8/30 aka Cowls are perfect for hiding candy

Sweater: Old Navy, Jeans: Old Navy, Cowl: Forever 21: Shoes: Steve Madden

After I saw this post on The Daybook, I crunched some numbers and realized I could save approximately 89.322 minutes per week if I switched to a smaller purse, thus avoiding the time spent rooting around in the depths of my suitcase-sized giant to find a pen or some change.

Since that revelation, I've switched to a teeny-tiny purse and in my new spare time have traced my family lineage back 600 years, done 100 New York Times' Sunday crossword puzzles, and broken the world record for longest hula-hoop.

But then on Friday night, Derek and I went to the movies, and I was reminded why I used to carry that big ol' purse - to sneak candy in to theaters of course! Yes, you heard me right, I refuse to pay $5 for a box of Red Vines when they are $1 at Walgreens. So as I pondered my situation, I looked from my tiny purse, to my candy, to my cowl, and thought, hmm ... could my knit neck warmer not only snuggle but smuggle?

Then I decided, good idea, but no, and did what any normal gal would do, put my little purse, inside my old big purse, along with all the candy I could manage.

Weekenders

It was a very hairy weekend at the Burke-Engler house. For quite some time now, I've been due for a haircut ... a process I never enjoy. Every time it's time for a snip, I hem and haw over what route to go. Should I cut it all off? Just take care of the dead ends? Layer it or go for something blunt? I Google pictures of every possible cut, but inevitably I go with something pretty much the same as before. In fact, the most drastic thing I've done to my hair in the past ten or so years, is let it go back from platinum blonde to my natural darker color. Well that and then this:

Anyways, my very first plan for this weekend's hair appointment was to go for the same-old-same-old. Then I saw this photo of Heidi Klum, and in a fit of bravery, printed it out and put it in my purse. Haunted by the memories of sparkly hair clips holding back my awkward-length bangs when I grew them out in the fifth grade, I was unsure if I would actually ever pull it out.

.But with my man cheering me on from the sidelines while he read his In Touch Weekly, I felt the courage and I went for it. And voila! Here is the result:

I love it! Hooray for going out of my box. And in other hairy news. Someone went from this:

To this (cue dreamboat photo treatment):

 

Terry, you'll be glad to know your son still listens to your advice. Though I must say, while I spent Oscars' night admiring the dresses, Derek spent Oscar night nostalgically admiring the facial hair.

Happy Monday!

7/30 aka Now do you believe I live in my sweatpants?

Pants: Gap, Denim shirt: Herve Bernard at Marshalls, Grey Shirt: Banana Republic, Cardigan: Polo by Ralph Lauren at Marshalls, Shoes: Steve Madden, Necklaces: don't remember!

Happy Friday my friends! As you can see, I'm still in the first third of my outfit postings, while my compadres in this process are in their final leg. If there was any denying that my work-from-home job keeps me in thoroughly un-internet-worthy clothes, you better believe it now. Luckily I have a boyfriend who prefers the no-makeup ponytail me, and when I do get gussied up, it makes it all the more fun.

And now, the weekend is here, and I'm finally going to be home, dressed, and have the time to snap some shots. So except more to come! I also have some fun recipes and projects coming next week so stay tuned.

In the meantime, here's some posts that caught my eye this week.

Wouldn't this or this dress be fun to change into for your wedding reception? Or wear the whole time if you want a short dress! And both under $70.

This fish dinner we made this week was melt-in-your-mouth good.

If I'm good, can I please have this kitchen when I grow up?

Oh yum!

Are you looking forward to the Oscars this weekend? I am! This was my favorite Oscar dress growing up, though I think if I went, I'd want to wear something like this or even this.

Weekenders

Well if it says anything about my Vegas vacation, it's almost the next weekend, and I'm just getting around to posting this last weekend. It was a whirlwind to say the least.

Here's a few highlights ...

First sights of Vegas, lots of flashing lights! (That's me holding up my high-rollin' $5 chips)

Doing the classic tourist poses at the buffet.

I may live in Cali, but I never tire of palm trees.

Derek showing off our hotel, the MGM Grand.

The look on my face every time I thought I was going to lose some money, ghostly white (I didn't whew!)

Fabulous food and whimsical decor at Serendipity 3.

Derek evoking his inner jungle king at the lion habitat at MGM.

Ready for a night on the town.

The luxurious pool at Caesar's Palace.

Vegas calls for getting dressed up! And you may notice, I'm not in my 30 for 30. Don't hate me, please! I'm actually swapping out a few of my picks I haven't worn yet for these new items - more on that to come. I think that's totally illegal but the weather has been particularly nutty as has my travel schedule and sacrifices must be made. More on new 30 for 30 pieces and outfits this week!

And I leave you with this important bit of advice ... Live long and prosper

L-O-V-E love

Betcha thought I became a blackjack professional and stayed in Vegas, didn't ya? Well, I thought about it, but in the end, I thought the buffets would get to be too much for my waist line. So instead I'm home, I'm catching up on life and working on getting my vacation pictures uploaded while having way too much fun with Picasa/Picnik (see below). I have a crazy week ahead so posting might be light, but I promise to soon catch up on my outfit posts and share some DIYs I have in store!

Viva Las Vegas!

Derek and I are off to Vegas, baby! It's my very first time so send a little luck that the (minimal) amount I'll be gambling will turn into some big bucks! Meanwhile, some links to keep you busy.

Derek and I always talk about having a chicken coop for eggs someday. This would be my dream one.

Check out what we had for dinner this week, here, here and here.

I'm in love with this explorer room for a little boy.

Killer bridesmaids dresses.

Play date

How killer would any of these bunks have been for a childhood sleepover? I could have packed a couple dozen of my friends in one of these for some serious games of MASH, Dream Phone, and crush gossip.

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