Post Secret has been a major disappointment for me lately, all the secrets have been pretty depressing. When I came across this one on Sunday, it made me smile.

What has made you smile in the past few days?

It’s not a secret that the past few weeks I’ve been feeling pretty down. Without going into too much detail (that’s better left for another post), I’ve been feeling pretty sad, frustrated, angry and confused.

Anytime I find myself in a situation like this, I make a salon appointment*. Right away. There is really nothing better than spending a day being pampered to lift your spirits.

Yesterday I called a salon I’d never been to and was told I could come over right away. Score! To make things even better, I was paired with a super nice stylist who spent the whole time fawning over my beauty…err I mean, the beauty of my hair. She kept throwing words around like “thick” and “beautiful”. Even if she was lying, she definitely buttered me up enough to get a nice tip.

Here’s the end result:

*This method also works wonders for breakups. It’s my tried & true breakup pick-me-up. Bonus points if you go with a friend.

So what are some of your best remedies to beat the blues?

I am really excited to participate in the 20SB Looking Back Blog Carnival for several reasons: not only is this my first time participating in the blog carnival,  but I’m at another crossroads in my life so it’s interesting to look back and see how I ended up here in the first place. AND I heard that Ben & Jerry’s was giving away some free ice cream. Yum!

Here’s one of my very first posts on RLH. Enjoy!!

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“Maggie, I think you’re making a huge mistake.” That’s all I’ve been hearing lately from the friends that I need support from the most. The friends I depend on for pretty much every decision I make. This time it’s different. This decision has been mine alone, and it’s been a long time coming.

It’s true, I am about to take a huge risk and move to a new city where I know practically no one. I’m giving up everything I’ve ever known. This should scare me, but I’m more scared of staying here and being stuck. Because here, I am just waiting for something to happen. Here, I would be allowing myself to stay the same, to continue in the same old patterns.

Instead of being worried about all the uncertainty, I’m content. I feel like for the first time I’m about to find where I’m supposed to be. I feel like I have found “the one”,  cliche´as it sounds. I feel like I’m capable of being completely happy for once.

My good friend once told me “Sometimes you need to stop waiting and make your own move.” So, I’m making my own move. It’s time to see if I sink or swim.

I recently read a fellow blogger’s post about things she was wondering and thought it was a cute idea. In response to her post, these are the things I’m wondering:


Why are there so many pregnant ladies all of the sudden? Today I counted 11 within a block radius of Panera.

When is Chicago weather going to find a happy medium?

Why do I lack complete motivation for working out when I know I need to? (gotta drop those Lbs before the wedding)

Why is it so hard to write a damn bio? It’s not like I’m being asked to write a bio on a complete stranger.

How can I kick my addiction to starbucks?

Does my (future) mother in law know about my blog? Is it okay to write about her?

Why am I too chicken to ask my friend to be my bridesmaid?

What should I bring to Allie’s book club/BBQ tomorrow?

Is it wrong to want to give my cat a lion haircut? (She sheds A LOT)

Am I turning into a bridezilla?

Am I choosing the right thing by wanting to move home?



So what are you wondering today?

Earlier this week I received an email from Brand About Town about becoming a brand enthusiast for the Gap. I was so excited to be considered for such an opportunity, since I went to Jamie & Jenn’s Nintendo Party and had a blast.

A night of hanging out with girlfriends and getting free stuff? YES PLEASE!

Anyway- I met with Justine yesterday, who was super nice and adorable. We met at Lavazza, which I had never been to in all the time I’ve lived in Chicago. She bought me a latte, and anyone who knows me knows buying me coffee is a sure way to win my heart.

After having a chat about the specifics of what a Brand Enthusiast is, Justine was like “Oh, by the way, we’re going over to the Gap so we can pick out some free clothes”. SAY WHAT?!?!

We walked around the store and she picked some things out for me, all of which were totally cute. I actually tried on the same dress that my friend Akirah picked in a different colour. I wish I could keep her for when I go shopping all the time.

Here’s what I ended up getting:

While I was there I saw a TON of other things I’m pretty sure I absolutely need to have. I think I’ll be making a trip there tomorrow.

After yesterday started off pretty crappy (klutzy me got my foot stuck in the sidewalk & rolled my ankle, and later getting stuck in the rain), the day turned into AWESOME thanks to Justine and Brand About Town. And I guess I could sneak in a little thanks to Apple & AT&T because I did get my new iPhone 3GS yesterday.

I loathe papyrus. This was me earlier today when I was reading over the pamphlet the church we’re getting married in sent me. I’m pretty sure I pointed to the cover and whined to Chris “WHY would they pick PAPYRUS?!”

I’m pretty sure even GOD hates Papyrus.



**Unrelated note: My trip home rocked and I gave the wedding plans a swift kick in the ass. More on that coming later!

I will be back in Pittsburgh!!!

(photo courtesy of Flickr)

I am beyond excited about being back town for game 7 of the Stanley cup finals tomorrow.

Oh yeah, I’m excited about all the wedding stuff I’ll be getting done too. Like purchasing my dress!

See you in a few days Chicago!!

xoxo

I’m hanging out over at Lovely Land today.

Jamie jetsetted her cute self off to Vegas for the weekend and handed me the reigns.

Apparently my brain took a mini vacation as well. *Sigh*. When someone as cool as Jamie asks you to guest post, you don’t turn it down. But I may have gotten a bit of stage fright. Or something like that.  You can read my ramblings here.

On the upside, I’ve asked her to guest post for me later this week/weekend since I will be out of town in the less exciting city of Pittsburgh.

And upon my return back to Chicago, there will be cheesecake.