ooto

We're outta here! Well, almost. We're leaving at 3 a.m. tomorrow morning for Myrtle Beach, SC. Mr Ritter and I, along with two other couples will be spending a week on the beach. My favorite part about vacationing at the beach are the sunsets. Stunning.

The boys will be enjoying a little golf.

{all photos from the Internet. Google Myrtle Beach.}

While the ladies and I park ourselves by the pool, in the lazy river, or on the beach. I hear a sandcastle calling my name. And some crab legs. Do you hear it?

Have a good week, luvies!

fashion fridays: to the max

Today, I will no longer be a Fashion Friday virgin. Link up with Kori @ Blonde Episodes.

Yesterday, I saw a girl wearing a super simple, yet summer chic outfit. And it's perfect for my vacation. Exhibit A:

Take a simple black maxi dress and add some bright and neutral hues. Easy peasy. Some maxis tend to look like potato sacks, so add a belt to create shape.

Now, I am craving some maxi dresses in my life. I have plans to hit up Old Navy, Target and Forever 21 after work, in search of the perfect black maxi dress to take on vacation with me.

Quick advice solicitation. I'm a Shorty McShorterton. 5'4". A pretty average female height, I'd say. Does a maxi just call attention to my short stature, or does adding a wedge sandal help balance out the length of the dress and my shortness?

Though I'm asking your opinion, because I trust you won't lie to me (we're friends, right?), I'm still probably going to rock the maxi this summer. I think you should too. Simple summer staple. End of story.

what-to-wear wednesday (on thursday): beach vacation

Right now, my sister and her new husband are on a plane to Cabo. And, in three days, I'll be in a car with some fabulous friends on our way to a couples retreat in Myrtle Beach. Yeah, it's not Cabo, but we'll have a condo on the beach and week away from work. Everyone's a winner.

All week I've been debating what I should pack to wear on vacation. While I plan to spend the majority of my time poolside or on the beach with an adult beverage, we still have a few outings planned that will require appropriate clothing. So here's a little something I cooked up:

Bandeau swimsuit to avoid unsightly tan lines. Check. Old Navy flip flops. Check. Plenty of sundress and light tank tops, skirts and shorts. Check. Fun-colored jewelry and sunnies. Check. And an essential beach bag to carry sunscreen, mags/books, beverages, towel, etc. Checky McCheckerson. Now, if I could just snap my fingers and all this would pack itself that would be fab. A last-minute run to Target and Old Navy may be in the cards on Friday.

Typically when I pack, I roll my clothes in order to fit in more clothes and all my shoes that I will inevitably pack. Do you roll your clothes when you pack? I started doing it about three years ago, and because I don't mind wrinkles (which actually aren't that bad when I roll my duds), I keep doing it.

I also have this tendency to spend hours, yes, hours, packing. Anyone else? I feel the need to try things on and envision where I will wear said outfit on vacation. Am I totally weird? Either way, I'll still be on a beach in three days, suckas!

my sister's (and matt's) wedding

It was a beautiful day to get married. The sun was shining in Canton, Ohio. My sister looked gorgeous. The colors were perfect for the early summer day. I had so much fun celebrating all day with my sister and her new husband, Matt. They are perfect for each other. And I wish them nothing but the best in their marriage. 

I love you both so much! Have fun in Cabo!

{my sisters and I. Casey is the only Fenner left}

{the beautiful bridesmaid bouquet}

{the bride's bouquet}

{loved the flowers in my hair}

{the mr. and mrs. gettin' down}

{what a stunning cake, right?}

I stinkin' love weddings. Congratulations, Heather and Matt!

pour some summer on me

I love participating in blog swaps. Not only do I get to meet fabulous bloggers, but I also get amazing goodies:

My wonderful partner, Janna @ Happiness is a Journey, in the Pour Some Summer on Me blog swap (thanks to Lindsey, Aly, Chelsea and Molly for hosting!) went to town on my package! And it had plenty of teal goodness! Teal flip flops, cute quote napkins, a water bottle, and nail polish ironically named Austin-tatious Turquoise after Janna's city and my favorite color. She sent me her favorite book, The Help, for some beach reading in less than a week, and two fitness magazines and a magazine all about Austin, TX. Thank you so much, Janna! This is perfect!

it's just hair

I would always say: "It's just hair. It will grow back." But then, during my senior year of college, I did this:

{it took my since senior year of high school to get my hair this long!}

Clearly, I was happy about the transformation at the time. I mean look at the before picture again. Nersty! The no makeup didn't help, but my hair wasn't doing me any favors either. For awhile, I played up this short, sassy 'do. I let it grow about another inch, and then I had another bright idea to cut my hair even shorter. I can't bear to post any pics of this 'do. I had super short side bangs and used a round brush on it, which didn't do the cut any justice. I looked like I was 12.

Above is a photo from my cousin's wedding the summer after I graduated college. My hair was growing back out a little, but I still don't think it was working for me. It didn't help that I gained about 15 pounds after college either, which made my face round. The short hair just wasn't doing it for me. So I let it grow for the next four years.

{2008}

{2009}

{2010}

And then I randomly cut bangs during this past winter. I enjoyed this new look for awhile, but knew that I didn't want bangs from the summer. Humidity in Ohio + sweaty bangs stuck to forehead = hot mess.

And here is how long my hair has gotten over the last 4-5 years. I'm happy with the progress, but it was a long one. I like my hair long. Don't argue with me :)

I've decided that I most likely always need some sort of side bangs or bangs, but I've always wanted to grow my bangs out to be the length of my hair. But, again, this is a long process. My hair grows so slow! Do you have that problem? 

Now, I need some cute updos for the summer to help keep me cool. Any suggestions?