Friday's Fancies: Rain Chic!

Rain Chic by susanhager featuring a black umbrella

Sometimes, I just love the rain! I wholeheartedly embraced {av}'s theme this week is here is my definition of rainy day chic. To me, there is sometime to be said about a dress and rain boots. I just think it's cute! I'd pair it with a statement colored rain jacket, a cute mint bag since mint is oh so cute and oh so in right now, and keep the accessories minimum. The most important rainy day musts have to be the coat and the boots. Everyone needs a good pair of rain boots and I love these! Plus make sure your umbrella works! Hopefully we'll have some warm rain (that's my favorite kind) and some beautiful rainbows to boot. I must admit, I love dressing for the rain!

After a busy week, I have yet another busy weekend. A friend of mine is getting married tomorrow, so I'm excited to go and see her and her man tie the knot! That is all followed by rehearsals, more revisions, and more even more revisions. But I hope you all have relaxing weekends!

Be sure to check out the rest of the fancies over at Long Distance Loving all weekend! Happy Friday! ~Susan

Thursday Thoughts: no worries

Source: instagr.am via Susan on Pinterest

Happy Thursday friends! Sorry I've been pretty invisible this week. Life happens! But I really wanted to thank all of you ladies for the well wishes on my interview on Monday! You guys are the sweetest. I think it went pretty well, so I'll wait till next week so see if I get to be interviewed again. Now I just play that fun waiting game.

Which leads me to this Thursday Thought. Now there are several things in my life that I just wish would just disappear (hello giant research paper. Let's be done now!) But then I finally stumbled upon this a few weeks ago and decided to come back to it.

Why have I never been this wise? Seriously worrying doesn't change the outcome, in fact it probably even makes the outcome seem worse because we worried so much. Now, I've never been a huge worrier, but I still worry. We always have to keep the faith knowing that our energy would have been better spent on something else. Of course, we can always hope for the best and know that everything happens for a reason to combat our worrying nature. I think we are all meant for more than worrying about the things we can or even cannot control.

So don't worry! I know, easier said than done. Always hope for the best, stay positive and remember that everything happens for a reason! Work as hard as you can, pray as hard as you can, use others to help you through and realize that the worrying was never meant to be.

Happy Thursday! (and hopefully this weekend I'll be able to catch up on life with all of you!)

~Susan

Sometimes it would be nice...

Source: everythingjustpurelovely.tumblr.com via Katie on Pinterest

to just walk in the rain with your love. Enjoy the ones you love today!

(Sorry for my brevity, I had an interview today, so I was short on time. But I thought this was too cute!)

Happy Monday!

~Susan

Friday Fancies: What's the Season?

spring in by susanhager featuring pink jade earrings

This week's fancies were supposed to be themed for the NCAA tournament. Well, my team is D3, so they already played (the guys made it to the final four, the women won the D3 Championship! GO IWU!) so I wanted to base my fancies off of the weird season we're having right now! What season is it again? Haha.

I don't have a maxie, but I think I need one, don't you? This one's gorgeous, and I'd go simple with a plain white tee, some statement earrings, a monogram ring, strappy flat sandals, and a neutral blazer. Simple enough right? It's perfect for whatever season this is! It's still in the 70s here! I love it! What's your weather making you want to wear?

I hope you all have good weekends! I'm finishing a paper, going to a jazz concert and seeing some of my friends have recitals this weekend. Not too shabby if you ask me. What are you up to? Have wonderful weekends wherever yours takes you!

~Susan

Thursday Thoughts: a birthday wish

Happy 21st birthday to my best friend, my sister Ellen!

I always love celebrating Ellen's birthday. She always wants a big cake that usually ends up looking like this:

Source: nancycreative.com via Denise on Pinterest

Happy Birthday to my style icon, my laughter machine, my best listener, the one who always tells me to be a bit more impulsive, the girl who never gives up, the girl who will watch the Holiday with me for the 31st time..

I wish I could be there to celebrate your 21st with you Bella! We'll have to take a trip to Howl at the Moon on me! I'm so blessed, thankful and elated to have yet another wonderful year with my best friend. You're the best sister a girl could ask for! I love you!

Happy Thursday friends!

~Susan

Creativity: it's a Choice!

Source: branfam.blogspot.com via Danelle on Pinterest

I' really love the blog The Simply Luxurious Life and it has been a daily read of mine after I found it about a month ago. I think Shannon had some great ideas today about creativity that I thought I would let you find it for yourselves. Sometimes we get in a rut and need to find ways to choose to be creative. I think she gives us all some great ideas and also gives us insight on the things we don't want to hear. But sometimes we have to hear those, such as her Be the Outsider concept (something I'm always afraid of). Hop on over there today and see what she has to say!

P.S. If it's feeling like summer in your neck of the woods, I can't help but sharing this with you today too!

Who doesn't need a little Kenny Chesney on days like today!

~Susan

Kate, so great

I don't know anyone who is as obsessed with the royal couple as my younger sister Mary. She and her friends go crazy for all things Kate! They look on the website Daily Mail several times a day for updates and pictures of the duchess. They went to Top Shop and all bought the same blue blazer that Kate once wore and each of them have Pinterest Boards dedicated to her. At first, I didn't understand the obsession. I thought that she was gorgeous, and I've always loved the Royals, but I never understood why their obsession has gone to such great lengths (they plan to watch the Royal Wedding, again on their 1 year anniversary, among other things!). Well, after seeing more and more pictures of Kate pop up on my Pinterest, courtesy of my sister and her friends, I'm understanding why her style is so desired. She seems so down to earth, girl next door, and just well, cool. (I'd love to be her for just one day!) Here's a few pictures, courtesy of my sister Mary's Pinterest board, Kate the Great.

Source: zimbio.com via Mary on Pinterest

Source: zimbio.com via Mary on Pinterest

I mean obviously I could keep going, but I'll leave you wanting more. Find Mary on her Pinterest and I promise you won't be disappointed. We're all anxiously awaiting the London 2012 summer Olympics, where she and her friends predict that she will be making some glamorous appearances!

Happy Tuesday!

~Susan

Fresh!

Source: therealityofskinny.tumblr.com via Alona on Pinterest

I don't know anything that tastes fresher than a Waldorf salad! I had one at Potbelly's over the weekend, and it was delicious. This one's "skinny" and looks delicious! What says spring more than fresh food? I don't know what does!

And this post is prompted by me watching The Chew on my lunch break. Do you watch it? I love this show! They're all about what's fresh and springy, so I couldn't help but post something that always tastes fresh to me! What's your go to spring salad? What is the most fresh tasting food you love in the spring?

Hope everyone had fabulous weekends! I took pictures of my green latte but couldn't get them with me today, but I did enjoy the wonderful St. Patty's day weather over the weekend. Hope you all did too! 

P.S. It's 80 degrees. 80. Cue a spring dress!

~Susan

Friday's Fancies: Irish Pride!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! This is what I would wear if I was headed downtown to the parade (my original plan but now I'm working instead! There's always next year!). I love the colored denim with a green sweater and since there's a chance of rain, I pack a big tote with a change of sandals and a trench, just in case! Top it off with shamrock accents and it's perfect for the occasion!

 What are you up to this St. Patrick's weekend? I'm keeping it pretty low key, not too much going on, which is nice. What about you? What would you wear for the holiday? Are you dressed to the nines?

Be sure to check out the rest of the Fancies at Long Distance Loving!
 Happy St. Patrick's Day!

 ~Susan

Thursday Thoughts: an Irish blessing

Source: everythingfab.com via Susan on Pinterest

Around this time of year when many of us embrace our Irish heritages (or just pretend to be Irish, that's cool too!), I'm always reminded of this blessing that I learned a really long time ago. Originally, it was just a hymn that we sang in children's choir. Now, it has a lot more meaning to me. I see it as a tale of friendship and good wishes for someone else, or it can even be for yourself. Maybe this is because I've been watching too many romantic movies (and am up WAY too late!), but at this hour it's seeming very romantic to me!

Whenever I hear it, it just makes me smile (and I don't think you have to be Irish to appreciate it. My mom's heard it often enough and she still likes it! Not one ounce of my Irishness comes from her!). Share it with a friend this week, or just use it as a reminder for yourself. I wish all of you this blessing and more this week.

I'm excited for more Irish pride coming tomorrow for Friday's Fancies! I love this holiday!

~Susan

Bloggers who Jewel!

Ok, so that's probably not the most proper term to use, but I'm really loving on some of my favorite bloggers who are so multi-talented that they have their own jewelry businesses. I don't know if I make it apparent on here how much I love jewelry.

I really LOVE jewelry!

It's crazy, every so often I keep adding to my collection and I think it's the best way to put a little pop and sparkle into my ordinary day!

Although it is fun to stop by my local Forever 21 and snatch up a $4 necklace (come on, we've all done it! It's way too easy not to!), I've been eying some of my favorite bloggers jewels. Though I haven't purchased any (yet!), I have been having a good time window shopping. I just had to share a few of my favorites that I absolutely love!

Jess LC. Jess blogs at one of my absolute favorite reads, Makeunder My Life. She blogs about living and designing a life with intentions to live a fuller life and she's phenomenal at what she does. In addition to being a fantastic blogger, she has a wonderful jewelry and bag business, Jess LC. A few weeks ago, she announced a new line called Flea, which is inspired by vintage pieces. Here's a few pieces that I could honestly just grab right now:

images via Jess LC

Gaby over at The Vault Files has her own Etsy shop, The Vault Jewels. They're so fun with lots of color pop and I definitely want to snag a few of them up! She's got such an amazing eye and her jewels definitely show.

images via The Vault Jewels

Mae over at Mae Badiyan started her own jewelry business recently and I'm loving all of her pieces! They're simple, but really pack a punch. I'd definitely go for that snap bracelet. Such a fun statement with just simple everyday things.

images via Mae Badiyan

Am I missing out on any other bloggers who create? I wish I was as talented enough to make these gorgeous pieces! Ahh, jewelry!!

 ~Susan

note: I was not asked to write this post by any of the above bloggers. I just love jewelry!

Weekend Highlight: so relaxed

This weekend was a wonderful, relaxing one. My brother was home, and since he won't be around for St. Patrick's Day next week, we had corned beef and soda bread today. It.was.so.good. I might make it this time this week (and if I do, I'll share the recipe!). It was such a good meal and it was so good to spend some time.

We also watched a lot of movies! My sister and I saw The Artist. I absolutely loved it and I definitely recommend it if you haven't seen it yet. I immediately bought the soundtrack and have been addicted to it all weekend. I think this guy steals the show. Have you seen Uggie? Cutest dog ever. He could've won the Oscar!

both images via google

We also rewatched The Help and The King's Speech. I absolutely love both of them and it was nice to just sit back and watch some movies!

I also watched Smash. Yes, I know. But I'm hooked! I'm completely caught up and I want to see what's next for it. Of course tonight Ben will pick his fiancé. I'm hoping that all the tabloids will be completely wrong and he'll end up picking Lindzi. But I think I'm probably wrong. Thoughts?

What were you up to this past weekend? I hope you had relaxing ones!

I hope you have a great start to your Mondays!

~Susan

Friday's Fancies: Spring Break!

Who doesn't love a good spring break? I've never travelled anywhere exotic for mine, but if I was going to, I would want a relaxing suit, some cute shorts, practical shoes and of course a jean jacket. I love it! I'd take the whole thing right away (who's loving the floral top trend? I definitely want to try it!). Head over to Long Distance Loving to see more beach fancies!

Did you ever take a spring break? Where did you go?

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, wherever it takes you. Relax and enjoy!! I'm so happy to be home here with my family, enjoying food and relaxation. I needed it!  Happy Friday! 

~Susan

Thursday Thoughts: Best is yet to Come!

source: my Pinterest

So the first time I saw this, I immediately thought of the Michael Bublé song! Shows where my head was! I had no idea this was in the bible.

But I really believe that the best is yet to come for all of us. As I pile through papers, projects and job search stresses, I can't help but think that the best really is yet to come. I have this whole new chapter ahead of me, and though it's a bit scary, I think it's pretty fantastic.

I really think we all have new chapters in our lives, we just never know when they start or when they're coming. They just happen and we can never prepare ourselves. We just have to trust.

If you're going through a rough rut of a week, start to the month, or even if this year for you has been rough, please believe me that the best is yet to come when you least expect it. I honestly think that you'll surprise yourself when something amazing happens and you just remember "Aha! The best was yet to come!" Well maybe not Aha, but you know, maybe I'm channeling Oprah a bit today!

For me, I'm looking forward to heading home today and spending a good ten days with family. I get to see my brother for the first time since Christmas! I think it's going to be a great productive week with a bit lots of R&R. I can't wait.

I hope you have lovely Thursdays!

~Susan

Guest Post: Meggan from Lila Grace

I'm so happy to have Meggan from Lila Grace here today! I've loved Meggan's blog for a long time now and I've loved it all! She's got such a creative eye for all things fashion, food, DIYs and party ideas. Here's what she's got for us for St. Patty's Day:


Happy Wednesday everyone! My name is Meggan and you can find me over at my blog, Lila Grace. I am so excited to be guest posting for Susan today! I just love Susan's blog and the way that she embodies her blog's name; she always adds sunshine to my day!  As you read through my blog, you will find that one of my favorite things to do is host and of course, attend, parties! Because St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner I wanted to share some of my ideas with you for my ideal St. Patrick's Day Party! 

cupcakes, cake pops, milkshake, flowers, pasta, earrings, mint cake, chalkboard runner, favor I hope you all have a fabulous Wednesday! Thank you again Susan for having me!  xoxo Meggan 


This just makes me want to invite a group over and celebrate another year of how lucky we all are to have each other! Isn't this great? I love it all. Meggan's really fantastic so hop on over to her blog and stay awhile! Thanks Meggan!


Happy Wednesday all!


~Susan

Blooming

image via pinterest

Some of these are just starting to bloom outside my window. Hopefully Mother Nature will actually let them grow and then not go to 25 degrees tonight! I hope that spring is starting nicely wherever you are. 65 degrees, here I come!

Hope your weeks are all off to a good start!

~Susan

Guest Post: Meg from Henning love

Happy Monday friends! Again, in efforts to rest my wrists (which are getting better! Thank you for all of your thoughts!), I have one of my favorite bloggers here today. Meg from henning love! She has such an amazing attitude and creates some amazingly delicious recipes! Here's a sweet she made for us today:

Hello a little ray of Sunshine followers! I am here to help Susan out and to share with you a really really good recipe. Over on my blog, henning love, I love to post about baked goods and normally I think what I make is good but I bit into these, I thought wow I am a really good baker. It is Girl Scout Cookie season and while I love those cookies and want to help out those girls sell the cookies, I actually haven't seen any girls yet. So I decided to make my own samoas, you know those shortbread cookies with a caramel coconut layer on top with a drizzle of chocolate to finish it off. I turned those cookies into the bar form and when you bite into them, you will say to yourself wow, these are really really good and I am a really really good baker. On to the recipe!

First, gather together your ingredients:

1/2 cup white sugar, 3/4 cup softened butter (1 1/2 stick), 1 egg, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 12 oz chewy caramels, 3 cups shredded unsweetened or sweetened coconut, 3 tablespoons milk, 10 oz. semi-sweet chocolate (chips are fine if you want).

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees.

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and then sprinkle the 3 cups of shredded coconut, you will toast the coconut for about 25 minutes. Turn the coconut over every 5 minutes. When the coconut is golden and toasty, take it out and let the coconut cool.

Then increase the oven temperature up to 350 degrees. 

In your mixing bowl, cream the butter then add in the sugar and cream these two ingredients until it is light and fluffy.

Add in the egg and vanilla extract.

Mix all these ingredients together. Add in the flour.

In a 9X13 pan, press the shortbread dough and bake the dough for 20-25 or until the top is lightly golden.

In a microwave-safe bowl, add the caramels and the milk, and melt the caramels down until smooth.

Once the caramels have been melted completely, add in the toasted coconut and mix it together thoroughly.

Spread the caramel and coconut mixture over the cooled shortbread base.

 Let the caramel-coconut mixture cool and then cut them into squares. Melt the chocolate and dip the bottom of the squares into the chocolate.

Drizzle some of the chocolate on the top part of the bar, then let the chocolate cool.  Then serve, eat and enjoy!

Yum! I'd eat these in a minute, definitely want to try this recipe!! Doesn't Meg do a wonderful job of taking us step by step? Ah I love it! I can't wait to try this out. Thanks so much Meg!

I hope you all had wonderful weekends everyone! 

~Susan