11 x 4

Put your calculators away, kiddos.

This is not a math lesson.

{the answer is 44. Yes, I double-checked on a calculator.}

Trust me, I have no patience when it comes to teaching.

There is this game of blog tag going around asking you to do things in groups of 11.

But I am going to be a party pooper {I'm saving all my energy for this weekend, please don't throw vegetables at me!}, and only kinda sorta play along.

I'm just going to answer the random questions that Kelsey, Ellie, Callie and Mary asked me.

I'm not even going to post the rules.

Rebel.

First, Kelsey's questions:

1. What is your greatest fear?

Being asked this question. 

Seriously, I hate this question because I feel like I never have a good answer. 

Do I go for petty fear or big fear?

How about both.

Petty: That my hair dryer will stop working mid blow dry.

Big: Death. We are wired for survival, folks. I wanna live!

2. What is one item in your life you couldn't live without?

If you ask Shawn, he'd say my iPhone.

If you ask me, I'd say my iPhone. But don't tell him that ;)

3. Best moment of your life?

Seeing Shawn for the first time my freshmen year of college.

I still remember what I was wearing - light blue khaki-type pants (in a size 0! Wow, those days are over) and a maroon t-shirt. Clearly, I've been a fashionista my whole life ;)

Little did I know at that moment how much his friendship and love would change my life.

4. If you could travel to any country, where would it be and why?

My family is from Italy, so I am dying to go there.

But I'd probably like to visit Ireland first. 

I love me some redheads ;)

And I hear the Irish know how to party.

5. Favorite rap song?

Does Ice Ice Baby count?

I pride myself on knowing all the lyrics :)

6. First famous person crush?

Either JTT or Devon Sawa.

Who could resist JTT in Home Improvement or Devon in Casper?

Of course, Mr. Timberlake quickly came into the picture, and then I was all like JTT and Devon Sawa who?

7. Most embarrassing moment?

Middle school. Rail thin. Glasses. Braces. Frizzy hair. Terrible fashion sense. Cringe.

8. Favorite TV show?
Criminal Minds

9. Favorite part about blogging? 

Learning how to be myself and be real with all of you.

Thanks for the free therapy.

10. Do you prefer city or country?

City. I bore easily.

11. Best thing about blogging?
Meeting bloggers in real life!

______________________________________________________________

Ellie's questions:

1. What your biggest pet peeve?

People who drive under the posted speed limit.

2. Who's your favorite author?

Jodi Picoult

3. What's the next vacation/trip you're taking?

Either to Charleston/Chicago/NYC or Cozumel.

4. Who will win the Super Bowl.

Don't care.

Patriots.

5. What's your dessert of choice?

Cookies and cream ice cream.

Preferably in blizzard form from DQ.

6. If you could have a superhero power, what would it be?

The ability to fly.
I'd save so much money on airfare.

7. Best thing about blogging?
Repeat: Meeting bloggers in real life!

8. Would you rather drive in rain or snow?

Rain.

9. What kind of car do you drive?

Technically, our 2012 gray Ford Escape is my baby. 

But I also drive Shawn's 2011 black Ford Fusion.

10. How do you spend your free time?

Working out. Blogging. Reading. Watching TV. Napping. Shopping. Getting my nails done.

You know, chick stuff.

11. If you could meet a celebrity, who and why?

Kendi from Kendi Everyday.

I don't know if she's a celebrity, but she has more than 12,500 followers.

So she's at least D-list celeb status.

Plus, she's hilarious.

And I want to raid her closet.

_______________________________________________________________

Now, Callie's questions:

1. What's your favorite sports team and why?

The Ohio State Buckeyes.

No explanation needed.

2. If you could only wear jeans or dresses the rest of your life, which would you pick?

Jeans.

3. Name the top 5 states you'd still like to visit:

California, Hawaii, Texas, Maine and Oregon.

4. What's your biggest guilty pleasure?

Chipotle. Two days in a row.

5. If you could fly anywhere in the world for 10 days, all expenses paid, where would it be and who would you take with you?

Africa.

I'm indecisive and don't want people to feel bad if I didn't pick them, so I'd keep it simple and just go with Shawn. Then no one is disappointed they didn't get picked.

6. What's the best present you've ever given?

A shoulder to cry on.

7. What's the best present you've ever received?

Acceptance.

8. Name the person who comes to mind when I say "best friend." What makes him/her so special?

Shawn.

He accepts me for me - all the crazy, silly, indecisive, random parts of me.

Wholeheartedly.

9. Tell me someone awesome {and not annoying} to follow on Twitter.

@runinstilettos

10. Who's your celebrity crush?

Current: Joshua Bowman from Revenge.

Source: theberry.com via Crystal on Pinterest

If you don't watch that show. Don't start in the middle. Catch up on Hulu or wait until Season 1 comes out on DVD.

11. Give me a good quote to live by:

"Without struggle, there can be no progress." - Fredrick Douglass

______________________________________________________________________

Mary's questions:

1. If you could live anywhere at any point in your life, where would it be?
Charleston, SC

2. Are you a morning or a night person?
There's no option for all day person?
Sometimes my morning person gets upset with my night person.

3. How do you keep in touch with friends who may not live near you?
Blogs!
And Twitter.
And Facebook.

4. Pop or soda?
Pop.

5. Do you plan everything, are you spontaneous, or can you balance both traits?
I'm a planner. In the most OCD way at times.

6. Favorite way to spend a Friday night?
Curled up on the couch in sweatpants, watching crime shows.

7. Favorite way to unwind?
A good workout.

8. Coffee or tea?
Both. Neither.
Depends on the day.

9. How would you describe your style?
Mine.
Uh, simply eclectic?

10. How and when did you spend your favorite weekend getaway?
In Put-In-Bay with my lady friends.

11. When was the last time you did something for the first time?
Yesterday.
I had cereal and wine for dinner.
#winning

_______________________________________________________________

If you made it through all of that, you must have a lot of time on your hands.
Maybe you learned something new about me.
If not, you probably skipped straight to the end.
I don't blame you.
That took a long time.
I'm pooped.
P.S. Don't forget to enter my blogiversary giveaway!

blogiversary giveaway

IT'S HERE!!!

Running in Stilettos' official Blogiversary Giveaway!

I am so excited to host this giveaway for you all - like pee my pants, spirit fingers excited - and of course to celebrate 3 years of blogging goodness.

I will share my blogging journey - everything from my rocky beginnings to my humble present - with you on the actually blogiversary, Sunday, Feb. 5.

This weekend, I am hosting a wine tasting party at my mini house condo for the local bloggers that I have had the absolute pleasure of meeting over the past couple of years {sorry, my house doesn't hold many, but just know that I love each and every one of you!}.

FYI - RIS will be accepting gifts for her BIG 3 in the form of cold hard cash, Chipotle and wine. No exceptions.

So, wanna know what you can win?!

Without further ado, I present the RIS Blogiversary Giveaway:

#1. A set of 4 handmade coasters from the Elegant Elliephant 

Ellie, the owner of this adorable Etsy shop, is one of my real life friends with whom I went to college and enjoy craft nights. She also blogs here.

Ellie hand-makes all of these coasters in her basement and even does custom coasters!

The winner will receive a set of the rose {top right pic} coasters.

Aren't they gorgeous and so unique?!

#2. 8x10 Travel Bird Letterpress Poster from The Hive Studio

{frame not included}

Lindsey Bee, the owner of this amazingly creative Etsy shop, is another real life friends with whom I went to college. She also blogs here. Go check her out!

Lindsey is to-die-for creative and makes beautiful calligraphy posters, custom calligraphy stamps and takes absolutely stunning photos!

I chose this print from her shop because I love to travel and explore new places, and I loved this quote!

#3. All-In-One Organizer from Thirty One Gifts via Lindsey

Lindsey, who blogs over at Life is Full of Perks and is also a Thirty One Gifts consultant, has graciously allowed me to giveaway this adorable dotted all-in-one organizer bag.

Who does love new bags?!

And isn't this one so stinkin' cute?!

Lindsey and I are friends in real life, and she is the gorgeous mommy to two studly little guys. Go check her out!

#4. Custom Canvas Sign from Phase Three: Simple Art, Sincere Heart

 

Bethany, the owner of this crafty Etsy shop, hand paints these uber cute signs - perfect for teachers, wedding/anniversary gifts, your office door, and your home.

She is giving away one custom canvas sign to the winner, so think about your ideal color combo and the name, words or quote you'd like on your very own sign!

And did you notice the cute ribbon she uses to hang the sign? Swoon.

So there you have it, love muffins.

A crafty, chic giveaway.

Now, here's how to enter:

{leave a separate comment for each, and make sure you leave your email if its not linked in your profile}

Be a follower of RIS - 1 entry

Like RIS on Facebook - 1 entry

Follow RIS on Twitter - 1 entry

Blog or tweet about this giveaway {and include a link to the giveaway and include @runinstilettos on Twitter} - 1 entry

Extra entries:

Follow Elegant Elliephant's blog - 1 entry

Favorite Elegant Elliephant shop on Etsy and let me know your favorite item - 1 entry

Subscribe to Lindsey Bee's blog RSS feed - 1 entry

Favorite The Hive Studio shop on Etsy and let me know your favorite item - 1 entry

Follow Life is Full of Perks blog - 1 entry

Favorite Phase Three: Simple Art, Sincere Heart shop on Etsy and let me know what you'd put on your sign - 1 entry

The giveaway will run through Thursday, Feb. 2 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

I will announce the winner on Friday, Feb. 3!

Hurry! ENTER NOW!

mimo monday

It's Monday. But an exciting Monday at that!

Why, you ask? {or you didn't but I'll pretend you did ;)}

It's RIS's BIRTHDAY WEEK!

Go bloggy, it's your birfday, we gonna party like it's your birfday.

Gonna sip wine-y like it's your birfday.

Damn, now I got that song stuck in my head!

But first, let's MIMO, shall we?

Here was my inspiration outfit:

Source: sweetlaundry.blogspot.com via Holly on Pinterest

I pinned this awhile ago and knew I had all the pieces to make this puppy a reality, but honestly, like many of the clothes tucked deep in my closet, I forgot I had pinned this outfit.

So alas, I wore this. To work.

Move over hot pants, hot legs coming through!

MEEEE-OOOOWWWW ;)

Typically, I judge the success of an outfit on the compliments I get throughout the day, but no one said anything. I thought for sure the red tights would be a showstopper. Bummer. Although it probably doesn't help that I barely left my office that day. But I didn't let it get me down. This might be one of my new go-to outfits for the office. It was an easy outfit to throw together when I was running late.

What do you think? Yay or nay?

Did you MIMO this week?

Link up below!

And don't forget to check out what Chelsea wore!

Stay tuned, kiddos. Blogiversary giveaway coming shortly. You don't wanna miss it!

five things you must...{say}

We are now arriving at gate: weekend.
Don't worry about waiting until the week's come to a complete stop - hightail it the heck outta here so you don't miss your flight to happy hour!
Hiya Friday.

Getting down to business so I can jet off into the weekend.
Here are five things you must say:

#1. I Love You

Source: cn-richardson.tumblr.com via Holly on Pinterest

Three simple, little words that can make such a huge impact.
It's pretty amazing if you ask me.
But don't go giving them away like candy on Halloween.
Say them like, and only if, you mean it.


#2. Please. Thank you. Excuse me.

Source: etsy.com via Holly on Pinterest

Mind your friggin' manners, people.

Remember those from kindergarten?
Quick refresher {I know it may have been awhile since then for some of us}: say please, thank you, excuse me, hold the door, help little old ladies at the grocery store reach the top shelf, etc., etc.  You know, nice things for people.

Some people can be so rude! I mean seriously, who do they think they are?!

It's one of my biggest pet peeves.
Just try these bad boys on for size.
They are warm and fuzzy :)

#3. I'm Sorry

Source: adamjustkidding.com via Holly on Pinterest

Newsflash: you're not always right.
Neither am I.
I was shocked too.
Allow me to throw some more impact your way - saying "I'm sorry" can be powerful.
But again, be careful with these words.
Say them like, and only if, you mean it.

#4. Hello

Source: emmas.blogg.se via Holly on Pinterest

 You know all those times you pass a stranger on the sidewalk or ride in silence with someone in the elevator?
How about we all just step up to the plate and hit that awkwardness out of the park?
Whatdayasay?
Make eye contact {yes, I know it's awkward} and say hello.
There is a sense of relief and achievement when you're the first to break the ice. And you never know- your smile may be the only one that person sees all day. So give it all you got.
I hate when I pass a person on the sidewalk and they don't even make eye contact.
Why don't we all challenge ourselves to be friendly and just say "hi" next time?
You might just make someone's day. Maybe even yours.
It's all about the little things.
Plus, smiling {and saying "hello," I'm throwing that in there too} has lots of health benefits like increasing endorphins and serotonin, changing our mood, making us more attractive, etc.
Who doesn't want these things?!

#5. How Can I Help?

Source: Uploaded by user via Marc on Pinterest

Whether or not someone actually needs the help, it's always nice to reach out to that person just in case.

Some people don't know how to ask for help or hate doing it, so taking the initiative to offer your help or support can put them at ease.

Whether it's helping the hostess with party planning, donating your time at a shelter, cheering a friend across the finish line, or comforting a loved one, just ask how you can help. 

Be a support.

Be a really good friend.

Pay it forward.

Generate good karma.

A few quick reminders if you've made it this far:

1. Link up with Chelsea and I for MIMO Monday!

2. Prepare for an awesome giveaway next week in honor of my blogiversary!

{if you or someone you know wants to donate an item to my giveaway, please email me. I will be featuring all the donors/shops next week :)}

Have a great weekend, love bugs!

my favorite city

Hump, hump, hump it up!

Hump that Wednesday spirit up!

Besides a healthy dose of corny and cheesy, I'm loving and pinning travel destinations!

Shawn and I have been planning our return to Cozumel this spring, and it's no wonder that I have been plagued by the travel bug. This little bugga boo has me dreaming about all the exotic places I'd love to see before I croak.

It also has me thinking that being a travel blogger wouldn't be a bad gig. 

Now, if I could just get a someone to take the bait and fly me around the world...

But often I catch myself in the beautiful la la land of foreign vacation hot spots, and I forget about all the amazing places right here in the good ol' U.S. of A.

And then I think about Charleston, SC.

It's one of my favorite America cities.

Source: google.com via Holly on Pinterest

My family vacationed in Myrtle Beach for years, and would venture to Charleston to stay with my aunt and uncle {they recently moved to Wilmington, NC} and tour the city. Those were some of my favorite days of vacation.
One of my favorite places to visit is the Charleston Market.

Source: google.com via Holly on Pinterest

I loved perusing through the countless shops in the market and could spend hours there.

Another one of my favorite spots is Battery Park.

Source: google.com via Holly on Pinterest

It's a gorgeous waterfront park lined with to-die-for houses.

I haven't visited Charleston in a long time, but it still holds a very special place in my heart.
I hope to visit again soon. Perhaps a road trip to introduce the hubby to this amazing city.
Maybe we'll even get a personal tour by Christina?! You have to check out her blog so that you can experience the wonders of Charleston vicariously through her with me :) Deal?

Source: google.com via Holly on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Holly on Pinterest

Source: millshouse.com via Holly on Pinterest

Source: charlestonsouthernhomes.com via Holly on Pinterest

Source: theberry.com via Holly on Pinterest

Source: architecturaldigest.com via Holly on Pinterest

Source: houzz.com via Holly on Pinterest

Source: journalscene.com via Holly on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Holly on Pinterest

Anyone coming with?

What's your favorite America city?

What are you loving {link up with Jamie} and pinning {link up with Michelle} this week?

color crush: cobalt

What's up, lover puffs?

Are you a creature of habit?

I think we all are to some extent - others maybe to a larger extent. I get it, change can be scary. 

But in this instance, I wanna know if you're a creature of color habits. 

As in, you gravitate towards the same, safe color {ahem, black} while shopping and hence, your closet is a few colors short of a rainbow?

Does every room in your house use the same color, or lack of color, palette?

I organize my closet in rainbow fashion {I see a post in my future!}, so it's easy for me to see what colors I'm clearly loving and clearly lacking.

In our mini house condo, I have made a concerted effort to use a variety of colors and styles in each room {can you smell another post? Me too.}.

But there is one trendy color I am both loving and lacking in my rainbow closet, which unfortunately does not come with a pot of gold {although I haven't looked through Shawn's end of the closet in awhile. Could he be holding out on me?! The nerve!}, and our mini house condo {though I think our couch pillows may have a hint of this hue}:

COBALT!

Source: shadesoflight.com via Holly on Pinterest

Source: madebygirl.blogspot.com via Holly on Pinterest

Source: craigman.com via Holly on Pinterest

Source: jcrew.com via Holly on Pinterest

Source: marleyandme.tumblr.com via Holly on Pinterest

Source: us.asos.com via Holly on Pinterest

Source: amazon.com via Holly on Pinterest

Source: caitlinwilsontextiles.com via Holly on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Holly on Pinterest

Source: paloma81.blogspot.com via Holly on Pinterest

Source: shopbop.com via Holly on Pinterest

Source: kendieveryday.blogspot.com via Holly on Pinterest

Wanna hear read something funny?
In high school, I NEVER wore blue shirts with jeans.
Weird, right?
I was so worried that the blues would clash, so I shied away from blue clothes for a long time.
Seriously, until the end of college. Maybe even after college.
I have since dominated this fashion fear, but I still REFUSE to eat or drink anything blue {insert creepy crawly dance/shudder}.
Yep, I'm still weird.

But cobalt is cool!
How would/are you rock/rocking it?

mimo monday + scenes from the weekend + a solicitation

Make It My Own Monday is back!

I am short on grand entrances and wit this morning {much like every morning}, so let's get right to it.

Here is my inspiration outfit:
{well kinda. I admit I actually found an outfit to resemble what I wore. This one will do.}

You may remember this from a couple weeks ago.

Source: chictopia.com via Holly on Pinterest

Can't go wrong with cute and cozy, now can ya?

Here's what I wore:

Navy oversized sweater: The Limited via MJR Warehouse
Jeggings: American Eagle
Boots: UrbanOG.com
Scarf: Old Navy

I've worn this outfit a couple times, and the last time I had on gray boot socks, but alas, they were dirty for this photo shoot.
I wasn't so sure about the sweater when I first purchased it, because I was hesitant it was going to make me look like a trash bag. Well, trash bag or not, it's easy and comfy and I love it.
And the short sleeves are great for winter weather that feels more like spring, like we're experiencing today.

So what'd you wear?
Did you see what my co-host Chelsea wore?! Stinkin' adorable.
Link up, beaches!




 This weekend:
We attended a beautiful funeral and celebration of life ceremony for my best friend Kristen and her husband Rik's {one of Shawn's best friends} son Joey, who died on Dec. 23, 2011 at 19 weeks and 6 days.
{click here if you missed my post}
And in honor of Joey, Kristen submitted his name to be written in the sand of Christian's Beach in Australia, which has the most amazing sunsets.
His picture was featured on the To Write Their Names in the Sand blog on Thursday, Jan. 19.
To Write Their Names in the Sand is a blog dedicated to honoring babies and children who were taken too soon.
It's simply gorgeous, and I now know two women who cherish the photo of their baby's name in the sand.
If you, or someone you know, has experienced the loss of pregnancy or a child, this is perfect for remembering your little one.

On Saturday night, I had dinner with some lovely bloggers {Lindsey, Lindsey, Shannon, Aly, Alicia}and some of Lindsey's college girlfriends at Polaris Grill, which I had never been to but really enjoyed.

 {Lindsey, Shannon and I}

{Shannon, Aly, me, Lindsey. I stole these pics from Shannon because hers turned out better than mine :)}

Can I just tell you how EXCITED I was to finally meet Aly!
She is a gem and a tall, beautiful one at that.
I can't wait to visit her and Miss Chelsea, who wasn't able to come this weekend.

Alicia and I topped off Saturday night with a trip to the Arena District to meet up with Katie for her friend's going-away party.
The photos speak for themselves:

I hope you had a lovely weekend.

Now a quick solicitation:
RIS is turning 3 on February 5!
My baby is growing up so fast.
And for her birthday, she wants to do a big birthday giveaway.
Can't argue with the birthday girl.
This is where you, or people you know, come in:
If you, or someone you know, have an Etsy shop, are crafty, or just want to donate an item to the giveaway, email me pronto!
You will get mad love for your contributions and RIS and I will be forever grateful.

Happy Monday, kiddos!