Rad Dog

So last night I stopped being a tired, boring pregnant girl and ventured out with my friend Caitlin to a bar in a part of town not really known for its bars and food. I am sooo glad I went out, for a few reasons.
One: Cait and I haven't spent as much time together as I thought we would. She is in school and works two jobs so a night off is rare for her. And I have been in such a slump lately, always tired, always lazy, blah blah blah. So it was great to spend some time with her and laugh about stupid stuff.
Two: I got to eat the best meatless hot dog (seriously). I have been craving hot dogs like crazy lately, but they are sooo bad for a pregnant girl (though, that usually doesn't stop me...). Anyways, problem solved, I found a hot dog that is good for me and delicious. It's called Rad Dog and it might be one of the best things I have ever eaten.

Columbus isn't really known for its delicious, creative foods but it definitely should be. We have so many hidden gems here and Rad Dog is definitely one of them. You have to know a few secrets to get your hands on one though. They have a cart every weekday from 10:30 am -2 pm on the busiest street corner in downtown (Broad and High). But if you are craving one of those dogs after work hours you have to go Hal and Al's, a neighborhood bar in Merion Village. You wouldn't expect to find such great food at the dark bar.



It's really hard to see the menu so let me describe some of the dogs:

The Original Rad Dog is a beer brat topped with grilled onions and peppers, saurkraut, and spicy mustard.

The Radneck (the next one I'll try) is a beer brat, deep fries and smothered in mash potatoes and gravy.

The Be Bin Bop is a Kimchee, Korean red pepper sauce and Tempura battered dog.

The Frenchie is a beer brat covered with Veganaise, ketchup and stacked with a mound of hand cut french fries.

And of course they give you the option to build your own. And these aren't little baby dogs, these are huge dogs, perfect for a pregnant gal.

And not only do they have great meatless dogs, they also have fried pickles and mushrooms and delicious hand cut fries that go great with their homemade veganaise (a vegan mayo).

So if you are in Columbus and you want to try something new and delicious please, please try a Rad Dog. You'll feel great afterward knowing that you ate something great and knowing you supported a local business. And anyone who doesn't live in Columbus, take this as an invitation to visit me and we'll go get a Rad Dog together.

A Collection a Day

I stumbled upon this project on one of my daily reads. Unfortunately I cannot for the life of me remember what blog I saw it on and it's killing me. Anyways, I am loving this project and wonder just how many amazing collections this one person can have.





I adore the simplicity of the photographs and I love how she arranges the items in each image. What is even better than the photographs are her simple drawings. I want one all of these drawings on my wall.





How cute would that perfume drawing be on my baby girls wall? In a pink frame of course.

This project is definitely inspiring. I really need to pick up my camera.
xoxo

Wednesday Slacker

I have totally slacked on that polka dot/stripe post. I'm already over it. I know, I know, I procrastinate and then lose interest. It's nothing new. Basically I was inspired by this picture that I found in the most recent Lucky Magazine:



Doesn't it look so effortless and perfect? I love it. I wish I had that outfit. Anyways, it inspired me to find items from my favorite stores (J. Crew, Banana Republic, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, etc.) that could work to help recreate the look. Here is what I found:





And if mixing patterns is a little too bold for you, you can always secretly do it:





I think I like stripes more than anything. Stripes are simple and perfect.

ANYWAYS.....

On another note, I did not get the job at American Apparel. Oh well. Good news though, I have an interview on Monday to work at a nice salon here in Columbus called Nurtur. I would be a Guest Care Coordinator. Basically I would assist the manager and make sure the guests are comfortable and happy. It is something simple but fun that has plenty of benefits (manicures and haircuts, I'll take it!). I really hope I can get this one. I have all weekend to pick out my outfit. yay! Wish me luck.

Happy Monday

It is such a rainy, cold day here in Ohio. A day to stay in bed and read a good book, which I totally plan on doing.

So I began this rainy, gray day by reading two interesting happy/sad, but happy again stories on my two favorite pregnancy blogs. On The Pregnant Pause I read all about an engagement. It made me so happy and giddy. Congrats to them! And on Don't Worry Baby I read about her scare with stomach pains, but luckily everything is just fine. I am so happy that both ladies are happy and healthy through their pregnancies and I always enjoy reading their blogs. In weird ways I am connected to these ladies not only through our pregnancies but because one is the sister of my best friends boyfriend (hi john!) and the other was two years ahead at me at the Maryland Institute College of Art (but I never knew her or her husband).

Anyways, I am glad everyone has finally seen my sweet little girl. I have felt her moving inside of me a lot these last few days. It is such a strange feeling, like something punching me in the uterus, but a loving punch. A punch that says, "Hey, Hey You. Hi." I know it's all in my head, but she makes me laugh so much. I just imagine her singing and dancing in there. She is preparing for her big debut. Speaking of which, my mom and I went shopping this weekend at the Prime Outlets outside of Columbus. We went into every child/baby store but we were never crazy about most of the clothes. And let me tell you, baby clothes can be pricey. However we walked into one store, Carters, and all their winter stuff was on sale which is perfect because baby girl will be 3-6 months during the winter. So we bought 10 little outfits for $23. $23!! That's amazing. We were so proud of ourselves.

Moving on...I still haven't heard back from American Apparel about that job. I called on Friday but neither manager was in so I simply left a message. I figure if I don't hear back today then that is that and I will continue my job searching. But I am still crossing my fingers because I really want that job.

I realize that I am rambling on so I am going to call it a morning but I promise I will post that polka dot/stripe post later today. Promise Promise. I am going to leave you with this picture of me looking super pregnant. I think that was mostly a food baby though.

hello baby

Meet my little sweet love --------




To the left of the GIRL you can see a few small, white lines. That is her labia. Weird, right?




Baby has big feet like her mama.




OKAY OKAY, she looks a little scary, I know. And by scary, I mean beautiful....
She wouldn't move enough for them to do a profile view so right now she just looks like a little skeleton alien baby. I love my little skeleton alien baby.

And baby will have quite a few names. Grandpa will call her Jo because he wanted me to name her Josephine (I don't). Grandma will have a million and one names for her just like she did with me (Bo, Ramona, Mussy, Mum, Bear...). Alyse will call her Poppy. Caitlin will call her Papi (no comment). My moms side of the family will probably have some cute spanish names for her. My dads side of the family will probably keep it simple. My sisters will spoil her. And I will love her more than I have ever loved anything before.

What will you call her?

aiden love

Today is a slow day. Rather, a day before two potential big days. Tomorrow I find out of I got the job at American Apparel after two interviews AND one of my besties will be here to poke my growing belly and feed me ice cream. Friday I (hopefully) find out the sex of my little bean. I can't wait!! So to keep myself calm and collected I have simply spent time with my baby Aiden. I'll update when I am updated.



P.S. I'm currently working on a post about mixing stripes and polka dots. For the boys (John) too!

Small Cool 2010

I could spend hours on Apartment Therapy. I have recently become obsessed with home design to the point where I am begging my parents to let me make some changes in our small, but charming house. So imagine my happiness when Apartment Therapy started their Small Cool 2010 Contest. Each space is uniquely designed and perfect. I also love interior spaces. I've always loved photographing the inside of people's homes. I think it reflects so much about them and the way they live.

Here are a few of my favorites:







And I love when they include a drawing of the layout:



And they add new spaces a few times a day, so there is always a surprise.

<3 <3 <3

American Apparel Love (i want the job!)

After visiting the store yesterday I realized what I have been missing. They have some super cute new stuff and some classic stuff I forgot about. And being pregnant makes me want to try styles that otherwise I might never try. Plus I think American Apparel would be so cute on a little pregnant lady (ME!).

Here are some of my favorites:










And of course, don't forget about baby:




Cross your fingers for me!

another great collection

BERANGERE CLAIRE

i'm in love with these comfortable styles. and they show my favorite combo of a sweater and a skirt. i want every piece in this collection, so simple and perfect.

swoon.


**stumbled upon on LindseyLieu

Alternative Apparel

So I am trying to work at American Apparel and there is an open call tomorrow that I plan on attending. I have no idea what I plan on wearing but this morning I found a little inspiration from the Alternative Apparel Spring 2010 Lookbook. Is that cheating? Copying Alternative Apparel to work at American Apparel? Oh well, whatever.


I don't feel like this style is too out of reach for me. I have been dressing a little more on the comfortable side as my body is changing daily (small changes). I just want comfort to look good too. And I really need to take a lesson from Katie and start dressing things up with some great eye catching jewelery. I'll take some pictures tomorrow and let you know all about my experience. My ultimate goal is to be the face of American Apparel Pregnancy.

xoxoxxoxox

here we go again

**i love this lady's style. i want to copy it everyday. i need oxfords. (via the satorialist, december 2009)


alright, i promise i'll do better with posting this time. to get myself motivated i'm making a little list of things i love, things that make my smile.

(in no specific order)

-some sort of delicious morning drink, be it a plain cup of coffee, a fruity tea, or some elaborate like a dark cherry mocha (yum)

-my crazy cat that always rolls on his back when i walk by waiting for me to bend down and pet him

-the smell of my house. moving home has definitely been a transition but i love the smell of home. it's so comforting.

-reading blogs. design blogs, style blogs, photography blogs, personal blogs. i love seeing what inspires other people and gathering inspiration of my own.

-my amazing, creative, always loving and funny friends.

-my amazing, crazy, always loving and funny family.

**through my most recent life change both my friends and family have really showed how incredible and understanding they are. i have never felt more loved and cared for. i can't wait to share that love with my little one.

-an intriguing book that holds my attention. it doesn't have to be a good book, just something that i can get sucked into and walk away with something to talk about. most recently it was MOMMYWOOD by tori spelling (love her) and IF YOU HAVE TO CRY, GO OUTSIDE by kelly cutrone (she is loco) next it will be CHELSEA CHELSEA, BANG BANG by the beloved chelsea handler

-shopping.

-laying in the morning sun (i try to convince myself it's not as bad as the afternoon sun, er)

-reality tv. i just love it.

OKAY, this list is getting a little long. you get the point. i'm good at making lists so maybe i should stick to that motif.