Bring on the bangles!

You know how some people can be shoe people or jewelry people? You’re usually one or the other. Well, I would say I’m a jewelry person. I just love the feeling that jewelry gives an outfit, an unexpected pop that it didn’t have before. For several years, I used to be all about layering as many heavy jewels as possible, the more the better. I still love statement jewelry, but I don’t layer it on as I did my first few years of college (most people probably were able to tell that I wore a school uniform from 4^th grade through senior year of high school!) However, I love layering bracelets with my watch. Yes, it was a huge trend a few years ago, but I am still all about the arm party with my big gold watch. I love adding new regulars to my rotation and this new citrine birthstone bracelet from Anjolee Jewelry is perfect! I mix metals in my stack everyday, so the sterling silver band and the citrine stones go oh so well with the rest of the stack. It’s so light, perfect for stacking and it adds just the right amount of sparkle to my look. I have worn it everyday since it arrived and I just love it, it’s perfectly me!

Here’s how I styled it:

Not only am I really into mixing metals right now, but I love mixing different weights and styles. It's too fun not too!

What’s so great about Anjolee’s line is that every piece is customizable to your liking! The holidays are coming and if you’re on the hunt for a special piece for someone on your list, Anjolee is perfect. Looking for the perfect ring or birthstone bracelet? You can choose the metal type, diamond size, shape and color all on their site. Couldn’t be easier! Take a peek and start dreaming up your next special “regular.”

So are you a jewelry person? Do you go for light and dainty or heavy on the costume jewelry? I have to say I’m becoming a beautiful mix of both, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

This post was sponsored by Anjolee Jewelry. 

Friday Fancies: Sweater Weather

Brrrr sweater weather temps have officially set in! I have worn a sweater to work every day this week and I know I'll stay cozy all weekend long with sweaters on repeat. One trend that I've been loving lately is the swing skirt with the huge sweater. It looks so fun, comfortable and feminine, yet still staying classic (that's how I'm trying to define my style, make it more of those four adjectives!). Here's what I would love to be wearing today:

sweater weather by ellen-hager featuring leather handbags

Rag Bone long sleeve sweater
lagarconne.com

Victoria Beckham skirt
$1,255 - veryeickhoff.com

ALDO leather boots
aldoshoes.com

Givenchy leather handbag
$3,030 - liberty.co.uk

Have a happy weekend to all! It's been a long, busy week full of lots of work and I can't wait to just be able to relax and enjoy two lovely days!

P.S. Mary and I did finish the Hot Chocolate 15 K last week. We were so proud of our time and it was such a fun race. We'd definitely do it again!

My moment with Stanley

Last week, something amazing happened at work.

Yes, THE Stanley Cup came and visited our school. It stayed about 2 hours and it was such a fun experience. The kids went crazy and I think that we teachers may have had more fun! We got to touch it, hug it, kiss it, whatever we wanted. We just ran up, taking selfies and seeing if we could get a picture with no one else in it. Luckily, I did! It made my week, touching the cup that the whole team has touched, specifically my favorite Patrick Sharp. IT WAS FANTASTIC!

Have you seen the cup? I never went to the Blackhawk rally, but I have to say, this was better!

Friday Fancies: Color Crush

Happy Friday everyone! I actually thought this week flew by, which is never a bad thing! I guess time flies when you're having fun? Nevertheless I am so excited it's Friday, and Spirit Day for the kids today. Time to break out my new colors: blue and white, and speaking of colors, today's theme is Color Crush. I've been finding my colors of the moment have definitely been blue black and white. But today I'm focusing on the classic combo, which I feel we've been seeing a lot of this fall. Not complaining here!

Black and White by susanhager featuring suede loafers

Back in July, with some Anthro gift cards, I purchased this black and white skirt (which is now unfortunately sold out, but I've definitely seen some similar options) back in July and have worn it so many times so far to work, church, and this weekend I'm planning on wearing it out to an event. I've given it a different look each time and I love dressing it differently. I absolutely love the feel, the texture, the fit (it's one of the most flattering pieces of clothing I own!) and the classic chicness factor it has. So why not go black and white on black and white? Any of these tops would work wonders, and switch up the shoes (those Kate Spades with the pink bow? Ahh!) and it's the perfect fall outfit for work or play.

What's your color of the moment? Any weekend plans? I plan on savoring my Friday night with a little Shark Tank (who else is with me there?!) and then trying to work a bit the rest of the weekend. Sunday night though, I'm going to see John Corbett (aka Aidan from Sex and the City) live at a bar. He sings now! Seriously, what is this life? Yes, he sings country music and I can't wait to see that gorgeously handsome man in person. And hear his voice. Maybe he'll speak to me? Who knows!

Go see more color crushes on Long Distance Loving!

Thursday Thoughts: Love What You Do

This is probably the cheesiest, most overheard phrase right now. I swear, I heard it all the time in college. "You have to love what you do, or it's never worth it," my professor would say. At the time, I was just trying to get any job, wherever, doing anything teaching related to gain experience. But now, I understand why it truly makes a difference to absolutely LOVE what you do.

I have come home everyday this week feeling fantastic, knowing that what I have done has made a difference with some of my students. But they fulfill me even more than I ever thought possible. They're hysterical! They're the absolute sweetest bunch of children and though we all have "one of those days," they still make me come home exhausted and smiling.

Here's a little bit of advice for those people in between jobs, looking for new jobs, or exhausted in your current job: be patient, work hard, and you will experience all of the good and more! Always look for opportunities and people that can help you reach that next step. I was a little hesitant at first to have people help me, but then I realized I was insanely stupid for feeling that. People know people who know people, and every little bit counts. Take every bit of advice that anybody gives you, because it could help you along the way. Never lose hope and good things will come to you!

Happy Thursday!

Friday Fancies: Workwear

Happy Friday friends! This week was short and long at the same time. It was a good one, a busy one for sure. I'm so happy that I'll have tonight with some old coworkers at one of my favorite places, Toby Keith's for some good music and food!

This week is workwear essentials! Since I teach, my workwear kind of varies. Sometimes, I go the pencil skirt route with an oxford and flats, other days I'll wear a cute dress with boots. But other days, I'll wear something like this:

Work It by susanhager featuring a full mini skirt

I got this skirt and purse from Target the day of the 3.1 Phillip Lim collection. I can't wait to wear them all some more this fall. This purse is my new go to and I love it oh so much! And I can't say enough about those flats: they're insanely comfortable. Occasionally, I'll splurge on flats that are comfortable to be worth the investment. These are! This would be a dream jacket. Am I right? Gorgeous!

Hope you all have fantastic weekends! Enjoy these summer like temperatures!

Doing the Run Around

Ahh! I feel like I've just been moving at a non-stop speed lately. But then again, don't we always? I feel like the beginning of the school year is always crazy. I always try to get into a good rhythm of waking up early, planning good lunches, figuring out when to get my runs and workouts in, hurrying from piano lesson to piano lesson, and then coming home at night to eat, relax and get ready to do it all again. On top of that, my younger sister Mary and I are training for the Hot Chocolate 15K that's only 5 weeks away. This is my first big race and I'm so excited!

But I've realized that I need to be better about the little things I used to be so good at: catching up. I've lost time for simple things like calling my friends and family and checking in. I miss them, I really do. Though it's been a crazy (almost) 2 months, I need to get back on my track of making those calls, writing those snail letters and then my other favorite simple thing: knitting. I have not picked up my needles all summer and now that fall's here again, it's the perfect time to pick them up! There's a million great things up on The Purl Bee once again and I want to to make some. I've got the itch!

Have you had hobbies or things you've lost time for? What are you wanting to pick up again this fall, if anything? Maybe I should make blogging one of them! I miss that too!

image found here

Friday Fancies: Fall Wishlist!

Happy Friday everyone! TGIF right? It's actually been a very productive week for me, and it didn't really feel that Loooonnnnggg like last week did haha! But nonetheless I'm so excited that Friday's here with a weekend ahead. I've been working a lot, but have definitely found time to enjoy homemade Pumpkin Spice Lattes with my mom, go on perfect beginning fall runs with my little sister, and unwind while rewatching Season 1 of Smash. Though I am excited for Fall TV to return. Shark Tank anyone? (aka my Friday night ritual!).

Fall Wishlist by susanhager featuring beige tops

Anyways, to fancies! Here is a bit of my Fall Wishlist, although I have to say, I'm very happy with my closet and feel like I'm ready to conquer fall! I took advantage of Target/3.1 Phillip Lim last week and walked away a happy camper with this satchel. It's the perfect fall/winter/working girl bag and bonus, it has a cross body strap! But on my list would have to be that beautiful J.Crew Field Jacket and a pair or black skinnies. Oh and did I mention that the October J.Crew Style Guide came in the mail? Loved a lot of it, including those smoking slippers and dress listed above! What's on your fall wishlist? Visit Long Distance Loving to check more out!

Friday Fancies: a chill in the air!

Happy Friday! Hasn't this been such a long week? I battled a silly cold last weekend, and still have a few of the remnants...ugh! But it's been a good week too. Yesterday I met Mary at the Everygirl Event at Bloomingdales. They recently renovated their handbag, makeup and accessories area and Danielle and Alaina were there to celebrate! There were tasty eats, free wine, and lots of different makeup artists showing off their stuff. It was so fun to catch up, I love blogger events!

falling in by susanhager featuring denim jeans

On to fancies! So I've been eyeing this sweater since it came in the catalogue. The price? Not in my budget right now, but always in my Friday Fancies budget! Those Old Navy jeans with the zippers on the sides are on my radar, I've seen them styled and they're oh so cute! I also recently got a pair of booties that remind me of these for way less (only $20!) but same type of style that's been around for a few seasons now. and that bag. I love it!

Hope you have fabulous weekends! Enjoy the first weekend of fall!

Friday Fancies: Transition to Fall

transition to fall by susanhager featuring j crew tops

Happy Friday all! No time to chat today, but this summer linen sweater is the perfect transition piece on its own, but top it with this J.Crew beauty of a jacket, and voila, you've got something a little more special! Hope you all had great weekends and hope the weekend is even better! I'll be stepping out for charity with my friends in the Electric Run for Special Olympics. What are you all up to?
 P.S. I know we'll be seeing that 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target bag everywhere soon, but I still love the color and the shape of it! Hopefully there'll still be some left!

Friday Fancies: Late Summer Style

Happy Friday everyone! It's been super crazy around here! This is the first time I've been home in a week. I spent last week visiting one of my best friends from college in my college town. It was really great to be able to go back and hang out at the place that meant so much to me for so long. We really had a ball and ate super yummy food! See below: veggie fajitas with fresh corn and bean salsa, fresh guac, smoked turkey sandwiches with arugala and fresh tomatoes, and blueberry lemon Italian Ice!

This week, my family and I squeezed in our family trip. What was supposed to be a 2 week adventure turned into 3 days! Yep, crazy schedules and jobs happened. We spent three relaxing days in Wisconsin, eating fresh food everyday, going for long walks, swimming a lot and indulging in cable TV (not a luxury we have at our house. We take advantage whenever possible!).

Speaking of jobs, guess who got one? This girl! I'm going to be teaching music at a local Catholic school and I seriously can't wait to get everything settled and set for the year. My sisters, mom and I have already started decorating!

late summer by susanhager featuring a leather purse

But finally on to fancies! Wowza! I seriously love this look. Four easy pieces that just describe {this} summer to me. Nights have been chilly around here lately and why wouldn't you want that lovely piece around your shoulders? That Kate Spade Saturday dress is oh so cute and perfectly casual with those wedges and a bag. Sounds like summer to me!

This weekend I am off to see one of my favorite artists: the one and only Mr. Josh Groban! What was supposed to be a full girls-only family affair turned into asking everyone I knew if they waned to come! Isn't that difficult when you try to play things four months in advance? Life suddenly just happens! I'm so excited that one of my college friends can come and spend the evening with us. This is like a dream of mine, seeing Josh live! I've only ever dreamt it and now it's coming true! (I'm such a sap. I know. Can't help it!)

Have fabulous weekends!

Friday Fancies: Summer Crushin'

Happy Friday! I'm in such a rush this morning, but I have a super crush on one of Olivia's newest summer looks and I had to put my spin on it! This is my last day of work with my little kids and then it's on to new adventures! I'll miss them dearly, but I can't wait to start a new chapter!

Floriole

Thank you guys all so much for your sweet comments last week! I'm so sorry if I didn't get a chance to reply back to all of them. But I so appreciate all your good thoughts!

For today, I wanted to share with you a gorgeous place to eat and enjoy a little French cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and of course a sweet or too. It's Floriole Café and Bakery on Webster (right down the block from another favorite, Sweet Mandy B's for cupcakes!). You walk into Floriole and it's really a look of California cool meets a sweet little café in Paris with the chalkboard menu, grey painted walls, and industrial type furniture. Oh and the flowers outside are just gorgeous as well!

Their bread was ranked #5 in the nation. #5! You can definitely see why: it's buttery, light, flakey, a little custardy in texture. Aka the most delicious baguette I've ever tasted! Seriously friends go and get one because they don't get better than this. I also had to have a Chocolate and Almond Croissant. Heavenly! The darkest, smoothest chocolate filling combined with the nutty almonds baked in and the almond filling mixed in the middle. I could have another one right now just thinking about it! My mom and I also shared a ham and cheese sandwich and a bowl of gazpacho. I'm not a gazpacho expert but my mother said it was the best she's ever tasted.

Next time I go, I'm headed back for another croissant and I definitely now want to try their quiche. Oh m'goodness did the quiche look so fresh and smelled divine! Plus it was about a mile high! On my list!

There are so many places in this city I haven't tried yet, so I'm always on the hunt for new places to go. I'll definitely head back to Floriole, just to sit back and pretend like I'm in France.

 *No compensation was given for this review! I just loved the food and wanted to share it with you!

Beautiful images found here

Life Lately

Wow it has been time since my blog has gotten some love! As little as my blog is to the rest of the interwebs, I really love this space and have missed writing! But there's a reason, as usual!

Last week, I made the difficult decision to leave my job. I have loved the kids this past year and the ladies people (we just hired our first male!) I have worked with. They are making it so difficult to leave, but I know that I needed to do it to grow personally and professionally. I am still in the hunt for my next step and though it's going to be a hard hunt, I am ready and prepared to put in the leg work to get where I believe I need to go. Send good vibes my way! I've been busily filling application after application, sending countless emails and visiting schools to let them know who I am. The hunt continues!

In other news, it's hot. This is my favorite type of weather: the hot, sticky, beautiful stuff that we dream about come October. I'm savoring every day of it, let me tell you! Oh and I made ice cream over the weekend, my first attempt. Wow was it amazingly delicious! I would make it daily if I could!

Happy Tuesday!

image found here

Light, airy, and open

Good morning ladies! Goodness last week got the better of me. It was such a nice extended long weekend: barbeques with family, fireworks on Chicago rooftops, cool drinks, red white and blue--and then I got a terrible cold. Yes. again. The stuffed up nose heavy cough type of cold, so Friday, Saturday and Sunday were spent with me being in bed watching marathons of Frontier House. But, it was a nice weekend nonetheless and we should get those type more often!

While I was lying in my comfortable bed, I found this image. How light, airy and breezy does this look? Perfect for a girl with a cold (or just any girl wanting some relaxation time!). It's perfect, no?

What was the best part of your long weekends? Let me know!

image found here

Five Days of Fourth

Happy July! The fourth of July is my favorite holiday. I love celebrating the birth of this country, and I spend about a week donning everything red, white and blue that I own! Why not, right? So this week, you'll get a peek into my red, white and blue outfit craze plus some other things we do around here that show our America pride.

So today I ask you: what's your favorite America hymn? Could it be our National Anthem? Or God Bless America? My Country Tis of Thee? Or are you a Proud to be an American person? I'd have to say that it's a tie for me between the National Anthem and God Bless America. They're just so powerful and musically they have such an impact!

image via

Friday Fancies: a LBD

Happy Friday friends! This has been the weirdest weather week ever in Chicago. It's been hot every day and the rain just keeps on coming. I love the heat! But we can do without all of these torrential downpours everyday. Not cool!

black dress by susanhager featuring marc by marc jacobs handbags

Anyway it's the weekend! What better way to start it off than with this dress from Splendid. I love how easy and breezy it is and literally can be dressed in any direction. I didn't really know too much about the brand until they opened their first Chicago store at Westfield Old Orchard yesterday. Everything is butter soft! The prices are a little high for me for basics, but the feel is absolutely amazing and they have really cute items there! I stopped in and caught up with Danielle, Alaina, and Liz (who all looked fabulous sporting Splendid!) and ate a cake pop on my way out, though I could've had about 4 more of the delicious cupcakes and doughnuts they had there! It was a fun time and the store is beautiful. and right next to the J.Crew and Nordstrom (aka danger territory. Just kidding!)

Hope you all have happy weekends!!

BLACKHAWKS!

What a game! This was one for the books, a game to remember. I didn't get nearly as much sleep last night and my voice will probably be gone. We stepped out to celebrate on the streets and it was so fantastic to be a part of this energy, a part of this place. This is our city! What a celebration! Fireworks, lanterns, street poppers, flags waving everywhere. A night to remember for sure! Did you watch????

GO HAWKS!!! 2013 STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS!

image found here

Friday Fancies: Summer's Here!

Happy Friday friends! I'm so excited that today is officially the first day of summer, and fortunately, the temperatures say it's so. Now let's just get rid of this rain!

Summer's in full swing: volleyball has started (I love it!), summer lessons have been rearranged, work is summer camp which is really fun and we've been celebrating my mom's birthday this week (feel better Mom!). What I love about summer is the easiness of the clothing. Everything I wear in the summer has to be easy, cool, and just fun to wear. Enter reasons why I love linen! This dress hits everything here. I would love to have another linen fave in my closet. I love this panama hat and don't you just love these Maya Brenner necklaces? I love my country and my state and to be able to put them together? How fun! (Plus perfect for my favorite holiday that's right around the corner!). What's your summer staple? What's on your summer wishlist? Do tell!

summer wishin by susanhager featuring maya brenner jewelry

I'll be cheering loud and proud for the Hawks tomorrow night! It's going to be a good one!

Friday Fancies: Black, White and Scalloped All Over!

Happy Friday everyone! Can't believe we've finally made it here, but it's been a good week so far! Summer camp has started at work, so I've got a new bunch of kiddos and they are really super sweet. I finished up my stay with my two favorite pups and now it's the weekend! I can't wait to get a hair cut, watch the Blackhawks hopefully take another win, and enjoy Father's Day and the U.S. Open with the best dad I know.

But now it's fancies time! With this house sitting stay, I decided to take my hard-earned earnings and treat myself a tad. I already had an Anthro gift card leftover from Christmas, and when I saw this skirt in the store, I couldn't say no. You really have to see it to appreciate how fantastic it is: it's scalloped, it's striped, it's heavy-ish, and it flares out. It's truly a timeless piece and when I saw how fast it was going, I decided it was worth spending the rest of that gift card! What I love about it is how many different ways it can be styled, and for different seasons too. That's when you truly know you're getting the most bang for your buck: when a piece can take you from season to season, being used multiple different ways. I love the way that it's styled here on the model, but here's how I'd style it for a casual weekend dinner with friends.

black and white skirt by susanhager featuring kate spade earrings

I usually never buy an item from Anthropologie that's not on sale first, but couldn't pass this up. And that blouse? Target! Right? It's too perfect and now I may have to run over to Tar-get and pick one up!

Have wonderful weekends everyone!

It's Thursday {randoms}

Hey everybody! I've been literally running from place to place this week like nobody's business. I've been dog sitting for my two favorite little dogs and from going to work, to piano lessons, to babysitting, to downtown for play, it's been a busy week! But here's some random assortments of what's going on over here:

I've been taking advantage of the cable at the house I'm staying at! Episodes of Ina Garten have been on repeat! Have you seen her Barefoot in Napa episodes? She's genuis, right?

Speaking of that, her raspberry bars are one of the best desserts I've ever had!

I've been spending more time riding my bike with the warmer temps! I absolutely love my easy rider, taking it all over town. We even rode to the Baha'i Temple the other night and spent some time just sitting and reflecting. Ever visited? If you're in the North Shore, it's worth the trip!

The Blackhawks WON 4-3 in 3OT! Though I went to sleep after the second one, seeing the replay was worth staying up for the 2 other OTs!

I'm still drinking this smoothie. Seriously, I'm telling you if you haven't made it already, you're missing out. It's delicious!!

Neil Patrick Harris, I love you. I really do. I completely missed the memo on the Tony Awards last Sunday, but of course I had to catch up on the Opening Number. NPH, you never disappoint.

Peonies are back! Seriously, next to Black Eyed Susans and Sunflowers, they're one of my favorites!

What's been going on in your neck of the woods?

image found here

Friday Fancies: Serious Sunnies

So I have this thing about sunglasses: there is only one style that really looks good on my face. I envy those who can pull off multiple styles! So I finally found the one that works for me, and these Tory Burch are similar. Big frame, dark color, and so comfy, I just love them. What's your go-to pair of sunglasses? Do you go with cheap ones, or invest in a nice pair?

sunnies by susanhager featuring chain jewelry

And plus, to me, this outfit is perfect for summer! I'm loving these sleeveless blouses that keep showing up and this chambray is no exception, it goes with everything. And I don't know about you but I love these YSL heels that Grace is always wearing in her style posts. I'd never be able to put them in my closet, but I love the look! and that floral necklace needs to come home with me. End of story!

I have a busy weekend ahead, starting with a celebration for my friend who is halfway done with med school. With piano lessons and a Cubs game ahead, it's sure to be a great weekend. Also, I'm studying for the GRE. Did anyone take it? Any survivors out there?? I'd love to hear!

Have a great weekend!

Inspiration Station

For me, I'm inspired by things I see in new magazines and catalogues, whether it comes to new ideas for my bedroom, or new updates for my style. But I have to say, there is something to be said about tumblrs. They're just piles of different types of inspiration all into one. I've told you all before about my talented sister Ellen. She recently started a tumblr called Sun is Free and personally I just love seeing all these images melded into one spot! If you're an Anglophile, sweet addict, lover of the Midwest, want a few laughs and are mildly obsessed with the Royals, stop over and check it out!

Here's a preview!

all images found on Sun is Free. All original sources are sourced there.

Laced to Perfection

Ahh June has arrived!

and then I woke up this morning and it was 43 degrees.

June has arrived!! (Maybe the more I say it, then Mother Nature will take a hint!)

But anyways, with the start of summer comes the new summer catalogues for all of my favorite stores, including Anthropologie, which always has the best summer items, and then the best summer sales at the end of the season. But I couldn't put down the catalogue this time. Everything was just so gorgeous: maxi dresses galore, colors colors colors, and feminine lace everywhere! I've definitely developed a love for lace. It's just so timeless and could go forward for many summer/fall occasions to come.

Jardim Lace Dress

This was the stunner in my book. And the fact that it's paired with that gorgeous necklace that looks like black eyed Susan's (they say it's daisies, but I still think that it looks like MY flower!) is just perfection. I'd take it in a wink! Did the catalogue arrive at your house yet? See the rest of the new arrivals here.

Friday Fancies: White Out!

Happy Friday everyone! For four days, this week was long, no? I'm so excited to enjoy the weekend with some sun, some good food, and hopefully a good run or two! And what's better than kicking this off with some good old whites? (with a splash of color that is!)

white out by susanhager featuring a t strap wedge

I love how girly this white frock is and it's so different from any other white dress out there! It could go miles, no?

Here's hoping that you all have the best weekends and enjoy these warmer temps!

Jumping on the Bandwagon

I'm a baseball fan, tennis, golf (yes, I LOVE watching golf on tv. It's a family thing), and even basketball too. But I'd never say that hockey would be the first thing I'd switch on.

Until the hockey finals come on...and the Chicago Blackhawks are in them.

Yes, most hockey fans hate this, but I've jumped on the Hawks bandwagon this season (about 4 games ago). Though I missed last night's game, you better believe that I'll be with friends cheering them on! Hawks fever has hit this city.

And that's perfectly ok by me! Please tell me that I'm not the only bandwagon lady in this city!

image found here

Friday Fancies: Memorial Day!

As I sit here, it is 41 degrees.

41

We were 85 on Monday. Where did that go? This is not Memorial Day Weekend weather! This is March! We're in MAY! But I digress. I always love Memorial Day Weekend. It's always so nice to have that extra day off to just do whatever you'd like. In my case, having a family bbq and then gossiping with friends over the series premiere of the Bachelorette. 3 whole days of just pure relaxation! I can't help but love it.

memorial day by susanhager featuring fitted dresses

I've been drawn to blues lately. Literally this week I have worn blue almost every day. Classic cobalt and navies are perfect for this time of year and Old Navy has been killing it lately in the dress department. Great dresses for great deals and perfect for every summer occasion! This little frock is perfect! And I love this American flag bag! Fourth of July is my favorite holiday too and this bag is a great deal! Hopefully the temps will at least climb up to 70 this weekend.

What're your weekend plans? Hope you all have safe and happy ones! Visit Long Distance Loving for more Memorial Day inspired outfits!

I didn't learn this at school!

boy I have not done a good job at this challenge! Things just get in the way! But this was a fun post to write!

Day 23: Fortunately, for me, I have been lucky to go to some pretty amazing schools, from grade school all through college. My parents truly went above and beyond to make sure that I got a great education, including amazing experiences that went along with it and I'm forever grateful for everything I learned at every school I went to. And as much as teachers try, you can't learn everything, so here's what school hasn't taught me:

...my sense of style! I went to Catholic school, so it took me until I was about 19 to really figure out what my style was and what fit my personality (let's just say that my high school sister now is way more fashion forward/stylish than I was in high school!). It took some getting used to, but now, almost five years later, I've figured it out. And I love it!

...how to master the perfect cup of coffee. Sorry Starbucks, but I think I have you beat! My hot morning cup brings a smile to my face and I learned that perfection all on my own, with lots of trials and errors of course. Oh and my number one tip, get a foamer for your milk! It's a game changer.

found here

...how to stay organized. I'm way more organized now than I was even during my college years, and even though it's taken awhile to master, I feel like I have more balance, from writing everything down, to putting my laundry away right away. I still have more to work on, but I'd say I'm getting there!

Ok, your turn! What have you not learned at school? Anything important the rest of us need to know?

Friday Fancies: Stripes!

So much for blogging every day in May! This gets difficult, I tell ya! One thing that's never difficult: Friday Fancies! The theme is stripes and as I sit here I just happen to be wearing one of my favorite striped tops. You can never go wrong with a stripe! Though it is sometimes difficult to find the right stripe that flatters your body, if you put in the leg work, it's totally worth it.

It took me awhile to catch on to the whole striped cotton dress. Why? No clue because I think that it's one of the cutest little dresses to have in your closet. It can go everywhere with you!

stripes by susanhager featuring kate spade tote bag

I wore mine to work the other day with my Nike tennis shoes on and I still thought I was rockin it! But this all comes together with a great denim jacket (I've worn mine so many times already, and it's only May!) and yes, I'm sorry, bear with me while I dream about these cute Kate Spade purses with the phrases on them. This is why it's Friday Fancies, correct? I've grown up in a family of golfers and this is just too cute to resist, especially with stripes, no?

I have a rather busy weekend ahead, but tonight we are finally going turtle racing! We've been talking about it for months, but now finally we're going for the turtles! Hopefully one of us will win/be able to race one! Enjoy spring wherever you are! Pop on over for more stripes at Long Distance Loving!

A Tuesday Tune

I could go on for about two hours for my love of this group The Tenors (formerly The Canadian Tenors, since yes, they're Canadian!). I saw them on Sunday and to say that I was in love was an understatement.

Yes, Clifton, that tall dark haired boy with the unbelievable smile, come live in Chicago. That's all I have to say! (oh and Frazier, the one on the end, he's pretty great too!)

I really love that genre of crossover music, and though it's been on the radar for awhile now, it's picking back up with artists like Josh Groban, Michael Bublé and now, luckily for us, The Tenors! As cheesy as it sounds, I love inspirational music with a message and every Tenors tune does that.

So instead of going on about it, I'll just give you an example:

They also do some great covers and each of them at their concert sang solo. I was smitten! 

Got a group on your mind lately? What's your favorite tune as of late?

image via here

Happy Mother's Day!

There is no other woman out there who knows me better than my mother. She's always been there for me, through it all and I could not be more grateful to have her in my life. She has raised me to be the woman I am today and has worked so hard to give me and my siblings the best life we could ever ask for.

My beautiful Mom and her mother

Mom, thanks for always being there at everything, cooking delicious food, entertaining our friends, crying with us when things are difficult, celebrating our good work and always being here every day being the best mom there is. I love you!

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom, Grandma, aunts and all the rest of the Mom's I know! You guys are amazing!

10 words

So today's challenge is describing myself in 10 words or less. Here 'goes:

Smiley
Fun-loving
Driven
Caring
Musical
Filled-with-faith
Blessed
Patient
Friendly
Loving

Friday Fancies: Weekend Wear

Happy Friday everybody! If you're like me, you live for the weekends, especially after long weeks like this one. I try to keep it simple on the weekends. Sometimes I like to dress up because my work wardrobe is more casual. But usually on weekends, it ends up looking something like this:

weekend wear by susanhager featuring a sailor stripe shirt

I feel most comfortable in jeans. My sisters think that I'm crazy to say that, but I really do love them and I could live in my Gap Skinny Jeans (in long). They're the perfect length for me and the cut is just the best. I always love long boyfriend cardigans and though this striped tee's pricey (hey, it's fancies after all!), you can't go wrong with stripes. And those TB flats are the best!

This weekend, I'm relaxing and finally recovering from all the allergies/sinus infection/bad vision/vertigo junk I've been experiencing. I feel so much better and hopefully I can get back to my regular routines soon! On Sunday night, I'm seeing The Tenors. Ever heard of them? If you watch PBS like we do you probably have. They've got the voices of angels. and they're super attractive. I.can't.wait!

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mother's out there!

Random Moment

So today of the BEDIM challenge is a random moment in my day.

I got glasses! It's such a change, but it's kind of fun too! I love the style, and though I'll probably eventually get contacts, it's fun having glasses for now.

Oh that and my sisters were chanting about The Great Gatsby coming into theaters in 2 hours. Typical Thursday!

My one piece of advice for you

Really. This should be a no-brainer.

But I have watched many people in my life struggle with this, and it's very sad to see.

So I advise you, wherever you are, to please try.

Because it makes life so much better when you do.

Oh and always carry an umbrella. That helps too.

Things I'm Afraid Of

Ok, I'll just put it out there. I don't like scary movies. They scare me. Even the lame ones make me jump. Does that make me a scaredy cat? Maybe, but that's ok by me. Give me a drama, or a comedy, or yes, my favorite of choice: a chick flick and I'm one satisfied gal.

I'm afraid that once I'm out on my own I won't have enough money saved. This shouldn't scare me, because I'm well on my way with a big safety net, and lots of saving in my past and present, but everyone hears horror stories of people who never saved enough money before they moved out. I don't want that to be me.And it's not that I'm afraid, I'm just worried that I won't know when I'm ready. 

That's pretty much it.

I'm not afraid of very much, though I do worry about things from time to time, I wouldn't consider myself a person who is afraid, not confident, or even shy. We all have things that we doubt over, but I wouldn't say that I fear, because I know that every day is a learning experience, and you can't be afraid to learn more.

What it is that I Do

So today's Blog Every Day in May question is if I couldn't answer with my job, what is it that I do?

Well, here's what I do:

I'm musical! I can't help it, it's in my genes and you'll find me singing all day long, playing the piano whenever I feel like it (I should be wayy better about this!), harmonizing with every song on the radio, being that loud girl behind you at church, giving piano lessons five days a week and volunteering with my musical abilities as much as I can. It's what I do for me!

I run! I started running 10 years ago, and though I go through spurts where I run more months than others, I still consider myself somewhat of a runner. It's such great exercise and I love to see myself improve, get stronger, and my strides can get a little longer.

I'm the oldest in my family. and yes, it's something I just do. I always make sure everyone's ok, I always lend an ear, and I have to know what's going on at all times. If you're the oldest, I'm sure you know what this means!

I love working with kids! Yes, in my 9 to 5 that's what I do, but when I'm off the clock I spend lots of time with kids in other ways like piano lessons or nannying. They always know how to make you laugh and it's so rewarding for me to help kids become better at something, anything!

Coffee. coffee. and more coffee.

I do Jillian Michaels workout videos. Her voice is so, so so annoying, but hey, they do the job! And I've consistently kept up with it for about 3 years now.

I love to experiment in the kitchen. I'm trying to be a better cook, but I do love to bake. Yes, I'm a chocoholic and have absolutely no problem with it at all. Anything chocolate. I'll take it.

I ride my easy rider bike. It's so cute and I feel so cute riding it all over town or down to the beach. That thing is coming with me wherever I go.

So what is it that you do?