So what did I do?

I've been productive this weekend-working, shopping, painting my toe nails.

Here's are some "work" examples...
via me, myself, and I
Shhhhhhhhh! More on this later.
What did I shop for? Why shoes of course!
I've wanted these for some time and they went on sale for $19!
My foot is feeling better and even though I'm not currently ready for heels, I will be shortly. These babies will be waiting for me...
Deena and Ozzy Buckle Bootie
via UO
So yeah, I think it's official, Sundays are my new favorite days. Did I mention that I'll be having Sunday's off from now on? I'm beginning to remember what all the weekend fuss is about.
{Don't forget to enter the Oscar Bodoir Lamp giveaway. Winner will be chosen tomorrow night!}

Nightmares falling on my head...

{Warning- If you're squirmish, you might want to skip to the pictures at the bottom.}
I wouldn't say that I'm necessarily a fearful person, however, there are a couple of things that make my skin crawl...one of them being roaches. Living in the south, roaches, or if you prefer the nicer term "palmetto bugs" are everywhere and regardless of how clean you keep your house, the little shits always find a way in.
B and I recently moved into the top floor of an old house. As the weather got warmer during the spring, I noticed a couple roaches every now and again. My reaction was always the same, scream followed by frantic search for object to kill, or shout for B to come (and he knows to come quickly lest I have a panic attack.)
During my stint as a state social worker, I thought my aversion to "la cucaracha" would dissipate a bit, but no friends, my distaste of them became worse. I used to deal with very difficult situations (i.e. child molesters) with a straight face and professional demeanor, but if there was a roach infestation (slum loards like to keep their tenants in filth) I would squirm, and squeal, and just about pee my pants.
On top of my general aversion and loathing of this hideous creature, I have a fear of roaches falling on me when I'm asleep. A fear, that until now, seen senseless and silly. Last night, a really loud thunderstorm made it's way through Athens. B and I both woke up to listen. The room was dark and I was laying on my back looking out the window. All of sudden, PLOP, right on my head and I KNEW IMMEDIATELY WHAT IT WAS. I like to pride myself on my cat-like reflexes and in one swift movement I raked my hand through my hair, jumped out of bed and screamed. B jumped up too, put the light and immediately said that "whatever" had fallen was no longer there. BAH! I told him I knew the roach was in the bed and about a second later, the BIGGEST FRIGGIN ROACH you've ever seen started making circles on the bed.
Needless to say, I was immediately sick in my stomach and had to skip work this morning because I couldn't sleep. It's like Nightmare on Elm Street at my house, I don't want to fall asleep!!!

Somehow I feel better sharing this with you because I'm seriously traumatized. B plans on having a long talk with our landlord today and I told him to tell the company that if they don't do something I will sue for emotional damage! Ok, I won't really sue, but seriously I'm going to need therapy if this happens again.

If you made it this far in reading, I'd like to reward you with some low-heeled summer shoes for under $100!
These seafoam colored peep-toes are quickly moving to the top of my wishlist.

Seychelles Teardrop Slingback $88
I really like the shape of these wedges and the gold straps are unexpected and kind of disco fabulous.
Cocoa Beach Wedges $99.99
This shoe screams summer soirees and strolls on the boardwalk.
Pink Studio Bradshaw $80.95
I love that this style is coming back "in" because they remind me of my grandmother, which is a good thing.
Knotted Espadrille Wedge $19.50
So, I have to know, am I alone in my irrational (or rational at this point) fears or is there something that makes you jump out of your skin?
{Oh and in case you're wondering how I'm going to treat myself for surviving this event, I've already taken the day off Saturday and I have a massage and mini facial scheduled, as of this morning. HA! Take that stupid roach!}

I'm back from Savannah and the trip, although emotional, actually turned out to be a lot of fun. Don't get me wrong here, I wish that the trip had been under much different circumstances, but I was with some of my closest friends and we made the best of a difficult situation. Thank you for all of you warm thoughts and kindness and please continue to keep my friend in your prayers.

On a more superficial note, on the way back from Savannah we stopped at a local Urban Outfitters (I know I'm on a budget, but following rules was never a strong suit). The "impromptu" trip ended with me spending a bit more money than I had planned, b/c I had planned on spending NO money. But hey, at least I spent my money well and if I'm going to be poor, I'll be stylishly poor. Here's what I bought:

Round Circle Stamp Rug $14
I'll place these two rugs in the stair landing leading to the upstairs space. The stairs double back on themselves so we needed something to bring our decor "down" into the stairwell. They will also serve the purpose of getting the dirt off of our shoes before entering the living area.
Round Indigo Floral Rug $14
This dress is so comfortable and the vertical strips along the side helps lengthen the figure. Had it been horizontal all the way across, it would not have had enough shape for me. I'll throw on a cropped blazer, belt and boots for work and a simple pair of sandals for non-work time. I have a feeling I'm going to live in this dress come summer. You can't see the little pockets at the bottom in this photo, but they sealed the deal for me.
BDG Striped T Shirt Dress $39.99 (sale online) I payed $48 in the store...grrrr.
These sandals are comfortable and the off white will go with pretty much anything. The back zipper make them just a bit funky.
Twist Filigree Gladiator $38
Here are a couple of items I didn't buy but totally would if my self control hadn't kicked in:
Metallic Linen Ruffle Wallet $28
The light gray color and exposed zipper combo are a perfect nod to the 80's. Click here for more exposed zippers.
Silence and Noise Denim Zipper Skirt $68
This belt is the perfect width (any bigger and I'm uncomfortable.) The stretch makes it super easy to wear.
Knot Leather Stretch Belt $24
Ok, so I had been doing really well not impulse shopping, but I think seeing things in person makes my self control crumble. Do you have the same problem? Do you think online shopping allows for more self control or are you able to walk away regardless?

Fly sale (outfit #4)

Bluefly is having an extra 10% off sale today only and it only took me about 5 seconds to find something I REALLY want (maybe I have a problem?).

BCBGeneration satinwood strip linen high-waste skirt $59.92 (from 58.80)
What might I wear with this skirt (you might ask)? Well these other pieces from Bluefly will do. Note- This outfit does not reflect my normal frugality, but I can dream, right?:
Pour la Victoire whiskey leather 'Natasha' Sandals (leather and whiskey, ummmm) $116.10
Tuck this blouse into the skirt for a clean but comfortable look.
Diesel White Poplin 'Spoki' Ruffle bib blouse $129.60
I'd tie this fabulous scarf around my head:
Diane Von Furstenberg yellow leaf print crinkled silk voile scarf $86.40And a beautiful bag to top it all off...
Monserat de Lucca mustard leather 'Artacho' Satchel $229.50

source for all photos: Bluefly
Alrighty, now that I've had my fun, I'm off to grants work again (sigh).

Shoes and Milkshakes

Ok, so I'm feeling sentimental so you'll have to forgive me if I sound cheezy (it doesn't happen often, ok). So, I was feeling quite stressed today with work, the move, and my looming application to graduate school. I had a bad attitude when I got home and just couldn't seem to shake it. I had made a "date" with my mentee for tonight (we'll call her "T") and I was half hoping she'd call and cancel so I could mope around. Well, she didn't and before I went to pick her up I plastered a smile on my face b/c there's no way I was going to ruin our time together. Well, I didn't have anything fun planned and had lots of errands to do so she came along. A little bit of background on "T"-she's in this program b/c one or both of her parents are incarcerated (we haven't talked about it), she's 15 yrs old and due to have a baby in May. I was matched w/her do to my social work background, but even for a social worker, it's a heavy situation. Anyway, we went to Target and I saw a few things I really liked (I hate to post Target for the second time this week, but I can't help myself).

To narrow my finds, I'm going to post green things:
Windi Heeled Sandal -Olive $19.99
*This shoe is greener and more impressive in person

Merona Tote- Green $32.99Kya or Bella could rock this bandana:
Mossimo Retro Bandana $9.99
We found this fabulous green and white maternity shirt, but I can't find a photo of it:( Anyway I encouraged T to look around and choose something I could get her as a small gift. She decided she wanted a salted pretzel and a milkshake! No clothes, no jewlery, just some good ole' comfort food. We went to Chick-Fil-A to get a cookies and cream milkshake for T and a peppermint chocolate chip milkshake for myself. I couldn't wait to try it after Lesley over at Homemade Grits (I have been following her blog for a long time and it is quality) posted about it sometime ago.
source: Chick-Fil-A {via Homemade Grits}
Lesley has fabulous recommendations on just about everything and she was absolutley right about how heavenly this milkshake is...I mean heaven in my mouth good. Needless to say, T and I had a really good time. Spending time with her always puts things into perspective for me. I love that when I'm around her I have to watch what comes out of my mouth b/c it forces me to be more aware of my actions and I love that out of any material item she could have chosen, she chose a pretzel and a milkshake. I forced myself to be in a good mood and guess what? Now, I'm sincerely smiling.

has-beens?

I'm hurting after a full day of work and a night of painting, so I have no idea why I'm thinking about shoes, but here I am, so I'll indulge for a minute. The shoe that's been on my mind is the Swedish Hasbeen. Does it get any more bohemian than this quintessential shoe? Durable, comfortable, and increasingly stylish, I may have to invest (someday). I use the word invest b/c these shoes will cost you a pretty penny ($160-$240), but they look so comfortable and they make me want to go to an outdoor concert or blow bubbles... something wholesome.

They come in a large variety of style and colors. Below are my favorites:


source: Free People




source: Endless
So what do you think...yay or nay?

Wedge alert

Shoe trend this spring: Wedges. Although they aren't my favorite type of shoe, I do find them more comfortable and, therefore, a good shoe for work or long nights out (not that I know what that is anymore since I go to bed way too early). Wedges can be tricky because they can sometimes look juvenile, comparable to a training heel until one is ready for a more grown up stiletto. This reminds me of a particular incident that occurred last year when I wish I was wearing a pair of wedges and not my normal stilettos. I was on my way to interview a child at an elementary school along w/a friend (my intern at the time). We arrived during a fire drill, a FIRE DRILL where all the children were outside. My heel got stuck in my trouser cuff and I proceeded to smack, knees and then torso, into the concrete. Did I mention this happened during a fire drill? Anyway, I digress.

I took a peek around and found a few styles I'm really liking for the spring. I'm particularly attracted to the retro feel of some of these shoes:

Seychelles Women's Lip Gloss Wedge $41.77 (on sale)

source: Endless

This is a serious shoe, but the neutral color makes it very wearable.
"Eman" $89

source: Nine West

The pattern on the heel makes this shoe more interesting:
Pink Studio "Fern"
source: Piperlime

A playful, inexpensive shoe that will carry you through the summer:
"Sassy Espadrille" $24.99
source: Payless

An itty, bitty heel for the less adventurous:
Naturalizer "Rivet" $75
source: naturalizer

A sling back w/a peep toe = very retro
Wicker Park Slingbacks $84.99
source: Modcloth

An last, but not least, an everyday shoe:
Star Sandal $22.99

source: Payless
Alright, so there are lots of inexpensive options. Get to it!

Lusty strappy things

Sandal lust. It's the phenomenon that happens to me every winter's end with even the slightest hint of warmth in the air. It doesn't help that Georgia has been seeing increasingly mild winters and I've begrudgingly given up all hope of seeing snow any time soon. With 70 degree weather this past weekend, I could feel the lust coming on. My toes were unhappily forced into boots and flats because my warm weather clothes are hibernating at the tip top of the closet. I watched enviously as peopled walk around in sandals, flip flops and other yummy warm weather shoes. My feet aren't ready for the exposure...yet, but when they are, I want to be ready. If you think I'm exaggerating about this need/want/desire for new sandals, you are highly underestimating me. These are a few lovelies that I've found, but I know I'll run across many, many more in the coming weeks.

"El Centro" by Joseph Griffin $125

Cocobell "Roman" $68
source: Piperlime

I always get at least one pair of sandals from UO b/c they're cheap and fun. These remind me of my grandfather in Puerto Rico, therefore, they make me happy.

"Ecote Huarache" $38

Black sandals are a must in the workplace and they give me a break from my normal heels.

Ecote Woven Sandal $28Ahhhh...beach anyone?