SO Obsessed Sundays - Strengths & Weaknesses

On this SO Obsessed Sunday I'm having a little obsession with finding my strengths and enjoying my weaknesses.

This past week marked my first week at my new job. One of my tasks was to read and take the Strengths Finder test by Tom Rath and Gallup Press. The purpose of this reading and test is to show that people are much more effective when they, and their leadership, focus on the strengths of that individual. We all are so focused on our weaknesses and overcoming them, when in reality we should be focusing on our strenths to help lead us to a successful future.

Makes total sense, righ!? Now why weren't we doing this all along people...



After reading this introduction, I then used my access code to take the online test. You choose which of the two statements match you better on a "strongly describes me" scale" (see sample below).



After taking the timed test, you are given five strenths (out of 34). It only takes about 30 minutes. You then can read what these strenths mean and how to apply them. I found my results so interesting, especially the first two which surprised me until I read more details. My strengths were:

1. Strategic

2. Individualization

3. Positivity

4. Communication

5. Achiever

Reading the details of these got me excited to apply them tomorrow at work, and it was fun to share with my husband in response to what he remembered his to be when he took the test a couple years ago. I encourage you for work, school or professional to go buy the book and take the test!

So anywho, enough about strengths, let's talk about a fun and exciting "weakness".

Lilly Pulitzer.

I received an oh so fun email yesterday about the annual, once a year, Lilly Pulitzer Summer Sale! Yay!!



I just love this sale, so I didn't want to forget to remind y'all to set your alarms for 8am tomorrow because its on!

Ok, that's it for tonight folks, just two important obsessions on strenghts and weaknesses. Happy shopping, let me know your strengths, oh and what new LP beauties you obsess over too!!!

SO Obsessed Sundays - Legends of Summer & MD

Ohhhhhhh this is a good one y'all! On this SO Obsessed Sunday I'm recapping a little bit of fun we had this weekend, all thanks to some quick thinking and a little spontaneity.

Ryan and I were just saying how we miss the spontaneous trips and mini adventures that we would so frequently take in college. Granted, we had a lot more time on our hands back then. You know though, now that we're in a new city which provides easy access to so many new places on the east coast, we need to take advantage!

Plus, I start my new job on Monday and was ready for one little last fun summer trip before diving back into the "real world".

So I happened to google show times for the Legends of the Summer Tour featuring Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake on Thursday. Well guess what, they happened to be in Baltimore, MD that very night. Baltimore is now only 2.5 hours away and lots of people were selling tickets at discount on Craigslist because they couldn't go last minute. So we got a doggie sitter, tapped into some Hilton Honors points and went on our merry way!

I decided not to tell Ry where we were headed until about 30 minutes into our trip. Needless to say, he was very surprised and we cranked the 20/20 Experience, plus a lotta Jay-Z old and new, and made our way up north.

We ended up being a little late to the concert, but you know how it goes, they were only a couple songs into the night anyway. Phew!

Here's some of our favorite moments from the night. And honestly, we were so busy just enjoying ourselves that we didn't take that many pictures/videos!

Jay-Z was aaaaaahhhhhmazing!

Ry had a blast "dusting his shoulders off" and stating that he may have 99 problems, but guess what isn't one... :)

Oh hey JT!

I was amazed at all the instruments JT plays, especially considering it was often as backup for Jay-Z!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jz0yLSmIoL4&feature=youtu.be

Remember this one? Yeah we were getting our '90s on during Big Pimpin'!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcdM8av6ZLw&feature=youtu.be

Oh the wonderful song that brought this dynamic duo together... Suit and Tie!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCBe7cUj9no

I'm not gunna lie, I was a little excited to witness this epic live version of Cry Me A River!

Seriously, one of the best concerts I've ever, ever been to! Look up where your nearest show is now and run, run fast and get there no matter what! I honestly was thinking I would go and enjoy JT the most, but I left remembering the geniusness that is Jay-Z. I forgot how many epic songs he sings and live, he just blows everyone away.

After sleeping in and chugging some coffee, Coca-Cola and greasy eggs, we headed out on Friday to take advantage of Maryland and Baltimore for a few hours before getting on the road. We decided we had to have some authentic Maryland crab, mallets, mess and all.

We ended up at Nick's which is on the harbor and was yummy and gorgeous!

Trying out a Maryland IPA!

Ryan had to order a crab cakes for the sake of "Crab Cakes and Football" (via Wedding Crashers).

Crab dip! I think we were at this restaurant for at least 3 hours enjoying the view, weather, beer and food!

Here we go! After a mini-tutorial from our waitress we became quite the crab dismantling pros!

Ummmm yeah, this was not  the proper way to eat a crab.

Oh he got a good one! Seeing Ry eat these was so entertaining, he now has an obsession with whole crab needless to say.

After we rolled/crawled out of the restaurant we hit up the Baltimore Aquarium. Ryan was very excited because, just in time for shark week, the aquarium featured some new shark exhibits.

Ok, I admit it, I was a little excited to see these large sharks up close too!

Ryan is a Megalodon believer or "Megaliever" as I like to say. This mold of his jaw was insane!

We found Nemo!

Crazy, huge eel that we both were a little freaked out and in love with! I couldn't decide if this was Flotsam or Jetsam.

We had a blast and feel so energized after such a fun trip!

So I dare you, get spontaneous, see where it takes you and what kind of adventures you can have!! Cheers!

Wear To Work Fall Fashion

I'm a summer girl. But I can't deny my love of pumpkins, football, chunky knits, off-white and tall, tall boots.

And now that I'm headed back to the work force, I'm already dreaming of tailored styles, perfect for the fall transitional time. My favorite brands are beginning to introduce their fall fashion and below is what I'm craving.

Only problem, don't know if a financial company can handle the amount of pinks, prints and prep that I love. So maybe I'll try to tone it down just a bit this season. While I'm at work at least.

Let's start from the bottom up, here are some shoes I'm sure you'll fall for too...

1. Tory Burch Kendra Raffia Pump $350

2. Tory Burch Bristol Bootie $395

3. Piperlime Brettly by Nine West $139

4. Piperlime Slicker by Wanted $89

5. Kate Spade Kalle Wedge $298

6. Target Merona Meg Chunky Heel Pump $29.99

My favorite office style is a tailored wide leg or flare trouser with some great pumps and an even better top and blazer. A slim fit ankle pant will also do! Here's a few great pants your legs are sure to love...

1. J.Crew Andie Chino with Tuxedo Stripe

2. Tommy Hilfiger, Flare Leg Trouser at Macys $21.00 (on sale)

3. Express Studio Stretch Wide Waistband Flare Editor Pant $79.90

Now let's top it all off with some great shirts and jackets...

1. J.Crew Fall/Holiday 2013 05840 Pre-Order

2. Anthropologie Mixed Moto Jacket $348

PS: I love the dress here too - Anthropologie Strata Dress $198

3. Elizabeth McKay McKay Blouse at Tuckernuck $175

4. Devon Bayer Blair Liberty Ruffle Blouse at Tuckernuck $198

A top or blazer may not always cut it, so here's some cozy sweaters too...

1. J.Crew Tipped Silk Collar Shirt $75

2. Anthropologie Glimmered Tweed Jacket $148

3. Cortland Park Cashmere Travel Wrap at Tuckernuck $375

4. J.Crew Tweed-Front Tee in Black $75

5. Anthropologie Crescendo Stripe Cowlneck $98

6. Anthropologie Aida Cowlneck $78

7. Anthropologie Navona Cardigan $138

And because I can't imagine life without dresses...

1. Anthropologie Overtone Peplum Dress $158

2. Ok so this is technically a skirt, but I couldn't leave it out: Anthropologie Embroidered Fiore Pencil Skirt $148

3. Elizabeth McKay Scotland Dress Tipped $285

4. Anthropologie Embroidered Ombra Shift $198

5. J.Crew Fall/Holiday 2013 06834 Pre-Order

Finally, I just had to throw this last one in here too, all by itself. I am just dying over this Lilly Pulitzer blazer, top and shimmery, pearly pants!

Really, in the end, I can't deny the real truth.

I just want to look like Olivia Pope, every, single, day.

The gloves. Oh the gloves kill me. And the jackets are just out of this world!

I'll keep dreaming over this TV wardrobe and you keep me posted if you find anything Olivia-worthy (and wallet friendly)!

Kate Spade Surprise Sale

It's a surprise sale from Kate Spade!!! They're featuring 75% off with $5 shipping, can't get much better than that!



This is one of my favorite brands and I couldn't help but spread the word and show you a few of my top picks!

I've always been in love with this tote - only $119 today!



How presh is this bow and striped cross body - $75



This convertible bag goes from big to small and makes the perfect briefcase/work bag, travel bag or diaper bag. And its under $200 today!



I am so in love with the color, bow wearability of this bag. Did I mention its called "Primrose" and if you're a Hunger Games fan, you have a soft spot for anything Prim. Only $179!

I'm a sucker for anything gold, white and black and this bangle does the trick. Especially at the $39 price tag!


I'm in need of a new cosmetic case and this colorful striped one is perfect, and only $39!


At $89 I had to include this polka dot classic!



This dress is a perfect transition to fall and with an original price near $400 and now only $99, how can you resist?



I've had an eye on this perfect piece for awhile and now at $149 it's the perfect time to scoop it up!

Top the dress off with these cluster studs at only $29!

Last but not least, give your phone a little bling too with this polka dot case at $19!

SO Obsessed Sundays - Round 3

Ok so on this busy, busy SO Obsessed Sunday I have just one thing to say.

Last Day of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

Get on it people, best sale of the year, I'm talkin' Tory Burch booties, Michael Kors watches and tons of other beautiful, beautiful lovelies your closet is begging for...



 

Happy Shopping!

SO Obsessed Sundays - Round 2!

Wellllcoooommmeee Ladies and Gentleman, let's get ready to ruummmmmbbbblllleee!

Its Round 2 of SO Obsessed Sundays!

Here's this week's obsessions...

1. Contact your local architect now.

May I recommend Kustom Home Design (shameless plug for my mama y'all, sorry). But seriously, I'm saving these 36 things that I didn't know I ever wanted in my dream home, but now I absolutely have to have.

Gah I can't wait for my multiple waterfalls (including the bath), two story closet and I just know Cotton and Mallie are going to love that dog pool!

Thanks Buzzfeed.



2. Looking at Married Life through GOLD Colored Glasses.

It's okay to have a second wedding within 3 years of being married right? Because I can't imagine a more perfect wedding day - gold and white accessories, a pool, monograms and extremely tall flower arrangements. Oh, did I mention ribbon chiavari chairs?!



3. Boy Oh Boy!

How could you not get in on all the baby boy buzz with the newest royal arrival?! I'm particularly loving all the Pinterest boards filled with royal inspiration, like this one...



4. Sucker for a Sale!

Man, I'm a sucker for a sale! And this is the perfect time of year to get your shop on, a lot of my favorite places are giving you an EXTRA percentage off their sale items. And while we're on the royal subject, I have to believe Mama Middleton would give this blue polka dot number from J.Crew a thumbs up, especially at an extra 40% off!

Also check out Kate Spade, Tory Burch, World Market and Piperlime!

Quck TIp: You'll need to sign up for their emails to get the EXTRA, EXTRA discount!



5. Beautiful + Mess = Perfection

While not associated with one of my favorite blogs, A Beautiful Mess the App is my new go-to extra on my phone! It lets you edit your photos and add colorful borders, text, doodles and phrases! Here's one of my favorites with my poochies...



6. TV to Table

The amount of excitement I get from receiving this little gem of a publication each month is unreal. I feel like this is the most approachable and useful glossy that I get when it comes to home design and decorating. If you don't get this already, go, run, frolic, whatever(!), subscribe now!



 

Hope you're as obsessed as I am! Happy Sunday!