Truth: There's a Lot on My Plate

I've been discussing with someone lately the challenges of balancing it all.

Is it even possible and what, if anything, should be sacrificed?

Work. Husband. Family. Friends. House. Life. Baby. 

These are not just words. They're my world (and many of yours, too, right?).

I'm participating again in Shell's Pour Your Heart Out blog crawl (my past discussions: weight, loneliness)because this is something that's been weighing on me and I have a feeling many of you.

That's what The Average Girl's Guide is; yet, it's fashion and food and fun and all that, but it's also this real deal stuff no one likes to address but everyone thinks.

That's what this blog is here for.... to get the dialogue going.

We'll all the same at the end of the day. Never forget that.

  

Fact: a totally awesome girlfriend (who seems to have it all!) said that she's frequently discussing the challenges of balancing it all with her gal pals. And, for those debating a baby... can it work? Can I still have my life?

Wheh, that's a lot to answer.

You're talking to a girl who in the past two years has had a baby, a life-altering illness, lost/left her job, started a new PR company AND started a blog, all while dealing with a million other random things. Oh, and with my husband still loving me at the end of it!

I wonder sometimes...

Am I doing the right thing?

Working on a blog post at night instead of spending time with my husband?

Sending my daughter to "school" (ie daycare) while building a career?

Taking good enough care of myself and staying healthy?

Caring for my family, many of whom have had more health issues than I'd like to count?

My answer?

Yes... Usually. Always? Doubtful. But... that's OK, I think.

I wish I had more time for it all, and I wish I could procrastinate a little less (damn you lure of Twitter and Facebook), but I couldn't imagine giving up this blog,
the friendships its afforded me and the creative outlet its provided when I needed it most.
I couldn't give up my career, and the desire to build a business.
I am confident that when my daughter is old enough to know, she will be so proud of her mommy.

So for those of you debating a baby?
Ask any mom: you make the time and you don't even realize it.
Except for daily the moments when I really wish she'd stop crying for a few minutes in the morning so I could sleep longer, I can't remember what I did with the moments of the day that didn't include her.

But what about my family and friends. Could I spend more time with them?
Yes. Especially fam. While I still want more time to spend with friends I realize my grandparents won't be with us forever. I'm so, so fortunate that I still have all four and that they live close. I need to visit more.
I need to travel more to see my mom (even though I just wish she'd move close already)!
I need to try to take better care of my dad, even if he frustrates me to no end.

Oh and me?
Yeah, I need to focus on me, on making the doctor appointments I need to (ya I look pretty "average" but this gal has a few pretty sucky issues you can't see in pics; more on another day), getting the sleep I need, exercising and most importantly, spending quality time with my husband and daughter whenever possible.

So while I don't do this perfectly. I'm trying. And, that's all you can do, too.
Do you feel overwhelmed with everything sometimes like me? I wonder how I can be superwoman.
I realize it does take a village and you cannot be too afraid to ask (or pay!) for help.
I have someone clean our house (usually every two weeks, sometimes more. best. investment. ever.), we hire babysitters so we can go out just the two of us or with couples and have her come early so we can get ready in peace. I'm hiring a full-time associate for my business (woohoo, HUGE step). And...

I'm taking a blog-cation.
Consider this your last post for about a week. (I'll miss you!!!) Will tell you what I'm up to when I return, except to say that not blogging (and trying to stay away from social media when possible) to give me more time to do all the things I haven't been doing.
Maybe I'll even read a book (I recently bought two -- The Help and Tina Fey's Bossypants).
Picture me like this....

Wishing you SUPER-WOMEN a sparkly Fourth of July.

Quick Bites: Strawberry Pie

We're all about sweets here!

However, we all know that if we ate every sweet we'd like we might not have the figures we want.

I discovered this recipe while on Weight Watchers ages ago.

It's an oldy but a goody that seems totally perfect with 4th of July around the corner.

Less than 60 calories per slice, and just four slices for the whole pie so the whole thing ain't so bad!

My husband llurrrrrvvvveeessss this Strawberry Pie.

In fact for his birthday last week he said all he wanted was strawberry pie.

I sense that had to be a slight exaggeration but man, that's saying something.

I made it a week late (last night) because my strawberries got moldy... twice. Boo.

(ps: it wasn't until this picture that I noticed I bought 'strawberry banana' instead of 'strawberry' Jello-O. Oops!)

Recipe below is the Weight Watchers version but All Recipes has the regular version (which still isn't too bad for you). Oh, and they're pie picture is way cuter than mine. After you make this once consider mixing up the fruit and pudding flavors. Enjoy!

{ingredients}

I small package (1.1. oz) sugar-free Cook and Serve vanilla pudding

2 cups water

1 small package (.3 oz) sugar-free strawberry Jell-O

4 cups sliced strawberries (a little less than a carton)

Cool Whip, lots of Cool Whip!

{directions}

In a medium saucepan, stirtogether water and pudding mix. Heat to a boil.

Remove from heat and immediately add the Jell-O.

Stir until dissolved (be sure to remove any lumps).

Set the pan aside and let the mixture cool to room temperature (important it's not at all hot).

Meanwhile, place strawberries in the bottom of a deep-dish pie plate. Use the biggest pieces for the "crust."

Soooo pretty!

Pour cooled pudding mixture over the strawberries. Refrigerate until chilled. Let is set well before slicing.

Dollop on some cool whip, be it over the whole slice of just the edge.

And, sorry for this awful iPhone pic (and my poor slicing skills)....

Laundry Survival

I can't be the only person who feels like laundry sometimes takes over their lives right, right?

It can be all consuming. I thought it was intense pre-baby girl, but boy I had no idea.

There's just so much.

And, it doesn't help that we have a two-story house with the W&D on ground one and all the bedrooms on the second. Not convenient for a procrastinator/lazy laundry gal like myself.



So when I get down to it, I want to be sure I'm doing it correctly... and as efficiently as possible..

I always use All Free & Clear detergent so there's no perfumes, and it's safe for those with sensitive skin and allergies. I've been using it since day one with baby girl and she's also a fan.

{Moms: no need to spend the big bucks on Dreft if you ask me; so similar, half the price.}

TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR LAUNDRY TIME

{pre-treating and washing}

- Keep a stain remover (I love Shout) near your laundry basket. This way you can pre-treat right away and most are fine to leave on clothes at least 5-7 days before washing.

(want to really get it into the fibers with the stain remover? Use an old toothbrush!)
- For bright loads, I've toss in a Shout Color Catcher sheet to prevent color transfer. I've only used it a handful of times but so far, I'm very impressed. HATE when that happens to something I love.

- Use cold-water wash for most items, just no need for hot water.

- Do not overuse detergent; the power-packed ones are specifically designed to use minimal amounts.

- I know it's tempting to stuff clothes in the washer for one less wash, but doing so doesn't effectively clean them. Boo.

- Don't leave clothes in the washer too long; they'll get that icky mildew smell (truth: I'm guilty!).
Re-wash  if this happens.

{drying}

- I'm a huge fan fan of drying on the "low heat" cycle; significantly cuts down on shrinking clothes and unnecessary wear and tear.

- Untangle clothes when moving them from the washer to the dryer.

- Don't use more than one dryer sheet per load; most are even fine if you break them in half!

- Don't keep turning it on to keep the wrinkles out of clothes. Wait until you're ready to fold.

- I now leave a chair by the dryer and fold as the clothes come out; amazingly helpful.

- And, I mentioned this on Facebook: get Downy Wrinkle Releaser to get rid of any wrinkles that you didn't realize you had. I leave it near my closet for convenient access.

photos: via real simple

{additional tips, tricks & resources}

How to clean the top 5 kiddie disasters

Taking care of our delicates (you know what I'm talking about)

The when-to-wash-it handbook

Week in Outfits: How Many is Too Many?

On week three I've already become a bit of a "failure."

While I mentioned the desire to show you my daily outfits, it's become pretty challenging. I know there are bloggers who do this with great success but they post their outfits daily and honestly, this gal just doesn't have the time to do so. At the same time, some feedback has shared that the one big long outfit post recap is challenging to look at and...

I miss being able to show you specific details of an outfit without making this post a mile long.

What's a blogger to do?

Truth: I'm not sure! Haha. I'm just going to mix it up: this week you'll see about five outfits while other weeks might be one or even a post dedicated to how I've worn one piece a few different ways

(I do enjoy re-wearing; note my Gap neutral wedges! They're everywhere!). 

We'll just see what happens so this blog makes both of us happy.

Speaking of which, this week will be a bit abbreviated in terms of posts: more on that on Wednesday.

Wishing you lovely ladies the most wonderful week!

Saturday

{gym / lunch / errands / too lazy to change from my workout gear}

top/bra: lululemon "no limits tank" - no longer online but available in store; obsessed / pants: victoria's secret / watch: swatch / sneaks: asics / hair: braids!!

Sunday

{father's day lunch at our digs}

striped top: american eagle / jean capris: old navy / wedges: nine west  / necklace: forever 21 / watch: michael kors

Monday

{client meeting / errands / misc.}

dress: loft / white cardy: old navy / wedges: gap / bow necklace: tiffany & co.

funny sidenote: this is a 2009 loft dress; went to a baby shower soon after buying and I swear that no less than FOUR women were wearing this exact dress. coincidentally or not, I haven't worn it since.

Thursday

{more client meetings / work}

cardy & white tee: gap / skirt: inc / wedges: gap / necklace: american eagle / leather wrap: baublebar

Friday

{filmed tv segment with wpbf (yay!) / client meetings / lunch meeting}

dress and wedges: gap / necklace: banana republic / bracelets: baublebar and american eagle

The Perfect Combination

Feeling like I could use a little dessert right now so clearly I can't stop thinking about my perfect pairing:

peanut butter + chocolate!

Mmmmm.

A traditional fave is the perfect peanut butter cookie with the hershey kiss smack dab in the middle. Easy peasy and when just slightly undercooked, destined for success (ask my gram; she's the best at them!).

Wishing I could walk downstairs right now to a plate full of all one of these and a big glass o' milk.
Here's to dreamin'....

peanut butter stuffed chocolate cookies

peanut butter chocolate squares

chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter icing

Yellow... Not So Mellow

My nails are yellow.

And, not because I have jaundice, but because I actually painted them like this.

Really. I thought I'd be all fashionable and cool, but I learned a valuable lesson:

all looks are not for all people.

This one is for me! Haha.

color: mellow yellow /
ignore the awful at-home mani.

It looks way cuter and less jarring yellow close up, I think, than it does looking at it here.
"School bus" yellow, my bro said.  I don't think that was a compliment, right?

I was hoping for a chic Chanel Mimosa look-alike after seeing Jennifer from The Looks for Less show off similar colors in a recent Manicure Monday.  While I was still on the fence, I yearned for the bright color after a tweet exchange with Dianna from The Budget Babe I was convinced this was for me.

Negative.

Do not despair however. I totally think yellow nails could work on some. Particularly if you are darker skinned than I (doesn't take much; ha). If nail polish isn't for you,

check out these sunshine-soaked accessories to get you in the mood...

Anything you're totally loving??

o'neill crystal cove in dandelion, $27.20 (reg. $34)

Wear with anything! Love the pop of color; these are thisclose to the same look as a million pricier options.

dooney & burke large slim wristlet, $58.75 (reg. $75)

Use this wristlet as a handy pouch to store make-up, coupons, anything during the day and pull it out for "emergency" happy hour situations. comes in five colors.

much love illy, large yellow rose ring, $11.50

Talk about a steal on a statement maker! She also has adorable yellow rose earrings for just $6ish!

Bonus: the gal who makes these is aweosme.

old navy, tie-dyed infinity scarf, $14.94

Don't be shy about pairing this with a pattern. If you're not there yet, opt for a solid color.... maybe in a contrasting color (purple, blue, etc) to add depth to your look.

What do you think about the color yellow?
Any favorite yellow items in your closet?

5 Must Haves by Florida Gal, Loni

Meet Loni. This girl has it going on! A recent U of F grad (go gators! my alma mater), I met this super sweet hottie while she was working at It! Weddings & Events in Florida, my favorite company for creating memorable moments. Loni's one of the bloggers for its It! Weddings Florida... I can peruse her colorful, gorgeous posts all day long. She also spends free time sharing humorous photos and even texts with her boss on Gad Day, Every Day! Cracks me up. 

PS: the diversity of her must haves totally rock my world. She's convinced me I need #5 ASAP (especially since I see everyone with one; peer pressure, indeed!) and #1 and #3 are my must haves, too!

I personally can't wait to get to know this girl better, and I hope you can, too. Start reading what she has to say on those bloggies and read through her must haves here.

In her words, here's Loni's must haves of the moment!

Watches with changeable bands

As a (recent) college student (Go Gators!), I've learned plenty of tricks to make the most of my money. My most recent purchase was this exact watch for under $40 from Aldo Shoes. I have worn it every day since purchase. The bands are bright, bold and each are a different texture. It matches everything! Well, you can't really wear it with a silver necklace...So ALMOST everything.

Cross-body bag

A MUST for a Floridan. A 10 lb. oversized trendy purse is no reason to sweat in the 90-degree Florida heat. Sorry ladies, but you do not need to carry a 4-inch hair brush, hairspray, perfume, deodorant, moisturizer, concealer, powder, blush, eyeliner...... and the list goes on. If any of these items are an essential, simply buy the travel size!

TAGG tip: check out the pic to see a chic alternative to wearing the "cross-body" bag; one shoulder dresses up the look a little.

Bobby pins

Another must-have for the Florida fashionista. Bobby pins are a great way to concur the most devastating hair disturbances such as humidity, rain and hurricane-force winds (for those of you who have never been here, let's just say the weather is as unpredictable as Lindsay Lohan's legal status). They are great for pulling back bangs, the boho braided bangs, the half up and the side braid (is it that obvious I like braids?). They are also perfect for giving your ponytail a more polished look by wrapping your hair over your hair tie. I personally like to buy the ones sold at Sally's Beauty Salon. Not only do they come in a cute little tin can, they hold better than your average drugstore pins.

Tip: Make sure to match your hair color.

The chunky block heel

The thought of spending over $100 for a pair of sky-high stilettos that leave my feet swollen and resembling a butternut squash, makes me cranky (my apologies for the visual). I don't know about you, but I used to be under the impression the more you spend on shoes, the less your feet hurt. Well, that was until a good friend of mine said, "My girlfriends and I always kick off our shoes at the same time at the end of the night - whether they are Jimmy Choos or Steve Maddens." And she was so right! So to combat this common problem, I only seek out shoes with LOTS of support. My current favorite is the chunky block heel.

TAGG update: the ones shown are Bally; a little intense at $795! BUT check out this AWESOME look for less that seriously has me contemplating a purchase: Boutique Nine's Quilo on sale on Zappos for $84 (reg. $120). So stinkin' gorgeous in the neutral, grey and black!

Double wall tumblers

If you see me in public, you will never see me without one of these. I am ALWAYS thirsty (sorry, this may be a personal problem). I prefer the double wall tumbler over concealed reusable water bottles because it prevents me from putting them in my purse. For some reason, all water bottles tend to leak - ruining phones, makeup, etc. I've found this to be a great solution. Bonus: They do not sweat when filled with icey-cold beverages. You can find these in stores such as Target and Pier One in practically any pattern/color.

Quick BItes: Choco, Caramel Drizzled Popcorn

Holla if you luuuurrrvvveee popcorn like I do!

And, drizzled in chocolate, caramel, cheese or some other treat? Double holla!

While I typically don't have high hopes for anything stacking up to my great love of Garrett Popcorn (Chicago mix, please), I am always game for trying. Especially when the bag is portioned controlled.

Mama needs some (forced) self-control.

Sidenote: every time my bro -- who lives in Chicago -- brings me a bag of the Chicago mix I am the disgusting girl who eats an exorbitant amount in one sitting. It's gross but I just can't stop. I literally can't control myself it's that good. Weight Watchers would not be proud. LOL.

Anyway, as someone who stalks out new food finds, I recently spotted an intriguing bright green box on the shelves of Publix but was in a rush and passed it by for the moment. Have you seen this??

Thankfully I have awesome friends like my bff Linds who sent me this New York Times article about

Snackwell's redesign and upping the portions from the more common 100-calorie packs. 

After this kick-in-the-tush read, I immediately went out and grabbed a box to sample.

All for the bloggie, of course. Of course.

This new line of popcorn treats?

It's a 130 calorie snack pack.

Let me rephrase. It's 130 calories of fudge-drenched heaven.

I've sampled both varieties:

Fudge Drizzled Caramel Popcorn

White Fudge Drizzle

Can you see it?? That's called perfection.

This popcorn is so satisfying and tastes like the real deal. I'm also impressed with the portion size.

What you're seeing above is my bag after I already stole a few bites.

I am much more partial to the chocolate fudge compared to the white fudge -- it was too sweet in my opinion -- but either way, you've picked a winner.

This is totally, 100 percent TAGG RECOMMENDED!

Have you tried these? Are you going to?

Falling Back in Love... with American Eagle

My beloved American Eagle... oh, how I have missed you!

American Eagle is one of my favorite stores from back in the day. I worked there while in college... and maybe longer (kind of a blur now, hah). I owned so much of their clothing and accessories that entire outfits were AE and I could spot the brand everywhere. Just ask a girlfriend from my UF days, they'll vouch for me (that's you Dori, Lauren, Danielle, Alexis, Sara Beth, etc!)!

While I took a bit of a hiatus from the store in my late 20s, I'M BACK!

A few years ago the clothes seemed a little hoochie-ish (truth), but now there are so many adorable looks

that you'd be thrilled to be spotted in. Regardless of age.

I've been there twice in three days, first getting this striped tee. Then on Monday I picked up this awesome dress along with some gorgeous sparklies. I'm so back crazy in love.

soft drapey tee in light hot pink stripes

sale, $10 reg. $24.50 (almost ALL tees are currently $10!)

I've been looking for pops of color... here it is! (super light-weight and not too snug around my midsection!).

fiesta strapless dress

sale $24.50, reg. $39.50

This satiny find totally looks like a $150 dress from Anthropologie! Total steal.
Will be wearing this to everything from bridal showers to work meetings. Pair it with a cardigan or a blazer, a la Kristin Wiig in Bridesmaids (Thank you Budget Babe for the inspiration!).



I also picked up some jewelry from their impressive selection.
At my local store, jewelry is BOGO FREE! Online, it's BOGO 1/2 off.

I scored faux diamond hoop earrings with studs ($12.50); a long double key necklace ($15.50), and two awesome bracelets ($6.95 each on clearance). Only paid $22.45 for all four!
Unfortunately, I couldn't find most of it online so here's a pic of the new items...
the new dress is the background.

Here's the one bracelet I could find online...

chain bracelet in blue

sale $9.95 ($6.95 in store), reg. $15.50

The bracelets are amaze and a half when added with other bracelets and leather wraps.
See what I mean? And, I'm just getting started.

Bracelets: AE on the left and right, with my BaubleBar perfect leather wrap bracelet in the middle.

So tell me... have you checked out American Eagle lately?
What do you think?

Weekly Outfit Recap: June 20, 2011

Hi ladies!

Welcome to post numerous dos where I recap all the outfits I wore this past week (here's the first outfit recap!). I've been getting into the groove of taking pictures every day...
let me tell you though, having you guys as my judges (at least that's how it can feel sometimes) has really made me more conscious of my looks. Probably in a good way.
I'm always thinking about an extra accessory or a way to make each outfit a bit cuter.

Hope you like some of the decisions I've made this week. There's one or two that are a little "eh" in my book (looking back at least) but at the end of the day,

I'm happy with me and how I present myself to the world.

Would love to hear if you're doing anything new wardrobe-wise and if you have any recommendations for moi. I decided I need more bright/neon-ish clothes, so they're on my list now.
Wishing you -- the coolest gals I know -- the best week ever!

Friday

{work from home; lunch with mom and bro (visiting!), casual dinner with fam} 

lace tee: express / jeans: visgoss via loehmann's / bracelets: h&m / flats: tory burch

Saturday night

{big fam dinner to celebrate my grandpa's 85th birthday}

beaded neck tank: inc via macy's / gold skirt: gap / heels: bcbg / bracelets: pink-loehmanns, black - lord & taylor / clutch: vera bradley / watch: swatch

Sunday

{pit-stop by a "zumbathon" for JCC (jewish community center) client / afternoon at grandparents}

blouse: h&m / skinnies: f21 / watch: tortoise shell michael kors / bracelets: tory burch and bauble bar /

flats: kitson la - thrifted

Monday

{work from home / late afternoon errands with mom}

tee: target / tank: gap body cami bra / flower flats: born (SO comfy!) / necklace: f21 / watch:

Tuesday

{client meeting / work from home -- mani/pedi, too, but changed: don't want to give anyone a view!}

dress: libertine for target / cardi: loft (hindsight: should not have worn) / belt: old, very old / heels: calvin klein

Wednesday

{work from home / client meeting}

sparkly tank: kmart / jacket: target / wide-leg trousers: gap / heels: calvin klein / hair: curly, ALL MINE!

Thursday

{client meeting / lunch with Jillian from I Should Log Off (awesome travel blog)

blouse: loft / skirt: loft / belt: h&m / wedges: gap / bracelet: baublebar

Friday

{lunch date / past-client-who's-new-again meeting (yay!) / visitation for friend's dad}

tiered tank: express / jacket: target / cropped pants: gap / heels: naturalizer

Friday night - QUICK CHANGE! :)

(like this second look way better so had to share both!)

{dinner at a friend's house with the kiddies}

tiered tank: express / denim cuffed jean capris: old navy / flats: tory burch / leather wrap: tory burch



No Holding Me Back

As I'm totally crazy with life right now,

I reminded of this awesome quote I saw posted on Curly in the City's blog.

Today I am so grateful for all of the wonderful successes this year has afforded me and am so freaking glad
I did not WASTE ONE MORE SECOND toward creating the vision I see for myself.

Anything you've been thinking of doing lately? Need the push to get started?

5 Must Haves from Jordan from Cali

Meet Jordan. I haven't even met her and I can tell by her blog posts, tweets and emails that she's a down-right hysterically funny, spunky, crazy adorable chick. Like the kind of girl you know you'd have a freaking blast with if you hung out. Jordan lives in California yet through six degrees of seperation (and a seperation of the continental United States!), we actually know a person or two in common. And, more fun than that... we discovered we're sorority sisters (woohoo, aephi!).

Besides being a working girl, she shares her life's musings on her bloggie, Queen of L.A., which is a total riot. Especially since it centers around her being... the Queen. Oh, and her intense obsession for shoes. Now, I love shoes, but this girl lurrrrvveeees shoes! She also loves leopard and pink, and did I mention shoes? Ha! Def. check outk her blog and say hi on Facebook. Excited to share with you her post today.

Check out her 5 must haves, in her words... promise you won't be shocked by #5!

I cannot tell a lie – I was so flattered when Alyson asked me to guest post on The Average Girl’s Guide! Being a part of such a wonderful and supportive community is one of my favorite parts about blogging, and I love all the interesting people I’ve met through our blogs. It’s a very cool feeling to read the words of someone you don’t know and still manage to feel instantly connected to them! Anyway, I think Alyson is fabulous, and I’m so glad to be here today chatting with all of you :) Hope you enjoy!

Iced Nonfat Chai Tea Latte / Starbucks

If you met me in real life, you would instantly know that I’m someone with a LOT of energy. “How are you so wide awake right now?” people constantly wonder aloud at 7 a.m. “How many cups of coffee did you drink?” Ha! The funny thing is, I’m NOT a coffee drinker – hate the taste! I’m a tea girl – a chai tea girl, to be specific. I like to start my days with an Iced Nonfat Chai Tea Latte from Starbucks – light ice, please.

So refreshing!

Kendra Scott earrings

If I had to choose my favorite feature, I would probably say my eyes – I was blessed with pretty blue eyes (thanks Mom!) and like wearing anything that draws attention to them. I have three pairs of Kendra Scott Danielle earrings, but the turquoise ones are my absolute favorite – the color is perfect and looks AMAZING with a tan!

TAGG tip: go to her web site to enter your email addy to get 20 percent off your online purchase! And, ps: been dying for same pair Jordan has, so if anyone has an extra pair just laying around...

Essie nail polish

Confession: I am a chronic nail biter. The ONLY way I keep them out of my mouth is to keep them bright, shiny, and polished with a pretty color. My favorite line of nail polishes, hands down, is Essie – I have started amassing quite the collection! My favorites are Chinchilly (a great basic grey), Demure Vixen (see pic; such a unique opal-y purplish pink), and Turquoise & Caicos;  (the prettiest aquamarine – so gorgeous on toes)!

Chowhound

If you read my blog regularly, you’re definitely aware of the things I love – fashion, friends, fun, and FOOD! I am a definite foodie – I pride myself on knowing all about the new yummy places to eat in LA. One of my favorite websites that keeps me up to date on lots of “food news” is Chowhound – it’s got a great message board where anyone can post food-related questions about their city. Trying to find a good brunch spot in Miami to take your visiting sister-in-law? Wondering what supermarkets in Arizona sell fresh shrimp? Interested in reading a review about the new dim sum place that just opened up in Chinatown?

Chowhound has all the answers for you. Such a helpful and interesting resource!

Same Edelman "Kendall" wedges

These Sam Edelman shoes are only a week old, but I’m already considering them a must-have! After banning myself from shopping for an entire month (head on over to my blog to hear all about the trials and tribulations of NO SHOPPING MAY), the very first thing I bought on June 1st were these babies. They’ve got a reasonable heel, a gorgeous leopard print (my favorite!) and they’re easy to put on, thanks to their Velcro strap! Leopard’s not your thing? They come in black leather too.

I got mine from Nordstrom and I’m obsessed!