And they are classic.  Marked down from $248 to $199 and NEWSTYLE gives you an additional 25% off. 

JCrew Darby Loafer

I definitely wouldn't mind investing in these JCrew Darby Loafers at all.  Suede with piping! Originally $150 but they are marked down to $99 and you can take an extra 25% off with the NEWSTYLE code. 

JCrew Mari Piped Suede Sandals

These sandals may be the biggest steal of all.  Originally $238 down to $189 with an additional 25% off after code NEWSTYLE. 

Y'all hurry up and buy these! Sale ends at midnight! 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

GOAB: Flower Necklaces

As I was ogling my larger than normal paycheck today and resisting the urge to shop I was thinking of all the great blogs I read that do Splurge v. Save options or their own "Girl On A Budget" features.  And as a Single Gal I really should be on the lookout for budget friendly items so why not share with everyone. 

Big surprise -- I am out there with probably everyone else drooling over a lot of the spring jewelry from JCrew.  Especially flower necklaces.  You know, because I don't have enough necklaces.  And surely my 14 year old car will just magically last forever. 

{splurge}

JCrew Crystal Circle Necklace $135.00

JCrew Flower Lattice Necklace $228.00

{save} 

Forever 21 Rhinstoned Rosette Necklace $15.80

Forever 21 Bejewled Flower Collar Necklace $24.80

Obviously they aren't exactly the same...but could probably get the same look, right? What do you think? 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

The Single Gal's Over the Top Christmas List

I thought I'd make an "Over the Top" Christmas list just for fun.  While I enjoy all the festivities during the holidays I really just like seeing my family and giving our small gifts to each other.  And all the wine we drink. And all the food we eat. 

But in the name of Christmas fun and being ridiculous, I wanted to make this list.  I would not be sad at all if any of the following items fell into my stocking or were placed under the tree. 

David Yurman Large Crossover Ring

Tory Burch Robinson Logo Clutch 

I think this TB clutch may be the perfect size for a crossbody purse {for me, anyway}. 

Michael Kors Runway Blue Dial Watch 

JCrew Martina Suede Wedges in Aged Driftwood

I don't need any of these things but they were fun to think about! What would you put on your list? 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~

Wild About Etsy

I know everyone on the planet is super wild about Etsy {le duh}.  The Housewife and I are no exception! We used an amazing shop to get the beautiful custom monogrammed and umbrella cookies for Little A's shower, and I grabbed some art for 3 Putt as a gift for watching Hogan while I was out of town in January.  I love how it's like an online flea market/treasure chest that I can search from my sofa.  Because, if I am honest, I love accomplishing things while simultaneously sitting on my couch. 

Here are some of my most favorite recent finds on Etsy!

This amazing bubble necklace looks exactly like this one from JCrew that I have been drooling over for about a year and a half.  JCrew lists theirs at a pricey $150.  SheaBay on Etsy has her beautiful bubble necklace {pictured above} for $39.00! She is either practically giving it away or JCrew is even more overpriced than I originally thought. 

I love this nautical knot bracelet. There was a hot pink one available earlier in the week but I think it sold already! Sads. It was so on trend with all the neon that is out there right now.   You can grab this bracelet here  at OMyHeartKate's shop.  

This beautiful necklace in her shop also caught my eye!

Sunday Funday

In honor of Sunday Funday I wanted to do a "fun" post with fun Single Gal woes like dying over shoes and fun places to eat. Life is too short to be so serious all the time. 

Let's talk about the new JCrew catalogue that just came out.  So many dreamy items that are really testing my shopping addiction.  The one item that really jumped out at me was this:

The Mona Pump

Brick Red Mona Pump

Also in a pretty neutral!

Seriously, if I come into a spare $500 I am buying The Mona in both of these colors.  So classy and beautiful. 

And, while we are coveting things...I am also obsessed with blazers right now.  I could wear this outfit in different colors every day and be happy all of fall! 

While I have been having a lot of success with the rest of my budget, I am admittedly still doing a bit of shopping.  But hey, I decided to go to St. Simons with 3 Putt and I grabbed some swimsuit cover-ups on sale. I can't look frumpy on the beach.  And it's so nice to come home to something--even if it's your sweet dog AND a fun package on the front stoop. 

It's been a great weekend--The Housewife and I ran 12 miles on Saturday morning and did lots of prep to make sure they were 12 good miles. Big focus on hydration since it has been so hot, up early to run at 5 a.m. before the sun was up to beat the heat, and gels/water/Powerade to refuel with during the run.  We made it--and we weren't miserable at all.  (We are coming for you Rock and Roll Marathon!)  The legs feel pretty good today, but I did skip some workouts last week due to scheduling conflicts so I was well rested by Saturday.   

Also, I was finally able to dine at Table 1280--the quaint restaurant and lounge at Atlanta's Woodruff Arts Center.  3 Putt and I had a late reservation which meant that we ended up having the entire restaurant to ourselves which was super fun (thanks to our wonderful server who let us finish our bottle of wine without blinking the lights at us to get out since it was past closing time!).  Great food and ambience--I can't wait to go back!  If you are in Atlanta I highly recommend trying out this lovely location for lunch or dinner. How beautiful is this darling eatery outside the High Museum? 

*Midtown Restaurant Week is August 27th - September 4th and Table 1280 will be participating! 

I topped the weekend off with a fabulous catch-up brunch with The Housewife and E, which was a perfect way to start Sunday Funday.  Good food, girl talk, and much needed coffee. Hope you all did some of your favorite things this weekend, just like me! 

Love you. Mean it. 

~the single gal~