Thursday, May 31, 2012

Homeward Bound

The Tuesday after Memorial Day was the commute straight from the devil. Legit, his hell fires blazed down a furniture store and stopped L traffic from Belmont to North and Clyborn on the Brown and Red lines. Story here.

We were informed of this in a muffled tone and asked to catch shuttle buses ready and waiting to take us north at Grand. We shuffled off and waited...30 minutes go by and no shuttle buses. Only crowded 36 buses from downtown that could only let 1 person on from our stop of easily over 50 people waiting. One smart cookie called CTA who let her know that the shuttle buses were waiting at North and Clyborn where the train was supposed to kick us off but did not.


I immediately called Roommate who is my transportation guru. He used his ninja-like bus map skills to get me to the Mag Mile to catch an express bus. I've been on a shuttle bus before, but this was not the same sense of camaraderie that I had experienced. People were pushing in front of one another, cutting people off, and generally shoving each other like it was the last bus out of Dante's Peak. (you like that reference? Me too.)

Fortunately I was able to slide in to a spot where most could not (or would not be willing to) and held on tight. One business woman in particular gave the 20-something next to me a pep talk: "You gotta do what you gotta do! If you were too nice you'd still be standing there, you've gotta be an independent woman!" She also sang hymnals when we pulled up to her stop at Irving Park.


The bus dropped us at Berwyn where I made an acquaintance who might have been the last man in the city not to rely on Transit Tracker. 18 minutes delayed? Come on Red Line. I walked as far as Thorndale before catching a bus as close as I could get to the Loyola stop and hoofed it the rest of the way. "You could have walked. 8 miles and it's a beautiful walk!" Roommate encouraged. I thought about it, but three hours, two buses, a train, and a walk was enough of a journey for me.

Photo via

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

On a jet plane...

The Viking set sail today to pillage Moscow. Russia that is. He'll be studying with the Moscow Art Theatre School until July, that's a month folks. We've been apart longer than a month before, but not like this. I can't just call him up when I'm bored or send him a text just to say "hi". Communication will be a well thought out process that we will have to set aside time for.



We've come a long way since college. We actually lived right down the hall from each other, so it was nothing for me to walk to his single and poke my head in for a bit. Much to his relief we got separate apartments senior year...I'm not aware of the fact that people need personal space most of the time. I like to be in the company of others the majority of my day (which is why a dog might be a good idea right about now).



We lived summers two hours apart until Viking got in to grad school, and then it was eight hours apart. I can count on one hand how many weeks we physically saw each other last year. I'm not saying distance is easy, in fact I would vouch for the opposite. Distance is one of the hardest things I've ever done in the name of a relationship, no matter what the circumstances. But in a way I'm thankful for it. It's given us both a chance to come in to our own a bit, and figure out what we really want.


...but right now he's on a plane to Russia, and I'm just a little crabby. Extremely happy for him, but the slightest bit selfishly crabby. Also, it's the 166th Birthday of Peter Carl Faberge, the creative mind behind Faberge eggs. He too is in Russia somewhere. Thank you Google, for that arbitrary ridiculousness.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Futon-Palooza

I know it's been quite some time, but I'm finally able to cross something off my 24 Before 24 list!

24. Buy a couch
 
 
Well, it's not technically a couch, but it is a darn comfy futon. My dress is from the Target Webster Collection and it too is one of the comfiest things I own.
 

And I didn't technically buy it, these folks did. When they came to visit they slept in my bed, and Viking and I re-located to the futon. I love walking in the door and seeing it there! I squeal at it like it's been waiting for me to come home and lay on it. His name is Ernie. Also, note my Dad...texting! He and Reid were text connected pretty much the entire time due to the lack of television in my apartment. Sorry Dad, maybe in the next apartment!


After the futon buying, breakfast eating, and general exploration, they had to leave. Mom will be back in a month, and when I hit Columbus in July I'll see Dad.
 
Thank you very much for visiting Mom & Dad! It helps take my mind off things and reminds me how strong I am.
 
 

Monday, May 28, 2012

Memorial Day Outfits

Memorial Day Outfits

I thought I would give myself the day off of blogging to enjoy the bliss that is this weekend, but as you know I can't resist dressing up for a holiday (see Birthday, Easter, and St. Patrick's Day). These patriotic styles might be beating it over the head a little bit, but it's not like you're wearing them all at once. Plus you're just getting geared up for the 4th of July where copying Old Glory is practically a requirement.

What did you wear for Memorial Day? I wore this skirt, and something like this top.

More importantly, is there anyone you're remembering?

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Sunday


This Sunday breakfast brought to you by coffee, donuts, dueling electronics, 90 degree weather and waiting on a futon delivery. Hope your weekends have been just as grand.

-K.K.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

The saturdays dreams are made of



Sorry for the blog silence but these folks are in town to visit me, and all at the same time! My Dad got a surprise long weekend and decided to road trip it up to see me. He's not quite so fond of cities but seems to like Chicago! Especially the proximity to coffee and the beach...



Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Pre-Planning Outfit

One month from today, it will be June 23rd...my birthday! There's always the running joke that it's one day, but somehow it becomes your birthday week, then birth month, and less than a month until the birthday. I've narrowed it down to a radius of about five days, but as you know I love dressing up for things. You're reading about the girl who starts thinking about Halloween costumes in August, so it's completely and utterly normal that I start planning a birthday outfit, right?



Birthday Outfit Idea #1
Birthday Outfit Idea by goldenwings

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Honk!



Photos via & via

This Tuesday feels like a Monday...but for the most part puppies nom nomming each other makes it better!

Monday, May 21, 2012

Just can't get enough

Any girl you meet will admit to being a "shoe girl" or a "purse girl" where their collections are reaching legendary heights. I can't profess to have the money or time cultivating these archives (although you know if I did, then I would). But I have noticed that I tend to gravitate towards certain obsessions, especially as of late. And they all seem to be quickie updates to the wardrobe that anyone can slap on in a few minutes and change their look...


You've seen from my 24 before I'm 24 list that I have a collector's obsession with all things balm, gloss, and stick. This is about half the collection, not counting my make-up kit and the stranded lip glosses in my purses. They are one of the cheapest quickest updates to any look, and I can't resist having them in all colors. This summer I'm loving the neon punches and the nude shimmery colors.


This obsession I attribute to working at a nail salon when I was younger. Nails are the perfect place to have some good creative fun, and if Pinterest is any indication it's becoming an art form of its own. Even though my food service job doesn't allow nail polish during the week, my Friday ritual is to run home and slap on a fresh coat of polish. I look forward to it all day, no really!
 Lately I've been doing neon orange and hot pink mixed together, or painting my toes a different color on each foot.


And the last collection which hasn't been curated in some time is my shoe box of hair accessories. As of late I've been wearing a baseball cap and pony tail on a routine basis, but one of these weekends I'm going to have to whip out my fuchsia hair bow or my little white flower headband. I'm also on the hunt for a mini turban and a (faux) silk scarf for this summer.

What cheap chic collections are you developing?

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Sunday


Sunday morning rolled out of bed to the sound of Henry, the next door neighbor's scarlet and grey macaw, whistling the Darth Vader theme song and replicating the sound of horns honking. I also had some "spa time" with a chocolate strawberry mask that Viking picked up for me. You may recall this incident.

I'm trying to calm down before tonight's official opening of the show I'm stage managing. My nerves are up but so are my hopes I suppose, this has been such a fun show to put together and I'm glad to be a part of it!

Enjoy your Sunday!

- K.K.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Monster Cookies


Today was my first day off since being sick, so I put it to good use by cleaning my room, reading blogs, and doing a little Target cardio. You know, endlessly looping around Target looking for nothing in particular. I went to buy black shorts for some theatre tech ensembles but walked out with lip balm, mugs, a t-shirt and some monster cookie mix. Monster cookies are good for you because of the oatmeal and all...or at least that's what I'm telling myself.


The theatre clothing hunt will continue once NATO wraps up. I'm avoiding the loop at all costs when I'm not down there for work. Friday wasn't such a hassle but I have a feeling Monday will be no picnic. I want to be clear that's it's not that scary being down there, in fact it's interesting. News vans and police officers everywhere, and peaceful protesters that I've encountered. It's just a pain with the commute and the heightened security. So no worries Mom, I'm being careful!

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Tech Week Styles

As you may or may not know, when you work backstage in a theatre you are expected to wear all black, normally because you're doing scene changes in the dark and they need you to go unnoticed, but now it's become the protocol for all theatre technicians. It makes me laugh because, are we really fooling you? It's not as if I would wear a neon slip dress and 4 inch stilettos to do my job, but you know I have to push the boundaries with my creative dressing.

Tech Week 2012

Photo Via

So I've assembled some theatre/summer/spring/appropriate work outfits to inspire me in the upcoming weeks. The stipulation for each outfit is that it's comfortable, appropriate for what I'm doing, dark colors, and I have the ability to climb a ladder in it, all while keeping my creative flare. Pretty good huh? Can't resist having some fun with the shoes.

 

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Where is my mind

I had every intention of putting up a blog post about my weekend with the Viking before he went back to Cleveland. We had many small adventures and lots of movie watching/delicious food making. And of course I got my camera out for some great pictures, but low and behold can not find my USB cable. Actually, I had a panic attack moment where I forgot what a USB cable looked like entirely. I sat on the floor, completely defeated and scowled at my dresser...how could I forget what that looks like? Two days later I still can't find it, although I'm pretty sure I know what it looks like now.



In other news the show I'm stage managing is in previews #ohmygodmyfirstchicagoshow! This of course means that I have less time to write blog posts...but rest assured that I'll want to tell you all about the weekend with Viking (when I find the rascally USB cable!) and tell you how NATO goes...to give you a hint my place of business is moving their patio furniture out just in case chairs get thrown through the windows...oh yeah.

Monday, May 14, 2012

Hairy Situation




 



To continue the vicious hair cycle...it seems as if my Pinterest is just as confused as I am. Why don't I just grow my hair out? I'll get bored. Why don't I just chop it all off? I'm afraid I'll cry. What I need is a make-over ambush. A crew of stylists to show up at my apartment, make me magazine worthy, and then leave me with my new haircut one way or the other.

I know it's silly. It is just hair after all, and from what I understand mine will continue to grow, but it's become an issue of identity. I'm in that stage of my life where I'm trying to figure out who I am and what I want, and my hair just seems to tie in to that. Fiesty short hair? Luxe long locks? Blonde? Ombre? It's funny that I can still look back at pictures and know who I was based on what hair cut or color I have.


I look at this and I just feel a might bit confused. Of course Roommate has offered to shave it all off for me...


I just have this weird feeling that my head just isn't that symmetrical...


Sunday, May 13, 2012

Sunday - Mother's Day



I shouldn't have to mention how loving, caring, and supportive my Mom is. These blog posts should be pretty evident that she encouraged me to pursue my passion by leaving the nest and moving to Chicago for a shot at my dreams. She never called them silly and has never once said to me "well are you sure that's what you want to do?" She's always the first one I call when I need a pep talk or to share some exciting news. I hope to reward her one day with a seat at the Oscar's, or a grandchild named after her, or a maybe a bronze statue...but even if I can give her none of those things I know I have her unwavering love and support.

Thank you Mom, love you.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Sad Bunny

Oh what a roller coaster the common cold is. You'll end your day, tired but optimistic, thinking that you'll wake up after a good night's sleep and feel better, and then you wake up feeling like you just got hit by a mac truck.
Photo via

Come on cold, get your crap together. Don't you know it's a 65 degree sunny day? Not only is it blissfull outside, but it's Friday. Guess who's got a hot date with Netflix and a bowl of oatmeal?

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Summer Risks

It's starting to warm up 'round these parts, someone finally told the weather that it's May and we need to get cracking on this sunshine and flowers thing. Of course one of my favorite parts of spring is seeing people step out in the warm-weather clothes they've been saving ever since they bought them back in March. Since I'm uniform-bound as of late I have no choice but to admire their personal style from behind a counter, but it's given me more resolve to try new things on my days off, take a few more risks.
// 1.Target Mossimo Maxi Dress  2. American Eagle Open Stitch Sweater / 3. Target Juniors Printed Denim Short /4. dELIAs Ruffled Pleat Romper / 5. Aerie Corset Bra / 6. dELIAs Under wire Retro Bikini //

The first risk I've been trying to crack for a couple summers is the maxi dress. I don't know if I just can't find the right one, but EVERY girl I see that wears one looks adorable. A co-worker recently wore a white and red striped tank maxi with a denim vest and I swooned. I have a floral print maxi dress in my closet I just need to be brave and bust it out.

Photo via


To break up the maxi dress or keep me warm? An open weave sweater. The concept of a summer sweater seems a little strange, but I've had the pleasure of trying a few on and they're comfortable without overheating you, perfect for these chilly Lake Michigan nights.
Photo via

#3 on my risk list: printed shorts. I believe I had a graphic floral pair in middle school which I could only bring myself to wear at the driving range with my grandma where none of my super cool middle school friends could see me. Ah to be young. Now I'm practically craving a pair of super patterned-bright shorts.
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Slightly riskier? The romper. This one I'm stuck on. My torso and legs are so long I don't feel like a sexy beach bunny, I feel like I never grew out of my gangly awkwardness. Proportionally I need some advice here, but I feel like it would be the ultimate summer risk piece. From errands to cocktails, easy to change in to when I leave work, I have to find one that works for me.

Photo via

Delving deeper in to my discomfort zone is the corset bra top. Hopefully a high waisted skirt and a sheer layer (maybe an open weave sweater, hmm?) would make this look less scary. We'll have to wait and see how this one pans out because midriff exposition is all but terrifying.

 Photo via

And the last summer risk, the bikini, as you may well know from my last post. Will I have the courage to wear on in public? We shall see. Are there any summer wardrobe risks you want to take on this summer?

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Clinic in a Minute

This morning I went to the Minute Clinic at CVS as per a co-worker's recommendation. Since I haven't been ill enough to require a doctor visit this seemed like the quick fix, and they take my insurance, woo hoo! Luckily it appears that I don't have strep, although I'll know for sure tomorrow morning. The nurse practitioner thinks it's a viral throat infection masquerading as strep just to scare me. Of course my diagnosis followed by a lack of anti-biotics led me to this pharmacy shopping spree:


I figured I better grab all the cough drops, lozenges (french for "fancy high powerd cough drop), and throat spray I could manage. Not only that but some frozen fruit bars to break up the oatmeal and honey tea I've been downing. The Birthday Cake Oreos? Those are for later, they are so hard to find!



The obvious next step in my treatment was to grab a McDonalds Milkshake which I haven't had since I was quite small. I waited to drink it until I got home so I could take a picture with the cute little marachino cherry on top, but alas it sunk.

Feeling much less like a zombie today although I could still be contageous...like the mom in 28 Weeks Later.

Monday, May 7, 2012

Sick Day Part II

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Roommate's theory is that when somone moves to a city where you're in constant contact with different people every day that you get sick all the time. I laughed in the face of immune deficiency until spring of all times. I'm ready to have the susceptibility to illness of a city slicker! But first allow me to curl up in the fetal position and retain warmth from my overheated laptop.

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Sunday

Photo Via

Did everyone enjoy their Cinco-de-Derby Day yesterday? Although according to my facebook feed it was more like Cinco-de-Avengers-Derby-Supermoon Day. Since we're in tech I only managed to catch one of those things. The only free one in the bunch: Super moon. I think I only caught the tail end of Super moon, not quite when he was at his grandest according to the Chicago Tribune slide show, but the moon is always pretty to look at, am I right?



Enjoy your Sunday and hopefully you'll be hearing more from me this week!

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Commuter









These are some pictures from my commute from the train to work in the morning. The flowers outside City Hall really perk things up, and clearly the tourists think so too since I always see them walking away with a small bouquet. The fountain is always an attraction too, they dyed it green for St Patrick's Day! And of course the Picasso Statue which is aptly nicknamed by locals...the Picasso Statue. The hour long commute in the morning can get a little stressful, but it's hard to be sad when you're walking past all this good stuff.