My Favorite

sweatshirt: Old Navy, tank: Target, jeans: Shopper's World, boots: Payless, bracelet: bought from a lady on the beach in Jamaica (hey, I like my souvenirs in the form of jewelry!)

Today I had lunch with a few of the girls I work with to make up for a happy hour we cancelled on our last day of work before winter break because although the stress of the finishing everything up before we all left campus for almost 2 weeks probably made us all feel like we needed a few drinks, we were all cool with just heading right home to relax instead. It's nice to have a solid group of co-workers that you actually look forward to spending time with outside of the 40 hours per week we're required to be in the same physical space - I feel fortunate that every job I've had has been like that!

But anyway, I scored this sweatshirt for something crazy like $4 the other day when I headed out with my gift cards to take advantage of the Old Navy after Christmas sales. Did I need another sweatshirt, especially a gray one? No, but I just couldn't say no to that deal. Unfortunately I had the same experience with a pair of black boots today at Marshall's, so that may be a problem I need to work on. :) 

And because I think this is such a fun idea, I'm linking up with Two Birds, showing off my favorite Christmas present for Inspiration Monday. While I am super happy with everything my lucky self was gifted this year, my Michael Kors jacket wins the prize for favorite. Seriously - check that thing out...I'm in love! I'm almost terrified to wear it for fear of damaging it, I love it that much. I pretty much knew I was going to get it from my mother-in-law because I was with her when I first saw it on super sale on Black Friday and freaked out about it, but couldn't bring myself to buy it. That, and my husband told me no, but I only ask him if I can buy something when I know I shouldn't and don't trust that I have the willpower to make that happen! :) What was your favorite gift?!

Quality Time

sweater & jeans: Target, scarf: World Market, tee: H&M, Minnetonka moccasins: gift

After enjoying a few days back home with our families, I'm thankful for some extra time back at our own home to relax and try to get some things done around here. Today's big chore was to clean our bedroom. I've always been notorious for leaving piles of clothes around so it's likely that today was the first day since we moved in that everything was in its place. And it only took 4 1/2 hours to accomplish...I should probably be ashamed of myself for that!

Thankfully I got an early start today, so there was plenty of time to still have some fun too. A trip to another side of town to exchange a Christmas present led to a last minute decision to stop at a nearby old favorite bar of ours for a drink. Then a grocery store errand on the way home to get some supplies for the dinner we had planned to cook turned into a detour for dinner at a local restaurant when we figured out they had a beer on draft tonight that my husband had been trying to track down. Times like that are truly my favorite. No agenda, no stress, just the two of us!

Merry Christmas!

We are headed home for a few days and I'm looking forward to family time, overindulging in good food and drink, and lounging around in my new Minnetonka moccasins - thanks to my sister-in-law and her husband for that perfect gift! I'm sure many of you have already signed off for the holidays and are enjoying the same things I'm looking forward to, but I wanted to check in and say happy holidays to everyone! I'm thankful for all of you that stop by here and I truly enjoy following along with you as well!

Layers

shirt & shoes: Old Navy, sweater: Target, vest: Clothes Mentor, jeans: Gap, necklace: Charming Charlie

I was feeling a little uninspired with this look as I put it together, so I just decided to layer it up and add the vest! For something like $6 for this vest, it's quite possibly the item with the best cost per wear in my closet so it's been worth the investment. :) So how prepared is everyone feeling for the holidays? I'm sure I'm not the only procrastinator who feels like the shopping and errands will never end. I didn't even enjoy walking through Target tonight...who have I become?! Hopefully you've all been at least a little more prepared than me!

Speaking of the holidays, I think they just got a whole lot more special for Beth from The Fashionable Adventures of Bethie the Boo. Head over to her blog to see the adorable new addition to her family - Oliver! While you're there, you can also check out my guest post to read about the outfit I would imagine I would live in if I were a new mom and ever managed to find the energy to put on something other than sweatpants. :)

Back At It

I wish I could say we were in Jamaica this whole time, but unfortunately I've been back to work for a whole week now. Nothing like a long weekend out of the country, right? We had such a great time though and it was nice to be part of a weekend that was so special. While I wish we could've enjoyed the beach, the bar, and our friends for a few more days, unfortunately we had to come home and head back to work. Now I'm just holding on until our winter break - 3 more days!! One of the perks of my job is that they shut the whole university down for winter break and we don't have to back until after the new year. I've already got my to do list going for things that I need to get done over winter break, but I also plan on spending plenty of time curled up with a good book and to catch up on some movies and shows I want to see. I just have to keep reminding myself...3 more days.... :)

Jamaica Bound

long sleeve tee/tunic/sweater: Target, pants: Kohl's, shoes/necklace: Old Navy

We leave for Jamaica tomorrow!! While I wish I would've looked this pulled together today, this was actually yesterdays' outfit. I really liked the layers in this outfit, but I'm excited to get to ditch all those and hang out in cute dresses the next few days. Really though, I'm thankful for this trip. It's a much needed break from work and the whole point of the trip is to get to be there for my best friends' wedding. I'll admit that I'm one of those people who declares 3 people her best friends, but this is the one I've been close to since before kindergarten. She's been such a good friend and I can't wait to be there when she marries the gem of a guy she found. I'm getting a little teary eyed just thinking about it.... :)

Linking up with Because Shanna Said So and The Pleated Poppy! 

Feeling Creative

sweater & shoes: Target, tee: Old Navy, pants: New York & Co., necklace: Charming Charlie

Mixing prints and adding a statement necklace made this outfit feel a little more creative than just combining black pants and a sweater. I seem to think this necklace can go with any color, so I couldn't help but give it a try with this mustard yellow too!

November Budget

Here we go...my November spending recap!

Printed pants from Target - $8.38 for the blue pair and $13.98 for the red printed pair

With this two additions I'm starting to have quite the ankle pants collection. I think I need to slow it down a bit, then add the new plain black pair I really need once the weather is warm enough to consistently show my ankles again.

Leopard shoes from Target - $5.38 for the flats and $8.98 for the heels

The leopard print heels already in my closet have a squeaky heel and the flats already in my closet are probably one more season away from being worn out, so I couldn't help myself when it came to these two purchases. 

Tunics from Target - $12.48 each

Just liked 'em. :)

Blazer from Target - $17.48

I have one that's the same material and fit that I really like, so I couldn't help but add this one to my closet as well. 

Target sweater from Goodwill - $3.99

For only $3.99, I thought it was worth welcoming another neutral layer into my closet. 

The Limited black pants from Discount Fashion Warehouse - $12

These were pretty much a necessity. I had one pair of black pants that are the right length to wear with flats and they're just a little bit tight right now. I blame all the great fall beers for that extra 5 pounds. Here's hoping that the half marathon training I'll begin soon will help. Just don't remind me that by the end of the week I'll be in a swim suit in Jamaica. Eek...

Heels from Lane Bryant from Discount Fashion Warehouse - $12

A little animal print, a moderate heel, and the closed toe makes them professional looking in my opinion! They'll get plenty of wear during the week, which is about the only time I wear heels anymore.

Total = $107.15

Linking up over at Franish...