It's beginning to look a lot like... March?

I'm generally confused, but today is a snow day. March 6th. I thought winter happened in December, but apparently we are still playing the snow game. I, for one, am not amused.

Xoxo,
C

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Stuff We Love Sunday: Home Sweet Home!

In honor of C schlepping up to Jersey this weekend, we decided to share some of our favorite places around our home state.  If you're from Jersey and you haven't been, check them out!

K's Favorite Spots: 

Rutgers/Douglass College
While I will most likely never live there ever (ever ever ever) again, New Brunswick will always feel like home to me.

Highland Lakes
My family has had a house in this small lakeside town since before I was born.  I love spending time with my loved ones, but the setting is so breath-taking it's hard not to be distracted by nature's bounty.

Fort Nonsense
Morristown is a charmingly historic town, with many Revolutionary War locations and events, but my favorite by far is Fort Nonsense because I stand for all that is nonsensical.  And it's gorgeous, to boot.

C's Favorite Spots: 

Grounds for Sculpture
I remember going here in high school and twice since and every season it has something new to offer.  While some parts remain constant, it's always changing and moving and becoming something new to enjoy and discover.
Liberty Village
It's no secret I love shopping.  Every time I'm home (this past weekend included) I go see if I can find any bargains.  From j.crew to Nine West to Nike.  I don't know why people would ever pay full price.  Plus, no sales tax on clothes.
Teaberry's Tea Room
Sometimes you want to pretend you're classy and you only work because you enjoy it.  It has a new location since when I lived in NJ full time, and it's absolutely lovely.  It's a quaint little place to forget the busy, bustling world. 
   

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hi, i'm c... and i'm in a rut

The weather is cold. The weather is rainy. I take public transportation to work and I hate standing outside being cold. All of these things bring me to this point: looking back on my outfit photos from the past week or more (and what looking down at what I'm wearing today) I've realized something. I'm wearing a LOT of black. It's getting a little ridiculous. As I write this, I look down and I'm wearing black pumps, black skirt, black shirt and a cream blazer. What?! I need the weather to cheer up so I can even imagine wearing something bright.

Without further ado, I present: "no, I'm not going to a funeral, I'm just sad it's so cold":

I'll try harder next time, I promise. See, there is even a purple tie-dye scarf in there!

I know, I know. I even had a "modern red" (read: orange) blazer on this morning until I threw it on my bed in a fit of rage. Even when I try to plan outfits in advance I just end up wearing something else because it doesn't look the way I imagined it in my head.

Anyone else got the cold weather blues/blacks?

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Stuff We Love Sunday: Home Office Edition

Lately I've been unhappy with my craft room/home office.  I can't find anything and have more boxes that are supposed to help me organize than I have the ability to store properly without looking like a disheveled box lady.  C is quite the organizer (I often make fun of her for making lists of the lists she needs to make), so it seemed like my organizational issues would be right up her alley.  Here are some of our favorite things we found online for a dream office.  

K's Office Inspiration

Photos by Jason Schmidt via Dwell

This is from architect Randy Bishop's house, which is a masterpiece designed by his colleague Omer Arbel known as the 23.2 House.  I love the interlocking squares and how despite the fact that this is a huge wall of shelving it doesn't feel claustrophobic.  I wish I could find something like this without getting custom furniture! 

via Dimples and Tangles

I've always admired many of the ways I've seen other bloggers incorporate chalkboard paint into their homes, but I've never taken the leap.  I love the way Jennifer of Dimples and Tangles used a small portion of wall space to make a huge statement.  I especially enjoy the way she added other organizational elements into the design.  I had trouble picking out my favorite image to showcase this wall, so I'd recommend heading over there and seeing them all!

via Whimages

I first encountered this image on Pinterest after C pinned it.  I am a sucker for closet built-ins and this is the best one I've seen to date.  I love that the space was split into a desk nook on one side and the other half is a reading bench.  I can tell you that once James and I get a place where we can make permanent changes, there will definitely be some closet office action.

C's Office Inspiration

I am known for my lists of lists, however in my current office set up I only have a desk in a corner with a LOT of clean clothes on the desk chair. Something I'd really like is a space to do some work or writing that isn't the couch or kitchen table. I'm also very easily distracted so I need something very simple.

Photo: via Apartment Therapy

Not that I currently have any closet space to spare, but I love how this is lined with wallpaper and has a space for everything. You can close the little curtain and it all goes away- magical. As my dad always made fun of me, whenever I clean things I always push them all against the wall. This is just like that- only it's actually organized. 

Photo: via Apartment Therapy

Is anyone else obsessed with Apartment Therapy? I'm not crafty at all but this website makes me think I could maybe turn something into something else that is somewhat attractive. They do a fantastic job with small spaces and I absolutely love this corner office. Talk about making use of nooks and crannies! I love this desk, however it doesn't exactly seem totally useful for computer work. I love the little cubby holes, however I'd probably want to do a bigger, more comfy chair. 

Photo: via Container Store

It's going to be plain, simple and matchy-matchy. I am obsessed with the Container Store (what self-proclaimed OCD wouldn't!?). It's all beautiful and matching and perfect. I am not great about using color (my current bedspread set is khaki/white, my furniture is all the same color wood, etc). I was pretty far out of my comfort zone buying a red rug for my living room, so I think this neutral office set is perfect.

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What C is reading: Business & Pleasure

In the wide, wide world of the interwebs (www for short), there are so many things to read. A lot of the blogs I read are for work- interviewing tactics, effective hiring and all that fun mumbo jumbo that no one really thinks about but then yells and complains that I didn't get back to them in 2.2 seconds about the job they didn't even apply for yet (chances are this complainer is probably related to someone, too). So for as much as I like to read sassy HR ladies, I also like to read blogs about pretty clothes and yummy food. Because let's face it: the internet isn't always for business: sometimes it's for pleasure.

And now I am pleased to present what (blogs) I'm reading: Business & Pleasure.

Business (read as: bid-ness)

• The Cynical Girl

This is the queen-bee of sassy HR ladies. Makes me believe maybe one day I can be successful enough to make money telling people what they're doing is stupid and counterproductive and making hr ladies everywhere look bad. Plus, she really likes her cats and I just find that to be perfect. She also used to have a blog called Punk Rock HR. And come on, what is closer to my heart than that?

• Ask A Manager

Alison Green responds to your HR questions (apparently if you don't ask, she'll tell you anyways). I like a woman who can tell you like it is and isn't afraid to have the tough conversations. If there is one thing I've learned in the world of HR, it's that most managers would rather brush tough conversations under the rug for a decade and then they wonder why no one is billing hours and the team spends more time painting their nails at work than actually doing work. Surprise!

• Blogging4jobs 

This is the more serious of the blogs I read that are work related. As you can tell, I have a thing for sassy ladies who talk about human resources. Jessica also tweets and does all sorts of crazy internet things. 

Pleasure (read as: people that own as much j.crew as I do)

• in residence :: "anne in residence"

I just started reading her blog recently and I'm totally hooked. She recently visited my hood and made me realize that I need to venture out more than my little baby Glover Park/Georgetown hood. Also makes me realize that people really enjoy DC and I need to be thankful for the amazing things that I get to see every. single. day. She's also adorable. I mean come on. 

• Fitnessista :: "being fit is always in style"

I haven't quite figured out when she sleeps, but I love how she mixes fitness, food and her adorable baby girl.    While the boyf is into his super crazy workouts (Spartacus? Talk about making me run the other way. I couldn't walk for 2 weeks.), her workouts are achievable, fun and don't make me totally bored. Of course, I tend to always look ridiculous when working out anyways. She also makes delicious food and archives it so when I'm starving and running low on creativity (read as: always).

• east side bride :: "an evil club of mean hipster brides"

I understand the obvious: I am not engaged. But this blog is absolutely awesome. It's like Dear Abby for brides on crack, and you get the most fantastically cynical and oftentimes obvious answer. Please pardon me while I channel my inner gospel choir: PREACH.

What are you reading? Do you read for bid-ness... or for pleasure?

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Stuff We Love Sunday: Cupcakes!

In honor of C's birthday treat yo self weekend, we are going to share six cupcake recipes we have pinned and really want to make! 

Birthday celebrations are not complete without ice cream cake! Thanks for the idea, Kraft!

 

Totally digging the recent salted caramel trend. (via Tidy Mom)

A recipe I pinned was taken down, but no worries...I browsed through the entire stock of remaining cupcake recipes and came back from Annie's Eats with two replacement recipes! First, the White Chocolate Mocha Cupcakes that look unbelievably delicious and artistic.  I can't add the picture since Annie doesn't seem to be impressed by right clicking on her website.  Whatever.  Just click through and see some beautiful cupcakery.  The second cupcakes that I cannot wait to bake from Annie's Eats are the Toffee Crunch Cupcakes.  Mmmmm.... 

Martha does it again with these Maple Walnut Cupcakes! (via Martha Stewart)

I saved the best for last.  A mini layer cake baked on a panini press!!  You have got to check this out. (via Panini Press)

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, C!

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Happy birthday, C!

Enjoy your treat yo self weekend! -xoxo, K

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Almost Birthday: C's Outfit Formula

Oh hello, friends. Before we get into what I've been wearing and how much I hate taking pictures of myself, I'd like to introduce you to the beautiful bathroom in my office. Please enjoy the view of the tampon dispenser in the background. I know, it's awesome.

I work in a very casual office. I understand some of you are looking at this and thinking... you do what for a living? Look, accounting wears velour matching tracksuits- this is fancy. Let it go.

On to the outfits.

I have an obsession with J.crew. It happens. After reading fashion blogs for a while, I've realized I'm not the only one.

ONE. Sweater: Talbots Clearance Outlet, Necklace & Jeans: J.Crew retail, Button down: J.Crew factory, Shoes: ZiGiny via Amazon.com.

TWO. Sweater: J.Crew factory, Jeans: J.Crew retail, Boots: Cole Haan via Rue La La, Scarf: H&M, Sock: Target

THREE: Shirt: H&M, Scarf: Gap Men's, Cords: H&M, Booties: Nine West factory,

Interchange sweaters, jeans and a long necklace or scarf, and this is pretty much what I'm wearing every single day.

Do you have a formula you can use to get dressed in your sleep? I guess the "must wear 3 pieces at all times" mantra from working at J.Crew has stuck with me over the years.

TOMORROW IS MY BIRTHDAY so I need to go shopping to find something fancy schmancy to wear to dinner tomorrow night with the boyf. I'm thinking of going to Zara on my lunch- any other suggestions for cheap/cute/possibly warm birthday dresses? Does anyone else buy a dress for their birthday? No? Okay.

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Mini Update, Lots of Love

I love giraffe statues.  I love dressing like a flapper.  Here I am dressing like a flapper while standing next to a giraffe statue at a fancy restaurant the boyf took me to where we shared a lovely meal.  Clearly a happy moment that needed to be shared.

-K

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Stuff We Love Sunday: Around the House

A popular thing the kids do on the Interwebs these days is to post things they love.  For some reason it happens on Sunday.  I think it is the alliteration of "stuff" and "Sunday" that makes this a thing.  I like ending my week (or beginning, depending on which calendar you look at) with people, places, food and stuff I love so it seems as good a time as any to have a regular post.  I, K, officially decree that C and I will post stuff we love on Sundays.  Let the populace rejoice.

Stuff K Loves

First, I want to begin with something I don't like.  I don't like when I have to spend an entire hour tracking down the original sources of the images I love because people tumbled it or pinned it without regard to the original content creator.  As a librarian this is particularly frustrating, since a large chunk of my job is tracking information down and helping people cite their sources correctly.  Tumblr has ruined the credibility of the internet, in my opinion, because people reblog without a thought to who created the image they are seeing.  The first picture I'm showing you isn't my first, third or even seventh choice to show you, but it wins as a result of having the content creator's info connecting with the picture.  Internet, don't make me give you the stink eye again.  Credit your sources.

LITdecor makes beautiful Moroccan inspired mason jar lanterns that are to die for!  I originally wanted to share my inspiration for a little Moroccan nook we are working on in my house, but 'twas not to be.  I think I am going to have to get something from this etsy shop to tie the area together.

These chevron stairs took some sleuthing to get their original link, but once I found it I made sure I edited my pin to match.  I love that there is a contrast between the white stairs and the statement chevron stairs.  In my search I found a few people who put the chevron pattern on every stair and it was a bit much.  This pops just enough without being overwhelming.  Love!

The boyf and I just revisited the idea of buying a house instead of renting this weekend and it is not in the cards--for a while.  Oh well.  In the meantime I can spaz out over delightful tile mosaics in other people's homes like this fabulous bathroom created by Lance Jordan. 

Stuff C Loves

This little number is actually something I already own from Pier1. I’m not great at decorating, but I do tend to go to a lot of concerts, camping, etc, and this gives me a great opportunity to change things out on a regular basis. I have it in white, but the black would be nice if you had darker furniture. I like things to be simple and straightforward- my roommate literally had to hang everything in our apartment because I physically couldn't figure out what height to hang things at (I’m short, apparently hanging things at my height makes it look like the inhabitants are vertically challenged). She says without things on the walls that we look like serial killers. Solution: make her do it. This is above my computer and it’s lovely and perfect. I wish all of life could be this easy.

I’ll admit it. I’m a sucker for obnoxiously expensive things I can’t afford. Especially if they’re cheesy and have polka dots. Or pretty patterns. Or are an elephant (I just love elephants!). ENTER:  Kate Spade Home! Everyone bask in the awesome and then sigh and eat some Haagen Dazs with me and watch some reruns of LOST (because I’m poor and all seasons are on Amazon Prime- SCORE!).

ONE // TWO //THREE // FOUR

My job is to talk to people all day every day. Talk talk talk. My ideal non-work day would be curled up in a ball, reading and napping and watching a move in the background that I’m actually not paying attention to (probably Stepbrothers). Like K, I have found the internet is a terrible place and no one gets credit for anything they've done. I’m sure you've seen a ton of these pins on pinterest, but none of them have real sources, and I just don’t think tumblr is a real source. This nook gives you the general idea, but by no means is my favorite “nook” style. I’d prefer neutrals, and probably not crazy pink pillows. In a weird "I'm from New Jersey" way I will almost admit I like the animal print pillows. The builder is actually local to DC, which is fantastic, if I ever decide I'm going to start pooping money instead of eating Ramen. I got thoroughly depressed looking through the gallery and realizing the only real estate I can afford is a cardboard box.

K Bonus: I refuse to post the image, since no amount of searching located the originator, but here is a link to something I NEED in my house yesterday--a pug puppy in a mini Eames chair.  Shut. Up.

Photo credit: LITDecor, Simple Dwellings, Lance Jordan, Pier 1 Imports, Kate Spade, Bowa Builders

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Baby’s first blog post

I’m not that great at writing. I’m not that great at being creative. I am, however, really exceptional at missing my best friend. You know that type of friend where you could not talk for a month, but then have a phone call that makes your phone die it lasts so long? A friend, that no matter what, understands your heart of hearts and you simply don’t have to explain why that biddy deserved that slew of fantastical and inventive cuss words? That.

Exactly that.

So, why a blog? Why not a weekly scheduled phone call, or a handwritten note? Because after reading fashion/lifestyle blogs for about a year now, my best friend, my youmeus, has somehow convinced me I can do it too. There is nothing more intimidating than something new- so why not have your sister and confidant by your side?

Stay tuned for what will most likely be some serious missteps, which will lead to hilarity. Enjoy.

Photo Credit: Using Pixlr, from top left: C Morgan, G Consalvo, G Consalvo

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The beginning

Apparently there is such a thing as National Best Friend's Day.  If I were to force you to guess which day of the year the nation has decided to honor their BFFs I'm willing to bet many of you would blindly guess it's today, January 21st, seeing as I made it the blog's lede. You would be wrong.  Today is National Hugging Day--a holiday recognized by the Hugging Committee of the City of London* and the United States Copyright Office.  Today is also the 2013 observation day of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, even though his actual birthday was a week ago, but I digress.

National Best Friend's Day doesn't take place until June 8th. Well that is utter crap.  I love my best friend every day of the damn year and despite the fact that she chose to leave me forever and set up a life in DC I want to see her all the time so I can talk about stupid stuff and show her my new shoes and discuss the importance of mint nail polish. Sadly, all of my efforts of sabotage and brainwashing in an attempt to force her to move back home to the lovely state of New Jersey failed and I have spent the past seven years coping with the fact that she is never coming back (visits aside).  I have never been content with seeing her once every other month and thanks to the Internet, I don't have to anymore.

Youmeus, aside from sounding like the Grecian goddess of multiple personality disorder, is one of the myriad ways C and I would sign off our notes in high school.  I always had trouble with the title "Best Friend" and C's friendship always felt more intimate than something as generic as that anyway.  For the longest time we called each other sisters, which was a by-product of half our high school confusing us for sisters, but then I blinked and picked up two step-sisters and a half-sister so that wouldn't do anymore.  "Sister" wasn't our own the way Youmeus was.  I don't know which one of us came up with it, but I'm willing to be it was C.  Or me.  Whatever.  No one cares.  I'm just writing this so we can have a first post already and move on to the good stuff. 

So there you have it, the somewhat nonsensical account of why we named our blog Youmeus.  You might be asking yourself why you didn't just type in youmeus.blogspot.com to get here since that's the title of our blog.  Us too.  Let's ask this co-dependent person. As for the good stuff I mentioned in the previous paragraph?  You can expect C and I to post our outfits, a lot of pictures and links to stuff we love and tips from our respective professions (I'm a teen librarian and C looks at more resumes each day than I could imagine possible).  We'll probably add more as we go, but that's enough to get us started :)

-K

*Contrary to their stoic stereotype, Londonites apparently enjoy hugging enough to create a committee just for hugs.  I wanted to bring that to your attention and make sure you walk away from this blog post knowing that above everything else.

Photo Credit : George Marks

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