happy {i hope this freakin' snow melts} weekend

I'm so over winter and this latest snowfall has me thinking that damn groundhog's prediction of an early spring was wrong. Bad groundhog. I'm hoping this weekend will get me out of this winter funk.

I'd like to think that my weekend started yesterday, minus having to work today, of course. My lady friends and I headed out to support puppies, well the Franklin County Dog Shelter, at the Shadowbox Cabaret, a non-profit theatre troupe that self-produces shows which are funny, raunchy, and highly entertaining. The actors are also singers, musicians, and servers; they're multi-talented and amazing. The show was called The Naked Truth, and we had such a great time, we bought tickets last night to see their production of Rent on March 6. We also got free tickets to their Friday Lunchbox show, which we plan to see on my birthday (March 18).

Tonight, Mr. Ritter and I have a date. Dinner and a movie, and a little wine because I said so. He's not feeling all that well (I hope I don't catch it!), but he's a trooper and is still up for some husband-wife QT. I.love.him.

Tomorrow night, I will reunite with my sorority sisters at the Theta Nu alumnae mixer, then we're headed out to celebrate the birth of my grandlittle (if you don't know how sorority families work, you won't learn it here. It can get complicated). In preparation for Saturday night, I revisited my old Theta Nu photo albums on Facebook:

My "immediate" family and I at Homecoming 2010

Alumnae mixer 2009

Alumnae mixer 2008

My one and only little (2005)

Allie (my college roommate) and I at Senior Rec 2006 sporting some sweet hats.

Looking forward to seeing these hoochies/hussies/broads.

I'll also be fitting in some workouts and running, which I'm actually looking forward to. This week has been quite busy, so my half marathon training has taken a back seat. Sunday is reserved for homework. It's almost the end of the quarter, and I'm writing papers like they're going out of style. Two more weeks!

Be sure to tune in next week as I begin my 30 for 30 Remix - 30 items from my closet to make 30 outfits for 30 days.

Happy weekend, luvies!

therapy thursday: addicted

 {via}

Americans love drugs. And I'm not just talking about the illegal ones. Have a headache? Take a pill. Bad day at work? Drink yourself silly. We love taking substances that make us feel better, alter our mood, or control our behavior. In fact, throughout history and in cultures all over the world, experimenting with drugs to alter mood has been popular. And though some people may benefit from the effects of substances, there are those who can't stop.

While they may sound the same, there is a difference between substance abuse and substance dependence. Substance abuse is when the substance takes over one's life and hurts one's functioning. It is a pattern of recurrent use that causes a person to not fulfill their role at work, home or school; to use in physically dangerous situations; to continue using though they have been busted legally; and continued use despite persistent social and interpersonal problems.

Substance dependence is when the drug takes over the person's life. Ever see Intervention on A&E? The person spends all of their time, energy, and resources obtaining and using the substance. A person isn't using to get high anymore, they are surviving on the drug. To stop use causes pains, so they continue to use to avoid pain. Substance dependence is marked by signs of tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, withdrawing from social activities due to use, desire to cut down use without success, and continued use despite evidence of harmful physiological and psychological effects.

 {via}

There are several theoretical approaches to drug dependence:

1. Biological - prolonged use changes the brain processes and structures. Genes may also predispose a person to developing addiction. Do you know that guy (it's usually a guy) in your social group that can drink everyone under the table? He may be able to consume large amounts of alcohol without effect, but he is flooding his brain with alcohol which is changing his brain chemistry. He's more likely to become an alcoholic, because depending on how much and how often he is drinking, his brain and body may begin to rely on the alcohol to function as the alcohol replaces naturally produced neurotransmitters in the brain.
2. Learning - Substance use is a chain of positive and negative reinforcement: Drugs reward the pleasure centers in the brain (plus), and they may help you deal with a stressful situation (minus). People learn to use drugs by association, such as they use when hanging out with certain people or in a certain environment. Drug addiction is an automatic process, i.e. it is hard to break the habit and people use without thinking about it. When the cues a person associates with use are there, the addiction kicks in.
3. Cognitive - A person's attitudes, beliefs and expectations play a role in addiction. If you think Advil will help your headache, you'll take it. If you think drinking will ease your stress, you'll drink. According to my professor, research has shown that the expectations one has about the alcohol content predicts the amount they will consume better than the actual alcohol content of a beverage. Have you ever seen that girl at a party? You know who I'm talking about. The one who's had two drinks and is acting a fool. Yeah, her. She believes that the alcohol content in electric lemonade is going to get her hammered, so after two drinks, she thinks she's drunk, even though the electric lemonade was made with Kamchatka vodka. I was probably her once...in college...a long time ago.
4. Sociocultural - Society is the ocean we swim in, but fish don't know they're in water. Your social surroundings control you when it comes to substance abuse. You do what your friends do, and if you don't,  you get new friends. The best predictor of adolescent drug use is association with drug using peers. Many heavy drinkers in college stop drinking heavily once they're out of college. Think about yourself. Did you drink more in college? Then real life happened, right? Yeah, me too.

Not just one of these theories can predict if someone will become an addict. Substance use and addiction are shaped through an interaction between biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. That's why to treat an addict, you must treat each of these areas of an addict's life.

 {via}

Of the many types of drugs, alcohol is the most devastating. According to my professor, approximately 18 million people in the US have a drinking problem. 11 million suffer from alcoholism. It is the leading drug of choice among young people. Take the short psychological screening for alcohol dependence:

The CAGE Questionnaire

• Have you ever felt you should CUT down your drinking?
• Have people ANNOYED you by criticizing your drinking?
• Have you ever felt GUILTY about your drinking?
• Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or get rid of a hangover (EYE-opener)?

If you answered "yes" to 2 of the 4, you are at risk of a having a drinking problem or being an alcoholic.

 {via}

Drugs are easy to get, easy to use, and it's easy to become addicted. Quitting is difficult because withdrawal is painful and dangerous. If you know someone who needs help, please talk to them. Get them help. Find an addiction therapist who approaches treatment by treating the biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Success is rare, but possible. If you live in the Columbus, OH area and need a referral, email me at hfenner18@yahoo.com.

what i'm loving wednesday

Today, I am loving: 

1. These shoes at Forever 21.

I had a pair like this that I wore nearly every day for two summers, but I had to throw them out last summer because they were disgusting and falling apart. I searched everywhere for a replacement pair and just couldn't find anything. This is the closest thing to that beloved pair that I've seen, and I've already developed an affinity for them. I don't even own them yet...well, not until Friday anyway.

2. These movies:

Unknown

I friggin' love Liam Neeson. He's such a badass, at least in his movies anyway. I could watch him in Taken over and over. I'm a sucker for a hard core, action-packed movie and this one looks like it won't disappoint. It opened last weekend, so I think I might ask Mr. Ritter to go see it with me this Friday. We're not into romantic date nights anyway...haha!

Something Borrowed

Emily Giffin's books are, in one word, amazing. Something Borrowed features a great cast and looks simply fabulous. I already have a date with Audra and Jess to see it, hopefully opening night, in May!

3. The BOGO deal from HOMAGE happening today!

I have been wanting to buy a HOMAGE t-shirt for awhile and I just haven't done it. Now, I can get one for me and one for Mr. Ritter. I've heard great things about these uber comfy, vintage-like tees, and get slightly jealous when I see a fellow female sporting one on Buckeye game days. I'm excited to finally be one of those girls!

4. This dog bed: 

Shawn picked one up for the girls the other day, since Moxyn destroyed their other one(s). She has eaten the stuffing out of many a dog bed in her day. And since that incident, Moxyn has been taking up our bed at night, so we had to do something. We're hoping this dog bed is the answer. Yes, it's orthopedic even though our dogs are only 4 and 3 years old. Doesn't that dog look comfy? I even sat on it and it is pretty cozy. It has foam in it, so hopefully Miss Moxyn will keep her little teefers off! Kilah barely gets off of it, so Moxyn spends a lot of time pouting. I'm sure we'll be purchasing another one soon. Yes, our dogs are spoiled, and no I'm not ashamed of it.

What are you loving today?

get this bride an umbrella

Ella, ella, eh, eh, eh. Sorry, I couldn't resist. But as the matron of honor, I, along with my sister Casey, who is the maid of honor, have been tasked with throwing my sister, Heather, a bridal shower.

{say hi to Heather}

Yesterday, I bombarded her with a slew of questions regarding said shower. The only thing she could tell me were which dates didn't work for her this spring. So I put her to work on a guest list. She's pretty easy going, though she's quite the planner, but she trusts my taste, so I'm hoping she'll be on board with my ideas.

First, for the shower invite, I'm thinking something funky like this (don't know why I couldn't save the photo, oh well). Or maybe just a bride holding an umbrella with some rain falling? I just want something fun.

Second, I'd love to choose a date in May (May 14 or 15?) or even the last weekend in April when the weather is warm enough to possibly  have the shower outdoors. I'm thinking a pavilion in the park near my parents' house. Of course, I'll run this all by Heather first (insert innocent smile here).

Third, I want to keep costs down, so I would enlist the help of my mom and Casey to help me prepare food. We would also have a blast doing little DIY decor crafts. Here are a few decor ideas I've found using Heather's wedding colors - mermaid and tangerine (teal and orange to you).

{all photos via The Knot}

Some type of orange punch or sangaria is a must. I love the idea of simple table centerpieces by using mason jars filled with a couple orange flowers (I don't have a green thumb, so I can't tell you what kinds of flowers those are). I'm dying to use little note cards tacked to oranges to label all the food and drinks. Though I love the hanging lantern-type things or whatever you want to call them, but I'd probably opt for making tissue paper puff balls (again, whatever you call them) to hang from the ceiling of the pavilion. Obviously, we can't leave out the teal, so we could use teal napkins, plates, cups, you name it. And even work the teal into the desserts.

Speaking of desserts, I think having a create-your-own cupcake bar would be a fun and delicious way to involve guests, while also sending them home with a cupcake party favor. See, look how cute:

{via The Knot}

Of course, I can't forget about the bridal shower games. I'm thinking maybe Fill in the Blank Vows, or a trip down Memory Lane, or the infamous Bridal Bingo. Or maybe a photo board where guests have to guess how old Heather was in each photo. There will certainly be prizes, per bridal shower game etiquette. What are good bridal shower game prizes? I'd probably go for a Starbucks gift card or a goody bag of Bath & Body Works candles and lotions. No?

Needless to say, I'm pumped to start planning Heather's bridal shower. Wish me luck as I present my ideas to her this week!

go red and move your body

Yes, you've already heard it. And yes, I'll say it again. Exercise is good for your heart. The American Heart Association says as little as 30 minutes of walking a day provides heart healthy benefits. So if you're not getting in at least 30 minutes of some type of physical activity each day, what's keeping you from taking that first step? We're talking about your heart here, people. Maybe it's a lack of motivation or time? Here are my three pieces of advice:

1. Have a workout buddy. Right now, I'm training for a half marathon, and I couldn't imagine running without Audra and Kristen. We keep each other motivated to push through those long runs, and to even show up to run at all. I also attend several weekly workout classes at the gym in my complex. I have established friendships with some of the other women in the classes, which is a good reason to show up each week. The trainer is also motivating because she truly cares about helping me achieve my health goals, and she pushes me, sometimes harder than I think I can handle, to give each workout a 100%.

2. Make time. At the beginning of each week, I look to see what days I have time to work out and I write my workouts into my planner. I have found that if my workouts are scheduled, just like any other obligation during the week, I am more likely to workout. 

3. Set realistic goals. Whether you rarely or regularly exercise, it helps to stay motivated if you have a goal. My goal is to work out at least three times a week, but if I have more time, I take advantage of it. I have had the most success establishing a regular exercise routine when I have set this goal for myself, rather than setting a goal to lose X amount of weight. But everyone is different, so set goals that are appropriate for you. Don't be afraid to start small.

Whether you walk, run, dance, bike, swim, or any other form of exercise, you are helping to keep your heart healthy. The American Heart Association has great tips for getting started for long-term success, so get off your tookus, move your body, and flex your heart muscle!

therapy thursday: stuffing

We all have bad days. Totally normal and nothing wrong with it. We all have our own ways of releasing the tension, sadness, anger. I find a tough workout or bitch session with a friend who's willing to listen is helpful. Do you think this was Moxyn's version of a bitch session?

{naughty puppy}

Sometimes you just have to let it out. So rip that stuffing out (your feelings), see it for what it is, pick it up, and throw it away. Ahhhh, now that's better. Feelings, like stuffing, serve a purpose, but in the end, they are just feelings. How we choose to acknowledge them and move on from them can make all the difference.

what-to-wear wednesday: mid-winter getaway

I've said and I'll say it again, I need a vacation baaaaaad (June can't come soon enough). Winter seems to drag on forever and a little mid-winter break helps to rejuvenate me. Or at least it did last year when Mr. Ritter and I jetted off to Cozumel, Mexico for a week for our belated honeymoon at the end of last February (if you didn't hear the story, here it is. And this one. And some photos.). I wish we were packing our bags right now to go back. Ugh.

While on our honeymoon, we met two lovely couples - one from Minnesota and one from Michigan. Our Michigan friends, Bethany and Luke, are lucky enough to be headed back to Mexico this month. I cannot put my jealousy into words. Anyway, Bethany asked me to put together a little What-to-Wear Wednesday to help her pack for her vacation. Here are a few of my mid-winter getaway must-pack pieces:

Take plenty of sundresses and clothing options in bright hues. Not only have these items been hiding all winter, but they are perfect for Mexico or any sunny, beach destination. Having been to Mexico in February, I know it can be windy and chilly at night, so pack a versatile cardigan that you can throw on over any of your outfits. The new knit cardigans from Old Navy are perfect because they are light, but cozy, and you can roll the sleeves up or down depending on the temperature. Also, pack a pair of jeans just in case. I find dark jeans are easiest to dress up or down. And don't over pack when it comes to shoes (the checked bag limit is 50 pounds, you know). Pack one pair of flip flops for the beach and sandals in neutral tones, like black and beige, that can be worn with multiple outfits.

Obviously, don't forget your sunglasses and swimsuit (and sunscreen!). Bethany is a blonde with fair skin, so, according to Yahoo!, she should wear swimsuits in shades of pinks/reds, blues, or greens, and avoid pastels. So I opted for a bright pink swimsuit for her.

I find it easier to pack when I know how I'm going to wear each piece of clothing I shove in my suitcase. It also helps me to not over pack. So here are a few outfit ideas for Bethany that I envision from these must-pack items:

While Bethany is off flaunting these outfits in Mexico, I will be stuck in Ohio praying for temperatures to stay above freezing. Oh winter, why do you make me hate you so?

happy valentine's day

The day has come. The day you either love or hate. But whether you're single or taken, I hope you have somebody to love today. I am lucky enough to have this guy:

We decided to postpone our V-Day celebration until Wednesday night to avoid the restaurant crowds. But I did leave Mr. Ritter his Valentine's Day card on the counter this morning, so he'll see it the moment he walks in the house from work. We're not big on gifts for this Hallmark holiday, but a card is always sweet or hilarious if you're us. Just a little something to say 'I love you' in the midst of our chaotic lives.

Also today, send some love via Facebook. Become a fan of Macy's and for every valentine you send through their Facebook page, Macy's will donate $1 to the Go Red for Women movement.

Now, some lovely things:

"I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love." 

- Mother Teresa

"You can close your eyes to the things you do not want to see, but you cannot close your heart to the things you do not want to feel."

"Love is just love. It can never be explained."

The Beatles said it best.

"Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning."

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."

{all photos via we heart it}

have a lovely weekend

With Valentine's Day sneaking up on us there's no doubt that love is in the air this weekend, as well as really long waits at your favorite restaurants. I'm don't know what Mr. Ritter and I have planned to celebrate, but I do know that I plan to make these (thank you to Kristen at A Kapple a Day for sharing):

{recipe and photos here}

Have a lovely weekend!

taking the country out of cowboy boots

Heather over at Classy & Fabulous asked me to help her create some outfits to wear with these cowboy boots (ahem, cowgirl boots) she bought and has never worn:

These boots were made for walking, but Heather told me she is struggling to put together an outfit with these cowgirl boots that doesn't make her look straight off the farm (not that there is anything wrong with farms). For inspiration, I turned to country crooner Taylor Swift, who (well, her stylist) has a knack for pairing cowgirl boots with just about anything and looking adorable and chic.

{'nough said}

Typically when I think about cowgirl boots, I instantly think dresses. So I shopped Polyvore for some dresses that would give that chic, urban vibe without the rural flare.

My advice: Think about pairing cowgirl boots, which can be rustic and masculine, with delightfully feminine pieces. Choose lace dresses or dresses with embroidered details. And don't be afraid to be edgy by adding a leather jacket. A LBD also goes a long way. And if you choose to wear a floral-patterned dress, tone down the pattern with a neutral, solid-colored cardigan. Maybe add a belt for some extra oomph.

I also wanted to give some variety to the outfits by creating some that paired boots with jeans, shorts and skirts.

Again, go for feminine details like flowers, sequins, or embroidery. For winter, try matching cowgirl boots with chunky sweaters. A plain white t-shirt is always a possibility because you can always add girly pieces like jewelry to balance out the boots.

 

I hope these outfits give Heather (and you) the confidence to bust out your cowgirl boots more often. I just inspired myself too!

couch cuties

Our couch needs new pillows because the $10 ones I purchased at Wal-Mart (don't judge me based on where I shop) are no longer coming clean after the puppies drool on them (gross!) or when I use them as a TV tray. Lately, I've been drawn to pillows with words or initials on them to mix with other prints and patterns. I was perusing Etsy today and found these gems:

So simple:

{via Nesta Home}

So true:

{via yourhomebasedmom}

Can I get an R please?:

{via nextdoortoheaven}

We are these people:

{via Word Garden}

And I just thought this one was funny:

{via Tanya Palmer}

therapy thursday: sometimes there is no quick fix. or why diets don’t work.

I heard on a radio commercial this week that time is the currency of our generation (or something to that affect). And it’s true. People will do anything to save themselves time. I’m just as guilty as you (obviously, I assume you’re guilty too). I’m not saying this is wrong. In fact, we can’t help it. Humans are designed for short-term thinking and reward.

 {via}

Think about it. Credit cards, drugs, diets are all designed to give you a quick fix. Don’t have the money? Use your credit card to by that v-neck sweater from Express that you already own in three other colors. Dealing with some deep personal issues that are painful to think about? Snort some coke or shoot some heroine, you’ll feel better in no time. Gained a little extra poundage over the holidays? Jump on the Weight Watchers/Jenny Craig/South Beach bandwagon.

See all quick fixes to keep you happy. But the thing is, if you don’t change your behavior or attitude, credit cards, drugs, and diets only satisfy you for a little while. Soon you’ll be maxing out multiple credit cards and in debt up to your ears. You’ll be a drug addict with a runny nose. You’ll give up the diet because counting points takes too much effort, and you really just want to gorge on some cheese dip or cheesecake.

{via}

Changing your body and your mind take more time. If you want long-term fixes, you have to do the work. Save a little money from three month’s worth of paychecks to go on a shopping spree. Talk to someone or journal about what you’re going through and feeling. Stop buying snacks at the grocery store and stock up on fruits and veggies. There is no quick fix for developing new spending, attitude, or healthy habits. Or any new habit for that matter.

{via}

If you truly want to change your behavior, your attitude, your situation, your body, anything, ask yourself, “Can I do this forever?” and “Can I live like this?” You can’t survive on water and lettuce, that’s why diets don’t work. Real change takes time and commitment. I want to change my body, so I am scheduling workouts at least three days a week, actually putting them in my planner and doing my best to stick to my schedule. I get grumpy if I miss a scheduled workout, and I take advantage of unplanned free time to spend a half hour in the gym. And I’ve just committed to running my third half marathon in May. It’s not easy, but it will be worth it.

{via}

It’s the little things you do every day to make change happen in your life that are key to your long-term success. If you can’t stand the short-term discomfort, you won’t get the long-term reward.

what i'm loving wednesday

I have never participated in Jamie's What I'm Loving Wednesday, but I thought I'd give it a shot. So today I'm loving:

1. The Jan./Feb. edition of Rue magazine. It's full of fabulous home decor ideas. 

2. These colorful, budget friendly prints from 20x200 that I found while browsing Rue mag today:

{Ideal Bookshelf 101 by Robert Verdi}

{Winter Flags (East Village, New York) by Youngna Park}

{Paris by Gregory Krum}

3. These beautiful fabrics by Thomas Paul that I found again via Rue mag:

4. The dream of having my own walk-in closet that looks something like the one Mr. Big made for Carrie in Sex & the City:

 5. Kendi Everyday, which I discovered today thanks to Megan at Skinny Mirror!

Clearly, I've had houses and clothes on the brain today! Now, tell me what you're loving and link up with Jamie!