This Weekend...

Oh hey guys!  I took an unexpected long weekend from the blog when I forgot to post on Friday morning.  You know, things happen.  Like going out to celebrate a friend's birthday, and then somehow tricking her into dancing on the bar.  Totally acceptable excuse for not posting.  So here's what's been going on since I saw you last:

This weekend I...

...Consumed what some might consider an inappropriate number of cupcakes.  I still go to the salon in my old neighborhood to get my hair cut, which conveniently allows me to pick up some of my favorite treats from Molly's on the way home.
...Celebrated with Jeff because he finally took part two of the CFA exam on Saturday (he's been studying for it for six months!!).  We went out to Zapatista and sat on the patio, where Jeff proceeded to drink an entire pitcher of sangria by himself and I somehow managed to order almost all cheese.  Totally normal.
...Went on a lady date to The Purple Pig, where we somehow managed to score a table with no wait despite the fact that it was super crowded, and ate pig tripe, feet, and ears.  Surprisingly good!
...Totally conquered child themes in Wordpress, turns out it's so much easier the second time around.
...Finally got to the point in my return to run program where I run more than I walk, and somehow managed to shave almost a minute off of my mile time from when I used to run regularly.  Or maybe Map My Run is just a dirty, dirty liar.
...Went out to brunch to Chicago Firehouse.  I don't normally do alcohol with brunch (that whole "hair of the dog" thing is not real for me) but they had strawberry belinis on the menu, so what was a girl to do?
...Read about half of The Lowland after realizing it's due back to the library this week.  Does this book ever start to get happy?
...Had dinner out in Oak Park with my family and Jeff's family.  Apparently everything I did this weekend involved food.  So, it was pretty successful, I'd say.

I hope you had a good one!

Follow along with everything Kristina does via Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin!

The Little White Dress

Dress - Target / Necklace - Amrita Singh / Bag - Michael Kors (similar here and here) / Sandals - Payless (old)

Little white dresses are my summer staple (see my favorites from 2013 and 2012).  I found this one at Target - it was the only one left and in my size!  As my girl Clair would say, MFEO (Made For Each Other)!!  So it might be available online which takes down the kismet a level or two, but whatevs, I'm sticking to my story.  I love the subtle chevron pattern and that it can easily be dressed up or down.  We're getting our engagement photos done next week and this dress is a major contender right now (along with my pink and white stripes).  Is it cheesy to wear white for your engagement photos?  I can't decide.  You'd think, as someone who takes pictures of myself twice a week, that it would be easier to decide what to wear for a little photoshoot.  Ummm, nope.  

Linking up with Spotlight Linkup,  Little Friday and Friday Fab Favorites.

Follow along with everything Kristina does via Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin!

Shrimp Caprese Pasta

A caprese salad is one of my favorite things in warmer weather, something about it just tastes like summer to me.  After seeing a caprese pasta salad at a barbecue last month, I thought it would be yummy to turn into a main dish with some shrimp and buccatini.  I think Jeff would basically be excited for pasta in any form, but he loved this.  Pretty sure he ate a half pound of buccatini in one sitting.  

Shrimp Caprese Pasta 
Makes 6 Servings

You'll Need:
1 lb pasta (I used buccatini, but you could sub in whatever your favorite is)
4 medium tomatoes, chopped with juices
8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
Handful of fresh basil, roughly chopped
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 lb uncooked large frozen shrimp, thawed with shells removed
Salt and pepper
Parmesan cheese

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil.  Cook pasta as directed.  When the pasta has 2 minutes left of cooking, add shrimp to the water.  Drain.

While the pasta is cooking, mix together tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, salt and pepper together in a large bowl.  Add the cooked pasta and shrimp to the bowl.  Stir to combine.



Serve with warm crusty bread and top with shredded parmesan if you're so inclined, and pray there are some leftovers (but sorry, there won't be).

Follow along with everything Kristina does via Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin!

Gingham & White

Shirt and Skirt - JCrew Factory / Heels - Sole Society / Necklace - Old Navy (similar) / Bracelet - BaubleBar (similar)

I got this shirt last fall, and thought it was more of a fall/winter piece (you can see how I wore it for winter here).  Ummm, turns out no!  Just throw on some white and it totally works for spring and summer too.  Don't you love clothes that can be worn year round?

I wore this outfit into my PT session last week though, and my girl Molly was a little less than pleased about it, because it meant I had been trekking around the city in my heels.  I'm going to physical therapy for hip & ankle issues, so I guessssss I should be sticking to sneakers when I'm walking around.  The heels are so cute though, I just couldn't resist!

Linking up with Stylish Tuesday, Mix it Monday, and Monday Bloom.

Follow along with everything Kristina does via Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin!

This weekend...

This weekend I...

...Got in some pool time at my cousin's graduation party out in Plano.  I wasn't sure the pool thing was going to happen because it was only 70 degrees at my house, but by the time I got to Plano it was 90!  Oh lake effect, you fool me every time.
...Accidentally stayed out til eleven with my co-workers again after telling Jeff I would be home after one drink at happy hour.  Whoops.  Ceres Cafe wins again.
...Braved the Mag Mile to make a few returns on Sunday afternoon.  Returned three things, and then bought three more.  You know, the ush.
...Watched Jeff study and study and then study some more.  He's taking level two of the CFA exam next weekend, which sounds absolutely terrible to me.
...Actually had dinner at Eleven City Diner (we usually go for breakfast), which turned out to be an excellent decision.  I was going to go healthy and get a salad, but then the signs tricked me into ordering some *slightly less healthy* items...
...Went running down around Museum Campus and Northerly Island partially for exercise, and partially to location scout because we're doing our engagement photos next week!!  Oh gosh, the outfit planning for that is going to be fun...
...Maybe watched The Bachelor instead of the Blackhawks game on Sunday night, shhhhh, don't tell.  Had to watch my girl Andy!

I hope you had a good one!

Follow along with everything Kristina does via Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin!

May Budget

I came in under budget again you guys!!  I feel like I deserve a treat.  To be fair, I actually bought a lot of stuff this month, but ended up returning most of it (and the minty dress from last month, it didn't fit me quite right).  I also used some credits and gift cards.  I did also buy a few workout related things but I feel like those shouldn't count in the clothing budget since they were more "needs" than "wants."

LOFT Dress - originally $59.50, on sale $29.75
JCrew Factory Skirt - originally $75, on sale $59.50, additional 30% off $41.65, used gift card - $0
Kate Spade Watch - originally $195, on sale $154.99, additional 20% off $123.99, used credits - $99.00
Old Navy Tee - originally $22.99, on sale $17.99
Reebok Sneakers - $59.95
LOFT Skirt - originally $49.50, on sale $24.75

Not Pictured:
Target Dress - $24.99
Old Navy Belt - originally $14.99, on sale $9.99

Total Spent: $266.42
Total Saved: $136.50

For next month, I'm actually looking for more summery tees and tanks, which basically comes as a shock to me since I'm usually on the hunt for skirts and dresses.  I was looking through my closet though and realized that most of my summer tops are several years old and don't really match my style anymore.  I also may try to find another swimsuit since I have three trips planned in June and July.

Did you have a clothing budget for May?  How did you do?

Linking up with Budgeting Bloggers

Follow along with everything Kristina does via Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin!

Playing Dress Up

Dress - c/o Chi Chi / Heels - Nine West / Belt - unknown

Sometimes it's fun to play a little dress up, like in this cute Chi Chi dress.  Watch out, weddings I'm going to this summer, this look may be coming your way soon.

Follow along with everything Kristina does via Google Friend Connect or Bloglovin!