Cozy Throw

This past year, I have not been knitting nearly as much as I usually do. And it has been perfect knitting weather: bitter cold and many nights staying in by the TV watching a movie. But my hands get tired during the day from all the piano that I play and I don't want to hurt them any more (yes, I have carpel tunnel like little old ladies. It's terrible!). But I gave in when I heard about this company out of New York called Loopy Mango, which sells insanely chunky, heavy wool. Now, I love to invest in good wool that is hand spun here. There is just a difference in quality and I love supporting those farmers. Loopy Mango sells kits for throw blankets where they give you everything: the needles (size 50, can you imagine!), wool, and the pattern, plus a cute little bag to put it all in. I decided that I wanted to make a throw. I already have enough lovely scarves, plus I knew that I would have it forever.

I ordered it in grey and couldn't wait for the materials to arrive! The best part? It only took less than three hours to make! Talk about immediate satisfaction. Here's the finished product:

I am in love! I wish it was a tad bit bigger, but for a throw it's pretty perfect. It's currently sitting on my bed warming my feet as I get over the stomach flu (yuck) and it is so warm and a perfect second layer on my bed. Plus don't you love the natural ombre it has? It's been perfect on my grey chair too. I would definitely recommend Loopy Mango to anyone who wants to knit a big blanket in a hurry! Check out more of their products here.

*No compensation was given by Loopy Mango. I just loved the product and wanted to share it with you!

Brr Brr Brr

My hat is off to all of the hardworking people that have to attend work, all of the people who have no homes, the hardworking public service people who are doing their best to keep the streets and sidewalks safe for all of us, thank you. It is COLD! This is the coldest day that I have ever experienced, and thankfully, I can stay inside in my warm house and do my work from inside today. Hopefully we'll be back to normal tomorrow, but there's no telling what the midwest has up its sleeve!

I have been documenting the views from my bedroom window for the past week and how it has changed in a week. We went from no snow, to snow again, to melting snow, to blizzarding conditions, and now finally all is calm and cold. But the sun helps! You know what also helps? Orange Cranberry Scones and the Downton Abbey premiere, which did not disappoint! I cannot wait until next week, this season is looking fantastic! Now it's on for tonight, my other guilty pleasure: The Bachelor!

*Stay safe and warm all of those in the midwest and those in the east who will be receiving this shortly*

2013

So I haven't blogged in months. Work has been the biggest road block in blogging, since Christmas was my busiest time. I had too many Christmas concerts to count, but I relished each one, enjoying the joy on my students' faces and in their voices. It was something I can't wait to experience again next year. But since Christmas break, I have been relaxing to no end. I have spent lots of fun nights with friends, lazy movie nights with my family, and days baking, cleaning and listening to Christmas music. Still. I can't get rid of it! Technically Christmas isn't over until January 6th, am I right?!

2013 has been a year full of blessings: I went on my first cruise, joined a beach volleyball team, finished off a year with a wonderful job and started a wonderful new one, worked a ton, took a small vacation with family, ran my first 15K, celebrated fun nights out with friends and had just as many amazing nights in, and got to spend the holidays with my whole family, where we were all (fort the most part!) healthy. Like all of us, I've had my fair share of roadblocks this year and challenges that have come up in my path, but I still say that this was a fantastic year and I have a good feeling about 2014!

I honestly cannot remember what my goals were for 2013. I never wrote them down! But I feel like I accomplished a lot and I feel great about where I am in my life this year. I feel strong, physically and mentally and am so happy with where I am with my friends and family. I think that so many people beat themselves down at the end of every year and think of everything that they didn't achieve the year before, and feel bad about it. Then people compare their resolutions with others and feel like they should be achieving just as much as those around them. Well, I think that it's OUR YEAR and we can achieve whatever we want because WE WANT TO! Right?

This year, I hope to take more pictures (and then develop them!), run a half marathon, travel more, practice the piano more, learn to be a better cook, and save more money. I would also love to blog more this year, we'll see how that goes!

I hope that 2013 has been a year of blessings for all of you and I pray for more blessings for all in 2014! Happy New Year!

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!