Thursday Thoughts: Beautiful Things

Source: lolsaladsex.tumblr.com via Erin on Pinterest

Yes, you do. Any shape, any form. The power's all yours. Go make it happen!

Don't forget it!

Happy Thursday!

~Susan

On days like today...

Source: purlbee.com via Susan on Pinterest

I wish I was in a light tee, jeans, and this scarf, well either one. Aren't they awesome? It really does not look too difficult to make and could definitely go right into summer. I just love the Purl Bee blog. If you've never seen it before and you want to try to be a little bit more DIY (like I'm trying to do!), it's the perfect source of inspiration.

Happy Wednesday!

~Susan

So 'Nuts!

Delicious, handmade doughnuts are few and far between, but thanks to Glazed and Infused I now know where to find them! I visited this cute 40s inspired doughnut shop that opened last week on Halsted in Fulton downtown Chicago. I walked in and just saw rows and rows of beautiful, round pieces of heaven and the girls working there could not have been nicer.

If you're a Chicagoan and want a new place to go get doughnuts in the city without a line around the block, I highly recommend coming to Glazed and Infused. Of course I couldn't try just one! So I tried the pink raspberry glaze with homemade raspberry jam infused in the glaze. YUM!!! It tasted oh so fresh and I could taste the jam in the glaze. I also loved the lemon glazed cake doughnut with lemon peel. Ohm'gosh if you love lemon, grab it! And then I'd be silly if I didn't try a chocolate. Both the chocolate cake and the chocolate x4 as the sales girl called it had me at hello.

Don't worry, I didn't devour all of these. I had some help from Ellen, my mom and my Grandpa!

If you want a new doughnut hangout in the city without the usual doughnut guilt (these are the only trans-fat free doughnuts in the city!) head to Glazed and Infused. Trust me, it will become your new favorite neighborhood place for coffee and a doughnut!

Happy Memorial Day! My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who are currently serving and those who have served us. God Bless the Good US of A!

~Susan

Friday's Fancies: American Pride

Happy Friday my friends! And Happy Three Day Weekend! Wow, how awesome is this? I don't know about you, but Chicago is looking like a beautiful weekend ahead, so why not celebrate with a Memorial Day BBQ sporting the red, white and blue? I honestly find our nation's colors to be such a fun color palette with so many possibilities and I definitely think that this is a great option. I love this dress! Where can I find myself one? With the red sandals and white accessories, it's a great stylish way to show American pride. Something about red, white and blue just screams summer to me!

No bbqs are on the horizon yet for me this weekend, but I sure will be taking in some sun. How about you? I hope everyone has safe and happy holiday weekends! Check out the other fancies over at Long Distance Loving!

~Susan

Thursday Thoughts: tests

Source: mylifecoachsparkles.blogspot.com via Susan on Pinterest

Just a little bit of my life of late. Has anyone had this feeling lately? Or ever? I mean it's such karma isn't it?

All we can do is just breathe and keep going. So that's what I'm going to do.

Happy Thursday!

~Susan

They return!

So the summer temps are back! I instantly want to put on shorts, a t shirt and layer on a few friendship bracelets. I was so happy that last year they made a return in such a big way. Well this year is no exception! They are back and better than ever.

In fact, I've found that this year, the friendship bracelet is taking many different forms. Which is your favorite?

Stripes and Sequins also has been making a ton of friendship bracelets lately, like the last image with the ball chain. I.love.all.of.them!

 These are all DIY and my biggest summer goal is to do more projects and I would definitely put a few of these on my list! What's your new favorite? Are you a traditionalist? Or do you want to branch out? I definitely am a fan of the wrapped chain with the colored thread or the ones with the charms in the middle. Choices choices... Maybe I'll just be ambitious, make one of each and then have a friendship stack for the summer!

~Susan

all images via my Pinterest

Tough as Nails

I seriously did not join the nail polish bandwagon until this year. Being a pianist, there's always been this urge never to paint your nails for fear of distraction or ruining the keys. But this year, I didn't look back and now my nails have to have a color on them at all times.

I've definitely given into bright peaches, pinks and oranges for summer. I just think they're all fresh and bright and go from day to night instantly.

But then I look around on blogs and Pinterest and find so many different types of nail art. So what do you gravitate towards? Do you just play with pretty solid colors of all hues? Or do you decorate with a little extra sparkle? Or mix both?

S

I love adding a little bit of sparkle to my everyday summer wardrobe, but I don't always take the time to add it to my nails. Do you? Does it live up to the gorgeous images? I'd love to try it if it works! For now, I'll just stick with my regulars: Essie's Olé Caliente, Meet Me at Sunset and a Crewd Interest.

 Happy Tuesday!

 ~Susan

all images via Pinterest