happy haunting weekend

Halloween weekend is here. A few friends and I were talking recently about how, as we have gotten older, we have become less fearless. I cannot visit haunted houses or watch scary movies like I used to. I know it's all fake, but the anxiety of being scared crapless has proven too much for me in my older age (of 26). Does anyone else have this problem? My little sister used to petrified of the Scream mask, but right now her Facebook status reads how excited she is to go to the Seven Floors of Hell haunted house tonight. Seriously, seven floors?! I'd pee my pants just walking in the door.

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But despite my fear of being scared (ironic much?), I do enjoy attending Halloween parties. I will be making an appearance at two parties this weekend - tonight will be full of old friends and tomorrow night I'll hang with the usual homies. I must warn you that my costume is not that creative, but at least I follow the rules by donning some type of outfit I wouldn't wear on a daily basis (pictures coming next week). To be honest, I have never been that creative with my costumes. I usually just overpay for a store-bought one and call it a day. Maybe one of these years a good idea will strike me and I'll go all out. What are you dressing up as this year? Well, whatever you're going as, have a spooktacular time!

During this same weekend last year, Mr. Ritter and I stood beside our best friends, Rik and Kristen, as they said 'I do.' We had the absolute pleasure of being the matron of honor and the best man, and to give funny speeches at the reception. They are our partners in crime. Rik and Mr. Ritter enjoy intense games of Madden, while Kristen and I enjoy wine dates. We've become like family. Congratualtions, Mr. and Mrs. Menchen on your first wedding anniversary. Love you both!

Happy haunting weekend, lovies!

treasure your chest

Boobies. Titties. Melons. Breasts. Ta Tas. Jugs. Hooters. Knockers. It doesn't matter what you call them. They are all at risk. October is breast cancer awareness month, but all year long women are fighting for their lives against this disease; women you may know - your mom, sister, aunt, grandma, best friend, you. My aunt battled breast cancer and won. My sister found a lump that luckily turned out to be a cyst. If you love 'em, touch 'em. Early detection is key, so ladies, don't be afraid to feel yourselves up.

repeat after me

Breathe slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth, and repeat after me:

Feel better? I do.

a birthday and an anniversary

Today, there is a two-for-one special on shout outs.

Happy birthday to my GHLP/H2, Heather! She's currently in Ireland drinking a Guinness and celebrating her birth 27 years ago. Our friendship truly blossomed our junior year of college in NYC while on a conference trip for our student newspaper, of which we were co-editors in chief. We're dorks like that. The trip fell over my 21st birthday, and she was the only one there to help me celebrate it. We paid $30 to get into some creepo club. We made the best of it. Together we have enjoyed long walks, deep conversations, laughs, tears, and many quotable moments. Enjoy your day, darlin'!

Happy anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. Truxall. This wicked awesome couple got married four years ago. Mr. Ritter split his pants at their wedding while breaking down on the dance floor. We still laugh about it. These two are truly made for each other. The epitome of love and a healthy marriage. They are good, classy people. Much love to you both!

what-to-wear wednesday: halloween masquerade

I have wanted to host a masquerade party for what seems like forever. And as long as I have had visions of this party (decor, food, lighting, music, the whole shebang), I have had visions of what I'd wear to said party. This outfit is certainly in the running: an elaborate feathered mask (it must have feathers!), a little black dress with simple black pumps or booties, and some fun bling (the more the merrier). Now, I just need to make the time to get on the ball with this partaaaayyy!

P.S. Don't forget to enter the RIS giveaway before Sunday, Oct. 31! Enter now!

giveaway

I bought this skirt from Forever 21 back in the summer, thinking I'd wear it. It still has the tags on it. So instead of letting it just hang in my closet unworn for months and months and months (I have a tendency to do that), I thought it was the perfect candidate for my first blog giveaway!

It's a size small, cream colored, lace skirt. The shell is 100% polyester and the lining is 95% polyester and 5% spandex.

To enter to win, tell a friend about this blog, be a follower and leave a comment on this post with your email address by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31. I will use a random number generator to pick the winner. Good luck, lovies!

weekend plans

Tonight will kick off the weekend on a fun, but sad note. I'm hanging out with coworkers to wish one of my faves good-bye. I hate to see her go, but she's amazing and deserves this opportunity. Good luck in Wisconsin, Andrea!

{a lil taste of campus today}

This weekend is also Homecoming at my alma mater. I'm excited to see old friends, catch the parade, visit my sorority house, and hug lots of people on Saturday. It's always a fun little time, and it makes me giddy to see so many friends so happy to reconnect. I don't stop smiling all day.

Saturday night, I will be hitting up the young alumni event for a bit, then head to Heather and Jess' annual Halloween/Birthday bash. I still have no idea what I'm going to be this year. I hope an idea comes to me in the next few hours.

{Mr. Ritter and I, Halloween 2009}

On Sunday, I'm hosting book club and I still have some shopping to do to prepare for that evening. I haven't even had time to read this month's book, but hopefully I'll get to it soon...ish.

Be sure to stay tuned next week for a little giveaway on RIS. Happy weekend, lovies!

emily's skirt

My friend Emily emailed me with a fashion question. She told me she had found a pink/gray floral skirt at Old Navy (she and I are HUGE ON fans. Holy affordable!) that she really wanted, but didn't know what to wear it with. She mentioned wanting to try pairing the skirt with a chestnut belt and boots. However, she found herself resorting to her usual black/gray hues. Here is my solution:

I wanted to give her some easy outfits, ones she could wear to work or out and about, in colors she feels comfortable in, while also mixing in the chestnut she asked for. What's your favorite?

bright idea

Mark my words, one day my house will have a chandelier. At least one, or two. Maybe in the kitchen, a master bedroom, or a den. Really it doesn't matter where, I just want a friggin' chandelier. I love the statement they make in any room, complementing any decor.

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Honestly, I would love to buy an antique, rustic chandelier complete with crystal detailing and give it a contemporary makeover. I'd paint it black or red. Have any of you done a DIY project like this? I'd love to know how you did it and see photos!

falling whistles

My dear friend, Courtney led me to this place. A place that tells the story of children in the Congo kidnapped from their homes and forced to fight in one of history's deadliest wars. Some of these children are too small to even carry a gun. Their only weapon is a whistle. Their job is to scare the enemy by making as much noise as possible, then surrender to the first round of enemy bullets. They are Falling Whistles.

It's a horrific.sad.maddening.unbelievable reality. We call America the home of the brave, but some of the bravest people live half a world away. And they are only children. Watch the video. Read their story. Buy a whistle.

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100 percent of the proceeds go to help rehabilitate war-affected children in the Congo and fight for their freedom. I'm buying mine. Will you buy yours?

sisters

They are more than family, they are true friends. They inspire me. They make me proud. I love you both so much.

{I used to think we didn't look alike.}

{photos by Matt}

just bust a move

I had to share this photo, taken at a friend's wedding, of me and Mr. Ritter breaking it down on the dance floor. And let's not overlook Jess and Derek behind me bustin' a move. It's been a hot topic on Facebook, and is totally profile pic worthy. This is the random awesomeness I love in my life.

Happy weekend, lovies!

what-to-wear wednesday: wine date

I'm not much of a coffee drinker, so I'm more likely to opt for a wine date to catch up with a friend. For me, wine and fall go hand-in-hand (though I could drink wine any time of year). And sipping on a glass of wine makes me feel sassy and sophisticated, so why not dress the part in a casual blazer and skinny jeans paired with fun animal print flats and accessories? I love this look. 

 

And I just have to give a shout out to my favorite place to go for a wine flight, the Wine Guy Wine Shop at Creekside in Gahanna, which was named Best Wine Shop 2010 by Columbus Alive.KRuff and I can sit at the bar in this quaint bistro for hours (we are planning our next visit as I type). And while it's great for ladies nights out, Mr. Ritter and I have also enjoyed a romantic date night there too. I highly recommend checking it out.

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virtual addiction

Almost every day I visit Forever 21. Call it an obsession, but now it's just part of my typical daily routine. I head straight to the new arrivals page and proceed to add new items to my shopping bag. I load up my virtual shopping bag as if money is no object. It's my "pretend" retail therapy because I rarely have the extra cash to feed my shopping addiction. As of today, my shopping bag has 37 items in it. Here's a peek:

This weekend, I plan to do some semi-needed shopping with trips to my favorites (Forever 21 and Old Navy), plus a visit to New York and Co. for some dress pants and Victoria's Secret for some undies. I'm also hitting up Target and Old Time Pottery since I didn't get around to it last weekend.

I have Columbus Day off, so I'm hoping for a productive three-day weekend. Have a good one, lovies, and enjoy the sunshine.

birthday love

Today, my sister, Heather hits the quarter of a century mark. Happy 25th Birthday, sis!

{photo by yours truly}

Being born only 18 months apart, we've always been pretty close. But as we've gotten older and haven't had the luxury of seeing each other every day, we've developed a wonderful relationship. I love that she calls me for advice on fashion and life. I admire her for her strength, her courage to always stand up for what she believes in, and her humor. I love her dearly.

rah rah

This weekend I spent much of my time with my cheerleaders. Friday night, my girls cheered at the Homecoming game.

 {my JV girls}

 {CW was a sophomore Homecoming attendant}

Late Saturday morning, we had a JV game in Dublin.

Early Sunday morning, all the cheerleaders supported the walkers at the 2010 JDRF Walk at OSU's Ohio Stadium (sorry no photos).

Don't worry, I too got in on the rah rah action by cheering for the Buckeyes on Saturday. So, all around a very peppy weekend. Go team!

octoween

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October is the perfect fall month. And just as October has now snuck up on me, so will Halloween, and I've yet to prepare the Ritter household with seasonal/holiday decor. This weekend, I hope to find time to get some decorating accomplished as I've been inundated with ideas the last two weeks. This undoubtedly means trips to Old Time Pottery and Target!

I plan to follow Lindsay's instructions to create my own Halloween wreath. Here are some other ideas I've come across:

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I also plan to have a pumpkin carving party, even if it's just me and Mr. Ritter, using tips from Miss C.S. This year, I want to try roasting the pumpkin seeds (is it weird that I've never done that?).

I've also been thinking about what I want to be for Halloween. Rather than spend a bunch of money on a costume I will most likely only wear once, I try to get creative by using clothes I already own, so I only have to purchase a few items to complete the look. Last year I was a pirate, using items I already owned - white tank, black gaucho pants, a scarf around the waist, a bandana and excessive bling. The year before that I was a flapper, again using all my own items except for making a feathered headpiece - black tiered dress, black pumps, and an extra long string of pearls.

At the end of the month, I am hosting our book club meeting and, after coming across a festive article in my Women's Health magazine, I plan to use that time to double as a creepy cocktail party. I am already collecting drink and food recipes, like Lindsay's super cute candy corn cupcakes. Any recipes you want to throw my way would be lovely. Just leave a comment!

I hope to be able to post some pics of my fall/Halloween decorations next week (but please don't hold your breath, I'm a busy woman so I can't make any promises).

Happy weekend, lovies!