30 for 30: give me a "v"

{hooray, mission complete!}

"V" is for VICTORY! I'm done! Finito! In kindergarten, I would have gotten a gold star, but today I'll settle for a high five for completing this 30 for 30 Remix challenge. I feel relieved and accomplished. It was a fun challenge, but definitely more difficult than I originally thought, especially toward the end when the amount of time I spent getting dressed increased dramatically. But I made it, and I would recommend this challenge to anyone who has a love/hate relationship, or even minor arguments, with their closet. Now, I hope that my closet and I can kiss and make up. Tomorrow, I'll do a brief recap of my 30 outfits, plus some tips and what I learned during the 30 for 30. 

{this is my winning face}

I want to give a quick shout out to my beautiful friend, Brittany, who turns 28 today! Happy birthday, old lady!

 Today, I'm also thankful for my friendship with Brittany. She and I were inseparable in college, and were often "those girls" at a party, but we didn't care. We had a blast and made some amazing friends along the way. We had a falling out a couple years ago, but have since rekindled our friendship. I am so grateful that we did. Britt always makes me feel good about myself, and I love how she never changes who she is for anything or anyone. 

think about it...

{via}

30 for 30: shine

Yesterday, I came home after work and class to a package from Ashley at The Shine Project. My SHINE necklace had been delivered! I was so excited. I tore open the package and tried it on for size. Perfect. I stumbled upon Ashley's blog about a month ago, and she's such an inspiring woman. The Shine Project is about bringing light to those who need hope in their lives, as well as feeling good about yourself in order to shine your positive energy onto everyone else. Each week, Ashley does a weekly SHINE challenge, which give her readers a positive goal to work toward every day. I bought a SHINE necklace to remind myself to always be confident and positive, and to help others feel good about themselves so that they can shine too. And because the proceeds go to The Shine Project scholarship fund for inner city school students to go to college.

{buy your SHINE necklace here}

Go ahead. Let the world see you shine. Check out Ashley's blog and The Shine Project, and get your own SHINE necklace! Let's all do our part to bring something positive into this world.

Oops, almost forgot to tell you what I'm thankful for today. Today, I'm thankful for my running buddies, Audra and Kristen. Without these two ladies, I wouldn't be able to make it through miles and miles of training for the half marathon in May. Especially, since we were hoping to be running in warmer temps this time of year. Their friendship and motivation have kept me warm on our long runs after work each week. Thanks, friends. 

30 for 30: waiting for spring

A seven-mile run set the tone for my Saturday. I felt amazing. Then I got my hair did - cut and color (to cover up those few pesky grays that seem to keep popping up). And Amy at Studio 605 curled my hair, which made me feel even more fabulous. As you may have noticed I rarely never curl my hair even though I have bought multiple products to do so. But those succulent waves may inspire me to experiment with a new 'do. That night, Mr. Ritter and I headed to a wine tasting benefit for Partners for Paws. I will always support animal shelters, and I will always rescue my pets. There are so many deserving animals who just need some love and a good home.

And on Saturday, I was thankful for Amy at Studio 605. She's adorable and amazing, and always makes me feel like a million bucks walking out of there with fabulous hair. If anyone lives in the New Albany area of Columbus and is looking for a new hair stylist, go see Amy. She's super affordable, too (hair cuts: $35; cut and color $85). You can "Like" Studio 605: Hairstyles by Amy B on Facebook.

I craved sweats pants and sweatshirts all weekend long. And because there are some items in my 30 for 30 that can't be worn due to the January-like temperatures we're experiencing in Columbus, I threw on my cozy Nike half-zip sweatshirt (and my favorite scarf) on Sunday for a day of shopping with Mr. Ritter. We scored some seriously amazing deals on some home goods this weekend. Both beds now have new comforter sets. More on that later.

On Sunday, I was thankful that I didn't have 30 items in my remix so that I could sport a cozy sweatshirt. I just have those days where I don't feel like getting dressed. Especially when it's only 35 degrees the last weekend of March. C'mon, spring!

I'm really diggin' this outfit. It's a great pick-me-up on a Monday when I just wanted to stay warm under the covers all day. Maybe all Mondays would be better if I rocked an awesome outfit. Do any of you purposefully wear a kick-@$$ get-up on Mondays to start your week off right?

Today, I am thankful for the sunshine. Even though it's deceptively chilly outside, the sun helps remind me that spring will come soon...I hope.

30 for 30: pearly whites

{scarf: Target; belt: Forever 21}

I went to the dentist this morning, hence the close up. In my psychology classes, they use going to the dentist as an example of the avoidance-avoidance approach to conflict, which is a choice between two undesirable things: 1) going to the dentist and 2) having a toothache. But I friggin' love going to the dentist. I think it's more the oral surgeon people fear (at least in my case since I keep putting off getting my wisdom teeth out). Anyway, I love the feeling of my teeth after they have been professionally cleaned, polished and flossed. Who's with me?!

And today, besides the dentist, I am thankful for quiet Friday nights at home. I'm looking forward to getting a jump start on my weekend to-do list, or just curling up on the couch with Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner (our April book club book) or a movie and a bowl of popcorn. Which would you choose? But I can't forget to tune in at 9:30 to watch Ohio State take on the University of Kentucky in the Sweet Sixteen. Go Bucks!

Happy Friday and weekend, lovies!

30 for 30: elephant in the room

{necklace and belt: Forever 21}

I wasn't kidding about that elephant. I have to be honest. I have been struggling this week with outfits, well, in particular the last two days. So much so that I have been 15 or 20 minutes late to work. I'm nearing the end of this challenge, and I am counting down the days until I can unleash myself to my WHOLE closet (6)! And can Mother Nature please get her act together here in Ohio?! It snowed over night last night, and I'm hoping that's her last F you before she brings on the sunshine and consistently warmer temperatures. Can I get an "Amen"?!

And today, I am thankful for this little blog of mine.

{via we heart it}

It provided a much needed break from the monotonous and daunting task of editing web content that I've been working on all morning. I love my blogging power hours over lunch. Hello, sanity.

spring blog swap goodies & an introduction

A very BIG thank you to Katie @ The Design Apprentice for my Spring Blog Swap (hosted by Aly @ Analyze This) goodies: retro sunglasses, a mani/pedi nail kit, nail polish, and a scarf all in my favorite color: teal!

She truly captured the essence of my love for the color teal! I can't wait to paint my nails for spring, and of course, sport my favorite accessory - that teal scarf! You'd think that Katie knew me for more than a week! I'm so glad I got paired with her because she is simply adorable. Now, it's your turn to get to know Katie:

Q&A with Katie @ The Design Apprentice

What are your favorite places to shop? 

Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Local Boutiques, Francesca's, EBay

What is your favorite thing about Spring?

Spring is my FAVORITE season because of the sheer anticipation of what's ahead and also the days begin to get longer, plus everything returns to life!

Why did you start a blog?

When I started this blog I was in a horrific dead end job that was filled agony. I created this blog to bring the creative spark back to my life and hone my passions. 

What is at the top of your bucket list?

I want to have a huge family with wholesome family values, as much as that may lack wild adventure my bucket list truly deals with leaving a legacy I am proud of.

What is your favorite food?

I am a sucker for anything with garlic or salt. I love steak, sushi, and Italian most. 

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

I would travel to every country my ancestors are from and visit their homelands: Ireland, Italy, Czechoslovakia, England, Norway, and Sweden.

What is your decorating style?

It adjusts to my surroundings. Ideally it would be shabby french but living in a city high rise leaves room for a modern feel through out. 

What does the type of car you drive say about you?

I drive an suv, it's big and projects what I wish I was. I am very little, but behind that wheel I can own the road.

What is your dream job?

When I was little I began acting and still get such a rush whenever I take any acting courses or participate in theatre. My dream job would be an actress, or a stay at home mom.

Head on over to The Design Apprentice to see my answers!

30 for 30: a daring outfit and a challenge

{necklace: Premier Jewelry. I have on the matching bracelet as well.}

OK, so this outfit isn't that ballsy (sorry if I got your hopes up for something more risque), but I definitely had second thoughts about wearing leggings to work with this sweater as it barely covers my bum. Still, I'm loving the layered look of this outfit, and pairing a necklace with a collared shirt. The red jewelry gives just enough pop of color to add some visual interest. I'm satisfied.

So what is the challenge you ask? Megan @ Pearls and Pears is hosting the Count Your Blessings Challenge. One post a day for 14 days will include something that I am thankful for in my life. There is an award involved, so if you need some sidebar candy for your blog, join the challenge!

{us at our best friends' wedding, October 2009}

Today, I am thankful for the main man in my life: Mr. Ritter. He cooks, he cleans, he picks up dog poop, he makes me laugh, he's full of surprises, and he has amazing red hair complimented with the perfect amount of freckles on his face. I am still overcome with the feelings that I felt the first time I met him. He is my rock. I don't tell him enough how much I appreciate everything he does for me. But he is simply wonderful. I'm one lucky gal.

30 for 30: small victories

Remember the acronym K.I.S.S. (keep it simple, stupid for those living under a rock, or who are wicked genius and skipped second grade) that we all learned in elementary school? Well, I applied it to this outfit. Throughout my remix, I have been trying to use accessories to add some flare and individuality to each outfit. But today, I kept it simple. A plain top, pants and a statement necklace that I've been dying to wear. It was an easy outfit to assemble, but I felt surprisingly put together and timeless. And judging from the picture, I was having a good hair day. Small victories, my friends. 

30 for 30: insert graphic heart here

{Belt: gift from my mom. Bracelets: Kohl's on clearance.}

I friggin' love this outfit. That is all. Happy Monday, lovies.

30 for 30: i need a weekend to recover from my weekend

{Here's a shot of what I wore on SPD night. No, it doesn't count as part of the 30 for 30. Because I said so.}

Let's catch up, shall we? Between St. Patrick's Day and a busy, birthday (5 total) weekend, I have neglected the ol' blog. I hope to get back on track this week (I have lots of posts lined up) and catch up with all of your comments and blog posts. Here's a brief weekend recap: On SPD, I met my girlfriends downtown for a bit, then headed closer to home to watch a friend's band play at a local bar with the hubby and I's mutual friends. On Friday, I celebrated the 27th anniversary of my birth with friends, music and too many shots. On Saturday, my bestie and her husband hosted a joint birthday party for myself and three other friends who have March birthdays. On Sunday, my mom and sister came to visit, and then I hosted book club. Needless to say I'm a bit exhausted, and I need a weekend to recover from my weekend.

{My friends surprised me at the bar for my birthday. Not pictured: my leopard-print flats.}

I wasn't sure about the stripes and leopard print combo when I first thought of this outfit, but I like it. It's a bit unexpected. And I was really into the gold jewelry this past weekend. 

{Hat: American Eagle}

Does anyone else have a problem finding hats to fit them because their head is too small? That is my problem, but when I found this hat at American Eagle, I had to get it because it FIT. Well, it fits better than most hats I try on. I still might have to safety pin it just a tad.