A Year in Fashion

September 9, 2017September 9, 2017Leave a comment

Wow. I can’t believe that my last clothes post included an outfit from OCTOBER 2016…so much has changed! And a few new additions have made their way into my closet. But the old classics remain 🙂

Feast yo eyes.Dress: Target

Coral Espadrilles: Steve Madden

I just LOVE this 2 pattern dress that my friend, Megan, bought me for my birthday!

Light Blue Bell-Sleeve Top: Banana Republic

Slides: Steve Madden

Dress: Ann Taylor Factory
Laser Cut Eyelet Top: Banana Republic Dress: TeezeMe via Macy’s

I’m so glad I’ve been doing squats, cause this dress was wayyyy s.h.o.r.t.e.r. than I remember…
Dress: Forever21

Shoes: Nine West, “Apple Eye” Booties

This Forever21 stretchy dress has been in my closet for YEARS, but it’s just a classic. It can be dressed up or down and never seems like I’m trying too hard (even if it does take me hours to get ready…)

Top: Banana Republic Skirt: Banana Republic Factory Bathing Suit: Ted Baker via Nordstom

Ummm, can we talk about this suit?! Ted Baker was kind of a splurge, but I REALLY wanted something fab, for this future vacay that the Universe is bringing to me, and it was the last one in my size. After a long day of shopping, I had to take it as a sign 🙂 My facial expression in this photo is clearly not an accurate representation of how happy I was to find this gem!

Dress: Milly, Penelope Gown via Neiman Marcus

Oh.My.Godessss. Back in June, I had an urge to try on super fancy dresses, just for the fun of it. Once I found this one, I almost bought it. But, then I saw the price tag…$725. Yikes.

Dress: Kohl’s Peplum Top: Ann Taylor Factory

Jeans: Blue Spice via TJ Maxx

I can’t help it, I just love Blue Spice and Indigo Rein jeans. They fit in the waist, thighs, and calves AND they’re a perfect ankle length for us petite girls! I know they’re so cheap, but that’s the goal: cute on a budget! Dress: Romeo + Juliet via TJ MaxxNautical Ruffle Skirt: H&M via Greene Street Consignment Pink Dress: Banana Republic Factory

Geeze, I feel like this is an ad for Banana stores! I should be compensated somehow!White Blazer: Dynamite

Blouse: Ann Taylor Factory

So.in.love with that blazer!Mesh Dress: Banana Republic via TJ MaxxStriped Dress: Monteau via Marshalls Hot Pink Dress: Charlotte Russe Polka-Dotted Ruffle Blouse: Target White Top: Can you guess?? Banana Republic haha Purple Swing Top: Piko

Crystal Necklace: Francesca’s

Black Suede Peep-Toed Booties: Lucky via Lord & Taylor, similar Gingham Peplum Top: H&M Peach Bare Shoulder Blouse: Shinestar vice TJ Maxx

Ripped Denim: Indigo Rein via Marshalls

Flower Sandals: BCBGeneration via MarshallsPaisley Peplum Blouse: Banana Republic
Floral Peplum Bouse: Sienna SKy via Marshalls Orange Tank: Target

Floral Applique Yoga Pants: Aerie Ruffle Blouse: Target

Printed Peplum Bouse: LOFT Romper: Marshalls, there’s no tag, but here’s the RN #116696

Isn’t this the cutest thing EVER? I’m so in love with this summer purchase, I wish I’d been able to wear it more than once this summer…it’s making me excited for next summer already! Purple Swing Tank: Lucy & Laurel via Marshalls

Wide Pants: Joe via KohlsBlush Skin Dress: Joe & Elle via Marshalls

Not gonna lie, I barely ate anything during the day, because I knew I was wearing this at night (insert laugh/cry emoji)
Striped Flare Skirt: Pins & Needles via Greene Street Consignment Off-the-Shoulder Top: ExpressBlush Ruffle Blouse: Ivanka Trump (ahhh, I know!) via Marshalls
Structured White Blouse: Banana Republic

Polka Dotted Pants: Ann Taylor Hot Pink Blouse: J Crew via Green Street Consignment Juniper Romper: Lavender Fields via TJ Maxx

Denim Jacket: love FIRE via TJ Maxx

I wasn’t sure about this romper, but there was something so playful and casual about it that I just loved. It’s perfect for a lounging night where you still want to look and feel whimsical Floral Print Blouse: Finn & Grace via Marshalls

Dark Denim: Blue Spice via Marshalls

Loved this printed blouse! It’s hard to tell, but it’s off-the-shoulder with a little spaghetti strap!
Kimono Jacket: Target…KIDS section.

I know, I know, if it isn’t bad enough that I’m 31 and buy all of my clothes from TJ Maxx, I have now succumbed to the children’s section of a chain store…good news is that my very fashionable boss complimented me on it. Score!

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The Universe is Always Answering

September 5, 2017September 7, 20172 Comments

This is sort of a Part 2 to my last post.

I’ve made it into a game (of sorts), where I ask a question or state an intention, and see how the Universe can answer me.

At the beginning of summer, Iron Man and I decided to go separate ways. The loss of him in my life was felt in so many ways. His wit, tattooed skin, and general admiration were just a few of the things I missed most.

Well, wouldn’t you know, I suddenly found myself surrounded by people who were making me laugh. Not with stupid humor, but with the intellectual banter that I was craving. I was laughing again.

I noticed that on a daily basis, at least a third of the people I came in contact with, were covered in tattoos. I laughed again. When I added “tattooed with a beard” to my wishlist, and I began seeing several rough-looking tattooed, bearded men, I laughed even harder – realizing that I forgot to mention “handsome” in the requirements. I looked up at the sky and said, “I see what you did there…”

When it came to admiration, this one took me a little longer to recognize. Recently, I started receiving compliments from so many kind people. One in particular just told me in similar words, “I’m so glad we met through so-and-so, I always look forward to seeing you, and you always make me happy!” Wasn’t that, like, exactly what I’ve been wanting to hear? And sweet friends saying, “I miss you!” Who doesn’t want to hear that?! And then there’s my bestie’s 4-year-old, soon-to-be step-daughter. She calls me “Silly Sarah”, tells my best friend that she wants “Father Christmas” to bring me to her everyday, begs for me to stay and play longer, tells me that she loves me, and asks me deep questions, like ‘what makes your heart happy?’ Oh, yeah, AND she FaceTimes me on Sunday night, after we’ve just hung out on Friday. (Can I find her in the form of a 35-year old man??) I’ve asked for all of these things, and they just keep coming to me, in ways that the old me never would have seen.

By acknowledging the manifestations and offering gratitude, I’m always getting what I want, just not in the forms I’m expecting.

So, how has The Universe been answering you lately?

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Tuning in to the Manifestation Station

September 3, 2017September 7, 20173 Comments

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I just experienced the best 2 weeks of manifestations. Ever. Everything I even silently wanted was raining down on me.

Needing entry to the sold out MacGregor-Mayweather fight? I met a bouncer on his way to work at one of the only nearby bars showing it, and he got me in!

Wanting a pair of rose gold sandals? My cousin just bought a pair that were mis-marked in size and fit me perfectly!

Craving more falafel from that restaurant you tried last week? A group dinner cancellation allowed me and my coworker to go there instead!

Wishing for a parking spot close to your apartment, so you can unload things you’ve been carting around for weeks? A car is pulling out of a spot directly in front of my door as I pull up!

Knowing you shouldn’t be buying a croissant with the last $5.oo in your wallet? They’re out of what you ordered, so they give you a warm baguette for free!

Determined to make a potentially emotional day into a fun and exciting evening? Your dinner date asks if you can do Wednesday, since that’s the only day they can do!

Stressed about paying rent, while your moving finances are still trying to balance out? An unexpected credit appears on your account, lowering your rent by over 1/2 this month!

I laughed in the shower. Like, really, really laughed, and danced, and then danced some more, while yelling “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, Universe! Thank you for bringing me these incredible gifts! I notice what you’re doing and I’m appreciating it!” Everything was falling into place.

But as soon as I acknowledged it, the proverbial clock struck midnight. The cold weather started seeping in, and I got a feeling that my luck was running out.

I was looking forward to this weekend, since after a couple months of week dates, I had finally been able to schedule some Saturday plans with someone who I liked getting to know. Unfortunately, they weren’t on the same page, and let me know. Damn. Wasn’t this supposed to be The Week of Everything?

But, I’m getting better at understanding the Universe, so I followed my calling to go to Church and listen to the message, which “happened” to be: Why Prayer Doesn’t Always Work (The Way You Think It Should).

The pastor asked,

“Have you ever wanted something, but you didn’t get it? Have you prayed to God asking for this ‘thing’ that you just had to have, but you never received it? Maybe it’s because it wasn’t what you really wanted. There’s what you want, and then there’s what you really want.

God already knows what you really want before you even ask. And He’s already on it.”

Holy shit.

I can see evidence of this concept in all of the things I’d been asking for lately. I truly wanted to see the fight, have the shoes, eat the falafel, snag the parking spot, go on a date, balance my bank account. So, why didn’t my desire to move this “relationship” thing forward come to fruition? Hmmm, it’s because what I really wanted was to feel loved, appreciated, wanted, special, and claimed. If it wasn’t happening, God and/or the Universe wasn’t going to let me spend one more second with someone who wasn’t on their way to being fully in love with me.

It also helped me realize a few things about myself:

–I need to be just as committed to having my own needs met, as I am to meeting others needs. I know that I need to spend lots of time with my partner, that I need to hear confirmation of their adoration all the time, and that it has to be backed up with lots of physical affection. And that’s OK.

–I need someone that is SO excited to be with me. I’ve often been described (by more than one person) as a puppy that’s been waiting all day for their playmate to come home. You must be chomping at the bit to love up on me emotionally, intellectually, and/or physically (preferably all three).

–I need to feel included in my partner’s life. I’m not into the idea of waiting months to introduce/be introduced to family and friends. If I like you, and we’re vibing, I want to integrate you into my life as soon as possible. I need to experience the most realistic portrayal of what a life with you is like. That’s the only way I’ll know.

-You can’t be The One for Every One. I like to be liked, and I go out of my way to make my partners feel liked and special, but it’s no fault of mine, or them, if it doesn’t work out. I AM The One for Some One, so I’ll keep being myself and The One will appreciate it, and I will be exactly what he is looking for.

-I’m getting better at manifesting. I can absolutely see why certain people and situations have come into my life. If the vibe you’re transmitting is returning everything back to you at 100%, then I’m getting it right, 100% of the time! Apparently, that means I’m 90% certain about what I want. But, my manifestations are happening faster. And that’s something to be proud of!

After Church I went out to brunch (food post to follow!) and got chicken and waffles. It got me thinking about Charleston and how I was craving some real southern Banana Pudding from Page’s Okra Grille. I wondered, “Where could I get some banana pudding in Philly?” Later this afternoon, I went for a walk to soak in the fleeting summer sun, and I passed by the Sweet Life Bakery with a sign advertising, “Best Banana Pudding in Philadelphia”.

Oh, Universe, it’s so on.

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Photoshop Fun: Symmetrical Face Study

May 7, 2017May 7, 2017Leave a comment

A few years ago, I read an article about an artist who took photographs of volunteers and then Photoshopped their faces to see what they would look like if they had symmetrical faces. It was fascinating to me. Check out this article and this one BEFORE you look at my photo…

Some people tell me I look like my mom, others say my dad, some, including myself, don’t see much of a resemblance to either one. But after doing this study, I couldn’t believe it.

One half of my face looks JUST like my mom, the other half my dad. Mind blown.

Take a look:

❤

Bad News, Good News

May 1, 2017May 1, 2017Leave a comment

Bad News: I haven’t blogged in a while

Good News: I’ve still been taking photos of my clothes everyday, in preparation for this post

While going through the pictures of my outfits, I realized that there were several outfits that I thought looked really cute, but then, they really didn’t. Those photos did not make the cut 🙂

Yellow Jacket: Banana Republic Factory
Glasses: Ralph Lauren RA 7044 in 1143 Spotted Pink

Army Green Jacket/Blouse: NEW! Banana Republic Structured Blazer: CAbi Outlet

White Blouse: Banana Republic Clearance

Printed Pants: Dizzire via TJ Maxx

Sandals: X-Appeal via Rack Room Shoes
Ruffled Blouse: Banana Republic via Greene Street Consignment

This outfit was actually inspired by my friend, Claire. She had on something similar in a recent photo, and I thought I should try to recreate it here 🙂

Pink Sweater: J Crew Factory

Polka-Dotted Ankle Pants: Ann Taylor Factory

3/4 Sleeve Pink Top: Piko

I bought this in Charleston and realized that I needed a whole bunch more. So I bought some online in black, lilac, and white. Stay tuned!Ruffled Button-Down: J Crew Factory

Camel Pencil Skirt: J Crew Factory There’s the Weekender Bag in action!!
Long Faux Fur Vest: Almost Famous via Sears!
Navy Blazer: Theory via TJ Maxx. Originally $329, on CLEARANCE for $99.99!!

Ripped Denim: Target

Army Pants: STS Blue via Nordstrom

Black Dress: Express, Similar
Camel Boots: Nine West

Ciao Tee: J Crew Factory (you can read about my obsession here, and here, and here)

Ombre Leggings: Express, Similar

Brocade Dress: H&M

Cranberry Pants: Blue Spice via TJ Maxx

Shoes: Madden Girl

Mint Sweater: J Crew Factory, Similar

Floral Choker Blouse: Belle Vere via TJ Maxx

White Blouse: Dance & Marvel, Truth be told, this top was found left in a hotel closet on a previous Charleston trip. What a find!

❤

Scoring A Weekender Bag

February 5, 2017February 5, 20172 Comments

In honor of Superbowl Sunday, I want to talk about a recent score of my own.

I spied this beauty at Homegoods a few weeks before Christmas. She was heavily discounted at $269.99, but I still had a few gifts left on my list, and decided it wasn’t a good time to buy.

I left, but kept thinking about her. She was the perfect rich evergreen color, she looked luxurious, and most important, she was the perfect size for the weekend. I’m fortunate to have several lovely traveling bags to hold my clothes while I’m jet setting. But they were a little too big for a quick overnight.

Fast forward to December 26. My mom and I did our annual shopping trip to the outlets, and on the way home, I decided to stop at Homegoods “just to see” if she was still there. I visualized seeing her, picking her up, and using her for weekend trips, and then…it happened.There she was! The LAST one on the shelf. I picked her up, clutched her close, and checked out immediately, using a few gift cards I’ve had for ages, just waiting to be used on the perfect gift. By the time they were totaled up, all I owed was $99.00

TOUCHDOWN!

Here’s the details-Terrida brand, Giorgione collection in Green.

Word of the Year: 2017

January 1, 2017January 1, 20172 Comments

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Happy New Year! I’ve known for several years that 2017 was coming, but wow, did it get here fast!

When times are hard, it’s easy to say, “Yeah, that was just NOT my year…” And sometimes it really isn’t. It’s a contrast year, showing you everything you don’t want and making what you do want that much clearer.

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My Word of the Year for 2016 was Present. It took me several months to get into the groove, but once I did, it was like the rapids, and it all came flowing so fast, I had no choice but to let go and enjoy the ride. And you just wouldn’t believe the presents that presented themselves. Presents in the form of laughter, in the form of friendship, in the form of love, in the form of money. Unreal, and yet so real!

I wanted to be fully accepting of where I am in my life right now. So I accepted.

I wanted to start enjoying the current moments. So I enjoyed.

I wanted to open my eyes to the glorious things that surround me today. So I opened them.

I wish I could include all of the photos of everyone that showed me I am loved and filled with light. I wish I could post pictures of every place I went that confirmed that I am exactly where I am meant to be. I wish I could describe every conversation when I felt that there was no where else I’d rather be, but in that moment. Instead, I will say Thank You to the people who are special to me and filled 2016 with more joy than I could have anticipated.

Now that I’ve been living the high life, I’ve got to get into some deep sh…stuff. I’ve decided that my Word of the Year for 2017 is:

Trust. Now that I’ve Loved, and Grown, and lived in the Present, I need to start trusting the process, trusting myself, and trusting others again.

It’s about being confident in my own life experiences to know when I’m making decisions that are leading me on my desired path.

It’s about knowing I can have everything I want, I just have to give up the control and know that it will appear when it’s time.

It’s about believing in myself to know that the trail my heart has already blazed, has only one option-to come to be. No more uncertainty.

I am SO looking forward to all of the joys that 2017 will bring!

What’s your word this year?

❤

Hanging Out At…My Apartment, Christmas Village, La Viola, and the Kimmel Center

December 31, 2016December 31, 2016Leave a comment

If we were playing What Do You Meme (got this for my brother for Christmas, so fun, you must play) that would be my caption.

I really enjoyed myself this season! The festivities began when I hosted my Dad and Barb for our annual celebration the weekend before Christmas. I love finding the perfect gift, making sure the house smells good, that there’s enough to drink, the music is playing at the right volume in the background, and thinking of the perfect menu for everyone’s dietary needs. My challenge: Something satisfying that was gluten free and didn’t have red meat or bacon. Here was my invitation and menu:The Farmer’s Casserole recipe was from the Better Homes and Garden’s cookbook I got a few years ago as a Christmas gift 🙂 It was perfect, because the “crust” was made from crispy hash brown potatoes, and I eliminated the bacon! The chicken apple sausage from Applegate Farms is always so juicy and flavorful, Barb made the roasted vegetables (a crowd favorite).

The Gingerbread yogurt parfait was a much simpler version of Bobby’s Flay’s creation. Regular plain yogurt (I’ll use Greek in the future), mixed with maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, sliced bananas, topped with whipped cream and a gluten free gingerbread soft-baked cookie! It was really warm that day, so the whipped cream didn’t last too long 🙂

And then my favorite cold-weather drink…Caramel Apple Sangria. I’ve been making this for about 3 years and it never gets old 🙂 I posted about it before here. The original recipe is from The Wholesome Dish, but see my version below!

Caramel Apple Sangria

2 apples (I like Honeycrisp)

6 cups apple cider ( I like Red Jacket brand)

1 bottle white wine (I like Barefoot Moscato)

1 cup caramel vodka

1/4 cup caramel sauce

Mix and drink…liberally

And then, no Ferenz family gathering would have been complete without the props and selfies…
My apartment is small, but I really do love to entertain. I’m thinking it should be a goal of mine in 2017.

I took a day off mid-week to stroll around the city and take in all of the Winter Wonders. The first stop was the Christmas Village in Dilworth Plaza. They have lots of local vendors that set up tents, and there’s a carousel, and food, and drinks, an ice skating rink, and lots of happy children! They had a really cute photo spot with Christmas trees and a winter scene, but my arms were only long enough to capture the happiness that the whole season brings!

Afterwards, I treated myself Lobster Ravioli at one of favorite Italian restaurants, La Viola Bistro (East).And, obviously, I topped that carb-laden pasta off with some Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake. I may be back in Philadelphia, but my Charleston appetite is here to stay!

And then off to the Kimmel Center, where I may have found myself a new annual tradition…my girl, Elise, at work told me that she was going to the Kimmel Center to watch Home Alone projected onto a big screen, while the Philadelphia Orchestra played the entire musical score. Ummm, yes please! After she told me this, I spent the next 2 days thinking about it, and then woke up on my day off, bought myself a ticket and enjoyed it, like no other! It was JUST like watching the regular movie, except that at the music parts, the orchestra would play. Heaven. The music is already amazing, but being in this beautiful theater, knowing that Christmas was only 4 days away, it was about as close to a child-like Christmas magic I’ve felt in a long time 🙂

Then on Christmas Eve, I met my bestie, Sue, for a lovely brunch, where we talked, ate, and “aired our grievances“.

And then Iron Man and I jetted up to his hometown to spend time with his wonderful, loving, generous family ❤ After a late night of gift-giving, drinking, talking, and laughter, we got up early and made our way back so I could celebrate with my mom’s side! Isn’t Caroline the cutest?! Her brother was supposed to be in the photos, but between the 32 people and 2 dogs in attendance, that photo ended up looking more like this:#truelife

And for the final Christmas Celebration of 2016, I got to spend some time with this little hunnie last night. Emmie in her feather boa. So cute!Hope ya’ll had as wonderful of a Christmas as me and my families!

I have a special post for tomorrow about my Word of the Year and an overview of last year’s word!

Food and Friends and Festive Drinks

December 4, 2016December 4, 20162 Comments

Hi!

I had the pleasure of attending the baby shower for one of my oldest friends, Aisling, today. It was wonderful catching up with some old high school friends AND their adorable little ones 🙂
We got talking about food (obviously), and I promised I would link to my post about my Chik-Fil-A Nuggets Copycat Recipe from January. So when you get the craving on a Sunday, you’re covered!

And, just for you, Mary, the perfect Holiday Sangria 🙂

Caramel Apple Sangria

2 apples (I like Honeycrisp)

6 cups apple cider ( I like Red Jacket brand)

1 bottle white wine (I like Barefoot Moscato)

1 cup caramel vodka

1/4 cup caramel sauce

Mix and drink…liberally

❤

Light and Easy

December 2, 2016December 2, 20161 Comment

Hello from Philadelphia!

Since I’ve been home, I’ve been thinking about everything that is important to me. Fostering friendships, laughing, enjoying my work, cultivating important relationships, eating really good food, spending time with family, laughing more, transforming my hair into “Charleston Blonde”, so I can finally be a blonde “Ole” emoji in my group text with my Chucktown Girls, more laughing, and committing to fun in everyday life 🙂

I truly feel like I emerged out of my chrysalis into the most beautiful butterfly. I’m in the best place in my life to give and receive love. I’ve proved to myself many, many times throughout the past few years that everything is possible. “Fierce” is the best way that I can describe the feeling that I have entering my 30s.

In order for me to keep up this momentum (because, let’s face it, life throws you some lemons, even when you’re sipping that lemonade you made from the last ones), I’ve been listening to a TON of Abraham Hicks videos on YouTube. It just makes SO MUCH SENSE!

Everything SHOULD be Light and Easy. Why do we make everything more complicated for ourselves? I have SO many instances where The Universe has provided me exactly what I’ve needed at exactly the right time. So why should now be any different?

If you need some inspiration, then definitely check out the link. It’s brought me so much peace in my time of transition. Everyday, I feel closer to clarity, closer to alignment, and trying to enjoy the growth that comes from experiencing contrast. Abbey and I say, “The vortex is there for you, all you have to do is step in!”

It’s almost time for a new Word of the Year, and I’ve got one that feels like the right choice for 2017. Stay tuned!

❤