Weekend Highlight: such a deal!

Hello everyone! I hope you all had very restful and enjoyable weekends. I can definitely say that I did, for the first time probably since the holidays. As my search for work continues, I had a few meetings (they went really well, I thought!) and was able to catch up on my sleep! Hooray! I felt so well rested. In addition to playing lots of Uno with Ellen, Mary and Cody, and ate lots of delicious food (YUM, YUM and YUM!) I did a little shopping!

I really don't shop that often (I tend to shop at the times you're "not" supposed to) but I'm learning how to become a better shopper. If you haven't been in awhile, I would say now's the time because the deals are unbelievable!! Seriously, they are unreal. All of the beautiful spring colors are coming in and they are everywhere! As much as I would like to grab it all right now, it's a bit out of my price range. Luckily, I caught some deals for some pieces that I know I will have for awhile.

I snagged these gorgeous loafers from Banana Republic. I don't usually like to brag about deals, but I got these for...wait for it...$13! I know! I was shocked as well. These are an item I was seriously going to splurge on, but thankfully I didn't have to. They're such a classic color and style and I am so excited that I have them in my wardrobe!

I also got little black pants from Zara for $15! They're going to be perfect for work, play, all that good stuff.

Though I'm not always the best sale shopper, I'm learning when the deals are, so go and find yourself one if you need a little pick me up! Have you gotten anything fabulous for less than $20 lately?  What was it? Or even if it was more than $20, what deals have you smiling right now?

Hope everyone's weekends were relaxing!

~Susan

Friday Fancies: Swap it Up!

So excited for today's Friday Fancies swap! Take it away Rachel!

This week for Friday Fancies we are switching it up- literally! Alison set everyone up with a blog swap partner. So, hi! I'm Rachel and I blog over at Can't Google Everything!

Susan and I seem to have pretty similar styles when it comes to Fridays Fancies- we both feature classic and comfortable items! However- I noticed Susan tends to go for classic colors and pops of orange, while I prefer blues, reds and purple! So I hope you guys don't mind me mixing it up a bit with the pops of green in the outfit I made up for Susan!

I went with the theme of "Winter Wonderland" for this outfit. I fell in love with this black and green striped sweater dress and tried to bring out the green with the hat and nail polish! I can imagine walking through the snow on a date in this outfit (although you would need to add some tights or leggings to keep your legs warm!) and then going inside to warm up by the fire and have some hot chocolate! Just be sure to layer the gloves under your sleeves so you can show off those stripey, sparkly sleeves!

Winter Wonderland by phillyrachel featuring fingerless gloves

Markus Lupfer long sleeve dress, Vince Camuto kitten heel boots, Scarve, Miss Selfridge knit hat, MICHAEL Michael Kors fingerless glove, Butter London 3 Free Lacquer Nail Polish I hope you guys liked the Fridays Fancies oufit I came up with today! Please remember to hop on over to {Long Distance Loving} to check out the link up for Fridays Fancies!

And, if your so inclined, please check out my blog, Can't Google Everything, as well!

Happy Friday everyone!

Thanks so much Rachel! I absolutely love this outfit and would definitely, definitely wear it! I'm so excited to have swapped with you! Go over and show her some love  and see what I picked out for her!
Have wonderful weekends everyone!

Thursday Thoughts...and someone special

image via pinterest

I don't know about you, but I don't know how many times I've heard the phrase "good things come to those who wait." I've heard it constantly since I was a kid, but I don't think I've really understood how important that is until now.

 Really, waiting is good and all. In fact, I encourage waiting sometimes. If we act too fast on our decisions we make, they may not turn out so well in the end for us.

 I really think though that it is the doers that feel the best about themselves, their choices, and their relationships. Waiting doesn't always cut it. Doing is always best.

 It often takes a little bit of boldness and a little bit of risk, which I think are perfectly normal. We all need to take a little leap of faith in order to accomplish that! I think that doing always wins the day.

 So take initiative!! It's scary (as I have been realizing) but so worth it. Go out of your comfort zone and take those risks. They'll probably be worth it in the end.

Sorry to have to thought days in a row! But I've needed thoughts this week, and I think it's important to reflect. But on to other business:

It's my dad's birthday today! Happy Birthday Dad!

You're another year older and another year wiser (well you've always been wise to me, but another year wiser none the less). I cannot wait to celebrate with you and eat lots of cake, and since it's your birthday we'll listen to whatever Mozart who like, at whatever volume you like! I love you so much and cannot wait to share yet another year with you. 

My dad has recently started reading the blog, so I thought I'd show him some love here! 

Hope you all have wonderful Thursdays as well! Get excited for tomorrow's Friday's Fancies, it's going to be a treat!

~Susan

Random Acts

Sorry friends, I have been MIA for the past few days. It's difficult when family issues, and job issues, and school issues all start to pile up at this time. Sometimes I wonder how people handle it all. But then I remember that someone once told me that God never gives us anything we can't handle...then I just proceed on. Or I am attempting to!

image via pinterest

I have to say, that I have found in 2012, random acts of kindness have definitely come my way. It's little things. One of my favorite baristas yesterday told me today that someone left their punch card all punched for a free drink, but the girl was rude to him. She never came back for it. He said that he wanted to save it for someone who deserved a free drink. Guess who was so lucky?

I also received over the weekend, all simultaneously, over twenty five text messages of from a group of friends telling me that they care about that me and everything is going to be alright. Just because!

Between people offering to walk me home, offering me rides to places or allowing me to just vent, I've realized that these people are offering random acts of kindness.

No one is required to help, but when it is randomly offered, the action means that much more. 


I am so moved when people randomly offer to help, whether it is the biggest or smallest act. I am striving to pay it forward as well.

Whether it is a note just to say hi, bringing a plate of cookies, helping carry a heavy load, loading your bags at the grocery store, a long phone call for no reason at all...

or my personal favorite, just a big smile and a positive attitude. Who doesn't ever need that!

To me, those random acts are the things that I always remember about a person.

How about you? Have you had many random acts of kindness lately? Or have you acted randomly? (It's ok to say that you have!)

Happy Wednesday! I hope you're all getting through the week well!

~Susan

Friday's Fancies: Pinspiration!

Source: simplyme091909.blogspot.com via Susan on Pinterest

Most of us have been able to use Pinterest as a source of inspiration for outfits, homes, styles, advice...pretty much anything out there. When {av} suggested that we take inspiration from Pinterest and create an outfit, I was psyched! I've seen this image pinned so many times, and it's so effortlessly easy to recreate. Here's my spin on it:

Pinspiration by susanhager featuring tory burch flats

I know I could easily implement this (of course, these are all my dream price options!) and it's so easy to wear anywhere. I'm always looking for ways to use my favorite chambray, long cardigans, of course belts, and I'd die for flats like these! I'm loving this Bubble necklace and of course I always have a bag to go with things!

I hope you all have relaxing, cozy weekends! Head over to Long Distance Loving and see the other pinspired fancies!

Thursday Thoughts

image via pinterest

I think that this is one of the best reminders that I could have for this week. I have to remind myself not to be afraid of standing up for myself, not to be afraid of what the future holds, not to be afraid or feel like I am not good enough and not be afraid that I will fail.

We just cannot be afraid. 

When I found this on pinterest, I was really struck by it, and everyday since I have urged myself to be not afraid. I hope you all will not be afraid either. Being fearless takes time, faith, and guts, but I think all of us need a little fearlessness in our lives. Just a tad, for good measure. I urge you all, be not afraid, and put your faith in someone or something that you can fall back on. It will really change your life if you do.

I have to say that I'm still learning to this day to not be afraid to say no, or be more assertive with my beliefs. It's the hardest thing for me, and it hurts a little, but I know that I am better off.

How are you fearless?

Happy Thursday? Any thoughts to share? I hope you're all having wonderful weeks!

~Susan

If the shoe fits...

Who doesn't love shoes? They are absolutely, without a doubt the perfect addition to an outfit to make something go from casual to a bit dressy, or vice versa. Because it's all ok to peek every now and then, here's a pair that I would definitely go for:

image via my pinterest

I know, they're simple. But seriously I'm loving this color! Perfect for jeans, a cute pencil skirt, or maybe even to dress up that lovely suit that I have to put on today for a teacher fair. Color to spruce up something like a suit is key! It separates the working women from...well other working women! But color is always nice!

 What do you think about suits? One of my guy friends told me that he thinks women look sexy in suits. What would you say? Do you feel good in a suit? I say it depends! Sometimes it can look cute, other times it can be frumpy. It's all about attitude! Add a smile, some cute shoes, a little bit of eye makeup and maybe even a hint of sparkle somewhere and you're good to go! So I'll be suiting up sans these cute shoes, but I'll still make it work! (I know this will be my first of many fairs to come, so maybe these wouldn't be such a bad purchase after all!)

Hope you all have wonderful Wednesdays! Week's half over!

Those busy Tuesdays...

Ahh I ran out of time to finish what I wanted to write for today! So I'll just leave you with some words for today.

Source: etsy.com via Susan on Pinterest

This kind of goes without saying, but many times we sometimes forget to do good for ourselves and for others. It's tough because we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our lives. I need this reminder that I am here to do good things not only for myself, but for my family and for others.
 Who do you do good for?

 ~Susan

P.S. Last night I rediscovered my love for You've Got Mail! It's so so so 90s! But I seriously love it!

Weekend HIghlight: Yeehaw!

This weekend, I finished up ten days of intensive work on this show called The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (yes, I know off putting title, but it was really hilarious!). So my weekend was filled with a new flannel plaid that I picked up, thank you Target! Here are the gals that kind of owned the pit with me. We really did have a fun time.

I also was able to finish that cowl I started last week during rehearsal breaks. Here's how it turned out (and excuse my bad photo booth pictures):

I have to say, I'm a fan! How were your weekends?? Do you have big plans for this week?

~Susan

Who can help me...

...find new food blogs to follow?? I love The Daily Dish and Smitten Kitchen, but I'm looking for more food blogs to read throughout my day and get some inspiration. Who are your favorites?? I'd love to know and expand my horizons!

I'm always looking for new foods to try! Last night I picked up the new Real Simple Magazine and can't wait to read it. One of my good friends is discovering her love for her slow cooker so I thought I would read up on these! Last night she made pumpkin bisque....mmmm! So delish! We have to get cooking this week for an event we have to go to, so maybe this will give us some inspiration!

Oh and here's a treat for your Sunday that made me go: wow! I definitely want to make this!

Source: florencefinds.com via Susan on Pinterest

Have restful Sundays!

 ~Susan

Friday's Fancies: Color Crush!

Hints of Tangerine by susanhager featuring a gold wrap bracelet

This week, {av} over at {long distance loving} suggested that we reveal our current color crushes that we love right now. I know that we've seen this everywhere lately since it was named color of the year, but I really really do love it: Tangerine! I really love this bright, gorgeous color, mainly because it's so different and we often forget to incorporate it into our wardrobes. Now that winter is here, it's easiest to incorporate it with accessories with that gorgeous bag, earrings and wrap bracelet. Keeping everything else neutral is a fabulous way to highlight how bold everything else is!

 And...I couldn't resist! I had to just include more tangerine love! Of course, all out of budget, but I love them all!

Color Crush: Tangerine by susanhager featuring an orange bag

What's your color crush? Would you ever incorporate tangerine into your wardrobe? Head over to {long distance loving} and check out some other lovely color crushes!

 This weekend is busy! Shows all weekend, so I'm keeping myself moving. But I am definitely wanting to take in the first snow of the year. It's gorgeous out here! How about you all? Happy Friday!

and thanks so much to all of you who have been leaving such sweet comments lately! You guys make my day!

 ~Susan

Thursday Thoughts

Source: prettystuff.tumblr.com via Susan on Pinterest

Well, Miss Marilyn had some issues, but I must say, this really has to be one of the best things I could hear. I think that as we all reach turning points in our lives, the things that we thought were once good collapse and pile on up of us. But I really do believe that the good comes from the bad. Not right away, of course, but better things do come together.

I'm saying this for each and every one of you.

Life's tough sometimes.

But better things will fall together when they are supposed to for each of you, I believe it.

What are you thinking of this Thursday?

~Susan

Mad about Plaid!

Who says that plaid has to be gone when the holidays are? I could see this staple going on all winter long! I'm really surprised that the only plaid I have is in a pajama top. Who knows? Maybe my friends will be seeing that top out this week! (Cold temps are coming back people! I'm kind of thankful really. Mother Nature has been playing tricks on me!)

Pups need plaid too!

Source: witanddelight.tumblr.com via Liz on Pinterest

Source: atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com via Keely on Pinterest

Source: emeraldsparkled.com via Lourdes on Pinterest

Source: convoy.tumblr.com via Brianna on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Carlo on Pinterest

Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com via Courtney on Pinterest

Source: jcrew.com via Jenn on Pinterest

Source: letstalktrunk.com via Kelsey on Pinterest

I know, you're probably thinking, wow Susan, yesterday you were telling us how to beat winter and now you're telling us how to embrace it with wintery plaid? Sorry ladies, I love this trend! If snow is coming, that means plaid. ASAP! (Good thing I need some for my show this weekend. Guess I'll be headed out to find some!)

 ~Susan

Beat the Winter Blues!

A lot of us feel kind of down after the holidays. We've enjoyed spending so much time with family and friends, eating delicious big meals, and having celebrations quite often for about a month and then all the sudden it's gone. We're back to reality: working, taking classes, stress piles up and often times, we get a little bit depressed. Here's what I do to beat the winter blues:

Source: thealternativebride.blogspot.com via Susan on Pinterest

I like to go to bed early (I know, Grandma move right here!). Partially why I do this is because I've had such a big day and I'm tired, but also going to bed early means that I am able to get more rest and feel more energized for these days that sometimes seem to drag, and I feel great when I do it!

Source: purlbee.com via Susan on Pinterest

I knit (when my free time allows me!). Having an activity like knitting not only passes the time but it also goes with the theme of the season. I feel like bad winter days (those days that are too cold, or maybe even too warm) don't exist when I'm knitting and that only the happy kind are on their way (and hopefully they will be!)

Source: thepastryaffair.com via Susan on Pinterest

I indulge in little pleasures. I make myself a hot chocolate for dessert, eat a little bit of cookie dough, play outside on a good winter day, make a warm meal or take a long walk. Those little things get me through and enjoy the season the way it's supposed to be.

Source: curvecreation.tumblr.com via Tara on Pinterest

I also exercise frequently! Not only is it a good way to be energized, healthy and pumped up, but I'll be ready for spring and summer when I use my body way more. I prepare myself for the warm months ahead when I know I do lots of physical activities all in one day, something that usually does not happen this time of year.

These little things just work for me. Making myself feel good in whatever way I can helps sometimes when it feels like winter is just a bit too long.

How do you beat the winter blues?


~Susan

Weekend Highlight: Half work, half play!

I have to say, I had a pretty busy weekend. I'm playing in this show The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (yes, that's the title. I have to say, despite the title, it's really funny!). It took up a big, big chunk of my weekend. So when the actors were busy blocking scenes, I was busy starting this:

Stripes are always in, yes? Hopefully I'll have more time later this week to finish it. Other than that, when I wasn't busy rehearsing, I had down time of watching Gilmore Girls (season 4 for all those interested!).

I also read the January issue of Self magazine. My favorite article, and probably my favorite picture that I'll tear out for my bulletin board was this:

So true right? We can all be pretty! I don't know why we're afraid of that sometimes.

Also started following about ten more blogs this weekend. Hopefully I can keep up with them all. Can we make blog reading and pinning full time jobs?

It was quite a nice weekend, but of course now my busy weeks begin! I went through my calendar and my goodness is it getting full. Are yours like that?

How were your weekends? Do anything exciting? Productive? Are you getting yourselves organized? I'm really, really trying!

Happy Monday!


~Susan

Friday's Fancies: Best Foot Forward!

Best Foot Forward by susanhager featuring suede shoes

I'm back with my first Friday's Fancies in too long! I'm so happy to be back with the link up. I loved when {av} announced that this week's theme was Best Foot Forward, because who doesn't love shoes? New year, new shoes! Although all of these are out of my budget, I'm loving COLOR for this new year! I have a bracelet that on the inside says Live Colorfully, and why not? Life is better in color, especially in shoes! I love these blue suede heels, flats that have a dash of pink, and my new favorite: this beautiful orange. Aren't those Sperry's awesome? Keeping everything neutral with pops of colors in the accessories is something I really want to implement in my own wardrobe, especially this upcoming spring. I know I'm talking about spring. It's far away, but right now it feels like springtime! It's 50 here today!

 Hope you all have wonderful weekends! I'm playing for a musical and these rehearsals are taking up a bit of time, but it's really fun and it's going to be a great show. Hanging out with friends and getting work done is going to take up the rest of my weekend. What are you all up to?

Don't forget to head over to {long distance loving} and check out other ladies' gorgeous fancies!

Happy Weekend!

~Susan

Thursday Thoughts

Though I set New Years goals for myself, I won't share them because I know that we've all read a lot of them by now and of course gotten inspired by reading them. I do know that this is going to be a good year, a year of change and a year of endings and anxiously awaited new beginnings. In the spirit of that, I thought it would be good to remind myself of this:

Source: frenchbydesign.blogspot.com via Susan on Pinterest

A lot of my friends are very conflicted with where they're going and what's going to happen in the next year. We all wonder that. But we can only do the best that we are capable of and passionate for. That's what will get us places. When we all come alive, we are bettering ourselves, bettering others, and bettering the world. That's what this world needs right now: passionate, driven individuals doing their best. However, we can't just sit here and imagine it. We need to go and do it. If this isn't a good start to the year, I don't know what is.

So I ask you: What makes you come alive? 


For me, it is lots of different things. I come alive by teaching and helping others learn. I come alive by making music and trying to give others comfort, enjoyment and pleasure.  I come alive by writing and reading and being inspired by others' creativity and I'm so thankful to have the opportunity to do so.

Hope everyone is starting the New Year off on the right note!

~Susan

Hue of Blue

Here's my newest finished project! I have to say that I absolutely love it. It's warm and comfy cowl without being to bulky and it's such a fabulous pattern. I know that it's already going to quickly become one of my favorites!

Isn't it gorgeous?

Here are my other projects that are out for the season! Looking fabulous!

I'm in the process of forming an Etsy shop for my things. Do you know anyone who would be interested in beautiful hand knit scarves? Feel free to contact me! This is my favorite hobby and I love to share it with other people!

 ~Susan

Hitting the books

One of my goals for 2012 is to read more books: any kinds of books! From children's books, to romance novels to biographies to realistic fiction. I want to get back on the book train! There's already a few series I would like to read, including the Hunger Games, which I've heard nothing but good things about! Currently I'm reading a book for teachers called The End of Molasses Classes by Ron Clark. If you are in education at all, or have kids in school, you should read this book and tell your friends, your principals and your teachers about it! It's really phenomenal and has tons of great ideas about how to make school interesting. I'm loving it! I'm continuing to make myself a better me and by implementing some of his advice in my future classroom, I know that I'm not only making a better me, but I'm making kids better as well.

I'm up for reading anything! What's on your reading list?

~Susan

Weekend Highlight: Post Holiday

Hello everyone! Hope you all are having lovely three day weekends for those of you who have them, how wonderful they are! I hope everyone is enjoying the start to 2012! My mom, dad, little sister and I enjoyed a great start to the year by going to the Chicago Botanic Gardens and seeing their Winter Wonderland Express exhibit. It's a model train exhibit with sets completely made out of plants and reusable materials. It was exquisite!

On top of the trains rolling by above our heads, there were Chicago landmarks everywhere! Recognize any of these? It was fantastic!

We took down our tree, packed up some Christmas items and I also watched my final viewing of The Holiday for this season. I have a hard time letting go of holidays, so I thought watching The Holiday would be nice closure!

How were your weekends? How did you ring in the New Year?

Here's to getting back to "normal!"

~Susan